Is America’s Next Top Model problematic?

On this episode of MSR, Adam and Nargis dive into the cultural storm surrounding the new documentary on America's Next Top Model.

Once considered a groundbreaking reality competition hosted by Tyra Banks, the show helped define an era of early 2000s television. But years later, former contestants and viewers are revisiting the series with a different lens — raising questions about industry standards, mental health, power dynamics, and what we normalized in reality TV.

Adam and Paul break down:

The biggest revelations from the documentary

The controversy surrounding Tyra Banks and the show’s production

How reality TV shaped beauty standards

Whether ANTM was empowering… exploitative… or both

And what accountability looks like years later

Was America’s Next Top Model ahead of its time — or a product of a toxic era?

This episode explores nostalgia, culture, media accountability, and how perspectives shift over time.

🎙️ Tap in and join the conversation.
💬 Drop your thoughts below — did you watch ANTM growing up? Has your opinion changed?
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On this episode of MSR, Adam and Paul unpack the viral moment that had everybody talking.

During a powerful roundtable discussion titled “Black Men Trust Black Women”, hosted by SisterSong Women of Color and The Conscious Lee, a heated exchange between Clifton Powell and Joseph Irvin quickly went viral. What started as a reflection on Powell’s personal journey in relationships with Black women turned into a tense debate that sparked conversations across social media.

But what was really happening in that moment?

Adam and Paul break down:

The panel’s core message about trust between Black men and Black women

The clash over masculinity and accountability

Why the argument resonated (and divided) so many people

And what this says about how we communicate in public spaces

Was it a necessary confrontation? A misunderstanding? Or a deeper reflection of unresolved tension within the community?

This episode goes beyond the clip and gets into the bigger picture — masculinity, vulnerability, ego, and whether we’re truly listening to one another.

🎙️ Tap in and join the conversation.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — was Powell right? Was Irvin out of line?
🔔 Subscribe for conversations that challenge, inform, and keep it real.

00:00
Introduction and Show Overview
02:54
Discussion on Clifton Powell's Panel
04:43
Insights on Panel Dynamics and Diversity
07:31
Critique of Panel Structure and Focus
10:20
Exploring the Challenges of Mixed Conversations
13:07
Concluding Thoughts on the Panel's Effectiveness
17:08
The Dynamics of Male Participation in Conversations
19:56
Understanding Patriarchy and Its Impact
23:25
The Need for Authentic Male Conversations
27:59
Exploring the Role of Therapy in Male Lives
31:58
The Importance of Nuanced Discussions
36:44
Building Community Among Black Men
43:50
Challenging Assumptions about Black Identity
46:42
The Role of Women in Conversations about Patriarchy
48:46
Reflections on the All-Star Game
58:30
Debating the Impact of Lil Wayne's Lyrics

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Lets play 'One Gotta Go' Valentines day edition.  'Love Jones', 'Love , Love and Basketball', 'Brown Sugar' and The Best Man'! On this episode we explore the cultural significance of these films, their impact on relationships, and the nostalgia they evoke. Tune in 

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This week on MSR, the crew dives deep into a powerful conversation about Black marriage — breaking down a recent study and exploring what it really means for our children, our communities, and our future.

From navigating modern parenting in an ever-changing world to unpacking the lessons we inherited (and the ones we need to unlearn), the discussion gets honest, personal, and thought-provoking.

Plus, activist and thought leader Erika Totten joins the show to talk about her bold move to Mexico, choosing peace over pressure, and why protecting your joy can be a revolutionary act.

It’s real talk about love, legacy, growth, and redefining success — for men, for women, and for the culture.

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On this Episode of MSR the crew explores the evolving role of hip hop artists in addressing social issues, the expectations placed on them, and the historical context of music as a form of activism. 

Later they delve into the evolving dynamics of gender roles in relationships, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, character, and communication over traditional financial expectations. 
 
TUNE IN!

Chapters 
00:00
Introduction and Birthday Celebrations
02:46
Hip Hop and Current Events
05:34
Artists' Responsibility in Social Issues
08:19
The Role of Music in Activism
11:04
The Impact of Silence and Reflection
14:05
Historical Context of Music and Protest
16:49
Diverse Voices in the Black Community
19:56
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
24:27
Contextualizing Fear and Unity
27:21
The Disruption of Norms
30:08
The Role of Wealth and Influence
33:03
Understanding Community Responses
36:57
Activism in Modern Times
37:55
Personal Responsibility and Local Action
46:32
Redefining Masculinity and Gender Roles
49:07
Historical Context of Gender Expectations
51:29
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Sufficiency
53:57
Expectations in Relationships
56:09
The Burden of Financial Responsibility
57:13
Nuances of Manhood and Emotional Intelligence
01:00:09
The Complexity of Modern Relationships
01:08:02
Understanding Value Beyond Financial Status
01:10:04
The Importance of Character in Relationships
01:14:22
Navigating Marriage and Commitment
01:18:34
The Role of Money in Relationships
01:21:03
Legacy and Leadership Beyond Wealth
01:23:36
Conscious Parenting and Breaking Cycles

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Adam Butler and Paul Spann celebrate their birthdays while reflecting on aging and the evolution of hip-hop. They discuss the importance of authenticity in the industry, the subjective nature of the 'big three' in hip-hop, and the role of black media in cultural representation. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of hip-hop, the influence of older artists, and the impact of protests and activism in media. Later, they delve into Nicki Minaj's controversial statements about Don Lemon, Black QB's and Celebrity love children. Tune In!
 
Chapters
00:00
Celebrating Birthdays and Reflections
02:55
The Importance of Authenticity in Media
05:43
Navigating the Landscape of Black Media
08:42
The Big Three in Hip Hop: A Discussion
11:31
The Evolution of Hip Hop Rivalries
14:15
The Future of Hip Hop and Its Artists
22:49
The Evolution of Hip Hop and Its Icons
24:50
Cultural Shifts in Hip Hop
26:28
Artistry and Authenticity in Hip Hop
28:25
The Impact of Industry Standards on Creativity
30:20
The Role of Older Artists in Today's Hip Hop
32:12
The Importance of Diversity in Hip Hop
34:27
The Influence of Media and Public Perception
37:00
Controversies Surrounding Public Figures
41:19
Nicki Minaj's Influence and Controversies
44:17
The Evolution of Female Rap and Rivalries
47:09
The Complexity of Celebrity Worship
49:31
Navigating the Disappointment of Idolization
53:33
Protests and the Right to Disrupt
59:21
The Intrigue of Alleged Paternity and Public Figures
01:06:48
The Burden of Celebrity and Family Connections
01:09:43
The Complexities of Fame and Personal Relationships
01:10:36
Sports Reactions: Empathy vs. Criticism
01:14:23
Double Standards in Sports: A Racial Perspective
01:24:07
The Ongoing Conversation on Race and Expectations in Sports

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Today on the MSR Pod, Adam rolls solo for the first half of the show, diving into how Stephen A. Smith represents a larger issue in today’s content creation landscape. 

Later in the episode, Paul and Nargis join the show to unpack Adin Ross’s ongoing lack of respect for Black women and discuss Glasses Malone’s response to the situation. It’s a wide-ranging conversation touching on media, accountability, and culture. Check it out.

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Today on the MSR Pod we dive into the culture wars, the streets, and the sounds shaping our moment.

First up:  The Golden Globes stirred controversy after One Battle After Another snagged big wins and a vocal segment of the Black community erupted online that Ryan Coogler’s Sinners deserved top honors instead. We unpack the backlash, the broader conversation about representation, and what this debate says about where film culture is today.

Then we shift to music , J. Cole just announced his new album The Fall Off and fans are buzzing. We talk reaction, expectations, and what this next chapter might mean for his legacy.

Finally, we break down the ongoing ICE protests in Minneapolis and beyond. A recent federal immigration enforcement surge — and several controversial shootings involving ICE agents — has sparked mass demonstrations, clashes with law enforcement, and nationwide activism. We contextualize the unrest, the political fallout, and what protest movements are calling for as tensions continue.

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On this episode of MSR the team discuss the evolution of podcasting, the loneliness epidemic among men, and the impact of social media and technology on male interactions. They explore statistics indicating that a significant percentage of young men have never approached a woman, delving into the cultural and emotional factors that contribute to this phenomenon. 

Also lets talk about that Druski sketch, did  he take it too far? The team breaks down the impact of humor and satire on religious institutions, particularly mega churches, and discuss the importance of authenticity in leadership. 

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The team delves into the recent shooting incident involving an ICE agent in Minneapolis, exploring the implications for law enforcement, community relations,political accountability and a climate of fear and mistrust surrounding law enforcement actions, particularly in relation to ICE.

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