Words With Wista

EP 201 - The World Is Glitching

The world is really glitching right now, so let’s get into it. We’re talking Cuba protests over blackouts and Haiti preparing for its first election in a decade, plus Trump making decisions while tensions with Iran continue despite claims the situation is under control, alongside reports that an additional $200 billion may be needed, and what that could mean for gas prices, travel costs, and everyday life. Then we get into media and entertainment chaos with major cancellations, platform shakeups, and industry drama, along with messy lawsuits and a quick Oscars recap. And of course, we wrap it up with a listener voicemail that sparks a real conversation about modern dating, expensive matchmaking services, and why being desperate for love is never the move, because in this economy we need to have some self-respect. IG: itswista Substack: wordswithwista

EP 200 - 10 Years Later, Voicemail Activated, State of the Union Slump and Industry Shakeups

EP 200. Ten years, 200 episodes, and a whole lot of growth in between. This one is about staying the course, finding your voice, and building something that lasts. We reflect on the journey, launch the voicemail line so you can call in and spill your tea for advice, and share a message from a special guest. Then we get into the week’s chaos including slipping TV ratings, NYC political shakeups, AI surveillance testing, billion dollar business plays, media controversies, and rap beef that nobody asked for. A decade later and the conversations are still bold, honest, and very much on my terms. IG: itswista Substack: wordswithwista

EP 199 - Romance Scams and the Collapse of Common Sense

This week’s episode is a Valentine’s Day warning and a cultural temperature check. Romance scams are surging ahead of February 14, so if he says he loves you but needs a wire transfer, please log out. A year into Trump’s term, some voters are saying Biden was better, while Hasan Piker sparks debate by saying he would vote third party over a Gavin Newsom versus JD Vance matchup. TMZ reportedly received a second chilling note involving Savannah Guthrie’s mom. Canada is reeling after a tragic event at a school and home, and Affirm now wants to offer Buy Now, Pay Later for rent because apparently even survival comes in installments. Gen Z becomes the first generation to score lower on IQ tests than their parents. Super Bowl ratings are strong with a Bad Bunny boost, Britney Spears reportedly sells her entire music catalog, James Van Der Beek passes away at 48 after a cancer battle, and Cardi B steps into her Little Miss Drama era while Stefon Diggs posts cryptic messages after the Super Bowl loss. Love, politics, pop culture, and a gentle reminder to use discernment. IG: itswista IG/Substack: wordswithwista

EP 198: People Are Losing Their Jobs and Their Minds

This week’s episode proves that just because the government reopened does not mean the chaos stopped. Mass layoffs are stacking up with Nike cuts, The Washington Post letting go of a third of its staff, and Bahama Breeze shutting down entirely. Trump stays busy with a billion-dollar IRS lawsuit, the Kennedy Center skipping Black History Month, and immigration enforcement turning its focus toward Haitian communities in Ohio. We also get into Don Lemon continuing his work as a journalist after an arrest, Bad Bunny heading to the Super Bowl after his Grammy win, Grammy season backlash stirring more drama than necessary, Savannah Guthrie’s mother still missing with a reward offered for information, young men losing serious money to sports gambling, and family tea spilling all over the internet. People are losing their jobs and absolutely losing their minds. IG: itswista IG/SubStack: wordswithwista

EP 197 - Leaked DMs and National Discourse

This week is a lot, so naturally, we unpack all of it. From the alleged RFK Jr. messages that should’ve stayed private, to the passing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis following an encounter with federal agents that has sparked protests, outrage, and ongoing questions. We break down record deportations affecting Cuban communities in Florida, Trump’s threat of massive tariffs on French wine and champagne, and France fast-tracking a social media ban for kids under 15. Amazon is cutting thousands of corporate jobs, TikTok is collecting even more user data, and the U.S. nightlife and alcohol scene is quietly collapsing. We also dig into cold-weather tragedies impacting unhoused New Yorkers, Delroy Lindo being mischaracterized in an interview, anonymous Oscar voters shading Ariana Grande, Brooklyn Beckham calling out his parents, Skai Jackson’s baby daddy sentencing, Nicki Minaj vs. Don Lemon, and Cardi B going off over a football pick. Same chaos, new episode. IG: itswista SubStack: wordswithwista