The Brilliant Idiots — “(S)oy Vey”

Hosts: Charlamagne Tha God, Andrew Schulz
Date: October 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the hot-button issues of affordability, rent, and housing in New York City—framed by the current mayoral race. Charlamagne Tha God and Andrew Schulz, along with their crew, break down the candidates, the challenges of living in NYC, and why affordability, especially rent, is the heart of the debate. They reflect deeply, with signature wit and tangents, on what makes New York special, who should solve its problems, and where the city (and cities like it) go from here. The second half of the episode shifts into broader pop culture, the shifting podcast landscape, and characteristic banter about masculinity, vulnerability, and life’s embarrassing moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Affordability & The NYC Mayoral Election

(03:33 – 14:33)

• The hosts joke about "becoming communists" and riff on the new political landscape with Zoran Mamdani entering the race.
• Big Theme: The only thing NYC voters care about is rent affordability.
  • Schulz: “Whatever candidate said they were going to lower the rent the most was going to win, bro. That’s it.” (03:05)
  • They explore why out-of-towners don’t understand how extreme NYC rent is, with average rent up 90% in 6 years.
  • Historic call-back: Jimmy McMillan—the “rent is too damn high” guy—was the first to ride this wave of populist sentiment.
• The conversation expands beyond NYC—other cities like Charleston and Dallas are feeling similar affordability pressures, albeit at different scales.

2. Zoran Mamdani & Populist Messaging

(07:07 – 10:51)

• Parallel drawn between Mamdani’s rent freeze pitch and Trump’s “Build the wall”—both wield simple messaging that cuts through the noise.
• Schulz: “Freeze the rent is build the wall.” (07:58)
  • Mamdani’s plan: freeze rent on stabilized units (about 50% of apartments), build 200,000 units in 10 years (subject to political and financial hurdles).
  • Charlamagne: “When he gets asked [about the plan] at the debate, he never has an answer.” (08:29)
• The hosts puzzle over the feasibility of these ideas, noting obstacles in legislation, finance, and actual buildable space.

3. Why Is NYC So Expensive—and Is It Worth It?

(14:12 – 21:21)

• They debate the intrinsic value of paying NYC prices.
  • Andrew: “You’re paying for access to the city, not just your little cube.” (17:26)
  • Charlamagne: “Where is the enhancement? This shit should look like Dubai, bro.” (16:09)
• NYC’s unique magic in their eyes: true diversity, both economic and ethnic, and the energy/culture of close proximity. But is this fading, especially with rising costs and the Internet making experiences and culture ubiquitous?
• Alex: “The biggest threat to New York outside of affordability is the internet.” (21:52)
• Remote work allowed people to explore other places, prompting real questions about what NYC offers that can’t be found elsewhere.

4. The Politics of Housing Supply

(31:21 – 33:18)

• Schulz sharply contends that only allowing more supply will lower rents—developers need fewer restrictions.
  • Schulz: “The only way you get around the rent issue is by having more. It’s supply and demand.” (32:23)
• They debate government vs. private sector roles in housing, referencing historic public housing failures and developer influence.
• Creative (and outlandish) ideas emerge, including turning coastline into new real estate (barges, landfill) and the limitations and environmental concerns raised by such approaches.

5. Shifts in Podcasting & Media Distribution

(37:36 – 44:47)

• Discussion of Spotify & The Ringer inking a deal to move shows off YouTube and onto Netflix.
  • Schulz: “It’s a great deal for The Ringer—they don’t lose much.” (37:57)
• Analyze if video podcasts can succeed on Netflix, what audiences expect in terms of production value, and whether this move signals the end of traditional late-night TV talk shows.
• Schulz points out Netflix is testing if people will watch inexpensive, long-form content over expensive blockbusters.

6. Pop Culture & Banter

(53:02 – 62:22)

• Calls for Lisa Leslie to become WNBA commissioner—focusing on the value of ex-players running leagues.
• Playful back-and-forth on Jewish identity, commissioners in sports, and the archetypes in American leadership.
• Reflection on what makes for a “generational political talent,” debating Obama, Trump, Clinton, and the applicability to Mandani.

7. Masculinity, Vulnerability, & Embarrassment

(74:44 – End)

• Listener questions spur self-deprecating stories about parenthood, man titties, and the little humiliations of life.
• Advice for young men in confusing times, and thoughts on “what emotion would you erase from humanity?” with envy winning as the most toxic.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On NYC Rent:

• “Apparently in New York City, rent has gone up 90% in six years for two bedrooms.” – Andrew (03:35)

On Simple Political Messaging:

• “Freeze the rent is build the wall.” – Andrew (07:58)
• “Trump said I won the election off one word—groceries. Mamdani’s like, ‘I’m winning off one word—affordability.’” – Charlamagne (08:17)

On New York’s Culture:

• “What makes New York amazing is you have billionaires to pay for all the expensive shit and poor artists to make everything cool.” – Andrew (14:12)
• “If you have only artists, you have Portland… if you have only billionaires, you have San Jose — nobody wants that.” – Andrew (14:43)
• “Why doesn’t New York look like Dubai?” – Charlamagne (16:09)
• “There is just an energy on the street in this city that is unlike any other place…” – Andrew (23:10)

On Internet & Culture Shift:

• “The biggest threat to New York outside of affordability is the internet... my kids are consuming the same culture as somebody in Arkansas.” – Alex (21:52)

On the Netflix Podcast Deal:

• “A movie costs $200 million. Why not spend a few million on a podcast people watch every week?” – Andrew (39:04)
• “If it’s there [on Netflix], it’s there and people will watch it.” – Andrew (46:19)

On Political Talent:

• “Mandani isn’t the Obama-level talent people think he is” – Chris (60:00)
• “The best politicians — a hoe.” – Charlamagne (62:32)

On Masculinity & Humor:

• “You know how you know man titties are so embarrassing? People that wear shirts in the pool.” – Charlamagne (77:42)
• “Yo, leave people alone. You can’t leave people alone — cause it’s funny!” – Charlamagne (80:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Main rent/NYC politics: 03:33–14:33
• The “rent freeze” debate: 07:07–10:51
• Why live in NYC? 14:12–21:21
• Podcasting & Netflix/Ringer deal: 37:36–44:47
• “Affordability” vs. socialism: 60:33–62:22
• Listener ‘Ask an Idiot’ segment: 70:18–80:21

Tone & Style

The hosts’ signature mix of sharp analysis and comedic irreverence infuses the entire show. They roast each other, riff on politics and society, and move fluidly between serious discourse and outright silliness. The episode leans into classic “Brilliant Idiots” territory—a mashup of brilliance and idiocy, insightful social critique, and raunchy barbershop banter.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

If you want to understand the mood of young, urban New Yorkers frustrated by affordability and politics, this is required listening. The episode breaks down not only the mayoral race, but the underlying cultural and economic anxiety driving it—all from the lived experience of folks who see the best and worst of city life. The second half’s discussion on the shifting podcast and media landscape captures a moment of transition for how content might be produced and consumed in coming years.

And, as always, you’ll laugh—at both the world and yourselves.