Deadly Ice Drama, Protecting Our Black Tennis Girls, & Love And Hip Hop 90s/Early 2000s
The Reid This Reid That Newsletter
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:
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.
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.
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.
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. ✨