The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show

Episode 25: Hard Work and Effort, MAGA Minaj + New Studio
Date: January 29, 2026

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode marks a new era as the Ebro, Laura, and Rosenberg team break in their newly independent studio after parting ways with their previous broadcast partnership. They reflect on their creative freedom, address the realities of running their show as entrepreneurs, and offer commentary on recent events—particularly Nicki Minaj’s public support for Donald Trump. The episode brings in signature humor, candid self-questioning, music talk (notably J. Cole’s new release), and behind-the-scenes insights into their show's mechanics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Transition to Independence and New Studio (02:26–07:59, 40:45–41:52)

• Creative Control: Ebro shares frustrations over how previous corporate partners never showcased the full depth of their radio show online, often limiting content to quick clips (“They never got to really feel the...nuances and intricacies of what we did on broadcast radio.” — Ebro, 02:26).
• New Studio: The studio was in the works before leaving their old job. Ebro even offered the setup to the former employer without success.
• Entrepreneurship Reality Check: Their income now depends on actual output and fan support ("This money ain't showing up regardless if you don't deliver for these Patreon people...Don't unsubscribe." — Ebro, 07:26).
• Intensity & Effort: Ebro stresses that their show's success derives not from talent or looks but sheer persistence and work ethic (06:02).
• Listener Community: The crew appreciates the devotion of fans, even when they notice small changes. Laura: “Let’s appreciate how committed they are...let’s appreciate you guys.” (08:44)

2. Adventures Abroad: Rosenberg in Saudi Arabia (10:00–15:14)

• Saudi Impressions: Rosenberg shares experiences from Saudi Arabia, noting the warmth and vibrancy, while recognizing U.S. media’s focus on negative aspects (10:00–11:10).
• Roller Coaster Anecdote: Humorous talk about surviving the world’s fastest, highest ride (“Guys, it was amazing. It was insane. I’m not doing it again.” — Laura, 12:31), and candid talk about post-flight digestive troubles.

3. Nicki Minaj & Donald Trump: The MAGA Minaj Segment (15:51–36:05)

• Nicki Minaj’s Trump Endorsement: The trio criticize Nicki Minaj’s enthusiastic public support and hand-holding photo-op with Trump.
  • “If everything we're seeing from Nicki Minaj was all to get that gold, gold card that she got from Trump...Is there any forgiveness for her?" — Ebro, 15:51
• Speculating Motivations: Ebro floats that Minaj’s actions might be a desperate move to resolve her immigration/citizenship status; Rosenberg and Laura question this, noting her wealth and time to handle such matters.
• Hypocrisy and Double Standards: Laura points out right-wing figures now embrace Nicki despite years of vilifying similar artists (35:05): “They also have to completely lie about their ideals to embrace her.”
• Selling Out & Bullying: They touch on Minaj’s history of “bullying” and say this is karmic (“Chickens coming home to roost...Now we're watching this whole thing in front of us.” — Laura, 19:45)
• Memorable Riffing: The “Put it in Your Mouth” motif (a running joke and musical sting) is repeatedly used to mock Minaj’s sycophancy (21:04, 29:01, throughout).
• Quote on Choices: “These are all choices. And so many people are getting forced to deal with ramifications for choices they’re not able to make...Shame on you, Nicki Minaj. Shame on you.” — Laura, 28:38

4. The Cultural Impact of Celebrity Fandom (25:01–26:59)

• Fandom Blindness: Rosenberg reflects on the modern era where fans are so invested, they defend indefensible moves by their favorite stars and buy into narratives without question.
• Manipulation: Ebro notes, “People are so easily manipulated...there’s something in it for her that is important.”

5. Merch, Patreon, and New Hustle Realities (36:19–40:39)

• DIY Struggles: Amusing exchange about personally fulfilling merch orders, tracking Shopify payments, and needing their own business bank account.
• Transparency: Ebro quizzes the team on when they’ll actually receive their money from sales, revealing the practical, grassroots reality of their new business.

6. Music: J. Cole’s “Birthday Blizzard” & Hip Hop State of the Union (41:52–56:10)

• J. Cole’s Surprise Mixtape: They review Cole’s new project—“Birthday Blizzard 26”—highlighting four tracks and its DJ Clue mixtape homage (42:38–43:44).
  • “You can tell J. Cole is offended by people...the decision he made to step aside from that battle.” — Laura, 45:45
• Is Cole Dissing Drake?: They analyze possible shots at Drake in “Golden Goose Freestyle” (46:18–48:47).
  • Rosenberg recites: “Cut the tough guy image. It is not conducive to breathe and don’t gamble with your life cause the opps is cruising...” (46:35)
• Cole vs. Drake Album Quality: Ebro asserts, “J. Cole is a better album maker than Drake. Full Stop.” (50:29)
• Shouting Out Underrated Talent: Praise for JID, Boz, IDK, and the post-Kendrick/Drake battle revival in lyricism.
• Health of Hip Hop: Laura and Ebro both celebrate the genre’s upswing following rap’s recent “reset moment.”

7. Lowdown with Laura: Industry Legal Drama (57:32–59:28)

• 50 Cent Lawsuit: Coverage of a sex worker suing 50 Cent and Netflix over being misrepresented in a recent documentary (“He said they deliberately edited, distorted, and misrepresented his story as a victim.” — Rosenberg, 57:59)

8. The Alex Preddy Incident & Policing in America (59:28–61:02)

• Police Shooting: Discussion of circulating video allegedly ‘villainizing’ shooting victim Alex Preddy. Ebro: “He was on the ground. He did not pull a weapon out, and you shot him in his back. Shut your ass up.” (60:10)
• Media Framing: Laura and Rosenberg argue that even if Preddy had a gun, he was legally allowed to carry in his state and wasn’t a threat.

9. Show Wrap-Up and Next Steps (56:27–57:32, 61:02–61:29)

• Apologies for Technical Issues (West Coast/Wi-Fi).
• Studio & Content Upgrades: Teasing future stages of their studio and content plans, promising more varied and upgraded offerings (“The studio is...1.0 right now. We got a 2.0 for the studio and a 3.0 for the studio...” — Ebro, 56:32).
• Channel Rebranding Playfully Discussed: “Maybe that’s what—We should change the name of the channel...put Smorg S M O R G instead of S H O W.” — Ebro, 57:15

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ebro on Work Ethic (06:02): “It’s none of that. It’s all been effort. So I figure if I work harder, show up more, have a level of intensity...I’ll succeed.”
• Laura on Minaj’s MAGA Turn (28:38): “There are immigrants in our country under attack right now. They don’t have choices...This is a wealthy person living in a mansion making bad choices and then doubling down with more bad choices. Shame on you, Nicki Minaj.”
• Rosenberg on Fandom (25:01): “Fandom makes people drunk...they don’t care what they do. They don’t care, bro.”
• Ebro on Hip Hop’s Health Post-Battle (55:33): “If you really love hip hop...post battle, I think hip hop has been tremendously healthy.”
• Recurring “Put it in Your Mouth” Theme (21:04, 29:01): Both as a joke on Minaj “going all in” for Trump and as a musical sting throughout.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• New Studio & Independence: 02:26–07:59, more at 40:45–41:52
• Effort vs. Talent/Ethics of Entrepreneurship: 05:10–07:59
• Fan Appreciation/Energy: 08:44–09:21
• Saudi Arabia/Roller Coaster: 10:00–15:14
• Nicki Minaj & Trump/Loyalty/Selling Out: 15:51–36:05
• Fandom/Manipulation Discussion: 25:01–26:59
• Merch/Entrepreneurship Realities: 36:19–40:39
• J. Cole “Birthday Blizzard,” Hip Hop Analysis: 41:52–56:10
• Industry Lawsuit/”Lowdown”: 57:32–59:28
• Alex Preddy/Policing: 59:28–61:02
• Closing/Show Plans & Wrap: 56:27–57:32, 61:02–61:29

Tone Highlights

The episode’s tone is candid, irreverent, filled with inside jokes and raw honesty. The crew bounces from deep social critique (especially on Minaj and systemic injustice) to lighthearted storytelling (digestive mishaps, shipping labels) and hip hop nerdery. Consistent banter, playful ribbing, and honest acknowledgment of their new hustler reality underpin every segment.

For Fans/Latecomers:
This episode is a dynamic blend of culture commentary, industry talk, real-life vulnerability, and rap geekery. It’s essential for understanding the crew’s new chapter and includes sharp takes on Nicki Minaj, the music industry’s state, and the labor behind building independent media in 2026.