The Joe Budden Podcast – Episode 886 | "Fed Gala"

Released: December 13, 2025
Host: Joe Budden
The Joe Budden Network

Main Theme & Purpose

Episode 886 of The Joe Budden Podcast, titled "Fed Gala," stands as a characteristically sprawling, rowdy, and insightful session with Joe Budden and the crew. Anchored by discussions of new music releases, viral news, scandals in sports, and absurd social commentary, the episode spotlights contemporary hip-hop, the temptations and pitfalls of fame (especially for Black men), and the peculiarities of modern dating and social etiquette. The crew also dissects current headlines, pokes fun at each other, and maintains a lively, irreverent energy throughout.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Opening Banter & Chemistry

Timestamps: 00:00–10:00

• The episode opens with playful teasing about each other’s looks, bromances, and personal quirks, particularly ribbing aimed at Ish (D) and Mona (C).
• Mona’s tendency to compliment the crew and discussions about "Jason Love"—an adult film star whose team emailed the show with offers to appear and bring, among other things, a "custom 10 incher" for Mona.

“[Reading email] He has a custom 10 incher for Mona to try out if she’s interested.”
— (B, 03:26)

• Hilarious back-and-forth about performance-enhancing products like honey packs, “pink horsepower,” and general openness (or not) about using them.
• Deliberations on the art of voice notes and how men perceive women with "voices" (in both literal and metaphorical ways).

“They don’t like women with voices. You know what they want? They just want you to eat the dick and shut the fuck up.”
— Mona (C, 10:44)

2. Catching Up: Life, Holidays, and Fantasy Football

Timestamps: 20:08–24:00

• Joe reflects on how his December this year is much better than last, mentioning past issues like getting evicted and now celebrating with new equipment and milestones.
• The group jests about birthday planning for Ish, fantasy football leagues, matching socks, and the mechanics of planning surprise parties.

3. Strip Clubs, BBL Aesthetics, and White Girls

Timestamps: 24:00–29:00

• The crew discusses the nuances and logistics of attending (and planning for) strip clubs, the aesthetics of surgically enhanced women (“tummy tuck in the BBL”), and preferences for "thick" white girls.
• Mona offers vivid, comedic descriptions of BBL transformations that get the whole table laughing.
• The conversation veers into the territory of fetish, porn categories, and the idea of dancer inclusivity—culminating in wild brainstorming about birthday surprises and “midnight ballerinas in wheelchairs.”

4. Music Round-Up: Major Releases and Reviews

Timestamps: 33:10–59:00

a. 21 Savage – New Album

• The team dives deep into the new 21 Savage album, lauding its darker tone, production choices, and storytelling.

“This tempo exists a lot on this project. I enjoy legible, understandable, letting it breathe 21 Savage.”
— Joe (A, 38:33)

• They play favorite tracks, discuss features (Lotto, Drake, Young Nudy), and debate the effectiveness of certain collaborations.
• Mixed reviews on the Drake feature—while some found it uninspired, Parks and Joe expressed that expectations for the collaboration may be impossibly high post-her-loss era.

b. Conway the Machine – New Project

• Justice League gets praise for “From the Concrete Rose”; the group agrees Conway offers introspective, mature storytelling and maintains high lyrical standards.

“Hell of a project. Conway. …I want to buy this right now.”
— Joe (A, 59:24)

c. Nas & DJ Premier – "Light Years"

• Highly anticipated, historic project. The group acknowledges the impossibility of matching past hype from 20+ years ago but celebrates the achievement.
• Discussion of whether the new Nas/Preem project should be compared to old classics or enjoyed for what it is.

“Imagine going in the studio with somebody 30 something years ago, changing the world of music… and in 2025, almost 2026, being able to just, on some passion project, pick me up, we're recording this together now. There's something to that.”
— Joe (A, 87:42)

5. Sports & Scandal: Michigan Coach Drama

Timestamps: 92:38–106:12

• In-depth (and comedic) dissection of the story surrounding Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore’s firing and subsequent legal trouble, including:
  • His affair with a subordinate.
  • The chain of events leading to his downfall, the doubling of his mistress’s salary, and his emotional unraveling.
  • The ethics (or lack thereof) in cheating with "mid" women versus "baddies," convenience versus quality in infidelity, and the risks successful men take.

“That’s the thing about cheating. You’re never supposed to get a side chick with enough power to ruin your life…”
— Joe (A, 99:44)

• The conversation transitions to the pattern of Black men in power having affairs with white women, motivations behind that, and cultural/historical context.

“As a Black woman, it feels like that when Black men get a certain amount of success… that you automatically go white woman. Why is that?”
— Mona (C, 115:38)

• The men discuss the racial make-up of colleges and professional circles as contributing factors, not conscious choice.

6. Andy Dick & The Tragicomic Side of Fame

Timestamps: 126:04–135:06

• Mona brings up comedian Andy Dick’s recent drug overdose and chaotic TMZ interview, leading to a discovery of his disturbing legal record and "crackhead" tales.
• The segment is a darkly humorous reminder of how addiction, fame, and criminal behavior intersect.

7. Social Commentary & Relationship Debates

Timestamps: 135:09–147:34

a. Dating Etiquette: The "Doggy Bag" Debate

• Viral TikTok debate: Is it a red flag to take leftovers home on a first date? Most hosts disagree with the original take and share their own relationship stories and preferences.

“On a first date, act like you’ve been here before, even if that means you have to eat before you come…”
— Joe (A, 138:30)

b. Modern Dating, Bougie Phases, and Self-care Routines

• The group discusses leveling up, the importance of self-care, and the cultural value of being “bougie” in certain areas of life.

8. Headlines & Hip-Hop News

Timestamps: 149:41–194:50

• Announcement: Beyoncé set to return to the Met Gala in 2026 as Co-Chair, along with Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams.
• The “Fed Gala” and Mona’s honor at a Philadelphia event for formerly incarcerated people who’ve made positive changes.
• Brief reviews of more new music: Max B, Pooh Shiesty, and Fridayy. The hosts discuss the evolution of "first day out" rap tracks.
• The Ebro In The Morning show has ended on Hot 97, marking the end of an era in NY radio. The group reflects on the legacy and changes in media ownership, as well as the emotion behind not being able to properly say goodbye to an audience.

9. Street Codes, "Snitching," and 21 Savage's Take

Timestamps: 175:43–182:55

• Discussion of 21 Savage’s Big Bank interview, dissecting what does or doesn’t constitute "snitching."
• The group finds the "street rules" increasingly confusing, and Mona, Ice, and Ish clarify the difference between cooperating and snitching, and how the rules work in theory vs. real life.
• Joe observes that these discourses are mostly podcast talk, removed from the reality of real consequences.

10. Final Miscellanea

Timestamps: 194:50–End

• More on the Michigan coach’s charges and legal limitations after release.
• Jokes about OnlyFans spending by country and US city ("Atlanta, Orlando, and Milan are top spenders").
• Weekend plans, Mona’s promo for upcoming comedy shows, and the crew reminding listeners to stay safe, be mindful, and keep sending prayers.
• The customary Joe send-off, ending with a joke about "pass the fucking ball" and a playful a cappella.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Compliments gone wild:
  “I’m just a compliment. I can’t help it. And this looks better than all of us.” – Mona (C, 01:17)

• On cheating up (or down):
  “You need to get with something that’s gonna keep your mind off of what you just left.” – Joe (A, 104:21)

• On industry changes:
  “It signals a turn, I think, even further away from radio and away from some of the stuff that we care about. It’s a big moment in culture.” – Mark (F, 190:33)

• On snitching rules:
  “Snitching is trying to get another n***a up so you can be unfucked up.” – 21 Savage [from interview, quoted by Joe] (176:48)

Tone & Style

• Unfiltered, explicit, and comedic—classic Joe Budden Podcast style.
• Industrious hip-hop insight, irreverent humor, and ribald social commentary.
• Blunt honesty about relationships, fame, failures, and everyday life.

Key Timestamps for Reference

• Music Reviews: 33:10–59:00, 81:42–92:01
• Michigan Coach Scandal: 92:38–106:12, 195:44–197:54
• Doggy Bag Debate: 135:09–147:34
• Ebro In The Morning ends: 189:01–194:50
• Street Code Discussions: 175:43–182:55

Summary

Episode 886 is a quintessential Joe Budden Podcast—a vibrant, messy, hilarious, and, at times, poignant roundtable that explores hip-hop, headlines, and the complexities of modern life. From earnest music reviews and startling news analysis to the wildest of inside jokes and social musings, this episode captures the unrestrained spirit of the pod and offers plenty for newcomers and regular listeners alike.