8 chapters across the catalog
Neely Fuller Jr. describes the historical "weird" individual on a plantation who refused to react to provocation, causing unease among masters because they could not be predicted or controlled. This behavior is compared to the character Toby in Alex Haley's *Roots*, which served as a "software update" for racial trauma in the 1970s. The hosts discuss how these historical dynamics inform modern interactions and the importance of remaining "on code."
The hosts examine the background of Dr. Kizmika Corbett, noting her connection to UNC Chapel Hill—a site linked to early coronavirus research before it moved to Wuhan. They discuss her "cancellation" from the primary spotlight due to past tweets regarding COVID-19 as "genocide." The segment also touches on the symbolic weight of her name "Kizzy" in the Black community, referencing the character from the miniseries *Roots*.
The hosts discuss a viral trend from December 21, 2020, claiming that Black people would receive "superpowers" during the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn. The Root published an "open letter" regarding this "melanated magic." While the trend was largely humorous, the hosts find the underlying "woke" mysticism and the Root's specific "best practices" for these powers to be "cringe-worthy."
The hosts discuss the psychological impact of "trauma-based entertainment" such as the miniseries *Roots* and the film *12 Years a Slave*. They argue that the perpetual media focus on historical victimization prevents progress and functions as a form of psychological control. The co-host shares his personal strategy of refusing to give power to external perceptions, emphasizing that the "nature vs. nurture" debate in trauma is often skewed by cultural conditioning.
Robert Lee Noy was arrested in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (mistakenly identified as Michigan in the clip) for kidnapping a white woman and forcing her to watch the nine-hour miniseries Roots. Noy allegedly told the victim she needed to watch the slave documentary to "better understand her racism." The victim reportedly told police the experience made her understand racial animosity more clearly.
The hosts compare the real-life Roots kidnapping to a scene from American Horror Story: Coven, where a black witch forces a resurrected racist's severed head to watch black cinema. The segment critiques "trauma-based entertainment" and the use of media for racial re-education. They speculate whether the Iowa kidnapper was inspired by the fictional scenario on the FX series.
Sports commentators Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe criticized Colin Kaepernick's handling of the Atlanta workout, suggesting he preferred martyrdom over playing. Smith took particular issue with Kaepernick wearing a "Kunta Kinte" shirt to the event, which he interpreted as calling the NFL owners slave masters. Sharpe argued that Kaepernick was playing to an audience that had no power to give him a job.
The hosts discuss the cultural impact of Alex Haley's Roots and the specific scene where Kunta Kinte is forced to accept the name Toby. They characterize the miniseries as "trauma-based entertainment" that created deep emotional responses in the Black community. They link this symbolism to Kaepernick's choice of attire, framing the NFL owners as the figures attempting to break his will.
