The BLC Pod #BetterListenClosely

SN115: Why Criticism ≠ Hate & is Important for Growth: A Response to K Dot Fans

On this special episode of #saidNICEly, Nic begins by addressing some of the people that commented on his video about why he thought ‘Not Like Us’ was not ‘Like That’, the impact hate for Drake had on the success of the song and so on. One of the common accusations was that Nic was hating on Kendrick Lamar and he rebuts that he did no such thing. In fact, Nic expands the conversations and argues that we’re in a culture where anything that seems critical is perceived as hate and why that’s dangerous. He argues that criticism is needed for growth and discusses why it’s important to able to discern constructive criticism from hate. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

SN114: How I Accidentally became a Passport Bro

On this special episode of #saidNICEly, Nic discusses his recent trip to Medellin, Colombia, which started with Costa Rica in 2016. From exploring alternative places to live with lower cost of living and higher quality of life to the emergence of Passport Bros to explosion of Digital Nomads and Expats, Nic talks about how he accidentally became a Passport Bro. He also talks about the impact of perception, how it affects us moving towards our goals, why travelling gives us more real-life experiences versus going off what people with limited information tell you, and the importance of respecting other cultures. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

SN113: Why ’Not Like Us’ is not ’Like That”!

On this special, pop-up episode of #saidNICEly, Nic questions the impact of Kendrick Lamar’s mega diss against Drake, Not Like Us, and his concert at the forum on Juneteenth. While the conversation starts with whether the hype around the song is based on the song’s merits or hate for Drake, it evolves into larger issues including being prisoners of the moment & hyperbole around current events. Join the conversation and let's communicate respectfully! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all that good stuff!

BLC306: Happily Never After: in the Dating Pool to Why Blacks are the Most Divorced

On the sixth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Just J & Kim Jones start the show talking about the popular internet dating show, Pop The Balloon, if it’s a microcosm of what’s happening in the dating space, the challenges people face in dating, and if there’s pee in the dating pool (02:47). After a complete breakdown, and questionable analogies, the crew shift gears to discuss if polygamous relationships is something black women and black people should consider (29:20). This topic was inspired, in part by last week’s discussion about why black women are the most single and being a solutions-oriented podcast, we wondered if this option could help solve that problem. It was also inspired by a conservative, black women, who appeared to be Muslim, talking about her willingness to share her man for the betterment of that women and society. Sexyy Red also recently declared that she was sharing Chief Keef with another. While the conversation started off as one would expect, you could slowly see the change in hearts and minds as the conversation continues, and some even learned a thing or two. Lastly, the group discusses why Black divorce rates are higher, in some cases, almost twice as high as their counterparts in America (57:03). While some could be contributed to COVID, statistical anomalies, the crew wonders and discusses the role race, programming, pop culture, and lack of role models play in the rise in divorces. 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!

BLC305: A Fairytale Ending: Why Some SBW🤦🏾‍♀️ like Ashanti Get Theirs & Some Don’t

On the fifth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, & Just J welcomes new cast member, Kim Jones, to the show. Kim brought her experience and expertise to the discussion as they started the show with trying to answer the question of why black women are more single than other races of women as well as their male counterparts (04:21). Kim kicks off the discussion with a conversation about the incarceration rate and its impact on black women being single before all breaks loose. After Kim, SNM, & Just J gives their thoughts, Nic erupts in a classic rant that you don’t want to miss. Aside from the inherent ‘Toxique’ in the conversation, the group tries to provide solutions on how to solve the singledom problem amongst black women. From there, the crew discuss recent news of Ashanti reconnecting with former flame, Nelly, as it was discovered that not only were they expecting a child together, but they were also married (37:37). The crew gets into an interesting conversation about spinning the block, whether that’s a good idea or dating strategy, things someone should consider if they’re considering spinning the block, the upside and the downsides, and the role that the fairytale and desperation plays as women focus on their biological clocks. And finally, the crew discussed Juneteenth, whether it’s something that caught on, a bone that the Democrats threw to avoid addressing the real issues black America faces, and if marketing and lack of knowledge is part of the reason the holiday has yet to resonate (57:03). 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!

BLC304: Sad & Bougie: Eboni K, masculine 🤦🏾‍♀️BW, 🤦🏽‍♂️BM’s #MeToo Moment & more!!!

On the fourth episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SMN Jones, Penny Finley, & SB Roberts start by discussing Eboni K and comments she made regarding how some black women are men in skirts, while trying to define certain behavior of black women as masculine (03:37). The crew pushes back on her comments and ponder the impact her ideas may have on other women, who may not be in the same position as her. They also discuss the trope of the strong, independent black woman, its root, and impact on today’s conversations. They also talk about the idea of being a boss (or leader) and whether being one is based on masculine archetypes, or real characteristics of masculinity. The crew then pivots to another clip from Eboni K about how some black women don’t see the intrinsic value in marriage (36:53). Some disagreed with her comments and discussed the importance of marriage, particularly in the black community. Nic ponders what are the intrinsic values in marriage, and why so many see it as nothing more than a piece of paper. The conversation gets heated when discussing real life situations where men aren’t pulling their weight, tropes against accountability, and the double-standard nature of the conversation. And closing out the show, the crew discuss Michael Rainey, Jr. being groped (or SA’d) on Ty Ty James livestream, the double standard when it comes to gender and sexual misconduct or assault, and the inequities in the criminal justice system regarding sexual assault cases (01:31:35). 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!

BLC303: LAW & disORDER: The Dream/Kanye Accused; Baby on the Way for Eboni K!

On the third episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SMN Jones, Penny Finley, & Just J start by somewhat congratulating the employees at Revolt for gaining equity in the company from Diddy’s share, while also trying to discuss new allegations against the Diddler (03:52). From there, they discuss the allegations made against singer, songwriter, & super producer The Dreams by Chanaaz Mangroe (09:06). At the heart of the conversation is why women may take time before reporting, the implications for some if it’s criminal versus civil, the power dynamics at play, & why powerful men need to be more careful. The also discuss the sexual harassment accusations made against Kanye by his assistant (38:55). The conversation turns to the WNBA and Caitlin Clark, and whether black women are hating on her, the physicality in the women’s game, gender biases, and the role that race plays (54:34). And for the final topic, the crew Discusses Eboni K’s recent baby bump pictures, her choosing to become a single mom, the implications for other women, if this is a trend that will pick up, and so much more (1:27:38). 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!

BLC302: Trump’s Trials to Vivica’s Tribulations; White Boy Wasted to Black Chick Dateless!

In the second episode of @theBLCPod, Nic Nice, SNM Jones, Mr. Finley and Mr. Brown delve into Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 counts, becoming the first president to be guilty of a felony, how that affects his ability to run and win, why his support among black people have grown and whether criminality plays a role. The group shifts gears and talk about black people traveling and moving abroad to places like Medellin, Costa Rica, looking for lower cost of living and higher quality of life. They also discuss the benefits of travel and broadening one’s horizons, as well as the importance of getting to know the culture and being respectful, as well as the impact of “Passport Bros”, and the perceptions of Americans. From Colombian courtesan’s, the group pivots to discussing Vivica A. Fox’s recent interview discussing her current dating status, what she’s looking for, and whether she wasted her best years to only loosen her “standards” now that she has less options. 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!