Worst Things First Podcast

By way of an unanticipated stroke of grace, the W.T.F.P studios and host PHATEROC  stumbled upon divine insight into the anatomy of the feminine figure and the challenges faced in producing under-garments which effectively cover and support its upper portions, while also accentuating the natural beauty of the area.In this episode, W.T.F.P guest, C.E.O and designer of Shy Intimate Apparel,, TARRITA, joins the show to discuss everything from walking the tightrope of balance between being a human with real life ups and downs impacting one's business endeavors and the productive consistency maintained therein, to the uncertain journey of casting faith in a production manager overseeing manufacturing  or material sourcing in countries where the language, customs, and laws remain as foreign as they were prior to either party ever stepping foot on that unfamiliar soil.The leap of not having a technical artistic background yet having a vision and mission to provide an apparel solution to a common problem based in intimate wear for women of all sizes, is explored.TARRITA craftily sidesteps the question of how many consecutive days of wearing the same bra is cool for a woman before things either get funky or socially weird..... and PHATEROC learns the answer to the question all men have had since 1914: "Why do you, (women) even care about wearing bras, since men don't care if you wear one or not?"PHATAL EXTRACTION:"I want women - the everyday woman....to see themselves in these bras."  - TARRITALEARN MORE ON SISTA SOUL FESTS HERE AND THE FUTURE OF IT HERESHOP AT SHYINTIMATEAPPAREL.COM HERESHOP AT  JUSTLIVINGANDSHIT.COM

Believe it or not, you don't need a pilot's license or even a pilot rolling with you to repo an airplane. This episode of W.T.F.P features the insight of a 15-year veteran in the repossession game.  Operating almost exclusively out of the San Fernando Valley and other parts of northern L.A County, the "Taker of your Tahoe," the "Collector of your Camry," the "Snatcher of Your Series 6,"   KEFO, joins the show to give the run down from his lens on one of the most hated and perhaps misunderstood occupations.  Tune in to learn why KEFO preferred to work alone even in the stickiest of situations, or why the suburbs tended to pose the most frequent challenges. KEFO's reflection reveals a sense of empathy and a compassionate nod to the common thread of relatability between people of all backgrounds when it comes to financial struggles.  Clarity is provided on why arguing with the REPO MAN will get you nowhere......and bear witness to a feeble attempt to convince W.T.FP host, PHATEROC, that he only ever stole 37 cents from a reclaimed debtor's vehicle, in order to cop a Lil Debbie Oatmeal Creampie  back when the original recipe was still kickin', on a day when he forgot to pack a lunch.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "It's just a job that needs to be done.  Someone's gotta do it."

This time flies as a young airline service agent, SAALIYAH  visits the W.T.F.P studios for the low down on the flight game.  Unfortunately, unhappy customers have to accept that the airlines cannot actually make time fly.  So when delays happen, luggage gets lost and birds get caught in the engines, patience may be the key.......even if....the flight you're missing, is a once in a lifetime trip to the Olympics.Saaliyah is also an actress, model and poet. Tune in for her project shoutouts or visit her social media links below. Follow her IG HEREFollow her TIK TOK HERE

From movie night with the whole family to a couple enjoying tv dinner's, to the 1990's adolescent male's late night exploration of puberty, the cable guy/gal was known to set the tone for hours of home-based entertainment, and in particular prevalence prior to our current age of the information highway. This episode of W.T.F.P features the diary of a "channel-man", and within it, tales of bribery, Showtime at the traphouse, and his commentary on a society consumed with television programming to the extent of making it a top priority, with the passion to defend it at all costs. Collection tricks of the trade make the plate, and a mild debate ensues over whether hearing gunshots upon showing up to collect the cable bill amounts to a threat or just a warning.PHATE EXTRACTION: "It got to the point where I'd get to the door and I could kinda smell what this house was gonna look like." - The Cable Guy

W.T.F.P's fourth season arrives with the presence of the multi-layered ABENA SANKOFA IMHOTEP, a highly revered creator, public speaker and empowerment facilitator currently enjoying the success of her most recently authored children's book "Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe."  ABENA discusses the challenges faced in bringing life to a written story in the form of a published book for distribution. The journey of understanding one's past to positively navigate one's future and how it led to finding one individual's name is detailed.  The controversy of Sinterklaas' helper Zwarte Piet of Netherland low country folklore is raised, as those aware of the traditional St. Nicholas' feast remain divided on its perception as innocent fun tradition vs. celebration of a derogatory depiction. PHATEROC discovers mid episode that Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe has served to remind him yet again, "what is true is simply the truth.... and nobody owns the truth."PHATAL EXTRACTION: "The challenge was....I was in the way, but I was also missing." - Abena.LEARN MORE about the Sankofa Literary and Empowerment Group.LISTEN TO Black & Privilege in America Podcast, hosted by Abena & Jay.WATCH Abena's 2021 TEDx presentation of perspective as an African American in Iowa.FIND YOUR COPY of Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe

W.T.F.P''s Season 3 Finale finds host PHATEROC seated firmly in an educational course led by the metaphorical professorial duo and literal professional drag queens:  VANA B. and MS. ROBIN GRAVES .  From being 'outed' as gay due to hate crime in small town America, to later returning from a Seattle-based  stint of life searching and ultimately finding embrace and inspiration from Ms. Vana and others within the Des Moines' LGBTQ community, Robin Graves details the  journey to her current career path and its role as a guiding light in her rise from darker days.  Vana B. sets the record straight for 'PHATE and the uninitiated  through a proper framing of drag as an  artform, and moreover an exploration of gender expression,  which should not be confused with an attempt to deceive the audience or "pass" as biological women.   This week's guest list of the "WORST" includes competitors cutting up their competition's wigs, stankin' ass tights in a packed dress room full of queens, reckless use of derogatory terminology like, "Fishy," which focuses more on presumptions about genitalia than the artistry being delivered on stage, to the risks of tights combined with a full bladder under the gleam of stage lights. Occasionally, on a good night, a few staples may even end up in someone's ass. Ya never know. But in any case, you DEFINITELY shouldn't assume. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Rarely is drag an attempt to convince you or the audience that we are actually women."REFERENCED SOURCES: CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY@THEROBINGRAVES@HEYITSVANABFIND TICKETS FOR MOTHER'S DAY DRAG BRUNCH HERE

Long Island, N.Y native turned Des Moines hip hop fixture and member of the world famous Technitions, D.J EPISODE joins the show.  Our guest recounts the  meeting of  W.T.F.P host PHATEROC wheeling in crate after crate of vinyl for DJ EPISODE as a resident DJ at a mutual employer/nightclub nearly 20 yrs ago.  As an era of vinyl spinning replaced by digital options has returned to an appreciation of wax habits, the woes of DJing and a new found resurgence in finding fun in the craft both catch a spin...Industry story exchanges leave Das Efx with the short end of the stick.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "FUCK KANYE WEST." - DJ EPISODE

Two-time Golden Glove  fighter and boxing coach,  SHAWN SMITH, joins the W.T.F.P  studio to discuss the  less glamorous side of of the sweet science from the perspective of an amateur fighter who eventually became  trainer of several Golden Glove winners. Our guest marks 'the uncertainty.' as his greatest foe. Memory lane steers recollection of his own ring experience with the body blows of Shawn Porter (former two-time welterweight champion), and a competitive bond with Super Middleweight contender  J'Leon Love eventually leading to him losing 15 pounds  in the Vegas desert, over the course of a few days working out with the Mayweather camp alongside his team of young Iowa boxers. UFC welterweight troll and top contender Colby Covington along with lightheavy weight champion  Jon Jones both had two very different experiences in Fort Dodge, Iowa outlined by our guest.The recent passing of undisputed middleweight champ, Marvin Haggler is noted in addition to the Derek Chauvin trial for the murder of George Floyd, raising the question of when the cheek no longer turns.PHATAL EXTRACTION: “You can’t ‘play’ boxing. You can play basketball. You can play baseball…. But you can’t play boxing......." - SHAWN S.

Regular W.T.F.P listeners should buckle up  for an insightful and entertaining ride,  while picky eaters may  be wise to pack a lunch, as "Real Talk" is the only dish being served at today's company cookout.  While approaching his 30th year of tenure, with factory experience ranging both inside and outside of the United States, our guest, DEVON ALLEN, dissects a common reflection of humanity and its tendencies found mirrored throughout  blue collar America as well as every corner of the earth where terms like  'supply, demand and shareholders" can be translated into the native language.Acknowledgement of the necessity for a healthy balance to be struck between productivity and worker's rights, and the role unions play within this balancing act are both conveyed in the coolest of candor.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Non-value added work"

In a monumental honor for W.T.F.P ,   Elvin John Kruger, better known as "BUTCH" of the legendary 101st Airborne Division, (1st of 506 Company)  joins the lab to discuss some of the darkest and brightest days he experienced in Vietnam from June 1969 to June 1970.From the disappointment of receiving a draft letter to traversing the blood soaked soil of Hamburger Hill just weeks following the tragic conflict.  From  a lieutenant's  brash disregard for his point-man's warning resulting  in a bullet thru his forehead to avoiding  the dangers of sexual favors offering, or in some cases, taking more than a soldier has bargained for, the rabbit hole of an unpopular war is explored in depth.While detailing the challenging, yet always completed task of carrying away the American dead comrades, Butch explains that there definitely can be 'life after war....' even one better left un-fought.PHATAL EXTRACTION: · “Can’t drink beer at home, but we can get shot at over in Vietnam.” - BUTCH

From "White Savior Complex," to  the forced removal of Native children from Native families necessitating the  Indian Child Welfare Act,  W.T.F.P guest, Nancy Miller joins the studio to discuss the lowlands and sunshine that comes with the honor, responsibility and challenges of being a white adoptive mother of not only two Meskwaki young men, but also a black young lady..... in small-town, Iowa.PHATE gives an expired pass to white people indulging in 'blackface,' and Tom Cruise's suitability for the  role of an endangered warrior species of a far east culture is called into question.

From interpreting a childhood blueprint of designed violence to enduring a prison bid from fisticuffs turned deadly, this episode of W.T.F.P features the most candid of convict convo.PHIL joins the set to discuss everything from  looking for any way on a given day to skip kindergarten to marks who budge their way into the mix getting punched right up out of it, off G.P,  An inside glimpse of a long-gone snapshot of the Iowa penal system is shared while the evolution of an institutionalized man with no intent of returning to the dead end of confinement is put into perspective,The guest expresses mild disappointment in PHATEROC's lack of a "one-hitta-quitta"  at the age of five, while  the inner workings of a young mind groomed for havoc catch the light of day.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "I got commissary every week..  Do you?"

Back by popular demand, adult entertainer SEQRET returns to the W.T.F.P lab to address the outpouring of questions from listeners who caught her first appearance, (W.T.F.P Season 2 Episode 23 - The Exotic Dancer). From the first time of pulling her weapon, to stripping retirement, crypto-currency, and stock investments, the mother of a young girl discusses an unconventional approach to securing a future for her loved one(s). Despite falling somewhere within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, SEQRET admits a need for a refresher course on the letters and draws distinction between a "phobia," and simply not being interested in experiencing something, as the transphobia conversation is briefly raised.

The nastiest mess you never had to clean up is illustrated in this edition of "W.T.F.P: Storytime," featuring guest story-teller, CHRIS, owner-operator of Main Street Cleaning Service, with over a quarter century of commercial cleaning experience to the name.From custom artwork painted in feces by an artist nobody remembers hiring, to after-hours romance, with a few daycare boogers sprinkled here and there for seasoning, CHRIS explains the business of shaping profit out of a seemingly shitty situation. Our guest insists that the underside of toilet seats have shared equal rights and treatment with the topside of toilet seats since the founding of his "sanitation nation," and explains why pride in a well kept office or business facility begins in the bathroom. CHRIS attempts unsuccessfully to debate host PHATEROC's prowess in defecatory analysis.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Glitter is a tool of the devil." - GUEST

The heaviest subject matter of W.T.F.P's series run falls upon this 26th episode of Season Three : INSIDE: Illegal images. Italian Police. U.S Feds. Family visits at Leavenworth United States Prison. Psychosexual exams. A father missing from a home and a mother and wife trying to look past a human's actions act for the sake of the character beneath, and a chance of redemption.Debate is raised on whether there may be a 'spectrum of human inclination or lines that some beings cross and others don't which can complicate the conversation of sex offenses and appropriate penalty/rehabilitation, considering not all points on that spectrum fit into a single box.'PHATE attempts to draw a line in the sand between responsible viewing of adult pornography and illicit material involving children. W.T.F.P Guest, Nancy, discusses her new pursuit in a field of study and trajectory towards a holistic approach to advocacy-one inclusive of empathy and healing for both victims and offenders.RESOURCES: Here are a few resources our guest, Nancy wished to include for listeners.1. If you are concerned about the safety of a child OR know someone having concerns about potentially harming a child CLICK HERE or call (1.888.PREVENT). 2. Namaste Center for Healing2. Summarization of Research Report on S.O Myths

A recent national poll we are currently having trouble locating indicated that 80% of American podcast listeners have reported losing sleep over trying to fully wrap their minds around what exactly a vapor return hose does and how exactly it factors into the everyday "nine-to-fiver" running late for work, particularly when one of those big ass tanker trucks happen to be taking up 67% of an otherwise packed gas station parking lot on a random weekday morning.With no other choice but to respond to the overwhelming demand of listeners and fellow countrymen/women, W.T.F.P recently welcomed fuel transporter, JASON G. to sit down and discuss the ins and outs of daily intrastate travel with a backpack containing over 3000 gallons of flammable liquid. JASON craftily refuses to disclose the name of the hidden gem foodie spot he often hits on his transport runs, while a case is made for the modern youth in pursuit of a career to consider truck-driving, in any one of its various forms.JASON briefly discusses the positive culture shock of transferring from a less diverse school to Hoover High School (Des Moines) and how it made him the 90’s R&B aficionado that he is to this very day.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "I can tell you probably ten times where I thought to myself "I’m dead.. I’m dying”

In the season premier of W.T.F.P's third season, a humble horror fiend appears on set, and he just so happens to also be the culinary mind behind South Union Bread Cafe, Centro, Django,Gateway Market, Zombie Burger, and most recently, George's Burger Joint, Batter Up, and perhaps another one to twenty eateries we'll have to fire our research team for failing to identify in these very summary notes. The six-time James Beard Award nominee, George Formaro, covers a seven course spread in this dialogue banquet, including his love for studying and preserving lost or forgotten recipes, the anxiety experienced in watching reality cooking competitions, and of course the scariest motion picture he's never actually seen. A self-conscious evolution away from the realm of food snobbery finds its way to the conversation plate. ‘PHATE and GEORGE find common footing in the notion of letting go of regrets and seizing the time we have with our current breath to create and perform the tasks we’ve neglected to complete in the past. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "But you still have time!"PHOTO CREDIT: ANGELA LOSEGRUBHUB, DOOR DASH OR STOP INTO ANY ONE OF THE AVAILABLE 'FOOD JOINTS' REFERENCED ABOVE AFTER CLICKING ON THE LINKS TO LEARN MORE.... OR....YOU KNOW...................... JUST .LISTEN TO THE EPISODE.

In the Season 2 Finale, our close out guest, SEQRET known as a craftswoman and master of seductive entertainment, joins the Worst Things First Crew to dive deep into the world of exotic dancing. All the juice is squeezed in this episode, from common rookie hustle mistakes that mess up the bag for everybody, to handling the body odor of guests, to knowing better than to mix business with pleasure, and family opposition vs. support.As a mother who also carries 3 academic degrees under her belt, Seqret offers perspective in identifying what one wants in life, and having the drive to pursue it without allowing external opinions to devalue it.Grab ya' HennRock or your wine glass and buckle up. This ride is full of curves.Follow today's guest at IG: @SEQRETASIA

Owner and operator of Tutus & Tennis Shoes, Kanisha Tillman, joins the WTFP crew to discuss the reality of a war on poverty and the lack of opportunity that results from it, which in turn impacts the upbringing and development of all children, but in particular, those of color. This realization combined with her passion to uplift and provide viable hair care options for young black girls led to her current niche in providing hair care assistance to transracial adoptive families. The dialogue identifies the nuanced relationship between white adoptive parents and their new, young black family members, with particular focus on the opportunity that exists to help these children feel comfortable in their own skin through healthy and effective hair care maintenance, education, etc.Kanisha's early memories of selling afrocentric products to clientele in the likes of Maya Angelou are explored, while somewhere along the way, it is revealed that host PHATEROC is not the only black person on the call who can't play Spades.Follow Tutus & Tennis Shoes:IG: @tutus_tennis_shoesFB: CLICK HEREFind out more about your opportunities to learn proper hair care for your young black family members HERE.

Graphic artist Kevin Ha joins the WTFP studio to get to the rock bottom of being a young artist in a world steeped in uncertainty and constant revelation, while also living with a degenerative disability. Ha (21yr) breaks down the effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts the ability to build muscle, and how this has shaped his tendency to think 3 moves ahead, while also growing to recognize and empathize with the fatigue and burnout of those helping to bring that planning to fruition. Host PHATEROC and Kevin exchange stories of dark times, while 'PHATE drops the first year he can remember understanding how someone could want to take their own life.Talks take a lighter turn as the discussion shifts to creativity and defining ones own sense of value to manifest the reality we desire. Somehow, Kevin catches a sneak "Happy Birthday" from 'PHATE, who doesn't give a f&$% about birthdays.FOLLOW Kevin's work on instagram @kevkneezyPHATAL EXTRACTION: "Damn, I don't want to do this JUST for the money... That's not what got me to the dance... But I guess that's what I'm dancing for......" -KEVIN

After 17+ years of service in everything from your neighborhood Applebees to your metro Euro-bistro, Kim G. sits down to discuss the worst things first regarding being a server. From being a hotbed for sexual harassment to the employment option that allows for a mother to be home with her child(ren) throughout the day, servers see a lot and deal with alot.The breakdown of how to appropriately pursue chemistry between a guest and an attractive server is discussed. COVID's impact catches play, and PHATEROC leaves no stone unturned as he raises the infamous notion of "black people refusing to tip," while subtle differences in cultural approaches to dining situations are gently explored.

Des Moines Black Liberation Movement co-founder, Colo Chanel, along with fellow activist and artist Linda B. joins W.T.F.P to discuss their transition from high school students of the metro area to frontline participants in the recent civil unrest throughout the country. Linda recounts a personal harrowing arrest scenario during recent protests, where a lack of consideration for medical conditions and equipment set the undertone for her experience.Host, PHATEROC, seeks clarification between Black Lives Matter and the Des Moines Black Liberation Movement, which both commonly share the "B.L.M" initials, in local conversations and media. Currently available community outreach programs are made available for local listeners, while W.T.F.P's wider reaching audience gains insight into the perspective of two black 22 year old female students educated in a state where their race makes up a mere 3% of the population, yet groomed for activism through socially aware teaching in Des Moines Public School system, and for Colo, through afrocentric school curriculum experienced in K.C, Missouri prior to moving to Iowa. The discussion pans from the protest demands, to the question of "where the light at the end of the tunnel lies?" Colo also expresses concern for the lack of discussion on intersectionality in the black community, with specific regard to brothers and sisters identifying as LGBTQIA+.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Black Lives Matter is not the organization we represent. It is a phrase of energy that we use." - Colo Chanel

Part Two of W.T.F.P's sit down with Alan Jacobs makes a turn for the serious, as his time and challenges in caring for the sick, abused, and injured becomes the topic of discussion. Learn how training exercises with jet fuel and fire on the surface of water was no laughing matter. Dialogue deep dives into the dark depths of gun shot wounds, and the attentive listener may even be lucky enough to hear about Alan's very own one night stand with a bullet.PHATAL EXTRACTION: HOST: "You ever had someone ask you to let them die?" GUEST: (without hesitation) "Yes......"

Highly acclaimed, award winning street photographer Alan Jacobs joins WTFP for a two part session. Part One focuses on the challenges he's faced in street photography. Part two, featured in next week's episode focuses on his prior EMT work. While his work has garnered attention from CNN, ABC, and other major outlets, no where along the journey did that mean he didn't run into bullshit. From non-paying customers, to photo fakers, to being in the right place at the right time, for the right pic, while being accused of the wrong thing, you'll wanna tune in to hear how the film develops. Listener questions concerning Alan's go-to equipment and approaches to the craft are also answered.

Digital Marketing Director, Vern , sits down for a W.T.F.P session on how technology has shaped the modern digital marketing landscape, which by default, has included a deep dive look into the everyday lives of consumers. Everything from the key words you use to search the web, to the products we utilize and discuss aloud at home often find their way into targeted marketing aimed at pinning down the key to our pocketbooks. Don't be surprised next time you spend the weekend complaining about a broken lawn mower and soon after notice several ads for landscaping tools in your various feeds. Tune into this WTFP episode to learn more. PLUS: We switch gears to talk Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as Vern's recent promotion to a brown belt carries the dialogue to a discussion of discipline and humility. PHATAL EXTRACTION:HOST: "Many of us have read several articles or watched short films/documentaries stating that our smart device microphones and cameras are being accessed in order to build data on us, even when we are not operating them. Would you say that currently digital marketing is at the level where this is no longer conspiracy talk? VERN: "Things are not only at that level, they are past that....and we give permission for all of it"

From guns on shoplifting customers to body slammed agents, and employees in organized theft rings with getaway vehicles, the 14-yr veteran of retail Loss Prevention, Eddie Glasses, unfolds the gold. This includes the journey from his native Harlem, New York to his home of 15+ years, Des Moines, Iowa, and the differences between retail theft in each.PHATAL EXTRACTION: PHATE: "So what's the worst part about this whole gig?"EDDIE: "That we can't put our hands on 'em no more!"

Des Moines Public School teacher of Urban Leadership studies, Emily Lang, joins the studio to discuss her role as an educator and its future amidst the unprecedented pandemic mania, along with the added dynamic of the current social climate of widespread civil unrest. Emily explains the struggles of working with parents while nurturing the minds of the youth to be free thinkers and ask questions. The difference between being a white ally and a "white savior" is discussed. The origin of how some of the most progressive and impactful local school curriculum came to be is laid plain, including coursework with emphasis on LGBTQ rights, Black Power units, Women's rights, Migrant Worker's rights, and more. Authentic vs. processed "flava" makes a play. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "“The best homework for a kid, is to tell them to read a book.”

In the prelude to the upcoming, anticipated return of W.T.F.P, host PHATEROC stops short of heading to a surgical procedure to share the recent account of his first ever bout with anxiety. The monologue pens a letter of personal accountability, and quite literally tells the tale of being forced to see self-help, vulnerability and the world, through a different lens.2020 details for Season Two of Worst Things First Podcast are announced.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "In the hotel, when I finally had a chance to walk by a mirrorl, I felt relief, because that entire day, I hadn't been able to see the left side of my body the way most of us normally do, until then. I knew it was there, but being able to see it actually felt different....and for once, significant."

In the finale of W.T.F.P's debut season, PHATEROC plays host to long time Chicago resident, CATHY, perhaps better known for publicly slow-cooking lames on social media under the monikers "CATASTROPHIE" or "MEDUSA," most often either for the victim not thinking for themselves while vocally expecting everyone else on a post to follow suit OR for jumping in her DM's expecting a mutual interest from her due to her common practice of speaking freely about human sensuality in general, and her own, in particular.Partly thru a discussion heavily soaked in personal philosophies towards religion and witchcraft, our guest's 10 year history as a professional dominatrix is greeted by PHATE's curiosity. Tune in to hear the most challenging request in this role CATHY ever had to mentally prepare for, her thoughts on why "size" doesn't matter, as well as what happened that one time a client's wife found out about the husband's secret affinity for a dominatrix's services.Silver Screen"hood classics" face Judgment Day in W.T.F.P's very first edition of "Worst vs. Firsts."PHATAL EXTRACTION: "If I ain't gotta take care of the ni**a that came outta this p*ssy, what makes you think I'ma finna'take care of the ni**a that wants to come in it?"

In an unprecedented move, a W.T.F.P guest gets spooked and awkwardly avoids the most anticipated aspect of the discussion containing the most juice content.Meanwhile, PHATEROC learns how standing in an energy whirlpool with electrical equipment submerged in the same water doesn't quite mix.....Also, our guest details a time when the company had to pay his medical bills under the table to account for an on-the-job impairment in smoke and fire work.COVID19 UPDATE: As we draw towards the close of Worst Things First Podcast Season One, you'll want to stay tuned to the end of this episode to learn more about upcoming plans during the pandemic and more importantly, to hear PHATEROC's four must-watch COVID19 couch potato recommendations.

Self-starter and Chicago native now living in Iowa, Tone, joins the show after his recent return from Japan, Vietnam and other foreign sites... As an often outspoken social media presence on what he does and doesn't like about Iowa, the stage is set for host and guest to discuss the high frequency of "out-of-towners" who have a tendency to talk shit about Iowans even after moving to and becoming longtime residents of the state.....and as PHATEROC explains his loyalty to the people of Iowa, a friendly score is settled where Tone breaks down "the motor" and motive behind the things he says whenever he speaks his mind.Tone's 2019 showing in the Des Moines Fashion show is discussed, alongside 'PHATE'S revelation that a "Hamburger University" actually exists.An Iowa staple known as Casey's breakfast pizza catches hell from the home of the deep dish, while Tone talks motivation, movement and seeing the forest as well as the trees in an effort to help others see the entire landscape. Learn more about Tone's work HEREPHATAL EXTRACTION: "It ain't where you're from. It's where you're at."

Underground rap fans aware of the history between today's W.T.F.P guest MarKaus and host PHATEROC would likely consider this the least anticipated episode of all time, as a brief history of hip hop beef turned mutual respect is discussed.Iowa's role in the Italian Mafia's history is examined in relation to setting the stage for MarKaus' most recent venture in distilling two types of whiskey with prohibition era recipes he now owns, available in grocery stores throughout Iowa and other states. MarKaus has used this opportunity to bring awareness to the African slave turned General Tariq Ibn Ziyad and his military order to "Burn the Boats."Phate explains his "silent death" philosophy towards hip hop in detail, and why he prefers to be "forced to respect" an M.C.'s skillset as opposed to automatically "showing love," even within his own circle. This provides the segway for detailing why Mike Mictlan of Doomtree once had his M.C card pulled.IG @markausmfIG: @ziyadryeLearn more about Ziyad Rye Whiskey HERELearn more about Burn the Boats Album and Whiskey release HEREListen to "Doomsday for Doomtree" HERE

The lows and highs of the booming sneaker resale business are discussed by co-owner of ILLEST AROUND sneaker boutique, Justin Baccam. (Allen Ung - Co-Owner)Phateroc sets his sights on an old childhood sneaker memory, and seeks Justin's helps, while both guest and host recall getting swindled by fakes in a kicks transaction.The observed natural flava connection between blacks and various Asian cultures makes a play. FOLLOW: @ILLESTAROUND515 on InstagramVISIT the ILLEST AROUND sneaker boutique in Des Moines, IA at 2600 University Ave #216, West Des Moines, IAPHATAL EXTRACTION: "From bad decisions and a prison sentence to good choices and a poppin' business."

A Des Moines, Iowa high school senior joins the show to discuss societal pressure for a promising student to have a career, college choice and major selected by the end of a year in which a person is still a teenager. The mystery of the absence of homework assignments in current public schools in the metro is explained, as PHATEROC learns how learning is now perceived and measured for current students like Briyahn and many other high schoolers, vs. his time.A 16 yr old details the pros and cons of graduating early due to grade-skipping.The balance of an earlier exposure to drugs in common-day American high schools is weighed against the potential outcomes of either earlier development in responsible drug use OR a higher death toll of the young ,as seen in the opioid crises. Briyahn Warner joins the show.PHATAL EXTRACTION: " YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN REALITY....BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO WORK FOR THAT."

GODDESS joins the show and discusses the unrealistic expectations of those seeking assistance from healers. The potential overlap between holistic approaches to creating an environment where wellbeing exists and conventional understandings of science, is loosely discussed.PHATEROC reveals a moment of clarity in which his household began to understand "the I" in LGBTQIA+, while an honest dialogue expressing the challenge for cis-gendered individuals to grow accustomed to changes in language and pronoun use is welcomed by GODDESS, who describes their own perspective on the necessary effort for various individuals to contribute to a common plane of communication. 'PHATE quickly sweeps his admission of being on the spectrum of sociopathy under the rug.Learn more of GODDESS and their works with the Sun Seed Community at this LINK.Tune into upcoming Sun Seed Community podcast releasing 02.29.20 HERELearn more about gender spectrum and appropriate pronoun use, HERECheck out the youtube channel Special Books for Special KidsPHATAL EXTRACTION: "Put down your luggage."

A black college recruiter discusses the nuanced challenges of diversity development in a state where his own race makes up no more than 3.5% of the population. Two old friends and ex-ruffians slide down memory lane to examine humbling life lessons, the street rules of maturity changing over time, and making a personal decision change to add to the quality of life in the world around them, as opposed to diminishing it. 'PhateRoc finally publicly admits to the black community that he can't play Spades while giving a heads up that your traveling Dj should never accidentally take hash from Amsterdam to France, when touring Europe.. Guest Marc Reed joins the show.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "See what you can of the world, while you can see it. Rest when you're dead."(Advance apologies for Phate's head cold coughing/sniffling ass snot-boxing all over the audio during that scheduled recording day...... but the show simply had to go on - W.T.F.P).

Massage therapist, T. Black, joins the show to discuss "unhappy endings," a false tale of kidnapping and what its like to attend the funeral of a loved one...... in shackles. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Everybody's just trying to go home...."

Fresh off the recent release of his Blood of Dragons illustration book, fantasy illustrator and artist, Tyler Walpole joins the show to discuss his inspirational Saturday morning cartoon origins as an artist and long road of practice and opportunity which ultimately led to his work for Marvel Entertainment, Wizards of the Coast, Warner Bros Animation, Marvel/Lionsgate, DC Comics, Blizzard, Magic the Gathering, as well as his own original works which can be viewed and purchased at the link seen below. He also sheds light on the ins and outs of being a full-time independent creator and shares the revelation of a useful catalyst for productivity when facing stagnation in the creative process........ all while heartlessly withholding insider information from 'PhateRoc regarding a substrate defect found in his recently acquired Wolverine claw replica.Find Tyler Walpole's Blood of Dragons and more of his one of kind artwork, prints, metal work and other cool items of MTG, Dresden Files, Critical Role, and so much more at his website located HERE.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Don't tell me you wish you were as talented as I am...If you did wish that, you'd actually be drawing right now."

Los Angeles native vandal, DERSK ONE, joins the show to discuss his graffiti writing origin in the Los Angeles bus-hopping days of the '80s and 90's, early writing history, inspirations and his first encounter with 'PHATEROC which occurred on the road, at a graffiti jam in New Mexico they both attended, where they later discovered it was a competition. DERSK also discusses painting in Taiwan, the loss of his virginity, the grimiest spots he's ever rocked, his first impressions of Des Moines after being a repeat guest to Iowa's largest graffiti writing exhibition, COLOR CODES, , and his 2 minutes of fame appearing in NBC's Brooklyn Nine-Nine.See more of DERSK's artwork and learn more about him HERE.Catch his IG: @DERSK_ONEPHATAL EXTRACTION: DESTROY EVERYTHING

Fenimore Bros. founder discusses the perils of tree-work and its contrasts to rock climbing, race relations among power tools, the complexity of child predators, and of course...... a moose offering.For tree removal work, learn more about the Fenimore Bros. HERE.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "If you drop a tree on a house, and the homeowner's been drinking. does it make a sound?"