Top Two, The Podcast
Ever feel like the world is moving too fast to keep up? Wish you had someone to help make sense of it all? We got you covered! Join hosts Shaun Fletcher, Avi Bernard and Danny Griffin as they serve up a fresh batch of cultural commentary and societal analysis every week. Whether you’re looking to stay informed or just tap into the biggest trending topics driving the cultural conversation, Top Two has you covered. Informative and engaging, it’s the perfect weekly primer to keep your finger on the pulse of society, culture, sports and politics rolled into one clever and hilarious package! Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast, @shaunjfletcher, @avibernard, #dannygriffin. Like and leave us a review and let us know you’re rolling with us! Tap-in!
Episodes
6 days ago
'Ganging' up on Drake?!
6 days ago
6 days ago
In this week's episode, we discuss the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays and MLB's tribute game at historic Rickwood Field honoring the Negro Leagues. We'll explore Mays' impact on the culture, the significance of this special game and Reggie Jackson's viral description of his experiences playing baseball in the deep south.
Next, we dive into Kendrick Lamar's epic "Pop Out" concert in Los Angeles, analyzing its cultural impact and standout moments.
We'll also debate whether Drake can bounce back from another hit to his reputation in his ongoing rap beef, discussing the implications for his career.
Finally, we'll break down the Lakers' surprising hire of a former NBA analyst with zero coaching experience, discussing potential risks and rewards of this unconventional move. Tap-in!
Leave us a review and let us know what you think!
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Jonesing for Jim Crow?!
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
This week, we discuss the backlash facing Florida Congressman Byron Donalds for claiming Black families were stronger under Jim Crow racial segregation laws. We'll unpack his wild and controversial comments and the historical context.
Then, WNBA basketball star Caitlin Clark gave a pointed response when asked about her name being used in divisive culture war rhetoric. We'll discuss her evasive stance and subsequent about-face amid a sharp rebuke from a particularly critical WNBA peer.
The episode takes a nuanced look at these latest flare-ups in America's roiling debates over race, history, politics and sport. Thought-provoking and timely analysis you won't want to miss. Tap-in!
Leave us a review and let us know what you think!
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Don’t Touch That Black Man!
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
Tuesday Jun 11, 2024
This week, we dive into the disturbing assault of a Black superintendent by a White parent at a small Wisconsin graduation ceremony. How prevalent is this kind of racism still? Then, the controversy around Caitlin Clark being (somewhat) surprisingly left off the USA women's basketball roster for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris despite her stellar college career. Was this an egregious snub or fair decision? Finally, Shaun gives his quick (and very late) take on the Academy Award nominated racial satire American Fiction - was it biting social commentary or did it miss the mark? Might include a spoiler alert (or two). All that and more on this week's packed episode. Tap-in!
Leave us a review and let us know what you think!
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Monday Jun 03, 2024
#guiltyAF
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
In this weeks episode, we dive into the bombshell 34-count felony conviction of former President Donald Trump, exploring the potential political fallout of this unprecedented case.
Then, we'll shift gears to the world of sports, where Caitlin Clark's meteoric rise to stardom has been marred by controversy over her reputation amongst her WNBA peers. Is jealousy at play? We'll examine the fierce debate surrounding her and what it might reveal about the ongoing fight for equity in women's professional sports.
Finally, we'll tip our caps to Major League Baseball's historic decision to officially acknowledge the statistics from the Negro Leagues, a long-overdue recognition of the immense talent and contributions of Black baseball players during an era of institutionalized segregation. Join us as we unpack the significance of this move and what it means for the sport's legacy. Tap-in!
Leave us a review and let us know what you think!
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Monday May 27, 2024
Make Your Money, Player
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
In a major shift, the NCAA and Power 5 conferences will allow schools to pay student-athletes beyond just cost of attendance. We'll break down the ramifications for college sports. Then, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito bizarrely blamed his wife for a "stop the steal" symbol outside their home, raising more concerns about the court's partisan leanings. We'll analyze the growing threats to democracy, dismantling of checks and balances, rampant disinformation, and whether American democracy itself can survive these turbulent times. A must-listen episode. Tap-in!
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Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Sh*tty Diddy
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
Of course, we dive into the latest Diddy scandal and his questionable "apology" video that came out this week. Then, pro athlete Harrison Butker sparks outrage with controversial remarks on gender roles, abortion and the LGBTQ+ community during a Catholic college commencement speech.
The crew analyzes Butker's speech, debating whether he crossed a line given the setting and audience. Was he just speaking his truth or being inappropriately provocative? Things get philosophical as we explore the boundaries of religious-based commentary in public spaces.
Exploring different ethical frameworks, we wrestle with divisive issues like the role of religion in political and civic arenas. It's an insightful yet uncomfortable conversation addressing society's most polarizing topics. Tap-in!
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Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Who Knew the Face Eating Leopard Party Would Eat MY Face Too?!
Tuesday May 14, 2024
Tuesday May 14, 2024
This week, we take a look at the newest cultural controversies, from courtrooms to comedy clubs to cringe-worthy media moments. From the men who destroyed the Jackie Robinson statue being arrested, to a Virginia school district sparking outrage by bringing back Confederate symbols in an apparent attempt to quietly reverse the national movement that saw them taken down.
Then, we ask the question...has "cancel culture" gone too far in censoring edgy jokes? Apparently, Seinfeld and others do. We discuss comedians pushing back and how the Tom Brady roast might challenge that notion.
Finally, in a bizarre interview, politician Vivek Ramaswamy was openly humiliated by a well-known white supremacist...and seemed a little too fine with it! We try to make sense of this weird exchange. Tap-in!
Subscribe now! Like, leave us a review and let us know you're rolling with us!
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Tuesday May 07, 2024
'Hobo'sexuals
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tap back in as the fellas break down the week that was...Rap giants Kendrick Lamar and Drake's long-standing feud intensifies with vicious lyrics taking very personal shots. We dissect the latest salvos in hip-hop's biggest active beef.
A viral video claims successful Black athletes don't date Black women, sparking backlash over stereotypes and representation. The controversial take ignites an important conversation
Amid a boom for women's sports, the WNBA is experiencing surging viewership, attendance, and cultural relevance. As it celebrates its growth, we take a look at the first weekend of preseason matchups with top rookies.
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Like, leave us a review and let us know you're rolling with us!
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Teachers Packing Heat
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
In this weeks episode, the fellas are ripping the lid off some major controversies in education, including the wild new Tennessee law allowing teachers to carry guns to school. Get ready for a heated debate examining various sides of this polarizing issue. Then, the guys are marking the 70th anniversary of the impactful Brown v. Board of Education ruling by getting real about racial inequities that still exist today. Finally, the fellas share a heartfelt reminder about prioritizing mental health and self-care. Tap in for an unfiltered, opinionated discussion.
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Like, leave us a review and let us know you're rolling with us!
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Stephen A. Sell Out?!
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
In episode 10, we tackle the crazy week that was! The Trump “Hush Money” trial kicks off… A protester sets himself ablaze outside the NY courthouse…the NBA gets rocked by scandal as Jontay Porter receives lifetime ban...Gayle King finds herself in hot water over Dawn Staley slight....and, Stephen A. Smith spouts controversial claims on Fox News about why Black voters can relate to Trump, then doubles-down... What is really going on?! Tap-in! We got you covered!
Keep up with the show and crew on Instagram: @toptwothepodcast @shaunjfletcher // @avibernard
Like, leave us a review and let us know you're rolling with us!
Smart
Insightful
Relatable
Top Two, the Podcast
What's going on, beautiful world? Ready to dive deep into the major cultural, political and social movements shaping our lives? Then tune in to Top Two, the fresh new podcast breaking down the two biggest influencing factors across these arenas each week.
Each episode, Shaun, Avi and Danny will unpack and analyze the two most impactful events of the week that's impacting the culture. From political scandals and public protests to viral internet moments and celebrity controversies - no corner of modern life is off limits.
One week, Shaun, Avi and Danny might tackle the influential social justice movements redefining equality and human rights. The next, they could spotlight the economic policies or events reshaping financial realities across communities.
Beyond broader society and politics, Top Two also zooms in on the buzzworthy voices and advancements challenging our cultural norms.
But these three don't just unpack the present - every episode explores the reverberating impacts and lasting legacies through an interdisciplinary, multi-generational lens. You'll gain fresh perspectives connecting how society, culture and politics constantly shape one another in fascinating ways.
With passionate discourse balanced by factual insights and personal anecdotes, Top Two delivers an enriching, substantive experience for anyone trying to make sense of the complex systems and forces molding our world. It's real, raw, and profoundly illuminating - don't miss it!