This week on The Idea Of…, Bassey and Mike explore what they’re calling “parental puberty”—that strange, emotional, confusing phase when your kids are almost adults but still deeply need guidance... and groceries.
From kettlebell-induced back pain to why Black boys laughing triggers white authority figures, this episode dives into how we’re raising our kids, what age-appropriate really means, and why both Black girls and boys are being rushed into adulthood by culture, media, and misguided grown folks.
We also touch on:
How generational trauma shapes parenting styles
Why parents feel guilty for giving boundaries
The disappearing middle ground between childhood and adulthood
Shoutouts to Wu-Tang, Tyler the Creator, and the teenage logic behind crop tops
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
02:32 Physical Challenges and Personal Growth
05:16 Listener Engagement and Community Connection
08:00 Cultural Commentary on Podcasting
10:36 The Evolution of Tyler, the Creator
13:08 Black Boyhood and Black Girlhood
15:41 The Pressure on Young Girls
18:20 Perceptions of Age and Youth
20:29 The Impact of Media on Youth
23:07 Navigating Age-Appropriate Content
29:13 Evolving Parenting Styles
35:19 Navigating the Transition to Independence
40:18 Understanding Teen Behavior and Communication
43:32 The Challenges of Trust and Responsibility
47:20 The Evolution of Hip Hop and Aging Artists