Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with A.J. Johnson & Tressa Smallwood

Release Date: March 19, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God engage in an in-depth conversation with A.J. Johnson and Tressa Smallwood. The discussion delves into Tressa’s journey in her new film 'Fighting To Be Me', the pervasive issue of college hazing, the complexities of polygamy, and much more. This summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key points, insightful quotes, and the overarching themes addressed throughout the episode.

1. Introduction of Guests

The episode kicks off around [02:03], where DJ Envy warmly welcomes returning guest A.J. Johnson and introduces newcomer Tressa Smallwood. The camaraderie sets the stage for an open and honest dialogue.

2. Tressa Smallwood’s Dual Citizenship and Life in Africa

Tressa opens up about her experiences living between Los Angeles and Africa. She shares her motivation for relocating, particularly her observations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I saw governmental and political what didn't feel right to me... So I started investigating, like, citizenship and just what it would take to do business there and to live there." ([02:58])

Tressa discusses obtaining dual citizenship and her efforts in helping others navigate the process through retreats aimed at providing an intimate introduction to African life, moving beyond typical tourism.

3. Impact of Living in Ghana on Mental Wellness

At [06:14], the conversation shifts to how residing in Ghana has positively influenced Tressa’s mental health.

"I don't experience any colorism... The love and acceptance is different, the conversations are different." ([06:14])

She contrasts her sense of safety and community in Africa with the racial tensions she navigates in the United States, emphasizing the comfort and collaborative spirit she finds in Africa.

4. Differences in Celebrity Life between Africa and the States

Tressa and A.J. explore the nuances of being celebrities in Africa versus the U.S. Tressa highlights the reciprocal value exchange:

"African celebrity also wants some of the American celebrity... we're looking for international scripts so that we can join forces and bridge and do more projects." ([07:25])

They discuss how collaboration across continents can enhance their creative endeavors and bring diverse stories to a broader audience.

5. Discussing Their Film 'Fighting To Be Me'

The core of the interview revolves around their film 'Fighting To Be Me', premiered on BET. A.J. Johnson elaborates on the film's significance and the challenges in bringing such stories to fruition.

"It's a responsibility of mine to tell the diverse stories that other people won't tell... that's exactly why I'm tackling it, because nobody else is gonna do it." ([11:38])

Tressa adds depth by explaining the personal and cultural importance of the film, particularly its portrayal of unconditional love within the LGBTQ community.

6. The Story of Dwayne "Dwyn" Curry

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Dwayne "Dwyn" Curry, a respected Hollywood stylist whose life took a tumultuous turn.

"Dwyn was actually creating the celebrities in the 90s based on knowing your image... she became a convicted felon for credit card fraud." ([10:16])

They delve into Dwyn's influence in the 90s fashion scene, his struggles within the LGBTQ community, and his transformation into an advocate post-incarceration. A.J. emphasizes the importance of telling his story to shed light on the intersectionality of race, sexuality, and redemption.

7. Importance and Challenges of Alternative Storytelling in Hollywood

A.J. and Tressa discuss the systemic barriers in Hollywood that hinder diverse storytelling. They advocate for independent productions that prioritize authentic narratives over mainstream trends.

"Every single movie that I've ever produced under the Megamind Media banner... because we want to see the movies that other people won't greenlight." ([16:10])

Tressa stresses the longevity and cultural impact of films like House Party and Baby Boy, arguing that authentic stories rooted in Black joy and complex familial relationships have enduring relevance.

8. Reflections on 'Baby Boy' and Its Impact

Reflecting on her role in Baby Boy, Tressa shares how the film prepared her for her work on 'Fighting To Be Me'.

"Baby Boy helped prepare me for fighting to be me... single moms are learning growing up and learning with their kids that... love always wins." ([24:56])

She underscores the film's message about the strength and resilience of single mothers, which resonates deeply with her current project.

9. Discussion on College Hazing and Sororities

Transitioning to heavier topics, Tressa draws from her personal experiences with hazing during her time at Spelman.

"Hazing is a personal thing. It's not an organization thing... I can comfortably say that hazing is not necessary." ([29:16])

She outlines her roles as Dean of Pledges and Dean of Probates, emphasizing her proactive stance against hazing and her efforts to foster a safe and supportive environment within Greek life.

10. The Importance of Support and Ownership in Filmmaking

Both guests highlight the critical role of community support and ownership in producing meaningful films. A.J. discusses the financial and distribution challenges of independent filmmaking.

"We need the eyeballs on these projects... we're needing more people talking about it." ([21:04])

Tressa complements this by advocating for informed investment and marketing to ensure the longevity and impact of culturally significant projects.

11. Final Thoughts and Future Projects

As the interview concludes, A.J. and Tressa share their aspirations for future projects that continue to push boundaries and tell untold stories.

A.J. reveals her ambition for faith-based adjacent narratives that explore the human side of faith without portraying characters as perfect beings. Tressa expresses her desire to create biopics that honor trailblazers like Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo) and to explore diverse relationship dynamics, including polygamy from a modern, spiritually-informed perspective.

"I want to tell a story that will relate to the masses where they can see, oh, wow... I want to tell a story like that and I want to do it in a big way with an excellent cast." ([49:33])

They emphasize the ongoing mission to reshape Hollywood narratives, prioritize authentic representation, and inspire the next generation through their work.

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a profound exploration of personal reinvention, cultural representation, and the power of storytelling. A.J. Johnson and Tressa Smallwood provide insightful perspectives on navigating dual identities, combating systemic challenges in the entertainment industry, and fostering supportive communities both in the U.S. and Africa. Their candid dialogue not only highlights pressing social issues but also celebrates resilience and the transformative power of authentic narratives.