Paulitics is a Pop Culture Podcast feauturing Celebrity Guests and a lot of laughs hosted by Emmy Nominated Lifestyle Personality Paul Wharton and his co-host Stacey Rusch. This show records and broadcasts LIVE on Full Service Radio from the lobby of the LINE DC in Adams Morgan, Washington DC.
Paul and Darnell share how they’ve cancelled their upcoming international travel plans and changed the way they interact with people based on the current Corona situation! Having just attended the N Street Village Gala, the show is joined by board member and gala co-chair Erika Martin Bolden. Paul and Darnell also talk about an elevated number of young people taking their own lives and Paul shares some personal advice on “It Gets Better”. All of that and more good stuff from the dynamic duo in their episode. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Paul and Darnell dive into how their relationships with certain friends change as they work to better themselves. Darnell shares that he was recently accused of changing by an old friend and it opens up a very interesting conversation. In Hot Topics, the duo discusses Judge Judy’s $50 million annual contract vs Megan Thee Stallion’s $10,000 advance and why black artists seem to be stuck with such crappy contracts. This episode is a MasterClass in getting what you deserve in life and your career and how to navigate when you change and others around you don’t! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Paul and Darnell discuss social etiquette as it relates to going on dates, meeting friends out and going to events. When does fashionably late become rude! Also, how long do you have to date someone to tell those around you about the person? When you proclaim your love too soon and it doesn’t work, do you end up embarrassing yourself? All of that and lots more in Hot Topics!
Paul and Darnell discuss making major life pivots. Paul is taking on a new opportunity creating and producing tv shows and Darnell is consider working a full time job (until Paul breaks down exactly what Darnell will be taking home)! They also discuss Bloomberg, Buttigieg and Darnell’s admiration for Melania’s shoes (to Paul’s eye rolls) and so much more! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Paul and Darnell dive into the Oscars So White controversy, The latest Democratic Primary, Dwayne Wade’s child Zaya comes out as Transgender, the ongoing Gayle King and Snoop Dogg stand off and so much more! Paul brings up a dreaded topic, apparently Darnell is getting a 9-5 job! All of that and more in this non-stop episode! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Paul and Darnell talk about their experience at the Alvin Ailey Gala, their thoughts on the Super Bowl, Terry Crew’s change of heart and Gayle King’s latest interview with Lisa Leslie from the WNBA that has people asking “Was it disrespectful to Kobe’s Legacy”? All of that and talk on Paul’s upcoming trip to London to see Vanessa William’s new stage show! Get ready to hang with the duo of skipping, laughing best friends that you love! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Paul and Darnell discuss the aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s tragic and untimely death. Paul shares details on his time guest co-hosting Good Day New York and his great adventures with Whoopi Goldberg in New York. Darnell opens up to Money Coaching from Capital One since he realized his fixed income may not keep him in the luxurious manner that he is accustomed!
On this episode of The Paul Wharton Show, Paul and Darnell talk about what it truly means to be a friend. Are Paul's expectations for others too unrealistic? How do you find your tribe? Paul and Darnell also talk about their best woof-y friends and debate about Tyler Perry. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Paul and Darnell at back in studio exploring life’s most pondered issues, Love and Money! The guys dive into whether or not they’d combine their finances with a new significant other, who should pay for what and if they would sign a prenuptial agreement. Paul share tips on throwing a tea that he learned from his friend Whoopi Goldberg and Paul and Darnell talk about their tribe of friends and how they knew when they had found the right group for them and how you can chose the right group for you! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Paul and Darnell settle in to their first show of 2020! Paul tells Darnell about spending New Year’s Eve at the home of his friend Whoopi Goldberg and how everyone can throw a fabulous with the help of her book, The Unqualified Hostess! The dynamic duo shares their 2020 goals and aspirations and Darnell gets Paul’s advice on how to deal with a relative that’s using his looks to stay afloat. Darnell talks about his experience with a Sugar Daddy 20 years ago and Paul talks about how he feels he’s the twink that became a Sugar Daddy! Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had the privilege of teaming up with Capital One and Dress for Success Washington, DC to work with a group of phenomenal women in a community action project called “Show Real Resilience." The project is intended to expose audiences to the stories of women touched by the criminal justice system and to highlight the need for a community network that helps them overcome professional obstacles and the stigma of “second class citizenship” in their effort to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities. On today’s all new episode of The Paul Wharton Show on Sirius XM, I sat down with the founder of #ShowRealResilience Lynne Shaffer and Aarón Almada, Community Affairs Manager at Capital One, for an in-depth conversation about the ladies in this powerful program and how Capital One is training the innovators of tomorrow, investing in partnerships with creative approaches and addressing difficult community and societal challenges. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Many of us are often in a rush to get where we’re going and I am constantly checking myself to slow down, center myself, breathe and be aware. On today’s episode, I share an important story about an encounter I had recently with an elderly lady walking in DC who just didn’t have what she needed to make it every month. By no fault of her own, she found herself without money or food, she was hungry and tired. People need to know that they are seen and heard and a little compassion goes a long way. Darnell and I talk about this and how we each give back and help others and my hope is that it inspires you to take some time out and get involved with the people and places that need your support. We did all of that with time to spare to cut all the way up and get your weekend going with some good for the soul laughter! There is healing in humor people and we’re giving you the best that we got (Anita Baker voice
In this episode of the Paul Wharton Show we talk about how to break into the modeling business and most importantly what not to do!!! Paul’s experience in the modeling business runs deep from being the original model coach on MTV’s Made, VH1’s The Agency Show, and TV Land She’s Got The Look Modeling Competition Show to being the DC casting judge for Americas Next Top Model for 16 cycles of the show and running his own agency, Paul sits down for an informative hour of how to get in and where you fit in with Joy Kingsley-Obeh of Kingsley Model Management, the model turned agency owner. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
In this very informative episode of The Paul Wharton Show, Paul and Darnell sit down with Metro Offices Co-Working Guru Lee Mulowsky to discuss the Co work craze and how it can help build your business! ! Lee explains the best ways to build a business and how Metro Offices can help with that! Tune in for a great conversation about entrepreneurship and coworking spaces!
Full Service Radio is powered and distributed by Simplecast.
In this very candid episode of The Paul Wharton Show, Paul and Darnell open up about emotional blocks and why Paul can’t seem to make it to his friend’s weddings! Tune in and weigh in!
Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Powered and distributed by Simplecast
This episode of The Paul Wharton Show might have you questioning your friendships! Paul and Darnell get real about what it means to “show up” for your friends, and how to create your own happiness. Tune in for more from your favorite dynamic duo!
In this episode of Paulitics, Paul is joined by Judge Lauren Lake from TV’s Paternity Court, Cleveland Municipal Court Judge William Dawson and the original Fashion Judge, Ms. Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily to talk about everything from staying out of their courtrooms to running your own thriving fashion brand. It’s action packed and you won’t object!
The singer, acting icon Vanessa Williams is live with Paul in the Full Service Radio studio to talk about her legendary music, her new line of clothes at HSN and how she has sustained a thriving career over the years.
In this brand new episode, Paul is joined in the Full Service Radio studio by Hollywood Legend Jenifer Lewis. Jenifer talks about her latest movie with country music star Dolly Parton, celebrating the 20 year anniversary of her cult classic movie “Jackie’ Back” and what she expects from the next generation of activists.
In this episode Paul talks about giving back to communities through fashion, philanthropy and good old fashioned hard work. Paul and Darnell talk about a recent fashion show that Paul hosted for a good cause. Paul talks about working with homeless women at N Street Village and shares footage from Oprah’s speech when she pledged $1,000,000! Paul’s good friend Jenifer Lewis joins the podcast to discuss mental health awareness and how therapy helped change her life. All of that and more on today’s Paul Wharton Show!
In this episode, Paul is joined by his trusty sidekick Darnell Perkins and his intern Sydney Jackson. Paul talks about his habit of speaking that he doesn’t know and how he find out from his doctor that doing that is called a “Micro Interaction” and it could prolong your life! Dr. Theresa Stone shares a medical perspective on Micro Interacting, happiness and how being lonely can physically impact your health. Paul has vacation fever and shares some highlights from some of his recent trips to Italy and London. Paul also shares packing and traveling tips. Darnell talks about his great adventures in Tulum and Bangkok, a conversation you won’t want to miss. All of that and more on this “Paul Wharton Show” addition of Paulitics.
In this episode, Paul is joined by his sidekick Darnell Perkins and event planner Roquois Clarke. The trio discuss throwing small to large scale events with flair. As a special treat, they are joined by the actor Penwah, Paul’s favorite home cook and party host to share her tips and secrets on throwing the best backyard summer bbq known to mankind! Paul shares his tips on traveling internationally with just a carry on bag and many other tips to help you have the most fabulous summer ever!
In this episode, Paul addresses a topic and shares his personal experience on something that we’ve all experienced in one form or another, bullying. From mischievous kids that become aggressive on the playground to threats of violence and bringing guns to the school, Paul talks with Marcia Dyson, a Grandmother who’s grandson was recently bullied in school and John Chambers, the father of a young girl that was also bullied (at the same school) to share how they chose to handle the situation and you can if you’re addressed with this. Later in the show, Darnell Perkins shares what happened the first time his Uncle made him stand up to a bully and the group shares their experiences on what happens when childhood bullies grow up!
In this episode, Paul is all jazzed up about a phenomenal night that he spent at The Kennedy Center with this year’s NEA Jazz Masters. He’s joined in studio by Jillian Upshaw, a young woman that recently won the Capital Stars Talent Competition and is taking steps to pursue a career as a jazz drummer! Paul share memories from his early days in NYC and meeting Stanley Crouch, a 2019 NEA Jazz Master Honoree. Personal insights are shared from Stanley and South African composer Abdullah Ibrahim. It’s a jazzy kind of episode that you wont want to miss!
On episode 24 of Paulitics, Paul’s gets candid with our listeners and shares tips that can help you live a more joyful, productive and passionate life. He covers advice on areas that he gets asked about all the time and also things that have helped him get my groove back. We’re going to cover the healing power of humor and learning to laugh more with Comedienne Karen Williams and how to pursue a passion project successfully with Alchemist and Life Coach Jemaja Selas. Paul talks about how to redesign your office or workspace to make it productive, beautiful and inspiring! All of that and more on this episode of Paulitics!
On episode 24 of Paulitics, Paul’s gets candid with our listeners and shares tips that can help you live a more joyful, productive and passionate life. He covers advice on areas that he gets asked about all the time and also things that have helped him get my groove back. We’re going to cover the healing power of humor and learning to laugh more with Comedienne Karen Williams and how to pursue a passion project successfully with Alchemist and Life Coach Jemaja Selas. Paul talks about how to redesign your office or workspace to make it productive, beautiful and inspiring! All of that and more on this episode of Paulitics!
On episode 23 of Paulitics, Paul is joined again by his friend Darnell Perkins! They dive into what they’ve learned about friendships, who you should have in your home and what to do when someone that claims to be your friend, tell you people don’t like you! President Trump and Jussie Smollett got off this week so why is Trump mad and wanting The Feds to investigate Jussie’s case? Darnell, Paul and Jack talk about if the brothers are due to catch a break! Plus, should Cardi B be held to the same standards as Bill Cosby? Everyone has an opinion! All of that and real “Boy Talk” that you don’t want to miss! Pull up to the bumper baby, it’s time for Paulitics!
On episode 22 “The Paulitics of Stretching Your Limits” Paul is joined by Yoga and Fitness guru Pari Bradlee to talk about Paul’s current fitness journey and the first steps anyone can take to get on the road to being their most fabulous selves on the inside and out. Pari shares the absolute best nutrition, exercise and mindful living tips that you’re not going to want to miss. Paul’s production partner Mikail calls in from London to chat about the new reality TV project that he and Paul are working on in DC. Can it break the DC reality TV show curse or will it go the way of the ill fated Real Housewives of DC? This episode is all about how to break through your mental and physical barriers and stretch your limits when you aren’t sure if you have what it takes to go all the way. Grab a spot of tea (in our best UK accent) or a cold pressed juice and let’s talk about it on Paulitics!
On episode 21 of Paulitics, Paul is joined by Raymone Bain, Michael Jackson’s longtime publicist and the Former President and COO of The Michael Jackson company for a candid talk about HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary. Raymone shares her personal insight based on being by Michael’s side for many years. She feels very strongly about the claims being waged against Jackson and she holds nothing back. Darnell Perkins AKA “The party host with the most” is back in the studio with Paul to tackle Michael, this week’s R. Kelly interview with Gayle King and so much more. Pour your wine Blanche, it’s time for Paulitics!
On episode 20 of Paulitics, we break down Michael Cohen's brutal testimony to Congress with writer and producer, Mikail. We are joined by superstar classical singer, Anthony Kearns, who talks about his incredible journey to stardom. In-studio are Paul's friend, Chanda Wallace, and hair and make-up expert Janelle Gladden, who tackle diversity at the Oscars and the controversial big winner of the night. Plus, with the upcoming release of Captain Marvel we unleash our inner nerd and discuss why online trolls have such a problem with entertainment starring diverse leads. It's exciting, informed and funny at the same time!
On today’s episode we’re breaking down Jussie Smollett’s arrest, the facts of the case and social ramifications with Legal Anaylst Monique Pressley and Social Activist Marcia Dyson. Paul is joined in studio by his Managing Director at Paul Wharton Style, Aidah Fontenot, a woman who shares her take on all the hot topics drama and also how she helps Paul run his brand. Paul shares some very personal childhood stories about his Aunt Vera, the inspiration behind his new line of luxury candles. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with the most brilliant legal minds in the country, all on today’s show!
On episode 18 of Paulitics, Paul is joined by his good friend Darnell Perkins and show producer Jack Inslee. The trio calls Paul’s Tenderone Drew, a guy that Paul met on Tinder 2 months ago to grill him on his intentions with Paul. U Gent does a special segment with tips for guys on how they can set a romantic scene for Valentine’s Day at home. Paul shares his experiences in NY on Bevy Smith’s show and what he learned from Sex with Emily host!
We're kicking off season 2 with the legendary CeCe Peniston, renowned pop artist and one of Paul's besties Maggie O’Neil, and one of the first beautiful souls he met when he moved to New York City when he was 19 years old, Paul's best friend, brother, fashion writer and world traveler Timothais Duran Thompson!
This has been an incredible ride and so much amazing stuff happened on the Paulitics show we decided to do a retrospective, a Best of episode, because we just had too many incredible guests and too many great moments between me and my wonderful co-host, Stacey Rusch. Stacey is in Germany for the holiday with her family. I’m joined by Jack Inslee from Full Service Radio and two lovely ladies from Paul Wharton Style, my niece Anasia, a senior at the University of Maryland and my fabulous intern Sydney Jackson. We look back at special moments with Amanda Seales, Vivica Fox, Jenifer Lewis, Michael Eric Dyson, My Mom and so much more! Enjoy the final episode of season 1!
Paulitics Podcast Episode 15 was our first live studio audience show focused on Lifestyle Entrepreneurs. Publicist BJ Coleman flew in from LA to join Paul and Stacey at the Capital One Cafe in Chinatown for the big event. If you’re getting your creative hustle on, this podcast is for you!
In episode 14 of Paulitics, Paul and Stacey are back in studio to talk about a whacky DC marriage clerk that thought New Mexico was a Foreign Country and refused to issue a marriage license, how you know your look is dated and so much more! The laughs are plentiful! Enjoy Paulitics Episode 14
In this episode 13 of Paulitics, top plastic surgeon Dr. George Bitar joins Paul and Stacey in studio to talk all things Plastic Surgery! The crew dives in and leaves nothing off the table, from the importance of finding a doctor that understands ethnic rhinoplasties and non surgical facelifts to getting six pack abs without surgery or exercise and get this, breast implants that leave no scar on the breasts! Cosmetic Innovations have come a long way and we dish on it all and ask the question, what makes Kim Kardashian’s butt so big?! You don’t want to miss this studio guest! We also address the story about Rain Dove, the gender non-conforming model that was mistaken for a man in the women’s room and sprayed with Mace by a scared Mom! Stacey and Paul have some strong opinions on this and Kane Brown, the country singer that thought he was white until he was called the N-word in school! What was his Mama thinking? We have our opinions and we want to hear yours... All of this and more on Paulitics episode 13!
In this episode 12 of Paulitics Paul is in New York City to do a one on one interview with Actress, Author and Activist Jenifer Lewis. From her more than three hundred appearances for film and television, stage and cabaret, performing comedy or drama, as an unforgettable lead or a scene-stealing supporting character, Jenifer Lewis has established herself as one of the most respected, admired, talented, and versatile entertainers working today. And she also happens to be Paul’s friend! This episode is an intimate portrait of the woman affectionately known as The Mother of Black Hollywood. This “Mega Diva” and costar of the hit sitcom Black-ish bares her soul as only she can. Ladies and gentleman, we’re pleased to present, the one, the only, Ms. Jenifer Lewis!
In this episode of Paulitics, Paul and Stacey talk about the outcomes of the tense Florida and Georgia Gubernatorial elections. It’s getting hot in here and we’re ready to talk about it! And it’s the most important magazine release of the year, Vogue’s September issue you ask? No! People magazine’s sexiest man of the year issue is out and Idris Elba came out on top! Paul and Stacey share their thoughts on that and what they feel makes a man sexy. And it seems Ray J is back in the news for talking about Kim. How long can you continue to romanticize the past and talk about your ex lovers? Paul and Stacey discuss and it is hilarious! All of this and so much on episode 11 of Paulitics!
In this episode if Paulitics, Paul and Stacey discuss the Megyn Kelly Blackface scandal and their thoughts on cultural appropriation. On the eve of the mid-term elections, Paul and Stacey share why they vote and what they hope the outcome will be. The NFL is back in hot topics and Paul’s friend Jenifer Lewis has just released a new song paying tribute to Rihanna and Cardi B. for boycotting performing at the Super Bowl. Do you still support the NFL? And what do you think about musical artists boycotting the big game? Oprah set out on the campaign trail for Stacy Abrams in the Georgia Gubernatorial race, will she have the power to get Stacey elected? If Oprah showed up at your day, would it sway your vote? Trump threatens to ban Birthright Citizenship and Paul and Stacey have something to say about that and so much more in this fast moving, politically charged episode of Paulitics!
In this episode of Paulitics, Paul welcomes actress and activist Amanda Seales, the break out star of HBO’s hit series Insecure to the studio to talk about her tv show, her views on dating and marriage and how she knew Paul was plenty black enough to compete in her Smart, Funny and Black stage show. Paul and Amanda talk about knowing the difference between a loyal friend and an undercover hater and when it’s time to do a good ole contact purge. Amanda shares an inspiring story about moving across the country to take a chance on her dreams and having more success in 2-3 years than she had in her entire career. It’s so good!! Listen up creatives, you aren’t going to want to miss this one! Later in the show, our favorite Potomac Housewife Monique Samuels pops into the studio to talk about shooting the upcoming 4th season of the Bravo show and how expecting her 3rd child has made the other ladies on the show nicer to her! I mean, who can hate on a pregnant lady right?! All of that and so much more in episode 9 of Paulitics!
In this episode of Paulitics, Paul has just celebrated his birthday and Stacey wonders why she wasn’t invited to the late night dinner. Upon further discussion, Stacey presses the point that she is never invited to Paul’s evening events! Is Paul Mom-shaming Stacey out of adult play time? Paul’s Mom Brenda is live in studio to shed some light on what a young Paul was like and why she had no idea Paul was gay when he came out at 19. You won’t want to miss that story! Paul’s English business partner joins the live podcast to weigh in with a UK perspective. The group gets into an intriguing discussion about Diddy and Cassie’s break up and raise the question, does a man have the power to “waste” a woman’s “good years”? Everyone has something to say and they don’t hold anything back! Tune in and join the conversation!
On this episode of Paulitics, Paul tells Stacey how he recently had to get dressed up and use his position as an author and TV personality to rally a troop of uninterested nurses and doctors into giving his loved one (and the Mother of his favorite Whole Foods cashier) better medical care while they were in the hospital. Which raises the question, when it comes to life or death situations, is it ok to say “Do you know who I am”?! Stacey talks about a recent visit from her best friend that resulted in her bff having to reprimand Stacey’s daughter. Paul weighs in with his thoughts on someone else having the right to get your child together without your permission. What do you think? Paul’s upcoming appearance on HBO Insecure’s Amanda Seales’ “Smart, Funny and Black” show inspires Stacey to give him an impromptu “BlackSpert” quiz. Tune in to this episode of Paulitics to see if Paul passed the test and so much more!!
In this episode of Paulitics, Paul and Stacey talk about learning to love themselves and finding the confidence to take risks and go after their goals. On the cusp of Brett Kavanaugh becoming the next Supreme Court Justice, Paul and Stacey discuss where they were and what they were doing during other major moments in modern history. Stacey is surprised to learn that Paul has a vivid memory of Princess Diana’s death and is even more shocked to hear the series of events that transpired in Paul’s life in NYC during the 9/11 attacks. Stacey connects with her German brothers and sisters while Paul shares his latest experiences pitching TV shows and walking around “incog-negro” while stalking his billboards in Chinatown! All of this and a raw look at knowing when it’s time to part ways with people that were once, your close friends. It’s not Politics, it’s Paulitics!
On this episode of Paulitics, Paul and Stacey share their reactions to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh’s testimonies during their senate hearings. The subject of sexual assault leads Paul to share a very personal story of his own about being sexually assaulted. Stacey tells Paul about Chrissy Teigen admitting that she and John Legend had sex on the first date which leads Paul and Stacey to share their opinions on the subject and let’s just say one is totally down for it! As the co-hosts go deeper into relationship chat, Paul shares details of the accident that caused his former partner Michael to go into a coma and subsequently lose his ability to walk and talk. This episode is has it all, drama, laughter, tears and sex talk. We’re having a sharing moment and you’re invited to the conversation!
On this episode of Paulitics - Power Attorney Monique Pressley joins Paul and Stacey to discuss what would really be at stake by electing Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and what we can do to stop it from happening. Monique also looks at The Botham Jean case with her keen legal eye and shares powerful insights and her first hand connection to the case that everyone’s talking about. Paul teases Stacey about needing a vacation to Turks and Caicos from her already vacation like life and shares a story about discovering a woman that tried to pick him up at a bar in Turks and Caicos earlier this summer was accused of murdering her rich fiancé (he googled her while they sat at the bar- check please!). Paul finally decides to break his silence on what really happened between he and Omarosa... All of that plus today’s hot topics including people actually color shaming Khloe Kardashian’s baby and Paul answers listener’s questions. The tea is piping hot, you won’t want to miss a drop!
On this episode of Paulitics Paul and Stacey talk about the Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. brawl that resulted in ripped couture and a bumped and bruised head. Stacey becomes speechless when Paul shares a crazy but true story about a bar brawl he got into over refusing to take a selfie that resulted in pulled hair, a busted eye, a ripped Comme Des Garçons shirt and sweater, a busted Dolce and Gabbana phone, the cops being called and a Gap leather blazer that ended up being donated to the Salvation Army! You won’t want to miss this story! Social Activist Marcia Dyson chimes in on the Cardi and Nicki beef and the tragic case of Botham Shem Jean. All of that and a New York Fashion Week recap by Fashion Bomb Daily’s Claire Sulmers!