The Instigation Dispatch: 6.17.25

I know. It's a day late. But this week we're helping you intentionally curate your Juneteenth jams and wondering if brands haven't jettisoned their morals and values in the rush to look "apolitical."

Another week down, and while we’re still trying to figure out if NBA players moonlighting as podcast hosts is a sign of cultural expansion or late-stage content fatigue, the grill is heating up and Juneteenth is upon us. This week’s dispatch is bringing the flavor and the facts—whether you're heading to the cookout or a creative review.

We’ve got two pieces ready to marinate:

First, a five-song Juneteenth BBQ playlist curated by someone with deep love for Frankie Beverly, cash-appable wisdom, and Bluetooth speaker dominance. And secondly,a breakdown of how brands are fumbling the cultural bag by confusing human values with politics.

So grab a plate, charge your speaker, and let’s instigate.