Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club - Episode "TMI: The Enemy On My Head"

Release Date: May 18, 2025

Hosts: Matt Rogers, Tameka D. Mallory, Bowen Yang
Guest: Khadijah Doso, CEO and Founder of Doso Beauty

Introduction

The episode begins with Matt Rogers introducing the theme of empowerment through career control, emphasizing the importance of building a meaningful career that impacts communities and future generations. However, listeners are quickly transitioned into a series of advertisements featuring brands like Nissan, Stouffer's, Chumba Casino, Thrivent, and others. These segments are seamlessly woven into the podcast, setting a dynamic and engaging tone for the episode.

State of the People Power Tour

[02:17] Tameka D. Mallory:
Tameka introduces "TMI," highlighting it as a platform for sharing information, truth, motivation, and inspiration. The conversation soon shifts to the "State of the People Power Tour," an initiative born out of the "State of the People" 24-hour marathon concurrent with Donald Trump's State of the Union address.

[03:30] Tameka D. Mallory:
She explains that the tour is a grassroots effort aimed at empowering the Black community by organizing, educating, and fostering community bonds. The tour seeks to counteract fear-mongering and misinformation by promoting unity and resilience.

[04:03] Matt Rogers:
Matt gives a shout-out to Angela Rye, the "drill sergeant captain" guiding the tour, commending her dedication and leadership.

Key Points Discussed:

• Purpose of the Tour: To build collective power within the Black community, focusing on sustainability and self-reliance rather than depending on governmental systems.
• Geographical Reach: The tour kicks off in Atlanta and North Carolina, moving forward to cities like New Orleans, Birmingham, Detroit, Newark, and Louisville, among others.
• Community Initiatives: Highlighting local solutions such as farmers markets, job creation, community centers, and anti-violence programs.
• Challenges Faced: Addressing the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, job losses among Black federal workers, and the overarching fear within the community.

Notable Quotes:

• Tameka D. Mallory [04:03]: "Angela says that this tour is a love letter to Black people. That we still here and we with you and you are with us, and we're in this together."
• Matt Rogers [11:12]: "We need to come together and create what the agenda for Black America is and be united in that."

Political and Social Commentary

[12:50] Matt Rogers:
The hosts delve into the impact of DEI rollbacks and the broader socio-political landscape affecting the Black community. They discuss how the current administration is perceived to be undermining DEI initiatives, leading to job losses and increased vulnerability among marginalized populations.

[14:02] Tameka D. Mallory:
Tameka criticizes the "America First" ideology, arguing that isolationism is detrimental and that collaboration with other nations is essential for progress and sustainability.

Key Discussions:

• Impact of DEI Rollbacks: Loss of jobs, particularly among Black federal workers, and the silencing of discussions around these issues due to fear of reprisals.
• Economic Policies: Critique of tariffs and trade wars, especially with China, highlighting how such policies harm import-export businesses and local industries without achieving desired economic self-sufficiency.
• Social Movements: Emphasis on grassroots activism and the importance of community-driven solutions over reliance on government interventions.

Notable Quotes:

• Tameka D. Mallory [14:03]: "We have to create what the agenda for Black America is and be united in that."
• Matt Rogers [17:34]: "There should be hundreds, not thousands of Black people that feel like, you gonna. There should be a bunch of people."

Interview with Khadijah Doso, CEO of Doso Beauty

[34:47] Introduction:
Tameka introduces Khadijah Doso, the founder of Doso Beauty, a trailblazing company specializing in clinically tested, non-toxic, hypoallergenic braiding hair and organic hair care products. Khadijah has received significant recognition, including inclusion in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Refinery29 accolades.

[42:08] Khadijah Doso:
Khadijah shares her personal journey, detailing how severe allergic reactions to traditional braiding hair inspired her to create a safer alternative. She highlights the presence of harmful chemicals like lead and mercury in conventional braiding hair, which pose significant health risks, especially to Black women.

Key Points Discussed:

• Health Concerns: Traditional braiding hair contains carcinogens such as lead and mercury, leading to allergic reactions, dermatitis, and increased susceptibility to conditions like thyroid issues and fibroids.
• Lack of Regulation: The cosmetic industry, particularly ethnic hair care, lacks stringent FDA regulations, allowing harmful chemicals to proliferate in products targeted at Black communities.
• Business Model: Doso Beauty's commitment to clinical testing ensures products are genuinely non-toxic and hypoallergenic. The company has established robust trade agreements to maintain a steady supply despite market shortages.
• Community Impact: Khadijah emphasizes the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and building generational wealth within the community. She discusses the role of DEI programs in facilitating her entrepreneurial journey and giving back through employment and community initiatives.

Notable Quotes:

• Khadijah Doso [42:43]: "There's no FDA regulation about cosmetics, especially the ethnic hair care products that are around there."
• Tameka D. Mallory [43:07]: "I don't want to spread a conspiracy on that, but I'm just telling you, while we pissing people off, they just."
• Khadijah Doso [44:24]: "Almost 89% of all ethnic hair care products are owned by white and Korean men."

Challenges and Solutions:

• Industry Resistance: Many braiders are hesitant to switch to non-toxic products due to long-standing relationships with established brands. Khadijah addresses this by educating braiders through platforms like "The Braid Corner" and offering competitive pricing and incentives.
• Supply Chain Management: Unlike competitors who face stockouts, Doso Beauty maintains a reliable supply chain, ensuring products are consistently available to meet growing demand.
• Product Pricing: Doso Beauty offers affordable pricing strategies, such as discounts on bulk purchases and flexible payment options, making non-toxic braiding hair accessible to more consumers.

DEI and Black Entrepreneurship

[62:45] Matt Rogers:
Matt inquires about the impact of DEI initiatives on Black entrepreneurs. Khadijah shares her positive experiences, highlighting participation in accelerator programs tailored for Black entrepreneurs, such as Black Ambition and HBCU-supported initiatives.

Key Discussions:

• Importance of DEI Programs: DEI initiatives have been instrumental in providing funding, mentorship, and resources that enable Black entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses.
• Challenges in Corporate DEI: Despite successes, Khadijah notes that some corporations are scaling back their DEI efforts, which could hinder diversity in thought and representation in influential sectors.
• Community Investment: As her business thrives, Khadijah focuses on reinvesting in her community by creating jobs and supporting local economies through her retail store and braiding salon in Philadelphia.

Notable Quotes:

• Khadijah Doso [63:13]: "If there was not funding being poured into the foundation like Black Ambition, then there would not be opportunity for me to have money and capital to start and grow my business."
• Tameka D. Mallory [68:17]: "You make it better. You make it stronger. You add more elements to it to ensure that it impacts the most vulnerable populations."

Political Tensions and Social Unrest

[75:07] Matt Rogers:
The conversation takes a more somber turn as Matt draws parallels between current political strategies and historical authoritarian regimes, highlighting concerns about diminishing democratic checks and balances.

Key Discussions:

• Authoritarianism Concerns: Comparing President Trump's rhetoric and actions to those of historical dictators, emphasizing the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of fear-based governance.
• Immigration and Human Rights: Criticizing the treatment of immigrants, including arbitrary detentions and lack of due process, drawing attention to human rights abuses.
• Impact on Black Communities: Discussing how political instability and discriminatory policies disproportionately affect Black communities, leading to increased vulnerability and disenfranchisement.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Rogers [81:09]: "This is exactly what Hitler did. He completely disenfranchised. He eliminated, did anything that would give a check and balance of what he was doing. And this is what Trump is doing."
• Tameka D. Mallory [83:26]: "They got it in our hair. They trying to kill us. We better pay attention."

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts and guest exchanging product samples and reaffirming their commitment to community empowerment and health. They encourage listeners to support Black-owned businesses and stay vigilant against socio-political threats.

[88:06] Matt Rogers:
Matt wraps up by emphasizing the seriousness of the current socio-political climate, urging listeners to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding their communities and democratic values.

Final Thoughts:

• Community Resilience: Emphasizing the need for unity and collective action within the Black community to combat systemic challenges.
• Health and Safety: Reinforcing the importance of using safe, non-toxic products to protect community health.
• Political Awareness: Calling for heightened awareness and resistance against policies and leaders that threaten democratic principles and community well-being.

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club's "TMI" segment provides a thought-provoking exploration of community empowerment, entrepreneurial challenges, health concerns related to ethnic beauty products, and urgent political issues affecting marginalized communities. Through engaging discussions and expert insights from Khadijah Doso, the hosts underscore the importance of unity, informed activism, and supporting Black-owned businesses to foster resilience and sustainability within the community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Tameka D. Mallory [04:03]: "Angela says that this tour is a love letter to Black people. That we still here and we with you and you are with us, and we're in this together."

• Matt Rogers [11:12]: "We need to come together and create what the agenda for Black America is and be united in that."

• Khadijah Doso [42:43]: "There's no FDA regulation about cosmetics, especially the ethnic hair care products that are around there."

• Tameka D. Mallory [43:07]: "I don't want to spread a conspiracy on that, but I'm just telling you, while we pissing people off, they just."

• Khadijah Doso [44:24]: "Almost 89% of all ethnic hair care products are owned by white and Korean men."

• Matt Rogers [81:09]: "This is exactly what Hitler did. He completely disenfranchised. He eliminated, did anything that would give a check and balance of what he was doing. And this is what Trump is doing."

• Tameka D. Mallory [83:26]: "They got it in our hair. They trying to kill us. We better pay attention."

Resources Mentioned:

• Doso Beauty – Official website for purchasing non-toxic braiding hair and organic hair care products.
• Social Media: Follow Doso Beauty on various platforms for updates and community engagement.
• Target for Family Favorites: Encouraged boycott to support Black-owned businesses.
• Thrivent: Financial planning services with a focus on community impact.
• Claude by Anthropic: AI assistant designed for empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Greenlight: Debit card and money app for families.
• JLo Beauty: Skincare products for a flawless complexion.

Listen to the Full Episode: For those who haven’t tuned into "TMI: The Enemy On My Head," this episode offers invaluable insights into the intersection of community empowerment, health, and socio-political dynamics affecting Black Americans. Tune in to stay informed, support Black entrepreneurship, and engage in meaningful conversations about building a resilient and empowered community.