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Lauren LaRosa
This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.
Wheezy
This is wheezy. WTF from Decisions decisions, ladies. Let's talk about taking control of our sexual health. That's grown woman energy. You may think HIV affects someone else somewhere else, but the truth is it's impacting our community and some of us are being hit harder than others. Black women make up just 13% of the women in the US yet account for nearly half of new HIV diagnoses amongst women. Taking care of ourselves is community care. Know your options, ask questions and protect your peace and your body. That's using your power. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences.
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Lauren LaRosa
I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything and everybody Exclusive. No she don't lie about that.
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Lauren LaRosa
Hey y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa and this is another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. And this is your daily Dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and all of the conversations that shake the room, baby. So we are fresh off of the Mother's Day weekend, and we are gonna. First, let's check in behind the scenes of the grind. Okay. Because I need to check in. Let's do it,
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y'.
Lauren LaRosa
All. Mother's Day weekend. And I am not even a mom. Was so tiring. Oh, my God. Like, I mean, good tiring, right? Because you spend the time with family. It's a lot of peopling that you're doing, Spending time with family, with your mom, your grandmother, you know, the women in your life. And yeah, it just like today, now that I'm up out of it, I'm like, whoa. I was in overdrive this weekend. So I told you guys that I was really excited to head down to Delaware, which is where I am from, because this weekend, I was going to be spending time with family. We do an annual mother daughter sleepover at where all of the moms and my family. So it's like, generations from, like, grandma, great grandma, mom, auntie, niece. Like, we all get together. We do a pajama fashion show. We do, like, read our poems and our cards to our mothers and present gifts, have food. You know, just be together and have good times and have real conversations, too. That's one of the things that I appreciate the most, now that I'm older, about this sleepover, because this has actually been happening within my family longer than I've been alive. So this sleepover is 30 plus years old. And, you know, like, now that I'm older, it's like, we're also, like, we were having a conversation about fibroids and cysts and marriage and dating and why a lot of the women in my family are not either of the two married or dating. Just, you know, things that I think when you're younger, you look at, like, your older family members as, like, almost perfect or a lot of things are swept under the rug. And things change when you get older. So, you know, that was like, that's always such a great way to kick off the Mother's Day weekend, giving, you know, a different appreciation for all the women in your family. In the midst of that, though, I do want to shout out the city of Wilmington. I'm from Wilmington, Delaware. I went and hosted a open mic night that the city of Wilmington created. And literally, like, this is in the midst of the sleepover. So I had to, like, duck off for, like, two hours and not make it a big deal because I didn't Want my grandmother would be so annoyed if she knew that I was leaving for any longer than that. So I had to dip off, go and host this open mic night and shout out to all of the talent that I met there different. I, I like followed some people, you know, on streaming services and stuff like that. And I will be posting more, you know, just behind the scenes and stuff from that event on my social media and on my YouTube channel. Lauren LaRosa TV and I want you guys to go check it out. I also just had a really good time hosting because it's been a minute. But then after that was over, I dipped back to the sleepover. So we're up till about like what, like 1, 2 o' clock in the morning and then you get up and it's still Mother's Day weekend. So now you gotta do more. And Saturday we went to the movies and then Sunday was actual Mother's Day. So, you know, we spent time together that day. But by Sunday we were burnt out. And I am basically, I, I need some rest and recuperation. Like I'm a use today to really just like get back a hold of my life, reclaim my life from the weekend of the things I was on the plantation of, of Mother's Day this weekend. But to those of you guys who had a great Mother's Day and celebrated with your family, I know that it does rejuvenate you, even though it takes a lot to, you know, especially if you're in charge of the things, if you're facilitating the vibes. It takes a lot to host people and your loved ones, but it also rejuvenates you. So that's how I am feeling behind the scenes of the grind. Now let's get on into the latest because a lot of this was unfolding in real time throughout this weekend.
Wheezy
This is weezy. WTF from Decisions, decisions. You know, a lot of us grew up not fully trusting the healthcare system. And honestly, the system has given us plenty of reasons to feel that way. But now it's time for us to take control of the conversation, to take control of our sexual health, learn the facts, ask questions, and advocate for ourselves. That's how we start changing the story. So let's talk. We like to think HIV is something that affects other people, but it is hitting our own community hard. Black women make up about 13% of women in the US but account for nearly half of all new HIV diagnoses around women. And being proactive doesn't mean you just don't trust your partner. It just Means you trust yourself enough to stay in control. So know your options, ask questions, and protect your peace and your body. That's real power. Because protecting yourself isn't embarrassing. It's responsible. Sex is normal. Protecting yourself should be normal, too. Actually, it's kind of badass. Taking control of your sexual health is grown woman energy. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences.
Lauren LaRosa
Hey, y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa from the latest with Lauren LaRosa. And it is crazy to think that the first phone call happened over 150 years ago. Like, really sit with that 150 years. And now it's springtime, the weather is getting nice, everybody's outside, and it kind of makes you think, who haven't you seen in a while? That friend or that family member that you keep saying, yo, we gotta catch up. Maybe it's time to stop saying it and actually make the call plan. A walk, a picnic, a brunch. Something simple just to reconnect. And, you know, through all these years and all these calls, AT&T has been there, connecting people in meaningful ways. This is more than just a story of technology and innovation. It's really a story of human connection. So as we celebrate 150 years of connection, take a moment today to reach out to someone that you care about. You never know how much that one call can really mean. Connecting changes everything AT and T. Connecting changes everything AT and T.
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And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Lauren LaRosa
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
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Lauren LaRosa
Want to be a star?
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No problem. Anyone can shine on TikTok. Post your first video today.
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Lauren LaRosa
Real you.
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Lauren LaRosa
So, okay, let. Let's talk about the latest. So over the weekend, Mother's Day weekend, there was a lot of things that were going down, okay? I saw a lot of the celebrities popping out for Mother's Day, celebrating their moms and celebrating being a mom. I was ripping and running, as I mentioned to you guys, with my mom and my grandmother. But I did get a chance to take them to see the Michael Jackson movie. I will tell you guys, it's not. The. The reports are not false. So there were reports that came out over the weekend about how the Michael Jackson movie is still selling insanely. Over the weekend, the Michael Jackson movie hit $577 million at the box office worldwide and puts it in direct conversation with Bohemian Rhapsody, who they have been competing with for to become the biggest biopic to ever make over $500 million. And when you hear all of these reports, and you know, I've been following a lot of the streaming reports too, like I know Thriller and a bunch of different Michael Jackson songs have been charting crazy and streaming crazy since the movie released, right? Hearing it is one thing. Reading it from a headline is another. But being out in the wild while Michael Jackson has a movie in theaters with women that are 60 plus is a whole different. That is a whole different ball game, baby. Now, you guys know that I went and saw the movie. I talked to you guys about that before. But going with my mother and my grandmother, completely different experience. And I understand why the conversation around the Michael Jackson movie has not stopped. And I also understand why Mother's Day weekend did such a large amount of money for the movie. Because when I took my mom and my grandmother, the. The joy and the love and the, like, my grandma and my mom are older, so, you know, they like to dance and have a good time, but they're not really people that like, well, my mom is a bit different than my grandma. My mom wants to be everywhere with me all the time. My grandmother is like, she. She almost didn't want to go see the movie. She doesn't just like being around crowds of people anymore. You know, walking is a big difficult for her. And we, you know, she. My Grandma was almost 90 years old. Even though she doesn't act like it, man, when I tell y', all, when we got in that movie and that movie started, all of that went out the window. The movie made them feel so young, and it made me feel good watching it with them. When I saw the movie the first time, me and my boyfriend went, and of course it's Michael Jackson, so you're going to go see the movie. But I went to really watch it for work. And I think what I realized over the weekend, because I actually saw this movie two times this weekend. We also took my boyfriend's mom to see the movie as well, too.
Wheezy
This is wheezy. Wtf? From decisions, decisions. You know, a lot of us grew up not fully trusting the healthcare system. And honestly, the system has given us plenty of reasons to feel that way. But now it's time for us to take control of the conversation, to take control of our sexual health, learn the facts, ask questions, and advocate for ourselves. That's how we start changing the story. So let's talk. We like to think HIV is something that affects other people, but it is hitting our own community hard. Black women make up about 13% of women in the US but account for nearly half of all new HIV diagnoses around women. And being proactive doesn't mean you just don't trust your partner. It just means you trust yourself enough to stay in control. So know your options, ask questions, and protect your peace and your body. That's real power. Because protecting yourself isn't embarrassing, it's responsible. Sex is normal. Protecting yourself should be normal, too. Actually, it's kind of badass. Taking control of your sexual health is grown woman energy. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
and Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Lauren LaRosa
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Timbo (Sports Slice Host)
Last night, a blown call changed the game. This morning, the Internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source. The athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight reel. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports slice on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slice, Life12 and the TikTok Podcast Network.
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Wheezy
All.
Lauren LaRosa
BDOT just walked in.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Yo, I was in the neighborhood. What's going on?
Lauren LaRosa
This is the latest with one of the words of the podcast, first time man. Bring me your latest cherry. Hey, so we're talking about the Michael Jackson movie.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Okay.
Lauren LaRosa
And I was talking about how like, you know, I've been seeing all the street, the streaming numbers and all of the different things that the the record set is breaking. Still, I'm not surprised. It's Michael Jackson.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Yeah.
Lauren LaRosa
But I went, I took my mom and my grandmother to see the movie this weekend and it was a completely different experience.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Really?
Lauren LaRosa
Yes, because, okay, so I feel like going myself and being. When I first went, I was in Atlanta, younger audience. We were there. We were really into it. People were having a good time. But I feel like we were looking because we had heard so much of the conversation online and the breakdowns on TikTok and all this stuff. When I went with my mom and my grandmother over to Mother's Day weekend, they're completely removed from all of that. They are just there in real time having a good time because Michael Jackson reminds them of a younger feel good time of their life. I've never seen them as whimsical as they were in that theater. I've never experienced nothing like that. It literally made me think so differently about the movie and its impact.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Yeah, I thought it was a great movie. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I don't understand the criticism. People were like, we didn't learn anything new. Like, Michael Jackson's probably the most documented celebrity of our generation. Right. We know everything about him. There's nothing new. I mean, we did know about the. I did learn about the Bodyguard and his relationship being like a father figure to him. But that's something I didn't know from watching the previous miniseries. But otherwise I thought it was a great time. Man, it felt like you were at a concert. Jafar made me think that he was Michael. Yeah, it was a great movie.
Lauren LaRosa
And I just threw B.in here in the mix on y'. All. But B dot has to properly introduce himself and y' all Will understand why this Michael and his music conversation is so on brand for B Dot. So let the people know.
Brian B. Dot Miller
So my name is Brian B. Dot Miller. I'm a music journalist. I have a background in print journalism from XXL. Started rap radar.com, rap radar, podcast, MTV, VJ complex. A whole bunch of other things in between, so. And I went to Delaware State.
Lauren LaRosa
Yes, he did. Hbcu in the world, if you went anywhere else, we feel bad for you. But yeah, I just. It made me really realize, honestly, you know what? I walked away feeling like. I've walked away feeling like a dumb ass.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Really.
Lauren LaRosa
Only because I feel like we were watching Michael Jackson. I know myself. I feel like I was watching the Michael Jackson movie from such a shallow place. Shallow like, like, like surface level. Like, just trying to, like. All right, I heard about this in the news, and I want to go watch to see what happens, and I want to watch to see if there's any other news. When I watched it with my mom and my grandmother and I was watching them watch the movie most of the time, it really changed how I want to be able to, like, let people, music and things impact me. Because the way that it took them to a different time in their life, like, I literally watch them turn into little kids.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Yeah, man. Michael had that effect on people. I think the movie could have been four hours long and nobody would have objected.
Lauren LaRosa
Yeah, I agree. Yeah, I agree to the point where. And I wasn't even asking them to do it at all. We were leaving out of the theater, and I was like, let me record this. Because, like, it was. It was funny hearing my mom and my grandmother who.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Was it a packed theater?
Lauren LaRosa
Oh, yes. That was another thing. What? It was hard. It was four of us. It was hard to even get seats all together. We had to sit in the front row.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Wow.
Lauren LaRosa
And just lean our seats back because they were recliners. Because it was so sold out. You might have had like one or two all weekend. Both times I went Mother's Day weekend, it was like that.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Wow.
Lauren LaRosa
Packed theater, People still dressing up in Michael Jackson clothing. Like, when you're seeing the impact online and you're hearing the headlines. No, in real life, lines are still, like, it's still happening. Like, I bought a ticket and text my cousin and was like, hey, buy a ticket. We're going to.5 seconds. She couldn't even get a ticket.
Robert Smigel
Wow.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Were people acting out in the theater?
Lauren LaRosa
No. So I didn't have people. I mean, my mom and my grandma were.
Brian B. Dot Miller
But you know what? I mean, like, in the aisles, dancing, doing a moonwalk.
Lauren LaRosa
My mom. I mean, my grandma wasn't doing a moonwalk in that theater. My mom and my grandma were the people.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Okay.
Lauren LaRosa
But I haven't been to any theaters where they were doing that. But I do think, because I missed. I was supposed to go the first night it came out in Atlanta. We were there for the podcast festival and I missed the. The. The. The ticket. We were too late. I think if I would have went that night, I would have seen that. But people were, like, clapping along with the music. People were laughing along with different things. There's just, like, a charm to Michael Jackson that I think they displayed so well. And you could feel people being charmed by him, but they weren't, like, dancing in the aisles and stuff.
Brian B. Dot Miller
I hate that whenever I go to a movie theater and people are just, like, acting a fool. Like, sit down.
Lauren LaRosa
I would have been down for it because listen. Listen to my mom and my grandma. So, mama, what's your review of the Michael Jackson movie Melody? It was Ready, ready, ready. Woo. Happy Mother's Day to me and every mother. Beautiful, beautiful. Make you feel good. Oh, makes me feel so young all over again. All right. My grandma and my mom are trying to go back this weekend to see it again.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Wow.
Lauren LaRosa
Cuz it just made them feel so good. Like, y', all, they're like, lauren, all your years going to go see movies you talking about, you ain't never seen an impact? No, this was the first time ever. I was like, oh, this is what they talk about when they talk about celebrity and fame and Michael Jackson's reach and the way he made people feel being something we've never seen before.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Yeah, it was definitely a different level. Mike's life was so grandiose. The fact that he could have a sequel to his biopic is kind of crazy when you think about it. Right. I think the next biopic that we're going to see that's going to have this sort of impact, probably Beyonce, Destiny's Child, if that ever comes out.
Lauren LaRosa
Yeah.
Brian B. Dot Miller
You know, Blue's got her work cut
Lauren LaRosa
out for her with the manager. You feel like with the. Beyonce's Destiny. Beyonce, Destiny's Child. You think that it's something that we should do, like, years and years from now.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Yeah, maybe, let's see. Maybe like 15 years from now.
Lauren LaRosa
Yeah. Because I think people missing Michael Jackson and missing, like, the feeling that my mom and my grandmother had while in the theater, they miss that. They don't get that anymore. I think that that adds to it as well, too.
Brian B. Dot Miller
But I also think it's a testament to the acting from Jafar and Domingo.
Lauren LaRosa
Yeah, Comey Dingo.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Like, I forgot that they were actors. They almost felt like real people, 100%.
Lauren LaRosa
You know, Coleman Domingo's from West Philly.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Is he?
Lauren LaRosa
I didn't know that. I didn't either. I learned that on this press run.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Okay.
Lauren LaRosa
And he. I saw he just got a honorary degree from Temple recently as well, too, so he's getting a lot of his. That was the conversation for Coleman Domingo for a while because he's been really good in a lot of roles, and people always felt like he wasn't kind of getting his. Just do. I think this movie is helping people to kind of give him some of his flowers as well, to give him
Brian B. Dot Miller
an Oscar, give him an Emmy, give him employee of the month. I think he killed it. They both did great jobs. And that's probably one of the best biopics I've seen ever. It's up there for like, Selena Ray. It's in that conversation for sure.
Lauren LaRosa
Stamped. All right, y', all, well, I'll be back at the movies again this weekend and I'll keep you guys updated in the latest as any other new news unfolds because we know that they are in conversations for the sequel. We just don't know where, when, how, who, what. Like, there's a lot we still need to, you know, bring to you guys, so we will keep you guys updated here at the latest.
Brian B. Dot Miller
And you. I don't know if you do this or not, but I don't know. Buy adult tickets. When I go to the movies, I'll get child tickets.
Lauren LaRosa
They don't check that. No, because I bought senior tickets for my mom, my grandma. That was only a few dollars cheaper. And no one asked to see ID or nothing.
Brian B. Dot Miller
You see what I'm saying?
Lauren LaRosa
Taylor, I've been.
Brian B. Dot Miller
I'm sorry, I got to show you my.
Lauren LaRosa
I've been. I was telling. I was telling my fans, I'm like, yo, why am I probably. Who cares? But I'm so happy that you do that. And they don't check it.
Brian B. Dot Miller
They don't check.
Lauren LaRosa
They don't. And I was. I was thinking to myself, I'm like, I'm buy a kids. Because when do they ever check it?
Brian B. Dot Miller
You think some people faced.
Lauren LaRosa
And I used to work at the movie theaters when I was younger. Yeah. And. But I didn't do the ticket thing, though.
Brian B. Dot Miller
I don't think some 17 year old cares about me having a child ticket.
Lauren LaRosa
Right. Y' all didn't see Anderson Pack and Mariah Carey. They were out over the weekend. They were at a date night and they actually stopped Anderson Pack and Mariah Carey to look at and to rip their tickets.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Because it's Anderson Pack and Mariah Carey.
Lauren LaRosa
Because I feel like you doing too much. I wouldn't just let them go get them child tickets. I saw someone on xa. No one takes their job more serious than the chicken than the ticket checker at the movie theater. Yes. Well, thank you for joining us, B Dot.
Brian B. Dot Miller
Anytime, anytime. I'm gonna go back in my cubby.
Lauren LaRosa
Where can they follow you?
Brian B. Dot Miller
Oh, yeah. B. TM on Instagram, Twitter. Look me up. I'm available. Yeah.
Lauren LaRosa
All right, y'. All. Well, this has been another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. I tell y', all every single episode. Y', all, you guys could be anywhere with any old body talking about all of the things, but you choose to be right here with me, my low riders. I appreciate you and I'll see you in my next episode.
Wheezy
This is Wheezy. WTF From Decisions, decisions, ladies. Let's talk about taking control of our sexual health. That's grown woman energy. You may think HIV affects someone else somewhere else, but the truth is it's impacting our community. And some of us are being hit harder than others. Black women make up just 13% of the women in the US yet account for nearly half of new HIV diagnoses amongst women. Taking care of ourselves is community care. Know your options, ask questions, and protect your peace and your body. That's using your power. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
and Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Lauren LaRosa
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Doug)
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Timbo (Sports Slice Host)
Last night, a blown call changed the game. This morning, the Internet lost its mind. And nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. And every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source. The athletes themselves their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports slice on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo, Slice Life 12 and the TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok.
Robert Smigel
Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier this week. My guests SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Sydal help an acapella band with their between songs banter.
Timbo (Sports Slice Host)
Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.
Robert Smigel
Those people are starving for banter. Listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Lauren LaRosa
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Episode: There Will Always Be Critiques (Reviews on MJ movie feat. BDaht)
Air Date: May 11, 2026
Host: Lauren LaRosa (with guest Brian “B. Dot” Miller)
This episode of "The Breakfast Club," specifically the segment "The Latest with Lauren LaRosa," dives into the personal and cultural impact of the new Michael Jackson biopic, as experienced over Mother's Day weekend. Lauren shares her multigenerational family tradition, reflections from viewing the film with her mother and grandmother, and is joined by music journalist Brian “B. Dot” Miller for an insightful discussion on the film’s continued success, the nature of critiques, and the power of nostalgia in pop culture.
[03:07] Lauren recaps her Mother's Day weekend, describing her family's long-standing "Mother-Daughter Sleepover" tradition that spans more than 30 years.
[05:43] Lauren highlights hosting an open mic in Wilmington, DE, during the celebration, underscoring her connection to her community and the arts.
[09:37] Lauren discusses the MJ film’s massive box office numbers—$577M globally—placing it in contention with "Bohemian Rhapsody" as the biggest biopic ever.
[10:22] She emphasizes the unique magic of watching the film with her older relatives, who are untouched by online discourse and simply reliving “a younger feel-good time.”
[11:11] She notes the increased streaming of MJ’s music post-release, confirming the film’s multigenerational appeal and resonance.
[15:23] B. Dot enters to give his take as a music journalist and Michael Jackson fan.
[16:34] Lauren realizes her own tendency to approach the film analytically rather than emotionally, contrasting her first “work viewing” with the joy of seeing her family’s more innocent, nostalgic reactions.
[18:27] They discuss the film’s atmosphere:
[20:35] Lauren shares a touching audio clip of her mother’s reaction:
[20:57] B. Dot and Lauren discuss Michael Jackson's unparalleled influence, with B. Dot suggesting only a Beyoncé/Destiny’s Child biopic could produce remotely similar excitement someday.
[21:36] Both hosts praise actors Jafar Jackson and Colman Domingo for their transformative performances.
[22:10] Lauren highlights Colman Domingo’s growing recognition and their hope for him to receive further accolades.
"I've never seen them as whimsical as they were in that theater... it literally made me think so differently about the movie and its impact."
— Lauren LaRosa on watching the film with her mom and grandmother ([15:53])
"The way that it took them to a different time in their life, I literally watched them turn into little kids."
— Lauren LaRosa ([17:48])
"Michael had that effect on people... I think the movie could have been four hours long and nobody would have objected."
— Brian B. Dot Miller ([18:27])
"That was the first time ever I was like, oh, this is what they talk about when they talk about celebrity and fame and Michael Jackson's reach and the way he made people feel."
— Lauren LaRosa ([20:36])
This episode offered a heartfelt look at generational bonds, the restorative magic of nostalgia, and the enduring cross-generational reach of Michael Jackson’s music and legacy. The discussion blended insightful cultural commentary with fun banter and practical hacks, making it both thoughtful and entertaining for listeners.
For further updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow Lauren LaRosa at Lauren LaRosa TV, and connect with Brian “B. Dot” Miller via @B.TM on Instagram and Twitter.