No Code Switching

Episode 1, Podcast Origin Story. Every podcast has an origin story — this is ours. This episode is just us, no typical segments, no structure — just conversation. We talk about how we met while working at the same nonprofit, the very different professional paths that brought us there, and the moments that laid the foundation for our friendship. What started as a podcast class at work quickly turned into something bigger...

Episode 3 is everywhere — in the best way. We start with holiday reflections, gift-giving debates, and Christmas experiences before pivoting hard into politics, power, and patriarchy. In The Pulse we talk about why there’s no such thing as being apolitical anymore, how America continues to resist women in leadership, and why qualifications don’t outweigh bias — even in the case of leaders like Kamala Harris....

Episode 4 is a reset. We catch up on New Year’s Eve plans, what listeners are leaving in 2025, and Shalina also shares her Times Square New Year’s Eve experience — so yes, we get into that. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we discuss travel bans and the dangerous reality of policies being pushed by Donald Trump, particularly targeting Black and Brown nations. In The Pulse, we talk about the New Year shift —...

Episode 5, is a mix of workplace truths, nostalgia, and cultural commentary. Nicole and Shalina kick things off by reviewing poll results on who not to trust at work — and the responses did not disappoint. We also get into the so-called Patriot Games (aka the modern day Hunger Games) In The Pulse, we reflect on things we remember growing up in the 80s and 90s — not a deep dive, just real memories — and we double d...

Episode 6 kicks off with poll results from our 80s and 90s nostalgia questions — what listeners want to keep, what needs to stay in the past, and yes… we got some AOL AIM screen names, which we absolutely loved.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we run through the first 21 days of 2026 and ask the obvious question: what is actually happening? From global politics to tariffs, ICE, aging foreign leaders, and general chao...

Episode 7 is packed. We kick things off with poll results and break down our listeners’ top five actors, along with our own picks. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a heavy week of global and political news — from the creation of a so-called Board of Peace, to plans for Palestine that don’t include Palestinian voices, to international headlines that left us shaking our heads. It’s a lot, and we tal...

Episode 8 is a full musical moment. We start with a weekly recap and listener poll results about which music groups people would want to be part of—while sharing our own dreams: Shalina choosing R&B singer life and Nicole claiming her rapper era.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack the disturbing reality of federal actions targeting prominent journalists and what it means when fear is used to silence rights and vo...

Episode 9 starts with poll results and reactions to the Super Bowl halftime moment—who listeners wanted to see with Bad Bunny, what we loved about the performance, and the racist backlash that followed.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a week of political headlines—from disrespectful rhetoric toward the Obamas, to ICE presence at voter polls, to conversations about the workforce, national debt, and political ...

Episode 10 starts with a catch-up and listener reactions to the best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts, because some of those stories needed to be shared.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a heavy stretch of headlines—from newly released Epstein-related documents and political fallout, to reality-TV controversy and firings tied to racist commentary, to protests and policy shifts around ICE. We also highlight pos...

Episode 11 kicks off with listener responses to our all-expense-paid travel question — from dream destinations to cruise conversations and vacation realities .

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack another intense news cycle, discussing international political developments, controversial legislation proposals, shifting congressional priorities, and headlines ranging from immigration enforcement scandals to unexpected po...

Episode 12 kicks off with what we’re watching lately and what our listeners recommended. Nicole is currently deep into Dynasty, and we have one clear message: if you’re not watching Paradise, what are you doing?

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we break down another intense news cycle—from major international conflict to controversial legal rulings, immigration enforcement failures, and policy changes affecting v...

Episode 13 kicks off with listener responses to our poll about old-school games and summer activities people used to play.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we run through a whirlwind of headlines — from questionable government spending and political shake-ups to travel mishaps, controversial appointments, and former MAGA supporters publicly walking back their support of “47.”

In The Pulse, we get into hygiene cu...

Episode 14 starts with a catch-up, including Nicole’s latest concert experience, before taking a trip down memory lane with the places, brands, and items that Gen Z and Gen Alpha would absolutely not understand if we mentioned them today.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we break down another week of headlines — from high-level resignations and NYPD misconduct to serious data access concerns involving former engineers ...

Episode 15 kicks off with a casual catch-up — recording a little earlier than usual and getting into everything from how the week has been going to a surprisingly passionate conversation about laundry. Somehow, we also find ourselves talking about writing letters to incarcerated individuals — because this episode definitely takes a few turns.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a series of unsettling headlines &...

Episode 16 starts with a catch-up, including Shalina’s experience at the Cardi concert and a quick conversation about the things women say when they’re really fed up (you know the tone).

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a series of heavy topics — from ongoing concerns about how Black service members are viewed in the White House, to the real cost of living in New York City for both individuals and famil...

Episode 17 starts with a throwback — reflecting on where we were at 17 years old and what life looked like back then. We also revisit listener responses to our last The Choice Is Yours question, where y’all really showed out with things you can say at work and in bed.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we break down a mix of headlines — from allegations surrounding Kristi Noem’s husband, to global politics wi...

Episode 18 starts with a quick catch-up and poll results — most of y’all chose unlimited plane tickets, and we learned not everyone wants their meals prepared (noted). We also show love to our Vietnamese listeners.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we react to headlines that feel straight out of a simulation — from Trump reportedly looking at gamers to fill air traffic controller roles to former NYC Mayor Eric Ada...

Episode 19 kicks off with listener responses to The Choice Is Yours, and one thing is clear — the hardest thing for most people to say is: “I need help.” We unpack that a bit and why it’s so difficult.

In This Can’t Be Real Life, we run through a week of headlines that felt both chaotic and revealing — from AI-generated political imagery to protests around weapons for Israel, and ongoing tensions...