The Brilliant Idiots

Cenk Uygur, a political commentator and founder of The Young Turks, joins the hosts for a candid discussion. He shares his journey from religion to atheism and critiques the role of obedience in media and politics. The conversation dives into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the possibility of peace. Cenk also tackles the challenges of identity politics, the importance of non-violent activism, and the influence of figures like Trump and Musk on American leadership. Plus, he hints at his upcoming book!

In this episode, we dive into everything from emotional baby showers and cultural traditions to NBA playoffs and rising stars like Tyrese Haliburton. We reflect on deep conversations with ChatGPT, the meaning of Pride Month, and Candace Parker’s journey to love. There’s also a real talk on young love, prom culture, and the public fallout of celebrity breakups—especially Cardi B and Offset. We touch on media accountability, the power of education programs like Job Corps, and how internet creators are navigating fame in a changing content landscape. Authentic, funny, and wide-ranging—this one covers it all. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode of Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne The God and Andrew Schulz are all over the map—in the best way. We kick things off with a real talk about parenting and how society shapes the way we raise kids. Then we dive into the New York Knicks—what’s working, what’s not, and how coaching decisions are shaping the team. We also take a hard look at how off-court behavior affects an athlete’s image and the media’s role in all that. From there, we get into the bigger picture—how the NBA and NFL handle ethics (or don’t), and how winning sometimes comes at the cost of doing the right thing. Of course, we had to talk about LeBron James: his legacy, his future, and how he’s changed the game. We also give a big shoutout to Dawn Staley and her recent book success—major props there. Then it gets a little more serious as we break down the current political landscape: Biden’s presidency, the state of the Democratic Party, media accountability, and the real challenges of leading in a divided America. We talk trust, identity politics, and how politicians often use distraction instead of real solutions. And yeah—we’re not afraid to get into the tough stuff. From generational changes in how we talk about substance use, to the role of comedy in politics, and why honesty and courage matter more than ever in leadership. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Brilliant Idiots Podcast, Charlamagne and Schulz recap their weekends, including Mel Robbins’ live show, and dive into everything from self-help culture and live podcasting to parenting struggles and the truth about making money in media. They get into the Diddy allegations, emotional abuse, and conspiracy talk around the Boule (aka the Black Illuminati), then pivot to sports—debating the face of the NBA, the Knicks, and the legacy of stars like Steph and MJ. Things wrap with a deep convo on politics, corruption, the housing crisis, and why so many people feel let down by the system. Real talk, wild takes, and plenty of laughs—don’t miss it. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne The God and Andrew Schulz go all in on the wild court case surrounding Diddy and the explosive allegations made by Cassie. We unpack the twists and turns of trafficking laws, what consent really means, and how celebrity culture both fuels and complicates these stories.  From real talk on sharing trauma online, to celebrating Black love and Black-owned businesses, we cover it all. We also dive into how porn shapes society, the tough truths about healing after trauma, and why the Marvel Cinematic Universe might just be falling off. Then things get political: we question the shady moves of elected officials, the impact of presidential decisions on the Constitution, immigration drama, and how foreign money is creeping into U.S. education. We’re calling out bribery, fake unity, and the ridiculous theater that is American politics. It’s raw, it's real, it's ridiculous—and you're not gonna want to miss it. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne Tha God and Andrew Schulz are diving headfirst into the wild world of pop culture, starting with the Met Gala — the ultimate mix of fashion, fame, and WTF moments. From iconic looks to celebrity cringe, we break down what this event really says about society (hint: a lot). We give props to style legends like André 3000 and talk timeless queens like Lauryn Hill. We get into the magic of live theater, from the next-level production behind Stranger Things: The Play to what Broadway’s evolution says about the future of entertainment. Expect hot takes on storytelling, innovation, and why Broadway still hits different. We also unpack the chaos of modern media — clickbait culture, shady headlines, and the pressure to stay “authentic” in a world that rewards shock value. From political spin to celebrity drama, we explore how media shapes the way we think, talk, and argue. Oh, and legal drama? We’ve got that too. From wild lawsuits in the sports world to Tom Brady’s mentorship moments and the outdated nonsense behind “alienation of affection” laws, we cover it all. Plus: why getting your mom a gift is harder than it should be and what a Brilliant Idiots movie could actually look like. It’s a ride — fashion, fame, theater, law, media, and a bit of heart. Let’s go. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Week on The Brilliant Idiots:Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schulz are recapping their weekends—think family time, behind-the-scenes moments, and big vibes from the Black Effect Podcast Festival. Expect highlights from dope performances, celebrity sightings (yes, Cam Newton pulled up), and some hilarious festival stories. From there, the convo jumps all over the place in true Brilliant Idiots style: Are concerts safe for pregnant fans? What the hell are the “Sperm Olympics”? Kanye West—genius or chaos? Elon Musk’s money moves—smart investing or risky business? They also get into deeper stuff like: The rise of comedians like Druski Why Hollywood’s scared of new voices Shedeur Sanders and how family dynamics shape athletes The real reasons agents matter in pro sports How capitalism’s shaping our lives—from job markets to parenting Whether you’re here for the pop culture takes, sports drama, or the occasional deep dive into economics and emotional intelligence, this episode’s got it all. Tap in for one of the most wide-ranging, unfiltered convos you’ll hear all week. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the hosts delve into the importance of maternity leave and the societal expectations surrounding relationships. They tackle age gaps in dating and the emotional intelligence needed in light of public scrutiny. With hilarious commentary, they discuss accountability, fan-athlete dynamics, and the complexities of fame. The conversation also explores humor in sports events and critiques a recent film while highlighting issues of race and representation. Expect insightful takes on cultural narratives, personal growth, and the balancing act of success.

In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the intriguing topic of the all-female space flight, mixing humor with skepticism over celebrity space tourism. They critically analyze corporate tax evasion and the widening gap between the rich and poor, calling for fairness in capitalism. The conversation also delves into gentrification, public funding for sports arenas, and how these investments affect communities. Adding a touch of levity, they explore 90s nostalgia and the complexities of humor in today's social landscape.

Ryan Davis, a comedian known for his self-released stand-up special, joins the hosts for a lively discussion on comedy and culture. They tackle the complexities of cultural stereotypes and the surprising connection between tariffs and humor. Ryan shares insights on navigating the entertainment industry, emphasizing self-worth in the face of fame. The conversation flits between sports and relationships, examining the absurdities of public life. Expect laughs and real talk on the evolving role of comedy in social issues.