
Loading summary
Lauren LaRosa
This is an Iheart podcast. Guaranteed human pressure has a way of
Commercial Announcer 1
revealing what remains steady. In the latest Nissan campaign, the Nissan Rogue was tested to the extreme to demonstrate that it's built to last through durability and reliability challenges inspired by real tests conducted by Nissan engineers. Brutal potholes, a steady force of water, even a jet powered sandstorm. Each challenge inviting a deeper look at how quality, durability and reliability hold hold their ground in real world conditions. Every test was 100% real. No CG, no AI. To see how the Rogue held up, visit nissan dash durability.
Ray Porter
Com.
Lauren LaRosa
A lot of you ask how I actually run my business behind the scenes. And honestly, Shopify is the reason it exists. For me, Shopify is the place where I took this little idea I had and turned it into a real business. I still remember the first ever sale I made for my fashion brand. Embellished. It was a huge moment for me and Shopify made it all possible. Build your store, own your audience, and create something that lasts. Start now@shopify.com. ben.
Dana White
What's up, y'?
Autotrader Commercial Voice
All?
Dana White
Summer's got a different tempo. Everything's a little looser, brighter. One plan turns into another. You hear something, you stay a little longer. Next thing you know, you're somewhere you didn't plan to be. It's those in between moments. That's where the ideas hit. Conversations stretch out. Little memories sneak up on you. Sometimes it's just about what's in your hand. That color, that chill. The new Tropical Butterfly refresher from Starbucks. Guava and passion fruit flavors with mango pineapple flavored pearls. Yeah, that feels like summer before you even taste it. Funny how one small stop becomes the best part of the day. Start your summer rhythm with Starbucks. Try the new Tropical Butterfly refresher from Starbucks.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now? Really? At a playground? Yeah, really. Look at these listings from dealers. Wow, your search can really get that specific. Really? And you just put in your info and boom. Cars in your budget.
Lauren LaRosa
Mom needs a second.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Honey, you can really have it delivered. Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership.
Lauren LaRosa
One sec, sweetie.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Mommy's buying a car.
Commercial Announcer 1
Mommy's.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
I think your kid is walking up the slide.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
Kyle.
Kal Penn
Again? Really?
Commercial Announcer 1
Auto trader. Buy your car online? Really?
Ray Porter
Let's get to it.
Lauren LaRosa
I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything and everybody. You know she don't lie about that, right?
Dana White
Lauren came in hot.
Lauren LaRosa
Hey, y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa and this is another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. This is your daily dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and all of the conversations that shake the room, baby. Now, today, you know you always kick it off checking in behind the scenes of the groin. So we are going to do that before we get started. Let's do it.
Dana White
Back on the grind.
Lauren LaRosa
So today I am feeling celebratory mood. I'm yo, let me tell y', all, I, I'm not a sports girly. I've said this multiple times. I will say this multiple times again and again and again because I'm not, not a sports girly. Pay attention to sports for the pop culture of it, the excitement of it when it leads into what I do. But being in New York, I'm trying to tell you guys during this time of the next step one, it makes you just feel like you got a team and you're celebrating something. So I have friends that are in town. You guys may hear them in the background because my studio is in my home. I got friends that are in town. I got friends coming into town for the parade that is going down this Thursday. I told you guys that I was going to try and see if I could maybe get you guys some sound or some something from that day of events anywhere in New York, whether it's the actual parade, surrounding events, whatever. Looks like I'm gonna be out there doing all the things. So I will be bringing you guys that this, this is just feeling in New York right now. It's been 53 some years since the Knicks have won a championship. This is only the third championship that was that is brought home in the franchise. So New York is on fire right now. Living here right now is literally like living in history. Let's get on into the latest. Now in other sports news, shifting gears a bit, Dana White and Donald Trump, they did the UFC Freedom250 event that went down at the White House over the weekend. And I know people have been pissed about this going down from the day that it was announced. We had Dana White on the Breakfast Club having a conversation about the event and here's what he had to say about it then. This was about a month ago, you
Dana White
know, you were on the Katie Miller podcast and you said in regards to your relationship with Trump and has it cost the UFC business, you said, I don't give a shit. I don't know the answer to that question. I've gotten to a point in my life, especially after Covid and all that nutty shit that went on during that time that I only want to be in business with and talk to people that I'm aligned with.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
Well, I don't know about talk to people that I'm aligned, but I want to do business with people that I'm aligned with, for sure.
Dana White
So you're aligned with Trump on what, exactly?
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
Well, Trump is a good friend of mine. I mean, I've been friends with him for 25 years. Friends. I mean, he just happened to become the President of the United States. And he and I have never had a. He had us at the. At the Trump Dodge Mahal. When we first bought this company. The stigma that was attached to this thing, you can imagine. Think about this. It wasn't allowed on pay per view. You, as a grown adult, didn't have the option to buy it on pay per View. Porn was on pay per view. The UFC was not allowed on. That was the uphill battle we had. So you can imagine, venues didn't want us because, you know, these guys were like, what kind of people will show up to watch this kind of an event? And he had us at the Trump Taj Mahal for the first two fights, you know, 30 and 31. UFC, 30 and 31. And then after we did those two fights, firstly, he showed up for the first fight of the night and stayed till the end for both events. And you think the Trump brand then and the UFC brand and every good thing that ever happened to me in my career after that, he was always the first guy to reach out. So then when he was running in 16, he called me and asked me, would you speak for me at the Republican Convention? And everybody told me not to do it, don't do it. This is gonna be bad, and he's never gonna win and all that kind of stuff. But this was a guy that was always good to me and, you know, always treated me well, and I did it.
Lauren LaRosa
So they went on, of course, trudged on, did the event. And I think for people, you know, it's the timing and the optics. Like, we literally have, you know, ceasefire conversations happening with Iran. People can't afford the gas and to eat, but we can spend all of this money, thousands and thousands of dollars, to throw a UFC event on Trump's birthday in the White House. Just insane. But there was something that went down at this event that a lot of people are upset about and honestly, which has become the focus of the conversation around the event. So fighter Josh Hokutt had this to say about Michelle Obama. Yes, the attacks are still coming at the Obama family Which I think, you know, goes to show just how impactful and how important they are in our nation's histories, in our nation's history. And as the first lady, forever first lady and forever President Michelle Obama and Barack Obama. But Josh Hokit, he had beat another fighter named Derrick Lewis on the White House lawn and decided to talk about this in Michelle Obama. Let's take a listen.
Dana White
Hey, shout out to Trump for having the balls to put some shit like this on. And if I'm gonna say anything, there's only one person more incredible than the Incredible Hulk, and that's my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Now listen, Alex Pereira, I want a shama on your mama. And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America? Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokutt.
Lauren LaRosa
And of course, this has been getting him dragged very, very bad. Now, there are some outlets who lean the other way, and y' all know what I'm talking about, that are upset and think that it's like such a joke or a talking point to push back on or debate on that. There are people that are debating, not they're debating. I'm sorry, there are people that are talking about this and talking about this being a perfect example of, you know, racial treatment when it comes to black women in this country. This is something that is not new with Michelle Obama. This is misinformation that they've been trying to spread for some time now. But just the treatment of Michelle Obama, since we have ever met her, from certain groups of people, this has been it. So us over here on this side who love and respect our forever first Lady, We're. We're. You can't get us. Like. Like nothing that you can do or say will catch us up, will stop, you know, us from speaking about Michelle Obama and Barack Obama in a way that is nothing but legacy, honor, and respect. Because we've seen it all. We went through it with them while they were in the White House. It's still happening post White House, but it's just sad. I mean, seeing it on the White House lawn was sad, but the event was very. I wasn't surprised. I'll just. I'll just say that, right? I was not surprised that rhetoric like this took place at that event. However, I will say Dana White, CEO, you know, leadership over there at within the ufc, is pushing back on this, even going down during the event. So he spoke to Time magazine, and he's trying to separate himself from these comments. Him in his organization, he says, I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I'M completely against saying nasty and false things about people's figures, families. He says, everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense. Now, the White House did not immediately respond to Time magazines outreach. I will be reaching out to myself, to the White House, because now in the beginning, they didn't respond to anything and they were getting so much backlash about this event in general. I don't know if that's why they just said, you know, we're not going to say nothing at all. But there were reports that the White House was trying to get the video scrubbed online, like, trying to get it taken down. So I don't know if that was happening because they are trying to say, like they're trying to protect Michelle Obama, but I would not, I wouldn't put money on that being the reason why. But now all of a sudden, CNN was provided this video of Donald Trump and as you know, the fighter is making these comments or after, actually. So he makes these comments and then you see Donald Trump take off a chain that was given to him by the fighter. Now, just me being in media and understanding how narratives and headlines and all these things work, in my opinion, this, this video was circulated, was found and circulated to outlets, trying to make it seem as if Donald Trump also had nothing to do in his distancing himself from, from these comments. But here's my thing. You can't be a president that goes on truth social and post, you know, monkey imagery of our forever first lady in, in the family. And, and, and then, you know, we see this video of you taking off a chain. It was just so happened to happen after a person made these comments. You don't know if he, you know, really registered what the comments were at the time. You look, he'd just be waking up from some things a lot of times in these public events. So I'm not banking on the fact that he took the chain off because he was disgusted by the comments. I'm not buying that whatsoever. But that is what is circulating now.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Are you really buying a car online on autotrader right now? Really? At a playground? Yeah. Really? Look at these listings from dealers. Wow, your search can really get that specific. Really? And you just put in your info and boom, cars in your budget.
Lauren LaRosa
Mom needs a second.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Honey, you can really have it delivered. Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership.
Lauren LaRosa
One sec, sweetie.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Mommy's buying a car. Mommy, I think your kid is walking up the slide.
Kal Penn
Kyle.
Commercial Announcer 1
Again?
Kal Penn
Really?
Commercial Announcer 1
Auto trader. Buy your car online? Really?
Kal Penn
Hey, everyone, it's Kal Penn I'm the host of Irsay The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Ray Porter, the narrator of Andy Weir's Audiobook Pro project, Hail Mary Massive sci fi adventure about survival and science and what happens when you wake up alone, very far from Earth.
Ray Porter
I really had to make a decision because I caught myself getting that frog in my throat and starting to get teary as I'm narrating some of these sections and it's like, okay, yo, yo, yo, is this indulgent? And I really thought about it. I was like, no. At this point it would kind of be betraying the trust the author and the listener have in telling this story if I don't go through it. But there's places in this book that deeply, emotionally affected me and I left it on the mic. That's great because it served the story. People will say like, oh my God, I cried at the end. It's like, yeah, dude, me too.
Kal Penn
Listen to Hearsay, the Audible and iHeart audiobook club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Commercial Announcer 1
And now, another mouthwatering recipe from Maracon, the world's finest rice vinegar. How about a Moracan Hot Chicken sandwich with tangy slaw and pickled cucumbers? It's bold, crispy and spicy with chili, garlic and bright, tangy notes. The secret? Morakan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar. It adds a zesty kick that elevates sauces, marinades and homemade condiments. Craving sweet and savory? Try Maracan Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar, a flavor bomb delivering perfectly balanced taste. Taste great for spring vegetables, fresh slaws and grilled proteins. Morakan has crafted premium rice vinegar in Japan since 1649 and brewed in the US for over 50 years. Next time you're at the market, pick up a bottle of Morakan Genuine brewed with a green label or Seasoned Gourmet with the orange label. Then check out ricevinegar.com for more delicious recipes because the food you love is better with Maracan, the world's finest rice vinegar.
Dana White
A burst pipe, A dead water heater? The AC calling it quits? Who do you call? Homeserve is an easy way to handle unexpected home repairs with plans covering stuff basic homeowners insurance usually won't. Instead of scrambling for a contractor, you make one call to get the repair process started. Join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe right now. Go to HomeServe.com podcast for 50 less your first year. That's HomeServe.com podcast savings compared to renewal price void in Florida.
Lauren LaRosa
But in the meantime, the Obamas are out here just living their best life, as they always are, per usual going high when the people go low. So they're going to be opening up a presidential center in Chicago later this week. And they actually popped out in Chicago to see their official portrait that will be in, like, this official library that they have now. The official library will be opening on June 14, and I'll actually be in Chicago this summer at some point. So I'm going to go by there because I'm really excited to see this portrait. The portrait was painted by internationally renowned artist Ni Dar a a I'm probably still saying her name wrong and I really apologize. Last name Crosby. But she is a renowned, internationally renowned painter and she was on site when the Obamas came came to see the painting for the first time. Let's take a listen to just the beauty and the essence of the Obama man. I miss them in the White House so much. Just this interaction alone made me realize what we miss so much in the White House. And I wish I was older. Like, I was. I was an adult, but I was like a younger adult. I wish I was older, like, right now. Like, understanding really how everything is working out and how one thing affects the other. I wish I had the Obamas in the White House right now where I had even more of a better understanding of the symbolism and, like, why we needed them and what was happening versus what wasn't. But let's take a listen. I feel the energy shift.
Dana White
Hi, how are you?
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
So nice to see you. Before we get any commentary in, we
Dana White
just got to soak it in.
Lauren LaRosa
It's us.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
It is so pretty.
Lauren LaRosa
Of the stories within the. Your house was behind there, Euclid.
Commercial Announcer 1
Oh, my God.
Lauren LaRosa
You got everything in there.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
My only real question is, how come you didn't dye my hair in the photo?
Lauren LaRosa
It's.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
Don't they usually touch it up a little bit?
Lauren LaRosa
I thought about it.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
What was your sort of sequence?
Lauren LaRosa
So I did the drawing first of the two of you. We read all your books. We listened to all the interviews. You all have done, podcasts and videos. My whole studio got to know you. I wanted to make these decisions that tapped into those memories. So when you saw this, it felt familiar. It is beautiful. Was there anything that surprised you? It was good. It was so challenging because it made me push myself. It took me out of my comfort zone.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
Well, it looks fantastic. In fact, I'm gonna have A suit made with this.
Dana White
This.
Lauren LaRosa
You know how long I've been wanting this woman to do something with. And for me, it was an honor. I mean, it was an honor. We did it. And so Michelle Obama posted to her Twitter account today in the midst of all the noise, like, and I really commend Michelle Obama because Michelle Obama does not seem like. Like, when she decided to not go to the inauguration, you know, I was like, okay, she is not for the whatsoever. So I know that she is a person who, you know, and I watch her podcast a lot. We talk about her podcast, in my opinion, with her brother, Craig Robinson. Hear a lot on the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. She is not one to hold back her opinion or her feelings. So I know she sees everything that is happening. And I know that there are times where I'm sure she kind of. No, like, even if it's not a lot of commentary, but wants to give a little jab here, a little jab there, because she's very slick with it sometimes when she does. But in the midst of all of the chaos and all the the BS that was going on, she posted to her ex account in know conversation about the portrait. She says, barack and I were so honored to have our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center. She talks about the artist, and she says her artistic brilliance shines through. And the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the center will, too. I'm really excited to go see this. So when you're looking at the painting, first of all, the colors are beautiful. Their brown skin, all of the colors that pop off of the canvas. The backdrop is their love, their upbringing. You have their old home in the background. You see them sitting very presidential. It's like they're sitting in the now. And it's like all of the things that led up to the point that we're looking at them in the now of. You have, you know, one of those famous photos from them, like, back in the day during their college time when they were studying. Man, it's just a timeline of their life and their legacy. And, yeah, like, that's the only way I'm gonna ever have a conversation about Michelle Obama and Barack Obama. We need to be talking about honor, legacy, impact, and inspiration. Like, people are disgusting. Like, honestly, as human beings, Like, I don't agree with everything that is done by Trump and his administration and a lot of people on that side, but it just gets to a point where it's like, who Are you as a human and like, what do you want your kids and children, even if they're not yours, to like, emulate as they grow older? Like, we talk so much about, you know, these different things when they happen to children of the world and, you know, just race relations and critical race theory and all of these things. But man, I just, I'm always like people as grown adults. Like I said, I wish that I had Obama and, you know, Ms. Michelle Obama in office when I was this age right now where I could really, I feel like I appreciated them and I was like excited and happy and all the things. But like, being an adult right now where like I'm fully, fully on my own, like the first time, like, I remember the first time Obama was elected, I was still figuring out life, still living off my mom and my grandmother, like being out in the world on my own now, that would have just hit so differently. And it's just, how can you, how can you know that there are young people in the world that are figuring out life that regardless if y' all look alike or not, need what the Obama's bring to the world and decide to get on someone's platform or on a mic And Joe Rogan just. And he ain't provided no statement whatsoever, but and just decided like down know, well, first of all, you're a grown ass. Like, you're a man. She's a woman. Just that alone. Like, I feel like, you know, how I grew up, men, women and babies, they were off limits. It's just, I don't know, People are really disgusting.
Autotrader Commercial Voice
Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now? Really? I can get super specific with dealer listings and see cars based on my budget. You can really have it delivered or pick it up. I think kid is walking up the slide.
Lauren LaRosa
Really?
Commercial Announcer 1
Autotrader, buy your car online. Really?
Kal Penn
Hey, everyone, it's Cal Penn. I'm the host of Irsay the Audible and Iheart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Ray Porter, the narrator of Andy Weir's audiobook project, Hail Mary Massive sci fi adventure about survival and science and what happens when you wake up alone, very far from Earth.
Ray Porter
I really had to make a decision because I caught myself getting that frog in my throat and starting to get teary as I'm narrating some of these sections. And it's like, okay, yo, yo, yo. Is this indulgent? And I really thought about it. I was like, no, at this point, it would kind of be betraying the trust the author and the listener have in telling this story if I don't go through it. But there's places in this book that that deeply, emotionally affected me and I left it on the mic. That's great because it served the story. People will say like, oh my God, I cried at the end. It's like, yeah, dude, me too.
Kal Penn
Listen to Irsay the Audible and I Heart Audiobook Club on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts and
Commercial Announcer 1
now, another mouthwatering recipe from Morakan, the world's finest rice vinegar. How about a Morakan hot chicken sandwich with tangy slaw and pickled cucumbers? It's bold, crispy and spicy with chili, garlic and bright tangy notes. The secret? Morakan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar. It adds a zesty kick that elevates sauces, marinades and homemade condiments. Craving sweet and savory? Try Maracan Seasoned Gourmet Rice Vinegar, a flavor bomb delivering perfectly balanced taste. Great for spring vegetables, fresh slaws and grilled proteins. Maracan has crafted premium rice vinegar in Japan since 1649 and brewed in the US for over 50 years. Next time you're at the market, pick up a bottle of Morakan Genuine Brewed, a green label or season gourmet with the orange label. Then check out ricevinegar.com for more delicious recipes because the food you love is better with Maracon, the world's finest rice vinegar.
Dana White
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Ready to save. It's time for cyber deals. Kick off summer with fresh savings that brighten the season. You don't want to miss these exclusive week long digital offers on your favorite products that are only available when you shop online. Save on eligible items from Jack Links, Celsius, Chobani, International Delight and Too Good. Only available now through June 16th on pickup or delivery orders only. Restrictions apply. See the website for full terms and conditions.
Lauren LaRosa
But let's go on over to some more positive news because French Montana is doing something really positive in relation to the Knicks. So the Knicks have been celebrating here in New York and I talked a lot about that in the opening of this podcast. But French Montana had posted because there was a taxi driver whose taxi was getting obliterated by the Knicks fans. They were all on top of the, you know, the, the, the, they were all on top of his taxi. The taxi organization came out and said that like he was removed from the taxi. And you know, they pay to work because you got to keep upkeep your car and there's fees and there's all these things. So French Montana decided to collaborate with MD Motivator, who is a guy that does a lot of like give back stuff, viral give back stuff, giving out cars and different things across social to help the NYC cab driver. So they are working with GoFundMe to help a taxi cab driver. His name is Noradine. So he's a 59 year old New York cab driver who has spent years working hard behind the wheel and they're helping him get support for himself and his family. So they say that his cab was severely damaged during the recent celebrations in New York for the Knicks. And the vehicle, he relies on it to create a living and he works solely off of commission. So French Montana, along with New York Taxi Workers alliance have launched a fundraiser to help restore Nordine's business and get him back on the road. And now they're hoping that like, you know, other New Yorkers will support everywhere, come together and help a neighbor get back on his feet. And he handled it so gracefully, like he wasn't upset in the video I saw at the people that were on top of his cap. I think it's like being a New Yorker, you understood the excitement, but it was like, damn, like you don't want to put somebody out of work and put them out of the way that they provide for their family. So it's good to see this happening now when I they're trying to raise a hundred thousand dollars for him. I haven't seen on this gofundme yet the actual amount that French Montana himself has donated. But I do believe French Montana getting involved will mean something. I'm sorry, they're trying to raise $25,000 for him. Yeah, they're trying to raise $25,000 for Him. At this point. It is June 15th at 6:29pm They've raised 2,500, $2,352. And this is just from everyday citizens and it reads, you know what I mentioned to you guys, he's a 59 year old cab driver. His life was turned upside down recently during the celebrations of the Knicks. His cab was vandalized and was reportedly. He was. Oh wow. He was reportedly assaulted and dragged from his vehicle by the crowd in a matter of moments. The vehicle he was driving was severely damaged, leaving him facing an incredibly difficult situation. The championship is an historic moment for New York and Knicks fans everywhere. It's been special to see New York come together to celebrate this title. But they say that their goal and sh is Fundraising is to ask for help to get him back on his feet. So MD the motivator, he says French Montana sent him the story and they partnered with the taxi union, the New York Taxi Workers, to help restore the business and change his life. Internet, let's come together and help. So if you guys want to go and help out, I'm posting it to all of my socials. I'm Lauren LaRosa. L O R E N L O R E N L O R O S A everywhere. So you guys can find it on my socials. I just posted it to my Twitter account and I'll also be posting it to my Facebook and my Instagram. If you guys want to go and support Every little bit matters. $5, $10, $20, whatever you can do. I'm sure every little bit matters. So listen, people of the community, it's a great time. We're celebrating. The Knicks have won. You know, we want to keep the positive vibe odds going because there's so much negativity in the world, but this cab driver and probably others like like him saw some issues following the Knicks win. Let's get together and figure it out. I'm Lauren the Rosa. This has been another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. I tell you guys every single episode y' all could be anywhere with any old body. But y' all choose to be right here with me, my lowriders. I appreciate you guys and I'll catch you in my next episode.
Kal Penn
Hey everyone, it's Kel Penn. I'm inviting you to join the best sounding book club you've ever heard with my podcast, Hearsay The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. Every episode, I nerd out with amazing guests and dive into the best new audiobooks available on Audible. It's the book club for your ears. Listen to welcome to Irsay, the Audible and iHeart audiobook club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dana White
Here's the truth. You could literally be adored by everyone and then come home and still get completely ignored by your own cat. It's classic cat behavior. But New Sheba Premium Puree is a lickable treat that changes all that. They're protein rich, made with bone broth, and have the smooth, creamy texture cats go crazy for. Especially when it's hand fed. Yeah, it's more than a treat. It's a fast pass to favorite human status. So feed your cat Sheba and go from totally ignored to truly adored in just 12 days guaranteed or your money back. Learn more@sheba.com big transfer news today. Who's moving me to the couch with Domino's? Best deal ever since they just added stuff.
Kal Penn
Crust any pizza? Any toppings? Now with stuffed crust for $9.99.
Dana White
It's a long term contract with no release clause.
Kal Penn
Only $9.99. Yeah, that sounds like the move.
Dana White
I'm heading straight to D Minnow. Price is higher for some locations. Excludes Excel and specialty pizzas. Select this offer from 6:15 through 7:26 online only. Size availability varies by crust type. Max 7 topping 6 for pan and New York style crust. Minimum purchase required for delivery. Prices, participation, delivery area and charges may vary. M&Ms. Popped caramel do sound different. Oh no. People are gonna be obsessed.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
What do you mean?
Lauren LaRosa
People hate the sound of chewing.
Dana White
Maybe they won't like the crunch.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
Maybe we're saved.
Dana White
Wait a minute. Yellow. Have you been eating them this whole time?
Lauren LaRosa
Mmm.
Dana White
So tasty. Hands off us.
Michelle Obama (voice in portrait segment)
M&M's popped caramel. It's more fun together.
Lauren LaRosa
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Episode: Knicks Glory, White House Controversy & Protecting Black Legacy
Date: June 16, 2026
Host: Loren LaRosa
Podcast Network: The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts
This episode of The Latest with Loren LaRosa dives into three key topics at the intersection of culture, news, and community: the euphoric celebration in New York following the Knicks' historic NBA championship win, the controversy surrounding a UFC event held at the White House—specifically racist and transphobic attacks on Michelle Obama—and the ongoing mission to honor and protect Black legacy, highlighted by the unveiling of the Obamas' portrait at their new Presidential Center. Loren skillfully weaves cultural commentary, sharp personal insight, and updates from behind the scenes, giving listeners both the headlines and the heart behind them.
Starts at 03:04
“Being in New York, I'm trying to tell you guys during this time of the Knicks step one, it makes you just feel like you got a team and you're celebrating something…Living here right now is literally like living in history.”
— Loren LaRosa
Starts at 04:39
“I've gotten to a point in my life, especially after Covid...that I only want to be in business with and talk to people that I'm aligned with.”
— Dana White [04:58]
“Every good thing that ever happened to me in my career after that, he was always the first guy to reach out... When he was running in 16, he called me and asked me, would you speak for me at the Republican Convention?... But this was a guy that was always good to me and, you know, always treated me well, and I did it.”
— Dana White [05:05]
Starts at 07:36
“Lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
— Josh Hokutt [07:36]
“This is misinformation that they've been trying to spread for some time now. But just the treatment of Michelle Obama, since we have ever met her, from certain groups of people, this has been it.”
— Loren LaRosa [08:19]
Starts at 09:30
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I'M completely against saying nasty and false things about people's figures, families. Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
— Dana White [09:48]
“You can't be a president that goes on Truth Social and post, you know, monkey imagery of our forever first lady and the family … I’m not buying that whatsoever.”
— Loren LaRosa [11:53]
Starts at 15:13
“My only real question is, how come you didn't dye my hair in the photo? Don't they usually touch it up a little bit?”
— Michelle Obama [17:02]
“That’s the only way I’m gonna ever have a conversation about Michelle Obama and Barack Obama. We need to be talking about honor, legacy, impact, and inspiration.”
— Loren LaRosa [19:15]
“Barack and I were so honored to have our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center…Her [the artist’s] artistic brilliance shines through. And the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the center will too.”
— Michelle Obama [18:30]
Starts at 24:43
“French Montana decided to collaborate with MD Motivator…to help the NYC cab driver. So they are working with GoFundMe to help a taxi cab driver. His name is Noradine.”
— Loren LaRosa [24:43]
“$5, $10, $20, whatever you can do…every little bit matters. So listen, people of the community, it’s a great time. We’re celebrating…the Knicks have won. We want to keep the positive vibes going because there’s so much negativity in the world.”
— Loren LaRosa [26:05]
“Living here right now is literally like living in history.”
— Loren LaRosa, on the Knicks’ win [03:04]
“The treatment of Michelle Obama, since we have ever met her, from certain groups of people, this has been it.”
— Loren LaRosa [08:19]
“We need to be talking about honor, legacy, impact, and inspiration…that’s the only way I’m gonna have a conversation about Michelle Obama and Barack Obama.”
— Loren LaRosa [19:15]
“French Montana getting involved will mean something...every little bit matters. $5, $10, $20, whatever you can do.”
— Loren LaRosa [26:05]
“People as grown adults...how can you know that there are young people in the world...and decide to get on someone’s platform or on a mic and just decide like down...just, I don’t know, People are really disgusting.”
— Loren LaRosa [20:55]
Loren LoRosa’s tone is equal parts celebratory, indignant, and resolute. She honors her community’s cultural high points while fiercely condemning both public and institutional bigotry. The episode offers a roadmap for how to hold power to account while never losing sight of the joy and unity possible in shared moments of progress and resilience.
Listeners come away with: