The BLC Pod #BetterListenClosely

BLC312: Throwing Out the Babies w/ the Bath Water: Dr. Bryant, Cam Newton, & Nick Cannon

On the season finale of @theBLCod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Kim Jones, & Just J start with the double standard between men and women when it comes to choosing not to have children (04:30). According to SNM, John Cena's conversation with Shannon Sharpe about not wanting kids was met with acceptance, while Amanda Seales received criticism for expressing the same sentiment. The discussion touches on the societal expectation for women to be vessels for procreation and the challenges and risks associated with childbirth. It also highlights the importance of respecting individual choices and not pressuring women to have children. From there the conversation addresses Cam Newton questioning Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, and her ability to give relationship advice due to her age marital status, and not having kids (28:55). It was also expanded to include whether women like Dr. Bryant, attractive, never been married with no kids, are a red flag as a life coach and as a woman. Staying with the conversation with Cam Newton and Dr. Bryant, the crew discuss accountability for creating the broken homes that was discussed during the interview (50:55). With Cam having 8 kids by 3 different women who he never married, the gang defines what a broken home is and who’s more responsible for creating them: Cam or the women he procreated with? And finally, the cast discuss Nick Cannon’s conversation with that same Dr. Bryant about whether he preys on women with low self-esteem and if the women who signed up for his “program” are low functioning for doing so (01:14:00). While the crew holds Dr. Bryant accountable for her presumptions about women she’s never met, they wonder if her assumptions about Nick and the women who chose to have kids with him and create “broken homes” are valid and if their behavior could be deemed as low functioning. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

SN117: Standing Room Only! Why We’re Standing on Everything & Nothing at the Same Time!

On this special episode of #saidNICEly, Nic Nice highlights the overuse of the phrase, "Standing on business" and its various cousins, "I stand on that”, “I stand ten toes down”, etc. He starts with appreciate the concept of having morals, values, and core principles that should be immovable. He then points out how people are using these phrases for trivial and trite situations and conversations with the goal of seeming solid. He cautions against the rigidity that comes with standing on things and not being open to new information. Lastly, he discusses the importance of being open to change while holding core beliefs, urging viewers to be selective about what they truly stand for. Let's redefine solidarity and growth together. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

SN116: Calling Cap on CAM & Men’s “Fear” of Divorce & Marriage!

On this special episode of #saidNICEly, Nic responds to the Cam Newton conversation with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant on his show, Funky Fridays. The part that really piqued Nic’s interests was when Cam mentioned how his desire for marriage was less than his fear of divorce. After hearing men on social media express the same “fears” for the past several years, Nic finally had ENOUGH and calls out Cam, and men like him, for what’s really holding them back from marriage, and it’s NOT fear of divorce. He also wonders why men focus mainly on the negatives and why some are so confident in some areas and not others. And finally, he answers the question that many men seem to be asking today: What are the benefits of marriage to a man? Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

BLC311: The DNC, LaLa & Women Keeping his Last Name, Rasheeda v Kirk pt 30308, & more...

On the eleventh episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Kim Jones, & Just J start the show talking about the Democratic National Convention (03:17). Although the episode was being filmed during the last night of the convention and when Vice President Kamala Harris would give her speech, the crew discussed what they saw at the convention up to that point, the speakers and celebrities at the event, and the overall messaging going into the final leg of the election season. From there, the gang got into an unexpectedly lively discussion about last names, what they mean when people get married, as well as what it could mean when people get divorced (20:53). The conversation was sparked by LaLa Anthony’s recent disclosure about why she kept her surname after divorcing Carmelo Anthony and recent news of Jennifer Lopez filing to divorce Ben Affleck. With recent rumblings of Rasheeda & Kirk’s (from Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta) familiar storyline, him cheating and Rasheeda having to deal with it, the group wonders aloud why a person would consistently put themselves in that situation (41:16), power dynamics in relationships, and why it plays out publicly. With the addition of the viral video where a man discusses the privileges that men paying all the bills should have, like cheating, some wonder if that or the allegation of grooming, plays a role in why some women choose to stay in these relationships. And finally, Omarion talks about his celibacy channeling his inner Lenny Kravitz, which sparks the conversation about whether men and women are looked at differently when they’re celibate and why (1:13:36), and so much more. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC310: Jonathan’s Major FAIL, Weaponizing Marriage, PickMes getting picked, & more!

On the tenth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Kim Jones, & Just J start the show talking about Jonathan Major’s emotional tribute to Meagan Good at the Hollywood Unlocked Awards (03:32). The consensus was strong as the crew gave their thoughts on the authenticity of the speech and whether the relationship, as a whole, is genuine. From there, the gang discusses Kirk Franklin’s recent commentary regarding how the church weaponizes marriage against people, particularly single women (19:28). The discussion starts with whether marriage is actually being weaponized and delves into the depths of misogyny in various aspects of life and culture. Taking a lighter turn, the group responds to a social media post about a man who charged guests to attend his wedding and whether that was tacky or a great idea (47:12). Speaking of new traditions, SNM recaps the proposal between Melli Monaco and Gilbert Arenas, where Melli surprises Gil with his own engagement ring before the real conversation begins (59:01). While some see Monaco as a pickme because of her rhetoric towards women, was this an example of how pickmes do, in fact, get picked? Are certain men lying when they say they won’t date a certain type of woman? Especially if they end up dating a woman like that? And speaking of dating, Neyo and Nick Cannon discussed the origin of their player ways, dating back to high school and how girls did them back then (1:35:18). Are they just making excuses to justify their behavior? Is there merit to what they’re saying? Should women be accountable for creating the men they now hate? Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC309: Big Sean won’t Marry Jhene! Preggo Cardi Divorcing Offset? Van Jones, Tim Walz & more

On the ninth episode of the @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, Kim Jones, Just J, & Mr. Finley start the conversation with the Olympics and the storylines that resonated with them (06:52). For some, Noah Lyles winning the Gold after his remarks about the NBA champs not being true world champions stood out. Others highlighted some of the behind-the-scenes events that spilled onto the track, which was the case for Sha’Carri Richardson. And of course, the crew discuss the bounce back and dominance of Simone Biles, the offhand comments about her appearance, and plans for starting a family. The gang pivots to discuss Big Sean’s lackluster response to the marriage question when he sat down with Charlamagne Tha God (28:16). They address the comments around the internet about him making Jhene a baby mom and not wife, whether there’s merit to the conversation, and why men and women may look at this differently. They also discuss what responsibilities men have in leading a relationship, especially if marriage is something she wants, but something he doesn’t. Staying on the topic of relationships, the panel reacts to recent news that Cardi B is pregnant with her third child, while also going through a divorce with Offset (55:24). While making up and breaking up seems to be this couple’s bag, some are skeptical that the two will actually split and whether this was some sort of roll out. Others question the timing and whether it was responsible to get pregnant knowing that their relationship was on the rocks. Speaking of responsibly (or irresponsibly) creating life, the group digs into Van Jones and his “conscience coparenting” situation (1:08:57). They discuss whether he was being responsible with his seed when he agreed to father two kids with a friend, with whom he had no romantic or sexual relationship with. Some were surprised that he did so with a white woman, while others questioned whether that was on brand. The conversation takes an interesting turn when one of the panelists gives Van Jones his flower for stepping up and providing his , particularly in the wake of shortage of black sperm. He even posits that this could be the future ,and the conversation devolves from there. And last, but not least, Nic asks, “Who TF is Tim Walz (1:41:26)? It was recently announced that Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz as he running mate for her election against Donald Trump. Many believed he was a good candidate, even though his name wasn’t initially mentioned, primarily because of who he is, where’s his from, and the audience that he’ll speak to. And others question why he was chosen, and if he’ll make an impact in the outcome. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC308: With Biden Out, Can Kamala Win? Sonya Massey’s Tragic End, & so much more!

On the eighth episode of the @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Kim Jones, & Just J start the conversation with Joe Biden’s announcement that he will step aside and not seek reelection for a second term (3:50). They delve into the President’s public address, the “real” reason for his withdrawal, the timing of this decision and the implications for Kamala Harris. Speaking of the VP, the crew discuss her chances of winning, the position she’s in, whether she can win, and the role that black men and women will play in this election (16:29). Taking more of somber tone, the group examine the tragic circumstances around the death of Sonya Massey at the hands of the police (53:53). They discuss the police officer responsible for her death, his checkered past, the role that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act could’ve had in this case, and why voting in this election can impact the future of cases or circumstances like this. Towards the end of the show, the esteemed panelists talk about Blair Underwood and how he got married to his best friend of 40 years after being married for 27 (1:06:14). Was this a case of a friend waiting in the wings, overlap or monkey branching, or finding the one that was in front of you the entire time? Some question the ethics and impact of such a union and whether men and women can be friends, while others look at the situation with rose-colored glasses. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!

BLC307: Trump Assassination Attempt, Amber at the RNC, & Is Common a F- boy?

On the seventh episode of @theBLCPod, the Fantastic Five unite for the first time after a short hiatus. After brief introductions and banter, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Just J, Mr. Finley & Kim Jones start the show by discussing the assassination attempt on Donald Trump (7:18). They talk about whether people believed it was real when it first happened, why so many think it was staged or at the very least suspicious, who could’ve been behind it, the impact it might have on the election, and whether this sealed the deal for a Trump victory. The crew then pivots, albeit slightly, to Amber Rose’s appearance and speech at the Republican National Convention (46:10). While most question her authenticity and how big the bag was, the cast was somewhat split as to whether her appearance and support of Trump will have any impact. Questions about how she identifies when it comes to race was discussed, as well as the irony of having a woman who allegedly doesn’t claim her blackness speaking at the RNC to try to influence “black voters”, and whether it will work. And lastly, after Common’s recent interview where he somewhat discusses marriage possibilities with Jennifer Hudson, the crew is split on whether Common is lowkey a fuckboy (1:21:07). It was a surprisingly spirited and passionate conversation as they discuss what a fuckboy is, why Common might be exhibiting fuckboy behavior, why and how women should avoid them and ways that men can move to avoid being labeled as one. The cast also discusses whether Tiffany Haddish was hurt, hating, or both when she commented on his interview and the topic of marriage. Tune in for a different perspective and thought-provoking discussion that doesn't shy away from the tough questions and conversation. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, Follow and Engage!