Subjective

26 Episodes
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By: Donyelle Murray

Hosted by Donyelle Murray—a self-proclaimed professional yapper with thoughts about almost everything—Subjective is a personality-led lifestyle show about life, culture, current events, and everything in between. From politics and Black life to relationships, faith, beauty, routines, internet discourse, recommendations, and random rabbit holes, nothing is really off-limits. Black-centered, deeply curious, opinionated, and always personal. Some conversations require research. Some require reflection. Some are just worth having.

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Election Day 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Vote
Election Day 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Vote episode artwork
#25
Yesterday at 1:53 PM

It's Election Day (or almost Election Day), and we're done preparing. Now it's time to vote!

In the final episode of Subjective's 2026 Voter Education Series, Donyelle walks you through everything you need to know before heading to the polls on November 3.

We're talking about how to find your polling place, what identification you need, what to expect when you arrive, and what to do if something goes wrong. From missing voter registrations and provisional ballots to mistakes on your ballot and long polling lines, this episode is your practical guide to navigating Election Day with...


2026 Voter Guide: What to Do Before Election Day
2026 Voter Guide: What to Do Before Election Day episode artwork
#24
10/07/2026

The 2026 Midterm Election is November 3 and this voter guide walks you through exactly what to do before Election Day, from checking your voter registration and researching your sample ballot to early voting, voter ID, absentee voting and making your actual voting plan.

In Part 3 of my 2026 Election Crash Course, we're talking about everything that happens after you understand what's on your ballot. I'll show you how to check your voter registration, find your actual ballot, research candidates and ballot measures, understand your state's voting rules and deadlines, decide how you're voting and prepare before you ever walk...


What Do Your Elected Officials ACTUALLY Do?
What Do Your Elected Officials ACTUALLY Do? episode artwork
#23
09/23/2026

In this episode we're breaking down who actually has power over what in government—from Congress and the President to governors, state legislatures, mayors, city councils, county commissioners, sheriffs, school boards, and the people running government agencies behind the scenes.


We're also getting into why the President isn't the governor's boss, why a mayor's power can look completely different depending on the city, how political party control affects what government can actually get done, and why sometimes the person getting blamed for something doesn't even have the authority to fix it.


...


How to Understand Your Ballot: Races, Districts & What You're Voting For
How to Understand Your Ballot: Races, Districts & What You're Voting For episode artwork
#22
09/09/2026

Ever pull up your ballot and immediately wonder what the hell you're looking at?


In the first episode of my voting series, we're breaking down how to actually understand your ballot—from the U.S. Senate and House to state legislators, county commissioners, city council races, judges, school boards, ballot measures and all those completely different district numbers.


Using one imaginary Charlotte voter named Tyrone, I'm walking through why certain races appear on your ballot, how your address determines who you get to vote for, why your friend's ballot mi...


Bonnets, Code-Switching & the Questions Surrounding Nolan Wells
Bonnets, Code-Switching & the Questions Surrounding Nolan Wells episode artwork
#21
08/21/2026

I took a little break, the internet kept interneting, and now we have a lot to catch up on.


In this episode of Subjective, we’re talking about the Montgomery Riverfront Brawl three years later, Hunter Biden’s unfiltered media tour, Saucy Santana and the repost that raised questions, Tuskegee’s bonnet and durag rules, Howard University unenrolling hundreds of students, and the debate over how much grace we owe people going through difficult circumstances.


We also get into the unanswered questions surrounding Nolan Wells’ death, Carlos Dixon hijacking a police...


No, We Can't Agree to Disagree on Politics
No, We Can't Agree to Disagree on Politics episode artwork
#20
03/13/2026

In this episode, I explain the difference between human rights, personal beliefs, and politics using a simple framework: a shared apartment building.


Human rights are the foundation.

Personal beliefs live inside your apartment.

Politics is building management.


The confusion between these layers is why so many political conversations break down.


And why some disagreements aren’t really disagreements at all.


—


🖤 JOIN THE SUBJECTIVE COMMUNITY:

→ 🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple: https://beacons.ai/s...


How to Stay Informed in 2026 (Without Losing Your Mind) : A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Stay Informed in 2026 (Without Losing Your Mind) : A Step-by-Step Guide episode artwork
#19
02/18/2026

Most of us were never taught how to actually stay informed, we just learned to react to whatever showed up in our feeds. This episode breaks down what being informed actually means (versus what social media has trained us to think it means), why the current information landscape is designed to keep you reactive instead of clear, and how to build a sustainable information practice that doesn't wreck your nervous system. We're talking about the difference between information and noise, how to vet sources without becoming a media scholar, and why preparedness looks nothing like constant vigilance. This isn't...


I'm Back! Let's catch up!
I'm Back! Let's catch up! episode artwork
#18
02/04/2026

After stepping away to recalibrate, I’m back — and Subjective is entering a new era.

This episode is a re-introduction and orientation for the podcast moving forward. I explain why the original format no longer worked, what changed for me, and why this show now focuses on breaking down politics, policy, current events, and systems in plain language.


—🖤 JOIN THE SUBJECTIVE COMMUNITY:→ 🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple: https://beacons.ai/subjectivepod⁠ → 📝 Read the newsletter/Substack: https://thesubjectivepod.substack.com/⁠ → 📲 IG / TikTok: @TheSubjectivePod→ 📸 IG @_DonyelleMurray → 📥 Business: [email protected]✨ Reviews help us grow and reach more listeners. Thank you for your support!


(Part 2) You Are My Lil Friend: Lessons From My Mom on Survival, Sacrifice & Showing Up
(Part 2) You Are My Lil Friend: Lessons From My Mom on Survival, Sacrifice & Showing Up episode artwork
#17
09/19/2025

What happens when you’re still figuring out who you are, but you already have kids depending on you?


In this continuation of one of the most personal conversations yet, Donyelle and her mother go even deeper into the realities of young motherhood — the unspoken fears, the resilience it demanded, and the lessons that only come with time and reflection.


In part two, her mom shares the aftermath of becoming a mother at 16: the ongoing challenges of balancing survival with growth, how faith and community continued to hold her up...


(Part 1) You Are My Lil Friend: Lessons From My Mom on Survival, Sacrifice & Showing Up
(Part 1) You Are My Lil Friend: Lessons From My Mom on Survival, Sacrifice & Showing Up episode artwork
#16
09/01/2025

What happens when you’re still figuring out who you are, but you already have kids depending on you?


In this episode of the Subjective podcast, Donyelle sits down with her mother for one of the most personal conversations yet, an honest reflection and real story of what it looks like when a mother is still figuring herself out while raising kids at the same time.

They reflect on young motherhood: the fear, the strength, and the survival tactics no one prepares you for. Her mom opens up about telling her family sh...


Bonus Episode: Life Updates + Jamaica Recap
Bonus Episode: Life Updates + Jamaica Recap episode artwork
#15
07/25/2025

In this episode, I’m catching you up on everything I wasn’t planning to talk about, but y’all requested it, so I had to come back from my hiatus really quick! No planning, recorded with no outline, just vibes. I’m recapping my birthday trip to Jamaica 🇯🇲, reflecting on a friendship breakup I didn’t see coming, and venting about the absolute chaos that is my life!—🖤 JOIN THE SUBJECTIVE COMMUNITY:→ 🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple: https://beacons.ai/subjectivepod⁠ → 📝 Read the newsletter/Substack: https://thesubjectivepod.substack.com/⁠ → 📲 IG / TikTok: @TheSubjectivePod→ 📸 IG @_DonyelleMurray → 📥 Business: [email protected]—🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: → Community Receipts: https://beacons.ai/the...


Check On Your Strong Friends
Check On Your Strong Friends episode artwork
#14
06/12/2025

In this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to be the “strong friend.” The one who’s always checking in but never checked on. The one who performs strength so well, no one realizes she’s falling apart.

I share personal stories of how I learned to suppress my emotions, why I thought crying made me weak, and how I built an identity around being dependable and “fine”, even when I wasn’t. I open up about the quiet expectations that formed in childhood, how I used to “practice” being strong in unhealthy ways, and the turning point where...


Too Loud, Too Soon: The Cost of Being Yourself
Too Loud, Too Soon: The Cost of Being Yourself episode artwork
#13
05/23/2025

They used to say I “talked back.” Now I talk for a living.

In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really like to be the person who always speaks up—even when it’s easier (and safer) to stay quiet. From being labeled a big mouth as a kid to building a career rooted in communication, I’m unpacking the cost and the calling of radical authenticity.

What does it really cost to be yourself in a world that rewards performance? For me, it meant being misunderstood, mislabeled, and left out. It meant being called o...


The 6 Besties Theory: Why One Bestie Will Never Be Enough
The 6 Besties Theory: Why One Bestie Will Never Be Enough episode artwork
#12
05/09/2025

We all have best friends—but have you ever thought about the specific roles they play in your life? According to the 6 Besties Theory, no single person can be everything to you, and honestly? That’s a good thing.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why we all need different kinds of best friends; the OG, the Work Bestie, the North Star, the Good Time Bestie, the Dead Body Bestie, and the Seasonal Bestie. You’ll probably start thinking about which category your closest friends fall into.

We also talk about:

✔️ The bestie roles...


I Know I’m Right, I Just Can't Remember Why
I Know I’m Right, I Just Can't Remember Why episode artwork
#11
04/25/2025

You ever know something is wrong. Like, feel it deep in your spirit... but can’t remember the tweet, TikTok, article, or headline that told you why? Same. This episode is for the justice-minded with forgetful brains and overwhelmed notes apps.


Inspired by a TikTok that called it out perfectly: “I be trying to stand up for what is right... all I know is you need to stay the f*ck away from it.”


We’re getting into:

Why your instincts are valid, even if you don’t have the f...


Quarterly Catch-Up: Life Lately, Lessons & What’s Next
Quarterly Catch-Up: Life Lately, Lessons & What’s Next episode artwork
#10
04/11/2025

 Q1 is officially a wrap, and it’s time for a full debrief. In this episode, I’m catching you up on life lately, what I’ve been watching, reading, and obsessing over, plus a full Subjective podcast update, personal growth reflections, and the pop culture moments that had me in a chokehold. I’m talking about what worked, what didn’t, and how I’m setting myself up for success in Q2. Whether you’re here for the tea, the transparency, or the motivation, this episode is a full check-in on where I’ve been and where I’m going.


From Small Towns to Big Moves: A Transitional Decade
From Small Towns to Big Moves: A Transitional Decade episode artwork
#9
03/14/2025

Turning 30 just hits different. You think you’ll have it all figured out—career, love, stability—but instead, you’re navigating breakups, big moves, and redefining happiness. In this episode, I sit down with Jackie to talk about what really happens when you hit your 30s. From starting over in new cities to breaking up and bossing up, we’re diving into the reality check that comes with this decade. We’re sharing our personal journeys, the highs and lows of love and career changes, and the things we wish we knew in our 20s. Whether you’re single, settled, or st...


Black History 102: Petty for a Cause, History’s Most Iconic Black Protests
Black History 102: Petty for a Cause, History’s Most Iconic Black Protests episode artwork
#8
03/01/2025

📢 History will have you believe that all Black protests were peaceful marches—but let’s be real, sometimes you have to shake shit up.


In this episode, we’re diving into the Black resistance movements they didn’t teach you about in school. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which strategically drained white-owned businesses, to the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, and Colin Kaepernick taking a knee—we’re talking about the moments when Black folks said, “Oh, you thought shit was sweet?”


We’ll explore why protests aren’t always just about marching in th...


Black Excellence 101: The Names They Left Out of Your Textbooks
Black Excellence 101: The Names They Left Out of Your Textbooks episode artwork
#7
02/14/2025

If you were to name three Black historical figures right now, odds are, you’d say Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, or Harriet Tubman. But what about the Black pioneers, inventors, and trailblazers whonever made it into your history books? In this episode, I’m taking my boyfriend (and all of you) to class, breaking down the stories of brilliant Black minds, leaders, and creators youshould have learned about in school. From the Black openly gay man behind the March on Washington to the young lady who was literally the precursor to Rosa Parks, this is Black excellence in i...


Packing Cubes and Plane Rules: My Unsolicited Travel Advice
Packing Cubes and Plane Rules: My Unsolicited Travel Advice episode artwork
#6
01/31/2025

Listen, nobody asked... but I have opinions on how to pack like a pro, navigate the airport without panicking, and how not to be an annoying seatmate on a flight. So here it is: my unsolicited, no-nonsense travel guide. We’re yapping about my favorite travel tips,  the best packing list formula, carry-on vs. checked bag debates, and the unspoken rules of in-flight etiquette that too many people ignore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or still figuring out TSA, consider this your crash course in traveling smarter, packing better, and not embarrassing yourself at the gate. Pack your bags, gra...


From Babysitter to Bestie: Growing Up 11 Years Apart
From Babysitter to Bestie: Growing Up 11 Years Apart episode artwork
#5
01/17/2025

What’s it really like growing up 11 years apart as siblings? In this emotional episode, my little sister and I dive into our unique bond, sharing stories of love, laughter, family and life lessons. From me taking care of her as a child to navigating completely different life stages, we explore how we grew closer despite the age gap. We’ll unpack the funny moments, sibling challenges, and what it’s like to experience two very different childhoods. Whether you’re curious about family dynamics, sibling relationships, or just looking for a relatable listen, this episode offers real, raw and hone...


The Last Quarter: Chaotic Life Updates, Family Drama, and What I’m Loving Lately
The Last Quarter: Chaotic Life Updates, Family Drama, and What I’m Loving Lately episode artwork
#4
01/03/2025

In this episode, I’m giving you a full Q4 wrap-up and life update—from hosting my first Thanksgiving to an unmotivated fitness phase, some petty thoughts on TikTok trends, and a few family dynamics that have me side-eyeing. We’re unpacking everything I’ve been up to, thinking about, and obsessing over as I close out 2024 and get ready for 2025. Grab a snack, get cozy, and let’s catch up!


If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves a good catch-u...


Election Reflections and Actions for the Next Four Years
Election Reflections and Actions for the Next Four Years episode artwork
#3
11/29/2024

After the recent election, I’m once again processing a wave of disappointment—a feeling many Black women know all too well. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about being reminded, once again, that we can be twice as good, twice as qualified, and still fall short in a system that rewards mediocrity and hate. In this episode, I’ll share my reflections on the election aftermath and it’s impact on marginalized communities, the importance of boundaries and self-preservation, and actionable steps we can take over the next four years.


Enjoyed this episode...


I found the Camera Man: How a Viral TikTok Brought Us Together
I found the Camera Man: How a Viral TikTok Brought Us Together episode artwork
#2
11/15/2024

In this episode, I’m joined by my boyfriend LJ as we take you through the twists and turns of our love story. From a viral TikTok to a DM slide, we’ll share the highs, surprises, and memorable first moments that shaped our relationship. Listen in as we reflect on our first meeting, the journey from casual to committed, and the little things that make us work. Whether you’re single, dating, or just love a good story, we hope you enjoy this look into our journey. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best stories come from unexpect...


How TF Did We Get Here? The Journey to Launching Subjective
How TF Did We Get Here? The Journey to Launching Subjective episode artwork
#1
11/01/2024

Welcome to the very first episode of Subjective! I’m Donyelle, and I’m honestly just so excited to finally kick this off. If you’re here, thank you for being part of the start of what I hope will become a space for real, unfiltered conversations about life, love, and all the messy stuff in between.


This episode is all about kicking things off, sharing the story behind Subjective, and setting the vibe for what’s to come. It’s real, it’s raw, and hopefully, it’s a space we can build together.

...


Subjective Trailer
Subjective Trailer episode artwork
#1
09/30/2024

Welcome to Subjective! In this trailer, host Donyelle introduces the vibe of the show—honest, unfiltered conversations about how the same reality can feel different depending on who's telling the story. Expect plenty of laughs, a little tea, and the kind of yapping that feels like a chat with your bestie. Whether you’re here to reflect, laugh, or just vibe, Subjective is your new go-to space for fresh perspectives.


Find us on Instagram, TikTok @TheSubjectivePod, and on YouTube at The Subjective Podcast. Don't forget to drop a review and share with a friend!