4 chapters across the catalog
The hosts read donations from Associate Executive Producers and share a listener's story about the racial history of New Orleans. The listener describes learning about "octoroon" menus in historical brothels, where women were priced based on their degree of mixed-race ancestry. Moe explains the legal definitions of the "One Drop Rule," including terms like mulatto, quadroon, and octoroon, as part of a historical racial hierarchy.
The segment explores how jazz music, originating in black communities like New Orleans, served as a channel for youth rebellion in the 1920s. The hosts compare this to the rise of hip-hop, MTV, and BET, noting that marketing to youth rebellion has been a consistent tool for controlled opposition. They trace this lineage from Elvis Presley's use of black music styles to modern trap music on TikTok.
A producer donates in honor of his grandmother, citing the "Big Mama" episode and Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands" as deeply moving. The hosts discuss the idea of granting honorary degrees in "ADA studies" to long-time supporters.
A personal anecdote describes a visit to a "Big Mama's" soul food shack in New Orleans during the 1990s. The experience highlights the cultural importance of finishing one's meal in Louisiana, where leaving food on the plate is considered a sign of disrespect to the cook. This tradition of hospitality is common across rural Southern households regardless of race.
