Speed Dial

The Season Finale Dec 28, 2016

Speed dialers, the time has come: the first season finale. Thirty episodes later, Ira and Doreen take stock of the trash ass year that was 2016. First, a rundown of the worst things about this year, which is essentially a rant against men. And then--the best things. Moments like Lemonade, Michelle Obama, and Moonlight made this year bearable, if not beautiful. Here's to hoping 2017 will have them, too.

Thanks for riding with us for this first year. Season 2 will be bigger, better, blacker, and of course, shadier. See you in February.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Jesus Hakeem Christ Dec 21, 2016

It's Speed Dial's first annual Christmas episode! There are two kinds of Christmases in America, and this week Ira and Doreen investigate them both. Celebrated by black people and a select group of discerning others, Black Christmas is a joyous occasion, which usually ends with family members, full of collards, lounging happily on a couch. First, a rundown of the iconic Black Christmas film canon: we're talking A Diva's Christmas Carol, The Best Man Holiday, The Preacher's Wife. Next, the music, both the corny (Chris Brown) and the sublime (Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway and of course, Mariah Carey). Because Speed Dial is an equal opportunity podcast, your hosts also try to understand White Christmas. This holiday, as its defenders like Megyn Kelly and Bill O'Reilly show, is a very angry time, one where people feel that there traditions are threatened. Ira and Doreen attempt to understand the rage of their fellow Americans. That is, of course, the spirit of Black Christmas.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

"A Very Caucasian Movie" Dec 14, 2016

Hello Speeddialers! Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix return with another episode of ‘Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen,” MTV’s bicoastal podcast about music, pop culture, sex, and race.

This week is all about movies. But before Ira and Doreen get into a Keep It segment about the Golden Globe nominees, there's a quick rundown of their respective weeks. Ira's in La La Land since taking percocet for a muscle he pulled getting swole, and Doreen is still in awe after witnessing how hard parents go at parties when they can get a babysitter. Your Speed Dial hosts decide that nominations for Moonlight, Insecure, and Fences are iconic. But Casey Affleck and Mel Gibson? Keep it. Next, a conversation about Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals, which Ira argues is a whiteface Tyler Perry movie. Finally, a voicemail from a listener who's caught in a messy love triangle.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

HaterNation Dec 07, 2016

'Speed Dial,' Episode 27: "HaterNation"

Following a real whirlwind of a week, Ira and Doreen are back to address some things they've learned. The first being—you can't spell 'white nationalist' without The Nation! This episode addresses a piece published by the publication, in which a writer...critiqued both Ira and and Doreen. Their conversation places the article in the context of the pattern of more overt, leftist racism following the election of Trump. Next, Ira and Doreen find out they disagree on the whole Tomi Lahren and Trevor Noah peace summit. After that, a conversation about the similarities and differences between Donald Glover's two projects this year. Lastly, an honest and brave voicemail from a listener who's looking for freedom.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Alt-White Nov 30, 2016

This week, Ira and Doreen bring back “Keep It,” the quick pop-culture rundown that decrees what greatness can stay and what mess can go. On the docket: struggle plates on holidays commemorating genocide (for the love of Beyoncé, season your mac and cheese), the British comedies Fleabag and Chewing Gum, and the psychologizing of Kanye West. Next, your “Speed Dial” hosts talk about The Weeknd’s interesting new album, Starboy. Yes — interesting. Ira and Doreen also get into a conversation about the semantics of white supremacy and the debates about whether the term “alt-right” is normalizing. Spoiler: It doesn’t matter! Lastly, as always, your voicemails!

This Some Bull***t Nov 16, 2016

It happened. Last week, a nightmare took hold on all our realities, and will maintain its grip for at least four years. After taking a week to regroup, Ira and Doreen are back. First, they discuss some of the white liberal and conservative fantasies that have been bubbling under the surface for years. In the interest of being proactive, your Speeddial hosts also offer some reading and viewing suggestions to help you prepare for survival, from black creators like James Baldwin, bell hooks, and Ava DuVernay. Next, Ira and Doreen lighten things up with conversations on the birth of our lord and savior, Dream Kardashian, and the uncomfortable comedy of Leslie Jones. Rounding this episode out is two feedback questions from our listeners.

Kelly Rowland is in the Building Nov 02, 2016

Hello Speeddialers!

This week, Speed Dial talks to one of the greatest performers of our time: Kelly Rowland! Kelly and Ira met up for a playful and warm chat in Los Angeles, during which Kelly tells Ira he has a cute nose. Next, Doreen and Ira get back on the phone for their weekly 'Keep It' segment, where they cast judgments down on Khloe Kardashian as Storm for Halloween, Drake and Kid Cudi, and Hilary Duff. Finally, a Feedback question from a listener who is fed up with New York City.

The Ballad of Joanne Oct 26, 2016

This week, Ira and Doreen introduce "Keep It," a rundown of which pop culture stories need to go and which ones can stay. This episode decides on Soulja Boy and Bow Wow's new mixtape, Amy Schumer, Omarosa and Patti La Belle. Next, a discussion about SNL's Black Jeopardy skit, and the uncanny similarities between black and white people in regions outside of the Northeast. Finally, Ira and Doreen realize they have very different opinions on Lady Gaga's new album Joanne, and shady hilarity ensues.

Black Girl Comedy Oct 19, 2016

Hello Speeddialers! Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix return with another episode of “Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen,” MTV’s bicoastal podcast about music, pop culture, sex, and race.

2016 is a renaissance year for black television. This week, Ira and Doreen talk about Issa Rae’s Insecure and the legacy of black female comedians in television. Comedians like Rae, Jessica Williams, and others are carving out new spaces for smart stories to thrive, much like the trailblazers of the ’90s sitcom era. Next, a necessary rant about about the GoFundMe account Democrats set up to rebuild a GOP building in North Carolina. Your “Speed Dial” hosts discuss how “niceness” isn’t going to fix white supremacy. Ira and Doreen also talk about the tragic death of Venida Browder, mother of Kalief Browder, and the ways mass incarceration destroy families. Finally, they answer a Feeback call from a black woman listener who constantly gets asked if she works at Nordstrom Rack when she’s shopping there.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Birth of a Headass Oct 12, 2016

Hello Speeddialers! Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix return with another episode of ‘Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen,” MTV’s bicoastal podcast about music, pop culture, sex, and race.

This week, karma ruled her beautiful head not once, but twice! First, your Speed Dial hosts track the reckoning of Billy Bush, the former Access Hollywood host who was caught kiki-ing over sexual assault with Donald Trump. Al Roker, who warned everybody about Bush back during Lochtegate, got to announce the separation on the Today Show this week and it was *chefs kiss*. Next, Ira and Doreen get into a discussion about two films that premiered this week, Birth of a Nation and 13th. They discuss all the storytelling flaws of the former, and all the cinematic triumphs of the latter. This week's episode ends with songwriter and producer Brett McLaughlin, aka Leland. McLaughlin has written dozens of songs for singers like Troye Sivan, Daya, and Kat Graham. He talks to Ira and Doreen about everything from what it's like to write a hit song to his early days catering for celebrity events in L.A. like Kim Kardashian's (2nd) wedding.

Call into ‘Feedback,’ Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Jojo Is Back Oct 05, 2016

Remember when we asked you to send questions for Jojo? She answered! This week’s episode features an interview between the singer and Ira, who met her on the set of MTV’s Wonderland. They talk about her new album and her past struggles, among other things (like Rita Ora). In this episode, you can also hear Doreen and Ira gush over Solange’s magnificent album, A Seat at the Table. There’s just something about the Knowles sisters. Finally, following the news of Kim Kardashian West’s robbery in Paris, Ira and Doreen talk about the lack of public empathy for her ordeal and the horrible way people treat celebrities.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

The Lady And The Trump Sep 28, 2016

Our long national nightmare is ... just beginning? This week, Ira and Doreen discuss the comedy and horror that was the first presidential debate. Ira tells Doreen a little bit about what it was like to canvas on a weekend in Nevada. Next, they discuss the (brief) comeback of Will & Grace. The cast members got together to make a hilarious ad for Clinton, and their brilliant chemistry reminded your hosts of the way that show, more than others, challenged the “liberal New Yorker” trope. After watching Drake’s short film, Please Forgive Me, Ira and Doreen try to parse why his work is so impersonal. Finally, they give Feedback to a totally adorable “Speed Dial” listener who wants to know how to become a writer.

Call in to “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Angelina Jolie is Single Now Sep 22, 2016

This week on Speed Dial: life in a post-Brangelina world, The Emmys, and some very mysterious Feedback.

Call into “Feedback,” Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335

The State Of The Black Sitcom Sep 14, 2016

Hello Speeddialers! Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix return with another episode of ‘Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen,” MTV’s bicoastal podcast about music, pop culture, sex, and race. This week, Ira and Doreen take stock of the black shows that have premiered to rave reviews this season: OWN's Queen Sugar and FX's Atlanta. They talk about the cinematographic beauty of all of Ava Duvernay's films, and the ease with which she translates that on the small screen. They also get into a deep conversation about how Atlanta fits into a lineage of black sitcoms. Make sure you read Ira's marvelous piece about that here. Next, Doreen gets surprised when Ira tells her white women on the internet think she's sexist because she *may or may not have* cracked a joke about model Kate Upton, who, if you missed it, criticized black football players for taking a knee during the anthem on 9/11. Then, Ira regales us about the Tidal listening party for Usher's new album. Finally, your hosts answer a Feedback question from the great Kyle Turner: what to do with wild white people on the internet Call into ‘Feedback,’ Speed Dial’s advice hotline! Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Cuffing SZN Sep 08, 2016

This week: - Ira and Doreen discuss the pros and cons of getting bae'd up for the winter. - Feedback comes early this week and Doreen, Speed Dial's resident love doctor, advises a caller on how to reconnect with a girl he met at the *clurb*. - Next, the two talk about the slept-on, Southern gothic wonder that was Beyoncé's second studio album, B'Day - Finally, Ira stans for Rita Ora's performance at the Vatican while Doreen rants about both she and newly canonized Mother Theresa exhibit scamming tendencies.

Joanne the Super Model Sep 01, 2016

This week on Speed Dial: Ira and Doreen are joined by Natasha Nyanin, culture writer and host of the series The Ecstatic Flash. They discuss pop star fashion at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Also, they discuss how Joanne Prada scammed her way into high fashion. Next up, a “Feedback” question about how to be a functional human being after Beyoncé's earth-shattering performance. Then: Anthony Weiner's up to his old games again, and your Speed Dial hosts read him for filth. Finally, Ira and Doreen discuss the backlash against Colin Kaepernick's peaceful protest and the hypocrisy of white fans, black male athletes, and the NFL establishment. Have a question you want Ira and Doreen to answer? Leave them a voicemail at 424-354-9335.

Rock The Boat Aug 26, 2016

This week Ira and Doreen talk Nate Parker, reflect on Aaliyah's legacy, and offer up some tips for workplace etiquette.

The Simone Files Aug 15, 2016

This week on Speed Dial, Doreen's out and Ira is hanging out with Samantha Powell (@sdpowell1). The pair talk Vogue, Kendall, fashion twitter, Simone Biles, gender swaps in Hollywood remakes, *and* they answer listener questions.

Stranger Tings Aug 04, 2016

This week: Ira and Doreen watch Stranger Things, Frank Ocean maybe does something, and Trump eats KFC with a knife and Fork.

The Politics Episode Jul 29, 2016

This week on Speed Dial, Ira and Doreen welcome Leah Wright Rigueur to the show to talk about her new book, The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power. They follow that up with a discussion of Michelle Obama's powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The Self-Care Episode Jul 14, 2016

This week on Speed Dial: Ira recounts his journey into the deepest fjords (and volcanos!) of Iceland; and all forms of self-care, from prosecco to actually shutting down your computer, are discussed.

Put Rio In Rice Jul 06, 2016

This week, Doreen and Ira fill an Olympic-sized pool with their takes on Rio, Ashanti v. J-Lo, and Taylor Swift.

Black Is The New Black Jun 29, 2016

This week on Speed Dial, Ira and Doreen talk Orange Is The New Black (SPOILER ALERT); Jesse Williams and the BET Awards; and the intersection of colorism and privilege within POC communities.

Leave Whitney Houston Alone Jun 17, 2016

This week: Ira and Doreen talk LA pride, Orlando, Whitney, Bobby, Xtina, and Spike.

Is Hilary Clinton In Formation? Jun 10, 2016

This week Ira and Doreen go deep on Beyonce's Formation tour, HRC's nomination, and West Village scammers.

The Cult of Steph Curry Jun 03, 2016

This week, Ira and Doreen trade war stories on a modern American dilemma: how white people treat you when they move into your city. Next, Ira and Doreen talk about male fandom in sports in the era of Steph Curry. As the Eastern Conference finals draw near, people have a lot to say about the role of colorism in stanning, and Ira and Doreen jump in with the real. Finally, they ask an important question of everyone who felt moved to voice negative opinions on Amber Heard’s assault allegations against Johnny Depp: Who asked you?

Love In The Time Of Black Panther feat. Ben Hardy May 27, 2016

This week, Ira Madison III schools Doreen St. Félix on the world of comics, and their first celebrity guest, X-Men: Apocalypse’s very British Ben Hardy, leaves a voicemail about his favorite superhero. Also discussed: Madonna’s pimp cane at the BBMAs and Tamar Braxton’s exit from ‘The Real’

Chance the Rapper Takes Us to Church May 19, 2016

It's time to ring up 'Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen' again, MTV's bi-coastal podcast that tackles music, pop culture, sex and race. This week Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix discuss how Chance the Rapper's third mixtape, "Coloring Book," is rooted in the aesthetic of the black church. Also ahead: They discuss producer Kaytranada's debut album and talk about the History Channel's reboot of "Roots," featuring T.I. of all people.

Emma Watson and the Half-Paid Taxes & Keeping Up With Blac Chyna May 12, 2016

It's time to ring up 'Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen' again, MTV's bi-coastal podcast that tackles music, pop culture, sex and race. This week: Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix talk about Bell Hooks' favorite feminist Emma Watson and her secret offshore bank accounts. Also ahead, Rihanna's cinematic and afrofuturistic Anti Tour, Blac Chyna's feud with the Kardashians, and how Madonna scammed her way into the Prince tribute at the Billboard Music Awards.

Drake vs. Beyonce and Hip Hop Sagas May 06, 2016

You heard the preview, now here’s the official premiere episode of ’Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen,’ a bi-coastal podcast that tackles music, pop culture, sex and race. This week Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix talk about why the hell Drake thought we needed Views so soon after Lemonade, how Beyoncé’s new music fits into her previous catalog, and Steve Harvey’s credibility. Plus: join them as they dive into the world of hip-hop sagas in an attempt to unravel the Jay Z and Dame Dash Roc-a-Fella Records drama.

Preview: Speed Dial with Ira and Doreen Apr 27, 2016

Ira Madison III and Doreen St. Félix became friends on Twitter, and kind of secretly thought they could be best friends. Now they work together IRL. Well… they're still on opposite coasts, but they've got each other on speed dial. In this preview, Ira and Doreen go in on upcoming Billboard Music Awards hosts Ciara and Ludacris. When presenting the nominees for the awards, Ciara hilariously refused to say Future's name — but if she hates him so much, what does she call her son who is also named Future? Ira and Doreen investigate.

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