Podcast Summary: The Read – "The Wedding Snatchers" (January 16, 2025)

Hosted by Jo Marie Payton and Naomi Osaka, part of the Loud Speakers Network

1. Black Excellence: Honoring Jewel Rogers as Nebraska’s Poet Laureate

Timestamp: 01:35 – 03:58

Jo Marie and Naomi kick off the episode by celebrating Jewel Rogers, recently appointed as Nebraska's new Poet Laureate. At 27 years old, Jewel makes history as the youngest and first Black American to hold this prestigious position in the state.

• Background and Achievements:

  • Jewel Rogers began writing poetry in sixth grade and has since performed at numerous schools, conferences, and public events.
  • She is a three-time nominee for the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award and a three-time TEDx speaker.

• Impact and Responsibilities:

  • In her role, Rogers will travel across Nebraska for five years to promote poetry reading and engage youth in the arts.
  • Naomi humorously remarks, “America, not sure where that is on the map right now” ([02:58]), highlighting the duo’s playful banter.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Naomi: “Jewel Rogers, only 27. The year that I felt like, oh, let me be grown. But again, this isn't about me. It is about Jewel.” ([03:21])

2. Hot Talks: The Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires and Their Aftermath

Timestamp: 03:58 – 16:36

The hosts delve into the recent wildfires wreaking havoc in Los Angeles, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on different communities.

• Scope of the Disaster:

  • Over 105,000 people are under evacuation orders with 16 deaths confirmed.
  • Significant property loss affecting both ordinary residents and celebrities alike.

• Community Response and Inequality:

  • Jo Marie highlights the misconception that everyone in LA is affluent, asserting, “most of the city is not millionaires” ([08:35]).
  • They discuss the varying levels of support and the emotional toll on individuals, including celebrities like Beyoncé, who deferred announcements out of respect for those affected.

• Personal Reflections:

  • Naomi shares a poignant moment: “I saw a video of a man who for days just did not know where his dogs were or if they had even survived.” ([15:00])

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jo Marie: “Trust Ameca Auto Insurance. Amica. Empathy is our best policy.” ([00:29]) – Referencing earlier content.
  • Naomi: “You just know his mama found like $540 rolled up in his sock drawer somewhere and he had already spent 60.” ([46:35])

3. Legal Drama: Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group

Timestamp: 16:36 – 32:11

The conversation shifts to the highly publicized legal battles involving major music stars.

• Jay-Z’s Lawsuit Withdrawal:

  • Jay-Z has withdrawn his lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Spotify, which alleged they conspired to inflate the numbers of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, "Not Like Us."

• Drake’s Defamation Case:

  • Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, accusing them of spreading false and malicious narratives through the song "Not Like Us."
  • He claims the song contains anti-Semitic lyrics aimed at undermining his Jewish heritage, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

• Analysis of Lyrics and Intent:

  • The hosts dissect the song’s lyrics, debating whether Drake’s allegations hold merit. Naomi argues, “Not Like Us has nothing to do with Jews. Not one fucking thing.” ([27:37])
  • Jo Marie challenges the validity of Drake’s claims, questioning the intentionality behind the alleged anti-Semitism.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Naomi: “She doesn't really have to. The court does that.” ([34:37])
  • Jo Marie: “You can’t. You thought this was the way.” ([30:37])

4. Listener Letters: Navigating Friendship Betrayal and Toxic Relationships

Timestamp: 38:23 – 57:24

The duo addresses heartfelt listener letters, offering advice amidst candid and often heated discussions.

A. Shelly’s Wedding Snatchers Dilemma

• Situation Overview:

  • Shelly attended her best friend Micah’s Nigerian wedding as a bridesmaid, where she was instructed to bring cash for traditional ceremonies.
  • Upon discovering her money was missing, Shelly suspected Micah but later learned the true culprit was a 10-year-old caught on camera.

• Conflict and Resolution:

  • Miscommunication and heated accusations led to the end of Shelly’s long-standing friendship with Micah.
  • Jo Marie advises, “I don't think you can come back from this. I don't think you can.” ([42:36])
  • Naomi suggests making a heartfelt apology, even if Micah remains distant, to seek closure.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Naomi: “This is over, sister. I actually don't think you can come back from this.” ([42:36])
  • Jo Marie: “Black people don’t play about being accused of being a thief.” ([47:00])

B. Bibi’s Toxic Breakup Experience

• Situation Overview:

  • Bibi endured a toxic two-year relationship where she handled all household responsibilities, leading to emotional exhaustion and eventual breakup.
  • Despite her efforts to move on, her ex-partner continues to harass her attempts to sever ties.

• Advice for Bibi:

  • Jo Marie recommends boundaries and emphasizes the importance of removing physical reminders of the ex to facilitate healing.
  • Naomi concurs, advocating for complete disengagement to prevent falling back into the unhealthy dynamic.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jo Marie: “I’m not sharing custody of that. But I can see how you would really miss the dog.” ([53:17])
  • Naomi: “Set it to play. This is an alarm. The feds are on the way.” ([61:14])

5. Additional Discussions: Critique of Hollywood Adaptations and Public Figures’ Controversies

Timestamp: 32:11 – 86:06

Beyond the main topics, the hosts engage in fervent debates on various pop culture issues.

• "Until Dawn" Movie Adaptation:

  • Expressing disappointment, they argue that the upcoming film bears little resemblance to the beloved video game, criticizing Hollywood’s tendency to diverge from original material.
  • Jo Marie vehemently states, “This movie ain't got a goddamn living fucking thing to do with the game.” ([65:05])

• Aubrey Plaza’s Instagram Deletion:

  • The hosts condemn public harassment directed at Aubrey Plaza following her husband’s passing, emphasizing the lack of empathy and respect from fans.
  • Naomi comments, “We don't have monthly meetings or dues.” ([73:17])

• Carrie Underwood’s Political Stance:

  • They criticize Carrie Underwood’s decision to perform at the inauguration, accusing her of supporting toxic political figures.
  • Jo Marie asserts, “I don't have to support you because I believe in your right to make your own decisions.” ([76:09])

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jo Marie: “Hate y'all.” ([80:22])
  • Naomi: “Stop saying woke when you really mean not racist.” ([81:12])

6. Final Remarks and Announcements

Timestamp: 86:06 – End

Concluding the episode, Jo Marie and Naomi promote upcoming shows, merchandise, and encourage listeners to stay connected via social media.

• Upcoming Events:

  • 12-Year Anniversary Show on February 15th in New York City ([84:45]).

• Merchandise and Support:

  • Listeners are directed to purchase merch at shoptheread.com and support through Patreon.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Naomi: “Make sure you go to thereadlive.com for tickets because it can’t wait.” ([85:27])
  • Jo Marie: “Thank you so much to everybody who reached out last week.” ([85:44])

Highlights:

• Jewel Rogers’ groundbreaking appointment as Poet Laureate.
• Los Angeles Wildfires and their uneven impact on communities.
• Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit and the controversy surrounding "Not Like Us."
• Listener Stories reflecting themes of betrayal and toxic relationships.
• Critical Take on Hollywood’s adaptation practices and public figures’ controversies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Naomi on Jewel Rogers: “[03:22]”
• Jo Marie on Drake’s lawsuit: “[30:37]”
• Naomi on Shelly’s situation: “[42:36]”
• Jo Marie on Hollywood adaptations: “[65:05]”

This episode of The Read provides a blend of cultural commentary, legal analysis, and personal storytelling, delivered with candidness and humor. Listeners gain insights into Black excellence, the challenges faced during natural disasters, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships, all while navigating the often tumultuous landscape of pop culture and celebrity news.