BLACK OUT: UNFILTERED & UNCUT with Ian Dunlap & Rashad Bilal

Latest Episodes:

Is Investing Now Mandatory? Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on AI, Jobs & Your Financial Future Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another special **Black Out with Ian & Rashad**! In this powerful clip, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev explains how to tackle one of today's most urgent questions: **How will artificial intelligence (AI) impact the job market and your financial security?**

Vlad Tenev warns that rapid AI adoption could cause major labor market disruptions over the next 5-10 years, forcing millions to rethink how they build wealth. As traditional job opportunities shrink, Vlad, Rashad, and Ian make a passionate case: **Investing is no longer optional—it’s mandatory.**

Whether you’re a creative uploading content or someone with bills to pay and a family to support, it’s clear you’ll need to find ways for your money to work for you. The hosts stress the importance of investing in companies and platforms you already use—think Apple, Google (YouTube), and others that are reshaping our economy.

What you’ll learn in this clip:

- Why AI isn’t just taking jobs—it’s fundamentally changing the economy

- How retail investing can help you close the income gap created by automation

- Why everyone, especially creatives, should invest in the platforms they use daily

- The urgency of financial literacy in a world where “passive” income is becoming a must

- Why the hosts say putting even 25–50% of your money in the market could be life-changing

Ian and Rashad break down the real-world effects of rising costs, stagnant wages, and the government’s new role in private investing. They share actionable advice: it’s not negotiable—learning to invest is your path to long-term stability.

Whether you’re new to investing or trying to understand how tech is reshaping wealth, this conversation will give you the clarity and motivation you need. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more hard-hitting discussions!

**Hashtags:**

#BlackOutPodcast #VladTenev #Robinhood #Investing #AI #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome #StockMarket #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #PersonalFinance #TechDisruption #GenerationalWealth

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**Watch now and equip yourself for the future!**

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**Listen to the full journey on your favorite podcast platforms and follow @BlackOutWithIanAndRashad for more exclusive content.**

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Trump’s Extreme Justice Plan, AI Made Investing Mandatory, & The Truth About Dating Beautiful Women Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

This week on Black Out, we dive into everything from sports and relationships to politics and business. Cristiano Ronaldo’s prenup has the world asking — are prenups turning into lifetime wealth transfer vehicles instead of simple protection contracts? Meanwhile, Cracker Barrel faces backlash over a logo change, sparking debate on whether outrage marketing is a viable growth strategy in today’s economy.

On the political front, Donald Trump makes headlines again — calling for capital punishment in the nation’s capital while also clashing with the Smithsonian Institution. We also break down Vlad Tenav’s bold statement that “investing isn’t optional” and analyze RFK Jr.’s claims that 60 major tech firms secretly monetized Americans’ health data without their consent.

We close with culture, relationships, and entertainment. Paul Pierce’s relationship advice raises the question — is it rooted in stability or just insecurity disguised as control? We highlight the most surprising performance at Invest Fest, reveal the hard truth about self-improvement, and unpack the business play behind Tank vs. Paul’s exhibition fight. This episode is full of unfiltered takes you won’t want to miss.

Link to 24 Hour Red Panda Invest Fest Sale: https://ianinvest.com

#BlackOut #EarnYourLeisure #InvestFest #CristianoRonaldo #Trump #RFKJr #PaulPierce #TankDavis #Investing #SelfImprovement #Relationships #Culture

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Debunking the Diaspora Wars: Social Media vs. Real Life Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful clip from Black Out with Ian & Rashad, host Rashad Bilal sits down with activist Chaka Bars to pull back the curtain on "diaspora wars"—the online conflicts between Black Americans, Africans, and Caribbean communities spreading across social media. Chaka Bars argues that these so-called wars are mostly "mythological," fueled by bots, agents, and viral narratives that seek to divide the global Black community rather than unite it.

From discussions about South African and Nigerian tensions to the history of COINTELPRO and social engineering, this clip digs deep into how outside influences amplify division and why we need to focus more on building community than battling online. Chaka highlights the importance of self-love movements, the power of reclaiming narratives on social platforms, and innovative solutions for countering negativity—like turning harmful memes into opportunities for empowerment and unity.

Hear how Black activists around the world have resisted dehumanizing portrayals, flipped racist narratives, and started movements that center pride, love, and solidarity. Plus, learn what happens when real activism challenges exploitative art and historical injustices—like when Chaka’s community shut down a racist art exhibit mimicking colonial-era “human zoos.”

If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise and truly support global Black unity, or how technology both harms and heals, this clip is a must-listen. Subscribe and share your thoughts on how we can all build bridges—both online and off.

**Hashtags:**

#BlackOutPodcast #DiasporaWars #BlackUnity #ChakaBars #RashadBilal #AfricanDiaspora #BlackEmpowerment #SocialMedia #COINTELPRO #CommunityBuilding #PositiveChange #TechForGood #GlobalBlackCommunity

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Drake, Stake & the Power of Relationships in Business Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Black Out with Ian & Rashad! In this revealing clip, Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal break down a headline-making business move involving Drake and the gambling platform Stake—and why managing relationships is crucial during times of negotiation and crisis.

Ian and Rashad use Drake’s public fallout with Stake’s CEO and the broader Universal Music Group (UMG) saga as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and professionals alike. They discuss the high stakes of renegotiating deals, the long-term consequences of burning bridges, and why equity should always be in your sights *from the start*—not just after you’ve shown your value and want a bigger piece of the pie.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

- The dangers of going public or getting personal during business disputes.

- Why having good relationships—even when business terms sour—can be worth more in the long run.

- The critical timing for negotiating equity and ownership, especially when you’re already a major player.

- How bad breakups or negative exits can cost you exponentially down the line.

- Lessons from the music and sports industries on power, negotiation, and knowing your worth.

- What entrepreneurs should look out for in high-value deals, and why getting “in” with equity early is non-negotiable.

Using Drake’s Stake deal as the backdrop (reportedly worth $100-$150 million), Ian and Rashad break down where things could have gone differently. If you’re building something big—or partnering with big brands—you need these gems in your arsenal.

Don’t miss Ian’s and Rashad’s candid thoughts on how to protect your brand, play your negotiation cards right, and set yourself up for generational wealth—without burning bridges.

**Drop a comment with your thoughts: Should stars like Drake always fight for equity up front? What’s the wildest negotiation move you’ve seen go right or wrong?**

If you enjoyed this clip, make sure to subscribe for more real talk on business, culture, and wealth-building from Ian and Rashad!

#BlackOutPodcast #BusinessNegotiation #Drake #Stake #Entrepreneurship #Equity #BusinessLessons #WealthBuilding #MusicIndustry #RelationshipsMatter #IanDunlap #RashadBilal

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America’s $250 Visa Fee Backlash & The Future of U.S. Tourism Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this thought-provoking clip of *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*, your hosts Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap dive into the $250 “visa integrity” fee recently imposed by the U.S.—a policy expected to cost the country a whopping $9.4 billion in tourism revenue over three years. The conversation unpacks how this new surcharge, which targets all non-immigrant visa applications (students, tourists, business travelers), is likely to harm not only travelers from African nations but the entire American tourism ecosystem.

Ian and Rashad break down the numbers: 15,000 potential U.S. travel sector job losses, $1.3 billion in lost tax revenue, and a growing debate over whether the Congressional Budget Office’s projected $27 billion in extra visa fee income is worth the wider economic hit. What does this mean for cities like Las Vegas—already struggling with plummeting hotel occupancy rates—and for domestic vs. international travel in general?

The hosts explore why travel dreams for many Americans have shifted. Once, Disney and Miami were the pinnacle of vacations; now, influencers and artists set new expectations that are only rising, with destinations like Cabo and Turks and Caicos becoming “the norm.” Meanwhile, some U.S. hotspots like Vegas and LA are facing real challenges, including competition from international destinations that are sometimes more affordable or appealing than domestic trips.

You’ll also catch a lively tangent on hip-hop’s role in setting (and sometimes warping) our standards for luxury and travel, including a deep-dive on Cardi B’s latest track and how rappers are reshaping cultural expectations.

👉 Is the U.S. pricing itself out of the global tourism market?

👉 Has the allure of domestic travel taken a permanent hit in the age of social media and remote work?

👉 Are new visa policies just creating bigger barriers—and who pays the price?

Tune in for this candid, timely discussion connecting policy, pop culture, and the real-world travel choices facing Americans and international visitors alike.

**Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest takes on business, culture, and finance from Ian & Rashad!**

#USVisaFee #TourismCrisis #BlackOutPodcast #TravelTalk #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #CardiB #LasVegas #DomesticVsInternational #TravelIndustry #CultureShift #PodcastClip #VisaNews

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Stay in the know with *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*—your go-to for real talk on the stories impacting you. Got thoughts on this new visa policy? Drop them in the comments!

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Drake’s New War, Trump’s Africa Tax, & What Not to Eat & Diaspora Wars w/ ChakaBars Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

This week on Black Out, we dug into everything from hip-hop headlines to geopolitics. Drake’s clash with the Stake CEO showed why maintaining strong relationships matters, while Diddy’s potential MSG play had us talking power moves. We also debated the new $250 visa fee targeting African nations and whether science “deleting” the chromosome tied to Down Syndrome crosses the line into eugenics.

The conversation turned global as we mapped out the InvestFest 25 Roadmap, broke down the 30-Day Post-InvestFest plan, and asked why more people are considering a move to Africa. We explored the most economic-friendly places on the continent, the dark history of human zoos, and what it really means to marry during your ascension. ChakaBars joined in on the dialogue before stepping out, adding fuel to the debate.

We closed with culture and economics colliding — from Jim Jones’ new content studio to the Trump/Putin/Zelensky dynamic, and whether corporations are now more powerful than nations. With U.S. banks sitting on hundreds of billions in unrealized losses, is another 2008-style crash on the horizon? Plus, we checked in on Lil Yachty’s accountability moment.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#BlackOut #InvestFest #Drake #Diddy #ChakaBars #Trump #Putin #Zelensky #Africa #Economy #Wealth #Marriage #JimJones #LilYachty #BankingCrisis #GlobalPolitics

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How Friends & Family REALLY Impact Your Relationship! Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Are your friends and family secretly sabotaging your love life? In this unfiltered and hilarious clip from Black Out with Ian & Rashad, the duo dives deep into how your social circle REALLY impacts your relationship choices—and what you should do when the people closest to you just aren’t vibing with your partner.

Rashad kicks things off by discussing those awkward situations when friends start hating on your significant other. Ever had a "friend" hint you could do better, or shade your partner’s car, past, or even their baby mama? Ian weighs in, breaking down how criticism isn’t always rooted in hate—sometimes, there's truth that needs examining, and sometimes, it’s just blatant jealousy.

The hosts explore how these dynamics differ between men and women, with Rashad noting, "I never really saw a guy tell his friend to his face, ‘you could do better,’" while women often share their opinions openly—even under the guise of "concern." They break down the psychology of single friends projecting unhappiness, and why you must be wary of taking negative opinions at face value.

But the discussion doesn’t stop with your friends. Ian and Rashad dig into how much weight you should give your parents’ opinions—and whether their disapproval is a dealbreaker. Would you call it quits if mom or dad says no, or do you keep rocking with your heart’s choice?

Plus, the hosts get real about dealing with toxic friends in your partner’s life. Should you openly call out a bad influence or take a more strategic, subtle approach? Rashad shares his “subtle way” of exposing a toxic friend, while Ian warns about the dangers of single, negative-minded friends leading your partner astray.

From wild stories about friends made in nightclub bathrooms to the age-old advice about birds of a feather flocking together, this clip is packed with laughs, relationship wisdom, and controversial truths about love, loyalty, and the power of your inner circle.

**Watch now to learn:**

- Why your friends’ and family’s opinions matter (or don’t!)

- How to handle criticism about your partner from your loved ones

- The real deal on cutting out toxic friends—and how to do it without drama

- Whether your social circle could be making (or breaking) your relationship

Drop your thoughts in the comments: Has your crew ever changed how you see your partner? Would you ever choose your relationship over your friends or parents’ approval?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more clips from Black Out with Ian & Rashad!

**#BlackOutPodcast #Relationships #FriendshipAdvice #IanAndRashad #ToxicFriends #DatingAdvice #FamilyApproval #BlackoutMed #PodcastClip #LoveAndRelationships**

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Walmart Worker Quits LIVE on Loudspeaker: Viral Exit, Corporate Rage & The Truth About Going Viral Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

In this explosive clip of *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*, hosts Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap break down the now-viral moment when a Louisiana Walmart employee named Beth McGrath quit her job over the store loudspeaker—in truly unforgettable fashion. Hear the uncensored clip, where Beth calls out her managers, reveals why she’s had enough of the corporate grind, and exposes what it’s really like to work retail in America.

Ian and Rashad discuss the fallout:

- Should you ever quit your job the way Beth did?

- The real issues behind low pay, workplace discrimination, and toxic corporate cultures

- The widening wealth gap, automation, and what AI means for everyday workers

- Can “going viral” on social media really change your life—or is it just another myth?

- What’s next for people like Beth—political activism? Union leadership? Or will virality fade just as fast as it started?

The hosts get real about why big corporations have stopped treating employees like people, why quitting on your own terms is risky, and why a viral moment might not guarantee long-term success (or even a big payday). They offer advice for anyone thinking of making a dramatic exit, emphasizing the importance of an exit plan—and what it really takes to get ahead, both online and offline.

Plus: Find out why “going viral” doesn’t mean what it used to, and what you need to know before trying to make your moment on the internet.

Don’t miss this insightful, honest discussion about work, social media, and the reality facing millions of workers today!

**Listen now and join the conversation.**

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**Hashtags:**

#BlackOutPodcast #QuittingWalmart #GoingViral #CorporateCulture #WorkerRights #RetailStories #ViralExit #BethMcGrath #SocialMediaTruths #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #PodcastClip

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Donald Trump’s Federal Takeover: D.C., New York & Chicago in the Crosshairs Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

In this revealing clip from *Black Out with Ian & Rashad*, hosts Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap dive deep into former President Donald Trump’s recent actions and heated rhetoric about taking federal control over America's largest cities. The conversation kicks off with Trump deploying federal agents and the National Guard in Washington D.C. amidst rising crime rates. Now, Trump’s eyeing takeovers in New York and Chicago, threatening bold measures and calling out local leadership in explosive terms.

Ian and Rashad unpack the implications of what’s being called a “light martial law,” the unprecedented use of federal power in urban policing, and why Trump singles out cities with Black leadership. They highlight the dangerous precedent this sets, comparisons to past policing eras like Giuliani’s “stop and frisk,” and the potential impact on civil liberties in predominantly Black cities. Plus, the hosts call out Trump’s repeated use of dog-whistle language—like “low IQ”—when referring to Black officials.

Listen in as the hosts question whether these moves are truly about law and order or part of a deeper political play tied to surveillance technology, AI deployment, and targeting communities of color. From discussing real drops in crime (like in Baltimore) to pondering if the cities’ leadership demographics are a coincidence, Ian and Rashad offer thoughtful commentary, sharp takes, and a space for honest debate.

Stay tuned for smart, unapologetic analysis at the crossroads of politics, race, and technology.

**Timestamps Available Upon Request**

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#BlackOutPodcast #DonaldTrump #FederalTakeover #WashingtonDC #NewYorkCity #Chicago #UrbanPolicing #MartialLaw #AIinPolicing #RaceAndPolitics #Leadership #CommunityVoices #BlackMayors #CivilRights #CrimeStats #StopAndFrisk #IanAndRashad #PodcastClip

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Trump’s Takeover of Major Cities, Relationship Killers, AI's Dark Future, & Black Women Losing Jobs Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

This week on Black Out, we break down some of the most talked-about stories in business, culture, and current events. From Trump’s potential takeover of D.C. and other major cities to a Bill Gates–backed company creating butter from carbon, we cover the headlines that have everyone talking. We also get into the viral moment when a woman quit her job by blasting her company over the loudspeaker, and the buzz around the new TeaOnHer App.

We dive deep into personal and cultural questions — like what to do if your friends don’t like who you’re dating, whether homeschooling is the best move for kids, and the concerning statistic that 300,000 Black women have left the workforce in the past three months. Plus, we explore predictions of a 12-year AI-driven dystopia starting in 2027, uncover who really owns America’s motels, and discuss Dr. Umar’s school being set to auction by the state of Delaware.

We close out with what we’re thankful for, and ask the question on many minds: is Tyla done? This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk — connecting the dots between culture, business, and the future.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#BlackOut #EarnYourLeisure #Trump #BillGates #AI #DrUmar #Tyla #BlackWomen #Workforce #Homeschooling #ViralNews

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