Born In Trouble

John X
  • 4.8 (6)
  • Philosophy
  • Weekly

People say change starts with a conversation, but are we having the right ones? From the mysteries of the music industry to the often misunderstood concept of sex, race and cultures. "Meet us at the intersection of technology, entertainment, music, relationships and everything thought-provoking dialogue should be!. Dive deep into the realities of being Born in Trouble!

  1. 1d ago

    Vocabulary Lessons Free!

    Tariffs, Xenophobia & the Cost of Living: A Frank Conversation Before the Election Host John X is joined by Andrew J and Grant L for a wide-ranging, blunt discussion about rising grocery prices, tariffs, and how misinformation spreads online, including post‑2024 election searches for “what’s a tariff” and “can I change my vote.” They unpack the misuse of “xenophobia,” tensions and narratives within the Black diaspora, and media selectivity around violence, including a Bronx unaliving framed as “Black on Black crime” versus ignored cases of people found hanging from trees. The hosts discuss racism being about power, describe disparities in policing and consequences, share personal experiences with profiling, and discuss assimilation, culture, and division as a strategy. They close with talk on voting, distrust in election integrity, America’s decline, censorship, and what political checks might realistically change. 00:00 Cold Open and Intro 00:10 Meet the Hosts 01:45 Inflation Sticker Shock 02:54 Tariffs and Voter Regret 05:03 Common Sense and Counting 05:53 Xenophobia Explained 07:26 Naming Labels Online 08:15 Diaspora Tensions and Firsts 12:11 Bronx Case and Media Narratives 15:16 Crime Proximity and Policing Bias 20:42 Assimilation and Cultural Clashes 22:51 Black Parenting and Survival Rules 25:02 Personal Police Encounter Story 27:09 Cousins in the Diaspora 30:48 Fairness and Unequal Consequences 35:05 Melting Pot and Caste Mindsets 39:09 Calling Out Pick Me Politics 40:37 History Lessons and Pan Africanism 42:33 Overseer Energy and Final Warning 43:34 Trust and Self Defense 45:49 Division Narratives and Power 47:47 Projection and Identity Boxes 49:59 Policing as Revenue Model 52:49 Empire Decline and Free Speech 01:01:12 Election Talk and Long Game 01:04:37 Aftermath Fears and No Accountability 01:09:42 Rebirth Coalition and Hard Truths 01:13:17 Wrap Up Joy and Voting

    Vocabulary Lessons Free!

  2. Oct 22

    Go About your Way and Have a Nice Day

    John X opens this episode of Born in Trouble with Grant L, later joined by Andrew J, discussing upcoming elections, political rhetoric in Michigan around Abdul El-Sayed, and how perception and media narratives fuel division. They talk about tensions between African Americans, Africans, and Caribbean communities, arguing that online discourse is often manipulated and ignores history, colonialism, and systemic oppression. The conversation shifts to safety and racism in places like Mississippi and even outside Black-majority cities, the power of language and organizing, and fears of Black influence. Interracial dating, net worth, and “generational wealth,” citing low median net worth statistics and how systems are structured differently for different groups. Manufactured conflicts, and a call to focus on real ways communities can help each other. 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:52 Grant Retirement Talk 02:15 Brotherhood And Support 03:27 Election Season Mind Games 04:47 El Sayed And Islamophobia 05:29 Detroit Arab Black Tensions 07:29 Media And White Leaning 09:09 What White Means 10:37 Internet Truth Rabbit Holes 12:00 Dozens And Thick Skin 13:37 Diaspora Divide Debate 19:55 Andrew Joins In 21:14 Howard And Colonial Mindsets 24:27 Mississippi No Justice 30:33 Leery Everywhere Not Detroit 32:14 Oppressor In The Face 33:13 Outgunned Reality Check 33:40 Language Power Target 37:02 Hollywood Emasculation Talk 37:58 Dr Umar And Division 41:08 Generational Wealth Myths 46:23 Systemic Barriers Examples 49:10 Oppression And Empire Decline 53:59 Identity Labels And Pride 58:37 Walmart Incident And Discernment 01:04:57 Wrap Up And Next Steps

    Go About your Way and Have a Nice Day

  3. Sep 17

    Crime and Punishment While Rich.

    Host John X reunites with Robert, Andrew, and Grant for a wide-ranging “Born in Trouble” episode! Politics and economics makes you wonder should Black people mourn a system that hasn’t served them? Capitalism’s need for competition amid oligopolies that murk competitors and how race-based policymaking is innefectual in an intertwined economy. And, the Lindsay Clancy case hung jury. the insanity/diminished-capacity defense and the investigation? And how it's ok to be the bad guy cause we agree! TikTok discourse, broader hypocrisy, and divisions within identity politics. Good for the conversation!

    Crime and Punishment While Rich.

  4. Aug 31

    No Word is Bond!

    Host John X opens with a tribute to Dolly Parton, praising her philanthropy and business decisions, and notes the recent deaths of other music figures including Clyde Davis. The panel then debates Anthony Mackie’s quote, “We are lying to our kids. Success is given, it’s not earned,” arguing that outcomes are often chosen through networking, nepotism, and gatekeeping, citing stats about hiring favoring personal connections. Economic decline, job loss, AI fears, and anger from white Americans as old advantages erode. Qualified immunity and political corruption, reform requires removing money from politics. 00:00 Show Intro and Cast 01:34 Remembering Dolly Parton 03:05 Dolly Legacy and Business 06:02 Online Takes and Community 09:06 Success Is Given Debate 12:17 Denzel Example and Integrity 15:44 Nepotism and Networking 21:27 Economy Policing and Targets 30:18 AI Fear and Real Skills 33:32 Opposite World and Division 36:37 Paid Dissension and Judas 37:52 Anger at Sellouts 39:35 Training Shapes Policing 40:35 Firefighters Versus Cops 42:14 Accountability And Lawsuits 43:45 Money In Politics 46:06 America And Global Power 50:20 Education And Economic Apathy 52:36 Culture Wars And Identity 54:15 Rage Online Versus Love 01:00:54 Coalitions Over Infighting 01:05:42 Black Girls Targeted 01:09:15 Community Love Call 01:12:07 Relationships And Adaptation 01:14:37 Final Wrap And Tributes

    No Word is Bond!

  5. Aug 13

    Message Delivery System Open.

    Born in Trouble we can't quit ya if we wanted!. Masculinity as compassion, responsibility, and family connection rather than “alpha/beta” posturing. Manosphere grifters and who are the “sigma males,”? Dating regret, and learning from relationships and dating people with children. Online identity politics and racial/ethnic infighting as distractions that don't benefit. Is war about commerce and contractors? 00:00 Cold Open and Roll Call 01:20 Mic Check Chaos 01:59 Family Scares and Heimlich Story 04:17 Beyond the Manosphere 06:41 Alpha Beta Sigma Debate 08:31 Dating Lessons and Regret 10:13 Respecting Kids and Co Parenting 20:16 Identity Politics and No Leaders 29:49 Assimilation Then vs Now 30:38 ICE and Assimilation 31:14 Power and Racism 32:19 Podcast Truth Talk 35:30 Prices and Identity Wars 37:23 Internet Critics Clapback 40:09 Media Control and Costly Racism 43:13 Elites Hoard Wealth 46:28 Allies Over Enemies 48:03 Resources and Data Centers 49:45 Reagan Era Divide 51:04 Middle East War Machine 55:02 Outliers and Indoctrination 57:31 Closing Banter and Farewell

    Message Delivery System Open.

  6. Jul 24

    What We Not Gon Do Is...

    Born in Trouble (July Ep. 1): Race Politics, DEI Myths, Social Media Brain Rot & the Future of Power Host John X reunites with Grant “City Wing King” Lancaster and Andrew Johnson (Men, Money and Marriage) for the first July episode of Born in Trouble, ranging from humor to a wide discussion on racism, Argentina’s history and demographics, and how race narratives play out in the U.S. They debate backlash to casting Black actors in fictional and historical roles, argue that DEI is scapegoated while “white entitlement incompetence” is ignored, and share personal experiences with hiring and promotions. The conversation criticizes social media for amplifying poorly processed information, links declining literacy and screen-based schooling to reduced recall and conversation skills, and touches on voting challenges in rural Black communities in states like Mississippi amid demographic shifts. 00:00 July Episode Kickoff 01:39 Afro Banter Reunion 03:18 Argentina Race Talk 06:40 History Of Erasure 09:47 Casting Culture Wars 11:44 Jaylen Brown And Control 17:13 Umar And Interracial Fears 23:46 Social Media Brain Rot 27:20 DEI Myths And Reality 30:56 White Entitlement Incompetence 33:02 Degrees Aren’t Intelligence 33:50 Illiteracy and Screen Learning 35:07 Phones and Keeping Kids Smart 36:31 Free Speech Shelf Life 37:34 Mississippi Justice and Racism 40:17 Demographics and Voting Power 44:25 Politics Bought and Sold 47:22 Jobs, AI, and K Economy 49:57 Near Death and No Patience 54:16 Youth Must Lead Change 56:58 Indoctrination and Culture Wars 01:01:21 Conversation and Closing Out 01:02:42 Stop Fearing Being Smart 01:05:06 Empathy as a Nation’s Test

    What We Not Gon Do Is...

  7. May 13

    The Conflation Conversation

    The Conflation Conversation: C Comeback, Community Survival & Relationship Reality Talk | Born in Trouble Host John X returns to Born in Trouble with Grant Lancaster, They reflect on aging, being “elders,” and why lived, immersive experiences and community history matter more than today’s phone-driven culture. The conversation critiques money as the central measure of “success,” compareing systems where needs were met without money, and warns that current politics and economic trends—including AI-driven job loss and rising foreclosures—threaten everyone while eroding community. They discuss race as an American construct tied to slavery, expressing a belief Black people have been the country’s moral compass, and debate immigration’s impact on community. They react to a viral clip about “scoring” an NFL/NBA boyfriend, emphasizing loyalty, service, and rejecting transactional relationships, then end calling for peace, reduced intra-community violence, and greater support for HBCUs amid Southern redistricting issues. 00:00 Welcome Back Update 01:33 Cancer Recovery Check In 03:23 Jordan LeBron Debate 04:41 Aging And Being Elders 08:36 From Immersion To Online 11:11 Money Over Everything 14:30 Systems And Reactions 16:59 Moral Compass And Politics 23:26 Not Becoming Oppressors 25:58 Conflation Congregation Explained 27:00 Housing AI And Foreclosures 31:58 Community And Immigration 37:30 Foreign Voices and Division 37:59 People Are More Alike 39:28 Switching to Relationship Drama 40:03 Clip Advice on Athletes 43:09 Serving Each Other in Love 45:05 Money Talk and Prostitution 49:58 High Value Men Reality 51:43 Beyond Transactional Love 54:20 Building Wealth Together 01:01:13 Peace Message and Unity 01:04:08 HBCU Push and Gerrymandering 01:06:47 Wrap Up and Personal Banter

    The Conflation Conversation

  8. Feb 24

    Chalking The Pavement

    John X hosts the third episode of “Born In Trouble” with guests Robert Brooks (in-studio) and Andrew Johnson (host of the Men Money and Marriage Podcast). The conversation ranges from reactions to a Spanish-language halftime performance and public discomfort with other cultures, to concerns that the U.S. is increasingly divided and “full of” contradictions. They discuss faith and the idea that there is only one God/Jesus, argue that protecting vulnerable children is a moral imperative, and condemn pedophilia while criticizing how high-profile cases and trials are drip-fed to distract the public. They talk about Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell’s alleged intelligence ties, and claim Epstein did not want Black people on the island, framing it as “white on white crime,” while cautioning against pulling Black people in as scapegoats. They revisit Michael Jackson, suggesting allegations were tied to power and music publishing, describing how he amassed catalogs (including the Beatles and Sony-related publishing) and used leverage in the industry, including returning Little Richard’s rights. The episode also covers immigration and business incentives to exploit undocumented labor, including avoiding taxes/benefits, and connects this to broader U.S. history and Manifest Destiny, arguing people are “coming back” to land taken from Mexico. They speculate about hidden history, restricted sites like parts of the Grand Canyon, and debates over identity, criticizing tribalism and the use of slurs within communities. Andrew shares concerns about his daughter’s future, rising costs, and the increasing age of first-time homebuyers; they discuss 50-year mortgages as “glorified renting” and how lack of equity could discourage divorce. They debate AI’s impact on jobs, suggesting timelines are exaggerated but warning about motives, and they argue screen-based schooling and phone dependence reduce creativity and critical thinking in Gen Z. They briefly mention hypocrisy around anti-LGBTQ rhetoric (including Grindr spikes during Republican conventions) and insist people should be judged by character rather than group identity. The episode closes with a warning about scapegoating, references to “ghetto loans” from mortgage work, commentary on hypocrisy in politics and culture, and a sign-off framing the episode as “Devil Worshipers,” with plans for future episodes and a possible one-on-one with Grant Lancaster. 00:00 Cold Open and Guests 01:02 Valentine's Day Banter 02:49 Welcome to Born In Trouble 03:40 Super Bowl Halftime Debate 05:47 Do We Stand for Anything 06:19 Faith and Protecting Kids 08:40 Immigration and Business Incentives 10:57 Division and Distraction Politics 12:35 Michael Jackson Revisited 15:02 Publishing Power and Catalog Wars 18:06 Epstein Network and Race 23:01 Manifest Destiny and Hidden History 25:34 Identity Tribalism and Language 28:55 When Did It Get So Tribal 29:16 Tribal Cities Talk 31:18 Parenting and Housing Fears 32:25 Looking Rich Economy 33:22 Fifty Year Mortgages 36:16 Aging Out the Demo 37:32 AI Jobs Reality Check 42:02 Screen Age Kids 45:05 Tribalism and Community 49:19 LGBTQ and Hypocrisy 54:17 Closing Thoughts and Signoff

    Chalking The Pavement
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4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

People say change starts with a conversation, but are we having the right ones? From the mysteries of the music industry to the often misunderstood concept of sex, race and cultures. "Meet us at the intersection of technology, entertainment, music, relationships and everything thought-provoking dialogue should be!. Dive deep into the realities of being Born in Trouble!

Information

  • Creator
    John X
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 bornintrouble.com
  • Show Website
    Born In Trouble