15 chapters across the catalog
Will Smith recounts how he went "broke, broke, broke" after his early rap success due to reckless spending and failing to pay the IRS. He describes the embarrassment of being famous but having to ride the bus. The hosts discuss how tax trouble is often used as a leverage mechanism by the industry to control young celebrities.
Charles Barkley initially argues that NBA players deserve preferential access to COVID-19 vaccines because of the high amount of taxes they pay. Following public backlash, Barkley appears on the Ellen DeGeneres Show to apologize, labeling his previous comments "stupid." He clarifies that while he wants players to be safe, he does not believe they are more important than the elderly or first responders.
The discussion explores how rituals are "morally neutral" and can be used for either immense good or state-sponsored war. The hosts argue that "science" is being transformed into a new religion, complete with its own Armageddon (climate change) and tithes (carbon taxes). They suggest that isolating people from traditional "social cohesion" centers like churches makes them more susceptible to this new scientific dogma.
In a clip from *The View*, Chelsea Handler claims 50 Cent was "just screwing around" and actually supports Joe Biden. The hosts express disbelief that 50 Cent would need Handler to speak for him and criticize her for offering "another form of payment" to influence his vote.
Kamala Harris discusses the "Build Back Better" plan, focusing on home health care and a "Bill of Rights" for domestic workers, who are predominantly women of color. The hosts notice that neither Harris nor Biden mentioned the "Lift Every Voice" act or the "Lyft Act" during this interview, despite previously using those titles to appeal to Black voters. They suggest the plans are being rebranded to suit different audiences.
In a past interview, Kamala Harris addresses reparations by pivoting to her "Lyft Act," which proposes tax credits for families making under $100,000. The hosts argue that this is a non-starter for those seeking direct reparations for slavery. They also note the historical connection between major foundations like Rockefeller and the funding of HBCUs and the Boule.
The segment traces the history of gun control back to the 1600s and the post-Civil War "Black Codes" designed to disarm former slaves. These laws were intended to sustain white control and effectively removed a primary food source by prohibiting hunting.
Former FBI informant Darthard Perry describes the logistics of being paid in cash for information on groups like the Black Panthers. He details how "hot pieces" of information, such as the presence of foreign radicals, resulted in financial bonuses and how the Bureau protected informants from IRS scrutiny.
A listener's question about "tax-free status" as a tangible for black Americans sparks a substantive discussion. The hosts argue that exempting the descendants of slaves from federal payroll taxes would be a more efficient and impactful form of "economic justice" than cutting checks. They suggest the mechanism already exists through Social Security numbers and would encourage productivity.
The discussion covers Andrew Yang’s "Freedom Dividend" and his struggle to gain support from the Democratic establishment. Adam Curry critiques Yang’s proposal for a Value-Added Tax (VAT), drawing on his personal experience with high VAT rates in Europe. The hosts also touch on Bernie Sanders’ popularity with black millennials due to his promises of "free stuff."
The segment contrasts the brutal reality of Jim Crow-era voter suppression—including poll taxes, literacy tests, and physical intimidation—with modern political rhetoric. The hosts argue that using the term "suppression" for modern ID requirements diminishes the sacrifices of those who faced actual violence. They characterize modern claims of suppression as meaningless political memes designed to invoke specific emotional responses.
The discussion concludes with the idea that national procreation is not optional, as future generations are needed to maintain the tax base and workforce. The hosts critique the focus on "choice" without considering the long-term demographic consequences. They suggest that without a birth rate of 2.3 children per couple, the country's survival is at risk.
A Los Angeles councilman discusses the strategic value of Slauson Plaza as a transit hub for the 2028 Olympics. The area is designated as an "Opportunity Zone," providing significant tax advantages for investors. The hosts argue that the light rail expansion intended to link Crenshaw to LAX is driving up property values and forcing out "mom and pop" shops.
T.I. speaks on the generational trauma caused by the War on Drugs while simultaneously profiting from "trap music" that glorifies drug culture. The hosts point out the hypocrisy of T.I. denouncing Donald Trump while utilizing the Opportunity Zone tax breaks created by Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. They argue that these celebrities monetize negative community behaviors and then profit from the resulting redevelopment.
Donald Trump explains the intent behind Opportunity Zones, which offer zero capital gains tax for long-term investments in designated neighborhoods. The hosts critique the program's implementation under HUD and Ben Carson, noting that only 11% of zones are in truly poor neighborhoods. They describe the program as a "wild west" tax shelter for the wealthy that requires minimal actual business activity within the distressed areas.
