⭐️🎙 Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len: Black News Roundup

Legends, Legacy & Loud Opinions – A Sit-Down with Herb Middleton

On this episode of Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len, we sit down with legendary producer Herb Middleton, the multi-platinum hitmaker behind classics from Mary J. Blige, Biggie, Faith Evans, Nas, and more. Herb shares stories from his early days with Teddy Riley, his role in the birth of Bad Boy Entertainment, and his latest project with Maxine Jones of EnVogue.
Plus, Dave and Len dive into this week’s hottest and most controversial headlines:
A shocking racist incident during a Black pianist’s public performance
Elon Musk’s father and his eyebrow-raising comments on race
How Voletta Wallace secured Biggie’s legacy with a $200M deal
Billboard’s Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century
And in Dave’s Corner: Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of Entertainers—with one alternate?
You don’t want to miss this mix of culture, music history, and unapologetic real talk.

Erased Black Veterans History, Junior Bridgeman Billionaire Legacies, and the Hidden Dangers in Girl Scott Cookies

🎙 Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len – Your go-to podcast for all things Black News, Culture, Sports, Entertainment, and Current Events ✊🏾
This episode, we’re diving into:
🍪 Heavy Metals in Girl Scout Cookies?! What’s really going on with our food supply?🏀 The Legacy of Junior Bridgeman – 5 things you should know about the former NBA player turned billionaire businessman who recently passed at 71.🌍 A 76-Year-Old Ethiopian Woman Did WHAT?! You won’t believe this incredible story.🇺🇸 Arlington Cemetery Erasing Black and Female Veterans? We break down the controversy.💡 Dave’s Corner: If you had the entire U.S. tuned into your TED Talk on social media, what would you say?
🔊 Tap in, stay informed, and keep the culture first. Newz and Trendz – Where Our Voices Matter!
#BlackNews #CultureTalk #StayWoke #NewzAndTrendz

Shocking Warnings, NBA Drama, & A Celebrity Round Table

On this episode of Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len, we’re diving into some of the hottest and most controversial stories making headlines right now:
🔥 Urgent Weight Loss Drug Warning – A new health alert has been issued following 82 linked deaths connected to weight loss drugs. What does this mean for users, and should you be concerned?
🏀 LeBron vs. Stephen A. Courtside Showdown – LeBron James personally confronts Stephen A. Smith over comments about Bronny. But Smith’s response? It may shock you.
🚫 Target Fast: The 40-Day Boycott – A new movement is urging shoppers to avoid Target for 40 days. What sparked this call to action, and how is it affecting the retail giant?
💇🏾‍♀️ Are They Targeting Black Women? – A new report raises serious concerns about toxic chemicals in hair products, leaving many Black women asking: “Are they trying to kill us?” We break down the findings and their impact.
🔮 Dave’s Corner: Celebrity Round Table – If you could bring back three legendary celebrities for a deep discussion, who would you choose and why? Dave and Len reveal their picks!
Don’t miss this episode filled with bold takes, deep discussions, and unfiltered opinions. Tune in now! 🎧

Banned Books, Black Excellence, and Boycotts – The Real Impact

Join Dave and Len for another insightful and unfiltered episode of Newz and Trendz, where we dive into the biggest stories shaping Black culture, sports, entertainment, and current events. ✊🏾
🔥 This week’s hot topics:📚 A shocking new report reveals that more than half of last year’s banned books featured LGBTQ characters or people of color—what’s really behind this trend?🎭 Paul Tazewell makes history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design—let’s talk about this long-overdue moment of recognition.🛍️ The Target boycott—what impact does one day really have, and is there a bigger strategy at play?🏛️ Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett apologizes to the world after the Trump-Zelensky clash—should she have to?
💡 And in Dave’s Corner, we lighten things up with a round of Would You Rather—expect some wild scenarios and plenty of laughs!
Tap in, share your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe to Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len! 🎧💬 #BlackCulture #NewzAndTrendz #StayWoke

"IVF Scandal, Olympic Controversy & The Future of Black Wealth"

In this episode, Dave and Len break down the latest headlines making waves in our communities:
🔥 Georgia Woman Sues Fertility Clinic – A shocking IVF mix-up has led to a lawsuit after a woman discovered her embryo was mistakenly implanted into a Black family. What does this say about medical accountability?
🏅 Should LA Withdraw from Hosting the 2028 Olympics? – Rising costs, displacement concerns, and a lack of community benefits have some questioning if LA should pull out of the Games.
🤯 Fake Trump Video at HUD Office – A manipulated deepfake video of Trump kneeling and kissing Elon Musk’s feet was reportedly on display at a U.S. Housing and Urban Development office. How did this happen, and what does it say about disinformation in politics?
💼 The Black Middle Class & Federal Jobs – For decades, federal employment has been a major pillar of the Black middle class, but with job cuts and shifting priorities, that stability may be at risk.
💡 Dave’s Corner: If you could invent a holiday, what would it be? Dave and Len share their wild (and meaningful) ideas for the ultimate new celebration!
Tune in for real talk, sharp analysis, and a few laughs along the way. Hit play now! 🎧🔥 #NewzAndTrendz #BlackCulture #StayInformed

🎤 Hip Hope, Healthcare & Headlines: Oya Gilbert on Change + Super Bowl Controversy & More!

🎧 News and Trendz with Dave and Len – Exclusive Interview with Oya Gilbert + Hot Topics! 🎤
In this powerful episode of News and Trendz with Dave and Len, we sit down with Oya Gilbert, Founder and CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation, to talk about the first-ever Hip Hope Ball—a transformative event designed to combat healthcare disparities in the Black community. Set for Friday, February 28, 2025, at The Queen in Wilmington, Delaware, this star-studded evening will bring together hip-hop celebrities, healthcare advocates, and community leaders for a night where culture meets purpose. Oya shares his vision, the impact he hopes to make, and why this event is a game-changer in the fight for equitable healthcare.
But that’s not all—we also tackle this week’s biggest headlines, including:
🔥 Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy – Kendrick Lamar’s performance and the racial debate surrounding it.🔥 Issa Rae & Shonda Rhimes Make Bold Moves – Why Issa canceled a sold-out show and Shonda stepped down from a major board after Trump’s Kennedy Center takeover.🔥 Maternal Health Crisis – The racial gap in deaths among U.S. mothers during childbirth is widening. What’s being done about it?🔥 Black History Fact: Vivien Thomas – The unsung medical pioneer who changed the world of surgery.🔥 Dave’s Corner – What three things should have us most concerned as we head toward the 2028 presidential election?
This episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and unfiltered conversation—so don’t miss it!
🎙️ Listen now and stay informed with News and Trendz with Dave and Len!
#NewsAndTrendz #HipHopeBall #HealthEquity #KendrickLamar #IssaRae #ShondaRhimes #BlackHistory #Podcast

Weather Woes and Celebrity Controversies

In this episode of News and Trends, hosts Dave and Len delve into diverse topics impacting today's society. Kicking off with the unpredictable weather and reminiscing about the infamous blizzard of '96, the conversation takes a turn towards unexpected winter predictions.
The episode further explores the recent Los Angeles fires, shedding light on the resilience of first responders and the unfortunate plight of those who lost their homes, touching on the complexities of insurance claims amid natural disasters.
Dave and Len then navigate a whirlwind of controversial celebrity actions at significant events, examining how these moments affect public perception and personal brands.
The discussion also seeks to understand the broader implications of political maneuvers, potential economic consequences, and the polarizing nature of cultural dynamics under current leadership. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis of societal trends and their repercussions.

TikTok Shutdown Drama: A Weekend of Tech Turmoil

Join Dave and Len in another exciting episode of Newz and Trendz as they delve into the disruption caused by the unexpected TikTok shutdown and its swift return, potentially orchestrated by political maneuvers. Discover the link between Martin Luther King Day and a contentious celebration in some Southern states, exploring historical and cultural contrasts.
The hosts also discuss President Biden’s striking final actions in office, highlighting his pardons of civil rights leader Marcus Garvey and others in a bid for justice reform. Meanwhile, President-elect Trump plans to declassify critical files on historical assassinations, stirring discussions on governmental transparency.

From Accidental Street Ownership in Ohio to Hollywood Inequities and Deion Sanders' NFL Ambitions

Join hosts Dave and Leynn for an engaging episode of "Newz and Trendz" where they navigate the week's most pressing topics. They start with a heated debate on global warming and its impact on recent weather events while delving into the contentious scheduling of presidential inaugurations. Meanwhile, a shocking incident in a church brings to light societal expectations and the double standards faced by young women.
The episode also covers an intriguing tale of a man accidentally acquiring a street in Ohio and the ensuing legal battle, highlighting systemic property dilemmas in America. As the conversation progresses, the hosts explore Hollywood's ongoing struggles with racism and underpayment, particularly focusing on the experiences of actor Djimon Hounsou.
In the world of sports, the legend of Deion Sanders unfolds with his potential career move to the NFL, sparking discussions on fame, success, and the changes in college coaching. Packed with thought-provoking talks and insightful perspectives, this episode is a must-listen for those keen on current affairs and cultural narratives.

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of News, Challenges, and New Beginnings

Join hosts Dave and Len as they delve into the major news and trends of 2024, providing insights and reflections on the year's significant events. From the near-miss aviation disaster in Alaska to the shocking infrastructure collapse in Baltimore, explore how these incidents shaped media narratives. Examine the tragic school and public shootings, their legal aftermaths, and the societal impacts that spurred new dialogues around safety and responsibility.
Dive into the realm of AI's rising influence, its implications for jobs, industries, and daily life, and contemplate the balance between technological advancement and societal adaptation. Reflect on the poignant losses of notable figures whose legacies continue to inspire.
With thoughtful commentary, Dave and Len offer a recap of the year’s pivotal moments and share their personal goals and outlooks for a hopeful 2025, emphasizing resilience and the pursuit of progress amid the unfolding narratives of our time.