To Be Clear brings the news into focus with humor, context, and cultural clarity. Hosted by journalist Dawn Montgomery and media personality Freddie B, the show unpacks the week’s top stories with insight and personality. Each episode filters current events, viral moments, and political debates through a Black cultural lens, offering smart analysis that goes beyond the surface. It’s fast, fearless, and built for people who want more than headlines.
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Jamilah Lemieux Unpacks Black Motherhood, Co-Parenting & The Village | To Be Clear Ep. 11
Episode 11
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 25:50
From her early rise as a fearless writer at Ebony to her next chapter as an author. To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B sit down with Jamilah Lemieux to unpack a lifetime of clarity earned through experience, activism, and storytelling. First, we honor the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reflecting on his tragic passing, his iconic role as Theo Huxtable, and his vast contributions to entertainment. Learning how to grieve in public while dealing with the complicated legacy of The Cosby Show. Jamilah also shares the journey behind her upcoming book, Black Single Mother: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging, out March 2026— The first non-fiction book about Black single moms from a major publisher. Dawn & FreddieBTV discuss co-parenting with integrity & how Jamilah raised her daughter with shared custody, despite heartbreak. Jamilah explains why Black single mothers are constantly villainized, and how her new book aims to change that. The real meaning of feminism and going beyond the “man-hater” stereotype. Finally we discuss the emotional labor of Black women, what rest really looks like, and why we rarely get to experience it. Jamila Lemieux is a cultural critic, writer, and editor whose work has helped shape 21st-century conversations around race, gender, and power. A former senior editor at Ebony and contributor to The New York Times, Essence, and The Nation, she’s also the author of the forthcoming book Black Single Mother: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging.
DJ Miss Milan on Clipse, 2025 Club Culture, & Black Women DJ's | To Be Clear Ep. 10
Episode 10
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 37:07
On this episode of To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B TV sit down with Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer, and creative visionary DJ Miss Milan! She’s the mastermind behind Doechii’s electrifying live sets, co-produced 'Boom Bap' on her Grammy-winning album Alligator Bites Don't Heal, and she’s held it down on the airwaves with residencies on Hot 97 and SiriusXM. DJ Miss Milan aka The Fairy Vibe Mother herself is known for curating energy at the intersection of club culture, Black girl magic, and global soundscapes. They dive deep into the Clipse’s viral Tiny Desk concert, unpack the legacy of Neptunes-era production, and explore how Milan’s Caribbean roots and NYC upbringing shaped her sound—from soca to Jersey club to futuristic bass. Miss Milan also shares her take on Doechii’s genre-bending live sets, how she builds her own mixes, and what not to request when she's spinning. From Doechii's live sets to her creative process, handling song requests, and the best events she's ever DJed. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of The Fairy Vibe Mother! With stories about the best parties she’s ever DJed, her dream events, and how she maintains her creative flow behind the booth, this episode is a must-watch for fans of female DJs, Gen Z nightlife, and the women shaping the next wave of global dance culture. Known for spinning for artists like Doechii and blessing festivals like Essence Fest, Miss Milan reflects on how her Caribbean-American upbringing, Brooklyn’s evolving soundscape, and early musical influences shaped her unique sonic signature.
SeaWorld Concerts, Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion & Estate Planning | To Be Clear Ep. 9
Episode 9
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 30:48
On this episode of To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B TV break down the hottest headlines—from Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion going Instagram-official with PDA shots from the Bahamas leading to gossip about Klay Thompson's and Megan Thee Stallion's dating history. Surprise hip‑hop concerts at SeaWorld, featuring artists like Soulja Boy, Bow Wow, Waka Flocka Flame, and the Ying Yang Twins for a fresh “SeaWorld hip hop concert series” angle. They also highlight Angel Reese’s historic NBA 2K26 WNBA edition cover, celebrating her milestone in racial and female athlete representation and dive into Kai Cenat’s rapid rise—using strategies from YouTube and Twitch that propelled him onto Time’s creator list. The episode takes a real‑world turn with a critical conversation about estate planning and preserving generational wealth. With only ~33–45% of Americans having a will or trust Dawn and Freddie discuss how you can help protect your loved ones, especially when it comes to preserving family homes.
LeBron vs. Drake Beef, Diddy Trial Update, Naomi Osaka’s Mental Health Fight | To Be Clear Ep. 8
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 26:58
Is this the messiest summer in Black celebrity history? 🫣 On this episode of To Be Clear, hosts Dawn Montgomery (Mississippi native + sports journalism vet) and FreddieBTV (Houston’s own culture commentator) unpack the internet-breaking feud between LeBron James and Drake, sparked by LeBron’s public support of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” What started as a courtside cosign has fans and pundits wondering: did LeBron pick a side in one of hip-hop’s biggest beefs? Then, the duo pivots into the Diddy civil trial verdict and what it signals for power, accountability, and celebrity protection culture in Black entertainment. How is the media narrative shifting? What responsibility do legacy outlets and new creators have? Finally, Dawn and Freddie reflect on Naomi Osaka’s emotional Wimbledon journey and her struggles with self-esteem—an honest reflection on motherhood, public pressure, and the long-term mental health impact of elite performance. From Osaka’s Olympic-era exit to her recent advocacy, the episode offers a grounded conversation on vulnerability, fame, and identity.
Malcolm D. Lee on Humanizing Black Film, Essence Fest & NBA Draft | To Be Clear Ep. 7
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 32:39
Hollywood veteran Malcolm D. Lee—director of The Best Man, Girls Trip, and Space Jam: A New Legacy—joins hosts Dawn Montgomery and FreddieBTV for a rich episode of To Be Clear. This week, the acclaimed filmmaker breaks down the debut of his new Best Man book trilogy, opening up about filmmaking, black masculinity, and his new boo First up, Dawn and Freddie wade into their Temperature Check with Malcolm D. Lee. Then, the crew tackles Target’s controversial return to Essence Fest—are big brands really supporting Black communities or cashing in on the culture? From viral tweets to emotional gaps in the 2025 NBA Draft, the team explores generational wealth, stoic athletes, and fatherhood in pro sports before diving deep into Malcolm’s personal reflections on masculinity and mental health—a recurring thread across his filmography. Finally, Lee unpacks his new book Unfinished Business, co-written with Jayne Allen, which extends the Best Man saga beyond the screen. For longtime fans of Harper, Jordan, Quentin, and the crew, this next chapter promises deeper emotional arcs and intimate revelations. Malcolm D. Lee discusses how he uses his stories to make it easier for black men to discuss mental health and emotional challenges.
Keke Palmer & SZA’s Sequel | Denzel’s Black Panther 3 Villain Era | To Be Clear Ep. 6
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 30:37
This episode of To Be Clear starts with exciting news for Black women in comedy: Keke Palmer and SZA are returning for the One of Them Days sequel. Next, we dive into the blockbuster announcement that Denzel Washington is officially joining Black Panther 3, sparking theories about his role. Shifting from the big screen to the sports field, we discuss Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson becoming HBCU head coaches and how their upcoming face-off could redefine Black college sports. We also dissect a viral incident where a mom missed her daughter's high school graduation due to a conflict over her daughter's 31-year-old boyfriend, a situation as complicated as it sounds. Finally, we conclude with "Therapy Is Key," addressing the often-unseen struggles of Black men's mental health during Men's Mental Health Month.
Melyssa Ford Speaks On Therapy, Trolls & Taking Up Space | To Be Clear Ep. 5
Episode 5
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 • Duration 47:34
This episode of To Be Clear features Melyssa Ford, award-winning podcast host, mental health advocate, and former video model, in an unfiltered talk about therapy culture, self-care, aging, and women’s health. At 1:39, we start with a mental health check-in as Melyssa talks anxiety, burnout, and staying grounded in high-pressure spaces. At 4:35, she shares what it’s really like being the only woman on the Joe Budden Podcast, and how she’s learned to speak up in male-dominated rooms. By 10:51, she talks about winning a Gracie Award for Best Online Show, and how she built Hot & Bothered into a platform focused on Black women’s wellness, confidence, and aging gracefully. At 12:30, we respond to hate toward Michelle Obama, therapy podcasts, and emotional women. (Yes, we clap back.) At 19:00, she explains how Hot & Bothered creates space for women to talk openly about menopause, hormone therapy, and body changes over 40. At 23:05, we get into why men need to understand perimenopause too—because they’re living with it whether they know it or not. By 26:01, Melyssa shares her personal journey with grief, hormone replacement therapy, and how she took her health into her own hands. At 33:11, we talk confidence after 40, beauty standards, and what aging looks like when you do it on your own terms. Then at 39:00, it’s all about the mental health practices that helped her reparent her inner child, manage depression, and show up for herself. We close at 45:11 with her flowers: a celebration of legacy, reinvention, and staying consistent in a world built to distract you. Timestamps 0:00 - Cold Open - Melyssa's Rick And Morty Quote 0:46 - Introducing Melyssa Ford: From Video Model to Female Podcast Powerhouse 1:39 - Temperature Check: Melyssa Opens Up About Anxiety and Mental Health 4:35 - Being the Only Woman on The Joe Budden Podcast 10:51 - Winning a Gracie Award & Being Misunderstood in the Industry 12:30 - Clapback Culture: Responding to Hate on Michelle Obama & Therapy Pods 19:00 - Building ‘Hot & Bothered’ and Prioritizing Black Women’s Health 23:05 -Educating Men on Perimenopause: A Platform for Everyone 26:01 - Melyssa’s Personal Perimenopause Journey and Hormone Therapy 33:11 - Confidence, Aging & Self-Care in the Public Eye 39:00 - Mental Health, Therapy & Reparenting After Loss 45:11 - Giving Melyssa Ford Her Flowers: Legacy, Growth & Gratitude
Roy Wood Jr. Breaks Down Fatherhood, The BET Awards, & Tyler Perry’s New Film | To Be Clear Ep. 4
Episode 4
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 38:13
This week, we’re kicking things off with a proper intro to the one and only Roy Wood Jr. Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to comedian Roy Wood Jr. - Roy's career, Daily Show background, and memoir "The Man of Many Fathers" 0:16 Temperature Check: Roy Wood Jr. shares insights on fatherhood and his summer travel plans. Co-parenting son / RV trip memories 2:26 2025 BET Awards Recap: Kevin Hart's skit, 106 & Park tribute, Snoop Dogg controversy, Jamie Foxx's speech, and crowd control issues 12:00 Coco Gauff's Historic French Open Victory: Celebrating her second Grand Slam title and her inspirational quote from Tyler, The Creator. Mental toughness / Rivalry with Sabalenka. 18:45 Discussion of Tyler Perry’s New Netflix Film, Straw: An in-depth look at the film's themes of mental health and a challenging day in the life of Taraji P. Henson’s character. Sinbad's return to acting after stroke. Mental health themes, Plot twists 25:00 Roy Wood Jr. Discusses His New Memoir, The Man of Many Fathers: A personal conversation about the inspiration behind his book, lessons learned from various mentors, and his journey through fatherhood. Writing motivation, reconciling fatherhood, co-parenting insights, and lessons from "many fathers" 35:00 Farewell and Future Endeavors: A look at upcoming projects from Roy Wood Jr., including his Hulu special Lonely Flowers and other ventures. We break down all the highs, lows, and viral moments from the 2025 BET Awards, then unpack the unlikely duo taking over social media: Coco Gauff and Tyler, The Creator. Plus, we get into Tyler Perry’s new film Straw starring Taraji P. Henson—and the real-life issues it brings to the surface. And to wrap it up, Roy joins us for a deeper dive into his memoir, The Man of Many Fathers—a convo that’s just as sharp, funny, and honest as you’d expect.
Cardi B's Divorce Heats Up & Why Shaq Doesn’t Want More Ballers | To Be Clear Ep. 3
Episode 3
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 25:51
In Episode 3 of To Be Clear*, hosts Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B TV get into the week’s most layered headlines—from *Offset asking Cardi B for spousal support (00:34) to *Todd Chrisley’s unexpected commentary (05:24). The duo also reacts to Shaq’s viral parenting take (11:00) reads a Talk To Me Nice letter about mixing friendship and business (16:17) and closes out with a much-needed conversation on protecting your peace while scrolling.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Cold Open: Cookout Ban & Peace Protection The hosts give a quick take on Todd Chrisley's comments and why he's not invited to the cookout. 00:13 Intro: Friendship Boundaries & Divorce Drama Dawn Montgomery and Freddie B TV introduce themselves and the topic: friendship boundaries, divorces, and protecting peace. 00:34 Cardi B vs Offset: Spousal Support! Discussion about Cardi B, Offset, and Stephon Diggs soft launch. Offset asking for spousal support. IG flirting, and divorce demands. 05:24 Todd Chrisley on Racial Disparities in Prison Todd Chrisley's comments on racial disparities in prison and the reaction. 07:00 $100M Reparations & HBCU Funding Crisis Tulsa's historic $100M Trust vs California's rejection + systemic underfunding. The conversation moves to reparations (Tulsa's initiative) and underfunding of HBCUs. 11:00 Shaq's Parenting Take: "No More Ballers!" NBA legacy pressure, coaching alternatives & LeBron comparison. Shaq's comments about not wanting another basketball player in the family and the broader implications. Shaq's Take: Why His Kids Shouldn't Play Basketball 15:01 Pride Month Spotlight: EJ Johnson for NBA? Magic Johnson's son's viral club moment + athleticism debate. During Pride Month, they talk about EJ Johnson and his agility, suggesting he should be in the NBA. 16:17 Talk To Me Nice: Starting a Business With Friends? Nail biz dilemma, work style clashes & legal contract advice. Answering a listener's question about starting a nail business with friends and the potential pitfalls. 21:03 Social Media Detox: How to Protect Your Peace on Social Media Hosts' scroll habits, Twitter toxicity & notification boundaries. The hosts discuss their own strategies for managing social media use and avoiding toxicity. Tips on managing social media use. 25:30 Outro: Boundary Setting is NECESSARY Final thoughts on priceless peace + call to action. Remarks about setting boundaries and protecting peace.
Are We Still Healing? AI Therapy, WNBA Growth & Untold Stories | To Be Clear Ep. 2
Episode 2
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 24:26
In Episode 102 of To Be Clear, host Dawn Montgomery featuring co-host Freddie B TV ask the real questions: Are we actually healing or just going through the motions? They kick things off with the rise of people turning to AI apps for therapy, then unpack the quiet fade of once-popular healing content like Red Table Talk. The conversation continues with a look at Netflix’s Untold: Shooting Guards and the powerful stories of Black athletes the spotlight skipped over. Then it’s on to the Rodney Hinton Jr. trial—what the media’s not saying—and the NBA vs. WNBA narrative as both leagues make noise for very different reasons. New episodes drop every Tuesday on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Jump in the comments and let us know what you think
