The Tangent Talk

According to Dr. Robert Glover, an authority on the subject of the Nice Guy Syndrome, a "Nice Guy" is a man who harbors a belief that he isn't acceptable in his natural state. He's firmly convinced that he must mold himself into what he perceives as others' expectations in order to gain affection, love, and have his needs fulfilled. In this episode, we're giving Illdris Hellbruh the spotlight as he delves into the pivotal concepts from Dr. Glover's renowned book, "No More Mr. Nice Guy," drawing parallels to his own life and sharing his personal insights.

In the second episode of "My Confessions," we delve deep into the fascinating realms of female intuition and the intricacies of female jealousy. First, we explore the concept of female intuition, a mysterious and often misunderstood phenomenon that seems to give women an uncanny ability to read between the lines and perceive things that may elude others. Next, we navigate the complex landscape of female jealousy. From friendships to romantic relationships, jealousy can rear its head in various forms, sometimes affecting our behavior and decision-making. It's a conversation that will leave you with a better understanding of yourself and the women around you. Don't miss "My Confessions: Female Intuition & Female Jealousy."

Why are boundaries important? "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" is a book by Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist and sought-after relationship expert. In her book, Tawwab provides a comprehensive guide to setting and enforcing boundaries to create a peaceful life. In today's episode Luna Ma enters the Tangent Talk studio solo to share some of her confessions around boundaries. She also discusses key themes from the book "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" and the author's "Boundaries Quiz." Show Notes: Boundaries Quiz⁠ Article: Things To Remember About Boundaries (by Nedra Glover Tawwab) Book: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself (by Nedra Glover Tawwab) Hip-Hop Influences Everything Rapper Magoo, Timbaland's Ex-Collaborator, Dead at 50: Report

Carlee Russell (dubbed "Carlee Smollett") is an Alabama woman who disappeared for 2 days in the summer of 2023. Russell's case is an example of the maxim: “The boy who cried wolf.” The moral of “the boy who cried wolf” story is that when you signal false alarms, no one will come to your aid when you are in real danger. Further, liars (and those impacted) will suffer the consequences of their dishonesty. In this episode, the Tangent Talk crew explores why hoaxes—like the one Carlee Russell committed July 2023 and the one committed by American actor Jussie Smollett in January 2023—are particularly problematic. Resources: ⁠A timeline of the Carlee Russell case: What happened to the Alabama woman who purportedly disappeared for 2 days?⁠ (CBS News) Far Too Many Black Girls Disappear Without a Trace. Relisha Rudd Has Never Been Found (Treva Lindsey for TIME) American Black Film Festival (ABFF) 2023 Inaugural Podcast Winners (ABFF’s Facebook Page)

We're back, folks, and we are coming in hot like the summer! In this sizzling episode, we discuss the now infamous Keke Palmer & Usher storyline. What started out as the R&B legend’s successful Vegas residency has become the centerpiece of conversations about love, respect, loyalty, & insecurity. "You Don’t Have to Call"...but, we do encourage you to listen to our first episode of Season 10. Join us as we weigh in! In an article published today (August 7, 2023), ⁠⁠Usher reacts to Darius Jackson criticizing outfit Keke Palmer wore to his Vegas show⁠.

In this episode, we discuss the controversy surrounding the suspension of Boston Celtics' head coach Ime Udoka for having an "inappropriate relationship" with a fellow team employee. Udoka has also been engaged to actress Nia Long for 10 years, with whom he has one child. The employee with whom he had the alleged affair is a married woman. Many netizens believe Miss Long thinks she is immune to being cheated on because of her good looks, but why would people think that? What has the actress said or done to suggest that this is how she feels about this situation? Who's to blame for the affair? Join us as we weigh in.

In this episode, we discuss modern terminologies heard often in the dating world today: "Simp" and "Pick-Me." Not only do we break down the general meaning of these terms, but what the panelists understand these terms to believe from our own perspectives. Do these terms carry any merit or are they just another way for men and women to tear each other down? Join us as we weigh in, along with our guest panelists.

It has become known as The Slap Heard 'Round the World. You know what we're talking about—the infamous Oscars Night slap over an unscripted joke Chris Rock made about actor Will Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and her shaved head. The opinions of the public on this issue have been divided. On one side, people say Will Smith had every right to protect his wife, while on the other, people say he committed assault and should have been charged. On one side people say Chris Rock should sue Will Smith, while on the other, people say he deserved what he got. But how much is too much? Or when is it not enough? Was Will Smith truly standing up for his wife or all women? Did Chris Rock take his joke too far?  These are some of the questions we examine on this episode of The Tangent Talk.

During a Variety interview, when asked her advice for women in business, Kim Kardashian uttered these famous last words: "I have the best advice for women in business. Get your fu%*ing ass up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.” As a woman raised with immense privilege who shot to fame in a way that many consider not hard work at all, this remark garnered a huge backlash from the public. It also brought to light claims from former employees who state that the Kardashian family would not pay them for their labor. During a time in which American productivity is the highest it's ever been, while wages have not kept up with inflation, does Kim Kardashian have a point? Do people really not want to work these days? Given her background, is it her place to speak on who works hard and who doesn't? The Tangent Talk panel weighs in.

While we know our image is heavily-shaped through media and Hollywood stereotypes, how much control—and ultimately how much responsibility—do we, as black and brown people, have when it comes to how we are ‘presented’ to the world? How will we rebrand ourselves moving forward? Join us for this interesting topic: “Rebranding People of Color.” Reference Material: What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

While we know our image is heavily-shaped through media and Hollywood stereotypes, how much control—and ultimately how much responsibility—do we, as black and brown people, have when it comes to how we are ‘presented’ to the world? How will we rebrand ourselves moving forward? Join us for this interesting topic: “Rebranding People of Color.” Reference Material: What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

DR. BRIAN MCGREGOR joins the cast to discuss "Let's Heal: When Men Prioritize Mental/Emotional Health & its Impact on Interpersonal Relationships.” Dr. McGregor is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health for Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta GA. On December 2, 2021, Dr. McGregor also served as a panelist for the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF) “Shining a Light on Mental Wellness for Black Boys” discussion. The discussion was facilitated by Samimah Aziz, an AAF Board member. Special Note to our Listeners: This episode is dedicated to the life and legacy of Ahmaud Arbery. Less than 30 days after we recorded this episode, Ahmaud Arbery's killers were sentenced to life in prison on January 7, 2022. Resource Material: Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF)  Performative Manhood "Watch this little champ take his shots like a man!" Ahmaud Arbery's Killers Sentenced to Life in Prison

DR. BRIAN MCGREGOR joins the cast to discuss "Let's Heal: When Men Prioritize Mental/Emotional Health & its Impact on Interpersonal Relationships.” Dr. McGregor is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health for Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta GA. On December 2, 2021, Dr. McGregor also served as a panelist for the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF) “Shining a Light on Mental Wellness for Black Boys” discussion. The discussion was facilitated by Samimah Aziz, an AAF Board member. Special Note to our Listeners: This episode is dedicated to the life and legacy of Ahmaud Arbery. Less than 30 days after we recorded this episode, Ahmaud Arbery's killers were sentenced to life in prison on January 7, 2022. Resource Material: Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF)  Performative Manhood "Watch this little champ take his shots like a man!" Ahmaud Arbery's Killers Sentenced to Life in Prison

Based on the textbook definition, to recreate means “to impart fresh life to; refresh mentally or physically.” It also means, “to create (something) again, duplicate.” As we experience the greatest public health crisis in our lifetimes, what does it mean for us to “recreate” during these trying times? For some of us, our attempts may remind us of Denise Huxtable’s infamous recreation of the “Gordon Gartrell” shirt, much to her brother Theo’s chagrin. While we are all wading through this pandemic, the Tangent Talk examines current themes by imparting ‘fresh/new life’ and meaning. Special guest, Miss Starr, a talented host and spoken word artist joins us for this fun episode! Topics explored in this episode: Dating during a Pandemic COVID-19 Vaccine  Career Goals Reference Material: Comedian Lil Duval Doesn’t Think Women With Children Should Work: ‘It’s A Full-Time Job Itself’ Study shows dramatic decline in effectiveness of all three COVID-19 vaccines over time The Great Resignation just got greater: Here are 4 reasons why

Welcome to Season 7! Whether you are a new or faithful listener, we are excited you are here! As a culturally diverse cast, many members of the Tangent Talk are children of immigrant parents; parents who believe and have taught their offspring (seemingly since birth) that dedication to "hard work” is the source of success—but, is it the source of happiness or burnout? Moreover, is life to be endured or enjoyed?  On OutKast’s Liberation, Cee-Lo Green croons, “Oh, Lord, I’m so tired, I'm so tired…we alive but we ain't livin'.” Special guest Jerome Braggs, an intuitive healer, podcast host, and writer, joins the cast as we kick off Season 7 with the topic “Rest.” Throughout our engaging dialogue with Jerome, we explore the power of ‘rest & restoration’ not only during a pandemic, but throughout all aspects and phases of our modern lives. Reference Material: The 7 types of rest that every person needs  

Dr. Derald Wing Sue is a notable professor of counseling psychology at Columbia University. He has been lauded as a pioneer in multicultural counseling and therapy and the psychology of racism/antiracism. Dr. Sue defines microaggressions as "everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership." In this episode (recorded Father’s Day and Juneteenth weekend 2021), the cast explores examples of microaggressions in the classroom, the juvenile justice system and their personal lives. Reference Material: Examples of Microaggressions in the Classroom A Look at Implicit Bias and Microaggressions Priming Unconscious Racial Stereotypes About Adolescent Offenders "A Thousand Cuts: Unheard Stories of Casual Discrimination"

Davis is University of North Carolina's (UNC)  first Black basketball head coach since the school began playing the sport in 1910; that's 111 years! Cleary, Coach Davis has much to be proud of and much to celebrate. 'I'm Also Very Proud That My Wife Is White' he shared during the  April 6, 2021 press conference introducing Hubert as the the first Black head coach at UNC. Was this simply a blunder or a peek into Coach Davis' deep seated thoughts on race? Reference Material: Hubert Davis Was So Close to Having a Forgettable Press Conference The Twitterverse is side-eying Hubert Davis after his introductory pre Complete Transcript From Hubert Davis' April 6, 2021 Press Conference What Is Tokenism, and Why Does It Matter in the Workplace? 

What could possibly go wrong when a beautiful actress marries a real-life Prince Charming? Nothing—or at least that is what we would like to believe. But, as we have learned, things became quite hairy when the handsome, eligible prince of the British Royal Family married an actress who is biracial: white father, black mother. During a sensational interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex discuss their break from the Royal Family—or, The Firm, as it was referred to during the interview. Given the British Royalty’s history of conquering black and brown people worldwide through colonialism and slavery, does it come as any surprise that a woman who is half-black would experience racism after marrying into this family? We examine this during this episode of The Tangent Talk.

On part 1 of this two-part episode, the cast focused on the controversial coaching style of YouTuber, Kevin Samuels. On the day of the recording for part 1 (March 21, 2021), news broke about another YouTuber Dating Coach: Derrick Jaxn. The scandal, later confirmed by Jaxn himself and his wife, has created quite the social media storm. On part 2, the cast examines the downfall of Derrick Jaxn.

Kevin Samuels, dating guru and “image consultant,” gives dating advice online, but does he take it too far? In this episode, the cast will give their perspectives on the often-abrasive coaching style of Kevin Samuels. Is there a thin line between constructive criticism and “put-downs?” Is he keeping it real or being hurtful and harmful? With two men and two women on our panel, this topic is pretty sure to get juicy! Come join us as we discuss this popular yet controversial figure in the realm of relationship coaching. Reference Material: http://bykevinsamuels.com/