The Friend Zone Podcast: “Mouth and Heigth”
Date: November 5, 2025
Hosts: Dustin Ross, Hey Fran Hey, Asante
Network: Loud Speakers Network
Episode Overview
In the 501st episode, the crew—Dustin, Fran, and Asante—reflect on mental health, “mentally sound feet,” and the importance of not losing recipes (aka, cultural knowledge and tradition). The show features hilarious and thoughtful conversations on foot hygiene (prompted by a viral Kodak Black post), technology dependency, the debut of a home robot, community, grieving rituals, natural deodorant, and giving back. The tone, as always, balances wholesome, irreverent, and deeply real.
Main Themes & Purpose
- Hygiene, Health, and Self-Care: A comedic but pointed callout on foot and body hygiene—triggered by a viral Kodak Black post—leads to reflections on personal care, social standards, and self-respect.
- Technology & Dependency: The hosts discuss evolving technology, our growing reliance on devices, and the unveiling (and skepticism) toward the Neo home robot.
- Celebration & Reflection: The milestone of 500+ episodes, collective gratitude, and reflections on the podcast’s journey.
- Community, Grief, and Rituals: Fran shares about a profound family loss and a unique, uplifting grieving process involving dance in Walla Walla, WA.
- Giving Back: Showcasing Black businesses and urgently supporting educational programs and Caribbean hurricane relief.
- Pop Culture & Laughter: Music shoutouts, reality TV dissection, and memorable moments with the hosts’ signature humor.
Key Discussion Points & Memorable Moments
1. Kodak Black’s Feet & Hygiene Talk
(Starts ~02:25)
- Dustin brings up a viral image of rapper Kodak Black’s feet, sparking horror and humor over foot hygiene.
- “His feet are dead.” — Dustin [03:13]
- Group discusses societal neglect of foot care, not limited by gender or identity.
- “Society wants you to think that it is a man thing, but it is a people thing. Like, there are some women that are just like, oh, I just use these to walk…” — Asante [05:17]
- “Stone feet ass. Women and men and people. Because it's some non-binary bad foot motherfuckers. Hell yeah.” — Dustin [05:28]
- The need for basic hygiene gets spun into a larger commentary on self-respect and its impact on mental health.
- “We talking to these filthy foot like Kodak Black, who has already admitted having poor hygiene. That’s what we’re talking about. Why do your toenails look like Lot’s wife?” — Dustin [07:28]
2. Weekend/Personal Life Recaps
(~09:06 - 38:08)
Asante’s Weekend:
- Finished the “Blade” movies; vented about customer service woes (package stuck in customs, forced to use Facebook Messenger for support); nostalgia for his old NYC apartment; gratitude for life’s growth.
Fran’s Weekend:
- Attended a family homegoing (passing of the matriarch, Ms. Diane) in Walla Walla, WA.
- “We went to a place and took line dancing classes...an interesting way to grieve. Culturally, I’ve not experienced that.” — Fran [17:52]
- Reflected on unique grieving rituals, family bonds, and the healing power of celebration and community.
- “As adults, you feel like you’re a contribution to something so important...exactly what I wanted the crowd to feel.” — Fran [16:43]
- Shouted out Lone Deodorant (natural deodorant company run by the family)—reminding listeners of the power of lasting, community-driven businesses.
Dustin’s Weekend:
- In “writing mode”; voted in NYC elections.
- Shouted out marathon friend Eric, culture, and achievements.
- “We work for that and very grateful for it.” — Dustin [12:21]
- Reflected on the team’s 500+ episode milestone and community:
- “This is such a blessing in all of our lives...something to look back to say we’ve contributed...500 episodes.” — Dustin [13:10]
- “We love y’all.” — Collective [13:52]
3. Black Business Highlight & Community Support
(~38:08 - 41:16)
- UCLA VIP Scholars Program:
- Listener ‘Lone Star Shells’ submitted a call to action for donations to this college access program for Black and Latino students, now under threat due to DEI attacks. [38:56]
- “So the link is...I’m going to post it in the description box under the black business section...if you would like to donate.” — Fran [40:07]
- Program’s 20-year legacy emphasized; the importance of supporting grassroots education initiatives.
- Listener ‘Lone Star Shells’ submitted a call to action for donations to this college access program for Black and Latino students, now under threat due to DEI attacks. [38:56]
4. Listener Feedback & Bible Talk
(~41:13 - 51:52)
- Listener recaps and questions are addressed—ranging from Amazon walking pads, purchasing tips, and financial wisdom to Bible reading suggestions and Disney sanitization of fairy tales.
- “...sometimes the stories seem really dark and overwhelming...But thank you, Blue, for letting me know which parts to check out.” — Fran [47:46]
5. Main Topic: Technology, Nostalgia, and Neo the Robot
(Segment begins ~56:54)
-
Asante leads an exploration into how quickly technology evolves, nostalgia for “old school” objects, and the mass shift toward automation.
- “There are some women that are just like, ‘Oh, I just use these to walk. I’m gonna put them in heels anyway.’ And it’s like, well, isn’t that why you want to take care of them a little bit?” — Asante [05:17]
- “There’s a reason that I do [these tech episodes], right?...because we need more in tech. We need as many Black people in as many sectors of the world possible.” — Asante [58:10]
-
Hosts reminisce about answering machines, caller ID boxes, beepers, and early cell phones.
- “I had a beeper, a little yellow beeper. So funny...I begged my mom for it, and then I bamboozled her.” — Fran [84:13]
-
Talk shifts to consumerism, tech dependence, and boundary setting:
- “I have phenomenal money management judgment. But, you know, I do like to play a little too much, and I know when to reel it back.” — Fran [68:49]
-
The dangers of tech overreach are discussed, including feelings of being overwhelmed or “rebelling” against smart watches, electric toothbrushes, and “always-on” gadgets.
- “I'm exhausted of the smart. I was even thinking of getting rid of my [smart] watch.” — Fran [77:10]
Neo the Home Robot
(Begins ~86:08)
- Review of the soon-to-release $20,000 “Neo” home robot (or $500/month subscription) marketed to perform chores.
- Fran: “There is someone in the company that is sitting there remotely doing all of these things. So basically, there's a random person in your house watching you through this robot.” [87:04]
- Hosts are skeptical—citing privacy concerns, lack of autonomy, safety, cost, and job displacement.
- “You should just be a trick for all that and get you somebody that is down to have an arrangement…at least then you got a human, right?” — Dustin [90:11]
- “That thing ain’t ready.” — Group consensus [93:15]
- Group finds some positives: the possible future benefit for people with disabilities and elderly folks, though accessibility and pricing are obvious barriers.
- “Someone that lives alone and might need that level of assistance, this would be so incredible. But I know this isn't going to be something that's accessible to the masses” — Fran [107:23]
- “I love the way it’s worked out for us. Something positive.” — Dustin [109:06]
On Balance, ‘Recipes,’ and the Future
- Extended reflection on not “losing the recipes”—meaning upholding tradition, skills, and community, especially as technology changes culture and language.
- “We need people…boots on the ground.” — Dustin [115:12]
Music & Pop Culture Segments
(~132:01 on)
- Megan Thee Stallion ends a two-week rap drought in the Billboard Hot 100, celebrated by the group.
- “There were no rap songs [in the Top 40]…Two week drought came to an end with Megan Thee Stallion.” — Asante [133:23]
- Fran shouts out ILoveMakonnen (“I Don’t Sell Molly No More”), Bob Dylan (“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”), and Leon Thomas/Four Bats.
- Dustin shares “Gang Gang” and a viral TikTok remix, plus Jacques & Saint Jamaris’ “Work It Out,” and The Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You.”
- Asante features Stunna Sandy and Tame Impala (“Dracula”), closing with “Girlfriend” by Sticky Sit.
Notable Quotes
- “We talking to these filthy foot like Kodak Black, who has already admitted having poor hygiene…Why do your toenails look like Lot’s wife?” — Dustin [07:28]
- “We need people—boots on the ground.” — Dustin [115:12]
- “I’m exhausted of the smart. I was even thinking of getting rid of my [smart] watch.” — Fran [77:10]
- “There’s a reason that I do [these tech episodes]…because we need more in tech. We need as many Black people in as many sectors of the world possible.” — Asante [58:10]
- “Someone that lives alone and might need that level of assistance, this would be so incredible…But I know this isn't going to be something that's accessible to the masses.” — Fran [107:23]
- “She’s nothing but mouth and heigth.” — Clip cited by Dustin [116:46] (see episode title for context)
Wellness and Community Updates
(~119:43 - 131:57)
- Fran focuses on community-based disaster relief following Caribbean hurricanes (especially Jamaica and Haiti).
- Highlighted Orgs: WalkGood, Food for the Poor, World Central Kitchen, Hope for Haiti, and official Jamaican government channels.
- Requests listener suggestions for Sudan relief efforts and upcoming focus on SNAP benefits and food insecurity.
TV and Reality Roundup
(~149:50 on)
- Dustin offers quick recommendations:
- “Bell Collective” (OWN), “Real Housewives of Potomac,” Zeus Network realities, Netflix’s “Boots,” Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt.”
- Patreon subscribers will be watching “Unlocked: Family Secrets” with the crew.
Closing
- Celebratory and grateful—reflecting on 500+ episodes, community loyalty, and still having fun.
- Gentle warning: lean into both tech and tradition, and don’t let the “recipes” (cultural, familial, communal skills) vanish.
- “Let’s jump into this week’s segments...stay Black and protect your magic.” — Hey Fran Hey [154:24]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:25] — Kodak Black foot hygiene segment
- [09:06] — Weekend and milestone recaps
- [13:10] — 500-episode reflection
- [38:08] — Black Business Highlight (UCLA VIP Scholars)
- [56:54] — Main Topic: Tech, Nostalgia & Neo the Robot
- [86:08] — Neo Home Robot Deep Dive
- [119:43] — Wellness Segment: Caribbean Hurricane Relief Orgs
- [132:01] — Music & Pop Culture
- [149:50] — TV & Reality Recommendations
Overall Vibe & Takeaways
- Blend of laugh-out-loud moments, vulnerability, and practical advice.
- Celebrate cultural roots and keep up with change—but don’t let the “traditional recipes” be forgotten.
- Support each other, local business, and especially those in need—both close to home and abroad.
- Don’t buy a $20k robot just yet!
For full episode archives and Patreon video editions, visit patreon.com/thefriendzonepodcast.