Gab with Gwen

Gwen and Slim give unpopular and logical hot takes about the Will Smith and Chris Rock slap debacle heard around the world. What does protecting Black women look like? Are respectability politics at play? Is slapgate comparable to the Supreme Court hearing confirmation for Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson? Where is the outrage about Clarence Thomas? Gwen and Slim consider what happens when keeping it real goes wrong.

Gwen is making a brief appearance from podcast hiatus to talk Tik Tok, racist dog whistles, visible discomfort with saying African American or Black, performative allyship, fake wokeness and the Modern Warrior womblands drama.

Gwen, Ismael and Brooklyn go down hip hop memory lane as we discuss the epic Verzuz battle in July 2020 between DMX and Snoop. This episode is another ode to hip hop and dedicated to DMX who passed away today, April 9th, 2021.

Gwen had to come out of hiatus (again) to share thoughts on the recent hate crime in ATL against Asian women and discuss the importance of BIPOC unity and support to fight against racism and systematic oppression.

Gwen takes a quick break from hiatus to share some thoughts on Coming 2 America 2. Minimal spoilers.

Gwen is back with VIP guest Ismael Abdusalaam aka @beatsboxingmahem to discuss the support of various Black male rappers for Trump45 prior to election day. We break down the impact of celebrity idolization on American culture and how the working class and middle class blindly follow people who do not have their best interests at heart or in mind. Gwen and Ismael explain the danger of Black success being limited to the entertainment industry and sports as portrayed in the media. Entertainers are NOT leaders.  Follow @gabwithgwen on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Gab with Gwen podcast announces a new series of episodes of Club and Dating Chronicles with a wide range of real life stories from the annals of Gwen's forgetful brain. Gwen will share snippets of dating men and clubbing around the world in her late teens and throughout her 20s. The innocent will be protected. Some names and identifying details will be changed to protect the privacy of individuals. :) Stay tuned. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates and commentary.

Gwen drops a few quick gems about the art of reading, Stormy Daniels, native New Yorker slick talk, and the Cheeto's achilles heel. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest commentary and updates!

Gwen is back to laugh and reflect on the current state of affairs in the good ol' USA. Gwen is hollering at the hustler in chief paying $750 in taxes while rabid supporters still blindly follow this snake oil salesman with a terrible fake bake. Gwen prefers #90fiance drama to the US presidential debate debacle and does the mathematics on the White House Outbreak! Gwen reflects on 2020 and gives tips on having perspective and life planning during challenging times.  Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates and commentary.

Gwen is back to speak truth to light about the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor, blocking out the noise and distractions from celebrities, pundits and social media as well as actionable steps moving forward to make a difference. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

Gwen is back with another controversial timely episode regarding the fake shock of the Democrats due to the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the reality of the US Supreme Court proceeding with a conservative Republican majority.  Gwen explains the short-sighted nature of the Democratic party and LACK of strategic planning in comparison to the Republicans as well as a couple of hard and uncomfortable truths that all Americans should consider going forward. Y'all ain't ready because the truth hurts.   Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates and commentary.

Gwen and Slim go down the rabbit hole about the recent blackfishing scandal with Jessica Krug, a white professor at George Washington University, pretending to be AfroLatina for the duration of her career and the pathology of fake woke Karens in blackface. We discuss the one drop rule, the politics of being white passing, colorism as well as white entitlement, privilege, narcissism, arrogance and the gaslighting of Black people in America. This is a deep cut with a couple of funny tangents and real talk! Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest commentary and updates.

The family affair (Gwen, Trinity, Slim, J and Ismael aka @beatsboxingmahem ) came together again to look back at the entire first season of @imaydestroyyou to connect the dots from beginning to end and discuss listener commentary/feedback. We break down Simon and Terry's roles now that we've watched the whole season and revisit the themes of friendship, consent, disclosure, violation, stealthing, internet culture, dating apps, hookup culture and personal responsibility. Gwen shares the final bad wig count and we discuss Michaela Coel's talent and rate the contribution of IMDY to the canon. Gwen reveals the next show to be reviewed in upcoming bonus episodes. Stay tuned!

Brittany is a returning guest to gab with Gwen representing Gen Z! Brittany shares her experience as a 2020 college grad in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in a red state as well the job outlook and career prospects during these difficult economic times. Gwen and Brittany discuss Gen Z being on the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement and 2020 protests for equality and justice and the pressure on Black people and young people to vote in the Presidential election. Interesting perspective and hot takes! Sign up to be a poll worker in your local area! Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates and commentary.

The family affair (Gwen, Trinity, Slim, J and Ismael) is back to review and discuss the season finale of IMDY aptly entitled "Ego Death." Gwen and friends break down the 3 scenarios after Bella regains her memory from the fateful night on January 22nd. Lots of hot takes. Stay tuned for a follow-up tying together the season in its entirety. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates and commentary.

It is a family affair to discuss the penultimate episode of I May Destroy You season with Trinity, Slim, J and Ismael are all here to gab with Gwen! This is the episode Gwen has been waiting for all season! We finally get some long awaited answers and resolution and we have different opinions. Gwen. Trinity, Slim. J and Ismael break down Bella's behavior and the impact on her business relationships/career as well as Terry's new love interest; the issue of disclosure of sexual identity and hookup culture dynamics; Ben, who is the unsung hero of the show and what happens when the memories come flooding back from that fateful night on Episode 1. This podcast episode is long, but it's a MUST listen. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram.

Gwen reacts to the official announcement of Kamala Harris being added to Joe Biden's ticket. The bottom line is that you have to see both sides and keep your eye on the prize. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Gwen, Trinity and Slim discuss the revelations of this pivotal episode of #imaydestroyyou entitled "The Cause the Cure." As we get insights into Bella's family dynamics and childhood experience, Gwen, Trinity and Slim make connections to Bella's behavior and interactions in the present as an adult. The dysfunction of childhood manifests itself in adulthood. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and commentary.

Gwen and VIP returning guests, Ms. Trinity and Ismael Abdusalaam aka @beatsboxingmahem revisit the Jada Pinkett Smith vs August Alsina relationship and debate whether or not Jada should be labeled as a predator. We discuss how some celebrities with mental illness can be taken advantage of and the dangers of the Hollywood machine surrounding people like Kanye West. Gwen, Trinity and Ismael lament the culture of celebrity worship and the real consequences such as 45 being elected and likely re-elected as the US President and the implications for Black people. Follow @gabwithgwen on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Gwen had to hit you with an emergency episode as she is sweating without electricity, internet, and hot water for multiple days in New York. Some food for thought about American life as we know it in 2020. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram.

Gwen, Trinity and Slim discuss how annoying Bella, Kwame and Terry all come across in I May Destroy You S1E9 entitled 'Social Media is a Great Way to Connect.' We debate the efficacy, legalities and implications of doxing in addition to the labeling of Afro-Caribbean vs African Black people in the UK. Gwen, Trinity and Slim break down the ongoing impact of managing trauma and navigating interpersonal relationships, friendships, making mistakes along the way and judging yourself and others. Follow @ gabwithgwen on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Gwen and VIP returning guest Ismael Abdusalaam aka @beatsboxingmahem discuss the southern state surge in covid-19 cases in the USA, political theater that has taken precedence over the public health crisis, coded language being used to justify selfish/racist behavior across the country and the fall of the likes of Dr. Fauci and Dr. Ben Carson due to clout chasing. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest podcast updates and commentary.

Gwen, Trinity and Slim discuss I May Destroy S1E8 - Line Spectrum Border and deeply debate Kwame's sexual experiment with an unknowing heterosexual woman and Arabella's pop up in Italy to check in with her former boo, Biagio. What is the consent criteria? What happens at the intersection of race and sexuality? Where are the boundary lines and who defines whether or not they have been crossed? This is a deep cut exemplifying when keeping it real goes wrong! Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter and Instagram for the latest content, updates and conversation!

Gwen and returning VIP guest Ismael Abdusalaam aka @beatsboxingmayhem discuss the dynamics of unconventional relationships between older women and younger men and how these are viewed by society. We ask the hard questions about predatory behavior and break down the Jada Pinkett Smith/August Alsina entanglement as well as the recent passing of Mary Kay Letourneau. Lots of great conversation and hot takes as usual! Listen. Rate. Comment. Share. Subscribe. Follow @gabwithgwen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. #gabwithgwen

Gwen, Trinity and J discuss the hit @hbo show @imaydestroyyou Episode 7 (Happy Animals)and react to the shocking conversation between Simon and Terry about the night of the fateful incident at Ego Death bar as well as the friendship dynamics between Arabella, Kwame, Terry and Theo revealed during Terry's birthday party. We give hot takes on climate change, hoteps, wokeness, and reflect on the millennial dating scene and hookup culture. The bad wig count continues.

Gwen, Trinity and J are back at it to discuss the latest episode of @imaydestroyyou on @hbo - S1E6 - The Alliance. We discuss the introduction on the new character, Theodora aka Theo, who has an interesting history with Bella and Terry from High School. We break down the high value of white girl tears, how boys are socialized to interact/manipulate girls, dynamics between Black men and Black women, and Bella's friendship choices. Funny and introspective conversation as usual!

Gwen and new guest, @tippsam_ discuss the impact of the legacy of colonialism on Black people in Africa, the United States, the West Indies and Latin America. Sam explains how British rule exacerbated tribal tensions in Nigeria. Gwen and Sam break down how the fall of the British empire coincided with Black countries around the world becoming newly independent at the same time the Civil Rights movement was taking place in the USA in the 1960s and the reasons why Black Liberation and Pan-Africanism has subsequently fizzled. Gwen and Sam draw the thread between the history of colonialism and the slave trade to the Black Lives Matter movement of today. Lots of great nuggets of history in this episode!

Gwen and Trinity share our reactions to S1:E5 of the new @hbo show @imaydestroy you airing in the USA on Monday nights. We discuss Arabella's journey to find her voice after being stealthed by Zain as well Kwame's attempt to seek justice for sexual assault. Gwen and Trinity have different views on how things went down at the Writing Summit and explain our interpretations of the various dynamics between characters. There is a LOT to break down due to the sensitive subject matter, issues of consent, Black Millennial dating/hookup culture in addition to the societal double standard when it comes to gender/sexual identity and sexual assault. SPOILER ALERT!!!

Gwen and returning VIP guest, Tiffany, discuss the role of the Chief Diversity Officer in Corporate America in the midst of the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020. We break down rampant tokenism/magical Negroes, performative vs purposeful corporate gestures, the struggle and barriers Black employees face when trying to rise in the corporate ranks, and the ray of light that is Gen Z. Lots of hot takes and great conversation! BTW, HNIC stands for Head Negro in Charge.

Gwen and Trinity give the play by play of the whirlwind events happening in Arabella's life several weeks after the initial fateful incident in the series premiere. Bella's BFF, Kwame, gets a lot more screen time and we discuss how we end up seeing them have parallel experiences. Gwen breaks down the ongoing theme of consent throughout the IMDY series as well as the #stealthing phenomenon, hook up culture, power dynamics and the representation of Black gay men in the media. That was fun. SPOILER ALERT!

Gwen and VIP guest, Ismael Abdusalaam, aka @beatsboxingmahem take a trip down memory lane discussing the Ludacris vs Nelly Verzuz battle. We talk about hip hop being a youth driven culture, growing up listening to hip hop and being child free, Future's long list of baby mommas, Black masculinity, the LudavsNelly battle and discuss the catalogues of standout artists like Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Eminem and how they would potentially match up if they went against each other and discuss the catalogues of standout hip hip artists like Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Eminem and how they would match up with others.

Gwen, Trinity and new guest, J, break down Episode 3 of the new show 'I May Destroy You' on @hbo . We make connections between the latest episode and the two previous episodes to tie together the relationships in Arabella's life in some key moments that happened 3 months prior to the fateful incident in Ego Death. Gwen, Trinity and J get very real about traveling in Europe as Black women, the hookups, recreational drug use and state of Arabella and Terry's friendship.  Don't forget the sea.  SPOILER ALERT!!!

Today, June 22nd, is Windrush Day in the UK and marks the 72nd anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush ship in 1948, landing at Tilbury Docks, about 20 miles from London. These voyagers -- many of them from the island of Jamaica -- were the first large group of West Indian migrants to arrive in the UK. The Windrush generation migrants arrived in Britain legally. Then, the UK government flipped the script changing the requirements to prove citizenship status under tough new immigration laws billed as a "hostile environment" policy. Gwen's cousin @jeromethesinger describes his fight for citizenship as a Windrush descendant born and raised in the UK his entire life.

Gwen and Slim reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth and corporations suddenly jumping on the #blacklivesmatter bandwagon. We discuss the revolution being televised, the dangers of the Black community looking to celebrities as leaders, and Allies needing to show up in a meaningful way and do the hard work to break down systematic racism, oppression and white supremacy. Stay tuned until the end of the episode as Gwen gives some HOT TAKES and examples of real action both Black folk and Allies can take right now to hold the powers that be accountable to actually make changes to positively impact the socioeconomic status of the Black community in America.

Gwen and Trinity discuss Episode 2 of the new HBO show called 'I May Destroy You.' We give hot takes, conspiracy theories and random commentary on the pieces of the puzzle that are slowly coming together as the protagonist, Arabella tries to put together what happened that fateful night she went out with her so-called friend, Simon in London town. Somebody is lying! SPOILER ALERT!!!

Gwen describes her first impression of the new show 'I May Destroy You S1E1' which premiered on HBO. Gwen gives unfiltered raw commentary on the protagonist, Arabella, her friends , their interactions and the shocker at the end of the episode. SPOILER ALERT!

Gwen and VIP guest, Ms. Trinity, explain the important Black narrative of the Windrush Generation. Gwen and Trinity break down the history of how the Windrush Generation came to be from being invited by the UK government to rebuild Britain after WWII and then subsequently displaced and vilified as Black West Indian immigrants in addition to their descendants. The parallels between DACA and ICE in the USA are also discussed as well as the challenges between the Latinx and African-American communities and the lack of solidarity between People of Color (POC) period. Gwen and Trinity have a Jamaican ass conversation about the differences between the Black experience in the USA vs UK vs Canada. We go around the world and back in this episode. Lots of hot takes!

Gwen reflects on the social unrest and #blacklivesmatter protests taking place around the world over the past two weeks and challenges everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the global phenomenon of anti-Blackness. Gwen breaks down why African-Americans should be proud of sparking this movement of consciousness and why Black people and allies worldwide need to ensure that all countries check their own behaviors and systematic racism, oppression and white supremacy. Gwen challenges white and non-Black POC allies to go beyond superficial social media posts and throwing money at charities. To be a true ally and effect change, white and non-Black POC allies must put themselves on the line and be uncomfortable to hold their peers, family, friends, associates and leaders accountable for checking their biases, treating Black people fairly and leveling the playing field.

Gwen and Slim discuss the Joe Biden remark from the Breakfast Club and the resulting uproar from Black Twitter and other social media outlets. Gwen and Slim break down the danger of regular working class and middle class people, especially Black people, looking to celebrities for insights and guidance on political and economic issues. Celebrities are problematic with compromised interests and do not have the people's best interest in mind (even the so-called "woke" ones). Learn to be an independent thinker.

Gwen had to record an emotional emergency episode in light of the current news cycle of innocent Black people arbitrarily murdered by police violence and threatened by Karens exercising their right to white supremacy and blatant bigotry. Gwen sounds off on the deafening silence from other people of color aka POCs in addition to the tomfoolery and coonery being exhibited by some Black folks who are racism apologists.

Gwen and VIP returning guest, Ismael Abdusalaam, discuss the Georgia governor's unilateral decision to open up the state in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic and the downstream impacts on communities of color. Gwen and Ismael discuss the conundrum the USA finds itself in and the national debate between whether public health/safety and the economy/business should be prioritized.

Gwen and new guest, Rebekah @rebekahmendation talk about Black and mixed race identity from many angles and facets. Rebekah shares her experience of being mixed with Black living in Colorado and her foray into local politics after discovering her neighborhood was named after a revered KKK member. Gwen and Rebekah get deep about the the struggles of being Black women in America and how sexism has manifested in national politics through the campaigns of Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris. Rebekah and Gwen share their different takes and feelings on the new Netflix show #blackaf and the representation of mixed-race and/or Black people in the media.

Gwen and new guest, Ruby, discuss the major milestone of actor, Justin Chambers, aka Dr. Alex Karev, leaving Grey's Anatomy after 16 seasons. Gwen and Ruby take a trip down Grey's memory lane, reflecting on previous cast members' untimely departures, plot line threads and holes, as well as delve into the development of some of the ancillary characters and how one story line in particular resonated with both of us.

Gwen and first time, guest, Mercedes, discuss the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the education system. Mercedes shares her experience as a professional educator and mother of 3 young children trying to balance her career and family while sheltering in place. Gwen and Mercedes discuss the equity of distance learning, state requirements, and trying to maintain normalcy in these challenging times.

In this episode, Gwen and MVPs, Slim and Trinity, discuss the ADOS (American Descendants of Slavery)pro-reparations movement which has been spreading online over the last couple years and the tensions between the different Black communities within the African Diaspora. We break down some hard truths about Black Identity in America, the one drop rule and how biracial people are perceived by the Black community, i.e. Kamala Harris vs. President Barack Obama vs. Megan Markle. Gwen, Slim and Trinity and break down how the Black Church is being used as a political tool.

Gwen had to do an EMERGENCY EPISODE to weigh in on the Teddy Riley vs Babyface IG Live session that FINALLY took place the night of Monday, April 20, 2020. Gwen shares her thoughts on older people being challenged with technology, second hand embarrassment/cringe and Babyface being the consummate gentleman, scholar and purveyor of shade. Listen to Gwen break down the playlist song by song, share nostalgic memories and rate who won in the end!

Gwen and her cousin, Jay, talk about living in NYC and adjusting to the new normal. Gwen and Jay break down the blatant class, socioeconomic and racial disparities evident from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the Black and Hispanic communities across the United States. Gwen and Jay recognize our privilege during these challenging times and discuss the importance of tightening your belt financially while looking for economic opportunities to upgrade your circumstances and build wealth.

Gwen's long-time friend, Ismael Abdusalaam aka #beatsboxingmayhem is back to discuss the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the entertainment industry in general including the Adult Entertainment world. We discus Instagram virtual parties, the popularity of sites like #onlyfans as well as Stephen Jackson's baby momma drama, polygamy/ open relationships, gender roles and dynamics in Generation X, Millennials/Gen Y and Generation Z.

Gwen's old friend, Ismael, comes through to chop it up about the political game and media circus during the covid-19 pandemic. We talk the rhetoric of Biden, Bernie and Trump under the stress of these challenging times, the fragility of the middle class, the US model minority being impacted by racism, the short memory and delusion of the American psyche. Check out this deep cut!

Gwen's sister, Brooklyn, is back in the proverbial building to drop knowledge about supply chain management, the state of manufacturing in the US, what's happening with toilet paper, wipes, N95 masks and the airline industry during the covid-19 pandemic. Gwen and Brooklyn get deep about the mechanics of capitalism, corporate America, Wall Street and American exceptionalism. Get yo life!

Gwen's cousin, Gail, who is an ER Nurse in the NYC-NJ-CT area comes by to share her first hand experience on the front lines dealing with the coronavirus covid-19 pandemic. Gail clarifies the comparisons between covid-19 and the flu, the importance of social distancing, the role of your primary care provider, who is really vulnerable, emergency preparedness as well as the US and Jamaican governments' response. Lots of great information separating fact from fiction - a must listen!