Singing A Ransom Note

Summary

The Friend Zone – "Singing A Ransom Note" (Aug 5, 2026)

Hosts: Dustin Ross, Hey Fran Hey (Francesca), and Assanté
Podcast Theme: Mental health, mental wealth, and mental hygiene

---

Overview

This lively episode is a classic return to form for The Friend Zone after a short mid-year break. The hosts catch up on life milestones, celebrate community, give wellness check-ins, and dig into the juiciest piping-hot pop culture and reality TV topics. Listeners are treated to inside jokes, heartfelt moments, and a hilarious, sometimes irreverent, but always authentic, Black cultural lens on news and entertainment. The show’s signature warmth and bond between hosts shine throughout, balancing hot topics with personal vulnerability and community spirit.

---

Episode Structure & Key Segments

• Intro & Atlanta Energy (01:08)
• Hot Topics (45:32)
• Listener Recap: Wellness/Health Episode Feedback (26:19)
• Community/Personal Updates & Gratitude (13:20)
• TV, Music, and Pop Culture Recap (138:12)
• Wellness Check-in (102:42)

---

Detailed Breakdown

1. Opening Vibes & Atlanta Spirit

(Starts ~01:08)

• Dustin is recording live from Atlanta, invoking “the spirit of Atlanta" and referencing a viral Kandi Burruss (RHOA) interview and her response to ongoing “mean girl” drama with Tamar Braxton and Monica at Essence Fest.
• Dustin recounts the timeline and escalation of the Tamar/Kandi online beef, highlighting Tamar's habit of liking shady comments and Kandi’s eventual “I'm not dealing with this fake shit” response.
• The hosts encourage listeners to watch Kandi’s “Speak On It” YouTube episode ("I meant every word") for all the tea, with Dustin noting:

  “The video opens with her saying, ‘I don’t like that b****. I’m just gonna be honest. I cannot stand that b****.’ That’s how she opens it.“ (07:24, Dustin)

• The segment is filled with playful teasing and recapping reality TV shade.

  “Because who in the hell want to be on Kandi’s bad side? Not I.” (09:29, Dustin)

---

2. Community and Friendship Appreciation

(13:20–24:00)

• Dustin spotlights "Dab the Ink" and his new podcast Keep it Simple with Dab, inviting listeners to support Black-owned platforms.
• The hosts praise Dustin’s completed comedy tour, with Fran and Asanté sharing touching stories from attending shows.

  “For all of y’all to make time for me, it meant a lot.” (17:44, Dustin) “It was amazing. Thank you. God is good. More to come.” (20:36, Dustin)

• Shoutouts to friends/supporters from various cities, with emphasis on the importance of community, showing up for each other, and the magic of Black audiences.

---

3. Listener Recap: Health Episode Reflections

(26:19–37:25)

• Fran leads a recap of the prior health-focused episode with Wendy & Jess of Diabetes Digital, spotlighting Black women’s health, diabetes management, menopause/PCOS, and insurance insights.
• The hosts read comments from listeners profoundly affected by episodes, like Cee Lisa Bell:

  “I went through Diabetes Digital to find my dietitian earlier this year. My A1C went from 5.9 to 5.4.” (29:04, Asanté)

• Listeners and medical professionals flood the comments with thanks, personal stories, and advice. Tips include how to avoid insurance snares with labs, and the importance of advocating for women’s health.
• The hosts reflect on why these deeper, sometimes less "popular" episodes matter so much, affirming their commitment to soul-feeding content.

  “This is spiritual for real.” (30:57, Dustin) “My God, it’s so valuable.” (31:20, Fran)

---

4. Hot Topics with Dustin Ross

(45:32–100:08)

— A. Fun & Local Community News

• Atlanta restaurant Sea Salt hosts the “Drop Off Atlanta” party for moms celebrating the first day of school (46:33).

  “This was a party specifically targeted for moms… Drop your kids off and then go party in the morning.” (47:03, Dustin)

• Group reminiscing about beloved local eateries that have closed (e.g., R. Thomas in Atlanta, NYC’s Coffee Shop).

— B. Pop Culture, Shade, & Viral Moments

• Wiener Circle (Chicago): Rapper Malice accused (then cleared) of skipping out on a $9 sausage, with wild responses from staff celeb Poochie HBIC (56:52).

  “Get in the booth, Poochie. Get in the booth.” (59:03, Dustin)

• Martha Reeves (“Dancing in the Street”) delivers an iconic, off-key National Anthem at WPBL Game (87:00).

  “She sound like a ghost. Why is she singing like Boo Medea Halloween?” (88:59, Dustin) “What note is that? That’s a ransom note!” (92:07, Dustin)

  • Timestamp Notable Moment: Discussed from 87:00–92:28. The hosts crack up over rehearsal footage and “singing a ransom note.”

---

— C. Serious News — Social Issues & True Crime

• Sydney Star Arrest Story (60:26)

  • Trans reality TV personality allegedly charged with assault of a minor in Atlanta; hosts discuss the seriousness, the broader impact on LGBTQ+ community narratives, and reactions from local celebs like Alonzo Arnold.

    “You dirty ass liar and filthy fing pedophile. You knew what the f you was doing.” (62:25, Dustin) “Now they're gonna... giving another reason to think that gay people, sexual deviants...” (64:44, Dustin)

• Surrogacy Legal Battle (67:26)

  • Surrogate mother fighting intended parents who want to abort a fetus diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome; she wants the child to have a chance at life via surgery, while intended parents cite contract breach.

    “She’s gambling a lot... but I just really think there’s always gon’ be some goodness out there.” (75:20, Dustin) “This is a breach of contract—literally. But this is a human being, not a…” (72:46, Fran)

• Child Welfare: Mother's Viral Post (81:02)

  • Mother finds daughter’s hair snatched out after visiting her father, with no clear explanation—provoking outrage and discussion about step-parenting challenges and protecting Black children.

• Women’s Pro Baseball League (86:02)

  • Celebration of milestones in the WPBL (record broken), jokes about the “A League of Their Own” reboot potential.

---

— D. Reality TV & Rumor Correction

• Andy Cohen debunks rumors of NeNe Leakes returning to RHOA and confirms the current cast is returning (96:19).

  “There you have it. Straight from the horse’s mouth.” (97:39, Dustin)

---

5. Wellness Check-In & Personal Catch-Up

(102:42–129:10)

• The hosts reflect on their mid-year break:
  • Fran: Time in Nashville with lifelong best friend Claude Kelly, supporting Dustin’s shows, trip to NYC for old friends & family, heartwarming community moments.
  • Dustin: Working through the break on tour, coping with the recent loss of his beloved grandfather, and cherishing his legacy.

    “Grinding and grieving—while we grieve, we grind.” (109:42, Dustin) “When I came out, my grandfather told me, ‘Don’t you let nobody make you feel no kind of way about that. Not even...’” (115:38, Dustin)

  • Assanté: Enjoying downtime, getting his license/car, family visits, and planning for creative projects.
• Warmth and gratitude throughout this section, affirming the sustaining role of deep, long-term friendships and chosen family.

---

6. Music & TV Segments

(138:12+)

— Music Picks (“Listens Lately”)

• Fran:
  • Victoria Monet – "Me, Me, Me"
  • Baby Rose – "When I’m Gone" (from new album Urinalism)

    “No one’s exciting me more than Jalen Josie right now…” (143:18, Fran)

  • Davion Farris feat. Jalen Josie – "Feel"
• Dustin:
  • Steve Lacy – "Oh Yeah"
  • Larry June & Swizz Beatz – "Flex"
  • Chance the Rapper & Hurricane Wisdom – "Barbie Doll"
• Assanté:
  • Justin Bieber – "Go Baby" (Live at Coachella)
  • Yseult – "MTV"
  • Mariah Carey – "Here For It All"

— Music Industry Discussion

• Brief debate on where all the Black male superstars have gone in R&B; Assanté asks for listeners’ suggestions for up-and-coming male artists, encouraging community curation.

  “Are y’all gonna let new male artists really do their thing and try to support them, or just keep complaining…?” (134:42, Assanté)

  • Shoutout to “Yams The Playlist” as a resource (136:39).

— TV Land

• “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” season 17 reunion trailer – drama, body shaming, returns.
• “Ultimate Girls Trip” 20th-anniversary special marks NeNe Leakes’ official Bravo return.
• “Bell Collective” reunion, props for Kerri Paul.

---

7. Memorable Quotes & Iconic Moments

• Dustin, on Martha Reeves:

  “She sang that song like a ghost. Why is she singing like Boo Medea Halloween?” (88:59)

• Fran, on community and family:

  “There’s something about your friends that have been in your life that long. Like, honestly, nothing compares.” (123:49)

• Dustin, on surrogacy controversy:

  “She’s basically saying, like, no, I don’t give a damn what y’all said, take your baby, but I’m not gonna let y’all just not take a chance at saving this kid.” (73:06)

• Assanté, on the music industry:

  "Male artists have been kind of working around trying to find my eye and attention. But unfortunately, it's like they come and they go and I can't remember nobody." (134:24)

---

8. Closing Energy

• Affirmation for rest, community, and friendship.
• Reassurance for listeners that their support and patience with the show’s breaks are deeply valued.
• Encouragement for audience engagement, especially in health and music recommendations.

---

Notable Timestamps

| Time | Segment | Description | |---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:08 | Atlanta intro, Kandi/Tamar/Monica drama | Dustin's viral reality TV recap and shade | | 08:24 | Kandi’s “Speak On It” YouTube | Dustin teases the video—“I meant every word” | | 13:51 | Black Business highlight | Dustin introduces Dab the Ink’s new podcast | | 17:03 | Tour reflects & gratitude | Fran & Dustin reminisce over Nashville show | | 29:04 | Listener feedback | Wellness episode—the health impact for Black women | | 45:32 | HOT TOPICS w/ Dustin | Segment officially begins | | 47:03 | Drop Off ATL party news | First day of school, moms only | | 56:52 | Wiener Circle glizzy bandit story | Dustin recounts the Malice/Poochie HBIC viral debacle | | 60:26 | Serious news—Sydney Star arrest | Community impact & LGBT narratives | | 67:26 | Surrogacy legal/moral dilemma | Extended discussion over 7 mins | | 81:02 | Child welfare viral post | Hair snatching incident; outrage discussion | | 87:00 | Martha Reeves sings WPBL Nat'l Anthem | Hosts react, play rehearsal audio—iconic “ransom note” moment | | 96:19 | Andy Cohen RHOA rumor debunk | Clarity on Nene Leakes/season 18 cast rumors | | 102:42 | Wellness check-in | Hosts' summer break reflections | | 138:12 | Music segment: Listens Lately | Host song picks, R&B male superstars discussion | | 159:03 | TV Land | RHOA reunion, Ultimate Girls Trip, Bell Collective shoutouts |

---

Tone, Style, and Language

• Highly conversational, lively, and playful Black cultural tone
• Equal parts irreverent and deeply sincere
• Honest, sometimes profane, with a deep respect for community, friendship, and wellness
• Balanced between humor (sometimes dark), pop-culture expertise, and moments of real vulnerability

---

For New Listeners

This episode is a masterclass in what makes The Friend Zone a staple: friendship, keen cultural insight, advocacy for self-care, and the ability to cover both “musty-brain” topics and joyous Black excellence—in equal measure and with genuine heart.

Key Takeaway:
Come for the shade and hot topics; stay for the community, wisdom, and soul!

Transcript

[Francesca]

With Cricket Wireless, you can count on reliable nationwide 5G because Cricket Wireless is on the AT&T network, which means you can start listening to that new album that just dropped at home while running errands and at the gym without any hiccups. Find plans with unlimited data for every

[Asante]

lifestyle and price point.

[Francesca]

Switch to Cricket today.

[Ad Voice]

Every unforgettable night deserves a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Introducing the new Ralph's Club New York Parfum by Ralph Lauren. A bold expression of modern sophistication. An unexpected burst of black currant opens the scent with intensity, while a rich cognac accord adds depth and sensuality. Capture the energy of Manhattan's nightlife and discover Ralph's Club New York Parfum, A powerful, indulgent, and unforgettable scent that lasts long after the night has faded. Shop now.

[Dustin Ross]

Welcome to the Friends.

[Francesca]

Every time I'm in the zone.

[Dustin Ross]

My name is Dustin.

[Francesca]

I'm Francesca, also known as. Hey, friend.

[Guest/Contributor]

Hey.

[Asante]

My name is Asante.

[Dustin Ross]

This is the friend zone.

[Francesca]

She gets on my nerves. I'm tired of her. She's fake as. Oh, my God.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, that's right. That's right. Now.

[Guest/Contributor]

Damn.

[Dustin Ross]

That's right. Okay. It's so wrong. It's right. Might as well go left three times. Now here's the thing.

[Asante]

Wow.

[Dustin Ross]

Boom. Now here's the thing. That was for the people that went to school. Anyway, here's the thing. Yeah, that was Candy Burris, you know what I'm saying? And I happen to have that spirit of Atlanta in me because I'm recording live from Atlanta, Georgia, this week. Okay, that's right. Eight town dying. So, you know what I'm saying? You came down for Sierra.

[Asante]

No, I'm just.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes. So here's the thing. Here's the thing. That was candy birds getting some heat. Getting some. So letting some steam off about a prior conflict that she had with fellow Real Housewives of Atlanta castmate Marlo Hampton. At the time, Marlo had been calling Kandi all kind of hoes and shit on the show. And finally, when they asked Candy about it on the red carpet, that's how she responded. Because, you know, it do becomes, you know what I'm saying? Like, it gets to a point, you know what I mean, with certain things. And so sometimes people push you there. And every so often, Kandi Burris, who we know is focused on her future, focused on building businesses, her money, cementing herself into the Broadway landscape, you know, that's what she's focused on, but she can still be pulled back down to the mat. If prodded appropriately, bring in evidence. What happened last week? If you don't know, I'm about to tell you, tell the people. Everybody knows that during the 4th of July this year at Essence Fest, they had honored black women in music, right? Two of the honorees that. There were several honorees at the ceremony, the event. Candy Burris was an honoree. Mona Scott Young was an honoree. Missy Elliott, Monica, you know what I'm saying? These are people with long standing relationships and ties in the industry. They were all being honored. And there were people like Sherry shepherd, who was presenting these honors and a couple of others. There's a video clip that went viral where Tamar Braxton bulldozes her way up to the stage, right? She's not in honoree. She was not being presented. And she tries to. She's holding Monica's wrist. Monica freezes like Lot's wife, okay? Like she literally is frozen when her heart's not open, okay? She was frozen standing there. Candy has a permanent smile on, but she rolls her eyes like this rolled

[Asante]

the hell out of my eyes, you

[Dustin Ross]

know what I'm saying? When Tamar tries to speak to her, then Tamar moves to the side. She's kind of in the way. The video went viral. Tamar was in the comments of the video as people, because of course, the fandom people who are attached to Candy, to Tamar Braxton, to Candy, to Monica, everybody had an opinion on that. Nobody was in the comments liking shit except Tamar Braxton liking comments, calling Candy and Monica mean girls, saying that she could sing better than both of them. She's down there liking these comments and shit, right? As time goes on. And so Candy doesn't say anything. Monica, of course, you know, she ain't saying nothing. We just happy. Monica didn't pull nothing. You know what I'm saying? Cause we know, you know, what time it is. That's why we love Monica, you know, she's licensed, so. So nobody says anything. Tamar Braxton is being interviewed on a radio station by l'. Oreal. Shout out to l'. Oreal. She's interviewing Tamar.

[Francesca]

Tamar, haven't seen her in a minute.

[Dustin Ross]

She's interviewing Tamar and she asks her about it. And Tamar is like, there's no beef. I only beef with nobody but the devil. And there's no beef, you know, blah, blah, blah. Candy Burris hops in the comments, right? Kandi says, I'm gonna land this plane. Candy hops in the comments. She says, no beef, da da. Da. But you just walked past me at a party last Saturday and called me a bitch. She said, I can't deal with this fake shit. Right?

[Francesca]

Oh, my God.

[Dustin Ross]

The Internet went in the uproar. Everybody has something to say. So again, Tamar is liking comments. All that other stuff is going on. All of a sudden, we get this alert. Everybody who follows Candy, which you should be. If you're not, follow Candy on his YouTube.

[Asante]

Remember his favorite show?

[Francesca]

It was fun.

[Asante]

Sing it.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm not singing, Candy.

[Asante]

Do it for the Vine.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm singing about that food, but I'm not. Anyway, so.

[Asante]

Which also.

[Dustin Ross]

That's on Peacock, by the way. Anyway, so that's how you get back in focus on what you was talking about. So Candy all of a sudden releases this teaser on all her socials, her Instagram, her TikTok, her YouTube channel. Kandi Online teasing a speak on it. You know, she has a talk show called Speak on it on her YouTube channel where she has notoriously given her sign on things that are going on in the media, interviewed huge celebrities. She just did an interview with Mayor Andre. What's his last name? Dickens just did an interview with him. So she interviews all kind of talent.

[Asante]

It was amazing.

[Dustin Ross]

Candy got a whole video on her YouTube channel that I want y' all to watch. That was the whole point.

[Asante]

I already watched.

[Guest/Contributor]

So she.

[Dustin Ross]

She spoke on it, and she told what happened and why she has a problem with.

[Asante]

She was sitting down with a one one of her day ones, which I love day ones.

[Dustin Ross]

It would be like, one to discuss one of us having a conflict with somebody, how that's gonna go, you know what I'm saying? Like, you already know. So Kandy gave her side. But what she told us, and this is why y' all need to watch it, is that way, like. Like about a year ago, right? When. Remember when Tamar Braxton did that interview on the Nene Leak show, and she was like, candy. And we don't want to see her do bad. We want her to win. It's just, you know, Nene was making faces and shit, and Tamar was talking about Kandi's singing voice and all that shit.

[Guest/Contributor]

Mm.

[Francesca]

I never saw it.

[Dustin Ross]

Right before that, Tamar had talked about Kandi again, and Kandi had done some press, and she was like, you know what I'm not gonna get when you get in a circus with a clown, whatever. You know what I'm saying? Kandi said, what y' all don't know is Tamar texted me when she saw that, and she read the text message. Now, I'm not gonna go into detail on what the text was to say. After that, you're gonna have to go to Candy's YouTube page, go to Kandi online and watch her latest speaker on it called. I meant every word. Watch that. She goes into detail and I'll just say the video opens with her saying, I don't like that bitch. I'm just gonna be honest. I cannot stand that bitch. That's how. That's how she opens it. Tamar sent her message that in my.

[Asante]

No, that message is crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

You're my witness. No exaggeration. Tamar and Candy don't lie. She don't even drink. Candy literally read this text message that Tamar sent her that was so scandalous that I was moved to chorus to bring it here to the top of the show. Cause I want y' all to go watch that video.

[Asante]

I believe everybody.

[Dustin Ross]

So that's the point of this. Go to Kandi online on YouTube. Watch Kandi speak on it. It starts at about the 15 or 18 minute mark of the video.

[Asante]

Cause I walk into the party looking like a bag of money with a bag.

[Dustin Ross]

You're welcome. Hello. Okay. She's like, I'm not dealing with her. She said Tamar walked past her at this party, and right after she got behind her, she gonna say, that's our Candy situation.

[Asante]

I love everything about the interview. Her talking about Riley and sticking up with Riley where she said. And even hate not wanting that for her. I was like, you know, it's good to hear Candy talk about all of this, like, everything.

[Dustin Ross]

I felt I needed that update from her on a real nigga level like that. And that's what we got. So that's why I know our audience. I know that they'll appreciate that the other host even. Exactly. So there you go.

[Asante]

If y' all watch it already, leave your comments and feelings and opinions down below.

[Dustin Ross]

That's right. Put a peach emoji if you watch it. Anyway, with that being said. Understood. Welcome to the friend zone.

[Ad Voice]

You're.

[Dustin Ross]

We can look in all things mental health, mental wellness, and mental hygiene. Because who in the hell want to be on Candy's bad side? It's Candy, not I. That's.

[Asante]

I would actually love a check from the Candy Burst protections.

[Dustin Ross]

You know, it's just Candy, like, that's like getting into it with, you know, just a black person. You don't want to fuck with, like Angel Bassett or something. You know what I'm saying? Like, I don't want to argue with Angela Bassett. That's crazy. You know what I mean? Like Angela Bassett. No. So like, I wanna argue with Kate.

[Francesca]

Why does Tamar have issues with so many people? After a while you gotta. It's literally.

[Dustin Ross]

And it's so sad to everybody. Y' all know I have long been a supporter. I've always been clear about loving her voice. I think she's a gifted singer. I loved her for her album Love and War. I've loved some of her. Claude even wrote an amazing song called Raise the Bar on her third album or Calling All Lovers album. I love that. It's a beautiful song. I love her gifts and her talents. I even loved her on the real when she was the talk show host. But somewhere along the line she stopped, it seems, taking herself seriously. I don't know if it is tied into all of the personal turmoil, all the fucked up failed ass relationships. I don't know what it is. But like she. To me, it seems like she stopped taking herself seriously and now she's doing this kind of gutter ass shit. So it's just like, damn, Tamar, are you. So you really could really do some great stuff in entertainment. But it's like she is magnetically connected to mess and scuzzy dirt ball corners of the floor shit, you know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Because you come from such a.

[Dustin Ross]

Your sister's Tony Bradley's family.

[Francesca]

Yeah. So you could have picked a much different path. Yeah. I was gonna say a much cleaner trajectory.

[Dustin Ross]

Undeniably has a standout personality. Whether it's power for anyone or not is stand out. And that can be packaged and as you, you know. And I just. There was so much opportunity there, but I don't know. Kind of makes you lose the appeal. At least for me. I lost like the interest, you know, I still recognize the talent. I'm not no hater. Like, the talent is there, but I lost interest, you know what I'm saying? And I hate that.

[Asante]

Absolutely. Especially after this speak on it. I mean, it was really gone, but it's even. It's more than farther gone because it's

[Dustin Ross]

like, damn, you doing X Men and shit.

[Asante]

Yeah. It's like.

[Dustin Ross]

And once you get at the party, let's not give it away. So everybody watch it. That's the story. Welcome to the show.

[Guest/Contributor]

Right?

[Francesca]

Come back to the comments.

[Dustin Ross]

Hey, friend. Hey, Asante, how you doing?

[Francesca]

Hi, you guys. We're back. Yeah, we're back. That's a nice break.

[Asante]

Y' all enjoyed the content between yes.

[Francesca]

I'm actually really glad you mentioned that we shared Some previews of our Patreon content. We uploaded an episode of the Binge, which is our recap, our TV and film recap series on Patreon. We shared an episode where we discussed Unlocked Family Secrets, a show on own at Dustin so, so kindly brought to our awareness. And the episode that was my shit was about a creature's secret and how it just, you know, unraveled his family. A lot of you were fascinated by Dustin's recap of that episode. We also had an episode of the Situation that we shared with you where we showed you our discussion of Brandy's memoir Phases, and we shared the first episode of that conversation, so. Oh, my God.

[Guest/Contributor]

Oh, gosh.

[Francesca]

And we're glad that you guys enjoyed it. I did see a lot of you joined us on Patreon, so we're glad that you were excited about that content. But we are now back to regularly scheduled programming. With that being said, Dustin Ross, you have a black business that you'd like to highlight this week?

[Dustin Ross]

I sure do. And this is my friend, a very qualified friend who, you know, your friends are good at what you. What they do. You don't mind sharing it with the world. So some people are probably familiar with him, but his name is Dab the Inc. Dominique is his name. He is a Realtor in Atlanta, Georgia, but he has a huge platform on TikTok and Instagram offering social commentary, commentary on politics, nice news items, all that shit. And he started his own podcast, so we have to support him.

[Guest/Contributor]

Welcome.

[Dustin Ross]

That's right. You can find him on Instagram. Dab the Inc. D A B T H E I N K. And his podcast, y', all, okay, is called Keep it simple with Dab. Okay, Dab. If you go on YouTube and you search Keep it Simple with Dab Dab. It'll take you straight to his page. Give him a follow, subscribe to his page, subscribe to his podcast on all podcast platforms. It is now live. He's funny as hell. We from the same home state, so the flavor, you know what I'm saying? Just see eye to eye on certain shit. And he's a great, a great person. He actually came to my Atlanta comedy show and I was so grateful for that. He didn't have to do that. And he showed up and just like I said, this is some shit that I know y' all will like. It's smart, funny, humor and perspective. So that's this week's black business again. You can find him at Dab the Inc. On all platforms at D A B T H E I N K and just enjoy. You're welcome. Go to all his social platforms and tell him that the Friend Zone sent you. That's not just me, that's Friend and Asante, too. And y' all enjoy, because I know you will. And that's this week's Black Business shout out to my boy, Dab.

[Francesca]

Speaking of the Atlanta stop of your tour, let's clap it up for this leg of your tour being completed.

[Dustin Ross]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Asante]

Congratulations.

[Francesca]

I had the honor of witnessing the Nashville stop of the tour. It was also the closing show of that leg of the tour, which is really nice. You did a phenomenal job. Dustin, man, listen, like a seasoned vet up there, we.

[Asante]

What did you think of the first show to this show?

[Francesca]

You know what's funny? Claude asked me that. He was, like, being that you saw the very first one and the most recent, was it, like, different? I was like. The thing is, even from the first one, he wasn't nervous. And it was really flesh. Like, well fleshed out and sequenced. And it just was funnier because it was longer. Like, this was like an hour and a half. Right. Which I don't think the first one was.

[Dustin Ross]

No.

[Asante]

So.

[Francesca]

No, it was just. Yeah, to me, that was cool because we got so much more of just your content. But I thought that they were both great. Like, you know, you could see. You can see, like. Oh, the person was nervous at first, so they were kind of getting their feet wet, but I felt like you kind of just had it. Yeah, it just kind of.

[Dustin Ross]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Francesca]

Yeah, but I pulled up with the We Sound Crazy podcast in totality. Right.

[Dustin Ross]

These are busy, you know what I'm saying? Like, you. Y'.

[Guest/Contributor]

All.

[Dustin Ross]

Y' all are busy. That made time for me. Asante sent me the most beautiful flowers to my Atlanta show. Thank you for that. Those are the things that make you feel, I don't know, just. And rooted when you have to do something that makes you so vulnerable. Right?

[Francesca]

Hell, yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

So I just have an immense gratitude y' all pulled up for me. Fran,

[Francesca]

I was so happy to see you, too.

[Dustin Ross]

And you already know we got. We all have a relationship with each other, and so it just is so good to see y' all when I see y' all and that I'm in Nashville by myself. My granddaddy had just died and shit, and I was flying to the funeral the next fucking day.

[Francesca]

Crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

And literally, it was just the perfect time to. To see somebody who I knew loved me for real, you know what I'm saying? And that includes Claude Chuck, you know what I'm saying? It was so good to see Phil. It was just everybody. Much love to Timon had on the rude shit. You know what I'm saying? Like, much love to everybody. Like, I just. For all of y' all to make time for me. It meant a lot.

[Francesca]

Of course I was happy to be there. Especially knowing that your grandfather had just passed and knowing that you were having to push through to all of these cities with that on your back, you know, I was happy that we could be there waiting for you in the green room, you know, with hugs and kisses and.

[Dustin Ross]

Felt so good. For real.

[Francesca]

Affirming. Yeah. And can sit with you before your meet and greet. It was just perfect. I was so happy that we could.

[Dustin Ross]

And listen, I ain't even gonna hold you getting a compliment. You know what I'm saying? From friend. Hey, friend. Hey. Called fucking Kelly, Chuck, Hundy and tomorrow and Phil alone, but together at the same time.

[Francesca]

All of us loved you.

[Dustin Ross]

I was like, yo. And these niggas was laughing and shit. I'm like that, man.

[Asante]

You one of the powerful niggas.

[Dustin Ross]

Affirming. It was affirming. Like, you know, so.

[Francesca]

So. And the audience was such a fun audience. Shout out to Nashville. Y' all were.

[Dustin Ross]

Nashville pulled up for me, wasn't it?

[Francesca]

Love the engagement. Like, how they were joking back with you. Like, it was just a great city.

[Dustin Ross]

Much love to Trish from Love and Marriage, Huntsville. Much love to her friend. I'm gonna call her this. Cause this will make her laugh. Her friend with the Cassie haircut. That's what I called her on my commentary online. And when she pulled up on me at the show, she's like, I'm her friend with the Cassie haircut. Great sports. Shout out to them. Shout out to Tambra from Bell Collective, who put up on me in Atlanta. Much love. Much, much love to Tambra. It's so many fucking people. Shout out to my. My sis, Blue. Talusma Blue from our talk show Monday Night Live, pulled up on me in Boston. Shout out to Luis Antonio. He put up on me in Boston. Beantown. He's a special, wonderful person, gifted storyteller and photographer. So these people seem to make time for me. It just felt so good, and I just have so much gratitude. In addition to every single person that bought a ticket, everybody that went. It was raining in some of these cities on show day and shit.

[Francesca]

Oh, yeah, it was pouring. People in the rains everywhere.

[Dustin Ross]

Black. Black people came out with their hair in the rain.

[Asante]

For me, you know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Everyone was dressed so cute.

[Dustin Ross]

This is just beautiful.

[Francesca]

I can only speak for Nashville because that's the stop I was at. But all the girls, when we were pulling up in the car, everybody got ready. All the girls coming out and having it, dropping their cars with valet. I was like, look at these women.

[Dustin Ross]

So many people. My family was at the Nashville show shout out to my cousin Jay and her daughter Jessica. My little cousin. Exactly. We saw each other at the meet and greet. But I'm not gonna go on and on, but just. I'm sorry.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Asante]

You put in a lot of hard work and you deserve all the time because you have more.

[Dustin Ross]

Thank you so much, man. Thank you.

[Francesca]

Yeah. I'm so excited for you. It was amazing.

[Dustin Ross]

Thank you. God is good. More to come. I'll be back on the road before the end of the year, so more to come. And thank you. All I can say is just thank you. Thank you to Eats. Thank you to City Winery. I had incredible partnership with them on this tour. Thank you to City Winery, New York City Winery, Philly, City Winery, St. Louis, City Winery Chicago, City Winery Boston, City Winery Atlanta, City Winery Nashville. I have to say, what a great partner, because all the staff at each location was so great.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

So they're so grateful. Wonderful partner. Can't wait to do it again. See go some more cities. Like, I love telling jokes on stage, and I'm just so thankful to be able to do it. So thank you.

[Asante]

You're amazing at it and the people love you. Shout out to all the listeners that showed up, Dustin, Because a lot of listeners, they left comments every week that they were coming. A lot of people left comments that they came and they enjoyed it.

[Dustin Ross]

Man, I'm so thankful. They've been with us since day one. They can't tell me.

[Francesca]

Every show, I went to use the bathroom and these girls came in just to give me a hug.

[Dustin Ross]

See Fran.

[Francesca]

I couldn't even be mad. I just thought it was cute. It was literally seven women.

[Asante]

Fran.

[Dustin Ross]

Fran comes out. When she come out, it's like Sade coming to your shit. You know what I'm saying?

[Asante]

That never really got power. You brought Fran out.

[Dustin Ross]

No, it was not my girl, man.

[Francesca]

It was. Honestly, it was great. And one of the girls was like, are you here with Claude? I was like, I am watching

[Asante]

now. She was trying to make a double play. Like, who?

[Dustin Ross]

The old girl And Listen friend And the We Sound Crazy podcast had that on. I ain't posted my pictures. Shout out to my incredible photographer, Paige from now.

[Francesca]

Oh, yeah, she was really nice.

[Dustin Ross]

Paige was super dope.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Paige put together a carousel and posted it, but I still have to go through all the assets and post it, so. And to put our, you know, my personal friends. And I'm gonna put something. I'm gonna send them to you and Claude and everybody.

[Francesca]

Oh, cute.

[Dustin Ross]

Y' all gonna see the We Sound Crazy podcast. And friend, they. They put that on and pull it up to my show. That's a high compliment in of itself. So, you know, thank you.

[Francesca]

We love you too. You did a phenomenal job. And speaking of one last tangent, speaking of City Winery and shows, while I was in Nashville, I went to dinner with the guys of We Sound Crazy on the following day, because I stayed in Nashville for like a week. And, yeah, it was amazing. And Phil was telling me how Funky Dineva is going on tour.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

And it's going to be a City Winery partnership as well. And so he was telling me that Funky wasn't stopping in Nashville. And I was like, well, why would he not stop in Nashville? That makes no sense. And then Phil's like, well, you tell him. And so he FaceTimed him. And it was so funny because I was like, you messing with him? He's probably in bed. Leave that man alone. He opens the FaceTime and he's in bed like, fran, that sound, like, cute.

[Dustin Ross]

That sound, like him.

[Francesca]

And I was just like, first of all, him and I haven't seen each other since, like, I mean, it has to be well over a decade. So that felt really nice. The love was still there. We love each other. From our, you know, my earlier YouTube days.

[Dustin Ross]

He's doing so good.

[Francesca]

He's doing phenomenal. And it was so cute just getting to chop it up with him. And he was like, what the hell you doing in Oregon? And he was saying he wants to do some witch weirdo shit like that and just move out the way. Quentin, you know, but it just made me happy because he is also about to do his stand up comedy tour. And I'm just, like, so excited for y', all because to me, that's the scariest thing possible.

[Dustin Ross]

Long time coming.

[Francesca]

Hands up there. Yes.

[Dustin Ross]

Long time coming for hands.

[Francesca]

He's gonna do amazing. I actually have to fly into one of those cities.

[Dustin Ross]

Let me know because we can figure

[Guest/Contributor]

that out and do it.

[Asante]

Let's go. Let's go together.

[Francesca]

So cute.

[Dustin Ross]

Like, we should do it. He sat on my couch in my apart, and I can talk about it now that this idea is out. And he was telling Me how that was something he wanted to do or whatever. And I just. I really told him, like, you should do it because can't nobody do that shit like you.

[Francesca]

No.

[Dustin Ross]

You know what I'm saying? Like, nobody.

[Francesca]

Unique signature, you know, I'm excited for him. Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

I have two more notes I can't forget. Number one, shout out to Don Juan. First of all, shout out to Q. Right.

[Francesca]

We love you, Funky. You're amazing.

[Dustin Ross]

They're working together on that show, so shout out to Don Juan.

[Asante]

Nice.

[Dustin Ross]

Came to my Atlanta show, too. Shout out to his aunt Paris. Love her. Shout out to him. And then also shout out to Chris Diggins and Alexander Rogers from Pop Roast. They had their first live show in New York City.

[Francesca]

Oh, nice.

[Dustin Ross]

Live at The Green Room 40 cabaret. Great job. They were naturals on stage. They did so good and it was good to see them pack the bitch out. Sold it out. It was good to see them in a live space and I was just happy to be there. If you know anything about the Pop rose show on YouTube, you already know. I was laughing all motherfucking night.

[Francesca]

I know them from you because you love them so much.

[Dustin Ross]

So shout out to them and keep going, fellas. That was dope.

[Francesca]

I love it. We gotta highlight all of our folks out here.

[Asante]

Hell yeah.

[Francesca]

Jump into the recap segment, shall we? So I'm like, how many, how many weeks ago? Two weeks ago, we had an episode titled Perry Perry Sauce featuring Wendy and Jess of Diabetes Digital. Clap it up for these brilliant women.

[Dustin Ross]

We're not clapping for diabetes. We clapping for Winnie and Jess, y'. All. Yeah.

[Asante]

Because it was.

[Dustin Ross]

The timing was right.

[Francesca]

Formerly known as Food Heaven Made Easy. We had a very, very important conversation with them. It was like a mid year health check in, I'd say, where we discussed the difference between perimenopause and menopause, the recent change from PCOS to pmos and what that means for your care. Right. Black women and hrt, pre diabetes and diabetes, insulin resistance, fibroids. I mean, we touched on so much in that episode and I was very, very proud of it. And I'm blessed. Most importantly, I was happ the women who are in the comments, like, thank you, my God. Like, especially as black women, we're not getting the research that we deserve, the care that we deserve. And so I'm glad that we can use our platform to share, you know, different views and different options for your care. So those of you listening had a lot to say. Who stood out to you? Asante.

[Asante]

Yes. A lot of those black Women you speak of stood out to me, especially in those Spotify streets. Starting with with World Class mc the comment reads so glad you had the Diabetes Digital ladies again. I listened to their last episode in early 2024. Little did I know I would be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes later that year. While it was a shock, I remembered that episode and went back to re listen and then check out their own podcast. It helped me to better understand and come to terms not just the diagnosis but what I could do to naturally address the symptoms. Excuse me me, I've managed it ever since with diet and lifestyle changes. Shout out to you World Class mc. Actually don't know your pronouns but I just knew you was in the comments. Excuse me but there are a lot of black women in the comments as well. But that's a black person in the comments. I want to share assuming but L

[Dustin Ross]

Y T E N I T Y.

[Asante]

Excuse me, I know you said like I know I'm sorry we double adhd. It was not good. Excuse me. More on to more important a black woman. See Lisa Bell's comment.

[Dustin Ross]

My pronouns are L Y T E. My pronouns are L Y T E on the bet on the 2026 BET or you know how MC life be the voice of God on the VTO. My pronouns are L y t.

[Guest/Contributor]

See

[Asante]

Lisa Bell's comment reads thanks to the Friend zone. I mean so heavy that even as I'm trying to read past

[Guest/Contributor]

are both

[Asante]

at this microphone echoing because she's trying to. Because she's trying to out like Dustin who is impersonating her.

[Dustin Ross]

Coming up next, L Y T E.

[Asante]

The comment goes on to read. I went through diabetes through Diabetes Digital to find my dietitian earlier this year. I have been working with Cecilia since March and through her Nutritional guidance my A1C went from pre diabetes level of 5.9 to 5.4 as of last week.

[Dustin Ross]

Additionally. Right, we gotta clap for that.

[Francesca]

No y' all like that's so serious

[Asante]

now look, this is three weeks ago so I'm praying for you see Lisa Bell, you're going down even more. But you know I'm not. I'm you know just gonna add that as part of the claps. And the comment goes on to read. Additionally, all of my cholesterol levels before the start of this year were elevated and now my levels are all normal. Jesus. I am a 50 year old black woman who is in the throes of menopause and I am with the Lord for the care of this podcast Lisa Bell. We are see Lisa but We are grateful for listeners like, yes, we are. That's why when amazing people like Wendy and Jess come to give us amazing information such as that and share it, we are just so. Just glad that you all can receive it.

[Dustin Ross]

But the thing about it is this. For real, for real. Seeing this. Don't laugh. But here's the thing. Anybody grateful?

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Asante]

And, you know, it's funny.

[Dustin Ross]

But here's the thing, you know, it is. It is like, it's so creepy in the best way, right? To me, when we watch the show work in real time, like, yeah. When people come up to you out in the street and they say, hey, yes. To the show and this episode, even like the insurance, the people that were writing in saying, hey, I was able to make. You changed.

[Francesca]

Yes. You changed my. My finances. Like, yes. This is health. This is finance. It's just so serious.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

And that's the magic part to me.

[Asante]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

I think that's why I was moved to a gospel chorus.

[Asante]

Yes.

[Dustin Ross]

Because I believe this is spiritual for real.

[Francesca]

That's all jokes aside. And you know what? Those aren't. This is why you have to make the content that you want to make. Because a lot of times those aren't the most popular episodes. It's not necessarily what the masses want to hear, but you know that it's gonna hit the person that's gonna hit that whole.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

Like, that to me, is just. My God, it's so valuable. I'm so happy that y' all wrote in to let us know and we

[Dustin Ross]

got that number one record with a feature from our girls, Wendy and Jess. You know what I'm saying? It's a family affair, you know what I'm saying? We wanna thank the ac And I

[Francesca]

love that too, that y' all have really been signing up and working with them because that's amazing. I love the transfer, you know, of energy between all of our friends and each other's businesses. Anything else? Asante.

[Asante]

Last two comments I'm going to share is. Tiff's comment reads, I'm with Jess on the iron transfusions. I got some last year after years of low Iron baby. I was a superhero. Lol. This was such a good episode, which led me into my last comment from nursey. Nurse. Nurse Sid. Sorry, Nurse.

[Guest/Contributor]

It.

[Asante]

Comments read. Comments read. I love this episode, not only because I'm a nurse in healthcare, but there's a lot of things that people don't know regarding their health, about. About their health, unless they're Told excuse me, I wanted to touch on friends level. Being nine, I've been in a trend an infusion nurse for eight years and I give iron to about eight patients a day who are not my only patients. When your iron slash ferritin is that low, patients only absorb 10 of iron pills, iron, liquid, etc I was just like damn, that's crazy because I feel like I struggle with low iron too. So when I take supplements and things I ain't realized I really had to be on it on it like that if it's only that if the absorption can be that low but also both of them talking about the low iron made me reflect that. I was like oh, that's something I need to read into. And Wendy and Jess, you know they had a lot to say about that as well last week. So great episode friend. What did you find out there in those streets?

[Francesca]

And thank you to all the doctors and nurses who chimed in. We're in the comments too giving people advice and just you know, contributing to the discussion with their own clinical perspective. A lot of you are very worried for me. A lot of, a lot of mom slash doctors and nurses like friend, go get that infusion, stop playing. I was like okay, hold on. You know I'm, I'm still doing my research but I'm figuring it all out

[Asante]

and I, you know how you're my driving friend. Be my infusions friend and let me know what you find.

[Francesca]

Yeah, you know I'm figuring it out. But Karen Lee said, fran, I hope you find the root cause. I ended up getting blood transfusions due to a lack of iron. So her got serious. She said, then I went to monthly iron infusions which made me feel feel so much better. The root was due to three fibroids that were whooping my ass. I ended up getting a hysterectomy as all other options didn't make sense for my age and lifestyle. After 2021 I have a brand new life after feeling sick for almost five years. Feel better friend. And that was very similar to what a lot of women were were explaining they had experienced too. A lot of the issues being due to fibroids. A lot of women getting having to get hysterectomies. Nisha said, I love this episode. I wanted to add as an insurance expert to call your insurance company and ask who your in network lab is for your plan before getting the blood work done. Don't make any assumptions and be advised that only your insurance company would know the answer. Once you know you're in network lab. Tell your doctor to only send the lab work to that lab. If you do not specify your doctor will send it to wherever they want. And that lab may not be in network even if your doctor or doctor's office is. The difference between sending labs to an in network place versus out of network. Could be thousands of additional dollars. I am not exaggerating. Nisha, the insurance lady, I didn't even know that.

[Asante]

See, but, but, but you know, I

[Francesca]

knew that about like the doctor's office, whether you're in network or not. But I didn't know that the lab had to be in network is like God damn.

[Dustin Ross]

Like that. I never worried about the damn lab. That's not my concern. That's none of my concern. It's just not.

[Asante]

You know, I hate to say, Dustin, you write when you write though, because to go. To add. To go from. No, from your earlier point about this podcast, the way that it works from us to go from the nurses and healthcare folks to the insurance folks to be like, don't forget about on this, by the way, beautiful that you all listen to this and take this in and share with us and add to the landscape.

[Francesca]

I did not know that. Thank you.

[Asante]

Yeah, because that's crazy. I never would have thought that.

[Francesca]

Never. I would assume if it's an in network doctor, it would be an in network. Yeah, that's how they get you. Capitalism is a motherfucker. Tiffany said thank you for this episode as an OB GYN that just finished residency and will soon be start right. Clap it up.

[Dustin Ross]

Wrong girl with your rich ass. You doing residency?

[Francesca]

I'm about to say. What city are you in?

[Dustin Ross]

Tiffany, you eligible Bachelorette, I'm assuming. Is she single? As if so. Oh, darling, you're great.

[Asante]

You know I'm supporting your girl.

[Dustin Ross]

Your man listening. Tighten up, okay? Cause you got a winner. Baby, you gotta. You better be eating that. You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

She says she's starting her first job as an attending and they were taught about Women's Health initiative studies and how much fear it put into our community to prescribe hrt. Unfortunately, this is a concept that we still hear from our patients frequently. This episode is so important as HRT is not only beneficial for the well known menopausal symptoms of like hot flashes and night sweats, but it also decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis after menopause. I hope that this episode helps women in our community at least start that conversation about HRT with their providers again. Thank you so much. For bringing awareness to this. So Those are my 3 comments. Thank you Asante for sharing yours. Dustin Ross. What did you find in those Twitter streets?

[Dustin Ross]

I love when the academics and the medical professionals start popping they shit. You talking about a nasty lethal like, like vicious slicing blade of words, right? If you twist it that way, I love it. Anyway, only thing I want to share this is niche content, right? So forgive me if this ain't your thing but roller coasters is important to me and you know we didn't had

[Francesca]

a bunch of happen how much they mean.

[Dustin Ross]

First of all, Kumba at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Now you might not even know what that ride means but if you've ever seen an ad for Busch Gardens and you've seen that teal roller coaster spinning around like that and just iconically associated with Busch Gardens Tampa, it closed.

[Asante]

Oh man, I ain't no hater. What's wrong? Yeah, why they took the Kumba.

[Dustin Ross]

After 30 plus years of operation, Kumba's gone. But they also announced an upcoming replacement called Kumba's Revenge that is rumored to be up. It's rumored. This is roller coaster. It's rumored to be a giga coaster which means that the heel and first drop are over 300ft. If so, it'll be something to be spoken of in. In South Florida or in Florida roller coaster whatever. Anyway, other thing is this some Atlanta. There's a small park. Well, there was a small park here called Fun Spot Atlanta, right? Yeah, they have a couple of Fun Spot parks all over but it closed recently. They had just added a world class roller coaster which was so random because this is a small community style part like very small. It's not like a Six Flags or anything, but they got a roller coaster of the quality and ilk that would have been represented at a Six Flags or Cedar Fair or.

[Francesca]

And then they went broke because of it.

[Dustin Ross]

I don't know if that's why but the roller coaster community has been. I mean we are just really. I mean we are real. Just can't believe it. So it's rumored. So the car, the ride is called Airy Force One. A R I E Force One. And the CEO, there's a tweet from the Fun Spot America Twitter account. This is my tweet of the week. That's why I have to get us there.

[Asante]

Okay.

[Dustin Ross]

It says a message from and that is at Fun Spot America on Twitter because who in the is going to call it.

[Asante]

And this park just closed on April 2nd 2nd. So this is breaking August.

[Dustin Ross]

I mean August 2nd yesterday, two days ago.

[Guest/Contributor]

Two days ago.

[Dustin Ross]

Like Portia said, I asked you two days ago. So look, it says a message. And look when the message came two days ago, it says, it says a message from our CEO in this very special special day. He says because we people are healing, you know, people need healing behind this. And this is for my roller coaster community brethren and sister and them they then that are listening to this. Right? So it says thank you to everyone joining us for one last ride. We hope today is filled with unforgettable moments, meaningful memories and one last incredible day together. People are upset about this ride clothes, but it's rumored that it's going to be bought by another park and they're going to be able to disassemble it, move it and then relocate it and then reassemble it according to the topography of the lands. Somewhere if it's another park. So this is roller coaster nursery.

[Francesca]

We had to get in the woods.

[Dustin Ross]

There's going to be an update.

[Asante]

Can I just say, Dustin, on like the randomness of note, whoever is like in charge of like the marketing for this is doing such a good job because like the message on the website is so nice and lovely. Like we have had. We made so many memories in Atlanta and Atlanta is one of those places where businesses are just not nice. So I'm just like damn sad to see a nice business.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes, they have a few other parks.

[Francesca]

Okay.

[Dustin Ross]

I think maybe three in total. Assante, if you're on the website still. I don't know.

[Asante]

I am, but I only look it. It only gives me. It's the Atlanta website.

[Ad Voice]

Hold on.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, it took you to the Atlanta. Yeah, well, they have multiple parks. I do know that. But the Atlanta park.

[Francesca]

Damn.

[Dustin Ross]

Let's go. You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Rest in peace.

[Dustin Ross]

That's my tweet for the week and

[Francesca]

that means that that is it for the intro. Do you guys have any announcements or anything you'd like the audience to know before we jump in?

[Dustin Ross]

No.

[Francesca]

No. Well, let's jump in there.

[Dustin Ross]

We have to be back.

[Guest/Contributor]

Back.

[Dustin Ross]

We missed y'. All. Shout out to y' all for sticking around, you know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Right. And for listening to our preview episodes. We appreciate that support as well because they.

[Dustin Ross]

They got spun. The records got some spins. So thank you and thank you, Patreon. We love you, Patreon.

[Francesca]

We do love you.

[Asante]

And if you're new here and you're wondering what this is, Dustin welcomes you in the intro already. But you know, we're a good time. So if you've had fun thus far, stick around for what's about to happen next.

[Francesca]

Next, let's jump into this week's episode.

[Asante]

I don't know who needs to hear this, but your bank account has been trying to tell you something because we all have subscriptions and a lot of the subscriptions that we have we don't remember signing up for. At least I know that's my case. I'm tired of 8.99 every month going somewhere and I forget how I got there or why I signed up for it. Well, here I am to tell you guys about Rocket Money. Rocket Money is something that we've talked about before. They can help you with your budget goals. You can see personalized insights, get regular reports, and they send you email notifications, which I love because that notifies me about my money. And I'm not so surprised when I log into my banking app to see how much money I got. Rocket Money is a personal finance app that helps find and cancel unwanted subscriptions, monitor your spending, and helps lower your bills so you can grow your savings. Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster and [e-mail] zone that's rocketmoney.com zone rocketmoney.com zone the summer schedule

[Francesca]

can get busy really fast, right? With camps, vacations, sports and family time. I Excel, however, makes it easy to keep learning as part of the routine with just a few minutes a day. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning, whether they're building math confidence, strengthening reading and writing skills, or reviewing their science concepts. IXL is used in 96 out of the top 100 school districts in the US and studies show that kids who use IEXCEL score higher on tests and it's been proven in all 50 states. I know that during the summertime the kids just want to be outside, or hopefully they do. Or they want to be playing their video games on the phone with their friends, scrolling through their apps. And it might not be the easiest time trying to get them to stay sharp on their math, stay sharp on their reading and their studies overall. But like IXL says, just a few minutes a day will make sure that when school starts in September, they're not looking at the screen like oh my God, just completely numbed out from summer. So I think it's worth checking out and it's worth incorporating into their day to day. So if you're interested, you can make an impact on your child's learning. This Summer. By getting IXL now and the Friend Zone, listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com friendzone visit ixl.com friendzone to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Happy learning. This week's episode is a Dustin production. Yes, it is today. Dustin Ross.

[Dustin Ross]

Listen, you gotta know what your thing is. Y' all know my thing. I love entertainment news and I love just sharing information with you. All that I think will be useful and. Or funny and shocking even. So y' all know what time it is. It's time for Hot Topics. Play the windy music.

[Francesca]

We need to get a little too a theme song for your Hot Topics.

[Dustin Ross]

Maybe we can get Claude and Chuck to produce it like they did for the Esther Roll Black Excellence Award on We Sound Crazy. Which I can't wait to talk more about.

[Francesca]

They are so crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

Anyway, it's time for Hot Topic. So I figured this week we would start things off with something light, you know what I'm saying? Because we do have some things that are a little deeper and darker on the docket this week. But I thought this was so dope. Right? Right. Atlanta restaurant. Okay. Hosts quote the drop off party ATL this past Monday, August 3rd, for moms on the first day of school.

[Francesca]

Oh, my God. I saw that.

[Guest/Contributor]

I know, right?

[Francesca]

Sharel Our friend Sharia posted in her Instagram, yes.

[Dustin Ross]

Shout out to a real one. Shout out to you, Shar. I thought this was the dopest. This is so dope. Like, so dope. Shout out to Sea Salt. Sea Salt is the restaurant where this party took place. Their address is 1801 Howell Mill Road. Now, it's a lot going on with these Atlanta restaurant owners right now. So I'm not. This ain't no ad. I'm just telling you where it took place.

[Francesca]

Right, right.

[Dustin Ross]

With that. What you want? Cause toes got us fucked up. But anyway, what? So they posted a flyer for a party that took place on Monday, August 3rd, which here in Atlanta was the first day of school for students that were returning this fall. This party took place. Doors opened at 8:30am okay. On Monday morning. So this was a party specifically targeted for moms. Okay? And it's called the Drop Off Atlanta. It was at Sea Salt and how Mill Road, they wrote on August 3rd. We're taking over Sea Salt for another morning of great music, incredible energy and exceptional company. This is your official reminder the morning of August 3rd. You're off duty. It's a moment to connect with Other amazing moms network explore the restaurant menu options, dance and more. So this was a party for the morning of the first day of school. It's called the drop off Atlanta. Drop your kids off and then go party in the morning.

[Francesca]

First of all, brilliant marketing.

[Dustin Ross]

Bingo. Hello. I said, this is my kind of parenting right here. You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

My favorite was the clip of all the moms, moms standing on the table with their arms in the air. They said them kids, I love this

[Dustin Ross]

and I think there needs to be more of this. Bring the fun back into being a parent.

[Francesca]

Everybody act like that and the support, just the community. I like that for the parents for sure.

[Dustin Ross]

Everybody act like Tanisha's mama or Kanisha's mama on Lean on Me. Remember how mean her mama was. She ain't want her and shit. Threw her out like just a mean ass. Everybody act like that. Now bring the joy back to parenting, you know, and things like this ensure it. This makes you be in a good mood because you know you about to go party. So you dropping your kid off in a good mood, right?

[Francesca]

Hugging a party.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, exactly. Bye little. See you later. You know, I love it.

[Francesca]

Is it just me or is school starting earlier?

[Dustin Ross]

And earlier I said the same thing.

[Francesca]

I said, when does school start? The first week of August.

[Dustin Ross]

We used to start after Labor Day. But I do remember that being something that came later in my. In my primary education or whatever.

[Francesca]

My primary starting later came later.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes. Originally we went back to school in August every year. And then I remember it started. They started having us come back after Labor Day because we would have that weekend off anyway. And I remember the school year calendar, the academic calendar shifted in that way. And that was how it was until I graduated high school. I don't know what the hell they doing now, but these kids go back early.

[Francesca]

Yeah. Because I'm like trying to remember, unless I'm tripping, but I felt like, like school started in September. The only one, the only time I went in August was for college because you had to, you know, come prepare your. Your dorm and all the shit that comes along with going away to school. But this just felt really early. But the thing too is they get out in like May.

[Dustin Ross]

That's which I know these parents be pissed.

[Asante]

Yep.

[Francesca]

Cause that's like, what. That's not when the summer starts.

[Asante]

Yeah, I remember some random shift too. And I remember there being a conversation about even like, like how you were saying, friend, how the school year is different for like college too. There was like a high School conversation or maybe it was like a private versus public about whether they were going to do schools. Like how they do it now versus in three month. In three months, you know, off one month or something like that and rotating. It be crazy.

[Francesca]

Parents can't afford that, right? The kid need to be in school, right? Parents have to go home.

[Asante]

I remember being a kid at school being like a month off and then, you know, going for it straight. Like I don't want just that one month off. Like. Like summer was a thing and I

[Dustin Ross]

wanted to be conflicted. Summer break.

[Asante]

Thank God that never happened.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, fuck all that, man.

[Asante]

Man. What?

[Francesca]

And wait. Last little thing too. So our Thomas was my favorite restaurant. Are you telling me it's not a thing anymore? I just found out today and I wanted to cry, friend.

[Dustin Ross]

Life is changing, friend.

[Asante]

You know I thought of you too and I should have hit you cry.

[Francesca]

But when did this happen?

[Asante]

I don't know, friend. I just found this out too. And I was like, are Thomas.

[Francesca]

No, Dustin, you don't understand. When I lived there, I was there every week. Every week. Didn't we go asante?

[Asante]

And that's why I said, I thought of you, friend. That's why when I found out I was. It closed this year. I see a news article in February.

[Francesca]

You know how I found out? Y' all know Baby Rose? It was an interview and she was talking about, I guess she's from Atlanta. And they were asking her questions about her life in Atlanta. And they asked her what's her favorite late night place to eat. And she said she was like, it could be Waffle House, but it could be our Thomas. But then I saw her write in the comments, rest in peace, our Thomas. And my heart dropped. I said, wait, these Atlanta restaurants at

[Asante]

art Thomas, like you said, like friends been a thing. So the fact that you had just seen that too is like crazy that it's been gone so it's been going strong for so long.

[Francesca]

But as I didn't get my last our time. But that's just because you're talking about Atlanta restaurants. I just had to.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, listen. And we gonna pay respects, you know

[Francesca]

what I'm saying, for that restaurant. Oh my God.

[Dustin Ross]

Anyway, hit that Maya Angelou, friend.

[Asante]

No, for real, friend. You friend. You too real for that, friend. I'm so.

[Dustin Ross]

Atlanta is gonna look. Atlanta gonna be like friend.

[Asante]

Atlanta gonna feel you are in this one, friend.

[Francesca]

I'm so devastated.

[Asante]

Oh my God. I just looked this up the other day and I was like, wait a minute. What?

[Francesca]

That's just as bad as coffee shop on 14th street closing down. Like, those two have affected me on a cellular level. Like. Like there's some. There's some, like, community pillars that just. Anyway.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes. And once they gone, it ain't right.

[Francesca]

It ain't.

[Guest/Contributor]

Cuz what.

[Francesca]

What could have been. What was the reason?

[Dustin Ross]

What was the reason?

[Asante]

Union Square had a lot of. It just had a lot of things. A lot of places, a lot of pieces. I can see that coffee shop was there for so long.

[Francesca]

God, that was my spot. Like, that was my spot. I would take everybody there.

[Dustin Ross]

Meetings.

[Asante]

I think of you in coffee shop a lot as well, friend.

[Francesca]

Right. Because if I had. If we were meeting. Yeah. I'd always be like, come meet me at coffee shop. Like, that was kind of just my midpoint.

[Asante]

And I just think about you just looking as good as you do and throwing your hair and doing your thing,

[Dustin Ross]

and just by pulling up the coffee shop. What about vapiano?

[Asante]

Now, see, vapiano don't be gone.

[Francesca]

There should go on.

[Dustin Ross]

Bingo on. It's a PF Changs.

[Asante]

It's a. Yep.

[Francesca]

That's the only thing.

[Dustin Ross]

Them lettuce wraps held us down for years. Y' all know we love the PF Chang's lettuce wrap.

[Guest/Contributor]

Fancy.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah. But papiano.

[Francesca]

Oh, you know what? You and Jade, for some reason, who I think about with, I was thinking xp.

[Asante]

I know that was his.

[Dustin Ross]

He's the one who introduced me to it. XD is xd.

[Asante]

Xd. XD is shout out to xd. You are connector, person, friend.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes, he is.

[Asante]

You know, you just deserve so much.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm still. I'm so damn mad. That fool was good.

[Asante]

XD used to make me go with him to vapiano when we would randomly get on the China bus back in the day. Cuz he be like, you ain't never been on the China bus. Call me on a China bus. Like, XT, what the is this? We get to D.C. he like, you know, they got vapiano here. We going to vapiano.

[Dustin Ross]

It's like traditional again. Felt fancy. You know, vapiano was budget friendly. I love vapiano, man.

[Francesca]

I low key. Feel like one of our last, like, full group dinners where it was all of us before everyone kind of started moving around. Was vapiano's upstairs. I don't know what we were celebrating. Maybe it was after someone after a live show. I don't know. But I do remember vapianos being that last.

[Dustin Ross]

I have a picture, and Jade has a picture of me holding Noah As a newborn upstairs at vapiano, Noah is literally laying on my shoulder, and I'm looking like. And we. Emma and vapiano.

[Francesca]

I'm a child that is now taller than me. Okay.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes. Love vap.

[Asante]

Whoever decided. And it's amazing that you have. I have a picture with her at the edify too. So that's amazing. And I have a little video videos of young Noah, too. I was like, I have to embarrass her. That's our baby.

[Dustin Ross]

We love that really is.

[Francesca]

She's taller than me. I couldn't believe it.

[Dustin Ross]

Smart, thriving New York city girl. Funny, beautiful New York city girl. Yeah.

[Francesca]

I love Noah.

[Dustin Ross]

We love you, Noah. Now this is funny, too. And speaking of iconic restaurants and institutions associated with the city, are you guys familiar with the wiener circle in Chicago?

[Francesca]

No. What is that? I'm not.

[Asante]

I found it because of that video.

[Francesca]

Clearly, I missed it.

[Dustin Ross]

So the wiener circle is an iconic, like, hot dog shop in Chicago where the staff cusses customers off what the you want. And, like, it's been on, like, oh, yeah, television shows. It's been on all kind of stuff. Right. And you. You will see. And the staff there is, like, famous, you know what I'm saying? For, like, being the people at that restaurant. Yeah. And there's one standout talent that the first time I became aware of the wiener circle, she stood out. Her name is poochie hbic.

[Francesca]

Okay, Poochie.

[Dustin Ross]

And right now, poochie hbic is in the thick of a rap beef. Well, a beef with a rapper. Yes. Malice from the fucking clips.

[Francesca]

Why? She cursed him out and he didn't like it.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm about to tell y' all this. Look this. So according to our friends at the neighborhood talk. What up, though? According to our friends at the neighborhood talk, Wiener circle personality Poochie hbic claims clips rapper malice walked off without paying for a little $9 Polish sausage quote. I'm on his ass now. If you're watching. That is poochie hbic, right?

[Francesca]

There ain't no way that's poochie, okay?

[Dustin Ross]

And that's. That's what she put. She put a picture of malice and put stop thief on her story. So people's like, poochie, what's up?

[Asante]

What's this about?

[Dustin Ross]

What'd he do? So poochie was in the comments and she said, I'm gonna read this verbatim, right? She said, he gonna come in wiener circle. Him his big ass security guard and a cameraman he done picked up off the street, order a Polish and then go get back in the car and drive off and not pay for it. He probably was mad cause I thought he was Flavor Flav at first. Then I realized who he was. So he a thief. Just did a whole concert, made money, and run off with a $9 polish. I'm on his ass. I'm a post. I'm gonna post the video. Watch me now. That's what she put.

[Asante]

So, Dustin, did you see the update?

[Francesca]

This is insane.

[Dustin Ross]

I saw the update. I don't have the video here, but yes, I've seen update.

[Francesca]

What's the update?

[Asante]

He.

[Dustin Ross]

He commented Malice actually got footage some kind of way from the damn restaurant. They got footage of him going in there, her saying that the food is on her, and like, oh, you know, the food's on me. Like that. And he gonna post the video and caption the post, talking about some. This why you don't do cheat meals. He's a rapper, so the. The word play is brilliant. And it's Malice from the clips. You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

But yeah, no, girl, why would you do that, though?

[Dustin Ross]

Get in the booth, poochie. Get in the booth.

[Francesca]

Talking about, she's on his ass.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm on his ass. It's Twitter users on there talking about they calling. They calling malice a glizzy bandit and all kind of.

[Francesca]

So the word glizzy makes me laugh.

[Asante]

It does. Where do they come?

[Guest/Contributor]

Oh, no.

[Francesca]

But it's great.

[Dustin Ross]

Why do you call it that? You know, right? Because I had a glizzy. Sounds like it hurts Anyway.

[Asante]

Do you find yourself saying things that people don't really understand anymore? Like you have you. Or maybe I just use expressions that don't happen anymore. But what's the expression? The jury's still out. Have you ever used that expression before?

[Francesca]

Hell, yeah.

[Asante]

I used it recently. And I was in a room full of young people helping my auntie move, and they didn't know what it meant and had to.

[Francesca]

They were like, huh?

[Asante]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

You just break it down for him. Be like, I heard I ain't know before. Oh, what that means is you just tell them.

[Asante]

I felt like I was putting them on, so.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah. And it was like, yeah.

[Asante]

But at the same time, I was like, is this like, dead or they just ain't no. Yeah. And I was supposed to be the one to tell them. Well, this is why.

[Francesca]

Nah, we just old. Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Well, speaking of old and young, right. We gotta talk about something a little bit more serious. So I don't know if you guys know. Well, I think you do Y' all know who Sydney Starr is, right? Right?

[Asante]

Yes.

[Francesca]

Yes.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, yeah.

[Francesca]

You know I love chingy.

[Asante]

Yeah. Well, so.

[Guest/Contributor]

Ooh, Chingy.

[Dustin Ross]

Let's get it up front. Let's get out the way up front because Sydney Sty's nasty, filthy ass. Let me just read the facts and then we'll deliberate. So this is according to gay magazine Shout out to our friends over at gay magazine. They posted Sydney Star's child molestation charges explained inside the Hapeville hotel arrest. So.

[Francesca]

Oh, my God.

[Dustin Ross]

According to Game magazine and the police, trans reality TV personality Sydney Starr has been arrested on multiple felony charges involving a minor at a Fulton county hotel. She is behind bars in Fulton County, Georgia. Starr, whose legal name is Sidney Favors, was arrested on Sunday, August 2, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in the 3400 block of International Boulevard in Hapeville, near Hartsville Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. So she was out by the airport.

[Asante]

Yikes.

[Dustin Ross]

The Haytonville Police Department confirmed the arrest, saying that, quote, Favors was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses related to an alleged sexual assault involving a juvenile. Okay. The charges, according to the jail. The intake records from Fulton county jail are one count of sexual battery against a child under 18, one count of aggravated child molestation and one count of sodomy. Those are the charges against her. Of course, she's denying it. Just the. The. According to reports, the child was 14.

[Francesca]

You guys.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah. This is like. This is really, really, really, like foul and disgusting.

[Francesca]

You can't confuse a 14 year old.

[Dustin Ross]

You can't confuse a 14 year old and also, bitch, you knew better, sire. You dirty ass, liar and filthy fucking pedophile. You knew what the fuck he was doing. You knew better. Your old nasty, filthy fucking ass. It's a lot of problems with this. And believe it or not, hairstylist Alonzo Arnold offer commentary on this. I want y' all to listen to what Alonzo Arnold had to say. Because when I tell you I felt this from the depths of my soul. This is what Alonzo Arnold had to say about this Sydney Star incident.

[Francesca]

Sydney sodomizing star. You around here messing on little kids in the hotels. Yeah, send that to jail with your Omaha State head ass. How dare you. Now they finna be saying all type of about the gang, how we like kids. Cause yo ass, ho, yo. I knew something wrong with you when you lied on changing Ching. He had to put a good root on your ass. He must have went to one of them ladies. Cause now your ass is in jail with your big meech. They Call me Larry Hoover looking ass. Get on somewhere.

[Dustin Ross]

And I agree with every word. And we had to bring some levity to this, right. We had to laugh. But I felt Alonzo as a gay man. Yeah, you know, I felt Alonzo because you nasty ass.

[Francesca]

Terrible though.

[Dustin Ross]

Now they're gonna. All this is. Is gonna make people. And they're already doing it, by the way. All of the. The usual suspects, I'll just put it like that, without naming names. They're all reporting on this misgendering Sydney star, attributing these behaviors, saying that's how they do. That's how the gays.

[Francesca]

Oh, you mean like the conservatives.

[Dustin Ross]

The usual suspects, they are. Are turning this into a talking point and falsely attributing this behavior, this foul up, nasty ass behavior, which really is more akin to them. And they're set, but they're attributing it to homosexuals, lesbians, transgender community, non binary folks. They're putting it over here with the LGBTQ plus because of nasty dumbass Sydney Sty. I've always hated her. I'm just gonna speak freely.

[Asante]

Literally hated seeing her on Sunday. And then this news broke.

[Dustin Ross]

The reason that you've never heard me talk about her is because I hated her.

[Asante]

Yep.

[Francesca]

Why did y' all hate her?

[Dustin Ross]

I've always felt like she made a mockery of gay trans for the sake of being salacious and paying attention. Oh, yeah, very much so. For sure. And willing to just do anything. No limit, no bottom floor, no nothing. Just willing to do anything and continue to do so.

[Asante]

That's what I was saying.

[Dustin Ross]

Blatantly lied on Chingy like all that shit. So that's a person I don't discuss because I just don't want to be a part of the conversation. Certain people, I don't even mention their names because I don't want to be mentioned in sentences with them. Real shit, you know what I'm saying? And she's always rubbed me the wrong way as a person who is just aware of her existence. Thank God we ain't never been connected in no kind of way. But this pisses me off on so many levels. Number one, God bless the child involved. You know what I'm saying? God bless their family. I wish them healing.

[Francesca]

Number two, right, 14.

[Dustin Ross]

You a literal fucking pedophile like that. That like you are.

[Francesca]

That's a baby.

[Dustin Ross]

Baby. Lowe's like. And then the way the reports have come out, according to the records and reports of what happened, really, she was sitting at a bar, allegedly seen the little. It was the Person that the victim and another person around the same age, seen them, said they was cute. Allegedly. Allegedly bumped, made them bump her phone to exchange information, text them. There was conversation of the elevator. You know how in most hotels the elevator only goes to your floor per your key. She took them up to her room. Allegedly they got scared. Allegedly took off running all kind of shit. So she's denying the allegations. I do want to make that clear. She issued a statement saying that she denies the allegations. So that happened. But this didn't just come out of nowhere. And it is a very serious matter. And I just feel bad for a lot of reasons that this has happened. And I feel bad, bad for that little boy.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

And you, Sydney Star bitch, setting us back, like, making people giving another reason to think that gay people, sexual deviants and trans people are nasty sexual deviants, which we're not. None of the above. And I just hate her for that amongst a lot of other. But wow, that's that with that. I don't know if y' all got anything y' all want to say.

[Francesca]

I don't even know what can be said. Terrible news.

[Dustin Ross]

I thought the same damn fucking thing. Next up, interesting story. This is almost kind of like true crime. Ish. But I don't think there was a crime committed, but it was just a weird, eerie ass story. So let's have story time really briefly. Right?

[Asante]

Okay.

[Dustin Ross]

This is. So this story is about a surrogate mother's fight to stop the parents from aborting a baby that has a heart defect.

[Asante]

Oh, wow.

[Francesca]

Oh, shit.

[Dustin Ross]

This is crazy. So this is. According to the Telegraph in the uk, there's a surrogate mother that's locked in a legal battle with a couple who requested that she abort their baby after it was diagnosed with a heart defect. So McKenna west is our name. She's a nurse, Right. She was the carrier, the surrogate. She's a nurse from Alaska and she is arguing that surgery should be performed on the child who she has named Gabriel, when he is born and claims that the parents are refusing to do so after she denied their abortion request. So here's a little bit of background, right? This nurse from Alaska, McKenna west is her name. She signed up to become a surrogate in February 2025 through the worldwide Surrogacy Specialists, which is a company that pays women anywhere from 55 to 70,000, according to his website, to be a surrogate carrier for couples that are seeking that. She ended up being paired with a couple that she said was a perfect match. She became pregnant and at the baby's 20 week scan, doctors diagnosed the unborn child, which was due on September 2nd. Right. So less than a month from, from the time us recording this with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which is a rare condition in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Right. Right. Now, although this condition can be treated through an operation shortly after birth, the intended parents allegedly requested that Ms. West terminate the pregnancy altogether. Right. She was at the 20 week mark, remember that someone wanted her to terminate the pregnancy, saying that they were concerned about the baby's future quality of life. Her contract required an abortion in the event of a fetal and an anomaly. Right. Yikes. Right? She says, I knew that I didn't want to go through with that. She didn't want the baby's life to be cut short. As her pregnancy got to the 22 week mark, she was told that in order to have the procedure, she would have to go from Alaska to Seattle because no doctor in her home state would do it.

[Francesca]

Oh, shit.

[Dustin Ross]

She said that she was wrestling with inner turmoil at the thought that doctors would have the baby's heart. You know, all the things that happened. And instead she decided she was going to continue the pregnancy. And she found out, keep the baby. She just said, look, she said she found a hospital in Texas that has a high success rate at performing this necessary surgery to keep the baby alive. And the intended parents were, after she'd said that, like, I'm not going to let y' all terminate Yalls baby. Like, I found this hospital that does the surgeries. I'm taking it there. So of course, after she decided that the parents stopped the payments to her. Okay, they stopped making payments and demanded that she repay the money that they had already paid her along with damages for breaching their agreement. Yep. They have, at the time of this, filed legal proceedings in Cali to establish their parental rights. And they've asked the court to require McKenna west to give birth in the state of California. The Alaska Superior State Court did not demand that she relocate to California to give birth, but they did concede that a California court could dictate where she gives birth and which medical team treats her. According to Ms. West, the intended parents. I'm telling you, the intended parents. This is why I was like, we gotta talk about this. The intended parents have indicated that they would provide only, quote, comfort care after the birth rather than the operations required to treat the baby's condition. The nurse has agreed to travel. The surrogate nurse has agreed to travel to California but only on the condition that the parents commit to the. To the surgery that could potentially save the baby's life. She has also filed for custody of the unborn child in the hope of obtaining the authority to allow doctor. Doctors to perform the operations. She said that she wants to fight for him because he deserves that chance. There's no guarantee. There's not a guarantee with anything. This is a quote. But he deserves a chance at living life outside of my womb. My goal is to get him the surgery. So. She was contacted for comment and did not, according to this article from the Telegraph.

[Francesca]

My God.

[Dustin Ross]

So, yeah, we'll talk about twisting.

[Francesca]

So complex, right?

[Asante]

I hate stuff like this.

[Francesca]

They're so complex.

[Dustin Ross]

So she doesn't want necessarily. She's filing for custody for the sake of having authority over the decision making.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Asante]

She's fighting for this baby, this child.

[Dustin Ross]

Literally, she did not want to terminate

[Francesca]

at 22 and a child is not related to her at all. That's the part that's, like, so complicated.

[Asante]

She literally signed that contract to take care and protect this child. And then in that same contract, it also says if something like, like this comes up, the child's supposed to go, but that protection is overriding that part of the contract. So it's just like.

[Francesca]

That's the part that's complex because this is a breach of contract. Right.

[Dustin Ross]

Quite literally.

[Francesca]

Literally. Right. That's why I'm like, whoa, whoa. But this is a human being, not a.

[Dustin Ross]

And what y' all gonna do? Lock her up and make her give birth? Like, they're like, what are y' all gonna do? She's basically. She's. She's gambling a lot.

[Francesca]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

She's basically saying, like, no, I don't give a damn what y' all said, like, take your baby, but I'm not gonna let y' all just not take a chance at saving this kid.

[Francesca]

So. So I'm clear, she's not saying she's gonna raise the baby. She's just asking for custody to have control over the procedure happening. Is that what I'm saying?

[Dustin Ross]

According to what I read, yes. That is my understanding of what I read. Not one time did I see her in the quotes.

[Francesca]

I'm going to raise him.

[Asante]

Right?

[Dustin Ross]

No, she was just saying she. In fact, she flat out was quoted as saying, my goal is to get him the surgery.

[Francesca]

Right.

[Dustin Ross]

That's what she said.

[Francesca]

So this is crazy.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

She's not letting him. I mean, you know, and the parents

[Francesca]

are like, pay us back because we didn't get what we Wanted.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

And it was just a clause in the contract. But the, the human, it's sad because

[Asante]

from the parents perspective, it's also super complex because it's like it, you know,

[Francesca]

we don't know the child.

[Asante]

Yeah. And outsiders, you know, looking in my judge them and be like, well, how dare you? You know, you're just doing this because of this child. But it's like you don't know their circumstance or what else they had riding on this or what, you know, continues to ride. This is expensive. So it's just like I don't even. Like everybody involved, I hope gets some sort of resolution or peace from this or after this long after. I don't know. Because. Because right now this is crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

I agree.

[Francesca]

That's one of the fucked up things too though, about people having kids. It's like even with all these, you know, genetic testing and things that they can let you know, the kid has this, the kid has that. So you can decide. And while I do respect people making a decision for their life at the end of the day. But it sucks because it's like people only want kids under certain conditions.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

And that's not how life works.

[Asante]

And especially because some of these, especially because some of these places, they'll customize the process if you don't get what you want. You know, because that's why I said, I know that these people might get judged initially. I don't know the people involved. So I don't want to be like, that's a dickish clause to put in there. You know, like, it just seems like they're off rip. But there's plenty of reasons it could be. But that's just sad for. That's what I agree. Just take a step back for everybody and

[Dustin Ross]

human nature and like goodness, there's still some good people out there. Right. And even though I guess you can call into question her integrity because she is breaking a rule that she agreed to. It's in the name of saving this kid's life.

[Francesca]

Right. And giving him a chance. Like she said.

[Dustin Ross]

I just really think like, there's always gonna be some goodness out there, some kind of way. Even when shit seemed like everybody fucked up. It's just. I don't know, there's some people out there who are truly good. And God bless her. You know what I'm saying? God bless that baby. I hope for the best for everybody involved.

[Francesca]

I hope the best for the baby because let's say he does get the surgery. Let's say it's successful. Now what because if she's not taking him, the parents aren't taking him back

[Asante]

or does the baby go.

[Dustin Ross]

Well, that was her. I think that that part will get solved in like the, the agreement for the parents. Because she was saying, remember she said the only way that she will go to California is if the parents agree to not just the aftercare, but specifically providing him with the procedure that could potentially save his life. So that's like her stipulation, you know what I'm saying? She'll only go if they do that. And I think they're in, you know,

[Francesca]

that is, she's hoping that that will be there. Right.

[Dustin Ross]

I'll get the baby if y' all agree to make sure that it has this procedure. And after that has the procedure, y', all, y' all do y' all thing. But who's to say that even then they won't get the baby and then the next day go give it up for adoption or something. Who knows?

[Francesca]

This is who knows. Yeah, and that's terrible in and of itself, right? Because it's like now let's say the procedure is complete, it's successful. Now they're like, okay, we'll take him because he's healthy. You know, it's just, I don't know, know, all around complicated. Yeah. O my Lord, what a world.

[Dustin Ross]

What a world. We take the wonderful out. Right. Just what world? Right? I see. Never mind. Anyway, welcome to the this here week's podcast is brought to you by Squarespace. Now, Squarespace is the ultimate website platform that catapults you from invisible to icon iconic. Now, whether you're igniting your first idea or turbocharging a thriving business, Squarespace arms you with everything you need to dominate online. Build a jaw dropping professional website, grab your dream domain and skyrocket your brand and get paid all on Squarespace. Squarespace gives you everything you need to offer services and get paid all in one place. From consultations and to events and experiences. Showcase your offerings with a customizable website designed to tech clients and attract clients and grow your business. Now you can get paid on there on time with professional on brand invoices and online payments. Plus you can streamline your workflow with built in appointment scheduling and email marketing tools. And you can make smarter business decisions with Squarespace's intuitive built in analytics tools. You can review your website traffic and learn learning where you need to focus your engagement and track revenue from bookings, invoices, product sales all from one place. You can check out squarespace.com friendzone for a free trial and when you're ready to Launch, use code FRIENDZONE to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or a domain. That's Squarespace.com FRIENDZONE for a free trial and code FRIENDZONE to save ten percent off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Francesca]

It's important to make sure the space in your home brings you joy. And with Wayfair you can treat yourself to new furniture, decor and storage solutions without breaking the bank. Shop grills, patio lighting, rugs and so much more on there. Plus installation and assembly services are available so you can kick back with the cucumber eye mask while everything is set up for you. And make sure to shop Wayfair verified your shortcut to the good stuff. There's specialist hand vet items check checking things like quality and functionality. I'm actually really grateful to our partnership with Wayfair over the past year because I had a guest room that in all the years I've been living here, that guest room has been haunting us. We just didn't really have much to do with it. For real. For real. So it kind of became that closet slash mini gym slash anything that needs to be hidden away room. I think everyone has one of those. So finally we got a little fire put under us because we had family members, extra family members staying with us this summer and we were like, you know what? We finally need to have a proper guest room. And so we put it together with all the Wayfair products. We got a dresser, we got a bed and it just all worked out so perfectly. We were able to put together the absolute cutest guest room for our, our small little guests. And it's been really nice and I've been thankful to the partnership for allowing us to be able to do that quickly with really good quality pieces. And now it's a room that finally, finally has gotten some attention. So if you're ready to upgrade your home for way less, head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less than that's wayfair.com w a y f a I r dot com and that's Wayfair. Every style for every home.

[Ad Voice]

When you clock in with Ford Pro,

[Dustin Ross]

we clock in with power, business driven

[Ad Voice]

tech adaptability and service that comes to you when you're on we're on Ford Pro.

[Dustin Ross]

Speaking of everybody involved involved needing their asses beat. There was a mother again shout out to our friends at the neighborhood talk. They'd be having some sometimes, but according to our Friends at the Neighborhood Talk, this headline reads, sad mother says her daughter's hair was snatched out while visiting her father's house. Says nobody will tell her what happened. Quote, hell or jail. Mark my words. End quote. Now, the little girl is adorable, and there's pictures and photos attached to the this showing, like a clear patch and bald spot removed from.

[Francesca]

Oh, my God, that's like half a head.

[Dustin Ross]

You can see that, right?

[Francesca]

There's no way to send a child back and not have a response for that.

[Dustin Ross]

According to Neighborhood Talk, a mother took to social media who was frustrated after finding out, like I said, that her daughter had some type of incident at her dad's house. So the woman says that her daughter's hair was pulled out while visiting her father. Father and the people in the home seemingly tried to cover it up. She shared multiple screenshots of messages that were before as of messages as well as before and after pictures of her daughter's hair. Her daughter, whose name is Delani, she said that Delani was at the father's home for about two weeks. So it was an extended visit with him. And she had reached out during that two weeks saying, hey, you know, notifying the father and his partner that the daughter had a hair appointment that she needed to go to, and she was just giving them a reminder of it. She said she notified them, but she received pushback from them with a claim that the father had made his own appointment for the child. She said she thought that was odd. But when the daughter came home, that's when the mother noticed a bald spot in her hair. And she says that her daughter told her that her hair was snatched out.

[Francesca]

Did she say by whom?

[Dustin Ross]

Well, in another message, it seems that. It seems to be between the woman and the father's current partner. She is told from the woman, when you want to talk like a woman, ask what happened, and I will be ready. So apparently there's something that they're not willing to talk about. She says that the only information that she has at this time is that a cousin was playing in her child's hair. No additional details were provided. And like I said, she said it's hell or jail over her child. Now, the first comment I see in the comment section is Monica, the singer, Monica what? And she says the story should have been voluntarily told to her mother immediately upon happening. She said, I definitely would not rest until it was properly handled. We gonna leave the properly handled definition, interpretation of that up to you. She said, praying for this mother and beautiful baby. And that's how I Feel. And again, there's screenshots that are attached of messages. The mother is saying she's angry as fuck every time she looks at it. She said, imagine sending your child to her dad's house and she comes back like this. She said she knew something was up because she was giving them the information to bring her home because she had a parent appointment and they wouldn't do it and said if they had made their own appointment for her. So she knew things were fishy. The behavior was off. I cannot imagine y'.

[Guest/Contributor]

All.

[Dustin Ross]

I cannot.

[Francesca]

Do you understand how hard you have to have been pulling to take someone's hair out in a patch like that?

[Dustin Ross]

That is. That is wild.

[Asante]

Do you know how dead someone would be after doing something like that to my child?

[Dustin Ross]

What I'm saying you don't know what your baby remembers. All you know is that.

[Francesca]

And there's no child and there's no justification. Like there's no. There's nothing the child could have done. Could have said there's no form of discipline. Like there's literally no. You're an adult. An adult did this. This.

[Dustin Ross]

Your daddy and his girlfriend would look like buttocks by the head by the time I got there. Because they be too bald sitting up next to each other. They making.

[Francesca]

And that's why I know that's. That's got to be a nightmare when you're co parenting and you're sending your child to their f. You know, their father's house and they have a partner. It's. I know that. So scary. Because you have no idea what those women feel. What they. You know.

[Dustin Ross]

It's like o think about it when it's. And you don't even have a relationship with. Like, I mean, it's just. That's. Why shout out to all the co parents that's making it work and making an alien effort to.

[Francesca]

Hell yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

To put love around them children. You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Yes.

[Dustin Ross]

And the sacrifice that it takes. But I just thought that was crazy. And I would have literally set them on fire.

[Francesca]

No, no, no. This is nuts.

[Dustin Ross]

Burning down the house. Okay.

[Asante]

For real.

[Dustin Ross]

That would have been. They would have heard that song blasting as I pulled up. Okay. And I just shout out to that little baby.

[Francesca]

I know. She's so cute. I hate that. I hate kids that are in situations like that. And you hear that a lot when people talk about their step parents or their parents partners. It's usually nightmares. And I hate that.

[Dustin Ross]

So do you guys know what the women's pro baseball league is the wpbl.

[Francesca]

I just got put on this week. I saw a clip on Twitter. Apparently, a record was broken by some. By one of the players. Is that.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, that. That may have been the headline you saw. And so shout out. Right? Let's lift them up.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

To the player for breaking the record.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Wpbl Women's Pro Baseball League. Shout out to y'.

[Guest/Contributor]

All.

[Dustin Ross]

I think all I can think of is A League of Their Own.

[Francesca]

Remember that movie, baseball?

[Asante]

And yes, it's the only thing I could think of.

[Dustin Ross]

We need a black version. That would be a great movie to remake with a black version that would. A League of Their Own.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Not League of Their Own. League of Their Own. I think that would be great. Anyway. Well, recently at a WPBL game, iconic soul singer, right?

[Asante]

You're crazy. You're crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

Martha Reeves. Cause we gotta lift this up, up, you know, a little bit. I think that we have definitely been in a dark place with some of these last headlines. We really. Let's add something fun. So Martha Reeves. You know Martha Reeves, right? Iconic living legend Martha Reeves. She performed the. She performed it. I'm just gonna play it.

[Asante]

Hold on.

[Francesca]

I'm like, what is about to happen?

[Dustin Ross]

Because it's nothing. Once I play it. It. My difficulty finding the words will become clear. Here we go. First, before I play it, I want y' all to see this picture that the neighborhood talk used for.

[Francesca]

Of her. Cute.

[Dustin Ross]

That's my three. See how she's smiling?

[Asante]

I'm f. To start some.

[Dustin Ross]

Okay, hold on. That was for Patreon. Here we go.

[Guest/Contributor]

Oh, say can you see by the dark what so proudly we hail at the twilight last gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O' er the rampers we watched Were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glass keep going bursting in air Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Still there. Oh, sail.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah. That's all I got.

[Francesca]

Now I feel bad saying anything about our elders.

[Dustin Ross]

She sound like a ghost. Why is she singing like Boo Medea Halloween? Why is she singing that?

[Francesca]

And who are these people singing along? What? And did they not rehearse?

[Dustin Ross]

Update. Speaking of. So. So this footage obviously hit the neck. Had everybody. Why was she singing like a ghost? You know what I'm saying? So that was going on. Well, footage has surfaced from rehearsal. TMZ got rehearsal footage where Martha Reeves. Martha Reeves, right. Is literally caught on camera telling the backup singers. That's out of tune. I don't think I need y'. All. I Have the audio. I actually have the video. Let's take a listen, shall we? Girl, now you gotta pay attention. Listen, y'.

[Ad Voice]

All.

[Dustin Ross]

Now you singing with me. Who's singing the same note I'm singing?

[Ad Voice]

Why

[Dustin Ross]

back up singers. I don't think I need them. She said background. These background singers, I don't think I

[Francesca]

need them, mind you. They were trying to help keep her on.

[Dustin Ross]

They was trying to figure out where to jump in. They were standing on the side of them double dutch ropes just waiting. They was like, how in the hell do we sing? With the scream I had never heard. Now you know I love a haunting melody.

[Asante]

Okay, I'm a sucker.

[Dustin Ross]

My immortal by Evanescence is one of my favorite songs of all time. I love meatloaf. I would do anything for love. I love running up that hill. I love a haunting melody, you know what I'm saying? It sounded like she was singing that while she was running up a hill. I. I don't know. Martha Reed, like, I respect everybody and Martha Reeves has done some great things. Yeah, it's Martha Reeves, you know, so I feel bad.

[Asante]

Sorry. I'm sorry for laughing, dusting this picture. I'm looking at her like Mama Joyce, and it's just took me out.

[Ad Voice]

She.

[Dustin Ross]

She got up there and sang that song like that. And then custom. My. The background singers was white. Cuss they ass. I talking about. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

[Guest/Contributor]

Why are you singing? Who singing the same?

[Dustin Ross]

Not as me. Hopefully nobody, ma'. Am. You know, cuz, what note is it? It sound like a ransom note. You singing a ransom note? Letters on a different side. That's what notes you singing. What the hell? A kidnap note. That's what it sounds like.

[Francesca]

You said we have to name this episode Singing a ring.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm just saying what note is that? That's what the thing is. And I don't mean disrespectfully because that just don't look right. But that didn't sound. Y' all heard that, you know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Know the picture you just text or something.

[Dustin Ross]

Like, I ain't never heard the national anthem sound like that. But maybe. Maybe she's sick of America too. You know what I'm saying? So she's like it. I'm saying this from my heart, you know what I'm saying?

[Asante]

Wow.

[Dustin Ross]

Cuz Martha, I want know who.

[Francesca]

I want to know who reached out to her, you know, who was the creative director. Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Sound like they was holding the taser when they went. That sound like they held A tailor up at Taser. You know what I'm saying?

[Asante]

That's the what ticker Bella say?

[Dustin Ross]

I said electrocute me. That's what it sound like. Sound like she refused to do it. And that's like this electric fence, you know. You seen them electric tennis racket things they be zapping bugs with. They might have put one of them on her ass. I don't know, man. Why does she sound like. Like a tape messing up in the deck, you know what I'm saying? You know, Remember when the tape used. The cassette used to mess up?

[Asante]

It was an artistic styling and, you know. Yeah, it was.

[Dustin Ross]

It just didn't up for interpretation. It's all. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[Asante]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

Did they pan to the audience? Do they have any pan shots? You know what? I'll look it up.

[Asante]

I mean, the headlines that I saw all said that they were trying to stifle. Players struggle to stifle laughs during unusual rendition of national anthem at first WPBO games. That's the people dot com.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm gonna make an assumption here. So I'm sorry. Please don't cancel me, right? But studs, right, are known for being hilarious. They are always funny. You think they talk shit with the rest of you. Whatever, right? So, like, I'm assuming now this is the W. PBL professional baseball elite. I don't really see, like. I just feel like the athletic pool, you know what I'm saying, over there. I think they would have a hard time holding a laugh in while something like this is going on. They silly. Studs are silly and great to laugh with. So, you know, that was over there cracking up. They literally have baseball bats and helmets on, like, you know, and. And shoulder strength. You know what I'm saying? Like, get it out.

[Asante]

You know, he's been working on his physical company. He was.

[Dustin Ross]

You know what I'm saying?

[Asante]

Look, look. Do you see? That's so.

[Dustin Ross]

That's a lot of force. Do you know how when they measure the speed that baseballs be going when they. By the time they get out to the outfield? Have you ever seen some of them speed trackers is amazingly high. So I just, you know.

[Asante]

You know, they call it a stud speed tracker, right?

[Ad Voice]

Dustin

[Asante]

fitting.

[Dustin Ross]

Anyway, so I say that to say I know them players, of course, worst I having problems stifling laughs out there because I would have been too. All you would have heard was my bat making that. You ever heard a baseball bat drop to the ground and make that noise? It make. That's all you would have heard is my shit dropping.

[Asante]

I'm sorry.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm sorry.

[Asante]

Sorry, Ms. Reed.

[Guest/Contributor]

Wow.

[Dustin Ross]

I thought that that was hilarious. Okay, that was terrible. The last one that I want to give is sort of a TV Land fusion moment, but I just think it is a hot topic and it belongs up here. So there were all kind of casting rumors that have been swirling about the Real Housewives. Real Housewives of Atlanta, season 18 after their season finale just aired that this rumor that Nene Leakes was that Shamia Morton Mgwani was fired and Nene Leakes was taking her spot, just grew legs and took off on the Internet.

[Francesca]

No. Lord.

[Dustin Ross]

So much so that Andy Cohen hopped right on his network on XM Radio and cleared it up. I want to play that so that it can be shared. Because what I don't want is for our audience who love that show like I do, to be peddling no misinformation.

[Francesca]

Yay,

[Dustin Ross]

here it is. So y' all know, and then we ain't out here looking like that. You know what I'm saying? So we just. We share the information. Here we go. Yeah, exactly. Find out from baddies. Yeah. She's a product combination. Thank you. Remember that.

[Asante]

Asante. Anyway, it's cool, babe.

[Dustin Ross]

Anyway, I don't want no fauna. Don't swing on me. So anyway, listen. So here's what Andy had to say about the rumors that Nene Lee Leaks has been hired to replace Shamia. There are a lot of casting rumors online which came out over the weekend, and I'm gonna tell you that they're not true. Oh, and I am going to tell you that if you want a preview of next season of Atlanta, look at this cast. This is the group, guys. I mean, we love of this group. So spoiler alert. We're very happy. There you have it. Straight from the horse's mouth.

[Francesca]

Did you say this was one of the best groups they've had in a while?

[Dustin Ross]

I told y'.

[Francesca]

All.

[Dustin Ross]

And you see they bringing them all back. Okay. And so I just, like I said, I wanted to put that to rest. We know. We love Nene. She is a huge part of the fabric of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. And we all would love to see her back on the show, but it really gets to a point.

[Francesca]

Right?

[Dustin Ross]

You know what I'm saying? And so now we have actual information from Andy Cohen that this is not happening this season and that everybody's coming back. There it is. We could quell that conversation. Okay, I just wanted to share that with everybody.

[Asante]

And can I Just say, I love Nene. And I had missed Nene in the past, and I still will miss Nene, I guess, continuing in the future. But it will be beautiful to also see her still move on whatever the. That looks like. Like, watching Candy on. Speak on it. And I'm not trying to compare the two at all because they are completely separate. It was just, like, great watching Candy be like, no, I have no plans in going back to the show. You know, like, you know, it would be great to see Candy back on the show, but she's at the point she's like, you know, it's. I'm good. You know, there's obviously, there are other factors at work, but, yeah, she's been busy and working, and Nene, you know, she's been out here doing her thing. I just would love to see whatever the next thing is versus her being. Being like, you know, housewives. And I'm not trying to reduce her at all because Housewives across the white franchises, they will be gone for seasons and come back. And it's all. And it's good sometimes to see what they've been doing for years on end. So I'm not trying to say Nene should never come back, but I just always wonder about that next spot for Nene and it being something great, too, or in addition to her returning or whatever that looks like. But I'm satisfied as well with this cast. Everyone did amazing. They did an amazing job this season.

[Dustin Ross]

It's a unique case, though, because there's literally been legend, there's been litigation that has taken place between her and the network. Like, dreams of some horrible things, you know? So I think that there may have made. They may have made some inroads in her relationship with the network that we can talk about in TV land that I think are kind of fueling some of these rumors. But Andy just cleared that right on all the way the fuck up. You ain't got to watch the show to understand what he was saying.

[Francesca]

Isn't she doing something, though? Cause I just saw a clip with her.

[Dustin Ross]

Got you.

[Francesca]

Got you. And with that, I literally don't know

[Dustin Ross]

what it is being said. God damn it. Those are the hottest topics that you needed to know, so we brought them to you. And that'll be it for this week's hot butt. Welcome to the Friends.

[Asante]

Well, I know that a lot of us are getting a little bit older, and we have something that might affect us and by us. Plus, I am including myself in that because I am a gentleman that could use all of the support and supplement as the next brethren could. And I'm not just talking about any old thing. I'm here to talk about Nutrafol. People that use Nutrafol can be women because there are the women's formula, there's the women's vegan formula, there's women's balance, there's postpartum, and for me, there's men's. All I know is there's something about summer that gets you out of your routine. And sometimes that's in a good way because you have more travel, more time outside, and you have more spontaneous plans. The last thing I want to do is spend that time stressing about my hair. And that's why I've appreciated having Nutrafol as a part of my daily routine. It's an easy habit that helps me feel more confident day to day. Nutrafol is the 1 dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement brand and the 1 hair growth supplement brand brand personally used by dermatologists. That's right. Nutrafol's hair growth supplements are peer reviewed, NSF certified for sport and clinically tested. Adding Nutrafool to your daily routine is easy, just like mine. Okay? Order online, no prescription needed, with automated deliveries and free shipping to keep you on track. Because when those bottles show up, it's just easy. I just go like, oh, thank God I got another one and I can marry them. Or, you know, throw away the empty one because I've been using them so much. Plus, with the NutriFlow subscription, you can save up to 20% and get access to added perks like a free headspace membership to support your hair health journey. Let your hair become one less thing taking up space in your head. And see thicker, stronger, faster growing hair with less shedding in just three to six months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you visit nutrafol.com and enter promo code zone zone that's nutrafol.com spelled n u t r-a f o l.com promo code zone every

[Ad Voice]

unforgettable night deserves a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Introducing the new Ralph's Club New York Parfum by Ralph Lauren, a bold expression of modern sophistication. An unexpected burst of black currant opens the scent with intensity, while a rich cognac accord adds its depth and sensuality. Capture the energy of Manhattan's nightlife and discover Ralph's Club New York Parfum, a powerful indulgent and unforgettable scent that lasts long after the night has faded.

[Francesca]

Shop now this week in wellness. So a huge part of how we take care of ourselves as creatives, as business partners is taking these breaks that we take, right? We take our two weeks mid year. Our are four to five weeks at the end and top of the year. And it gives us time to spend time with our families, to work on other projects, most importantly, to get some rest and also to just have time to, you know, have new ideas. You need space for new ideas to come in. That's one thing that I think you'll learn as you are in these industries for many, many years. But I'm so curious. With this two week mid year break, how do y' all feel? I want to do like a quick little wellness check in. Did y'.

[Asante]

All.

[Francesca]

Do you feel rested? Do you feel like you made good use of your time? Was it not enough? Came and went, it's not enough. What was your experience with the break this year?

[Asante]

I mean, yeah, picking back off of there was not enough. Like, first of all, I'm grateful for the break. I was grateful to have the time and space to continue to unwind. So it was, I say it's not enough, but it was enough because I'm still able to be here today, Lord, you know, thank you, Jesus. But it was, you know, the whole year, I feel like, has been flying by. Like, summer is over. Like, so much has happened. And it was a big transition year. Like earlier this year, y' all know, I got my license and I went from one car to the next car. You know, another move. Just a bunch of transitions all around. So, like, I was tired, but again, I had the time and space to be able to kind of like, breathe a little bit. But. And that freed up some thinking as far as some ideas for some creative things that I want to work on. I was able to catch up on some, you know, trash tv, which there really hadn't been anything to watch per se, outside of the usual suspects. But, like, there hasn't been like, that new fresh, like, ooh, thing that really

[Francesca]

got polygamist on Netflix.

[Asante]

See, the polygamist didn't grab me or it hasn't kept me. Look, if you want to go to Netflix, friend, y' all know Beauty and Black's coming back soon, so. And I'm excited for that, you know, and as of right now, it was. It was good to, like, just sit and kind of recharge and watch certain things because shout out to the listeners some of you guys asked over the break, you know, had I watched Big Brother because, you know, usually shout out to xd, me, XD, Kia, and Latoya, we get together and do a round table.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

Y' all have the. What is it?

[Dustin Ross]

Blacks watch Big Brother.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Asante]

So we hadn't done it just because, you know, know, all of us needed to recharge. But I got to catch up on Big Brother, and so I might try to nudge XC to be like, let's do some sort of.

[Francesca]

People love y'. All.

[Dustin Ross]

I mean.

[Asante]

Yeah, so. So it was good to be able to, like, creatively tap into that and be like, no, we need to do this because Blacks watch Big Brother is important. And. And blacks every season, look, because, you know, y' all know we rooting for everybody black over here, for real. And that was one of the reasons I continued to watch Big Brother, and it's one of the why reasons, since I still watch and have watched, you know, shout out to Taylor, our girl. You know what I'm saying?

[Dustin Ross]

So I just play boy playmate Taylor Hill, amongst a lot of other. Oh, check her credentials. She did a beautiful, tasteful spread over there. Nice to look at. She's gorgeous. And I love seeing people have this.

[Asante]

She's beautiful inside and out. She's one of those.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Asante]

Like, you know, rare gym. Just super, super nice, super, super fun, super talented. Did love Taylor, but, you know, love all the black people and Big Brother, so just got my juices flowing about things that we could be doing for our community and how I want to contribute, you know, for the latter part of this year coming up. So it was a good break, but again, I could use a little. I could use a little mo, if that's, you know, if it's in the book somewhere.

[Dustin Ross]

Shout out to my girl Tiffany from Big Brother, too.

[Asante]

Yeah, shout out to Tiffany. Yes. She's from the Cookout. That was an amazing season.

[Francesca]

Wait, you're. That's like, your friend?

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, we. We. Y' all probably did some work together reviewing the trailers.

[Guest/Contributor]

What?

[Dustin Ross]

Carlos King and now her and I, we mutuals online. We keep in touch, and I love that. Yeah, Tiffany, cuz, y' all both.

[Asante]

Y' all both Brown Detroit.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Asante]

And you know what? Tiffany, well, you already know because you could already feel it on it, but Tiffany was a great player.

[Dustin Ross]

A one. Yeah.

[Francesca]

I still need to give that show a chance. I live. I. I legit. Have never watched an episode, like, not one. Not even five minutes of an episode.

[Asante]

And you know what you should do

[Dustin Ross]

is go Watch Tamar and Candy on the celebrity version.

[Francesca]

Oh, I remember y' all saying that that was good. Oh, the fact that they were on it. Is that the start of the beef?

[Asante]

That's not. That's just another. That's just another chapter in long stand.

[Dustin Ross]

Right.

[Asante]

That was. That was one of the points where there was, like, a resolution happening.

[Francesca]

I was like, oh, that sucks. Damn.

[Dustin Ross]

But those scenes are iconic because they were so black. Imagine getting out of this show, whispering, arguing with bonnets and shower caps, and holding their robe like. Like this. Well, you ain't said. You know what I'm saying. They was just being themselves. It was.

[Guest/Contributor]

Right.

[Dustin Ross]

Incredible television.

[Francesca]

Maybe I'll start there. Maybe I'll start there, but.

[Asante]

Yeah. Did you.

[Francesca]

Do you feel rested, though, at all, or.

[Asante]

I do. I do feel somewhat rested. I do. I'm not gonna lie. Like, there was a time where I was just like, damn, what's gonna happen? But I. I do feel, like, a little, like, structured because I have been setting up some new systems, and I've been sticking to a couple of those or sticking. Like, I've been doing morning and getting done. It's been cool because y' all know I'm whipping it now, so.

[Francesca]

Yes.

[Asante]

Been washing the car, you know, doing my thing. Just looking good, smelling good, being out in places, but, you know, still trying to reset some structure. I. I saw some family shout out to my auntie. My mom. It was my mom's birthday.

[Dustin Ross]

Happy birthday, Mama Sante.

[Asante]

She was on the early, earlier part of Leo season, so she's one of them July ones. But shout out to you, Mama, and shout out to all my cousins. I got to see. We was helping my auntie move not too long ago, so just a lot of cool things. I was. Yeah, just hanging out with the family. Just in and out and all around Atlanta doing. Doing a little something something.

[Dustin Ross]

That's what's up.

[Francesca]

I know your mom must be happy.

[Asante]

Yep. She was happy to see.

[Francesca]

Absolutely.

[Asante]

Yep. She was happy to see. See me. Absolutely.

[Francesca]

Dustin, how was your break?

[Dustin Ross]

Well, you all know I had intended to use the time that we were on break to work, so I was working. You know what I'm saying? I had shows in Boston, Nashville and Atlanta and St. Louis, Chicago. Like, I was on the road working. So, yeah, I maximized my time working, and what I did anticipate was losing my granddaddy, so. So I had to go home and, like, bury him. Me, too. And I appreciate that.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

But dealt with that up and worked through it. I had a responsibility. I Felt to deliver to the people who had bought tickets to come see me.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

And so I just worked.

[Francesca]

And that you did.

[Dustin Ross]

I worked right through it. And so. And that's my style anyway. You all know how I am.

[Francesca]

I was going to say.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah. Like you know, whatever it is. You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

Yes. We're avoiding it.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah. So you know, that's my thing. Like I like to throw myself into work and.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

I couldn't believe I'm talking about like saying goodbye to my grandfather on FaceTime in the airport as myself and people that work with me were trying to fix a flight emergency when my flight had randomly got canceled that day. And I had a flight that day. I had a show that E4 evening. So I was trying to get from Chicago to St. Louis. I had to say goodbye to him on FaceTime in the airport me and get on stage and do a show in the meet and greet and shit. So that was wild. I cannot believe that I did that.

[Francesca]

Yeah. And then him actually passing and still having to be.

[Dustin Ross]

And that interim. That hospice period. My God. Like. Yeah, it is. It is a. A very difficult period of time for anybody that's ever lost a loved one and experienced that. But anyway, I'm not alone. A lot of people share that pain. Losing a grandparents. So my heart goes out to all of us.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

And much love to everybody who's suffering any kind of loss of any kind. So my time was spent grinding and grieving. Grinding and grieving while we grieve. Yeah. I don't know where that melody came from, but we gonna grind

[Asante]

look like what you're going through.

[Francesca]

Yeah. You sure don't.

[Dustin Ross]

Thank you. So God is good. And we just, we.

[Asante]

We.

[Dustin Ross]

We give thanks. We honor our. Our lost ones and lost loved ones with reverence and. And hold fast to the memories and the lessons and especially in the case of losing a grandparent that you were close to and they that. That you've always loved and has always loved you. You think about the things that you're going to be able to keep with you. You one of which and shout out to my aunt and my cousins, Dr. Lauren that was on the show. That's our grandfather that passed.

[Francesca]

Oh man.

[Dustin Ross]

And Lauren. Oh. So our grandfather always had like a personalized license plate all of our life. Right. He's always had this personalized license plate that he had multi head that version and he had that version with the number one on the end and number two and so forth for his vehicle because he had like limos and stuff. He had a company, too, so all my life. And he loved cars and shit, like, I used to love cars. We would go to the auto show every year. I have so many in his funeral program which shout out to my sister for making that happen. But in his funeral program, his pictures of us at the auto show as a kid, like, with the brochures and shit. But he always had that license plate. And so, long story short, and when he passed and they were going through all making all the arrangements, I just told my sister, like, hey, hey, I want his license plate.

[Francesca]

Oh, man.

[Dustin Ross]

I want. And I don't want. I knew he had multiple versions. I didn't want the ones. I wanted the original. He has one from 1984 that he had.

[Francesca]

Oh, man.

[Dustin Ross]

And I have it. So it was my. My cousin, Dr. Lauren had it. Lauren had kept it. And she had. Through moving and getting married and stuff. She put it in the garage at her mom's house, my aunt. So when I told them I wanted it, you know, of course they were like, of course, you know, made it happen. So I have the plate.

[Francesca]

Oh, that's huge.

[Dustin Ross]

I brought it back to New York safekeeping. I'm gonna take it to an art. Art shop and have it framed and mad.

[Francesca]

I was just gonna say that'd be beautiful as a frame and mud and

[Dustin Ross]

put on the wall. And it just represents a lot of parts of my personality come from my grandfathers. He's my paternal grandfather. My maternal grandfather and I were close as well. They were both. They both had bold, strong, good people with bold personalities. And a lot of my. A lot of me comes from them. And him having that license plate just represents him. And I just wanted that. So I got that one, and then Damon got the one that says what it says, and then the number one on the end, so he got the second one.

[Francesca]

I love that for y'. All. Yeah, so that's something.

[Dustin Ross]

I was leaving there with some something. So I'm. You know, and I. I can look at it and. And think about the good stuff. So, yeah, I spent. Like I said, I spent my break grinding and grieving.

[Francesca]

Ain't that life that's beautiful that you

[Dustin Ross]

shared that life's a look. Rick Ross said, ain't life a. But you gotta keep it with.

[Francesca]

For you to close out.

[Asante]

You are crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

And I was like, Okay. I was like, wow.

[Asante]

Remember earlier this year when I talked about the black historians? Like, that was such a beautiful moment that you share in this, that, and that love that we can pass on and share in other ways. And I just have so much, you know, me and friend both, we just have so much love for your family. Family. Thank you. All of your family. All the way to Lauren. You know what I'm saying? Like, yeah. So praying for everybody involved and you know, especially with your work in Dustin, you know, you ain't working for no reason. So just God is going to continue to bless you in so many ways, man.

[Dustin Ross]

Thank you. Just trying to, just trying to meet the mark. So that's what happened with me. Friend, what about you? What was going on? What guan I guess would be the question.

[Francesca]

And also with everything that you are building and working on, that is a hell of a guardian to have on the other side for sure. Like because you know he's going to be fighting for all the blessings to rain down even harder. You know, as hard as it is to lose them in this version, I always think, woo, that's about to be a great person that's going to be on my side.

[Dustin Ross]

You know, this is personal but I'll share this much, right. This is like an edited personal note. When the gay came out for me, right. Like and everybody found out and my grandfather called me in his TV room and, and told me one part of the quote he told me was like don't you let nobody make you feel no kind of way about that. Not even. And he went on to name some names. So, so on. On the, on my own own. Like this is what he said said to me and this is.

[Francesca]

Can you ask for a better grandfather?

[Dustin Ross]

94 years old when he passed.

[Asante]

Wow.

[Dustin Ross]

War veteran. They had a beautiful gun salute at the, the veterans cemetery when we laid on. But he just, it just never. My grandfather never gave me a whooping or. No, he never was like a disciplinarian with us. Like we was always cool.

[Francesca]

Yeah. Loved you.

[Dustin Ross]

Me and my brother, on some man. We had a connection with him where he would be honest with us about certain, you know, parts of being a man. Anyway.

[Francesca]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Love my girl.

[Francesca]

That's beautiful.

[Dustin Ross]

God bless him, man. God bless everybody that's lost anybody. God bless the people that lost a grandparent and you know, we keep it moving. So Francesca, he's like, hey Francisca, ting what you do on your Frank?

[Francesca]

Well, I was in Nashville for a week and I got to spend time with Clyde and stay at his fabulous new house.

[Dustin Ross]

Did you go in there?

[Francesca]

I stayed in his house. What do you mean did I go.

[Dustin Ross]

No, no, no, no, no, no. Did you go into. Oh my goodness.

[Francesca]

It's one of the first places I was like, I need to see. And I was making fun of him, too, because he has a little camera and light set up. And I stood in front of it like, so, you guys, I'm gonna tell you about the top five books of July.

[Dustin Ross]

So these ones.

[Francesca]

But. But he. It just was. First of all, I'm so proud. For those of you who are newer listeners, Claude Kelly is my best friend of 30 years. Which. To say that crazy. Is that a beautiful thing. Even best remarkable. And I'm blessed to have friendships that have lasted that long and that are this deep and beautiful. And I'm so proud of him. His home is stunning. The way he has it decorated. You know, Billy, his dog, that's like my little bestie. So we spent a lot of time. And it just made me happy to just have that time with Claude because when you're an adult and you guys live so far away from each other, it's hard. There's so many moving parts. Parts to spending quality time. And so I was grateful that as busy as he is, especially because he's usually traveling, we were able to have that week that not only did I get to see him, but I also got to see you. So it just all, like, landed so perfectly. And then we went to your show.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

And got to support you and love up on you, especially with everything that you were experiencing as well. So I. I was so happy to be able to be there and see you and hug you.

[Ad Voice]

Thank you so much.

[Francesca]

For real, right? That to me, look on the homies, I needed it.

[Dustin Ross]

You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

No. And I could feel it, like, even just hugging you, I felt. I was, like, grateful that we could be there, you know? And you did a phenomenal job. And that was fun to just sit in the audience. I sat at a table with the guys. But you know how it is, a city winery. You share a table with people as well. So there was some girls that were like, hey, I know.

[Dustin Ross]

They was tripping. Like, oh, my. What?

[Francesca]

I got, like, what? Yeah, it was super cute. But it was just a phenomenal trip, man.

[Guest/Contributor]

We.

[Francesca]

Clyde and I just have so much history and so many years. So I think it's always great to be able to just, like, wrap yourself in blankets, sit on the couch, eat some good food, and just catch up on everything, you know? So that was safe.

[Dustin Ross]

Feeling safe.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

Just the best. There's no greater feeling. And then from there, I went to New York for a week.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yes.

[Francesca]

And that was. I needed that. I really.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yes.

[Francesca]

New York. Even though the weather. What the. It rains. Everybody was like, you brought this shit from Portland.

[Asante]

He's like, I didn't even come from over there. Hold up.

[Guest/Contributor]

Okay.

[Francesca]

But I was so happy. I spent so much time with Jade and Crystal, which is just. Can't ask for anything more. We have the best time. We spent whole days together. I got to see my mom and repotted her plants.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, friends, right?

[Francesca]

It was really nice. We were like sitting on the living room floor with mounds of dirt just repotting plants for hours.

[Dustin Ross]

And you was able to check on everything.

[Francesca]

That part I was gonna say. It's nice too, as your parents age, you know, just being able to kind of look around the house and do whatever needs to be done and. And we spent a lot of time and even just being able to talk and catch up as well. Then my. I got to see another one of my 30 plus year friendships with one of my closest friends. Her name is Tata and she lives in Vermont because she went to college in Vermont and ended up staying.

[Dustin Ross]

I know, that's right. Yeah, the hell with it.

[Francesca]

Got married the 09. But she, her family, you know, they're in the Bronx. Shout out to Soundview.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes,

[Francesca]

She's there.

[Dustin Ross]

He was in New York. He was in New York.

[Francesca]

You know the hotel I stay at.

[Guest/Contributor]

Right.

[Francesca]

So I took the train from the house.

[Asante]

The last time you said this, somebody said that you sounded like Nene from the reunion. And it, it said that in one of the comments.

[Dustin Ross]

You know, my hotel I like to stay in. Andy was like

[Asante]

any.

[Dustin Ross]

So yes. You got a real New York experience and got to see your people.

[Francesca]

I did. And I went to her and to her family's house and you know, that's something that I think we don't talk about enough as adults. But not only growing up with the friends you grew up with, but also their family.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Francesca]

Like your friends, parents and their siblings and their aunts and that random cousin and like having those 30 plus 20 plus year relationships with whole families that have been there watching you since you were like 10 or 5 or 100%

[Dustin Ross]

and y' all cousins now. You know what I'm saying? Yeah.

[Francesca]

Like it's beyond. Yeah. At that point, it's like beyond. Like I love how when I rang the doorbell how her family flipped. They was like, oh my God, what are you doing? You know, and it just was like there's nothing that compares to that feeling. Like, like literally nothing. These people have known me since I was like 10 years old.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes.

[Francesca]

So to be 44

[Asante]

people.

[Francesca]

And then her mom, those hugs and how they want to cook for you and sit and talk, and y' all are all around the kitchen table. They're asking you about everything, you know, even being able to share just how much you've managed to do. And it just was like, honestly, this was a phenomenal trip. I don't know what it was, but I just felt it in my heart very differently. Even her mom took me to the backyard and was showing me the garden she's been working on. It was just schooling me, like, on, you know, tips on how to grow okra. And she's growing a pineapple, which takes, like, years, you know, and she's growing zucchini and all her herbs and grapes. And mind you, this is in Soundview in the Bronx. Like, I love.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes, yes.

[Francesca]

And she gave me a million seeds. I literally traveled with all these seeds. And you know how moms are. She gave me cucumbers from the garden, grapes, all kinds of stuff.

[Asante]

I'm about to make me cucumber salad. I know.

[Francesca]

I was like, mom, I can't carry all this. It was just so funny, but I was just so nourished.

[Dustin Ross]

I love this.

[Francesca]

There's something about your friends that have been in your life that long. Like, honestly, nothing compares. And I'm really blessed because all of my friendships are like, 30 plus 25 plus 20 plus, like, I'm talking about. And it's damn near all of them. There's not very many people in my life that it's under. Maybe 10, 15 years might be the shortest span. I don't have, like, a lot of newer friends, you know, so we've been

[Dustin Ross]

friends for 73 years. We wouldn't.

[Francesca]

We long time. 11 or about to be 12.

[Dustin Ross]

What is this, swimming?

[Francesca]

But all in all, I just feel so good, man. I really do. I was on that plane just feeling, like, so blessed, honestly, so, so, so blessed with. I think a lot of times, too, as people, we can focus on the things that we still want to do, the things we still want to, you know, create and the things. But it's something about going all the way back and seeing where it all started and seeing how far you've come just, you know, in that time span that you sometimes need that just to remind you, like, you are phenomenal, you know?

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Flat out, that res.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Francesca]

You really.

[Dustin Ross]

Back to what, you know. Yeah.

[Francesca]

You really need that. And I'm grateful. And I love all the people. People in my life. I also just feel lucky. I'm Like I have so many good people. Like, good.

[Dustin Ross]

Because you a good people. I mean, you good person. That's why

[Francesca]

I just feel blessed. You guys, this was such a great

[Dustin Ross]

trip and much love to your mama. Hi mama friend. We love you. Hi mom. And I'm sorry for saying nasty stuff. I'm trying not to cuss when I. If you don't want to cuss together, mama Fred, feel free, like let me know because we can tear somebody up together. Okay?

[Asante]

Low key. You should retire my mama from. For curses. Because she used to curse way good back. And I'm like, mom, where's.

[Dustin Ross]

Come on, come on.

[Asante]

You don't understand. It is such a.

[Dustin Ross]

We can do a group FaceTime. I'll bring Damon. Let's do it.

[Asante]

The memories of my mom when I was younger, just cursing people though, like out. And me just like balling out laughing cause she was just going. So seeing my mom now is like, damn, you know, you real sweet nowadays. Like this wasn't all like, they get soft, but they get soft this how

[Dustin Ross]

bad it was, right? I didn't even realize like when Damon used to be cussing out and going off and shit when I was little, I didn't even realize that it was abnormal. I would just be sitting there like then as I grew and got in like school and shit and started realizing that, oh damn, that's coming of like embarrassing for somebody to cuss you out like that. And I started realizing that it was a power dynamic. I was like, this is crazy. And then it got funny to me because I couldn't believe that it was actually happening. So that's my story about cussing up people out being funny. I ain't realized it was funny till I realized it was funny.

[Asante]

You know what I'm saying?

[Francesca]

I thought it was always. Yeah, my mom has always had a crazy mouth. And she's very like hot headed and hot tempered. And she said that when she used to curse people out or get into confrontations on the bus, I would look at her and be like, mom, you can't be talking like that in front of me. She said I would tell her. She said one time I told her, you can't be talking like that in front of me. And she said, it's better. That is me than anybody else.

[Asante]

Real, real, real. No, that's shout out to your mama. Shout out to, like shout out to our families teaching us the arts.

[Dustin Ross]

Words of dialogue and let the record reflect. Don't get Fran up.

[Asante]

Oh, period.

[Dustin Ross]

Cause. Cause mama got a vernacular. Okay, I'm Just gonna put it like that. And she got. She got a storage unit, in her vernacular, that she keep her in storage. I'm just. Okay. I'm just trying to tell y', all, I know

[Francesca]

if you saw my mama, please don't think.

[Asante]

You know what I'm saying?

[Dustin Ross]

It's all palo santo and eucalyptus and shit. You know what I'm saying? Cause she will, you know, she will pop you.

[Guest/Contributor]

Okay?

[Francesca]

But all in all, shout out to Nashville. Y' all look great. Shout out to New York. Shout out to Soundview. Those. Are you in the Bronx, man? I was like, wow. I hadn't been there in a minute. That shit looked the same.

[Dustin Ross]

Shout out to Soundview iconic.

[Francesca]

Shout out to Soundview more legendary. Really, truly, for real. I was so happy. I did see a couple white girls on bikes, and that shocked the hell out of me. I said, oh.

[Guest/Contributor]

Oh,

[Francesca]

so, bro.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, my God.

[Francesca]

But anyways, I'm thankful to our listeners that hang in there with us. When we take breaks, we do not take y' all for granted because obviously, you guys afford us the ability to create how we create. We love move how we move. Right? Take the breaks that we need so that we can continue to bring you guys good quality shows. Right? Because you never want us to be, like, burnt out tired over it. These. These are. This space is good for us.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yes.

[Francesca]

This space is good for us. So we love you. And I just wanted to have space to share. Share how we are feeling, you know? Do we usually do a mid year check in anyways just to see how y' all are feeling, how we're feeling, how the listeners are feeling, and then just figure out what we need to do in the second half of the year, because year is flying. I still cannot believe that we are in August.

[Dustin Ross]

I know. I cannot believe.

[Francesca]

That is wild. Like, we're literally about to go into the holidays, like, tomorrow.

[Asante]

Oh, my God. Fran did see all the pumpkin spice stuff in the. In the grocery store, and I was like, already? I didn't even think about it. I didn't even connect it. We are.

[Francesca]

Holidays is creeping. Yep. But anyways, I'm glad that y' all got some rest. I'm glad that y'.

[Dustin Ross]

All.

[Francesca]

Well, you will be getting rest.

[Dustin Ross]

Get into the rest on the horizon. It's on the horizon.

[Francesca]

It's there. You're on the cusp, you know, and that you got to see family or work on projects, like, for sure. I love y'. All. And that's it. That's my check in this week in wellness.

[Asante]

This week in music. So we are back with more in music. A lot of music has been released, but there has been a lot of of talks around this one particular project which I have not really listened to. But you know, a lot of people listen to artists on our show. So I felt like why not talk about this artist? Because there's been a lot happening. Ariana Grande has released to it.

[Dustin Ross]

Nothing against her. I think she's a great T. That's probably sounded awful now that I think about it. I'm sorry because I did not mean it like that at all.

[Asante]

I was just. I didn't mean it like that with her albums.

[Francesca]

For real?

[Dustin Ross]

For real.

[Francesca]

I have not never listen to a Ariana Grande album.

[Dustin Ross]

I know some I'm missing. Every time I find a song by

[Francesca]

her I like, I be like, yeah, damn.

[Asante]

There have been some things that have happened in her career that I've been with and I don't know if that this is something that I'm going to get with or not, but I've just been seeing speculation.

[Dustin Ross]

Like a bicycle or like a flower.

[Asante]

Like a flower. I forgot story behind the flower petal though.

[Francesca]

And then she write this. Apparently she like wrote this album.

[Dustin Ross]

That's dope.

[Francesca]

Where normally she uses writers but I. I don't. Can't confirm that that's what I heard. I don't know that for sure.

[Dustin Ross]

Go, go on Ariana.

[Asante]

Well, I haven't listened to the project. As you were saying, I'm not a big Ariana fan as well, but she is someone that I do know that there are things in her catalog. I went back and revisited Justin Bieber's catalog and found a lot of things

[Francesca]

that I've been enjoying do that.

[Asante]

I'm telling you, friend, the coach. There was some things that I don't know why look just random. So maybe one day Ariana Grande the bug will bite me and I'll go back and listen to some of these things with fresh eyes and fresh perspective and really get in tune with it. So that's why I'm sharing this news now, to see how my opinion may change in the future. Anyway, this album, it dropped along with a visual for the title track pedal. Now in this visual it shows Ariana's body. So a lot of criticism has come about her body. Think she's looking skinnier. People were saying, you know, maybe she's exhausted, maybe leave her alone disorder. Well, following this speculation, people were. She actually said that she's going on break. You know, the album. She said after this tour she's going on break. And so people were like, well, damn. So. Because you a like the comments behind the album. You going on break now.

[Dustin Ross]

Because initially, after her album, a tour,

[Francesca]

and not only a tour, albums and movies, back to back, I was going

[Asante]

to say, can she take a break after this tour? She was supposed to star in the Weston show Sunday in the park with George. So she was. So she had just got finished doing the Wicked Whole Circus. She's doing her tour right now.

[Dustin Ross]

Gives y' all know she's gonna go to London.

[Asante]

Was supposed to go to London right after. And actually it was like, hey, I'm not going to London no more. And this was actually determined before this album dropped. So she came out as a show recently and said, we had already said we taking time. This ain't got no.

[Dustin Ross]

So kill them rumors. Yeah.

[Asante]

So kill. Yeah. So shout out to Ariana Grande.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm glad you cleared that up. This the clearing up.

[Asante]

Yeah, I wanted to. Look, I got the news. It wanted to clear it up with the people because there's an Ariana Grande fan out here listening. You know, we might not listen, but she listening. So we gonna record. Yeah, I don't have nothing against her either.

[Francesca]

And she's talented.

[Asante]

Yeah, she's a talent. I think she's somewhere they were talking about, you know, a legacy pop act. She's moving to an era where she's, you know, getting up there with the girl of names that have been around for a while. There are other things that I could share in music. What was the other story that I kind of really wanted to get to? Where have all the male superstars gone? There are a lot of people out and dropping music left and right. But the male superstar camp, I just wanted to have a conversation about. Sometimes when I'm doing these stories, it's very hard to find stories on. On male or men that we care about. And I'm wondering, why is that? You know, there are artists that come out, There are artists that been out that we support. Right. You know, Usher, he's still on the road doing his thing. You know, a lot of male R B acts, they get back on the road after years of, you know, being in the fridge and they come out looking fine, still like Usher again.

[Dustin Ross]

But not the freezer.

[Asante]

The fridge.

[Dustin Ross]

The freeze.

[Asante]

All the fridge.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, well, yeah, that's for the people that went to. What's them schools called?

[Francesca]

Schools is Crazy.

[Dustin Ross]

I can't remember what they call. But, you know, y' all know what I'm talking about.

[Asante]

Anyway, a lot of Our male superstars had surrounded, you know, around the hip hop stars, you know, the Drakes and the Kendricks. And as their rap beef was growing, a lot of people were telling us, you know, hey, if you're a pop fan, stay over there and pop. But, you know, as music superstardom goes, it don't matter if you a pop, hip hop fan or whatever. Superstardom is superstar stardom. So I'm just wondering what the male superstars are doing, or are y' all gonna let new male artists really do their thing and try to support them? Or y' all just gonna keep complaining that there are no real male artists? Because male artists have been kind of working around trying to find my eye and attention. But unfortunately, it's like they come and they go and I can't remember nobody. So before anyone's like, well, why don't you name some? I really was trying to put together a list and I was like, I can't really put together a big list, but I can put together a list if you listeners would like to support and add down below. So that is some homework for you. If you're wondering whether I'm wondering where the male superstars are, and some of you might be too. But if some of you have answers of who could be up and coming and next, I think that you should drop those down below so I can have homework and go listen to those male superstars.

[Dustin Ross]

Okay, I misunderstood you, friend, because I thought. And I'm just gonna share it because I. I actually think it's a great idea. I thought you were saying that if the people wanted a playlist from you of male, you know, superstars.

[Asante]

Well, I was trying to put together a list of people in the comments

[Dustin Ross]

that they wanted that from you.

[Asante]

No, I want the people to put in the comments. People that they are.

[Dustin Ross]

Okay.

[Asante]

Yeah. Male. This is male R B artists, you know, and make sure they not AI okay.

[Dustin Ross]

Go to hell. Whoever.

[Francesca]

We gotta do with me now.

[Dustin Ross]

Some people don't.

[Asante]

Right. And they might have a hard time finding. So if you do clarify that you aren't sure, I will, you know, maybe scroll past. But I thank you for giving me the option to maybe scroll past or click. But if you send in it, I'm be mad.

[Francesca]

So a good resource is yams. The playlist.

[Asante]

Yes, the playlist. Shout out to them.

[Francesca]

Their. Their. They post. Really, really appreciate mean. I've discovered a ton of artists just from following them on Instagram and social media. So shout out to Dante, the creator of Yams of playlist. I really like them.

[Asante]

Hey, yeah, I have heard some artists that I was like, all right, maybe I should put them and talk about them. But I couldn't find, like a list that, like, because I wanted to kind of make it a running segment. So that's why I was like, let me get a list and I'll try to highlight some male R and B folks like, as the year comes to a close so there can be some greater conversations around them next year. Year.

[Dustin Ross]

Welcome to the friends.

[Francesca]

With Cricket Wireless. You can count on reliable nationwide 5G because Cricket Wireless is on the AT&T network, which means you can start listening to that new album that just dropped at home while running errands and at the gym without any hiccups. Find plans with unlimited data for every

[Asante]

lifestyle and price point.

[Francesca]

Switch to Cricket today day.

[Ad Voice]

Every unforgettable night deserves a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Introducing the new Ralph's Club New York parfum by Ralph Lauren. A bold expression of modern sophistication. An unexpected burst of black currant opens the scent with intensity while a rich cognac accord adds depth and sensuality. Capture the energy of Manhattan's nightlife and discover Ralph's Club New York parfum. A powerful, indulgent and unfair unforgettable scent that lasts long after the night has faded. Shop now.

[Asante]

That's it for the music man segment or as far the artist dimension portion of the segment. Excuse me. Now we're going to get to the songs to play listens lately. And Fran, we're starting with you because I want to know what you have been listening to lately.

[Francesca]

Yeah. So now I'm like, what can I pick? So I. I'm loving this, Victoria. Me, me, me, me.

[Asante]

You need your project for you Victoria

[Francesca]

Monet's new music video choreographed by Sean Bankhead. It is so beautiful.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes.

[Francesca]

She looks phenomenal. I love the choreo choreography. I now that comes out like that. You've done messed me up, Dustin Ross. I can't even. The choreography, the choreogr But I also really love the song. I believe it is a Kada collaboration and it's called reach out and this is how it goes.

[Guest/Contributor]

You live your life and I am living mine. But I know we've been aside eyes

[Francesca]

how it would feel if our worlds

[Guest/Contributor]

collide tonight we know that every summer

[Francesca]

miss each other I forever want to

[Guest/Contributor]

be your lover I forever want to

[Francesca]

be your love When's the last time

[Guest/Contributor]

that you reach out?

[Francesca]

I think it's time that you think

[Asante]

it's time with You,

[Francesca]

I think it's time with.

[Guest/Contributor]

You think it's time.

[Asante]

It's a nice record. It's a really nice record. Good look for her. Great sound.

[Francesca]

Isn't that so so. And I just think one thing I like about Victoria Monet is that you can tell she puts in so much effort. You know what I mean?

[Guest/Contributor]

Yes.

[Francesca]

And I think now with musicians, you don't see that type of intention work, you know, the work ethic care. You know, she's like kind of like

[Dustin Ross]

the old school artist and I'm grateful. That's why she won't 1 Best New Artist.

[Francesca]

Yep. And I hope she's winning. Baby Rose, y' all know how I feel about her. She put out an album called Urinalism and y', all, it is so damn good from top to bottom.

[Dustin Ross]

You have when you're standing up, peeing. Urinalism.

[Francesca]

You know what? I couldn't even pick a song. I was low key gonna play all three. We're gonna be from her album. But I was like, let me not. But when I'm gone is the one I'm gonna play today. Hey, this is Baby Rose from the new album urinalism.

[Guest/Contributor]

You cut right through it. My pride the truth is you really bring me down. I tell myself I'll be fine without you then I keep holding on. It's heavy. You don't deserve me you miss me when I'm gone you ain't got the answers you a cancer might around make me raise my standards now when you call won't answer.

[Dustin Ross]

Atlas lady.

[Guest/Contributor]

Who?

[Francesca]

Atlas Smith.

[Dustin Ross]

Is that you know what I'm saying? You feel me? No disrespect, like, I just think class. You know what I'm saying? Yes.

[Francesca]

I love that songwriting. She's so great. They were asking her in that same interview. Oh, no, actually, it was a different interview. If her voice was ever like a problem, you know, like if people had resistance because of her sound, she said she was really lucky because she didn't have resistance as far as her sound. But she said what. What they did have resistance was her writing for other people and recording the demo because they were like an artist is gonna have a hard time time hearing themselves because your voice is so power, you know, like it's such a

[Dustin Ross]

Michelle a doing a spoken word demo. You're like, now how in the am I supposed to. How the I'm supposed to match this reference?

[Asante]

How do you get there?

[Dustin Ross]

You know what I'm saying?

[Guest/Contributor]

Well, actually,

[Francesca]

you know what? And then the last one, I'm gonna Play. Y' all know sir who we love. His older brother is now out here putting music out. You know, they come from a very talented musical gospel family. And so his brother Davion Farris has a new record with another artist that I love, Jalen Josie, who I have talked about.

[Dustin Ross]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Francesca]

She is just. No one's exciting me more than her right now. I was actually having a whole lot fan out session about her when I was at dinner when we sound crazy because they love her. We just talked about her for like 20 minutes.

[Dustin Ross]

But what a stamp.

[Francesca]

What.

[Dustin Ross]

What a stamp to have.

[Francesca]

And I was so happy that they knew all her records and were excited about her as well. But she has a record with Davion Farris and it's called Feel.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah,

[Dustin Ross]

Baby.

[Guest/Contributor]

Temperatures are rising I'm losing control something you do light so far in my soul that look in your eyes for unraveling in your hand yeah the way

[Francesca]

you give me chills like I is

[Guest/Contributor]

running down my spine the way you lick your lips I want to put yours on mine giving me a rush if we don't run out of time out of body, out of my I you make me feel you make me feel you make me because of you I know love is real the way you make the way you make me feel yeah Time seems to stop when you let me inside moving in sync with our body.

[Francesca]

I just had to let y' all hear a little bit of Dave, y'.

[Guest/Contributor]

All.

[Francesca]

But yes, check him out. His project is amazing. And check out Jalen Josie as well. I just love these voices that you can tell they love music.

[Dustin Ross]

That is incredible.

[Asante]

That was incredible.

[Dustin Ross]

The way I'm about to smoke to that when we finish.

[Francesca]

Those are my three for this week.

[Asante]

And what about you, Dustin Ross? I know you've been playing some things while you've been on the go. What you been on the show.

[Francesca]

Oh, yeah. What's your flight? Your flight playlist.

[Dustin Ross]

And believe it or not, I've been stuck on Steve Lacy's album. Oh, yeah.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yes.

[Francesca]

I love him. So I get it.

[Dustin Ross]

I'm a Miguel fan. So this album is very reminiscent of a Miguel sound and I think that's what hooked me in. I'll start things off.

[Francesca]

He also looks like he could be related to Miguel. If you look at him, they have similar things happening.

[Dustin Ross]

He got a new. This new video. Anyway, this song is called. Oh, yeah, Listen.

[Francesca]

Let's hear it.

[Asante]

Turn my.

[Guest/Contributor]

Come on, come on, come on, Come on, come on, come on.

[Dustin Ross]

Yes.

[Asante]

So

[Dustin Ross]

I love that song.

[Francesca]

That's A good one.

[Dustin Ross]

Also, I would like to. I'll play this. This is off of Larry June's new album who coppin this song is called Flex. Like him and swizz beats. That's my shit.

[Francesca]

I thought you gonna play the one with Janae Aika go.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, cuz, you know they, you know, you know what they doing. Anyway, here we go, y'.

[Guest/Contributor]

All.

[Dustin Ross]

Flex, flex, flex, flex, flex yeah, Flex, yeah, Flex, flex. Listen, I don't like the haters I don't like the haters I don't like the haters I, I don't like the flex Flex, flex, flex, flex, flex I spent a lot for this Diamonds and flex commas and flex houses and I do what I want I work for this my name whole way respected this sf90fa spider gt3 it still ain't stock I check my portfolio that was flexed by Big Jun. The last song I'm f to play the last song I'm f to play is by Hurricane Wisdom and Chance the Rapper. This song is called Hurricane Wisdom. I'm just playing Chance the Rapper Barbie dow.

[Asante]

Okay,

[Guest/Contributor]

okay.

[Francesca]

Gotta slip these back. No, she a bag. No, she a Barbie dog swire I'm a little too fast, just might crash No, I ain't driving

[Guest/Contributor]

alone.

[Francesca]

I got up a cash for row

[Dustin Ross]

you got a twin I'm grabbing you

[Francesca]

grabbing both say please, I'm giving you more. Baby don't teach you not to be crowned.

[Guest/Contributor]

You need me.

[Francesca]

You know how to go.

[Dustin Ross]

She quiet. You know what you know pretty girl styling.

[Ad Voice]

Sound like.

[Dustin Ross]

So we can cut that off, but yes, that's Barbie doll. That's the name of that song. And speaking of Barbie doll, shout out to Angel Reese like Lotto said at the game that time. Shout out to Angel Reese and her Barbie doll. You know she got a Barbie doll

[Francesca]

now she has a doll.

[Dustin Ross]

A Barbie. Yes, a Barbie. And she walked into the all star game head to toe in pink shit flowing all over the day. The day her Barbie came out.

[Francesca]

Yo, that's cute. I love that. For I also saw her new sneakers. They're very, very cute. Shout out to you girl killing.

[Dustin Ross]

That's right. That's it for me this week.

[Asante]

Dustin Angela Reese. Shout out to everybody. This is is only cuz I had missed it. Okay, this is from Justin Bieber. He dropped the swag live from Coachella weekend two. And I had it playing when I was in the car. I know that this is real. Like, what are you doing? But I played like, you know how you use certain apps in your car for Your music. I was randomly on Pandora.

[Francesca]

Oh.

[Asante]

And Pandora was like, being like, swag from Coachella. And I was like, let me just listen to this. And I was really getting in. And I was really in a place, especially as certain songs was going. This song is called Go Baby, and this is Justin Bieber. Here's how it goes.

[Guest/Contributor]

That's my baby. She's iconic iPhone case. She keeps from talking. It's comedy.

[Francesca]

Just block it out.

[Guest/Contributor]

My baby. When sunlight turns the shadows and it gets hard to face like water to a flower Babe, I know you need the rain? Nothing needs to work out and nothing needs to break? Don't need to pretend that you're okay? So cry on my shoulder Just turn it to me? Cry on my shoulder whenever you need it? You better believe that I can hold all the weight into. Cry on my shoulder that no melody. Cry on my shoulder.

[Asante]

There's a part where you start turning up, man. I ain't got to play today. Either you believe me or you don't. Look, either he was gonna get with it or you wasn't. So at that point, you don't need to hear the part that's really gonna bring in be.

[Dustin Ross]

Oh, okay.

[Asante]

Like, you either gonna go back and get it or you not, Because I have been missing out.

[Francesca]

I'm gonna look it up. I want to know. I heard it was, go, baby.

[Asante]

Go, baby, Go, baby. I was like, you know what, Justin?

[Dustin Ross]

Go.

[Francesca]

Is that the one where he was, like, on stage with, like, an mp?

[Asante]

See, I ain't watch it again. It's happening. That was the Grammys.

[Francesca]

Oh, okay. I'm like, I know he's been in a real strict.

[Dustin Ross]

Or the VMAs. Was it the VMAs or the Grammys? Grandma? It was either the VMAs or the Grammys.

[Francesca]

One of those, right? Where he's been in, like, a stripped down performance mode.

[Dustin Ross]

Speaking of stripped down performances from him, there's a clip, if you look it up, of him and the kid Laroi performing Stay Live. And Justin Bieber was drunk, and it's one of the best performances. He's, like, leaning on. He's leaning on a banister, and he forgets the words. Yeah, he. He says he'd be like. And I remember the words, and that's crazy. It's so dope. But check it out. He was singing Ye a.

[Francesca]

A Bieber Ho.

[Asante]

The next artist I want to play. Now, this is a throwback from them because I believe Justin Dustin. Excuse me. I believe Dustin already played this. Their latest single. Which was Freak featuring jt. Now the reason I'm playing this.

[Dustin Ross]

No, I play now or Never.

[Asante]

You oh, you didn't play Freak well, so after you played that Freak somehow and maybe just cuz promo it was in my algorithm. It maybe because I watched Old Girl before and she need to come back but I'm just going to say, you know, you mentioned her and brought her back into my purview and the video came up and I said, well, I

[Dustin Ross]

only know her because you told her told me about her.

[Asante]

Well, I'm sure. So the, the latest took me back is all I'm trying to say. Because when I watched the Freak video with jt, hey, it was a great feature for jt. But B, you know, our girl looked great and the song is great. So I was like, damn, she's doing good. So I had to go back in time to why I initially fell in love with with her. This song is called mtv. I might have played it in the past, but it's by Esau. That's Y S E U L T here's how it goes.

[Guest/Contributor]

I cried down on my knees if someone pray for me it's so hard it's so hard it's so hard

[Dustin Ross]

it's

[Guest/Contributor]

so hard is so hard I try so hard to treat me glad Try so hard to treat me right

[Asante]

so

[Guest/Contributor]

hard to treat me better to me.

[Asante]

Speaking of mtv, this last one, it goes out to Mariah Carey and I just always think about that moment whenever I see. But look, told you about Pandora. I didn't listen to the latest album and the the latest album is called Here, Here For It All.

[Francesca]

I don't know, is it so the latest.

[Asante]

Oh, my bad. I want to test. Here for it all was the album that came out September of last year and the title track Here For it all came across my Pandora desk. It's actually the last song on the album because I heard the song oh, hold on Mariah. Let me go back and like this and find this. And I need, I was like, I need to go back and listen to this album because it played a few different songs songs but this was the one that made me stop. And obviously because it was the last track. Y' all don't know that last track got to be like, oh, I need more. That's when I heard I had to have more. Here's how it goes.

[Guest/Contributor]

Awake and feel you breathe and thank the Lord I live to see the physical embodiment of love so say last time la la la la but when you leave you Take a little bit of every F that's meant but if you need I keep my together and internalize the depth of the fe. All the glory, the sh. And withdraw Even when you bounce off the wall Baby, I'm here for it all Here for the cloud in your eyes A kiss where the sun never shines and I won't let you break when you fall Baby, I'm here for real.

[Francesca]

I love records like that.

[Asante]

And it's.

[Francesca]

I mean, just classic Mariah.

[Asante]

That's it for me. And the Music man segment. There's going to be more beautiful bean footage for us to talk about next week.

[Dustin Ross]

But now we move on this week in TV. Guess what? We have two things to talk about. Really? Three. Number one, the Real Housewives of Atlanta season 17 reunion trailer is out. It has been released by Bravo. Watch it. It's full of insults. There's body shaming. All the things we love on the reunion.

[Francesca]

Oh, my God.

[Dustin Ross]

So check that out. The reunion starts this Sunday. Also, check out the Real Housewives ultimate girls trip 20th anniversary special season, which is really season six of the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls trip. But it's celebrating 20 years of real Housewives. And it also. It is also Nene Leak's official return to Bravo. You know that she has been. They work something in legal and she is a part of this 28th year celebration of the Real Housewives. So it'll be good to literally see her back on Bravo.

[Francesca]

Right?

[Dustin Ross]

And so y' all watch that. As much as y' all didn't talk about one her back on Bravo. Y' all make sure y' all watch.

[Asante]

Y' all better watch, girl, if you ain't watch that girls trip, this better be the one you watch if you want.

[Francesca]

Speaking of girls in her power too, right? For them to take her. You don't think so? Oh, I'm like for them to allow her back on, considering all this.

[Asante]

You took a lot of time.

[Dustin Ross]

You ever heard the statement, have a heart?

[Asante]

I feel you, friend, but I don't see it like that either.

[Guest/Contributor]

No.

[Francesca]

Okay.

[Dustin Ross]

Well, has she been?

[Asante]

I wish I could, but anyway.

[Dustin Ross]

Cause I'm happy for her and I don't want people to misunderstand that. I'm happy to see her back in

[Francesca]

the music for sure.

[Dustin Ross]

So that's going on. And speaking of girls tripping, the Bell Collective reunion came on. Make sure y' all go back and watch that. Cause that shit was good. They was tearing each other up. And shout out to Kerri Paul, who is the new Belle. This is her second year being a belle. And she is. You know how people come on certain shows and even though they weren't a part of the original cast, once they come on, they feel like they were ever.

[Asante]

They're embedded now, right?

[Dustin Ross]

They are, they are, they are.

[Francesca]

They cut through.

[Dustin Ross]

She's Carrie Paul, her mama, her mother in law, all of it like Carrie Paul and she. Her and Marie going back and forth. You just got to tune in and watch that. So watch the Bell Collective reunion. And that's it for me in TV land this week.

[Francesca]

And watch a toxic love story on Netflix.

[Dustin Ross]

Girl, we have to talk about it.

[Francesca]

Oh, and the police.

[Guest/Contributor]

Yeah.

[Dustin Ross]

Where everybody looks like that rapper Trim. When I woke up, I don't see nobody. They all look like Trim. Them girls on the. Well, not ain't she the princess. You know, the miss. She's a person is a Charleston. But the. The.

[Guest/Contributor]

The.

[Dustin Ross]

The mistress. I can't remember her name, but she. She looked just like Trim the rapper. And that's what I'll leave y' all

[Francesca]

with, that nobody

[Asante]

stay black and protect your hatchet.

[Francesca]

Thank you so much. We will see you guys. If you're in Patreon, you watch this part.

[Asante]

Leave a robot emoji for him. Doing the robot. Cause why did you do that? Bye.

[Ad Voice]

Every unforgettable night deserves a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Impression. Introducing the new Ralph's Club New York Parfum by Ralph Lauren. A bold expression of modern sophistication. An unexpected burst of blackcurrant opens the scent with intensity, while a rich cognac accord adds depth and sensuality. Capture the energy of Manhattan's nightlife and discover Ralph's Club New York Parfum. A powerful, indulgent, and unforgettable scent that lasts long after the night has faded. Shop now.