Welcome back to a solo episode. Today, I return to music and break down Drake’s rollout for his upcoming album Iceman . I get into the strategy behind the campaign and what this moment means as he steps back into the spotlight as a solo artist for the first time in over two and a half years. From there, I offer predictions on the album and unpacking my frustrations with the increasingly toxic fan culture in rap. That conversation opens the door to a broader idea: the death of spontaneity and the...
Apr 28, 2026•33 min
Today I’m joined by Wendell Cole. He's a Brooklyn-born, self-taught, multi-disciplinary artist based in New York. His work dives into the Black diaspora, cultural identity, and the politics that shape how we’re seen and how we see ourselves. We start by unpacking his journey as an artist and how his style has evolved over time. But midway through, the conversation takes an unexpected turn. It become an honest therapy session for both of us. Through the lens of his new six-piece series, “What Doe...
Apr 21, 2026•1 hr
We’re in the middle of Coachella, so I brought on legendary photographer Colin Lane, best known for capturing the cover of 'Is This It' by The Strokes. We get into how Julian Casablancas first discovered that iconic image, and how a photoshoot gone wrong unexpectedly turned into a long-term relationship that took Colin across Europe with the band and even into their weddings. He also shares stories from working with Diddy, Pharrell, and Lenny Kravitz on a Bad Boys II music video shoot, plus what...
Apr 14, 2026•40 min
Today I’m joined by my friend Vaughn, who I met in his home country of South Africa while traveling with Bas. He’s a label head and creative who’s helped shape the sound of South Africa’s music scene from signing artists, curating festivals, and building culture from the ground up. On his first trip to New York, Vaughn takes us through his upbringing in SA and the experiences that shaped his path in music. We revisit our time in the 'bush' and how moments like that create real, lasting bonds. He...
Apr 07, 2026•1 hr 13 min
Bonjour Everyone - First, I'd like to apologize for taking some weeks off from recording. I'm glad to share that I'm finally back from my trip from Paris and Barcelona. In this episode I share what brought me to Paris and how I move as a solo traveler. I get into some fun stories from my trip as well as draw some comparisons between the US and Europe. Tune in for a fun and introspective episode. I'm thrilled to return to the microphone and thank you all for your patience. Socials Channels: Insta...
Mar 31, 2026•1 hr 2 min
Hey Everyone! I'm really excited for today's episode. I go in on all things Grammy Awards. I start with Kendrick and his historic night passing Jay Z for most Grammys for a rapper. Then I give Bieber his flowers for an outstanding rendition of "Yukon". I go through other keynote wins of the night Olivia Dean, Kehlani, Lola Young, etc. I share how Bad Bunny is the perfect artist to be at the top given the current political climate. I share my thoughts on him performing during the Super Bowl (inco...
Feb 03, 2026•45 min
It's a conflict-driven world. Today I begin by giving some praise to A$AP Rocky for maturing over the course of his career and why I believe Drake hasn't been able to do the same. Do we need a Travis Scott cameo in 'The Odyssey'? I then turn to the justified outrage against these senseless ICE incidents. I reference my tweet, see here: the fact that we’re watching american citizens getting shot and killed like game tape, as if the stakes were “did he keep both feet inbounds” shows how desensitiz...
Jan 27, 2026•27 min
The real is back! I get into what we should expect and pay attention to from this Cole single and album announcement. Then I discuss my Dussepalooza days with Kaz, the newest edition to Hot 97. I move on to sports to discuss the fall off of the Knicks and the college football championship game. Tune in as I discuss all of this + more! Socials Channels: Instagram - / somethingwrongwithpod Twitter - https://x.com/swwpodcast_ https://linktr.ee/savewithjulian TikTok - / juliannicholas11...
Jan 20, 2026•35 min
Your favorite podcaster doesn't know anything. Congrats to Mero for the Hot 97 role. I nerd out about the Golden Globes. Thank you everyone for tuning in for my first episode of 2026!
Jan 13, 2026•29 min
Welcome back! I took last week's episode off for travel purposes and focusing on the family for the holiday. Happy to be back with some big stories this week. I offer my thoughts on Dave Chappelle's new special and my experience with seeing some of the material at his last NYC surprise live show. We pivot to late contender for film of the year, Marty Supreme. What a fever dream - a must see. We move into Charlamagne's blockbuster deal with iHeart and Netflix. I explain further on some thoughts I...
Dec 30, 2025•36 min
Welcome back everyone! I don't waste anytime today and get right to the shocking news of Hot 97 canceling 'Ebro In The Morning'. This carries into a stat about the decline of rap representation at major festivals. Why aren't rappers getting booked during festival season? This past week has been a tragic one for many people including legendary Hollywood director/actor Rob Reiner and his wife. They were tragically k*lled in their own home at the hands of their son. We shine on a light on a beautif...
Dec 16, 2025•37 min
We're back after a busy week of big headlines. In a time where nobody can afford their groceries, large media conglomerates will continue to play monopoly. Netflix set out to buy Warner Bros Studios, but Paramount swiftly counter offered. I discuss the implications of this deal. We stay on Netflix, but discuss the Diddy documentary and the sad truth of his rise and fall. We end today on a viral twitter story. Akaash Singh from Flagrant 2 Podcast and his wife got red-pilled all October. They addr...
Dec 09, 2025•28 min
I'm back and highly caffeinated on today's episode. Today's topics are music heavy, which had me really excited. I start by the latest in music AI Tech, Suno. I offer my opinion on why this isn't the direction the music industry should be heading towards. Then I offer my thoughts on the Grammy nominations. I give some predictions, as well as sharing some of the newer artists that earned their first nominations that I've been listening to a lot lately. We wrap today with a recap of my Thanksgivin...
Dec 02, 2025•33 min
Today I’m joined by creative director Love, Kelly. As a music video director, he’s worked with major artists like U2, Trippie Redd, Lil Tjay, and more. In his hometown of Burlington, Vermont, he became a local legend for throwing rap shows that even Lil Uzi Vert pulled up to. Beyond directing, Love, Kelly built his own fashion line, “Love, Kelly,” and has already produced three New York Fashion Week events, earning a feature in Rolling Stone. And he’s currently in the middle of a headline-worthy...
Nov 25, 2025•53 min
Well it was a birthday week for the ages. As I was out celebrating with some friends I checked twitter and saw Rory fighting for his life on spaces. I begin today reacting to that entire situation. We transition from bad tweets to bad emails, as Trump and his blindly loyal crew continue to downplay the severity of the Epstein emails. I also discuss how Trump is continuing to auction America to the highest bidder. I'm back on my movie circuit. The latest film is 'Bugonia'. Finally, I end with rec...
Nov 18, 2025•30 min
Welcome back everyone! Today we're joined yet again by Jordan from Complex. We roll into a conversation about Kanye's latest return to music. We get into a recent Verzuz x Complex partnership and who else we'd like to see involved. We talked about our "unc" status and settling into our 30's. We get into Zohran's win and the future of NY politics. We get into sports and the gambling scandal. Jordan then presents an ethical hypothetical that leads to us having a nerd debate. Tune in for all of thi...
Nov 11, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 43
Hey Everyone & happy Election Day, especially for my NY listeners. Listen to this on your way to the polls. We jump into the biggest Hip-Hop news story - is it over for rap? I breakdown the absurdity of this statement through the music history lesson. The Dodgers win one of the most thrilling World Series of all time and still, the world must use this as an opportunity to dunk on Drake. When is it enough? In more music news, there's an AI "artist" seemingly making the charts. I implore you n...
Nov 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 42
Welcome back for week 41 of SWWP! We have a lot of drama to address up front. I read a few comments from the last episode before getting into a topic I've become quite passionate about over the years, legal sports gambling. I give a fiery plea to end this nonsense and explain how it's a stain on the NBA and our culture. Staying on sports & more gambling, Drake was in Toronto for Game 1 of the World Series and celebrating his birthday in a controversial coat. I give an update on the Lourve he...
Oct 28, 2025•37 min•Ep. 41
Welcome back everyone! Before we get to today's topics, I take a bit of time to respond to another jab thrown my way. It's been a while, it's fun to regurgitate the same jokes! In more old news, Tyler The Creator is being targeted for tweets from over 15 years ago. Meanwhile, artifacts from hundreds of years ago have been stolen from the Louvre. Stateside, the $250 million construction on the White House has begun. This robbery reminded me of a movie I recently saw, 'Roofman'. I also discuss ano...
Oct 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 40
From Madison Square Garden right to the podcast chair. I stepped out to watch my Knicks get embarrassed tonight, but did witness one of the greatest games of Tic-Tac-Toe. After brief Knicks talk, I dive into Drake's lawsuit being dismissed. What is next for The Boy? We'll see in the near future. In more music news, Diddy was hit with an underwhelming sentence. Yet another example of the rich/powerful having their way. It's been a while since I went to the theaters and my most recent visit did no...
Oct 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 39
Move over Drake and Kendrick, it's time for the women to beef. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj reignite their ongoing feud and, as always, it gets personal. In white music beef, Taylor Swift takes a shot at Charli XCX. Yes, I listened to Taylor's new album. It was painful. Moving away from music, but staying in altercations, Mark Sanchez attacked an older man and has left political pundits unsure of how to speak on this gruesome incident. I breakdown a recent shift in my approach to expenses and honor...
Oct 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 38
Welcome back everyone! Reporting late from NYC. I was outside tonight having a disco with Doja Cat for her new album, Vie. We stay on music with the biggest announcement of the week, Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl (the DEI bowl). I'm very happy to return to a music conversation this episode and of course, I do have to offer a perspective on a few social/political topics as well, but through the lens of optimism! Tune in as I discuss all of this + more! Social Channels: Instagram - https://w...
Sep 30, 2025•33 min•Ep. 37
Do you feel exhausted and distracted? Are you starting to feel like that's the point?, well me too. This week's distraction is brought to you by the rendering of the UFC White House slated for next year. This is exactly the files the people want - no other files come to mind. The UFC-adjacent event, Charlie Kirk's funeral, poses as another opportunity for divisive rhetoric. I end on a lighter note sharing my experience this past weekend going to a Big 10 college football game, Rutgers v.s. Iowa....
Sep 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 36
Reporting live from my parents’ home in Upstate New York, I kick things off on a celebratory note. My dad was recently inducted into yet another Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in Track & Field and Basketball. This one being especially meaningful to him. I’m joined by my mom for this late-night recording to discuss the political climate following the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk. With her perspective, shaped by growing up in the 60s and living through periods of civil unrest, she help...
Sep 16, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 35
Welcome back to another busy week in music and culture. Drake’s Iceman 3 stream didn’t quite hit the mark. I break down what worked, what didn’t, and how he can step it up next time. In Atlanta, Young Thug is working to get back in the good graces of the internet after more recordings surfaced. The VMAs came and went, while Justin Bieber gave us another surprise drop, SWAG 2 . On the sports side, the US Open wrapped up and we may be witnessing the dawn of a new era of greatness in tennis. I clos...
Sep 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 34
☎️ Wanna be part of the show? Call 877-557-SWWP and leave a voicemail to get advice! We are back with tons of beef (pause). We start with Young Thug and the recent leaked testimony and phone calls. The future of Atlanta rap seems to be getting more fractured by the week. Then we pivot to some local drama. DJ Enuff is fired from Hot 97 and Funk Flex seems to be the reason for his sudden departure. I share my personal experience with DJ Enuff from my time contributing to Hot 97. When I think of th...
Sep 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 33
☎️ Wanna be part of the show? Call 877-557-SWWP and leave a voicemail to get advice! I started recording immediately after watching the Jussie Smollett Documentary. I begin with talking through the hypocrisy of both the Chicago Police Department and Jussie. Then I pivot to Drake's obsession with Tupac's jewelry after recently acquiring his 'Death Row' chain. I make time to talk about the movies I saw this week, 'Relay' and 'Honey, Dont!' Who needs to be told not to order shrimp from Walmart? Wel...
Aug 26, 2025•31 min•Ep. 32
☎️ Wanna be part of the show? Call 877-557-SWWP and leave a voicemail to get advice! "And we will live together. Until the 12th of never. Our voices will ring forever, as oneeeeee" There's a theme for today's episode and that is togetherness. This is top of mind because I saw the film 'Together' over the weekend. This segues into Offset's album rollout and a recent thought I had. I pontificate on the authenticity of Offset's therapy-inspired teaser. Then I discuss Chance's 'Star Line'. A great a...
Aug 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 31
☎️ Wanna be part of the show? Call 877-557-SWWP and leave a voicemail to get advice! With my basketball and lifting days on pause (thanks, separated shoulder), I’ve been roaming the city streets and watching movies. Follow my cinematic spiral on Letterboxd (@invsblereviews). This episode, I dive into Eddington & Weapons . In music, I break down JID and Bryson Tiller’s new albums, reaffirm that Clipse still owns the summer, and crown my official “Rapper of the Summer.” We’ve been spoiled with...
Aug 12, 2025•30 min•Ep. 30
☎️ Wanna be part of the show? Call 877-557-SWWP and leave a voicemail to get advice! Welcome back! This week I’m joined by a fellow brown boy, Pakistani AI expert Raph No Simmons — and we’re off to a rolling start. We kick things off with a story about a girl we both used to see, and somehow that spirals into our shared love of 9/11 memes (don't ask, just listen). From there, we dive deep into Uber culture, bot farms, and how politicians weaponize social media to manipulate public opinion. Then ...
Aug 05, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 29
