Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Erykah Badu's Goals Are Intentionally Unreachable

Release Date: November 14, 2024
NPR's "Wild Card" with Rachel Martin
Featured Guest: Erykah Badu

Introduction

In this standout episode of NPR's acclaimed podcast Wild Card with Rachel Martin, host Rachel Martin engages in a profound and unconventional conversation with the multifaceted artist Erykah Badu. Named a Top 10 Podcast of 2024 by The New York Times, Wild Card differentiates itself from typical interview formats by utilizing a unique deck of conversation-controlling cards. This episode, titled "Erykah Badu's Goals Are Intentionally Unreachable," delves deep into Badu's creative process, personal philosophies, and the spiritual dimensions that underpin her artistry.

Erykah Badu's Artistic Philosophy

From the onset, Erykah Badu establishes her intent to transcend traditional interview boundaries. She asserts, “I just wanna do more” (00:58), emphasizing her relentless pursuit of artistic growth beyond established norms. Badu's breakout album, Baduizm (1997), is highlighted as a testament to her genre-defying approach, seamlessly blending elements of jazz, pop, and soul. Rachel Martin notes, “Erykah Badu has never been about other people's characterizations of her. She's more expansive than that” (01:49), underscoring Badu's commitment to maintaining artistic integrity and spiritual depth in her work.

The Interview Game: Wild Card Mechanics

Wild Card employs a distinctive method where guests, like Badu, select questions from a specially designed deck. This approach fosters authentic and unexpected discussions. Badu introduces the game mechanics, explaining, “You get one skip. So if you're just not jiving with a particular question” (03:39), allowing for a dynamic and organic flow of conversation.

Personal Reflections and Insights

Sense of Home and Solitude

One of the first questions delves into the concept of home and solitude. Badu reflects, “A space shuttle, for one. Just like the four walls. As long as I have few activities, I'll be all right” (04:28). This metaphor encapsulates her comfort with isolation and introspection, revealing a deep-seated appreciation for alone time cultivated from childhood.

Impact of Others' Words on Her Trajectory

Badu shares a transformative experience, recounting how a boyfriend's comment, “men are attracted to other women. I'm always gonna be attracted to other women” (07:08), profoundly shifted her worldview. This moment marked her realization that “the world didn’t revolve around me” (07:47), illustrating her journey from self-centeredness to a more empathetic and grounded perspective.

Ambition and the Concept of Being Led Astray

Addressing ambition, Badu states, “Ambition? No, never. Because I don't consider being led astray a mistake” (15:04). She views perceived missteps as essential lessons, framing her ambition as a pathway to personal growth rather than a source of error.

Understanding of Authenticity

When asked about the emotion she comprehends best, Badu emphasizes authenticity: “There's a feeling when you're being authentic. You feel it and everyone else feels it” (17:42). She articulates that authenticity acts as a magnetic force, attracting both personal fulfillment and meaningful connections.

Beliefs She Let Go Of

Badu discusses her evolution away from rigid religious doctrines: “A belief I had to let go of was that there was one way to live a good life, and that was defined by certain theology” (23:10). This shift signifies her embrace of a more fluid and individualized spiritual journey, free from binary moral judgments.

Reflection on Memorable Moments

In the closing segment, Badu selects a memory from the present, citing a “quiet connection” felt during the conversation: “Fifteen minutes ago... we had some kind of really quiet connection. That was really, really special” (30:07). This reflection underscores the episode's theme of deep, meaningful interactions.

Erykah Badu's Work and Projects

Badu provides insights into her ongoing projects, including her cameo in Netflix's adaptation of August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" (10:37). She discusses her collaboration with Malcolm Washington and composer Daniel Jones, highlighting her continuous engagement with both music and acting. Badu also hints at forthcoming musical endeavors, stating, “I do have a few” (12:51), suggesting an ever-evolving artistic repertoire.

Personal Growth and Spirituality

Throughout the conversation, Badu emphasizes practices that support her mental and spiritual well-being. She mentions meditation and mindful breathing as tools to manage her “very busy mind” (12:38), and acknowledges marijuana's role in her self-care regimen. Her approach to spirituality is deeply intertwined with her role as a doula, where she serves as a “welcoming committee” for new life and an “ushering committee” for those nearing the end of life (27:06), reflecting her holistic worldview.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a heartfelt exchange, where both Rachel Martin and Erykah Badu express appreciation for the genuine connection forged during their conversation. Badu's final remarks, “It was a pleasure... I appreciate you being here for it” (30:38), encapsulate the episode's essence: an authentic, introspective dialogue that transcends conventional interview formats.

Notable Quotes

• Erykah Badu (00:58): “I just wanna do more.”
• Rachel Martin (01:49): “Erykah Badu has never been about other people's characterizations of her. She's more expansive than that.”
• Erykah Badu (07:08): “Men are attracted to other women. I'm always gonna be attracted to other women.”
• Erykah Badu (15:04): “Ambition? No, never. Because I don't consider being led astray a mistake.”
• Erykah Badu (17:42): “There's a feeling when you're being authentic. You feel it and everyone else feels it.”
• Erykah Badu (23:10): “A belief I had to let go of was that there was one way to live a good life, and that was defined by certain theology.”
• Erykah Badu (30:07): “Fifteen minutes ago... we had some kind of really quiet connection. That was really, really special.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Wild Card serves as a compelling exploration of Erykah Badu's intricate blend of artistry, spirituality, and personal evolution. By navigating through thoughtfully selected questions, Badu offers listeners an intimate glimpse into her worldview, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike seeking depth and authenticity in conversations with influential cultural figures.