We Talk Back Podcast Episode Summary: "Panhandling 2.0"

Podcast Information:

• Title: We Talk Back
• Hosts: TamBam and A.J. Holiday
• Description: Hosted by two unapologetically Black women with strong opinions, TamBam and A.J. guide femininity to its ultimate greatness through raw, unfiltered repartee. They tackle thought-provoking conversations about sex, relationships, money, and more, offering non-professional guidance and advice based on their personal experiences.
• Episode: Panhandling 2.0
• Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction

The episode kicks off with TamBam and A.J. Holiday greeting their listeners and setting the tone for an engaging and candid discussion.

A.J. Holiday [02:08]: "Welcome to We Talk Back where we encourage you to hustle hard, laugh louder and always keep it cute. So grab your coffee cocktail and crown cause it's about to go down."

Tam Bam [02:21]: "We're just two unapologetically black women with an opinion who talk back."

Personal Updates and Weekend Stories

The hosts share personal anecdotes about their recent experiences, providing listeners with relatable content and setting the stage for deeper discussions.

Tam Bam [04:00]: "I have a new car that gave me problems in the middle of the night... I was scared and had to pee, so I used Always Eaze diapers. It worked like a commercial, y'all."

A.J. Holiday [06:22]: "My weekend was real. My best friend's son graduated from Savannah State, and I took some shrooms Friday night... I was planning on making my own... but I crashed hard."

Current Events and Social Commentary

The duo discusses recent news, including Toni Braxton's son's graduation outfit and the stabbing incident involving rapper Tory Lanez, offering their perspectives and highlighting societal issues.

Discussion on Toni Braxton's Graduation Outfit:

A.J. Holiday [10:32]: "Toni Braxton was getting backlash for her chosen attire at her son's graduation. She wore a see-through lace number and a fascinator hat. The internet was not kind, but balance is important."

Tam Bam [12:27]: "Bernice Burgos daughter just got married, and Bernice wore a blue, flowy cultural attire that didn’t show any body part. She looked humble and beautiful, which is a healthier example."

Discussion on Tory Lanez's Stabbing:

A.J. Holiday [14:00]: "Tory Lanez was stabbed 14 times and is now breathing on his own. Even the reporter, Lauren LaRosa, covered it. It's insane how violent prison can be."

Tam Bam [14:29]: "I hate that happened to him. Even if he did shoot her, there's no need for him to get stabbed in jail. It's excessive."

Main Topic: Panhandling 2.0

The core of the episode revolves around the evolution of panhandling in the digital age. TamBam and A.J. Holiday explore how traditional street panhandling has transformed into online solicitation through various platforms, addressing both the opportunities and the ethical dilemmas it presents.

Defining Panhandling 2.0:

A.J. Holiday [37:29]: "Panhandling traditionally involves individuals asking for money in public places. Now, it's shifted to digital platforms like GoFundMe, Instagram, PayPal, and TikTok Live. Viewers can give gifts to influencers that convert into real money."

Tam Bam [38:04]: "Is GoFundMe considered panhandling now? What about Kickstarter for entrepreneurs?"

A.J. Holiday [38:15]: "Platforms like Kickstarter allow for funding non-essential items, blurring the lines between legitimate needs and exploitation."

Personal Experiences and Scams:

The hosts share personal stories about encountering online panhandling scams and the challenges of discerning genuine requests from fraudulent ones.

Tam Bam [24:10]: "I've been asked for $80 on Facebook, and when I sent it, I saw her at the nail shop with diamonds all over her nails. That's not right."

A.J. Holiday [29:18]: "I donated to a friend's GoFundMe for her living expenses, but nothing came from it. On Indiegogo, I tried launching a campaign for Memorial Day weekend and got nothing."

Ethical Concerns and Racial Dynamics:

TamBam and A.J. Holiday delve into the ethical issues surrounding online panhandling, including the potential for exploitation and racial biases that influence donor behavior.

A.J. Holiday [41:00]: "I feel like white people have so much privilege, and they use it to get money legitimately. I only give money to Black women. White panhandlers have more advantage and often receive more support."

Tam Bam [42:55]: "A white lady used a racial slur to raise $700,000 for a Black kid, and it got taken down. It shouldn’t be about race; everyone deserves equal opportunity to seek help."

Discussion on Regulations and Authenticity:

The hosts debate whether there should be stricter regulations on online panhandling to prevent fraud and ensure that genuine needs are met without exploitation.

A.J. Holiday [44:33]: "There should be better oversight to prevent fraudulent campaigns. It's hard to distinguish genuine need from selfish requests online."

Tam Bam [44:15]: "People who genuinely need help shouldn't have to compete with scams. It's unfair and diminishes the trust in legitimate causes."

Solutions and Community Support

TamBam and A.J. Holiday propose potential solutions and encourage listeners to critically evaluate online panhandling efforts while supporting genuine needs within their communities.

Encouraging Critical Giving:

A.J. Holiday [49:21]: "Users can create personal pages on platforms like BeggingMoney.com to explain their financial needs. However, the success rate is low, as I only got about $200 on GoFundMe and nothing on BeggingMoney.com."

Tam Bam [55:27]: "160,000 Black women got laid off in April. We need to support each other and use these platforms responsibly to help those genuinely in need."

Community Experiment Idea:

Tam Bam [39:48]: "Maybe we should do an experiment and see how much money we can make by panhandling in popular intersections to understand its effectiveness."

Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode by discussing potential live shows and emphasizing the importance of maintaining mental health and community support.

A.J. Holiday [60:10]: "We need to play the game and use the tools available to us to overcome the wealth gap and support our communities."

Tam Bam [60:07]: "We are calculating our lives and ensuring we execute our plans without compromising our mental health. Let us know what day you’d prefer for live shows: Thursday nights or Sunday afternoons."

Final Call to Action:

Tam Bam [64:28]: "Thank y'all for tuning in every Thursday. Follow me on Instagram @TamBam for more updates. We’ll be in a city near you soon, so save a couple of dollars for us."

A.J. Holiday [64:44]: "Hold your I love yous cause Tammy's been setting you up for the panhandle with the I love you, girl. Thank you. Bye."

Notable Quotes

• A.J. Holiday [05:54]: "Always Z's new ads that we talk back."

• Tam Bam [42:55]: "A white lady called that a black kid a racial slur on the playground and they raised $700,000 for that woman."

• A.J. Holiday [44:14]: "Feeling people books to resell them is what they were doing. Oh, yeah."

• Tam Bam [48:08]: "Buying his mama flowers should be treated equally to any other cause."

Conclusion

In "Panhandling 2.0," TamBam and A.J. Holiday provide a comprehensive exploration of how panhandling has evolved with technology. They address the benefits and pitfalls of digital solicitation, emphasizing the need for community support while highlighting the ethical challenges posed by online scams and racial biases. Through personal stories and insightful commentary, the hosts encourage listeners to thoughtfully navigate the complexities of modern panhandling and support genuine needs within their communities.