Certified Bad Example Podcast

August Black & Jameel Mayers
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting

Certified Bad Example is a weekly podcast hosted by August Black and Jameel Mayers that turns terrible parenting moments into teachable ones. Each episode digs into real stories from current events, history, and everyday life where parental figures made spectacularly bad choices. Instead of just judging, August and Jameel break down what went wrong, why it matters, and how those “bad examples” can actually help us become better parents and people. Because sometimes the best way to learn what to do… is seeing exactly what not to do.

Episodes

  1. 13h ago

    S1:E10 - Beyoncé’s Dad, Brandon Marshall, and the Cost of Bad Decisions

    Success, fame, and talent don’t shield families from difficult decisions. In this episode of Certified Bad Example, August Black and Jameel Mayers examine what the stories of Matthew Knowles and Brandon Marshall reveal about parenting, accountability, and the lasting impact adults have on the next generation. From celebrity family dynamics to social media, public perception, and everyday parenting challenges, the conversation explores how children learn far more from what adults do than what they say. In this episode:The parenting lessons behind Matthew Knowles’ family storyBrandon Marshall’s journey, accountability, and personal growthWhy success doesn’t excuse poor decisionsHow family reputation can affect children for yearsSocial media’s role in shaping public perceptionHealthy discipline versus harmful punishmentBuilding resilience without damaging trustWhy parents must model the behavior they expect from their childrenThe importance of boundaries, responsibility, and consistency at homeFinding teachable moments in today’s biggest headlines Timestamps00:00 Welcome back to Certified Bad Example 02:15 Matthew Knowles, family dynamics, and difficult parenting conversations 08:10 The impact of adult decisions on children and family relationships 14:22 Brandon Marshall’s story and lessons in accountability 20:35 Social media, reputation, and public perception 27:18 Discipline, boundaries, and raising resilient kids 34:41 Why children learn more from actions than words 41:56 Parenting through mistakes and rebuilding trust 48:20 Final thoughts on accountability, growth, and leading by example If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, like, and share with someone who appreciates honest conversations about parenting, culture, and the life lessons hidden inside today’s biggest stories.

    S1:E10 - Beyoncé’s Dad, Brandon Marshall, and the Cost of Bad Decisions

  2. Jul 27

    S1:E9 - School Board Fights & Obese Kid Dies (Parents Convicted)

    Ever wondered why some school board meetings feel more like reality TV than public service? Or how the shows we binge can spark meaningful conversations about bullying, parenting, and LGBTQ+ representation? This episode takes a look at the adults setting questionable examples, the stories shaping our kids, and why the media we choose actually matters. In this episode: Why some school board meetings have become public spectacles—and what children learn from watching adults behave badly. The importance of disagreeing respectfully, especially when kids are paying attention. How LGBTQ+ representation in television can create empathy and normalize diverse families. Why Korean dramas continue to surprise audiences with thoughtful storytelling and powerful anti-bullying messages. A recommendation for Teach You a Lesson and why it stands out among today’s international dramas. The connection between nutrition, body image, and raising healthy kids without shame or extremes. What longevity hotspots around the world can teach us about family meals, movement, and community. Why a simple family walk may be one of the most underrated parenting tools available. Timestamps 00:00 – The TV shows we’re currently obsessed with 00:12 – School board meetings or reality television? 00:39 – What kids learn when adults lose control in public 01:07 – Modeling respectful disagreement for the next generation 01:53 – LGBTQ+ representation on screen and why visibility matters 02:52 – Teach You a Lesson: a Korean drama worth watching 04:10 – Bullying stories that challenge traditional narratives 05:45 – Diet culture, healthy habits, and raising confident kids 07:32 – What the world’s longest-living communities have in common 09:01 – Why family walks are about much more than exercise 10:18 – Final thoughts and this week’s Certified Bad Example takeaway Whether it’s a chaotic public meeting, a binge-worthy drama, or a simple evening walk, every adult is modeling something. The question is whether we’re giving kids an example worth following.

    S1:E9 - School Board Fights & Obese Kid Dies (Parents Convicted)

  3. Jul 20

    S1:E8 - Dads that don't do Diapers vs. Parents who cancel birthdays!

    Hold onto your diapers and hashtags! This episode dives into influencer parenting, social media ethics, playground lessons, and the sometimes bizarre choices adults make in the name of content. From viral adoption controversies to the dads who think diaper changes are optional, we’re separating the good examples from the certified bad ones. In this episode:The influencer adoption controversy and the ethics of monetizing children online.Why “rehoming” adopted children sparked outrage around the world.How parents can protect their kids while still sharing family life on social media.The surprising number of dads who refuse to change diapers—and what that says about modern parenting.France’s laws protecting child influencers and why other countries are paying attention.Turning playground bullying into teachable moments instead of lifelong scars.Whether social media fame is ever worth sacrificing a child’s privacy. Timestamps00:00 – Parenting meets the internet 00:48 – When family content crosses the line 02:15 – The adoption controversy everyone was talking about 04:10 – Kids deserve privacy—even online 05:41 – Dads, diapers, and outdated expectations 07:18 – France’s child influencer protections explained 08:55 – Handling bullying the right way 10:32 – Raising kids in a world built around social media 12:04 – Final thoughts and this week’s Certified Bad Example takeaway Parenting has never been easy, but social media has raised the stakes. This episode explores how today’s viral moments can become tomorrow’s parenting lessons—and why protecting kids should always come before chasing views.

    S1:E8 - Dads that don't do Diapers vs. Parents who cancel birthdays!

  4. Jul 13

    S1:E7 - Baby Grunk and Bad Heros

    Pride Month, viral internet stars, school assignments, and parenting decisions collide in an episode that explores the challenges of raising kids in a world where every moment can become content. From Baby Gronk to Target’s Pride controversy, we’re looking beyond the headlines to the lessons adults leave behind. In this episode:Celebrating Pride Month and discussing whether Pride events are family-friendly.How social media fame can impact children’s mental health and development.The rise of Baby Gronk and the risks of parents building brands around their children.Why some parents chase internet fame through their kids—and the lasting consequences.The story of a father who sued his gay son over conversion therapy costs, and the court’s response.Target’s Pride merchandise controversy and how families can navigate public disagreements respectfully.Why teachers should encourage thoughtful conversations without shaming students for their perspectives. Timestamps00:00 – Pride Month, Father’s Day, and family conversations 01:42 – Baby Gronk and the business of childhood fame 03:56 – When parents become their kids’ biggest risk 06:15 – The conversion therapy lawsuit that shocked the internet 08:34 – Target, Pride merchandise, and consumer choices 10:26 – Social media, privacy, and protecting children 12:01 – Classroom conversations and respecting different viewpoints 13:22 – Final thoughts and this week’s Certified Bad Example takeaway Growing up in the spotlight isn’t just a celebrity problem anymore. This episode looks at how parents, schools, companies, and social media all influence the examples kids see every day—and why those examples matter.

    S1:E7 - Baby Grunk and Bad Heros

  5. Jul 6

    S1:E6 - Kanye West, Ashton Kutcher, and One Cancelled Graduation

    Hold onto your coffee mugs, folks. Today’s episode is a whirlwind tour of celebrity fallout, family feuds, and social media faux pas—all with a healthy sprinkle of wit and wisdom. If you thought your family drama was intense, these tales make yours look like a Saturday night dance party. In this episode: Kim Kardashian vs Kanye West—public co-parenting chaosThe pitfalls of posting personal problems onlineBrad Pitt’s estranged daughter and the fallout from family secretsMila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and the Danny Masterson controversyGraduation drama and the importance of showing up for the right reasonsNavigating family reunions, boundary setting, and social media mistakesThe importance of mental health, medication, and humility in public crises Resources & Links: Kim Kardashian by AmazonKanye West TwitterBrad Pitt Official SiteDanny Masterson Court Case Details

    S1:E6 - Kanye West, Ashton Kutcher, and One Cancelled Graduation

  6. Jun 29

    S1:E5 - From Britney Spears to Bedroom Bans | Parenting Fails, Gentle Parenting & Family Drama

    Parenting is messy, emotional, hilarious, and sometimes completely out of control. In this episode of Certified Bad Example, we break down viral parenting moments, the Britney Spears conservatorship conversation, social media parenting culture, and the growing debate around gentle parenting versus accountability. From parents throwing iPads out windows to public punishments on TikTok, this episode dives into the chaos of modern parenting and asks the hard questions. Where is the line between discipline and humiliation? Are forced apologies actually teaching kids anything? And how much influence should social media have inside the home? We also unpack the lasting impact of control, shame, and public parenting mistakes while exploring healthier ways to teach responsibility without crossing into toxic behavior. Topics covered in this episode: Britney Spears conservatorship explainedParenting gone wrong storiesGentle parenting debateSocial media parenting trendsPublic punishment and child humiliationTeaching kids accountabilityModern parenting challengesToxic parenting behaviorsDiscipline versus abuseParenting in the digital age #parenting #britneyspears #gentleparenting #modernparenting #familydrama

    S1:E5 - From Britney Spears to Bedroom Bans | Parenting Fails, Gentle Parenting & Family Drama

  7. Jun 22

    S1:E4 - Basketball Parent Take Down, Naziophile, & Your Child's Inner Voice

    Buckle up, folks! Today, we're diving into a chaotic world filled with basketball blowups, viral Zoom bloobers, and teacher lapses that make you go "WTF?" If you thought parenting was tough, hang tight, these stories might just redefine your definition of "parenting wins." We’re talking schoolyard showdowns, viral mishaps, and the importance of good ol’ fashioned self-talk. Spoiler alert: It’s messy, hilarious, and totally relatable. In this episode: The epic saga of a youth basketball game gone rogue with parents losing their mindsViral Zoom calls where moms call their kids “sociopaths” live on airA teacher’s bad day that turned into a national scandal, calling a student a Nazi supporterHow over-monitoring, helicopter parenting, and quick judgments can backfire massivelyPractical tips on raising independent, confident kids in a tech-obsessed worldThe power of positive affirmations and self-love to survive the madness Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the parenting circus: stories that will make you laugh and cringe 00:27 - Why we all want to sound like we're in a room alone (minus the dog) 01:05 - Summer's almost here—parents rejoice or dread? You decide! 01:44 - Why Rhode Island is the best-kept secret for summer fun 03:30 - Insects and kids: the weird obsession with bugs, from fascination to terror 05:19 - Virginia youth basketball meltdown: parents crossing the line 07:12 - What would you do? Parent reactions to a parent charging onto the court 08:36 - Protecting your kid vs. over-investing in their sports performance 09:12 - Defusing sideline chaos: how emotional intelligence can save the day 10:47 - Race and reactions: how race influences parental and teacher judgments 11:07 - The importance of not touching other kids’ children (and other boundaries) 11:58 - The dangers of parents slinging insults on Zoom—privacy and dignity matter 14:07 - The mental health ripple effect of labeling kids as "Nazi supporters" 15:04 - How teachers’ biased labels can damage a child's self-esteem for life 16:23 - The fallout: disciplinary actions, class exclusion, and the importance of fairness 18:10 - Over-monitoring in the digital age: helicopter parenting or necessary oversight? 20:09 - Trusting independence: teaching kids to handle mistakes and build resilience 22:20 - The power of positive self-talk: affirmations for parents and kids 25:42 - Your voice as a child's narrator: shaping lifelong self-esteem 26:38 - Tech and parenting: bans, bans, and more bans—are they really effective? 28:16 - Creating space for independence—why kids need to learn to do things alone 30:23 - Establishing boundaries: why instant responses and surprise visits may harm your child 33:24 - The importance of respecting teenage opinions (even when they want a new haircut) 36:12 - Problem-solving without helicoptering: building confidence and creativity 38:32 - When school goes wrong: teaching children resilience amid scandal 40:01 - The dangerous line between curiosity and harmful labels—why language matters 45:39 - The impact of labeling kids as “future dictators”—lesson learned? 48:53 - How teachers, parents, and peers can unintentionally do more harm than good 52:07 - Affirmations for self-love and resilience: getting through the chaos 55:31 - Wrapping up: taking a moment to breathe, reflect, and plan your own parenting masterpiece

    S1:E4 - Basketball Parent Take Down, Naziophile, & Your Child's Inner Voice

  8. Jun 15

    S1:E3 - University Hollywood Scandal, Dad Walks, and Balloon Boy

    Hold onto your coffee cups, folks! Today we’re diving into stories that range from balloon-based mischief to college admissions scandals, all sprinkled with witty insights on parenting, integrity, and everything in between. Buckle up—these tales come with lessons, laughs, and a dash of reality check. In this episode: The wild, inflated tale of Balloon Boy, and what social media fame can drive parents to do. Parental priorities and the art of detaching with dignity, based on a Reddit parent's confessions. The infamous college admissions scandal: bribery, fake athletic profiles, and the steep price of privilege. Parenting styles contrasted: Tiger Mother vs. Free Range Freestyle, and the importance of balance. The emotional toll of parenthood and how to navigate moments of regret or frustration. The significance of creating authentic connections with kids through shared passions. How modern challenges like social media, smartphones, and societal pressures influence child development Timestamps: 00:00 - The Balloon Hoax: A Viral Sensation’s Origin Story 02:52 - The Risks of Social Media Clout-Driven Parenting 05:33 - Physics of a Balloon Flight: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction 09:38 - Parenting Boundaries: When Detachment Becomes Necessary 11:50 - Reddit Confessions: When Parents Regret Parenthood 14:12 - Parent-Child Relationships: Boundaries and Self-Discovery 25:12 - The College Bribery Scandal: A System in Trouble 27:22 - Merit vs. Money: The High Cost of Admissions Fraud 33:28 - The Complexities of Parent-Child Dynamics in Academic Success 36:46 - Parenting Styles and the Power of Balance 44:15 - Recognizing Red Flags in Troubled Kids and Societal Impact 48:43 - Mental Health, Morality, and the Art of Parenting with Purpose 55:45 - The High-Pressure World of Tiger Parenting 59:01 - Supporting Kids’ Passions Without Living Vicariously 62:11 - The Value of Frustration and Learning Through Failure 66:59 - Tailoring Education to Your Child’s Unique Strengths 69:39 - Celebrating Parenthood’s Small Wins: The Power of Daily Positivity Parenting, like cooking, requires a pinch of patience, a dash of passion, and a whole lot of balance. When in doubt, remember, it's not about perfection, but authentic connection and respect for the chaos in every kid and parent alike. Now go forth and parent with swagger!

    S1:E3 - University Hollywood Scandal, Dad Walks, and Balloon Boy

  9. Jun 8

    S1:E2 - Fryer Festival, Sephora, and United ft. Ethan Levy

    Hold on to your click because today's episode is full of epic fails, celebrity missteps, and the hilarious chaos of social media hype gone wrong. We’re diving into wild tales that remind us all to pause before hitting "post" or risking a meltdown, meltdown, or worse. Plus, Ethan Levy drops some jet-setting wisdom, and we unpack what puts us all in these viral jams. In this episode: The disaster behind Fyre Festival and social media hypeThe controversial Valenciaga campaign and child-like shock factorsHow airline mishaps, from a passenger removal to viral videos, teach us about chaos and accountabilityThe insanity of influencer scams, kids' spending debates, and fashion on steroidsPlus, Ethan’s travel tales, and how to navigate a world that’s always watching Timestamps: 00:00 - Puerto Vallarta, the gay mecca and guacamole heaven 00:44 - Introducing the parental lens on social chaos and kid fails 1:18 - Ethan Levy’s jet-set life and flying every two weeks 4:17 - Impact of global turmoil on private aviation business 7:36 - The $25 million Fyre Festival disaster & lessons in oversell 8:02 - The social media influence on real-life scams 10:00 - The Netflix documentaries that exposed social media hype 12:26 - How influencer marketing turned into a mirage of legitimacy 13:32 - The importance of knowing your business before rushing in 14:44 - The viral #FryIsland and influencer pitfalls in travel scams 19:44 - The grim reality of “luxury” on a fake island 22:38 - The risky trend of carnivore diets for babies & the importance of research 28:16 - The dangers of going back to old diets, learned the hard way 34:30 - The viral video of a passenger violently removed from a United flight 39:02 - How airlines handle incidents and passenger rights 42:37 - The mega-spend kid at Sephora & the voyeuristic judgment online 45:26 - Teaching kids the value of money and social media’s role in entitlement 49:57 - Justin Bieber’s crash into fame & the parenting mishaps 56:01 - The Valenciaga child campaign: fashion or child abuse? 63:14 - Making kids feel seen via small compliments in public 66:14 - The fine line between social awareness and creepiness in kid interactions 67:19 - Ethan’s final thoughts on respecting personal boundaries and social cues Note: Remember folks, whether you're online or in real life, think before you click, post, or pull a stunt. You never know which viral disaster might be next!

    S1:E2 - Fryer Festival, Sephora, and United ft. Ethan Levy

  10. Jun 1

    S1:E1 - Who Approved This? Restaurant Decorum with Kids vs. Shaming Kids

    Ever wish you could rewind and pass on some parenting wisdom? Or maybe just laugh at the spectacularly bad behaviors caught on social media? Welcome to Certified Bad Examples, where the goal is not to judge, but to learn (maybe with a smirk). In this episode: How parents handle risky social media pics and the importance of contextThe fine line between pranks and trauma — spoiler alert, don't traumatize your kids for viewsManaging kids' screen addiction, tantrums, and restaurant decorumThe real-life lessons from viral head-shaving and meltdown moments Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and the podcast premise02:25 - The importance of exposing kids to the bad to teach better07:14 - The shocking story of a dad shaving his girl’s head live13:01 - The impact of social media on kids' self-esteem14:19 - Parents crossing lines in risky pranks24:28 - The meltdown over losing an iPad and the power of patience34:30 - Restaurant tantrums and teaching restaurant behavior40:54 - The chaos of public parenting and the importance of patience Co-Hosts: August Black and Jameel Mayers Remember, folks: no perfect parents—only perfectly imperfect ones, learning as they go. Thanks for tuning in to Certified Bad Examples. Now go kiss some heads, put down the screens, and embrace the chaos!

    S1:E1 - Who Approved This? Restaurant Decorum with Kids vs. Shaming Kids

  11. Apr 7

    Certified Bad Example – Introduction

    Coming this June 1st, 2026, Certified Bad Example officially steps in with hosts August Black and Jameel Mayers leading the conversation. This is where real-life situations, pulled from headlines, everyday moments, and the kind of stories people usually avoid, get put under the microscope. Not to shame, but to unpack. Every “bad example” becomes a conversation, and every conversation becomes a choice: what would you do instead? Episode One sets the tone. You’ll hear exactly what this show is about, how it works, and why it exists. August and Jameel bring perspective, parenting experience, and sassy opinions. From personal missteps to social dynamics, cultural moments, and everything in between, the goal is simple: call it out, break it down, and leave better than we found it. This isn’t just about parenting. It’s about behavior. Decision-making. Accountability. Growth. The kind that happens when you’re willing to look at something messy and say, yeah…we’re not doing that. Whether you’re a parent, partner, friend, or just someone navigating life, this show is built to make you think, react, and maybe even laugh at the chaos of it all. Season One kicks off June 1st, 2026, with weekly episodes across all major platforms. Watch and subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CertifiedBadExamplePodcast Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/certifiedbadexample Search terms: Certified Bad Example Podcast, August Black, Jameel Mayers, parenting podcast, LGBTQ dads podcast, real-life stories podcast, opinion podcast, modern fatherhood, social commentary podcast, relationship dynamics, behavioral accountability, podcast launching June 2026

    Certified Bad Example – Introduction
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Certified Bad Example is a weekly podcast hosted by August Black and Jameel Mayers that turns terrible parenting moments into teachable ones. Each episode digs into real stories from current events, history, and everyday life where parental figures made spectacularly bad choices. Instead of just judging, August and Jameel break down what went wrong, why it matters, and how those “bad examples” can actually help us become better parents and people. Because sometimes the best way to learn what to do… is seeing exactly what not to do.

Information

  • Creator
    August Black & Jameel Mayers
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 August Black & Jameel Mayers
  • Show Website
    Certified Bad Example Podcast