“Wordsmith” (w/ Candiace Dillard Bassett)

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human. Let's go! Our iHeart radio music awards are coming back. Thursday, March 26th, live on Fox. Watch as we honor the biggest stars from all genres of music that you loved listening to all year long on your favorite iHeart radio station and the iHeart radio app. Hosted by Budakris. Icon award recipient John Mellencamp. Innovator award recipient Miley Cyrus. With performances by Alex Warren, Kaylani, Ludacris, Ray, TLC, Salt and Pepper, and Invoke. Plus, Taylor Swift makes her first award show appearance this year. I cry, I cry, I cry, Elizabeth Taylor's happy for real, deep in her soul. Also, Gold Medal Olympian, Alyssa Liu, Neo, Nick Colesure-Zinger, Nikki Glaser, Sombra, Wazer, and more. Watch live on Fox Thursday, March 26th. And listen on iHeart radio stations across America and the free iHeart app. Hey there, this is Josh from Stuff You Should Know with a message that could change your life. The Stuff You Should Know ThinkSpring podcast playlist is available now. Whether Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods yet or not, the Stuff You Should Know ThinkSpring playlist will make you want to get your overalls on, get outside, and get your hands in the dirt. You can get the Stuff You Should Know ThinkSpring playlist on the iHeart radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Look, man, oh, I see him. Oh, my. Bowen, look over there. Is that culture? Yeah, goodness. Oh, yeah. Las Culturesistas. Ding dong, Las Culturesistas calling. We, so here's the deal. We're speaking to you the day after the Academy Awards. And so it's now a world where we can say Academy Award winner Michael B. Jordan. We can say Academy Award winner Amy Madigan. We can say all these things. All these things. But there's highs. And all I can think about today is the fact that there's an award winner with us, a record of the year winner for Las Cultures. The inaugural record of the year winner. That part. It's, which, I'm sorry, I have to call you out because. Lotatory. Lotatory. Call you out. Call me in, positive. Call it positively. You had to, as if she needed a reminder, you were like, we do this thing called the culture awards. If you like, you know, want to be a part of that. And I was like, Matt, you're talking to a culture award winner or record of the year winner. We're starting to tease this year's culture awards. Maybe our guests will appear. Perhaps a traitorous return. Perchance. Perchance to dream. Suffice it to say that this has been a moment highly anticipated. We've been so thrilled with the sort of resurgence of our guests on our screens because the screens have lacked. But I'm saying, without our guests, but she, and we'll get into this, but like she never went away. Meanwhile, this, so this woman was giving birth, heard of it, heard of it, raising a child. And let's me forget while she was promoting deep space, she was getting her fucking MBA. Yeah. Like she, like this, this woman doesn't pause. You know what I mean? Accomplished revenue streams. Learn from the guest. Learn from the guest. I mean. Only you knew. I mean, only you knew. If only you at home knew. And after this episode, you will know. So you may know our guests from, again, an iconic turn on the traders prior to that, Real Housewives of Potomac, a storied legacy on that show, and a fabulous singer. We were streaming deep space. You should be too. The new single, if only. And again, it needs to be said and stated and remembered that Drive Back is the song. When I heard it, I was like, wait, it hit on something deep in why I love music. We were watching the music video from the trailers on the Fire Island movie. Yes, we were. It was a part of our process. It was a set song. Okay. She's, we're so honored to be here. This has always been a Bassett Hound podcast. Yes. Everyone please welcome Candice Dillard Bassett. Oh my gosh. You guys. Look at these Versace. Well, you know, Versace, they've been through some things. I think I spilled like some something on them, but. You know what though, it gives them a message. We're still here. Yes. They have a story. They have a story. We're so happy you're here. You guys, I am like, I'm plotzing. Like I just, you all are so famous, you're famous bitches. What does that even mean to you? The two of you. I can't, I just can't. I'm like, I'm in awe. First of all, I've never been so excited to go into the Watch What Happens live clubhouse than when we were all together. I know. We really had a time. And from there, I got to see you perform my favorite music show at the 9.30 club. In DC, yes. The only time I got star struck and nervous and I messed up my words. No, did you mess up? First ballad in the show, Have You Had a Christmas? I sang the second verse as the first verse and I was like, only I'm gonna know, but damn it. We did not know. No, I had such a time. Like, yes, yeah. And like, y'all are famous. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Listen, the Wicked of it all, stop. The Wicked of it all. Lincoln, you'll freaking miss me in both of those films. You are there. If we have to pause to look at you and all of your glory, we can do that. I don't know if we've told the story on the podcast yet, but we went to Japan and we were at, we had this amazing experience of a geisha dinner in Kyoto. So it was like these three geishas who were, they live the life. They live the life, they're completely off the grid. They take their phones away for like the entire seven years that they trained to be geishas. Like they don't have really much interfacing with the quote unquote, like outside world. They're like, they're like Jedi's, they're monks. It's like a monastery. Yes. But basically, yeah, she. One of them was like, I know you and ran and got the little Wicked Book and had him sign it. And then before we left, she goes, this is my treasure. Fame! I'm gonna live forever! Listen, that's famous. You know what though? Like I feel like you experienced this too, because the thing about Housewives and then Bravo at large is A-listers come up to you and completely gag. It's so strange. It's like, why are you watching this foolishness? But they are like, it's my escape. It's how I unwind, which I love. I love that Housewives is this thing that like people go to to like forget their troubles. Well, cause I, even right now, I must say, being in the same space as you is really powerful. And I'm super, like. Oh, so rich! No, she knows this. So my thing with Housewives, I really, I've seen every single famous person in the world come through the halls of 30 Rock. This is extremely different from me. That is wild. This is like, I'm like, I'm blushing, I'm nervous. You are a little blushy. I see it. Don't, you know, I call it like, cause Chris blushes and I'm like, you're turning white people red. White people red, this is yellow people red. You're turning yellow people red. Yes. Like, no, you guys, it is such a phenomenon that like I still don't get. Cause I'm like, these bitches are just regular assholes. Like they are just regular people writing memoirs before they're supposed to write memoirs and flipping tables and cussing. And I'm like, we're not doing anything, but just stirring up dust. But I think like, okay, we were saying before the mics went on and we will go on record to say this, like, since your departure from the show, this, you know, Potomac, it's like, I have a hard time watching it because I am not finding a foothold sort of morally, narratively, like cause I've always held the same side as you in terms of the people that we, let's just say we dislike. Oh, who are they? I've got a little too hard in the paid for against certain people and it's our people. They give reasons though. They give so many reasons. Yes, just don't get fined for liking the wrong tweet. Find. I'm only here so I don't get fined. We're not, no, no, no, no, no, no, no litigiousness. No, please don't. No, it's, you know, you leave those people who should not be named. Yes. Where they belong. Exactly. On the curb. But then tell me this in a post reunion of Trader's world where Rena is doing front-facing videos in the car being like, it's so nice that we've all come full circle that we're all friends now. Is this mostly true? For me on my former cast? Not of Potomac, but of Trader's. Trader's is, that's a good vibe. Yes, oh my God, the best vibe. Like when I was leaving, I was like, I love you guys. I love you. I love you. And even like immediately after like when we all got home we were all on the phone like, we weren't supposed to be talking, we were all on the phone like, so what happened? And like when did and how, and oh my God, and who's a Trader? We were doing, and they were all like apologizing to me, which, you know, saying sorry, they didn't like pick up my crumbs. I see. So it just made me feel like, okay, I'm not a blubbering idiot. I'm not like crazy for writing down Rob's name. No, no, no. It's just like, we should have listened to you and blah, and it just, it made me feel better about the way that things ended. No, I still talk to Tara, I talk to Johnny, I talk to Mark, Kristen, I love- I love you and Tara being besties. That's my castle bestie. We saw her, so we were in Milan doing some Olympic stuff and we saw them together, just the sweetest. Like Tara and her kids. Like it was just very sweet to see them together because it's like a real genuine friendship with Tara and Johnny, and then her just being like a mom running around with her kid and then like seeing her like dressed to the nines that night, like doing it all. It's amazing, like even in the castle, they, I don't know who they thought they were fooling. So you were not fooled? No! No, you know. Yes, I mean, I knew before, but like, I didn't say anything, but it was weird that they were kind of not who they, because they're always holding hands. Yeah. And I'm like, why aren't they holding hands? Yeah. And then of course I realized later, okay, they're trying to like play a different game, but like I say all the time, I love their love. Like that is such, it's such a beautiful friendship. Well, it's also that thing of like when two people don't want you to know something about their relationship, they are moving in a way where it's like, okay, why are you guys ignoring each other? Like it's like when people don't want you to think they're a couple. Yes. And you just have to at some point be like, are you guys fucking with me? What's this? Why? What is this? You haven't looked at her. Yes, yeah, it was weird. Like, yeah, we know, most of us knew. I knew. Yeah, exactly. I mean, is it confounding? Cause I feel like what is happening now with a lot of traders discourses, a lot of the cast has to come out and be like, guys, it's a game. Yeah. Everybody needs to chill out. Yeah. Yeah, it's the, yeah. And you know what's crazy to me is, I know the Housewives fandom. I know that we are, you know, we get a little rowdy. It's thick. Yes. But the gamers, those people, they need a box of crying. Yeah. They just, why are you crying? They were just really emotional. Like just. I don't think they're expecting the dimension that you guys bring to it. I think because they are so cold about the game. Once they're reminded like that there is an option for this to have an emotional angle. They're like totally caught off guard. You know who I saw struggling with that? Natalie Anderson. Yeah. Who I stand from survivor. And then all of a sudden there she is surrounded by all this emotion and it was just like, yeah, this is a different way to play a game like this. There's more than a way to skin a cat. Like you can't just like think that you all are like the end all be all of gameplay because we are good at this game. We being Housewives, we're good at this game and we do it with like a console, a full beat and a heel and our edges laid. You're sweating. I'm not. Yeah, no. Well, like you said that it took some convincing for, was it NBC or Studio Lambert to be like, you would be great at this, but you're like, I'm running around outside. There's flies, there's bugs. I'm not like, what was, like what took you over the, what brought you over? So I'm still really close to my NBC executives and they were like, we just think this would be great for you and it's just a great opportunity and you'd be great at it. I'm like, why? Why would I be good at this? Because they wanted you to be a traitor the whole time. I bet they were like, ugh. I've never asked. I wanted to be a traitor because it's like, okay, I'm gonna play the game, like sign me up for the game. The game is called The Traders, I wanna be a traitor. But I was just like, I don't know why you want me to see me run up a hill with a bale of hay or like slosh around in water. See that is the thing where you say it like that and we do wanna see it. No, but I didn't. Like you want me to submerge my koochi in this murky water. I'm not doing that. So it wasn't registering, but I was like, okay, you know what? This is a challenge. I can do something hard. Yes. Let's try it. It's pageant brain, maybe. Yes, it is a little bit of pageant brain. It's like, okay, this is a challenging moment. Let me like train a little bit, AKA like watch the show and like take notes and learn like the rigors of the game. And then go in there and get on stage and do a wee turn. Yes. Oh, there's a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Give him a little shoulder. Yeah, give him a shoulder. Just also type a person, which I'm assuming you are. It's kind of like they give you a challenge and even if on face value, you're like, no, it will sit there. Yes. And it will be like, mm, now I'm living in a world where I'm not doing this thing. And the voice says, but what if? You got it, right. Yeah. Get up, bitch. If only. Yes. If only. Yes. So then you're saying that like when the, when they're texting you like why we should have followed the crumbs that you left. Like you're saying, oh, I'm not. Thankfully that I'm understood. Was there an internal thought where you were like, oh, did I make a mistake? Did I like, I, because I want to say you played it brilliantly the entire time. Like Matt and I are watching this being like, she is, she's like up there with the survivor gamers. I wouldn't have known. I wouldn't have known. I feel like you were playing it as yourself. People were like, yeah, oh, the thing about, cause here's the thing is like, I knew from watching you for years and knowing you that like I was like, anyone who knows Candice knows that trader or faithful, she would have come in here saying the things. Yes. And so you have to be, and you couldn't have done what Eric did, which is sinking the back because everyone's like, why is Candice sinking in the back? She's a trainer. Yeah. Yeah. No, I didn't go in with a strategy. I went in like, okay, let me assess the room, see who's here and then like figure it out as I go. And it worked until it didn't. But no, and to answer your question, I felt good about my choices. And I felt like in the moment I made the right decisions for the situation. But I felt like when I found out that Rob won, I was like, so wait, was I not clear? You guys didn't pick it up. I mean, these were like huge crumps. I left whole Oreos, not even crumps. Loaves of browns of brown. I left disc golf. Disc golf cookies. You went into Delta one. You just tried to take all of these. Can I just have a handful? I'm just gonna crumble these up and leave them. Y'all don't like cookies. I wouldn't leave. I was like, the thing about Candice is she's, if she goes, she's not gonna go quietly. No. And you didn't. Thank you. But that is the power of, let's just say it, a tall man with the eyes that look like that and that floppy little hair. I really think they were dignitized. They were. It was a really brilliant social experiment. And I think that it did a great job of holding a mirror up to society. Yes, agree. Like this is life. This is how it is in real life. The mirror is ugly and shattered and fucked up. A little bit. It's a bad mirror. It's not a good mirror. Society tends to get dignitized. It's actually Rural Culture number 20. Society tends to get dignitized. And now that's in the rules forever. So, I live. We've seen it before. I'm screwed. What is, what is, what is saying, saying actions and truths. But that moment, that moment between you and Rob, that, that's, that seems so cinematic. I'm not saying it was produced or anything, but I'm saying like that was. It didn't feel like that. No. The moment it did not feel. Significant in that way. No. I was literally just like, okay, I know, you know, I'm about to be pecking my things. You thought so. I knew. I knew it was happening. Blood was in the water. Night. And I said, okay, so as I'm, as I'm packing my things, this is being my bags, I'm clearing this desk and that one. I'm taking this plant with me to quote the ancient afternoon proverb from our uncle, our uncle Denzel. I'm leaving here with something. Yes. Okay. And this something is my dignity and my pride. Okay. So I'm clearing this desk and you're going to hear from me. Yeah. It was really just like, I'm going to make sure you know that you will be shaking in your boots all the way to the end, if I have something to say. And, and, but it, I didn't, it didn't register that it was going to become this like huge moment. Vocal point in the, in the season. In the, yeah. So in the turret, your last turret with you and Rob, cause you've, you've been saying in interviews that like, it was the choice between murdering Colton or recruiting Kristen. Yes. And you were just convinced even in that last tour that you weren't going to make it to recruitment. Is that, is that, is that what you're saying? No, I, so I, it was just like, okay, I can either recruit or. Murder. Get rid of Colton. Yeah. Either one would be good for me. I, it didn't matter. Like I really, but what I said was my regret was that I didn't push harder to recruit Kristen. Cause I, when he said, no, I was like, okay, fine, let's just do Colton. And I do wish that I had like pushed, but my, my, my worry was we would be at a stalemate and then neither would happen. And we would just leave the turret with no murder and no recruitment. And then it's like, okay, now we're in limbo and we got to keep the train moving. It's so hard. Yeah. Like that, I, I watch it and I'm like, again, you see, like for example, Maura at the very end, seeing how gagged she was, how hard she, she cracked in that moment. It's insane. I was like, that is truly, and then I felt bad because she was really internalizing like, I'm a dummy, like I'm a fool. And I was like, no, I really think it's exactly what you said it is truly mice in a little maze. It says something about the human brain that I think we haven't seen a reality show say in a long time. And that's why it's so interesting for people. And yeah, and I love Maura, but Maura, she, I wanted her to wear a thinking cap. Yeah. She had on a lot of beautiful hats. We just need to find a designer one. Yes. I think we need to find one. She needs a Versace. We're just gonna design her thinking cap for Maura. I said it a million times, the faithfuls needed to go to faithful school. Yes. They didn't pass a single class. No. They needed to go to summer school. Would you do an All Stars or another like a competitive reality show? If Traders does an All Stars and they don't call me, I'm writing. This is what I know. I feel like we need it. I would only do, I don't see another show like this that I would do. Like I'm not doing the challenge. I don't wanna do House of Villains. I don't wanna run anywhere else. I would run in Scotland because I've done it already. And it's like. You know the terrain. I know the terrain. Yes. Don't ask me to sweat no more. No. Yeah, that is tough. Because it's not just sweating. I think the thing that would bump me and they approached us for the show. They did? Yes, they did. What do we do? What? I feel like we can't go on together. We can't go on together. It's gonna be Tara and Johnny. Why not? I know. It's a Tara and Johnny situation because we cannot go on together. It's a matter of doing it and or doing it together. I don't think, I think at this point where we'll do it. I don't think we can do it together because they're gonna knock us out. No, not necessarily. Like you, well you guys probably can't play that we don't know each other game. No. So you lean into it. Yeah, exactly. They don't know. There's no way they're gonna think you're both traders. You're both, they don't know. Like the combinations are too like up in the air. But we're voting block. Right, right, right. Okay, here's what I think though. And tell me if this is possible to happen. Okay. Because I do think it, the worst thing that could ever happen is you go in with like a relationship that you have and they make one of you a trader and one of you isn't. And then you're like, fuck, I'm now burdened with this because I have this person sitting here who knows me really well. Not just like we've met, I've seen them around. You know, we were on the same series or whatever really knows you. Do you think it would be possible for you as the trader to go to that person or is this against the rules and be like, I'm a trader? If you just maintain this rules that I'm a faithful and I'll recruit you later, is that against the rules? That is against the rules. Okay, then. But, it's not to say that it can't happen. Ha ha ha ha ha. I thought the only rule was traders can't out other, a trader can't be like, I'm a trader and Rob is also a trader. Like you- You can't do that either. Right, I thought that was the only rule. No, you can't, like if you're a trader and you're a faithful, you can't like do telepathy and be like, I'm a trader. Yeah, so you'd have to go right away then if I was a trader. What you could do is you find a way to recruit him later. So you just have to play the long game and you all are actors, you could do it and it would be fucking hilarious. Nobody would know right away if I was a trader. It would be so bad. Okay, but that's good TV. So you find, you go, you skulk off to the bill, you're doing the two of you and you give the, you like do like one eyelash and then you giggle and then you go back to the kitchen. Like nothing happened. And you think maybe there was some eyelash winking and giggling happening in the mansion. She's indicating. She's indicating. I cannot say. The pearls are clutch. What I will say is that I know what I was told. And I was told that somebody was told. Wait, I was told that somebody was told. Yes, I was so, there were many phone calls when we left the castle. Colton was one, he called me. And he was like, among other things, he was like, yeah, Rob told me you were a trader. So I mean, what do you want me to think? Yeah, I mean, once you're explicitly given information, you then can't be mad that the person has told, said I was given this information. Now, was it told, I was under the impression that it was like said within the confines of the game, because you can say like, I feel like, Bo-in is a trader because he was like scratching weird. Or he sneezed funny, or you give a reason. So I was waiting all season to be like, where's the evidence? And there was never a moment. So I was like, okay, this is weird. And I'm being like dragged and hung from crosses and wearing scarlet A's and T's on my chest because you are accusing, no, I'm literally just like processing the information I was given, but crucify me. And you are one of the great verbal processors. Let's go. Our I Heart Radio Music Awards are coming back Thursday, March 26th, live on Fox. Watch as we honor the biggest stars from all genres of music that you loved listening to all year long on your favorite I Heart radio station and the I Heart Radio app. Hosted by Ludacris, Icon Award recipient, John Mellencamp, Innovator Award recipient, Miley Cyrus, with performances by Alex Warren, Kailani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, Ray, TLC, Salt and Kappa, and Invoke. What a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, plus Taylor Swift makes her first award show appearance this year. Hey there, this is Josh from Stuff You Should Know, with a message that could change your life. The Stuff You Should Know ThinkSpring Podcast playlist is available now. Whether Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods yet or not, the Stuff You Should Know ThinkSpring playlist will make you wanna get your overalls on, get outside, and get your hands in the dirt. You can get the Stuff You Should Know ThinkSpring playlist on the I Heart Radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I do my best. I do my best. You really, really are. Hold on quickly, we gotta go back to box of triangles. Why aren't we, where is that contract? We need to enter prize. Yes, so there is movement. Okay. Oh yes, it's not happening. There, yes. This is so exciting. And then did you, so, and I'm sure you've talked about this before, are they pre-folded? Where are those coming from? Technique, I fold them. Beforehand or as the tears are coming? As they're coming, I'm like, I'm Swift, I'm quick with you. You're doing side work. Yes, I'm doing, yes. I'm at work, I'm doing side work. Yes, yeah. Now there are situations, like right now in my purse, there is one folded. Okay, because what if we get emotional? Well, because I save them, because it is a lot of work. And sometimes I just, you wanna have one ready. So I probably have one in like every pocket. Like I was doing laundry and you know, when you like put tissue in the laundry and it gets everywhere. I was like, oh shit, the triangle was in there. A triangle, the casualty of the laundry. Is this, is prepping them beforehand like mom brain? Is this a new thing ever since the baby? No, mom brain would dictate that I wouldn't be doing shit because I forgot. Mom brain is very ghetto. Did that happen? Like once mom brain sets in, like how did you change? Oh my God, well I'm always sweating. Oh, sweating. I'm hot. It's like, is this postpartum? Is this peremina pause? Is the devil trying to smite me like what's going on? My edges fell out. So I was fine and then all of us, I woke up one morning and just like bald, right on my sideburns. They were just gone. I was like, who is writing this book? This is terrible. No. Who is writing this book? It's not good. I think your feet will grow. Oh really? That's the thing that happens. I think I'm into now because I will still, I'm going to shove my foot into my YSL. I don't give a damn. Yeah, you're getting in there. My heel will be hanging off the edge. I think my feet grew a little bit because my shoes are a little more snug, some of them. What else? P is not the same. You can't hold it the same way. Oh, okay. You gotta go right away. And you have a beautiful baby. And I have a beautiful boy. Yes, the best, most perfect boy. He's everything. He's so cute. You look like he's steady. But then you went on this like postpartum, which I didn't realize were this wonderful necessary thing for new mothers where you're like, yes, go and like convalesce. Yes. Yeah. Sanu was the name of the retreat. It's in Tyson's corner, Virginia. They are, like when I started hearing about these retreats years prior and they were only like in New York and LA. And I was like, well, how do I, can I like close up my koochee and like run to New York? After I give birth to the baby, like how do I do this? And then they, Sanu opened one in Tyson's and we partnered and I was, we were there for like four days. They give you massages. I had like, like engorged breasts and they have this, this Chinese medicine doctor that came and like gave me all these herbs. She literally like massage, she spent an hour on each breast. Just massaging the milk out because it was stuck and it wasn't coming out. And that's, you can get mastitis, which is an infection and you can die from it. Postpartum is get up. I feel like no one really understands cause when you're growing up, especially as a boy growing up, it's just like, oh, woman gets pregnant and has a baby and can you believe how easy it is? And then you become an adult and you realize what you have to go through and you documented so much of it on the show too, just in terms of getting pregnant. And we remember that. And that adds another layer. Like when you are dealing with fertility issues or like me, you want to like provide insurance for yourself by freezing eggs or embryos. That's another layer that you're adding on top of that because now there's this physical part where you're having to like give yourself shots of hormones. You have reactions to the hormones. You have an emotional, physical, spiritual, all these reactions to this medication. And then when after I got pregnant, I had to do 10 weeks of something called progesterone in oil just to like tell my body that I'm pregnant so that the baby would stay. So for 10 weeks, I had to give myself these shots every day at the same time. I traveled my whole pregnancy. So at least four times, I had to give myself these shots on an airplane. And one time I took a video of me going in the bathroom and it was like turbulent. So we're like, we're like bank head bouncing. Well, I'm trying to squeeze my ass and stick this needle in. It was like, what is going on? This is insane. The trials and tribulations. And like the women that do this because they have no other choice because you want a baby, you want a family this bad. I'm like, we are literal superheroes. We are wizards of industry. 100%. I also think that's one of the things about Housewives that I think is one of the most important is the way that so many more people understand IVF now. Like I wasn't seeing any conversations about IVF, about the terrain emotionally of preparing to get pregnant, having a baby, like all of that. I think that because of the Housewives franchise, a whole couple of generations understands this. And mostly gay men that can now relate to their female friends in a way that they could not before because of the Housewives. Yes. And I think there was like an element of shame because it's like, it's created for women that cannot have children on their own. That was the intent. And there's shame attached to that. It's like, I'm a woman. My body was made for me to be able to give birth. That's the thought. And especially coming from the South, it's like we are baby making machines. Like that's the thought. So when you can't do this thing that is supposed to be natural to you, it's like, what's wrong with me? Right. And that's your- Even if you could tell yourself that's not a rational thought, you still have it. Like society says, like, you're a woman. You've gotta be able, what are you good for if you can't have a baby? That's what the world tells you. And women who don't wanna have kids, it's like, why don't you wanna have kids? And it's like, cause fuck you, it's my uterus. I want it to stay empty. Like that's also a choice. And there's just, there's so many stigmas attached. We live in a patriarchal society and everybody gives a fuck about what the men say, not the women. And so it's just, there are so many narratives that me talking about it and everybody else who's had the chance to discuss it, it just brings it all to the kitchen table. And I love that my story is like perpetuating all these different narratives that can be discussed and make it sexy. It's like this, I always say you have to make things sexy for them to then become like a part of the conversation. And we're now talking about it. So- You made it sexy. It's sexy. Needles are sexy guys. Also, I think it's like just hearing someone else say out loud these things. Now people are like, oh, now I at least know how to even say that out loud. Yes. I could watch someone go through something and be like, well, if I couldn't think of a way to verbalize that, I now have an option because people don't, so many people are not externalizers like the three of us. Yes. You know what I mean? Yes, we're gifted. That was another question I had for you. Prior to Housewives, because obviously you come on Housewives, it had been an established thing at that point. You know that the whole gig of the show is conflict and resolution. Were you always someone that was comfortable with conflict? No. Oh my God. Interesting. I always said this. I came, I was a pageant girl. I came from a space where everybody loved me and I loved everyone. And like, you don't argue, I don't argue with people. I'm not like cussing people out. So like people will come up to me and be like, can you read me? No. And I'm like, no, I don't want to do that. I don't know you. And if I did, it would be good. Right. That is not at all my nature. And it's so funny that that is like who I've become known as. Like during my time on the show is like this like feisty, like reading person. Rat-tat-tat, I believe it's the expression. Yeah, rat-tat-tat, a handist. Yeah. And yes, that is a part of who I am. Like I, you know, I'm, I can be feisty. I can have spice, but that's literally just one part of who I am. And this idea that like I am the resident like, reader in chief. Yes. Was so weird to me. And it just, but it worked because I became, I understood my role on the show. Totally. And yes, I was the spoiled princess who reacted. And I'm good at reacting. And I found that, okay, well, you know, this is not my everyday life, but like for the purposes of this space, I can enjoy like reading a bitch down who tries me. Or as I would say, like, if you come to my porch, my porch light is on. Come in. Let's have a tussle. Let's sit down. Yes, yes, I would just stand whatever you need. Yes. The light is on for you to come in. Yes. Yes. It's great. Okay. Yes. I'm also identifying with this thing of like, it might not be natural to who you are, but you come in and they tell you, this is really good. You're doing really well doing this. You're kind of like, all right, well I'm getting high marks. So. Yes, I'm gonna keep going. Yeah. And now a vital break from our sponsor, Vital Proteins. You know the blue tub you've probably seen everywhere? That's Vital Proteins collagen peptides. Now, why use them? Because they're the experts, the number one collagen brand in the US. I'm talking about ingredients backed by science and shown to be effective. I mean, when we hit about age 30, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and collagen has a lot of benefits, a lot. Collagen peptides are a simple, well-in-the-seplement that supports healthy hair, skin, nails, bones and best of all, joints. And it's easy to use. Add a serving to whatever you're a herty drinking. Morning coffee, afternoon tea, daily smoothie, weekly whatever. I use Vital Proteins collagen every morning. I just mix it into my coffee or a smoothie. It's super easy and it's become a simple part of my daily routine. But however you do it, consistency is the key. It's crazy how something so effective is so easy. And right now, you can get 20% off your next order by going to vitalproteins.com and using promo code LASCULTURISTS20, that's LASCULTURISTS20 at checkout. Huge thanks again to our sponsor, Vital Proteins. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I thought you said it was proven by science. Never said that. I just said it was good. But this is, I think this is like a thread, if you'll let me, like about you where like people will put you in a box and then you are always going to wonderfully break out of it, right? Pagent. Yes. Housewife. And like you've really done a remarkable job of like going to the next thing. Thank you, I'm trying. But you are, I'm like, how does it feel? Because I think drive back and deep space started this conversation among people where everyone was like, oh, like these housewife songs can be great. Like that wasn't a thing before. Yeah. Like how does it feel to have like the first, like I think you like broke ground there by like having like genuinely great, and loved all the other housewife songs. We love all the songs. And you don't have to comment on that comparison, but it's like, these are like, you can have this very like intentional, visually sort of like curated artistry about yourself. Yeah, that was a part of my evil plan. Like coming onto housewives, I wanted to make friends. I wanted to like, I love us, I'm a pageant girl. I love a sisterhood. I love fellowshiping with women. Like that's a part of who I am. But I was also like, okay, like I see what this platform can do if you use it the right way. I see how this could be like, you know, a springboard, how it could almost be like a cheat code to like break into these entertainment spaces. That's what I wanted out of it more than anything else. It's like, okay. And even the song was kind of an accident. Like my first song, I was getting married on the show. And I always knew I wanted to perform a song for Chris at our reception. I always knew that. And I was like, okay, let me like, what would I do? And I wanted to do Tony Braxton's, what is the, I forget what the name of it is. Let me, let me be, I wanna be your baby. That song, it's from her Libra album. Oh, I can't wait to ask you about your culture because I feel like I know some names you're gonna say and I'm really excited about it. Oh yes. So I love Tony and we were, Chris and I were at the gym and that song came on and I was like, I looked at him like, this is what I'm gonna sing. So then I go back to the producers and I'm like, okay, I wanna do this song. And they were like, oh no, bitch, we're not giving, we're not paying $40 million for this song. For the publishing rate, whatever. For Tony's song. Right. And I was like, oh shit. And then they were like, you need to do something original. I said original, I don't have anything yet. So it forced me to sit down and write, I See You. Yeah. And then my first like R&B ballad, but then turned into Rest in Peace, Chuck E. Thompson, the go-go song that it was like my love letter to DC, which is right, became a woman. And then it was like kind of off from there. But that's how it started. Yeah. That was, I'm getting a flashback. That was my first episode of Potomac, was your wedding. And it was I See You. I was like, oh my gosh. And this is the last thing I'll say about Potomac is that, I used to say, this is my favorite franchise because I would hang out with all of these women because they're funny and they're so dimensional. And now it's like, I can't say that about these women except for a couple people. I mean, we are Stacy Rushman. Stacy for president. Stacy for president. I love Stacy. I was so ahead of the curve on the QVC stuff. I was on this podcast and you guys have to check out her QVC videos. She's so crazy. I love her. She's my kind of crazy. She's quirky and funny and intro. Yeah, there's a lot of layers there. And also at the end of her first season, when it turned out that maybe TJ wasn't actually her boyfriend after all, I was thinking, see, there's gonna be a school of thought that says get her off the show. She's a liar. No, no, no. Not at all. But also, we have to dig in here. And yes, and they made the right choice. Oh, 100%. And then also, there was a lot of, cause I saw, there was a clip from the reunion where she's, they're talking about her QVC stuff. And somebody's like, well, you were acting on there. And there was just always like a pylon, I feel like, with her. And so, like, and they're upset with her, them being the rest of the cast, but you all made her famous. Because you willfully hated on her. It breaks. If you had just ignored her, which she probably would have still, cause she's, she's kind of that girl. But like, you helped to like build these bricks. And you stoked these fires. Yeah. I was telling, I was telling Matt, about like the reunion, like Annie's bringing up the QVC videos. And then he throws it over to Kyanna. And he's just like, like Kyanna, like, don't you enjoy the QVC videos? And she goes, I think she was just like, trying to come up with an answer. And she was like, that would be a no, but I do enjoy them. So, she was just to admit. Did they have beef? Kyanna goes after Stacy. Yeah, what a big place. Oh right, with the, my man, my things. My things, my yeah. That was a great moment. My things. Yeah, I see that. I mean. But even in that clip, it's like, Andy was asking her, do you enjoy those videos? And then Kyanna goes, no, but I enjoy them. So it's like, she even has to like, she had to admit to be like, oh no, this is the thing that people love. It's, cause I knew her from our Fox local station in DC. She used to do like the traffic and weather. Oh wow. Yes. At Fox, shout out to WTTG. I was an intern there, so that's my station. She's always been that. Yes. And you just can't deny her. Yeah, no, so some people are just gonna be who they are. Yes. And that is meant for stardom. Yes. Yes, she's that. Speaking of who you are and stardom, I think it's time to ask Candice the question. Yes, so Candice still had basset, what was the culture that made you say culture was for you? This is what pointed you in the Candice direction. So the thing that came to mind, and I don't know if I'm like, this is good or bad. Now we have to say it. No wrong answer. Like, it's Tiffany New York Pollard. God bless. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. You, you know? They're laughing because they know this is one of our North Stars. I remember just like watching her, the flavor of love of it all. And being like, wow, like that's me. Yes. Unapologetic. Yes, just she was just herself. Unapologetically, no holds. Just like I'm gonna show up fully as myself. I don't care what you think, I don't care what you say. And it was like, I'd never seen that. Like a dark skinned black woman, like living fully in her, in who she was. Even if it was like, some of it was cringy or like weird or there were a lot of opinions, but like you don't make history if you're not polarizing. No, no. And she didn't, she didn't apologize. She's a household name. Literally. To this day. Yes. I mean, and you're, if she's a fellow wordsmith like you. Yes. Oh, you know what? And I, you know, okay. Wordsmith title of up. I love my, I love Amarosa. That line. And I don't, I wasn't even, that was that House of Villains? What was that? House of Villains. I used to like, I used to watch it like late at night. And I was like rolled over this way, half asleep. When I said, she said, I had to rewind it. Because what do you mean? I can't even repeat the words because I'll go to hell. But like, how do you come up with these things? And the thing is that's not, that's like, that obviously is in the pantheon now, but it's not even in the top 10. Right. Things that she has said. Said, yes. I mean, even just recently with the Z-Way interview. Oh my God. Barbara Walters could never. Never. Z-Way by the way. I was like reading her lips to try and see what the bleep. You got Z-Way. Yeah. Of all people. To bleep you. To bleep you. Z-Way like, she's like. She was screaming throughout. Like pulling things. She's trying to get you to go there. She was like almost like uncomfortable. I was like, let me just see if I can like see through the bleeping. Can I like add it, and I couldn't get it. You couldn't. But we need to call the, what's the girl? She's, she's, she's deaf. She's a liberator. She's deaf. Yes, yes, yes. From the tech talk. Yes. We need her. Because she can read the lips. Absolutely. She's really good. She told me what Kelly Rowland said. Down to the, what was that? They were in France. Oh, oh, oh. When Kelly was like, the Houston Texas camp. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Was it the Cannes Film Festival? It was Cannes Film Festival. Yeah, because one of the assistants was like pushing her home too hard. She was like, don't put your hands on me. She got it perfect. No, Kelly. First of all, Kelly Rowland, another name invoked legendary, thank you. I love Kelly. She, one time I was singing the national anthem at a Clippers game, and she was there, and I was peed on myself. I was like, oh my God. Oh my God. Did you get to interact with her? No, because she was like over there, and I was over there, and I can't talk to Kelly. But you know, there's, no, it's like, it's like me and you, it's like I can't. No, but, please. Please. And this is you and Tiffany, both iconic moments with the knives, waving a knife around. What knife, what knife? Flavor of love season one, to pumpkin. Oh my God. You know what I'm talking about. Oh wow. Hello, Bowen here from the future, relative to when this episode was recorded here with a shameful correction. It was not pumpkin who Tiffany Pollard waved her knife at. It was hottie in the kitchen, giving birth to the phrase, New York is in the motherfucking house. There is also another famous knife moment when New York was upset that Flav was flirting with Goldie on their joint date, and she was brandishing a big, big sharp knife. Hope that clears things up as you were. But she had a steak knife and you had a butter knife, so it's just different. Wow. But you just cut your cut. Because she is my mother. She's your mother. But wow, I will say. She's like, no. No. No. This is a significant moment in media. I'm gonna say, in just media portrayal representation, something where it's like, it was, I got to school the next day after the spit moment. Culture had changed. I wasn't watching season one. I didn't have cable, but I was like, we got to school the next day, and everyone was like, did you watch Flav, or I loved Flav the last night? I was like, no. It's a show on VH1. Pumpkin spit on New York. And then I got the entire mythology in one sitting, and I was like, something really important has happened. Turn it on. Turn it on. And so I would go with my dad to his business trips to Wyoming to just stay in the hotel room so I could watch. So you could binge. So I could binge Flav, because VH1 would do these marathons, and it was just, my jaw was on the floor. I was like, this is a star. We've never seen anyone like her. No, she is a wizard. She's a fairy. Also, we'd both, our friend of ours, just gave us as a gift, a mug, and on it, it's the whole speech of, pretty much I would let Jenna know. Da da da da. Literally. That she is a fairy. Oh my God. You can't say it. I literally, now we both own mugs. Did you get yours? I got mine. Okay, yeah. So now there's no excuse to not be off book everyone out there. Truly. You can put it on a mug. Yes. But it's like, she's a work Smith woman. She has a very interesting mother. Yes, I was thinking that. Sister Patterson. Sister Patterson. Sister Patterson, I saw a lot of my mom, and that was the other thing, it was like, wow. And her mom is like mine, like a strong woman. She's great. She's a grandmother, honey. Yeah, that's cool. She calls me and she's like, I'd be like, hey, and she's like, where's Jet? Yeah. I mean, I'm okay. You know, I ate today, thank you. My interests are growing back, thanks. But here's Jet, okay. And when she comes to visit at least once a month, and I don't see Jet, they sleep in the same bed, she's feeding him, he's like, Gabba, he can't say grandma. So he says, Gabba, Gabba, Gabba, Gabba. And now that she's gone, every morning I would get him up and he would like go to the top of the stairs and look down and she'd be sitting in the living room, like drinking her coffee and watching Sherry. And he'd be like, Gabba. So now every morning he goes and looks down and Gabba, Gabba, and like, she's not there, she is at her house. Yeah. We'll see her later. But they don't tell you that part of being a parent, it's such a special weird feeling to see your child with the person that birthed you. It's like, oh my God, this is special. What happens there when you see that? It's like, I can't describe it yet. It just feels like, it's almost like you're watching yourself with your mother. It's like you get a glance into what they might've been like with you, but nicer. It's like in a moment where you see like, oh, it's almost like an appreciation. Now that I can visualize literally you caring for this person, I have an extra gratitude because you cared for me. Yeah, yeah. It's like, for no other reason, do it for that. Do it to just to give grandparents that moment. See, I don't think either of us are gonna have children. But hearing you describe it is like profound. It is beautiful. Yeah, I just have one. Of course. You can share them. And share, well, maybe say it at this point. Are there songs about motherhood? There is a song on my impending album. Impending? Yeah. Can we have any details about this? Well, there is a new remix. So if only is out now. Stream download, all those things. There is a remix that, so I teased it today on my socials with a very special someone that we all know and love that will be coming out, I think in like two weeks. Oh, love. I should know the date, but I don't. So it's a surprise. Yes. The remix is. The remix is a surprise. The special guest is a surprise. The remix is not. The remix is out, the teaser is out today. Got it. The special guest is very special. Oh, we want to find out off there. Oh, but speaking of music, because I love that you said Tiffany New York Pollard, but I, as a musician, one of the things I love about Deep Space is I feel like I can draw a line to it, to really, really important music from when I was younger. And then looking you up a little bit, I know that you like RL890s, R&B girl. Oh, yes. So I just have to say. Those are my teachers. That you know that I was thinking about never say never. Oh my God, of course. Like I'm telling you. Honey. And I hear just like, obviously lots of Tony, but like the tone of your voice like speaks to yes, Tony, but obviously Brandy. Like I can just hear it in the way that you sing. I can hear it in the way that you approach words. Like I wanted to know about like your musical inspirations and wondering if I'm onto something there. You know what is so, you know, like when you do something and it's intentional and you don't know people are going to get it. Thank you for getting it. And I, it just, it validates like the little girl in me that was like in her room dancing until she was sweating with her hairbrush. I want to dance with somebody. And knowing like somehow, some way, some day, like she would be here and like be talking about her music. I used to, so do you guys remember like the big CD, the like six disc CD changer? Oh yeah. The two big speakers. And then have the two cassette tape because we used to be a cassette tape. 100% tape. So I had one of those. And I had, it was always a Whitney Houston CD, Butterfly or Rainbow or both. Wow. Never say never. Just punch me in the heart. Butterfly is my favorite album. Monica, what's her album with the blue, the baby blue? So gone. Angel of Mine, Angel of Mine. Angel of Mine. Yes. I'm back with another correction. It is not Angel of Mine. That is the name of another single off of that album. But it is called The Boy's Mine, of course. And I knew that that was wrong when I said it, as you were. That one. Right? Yeah, that's the album title. Yes, I think it's, yeah. Misunderstood Pink. Oh yeah. When Pink was still kind of black. Yeah. The Candy Burris era. She was a black pink. Black pink. We love Black. We love Pink, Pink today. We love Pink, Pink. We love Black, Pink. We love Black, Pink too. And we love Black, Space, Pink. Yes, yes, we love, yes. All the Black, Pink. Yes, all are invited. That was in there. Oh, Dirty. Oh, please. Yes. The Stripped album was the album. And no, she, she, I don't, not to say she never got back there because like she's got so much incredible work since then. But the reason I say that is because we were in the midst of a moment with Stripped and we didn't even realize it. No, right. It was a phenomenon that we didn't know. And I would like, I studied back when music videos were still like a thing. And making the video and you, you'd spend like three, four days, like and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to like give the world this art that we don't have. Nobody is spending that kind of money anymore. Nobody is like investing in that part of the artistic process anymore. It's such a shame. Yes, I try, I did do it. I did it. My favorite visual of mine is, is it enough? And I, I spent a lot of money on that. Yeah, they're expensive. They people don't realize these are like for a music video. It's like 50, 60 thousand dollars if you're rocking and rolling. Yes, I think I spent like 40, 35, 40. I spent 40 on mine. And it was over two days. Yeah. But I don't, I'm not mad. I don't regret it. Like, no, because you'll always have it because I also feel like, especially you as someone who's like wanted to do this for so long and like has inspirations and a, and a vision of what this looks like. You can't just do your album without music videos. Like, and my team was like, girl, we don't need that. I said, we're doing it. Yeah, we're doing it. Want this. It's for you. Yes. Yes. It is for me. Yes. I don't care if anybody else watches it. But even on my new project, I know right now what song will have a visual. Okay. I don't care what you, and if there will be an eight count. Yep. Okay. I'm going to oil my knees up real good. Let's go. Yes. It's going to happen. And if nobody watches it, I will have lived my life and done the things I needed to. It's investing in yourself. What is this about you being a rock star on your past life? Because you're bringing a rock sound to this album. I hear. Yes. Yes. Talk about, was there a rock album in the rotation of the sixth CD player? Or like what, like what are you drawing from personally? If. So it is still a goal of mine to do like a rock R&B version of Under the Bridge. I love the chili peppers. Yeah. Come on. I love them. Mr. Kitas. California. I love. Yes. Yeah. He was hot too. Yeah. He was cute. He's kind of weird now. Now it's tough. He was cute then. I mean, I love when our straight guys who do our show like sort of like act with one random straight thing we say. And Anthony Kitas got them to laugh today. It was David Fincher a couple of weeks ago. Now it's 2026 Anthony Kitas. So we're back. Yes. Yes. Welcome. So you want to do Under the Bridge? Yes. Wow. I love that song. I love that song. I love like Led Zeppelin. I love what is his name? What is with the teeth? Mr. The teeth. With the teeth. With the teeth. I'm thinking of. Freddie. Freddie Mercury. Oh yeah. Yes. With the teeth. Yes. You know. You know, with the teeth. May he rest. Yes. May he rest. That's a great flattering way to refer to him. Yeah. Well, because that was just like. Signature. Signature. That was first. It's the dark hair. It's the white tank. It's the jeans. It's the pants. It's the belted situation. Yes. Even Prince. Prince is probably like. Rockstar. My rock idol. Yes. I like I want to be Prince. Yeah. I just he did it right. And he went too soon. Like it was and it made no sense. Like no business man did. Like none. It is crazy. It's like one of those ones that you're like wait. Can we go back? How did this happen? How did this happen? Yeah. It just it happened so fast. Yeah. And if like he didn't even get like his just do like it was just like OK he's gone. What's next? Like we we need to go back and like honor him properly. Yeah. Because it was he just dropped that last album with like the three sort of lens glasses and then that was it. Yeah, you're right. It didn't feel. Yeah. Yeah. It wasn't it. We I don't because he's such a monumental. Yes. Influence. Forget about artist in his own right. Influence on the most important artists of our generation. Yes. Like namely Beyonce who by the way shuts everything down to to I'll never forget it was the formation world tour at at Queens and she stopped everything to make sure that at her concert Prince was going to get a full on you know like moment. Yeah. Yeah. And Tina Turner to Tina. Tina is like the the female version. They are like each other's opposites and gender like I if I could be Tina Tina's knees are better than mine. Like if you see old school even now she was like it would be there are like videos of her where I'm like is this sped up. She created and it wasn't. It was she it was it's insane to me and I'm not even this is how I know like I'm going to be your for a while because I haven't even like touched the surface of of that of what I want to do. Of course. Like I feel like Deep Space was amazing and it's my baby. It was my introduction and I was like timid and I was like kind of like doing what I thought I should do and listening to my trusted team listening to them. This next album I was like no I'm not doing that. Yeah. I was a little bit more vocal. Yeah. But I even I still even still like even now I'm this project is like mostly done. There's I'm recording a few more songs but I'm already thinking about like what I want to do next. Yeah good. And it's like I'm like slowly coming out of my shell and like eventually I'm going to do like whatever the fuck and it's going to be what it's going to be and I like I can't wait to get there. This is what I'm saying. Canis like you you you will keep coming out of your shell because this is what you do. This is this is so exciting and like I'm even hearing you talk about like the the Rob conversation moment not to go back to this but just quickly I'm like oh you have such an understanding of narrative and like you knew that wasn't like you like you knew in the moment you didn't know in the moment that it would be such a moment. Right. Right. Yeah. And then what Matt's kind of bringing about bringing up with like the pageant stuff where it's like oh you weren't sort of conflict oriented back and you're in that sort of yeah sort of origin it's like I think you I'm like oh you could be like a producer like you could be like behind the scenes you're such a star you should be in front of the camera. Well that's like that's a thing. But you know I think I think the world's your oyster. Thank you. I really do. I receive it. I mean also the thing about you is are you a voice notar. Oh yes. Because you write when you speak. Yes. You that's that's something I recognize. Yes. I'm like I feel like you channel. Uh huh. And you have to have just your hand has to be on that voice note. Yes. Because I feel like sometimes I don't know how you feel but it's hard for me to sit down and and like actually write and log. It's easier to hand write. Yeah. You like I said one of our great verbal processors you literally write when you speak it's good enough it is quality enough when it comes from your brain through your mouth. That's why it's caught on so many times on Housewives but that if you channel it like that there's so much that could go into the work. I receive that. Yeah. Yeah my jet because I do talk to text all the time and now jet will take my phone he calls a stone stone stone and he takes my stone and he'll like hold it up to his mouth and go. I'm like what are you doing and I'm like oh my god he's mimicking me. Yeah. Because I do that all day. Yep. It's it's insane but yes I'm I'm working on a piece of literature and so much of it just a little casual literature a little tome. Yeah. A little tome and some I do type because I do like depending on the day that I'm writing some days I do just want to like I want I want the energy to come out of my hand. Yeah. Yeah. But some days I'm like now I'm just about to hit this button and and like speak the words of this book. Yeah. 100 percent. And and it just it goes. Yeah. And yeah I do it's because I read a lot as a kid. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Always reading a book a goosebumps book. Babies there's club. Goosebumps. Babies there's. Yeah. That's the this is the boxcar children. Yes. Oh boxcar children. We remember that. Yes I do. Oh my gosh. No yeah that's that's this is all it's all foundational. I've always wanted to ask you what did you do at the White House what was your job at the White House. I wasn't intern in the offices of public engagement and intergovernmental affairs. I see. So I was a liaison so my office liaised between the White House and mostly the black community. Oh okay. So like we would do all the tours we'd bring people in. Yes. Yeah. First term Obama or second. First term. Okay. End of first term and then when I did the campaign that was the second. Yes yes 2012. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. I was on tour in DC this last no not obviously not this last but the year prior. And it was I had to be it had to be you know December 4th 5th 6th so they knew. The holiday. So yeah so it was the holidays at the White House but it was obviously a month after the election and the months before the changeover. So they were like yeah if you want to come in for a tour they literally go. I think I did that too. Yeah. Yeah we was like and I took jet that was like his that was like his fourth time. Because you were like let me get in here before. Yeah he had been like three other times when he was in utero. Yeah. And I was like let's go so you can like see it and get to get a picture in here. So you know if it all burns to the ground we can say we were in here. And it basically is anyway. It's ashes. Yeah. They said as much though they I remember feeling so frustrated but obviously understanding because you know the lovely women that were giving us the tour there were like because you know who knows if we're ever coming back. Yes. And I'm like even you guys are saying that. It is grim in there. Yeah. Yeah. And then recently I was invited. Oh no. For a tour and I was like no why would I do that. Why. I was like I've seen it thanks. No thank you. Yeah I've been there. You know I somebody was like well you know it's it's still the White House. It's like it's not my White House. No. And I don't and then it's just the energy. I'm going there and like I've heard about the like out of spite the changes that have been made. Oh yeah. It's just going to piss me off. No of course. Of course. Underground in a bunker or something because I'll like kick a door. Yeah. I don't need to go. No. No I've seen it. Wait a minute wait a minute. Oh I have to really point out quickly point out. Um we forgot to say um undomesticated. Undomesticated. Michael Arson know I've read his book when it came out. Which one. I can't date Jesus. Oh that is my book. That's how I slid in his DMs like wait this book is like my life. Excellent. Just the way he writes the way that I think. Yes. And like all of his books are this way but like you just you feel like you're sitting like with a friend like just talking about your life when you're reading his book. Yes. And I remember my best friend was like I'm reading this book and I feel like you would really like it and it's like like it's just aligned with your life and I was okay. Sure I'll read it and I was halfway through and I just I've never done it before. I was like I need to tell him how amazing his writing is and I slid in his DMs and I was like you know I just like everything you're saying about like. Your mom your relationship with your mom and like your life and being from the south we both went to Howard. Yeah. Yeah. So I was just I was like I have to tell you this and we became friends from that. Jenny Moon beautiful. Like I just he's he's a brilliant he's like too brilliant for the world. He's wonderful. He writes all about how like he calls it um Bethesism like his like love for Beyonce but like how like. Bethesism. Because he came up Catholic I believe. He's Catholic. He was raised Catholic. He was raised Catholic and like he like maybe was going to be a priest. I think. I don't remember this. Or a man of the cloth in some way. Yes. And then like he just writes about how like loving someone like Beyonce is a better sort of lens to which through which you like evaluate your own self concept or worth or whatever. Like that is a bit more meaningful in the current day. That's interesting. Like look at a pop star like Beyonce or any or just any artist that you love and just be like oh this is this is telling me something about myself. It's very it's so it's it's very beautiful and like I've always I've been such a I love that you guys. Have this wonderful podcast together. Yes. Anyway. It just it works and he's I mean he he lives up to his name. He his name on Instagram is young scenic. So he's going to give it to you very straight and tell you the truth and I'm not far behind but I love how we like we find different ways to like approach the same topic. He's going to be like yeah that bitch is fucked up and I'd be like yeah she is fucked up but you know maybe in her childhood. Her daddy was you know I will find a way because I have an honorary MD. Yeah. Come on now. My parents are physicians so you know I will I will diagnose. I was just talking the other day about you know enough something somebody's like blood pressure or something and my mom was like are you a doctor. I say yes girl. Isn't that how it works. Okay. Like I'm an air dresser I suppose. Yes. Yes. You've been around it enough. Yeah. You have an MD honorarily. You know what though you do pick up some things. So yes. Part of why I think I'm doing this is because I heard my mom talk to women in the chair when she was cutting her hair. So you're a doctor. It is the same. Yes. And you are Oprah. Yes. You see this. That's how it works. Absolutely. Okay. In that vein I think it's time to move on. Before we before we move on to I don't think so honey I do have to ask you one question which is what is your favorite brandy track. My favorite. There's not one. The entire entire your full moon. I just I die to talk about her all the time on this podcast and we rarely have people that are like that know the lore. Same. People don't respect brandy. He does not get the respect she deserves. They took her for granted. Yes. But no it's not even that it's it's just that you don't have the range. Like when you don't get brandy it's because you can't sit with us. Like you don't get it. You have to put your ear on the speaker. Yes. To really appreciate brandy the vocal Bible. Vocal Bible. Vocal Bible. So you used to really I read this about you used to really put your ear to the speaker so you could hear all the stacks. All the harmony. Every stack. Yes. And like I want like six harmony. I want six part harmony. Yes. Because brandy did it first. No. And if you pick down the door so Ariana could sprint. Listen. Yes. Kalani too has talked about how she is like that is her mother. Yep. And they be sick of me in the studio like okay we I mean no no no it's one more in there. Let's let's find it. Let's find it. Let's find it because it's in there. Yes. Like you I the fullness of sound is because of brandy. Yes. Acapella from human. I love the entire human album. Yeah. But acapella is probably one of my favorites. I think it's a tie. I never say never comes at 98. So that's like right around when butterfly happens. So this is when I was like telling myself okay this is the music I like. But then also you know album gets lost is aphrodisiac. Unfortunately Kanye is on talk about our love. But I do love that song. Yeah that's a good one. I also um the the the latest one that she did with camper that everybody was like this is weird. What was that album called? Are you talking about B7? B7. Yeah. I appreciate B7. Yeah. Like I appreciate anything she does. Yes. Yeah. Yeah like people were like this it was different and and I mean brandy is known for a specific sound. I get I respect that she wanted to try something else. Yes of course. And and I I lived for it. Yeah. Last year when we were putting our cultural awards together and so we heard that brandy and monica were going on tour together. And I remember I said wait I was like there's no better moment in life I can ever think of than them for the first time or at least for a long time performing The Boy Is Mine together. Yeah. I wrote them a letter. Do you remember this? Because they were pitched to us. They so I so basically like we saw that there was a possible chance and I was like stop everything. I've never done this before. Okay. I'm writing a letter to the talent. And I gotta like I gotta find it and keep it because I by the end I was emotional because I realized like I was speaking about something that had such a bigger impact than I could ever know. Just like the lore of their relationship that all went right into that to the vocals in that like just the the wildness of the riffs and the choices but how they spoke to each other. The tension in that. Yes. The very adult tone in Monica's voice contrasting with the girlish airiness of Brandy's voice gave personified POV one of the great tracks ever ever is that song. Whenever we do. Okay. It never never they can't. Yeah. Or they should try because we'd love to hear the attempts. Yes. No I want to see them at essence like they're I'm happy that they're continuing like if they're not sick of each other yet. Like yeah because you do you do worry. Yeah. Yeah. You know ever so slightly when you're tied to people in that way. Yes. Three years it's like you never know what the what the tone is. We're going to be over it. Yeah. Exactly. Let's let's keep it going. I love it. And ever since their verses that was like what got me into the verses of it all. Yes. Okay. Is this like child's play what's happening and then they said they got Brandy and Monica to come do it and I was like oh this is real and then they had that one moment of tension and I'm like no no no Pack it up. Like please. He don't want it please. We're all living at home during covid. They're amazing together and I'm just and it's also just like it's very grown woman of them to be like okay let's put this all to the side the fans want this let's give and we need healing. We really in the world right now. Okay. So if the girls are not fighting everything is good. Yes. The other girls are fighting let them fight 100% let them fight. Let them fight. Yeah. Okay. It's I don't think so honey time. This is where we take one minute to sort of you know workout feelings on something in culture. I can I might start this time. You want to start this time because because Candice has inspired something in me. Then LFG. Okay. I'm going to put one minute on the clock for the one the only bo and yang. And he's going to tear it up. This is bo and yang's I don't think so honey and his time starts now. I don't think so honey. Oh you're still on your dad's plan for X Y Z. Yes. I still have a chase college debit account because my father started it in my name. Right over here we have the iconic Candice Diller Bassett saying yes I'm still on my father's phone plan and I will never get off of it. For why. For why. What would be the reason. Because because like it's not like a thing with like marriages let's say where it's like yeah of course you like kind of combine your assets you combine your things. There's nothing wrong with someone in the family no matter what the age is to be within the plan of some arrangement. Yes. I don't think there should be stigma around that. I don't understand. I'm not there's no existential functional difference in me having this chase college account. 15 seconds. Under my dad's name. It's under my name but it still has his name in parentheses. He doesn't have any visibility into it. But I'm like yeah why not. It connects me to my college days. I think of myself 2008 moving to New York with a dream and ten dollars in my account. And that's one minute. I remember the moment that the Chase Representative walked up and said what about a credit card and my parents turned to me and said I guess we're getting you a credit card. Wow. It's a moment. Yes I'm also my so my first checking account that my dad opened was like under his name. Yeah. I also still have that account. That's what I'm saying. Yes. So like if he needs to like transfer money or take money out because like I think you know how you can do the you pay for the phone and installments. Yeah. Yes. Yes. So he makes me pay. You're still bought. It's still your phone. And it comes out of that account. Exactly. And I just pay him like the forty seven dollars or whatever it is a month and he set up the automatic transfer. So it's like yes. But if he wants to slide a couple of dollars in there he can do that too. That's fine. Of course. Yes. The parents having access to that kind of account is so funny because when I knew I had to end it was my mom goes to me. I just wanted to ask about because I can see it and I was like OK don't look at that. She was like that's only fans. No. I was like I'm supporting the arts. Yes. I was like don't look at this anymore. You are technically. But I mean it is the art. It's artful. Art is a loose term and don't want to know. Listen my God today. OK. Fabulous and more. Thank you. You spoke to a generation. I don't understand the stigma around it. OK. I have one. OK. Great. This is you know it's not directed at anyone in particular but we're talking fashion. This is Matt Rodgers. I don't think so many times starts now. I don't think so honey men in sheer. Now I'm is this a little bit me just scared to do because I feel like you know when Hudson and Connor hit the carpet and they're in a look you have to think is this now a fashion trend and they were in sheer last night at the Vanity Fair Oscar party and I said please not this because then we might have to explore sheer. That's not happening for me like the way it is on Hudson and Connor and I think this may go the way of shirtless under a blazer. If you think can think back to six years ago. Lot of people doing shirtless under a blazer on red carpets. It dates the look. It dates the look and I just think classic. What if we return to classic. I think about this a lot. I just kind of want to see you showed up the other day at the glad awards in like like a black tux. Yeah. I said classic. Remember those return to Hollywood glamour. Five seconds. I'm just saying let's call out these things before they become mainstay trends sheer. I don't think so. And that's one minute and 16 seconds. Oh wow I really went over. Yeah. No problem. You had a lot to say. I just because you know when you see it start to catch on. Yes. And you're like okay now you have to wrap your mind around it. Yes. Yeah. I love sheer though. I do sheer often. That's you though. Yeah. I do like a bra and I'll do like a sheer top. 100%. But for men it's like it's like if you're going to do sheer that kind of means you're showing nipple. A little bit. Yeah. I mean but they're just they're just little nips. They are totally little nips. You know you know like huge areolas. Right. You know. But not every nipple is made the same. They are not. Like some nipples are like you see a nipple on the wild and you're like oh wow like. Yeah. And then I might have the little points. Mine I'm like I gotta go to Sanu and get the massage for an hour per boo. I know I really gotta go to Sanu. Yes. Get the milk out. Yes. It's important. Okay. I'm gonna stay in there too long. The shaking of the heads that are happening. Yes. Okay. So here we go. We're ready. Okay. For the moment that is Candice's unforeseen. Do you have thoughts? I have a thought. Okay. And you can read off the phone if you would like. Wait do I want to use this one because I feel like I already. See now this is how we know the note up is. The note's be popping on my phone. Like not even kidding. Wait I might let me try I want to find one. Yep. You take your time. Wait. I wasn't prepared. No no no. Be prepared. You need to cover be prepared. Yes. My mother called me Scar once. Why? I don't know. We were talking about the Lion King. And it was like around the time of my wedding. And she was like you have an attitude. You're acting. And she's like. You're acting like Scar. You're acting like Scar. Scar. She was like oh whatever Scar. She said it like that. All right. And my best friend never lets me forget. Though she called me Scar. Okay Scar. Okay Scar. And I will never forget. By the way you would never do House of Villains because you're that's that's predicated on you being a villain. Exactly. And I'm not a villain. I'm just misunderstood. Yeah. Also I think it's loose. I understand. Yes. It's like it's loose. It's loose whatever. They asked Fraser if he wanted to do it. I'm like you're not a villain. He's not a villain. Fraser like. Blowdeck. You know that's blowdeck. Yes yes yes. Uh huh. He's not a villain. No. Is he a villain? No. He's not a villain. Well maybe that's the lore in it. Like having people that are. He's just like blonde and icy and British. Yes. And so they try to like. They reject. He told me that they're always trying to push him in a villain direction. And he's like but that's not really what I can give you naturally. And so yeah I feel like you know something about that. Yes. That's how I feel often. Okay. There are so many things I could say and they're all just escaping me. That's okay. Oh I've got it. Okay. Okay. She's ready. Okay. Lock in for Candice. This is Candice Diller-Bassets. I don't think so honey. Her time starts now. But again one last time as we mentioned at the top of this episode we recorded this the day after the Oscars when Matt and I were blissfully unaware of this whole Bachelorette fiasco. Obviously a lot of things have happened since including the TMZ video and the cancellation of the season at the time of this recording as in this little memo insertion. It seems like it's still developing. Anyway that's just helpful to know. Okay. Enjoy Candice's wonderful. I don't think so honey. I don't think so honey. But y'all in this new Bachelorette Miss-what is her name? Frankie Taylor-Taylor Frankie Paul. She's ghetto and I'm just going to go on the record and say as much. I've said it already but the Bachelorette used to be this like girl next door. You know she's pulled up. She's straight and narrow. She's got all of her marbles. She keeps her legs closed. She sits pretty. She's she gives you she gives you sashaying of the shoulder. 30 seconds. And now we are fully like embracing the direction of hood rat. Like she just she's been to jail. She is she's been a she's like beating up her husband allegedly. Right 15 seconds. She's she's a mess and I'm just like how did we get here? The Bachelorette is going downhill fast. I'm gonna be watching but I will be watching with just just like a squint in my eye because how how are we here? What do we do? The man came out the other day saying that he slept with her the day before she left to go do the show. Oh no. We are in the ghetto. And that's one minute and 10 seconds. So I didn't realize until last night watching the Oscars when they were playing the commercials for ABC. I was like that's Mormon girl. Yes. I didn't realize we were dipping into the other into the other properties. They're dipping into the ghetto. I have not. Wait who who is this person? I don't know. Who is she? Frankie Taylor Paul. Frankie Taylor is Taylor Frankie Paul is her name. Taylor Frankie Paul. And she's just she's a mess. She's just a mess. Utah doesn't have a good history with people with the last name Frankie. I'm just gonna say. Oh is that who else is Frankie? So there was also that she's the Bachelorette. Yes, her. That's it. Wow. Taylor Frankie Paul. How do we get here? TikTok reality. Well you know what I think honestly what happened is I think Dancing with the Stars had huge success with Whitney Leavitt. Yes. Whom I love. And yes. I love her. And real talent. And then they said okay well this is a property that people clearly are hungry for and it's both ABC. Let's lean in. And so they probably said because the secret arrives is on Hulu right? Yes. Yep. Yep. There's the umbrella. Yep. There you go. Yep. What is that called? What is that called? Synergy. Synergy. Mm-hmm. Yeah that. You know down the line. Just this thing trickled out. I was unaware she was selected for such a role. I think it started already or it's starting soon. But I'm just like she just. I'm gonna watch. I'm gonna just I'm gonna be open. Yes. But I'm very much judging. Do you feel like as someone who in unscripted television that you must be very literate and very caught up on the general landscape of it? To a degree. It's a lot. It's a lot of stuff. Yeah I think you have to also kind of protect your piece and decide like okay I'm gonna step away for now. Yeah. But it's also like if you are at all on socials you can't you can't escape it. It's the air. Yeah. If you're on TMZ or the Shade Room which is like that's the devil's door. TMZ, The Neighborhood Talk like these are I follow these these these behemoths of social. And you're like you you're gonna see even people like all of our like reputable like journalistic outlets are like in the smut of it all. Right. There's something did happen. I well obviously we know what happened which is fucking a reality star became the president of the United States. That part. But then I do think everything kind of collapsed in and itself where it was like there's no um it's hard to tell what's an A-list star now. Correct. And and and others. Yeah like people people lose their minds in the airport for reality stars. Yes. But like Angela Bassett is standing. Yeah exactly. Where we stand. You're like can I divert your attention? Hello like real talent is you know they don't care. Well it's the parasociality of it. It's like I but meanwhile for me whatever I'll analyze myself later but it's like people feel like they will know you and so they'll like come up to you and sort of break down the familiarity walls a little too quickly whereas if they see someone more quote unquote reputable artistically and whatever whatever that means. They're they're an another echelon. Yes. So I can't relate. Unreachable. Yeah. I yes I don't know too many details about their like first hand. Right. But do you before you were you and you were you if you saw like Tiffany Pollard on the street. Never. That's different. Well when you when you have also like an occasion to speak to them. Yes. That's different. So there was something like that happened where once I got in the rooms as and I was invited to the room I was like now I feel like I can say hello because like there I always say well since I was little like my idol was Kelly Clarkson idol idol idol idol and I remember when you performed on her show too I was so proud of you I was like yeah she performed on Kelly even though it was COVID in virtual yes but I had gotten to the point where like there were a few times where I could have like gotten up to her randomly and said hello but I was like no yeah I have to wait because I knew I was manifesting like interacting with her like in some way and then I got to meet her on her show when I was a guest so I was just like I'm happy I waited because I never think anyone's gonna want to talk to me anyway. Like why yeah why do you think and it's not to say that I my friends call me a friendly hoe because I will stop and talk to you everybody. I love like when people want to come up to me and talk to me but that's me. Yes. I don't think. I'm with you. That anyone wants to hear my story about how I was crying because I you when you threw your butter knife it made me want to throw my butter knife like I don't. You gave us all permission. Right I was liberated to throw butter knives like I don't think you care. Have you been have you had that occasion with Tiffany? I've never met Tiffany I've never been an in proximity to her. So if you are in like a room with her where everybody's sort of like like the social glue is there would you go up there? I would because like you I feel like I'm in a space where I've arrived enough. She'd be thrilled to see you. Absolutely. Enough. Absolutely. I still have more arriving to do but I've arrived enough where it's like okay we are like we're there's synergy here we're like in a similar zeitgeist of things. 100% and yes I would. We need to see you guys in conversation. Next year variety actors on actors I want to see everyone who's up there and ask her and then Cammy and Tiffany this is what I'm saying and I know we can make it happen. This is a place where things get manifested. Listen I'm a I'm a manifestor however I will say a good friend of mine Cammy Crawford do you know Cammy? I don't think so. She was Ms. Teen USA she was on she hosted Catfish with Ned. She has a podcast called Relationship. She recently did a post where she met a woman like randomly at the grove and the woman was like do you say do you manifest and she was like of course and the woman was like well stop you need to woman fest. Oh sure. Wait a damn minute sure if that's not so I'm no longer manifesting I'm woman festing. Yes. Okay it is women's history month and I think we are a fully gay guy affested a full banger of an episode with you today. I can talk to you guys. And I swear like we have always like looked to the screen and just had so much fun watching you. You're so just like you carry the light and we love watching you crush of course you're the star of the Traders like when you and Rina pulled off those cloaks to see each other know that that was also their response we were having at home I called you like I can't I deal with who they picked I've pumped my fist yeah it was one of those and we needed it in the moment. Yes absolutely. It was a brilliant time. We adore you are you going on tour with Tamar? Perhaps. Oh. Braxton family values. You know we are the Braxtons and you'll see what is the song we are the Braxtons and you'll see. We are not like and I don't know the words man. Tony Tracy to an untranet to my remiss equal teach you a thing or two. Yes and she's warm. There was a family value no I'm not. Now you are. Yes no I love long long live the Braxtons. Oh deeply but you I will say I know we have to go but like they say you're not supposed to meet your heroes I actually like would be terrified to meet Tony. Well Tony is another level. I would be terrified. Yeah I've obviously met Tamar. Yeah I toured with Tamar on her Love and War tour. And then I have a song with Tracy Braxton may she rest. Ugh. Um and she's probably my favorite Braxton because she is just just insane like the just the funniest most hilarious person you will ever meet in your life. Yeah. And so kind and so just sisterly and a mentor and Tamar is that to me as well but there's there's no one like Tony is the reason for the whole season. I would I don't like get star struck I would like melt into the carpet. Yeah. It's really Braxton. I I would just rather adore her from afar almost. I understand. You know like she's I would I would convulse. I saw her in Aida on Broadway. And I just in the 90s. Oh yeah. This was like 2000. Wow. Maybe right turn of the century. But I'm telling you she went in as one of the replacements and I was like we're going little 10 year old like a little closet and gay white boy. I was like we have to see I you know to my parents and they were like okay and I believe Adina Mandela was M. Nara. Yeah. Oh sure sure. Yeah it was it was star studded. I think it felt like that. Yeah. But anyways we love you. This is the last thank you guys. Stream it all. I hope you've watched the Traders otherwise you're spoiled today. But if not you know it's still fun. It's still fun if only stream it because it's all about the streaming numbers. That's right. And the upcoming impending album. Yes. She's not going to give us the scoop tonight but we're going to get it. Oh you'll get it soon. We're going to get it. And you're going to love it. Okay. We end every episode with a song. It's really thank complain. You remember this one. It's the conversation. Trust me that's not what you want. Yeah. I don't do back and forth. I want to know the flag on the play oh. Cause you know what hella disrespectful. Every week I'm one bit out the door. Yeah. Next thing I do. I'm riding on my derriere. Got me pissed off from my head down to my shoes. Boy I swear I'm home with you. Cause I'm in right back home. Bringing it in so you can put it down. Now we're going to we're going to promo. Stream the rest of it if you want to hear it. On Deep Space please. Lost Cultures is a production by Will Ferrell's Big Money Players and iHeart Radio Podcast. Created and hosted by Matt Rogers and Boa Nyang. Executive produced by Anna Hosnier and produced by Beccaramos. Edited and mixed by Doug Bame. And our music is by Henry Kamersky. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.