Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – "RIP D’Angelo + Netflix is Getting Into the Podcast Game"
Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God (w/ segment by Lauren LaRosa)
Episode Overview
This episode of The Breakfast Club, featuring Lauren LaRosa’s “The Latest with Lauren LaRosa” segment, is marked by a heartfelt tribute to the late neo-soul legend D’Angelo, reflecting on his career and cultural impact after his untimely death from pancreatic cancer. The second half pivots to a major industry development: Netflix’s entry into the podcasting space via a partnership with Spotify, prompting Lauren to discuss the future of audio and video podcasts and the possible shakeup of traditional TV formats.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Remembering D’Angelo: Legacy, Impact, and the Soulquarians Collective
Lauren opens the episode with news of D’Angelo's passing and reflects on his artistry and influence.
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Rest in Peace to D’Angelo (00:27):
Lauren shares the news of D'Angelo's death at age 51 from pancreatic cancer, noting the outpouring of love and tributes from across the music world. -
The Soulquarians Collective (04:10–06:16):
Lauren recalls a recent interview with Erykah Badu about the Soulquarians – a revered creative collective including D’Angelo, Questlove, J Dilla, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Poyser, and others. Badu's comments highlight the group's collaborative brilliance.“The original Soulquarians are QuestLove, J Dilla, D’Angelo and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. And then came James Poyser because they were all Aquarius…and you were the only woman, right?”
– Erykah Badu and Asma Khalid (05:21–05:39) -
D’Angelo’s Artistic Journey (06:16–09:40):
Lauren summarizes D’Angelo's early rise, including his group’s win at Showtime at the Apollo and the platinum debut of Brown Sugar in 1996 (“Lady”, “Brown Sugar”, “Cruisin’”).
She contemplates the generational reach of music and art:“Good music has lasted, good art lasts generation to generation. …You see the outpouring of artists talking about how what D’Angelo did in his career…by waking up and being himself…has impacted so many people.”
– Lauren LaRosa (08:45–09:17) -
On Artistic Impact & Legacy:
Lauren muses on the role of artistic peer groups, creativity, and the irony that recognition often comes after an artist’s passing.
2. Industry News: Netflix Gets into Podcasting (13:56–23:29)
After the D’Angelo tribute, Lauren discusses Netflix’s new podcast/Spotify partnership and its possible effects on the media landscape.
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Netflix’s New Deal with Spotify (13:56–16:10):
Netflix announces plans to feature video podcasts, starting with major shows like The Bill Simmons Podcast. Lauren unpacks what this signals for the industry. -
Lauren’s Perspective on Audio vs. Video Podcasts (16:10–18:30):
She recounts her evolving understanding of audio’s power, referencing her own journey from a visually oriented creator to an advocate for audio’s unique connection.“I always thought video was like the utmost and foremost important. And then I kind of took a step back from that…And now I see this Netflix deal with Spotify and I’m like, yeah, there it is. That’s why.”
– Lauren LaRosa (17:45–18:14) -
The Enduring Power of Audio (18:30–20:45):
Lauren praises audio’s intimacy and daily relevance, noting:“The way that podcasts have been set up and positioned, audio has literally become a daily part of people’s lives… I don’t think there’s anything that can trump that, to be honest with you.”
– Lauren LaRosa (19:22–19:50) -
Will Video Podcasts Replace Talk Shows? (20:45–22:45):
Lauren speculates that streaming video podcasts could challenge the dominance of traditional talk shows, especially if platforms roll out daily, potentially live, shows.“Imagine if your favorite streaming platform aired a daily talk show that kept you up-to-date… the same way your favorite local CBS or ABC did…This is going to unlock a new character. Netflix is onto something here, I do think, and I’m interested to see…”
– Lauren LaRosa (21:30–22:05) -
Future of Content Delivery & Audience Engagement:
She invites listeners to weigh in on whether TV talk shows will remain relevant or if the future belongs to streaming-based, interactive podcasts.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On D’Angelo’s Place in Music History:
“When you see…the outpouring of artists that were talking about how what d’Angelo did in his career just by waking up and being himself…and how it has impacted so many people…”
– Lauren LaRosa (08:45–09:17) - On the Soulquarians:
“Before I met any of them, before I had Baduizm, they were the audience that I sought out…because I admired them so much and continue to learn from them and grow.”
– Erykah Badu (05:46–06:16) - On Audio vs. Video:
“I didn’t really understand, you know, what the business was behind the audio. So I feel like I’m learning that as I’m going.”
– Lauren LaRosa (17:22–17:31) - On Netflix Entering Podcasts:
“With this deal, we will now see Spotify produce series from its studios…and launch on another platform. One of these shows is the Bill Simmons Podcast.”
– Lauren LaRosa (16:25–16:44) - On the Evolution of Talk Shows:
“If you take…a Ladies with Lauren LaRosa, and you put [it] daily on a streaming platform…with a live audience…Whenever you miss the live episode, you go back and you binge via Netflix…”
– Lauren LaRosa (22:10–22:45)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:19] – Lauren introduces the episode and previews D’Angelo tribute
- [02:27–09:40] – D’Angelo remembrance, Soulquarians history, Erykah Badu audio clip, reflections on legacy
- [13:56] – Lauren transitions to industry news: Netflix enters the podcast space
- [16:10–18:30] – Discussion: audio vs. video podcasts, Lauren’s perspective shift
- [20:45–22:45] – Predictions and speculation: Video podcasts, future of talk shows
- [22:45–23:29] – Lauren closes, calls for listener opinions
Episode Tone & Closing
Lauren’s delivery is conversational, thoughtful, and authentic, blending personal anecdotes with cultural and industry commentary. Her reflections on legacy, artistry, and media evolution make the episode both an homage and a forward-looking discussion.
For listeners who missed the episode:
Expect a poignant cultural tribute to D’Angelo, joined with timely insight into how platforms like Netflix and Spotify may transform the future of podcasting and entertainment. The episode balances music history, media news, and personal reflection—all with the signature Breakfast Club energy and warmth.
