Episodes

  • Cringe Watching

    Cringe Watching
    Jun 20 2025
    In this episode of The Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne Tha God (aka Lenard) shares his wild ride at the Cannes Lions Festival — from celeb run-ins and next-level networking to awkward club moments that sparked a serious (and hilarious) misunderstanding. The guys get into the importance of clear intros in social settings, how quick people are to jump to conclusions, and what that says about today’s cancel culture. From there, it’s a rollercoaster of topics: meeting rising stars, building future collabs, and breaking down what makes cringe comedy hit (or miss). They also unpack the madness of NYC politics, Trump’s ongoing drama, and how deepfakes and social media are totally warping reality. There's a raw convo on authenticity in entertainment, parenting in the AI age, and what it really takes to grow—personally, professionally, and politically. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs
  • B.I.T.Y.T (Ft. Cenk Uygur)

    B.I.T.Y.T (Ft. Cenk Uygur)
    Jun 13 2025
    On this episode of the Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schulz sit down with Cenk Uygur, founder of The Young Turks, for a raw and unfiltered convo that covers everything from religion to radical politics, Trump to mental health, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to media trust. Cenk opens up about his personal journey from religion to atheism, questions the role of obedience in politics and media, and breaks down how mainstream narratives often miss the mark. The crew dives into what it really means to be “far left,” how moderates get radicalized, and why it’s so hard to denounce violence without backlash. They also unpack the never-ending cycle of conflict in the Middle East, especially the Israeli-Palestinian struggle—talking geopolitics, religion, forgiveness, and whether peace is even possible. It doesn’t stop there. They chop it up about civil rights, non-violent activism, mental health in politics, Trump’s business mindset, Elon Musk’s power plays, and the messy reality of American leadership. Oh—and Cenk teases his upcoming book too. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 16 mins
  • Heartburn Hotel

    Heartburn Hotel
    Jun 5 2025
    In this episode, we dive into everything from emotional baby showers and cultural traditions to NBA playoffs and rising stars like Tyrese Haliburton. We reflect on deep conversations with ChatGPT, the meaning of Pride Month, and Candace Parker’s journey to love. There’s also a real talk on young love, prom culture, and the public fallout of celebrity breakups—especially Cardi B and Offset. We touch on media accountability, the power of education programs like Job Corps, and how internet creators are navigating fame in a changing content landscape. Authentic, funny, and wide-ranging—this one covers it all. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • The Original Lie

    The Original Lie
    May 30 2025
    In this weeks episode of Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne The God and Andrew Schulz are all over the map—in the best way. We kick things off with a real talk about parenting and how society shapes the way we raise kids. Then we dive into the New York Knicks—what’s working, what’s not, and how coaching decisions are shaping the team. We also take a hard look at how off-court behavior affects an athlete’s image and the media’s role in all that. From there, we get into the bigger picture—how the NBA and NFL handle ethics (or don’t), and how winning sometimes comes at the cost of doing the right thing. Of course, we had to talk about LeBron James: his legacy, his future, and how he’s changed the game. We also give a big shoutout to Dawn Staley and her recent book success—major props there. Then it gets a little more serious as we break down the current political landscape: Biden’s presidency, the state of the Democratic Party, media accountability, and the real challenges of leading in a divided America. We talk trust, identity politics, and how politicians often use distraction instead of real solutions. And yeah—we’re not afraid to get into the tough stuff. From generational changes in how we talk about substance use, to the role of comedy in politics, and why honesty and courage matter more than ever in leadership. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • Big Little Lies

    Big Little Lies
    May 22 2025
    This week on the Brilliant Idiots Podcast, Charlamagne and Schulz recap their weekends, including Mel Robbins’ live show, and dive into everything from self-help culture and live podcasting to parenting struggles and the truth about making money in media. They get into the Diddy allegations, emotional abuse, and conspiracy talk around the Boule (aka the Black Illuminati), then pivot to sports—debating the face of the NBA, the Knicks, and the legacy of stars like Steph and MJ. Things wrap with a deep convo on politics, corruption, the housing crisis, and why so many people feel let down by the system. Real talk, wild takes, and plenty of laughs—don’t miss it. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Take That Tini

    Take That Tini
    May 16 2025
    In this episode of Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne The God and Andrew Schulz go all in on the wild court case surrounding Diddy and the explosive allegations made by Cassie. We unpack the twists and turns of trafficking laws, what consent really means, and how celebrity culture both fuels and complicates these stories. From real talk on sharing trauma online, to celebrating Black love and Black-owned businesses, we cover it all. We also dive into how porn shapes society, the tough truths about healing after trauma, and why the Marvel Cinematic Universe might just be falling off. Then things get political: we question the shady moves of elected officials, the impact of presidential decisions on the Constitution, immigration drama, and how foreign money is creeping into U.S. education. We’re calling out bribery, fake unity, and the ridiculous theater that is American politics. It’s raw, it's real, it's ridiculous—and you're not gonna want to miss it. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Idiot Couture

    Idiot Couture
    May 9 2025
    In this episode of Brilliant Idiots, Charlamagne Tha God and Andrew Schulz are diving headfirst into the wild world of pop culture, starting with the Met Gala — the ultimate mix of fashion, fame, and WTF moments. From iconic looks to celebrity cringe, we break down what this event really says about society (hint: a lot). We give props to style legends like André 3000 and talk timeless queens like Lauryn Hill. We get into the magic of live theater, from the next-level production behind Stranger Things: The Play to what Broadway’s evolution says about the future of entertainment. Expect hot takes on storytelling, innovation, and why Broadway still hits different. We also unpack the chaos of modern media — clickbait culture, shady headlines, and the pressure to stay “authentic” in a world that rewards shock value. From political spin to celebrity drama, we explore how media shapes the way we think, talk, and argue. Oh, and legal drama? We’ve got that too. From wild lawsuits in the sports world to Tom Brady’s mentorship moments and the outdated nonsense behind “alienation of affection” laws, we cover it all. Plus: why getting your mom a gift is harder than it should be and what a Brilliant Idiots movie could actually look like. It’s a ride — fashion, fame, theater, law, media, and a bit of heart. Let’s go. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Mugglican Grans Prix

    Mugglican Grans Prix
    May 2 2025
    This Week on The Brilliant Idiots:Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schulz are recapping their weekends—think family time, behind-the-scenes moments, and big vibes from the Black Effect Podcast Festival. Expect highlights from dope performances, celebrity sightings (yes, Cam Newton pulled up), and some hilarious festival stories. From there, the convo jumps all over the place in true Brilliant Idiots style: Are concerts safe for pregnant fans? What the hell are the “Sperm Olympics”? Kanye West—genius or chaos? Elon Musk’s money moves—smart investing or risky business? They also get into deeper stuff like: The rise of comedians like Druski Why Hollywood’s scared of new voices Shedeur Sanders and how family dynamics shape athletes The real reasons agents matter in pro sports How capitalism’s shaping our lives—from job markets to parenting Whether you’re here for the pop culture takes, sports drama, or the occasional deep dive into economics and emotional intelligence, this episode’s got it all. Tap in for one of the most wide-ranging, unfiltered convos you’ll hear all week. ************************************ Sponsor Brilliant Idiots: https://public.liveread.io/media-kit/brilliant-idiots Uncommon Favor - Dawn Staley Pre Order - https://a.co/d/4pLD1C3 No Holes Barred -Mandi B & Weezy WTF https://a.co/d/cGFDUoB The Wind on Her Tongue - Anita Kopacz https://a.co/d/fWDancH I Lived to Tell the Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy, and Resilience - Tamika D. Mallory https://a.co/d/7DoCtWX Get Honest or Die Lying Why Small Talk Sucks By Charlamagne Tha God https://a.co/d/gpFlOol Check out Andrew Schulz www.theandrewschulz.com Check out all the podcast on Charlamagne's "Black Effect Network" https://blackeffect.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 10 mins