Certified Bad Example Podcast

Ever wondered why some school board meetings feel more like reality TV than public service? Or how the shows we binge can spark meaningful conversations about bullying, parenting, and LGBTQ+ representation? This episode takes a look at the adults setting questionable examples, the stories shaping our kids, and why the media we choose actually matters.

In this episode:

Why some school board meetings have become public spectacles—and what children learn from watching adults behave badly.

The importance of disagreeing respectfully, especially when kids are paying attention.

How LGBTQ+ representation in television can create empathy and normalize diverse families.

Why Korean dramas continue to surprise audiences with thoughtful storytelling and powerful anti-bullying messages.

A recommendation for Teach You a Lesson and why it stands out among today’s international dramas.

The connection between nutrition, body image, and raising healthy kids without shame or extremes.

What longevity hotspots around the world can teach us about family meals, movement, and community.

Why a simple family walk may be one of the most underrated parenting tools available.

Timestamps

00:00 – The TV shows we’re currently obsessed with

00:12 – School board meetings or reality television?

00:39 – What kids learn when adults lose control in public

01:07 – Modeling respectful disagreement for the next generation

01:53 – LGBTQ+ representation on screen and why visibility matters

02:52 – Teach You a Lesson: a Korean drama worth watching

04:10 – Bullying stories that challenge traditional narratives

05:45 – Diet culture, healthy habits, and raising confident kids

07:32 – What the world’s longest-living communities have in common

09:01 – Why family walks are about much more than exercise

10:18 – Final thoughts and this week’s Certified Bad Example takeaway

Whether it’s a chaotic public meeting, a binge-worthy drama, or a simple evening walk, every adult is modeling something. The question is whether we’re giving kids an example worth following.

Hold onto your diapers and hashtags! This episode dives into influencer parenting, social media ethics, playground lessons, and the sometimes bizarre choices adults make in the name of content. From viral adoption controversies to the dads who think diaper changes are optional, we’re separating the good examples from the certified bad ones.

• The influencer adoption controversy and the ethics of monetizing children online.
• Why “rehoming” adopted children sparked outrage around the world.
• How parents can protect their kids while still sharing family life on social media.
• The surprising number of dads who refuse to change diapers—and what that says about modern parenting.
• France’s laws protecting child influencers and why other countries are paying attention.
• Turning playground bullying into teachable moments instead of lifelong scars.
• Whether social media fame is ever worth sacrificing a child’s privacy.

00:00 – Parenting meets the internet

00:48 – When family content crosses the line

02:15 – The adoption controversy everyone was talking about

04:10 – Kids deserve privacy—even online

05:41 – Dads, diapers, and outdated expectations

07:18 – France’s child influencer protections explained

08:55 – Handling bullying the right way

10:32 – Raising kids in a world built around social media

12:04 – Final thoughts and this week’s Certified Bad Example takeaway

Parenting has never been easy, but social media has raised the stakes. This episode explores how today’s viral moments can become tomorrow’s parenting lessons—and why protecting kids should always come before chasing views.

Pride Month, viral internet stars, school assignments, and parenting decisions collide in an episode that explores the challenges of raising kids in a world where every moment can become content. From Baby Gronk to Target’s Pride controversy, we’re looking beyond the headlines to the lessons adults leave behind.

• Celebrating Pride Month and discussing whether Pride events are family-friendly.
• How social media fame can impact children’s mental health and development.
• The rise of Baby Gronk and the risks of parents building brands around their children.
• Why some parents chase internet fame through their kids—and the lasting consequences.
• The story of a father who sued his gay son over conversion therapy costs, and the court’s response.
• Target’s Pride merchandise controversy and how families can navigate public disagreements respectfully.
• Why teachers should encourage thoughtful conversations without shaming students for their perspectives.

00:00 – Pride Month, Father’s Day, and family conversations

01:42 – Baby Gronk and the business of childhood fame

03:56 – When parents become their kids’ biggest risk

06:15 – The conversion therapy lawsuit that shocked the internet

08:34 – Target, Pride merchandise, and consumer choices

10:26 – Social media, privacy, and protecting children

12:01 – Classroom conversations and respecting different viewpoints

13:22 – Final thoughts and this week’s Certified Bad Example takeaway

Growing up in the spotlight isn’t just a celebrity problem anymore. This episode looks at how parents, schools, companies, and social media all influence the examples kids see every day—and why those examples matter.

Hold onto your coffee mugs, folks. Today’s episode is a whirlwind tour of celebrity fallout, family feuds, and social media faux pas—all with a healthy sprinkle of wit and wisdom. If you thought your family drama was intense, these tales make yours look like a Saturday night dance party.

In this episode:

• Kim Kardashian vs Kanye West—public co-parenting chaos
• The pitfalls of posting personal problems online
• Brad Pitt’s estranged daughter and the fallout from family secrets
• Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and the Danny Masterson controversy
• Graduation drama and the importance of showing up for the right reasons
• Navigating family reunions, boundary setting, and social media mistakes
• The importance of mental health, medication, and humility in public crises

Resources & Links:

• Kim Kardashian by Amazon
• Kanye West Twitter
• Brad Pitt Official Site
• Danny Masterson Court Case Details

Parenting is messy, emotional, hilarious, and sometimes completely out of control. In this episode of Certified Bad Example, we break down viral parenting moments, the Britney Spears conservatorship conversation, social media parenting culture, and the growing debate around gentle parenting versus accountability.

From parents throwing iPads out windows to public punishments on TikTok, this episode dives into the chaos of modern parenting and asks the hard questions. Where is the line between discipline and humiliation? Are forced apologies actually teaching kids anything? And how much influence should social media have inside the home?

We also unpack the lasting impact of control, shame, and public parenting mistakes while exploring healthier ways to teach responsibility without crossing into toxic behavior.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Britney Spears conservatorship explained
• Parenting gone wrong stories
• Gentle parenting debate
• Social media parenting trends
• Public punishment and child humiliation
• Teaching kids accountability
• Modern parenting challenges
• Toxic parenting behaviors
• Discipline versus abuse
• Parenting in the digital age

#parenting #britneyspears #gentleparenting #modernparenting #familydrama

Buckle up, folks! Today, we're diving into a chaotic world filled with basketball blowups, viral Zoom bloobers, and teacher lapses that make you go "WTF?" If you thought parenting was tough, hang tight, these stories might just redefine your definition of "parenting wins." We’re talking schoolyard showdowns, viral mishaps, and the importance of good ol’ fashioned self-talk.

Spoiler alert: It’s messy, hilarious, and totally relatable.

In this episode:

• The epic saga of a youth basketball game gone rogue with parents losing their minds
• Viral Zoom calls where moms call their kids “sociopaths” live on air
• A teacher’s bad day that turned into a national scandal, calling a student a Nazi supporter
• How over-monitoring, helicopter parenting, and quick judgments can backfire massively
• Practical tips on raising independent, confident kids in a tech-obsessed world
• The power of positive affirmations and self-love to survive the madness

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the parenting circus: stories that will make you laugh and cringe

00:27 - Why we all want to sound like we're in a room alone (minus the dog)

01:05 - Summer's almost here—parents rejoice or dread? You decide!

01:44 - Why Rhode Island is the best-kept secret for summer fun

03:30 - Insects and kids: the weird obsession with bugs, from fascination to terror

05:19 - Virginia youth basketball meltdown: parents crossing the line

07:12 - What would you do? Parent reactions to a parent charging onto the court

08:36 - Protecting your kid vs. over-investing in their sports performance

09:12 - Defusing sideline chaos: how emotional intelligence can save the day

10:47 - Race and reactions: how race influences parental and teacher judgments

11:07 - The importance of not touching other kids’ children (and other boundaries)

11:58 - The dangers of parents slinging insults on Zoom—privacy and dignity matter

14:07 - The mental health ripple effect of labeling kids as "Nazi supporters"

15:04 - How teachers’ biased labels can damage a child's self-esteem for life

16:23 - The fallout: disciplinary actions, class exclusion, and the importance of fairness

18:10 - Over-monitoring in the digital age: helicopter parenting or necessary oversight?

20:09 - Trusting independence: teaching kids to handle mistakes and build resilience

22:20 - The power of positive self-talk: affirmations for parents and kids

25:42 - Your voice as a child's narrator: shaping lifelong self-esteem

26:38 - Tech and parenting: bans, bans, and more bans—are they really effective?

28:16 - Creating space for independence—why kids need to learn to do things alone

30:23 - Establishing boundaries: why instant responses and surprise visits may harm your child

33:24 - The importance of respecting teenage opinions (even when they want a new haircut)

36:12 - Problem-solving without helicoptering: building confidence and creativity

38:32 - When school goes wrong: teaching children resilience amid scandal

40:01 - The dangerous line between curiosity and harmful labels—why language matters

45:39 - The impact of labeling kids as “future dictators”—lesson learned?

48:53 - How teachers, parents, and peers can unintentionally do more harm than good

52:07 - Affirmations for self-love and resilience: getting through the chaos

55:31 - Wrapping up: taking a moment to breathe, reflect, and plan your own parenting masterpiece

Hold onto your coffee cups, folks! Today we’re diving into stories that range from balloon-based mischief to college admissions scandals, all sprinkled with witty insights on parenting, integrity, and everything in between. Buckle up—these tales come with lessons, laughs, and a dash of reality check.

In this episode:

The wild, inflated tale of Balloon Boy, and what social media fame can drive parents to do. Parental priorities and the art of detaching with dignity, based on a Reddit parent's confessions. The infamous college admissions scandal: bribery, fake athletic profiles, and the steep price of privilege. Parenting styles contrasted: Tiger Mother vs. Free Range Freestyle, and the importance of balance. The emotional toll of parenthood and how to navigate moments of regret or frustration. The significance of creating authentic connections with kids through shared passions. How modern challenges like social media, smartphones, and societal pressures influence child development

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Balloon Hoax: A Viral Sensation’s Origin Story

02:52 - The Risks of Social Media Clout-Driven Parenting

05:33 - Physics of a Balloon Flight: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction

09:38 - Parenting Boundaries: When Detachment Becomes Necessary

11:50 - Reddit Confessions: When Parents Regret Parenthood

14:12 - Parent-Child Relationships: Boundaries and Self-Discovery

25:12 - The College Bribery Scandal: A System in Trouble

27:22 - Merit vs. Money: The High Cost of Admissions Fraud

33:28 - The Complexities of Parent-Child Dynamics in Academic Success

36:46 - Parenting Styles and the Power of Balance

44:15 - Recognizing Red Flags in Troubled Kids and Societal Impact

48:43 - Mental Health, Morality, and the Art of Parenting with Purpose

55:45 - The High-Pressure World of Tiger Parenting

59:01 - Supporting Kids’ Passions Without Living Vicariously

62:11 - The Value of Frustration and Learning Through Failure

66:59 - Tailoring Education to Your Child’s Unique Strengths

69:39 - Celebrating Parenthood’s Small Wins: The Power of Daily Positivity

Parenting, like cooking, requires a pinch of patience, a dash of passion, and a whole lot of balance. When in doubt, remember, it's not about perfection, but authentic connection and respect for the chaos in every kid and parent alike. Now go forth and parent with swagger!

Hold on to your click because today's episode is full of epic fails, celebrity missteps, and the hilarious chaos of social media hype gone wrong. We’re diving into wild tales that remind us all to pause before hitting "post" or risking a meltdown, meltdown, or worse. Plus, Ethan Levy drops some jet-setting wisdom, and we unpack what puts us all in these viral jams.

In this episode:

• The disaster behind Fyre Festival and social media hype
• The controversial Valenciaga campaign and child-like shock factors
• How airline mishaps, from a passenger removal to viral videos, teach us about chaos and accountability
• The insanity of influencer scams, kids' spending debates, and fashion on steroids
• Plus, Ethan’s travel tales, and how to navigate a world that’s always watching

Timestamps:

00:00 - Puerto Vallarta, the gay mecca and guacamole heaven

00:44 - Introducing the parental lens on social chaos and kid fails

1:18 - Ethan Levy’s jet-set life and flying every two weeks

4:17 - Impact of global turmoil on private aviation business

7:36 - The $25 million Fyre Festival disaster & lessons in oversell

8:02 - The social media influence on real-life scams

10:00 - The Netflix documentaries that exposed social media hype

12:26 - How influencer marketing turned into a mirage of legitimacy

13:32 - The importance of knowing your business before rushing in

14:44 - The viral #FryIsland and influencer pitfalls in travel scams

19:44 - The grim reality of “luxury” on a fake island

22:38 - The risky trend of carnivore diets for babies & the importance of research

28:16 - The dangers of going back to old diets, learned the hard way

34:30 - The viral video of a passenger violently removed from a United flight

39:02 - How airlines handle incidents and passenger rights

42:37 - The mega-spend kid at Sephora & the voyeuristic judgment online

45:26 - Teaching kids the value of money and social media’s role in entitlement

49:57 - Justin Bieber’s crash into fame & the parenting mishaps

56:01 - The Valenciaga child campaign: fashion or child abuse?

63:14 - Making kids feel seen via small compliments in public

66:14 - The fine line between social awareness and creepiness in kid interactions

67:19 - Ethan’s final thoughts on respecting personal boundaries and social cues

Note:

Remember folks, whether you're online or in real life, think before you click, post, or pull a stunt. You never know which viral disaster might be next!

Ever wish you could rewind and pass on some parenting wisdom? Or maybe just laugh at the spectacularly bad behaviors caught on social media? Welcome to Certified Bad Examples, where the goal is not to judge, but to learn (maybe with a smirk).

In this episode:

• How parents handle risky social media pics and the importance of context
• The fine line between pranks and trauma — spoiler alert, don't traumatize your kids for views
• Managing kids' screen addiction, tantrums, and restaurant decorum
• The real-life lessons from viral head-shaving and meltdown moments

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction and the podcast premise
• 02:25 - The importance of exposing kids to the bad to teach better
• 07:14 - The shocking story of a dad shaving his girl’s head live
• 13:01 - The impact of social media on kids' self-esteem
• 14:19 - Parents crossing lines in risky pranks
• 24:28 - The meltdown over losing an iPad and the power of patience
• 34:30 - Restaurant tantrums and teaching restaurant behavior
• 40:54 - The chaos of public parenting and the importance of patience

Co-Hosts: August Black and Jameel Mayers

Remember, folks: no perfect parents—only perfectly imperfect ones, learning as they go. Thanks for tuning in to Certified Bad Examples. Now go kiss some heads, put down the screens, and embrace the chaos!

Coming this June 1st, 2026, Certified Bad Example officially steps in with hosts August Black and Jameel Mayers leading the conversation. This is where real-life situations, pulled from headlines, everyday moments, and the kind of stories people usually avoid, get put under the microscope. Not to shame, but to unpack.

Every “bad example” becomes a conversation, and every conversation becomes a choice: what would you do instead?

Episode One sets the tone. You’ll hear exactly what this show is about, how it works, and why it exists. August and Jameel bring perspective, parenting experience, and sassy opinions. From personal missteps to social dynamics, cultural moments, and everything in between, the goal is simple: call it out, break it down, and leave better than we found it.

This isn’t just about parenting. It’s about behavior. Decision-making. Accountability. Growth. The kind that happens when you’re willing to look at something messy and say, yeah…we’re not doing that. Whether you’re a parent, partner, friend, or just someone navigating life, this show is built to make you think, react, and maybe even laugh at the chaos of it all.

Season One kicks off June 1st, 2026, with weekly episodes across all major platforms.

Watch and subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CertifiedBadExamplePodcast

Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/certifiedbadexample

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