Podcast Summary: We Talk Back – "Dreams on Layaway"
Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: TamBam & AJ Holiday 2.0
Guest: Jackie Woodyear, Realtor (North & South Carolina)
Podcast Network: The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts
Overview
This episode of We Talk Back centers on the evolving nature, accessibility, and meaning of the "American Dream"—especially as it relates to homeownership, generational wealth, and economic mobility for Black women. With guest Jackie Woodyear, a real estate expert, the hosts cut through today's “sea of men,” systemic obstacles, and generational shifts in wealth-building to provide real talk, financial insight, and hard-hitting humor on what it takes to buy a home in 2026.
Main Topics & Key Discussion Points
1. The Modern American Dream: Is It On Layaway?
[02:53 - 03:47]
- The hosts open with the central question: “Is the American Dream still real, or have we put it on layaway?” (AJ Holiday 2.0)
- The dream has shifted. What was once attainable—a house, a car, a stable job—is now rapidly outpacing wages.
2. Jackie Woodyear’s Real Estate Journey
[04:24 - 05:18]
- Jackie describes her shift from house flipping and investment (2018) to becoming a licensed realtor post-COVID, seeking entrepreneurship and autonomy.
"I want to get out of corporate America and get into my entrepreneurship journey." – Jackie Woodyear [05:09]
3. COVID’s Impact & Corporate Control of Housing
[05:21 - 07:24]
- The panel discusses how COVID skewed the housing market—low interest rates led to overbuying, inflated prices, and sudden accessibility.
- Major corporations (e.g., Zillow, rental conglomerates) are buying up single-family homes, pushing prices and ownership opportunities out of reach for many families.
"During COVID, they were playing Monopoly... Corporations own 20,000 homes in Charlotte." – Jackie Woodyear [06:40]
4. The Townhome “Scam” & Taxation Realities
[07:24 - 08:57]
- Debate about the legitimacy and value of buying a townhome versus renting—are shared walls and divided lots worth full property taxes?
“That’s a scam. That is extortion. I have a townhouse, girl!” – Jackie Woodyear [07:37]
5. The Reality of Homeownership and Renting in 2026
[08:57 - 10:18]
- Average rents are now around $2,000/month in Charlotte, stretching budgets thin.
- Jackie’s blunt advice: “Do what you can afford. If you can't live in the high rise, you can't live in the high rise.”
- Renting seems easier to qualify for than a mortgage, a contradiction that frustrates many.
- The system seems engineered to keep Black Americans as “forever renters.”
"They really don't want people owning anything in America anymore." – AJ Holiday 2.0 [10:38]
6. Generational Wealth Gaps & Black Families
[11:50 - 15:25]
- The disparity between older and younger generations in how they view property and generational wealth.
- Many Black families lack the knowledge or initiative to leverage home equity for wealth-building (e.g., paying for kids’ college, starting businesses).
- Personal anecdotes highlight houses bought decades ago gaining huge equity but being underutilized.
"The American Dream is just a dream at this point." – Jackie Woodyear [12:02] "People pay for their kids’ college off of homeownership and real estate deals." – Jackie Woodyear [14:35]
7. Expert Advice: Getting Started in Homeownership
[19:03 - 21:02]
- Jackie stresses the importance of information, planning ahead, and speaking to real professionals.
- Don’t wait until “next year” because prices only go up—start immediately to avoid being priced out.
"If you wait a year, everything’s more expensive… No matter every year, everything in life is more expensive." – Jackie Woodyear [26:34]
8. Mistakes Buyers Make & Financial Literacy
[23:04 - 25:47]
- Many buyers don’t get pre-approved before shopping, risking heartbreak and wasted time.
- Taking on new debt (e.g., car loans, retail credit cards) right before closing can torpedo your purchase.
“Don’t buy shit, basically, do get something to eat, a damn thing.” – Jackie Woodyear [24:57]
9. Gentrification, Accountability & “Getting in the Game”
[36:07 - 40:55]
- From realtor fees to desk costs, real estate requires financial investment—not everyone is prepared.
- The group debates whether Black communities are victims of gentrification or missing opportunities by not participating and claiming ownership in changing neighborhoods.
- Importance of local voting and holding leaders accountable for neighborhood investment.
10. Anti-Intellectualism & Learning the Game
[40:55 - 43:00]
- A discussion of "anti-intellectualism"—the pitfall of believing you’re an expert without deeper study or professional experience.
“A general overconfidence in your understanding of a certain subject.” – Jackie Woodyear [41:20]
11. Macro-Economics: Policy, Currency, and Debt
[46:49 - 51:13]
- National stats: Avg. house price $363K, rent $2,700/mo, average student loan debt $40K+.
- Riffing on the fiat money system, national debt, and the collapse of economic promises made to previous generations.
“Now, not only do you have mortgage slavery, you have student loan slavery.” – AJ Holiday 2.0 [47:01]
12. Personal Responsibility & Community Progress
[51:13 - 52:41]
- Emphasis on self-reflection—starting with the “man in the mirror” (Michael Jackson referenced), and prioritizing our immediate communities.
- Black Americans’ unique sociopolitical position in the U.S. and calls for America-first strategies, but also local focus.
13. Jackie's Takeaway Advice for Aspiring Buyers
[52:55 - 54:05]
- Bottom line advice: Do what you can afford. Talk to a subject matter expert. Don’t let pride lead you to miss out on education or resources.
“If you don’t know everything, talk to a subject matter expert… I definitely got finessed [before getting licensed].” – Jackie Woodyear [53:11]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Corporate Housing:
"During COVID, they were playing Monopoly. ... Corporations own 20,000 homes in Charlotte." – Jackie Woodyear [06:40]
-
On Homeownership as a Dream:
"The American Dream is just a dream at this point." – Jackie Woodyear [12:02]
-
On Financial Literacy and Generational Wealth:
"We let our [families] go buy a house, be the first person in my family to own a home, and that's all whatever. But people pay for their kids’ college off of home ownership." – Jackie Woodyear [14:35]
-
On Waiting to Buy:
“If you wait a year, everything’s more expensive.” – Jackie Woodyear [26:34]
-
On Real Estate Readiness:
"A huge mistake is not moving immediately or not knowing what you can do immediately." – Jackie Woodyear [25:54]
-
On Personal Responsibility:
"The bottom line is niggas lack discipline. That is the bottom line." – AJ Holiday 2.0 [38:53]
"It starts with the man in the mirror." – AJ Holiday 2.0 [52:29]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro & American Dream Theme: [02:53 – 03:47]
- Jackie’s Background in Real Estate: [04:24 – 05:18]
- Corporate Encroachment in Housing: [06:20 – 07:24]
- Townhomes, Taxes, and Value: [07:24 – 08:57]
- Rent vs. Own in 2026: [08:57 – 10:18]
- Generational Wealth and Black Communities: [11:50 – 15:25]
- First-Time Buyer Advice: [19:03 – 21:02]
- Biggest Buyer Mistakes: [23:04 – 25:47]
- Gentrification & Getting in the Game: [36:07 – 40:55]
- Learning vs. Doing (Anti-Intellectualism): [40:55 – 43:00]
- National Economic Realities: [46:49 – 51:13]
- Action Steps and Final Advice: [52:55 – 54:05]
The “Dumb Bitch Story”
[57:41 – 65:34]
- Jackie candidly shares a personal story of heartbreak, unexpected pregnancy, and lingering with a partner who was unfaithful—with humor and vulnerability (“I stayed. You stay... I was in it, at least.” [65:02])
Final Thoughts & Where to Find Jackie
- Jackie’s top advice: Don’t let fear or pride keep you from homeownership—get informed and use professionals.
- Contact Jackie on Instagram: @carolinashomegirl or call 980-259-1606.
Closing Quote
“Speak now and never hold your American Dream. It is attainable, period.” – AJ Holiday 2.0 [67:38]
Tone & Style
- The language is raw, unfiltered, unapologetically Black, and laced with humor and practical wisdom.
- Topics weave together personal anecdotes, financial realities, and social commentary, creating a conversational yet informative vibe.
- The camaraderie and banter between all three women effectively break down intimidating concepts (like tax strategy or anti-intellectualism) into relatable lessons.
This episode will both entertain and inform anyone confused, discouraged, or curious about homeownership, generational wealth, and the evolving American Dream—especially as faced by Black women today.