Podcast Summary: Unhinged & Immoral - "You Don’t Know Who’s Watching You" Featuring The Lavelle Show

Release Date: June 12, 2025
Hosts: Jamila Bell, Mecca Evans
Guest: Lavelle from The Lavelle Show

1. Navigating Life in Los Angeles

The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the unique atmosphere of Los Angeles and its impact on their social interactions and public personas. The hosts express the excitement and challenges of living in a city synonymous with celebrity culture.

Lavelle (01:39):
"Cause it has a different air, you know, it's just a different frequency here."

Mecca (01:55):
"Yes, it does."

The conversation delves into their experiences of casually bumping into celebrities and the nuances of name-dropping in such an environment.

2. The Reality of Being Watched

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the constant scrutiny that comes with being public figures. The hosts share anecdotes about unanticipated encounters and the pressure of maintaining their online personas.

Mecca (03:25):
"You never really know who's watching. You really never know."

Lavelle (03:12):
"I love that. This feels long overdue."

They highlight the unpredictability of fame, emphasizing that anyone could be watching or influenced by their actions online.

3. Handling Online Criticism and Controversy

The hosts candidly discuss the challenges of dealing with negative comments and controversies. They stress the importance of not feeding into negativity and choosing when to respond or ignore backlash.

Lavelle (08:28):
"Honestly, I don't give nobody the time of day. And that is just something that I feel like, you know..."

Jameela (09:14):
"If you show up authentically yourself, you don't have to."

Lavelle (09:34):
"Sometimes everything doesn't need a reaction. It really does."

This segment underscores their strategies for maintaining mental well-being amidst online hostility, advocating for grace and selective engagement.

4. The Power and Pitfalls of Authenticity

A key theme is the balance between staying true to oneself and adapting to professional environments. The hosts explore the concept of authenticity in the digital age and its impact on personal and professional relationships.

Mecca (22:14):
"You bitches don't know much about that."

Lavelle (22:48):
"We are voices. Y' all are listening to us."

They discuss the fine line between being genuine and the expectations placed upon them as influencers, highlighting the societal pressures to conform.

5. Brand Collaborations and Fair Compensation

The conversation shifts to the creator economy, focusing on the importance of fair compensation for black creators. They critique the industry's tendency to underpay and advocate for valuing their influence appropriately.

Lavelle (38:52):
"I am not posting for a brand lower than five figures. You can do the math."

Jameela (39:31):
"That is important to say that."

This segment emphasizes the necessity for creators to assert their worth and demand equitable treatment from brands, highlighting systemic disparities.

6. Code-Switching and Persona Management

The hosts delve into the complexities of code-switching and managing public personas. They reflect on how adapting their communication styles for different audiences affects their authenticity and personal identities.

Mecca (45:00):
"Cause, like, if you know me, you know my mama is a talented tit. We don't act like that black person."

Lavelle (47:21):
"That's my first brand trip. After that I went on six and the following six."

They share personal experiences of altering their behavior to fit professional settings, discussing the emotional toll and the necessity for maintaining a separate public persona.

7. Impact of Fame on Personal Relationships

Exploring the intersection of fame and personal life, the hosts discuss how their public status influences their interactions and relationships outside of their online presence.

Jameela (57:06):
"I'm definitely... I am not shying away from who I am."

Lavelle (60:00):
"What makes me feel like our job as creators with these big platforms. Hundred thousand views, 200,000 views, 300,000 views."

They highlight the challenges of keeping personal life private and the strain fame can place on familial and romantic relationships.

8. Spinach Segment: Navigating Family Conflict Over Sexuality

In the "Spinach" segment, Jamila receives a heartfelt message from Jasmine, a 20-year-old bisexual Black college student facing familial conflict regarding her younger brother's sexuality.

Jasmine's Account:
Jasmine describes an argument with her sister and brother-in-law over her 14-year-old brother possibly being gay. Her family holds strong religious beliefs, leading to a tense family meeting where her sister's husband made derogatory remarks.

Advice from Hosts:

Mecca (75:46):
"First of all, I'm a bit triggered by the family meeting."

Lavelle (76:05):
"You need to talk to your mom... your brother's safety is there."

Jameela (82:37):
"It's important though. Like I know we definitely had uncountable family meetings and conversations..."

The hosts provide compassionate advice, emphasizing the importance of supporting and protecting the younger brother while navigating difficult family dynamics. They suggest establishing ground rules for meetings, focusing on empathy, and maintaining open communication channels to ensure the brother feels supported regardless of his family's stance.

9. Final Thoughts and Encouragement

As the episode concludes, the hosts offer words of encouragement to both their guest and listeners facing similar challenges. They reiterate the importance of community support, self-empowerment, and maintaining authenticity amidst adversity.

Lavelle (90:13):
"Keep your head high, man. What you guys do is hard."

Jameela (91:30):
"Thank you. Productions, post production by Coco Lawrence..."

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of their commitment to fostering a supportive and honest dialogue within their community.

Notable Quotes

• Lavelle (03:12):
  "I love that. This feels long overdue."

• Mecca (09:14):
  "If you show up authentically yourself, you don't have to."

• Lavelle (38:52):
  "I am not posting for a brand lower than five figures. You can do the math."

• Jameela (82:37):
  "It's important though. Like I know we definitely had several uncountable family meetings and conversations."

• Lavelle (90:13):
  "Keep your head high, man. What you guys do is hard."

Conclusion

In this episode of Unhinged & Immoral, Jamila Bell and Mecca Evans, along with guest Lavelle, explore the intricate balance between public persona and personal authenticity. They address the pressures of fame, the importance of fair compensation for creators, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics in the face of adversity. The heartfelt "Spinach" segment provides actionable advice for listeners dealing with similar familial conflicts, underscoring the podcast's commitment to addressing real-life issues with honesty and empathy.

For more engaging discussions and unfiltered takes on trending topics, subscribe to Unhinged & Immoral and tune in every Thursday!