Worst Things First Podcast

ASPHATE

A fourth season of the critically acclaimed, no bullsh*t sit-downs hosted by PHATER ROC of Galapagos4 & Scarce Elementz Crew is upon us. Ordinary life generating extraordinary dialogue is the layout. Discover what qualifies as a "shitty" situation to a janitor, the best bribes to keep the cable guy from disconnecting you, how to avoid an ass-kicking from a shoplifter as a loss prevention retail worker, whether life truly ever goes on for a sex-offender's family, or what happens between a client and tree trimmer when a tree falls on the house. The worst aspect of each guest's daily routine sparks the discussion. From there, the conversation rides the wind. Season 4 premiers Monday, February 20, with literary emancipator and children's book author, Abena Sankofa Imhotep. read less

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By way of an unanticipated stroke of grace, the W.T.F.P studios and host PHATEROC stumbled upon divine insight into the anatomy of the feminine figure and the challenges faced in producing under-garments which effectively cover and support its upper portions, while also accentuating the natural beauty of the area.In this episode, W.T.F.P guest, C.E.O and designer of Shy Intimate Apparel,, TARRITA, joins the show to discuss everything from walking the tightrope of balance between being a human with real life ups and downs impacting one's business endeavors and the productive consistency maintained therein, to the uncertain journey of casting faith in a production manager overseeing manufacturing or material sourcing in countries where the language, customs, and laws remain as foreign as they were prior to either party ever stepping foot on that unfamiliar soil.The leap of not having a technical artistic background yet having a vision and mission to provide an apparel solution to a common problem based in intimate wear for women of all sizes, is explored.TARRITA craftily sidesteps the question of how many consecutive days of wearing the same bra is cool for a woman before things either get funky or socially weird..... and PHATEROC learns the answer to the question all men have had since 1914: "Why do you, (women) even care about wearing bras, since men don't care if you wear one or not?"PHATAL EXTRACTION:"I want women - the everyday woman....to see themselves in these bras." - TARRITALEARN MORE ON SISTA SOUL FESTS HERE AND THE FUTURE OF IT HERESHOP AT SHYINTIMATEAPPAREL.COM HERESHOP AT JUSTLIVINGANDSHIT.COM

Episodes

By way of an unanticipated stroke of grace, the W.T.F.P studios and host PHATEROC stumbled upon divine insight into the anatomy of the feminine figure and the challenges faced in producing under-garments which effectively cover and support its upper portions, while also accentuating the natural beauty of the area.In this episode, W.T.F.P guest, C.E.O and designer of Shy Intimate Apparel,, TARRITA, joins the show to discuss everything from walking the tightrope of balance between being a human with real life ups and downs impacting one's business endeavors and the productive consistency maintained therein, to the uncertain journey of casting faith in a production manager overseeing manufacturing or material sourcing in countries where the language, customs, and laws remain as foreign as they were prior to either party ever stepping foot on that unfamiliar soil.The leap of not having a technical artistic background yet having a vision and mission to provide an apparel solution to a common problem based in intimate wear for women of all sizes, is explored.TARRITA craftily sidesteps the question of how many consecutive days of wearing the same bra is cool for a woman before things either get funky or socially weird..... and PHATEROC learns the answer to the question all men have had since 1914: "Why do you, (women) even care about wearing bras, since men don't care if you wear one or not?"PHATAL EXTRACTION:"I want women - the everyday woman....to see themselves in these bras." - TARRITALEARN MORE ON SISTA SOUL FESTS HERE AND THE FUTURE OF IT HERESHOP AT SHYINTIMATEAPPAREL.COM HERESHOP AT JUSTLIVINGANDSHIT.COM

Believe it or not, you don't need a pilot's license or even a pilot rolling with you to repo an airplane. This episode of W.T.F.P features the insight of a 15-year veteran in the repossession game. Operating almost exclusively out of the San Fernando Valley and other parts of northern L.A County, the "Taker of your Tahoe," the "Collector of your Camry," the "Snatcher of Your Series 6," KEFO, joins the show to give the run down from his lens on one of the most hated and perhaps misunderstood occupations. Tune in to learn why KEFO preferred to work alone even in the stickiest of situations, or why the suburbs tended to pose the most frequent challenges. KEFO's reflection reveals a sense of empathy and a compassionate nod to the common thread of relatability between people of all backgrounds when it comes to financial struggles. Clarity is provided on why arguing with the REPO MAN will get you nowhere......and bear witness to a feeble attempt to convince W.T.FP host, PHATEROC, that he only ever stole 37 cents from a reclaimed debtor's vehicle, in order to cop a Lil Debbie Oatmeal Creampie back when the original recipe was still kickin', on a day when he forgot to pack a lunch.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "It's just a job that needs to be done. Someone's gotta do it."

THE AIRLINE SERVICE AGENT

THE AIRLINE SERVICE AGENT

This time flies as a young airline service agent, SAALIYAH visits the W.T.F.P studios for the low down on the flight game. Unfortunately, unhappy customers have to accept that the airlines cannot actually make time fly. So when delays happen, luggage gets lost and birds get caught in the engines, patience may be the key.......even if....the flight you're missing, is a once in a lifetime trip to the Olympics.Saaliyah is also an actress, model and poet. Tune in for her project shoutouts or visit her social media links below. Follow her IG HEREFollow her TIK TOK HERE

From movie night with the whole family to a couple enjoying tv dinners, to the 1990's adolescent male's late night exploration of puberty, the cable guy/gal was known to set the tone for hours of home-based entertainment, and in particular prevalence prior to our current age of the information highway. This episode of W.T.F.P features the diary of a "channel-man", and within it, tales of bribery, Showtime at the traphouse, and his commentary on a society consumed with television programming to the extent of making it a top priority, with the passion to defend it at all costs. Collection tricks of the trade make the plate, and a mild debate ensues over whether hearing gunshots upon showing up to collect the cable bill amounts to a threat or just a warning.PHATE EXTRACTION: "It got to the point where I'd get to the door and I could kinda smell what this house was gonna look like." - The Cable Guy

THE LITERARY EMANCIPATOR

THE LITERARY EMANCIPATOR

W.T.F.P's fourth season arrives with the presence of the multi-layered ABENA SANKOFA IMHOTEP, a highly revered creator, public speaker and empowerment facilitator currently enjoying the success of her most recently authored children's book "Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe." ABENA discusses the challenges faced in bringing life to a written story in the form of a published book for distribution. The journey of understanding one's past to positively navigate one's future and how it led to finding one individual's name is detailed. The controversy of Sinterklaas' helper Zwarte Piet of Netherland low country folklore is raised, as those aware of the traditional St. Nicholas' feast remain divided on its perception as innocent fun tradition vs. celebration of a derogatory depiction. PHATEROC discovers mid episode that Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe has served to remind him yet again, "what is true is simply the truth.... and nobody owns the truth."PHATAL EXTRACTION: "The challenge was....I was in the way, but I was also missing." - Abena.LEARN MORE about the Sankofa Literary and Empowerment Group.LISTEN TO Black & Privilege in America Podcast, hosted by Abena & Jay.WATCH Abena's 2021 TEDx presentation of perspective as an African American in Iowa.FIND YOUR COPY of Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe

THE DRAG QUEENS

THE DRAG QUEENS

W.T.F.P''s Season 3 Finale finds host PHATEROC seated firmly in an educational course led by the metaphorical professorial duo and literal professional drag queens: VANA B. and MS. ROBIN GRAVES . From being 'outed' as gay due to hate crime in small town America, to later returning from a Seattle-based stint of life searching and ultimately finding embrace and inspiration from Ms. Vana and others within the Des Moines' LGBTQ community, Robin Graves details the journey to her current career path and its role as a guiding light in her rise from darker days. Vana B. sets the record straight for 'PHATE and the uninitiated through a proper framing of drag as an artform, and moreover an exploration of gender expression, which should not be confused with an attempt to deceive the audience or "pass" as biological women. This week's guest list of the "WORST" includes competitors cutting up their competition's wigs, stankin' ass tights in a packed dress room full of queens, reckless use of derogatory terminology like, "Fishy," which focuses more on presumptions about genitalia than the artistry being delivered on stage, to the risks of tights combined with a full bladder under the gleam of stage lights. Occasionally, on a good night, a few staples may even end up in someone's ass. Ya never know. But in any case, you DEFINITELY shouldn't assume. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Rarely is drag an attempt to convince you or the audience that we are actually women."REFERENCED SOURCES: CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY@THEROBINGRAVES@HEYITSVANABFIND TICKETS FOR MOTHER'S DAY DRAG BRUNCH HERE

Long Island, N.Y native turned Des Moines hip hop fixture and member of the world famous Technitions, D.J EPISODE joins the show. Our guest recounts the meeting of W.T.F.P host PHATEROC wheeling in crate after crate of vinyl for DJ EPISODE as a resident DJ at a mutual employer/nightclub nearly 20 yrs ago. As an era of vinyl spinning replaced by digital options has returned to an appreciation of wax habits, the woes of DJing and a new found resurgence in finding fun in the craft both catch a spin...Industry story exchanges leave Das Efx and Yeezy with the short end of the stick.D.J. Episode Produces Willie T's NonfukkinNegotiable Podcast with Sarah the Reallionaire. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "I don't know why I had a beeper man... It was the 90's." - DJ EPISODE

THE GOLDEN GLOVE BOXER

THE GOLDEN GLOVE BOXER

Two-time Golden Glove fighter and boxing coach, SHAWN SMITH, joins the W.T.F.P studio to discuss the less glamorous side of of the sweet science from the perspective of an amateur fighter who eventually became trainer of several Golden Glove winners. Our guest marks 'the uncertainty.' as his greatest foe. Memory lane steers recollection of his own ring experience with the body blows of Shawn Porter (former two-time welterweight champion), and a competitive bond with Super Middleweight contender J'Leon Love eventually leading to him losing 15 pounds in the Vegas desert, over the course of a few days working out with the Mayweather camp alongside his team of young Iowa boxers. UFC welterweight troll and top contender Colby Covington along with lightheavy weight champion Jon Jones both had two very different experiences in Fort Dodge, Iowa outlined by our guest.The recent passing of undisputed middleweight champ, Marvin Haggler is noted in addition to the Derek Chauvin trial for the murder of George Floyd, raising the question of when the cheek no longer turns.PHATAL EXTRACTION: “You can’t ‘play’ boxing. You can play basketball. You can play baseball…. But you can’t play boxing......." - SHAWN S.

THE AMERICAN AUTO WORKER

THE AMERICAN AUTO WORKER

Regular W.T.F.P listeners should buckle up for an insightful and entertaining ride, while picky eaters may be wise to pack a lunch, as "Real Talk" is the only dish being served at today's company cookout. While approaching his 30th year of tenure, with factory experience ranging both inside and outside of the United States, our guest, DEVON ALLEN, dissects a common reflection of humanity and its tendencies found mirrored throughout blue collar America as well as every corner of the earth where terms like 'supply, demand and shareholders" can be translated into the native language.Acknowledgement of the necessity for a healthy balance to be struck between productivity and worker's rights, and the role unions play within this balancing act are both conveyed in the coolest of candor.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Non-value added work"

THE VIETNAM VET

THE VIETNAM VET

In a monumental honor for W.T.F.P , Elvin John Kruger, better known as "BUTCH" of the legendary 101st Airborne Division, (1st of 506 Company) joins the lab to discuss some of the darkest and brightest days he experienced in Vietnam from June 1969 until an undisclosed time frame in 1971.From the disappointment of receiving a draft letter to traversing the blood soaked soil of Hamburger Hill just weeks following the tragic conflict. From a lieutenant's brash disregard for his point-man's warning resulting in a bullet thru his forehead to avoiding the dangers of sexual favors offering, or in some cases, taking more than a soldier has bargained for, the rabbit hole of an unpopular war is explored in depth.While detailing the challenging, yet always completed task of carrying away the American dead comrades, Butch explains that there definitely can be 'life after war....' even one better left un-fought.PHATAL EXTRACTION: · “Can’t drink beer at home, but we can get shot at over in Vietnam.” - BUTCH

THE WHITE ADOPTIVE MOTHER OF BLACK & NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN

THE WHITE ADOPTIVE MOTHER OF BLACK & NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN

From "White Savior Complex," to the forced removal of Native children from Native families necessitating the Indian Child Welfare Act, W.T.F.P guest, Nancy Miller joins the studio to discuss the lowlands and sunshine that comes with the honor, responsibility and challenges of being a white adoptive mother of not only two Meskwaki young men, but also a black young lady..... in small-town, Iowa.PHATE gives an expired pass to white people indulging in 'blackface,' and Tom Cruise's suitability for the role of an endangered warrior species of a far east culture is called into question.

THE EX-CON WHO'LL WHOOP YO' ASS

THE EX-CON WHO'LL WHOOP YO' ASS

From interpreting a childhood blueprint of designed violence to enduring a prison bid from fisticuffs turned deadly, this episode of W.T.F.P features the most candid of convict convo.PHIL joins the set to discuss everything from looking for any way on a given day to skip kindergarten to marks who budge their way into the mix getting punched right up out of it, off G.P, An inside glimpse of a long-gone snapshot of the Iowa penal system is shared while the evolution of an institutionalized man with no intent of returning to the dead end of confinement is put into perspective,The guest expresses mild disappointment in PHATEROC's lack of a "one-hitta-quitta" at the age of five, while the inner workings of a young mind groomed for havoc catch the light of day.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "I got commissary every week.. Do you?"

RETURN OF THE EXOTIC DANCER

RETURN OF THE EXOTIC DANCER

Back by popular demand, adult entertainer SEQRET returns to the W.T.F.P lab to address the outpouring of questions from listeners who caught her first appearance, (W.T.F.P Season 2 Episode 23 - The Exotic Dancer). From the first time of pulling her weapon, to stripping retirement, crypto-currency, and stock investments, the mother of a young girl discusses an unconventional approach to securing a future for her loved one(s). Despite falling somewhere within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, SEQRET admits a need for a refresher course on the letters and draws distinction between a "phobia," and simply not being interested in experiencing something, as the transphobia conversation is briefly raised.

The nastiest mess you never had to clean up is illustrated in this edition of "W.T.F.P: Storytime," featuring guest story-teller, CHRIS, owner-operator of Main Street Cleaning Service, with over a quarter century of commercial cleaning experience to the name.From custom artwork painted in feces by an artist nobody remembers hiring, to after-hours romance, with a few daycare boogers sprinkled here and there for seasoning, CHRIS explains the business of shaping profit out of a seemingly shitty situation. Our guest insists that the underside of toilet seats have shared equal rights and treatment with the topside of toilet seats since the founding of his "sanitation nation," and explains why pride in a well kept office or business facility begins in the bathroom. CHRIS attempts unsuccessfully to debate host PHATEROC's prowess in defecatory analysis.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "Glitter is a tool of the devil." - GUEST

THE SEX OFFENDER'S WIFE

THE SEX OFFENDER'S WIFE

The heaviest subject matter of W.T.F.P's series run falls upon this 26th episode of Season Three : INSIDE: Illegal images. Italian Police. U.S Feds. Family visits at Leavenworth United States Prison. Psychosexual exams. A father missing from a home and a mother and wife trying to look past a human's actions act for the sake of the character beneath, and a chance of redemption.Debate is raised on whether there may be a 'spectrum of human inclination or lines that some beings cross and others don't which can complicate the conversation of sex offenses and appropriate penalty/rehabilitation, considering not all points on that spectrum fit into a single box.'PHATE attempts to draw a line in the sand between responsible viewing of adult pornography and illicit material involving children. W.T.F.P Guest, Nancy, discusses her new pursuit in a field of study and trajectory towards a holistic approach to advocacy-one inclusive of empathy and healing for both victims and offenders.RESOURCES: Here are a few resources our guest, Nancy wished to include for listeners.1. If you are concerned about the safety of a child OR know someone having concerns about potentially harming a child CLICK HERE or call (1.888.PREVENT). 2. Namaste Center for Healing2. Summarization of Research Report on S.O Myths

THE FUEL TRANSPORTER

THE FUEL TRANSPORTER

A recent national poll we are currently having trouble locating indicated that 80% of American podcast listeners have reported losing sleep over trying to fully wrap their minds around what exactly a vapor return hose does and how exactly it factors into the everyday "nine-to-fiver" running late for work, particularly when one of those big ass tanker trucks happen to be taking up 67% of an otherwise packed gas station parking lot on a random weekday morning.With no other choice but to respond to the overwhelming demand of listeners and fellow countrymen/women, W.T.F.P recently welcomed fuel transporter, JASON G. to sit down and discuss the ins and outs of daily intrastate travel with a backpack containing over 3000 gallons of flammable liquid. JASON craftily refuses to disclose the name of the hidden gem foodie spot he often hits on his transport runs, while a case is made for the modern youth in pursuit of a career to consider truck-driving, in any one of its various forms.JASON briefly discusses the positive culture shock of transferring from a less diverse school to Hoover High School (Des Moines) and how it made him the 90’s R&B aficionado that he is to this very day.PHATAL EXTRACTION: "I can tell you probably ten times where I thought to myself "I’m dead.. I’m dying”

THE CHEF, RESTAURATEUR & FOOD HISTORIAN

THE CHEF, RESTAURATEUR & FOOD HISTORIAN

In the season premier of W.T.F.P's third season, a humble horror fiend appears on set, and he just so happens to also be the culinary mind behind South Union Bread Cafe, Centro, Django,Gateway Market, Zombie Burger, and most recently, George's Burger Joint, Batter Up, and perhaps another one to twenty eateries we'll have to fire our research team for failing to identify in these very summary notes. The six-time James Beard Award nominee, George Formaro, covers a seven course spread in this dialogue banquet, including his love for studying and preserving lost or forgotten recipes, the anxiety experienced in watching reality cooking competitions, and of course the scariest motion picture he's never actually seen. A self-conscious evolution away from the realm of food snobbery finds its way to the conversation plate. ‘PHATE and GEORGE find common footing in the notion of letting go of regrets and seizing the time we have with our current breath to create and perform the tasks we’ve neglected to complete in the past. PHATAL EXTRACTION: "But you still have time!"PHOTO CREDIT: ANGELA LOSEGRUBHUB, DOOR DASH OR STOP INTO ANY ONE OF THE AVAILABLE 'FOOD JOINTS' REFERENCED ABOVE AFTER CLICKING ON THE LINKS TO LEARN MORE.... OR....YOU KNOW...................... JUST .LISTEN TO THE EPISODE.

THE EXOTIC DANCER

THE EXOTIC DANCER

In the Season 2 Finale, our close out guest, SEQRET known as a craftswoman and master of seductive entertainment, joins the Worst Things First Crew to dive deep into the world of exotic dancing. All the juice is squeezed in this episode, from common rookie hustle mistakes that mess up the bag for everybody, to handling the body odor of guests, to knowing better than to mix business with pleasure, and family opposition vs. support.As a mother who also carries 3 academic degrees under her belt, Seqret offers perspective in identifying what one wants in life, and having the drive to pursue it without allowing external opinions to devalue it.Grab ya' HennRock or your wine glass and buckle up. This ride is full of curves.Follow today's guest at IG: @SEQRETASIA

YOUR BLACK HAIR CARE COACH

YOUR BLACK HAIR CARE COACH

Owner and operator of Tutus & Tennis Shoes, Kanisha Tillman, joins the WTFP crew to discuss the reality of a war on poverty and the lack of opportunity that results from it, which in turn impacts the upbringing and development of all children, but in particular, those of color. This realization combined with her passion to uplift and provide viable hair care options for young black girls led to her current niche in providing hair care assistance to transracial adoptive families. The dialogue identifies the nuanced relationship between white adoptive parents and their new, young black family members, with particular focus on the opportunity that exists to help these children feel comfortable in their own skin through healthy and effective hair care maintenance, education, etc.Kanisha's early memories of selling afrocentric products to clientele in the likes of Maya Angelou are explored, while somewhere along the way, it is revealed that host PHATEROC is not the only black person on the call who can't play Spades.Follow Tutus & Tennis Shoes:IG: @tutus_tennis_shoesFB: CLICK HEREFind out more about your opportunities to learn proper hair care for your young black family members HERE.

A DESIGNER and a DISABILITY

A DESIGNER and a DISABILITY

Graphic artist Kevin Ha joins the WTFP studio to get to the rock bottom of being a young artist in a world steeped in uncertainty and constant revelation, while also living with a degenerative disability. Ha (21yr) breaks down the effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts the ability to build muscle, and how this has shaped his tendency to think 3 moves ahead, while also growing to recognize and empathize with the fatigue and burnout of those helping to bring that planning to fruition. Host PHATEROC and Kevin exchange stories of dark times, while 'PHATE drops the first year he can remember understanding how someone could want to take their own life.Talks take a lighter turn as the discussion shifts to creativity and defining ones own sense of value to manifest the reality we desire. Somehow, Kevin catches a sneak "Happy Birthday" from 'PHATE, who doesn't give a f&$% about birthdays.FOLLOW Kevin's work on instagram @kevkneezyPHATAL EXTRACTION: "Damn, I don't want to do this JUST for the money... That's not what got me to the dance... But I guess that's what I'm dancing for......" -KEVIN