The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show
Episode 28: Don Lemon Opens Up On Arrest + Lil Wayne’s BIG Super Bowl Plans (2/3/26)
Date: February 3, 2026
Hosts: Ebro Darden, Laura Styles, Peter Rosenberg
Episode Overview
This episode covers a range of lively topics, from the viral boxing fight wig incident and Teofimo Lopez’s unexpected apology, to Don Lemon’s candid recounting of his arrest under the Trump administration. The crew also dives into cultural conversations around Lil Wayne’s Super Bowl virtual show, Grammy controversies, the ongoing saga of family dynamics post-radio, and a moving listener “Guru” letter about surviving abuse and navigating family court.
The tone is sharp, witty, and real, offering a blend of humor, pop culture, and a few serious moments—including a heartfelt advice segment.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Personal Catch-Ups & Lost Items—Grills, iPads, and Airplane Fumbles
[00:25–03:43]
- The hosts begin with playful banter about Ebro constantly losing iPads on planes, and a hilarious riff on losing gold grills (“grills always lost in a napkin at a restaurant”—Ebro).
- Touches on real-life moments, like Laura losing Invisaligns and the practicality (or not) of wearing grills.
Memorable quote:
“For the record, everyone who gets grills loses them in a napkin.”
—Ebro Darden (03:39)
2. Viral Boxing Fails & Race, with a Teofimo Lopez Twist
[03:44–08:20]
- Discussion of a boxing match where a fighter’s toupee is knocked off, generating viral internet buzz.
- Focus on Teofimo Lopez, known for past racist remarks, giving an on-air apology for slavery after losing (“Can you imagine getting your ass beat so bad you apologize for slavery?” —Ebro, 05:27).
- They play and react to Lopez’s actual apology (see Notable Quotes below).
Notable Quote
“To the slavery and everything that’s ever happened. Mentally, this...”
—Teofimo Lopez, after his loss [05:17]
3. Reflections on Team Changes & Show Dynamics
[10:06–14:29]
- Reminiscing about former team members (“Shawnee Culture,” “DJ John”) and what it would mean for the show if they returned.
- Honest peek behind the curtain at radio/podcast transition and audience loyalty.
Quote:
"Six weeks in, it feels like everybody who’s not here is not here...To see any of them walk in would be like a holy ish moment."
—Ebro Darden [11:18]
4. Black History Month, Content, and Birthdays
[09:28–16:34]
- Discussion of curating Black History Month content, avoiding “shady” jokes at co-hosts’ expense.
- Lighter banter about missed birthdays, aging, and how milestone birthdays are perceived differently (e.g., “Why is 45 kind of nothing and 65 is big?”—Ebro).
5. Personal Wellness, Common’s New Book & Lessons on Aging
[16:14–18:13]
- Ebro shares reflections inspired by Common's wellness journey (“This is truly the age…to get it together” [16:59]), prompting the co-hosts to consider self-care and wellness as they age.
6. Don Lemon Opens Up on Arrest Under Trump Administration
[18:35–22:03]
- The crew reacts to Don Lemon’s Jimmy Kimmel interview recounting his arrest by federal agents, describing the difference between being a protester and a journalist.
- Lemon’s lawyer offered for him to self-report, which was ignored by authorities—suggesting they wanted to make an example out of him.
- Discussion about intimidation tactics, double standards (“Trump was allowed the courtesy to turn himself in...”—Don Lemon [20:39]).
Notable Quotes:
"Why would you show up with 10, 12 people to apprehend Don Lemon?" —Peter Rosenberg [21:03]
"We all knew immediately that is a huge win for Don Lemon." —Ebro [21:26]
7. ICE, Immigration, and the Political Landscape
[22:11–25:24]
- Reflections on how ICE has escalated in the Trump era, with Laura and Ebro recalling earlier years when only "the worst of the worst" were targeted (“Now, people who are...one interview away from a green card…are getting snatched up.” —Laura [23:40]).
- Breaks down myths about immigration violations—“not a crime, more like a civil misdemeanor” (Peter, [24:16]).
8. Grammys, Country Music, and Cultural Representation
[24:43–29:58]
- They discuss Shaboozy’s Grammy acceptance speech and the concept of immigrants “building this country,” parsing the nuances/reactions from the Black community.
- Jelly Roll’s reluctance to speak on political issues is critiqued:
“He wants to be a nice guy, make great music…When challenged with something controversial, he doesn’t know where to go or what to say.”
—Peter Rosenberg [28:03]
9. Music News Rundown: J. Cole Events, Lil Wayne’s Super Bowl Plans, TI’s ‘Final’ Album
[31:14–41:41]
- J. Cole: Hosting a “Bars and Books” lyricist lounge-style event in Brooklyn, with similar interactive sessions in other cities.
- Lil Wayne: Not included in this year’s Grammys, but set to perform a virtual show during Super Bowl week for Clash Royale.
- TI: Announces (again) that his upcoming album is his “last.” The crew debates whether rappers ever really retire [37:26–40:47].
“He’s telling us he’s retiring so that we run and support this album...with passion.” —Peter Rosenberg [39:52]
- Celebrates the musical paths of TI’s children, especially Damani and his youngest daughter.
10. Lowdown Segment: Jay Z Paternity Case, Nicki Minaj Involvement
[41:13–43:43]
- Laura recaps the ongoing case of Ramire Satterway claiming Jay Z is his father, and recent tweets about Nicki Minaj supposedly supporting him.
- The crew tries to untangle the connections, with speculation about Nicki’s beefs and motivations.
11. Super Chat, Community, and Merch Troubles
[43:44–50:01]
- Jokes and gripes about late merch shipments, audience interaction through Super Chat, and the upcoming “El Army” loyalty club.
- Good-natured bickering about customer service:
"You want your merch, you wait!" —Laura [44:35]
12. Advice—Gurus Segment: Surviving Abuse & Navigating Family Court
[51:03–63:13]
- Listener letter: A mother seeking guidance after enduring emotional and physical abuse from her child's father, navigating family court, and dealing with being manipulated by outside pressures.
- The team offers empathy, practical advice (orders of protection, boundaries, supervised visits), and personal stories.
“You need to lean on safety…that’s the number one thing. Safety and a healthy environment for your child.” —Laura [56:35]
“I am so sorry and I feel you and I validate your feelings…hope you have a group of friends and loved ones…to support you.” —Ebro [59:58]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Teofimo Lopez's wild apology
“Can you imagine getting your ass beat so bad you apologize for slavery?”
—Ebro, [05:27] -
On viral moments and social media:
“Someone losing their wig in the middle of a fight?...That’s a piece of history right there.”
—Ebro & Rosenberg [09:08] -
On radio/podcast industry changes:
“It feels like our old family, our family members who are no longer part of this team...To see any of them walk in would be like a holy ish kind of moment...”
—Ebro Darden [11:32] -
On Don Lemon's arrest:
"Donald Trump was allowed the courtesy to turn himself in when he was accused—why not Don Lemon?"
—Don Lemon [20:39] -
On aging and wellness:
“This is truly the age to get it together in a way you can make a difference, it’s now.”
—Peter Rosenberg [16:59] -
On Jelly Roll and celebrities staying silent:
“Most people are going to fry for that…you're being a little bitch.”
—Peter Rosenberg [28:03] -
On rappers retiring:
“He’s telling us he’s retiring so we run and support this album with…passion.”
—Peter Rosenberg [39:52] -
Guru advice to listener:
“I want safety. I want peace, and I want protection for my son…I refuse to teach him that abuse is something women are expected to endure.”
—Listener letter [55:36]
“You need to lean on safety…a healthy environment for your child.”
—Laura Styles [56:35]
Key Timestamps
- [05:17]: Teofimo Lopez’s post-fight apology clip
- [18:35–22:03]: Don Lemon arrest and Kimmel interview breakdown
- [31:14]: Laura’s news rundown (J. Cole events, Wayne’s Super Bowl)
- [37:26–40:47]: TI’s retirement and the “last album” marketing trope
- [51:03–63:13]: The Gurus—Serious advice on family, safety, and healing after domestic violence
Tone and Style
- Highly conversational, candid, and irreverent with moments of real empathy and concern.
- The hosts balance humor with incisive takes on current affairs, music, and social issues, offering both industry insider perspective and down-to-earth advice.
For Listeners
- Expect a lively, unfiltered mix—hot takes on viral news, cultural critiques, music scoops, and genuine listener engagement.
- This episode stands out for its balance of laughter, real talk, and community-building, especially through the supportive advice segment and the candid honesty about their journey as a new, independent show.