The Breakfast Club – Interview with Mario

Date: November 19, 2025
Podcast: The Breakfast Club (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode: INTERVIEW: Mario Talks Growth, Going Song For Song With Ray J, Interracial Relationship, New Album + More
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren LaRose
Guest: Mario

Overview

In this engaging and introspective episode, R&B singer Mario joins The Breakfast Club to discuss the ups and downs of his career and personal life. The conversation delves into industry rivalries (most notably with Ray J), Mario's hiatus and personal growth, his new EP "Mood Swings," fatherhood, interracial relationships in the public eye, and the importance of shadow work and self-awareness. The dialogue is candid, moving, and sprinkled with laughter, as Mario opens up about self-discovery, artistic evolution, old and new R&B dynamics, and dealing with public scrutiny.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Versus Ray J: Industry Rivalry & R&B Legacy

• DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious recall Jess previously claiming Ray J could beat Mario in a Verzuz song-for-song battle.
• Mario defends his catalog and questions why people “keep sleeping on” him, expressing frustration at being left out of such conversations.

  "Y'all gotta stop taking me out of these conversations. You know what I'm saying? I get passionate about it...I take it serious, you know?" — Mario (06:36)

• Discussion includes playful banter about the strength of Ray J’s hits versus Mario’s classics, especially in live settings.
• Mario clarifies the "backstage" story at a recent event where Ray J claimed Mario wouldn't let him on stage.
• Mario asserts the importance of being “put in different conversations” given his legacy and the timelessness of his music.

Timestamp: 02:30 – 12:10

2. Artistic and Personal Growth

• Learning from Hiatus: Mario shares how stepping away from the limelight was necessary for his personal evolution and mental health.

  "You've been in the game since you were a teenager. What's something the grown version of you had to unlearn from the young version of you?" — Charlamagne (12:04)

  "Not falling in love with my creation...it's really just about evolving, bro." — Mario (12:25)

• Creative Process: He details his collaborative process with producers, emphasizing creative freedom, versatility, and not “chasing another ‘Let Me Love You’.”
• Trust: Mario says he doesn't seek out advice from other artists during times of self-doubt, relying on faith and trusted creative partners instead.
• Shadow Work and Self-Awareness: He describes shadow work as essential for understanding blind spots, forgiving oneself, and achieving confidence.

Timestamp: 12:04 – 24:30

3. The New Project: "Mood Swings"

• Concept and Sound: Mario’s new EP "Mood Swings" blends 90s and 2000s R&B vibes with updated, moody, and authentic energy.

  "Mood Swings is a completely different vibe from 'Glad You Came,' which I released just a year ago...It's just about being free in the creative process." — Mario (15:35)

• Vocal Exploration: He describes experimenting with vocal textures and subject matter, referencing tracks like “Fortune Cookie” and “Moan” that reveal new facets of his artistry.

Timestamp: 29:10 – 32:15

4. Intimacy, Relationships, and Public Perception

• "Fortune Cookie" Inspiration: The song metaphorically explores the unpredictability and depth of women and relationships.

  "I think women are like fortune cookies, bro. You never know what you're gonna get if you really dive in and really get to know a woman." — Mario (32:45)

• Public Scrutiny Over Interracial Relationship: Mario discusses the reaction when he made his relationship with his (Mexican) girlfriend public, the internet's sometimes harsh judgment, and the need to confront false narratives about his feelings toward Black women.

  "Until they understand that you got something real, people hate you before they love you..." — Mario (35:20)

• On Being a First-Time Father: Mario reflects on the pride of becoming a dad, wanting to give his child a life he didn’t have, and being more open than ever before about his private life.

Timestamp: 32:15 – 42:40

5. Self-Reflection, Healing, and Legacy

• Personal Growth & Shadow Work: Mario opens up about past trauma, the challenge of forgiving himself and his mother, and the importance of constant self-work and healing.

  "When you first did your shadow work, did your shadow self scare you?" — Charlamagne (47:40)

  "It scared me when I felt like people weren't respecting the work that I was doing myself..." — Mario (47:45)

• Hiatus Period: During his time away from music, Mario studied spirituality, human behavior, processed childhood loss and fame, and engaged in a long fast for personal and spiritual cleansing.
• Relationship with His Late Mother: The conversation gets personal about missing his mom, sending her love in the spiritual realm, and how forgiveness is ongoing.

Timestamp: 44:00 – 1:01:30

6. Mario’s Perspective on Community, Leadership, and Purpose

• Mario stresses the importance of using his platform for community building, financial literacy, and supporting future generations — not just making music.
• Projects in development include a sound-focused museum, investment activities, and mentoring new talent with an eye toward generational wealth.

  “Do you believe your life’s purpose is bigger than music?” — Charlamagne (1:08:00)

  “Absolutely, bro…there's a community building side of it. Using my relationships to help build our communities…” — Mario (1:08:10)

Timestamp: 1:03:00 – 1:15:00

7. Fatherhood, Masculinity & Advice for Men

• Encourages men to support and applaud each other’s self-improvement and healing.

  "I don’t think men applaud the better things about each other enough...If you see your homie...show him some love, show him you see that.” — Mario (1:16:40)

• Speaks candidly on the necessity of setting boundaries, personal growth, and the courage to periodically outgrow relationships for the sake of future goals.

Timestamp: 1:15:20 – 1:19:30

8. Addressing Rumors, Narratives, and Closing Reflections

• Mario clarifies false rumors regarding his views on Black women, emphasizing his background and love for his community.
• He also reflects humorously on how narratives can form online, detailing how something as simple as greeting Brandy at a show can become “clickbait.”
• The episode concludes with gratitude and jokes, as Mario encourages everyone to check out "Mood Swings" and keep R&B alive.

Timestamp: 1:19:30 – End

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Y'all gotta stop taking me out of these conversations…God put me in this, because the gift is really there." — Mario (06:36)
• "Not falling in love with my creation...It's really just about evolving, bro." — Mario (12:25)
• "The truth, even if it’s ugly, is more powerful than a lie." — Mario, describing a spiritual healing exercise (24:20)
• "We just gotta be real, have fun and not take it too serious, bro. Listen, we young, Black, we got opportunity. We still here, bro. 24 years later, like, we still here. It's a blessing, bro." — Mario (28:00)
• "I think women are like fortune cookies...If you really dive in and really get to know a woman on those more intimate levels, you never know what you'll get." — Mario (32:45)
• "Until they understand that you got something real, people hate you before they love you." — Mario (35:20)
• "If you can’t always control how your environment is going to...what is going to happen in the environments around you...it's really important for me to have control of myself on a deeper level.” — Mario (42:10)
• “The truth is, it never stops because we live in a space where we're constantly reminded of our past.” — Mario (54:55)
• "Do you believe your life’s purpose is bigger than music 1,000%? Absolutely, bro." — Mario (1:08:10)
• "Men don’t applaud the better things about each other enough...If you see your homie...show him some love, show him you see that.” — Mario (1:16:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ray J vs. Mario, Internet narratives: 02:30 – 12:10
• Growth & shadow work: 12:04 – 24:30
• Making of "Mood Swings", vocal evolution: 29:10 – 32:15
• Relationships, "Fortune Cookie", public scrutiny: 32:15 – 42:40
• Processing trauma, spiritual healing, shadow work: 44:00 – 1:01:30
• Community, legacy, bigger purpose: 1:03:00 – 1:15:00
• Advice for men, fatherhood, final thoughts: 1:15:20 – end

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a balance between deep introspection, playful banter, and candid honesty. Mario is open about his flaws, vulnerabilities, and ambitions, while the hosts keep the atmosphere light but probing—offering both support and comic relief.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This is a wide-ranging, soulful conversation with Mario that goes beyond music, touching on healing, social commentary, and the evolving definition of masculinity and artistry in the digital age. It’s a must-listen for R&B fans, anyone interested in personal growth, or those curious about navigating fame and identity in the public eye.