Reid This Reid That

Don Lemon's Arrest, Grammy Controversy, & Insights On Jay Z and Epstein

Jacque Reid — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:59:02 GMT

Hello Cousin Nation! Welcome to this week’s Reid This Reid That Show Notes Newsletter. Here we provide you with a quick read about the show as well as additional resources that accompany each episode. If you want to watch this episode after this read, just click the link below.

*Show Link*

Welcome/Hello

Joy-Ann opens the show expressing feeling overworked, but grateful. She shares a mantra she has been saying in the mornings: “I am alive and I am here, and that is enough.” To that, Jacque mentions Stutz, a 2022 Netflix documentary by actor Jonah Hill about his therapist Phil Stutz and his unique model for healing. She shares one of Stutz’s therapeutic tools for the anxious moments: saying aloud four or five little things you are grateful for, and then silently continuing the list in your head with 3 or 4 more items.

Jacque demonstrates the exercise: “I’m grateful that it’s warmer today than it was yesterday. I’m grateful that my hair is growing and so this whole natural experiment is working. I’m grateful that my mother is alive and well.” The warmth that gratitude brings, Jacque describes, eases anxious thought spirals. Joy-Ann jokes, “I’m grateful that I’m not Nicki Minaj and I still have my soul inside of my body.”

Joy-Ann and Jacque send their love to their colleague Savannah Guthrie at Today in the wake of the reported kidnapping of her mother, Nancy Guthrie. They are praying for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return, and for comfort for Savannah and her family at this difficult time.

Wine Down

Jacque is sipping her favorite beverage: pomegranate juice with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lime (in a mason jar, of course, for the aesthetic).

Jacque is all about television this week–first, she is eagerly anticipating Season 2 Episode 4 of Hijacked on Apple TV, starring Idris Elba. She is also enjoying Shrinking on Apple TV, with particularly high praise for Jessica Williams’s performance. Lastly, she is streaming The Pitt on HBO Max, and while she believes the show’s Black representation leaves much to be desired, she describes the medical drama as “the best of the best that are out there.” Someone in the chat mentions Industry–it is one of Jacque’s faves, and is on Joy-Ann’s watchlist! Joy-Ann shouts out the 2016 Netflix series 11.22.63 starring James Franco, adapted from Stephen King’s hit novel.Jacque is intrigued.

Joy-Ann is on week five of her Invisalign journey! She can feel her teeth getting straighter, very slowly, as the weeks go on. She shares that she has lost weight because of how regimented your eating becomes on Invisalign, and how tedious it becomes to eat a simple snack.

Ish You Need to Know

The ladies discuss the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy Guthrie, who was realized to be missing when she did not arrive at church on Sunday. Just before this live, TMZ and other outlets reported having received alleged ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for Guthrie’s return.

Don Lemon’s Arrest:

Next, Joy-Ann and Jacque discuss the recent arrest of Don Lemon for covering an anti-ICE protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, MN. Don was taken into custody in LosAngeles and released after appearing before the judge. Journalist Georgia Fort, and two activists were also arrested. Jerome Richardson, a 21-year-old student who provided logistical support to Lemon in his protest coverage, is also being federally targeted. Jacque says that, in this bleak age of censorship, the job of a journalist–merely telling the truth–has become an act of resistance. Joy-Ann adds that MAGA is attacking left-wing resistance so aggressively because citizen journalism threatens authoritarianism, a power system which thrives on the silence and fear of the populace.

Epstein Files:

More than 3 million long-awaited files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigations have finally been released. According to the DOJ, the long delay was necessary for the the agency to redact the private information of those involved. However, the DOJ revealed names, videos, and other private information pertaining to Epstein’s female victims, effectively retraumatizing these survivors.

Big tech industry names were referenced in Epstein documents dating to as late as 2019, long after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. Other high profile figures named in the new releases included Jay-Z, Pusha T, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Woody Allen, Steve Tisch, and Brett Ratner (director of the new Melania documentary). The ladies share details related to Jay-Z’s alleged involvement with Epstein.

Hot Topics:

Grammys:

Trump has threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah over jokes the he made when he hosted the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. Noah mocked Trump for his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, as well as his efforts to take control of Greenland. The night featured many fiery acceptance speeches, with several celebrities calling out ICE and the Trump administration. Kendrick Lamar, however, did not offer any political commentary in his several speeches that night. Pharrell made a speech that landed poorly with many viewers, in which he encouraged the audience to “never stop working.”

Shaboozey also stirred controversy by claiming in his acceptance speech that ‘immigrants built America’, in a likely well-intentioned but insulting moment. Jacque shares her thoughts on the importance of being well-read before using your platform as a celebrity: “If you’re going to say something, know what you’re talking about. Immigrants did not build this country. It’s almost an erasure of Black Americans who were brought here and enslaved and worked for free. We were not immigrants.”

Joy-Ann agrees, “Sometimes I have to gather my immigrant brethren and sistren because there has to be homage given to African Americans, who built the most powerful culture on earth. There’s no culture more powerful than what AfricanAmericans built.” Jacque says that now more than ever, the scripture “To whom much is given, much is required” rings true. Those with platforms are responsible for taking a stand, but they should do so after educating themselves to ensure they meet the moment.

First Lady Docs:

Michelle Obama’s documentary Becoming is winning, as #1 on Netflix! In the words of Jacque, our “Forever First Lady” will be number one forever and always. Meanwhile, the ladies question media reports that the new Melania documentary performed well. While we only have the first weekend’s numbers for Melania thus far, it seems the media has been overly quick to laud the project a success.

Controversial Casting:

In other news, in a racist post on X, Elon Musk criticized Lupito Nyong’o’s supposed casting as Helen of Troy in the highly-anticipated 2026 film adaptation of The Odyssey. Jacque emphasizes that Helen is a mythological figure, and that she was hatched from an egg after her mother was raped by the Greek god Zeus in the form of a swan.

Guest: J. Anthony Brown

J. Anthony Brown joins the ladies and shares his thoughts on the Melania doc… “First of all, Melania is not stupid at all. Don’t let anybody think she’s stupid. She is getting over like a fat rat… she’s getting bank. But everyone who’s around Trump is getting bank. In my opinion of Trump, he’s not smart enough to be this evil… he’s evil, but he’s not smart enough to be this damn evil. It comes from Stephen Miller and all the other people who are making money.”

J. is not very optimistic about the fate of the US under Trump. “It’s going to get worse, and more people are going to die on camera. More people will die because of this administration, and because these ICE agents have this attitude of ‘I can do whatever I want. I can arrest whoever I want. I can break the glass. I can throw you on the ground.’ So why would they eliminate killing you?”

Book Club:

Purchase the book: If I Ruled The World

The book club has officially launched, with Amy Dubois Barnett’s debut novel If I Ruled the World as our inaugural read! If I Ruled the World is available wherever you buy books, including Black-owned bookstores!

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See you next week, Cousins!

Deadly Ice Drama, Protecting Our Black Tennis Girls, & Love And Hip Hop 90s/Early 2000s

Jacque Reid — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:15:15 GMT

Hello Cousin Nation! Welcome to this week’s Reid This Reid That Show Notes Newsletter ✨ Here we provide you with a quick read about the show as well as additional resources that accompany the episode. It is important to note this show was recorded on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Before you read on, if you do want to watch the episode, here is that link:

*Show Link*

Alright Cousins… let’s get into it.

Welcome / Hello

Jacque opens the show by acknowledging the moment we’re all living in. The world feels loud and heavy, but RTRT remains a safe space for honest conversation and connection. The ladies also take a moment to stress how critical it is to support independent journalists right now.

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Wine Down 🍷

Joy-Ann starts the Wine Down with a TRIP Raspberry Blossom sparkling drink, as she details her new commitment to her wellness journey with the help of cousin Jacque’s Weekly Wellness Guide. She shares that she’s incorporating qigong, tai chi and lymphatic drainage into her daily routine. Joy-Ann gives Jacque herflowers — sharing how much she appreciates her Guide during this season of wellness.

But the real Wine Down? Jacque’s birthday is coming up, and Joy-Ann is deep in her feelings about finding the perfect gift. That spirals into a nostalgic walk down memory lane, back to theOG RTRT days — recording in Al Sharpton’s studio, oversized “pimp” cups on the desk, prosecco with St-Germain, and McBride Sisters wine flowing freely during the workday.

The cousins reflect on how carefree and safe that era felt.

Jacque shares that she’s sipping sparkling water with pomegranate juice and alcohol-free aromatic bitters.

The cousins also shout out Joy-Ann’s hoodie from shop.thejoyreidshow.com.

Jacque talks about riding out the Atlanta winter storm, which ended up being far less dramatic than predicted.

They also discuss how grocery shopping in Georgia during extreme weather is its own special experience. Jacque notes that being vegan actually makes storm prep easier — no egg or milk or meat panic. Her healthy grocery store stayed calm, stocked, and stress-free.

Ish You Need To Know

ICE & Immigration- The cousins discuss the execution of Alex Pretti, who was unarmed and shot multiple times by Border Patrol. They stress the importance of staying informed and naming what’s happening.

Before begin the show, they also learned of another shooting in Arizona, with limited details available at the time.

After Pretti’s killing, Trump allies labeled him a “domestic terrorist,” with Trump hile Trump supporting this messaging through his social media posts. After public outcry and concern from fellow republicans, Trump met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Trump claimed the meeting went well.

They then dive into reports of people coming forward saying they regret voting for Trump.

Jacque asks whether Joy-Ann thinks people who now express regret for their vote for Trump is experiencing a real shift or just a phase.

Joy-Ann says things are turning — but reminds us there will always be about a third of the country that supports him no matter what, citing their long-standing tolerance of racism, sexism, misogyny, and sexual abuse.

Jacque expresses concern that Democrats are in a position to control the narrative but may instead choose to back down. Joy-Ann reflects on how deportations under the Obama administration happened through judicial courts, not through the aggressive and chaotic tactics we’re seeing now.

The cousins underscore the deep outrage within Black communities, where these abuses have been happening for years. They also discuss how many white liberals are unwilling to risk their privilege, even as fascism continues to grow.

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Hot Topics 🔥

Oscar Talk- Sinners dominates the Oscars, making history with 16 nominations, including Best Actor for Michal B. Jordan, and Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and Best Costume Design for Ruth Carter. One Battle After Another follows closely behind.Wicked for Good was notably shut out, which shocked the cousins, especially the lack of recognition for costume design. They also discuss major snubs, including Cynthia Erivo andDwayne Johnson. Teyana Taylor earns a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while Leonardo DiCaprio is nominated for Best Actor for One Battle After Another, a nod the cousins say is well deserved.

The Oscars will air March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien. While they would’ve loved to see someone Black or more controversial, they noted the Academy played it safe.

Naomi Osaka- Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open, citing an ongoing injury. Jacque is especially protective of Osaka, pointing out the constant scrutiny and racism Black women face in tennis. There was a bit of controversy before Osaka withdrew, which she later apologized for. It involved a tense handshake and some post match words with her opponent Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea, for which the umpire ultimately ruled in Osaka’s favor.

Ye’s Wall Street Journal Ad- Kanye West issued a full-page apology ad and sat down with Vanity Fair, attributing his antisemitic behavior to bipolar disorder and alleged brain damage after a 2003 car crash.

The cousins debate whether this is genuine remorse or a PR move ahead of his new album.

Joy-Ann is firm: his actions are inexcusable, and blaming mental illness is harmful and offensive to people who live with bipolar disorder. Jacque is skeptical, but leaves open to wait and see.

Dr. Pepper Baaaaaby- The cousins also celebrate a bright spot, creator Romeo Bingham’s TikTok jingle caught the attention of Dr. Pepper and turned into a major paid deal. The ladies love a win.

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Book Club 📚

We’re kicking off the RTRT Book Club with If I Ruled the World by long time journalist and media maven Amy DuBois Barnett. Amy joins the cousins to help introduce the book, give some details on the story, and detail her almost 20 year journey to getting it done.

The novel, Amy’s first, is set in late 1990s/early 2000s New York City and follows Nikki Rose, a young Black editor navigating ambition, romance, and sacrifice inside the world of fashion magazines.

Amy describes it as a coming-of-power story that’s both juicy and deeply reflective — a love letter to the golden era of magazines and hip-hop culture from a Black woman’s perspective.

Amy shares her background, including earning an MFA in creative writing, and describes this project as a full-circle moment. She talks about her love for telling underrepresented stories and the joy of being a journalist during peak magazine culture.

Amy also shares exciting news about a series adaptation in the works, co-written with Oscar winner Lee Daniels has been picked up by Hulu. Amy discusses her vision and dream casting for the show.

If I Ruled the World is available wherever you buy books, including Black-owned bookstores. Purchase here

Follow Amy on social media and visit her website for the latest news on If I Ruled the World.

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See you next week, Cousins. ✨

Tendernism, Druski vs The Black Church, and How To Love Your Afro

Jacque Reid — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 03:49:52 GMT

Helloooooooooooo Cousin Nation! Welcome to this week’s RTRT Show Notes Newsletter. Here we provide you with a quick read about the show as well as additional resources that accompany the episode. Before you read on, if you do want to watch the episode, here is that link:

(link to the youtube of show)

Subscribe now

Ok… let’s get into it.

Welcome/Hello:

The ladies tease their guest for this episode, natural hair expert and author Paige Lewin (How To Love Your Afro).

Joy-Ann shares details of how her husband and business partner Jason Reid is now showing his face on The Joy Reid Show. Usually he is behind the scenes of the show as the director, main editor, and EP.

The ladies give a shout out and show support to friend and colleague, Don Lemon, who is being targeted by Trump’ s Department of Justice

Wine Down:

Joy-Ann shares that she is on week 3 of wearing Invalign and she is not loving it. Joy-Ann asks the audience to share any tips in comments that could help her endure this process.

Jacque shares what she is watching…starting with His and Hers on Netflix and how the ending had her screaming!! The show stars Tessa Thompson.

Joy-Ann brings how much she is loving Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, also on Netflix.

Jacque mentions how much she is loving The Pitt on HBO/Max, as well as HiJack Season 2 on Netflix staring Idris Elba.

Ish You Need to Know:

ICE-The Play Cousins start with the latest involving ICE Occupation in Minneapolis… including antics this weekend by MAGA disruptor Jake Lang, who tried to lead a racist rally. But the tables turned quickly when he was overwhelemed by anti-ICE protestors. He was protedted and rushed to safety by a Black man, a Black woman, and a trans woman… the very people he promotes hate against.

The Play Cousins also discuss how illegal movement by ICE ‘agents’ and the sexual assault that has happened to women in custody, and could very likely still be happening to countless girls and women in record numbers.

Greenland-Next item up for discussion is Greenland and Trump’s continued work to ruin US foreign relations. Trump continues his efforts to take over Greenland, while the resistance to this bad idea continues to erode US relations with Europe. And after recent speeches by Trump, the ladies discuss talk of invoking the 25th amendment, which would remove Trump from office.

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Hot Topics

Druski Black Church Skit-The ladies share a bit of the viral video from content creator, Druski that is causing big controversy. The parody video focuses on the Black mega church and highlights some of the things that has lead to hugh criticism of these insitutions over the years. The ladies dig into why in some cased the criticism is valid, but also highlight the fact that there are many good church that still exist.

Druski Video

Tendernism-Now unless you live under a rock, you have definitely seen the viral “Tendernism” moment. Walter Lee Johnson, an older Black man affectionatly known as ‘Unc”, didn’t just go viral… he started a movement. His personality and his humor has attracted customers nationwide to the barbecue restaurant known as Destintion Smokehouse in California. But when many in the Black community found out that Mr. Johnson did not own the restaurant and did not seem to have any tangible stake in it’s financial success, it became a problem. Folks took to social media calling on the owner to ‘do right by Unc’. The Play Cousins have a spirited debate on this topic based on what we know for fact vs what we don’t know. Y’all need to weigh in on this one.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8fQrt6j/

Guest: Paige Lewin

Author, social media sensation, and natural hair care advocate Paige Lewin stops by to share tips and encouragement for Black women who want to learn to love their natural hair. Paige has been there and done that with all the chemicals, weaves, wigs, braids, color…and you name it, to achieve that ‘look’ that determines Black women acceptable and pretty. She shares her journey and gives Jacque some advice on how to embrace her recent decision to rock her natural hair as is. Here are links to purchase or learn more about Paige’s book, buy her heat hat, and follow her on social meida.

How To Love Your Afro

Paige Heat Hat

Paige on IG

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See you next week!

Nobody's Coming To Save Us

Jacque Reid — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:10:51 GMT

Hey Cousins!

Here are the show notes from the latest episode, posted on Dec. 4, 2025. We recorded this last week, so please forgive the delay in posting… we both needed a little family time with our loved ones. We appreciate your love and grace!

Link To The Show

Book-Nobody’s Coming To Save Us by Dr. Wes Bellamy

What We Are Watching:

The Diplomat Trailer

Dr. Foster Trailer

Finding Joy Trailer

The Neighborhood Trailer

Watson Trailer

Jacque’s 3 Day Reset

Thejacquereidexperience.com

Vegansexycool.com

All Things Joy

Joy-Ann Reid

The Joy Reid

Thank you for supporting Cousin Nation. We appreciate our community and hope you will continue to help us grow. Please comment and subscribe here, and on all of our platforms, and invite a friend or 10 to join the family. See you next week!

We Said What We Said

Jacque Reid — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:10:18 GMT

Hey Cousins!

Here are the show notes from the latest episode, posted on Nov. 21, 2025. We recorded this show on a Sunday instead of our typical Tuesday studio time, so please forgive the omission of more topical news items.

Link to episode

*If you are looking for a that healthier alternative to peanut butter, Justins, here is more about the brand. https://www.justins.com/products/classic-peanut-butter/

*The juicer mention is Nama. https://namawell.com/products/nama-j2-cold-press-juicer?srsltid=AfmBOoqw9kCJYXpLFs6Ly8LoScZoE1hMtv4aFCuhIV4R4rMyJH0_P5io

*New Eddie Murphy Documentary, Being Eddie

*The music of The Wiz https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/charlie-smalls-and-the-story-behind-the-wiz-2/

Are They Good Ghosts, Bad Ghosts, or Demons?

Jacque Reid — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 18:58:46 GMT

Hello Everyone! Check out our latest episode of Reid This Reid That, which posted on 4-3-2025:

And scroll down for the show notes:

Glamours Life video:

Wine Down:

Joy-Ann’s drink:

*Prosecco:

https://www.lamarcaprosecco.com/

*Raspberry Liquor:

https://www.chambordliqueur.com/

*St. Germain:

https://www.stgermainliqueur.com/us/en/

*Maraschino Cherry:

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/luxardo-maraschino-cherries/?catalogId=79&sku=4428744&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Food%20%3E%20Cocktail%20Mixes%20%26%20Garnish&cm_ite=4428744_14571727833_pla-1418851118861&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqcO_BhDaARIsACz62vOpd7Wu6QHi5Gt8fIQ9idH3bm1vuslfn-7ilRc12eG74t2wvrf7LOgaArVAEALw_wcB

Jacque’s Drink:

*Huzzy:

https://www.huzzysmartsips.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqcO_BhDaARIsACz62vOZr2f3kusMhNLnHR5hJcylyFL2GzupBPR2QcXTlHK4hpeD_7Kkcq8aAvQPEALw_wcB

*Fresh OJ:

*Orange Bitters:

https://allthebitter.com/collections/classic-bitters?srsltid=AfmBOoqw1HPYu2e3NLeg1soxUXa5NWicbtaMA8PaTEV19puPdFNuEdfW

Jacque’s 3 Day Wellness Reset:

*Find Jacque’s 3 Day Wellness Reset interviews within her daily Lean In newsletter on Substack. Subscribe for free:

Lean In w/ Jacque Reid

Happy Tuesday! I am posting this later than desired, but glad I was able to get it done. Stories for today include warnings about fake Ice agents; Don Cheadle working to save the world off screen; an inspiring wellness focused weight loss journey; why so many Black women are considered kinless; and baby, that’s KeKe Palmer in a new movie now streaming …

a year ago · 3 likes · Jacque Reid

TV shows mentioned:

The Residence:

Paradise:

Severance:

The White Lotus:

Sht You Need To Know:*

Louisiana Victory:

https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-constitutional-amendments-landry-c9a48606790251bdddb84978eea382ea

https://eurweb.com/2025/louisiana-voters-reject-amendments-backed-by-50-cent-gop/

Florida/Wisconsin Election Results:

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-do-the-florida-and-wisconsin-elections-tell-us-about-the-next-2-years/

Deportation Abductions:

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/04/el-salvador-deportation-ruling-trump-administration-00272872

Hot Topics:

*Amber Ruffin Fired

*Marvin Sapp Controversy

*Tamar Braxton/HIV Prevention Drug

Find/Follow Jacque:

Find/Follow Joy-Ann:

Let us know what we missed!

Is Actor Omar Dorsey White Famous?

Jacque Reid — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:02:26 GMT

Hello and Welcome! This post is the official companion piece for the latest episode or Reid This Reid That. Here you will find show notes to help elevate your experience with this episode. Please comment and let us know if these notes are helpful and what we left out.

WINE DOWN

Jacque’s beverage:

https://primapave.com/products/rose-brut

Joy-Ann’s beverage:

https://www.moet.com/en-intMOET AND CHANDNE

https://www.chambordliqueur.com/

https://www.stgermainliqueur.com/us/en/

SH*T YOU NEED TO KNOW

Efforts to Remove US Senator Chuck Schumer:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/26/chuck-schumer-step-down-democrats

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/27/democrats-chuck-schumer-alternative-00252292

Call US Senator Chuck Schumer