Podcast Summary: We Talk Back – Episode: "We's Free" | Release Date: June 19, 2025

Hosted by Tam Bam and AJ Holiday, "We Talk Back" is a vibrant podcast dedicated to empowering women through candid discussions on relationships, career, and societal issues. In the episode titled "We's Free," released on June 19, 2025, Tam Bam and AJ Holiday delve into a range of topics from personal experiences to significant cultural and social issues.

1. Personal Updates and Weekend Reflections

Timestamp: 02:35 – 06:05

The episode opens with Tam Bam and AJ sharing their recent weekend activities, setting a relatable and personable tone for listeners.

• Tam Bam shares her dedication to personal growth, mentioning she’s nearing the end of a 75-day sobriety challenge. She expresses excitement about celebrating her sobriety milestone with a cocktail at a birthday party, highlighting the balance between self-discipline and celebration.

  Tam Bam (04:13): "I'm almost done. By the time you hear this, I will have one day left of 75. Hard. One day. Friday is my last day."

• AJ Holiday recounts her Father's Day, detailing thoughtful gifts she provided to her stepfather and father, such as flowers and compression massage devices, emphasizing her desire to give them something useful and appreciated.

  AJ Holiday (03:28): "I bought, like, these full leg massage compression little devices off Amazon. Yeah. Like, something they can actually use and need."

2. Discussing Recent News and Events

Timestamp: 10:34 – 19:53

The hosts transition into discussing recent news stories that have significant cultural and social implications.

a. Tyler Perry’s Lawsuit for Sexual Harassment

• Tam Bam brings up a $260 million lawsuit filed against Tyler Perry by Derek Dixon, accusing Perry of sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation. She critiques the allegations and emphasizes the importance of accountability for powerful figures.

  Tam Bam (10:34): "If you get rich and famous, you just better make sure you don't do shit wrong in life."

• AJ Holiday responds by advocating for due process, cautioning against quick judgments without thorough investigation, and contextualizes the situation within the broader MeToo movement.

  AJ Holiday (12:06): "We can't just discredit people when they come up with these things. It has to play out in court."

b. Theft of a Wig at a Funeral Home

• A bizarre incident is discussed where Tanya Annette Boyd is accused of stealing a wig from a deceased individual at a funeral home in Tyler, Texas. The hosts find the $75,000 price tag for the wig absurd and highlight the strange nature of the crime.

  Tam Bam (18:14): "75,000 for a wig is crazy. The most expensive Beyoncé wig don't cost that much."

c. Passing of Ananda Lewis, Former MTV VJ

• Tam Bam mourns the passing of Ananda Lewis, emphasizing the importance of early detection for breast cancer and encouraging regular self-checks for both men and women.

  Tam Bam (20:11): "You can do self-checking. Hold one arm over your head, behind your head and cross your."

3. Health and Wellness Discussions

Timestamp: 21:32 – 28:38

The conversation shifts to health topics, particularly breast cancer awareness and the impacts of common personal care products.

• Tam Bam and AJ Holiday discuss the dangers of conventional deodorants containing aluminum and other harmful substances. They advocate for natural alternatives, sharing personal experiences with switching to products without these chemicals.

  Tam Bam (24:34): "I don't put that aluminum under my armpits ever again. I don't care."

• They highlight the importance of self-care and being aware of the products they use daily, tying it back to broader health implications like breast cancer.

  AJ Holiday (25:22): "I'm not putting that aluminum under my armpits ever again. Me neither."

4. In-Depth Discussion on Juneteenth

Timestamp: 35:25 – 57:44

The heart of the episode centers around Juneteenth, its historical significance, contemporary recognition, and the ongoing challenges in its celebration and education.

a. Understanding Juneteenth

• Tam Bam provides a comprehensive explanation of Juneteenth, detailing its origins on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the emancipation of enslaved people—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

  Tam Bam (35:33): "Juneteenth is a US holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It specifically marks June 19, 1865."

• AJ Holiday shares her initial unfamiliarity with Juneteenth, reflecting on its predominantly Texan celebration and the lack of widespread recognition outside Texas until it became a federal holiday.

  AJ Holiday (35:34): "I never celebrated Juneteenth. I can't say I didn't know about it, but we definitely didn't celebrate it in South Carolina."

b. Erasure of Black History and Cultural Figures

• The hosts express concern over the current administration's efforts to erase Black history and prominent Black figures from official records and public recognition. They cite examples such as the removal of Sgt. William Henry Johnson’s webpage and the erasure of the Tuskegee Airmen from Department of Defense content.

  Tam Bam (41:53): "The Pentagon removed a dedicated webpage honoring Sgt. William Henry Johnson... completely erased Tuskegee Airmen and other black veterans."

• They discuss the impact of these actions on collective memory and the importance of preserving and teaching accurate Black history in educational curricula.

c. Critique of School Curricula and Historical Representation

• AJ Holiday critiques how slavery and Black history are taught in schools, arguing that inaccurate and sanitized representations perpetuate ignorance and hinder true understanding.

  AJ Holiday (39:49): "You can't expect the enemy to teach you anything... They are teaching our kids the wrong history."

• They share unsettling anecdotes, such as a school field trip to a cotton field presented as a fun activity, which trivializes the harsh realities of slavery.

  Tam Bam (52:30): "School hasn't added Juneteenth to the curriculum widely, and kids still don't know what it is."

d. Symbolism vs. Tangible Action

• Both hosts voice frustration with symbolic gestures, such as recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday, without accompanying substantive actions like reparations or meaningful policy changes.

  Tam Bam (57:17): "I want both. Give us the holiday and the money. Give us our 40 acres and a mule."

• They argue that true progress requires actionable steps beyond symbolic recognition, emphasizing community building and political involvement as essential for meaningful change.

5. Calls to Action: Community and Political Engagement

Timestamp: 58:05 – 69:41

Concluding the episode, Tam Bam and AJ Holiday encourage listeners to take active roles in their communities and political landscapes to foster true unity and progress.

• AJ Holiday urges involvement in local politics, attending city council meetings, and volunteering, highlighting that real change starts at the community level.

  AJ Holiday (61:20): "One of my goals is to actually get involved with politics. We can't continue to be on the sidelines."

• Tam Bam emphasizes the importance of rebuilding community ties and supporting each other, advocating for stronger neighborly relationships and mutual support systems.

  Tam Bam (69:18): "Start building community. Community. We don't have a community anymore. You don't know your neighbor."

6. Celebrating Juneteenth

Timestamp: 57:44 – 70:30

As a culmination of their discussions, the hosts return to the importance of celebrating Juneteenth, urging listeners to recognize its significance and participate in the festivities.

• Tam Bam encourages listeners to celebrate Juneteenth with family and friends, drawing parallels to how Independence Day is celebrated, and calls for broader recognition and understanding of its importance.

  Tam Bam (67:08): "Celebrate with your family and friends... Juneteenth should be celebrated the same way you celebrate the Fourth of July."

• AJ Holiday reiterates the need for tangible acknowledgment over mere symbolism, advocating for actions that reflect the true spirit of freedom and unity that Juneteenth represents.

  AJ Holiday (56:00): "Celebrate this weekend. Whatever y' all gotta do. And get involved, right?"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tam Bam (04:13): "I'm almost done. By the time you hear this, I will have one day left of 75. Hard. One day. Friday is my last day."

• AJ Holiday (12:06): "We can't just discredit people when they come up with these things. It has to play out in court."

• Tam Bam (35:55): "We are choosing now not to do it again."

• AJ Holiday (57:44): "It's not enough. I acknowledge it, but I don't accept it."

• Tam Bam (57:17): "I want both. Give us the holiday and the money. Give us our 40 acres and a mule."

• AJ Holiday (61:20): "One of my goals is to actually get involved with politics. We can't continue to be on the sidelines."

Conclusion

In "We's Free," Tam Bam and AJ Holiday navigate a thoughtful discussion blending personal anecdotes with critical societal issues. They emphasize the importance of understanding and celebrating Juneteenth, preserving Black history, and taking actionable steps towards community and political engagement. The episode serves as both a reflection on past injustices and a call to empower listeners to contribute to a more unified and equitable future.

For more insightful conversations and empowering discussions, tune in to "We Talk Back" every Thursday on the Black Effect iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.