Podcast Summary: We Talk Back – Episode: Vent Session
Podcast Information:
- Title: We Talk Back
- Host/Author: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts
- Description: Hosted by two unapologetically Black women, TamBam and AJ Holiday, the podcast navigates through topics like sex, relationships, money, and offers raw, unfiltered comedic repartee. They provide personal advice and thought-provoking conversations aimed at guiding femininity to its ultimate greatness.
- Episode: Vent Session
- Release Date: April 17, 2025
1. Personal Updates and Lifestyle Challenges
75 Hard Program Discussion
- TamBam and Mandy B delve into their experiences with the 75 Hard program, a rigorous self-discipline challenge.
- Mandy B: "I've been doing 75 hard and I'm on day eight." [04:10]
- Program Requirements:
- Two 45-minute workouts daily
- Drinking a gallon of water each day
- Reading 10 pages of a chosen book nightly
- No alcohol consumption
- Program Requirements:
- TamBam shares her struggles with consistency: "I couldn't find the time. For real." [04:40]
- A.J. Holiday (Not directly involved in this segment) emphasizes the importance of patience and dedication towards personal goals.
2. Hair Maintenance and Beauty Challenges
Synthetic vs. Natural Hair
- The conversation shifts to the impact of tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly affecting the hair industry.
- Mandy B expresses concern over the rising costs of synthetic hair bundles due to tariffs: "How much is these bundles gonna be in the coming months when these tariffs are applied?" [10:22]
- TamBam highlights her proactive approach: "I got a surplus coming in. I put my order in early." [10:53]
- Health Implications:
- Mandy B shares a personal ordeal with synthetic hair causing an allergic reaction: "I paid $2,000 for a hairstyle… some type of chemical… my brain felt like it was squeezing through my pores." [37:48]
- TamBam discusses the difficulty of maintaining natural hair while adhering to fitness routines, emphasizing the strain of synthetic hair on the scalp: "These people trying to kill us." [46:22]
3. Political and Economic Discussions
Tariffs and Manufacturing in America
- TamBam and Mandy B analyze the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on China, discussing the broader implications for Black-owned businesses and the manufacturing sector.
- TamBam: "Trump is trying to get business owners… to try and bring back that industrialization back to America." [14:10]
- Economic Sustainability:
- The duo evaluates the balance between supporting domestic manufacturing and the realities of global competition.
- Mandy B: "We have clients who are single moms… we're gonna have to do your hair now." [12:32]
4. Social Issues and Rants
Expectations and Reproach of Black Women
- TamBam voices her frustration over the perception of Black women as being above reproach: "Black women might be a little bit above reproach collectively." [35:42]
- Discussion on Misogynistic Comments:
- They address 19 Keys' episode where he criticizes synthetic hair, highlighting the lack of support from within the community: "Why don't y'all congregate and talk to y'all brethren?" [35:42]
- Emotional and Mental Health:
- TamBam recounts a traumatic experience with a controlling ex-partner: "I could feel him… I just knew he was in my shit." [39:07]
- Mandy B shares her emotional struggles: "I start crying when men make sense." [38:35]
Health and Self-Care
- The hosts emphasize the importance of mental and physical health, discussing their routines and the challenges they face:
- Mandy B: "I'm sick of trying to maintain beauty and go to the gym." [44:49]
- They explore natural alternatives to beauty products, emphasizing the harmful effects of chemicals: "You're clogging up the lymph nodes… with the aluminum chemicals." [53:16]
5. Consumerism and Counterfeits
Designer Bags and Status Symbols
- TamBam and Mandy B critique the counterfeit designer bags market, exploring the blurred lines between authenticity and imitation.
- TamBam: "What's the lie and what's the truth? The lines are like so blurry right now." [60:41]
- Mandy B: "It's a status symbol… it's about the status that comes along with it, not necessarily the look of it." [61:47]
- They discuss the economic implications of counterfeit goods and the impact on both consumers and legitimate businesses:
- TamBam: "All we make is now trying to destroy that market." [65:03]
6. Call to Action and Community Engagement
Seeking Interns and Listener Participation
- Toward the end of the episode, TamBam and Mandy B invite listeners to engage with them by sharing their rants and participating as interns:
- Mandy B: "We're looking for interns, you guys. Email us at we talk back @gmail.com." [71:13]
- They encourage the community to share their experiences and join their growing team to enhance the podcast’s impact.
Notable Quotes:
- Mandy B on Synthetic Hair Issues: "I paid $2,000 for a hairstyle… some type of chemical… my brain felt like it was squeezing through my pores." [37:48]
- TamBam on Industrialization: "Trump is trying to get business owners… to try and bring back that industrialization back to America." [14:10]
- Mandy B on Status Symbols: "It's a status symbol… it's about the status that comes along with it, not necessarily the look of it." [61:47]
- TamBam on Collective Strength: "Black women might be a little bit above reproach collectively." [35:42]
Conclusions and Insights:
- We Talk Back episode "Vent Session" offers an unfiltered look into the lives of Black women navigating personal challenges, societal expectations, and economic pressures.
- The hosts emphasize the importance of self-care, community support, and economic empowerment, particularly within the context of Black-owned businesses.
- They highlight the intersecting issues of health, beauty standards, and political policies, advocating for greater self-sufficiency and resilience.
- By sharing their personal stories and frustrations, TamBam and Mandy B create a relatable and supportive space for their listeners, encouraging active participation and community building.
For more episodes and to join the conversation, follow TamBam and AJ Holiday on Instagram [@kickingtail and @tam_bam]. Engage with the podcast by sending your rants to we talk back pod.com@gmail.com.