Top 3 Must-See Podcasts Of Quarantine 2020

During this crazy, catastrophic, mess of a year, 2020 is on the bottom of a lot of people's shit lists. Though it has been one of the most uncertain periods of my entire lifetime, there are certainly silver linings that have come as a result of it. We all have spent more time than we probably ever imagined in the house. For most people, this pandemic caused us to pause and take a hard reset. For those with the opportunity to quarantine at home, the time allowed us to indulge in things that work and everyday life took away. Whether it be more time with family, a good Netflix series, or some much-needed self-care, I think it's safe to say we all had time to learn something new. For me, this was an opportunity to explore the wonderful world of podcasts and learn more about the dope entrepreneurs’ behind them!

If you are new to podcasts, it’s a way to turn any topic into a good time, on your own time. Easy to download, easy to access, and easy to archive; it just makes sense. Now, instead of hearing the same mainstream music played repeatedly on our favorite stations... instead, you can hear real-life commentary about the topics that interest you. In a world that requires me to talk for a living, I never imagined intentionally signing up to hear a stranger’s opinion. I realize that it's like a good bra, the key is finding the perfect fit! Podcast creates an entirely new space to say what you want. Unlike social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, it doesn’t limit you by characters and instead gives you a new way to connect with the world. No topics are off-limits. Regardless of your interest, with over 700,000 active podcasts, there is always something out there to tickle your pickle. 

Now, let’s be honest, there is a ton of noise out there. Good, bad, or indifferent, people have something to say and rightfully so. With the expediential growth of podcasts on sites such as YouTube, the need is certainly there!  According to Podcast demographics, 68 million people listen to a weekly podcast, and podcast listeners subscribe to an average of 6 shows. So, when you pick one, remember the bra example and be choosy 😊 

Now be mindful, my taste in podcasts may not be yours. I’m open, opinionated, and always down to hear someone else’s view. So, during the quarantine, I tapped into a few podcasts that in one way or another, have put me on to knowledge. From culture to sex, all the bases are covered and I am all here for it! If you are in the market for something new to watch/listen to…. here are my recommendations for the top 3 Podcast I’ve stumbled across during this downtime! 

# 1- Million Dollar Worth of Game- If the name doesn’t entice you enough, the content most certainly will. Hosted by social media influencer, Walo 267 and rapper, writer Gillie da Kid, the genuine chemistry these two share not only creates a TON of laughs, but given their respective backgrounds, shortcomings, and success stories, the podcast touches on a little bit of everything. As one of the few podcasts that own their intellectual property, this team is one I will be cheering on for a long time! 

Now I wouldn’t be doing the podcast any justice if I didn’t provide some background on the hosts. In the 1990s Walo was sentenced to a 20-year prison bid for armed robbery. For those that feel that people released from prison never learn from their mistakes, you are sadly mistaken. Walo was released in 2017 and since then has continued to build his empire with skills, talent, and knowledge established behind bars. He is now an author, entrepreneur and alongside his cousin Gillie, recently signed a lucrative contract with Barstool Sports. Now those “Stories from the Cell” have some major backing behind it! 

Gillie, on the other hand, is the ‘big cuz” and reps Philly to the death (Big Shout Out to Philadelphia). As a ghostwriter for some of your favorite rappers, favorite rapper, Gillie is the real deal and his perspectives always get a rise. He often shares hilarious videos on social media and his street perspective mixed with his unfiltered antics has earned him over 87K followers on Twitter! Whether he is talking about his long-term relationship or clowning his cousin Walo on Instagram, he is always guaranteed to make you laugh and provide a controversial response on just about ANY topic. From marriage to music, Gillie covers all the bases. Known for his brass tone and strong opinions, his humor and authenticity make the show a must-see!

Recently added on the show is Mona, known as @dntcallmewhitegirl on Instagram and Twitter. She is a comedian that brings that little sister vibe to the podcast. Walo and Gillie aren’t the easiest to reel in, but like every big fish, the right bait gets the job done. My love for Mona is a bit biased because she reminds me of all my friends and cousins back home! I just want to take a shot and talk life with her. She is a wonderful addition to the show😊 

Now if you are easily offended or consider yourself a few calls away from being a “Karen”, stop now, this one may not be your vibe. However, if you are prepared for some real talk, good laughs, and a little Philly action, you will be just at home with this one. Much love to the big bros and big sis! 

 #2- JK Bros Reaction Videos- Often when you think of Canada, you envision the best Maple Syrup, the cleanest air, and the place that many Americans would LOVE to migrate to nowadays. However, what I had no idea about, was the amazing talent and humor coming straight from the beautiful city of Montreal! For those unfamiliar with reaction videos, YouTube has created a space where now most of our music comes straight from the source. With that said, today's success in the music game often starts and ends with fan reactions! After all, no one wants to hear a song, everyone considers trash. During the quarantine, I made an office in the only halfway available room in my new house… my husband's mancave. Though the noise of Call of Duty and Madden is deafening at times, at least in the process of this man cave/office integration, he exposed me to this phenomenal duo and MAN, am I happy he did! 

Following the common thread of many of my favorite podcasts, authenticity is KEY! There is certainly no shortage of that with these guys. Kosta and John have quickly become two of my favorite YouTube people. As a HUGE music lover, I'll be the first admit, music videos went out the window, around the time MTV's TRL with Carson Daly did. I rarely got on YouTube, and though my music knowledge runs deep, with the recent wave, I knew songs, but not faces. Thanks to these guys, some of the hottest up and coming artists are now on my radar! Such talents like Montana 300, Dax, and Jelly Roll. Quickly growing from 20,000 subscribers to 50, 000 subscribers and counting… this dynamic duo just makes it happen. It’s cool to see the vibe is still solid. These two don’t try to be fancy, they remain true to who they are and their genuine appreciation for all their new fans! That is exactly why I love them! Just two high school buddies, working, building, and creating together. While one is always hype and the other more analytical, their music knowledge is as equally as impressive as their connection! 

Guaranteed to always bring out laugher and a genuine connection between friends, if you are a music person and like to hear funny yet thought-provoking feedback, check out the homies! Like peanut butter and jelly, batman and robin, and ranch and salad (side note: if you don’t like ranch, you’re a hater lol) …. these two, just go together! 

At the end of the day, these guys are worried about one thing, “THE BARRRRS BRO”! With music, a few hilarious technical hiccups, and a McCafé on hand, their podcast is worth checking out. Sending the homies in Montreal, happiness, health, continued friendship, and a bigger bag. These two are stars in the making. 

#3- Dumb Blonde- So let’s not get it twisted, there isn’t anything dumb about this one. Don’t let the name fool you! As a woman always looking to uplift other women, I would never introduce a woman by saying, “this is ___ wife”. How rude, that’s some 1940’s shit. Instead, I get to introduce Bunnie XO, based on her accomplishments first, and then we can talk about who she is married to later! GIRL POWER 😊 Now, to know Bunnie, is to know that she is no saint and totally open about it. She is no rookie at the game of life and has taken some shitty experiences and with them,  molded a life that she lives on her own terms; she's such a badass! As the owner of Dumb Blonde Productions, this woman is a jack of all trades. From Vegas to one of the top Only Fans pages in 2020, the girl knows how to secure the bag! (YASSS sis,) Yet again, totally guilty of loving her because yep you guessed it, she could TOTALLY be one of my friends back home. Fun, flirty, sassy, and thugged out when need be!

I first heard about Bunnie through their YouTube show, Meet the DeFords. Viewers had the chance to get a sneak peek into the life and the ups and downs that come with the entertainment industry. Always open and honest, she gained some additional notoriety after a “breakup vlog” she made about her and husband, Rapper Jelly Roll that received almost 170,000 views.  As this was a  relationship that many of us loved, it sucked to see them apart, and many fans cheered on a reunion! Fast-forward to today, Jelly and Bunnie XO are back together, still happily married, and the money just keeps rolling in for them both. Bunnie recently leaped out on fate and evolved her vlog, into a podcast. Launched earlier this year, “Your Favorite Female Shock Jock”, opens the podcast in lingerie, a fur, and a good pair of heels, my kind of girl! Her podcast touches on a little bit of everything and more importantly, she talks about real shit! The stuff that some would shy away from, Bunnie goes straight for it. During her Podcast, she often reads embarrassing sex stories shared by her fans too! When you subscribe, brace yourself, they get crazy! Either take out a notebook and write down some tips or share in a good laugh, either way, it won't disappoint.

The best thing about the Dumb Blonde podcast is how she relates to other women and encourages them to own who they are. From a woman that has lived, she shares tips, ideas, and encouragement for women to let loose and have some fun in life! She is certainly not politically correct and that's what makes this podcast worth watching! Often sent fun little gifts from America's favorite source for adult toys, Adam and Eve, sex is a common topic! If you are a prude, WARNING WARNING, you may want to pass. BUT, if you are looking for a down to earth woman, speaking her mind, unafraid of her past, or future, and totally in love with being a great stepmom and wife…. Bunnie XO is a subscription you must make.

Between their YouTube show Meet the DeFord’s and her raw and unfiltered podcast, Bunnie XO keeps herself busy and will certainly keep you entertained. From dildos to prison hacks, no topic is off-limits. Sending her all the love and continued success! 

So, there they are guys, my top 3 podcasts of the quarantine 2020! I hope you all take the time to relax and get caught up with the world outside of your front yard. Subscribe, subscribe, subscribe! You will NOT be disappointed! With any of these three podcasts, you can't go wrong! I've opened up my comment section (finally), so let me know what you think! 

Be Safe, Be Smart, and wear the damn mask!

…. Until next time my friends. 

America Experiences a Hard Reset: 2020 in a Nutshell

So here we are 2020. This year was supposed to be everything! We lit up social media in 2019 with encouragement, high hopes, and well wishes. As we anticipated an ass-kicking start to a new decade, we wanted all the rah-rah shish boom bah and bells and whistles that came with it. Presumptuous? Maybe a little, but many of us were all in for a good year. The nation has been one big stressful, super intense mess lately, so a good 365 was far overdue, right? WRONG or at least so far; 2020 may not be what we hoped for. 

While I should be blogging about my latest Netflix addiction, "The Circle" or dishing on how freaking adorable I think Lauren and Cameron are from "Love is Blind", instead, I can't get past how shitty this year has started and I have a few thoughts about it. Perspective, it's only March and most of us can agree, that describing this year as shitty would be a total understatement. Can we agree? Agreed. So lets dish about a few things that rocked my little millennial brain so far in 2020... 

As the oddly optimistic person I am, I'll still be the first to admit that shit has gone haywire. This is probably the most confusing, nerve-wracking, disruption to the normalcy most of us have ever seen! Normally, I don’t sit around and reflect on all the bad things happening in our world; I am no 'Debbie Downer', I promise.  Under normal circumstances, I would consider doing so, pretty self-sabotaging & counterproductive. However, maybe a moment of transparency & perspective wouldn't hurt. Meh. It’s kind of like writing a reflective piece about a moment in time, while still very much so living through it. Like words in a diary, one day I load up this blog and relive the moment… perfect description of my intent with this piece. 

First, let’s talk Mother Earth, and the wreck we have caused:

The wildfires in Australia was my first big heartbreak observation of 2020. To me, that’s the place I envision on the postcards, the utopia ‘must visit’ on your bucket list, and the place that exemplifies all things tranquil and beautiful. When I heard the news, the researcher in me went wild with curiosity. I spent endless time on google blitzes, tears streaming, reading more and more about this tragic nightmare. Over 25 million acres burned and a jaw-dropping 1.25 BILLION, yes Billion with a capital B…. animals were lost. Do you understand what that means for their ecosystems? Even with my minimal (verrryyyy minimal Science background,), even I understand that the entire foundation of an ecosystem is based around connectivity. With the death and destruction scarred into the minds of us all, the biodiversity that Australia provides to the world is unreplaceable. 

 The Tragic Loss of Kobe Bryant.

It's not just the loss that sent ripples throughout the world, but rather the circumstances and tragedy that surrounded it. As a mother, the thought of living in this world without my child is unthinkable. To hear about the tragic loss of such an iconic American figure like Kobe Bryant and the equally tragic loss of  8 other beautiful souls, one being his daughter Gigi, it rocked me from the inside out. Families are torn apart forever to never be the same, all in the blink of an eye. Kobe died doing what he told us all he planned to do more of in retirement, being a dad. Tearjerker. Every. Single. Time. 

Even to the most minimal sports fan, Kobe Bryant meant something to our generation. We all knew who he was, and we all agreed he was legendary- didn’t need to know much more. As a millennial, our generation has experienced some heartbreaking losses, but this one hit hard. Similar to the famous passing of Michael Jackson, everyone will likely remember where they were when they heard the news.  When Kobe died, the initial rumors ran rampant. Was it true?  No way, right? Cant be Kobe.

… Unfortunately, totally true. For the next few weeks, memorials and tributes flooded the airways. Often too hard to get through one interview or media story, for me, tears became synonymous with hearing his name. And his wife, Vanessa, oh, my word, bless her entire soul. The devastation and sadness I felt for her were one of the most authentic feelings I’ve ever experienced with and for a stranger. Her husband and her daughter, tragically killed is enough sorrow to put down the strongest of person. I have a daughter. I have a husband. It hit way too close to home.  

From the Staples Center to the tributes around the world, at that moment, American society seemed to be overcome with a stillness that shocked and rocked us generationally. Another heartbreaking 2020 moment...

Meghxit: The Royal Way to Throw the Duces!

Well really need I say more lol. Now I get it. Some people are like “really”? Yes. Really. I had to add it to my list. But for the sake of those who fall asleep at the thought of the Royals, I will make it easy.

Prince Harry (the redhead cutie Royal) married Meghan, an American actress. People were shocked because well, she’s biracial and divorced. It seems fairly typical to me.... but THERE I guess it was just too much to swallow. It quickly became a double-whammy and for this reason, it ROCKED the Royals and became a 2020 story, a BIG ONE! 

Though this doesn’t affect any of us on a personal level, it did, however, highlight race and social stigmas in the UK that unfortunately still exist; that’s the socially heartbreaking aspect. The Meghan and Harry “shake-up” proved that a princess doesn’t have to be white and that it's okay to have a diverse Royal family. As Britain continues to fight back against how they embrace identity and change, ultimately, they both decided to remove themselves from the Royal lens and instead take their chances on fate and each other. It was dishearting to see how oddly infatuated people were with free-will and interracial love..... bad look guys and gals, bad look. The media wrecked Meghan and painted her in a pretty biased lens. To me, they didn't leave these two much of a choice.  Nevertheless, let's move on... 

Last but certainly not least, COVID19 also known as Coronavirus

So, this one probably does not need an explanation, at least not one that I can give at least. As if this year wasn’t going awful enough, now we are witnessing a global pandemic of respiratory disease spreading from person-to-person. Something new, something scary, something unknown, and something that is impacting our country and our world, in ways I’ve never seen before. Here we are March, where the US is typically planning cookouts, preparing for our sports and cheering loud for our favorite teams. Those times are indefinitely on hold this year. Schools are closed, states are shutting down, and there is still so much more to learn about the transmission and treatment of this virus.

As the United States hangs on to the reputation of being one of the wealthiest and equip countries in the world, this tragedy has revealed vulnerabilities in our country’s infrastructure. Hospital and healthcare workers experiencing shortages, and many facilities unprepared to fill the medical demands. Effecting over 186 countries in the world, for the first time that I can remember, the world is facing the uncertainty that none of us were prepared to do. 

Over 200,000 cases worldwide, and most children out of school until the foreseeable future, parents, guardians, and just about anyone else is kind of losing our minds. So much adjustment in such a little time. I encourage all of us to take time to consider the over 1 million homeless children in the United States. The impact on them is sure to be catastrophic and life-changing to say the least. During this time, think about the people that aren’t working remotely, that aren’t getting a paycheck, that can’t get unemployment, those that will lose their homes… times are tough and sure to get a lot tougher in the coming weeks.  

Let us be mindful that we ARE in this together. It may not always seem that way, but we are. Be kind, don’t be crazy. Be aware but don’t be terrified; let’s all do our part to stop the spread. As the social media challenge goes, I stay home for my Veteran Grandpa with Emphysema. I never want him to be apart of a statistic. Think about the people around you, young and old. 

2020 has been garbage so far, fact, fact, fact….  Totally unpredictable, hard to grasp and moving WAY quicker than anyone can keep up with. On the bright side, at least we can wake up to see another day; think about all the people that didn't get the same opportunity. PERSPECTIVE. 

Let's all marinate in the hot mess that has become 2020 and just pray for a healthier, happier, and more unified rest of the year. It's easy to assume that these recent series of events, can tarnish the entire year, but let’s just say… I hope not. We have 9 more months, let's talk some positivity in the face of all these scary uncertainties. 

Be well my friends and until next time.