Podcast Summary: The Brilliant Idiots – Episode: Cringe Watching (June 20, 2025)

Hosts: Charlamagne Tha God and Andrew Schulz

1. Cannes Lions Festival and Media Dynamics

The episode kicks off with Charlamagne sharing his recent experience at the prestigious Cannes Lions Festival. He clarifies a common misconception, distinguishing it from the Cannes Film Festival by explaining that Cannes Lions is a convergence point for the advertising and communication industry. Charlamagne highlights the competitive nature of media companies attending the event to showcase their best work and secure advertising deals.

Charlamagne ([04:24]):
"What I see when I'm there is literally all the media companies across the country, all the media companies across the world, they come to Cannes, France, and they just try to convince every company to spend money with them."

He recounts notable moments, such as Spotify hosting Cardi B and iHeart featuring personalities like Questlove and Malcolm Gladwell at their event, the iHeart Cafe. The ambiance was bustling with top-tier talent, including Eva Longoria, who invested in iHeart's podcast network, the Brown Effect Network.

2. Club Quarantine and the Blakely Thornton Incident

Transitioning from the festival, Charlamagne narrates an incident at Club Quarantine, a popular nightlife spot during the festival. He describes a situation where a stranger, Blakely Thornton, unexpectedly began consuming the Dom Perignon Rosé bottles Charlamagne had purchased.

Charlamagne ([12:35]):
"There was some homophobia because he reached for my bottle, and I didn't know him. All I said was, 'Yo, you drinking my liquor, dog.'" ([14:40])

Blakely's actions led to a misunderstanding, culminating in a public accusation of Charlamagne being homophobic. Charlamagne vehemently denies these claims, emphasizing the lack of proper introduction and the overpriced nature of the beverages involved.

Charlamagne ([16:51]):
"But how do we jump to homophobia? That's crazy to me." ([17:39])

3. Discussing AI and Its Societal Impacts

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The hosts delve into Malcolm Gladwell's insights on AI's potential role in education, particularly in teaching methods. Charlamagne expresses skepticism about AI replacing the nuanced, human elements essential in teaching children, especially those facing personal challenges.

Charlamagne ([103:56]):
"What you got to factor in is all of that stuff. I don't think AI can ever properly teach you how to deal with the real world."

They debate the future of AI, pondering whether it will drive society back to valuing real-life experiences over virtual interactions. Chris draws parallels between AI's impact and the evolution of hip-hop, suggesting that overreliance on artificial elements can lead to a loss of originality and authenticity.

4. New York City Mayoral Race Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the New York City Mayoral race. The hosts discuss the candidates, focusing on Eric Adams and Zoran, and their respective strategies to garner support from diverse voter bases.

Chris ([44:23]):
"I think Eric Adams is going to have no problem, kind of, especially in the climate with Israel. Really, like, leaning into. Yeah, he is a pro-Israeli stance."

They express concerns about Adams' ability to secure the Jewish vote without alienating other communities and scrutinize the political dynamics, including endorsements and campaign tactics.

5. Appearance on The Neighborhood Talk Podcast

Charlamagne recounts his appearance on The Neighborhood Talk, where he was portrayed as engaging in "cringe-worthy" behavior intended to fit the show's format. During the appearance, a clip emerged accusing him of homophobia, which he vehemently disputes, asserting that the interpretation was misaligned with his actual intentions.

Charlamagne ([18:47]):
"He accuses me of being homophobic because I don't know you, my brother..." ([17:50])

6. Promotion of Mandy and Wheezy's Book

The hosts take time to promote Mandy and Wheezy's upcoming book, "No Holds Barred," a dual manifesto on sexual exploration and power. Charlamagne shares his admiration for the duo, highlighting their ability to navigate and thrive in the podcasting world.

Charlamagne ([74:53]):
"And they really have conversations about being sexually liberated in a real intellectual way... this is a great read, man."

7. Asking Idiots Segment: Listener Questions

In the interactive segment, listeners pose questions to the hosts, prompting discussions on personal growth, consistency in achieving high goals, and the challenges of public parenting.

Jaycarnelius Abdon CAA ([105:38]):
"What are the top 10 things you have done to become a high achiever?"

Charlamagne responds by emphasizing the importance of consistency, self-improvement, and staying humble.

Charlamagne ([111:09]):
"The most important thing I think is just being consistent. Being consistent is what ultimately pays off."

Another listener, Keaton Holmes, poses a hypothetical scenario about choosing between being drafted into World War III or vacationing in Ukraine. This sparks a critical conversation about global tensions and the potential realities of nuclear warfare.

Chris ([82:43]):
"Once one flies, how quickly they all fly. There's no such thing as 'light' nuclear weapons."

8. Final Reflections and Future Plans

Towards the end, Charlamagne reflects on the evolution of podcasting and the significance of authentic voices in media. He underscores the importance of creating platforms that allow diverse stories and perspectives to thrive without being overshadowed by traditional media narratives.

Charlamagne ([73:24]):
"I think the beauty of it was people who weren't in media deciding that they wanted to launch platforms. That's why I always thought... people can become real voices by telling their own unique stories."

He also touches upon future episodes, hinting at guest hosts and upcoming promotions, ensuring listeners remain engaged and informed about the dynamic landscape of their podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Charlamagne ([14:40]): "You drinking my liquor, dog."

• Charlamagne ([17:39]): "But how do we jump to homophobia? That's crazy to me."

• Chris ([44:23]): "I think Eric Adams is going to have no problem, kind of, especially in the climate with Israel."

• Charlamagne ([111:09]): "The most important thing I think is just being consistent."

• Chris ([82:43]): "There’s no such thing as 'light' nuclear weapons."

This episode of The Brilliant Idiots masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with pressing societal issues, from media dynamics and nightlife experiences to the profound impacts of AI and political discourse. Through engaging dialogue and candid reflections, Charlamagne Tha God and Andrew Schulz provide listeners with a thought-provoking exploration of the "cringe" moments that intertwine with brilliance in today's world.