No Code Switching

Episode 20 starts with a birthday recap as Shalina shares highlights from her trip, which leads into a conversation about flying — sparked by listener poll results on what people like to do on flights. From there, we get into airline experiences, first-class dreams, and the realities of travel. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we react to rising gas prices and the outrageous cost of getting around during major events — including World Cup-related travel, where prices are doing the absolute most. In The Pulse, we break down the chaos surrounding the White House Correspondence Dinner — from messy moments caught on video to the conspiracy theories already making their rounds. In You Like It / We Love It, we get into Kandi vs. Kehlani and the conversation around Folded, with opinions that needed to be shared. In We Said What We Said, we talk about work-life balance — or the lack of it — and how other countries prioritize time off, shorter work weeks, and actually living life outside of work. Citizen’s Arrest goes to celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith for trying to rename the afro. Absolutely not. And for The Choice Is Yours, we ask: What’s the first thing you do in the morning — check your phone, hit snooze, make coffee/tea, or exercise?

Episode 19 kicks off with listener responses to The Choice Is Yours, and one thing is clear — the hardest thing for most people to say is: “I need help.” We unpack that a bit and why it’s so difficult. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we run through a week of headlines that felt both chaotic and revealing — from AI-generated political imagery to protests around weapons for Israel, and ongoing tensions involving Cuba and U.S. foreign policy. In The Pulse, we get into the millennial work ethic — why it’s unmatched, what we expect from ourselves and others, and our biggest workplace pet peeves, especially when people want credit for doing the bare minimum. In You Like It / We Love It, we talk about small talk — or rather, the lack of love for it. Not everything needs a conversation, and not everyone has the energy. In We Said What We Said, we discuss age limits in Congress and the Senate, and why there should be boundaries, including cognitive testing, for long-term leadership roles. Citizen’s Arrest goes to people who complain they don’t have time to socialize at work — because… you’re there to work. Make it make sense. And for The Choice Is Yours, we ask: What are you most likely to do on a flight — read, watch a movie, play games, or sleep?

Episode 18 starts with a quick catch-up and poll results — most of y’all chose unlimited plane tickets, and we learned not everyone wants their meals prepared (noted). We also show love to our Vietnamese listeners. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we react to headlines that feel straight out of a simulation — from Trump reportedly looking at gamers to fill air traffic controller roles to former NYC Mayor Eric Adams being granted Albanian citizenship. In The Pulse, we break down Netflix’s Blue Therapy, going couple by couple and sharing our unfiltered takes on the relationships, the growth (or lack of it), and all the mess in between. In We Said What We Said, we keep it simple: not everyone in your circle is in your corner. Citizen’s Arrest goes to the entire Trump administration — for turning on their own while acting surprised at the consequences. And for The Choice Is Yours, we ask: Which is hardest for you to say — I was wrong, I love you, I’m sorry, or I need help?

Episode 17 starts with a throwback — reflecting on where we were at 17 years old and what life looked like back then. We also revisit listener responses to our last The Choice Is Yours question, where y’all really showed out with things you can say at work and in bed. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we break down a mix of headlines — from allegations surrounding Kristi Noem’s husband, to global politics with Russia’s involvement in Cuba, and a broader conversation about people running as Democrats while aligning with Republican values. In The Pulse, we get into “problematic faves” — specifically Black public figures in hip hop and sports who have chosen to align themselves with “47” and what that means culturally and politically. In You Like It / We Love It, we talk about Usher and the backlash around his public support of Diddy, unpacking why that didn’t sit right with a lot of people. For We Said What We Said, we keep it simple: if you’re not voting in elections, you’re part of the problem. Citizen’s Arrest goes to a company highlighted in The New York Times for attempting to appropriate and profit off aspects of Asian culture — along with the publication itself for platforming it. And for The Choice Is Yours, we’re doing something a little different — you’ve got a poll this time. Listen to the end, make your choice, and let us know where you stand.

Episode 16 starts with a catch-up, including Shalina’s experience at the Cardi concert and a quick conversation about the things women say when they’re really fed up (you know the tone). In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a series of heavy topics — from ongoing concerns about how Black service members are viewed in the White House, to the real cost of living in New York City for both individuals and families. We also discuss the NYPD, lawsuits, and the broader reality around what “protect and serve” actually means in practice. In The Pulse, we get into workplace culture — sparked by Southwest Airlines’ CEO pushing to protect his time. That leads us into a conversation about meetings vs. workshops, how time is used (or wasted), and how to be more intentional and efficient in professional spaces. In You Like It / We Love It, we talk about TLC’s Chili and the backlash she’s receiving after being caught being MAGA, along with her attempt to walk things back. For We Said What We Said, we get into Nick Cannon — unpacking his behavior, perceived opportunism, and how he aligns himself publicly, especially in relation to MAGA. Citizen’s Arrest goes to a Maryland homeowner who called ICE on her roofers after the job was done — completely unacceptable. And for The Choice Is Yours, we want to know: What’s something you can say at work… that you can also say in bed?

Episode 15 kicks off with a casual catch-up — recording a little earlier than usual and getting into everything from how the week has been going to a surprisingly passionate conversation about laundry. Somehow, we also find ourselves talking about writing letters to incarcerated individuals — because this episode definitely takes a few turns. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a series of unsettling headlines — from ICE agents being sent into airports due to TSA shortages, to concerns about smaller airports potentially shutting down, and the long-term stability of the postal service. We also get into the growing role of AI in global conflicts and question what’s real, what’s altered, and what we’re actually being shown. In The Pulse, we talk about AI more broadly — whether it’s gone too far, how we’re personally using it, and the tension between convenience and concern as technology continues to evolve faster than we can process it. In You Like It / We Love It, we get into Jack Harlow’s new song “Monica” and the conversation he sparked by saying he’s “gotten Blacker” with this album. For We Said What We Said, we reflect on the idea behind “This Is a Man’s World” — and why, despite everything, the role of women remains foundational and undeniable. Citizen’s Arrest goes to a substitute teacher in Detroit whose actions in the classroom crossed every line and deserve real consequences. And for The Choice Is Yours, we want to know: What are some phrases women use when they’re really upset… but trying not to show it?

Episode 14 starts with a catch-up, including Nicole’s latest concert experience, before taking a trip down memory lane with the places, brands, and items that Gen Z and Gen Alpha would absolutely not understand if we mentioned them today. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we break down another week of headlines — from high-level resignations and NYPD misconduct to serious data access concerns involving former engineers and sensitive information affecting millions of Americans. In The Pulse, we discuss the three types of employees that tend to get targeted in the workplace — and yes, we’ve seen (and experienced) it firsthand. In You Like It / We Love It, we talk about team bonding culture — and while some of y’all love it, we’re not here for being gaslit into thinking it’s required or necessary. In We Said What We Said, we call out the increasing trend of immature and inappropriate social media behavior coming from official institutions — because some things just shouldn’t be handled like that. Citizen’s Arrest goes to Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schulz for their takes on the BAFTA situation — and yes, we had to address it. And for The Choice Is Yours, we want to know: How did you used to end your phone calls back in the day?

Episode 13 kicks off with listener responses to our poll about old-school games and summer activities people used to play. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we run through a whirlwind of headlines — from questionable government spending and political shake-ups to travel mishaps, controversial appointments, and former MAGA supporters publicly walking back their support of “47.” In The Pulse, we get into hygiene culture — from personal cleanliness to proper food washing — and why some of these basic practices apparently still need to be said out loud. In You Like It, We Love It, we talk about The Breakfast Club and their latest controversial guest — an HGTV host who lost her job and is now making the rounds on an apology tour — while also questioning why the show itself continues to get a pass despite its problematic hosts. For We Said What We Said, we co-sign Grammy Award–winning rapper and activist Killer Mike’s perspective that if America insists on sending people to war, it shouldn’t be working-class families bearing the burden — the wealthy should be just as accountable. Citizen’s Arrest goes to people who blast music or take phone calls on speaker in public spaces without headphones. Honorable mention goes to rideshare drivers who spend the entire trip on the phone. And for The Choice Is Yours, we want to hear from you: What’s a place that no longer exists that would completely confuse the younger generation if you mentioned it today?

Episode 12 kicks off with what we’re watching lately and what our listeners recommended. Nicole is currently deep into Dynasty, and we have one clear message: if you’re not watching Paradise, what are you doing? In This Can’t Be Real Life, we break down another intense news cycle—from major international conflict to controversial legal rulings, immigration enforcement failures, and policy changes affecting vulnerable families. We also revisit updates around “Tourette’s Gate” In The Pulse, we focus on New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, discussing his first 65 days in office, the work he’s already done, the criticism he’s received, and our own perspectives on the moment.  In You Like It / We Love It, we talk about viral influencer behavior and why some social media personalities—like Big Groove—may be taking things too far in public spaces. In We Said What We Said, we highlight and support a young woman developing a sanitary product aimed at improving women’s health. Citizen’s Arrest goes to a Hunter College professor caught on a hot mic making racist remarks. And in The Choice Is Yours, we want to hear from you: what were your favorite old-school summer activities, toys, and games growing up?

Episode 11 kicks off with listener responses to our all-expense-paid travel question — from dream destinations to cruise conversations and vacation realities . In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack another intense news cycle, discussing international political developments, controversial legislation proposals, shifting congressional priorities, and headlines ranging from immigration enforcement scandals to unexpected political behavior and public commentary that left us asking: what is actually happening right now? For The Pulse, we celebrate Black excellence in honor of Black History Month — highlighting trailblazers across aviation, business, STEM, sports, politics, literature, and the arts, while recognizing pioneers whose contributions continue to shape culture and progress. In You Like It / We Love It, we discuss Abby De La Rosa’s relationship dynamic with Nick Cannon and the broader conversations around modern relationships. We Said What We Said revisits the BAFTAs controversy and why accountability — including a meaningful apology — still matters. Citizen’s Arrest goes to Stephen A. Smith and Tyra Banks this week — both officially locked up by the court of public opinion. We close with The Choice Is Yours: tell us what you’re watching right now and where we can stream it, because we’re ready for recommendations.

Episode 10 starts with a catch-up and listener reactions to the best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts, because some of those stories needed to be shared. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a heavy stretch of headlines—from newly released Epstein-related documents and political fallout, to reality-TV controversy and firings tied to racist commentary, to protests and policy shifts around ICE. We also highlight positive local leadership and the early actions of New York City’s new mayor. In The Pulse, we focus on one core message: mind the business that pays you. We share corporate “fighting phrases,” boundary-setting language, and real-life moments of people refusing to stay in their lane. You Like It / We Love It turns to our shared dislike of group projects and pick-me energy, while We Said What We Said examines shifting political consciences and what happens when privilege starts to feel threatened. Citizen’s Arrest goes to anyone who refuses to play their position or respect boundaries. And in The Choice Is Yours, we ask: if you could travel anywhere for free, where would you go?

Episode 9 starts with poll results and reactions to the Super Bowl halftime moment—who listeners wanted to see with Bad Bunny, what we loved about the performance, and the racist backlash that followed. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a week of political headlines—from disrespectful rhetoric toward the Obamas, to ICE presence at voter polls, to conversations about the workforce, national debt, and political optics. We also discuss the significance of Maryland Governor Wes Moore not being invited to a White House governors gathering, despite being the only Black governor in the country. For The Pulse we shift to the dating pool—breaking down the best and worst cities for love and where dating apps fall in the rankings. In You Like It / We Love It, we celebrate Valentine’s Day and the idea that love shouldn’t be limited to one day a year. In We Said What We Said, we debate whether men and women can truly be platonic friends… and we have opinions. Citizen’s Arrest goes to passport bros, chaotic relationship content creators, and the 90-Day-Fiancé-style players who need to sit down somewhere. We close by asking listeners: what are the best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts you’ve ever received?

Episode 8 is a full musical moment. We start with a weekly recap and listener poll results about which music groups people would want to be part of—while sharing our own dreams: Shalina choosing R&B singer life and Nicole claiming her rapper era. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack the disturbing reality of federal actions targeting prominent journalists and what it means when fear is used to silence rights and voices. From there, the episode becomes a true homage to Danity Kane in The Pulse. We revisit their albums, Making the Band, the vocals, the drama, and the cultural impact—while expanding into other iconic girl groups from The Supremes to Destiny’s Child to Fifth Harmony, plus a few underrated favorites. Yes, we absolutely break into song more than once. In You Like It / We Love It, we debate Love Is Blind—and whether love is actually blind. In We Said What We Said, we get into celebrity apologies, including recent headlines around Kanye West, and ask the real question: when do we cancel someone for good? Citizen’s Arrest goes to anyone skipping the Super Bowl halftime vibes—because if you’re not outside for Bad Bunny, what are you doing? We close with The Choice Is Yours: who would you want to see share the stage with Bad Bunny, and what are your expectations for the halftime show?

Episode 7 is packed. We kick things off with poll results and break down our listeners’ top five actors, along with our own picks. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we unpack a heavy week of global and political news — from the creation of a so-called Board of Peace, to plans for Palestine that don’t include Palestinian voices, to international headlines that left us shaking our heads. It’s a lot, and we talk through it. For The Pulse we look ahead to shows coming out or returning in 2026 and collectively fawn over Aaron Pierre. In You Like It / We Love It, we discuss Zoe Saldana becoming the highest-grossing actor of all time. In We Said What We Said, we discuss My Strange Addiction and the behaviors that leave us speechless. Citizen’s Arrest is issued to anyone who snubbed Michael B. Jordan at the Golden Globes. We end with The Choice is Yours--if you could be part of any music group, would you choose the group — or go solo?

Episode 6 kicks off with poll results from our 80s and 90s nostalgia questions — what listeners want to keep, what needs to stay in the past, and yes… we got some AOL AIM screen names, which we absolutely loved. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we run through the first 21 days of 2026 and ask the obvious question: what is actually happening? From global politics to tariffs, ICE, aging foreign leaders, and general chaos — it’s serious, unserious, and exhausting all at once. For The Pulse, we talk about body dysmorphia, extreme cosmetic procedures, leg lengthening, and the importance of safety and informed decisions. You Like It / We Love It turns seasonal as we debate winter — the love, the hate, and why we don’t fully agree. In We Said What We Said, we stand firm: no is a full sentence and people-pleasing needs to stay in the past. There’s also an unexpected Danity Kane sing-along (because why not). Citizen’s Arrest goes to gaslighters — lock them up, we’re not doing that in 2026. We close by asking listeners to share their top five actors of all time, dead or alive — and trust us, you’ll want to listen all the way to the end for a special way to get exclusive content.

Episode 5, is a mix of workplace truths, nostalgia, and cultural commentary. Nicole and Shalina kick things off by reviewing poll results on who not to trust at work — and the responses did not disappoint. We also get into the so-called Patriot Games (aka the modern day Hunger Games) In The Pulse, we reflect on things we remember growing up in the 80s and 90s — not a deep dive, just real memories — and we double down on one shared experience: AOL Instant Messenger, because it was elite For The Choice Is Yours, we put the question to you: what 80s and 90s nostalgia do you miss, what missed the mark, and what was your AIM screen name? In You Like It / We Love It, we talk rappers wearing their wealth and straight-back braids. We Said What We Said calls out the film industry for a serious lack of originality — stop stealing from the BBC and stop the endless remakes. And in Citizen’s Arrest, we call it like we see it: former disgraced mayor Eric Adams (aka Leroy), the cuffs are out.

Episode 4 is a reset. We catch up on New Year’s Eve plans, what listeners are leaving in 2025, and Shalina also shares her Times Square New Year’s Eve experience — so yes, we get into that. In This Can’t Be Real Life, we discuss travel bans and the dangerous reality of policies being pushed by Donald Trump, particularly targeting Black and Brown nations. In The Pulse, we talk about the New Year shift — it’s time to circle back, follow up, and actually have the meetings we kept pushing off. In You Like It / We Love It, Shalina stands firm: text or email, not long, inefficient phone calls. In We Said What We Said, we break down the difference between a meeting and an email — because knowing the difference matters. Citizen’s Arrest is issued to reply-all bandits and the people who don’t know how to CC, enabling inbox chaos everywhere. Polls are up for next week: who do you really trust at work?

Episode 3 is everywhere — in the best way. We start with holiday reflections, gift-giving debates, and Christmas experiences before pivoting hard into politics, power, and patriarchy. In The Pulse we talk about why there’s no such thing as being apolitical anymore, how America continues to resist women in leadership, and why qualifications don’t outweigh bias — even in the case of leaders like Kamala Harris. Conversations about power and money lead us to Cory Booker, ambition, and the social media clean-ups that follow. In You Like It / We Love It, we get into TikTok Shop, social media algorithms, unfollowing vs. snoozing, and what it’s like to support small businesses online. We Said What We Said focuses on the Bravo-to-prison pipeline and how greed, image, and addiction keep taking housewives down. For Citizen’s Arrest, we call out people who can’t follow instructions on planes — which somehow turns into a discussion about buying plane tickets in incognito mode. We wrap with poll questions about who you’re cutting off and how you brought in the New Year.

Episode 1, Podcast Origin Story. Every podcast has an origin story — this is ours. This episode is just us, no typical segments, no structure — just conversation. We talk about how we met while working at the same nonprofit, the very different professional paths that brought us there, and the moments that laid the foundation for our friendship. What started as a podcast class at work quickly turned into something bigger: a space for honest conversation, shared experiences, and showing up as our full selves. This episode sets the tone for why No Code Switching exists — and why we decided to take this conversation to the mic.

This bonus episode has no structure and no regrets. We laugh, spiral, sing, theorize, and jump from Wicked to VMAs to concerts to comedians to citizenship to the FDA — sometimes all in the same sentence. There’s no agenda, just real-time chaos, cultural commentary, and the kind of conversation that only makes sense if you let it wash over you. This episode is loud, random, funny, and very much No Code Switching.

Announcing the drop of the No Code Switching Podcast.