The Idea of...

In this episode, Mike and Bassey pick up where they left off; with the conversations that too often get cut short.

We’re talking loneliness, manhood, growth, and the real cost of disconnection. From weighted vests and busted knees to what happens when Black men finally start talking to each other—with honesty, humility, and without the pressure of being performative.

We explore:

• The isolation Black men carry and how it shows up in...

This week, it's just Mike on the mic—flying solo, but grounded in reflection. In this raw and vulnerable episode, Mike shares his personal evolution as a straight Black man navigating proximity to LGBTQ+ community spaces—from a Durand Bernard concert to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour—and how those moments sparked deeper reflection on masculinity, homophobia, and what Black liberation really requires.

Mike gets honest about his past di...

In this layered, expansive episode of The Idea Of..., Bassey and Mike start with glitter tuxes, Maybach rentals, and the ever-evolving Black prom aesthetic—but quickly dive into deeper territory. What begins as nostalgia and cultural reflection unfolds into a nuanced conversation about heartbreak, socialization, masculinity, regional hip hop beef, and why some men are still defending the indefensible.

Mike opens up about a personal ...

In this conversation, Bassey and Mike delve into the intricacies of creativity, mental health, and the importance of cultural representation in art. They explore personal growth through creative practices, the impact of community and performance, and the significance of protecting one's creative gifts. The discussion also touches on the influence of prominent black artists and the evolving landscape of black creativity in contempor...

This week, we’re asking hard questions with soft landings: What does it mean when people play dumb for the camera? Or are they not playing? And how does that intersect with Black intellect, emotional vulnerability, and the podcast industrial complex? Bassey and Mike go deep—starting with a vulnerable, wide-open conversation about creative blocks, self-worth, and the pressure to “show up” in public spaces, before shifting into a sha...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mike and Bassey open up about what it means to reach a crossroads in life — that place where the dreams you had for yourself collide with the reality you're living now.

Bassey reflects on the quiet mourning that comes when you realize you're living in a future you never really planned for. Mike explores how the language we use — about success, failure, and growth — shapes not jus...

In this episode of The Idea Of..., Bassey and Mike reflect on the one-year anniversary of the Kendrick vs. Drake battle — not just the bars, but the culture, the industry, and the deeper implications. From the art and strategy behind Kendrick's moves to Drake’s unraveling in real time, they dissect what this moment reveals about hip hop, power, and perception. The convo weaves through colorism, Cole's mysterious role, corpo...

In this conversation, Bassey & Mike explore various themes surrounding personal experiences, race, kindness, and the complexities of navigating conversations about race. They share personal anecdotes, including a car trouble incident that highlights the kindness of strangers, and delve into the nuances of racial dynamics and the impact of social media on racial discourse. The discussion emphasizes the importance of redemption, ...

In this episode (peep the chapters below), Bassey and Mike explore a range of topics from personal health and aging to family dynamics and the challenges of parenting. They reflect on their experiences with traffic and its impact on mental health, discuss political discourse and current events, and delve into the complexities of hip hop culture and journalism. The conversation also touches on the societal perceptions of black men i...

In this episode, Bassey and Mike revisit their take on Kanye and mental health—this time with feedback from listeners in hand. They unpack the praise, the pushback, and why conversations like this are never simple.

Naturally, the convo detours into hip-hop territory—Drake, Kendrick, beef-by-subtweet, and what artistry looks like in 2025. But the moment that stopped Mike cold? Bassey’s casual confession that she’s not feeling J. ...

In this episode, Bassey and Mike delve into the complexities surrounding Kanye West's behavior and its implications for mental health discussions. They explore the public's reaction to Kanye, the intersection of fame and mental illness, and the importance of compassion in crisis situations. The conversation emphasizes the need for nuanced discussions about mental health, particularly in the context of celebrity culture, and...

*Excuse the intro... Mike is the middle of DFW Airport... in the busiest section... having the nerve to ask for privacy and silence. It makes for good podcast comedy. *

In this episode of the Idea Podcast, hosts Bassey & Mike engage in a lively discussion covering a range of topics from health and well-being to the impact of social media and the representation of black men in media. They delve into the dynamics of comedy, citin...

In this conversation, Bassy & Mike explore a range of topics from personal health experiences to cultural insights gained from travel. They discuss the challenges of engaging in meaningful conversations across differences, particularly in the context of social media. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of art and activism, the impact of outrage culture on Black voices, and the need for a cultural reset in how we engage with ...

In this conversation, Bassey and Mike explore a range of topics, including cultural differences, personal experiences with mental health, the complexities of aging (again), and the challenges of self-perception. They discuss the impact of trauma on mental health, the importance of self-awareness in navigating life changes, and the role of podcasting as a therapeutic outlet. The conversation also touches on fashion, identity, and th...

In this conversation, Bassey and Mike explore the complexities of emotions, vulnerability, and the impact of social media on personal connections. They discuss the importance of support from friends in creative spaces, the challenges of delusions of grandeur, and the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome. The dialogue delves into mental health, personal growth, and the generational differences in problem-solving skills. They emphas...

In this conversation, Bassey and Mike delve into the complexities of Black culture, creativity, and the impact of Kendrick Lamar's artistry. They discuss the tendency of white audiences to center themselves in conversations about Black artists, the revolutionary nature of Kendrick's work, and the challenges he faces in being recognized for his genius. The discussion also touches on the emotional weight of Black experiences,...

In this conversation, Bassey and Mike delve into Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance, exploring its artistic significance, the dynamics of his beef with Drake, and the cultural implications of his work. They discuss the storytelling aspect of hip-hop, Kendrick's intentionality in connecting with his audience, and the impact of his artistry on fans. The conversation highlights the importance of representation and the de...

In this episode, Bassey and Mike actually remember to press record 20 minutes after starting the conversation... They also discuss the chaotic political landscape, reflecting on their frustrations and fatigue with the current state of affairs. They explore the media's role in shaping narratives, the impact of past decisions on present realities, and the challenges of activism in a seemingly hopeless environment. The conversation de...

In this conversation, Mike and Bassey explore the complexities of navigating today's political landscape, the psychological warfare at play through social media, and the impact of historical context on current events. They discuss the disconnect within the Black community, the influence of wealth and power dynamics, and the importance of genuine conversations and understanding. The dialogue emphasizes the need for community spa...