The Daily Beast Podcast: Tiffany Haddish’s “Black Erewhon” & Comment Roulette

Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of 2025, The Daily Beast Podcast kicks off with vibrant energy as co-hosts Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee dive into a blend of humor, audience interaction, and in-depth conversation with their special guest, Tiffany Haddish. The episode masterfully intertwines light-hearted banter with meaningful discussions, setting the tone for an engaging year ahead.

Comment Roulette: A Trivia Game Challenge

Early in the episode, Joanna and Samantha introduce a new segment called "Comment Roulette," a trivia game devised by the podcast producers. The game tests the hosts' memory and attention to detail regarding past podcast guests' comments and stories.

• Gameplay Mechanics:

  • The hosts are presented with multiple-choice questions based on previous podcast episodes.
  • Correct answers are rewarded with positive listener comments, while incorrect ones result in the reading of negative feedback.

• Notable Moments:

  • [05:41] Samantha Bee confidently answers a question about Michael Ian Black's column by selecting "B, his complicity in a divisive culture," to which Joanna confirms, “He was the problem.”

    • Quote: “He was the problem.” – Samantha Bee [05:44]

  • [07:00] After correctly identifying Jim Gaffigan's description of Trump's performance as "seven minutes of hardcore hostility," Samantha reads a heartfelt message from Judith Glasser praising the podcast.

    • Quote: “My favorite podcast with two brilliant women. So entertaining, historic moments and great guests. I never miss a podcast.” – Judith Glasser [09:47]

  • [10:16] The hosts stumble on a question about rebuilding trust in media, leading to a humorous exchange and the reading of both positive and critical comments from listeners.

• Emotional Balance: The segment adeptly balances praise with constructive criticism, showcasing the hosts' resilience and ability to maintain composure under jesting pressure.

  • Negative Feedback Example: “Sam Forever. Joanna is the worst. Why does she need Joanna Coles?” – Marty Salvatore [16:27]
  • Positive Reinforcement: “Smart women having a Fun, informed, smart conversation. Dash the best exclamation point.” – SMS or 5M5 [12:43]

Guest Spotlight: Tiffany Haddish

Transitioning from the playful trivia, Joanna and Samantha welcome their guest, Tiffany Haddish, setting the stage for a profound and inspiring conversation.

• [19:12] The hosts introduce Haddish, highlighting her impressive career milestones, including her breakout role in Girls Trip, her Emmy for hosting Saturday Night Live, and her Grammy-winning comedy album Black Mitzvah. They also touch upon her philanthropic efforts with the She Ready Foundation.

In-Depth Interview with Tiffany Haddish

The heart of the episode lies in the candid and heartfelt dialogue between Haddish and the hosts, exploring her personal journey, entrepreneurial ventures, and commitment to community empowerment.

1. Current Moments and Tour Preparations

   • Hawaii Vacation:

     • [20:21] Haddish describes her serene surroundings in Kauai, Hawaii, emphasizing the natural beauty and tranquility she enjoys during her vacation.
       • Quote: “I'm in Kauai in the state of Hawaii, and I'm on an island looking out at the ocean and seeing the sea foam hit the shore as the waves crash on the shoreline. And beautiful palm trees, manicured, well, manicured lawns.” – Tiffany Haddish [21:26]

   • Upcoming Tour:

     • [35:04] She outlines her strategy for her "Funny and Fearless" national tour, focusing on preparation through rigorous stage performance, exercise, and healthy eating to maintain her energy and performance quality.
       • Quote: “I hit all the local comedy clubs in my town. I get on stage as much as I possibly can to make sure, like, I have a tight hour and then I take it on the road and I try to make sure that I exercise and get enough rest.” – Tiffany Haddish [35:04]

2. Philanthropic Endeavors: She Ready Foundation & Black Erewhon Grocery Store

   • She Ready Foundation:

     • [29:31] Haddish delves into the origins and evolution of her foundation, which began with distributing suitcases to foster youth and expanded into offering life skills and film programs aimed at empowering young people.
       • Quote: “We just want to have a store that has a majority of the products come from, you know, black. Black farmers, black vendors.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:17]

   • Black Erewhon Grocery Store:

     • [25:14] She unveils her vision for "Black Erewhon," a grocery store designed to serve the African American community in South Central LA by providing not only nutritious food options but also financial literacy and cooking classes.
       • Quote: “I noticed in my community they've already shut down three grocery stores. Each one was serving like 50,000 people. And so there's a disparity there and there's not a lot of healthy options.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:59]
       • Quote: “So I want it to be like a black erewhon. That's what I want.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:17]

3. Personal Journey and Resilience

   • Foster Care Experience:

     • [28:14] Haddish shares poignant memories of her time in the foster care system, highlighting the challenges and the moment a simple suitcase symbolized her humanity and sense of self-worth.
       • Quote: “Once I got a little older, I said I promised myself that if I ever could figure out a way to make sure no kids feel like garbage, that's what I'm going to do.” – Tiffany Haddish [28:14]

   • Career Path:

     • [31:10] Discussing her rise to fame, Haddish reflects on overcoming obstacles such as homelessness and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of self-love and integrity in her journey.
       • Quote: “I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror every day. Learning how to love myself.” – Tiffany Haddish [31:10]

   • Philosophy on Empowerment:

     • [33:44] Haddish articulates her mission to heal by empowering others, drawing from her own experiences to provide resources and support to those facing similar adversities.
       • Quote: “Trying to give them a little step forward, a life raft, if you will.” – Tiffany Haddish [33:44]

Closing Remarks

As the conversation winds down, the hosts express their admiration for Haddish’s dedication and impactful work. They playfully discuss attending her upcoming tour shows, blending genuine support with their characteristic humor.

• [38:50] Joanna Coles humorously comments on seeing a supposed dead body from White Lotus during Haddish’s snorkeling trip, showcasing the lighthearted rapport between the hosts and their guest.

• [39:16] The episode concludes with heartfelt New Year wishes, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions and feedback.

Key Takeaways

• Community Empowerment: Tiffany Haddish’s initiative, Black Erewhon, exemplifies a commitment to addressing food deserts and providing education, reflecting a broader mission to uplift marginalized communities.

• Personal Resilience: Haddish’s journey from foster care to stardom underscores the power of self-love, perseverance, and the importance of giving back.

• Engaging Host Dynamics: Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee skillfully balance humor with serious discourse, creating an inviting atmosphere for both guests and listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Samantha Bee on Michael Ian Black's Column:

  • “He was the problem.” – Samantha Bee [05:44]

• Judith Glasser’s Praise:

  • “My favorite podcast with two brilliant women. So entertaining, historic moments and great guests. I never miss a podcast.” – Judith Glasser [09:47]

• Tiffany Haddish on Community Needs:

  • “I noticed in my community they've already shut down three grocery stores. Each one was serving like 50,000 people. And so there's a disparity there and there's not a lot of healthy options.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:59]

• Haddish on Personal Growth:

  • “I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror every day. Learning how to love myself.” – Tiffany Haddish [31:10]

• Haddish on Empowerment:

  • “Trying to give them a little step forward, a life raft, if you will.” – Tiffany Haddish [33:44]

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Beast Podcast serves as a dynamic blend of entertainment, introspection, and inspiration. Through the engaging interaction of Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee, coupled with Tiffany Haddish’s heartfelt contributions, listeners are treated to a multifaceted conversation that not only entertains but also enlightens and motivates. Whether reveling in the humor of the hosts' trivia game or absorbing the depth of Haddish’s initiatives, the episode offers a compelling listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike.