Podcast Summary: "No More Parents For Me, Thanks. I'm Full." – The Read by Loud Speakers Network
Episode Information
- Title: No More Parents For Me, Thanks. I'm Full.
- Release Date: March 13, 2025
- Hosts: Raven Baxter and Melissa Smith
- Network: Loud Speakers Network
- Platforms: iTunes, iHeart Radio Talk, SoundCloud, Stitcher
Introduction In this engaging episode of The Read, hosts Raven Baxter and Melissa Smith delve into a myriad of topics ranging from pop culture critiques to heartfelt listener letters. Balancing humor with sharp social commentary, the duo navigates through discussions about the challenges faced by black actors in Hollywood, the intricacies of modern parenting, and the dynamics of personal relationships.
1. Exploring 'Number One on the Call Sheet' Documentary Raven and Melissa kick off the episode by discussing the Apple TV documentary "Number One on the Call Sheet," which spotlights black actors and actresses breaking into leading roles in film and television.
-
Key Points:
- Gender and Racial Disparities: The documentary highlights the significant pay gap and limited opportunities for black women compared to their male counterparts. Melissa notes, “Nia Long talking about how she just now got paid a million dollars for being in a movie two or three years ago, and The Rock is making like 80 million per movie or whatever” ([05:48]).
- Shift Towards Production Roles: Many black stars are transitioning into directing, producing, and writing to create their own opportunities. Raven observes, “So bringing up that about Raven directing now made me think of that point that he made last night at the show that, like, so many of these icons are now moving into the space of production” ([05:48]).
- Recognition and Awards: Despite critical acclaim, black women actors like Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg still face hurdles in securing top honors. Melissa poignantly states, “Halle Berry was like, still cannot believe that I am the only black woman to ever win Best Actress” ([05:48]).
-
Notable Quote:
- Melissa Smith at [06:04]: “It is insanity.”
2. Pop Culture Insights and TV Show Discussions The hosts shift their focus to various television shows and movies, providing their take on the current landscape of entertainment.
-
Key Topics:
- Raven's Home: While Raven admits to not watching extensively, she praises the show's ability to intertwine the lives of Raven and her children, saying, “I was surprised that they tapped so much into both Raven's life and the kids' life” ([02:03]).
- Ms. Pat's Show: They discuss Raven's directorial ventures, highlighting the show’s unique humor despite its problematic aspects. Melissa comments, “Ms. Pat is so problematic, but, like, in a way that I really love and fuck with adore” ([03:00]).
- Win or Lose & Running Point: Both hosts share their enthusiasm for these shows available on Apple TV, with Melissa expressing excitement for Win or Lose and Raven catching up on Running Point.
- Janelle Monae's Arch Android: Raven shares her excitement about Janelle Monae's graphic novel and potential adaptations, saying, “I believe I left a comment. I can't wait to see this as a feature film” ([12:00]).
-
Notable Quotes:
- Melissa Smith at [06:15]: “They went through the whole thing like it's a laundry list at this point of black women who have won Best Supporting Actress.”
- Raven Baxter at [14:20]: “Imagine the creator of Star Wars making.”
3. Hot Box: Pet Talk In the lighthearted segment known as the "Hot Box," Raven and Melissa discuss their pets, sharing amusing anecdotes and frustrations.
-
Key Points:
- Dog Food Preferences: Both hosts talk about their dogs' picky eating habits and the challenges of finding suitable food. Melissa shares her struggles with her dog Lainey's selective eating, stating, “Lainey is not that at all” ([51:08]).
- Pet Care Routines: They exchange tips on ensuring their pets remain healthy and happy, including the use of human-grade wet food and nutritional supplements.
-
Notable Quotes:
- Raven Baxter at [51:16]: “I'm so excited for this. I'm so excited for this.”
- Melissa Smith at [55:35]: “Stuff like mentorship, being involved in your community, maybe teaching, being a therapist, there are all sorts of jobs where you work with children directly and can have a huge impact.”
4. Listener Letters
The Read thrives on its interactive format, with listeners sending in letters that the hosts address candidly and thoughtfully. This episode features two impactful letters from Ashley and Susanna.
-
a. Ashley's Dilemma: Relationship and Desire for Children
-
Summary: Ashley, a fem lesbian, shares her struggles in a long-standing situationship with a stud. The core issue lies in her fear and uncertainty about having children, contrasting with her partner's strong desire to become a parent.
-
Discussion Highlights:
- Melissa’s Advice: Emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and establishing firm boundaries. She suggests, “Speak to someone to just, I think, probably unpack your feelings on motherhood” ([64:53]).
- Raven’s Insights: Recommends prioritizing personal desires over maintaining a relationship that doesn’t align with one's life goals. She states, “I think separate of the situation should talk to the lady” ([67:02]).
-
Notable Quotes:
- Melissa Smith at [67:22]: “If you are unsure about children or don't want them, or you're like, I don't know, don't have that period.”
- Raven Baxter at [66:07]: “This is hard, but you can do it.”
-
-
b. Susanna's Struggle with a Toxic Family Environment
-
Summary: Susanna reveals her long-term experience as a caretaker for her family from the age of eight, leading to complex PTSD, depression, and a recent BPD diagnosis. Her attempts to confront her mother about her mental health issues have resulted in increased familial pressure and emotional manipulation, leaving her contemplating cutting off her family entirely.
-
Discussion Highlights:
- Melissa’s Support: Urges Susanna to prioritize her well-being and seek independence, advising, “In every decision you make going forward, please think first and foremost about what you want” ([85:38]).
- Raven’s Empathy: Validates Susanna’s feelings and stresses the importance of self-preservation, saying, “It's poisonous to experience that” ([82:31]).
-
Notable Quotes:
- Melissa Smith at [85:35]: “You're disappointed in me? Only one of us, me up.”
- Raven Baxter at [84:12]: “Why they making it your fault.”
-
5. Continued Pop Culture Commentary After addressing listener letters, the hosts return to their trademark banter on various pop culture topics.
-
Lady Gaga vs. Taylor Swift:
-
Discussion Points:
- Artistry and Image: Raven praises Lady Gaga's elaborate performances and unique style, contrasting it with Taylor Swift's more traditional approach.
- Cultural Impact: They critique how white artists like Taylor Swift are favored in mainstream media, despite broader talent pools.
-
Notable Quotes:
- Raven Baxter at [94:13]: “Lady Gaga is the white woman that white people should have put on the deck when they were like, versus Beyoncé, not Taylor Swift.”
- Melissa Smith at [97:10]: “Yes. And house labs is great too.”
-
-
Mel Gibson's Gun Rights Controversy:
-
Discussion Points:
- Legal and Ethical Issues: The hosts express disbelief at Mel Gibson's attorney's attempt to restore his gun rights by citing a fictitious ambassador role.
- Corruption and Accountability: They condemn the manipulation and lack of proper rationale behind such legal maneuvers.
-
Notable Quotes:
- Melissa Smith at [105:20]: “You cannot tell. And so the TikTok has been, when I tell you, dragging the fuck out of this girl, it's like, who Good?”
- Raven Baxter at [106:49]: “Cause you're right because it's a conversation we've had.”
-
Conclusion In this episode, The Read masterfully balances lighthearted pet talk and pop culture critiques with profound discussions on personal struggles shared by listeners. Raven Baxter and Melissa Smith provide a space where humor meets heartfelt advice, ensuring that listeners feel both entertained and supported.
-
Final Remarks:
- Shoutouts to Apple TV for screenings and promoting their Patreon for exclusive content.
- Encouragement for listeners to engage via social media and send in their own letters for future episodes.
-
Closing Quote:
- Melissa Smith at [130:51]: “All right, girly pops. Goodbye.”
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Melissa Smith: “It is insanity.” ([06:04])
- Raven Baxter: “Imagine the creator of Star Wars making.” ([14:20])
- Melissa Smith: “We're just all going like, okay, all right, all right, all right, all right.” ([107:27])
- Raven Baxter: “You don't owe them a goddamn thing.” ([91:13])
- Melissa Smith: “You're gonna have to carry it illegally and go to prison.” ([105:20])
Key Takeaways
- Representation Matters: The episode underscores the ongoing challenges black women face in Hollywood despite their talent and hard work.
- Personal Boundaries: Listener letters highlight the importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries, especially in toxic relationships or family dynamics.
- Pop Culture Influence: Discussions on artists like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift reveal insights into how media favors certain images and narratives over others.
- Mental Health Advocacy: The hosts advocate for mental health awareness and self-care, especially for those burdened by longstanding familial responsibilities.
The Read continues to provide a platform where difficult conversations are navigated with wit, empathy, and unwavering honesty, making it a staple for listeners seeking both entertainment and meaningful discourse.