The Underground Lounge

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AFTER HOURS: "Accountability" W/ Comedian Mike Murphy | The Underground Lounge Jun 08, 2025

Show notes

This After Hours episode of the Underground Lounge kicks off with Holly confronting the elephant in the room — the YouTube comments. She addresses the criticism head-on, acknowledging her loud voice, big personality, and how it sometimes clashes with the male-dominated panel. With Spank and comedian Mike Murphy by her side, the trio dives into a raw and hilarious conversation about internet culture, boundaries, and the unwritten rules of both friendships and birthday dinners.

Mike opens up about how he deals with trolls and why he filters certain words from his comment section. He and Holly find common ground in navigating negativity online, while Spank holds down the middle, offering balance and plenty of side commentary.

The episode spirals (in the best way possible) into stories about social group hierarchies, being the “errand guy” in male circles, and how quickly interest fades when someone doesn’t command respect from their peers. Holly also breaks down the sacred rules of birthday behavior, including what your friends are (and aren’t) allowed to wear, and what happens when someone brings Wagyu energy to a shrimp budget dinner.

Mike reflects on a past conflict where another comic falsely accused him of stealing content, revealing how the situation messed with his energy more than his reputation.

Whether it’s talking through the blurred lines of clout-chasing, the petty politics of group dinners, or the reality of being a solo act in a world full of entourages, this episode is proof that when the cameras are rolling after hours, nothing is off-limits.

Beauty, Brains & The Blueprint W/ Melyssa Ford | The Underground Lounge S2 E.30 Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Underground Lounge, Lou Will and Spank are joined by an undisputed cultural icon — Melyssa Ford. Known to many as the original video vixen, Melyssa breaks down her evolution from being one of the most recognizable faces in hip-hop videos to becoming a respected media voice and podcast host.

Melyssa reflects on the early days of her career, from modeling in Toronto to working with legends like Jay-Z, Usher, and Jadakiss, and reveals how she made the leap from music videos to becoming one of the main faces of BET. She shares untold stories from legendary sets, including Big Pimpin’ and Knock Yourself Out, and gives insight into what it meant to carry the weight of being “the blueprint” for a whole era of women in entertainment.

The conversation turns personal as Melyssa opens up about winning a Gracie Award, battling imposter syndrome, and why she started her own podcast, Hot and Bothered, to create space for honest conversations about women’s health, identity, and aging with power. She also talks about advocating for Black women in media, learning to stand in her truth, and not letting the noise distract from her purpose.

Of course, the episode keeps it fun and unpredictable with wild stories, laughs, and a spicy round of “F**K IT BUCKET” questions including what to do when you get horny in public. (Yes, she answered.)

From career pivots to cultural impact, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, reinvention, and confidence. Melyssa Ford is more than the blueprint — she’s the upgrade.

AFTER HOURS: Controlled Chaos W/ Na'im Lynn, Tony Allen, & Paul Pierce | The Underground Lounge Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

In this After Hours edition of the Underground Lounge, things start off smooth but quickly spiral into pure Controlled Chaos. Holly's back to co-Host with Lou Will and Spank as they sit down with Na’im Lynn, Tony Allen, and Paul Pierce for a no-holds-barred conversation that blurs the lines between hilarious, heated, and honest.

The crew kicks off with jokes about getting older, embracing “auntie” and “uncle” energy, and why naps hit harder than parties these days. But as drinks pour and the vibe loosens, the group dives headfirst into everything from Druski’s whiteface comedy and blurred cultural lines to the nuances of racial language in hip-hop.

Then the conversation takes a turn.

What starts as a casual debate about celebrity breakups explodes into a full-on discussion about the Diddy and Cassie drama/abuse, accountability, manipulation, and whether toxicity is something people attract or already have inside them. The room splits as everyone offers unfiltered takes on love, control, and the psychology behind staying in a toxic relationship. Guests open up about past experiences, some regretful, some just plain wild.

From pulling women out of clubs to defining the exact level of “crazy” they prefer in a partner, the group walks the line between funny and flagrant. It's messy, it’s vulnerable, it’s reckless—but it's real. They even tackle stories about intruders, lawsuits, and who’s allowed to say what depending on where they’re from.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when bold opinions, raw stories, and just the right amount of alcohol come together in one room, this episode is exactly that. Strap in, because this one goes there.

Tweets From The Streets Ep.4 | The Underground Lounge May 31, 2025

Show notes

In this unfiltered and laugh-out-loud edition of Tweets From the Streets, Spank gets put on the hot seat as Lou pulls up a fresh batch of his most random, wild, and thought-provoking tweets. From complaining about $37 calamari to questioning when we last saw the Obamas together, nothing is off limits. The fellas dive into Spank’s “platonic female friends” theory, debate what makes someone a “real man”, and even share grooming secrets—including cologne placement tips you definitely didn’t expect (spoiler: knees matter).

They keep it real about dating strippers, generational masculinity, and the pressure of gender roles in relationships. Spank defends his stance on smelling good just to boost confidence and possibly catch a few compliments, while Lou questions why appetizers cost more than car repairs.

The crew also touches on the rise of social media beauty standards, double standards around natural bodies, and what it means to be masculine in today’s world, sprinkled with jokes, sidebars, and just enough chaos to keep you glued.

If you’ve ever scrolled past a wild tweet and wondered, “What was he thinking?” — this episode is your answer. Tune in for the comedy, stay for the truth.

"Transitions" With Tony Baker | The Underground Lounge S2 E.29 May 28, 2025

Show notes

In this laugh-filled episode of the Underground Lounge, Lou Williams and Spank Horton sit down with comedian, actor, and viral voiceover star Tony Baker. Repping the South Side of Chicago, Tony brings his signature humor as the trio dives into everything from career beginnings to wild travel stories.

Tony shares how his acting dreams led him to stand-up, recounting early grind days, audition fails, and his breakout on Last Comic Standing. He opens up about life on the road, dodging TSA mishaps, and even being handed guns on arrival during an international gig — all delivered with Tony’s hilarious take.

The conversation shifts to dating, BBLs vs. natural bodies, and the truth about first-date expectations. They take a nostalgic trip back to the BET Uncut era, unpack Tony’s viral rise through animal voiceovers, and the challenges of social media and copyright drama.

Rounding out the episode, they get real about growth, accountability, road rage stories, and why sometimes the biggest flex is knowing when to apologize. Tony also talks hometown pride, his love for Chicago sports, and a dream to make a low-budget classic comedy.

Funny, honest, and full of stories you won’t hear anywhere else — this one’s a must-listen.

From Frontlines to Punchlines W/ Earthquake | The Underground Lounge S2 E.28 May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this unfiltered episode of the Underground Lounge, Lou Williams and Spank Horton are joined by one of the most respected names in comedy, Earthquake. From the moment he hits the couch, Quake dives into the journey that brought him from D.C. to the national stage, including how the military prepared him for stand-up, why he founded Uptown Comedy Corner, and what it really means to build your own lane in a game that doesn’t always open doors for you.

Earthquake reflects on the changing landscape of comedy, from social media sensations skipping the stage grind, to how the industry has moved away from loyalty, development deals, and originality. He shares his advice for up-and-comers, why hitting the stage still matters, and how being authentic is the only real blueprint to longevity. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Quake speaks on industry beefs, keeping it real offstage, and why he’s not here for the back-and-forth.

Lou and Spank also dig into Earthquake’s views on cancel culture, the pressure to constantly deliver as a comedian, and how he deals with people stealing his material. Along the way, they trade war stories about bombing on stage, growing as performers, and balancing family life with life on the road.

From gems on comedy game politics to side-splitting stories about self-checkout theft, embarrassing hookups, and playing second fiddle to borrowed jokes, this episode is filled with laughter, insight, and hard-earned wisdom. Whether you're a comedy fan, aspiring comic, or just someone who respects the hustle, this one’s packed with real talk from a real one.

The Sixth Woman: Unrivaled and Unbothered W/ Dearica Hamby | The Underground Lounge S2 E.27 May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Underground Lounge, WNBA veteran and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year Dearica Hamby sits down with Lou and Spank for an unfiltered conversation that spans basketball, business, and life beyond the court. Fresh off her Unrivaled season and looking ahead with the L.A. Sparks, Dearica talks about the fast-paced format of 3-on-3 play, the skill it demands, and how it’s reshaping public perception of women’s hoops.

She also breaks down the business side of the WNBA, from player movement and organizational culture to growing visibility, media criticism, and how the league is navigating its boom in popularity. Off the court, Dearica opens up about motherhood, balancing pro athlete life with raising her daughter, and how being a parent has shaped her mindset and motivation.

The conversation also veers into fun territory: DMs from hopeful fans, getting called “mom” by younger teammates, and what job she’d take in the circus (yes, really). It’s a wide-ranging, honest, and often hilarious discussion with one of the most respected voices in the WNBA. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to pay attention, this episode offers real insight into the league, the lifestyle, and the woman behind the game.

AFTER HOURS: Truth Be Told Pt.2 W/ Paul Pierce & Azar Farideh | The Underground Lounge May 11, 2025

Show notes

In this After Hours continuation of the Underground Lounge’s sit-down with NBA legend Paul Pierce and creator Azar Farideh, the energy gets more personal, more intimate, and even more unfiltered. Picking up where Part 1 left off, Lou Williams and Spank Horton peel back deeper layers as Paul and Azar open up about how they met, their chemistry, and the real-life moments that sparked their late-night podcast Truth After Dark.

Paul shares how dating, therapy, and spirituality are reshaping his views on love, manhood, and purpose. He talks about healing after fame, struggling with addiction, rediscovering his faith, and reaching a new phase in life where vulnerability is power—not weakness. Azar brings her signature wit and transparency, pushing the conversation into bold territory—everything from tantric intimacy and orgasms to gender dynamics, emotional wounds, and why some women are tired of faking it (in more ways than one).

The group also reacts to Paul & Azars recent guest on their show, an energy coach teaches women how to connect to their bodies and spirit ( Amongst other things) . From papaya metaphors to post-pregnancy healing and “pierced by love” matchmaking ideas, nothing is off the table.

This After Hours session is brutally honest, deeply human, and often hilarious. It’s also a powerful reminder of how much men carry quietly, and how necessary these spaces are. Whether you're here for the jokes, the growth, or the raw truth, Part 2 delivers all three.

Truth Be Told Pt.1 W/ Paul Pierce & Azar Farideh | The Underground Lounge S2 E.26 May 07, 2025

Show notes

In this revealing episode of the Underground Lounge, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce and podcast co-host Azar Farideh pull up for an unfiltered conversation that hits deep—and takes wild turns. Hosted by Lou Williams and Spank Horton, the episode kicks off with Paul reflecting on his championship legacy with the Celtics, the rise of the Big Three, and his genuine brotherhood with Tony Allen and Kevin Garnett. But it quickly goes beyond basketball.

Paul opens up about his post-retirement struggles—mental health battles, therapy, and adjusting to “real life” after the spotlight. He shares hard truths about fame, fatherhood, divorce, and navigating public controversy. Azar brings vulnerability and humor to the mix, recounting her powerful weight loss journey after surviving a traumatic robbery and deep depression. Together, they share how their friendship—and now co-hosting their podcast Truth After Dark, was born from transparency and shared healing.

From Paul addressing the “wheelchair game” conspiracy to Azar explaining why love doesn’t need paperwork, the energy is raw, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional. The group dives into marriage, masculinity, growth, and even gross habits they’d make socially acceptable.

With plenty of jokes, shots, and a few heartfelt “f**k yous” to wrap it all up, this episode is more than entertainment, it’s therapy disguised as comedy.

And this is just Part 1. Catch the continuation of this wild and unfiltered conversation with Paul Pierce in the next After Hours episode of the Underground Lounge.

Prepared & Proven: Shifting The Game W/ Taylor Rooks | The Underground Lounge S2 E.24 Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

From southern roots and Big Ten beginnings to becoming a leading voice at Amazon’s Thursday Night Football and NBA broadcasts, Taylor opens up about her unconventional path, her calculated career risks, and the importance of saying yes to uncomfortable growth. She talks about walking away from comfort zones, mastering her craft as an interviewer, and carving out a space that’s defined by preparation, not perception.

The crew tackles everything from the myth of “pretty privilege” to the silent battle between NBA and NFL players, the power of storytelling in sports, and the toxic trends in how today’s athletes are covered. Taylor challenges the culture of comparison, clout-chasing commentary, and narratives that never seem to die, even when they’ve long stopped being true.

Taylor doesn’t shy away from tough questions, about legacy, about criticism, and about being a Black woman constantly under the microscope. She also drops gems about what it means to be seen, respected, and understood on your own terms. Between the serious moments and the signature Underground Lounge laughs (including a run through the hilarious “F*** It Bucket”), this episode delivers insight, depth, and real energy.

If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to shift culture, not just survive it—Taylor Rooks shows exactly how it’s done.

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