The Notorious D.A.D.s

Curt and Blake react to the George Floyd murder – the challenging process of explaining race-based killings to young children (3:23), the role of protest in democracy (5:27), tools and methods they've used to help them manage the mental and emotional fallout (8:29) and the need to explore contrasting emotions even through tragedy (14:25). Plus, a shout out to Frankie Beverly, Cash Money and wedding anniversaries. Follow The Notorious D.A.D.s on IG @thenotoriousd.a.d.s. LA County residents are eligible for a free subscription the meditation app Headspace. Link here.

As far as docuseries go, The Last Dance had it all -- nostalgic moments and memories, familiar faces, the soundtrack to many millennial childhoods. And yet, perhaps its biggest gift to us is the wisdom that comes in the form of the stories, perspectives and lessons of some of its key protagonists. This week, Curt and Blake share their top 6 lessons to live by emerging from the hit series profiling the 1990s Chicago Bulls dynasty (starting 15:15). Also, the two talk social distancing during Memorial Day (0:57) and what's behind Lana Del Rey's beef with Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and other female artists (2:47). Follow The Notorious D.A.D.s on IG @thenotoriousd.a.d.s. Listen to our Graduation Season Playlist on Spotify.

In light of graduation season and Blake's wife earning her M.D. (5:58), Blake and Curt discuss the topic of transitions, including: their favorite graduation experiences (starting 16:27) and speeches (20:41) wisdom they ignored prior to a major life change (28:37) the piece of advice they'd wish they received (35:49) perspective for those graduating or transitioning to other life stages during COVID-19 (45:31) Plus, they share thoughts on the soulful #Verzuz Queens, Jill and Erykah (1:38) and Blake's own 90s/2000s R&B Battle (2:52). Follow The Notorious D.A.D.s on IG @thenotoriousd.a.d.s. Listen to our Graduation Season Playlist on Spotify.

Inspired by Season 4 of Insecure, Curt and Blake discuss the complicated task of building and maintaining friendship as an adult (starting 10:10), including: a breakdown of some of the things that strengthen or strain friendships in adulthood (19:55) tips on how they've sought to develop friends as adults and married men (31:20) advice on being a friend to your spouse (43:05), and perspectives on whether & how we should approach friendship with our children (50:20) Plus, the fellas chat on the connection between No Limit and The Diplomats, and break down another Jay-Z verse in the outro.  

Blake and Curt analyze the thinking behind their process of making decisions (starting 16:45). They discuss the paradox of choice and other common barriers to decision making, as well as how they counter them (25:21), recall some of their most ridiculous bad decisions (39:47) and share how they approach shaping their children's ability to make decisions (42:49). Plus, the two talk the new NFL Draft format and LA weather in New Orleans, and the joys of furnishing a home. **** Follow The Notorious D.A.D.s on IG @thenotoriousd.a.d.s

Curt and Blake discuss the devaluation of Black life in light of the GA Governor's decision to re-open businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. They address some questions along the way (starting 11:53): Why is it easier to take risks that jeopardize the health of Black/poor people vs. others? What historical parallels can we draw? For parents, is there anything we can learn from this to share with our kids? The two also recap highlights from the first episodes of The Last Dance, ESPN's documentary on the Chicago Bulls dynasty (3:50), and Curt calls lessons from Boyz N The Hood (48:07).

Inspired by IG's #Verzuz battles, Blake and Curt examine greatness – what it means, how we define it and how it shows up in various contexts (starts 15:53). Is individual greatness more impressive than team success? Should we measure impact based on achievement, or is there a better way? How do we recognize and appropriately value greatness day-to-day? The fellas answer these questions and more, and provide a framework from legendary trainer Tim Grover, trainer to Michael Jordan, Kobe and D-Wade (38:38)

Curt and Blake dive into the life and legacy of Nipsey Hussle, one year after his passing -- the processing of grief, the fear of unrealized potential and what is needed to ensure the marathon continues. The fellas also dispute the credibility of Mannie Fresh vs. Scott Storch, break down the nature of family visits during the Rona era, and reminisce on the greatness of The Wire.  

Blake and Curt reflect on the potential fallout from the coronavirus. What might this pandemic and social distancing be trying to tell us about relationships with our families? Our work? Ourselves? The two examine the current state of many of our systems, norms, and socialized behavior and what this means for the future - in between Jay references, Mayweather fight memories, and Hell Week analogies, of course (#iykyk).

Curt and Blake discuss Dwyane Wade's support of his transgender daughter Zaya and analyze some of the reactions to the news and the topic in general (starting at 11:39). Plus, Blake recaps Mardi Gras (0:50) and the fellas assess the perils of the coronavirus (7:20).

In the first episode of Season 2, Blake and Curt explore the on-and off-court impact of Kobe Bryant, recall memories of him and share their own thoughts on legacy creation and the pursuit of greatness.

Inspired by the 10 Year Challenge, Blake and Curt reflect on the life, love and career advice they would give their mid-20s selves in the final episode of Season 1.

In light of #SurvivingRKelly, Curt and Blake address the neglect and lack of protection of black women, particularly by black men. They discuss how this culture of neglect came about, the deficiencies that prevent brothers from showing up and parents' role in developing people who value black women, among other things.

Blake and Curt discuss the concept of "threading" - threads to cut (habits to eliminate), to pull on (things to do more of) and to open (things to start). They share their personal intentions in 2019 using this framework, as well as threads that need to be cut, pulled and opened for the culture. And, Curt finds out the gender of baby #2.

On Part 2 of their series on reconciliation, Blake and Curt discuss the art of apology - mistakes made when apologizing and elements of a good mea culpa - and break down Kevin Hart's recent apology for some anti-LGTBQ tweets. They delve into Gary Chapman's 5 Languages of Apology, and round out the episode with a discussion on the importance and impact of apologizing in the home. 

On the first of a two-part series, Blake and Curt discuss conflict and reconciliation - common sources of conflict, reasons why issues persist and the hidden value of reconciliation. They also break down the trap married couples fall into during conflict (and how to avoid it), and reveal that one famous person they'd have legit issues with in real life.

Why is asking for help one of the hardest things to do? Curt and Blake break down some of the reasons we neglect to ask for help (15:36), how we recognize when we need it (27:08) and how we go about getting it (31:16). Plus, an update on Blake's NFL boycott (4:25) and some lessons in mentorship from The Fresh Prince and The Godfather (53:10).  

Are millennials less grateful than older generations? Blake and Curt dissect the question (34:30) and address the nuance between appreciation and gratitude (8:00). They also discuss behaviors and beliefs that kill a spirit of gratitude and how to remove these barriers on the path to happiness (starting 26:20).

Blake and Curt discuss what it means to be a strong partner to your spouse - how they formed their concept of marriage (21:28), the single most important step they made to be a strong partner (31:34) and challenges they face in supporting their spouses (40:26). The two unpack some eyebrow-raising statements on marriage from a religious leader (1:09), and Curt drops a bombshell of an update (10:29). 

This week, Blake and Curt discuss spanking – how it emerged as a form of corrective behavior, their parenting philosophies regarding discipline, drawbacks and benefits of spanking, and alternate methods when responding to a child's undesirable behaviors (starting at 20:43). After a weekend homecoming visit, Blake recounts stories from high school, where they paddled students (!) (begin at 11:15). Plus, the hosts debrief the mid-term election results – wins and losses, a new day in Florida for former felons, and the conspicuous absence of one marginalized group in the push for progress (0:59).

Curt and Blake explore the dynamics of prioritizing yourself/your family within a broader sense of duty to your community, and what happens when the two don't align (starting at 15:40). Also, the two discuss HBCU homecomings (4:30) and recount some wild, unforgettable extracurricular experiences (49:11).

Blake and Curt revisit the Rajon Rondo vs. Chris Paul fight (3:11) as a part of a larger conversation on fighting and self-defense. The two discuss their philosophies on fighting and early childhood fights (starting 16:07), explore the history of fighting as a means of asserting self-worth (28:11) and challenge double standards when it comes to black expressions of anger (38:25), among other things.

Blake and Curt dissect the policing of existing while black in America - why is it happening so frequently, what underlying assumptions and biases are at play, and what it means for their future and their children (starts at 11:12). Also, the hosts discuss Drake's appearance on LeBron's HBO series "The Shop", betrayal and how to channel negative energy to create positive results (3:43). 

Blake and Curt discuss their complicated relationship with rap music - specifically, reconciling love for the art form with its problematic themes and messages. Plus, with the NBA season around kicking next week, they compare their favorite rappers to basketball players of the past and present (5:11).

In this episode, Curt and Blake explore the beauty of blackness and the challenges and considerations in shaping their children's Black identity. They recall the first time they realized they were Black (11:30) and discuss everything from the universal laws of growing up Black (25:24), beauty and blackness (38:55) and the nuances of raising bi-racial children (highlights at 36:55, 47:15, 55:34).

Blake and Curt discuss the return of the NFL, Kanye West and the concept of loving something that doesn't love you back.

Host Curt and Blake introduce listeners to the podcast and what to expect from this upcoming season in this inaugural episode of The Notorious D.A.D.s.