The Idea of... Playing Dumb

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 sharp critique of anti-intellectualism in Black media. From flat-earth takes to fake debates, we’re pulling back the curtain on the performative personas that dominate today’s content culture—and asking why so many grown folks refuse to say, “I don’t know.”

This one’s layered, personal, and a little bit surgical. Tap in.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges

03:22 Unlocking Creativity and Overcoming Blocks

06:32 Recognizing Personal Accomplishments

12:22 The Impact of Fear on Success

18:33 The Journey of Content Creation

24:26 Exploring Black Intellectualism and Flat Earth Beliefs

34:11 The Authenticity Crisis in Podcasting

36:37 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Discourse

51:22 Navigating Vulnerability and Ignorance

01:01:25 The Impact of Public Perception on Intelligence

01:08:15 The Challenge of Authenticity in Media

01:11:11 The Complexity of Character and Performance

01:16:16 The Art of Argumentation and Presentation

01:21:01 The Impact of Corporate Sponsorship on Content

01:25:32 The Role of Audience Engagement in Podcasting

01:30:31 The Nature of Belief and Perception in Media