Kevin, Rich, and special guest Tamia Booker dive deep into the cracks forming in modern political strategy—from stale consulting playbooks to the rising skepticism among younger voters. This episode is a no-holds-barred conversation on the Democratic Party’s struggle to adapt, the need for fresh blood in political consulting, and the enduring influence (and limitations) of the Obama legacy. Tamia brings her insider experience to dissect why campaigns are falling flat, how identity politics is being weaponized, and what it’ll take to truly connect with the next generation of voters.

Topics

📍 00:01 – Red or Blue? Kevin and Rich Get Real
The episode opens with provocative barbershop talk about whether they’d ever work for a Republican—and what that says about political identity in today’s climate.

📍 07:40 – Is the Obama Era Holding Us Back?
Rich and Kevin revisit a recent article criticizing the continued dominance of Obama-era consultants. They unpack how nostalgia may be stalling innovation and costing the party crucial wins.

📍 14:37 – Tamia Booker on Campaign Consulting Stagnation
Tamia shares firsthand frustrations with the lack of diversity in the consulting class and exposes how recycled strategies are alienating key voter blocs.

📍 22:27 – The South, Strategy, and the Rise of New Voices
The crew explores the political shift in states like Georgia and South Carolina—and asks if emerging operatives in the South will finally get a seat at the national table.

📍 28:18 – Who’s Got Next? The Future of the Party
From Ruben Gallego to the next-gen consultants, they debate who’s got the potential to lead the party forward and whether we’re finally ready to build around authenticity and innovation.

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🏆 Tamia Booker – For challenging the old guard and amplifying the need for inclusion, innovation, and fearless truth-telling in Democratic strategy. She brought receipts, perspective, and a call to action that can’t be ignored. https://www.tbookerstrategies.com/

Rich and Kevin wrestle with tough questions about political loyalty, authenticity, and the future of Democratic strategy. They dissect the rise of conservative Black voters, the stagnation of the consulting class, and whether new blood can reshape politics before it’s too late. Equal parts confessional and analytical, this episode takes a hard look at what’s working—and what’s not—in the fight for progress.

Topics

📍 00:00 – Would You Ever Work for a Republican?
Rich and Kevin open up about party politics, revealing surprising views on working across the aisle.

📍 04:13 – Black Conservatism in the South
The hosts explore the complex and often contradictory voting patterns among Black voters.

📍 08:40 – The Obama Consultant Monopoly
Kevin critiques the dominance of Obama-era consultants and calls for fresh perspectives in campaign strategy.

📍 17:34 – The Coalition Shift
The conversation turns to how Obama’s winning coalition may now be mirroring Trump’s, with younger voters drifting right.

📍 28:18 – Next-Gen Leadership & Consulting
Rich and Kevin discuss new voices in the Democratic Party and whether real change in campaign strategy is possible.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🛑 No Award This Week – The fellas agree it’s a quiet moment in the movement. Sometimes you pause to reflect, recharge, and get ready for the next play.

This week, Rich and Kevin blend politics and pop culture like only they can—from the cost of Beyoncé tickets to the cost of losing Black voters. They share wild concert memories, then shift gears into a powerful breakdown of what went wrong for Democrats in 2024. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t just Kamala. The fellas unpack voter apathy, brand erosion, and the myth of demographic inevitability. Insightful, personal, hilarious—and right on time.

Topics

📍 00:01 – Cowboy Carter & Concert Chaos
The guys kick off with tour talk, debating Beyoncé’s ticket prices, Prince’s legacy of free shows, and why Jay-Z doesn’t finish his songs. Plus: who had the better chemistry—Jay & Bey or Jay & JT?

📍 08:14 – Usher, Jeezy & That One Time in Morehouse
Rich and Kevin trade memories of iconic live shows, including Usher’s “homecoming at a strip club” vibes and a smoky backstage moment with Jeezy and Lloyd. Yes, security was high… literally.

📍 13:26 – What Really Sank the Democrats
Rich brings up a Cook Political Report deep-dive into Kamala’s 2024 loss. They dissect turnout data, voter shifts, and why Black men, Latino voters, and new voters drifted—or defected—to Trump.

📍 24:44 – Politics Ain’t the Cowboys
The fellas explore why voters don’t show brand loyalty in politics like they do in sports. Democrats have to earn votes every time—and right now, they're coming up short.

📍 39:38 – The Obama Blueprint is Broken
Kevin and Rich agree: the party needs more than vibes and nostalgia. Coalition building requires infrastructure, cultural competency, and real investment in overlooked communities.

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🎓 The Class of 2025 – Especially the graduates of HBCUs, who persevered through financial hurdles, administrative chaos, and systemic barriers. Whether it’s Spelman, Morehouse, Howard, or any Black college producing the next wave of thinkers and leaders, the hat tip is yours. You are the legacy—and the future.