18-Jun-19
This podcast offers a hilarious and insightful look into the life and experiences of comedian, actress, and author Ms. Pat, exploring her unique perspective on race, family, and social dynamics. Provocative topics include her unconventional parenting style, navigating the realities of poverty and addiction, and her candid reflections on societal expectations. Underlying themes include the importance of resilience, the power of humor in challenging times, and the complexities of family relationships in diverse communities.
Major Podcast Topics:
- Ms. Pat’s Life in Indianapolis:
- Her dislike for Indianapolis, finding it culturally lacking compared to her preferred Atlanta.
- Her experiences with neighbors and the cultural differences between her community and a predominantly white neighborhood.
- Her decision to stay in Indianapolis due to her husband’s healthcare benefits and job security.
- Her contrasting views on the city, where she finds both solace in her fans and a disconnect from the vibrant culture she desires.
- Raising Crack Babies:
- Ms. Pat’s struggles as a single mother, caring for two children from a young age, and facing challenges like poverty and addiction.
- Her decision to get an abortion at 16, recognizing she couldn’t adequately care for her existing children.
- Her commitment to providing a stable foundation for her own children and the additional four “crack babies” she’s raising, due to her sister’s addiction.
- The complexities of navigating the welfare system and the frustrating experience of being denied childcare assistance.
- Navigating the Welfare System:
- Ms. Pat’s frustration with the welfare system, highlighting the inadequate support and bureaucratic hurdles she faced.
- Her experience of being denied childcare assistance, despite caring for a child since infancy.
- The system’s indifference to the complex needs of single mothers, pushing them into difficult circumstances.
- Her resilience in overcoming these challenges, providing a stable home and environment for her children.
- The Mother of Her Children:
- The absence of the children’s biological mother, who abandoned them and blocked Ms. Pat on social media.
- Ms. Pat’s unwavering commitment to her children, despite the absence of their mother and the challenges she faces.
- The unique family dynamic created by Ms. Pat’s husband and children’s bond, creating a supportive environment.
- The complexities of navigating a blended family, with both biological and “crack babies” coming together under her care.
- The Importance of a Solid Foundation:
- Ms. Pat’s strong belief that every child deserves a stable foundation, drawing from her own lack of one.
- Her commitment to stepping in and providing support for children in need, especially those facing similar challenges.
- The impact of a stable upbringing on a child’s development, emphasizing the importance of parental support and guidance.
- Her dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and addiction for the next generation, providing a different path for her children.
- The Patdown Podcast:
- Ms. Pat’s decision to start her own podcast, “The Patdown,” as a platform to share her experiences and perspectives.
- Her intentional choice of a diverse co-hosting team, with a white libertarian and a democrat, to create dialogue and challenge perceptions.
- The podcast’s authenticity, showcasing her everyday life with her children, co-hosts, and creditors.
- Her aim to connect with audiences on a personal level, offering humor and insight into her unique journey.
- The Power of Laughter:
- Ms. Pat’s belief in the power of laughter as a coping mechanism and a tool for healing.
- Her use of humor to process difficult experiences, offering a lighthearted approach to challenging subjects.
- Her ability to find humor in adversity, demonstrating the strength of resilience and perspective.
- Her recognition that laughter can connect people and create a sense of shared understanding.
- Navigating the Comedy Scene:
- Ms. Pat’s experience as a comedian, highlighting the challenges of breaking into the industry and finding her voice.
- Her decision to use her personal experiences as material, sharing honest and raw stories with audiences.
- Her unique perspective on race and social dynamics, providing a fresh and insightful voice in the comedy world.
- Her commitment to telling her truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or controversial, empowering other women to do the same.
- The Importance of Forgiveness:
- Ms. Pat’s journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, acknowledging past trauma and choosing healing.
- Her decision to forgive her mother, her mother’s boyfriend, and her first child’s father, despite their wrongdoings.
- The power of forgiveness in releasing pain and allowing for personal growth and happiness.
- Her recognition that holding onto anger can be destructive and that forgiveness is a path to freedom.
- Body Image and Weight Loss:
- Ms. Pat’s struggles with weight and her decision to undergo weight loss surgery.
- Her humorous perspective on the challenges of weight loss, including the pressure from family and society.
- Her relatable experiences with body image and the desire to feel comfortable and confident in her own skin.
- Her encouragement to her son and daughter to embrace healthy lifestyles, highlighting the importance of self-care and well-being.
- The Black Community and Social Dynamics:
- Ms. Pat’s reflections on the dynamics within the black community, including social expectations, cultural norms, and historical context.
- Her perspective on the impact of poverty, addiction, and systemic racism on black communities.
- Her open dialogue on issues of sexuality and acceptance within the black community, challenging traditional views.
- Her commitment to fostering understanding and challenging prejudices, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
- Social Justice and Systemic Inequality:
- Ms. Pat’s observations on systemic inequality and its impact on individuals and communities.
- Her reflections on the disparities in educational opportunities and resources across different communities.
- Her critique of the criminal justice system and its disproportionate impact on marginalized groups.
- Her advocacy for social justice and equality, calling for change and a fairer society for all.
- The Power of Family:
- Ms. Pat’s deep love for her children, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to their well-being.
- Her unconventional family dynamic, blending biological children with “crack babies” and creating a supportive environment.
- Her recognition of the importance of family bonds, even when they are formed in unconventional ways.
- Her unwavering support for her children, regardless of their challenges or choices, showcasing the enduring power of love.
- The Importance of Self-Love:
- Ms. Pat’s journey of self-acceptance and self-love, overcoming past trauma and embracing her authentic self.
- Her ability to find humor in her own experiences, showcasing strength and resilience.
- Her encouragement to others to prioritize their own happiness and well-being, regardless of societal expectations.
- Her inspiring message that it’s okay to be flawed and to embrace the journey of life, even when it’s difficult.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I need some culture. I need to walk outside to see how to type some people.”
- “I’m a little too boozy for that guy. I got healthcare. Too much success.”
- “This is my vagina. I can do what I wanna do with it. If I wanna stick 5 crackers in my vagina and turn it into the Fourth of July, Geraldine, this is my vagina. As long as I don’t get no vagina juice on you.”
- “I’m raising 4 right now. Really? Yeah. I have my niece, my niece. My I picked up my niece, like, 5 years ago to help her out. Oh, she had a baby that was 2 weeks old.”
- “I said, ‘Lord, I don’t want no more kids by this bull,’ and I never got pregnant. Till I got married.”