Ernestly Speaking! with Ernest Owens
If it's making headlines, Ernest has something to say about it.Ernestly Speaking! is a politics and culture podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Ernest Owens, delivering sharp, unfiltered commentary on national politics, race, LGBTQ issues, pop culture, and the local political scene that the mainstream won't touch.Direct. Opinionated. Always on the record.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Episode 7: Trump’s Devout Assistant, PA Gov. Shapiro Data Center Drama, Justice for R&B Music
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In this “let them eat crumb cake” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s assistant Natalie Harp, the Democratic Party’s nonstop primary ping-pong, the cancellation of Dîner en Blanc, Philly Mayor’s slashing of community funds, about that NABJ Thumb’s Down Award, why 50 Cent is not the next Dick Wolf, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Whistleblower Alleges Retaliation and Funding Cover-Ups at Philadelphia School District
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In this special edition episode, Ernest interviews Dominique Medley, the President of CAPA Phans, on why she’s speaking out against the Principal of the High School For Creative & Performing Arts and the Philadelphia School District’s lack of action.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Episode 6: Trump’s Staff Cuts, Philly Mayor’s Fed Probe, the Return of Darius Crooks
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In this “Woke 1 wasn’t crazy” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s press secretary exit, the Democratic Party’s liberal vs. leftist beef, the untimely death of Jason Arday, the latest on a Federal probe into the Philly Mayor’s campaign, the "eventization" of gatherings, naming the Song of the Summer, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Episode 5: Political Civil War for Left & Right, Philly’s Political Propaganda Exposed, Justice for Ms. Rachel
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In this “sip and observe” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s ballroom disaster, the Democratic Party’s primary shake-up, unpacking the rise in anti-intellectualism, on straight “gay baiting,” the latest Philly Mayor admin blow-up in City Hall, Meta’s massive lawsuit, about Ariana Grande’s departure from the spotlight, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: The Uncensored Guide to Martha's Vineyard for Young Black Professionals
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In this special edition episode recorded in Oak Bluffs, Ernest breaks down how Black professionals under 40 (who's not nepo babies, trust fund kids, and old money) can joyfully vacation in one of the hottest destinations in America.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Episode 4: Rising Democratic Socialism, Philly’s Chaotic Political Summer, the Complicated Return of Ariana Grande
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In this “taking spinach vibes” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest appointment setback, the Democratic Party’s DSA problem, unpacking the recent HBCU culture wars, the recent legal and fiscal woes in Philly, about Ariana Grande’s defiant new album, nonstop TV spin-offs, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Philadelphia's Chief Articulator of the Problem Unpacks a Bombshell in Parker Administration
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In this special edition episode, Ernest, head of the Office of the Chief Articulator of the Problem (CAOP), breaks down the latest resignations from Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration and major bombshell lawsuit that could shake-up City Hall.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Episode 3: Trump's Disastrous Correspondence Dinner, LeBron James Chooses Philly, A New Black Panther
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In this “choices were made” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest clash with the free press, the Democratic National Committee’s money problem, the strange return of Cheyanne Bryant, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s centrist problem, unpacking Philly propaganda, about Charlie XCX’s bold new album, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Episode 2: Trump's Primetime Flop, Philly’s Environmental Racism, Reviewing The Odyssey
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In this “quiet on the creek” episode, Ernest shares his Disney World vacation, dives deep into another televised Trump blunder, how Israel is dividing the Democratic Party, the bizarre appeal of Streamer University, unpacking the pros & cons of the Pennsylvania state budget, declaring environmental justice for Chester from Philly, The Odyssey film revisited, about Stefon Diggs & Chris Blake Griffin, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S11, Season Premiere: The Audacious Season 11 Premiere!
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In this “let them NOT eat cake” season premiere, Ernest returns with some exciting major life updates, dives deep into the GOP’s denial of Mitch McConnell, the sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, the cancelling of Graham Platner, declaring justice for Nolan White, unraveling the case of Philadelphia's missing Managing Director, reviewing Madonna’s outstanding Confessions II album, those intriguing Emmy nominations, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Unpacking the $15.5 Million "One Philly Unity Concert for America”
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In this special edition episode, Ernest breaks down how ego, audacity, and chaos shaped one of the most ambitious (and priciest) concerts the City of Philadelphia has ever thrown for itself in modern history.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Season Finale: The Shameless Season 10 Finale!
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In this “unDROPpable” season finale, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s flop of a Great American State Fair, those bizarre SCOTUS rulings, the DSA Kingmaker aka NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, about the DROP scandal rocking Philly, reviewing the 2026 BET Awards, upcoming Emmy predictions, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 24: Democratic Socialists Rising, Philly’s FIFA World Cup Hype Machine, Jay Z’s Target Disappointment
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In this “summer, summertime” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest algae-filled disaster, the rise of Democratic Socialists in elected politics, about the FIFA World Cup in Philly, reviewing Toy Story 5, the predictability of Jay Z, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 23: Trump’s Name Drop (Literally), Philly’s Epic Budget Deal Switcheroo, Happy Pride Boosie
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In this “one Philly, a united silly” episode, Ernest unpacks Trump’s latest embarrassment, Democratic Party problems for Debbie Wasserman Schultz, about that spicy lawsuit against Essence, a chaotic last-minute budget deal for Philly schools, reviewing Olivia Rodrigo’s impressive new album, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 22: GOP Rebukes Trump, Philly City Council Axes Mayor’s New Taxes, Reviewing 2026 Tony Awards
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In this “no new taxes” episode, Ernest unpacks the latest hits to the Trump administration, unraveling the Democratic Party's Graham Platner problem, how AI is already backfiring for big tech, one major budget item Philly City Council and Mayor Cherelle Parker don't want discussed, about Lizzo's new (lackluster) album, the best and worst moments of the 2026 Tony Awards, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: The Breakdown of Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker's Failed Tax Proposals
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In this special edition episode, Ernest, a critically-acclaimed "expert articulator of the problem," breaks down the performative outrage that led to Philadelphia City Council axing not one, not two, but three controversial taxes proposed by Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 21: Trump’s Primary Dreams & Nightmares, Philly Mayor Turns Concert Producer, the Return of the Roots Picnic
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In this “Happy Pride” episode, Ernest unpacks the predictable flop of Trump's upcoming "Great American State Fair," reviewing former First Lady Jill Biden's bitter new memoir, about PA Josh Shapiro's pizza-eating interview, justice for Comics Unleashed, addressing the Roots Picnic one final time, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 20: Trump’s Slush Fund, Larry Krasner vs. Philly Dems Chair Bob Brady, Cancelling Kevin Hart
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In this “rumble in the jungle” episode, Ernest unpacks the ongoing safety woes at Trump’s White House, about that DNC autopsy, endorsement drama for Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, the death of late night TV, beef for the Philly Democratic establishment, love for Lupita Nyong'o, roasting Kevin Hart (for real), and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: How Chris Rabb Beat the Philly Democratic Establishment and Won Congress
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In this special edition episode, Ernest breaks down how State Representative Chris Rabb crushed State Senator Sharif Street and Dr. Ala Stanford in one of the most hotly contested congressional races in Philadelphia history. He also predicts what does this mean for the Philadelphia Democratic Party, upcoming 2027 local races, and the political climate overall.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 19: AOC vs. MTG, Predicting Philly’s Congressional Race, Drake of Neverland
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In this “you never know” episode, Ernest unpacks the internal fight regarding leftists on Gaza, Byron Allen’s media domination, “Dr?” Cheyenne Bryant, some Philly Congressional campaign shake-ups, saying farewell to Love & Hip Hop, about Drake’s three new (already tired) albums, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: PHRC Executive Director Tells All On His "Targeted" Ousting from PA Gov. Josh Shapiro's Administration
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In this special edition, Ernest interviews Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission on his abrupt resignation and the media backlash that followed. In this exclusive tell-all, he gives his uncensored version of what led to his ousting, the details behind the investigation, what Governor Shapiro's team doesn't want you to know.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 18: Gerrymandering Wars, Philly School Funding Exposed, the Delusion of Chris Brown Stans
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In this “pay up or shut up” episode, Ernest unpacks the recent harmful effects of gerrymandering on Black districts across the nation, early measuring the two GOP presidential frontrunners, a messy political feud involving Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, how the Philadelphia Parking Authority became the wicked witch of school funding, what “blue dot fever" really says about American concerts, about that new Chris Brown album, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 17: SCOTUS Guts Voting Rights Act, Massive Philly School Closings, “Devil Wears Prada 2” Reviewed
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In this “that's all” episode, Ernest unpacks the deep recent betrayal of the U.S. Supreme Court, the not-so-surprising decline of Black Republicans in Congress, how progressives are electorally cutting their nose to spite their face, Philly City Council’s grandstanding over major school closures, why the the Devil Wears Prada 2 is one of the GOAT sequels, about the end of Love & Hip Hop, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Former Employee for Philly Congressional Candidate Dr. Ala Stanford Whistleblows Her "Toxic" Workplace Experience
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In this special edition, Ernest interviews Tori Owens, a former employee for Dr. Ala Stanford's Black Doctors COVID Consortium on her "toxic" work experience that at times she described as a "cult." In this exclusive tell-all, she describes how she was underpaid, overworked, and felt exploited for the nearly three years she worked for the Philadelphia Congressional candidate.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 16: Another Trump Assassination Attempt, Philly School Funding Drama, “Michael” Film Reviewed
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In this “my plan, my plan, my plan” episode, Ernest dives deep into the debauchery of the White House Press Correspondents Dinner, how the Democrats are navigating fresh resignations and infighting, who’s lying in the Philly school funding debate, revisiting the “Michael” biopic, the parasocial opinions of Meg Thee Stallion’s breakup from Klay Thompson, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 15: Trump vs. The Pope, Philly's Congressional Big 3 Candidates, Madonna is Back
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In this “one for the books” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s religious backlash, how the resignations rocking Congress, a major shift in the competitive Philly Congressional race, about the misguided discourse around Justin Fairfax, the return of Madonna's dancefloor era, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 14: Melania Trump Speaks Out, Philly Mayor vs. Trashing Chester, Cancelling Usher
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In this “you the birthday” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s ceasefire with Iran, how the Democrats got a new scandal with Congressman Eric Swalwell, the Philly ride share tax war, about Usher & Chris Brown’s new trash tour, the blunder of Euphoria, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 13: Trump vs. SCOTUS (again), Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $10 Million Campaign, About Zendaya’s “The Drama”
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In this “please be for real” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest cabinet firing, what Cory Booker, Josh Shapiro, and AOC have in common right now, how Penn’s capitulation has come back to bite them, cancelling Wanya Morris, about the rise of AI slop flyers, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 12: Another No Kings Protest, Philly Mayor Taxes Us Again, Black Celebs Gone MAGA
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In this “no Kings or Queens” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s MAGA fissures at the Conservative Political Action Conference, why progressives AOC and Bernie Sanders are wisely stopping data centers, Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker’s disastrous tax hikes, cancelling Nick Cannon (for good), about this messy Jay-Z comeback, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 11: Trump vs. TSA, Roots Picnic Returns to Philly, Cancelling the Bachelorette
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In this “no beards allowed” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest social media debauchery, why Illinois Democrats are in shambles, Cory Booker’s new book, the cancellation of Cesar Chavez, about that Roots Picnic line-up, investigating Tyler Perry’s AI "romance" photos, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 10: Trump vs. Joe Rogan, a Philly Deputy Mayor Resigns, What a Historic Oscars
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In this “show me the dark money” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s major miss with Joe Rogan, the messiness of the Target boycott, an epic corporate media takeover, the end of the Philly Mayor’s Big 3, why Jack Harlow thinks he “got blacker,” reviewing the Academy Awards, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Unpacking the Highs & Lows of Philly's New Budget
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In this special edition episode, Ernest breaks down all the new taxes Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is asking for us to pay -- and how such good intentions speak to a lack of an overall economic plan for the city.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 9: Trump Fires ICE Barbie, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Policy Crisis, Final Oscar Predictions
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In this “here comes the hurricane, b*tch” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s unpopular war, the messiness of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s funeral, how AI data centers are going to ruin Pennsylvania, about Philly City Council’s latest beef with landlords, Timothée Chalamet’s trainwreck Oscar campaign, reviewing Harry Style’s new barely-disco pop album, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Why Jasmine Crockett Lost and James Talarico Won in Texas
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In this special edition episode, Ernest finally breaks down the controversial Texas Democratic primary that everyone's talking about.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 8: Trump Declares War, Philly City Council Doesn’t Want to Resign to Run, the Redundant Return of Bruno Mars
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In this “accept what you expect” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s terrible SOTU address, the Clintons finally testify on Epstein, an even messier Democratic Senate primary in Texas, a controversial bill hits Philadelphia City Council, about that messy Warner Bros. deal, making some revised Oscar predictions, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 7: Trump’s SCOTUS Setback, Philly Mayor’s Performative Outstage, Reviewing America’s Next Top Model Docuseries
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In this “put your ones down” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s tariff fallout with the Supreme Court, a royal arrest in the UK, an even messier Democratic Senate primary in Texas, why Philly’s Mayor might have betrayed us on ICE, about Tyra “Smize” Banks, revisiting the Kendrick vs. Drake beef, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 6: Trump’s Ongoing Epstein Problem, Philly Congressional Campaign Scandals, Cardi B is Little Miss Drama
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In this “love is in the air” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s unshakable Epstein drama, the mass exodus of Congress, why Philly’s City Council President changed his tune on ICE, Cardi B’s epic tour premiere, in defense of Wuthering Heights, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 5: Trump of the Jungle, Philly Mayor vs. DC33 (Again), Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Takeover
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In this “miss me with the B.S.” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest racism online, how Gov. Josh Shapiro’s double standards are glaring, why the Philly Mayor’s latest spat with DC33 is very telling, about that Super Bowl performance, in defense of Olivia Dean, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! S10, Episode 4: Nicki Minaj Publicly Stans Trump, Philly Mayor Finally Speaks (Still Not On ICE), About That Melania Doc
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In this “ICE Out” episode, Ernest dives deep into Trump’s latest controversies with ICE in Minnesota, how Gov. Josh Shapiro's beef with Krasner exposes his hypocrisy, about Philly City Council's ICE Out legislation, re-evaluating Chingy's career, and much more!
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: My Grammys Weekend Extravaganza!
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In this slay-filled special edition, Ernest gives us an exclusive on his unforgettable Grammys weekend in Los Angeles.
Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.
