In this Thanksgiving-themed episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B is joined by super producer A-King and journalist Jayson Rodriguez for an insightful, humorous, and culturally rich exploration of the holiday’s deeper meaning, pop culture impact, and evolving traditions. Kicking things off with context and vibes [00:00], they set the tone by unpacking what Thanksgiving represents today—beyond turkey, football, and family photos—for Black and Brown communities, touching on gratitude, identity, and the social expectations that come with the holiday.

The trio dives into the lesser-discussed origins of Thanksgiving [05:07], challenging myths from grade school narratives and exploring how history, colonialism, and Native American contributions are often overlooked in mainstream storytelling. This leads naturally into a lively breakdown of culinary traditions and family dynamics [09:51], from whose mac and cheese passes the test to the politics of potlucks, kitchen hierarchies, and the emotional weight food carries across generations.

By [15:05], the conversation shifts toward Thanksgiving and capitalism, unpacking how the holiday transformed into a marketing engine—from over-the-top grocery ads to seasonal branding and the economics behind the holiday dinner table. That sets up a global lens on Thanksgiving [19:56], examining how other countries interpret or remix the holiday—through diaspora traditions, Caribbean influence, and cultural adaptation.

As football enters the chat [25:02], Mandii, A-King, and Jayson explore the historical connection between the NFL and Thanksgiving, including how football became almost as essential to the holiday as stuffing and sweet potato pie. From there, they seamlessly pivot into the commercial aftermath—the birth of Black Friday [33:42], tracing its evolution from chaotic, door-busting retail mania to today’s online-driven, algorithm-powered consumer culture.

Conversation returns to food and nostalgia [39:20], where they compare Thanksgiving food preferences, from classic vs. experimental menus, and why certain dishes are sacred: no raisins in the potato salad, no shortcuts on sweet potato pie, and why fried turkey is a forever MVP. Things take a hilarious and philosophical turn at [48:43], when the group explores the ethics and absurdity of cloning pets—sparked by real-life celebrity stories and the rising cost of “designer grief.”

Finally, the episode closes on a reflective note [56:43], as they discuss gratitude, community, chosen family, and how Thanksgiving has evolved into a celebration far beyond its historical roots—emphasizing connection, culture, and conscious living in today’s world.

“No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!
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In this bonus episode of Selective Ignorance, host Mandii B welcomes the “classmates” for a lively, interactive assembly, kicking off with a warm introduction and playful nod to community-driven conversation [00:00 Introduction to Selective Ignorance]. The episode quickly jumps into one of the most talked-about topics among women—traveling with friends—as Mandii and the group unpack the unspoken rules, expectations, and preparation involved in group trips, playfully coined the Black Girl Travel Checklist [00:58 Traveling with Friends: The Black Girl Travel Checklist].

From there, the classmates dive into moments of personal ignorance and growth, sharing candid stories that highlight how humor, vulnerability, and participation fuel real conversation [05:42 Ignorant Moments: Class Participation and Sharing]. The discussion shifts to the delicate balance between critique and disrespect in the entertainment industry, sparked by reactions to Denzel Washington’s latest film and the importance of giving honest feedback to even the most respected creatives [09:56 Critique in the Entertainment Industry: Denzel Washington's Latest Film].

This leads into a deeper exploration of the challenges of critiquing cultural icons like Beyoncé and J. Cole, and how fandom, loyalty, and cultural pressure often silence honest opinion [17:25 The Challenge of Critiquing Icons: Beyoncé and J. Cole]. Pop culture continues with a conversation about Ryan Murphy’s new show and Kim Kardashian’s acting performance, questioning talent, opportunity, and industry access [23:37 Ryan Murphy's New Show: Kim Kardashian's Acting Skills].

The group then debates movie date etiquette, unpacking expectations around the “perfect first date,” gender norms, and financial responsibility [29:21 Dating Etiquette: The Movie Date Debate]. The conversation takes an unexpected but fascinating turn into legal consequences of infidelity, discussing the rarely known law of Alienation of Affection—and whether someone can actually be sued for ruining a marriage [39:07 Suing for Infidelity: The Case of Alienation of Affection].

Mandii then pivots toward larger societal concerns, examining the crisis in healthcare education and how policy changes are reshaping student access, training quality, and future care [45:15 Healthcare Education Crisis: The Impact of Policy Changes], followed by a breakdown of Project 2025, exploring its political implications and potential impact on everyday Americans [48:41 Unpacking Project 2025].

Back in celebrity culture, the classmates analyze relationship accountability, diving into the blurred lines between privacy, morality, and public perception [51:26 Celebrity Relationships and Accountability], before exploring Usher’s legal battle involving friends, dissecting loyalty, business, and personal boundaries [59:04 Usher's Legal Battle with Friends].

The episode wraps with a spirited conversation on tipping culture, debating when tipping is appropriate, whether it's becoming an expectation versus a reward, and how service standards have evolved [01:16:58 Tipping Culture and Service Expectations].

“No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!
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In this gripping episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B alongside super producer A-King and journalist Jayson Rodriguez, opens with her signature energy, spotlighting current projects and inviting listeners into another layered and thought-provoking conversation [00:00 Introduction and Book Promotion]. She quickly shifts gears, venturing into the eerie and unsettling true crime stories emerging from Florida, examining how the state has become a breeding ground for some of the most bizarre and tragic narratives [00:55 Exploring Florida's Dark Side].

The discussion turns deeply investigative as Mandii dissects the Netflix documentary “The Perfect Neighbor,”unpacking the disturbing case, its psychological twists, and the broader themes of manipulation, gender, and societal blind spots [20:09 The Perfect Neighbor Documentary Discussion]. The true crime analysis continues with “Eileen: Queen of Serial Killers,” where Mandii explores the intersections of trauma, systemic neglect, and the blurred lines between victimhood and villainy [29:45 Eileen: Queen of Serial Killers Documentary Discussion].

Transitioning from crime to culture, Mandii examines the modern complexities of relationships, breaking down how societal expectations shape conversations around emotional vulnerability, gender roles, and attraction [41:25 Exploring Relationships: Women and Men Dynamics]. This leads into an honest dialogue on commitment, marriage, infidelity, and the realities people avoid discussing in relationships [47:25 The Complexity of Commitment: Marriage and Infidelity].

From there, she unpacks how financial independence and shifting gender roles have transformed modern relationship dynamics, particularly how women’s autonomy is reshaping expectations in love, dating, and partnerships [51:23 The Shift in Independence: Women and Financial Expectations].

The episode dives into a surprising but insightful discussion about the role of gaming and the rise of digital intimacy, exploring relationships in the era of virtual connection, online communities, and the emerging “metaverse of dating” [55:49 Gaming and Relationships: The New Metaverse of Dating].

Mandii then reacts to various celebrity opinions on music, dating standards, and relationship expectations, analyzing how high-profile commentary influences public perception and romantic ideals [01:00:16 Celebrity Opinions: Music and Relationship Standards]. Finally, she closes the episode with a reflective conversation on navigating past relationships, emotional growth, and choosing partners with future alignment, offering thoughtful insight into modern love [01:09:13 Navigating Modern Dating: Past Relationships and Future Prospects].

“No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!
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In this bonus episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B opens with a candid breakdown of how the recent government shutdown has thrown travel into chaos—from delayed flights to system failures—setting the stage for a conversation rooted in both humor and frustration [00:00 Government Shutdown and Travel Chaos]. She shares her own travel nightmare, using the experience to highlight how political decisions trickle down to everyday inconveniences, especially for frequent travelers.

The episode transitions into the delicate territory of weight gain in relationships, where Mandii discusses how partners often struggle with honesty, sensitivity, and boundaries when broaching the topic [18:29 Navigating Weight Conversations in Relationships]. She unpacks the emotional complexity behind body changes, emphasizing communication over criticism and the importance of approaching loved ones with empathy rather than judgment.

As the conversation deepens, Mandii explores family dynamics during the holidays, especially for queer individuals navigating acceptance, identity, and the pressure of returning home to families who may not fully understand or respect their experiences [29:14 Family Dynamics and Queer Identity During Holidays]. She reflects on the emotional labor that marginalized people often carry during these gatherings and encourages listeners to honor their own comfort and boundaries.

The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on microaggressions and diversity in the workplace, where Mandii breaks down the subtle biases that marginalized employees encounter and how companies frequently fall short in fostering truly inclusive environments [36:40 Microaggressions and Workplace Diversity Issues]. She stresses the need for accountability, open dialogue, and intentional change—both in corporate culture and in personal interactions.

“No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!
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In this bonus episode of Selective Ignorance, Mandii B opens up with a candid reflection on her week and life updates [00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates], setting the tone for an intimate and thought-provoking conversation. This episode blends personal storytelling, listener engagement, and cultural critique, all wrapped in Mandii’s signature humor and honesty.

The discussion kicks off with political awareness and selective ignorance [08:18 Politics and Selective Ignorance], where Mandii unpacks the challenges of engaging in political discussions in today’s hyper-polarized climate. She explores how people often choose comfort over confrontation, avoiding difficult topics to protect their peace — a concept she labels “selective ignorance.” Mandii emphasizes the balance between staying informed and maintaining emotional boundaries, particularly for those constantly exposed to online debates and misinformation.

From there, the episode transitions into a nuanced discussion on cultural sensitivity and accents [16:04 Cultural Sensitivity and Accents], where Mandii reflects on the ways language, dialect, and tone shape perception in professional and social spaces. She highlights how accents can trigger bias — consciously or unconsciously — and challenges listeners to reconsider the assumptions they make about intelligence, professionalism, or background based on how someone speaks.

Next, the conversation moves into an honest exploration of financial struggles and budgeting [20:23 Financial Struggles and Budgeting]. Mandii shares personal anecdotes about learning to manage money while balancing independence, lifestyle, and unexpected life costs. She breaks down the emotional side of financial growth — from guilt and comparison to empowerment — and reminds listeners that everyone’s money journey looks different. The dialogue resonates with anyone navigating the pressures of financial literacy and self-sufficiency in adulthood.

The tone becomes more introspective as Mandii tackles racial profiling and validating experiences [30:57 Racial Profiling and Validating Experiences], recounting personal and listener-submitted stories about bias and discrimination. She reflects on the emotional toll of constantly having to justify one’s experiences, while also calling for empathy and active listening across communities. This segment invites listeners to acknowledge the intersection between awareness and accountability — and the courage it takes to confront uncomfortable truths.

The episode concludes with closing thoughts and announcements [36:22 Closing Thoughts and Announcements], as Mandii encourages her audience to reflect on their own perspectives and the role “selective ignorance” plays in their daily lives. She emphasizes the importance of balance — staying informed without being overwhelmed — and maintaining humanity in a world that often rewards outrage over understanding.

“No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!
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In this episode, Mandii B and @HeyAssante discuss a variety of topics including Halloween plans, celebrity gossip, cultural discussions around the term 'ghetto'; the recent monkey outbreak, the implications of the government shutdown on EBT benefits, and the impact of AI on jobs. They
also share their experiences at the One Music Fest, highlighting performances and the
significance of the event. In this episode, the hosts review their experiences at a recent music
festival, discussing various performances, artist interactions, and personal reflections on the
event. They highlight standout moments from artists like Rashida, Busta Rhymes, and Jazmine
Sullivan, while also addressing the challenges of festival logistics and crowd engagement. The
conversation delves into the emotional impact of performances and the significance of artist
legacies, culminating in a wrap-up of their overall festival experience and thoughts on future events.

“No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto Of Sexual Exploration And Power” w/ Tempest X!
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