Podcast Summary: The Read – "Baby, This Ain't It..."
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle

Introduction

In the April 3, 2025 episode of The Read, hosts Kid Fury and Crissle dive into a diverse array of topics that blend humor, insightful commentary, and unabashed honesty. From celebrating Black excellence in entertainment to dissecting controversial media phenomena, the episode covers everything from celebrity scandals to heartfelt listener letters seeking advice. Skipping over the usual advertisements and intros, this summary encapsulates the key discussions, notable quotes, and the dynamic interplay between the hosts, making it accessible for those who haven't tuned in.

1. Black Excellence in Entertainment

The episode opens with a spotlight on remarkable achievements within the Black community, highlighting influential figures making significant strides in their fields.

• Cheney Ogumike's Comedy Series "The W"

  Crissle introduces two-time WNBA All-Star Cheney Ogumike's latest venture: a new comedy series titled The W. This marks the first scripted television show centered on the WNBA, drawing inspiration from Ogumike's personal journey within the league.

  Notable Quote:
  Crissle [01:31]: “This will be the first scripted television show about the WNBA and is loosely inspired by Cheney's own journey in it.”

• Phylicia Rashad's Directorial Debut on Broadway

  The hosts congratulate Phylicia Rashad on her directorial debut with the Broadway play Purp, penned by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award winner. The play features Tony winner Carrie Young and stars alongside Denzel Washington and Halle Berry.

  Notable Quote:
  Crissle [02:48]: “Tony winner Carrie Young is in the cast. Yeah, there's another one for you to go see alongside Denzel Washington and Halle Berry.”

2. Hot Box: Controversial Shows on Netflix

In the "Hot Box" segment, Fury and Crissle tackle the controversial introduction of YouTube's Pop the Balloon onto Netflix’s streaming platform.

• Critique of "Pop the Balloon"

  The hosts express their disdain for the show's live streaming format and content, which they perceive as cruel and unengaging. Crissle humorously speculates on a possible horror-comedy reimagining of the show, blending dark humor with the existing format.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crissle [04:38]: “I don't like Pop the Balloon. I have watched it.”
  Crissle [06:39]: “It could be like a horror comedy where the balloon poppers become the killers.”

Section Highlights:

• Paula questions the necessity of the show being live.
• Crissle and Paula discuss potential negative influences of the show's content.

3. Celebrity News: Sean Kingston's Fraud Conviction & Netflix’s "A Different World" Pilot

The hosts shift focus to recent celebrity news, delivering updates with their characteristic blend of humor and concern.

• Sean Kingston and Mother's Conviction

  Sean Kingston and his mother were found guilty of luxury fraud, involving conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They were accused of obtaining high-end items like luxury SUVs and watches through fake wire transfer receipts.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crystal [08:56]: “Sean Kingston and his mom guilty of luxury fraud scheme...each charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.”
  Paula [09:34]: “That's a lot. Oh, send it.”

• Netflix’s Pilot Order for "A Different World"

  The discussion turns to Netflix ordering a pilot for a revival of A Different World. The hosts express both excitement and skepticism, pondering the inclusion of original cast members and the potential impact on the legacy of the original series.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crissle [12:05]: “Netflix has ordered a pilot, which means they're probably moving forward with developing the new series.”
  Paula [14:00]: “I'm hoping some other players from the original cast can join to maintain authenticity.”

4. Listener Letters: Relationship and Parenting Advice

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing listener letters, offering advice on complex personal issues.

• Helen's Dilemma: Infidelity and Friendship

  Helen grapples with whether to reveal her husband's infidelity involving her best friend Shay. Despite her misandrist stance, the moral quandary leaves her conflicted.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crystal [34:21]: “I would go to husband or to the adulterer... I'm giving you 48 hours to tell your friend.”
  Paula [35:39]: “I caution against agreeing to keep something private when you don’t know if that’s what you truly want.”

• Kara's Parenting Conflict: Discipline Styles

  Kara seeks advice on handling differing parenting styles with a long-time friend, particularly regarding the use of physical punishment versus emotional regulation.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crissle [41:27]: “I don’t believe in avoiding difficult conversations because they don’t make the difficulties go away.”
  Paula [44:14]: “You're absolutely right; toddlers need guidance and boundaries.”

• Falana's Relationship Concerns: Sexual Frequency

  Falana is troubled by her boyfriend's decreased desire for sex, seeking methods to rekindle their intimate relationship without feeling anxious about her self-worth.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crystal [52:48]: “He can talk to a sex therapist...address the underlying issues directly with your partner.”
  Paula [56:27]: “Communication is key, and you deserve to feel fulfilled in your relationship.”

5. Controversial Segment: Kiki Palmer's Podcast with Jonathan Majors

A heated segment emerges as Paula and Crystal critique Kiki Palmer's decision to host Jonathan Majors on her podcast, despite his convictions for harassment and assault.

• Hosts' Criticism

  The hosts express profound disappointment and frustration, questioning Palmer's judgment and the message it sends regarding accountability and support for abusers.

  Notable Quotes:
  Paula [53:04]: “I do not support people who abuse others like this.”
  Crystal [61:37]: “I do not understand how you can host someone guilty of assault and harassment.”

• Back-and-Forth Rant

  The conversation devolves into a passionate rant, highlighting the inconsistency and perceived insensitivity of Palmer’s actions in light of her own experiences with domestic abuse.

  Notable Quotes:
  Paula [75:09]: “How could you...? Really, you’re helping him revitalize his career.”
  Crystal [81:40]: “He is simply guilty. And I don't understand...”

6. Video Game Commentary: Assassin's Creed Shadows

Towards the episode’s conclusion, Crissle revisits her previous critique of the video game Assassin's Creed Shadows, offering a more balanced perspective after further gameplay.

• Balanced Review

  While maintaining her criticisms regarding the game's pacing and story, Crissle acknowledges enjoyable elements like the meditation mini-game and the ability to adopt pets within the game.

  Notable Quotes:
  Crissle [64:59]: “I might have been harsher than necessary, but there are redeeming features like the calming mini-game.”
  Paula [64:59]: “I really enjoyed Junjiro’s character development despite the game’s flaws.”

Conclusion

In "Baby, This Ain't It...", The Read delivers a multifaceted episode that traverses the spectrum of pop culture, personal dilemmas, and societal critiques. Kid Fury and Crissle engage listeners with their trademark blend of humor and candidness, providing insightful commentary on both celebratory achievements and controversial decisions within the entertainment industry. The episode's rich discussions and heartfelt advice segments underscore the podcast's commitment to addressing the complexities of modern life with wit and depth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Crissle [06:39]: “It could be like Happy Death Day. It could be like the blackening.”
• Crystal [34:21]: “I am going to do it. It's gross. It's horrible.”
• Paula [35:39]: “I caution against agreeing to keep something private when you really don't know for sure that’s what you want to do.”
• Crissle [41:27]: “I don’t believe in avoiding difficult conversations because they don’t make the difficulties go away.”
• Crystal [52:48]: “He can talk to a sex therapist...address the underlying issues directly with your partner.”
• Paula [53:04]: “I do not support people who abuse others like this.”
• Crystal [61:37]: “I do not understand how you can host someone guilty of assault and harassment.”
• Paula [75:09]: “How could you...? Really, you’re helping him revitalize his career.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of The Read episode, highlighting key discussions, including significant quotes and their timestamps, while ensuring a natural flow for those who haven't listened.