One Percent Better

In this episode of One Percent Better, the conversation digs into one of the most uncomfortable realities shaping modern relationships and society: the gender divide isn’t accidental — it was built through power, hierarchy, and control.What begins as a discussion about communication and misunderstanding between men and women quickly expands into a deeper examination of how systems — religion, culture, capitalism, and tradition — have reinforced separation while labeling it “balance” or “order.”The group unpacks how power has historically determined:who leads and who followswho provides and who sacrificeswho is protected and who is blamedand who is expected to carry emotional, physical, and moral responsibilityRather than framing men vs. women as enemies, the episode challenges the structures that benefit from division — exposing how hierarchy thrives when accountability is uneven and empathy is conditional.Throughout the conversation, they explore:How religion and tradition are often used to justify gender rolesWhy “separate but equal” thinking still shapes expectations todayThe difference between partnership and powerHow responsibility has been unevenly assigned across gendersWhy division feels normal when it’s inheritedAnd what happens when people start questioning the systems they were taught not toThis episode isn’t about choosing sides.It’s about understanding how we got here — and why healing the divide requires more honesty than comfort.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

n this episode of One Percent Better, the conversation starts where real life often hits hardest: raising a toddler and realizing just how unprepared you feel — even when you’re doing your best.What begins as a discussion about tantrums, patience, and emotional regulation slowly unfolds into something much deeper. The crew reflects on how parenting reshapes your perspective — from letting go of public judgment, to understanding that kids need presence more than perfection.From there, the episode takes a powerful turn into the delivery room — unpacking the fear, pressure, and trauma that can come with childbirth. Jay shares what it’s like witnessing emergency procedures unfold in real time, while Jamila brings essential perspective as a doula, explaining how language, preparation, and advocacy can completely change a birth experience.Together, they explore:Why toddler meltdowns are about communication, not defianceHow parents learn emotional regulation alongside their childrenLetting go of public judgment and parenting with confidenceThe realities of labor, emergency C-sections, and postpartum riskWhy “natural vs unnatural” birth language causes harmThe role doulas play as advocates, not accessoriesBlack maternal health, medical neglect, and systemic gapsHow presence before, during, and after birth shapes everything“Kids don’t need perfection — they need presence.”“Every birth story matters.”“Life doesn’t just arrive… it’s delivered.”Special Delivery is about the moments that change you — the ones that don’t come with instructions, but demand responsibility, humility, and growth.This episode is a reminder that becoming one percent better isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up when it matters most.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, the conversation tackles one of the most uncomfortable truths in our culture: harm doesn’t always come from force — sometimes it comes from pressure, silence, and what people allow to slide.Using trending topics as a starting point, the group unpacks how consent, alcohol, power, and social dynamics collide in real life. What begins as a discussion about public controversies quickly expands into a deeper examination of rape culture, coercion, and the ways “just having fun” can turn into something much darker when boundaries aren’t clear and nobody speaks up.The episode explores:How pressure can exist without anyone explicitly saying “do this”Why alcohol complicates consent and accountabilityThe difference between force and coercion — and why that line mattersHow environments normalize harmful behavior without intentWhy friends checking friends is a form of protection, not betrayalHow silence often becomes participationThe role of power, influence, and social validation in crossing linesWhy values matter most when they’re inconvenientAs the conversation widens, the group also reflects on disappointment in public figures and how alignment, optics, and silence signal values — whether intentionally or not.“Pressure doesn’t always look aggressive.”“Silence isn’t neutral.”“If nobody checks it, it becomes culture.”This episode doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it asks listeners to sit with the discomfort of recognizing how often harm hides in plain sight — and what responsibility looks like when no one wants to be the one to say something.One Percent Better isn’t about being perfect.It’s about being aware — and choosing to do better when it counts.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, the conversation turns to one of the most difficult realities of parenting: what happens when two people love the same child—but raise them very differently.The crew unpacks how parenting styles clash around trust, control, consistency, and authority—and why those tensions often have less to do with the child and more to do with unresolved ego, absence, or fear. This isn’t about perfect parenting. It’s about navigating differences without letting conflict become collateral damage.They explore:Why “being on the same page” is harder than it soundsThe difference between intention and consistencyHow authority in parenting is earned, not assumedThe invisible emotional labor of the primary parentWhen control is about safety—and when it’s about egoWhy presence matters more than promisesHow to choose the child even when it feels unfairThis episode doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it asks better questions—about accountability, trust, and what it really means to co-exist for the sake of a child.“Not every disagreement is about parenting… sometimes it’s about power.”“You don’t get to lead where you haven’t been present.”“Putting the child first often means putting your pride down.”This is a conversation for parents, co-parents, and anyone trying to unlearn the idea that love alone is enough. Growth happens when responsibility, humility, and communication meet in the middle.That’s One Percent Better.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

n this episode, the team sits down for one of the most honest and emotionally intelligent conversations we’ve had on One Percent Better.What starts as a simple debate quickly becomes a masterclass in communication, accountability, and the complicated truth about being human.We dive into the hard reality that two things can be true at the same time:You can be doing your best and still hurt people.You can have good intentions and still create real consequences.You can see yourself one way, while your impact tells a different story.Together, we unpack:Why most people struggle with nuance and operate in extremesThe gap between who we think we are and how others experience usHow personal history shapes empathy but doesn’t erase responsibilityWhy conflict often feels like an attack instead of an opportunity to growThe tension between accountability, forgiveness, and self-protectionEmotional regulation and the power of not lashing out when you feel misunderstoodHow men and women communicate differently — and how to meet in the middleThis is a conversation about the gray areas — the places where our values, flaws, emotions, and intentions collide. The places where growth actually happens.“I can look in the mirror and say I gave it my all… but what does that matter to the person who had to receive my flaws?”“Most people don’t want truth — they want simplicity.”“Nuance is uncomfortable because it forces you to see yourself clearly.”If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, judged, or torn between who you are and who you’re trying to become, this episode will hit home.This is One Percent Better at its core:Not being perfect — just being willing to look deeper.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode was supposed to be a full 1% Better deep dive… and then the hard drive humbled us. 😅 We lost the core conversation, but the “Yada Yada” trending segment was so real we decided to drop it anyway.In this one, we start by reacting to a viral clip about raising a bully instead of a victim and end up unpacking how we were taught to fight, save face, and prove we’re not “soft.” The fight stories are funny, but the bigger question is serious: how do you teach your kids to protect themselves without passing down your trauma or glorifying violence?From there, we tap into the Russell Wilson Thanksgiving clip — the one where another NFL player calls his family dinner “lame.” We talk about why being a present husband and father gets labeled “corny,” why the internet loves toxic over healthy, and how too many mid-level dudes feel entitled to tear down men who are actually winning in real life.The energy shifts when Alex brings up the passing of the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre. That opens up a heavier conversation about how America rewrites our history, links between Tulsa, Emmett Till, Rodney King and today’s headlines, and why diversity and representation aren’t “handouts” — they’re survival tools.This episode is exactly what the title says: we’re yapping. But in the middle of the jokes and side stories, we’re really asking:What are we normalizing — in parenting, in manhood, and in how we remember (or erase) Black pain and progress?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay, Janae, Jamila, and Vonte break down one of the hardest truths about life: our decisions never impact just us — they ripple out and affect the people connected to us.What starts as a wild story about Vonte dealing with a stalker quickly expands into a deeper conversation about emotional responsibility — the kind most people avoid having. The crew digs into how casual intimacy, unchecked trauma, and unexamined patterns can unintentionally create collateral damage for the people who trust us, love us, or simply cross our path.From there, the conversation gets raw and honest as they explore the emotional harm adults project onto children, how churches can wound the same people they claim to protect, and the dangerous ways our character gets flattened by online narratives. This episode is a mirror — not just for what we’ve done, but for what our choices have done to others.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay, Alex, and Jamila break down the invisible rules we’ve all been conditioned to follow — the “standards” that shape our creativity, our confidence, and the way the world sees us.From conversations about leaving your hometown, to being labeled “corny” for choosing success, to artists losing themselves by fighting battles that aren’t theirs — this episode uncovers how much of our identity is built on expectations we never agreed to.They talk about what it means to set your own standard instead of inheriting one from the culture, the hood, the algorithm, or the industry.Because the truth is: most people aren’t trapped by talent — they’re trapped by perception.The crew dives into:Leaving home vs. outgrowing homeThe rise of “fake motion” and performing progressWhy the internet helps some but traps othersTypecasting, niche-building, and protecting your creative identityThe war between being “real” and being successfulHip-hop beefs, ego traps, and staying in your laneThe danger of building your worth on praise OR criticism“We’re slaves to an imaginary standard — until we decide to raise a new one.”This episode is all about freeing yourself from the rules that don’t serve you, fighting the battles that matter, and becoming one percent better by choosing your standard over the world’s.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay, Alex, Janae, and Vonte break down the real cost of connection — how friendships, business, and loyalty all operate on an unspoken exchange of value.They talk about the difference between being used and being useful, and how “doing favors” can turn into manipulation when love gets replaced by leverage.This isn’t a bitter conversation — it’s a blueprint for building better relationships based on clarity, not confusion.Vonte shares how he’s learned to separate real support from conditional love, and Jay drives the point home: every relationship is an investment — and not everyone deserves equity.They explore:The fine line between favors and expectationsHow to stop mistaking manipulation for helpWhy reciprocity matters more than recognitionBuilding relationships that bring value — not just vibesUnderstanding emotional ROI (Return on Intention)Because real friendship isn’t about keeping score — it’s about showing up with purpose.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Watch Full Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/one-percent-035-142892432?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkThis episode dives deep into one of the most layered conversations we’ve ever had. Jay, Alex, Janae, and Jamila tackle the timeless question — do men have it harder than women? — and explore how classism, capitalism, and gender dynamics shape our realities every day.From workplace inequality to social expectations, from “pretty privilege” to power hierarchies, the crew dissects how systemic structures and cultural conditioning affect how both men and women move through the world. What starts as a debate quickly becomes an honest dialogue about respect, perception, and the invisible labor of identity.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay and Alex dive into one of the most uncomfortable but necessary conversations in adulthood — how to hold your friends accountable without losing the friendship.They break down what it means to have real standards in your circle, how to create boundaries without beef, and why friendship—like any partnership—requires structure, honesty, and feedback.Jay introduces the concept of “Peer Performance” — putting your friends (and even yourself) on a “performance improvement plan.”Not out of ego, but out of love. Because accountability is a form of care, and sometimes protecting peace means reevaluating proximity.They discuss:How to build boundaries that strengthen friendships instead of breaking themWhy feedback is love, not controlHow to downgrade access without holding grudgesRecognizing when loyalty becomes emotional laborThe difference between cutting people off and checking their effortThis episode is funny, real, and raw — the type of conversation that reminds you:“You don’t have to cancel people. You just have to check their performance.”Because peace isn’t found by avoiding conflict — it’s built by maintaining standards.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay, Alex, and Janae unpack what it really means to live with the choices we’ve made — individually and as a culture.They explore how moments of fun, freedom, and expression can sometimes blur into habits, influence, and consequences that we don’t always want to face until the dust settles.The conversation gets real about accountability — for the lives, reputations, and legacies we’re all building in public. From the culture we celebrate to the content we post, this episode challenges us to look beyond the hype and ask the hard question:Are we proud of the life we’ve created once everything calms down?We talk:The line between expression and influenceHow accountability hits differently with maturityWhen culture stops being culture and starts becoming conditioningThe balance between growth, nostalgia, and responsibilityWhy self-awareness isn’t enough without ownershipThis episode isn’t about blame — it’s about awareness.Because when the dust settles, you can’t hide from what you built.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay, Alex, and Janae unpack one of the hardest truths about growth — sometimes what we call “peace” is really just avoidance dressed up as healing.The conversation dives deep into control, ego, and emotional maturity — exploring how we protect ourselves so much that we end up disconnected. They discuss how “boundaries” can easily turn into “barriers,” why silence isn’t always peace, and how the desire to manage everything can actually block love, joy, and real connection.They remind us that peace isn’t about avoiding conflict — it’s about facing the truth without losing yourself.We talk:The illusion of control and why it costs more than it givesBoundaries vs. barriers — knowing the differenceWhen emotional distance becomes emotional denialHow accountability and honesty can create real peaceWhy healing without humility doesn’t workThis episode challenges everything you think you know about peace, healing, and control — and invites you to sit with the uncomfortable truth that sometimes, growth looks like chaos first.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the One Percent Better Podcast, Jay Hill, AlexanderTheBlanc, and Janae break down the deeper patterns that run through love, friendship, parenting, and self-growth. This isn’t just conversation—it’s a blueprint for living sharper, stronger, and more accountable.We dig intoCompatibility vs. Complementarity: why balance may matter more than similarity.Accountability & Conviction: calling people up, not just calling them out.Fragility vs. Resilience: learning to hold tension without collapsing.Fear, Faith & Progress: turning pressure into productivity.Self-Perception & Identity: from “narcissism” to healthy self-respect.Parenting & Emotional Literacy: naming needs beneath behavior.Standards & Boundaries: building love and community with high support + high accountability.🔥 Expect raw honesty, humor, and vulnerability—all anchored in the truth that getting better means facing ourselves and sharpening each other.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay Hill and AlexanderTheBlanc sit down with Luh Kel and Ian for a raw and unfiltered conversation about life, music, and growth. From Luh Kel’s viral success and lessons on money, fame, and staying true to love in his music, to Ian’s powerful testimony of walking away from the fast life to embrace faith and purpose, this episode dives deep into the choices that shape us.Together, they explore what it means to choose love over violence, staying authentic in an industry that often rewards the opposite, and the power of consistency, brotherhood, and spirituality in carving out a better path.🎙️ One Percent Better is about real stories, real lessons, and real growth — one conversation at a time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 30 of One Percent Better, Jay Hill, Alexander Blanc, and Janae sit down with Brie Renee for a vulnerable and powerful conversation. Together, they explore the lessons we carry from family, the patterns we inherit, and the hard work of unlearning what no longer serves us in love, intimacy, and life.Brie opens up about:Growing up in Atlanta’s Black Mecca and finding her voiceThe realities of “pretty privilege” and how it shaped her relationshipsBalancing independence with the need for partnership and vulnerabilityBreaking cycles of misplaced loyalty and redefining intimacyHer mother’s incarceration over a mishandled PPP loan, and how faith turned that test into testimonyThis episode isn’t just about relationships — it’s about rethinking how we love, how we communicate, and how we heal.👉 Tap in as we unpack the process of unlearning, the power of transparency, and why every struggle can be a step toward growth.🔔 Subscribe to One Percent Better for more real conversations that push us to grow, reflect, and get just 1% better every day.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Actor and recording artist Michael Epps joins Jay Hill, Alexander Blanc, and Janae for an in-depth conversation about balancing Hollywood, music, and real life.Michael opens up about stepping into music while building his career as Jake on Showtime’s The Chi. He reflects on growing up in Chicago, navigating fame from a young age, and the discipline it takes to keep moving forward. The crew dives into his early start in acting, the lessons he’s learned from industry mentors, and how staying grounded in family has shaped his outlook.The conversation also covers:  •  Why he waited to release music until the time was right  •  How family values and Chicago roots keep him centered  •  The differences between acting and music as forms of expression  •  His dream roles beyond The Chi  •  The pressures of influence, loyalty, and navigating fame responsiblyMichael also shares what it’s like to work alongside Lena Waithe, how The Chi represents Chicago beyond stereotypes, and why showing range in acting matters. From lessons in discipline to his Mount Rushmore of Chicago artists, this is a candid, inspiring sit-down with one of entertainment’s rising stars.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay Hill and Alexander Blanc sit down with comedian, actor, and entrepreneur KevOnStage for one of his most transparent conversations yet.Kev opens up about the discipline it takes to build an empire while staying true to yourself. From the grind of stand-up comedy to creating his own platform outside of Hollywood gatekeepers, Kev breaks down why he refuses to compromise his values — even when shortcuts and bigger checks are on the table.This conversation goes beyond comedy. Kev talks about:Building a business and brand without selling outThe sacrifices behind building a loyal community vs. chasing industry cloutBalancing creativity, family, and faith in a space that often demands compromiseWhy ownership is the only real freedom in entertainmentThe mental and emotional strength it takes to keep going when the odds are stackedWith humor, honesty, and wisdom, KevOnStage delivers a masterclass in resilience, integrity, and building a legacy that lasts.If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a dream without losing yourself in the process — this episode is for you.#KevOnStage #OnePercentBetter #UncompromisedSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to One Percent Better with hosts Jay Hill and AlexanderTheBlanc. In this episode, the guys sit down with special guest Big Sexy for a raw, thought-provoking conversation about identity, confrontation, and the pursuit of peace.The discussion kicks off with a fiery debate about whether Geminis are naturally argumentative—spinning into deeper reflections on self-awareness, how we handle conflict, and what it means to truly know yourself. From there, Big Sexy shares why at 31, he’s never been in a relationship and doesn’t desire one—opening up an honest dialogue about love, solitude, and societal expectations.Expect laughter, vulnerable storytelling, and cultural perspective—from childhood lessons and definitions of confrontation, to Baltimore vs. D.C. food battles, mental health, and the freedom found in living life on your own terms.📌 Topics Covered:Are Geminis passionate… or just argumentative?The thin line between confrontation and curiosityWhy Big Sexy has chosen peace and solitude over relationshipsThe price of freedom and self-love in a society that pressures conformityFamily stories, culture clashes, and unfiltered honesty🔥 If you’ve ever questioned the balance between love and freedom, or community and individuality, this episode is for you.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of One Percent Better, Jay Hill and Alex sit down with Jamila and Mecca from the podcast Unhinged & Immoral for a raw, unfiltered conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.The episode opens with lighthearted banter before diving into the origin story of Jamila and Mecca, their chemistry, and what inspired their unapologetic approach to podcasting. From there, the conversation turns to the state of the podcast game today — including their unfiltered thoughts on Bobbi Althoff and how virality can both build and break platforms.Things get even more personal when Mecca reflects on her time in Baltimore, sparking a deep discussion about relationships, loyalty, and the blurred lines of cheating. Together, the crew tackles tough questions around morality, temptation, and accountability — all while keeping the humor and candid energy that makes this episode impossible to pause.If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two bold voices known for being “unhinged & immoral” meet a platform that thrives on getting 1% better every day… this is it.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-percent-better/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy