We Talk Back Podcast Episode Summary: "No Bias, Just Simone Boyce"

Podcast Information:

• Title: We Talk Back
• Hosts: TamBam and AJ Holiday
• Description: Hosted by two unapologetically black women with opinions, TamBam and AJ navigate the complexities of relationships, femininity, and personal growth. The podcast offers raw, unfiltered conversations infused with humor, insights on sex, relationships, money, and practical advice for listeners.
• Episode: No Bias, Just Simone Boyce
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

1. Introduction and Setting the Tone

The episode begins with the hosts, TamBam and AJ Holiday, sharing personal anecdotes about their hectic schedules and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. They inject humor and relatability, setting a casual and engaging tone for the episode.

2. David Banner's Stance on Cheating in Business and Relationships

Discussion Highlights:

• David Banner's Philosophy: TamBam discusses David Banner's refusal to do business with men who cheat, highlighting his belief that trust and integrity are paramount in both personal and professional relationships.

  TamBam [04:15]: "David Banner believes that trust and integrity are essential in business and personal relationships."

• Host Insights: Both TamBam and Simone Boyce commend Banner for holding men accountable, emphasizing the importance of integrity.

  Simone Boyce [04:52]: "Let's start holding men accountable for cheating. I think this is good."

3. Cardi B's New Album Announcement

Discussion Highlights:

• Album Details: The hosts express excitement over Cardi B's sophomore album, "I Am the Drama," set to release on September 19th. They reminisce about her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, which won a Grammy and went four times platinum.

  Simone Boyce [06:03]: "Cardi B's sophomore album finally has a release date... I can't wait to hear it."

• Tour Announcement: They also discuss the "Boy is Mine" tour featuring Brandy, Monica, and others, expressing anticipation for the upcoming shows.

  Simone Boyce [08:57]: "A new tour has been announced. The Boy is Mine tour with Brandy, Monica, and others."

• Offset's Involvement: A brief mention of Offset revealing Sabrina Carpenter as his celebrity crush sparks discussions around celebrity relationships and media representation.

4. Celebrity Crush Reveal and AI Discussions

Discussion Highlights:

• Offset's Crush: Offset reveals Sabrina Carpenter as his celebrity crush during an interview, leading to speculation about potential collaborations.

  AJ Holiday [10:02]: "Offset revealed his celebrity crush to be Sabrina Carpenter... suggesting a future link up in the studio."

• AI and Media Integrity: The conversation veers into the impact of AI on journalism and media authenticity, with the hosts expressing concerns about AI-generated content and its implications for trust in media.

  Simone Boyce [43:00]: "We're going to say like we need you to hold up a sign with today's date on it just to make sure you're not even AI."

  TamBam [43:19]: "They're creating narratives about who black people are now via AI and it's scary."

5. Introducing the Guest: Simone Boyce

Introduction: The hosts welcome Simone Boyce, an Emmy-nominated journalist and producer, as the guest for the episode. They share her credentials, including her work as a co-host of the Bright Side podcast and her extensive coverage ranging from Capitol Hill to Hollywood red carpets.

TamBam [12:00]: "Today's guest is an Emmy nominated journalist and producer... Simone Boyce."

6. Simone Boyce's Career and the Concept of Code-Switching

Discussion Highlights:

• Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity: Simone discusses the necessity of code-switching in traditional media environments versus the freedom podcasting offers to be authentic.

  Simone Boyce [19:11]: "Podcasting is a wonderful venue... allows us to really show up as we are."

• Building Bridges: Her mixed-race background has equipped her with the ability to connect diverse communities, enhancing her storytelling and journalistic approach.

  Simone Boyce [22:48]: "Growing up mixed race... allowed me to build bridges between different communities."

7. Journalistic Integrity in the Age of Social Media

Discussion Highlights:

• Challenges of Modern Journalism: Simone and AJ delve into how the chase for views and clicks has affected journalistic standards, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking and the dangers of misinformation.

  AJ Holiday [39:26]: "If viral is our new metric for worthiness, we're screwed."

• Role of Individual Creators: They discuss the rise of individual creators in filling the information vacuum left by traditional media, weighing the pros and cons of this trend.

  AJ Holiday [39:58]: "Individual creators... might not have the same level of training as professional journalists."

• Tools for Fact-Checking: The conversation touches on platforms like Blind Spot and Ground News that help users verify information and avoid echo chambers.

  TamBam [53:14]: "Blind Spot tells you the news stories that had little to no reporting on the left and the news stories that had little to no reporting on the right."

8. Rapid Fire Segment: Responding as Journalists to Trending Topics

Interactive Highlights:

• Activity Description: The hosts engage in a rapid-fire game where they respond to hypothetical headlines and tweets from a journalist's perspective.

  TamBam [57:03]: "If you see this tweet, what would your response be to it? As a journalist?"

• Sample Responses: They provide insightful yet humorous responses, highlighting the challenges journalists face in today's fast-paced media landscape.

  AJ Holiday [58:46]: "We can investigate. We can investigate Black girl shower talk... but trust me, investigative reporting is intense."

9. Personal Stories and Advice

Discussion Highlights:

• Overcoming Challenges: AJ shares personal experiences of being cheated on and how she addressed these betrayals with strength and resilience.

  AJ Holiday [61:43]: "I did my little sleuthing... he had a whole girlfriend someplace else."

• Advice for Aspiring Journalists: Simone and AJ offer actionable advice for young journalists striving to maintain authenticity and integrity in their reporting.

  AJ Holiday [47:18]: "Trying to stay authentic... just lean into it. Do that thing."

  TamBam [47:46]: "Don't try to be inauthentic. Just be authentic."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts and Simone Boyce sharing final thoughts, promoting Simone's podcast Bright Side, and encouraging listeners to stay true to themselves amidst external pressures. They reiterate the importance of authenticity, integrity, and maintaining one's unique voice in both personal and professional spheres.

Simone Boyce [65:10]: "It was such an honor to be here."

AJ Holiday [65:03]: "You can listen to the Bright side wherever you get your podcast, including on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and the iHeartRadio app."

Notable Quotes:

• TamBam on Chrysler:

  "Just don't have to bring that stress into your car." [02:26]

• Simone Boyce on Code-Switching:

  "Podcasting is a wonderful venue... allows us to really show up as we are." [19:59]

• AJ Holiday on Authenticity:

  "Trying to stay authentic... just lean into it. Do that thing." [47:18]

• Simone Boyce on Representing Mixed-Race Individuals:

  "Growing up mixed race... allowed me to build bridges between different communities." [22:48]

• TamBam on Fact-Checking:

  "Blind Spot tells you the news stories that had little to no reporting on the left and the news stories that had little to no reporting on the right." [53:14]

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrity Matters: Both in personal relationships and business, integrity and accountability are crucial. David Banner's stance on cheating serves as a model for maintaining trust.

2. Authenticity Over Code-Switching: Podcasting offers a platform for genuine expression, unlike traditional media where code-switching is often necessary.

3. Navigating Modern Media: The shift towards social media and individual creators poses challenges for journalistic integrity, emphasizing the need for reliable fact-checking tools.

4. Personal Growth Through Challenges: Sharing personal stories of betrayal and professional setbacks highlights resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself.

5. Empowering Future Journalists: Advice centers on embracing one's unique voice and resisting external pressures to conform, fostering a new generation of authentic storytellers.

Conclusion: In "No Bias, Just Simone Boyce," the We Talk Back hosts engage in a rich and multifaceted conversation with journalist Simone Boyce. They explore themes of integrity, authenticity, and the evolving landscape of media in the digital age. Through personal anecdotes, professional insights, and interactive segments, the episode offers listeners both entertainment and valuable takeaways on maintaining one's voice and values amidst societal and professional pressures.