Adulting with Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos

FINE AF from the Bell House stage, Michelle and Jordan sound the airhorn for the triumphant return of comedian, actor, and friend of ze pod, Liza Treyger! Jordan sheds light on Texan parlance and reclaims the origin of the cowboy with FACTS (welcome to his Tex Talk), Michelle serves a hilarious BTS moment from "Survival of the Thickest," proving tea is best spilt on a hot mic, and Liza opens up about letting go of old habits and relationships that don’t serve her while entering her ‘Thrive Era.'

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2024

Live at the Bell House, Jordan and Michelle turn UP as they welcome ICONS of the highest order, Afro-Electro-Disco-Space-Punks, The Illustrious Blacks! Michelle prompts a discussion on 'Yo Mama' jokes and the genre’s forgotten (aka cringe) pop culture moments, Jordan arrives to the chat with an Adulting question for Michelle who serves a WIN-WIN solution, and Manchildblack and Monstahblack graciously share the origin story of their 20+ year creative / romantic collab! Let the bass drop!!

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2024

This week Michelle and Jordan are honored to be in conversation with costume designer, co-founder / co-conspirator of Black Trans Liberation, and Adulting kindred spirit, Qween Jean. Jordan “No Regrets Carlos” tells the tale of younger Jordan capturing the attention of a Hollywood bombshell, beyond college parties and her first taste of Alize, Michelle shares why Miami will always be in her heart, and through memories of childhood and the writings of James Baldwin, Qween Jean discusses the journey to living her truth—so you can live yours!

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2024

It’s an Adulting Homecoming at the Bell House when Jordan and Michelle bring it in with four-time Grammy-winning rapper / NYT best-selling author / co-founder of The Roots (THAT PART!), Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter. Jordan walks back in time to the fateful night he met his man crush in a bar (DENZEL!!!), in the midst of mistaken identity Michelle exemplifies going high with humor and class while seated in economy, and Tariq arrives, "Irk List" in hand, 1.) to hilariously go off on the surprising things that yuk his yum (shoelaces???), and 2.) to sound off on any and all things adulting including navigating jealousy in oneself and others.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2024

Live from Brooklyn’s Bell House, Michelle and Jordan welcome Ted Lasso writer, actor, and podcast host of Conversations with People Who Hate Me, Dylan Marron. Jordan reflects on his adulting journey from BC (before Costco) to his present 40s form (doomsday pantry as the new stunting and flossing), Michelle shows her earliest receipts for preparedness when she details her intense, age 5 morning routine, and Dylan, married for 8 years now(!!!), explains why productive fights are essential to maintaining a healthy relationship.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024

This week, Michelle and Jordan welcome a bucket list guest to the Bell House stage—the icon, the symbol, the legend, Grammy-awarded singer-songwriter, Norah Jones [AIRHORN!!!]. Jordan shares a harrowing story that sparks a family debate over the diff between a pet and a pest, Michelle recounts the dramatic transformation of her eccentric roommates cat from white to pink fur—an NYC tale (or is it tail?) as old as time, and Norah speaks candidly about developing intuition as an artist, powering through stage mishaps, and one hilarious meet-cute.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

Live at the Bell House BK, Jordan and Michelle welcome internet sensation and host of the super viral "Recess Therapy," Julian Shapiro-Barnum (hold for applause!). Michelle’s toddler turns the tables when he R-E-A-D-S her during bedtime stories, Jordan perfectly times his edible kicking in to deliver his thesis on country music’s BLACK origins (FACTS Y’ALL - BIG FACTS!), and fresh from a break up with serial monogamy itself, Julian opens the floor for questions--he’s an open kids book, y’all!!

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2024

Live from Brooklyn, Michelle and Jordan bow down to Black Hollywood Royalty, mother / daughter ICONS of the stage / screen, Jillian Hervey of "Lion Babe" and THE Vanessa Williams. Jordan delivers a convincing reason for NOT working with male trainers (i.e., unconfirmed whereabouts on Jan. 6), Michelle tells a cautionary tale for the front row seats at her future shows (the moral of the story—know your dosage!), Jillian shares how motherhood banished her inner critic and led to new heights as an artist, and Vanessa looks back on the powerful and the hilarious moments from her career—not to mention that long lost cassette of Prince demos (you gotta hear this!!!).

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2024

Sound ALL the air horns!!! Jordan + Michelle are back and LIVE AF at Brooklyn’s Bell House, and this week they welcome to the stage actor / comedian / friend of the pod, Sydnee Washington. Michelle receives a full-on flower shower when she arrives fresh with not one but SEVEN NAACP nominations, Jordan shares hilarious / unsettling moments from a recent trip to Charleston (it was giving "Get Out," but those shrimp and grits tho!), and Sydnee revisits her twenties (literally last week!) to pluck a few gems of wisdom and realness.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2024

Michelle and Jordan hit ALL the corners this week with author, activist, journalist, and media strategist, Raquel Willis. All is illuminated when Jordan (literal adult) reveals an early childhood hero, Michelle discusses the nuances of making requests of the service industry (it hits a little different at home!), and Raquel shares what it’s like to date as a visible and accomplished Black transgender woman (so many sweaty stans and chasers!!).

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2024

This week, Jordan and Michelle bring out their bedazzled tambourines for triple threat (actor, director, producer!!!), Tasha Smith! Michelle arrives fresh from the billing panic room after waking up to no internet (autopay has entered the chat), Jordan comforts Michelle by singing his sonorous house cleaning spiritual, and Tasha shares why acknowledging all she's overcome motivates her to create JOY and LOVE—watch your step, she's dropping bars!

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2024

Michelle and Jordan head to Holland to get personal and just a little “private” when they are joined by Dutch singer / songwriter / artist without borders / baker of exquisite breads / friend, Nicole Bus! Jordan is inadvertently unmasked as a Karaoke King while giving Michelle her flowers for hosting yet another epic house party, Michelle advises a listener to check their wants and needs before honoring unfamiliar requests in the bedroom (read: butt stuff), and in sharing her inspired writing process, Nicole walks us through her life as an artist in Amsterdam.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2024

It’s a family affair this week as Jordan and Michelle warmly welcome esteemed executive producer / pizza machine / showrunner for "Survival of the Thickest," Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. Jordan passionately reviews parenting scenes from a Berkshires restaurant (are they ok?!), Michelle emphasizes that caretaking skills are not exclusive to parenting, and though showrunning can easily run your life, Danielle courageously pushes back with vulnerability.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2024

This week, Michelle and Jordan bring it in with writer, actor, OG podcast host, a BOSS / also THEIR BOSS, Georgia Hardstark! While bonding over “vintage” grandma names, Jordan transports Michelle and Georgia to the fifth dimension when he chimes in from his own family tree with names that could ONLY come from the Mississippi Delta, Michelle’s twin toddlers test her anti-goop parenting style when “F” bombs are dropped and feelings are hurt (compassion, joy, and structure FTW, y’all!), and in the everlasting debate of shoes on / off households, Georgia weighs in, as one does when they have a WikiFeet!

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2024

Jordan and Michelle serve up Adulting BTS when they pull back the curtain for writer/actor/comedian/Buckeye/international field hockey phenom, Beth Stelling. Michelle's fond memories spur an introduction to pickleball (or is it tickleball?!), new research suggests life expectancy in America has shifted—Jordan shares the good news (men are down 6 years!), and Beth (real talk) reveals what it took to film her comedy special PLUS lessons learned since!

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2024

Michelle and Jordan take Black the night with comedian / actress / organ donor to the stars / selective history buff, and good friend, Sasheer Zamata. Jordan's kids have started doing an impression of him (which has daddy putting his phone away), Sasheer shares what makes New Orleans her go-to destination to refresh (Voodoo), and Michelle prompts a moment of reflection when she asks, what WON'T you do for money? (Bad answers only, y'all!)

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2024

This week Jordan and Michelle are joined by FOP (friend of the pod) comedian / actor / auth-uh / podcast host / beloved surrogate sibling, the multi-talented Dan Ahdoot. Dan’s arrival prompts Jordan to shed his middle-child identity and lean into his other side (big brother feat. therapist cosplay), Dan shares his thoughts on radical honesty vs. finessed white lies (hear him out!!!), and Michelle takes a deep breath and asks: What is my toxic trait? The answer, tho!!!!

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2023

This week, Michelle and Jordan welcome author / afro-futurist / pleasure activist / potentially Jordan's long-lost cuz, adrienne maree brown. Jordan gets into the 10 going on 49 of it all (his daughter's current Wednesday Addams phase), Michelle goes back to the origin of her party-host-super-powers, and adrienne shares tips for safely seeking sexual pleasure in group settings. BYO-Astroglide!

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2023

This week, Adulting is giving heavy seen, felt, AND heard energy when Jordan and Michelle welcome comedy / acting / writing triple threat, Ms. Pat. Jordan accepts affirmations after courageously sharing his childhood journey from outie to innie, Michelle gives a refresher on karaoke night etiquette, and real talk—Ms. Pat speaks on what 31 years of marriage teaches and takes (honesty and therapists!!).

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2023

Adulting levels up in the game of self-care / self-compash aka self-compassion when Jordan and Michelle invite comedian / actress / poet / foot MASS-age aficionado, champion of drawing hot baths, and friend of the pod, Catherine Cohen. Michelle walks us through the layers of grief that follow being fired…by her toddler son, Jordan unlocks secrets of the glove compartment and melts Michelle’s reality, and Catherine explains how to extend southern hospitality as guest rather than host—bet you didn’t know she’s also a Texan!

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2023

This week Michelle and Jordan bring it all the way home with writer, actor, host, Tony nominee, near and dear ground-breaker, Amber Ruffin. AIRHORN!!! Jordan reveals how he, a tired dad, transforms into the Black member of Steely Dan for parent teacher conferences, Michelle breaks down the pros and cons of relocating to Amsterdam, aka the ultimate safe space... sorta…and Amber shares tales from the writer's room—it's giving Montessori school meets Mad Men.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2023

This week, Jordan and Michelle pull up a boudoir chair for comedian/actress/activist/friend maker of old-timey stamps and indefatigable painter of walls, Franchesca Ramsey. Jordan relives the brief moment he was transported out of his body while in the bedroom, Michelle dons her myth-buster hat to advise a listener that textbook flirting is no match for chemistry, and Franchesca shares tried and true tips for crafting thoughtful thank you cards and classy clap backs. It’s giving full-on Wes Anderson and we are here for it!

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2023

Southern hospitality is being served with a shot and a beer as Michelle and Jordan go off the grid with Adulting's Lone Star correspondent / friend of the pod, comedian Tone Bell. Jordan recounts learning the hard way on what gifts to give his beloved (Telfars henceforth!!), Michelle suggests a great reason to leave the "college degree box" unchecked when looking for a partner (negative student loans!!), and Tone proposes a very rational plan for sharing public spaces with exes.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2023

It's a lucky day because Jordan and Michelle are joined by comedian / Blacktress / esteemed show host / friend / maven of guest room etiquette, the one, the only, Nicole Byer [CUE AIRHORN!!!]. Jordan opens up about his Xbox addiction and subsequent intervention via second-floor window defenestration, Nicole shares her hilarious highlights from a visit to Amsterdam, and Michelle gently encourages a nostalgic listener to seek new, present-day experiences. It's a vibe, y'all!

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2023

Jordan and Michelle invite writer/actor/and musician (Triple Threat!!) E.R. Fightmaster to hash it up and hash it out. Jordan presents his withering Ted Talk on Goldilocks: The First Documented Case of Karen-ing, E.R. rewinds to the origin of their vintage car fetish, and Michelle demonstrates how to beautifully stock a pantry with staples and surprises. It's a whole spice rack of fun!!

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2023

This week, Michelle and Jordan welcome hilarious comedian / writer / actor / friend / non-essential organ donor (JK), Jes Tom, to the pod. Jordan goes full-on Moth Story Hour and tells the tale of performing at one of NYC’s historic armories, a “balloon party” at Paradiso has Michelle considering retirement in Amsterdam, and Jes explains why leaving Queens for Brooklyn has left them feeling like an expat returning to America. Insert earbuds! This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2023

In this ep, Jordan + Michelle chop it up like a fresh shallot with model / actor / author / activist / ballroom royalty, and THE ICON, Dominique Jackson (POSE!!!!), for a very special convo about homecomings, ancestors, and opening up to the growth of others.  This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2023

Black with more Bell House BK love, Jordan and Michelle are joined by comedian / writer / actor / Texan / certified Aquarius, Devon Walker. Hold your merit badges as Jordan shares a wonder years moment from his days as a Boy Scout, Michelle highlights advantages of growing out of the nightlife (da club) and into refined adult socializing (day drinking), and as a recent New York transplant, Devon shares his take on The Big Apple and why NYC cops are different. This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2023

Michelle + Jordan parlay with comedian, writer, friend, and the unofficial Burrow President of Queens, Hari Kondabolu. Jordan reveals the agony of a "Jordan’s Choice" moment while on vacation, Michelle emphasizes the importance of having your partner’s back while both home and abroad, and Hari shares recent revelations of being a new parent—“cool dad” is a supporting role.  This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2023

Podcast royalty, aka Comedy! Bang! Bang!'s Scott Aukerman, joins Jordan and Michelle in front of the Bell House crowd. Michelle recounts a thoughtful birthday gift that backfired, Jordan itemizes the damage to his home (and ego!) after a playdate, and Scott reenacts his audition for a job at 1980's Disneyland.  This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2023

Live at the Bell House BK (Where else?!), Michelle + Jordan catch all the way up with Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, producer, dear friend, and neighbor to somebody, Sam Jay. Jordan establishes the protocol for handling his kid's bath-time emergency (number one), Sam schools Michelle and Jordan with her masterful costume party skills, and Michelle sends an impromptu love note to NYC. This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2023

This time around Jordan and Michelle welcome comedian / Black Lady Sketch Show producer / author / friend / emergency contact, Chloé Hilliard to the pod. Jordan stokes controversy for being able to pick a favorite Prince song (gasp!), Michelle shares her beginner's guide to furniture as an investment (You betta get in on that futon flip!), and Chloé shares BTS moments from her lengthy, inspiring career.  This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2023

Michelle and Jordan catch up at the Bell House stage with comedian / writer / friend Mike Yard. Jordan flawlessly impersonates his therapist while also sharing helpful tips, Mike transports the audience from St. Croix to East NY, and Michelle takes a minute when an audience question nearly breaks her. This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2023

Back at the Bell House, Jordan and Michelle welcome actor / dancer / comedian, Sunita Mani! Jordan shares the one thought that saved him during a wild flight, Michelle details the finest moments of a well-earned baecation with husband, and Sunita relives the time she came out to her husband as a viral rap video dancer. #LoveWins This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2023

Adulting is all the way black from summer vacay, now with new episodes dropping Every. Single. Week!!! [AIRHORN!] On today's episode, Michelle and Jordan welcome one of their own: Adulting theme song composer, live show DJ, friend, emergency contact and brother, Donwill! Michelle recounts a day in the life as an NYC minivan driver, Donwill recalls a hilarious story from his former life as a substitute teacher, and Jordan gives up his secret for how he manages bedtime stories with his kids (edibles)—everyone wins!  This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike. #Noscabbing!

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2023

LIVE and THRIVING at the Bell House, Jordan and Michelle welcome activist / Broadway star / Drag Race alum, PEPPERMINT!!! Michelle gives a lesson on air travel etiquette (rule #1: leave your sad pillow at home), Peppermint draws the line between dating and BS, aka the Brandy vs. Monica of it all, and Jordan gets inspired to celebrate his own body, for once, earning air horns in return. All these things and more, y'all!

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2023

Michelle and Jordan (and foggy A.F. glasses) warmly welcome friend, TV host, author, and advocate, Padma Lakshmi, back to the Bell House stage. Michelle revisits an old Adulting question, only to realize "edibles" means something very different in 2023, Jordan walks the audience through the trials and tribulations of raising a future POTUS, aka his 10-year-old daughter, and Padma gets into why she dropped "I love you" first, just that one time.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2023

Lively AF at the Bell House, Jordan + Michelle welcome multipotentialite and former MC, Jean Grae. Jean transports the crowd to 1990’s Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, where she gracefully dismissed an unworthy aggressor, Jordan reflects on the complex emotions he felt in the aftermath of a babysitter gone rogue (or was it iron deficiency?), and Michelle reveals her hidden talent for spoken word poetry (AIRHORN!!!).

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2023

Joyfully LIVE at the Bell House, Michelle and Jordan celebrate international drag superstar, Shea Couleé. Michelle gives her "Wholesome Family Entertainment 2023" report, a.k.a. what not to expect when you’re expecting a circus (WTF, no clowns?!), Jordan defends his response to getting meh-ok-whatevered by his kids during a thoughtfully planned jazz museum outing, and Shea Couleé defines what "adult" means in their own playful terms (yes, it includes Capri Sun).

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2023

This week Jordan + Michelle celebrate writer / comedian / actor / Leap Year Bby, Joel Kim Booster, on the eve of his “non-existent birthday.” Michelle shares the hilarious / chilling story of a Craigslist job her husband took back in the day (aka he was a still photographer on a porno!), Joel, though technically just 8 3/4 years old, handily discusses the personal growth one should seek before diving into a serious relaysh, and Jordan--on brand as ever--advises on the practical aspects of term life insurance ("Lifetime" murder storylines be damned!).

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2023

Living their BEST LIVES on the Bell House stage, Michelle and Jordan catch up with globetrotting actor / comedian / "shy" fashion icon, Marie Faustin. Jordan zips up his "Black Mr. Rogers" cardigan to advise a Southern transplant on dating etiquette in the Big Apple, avid traveler Marie shares her biggest tip on how not to get "Taken" abroad, and Michelle gives heartfelt masterclass on responsibly fighting with the one you love.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2023

This week, Jordan + Michelle bring writer, actor, and once-and-future "King of Hipster Comedy," Chris Gethard, to the Bell House stage. Jordan gets town halled by the audience during Professor Buteau's Black History Month lesson on Michael Jackson, Chris opens up about managing his current state: Bored New Jersey Dad, and Michelle explains how one can achieve higher levels of “rizz" -- Google it!!

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2023

Keepin' it all the way live in Brooklyn, Michelle and Jordan welcome comedian / filmmaker / first-time Adulting guest, Kenice Mobley. Jordan regales the audience with his tale of a burlesque debut so wrong gone wrong, Michelle becomes a Garden State Emily Post, and Kenice shares the insights she gained after surviving a health emergency in a red state - YIIIIIIKES!

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2023

LIVE at the Bell House, Jordan + Michelle blast the Jamaican air horn for the "Mayor of Brooklyn" / comedian / writer / actor / friend, Wyatt Cenac. Michelle paints a picture of her teenage self getting into the club (her wardrobe, her cocktail, the iconic house track), Jordan boasts that his entry to the club--back in the days of Hennessy and Alizé(s)--was through a coveted internship, and Wyatt kindly offers words of inspiration to remind the audience that each of us deserves the best.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2023

This go around, Michelle and Jordan are Adulting their way through elevated dining with EOP (Emmy, Oscar, and Peabody!!) Travon Free. Travon explains why, even in the finest restaurants, big feelings stand in the way of him enjoying succulent octopus, Jordan shares the secret to finding good-ass brisket, and Michelle offers well-seasoned advice to a listener who can't cook but whose heart is in hosting.

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2023

This week, Jordan and Michelle welcome comedian, podcast host, writer, singer, dog mom, and, oh yeah—THEIR BOSS, Karen Kilgariff. Michelle spells out her resolutions, declaring 2023 as the year of Twenty-Twenty-Me, Jordan reminisces on past family gatherings, lamenting the elusiveness of the Cha Cha Slide, and Karen joins from Petaluma, reporting on the current decor of her childhood bedroom while in the middle of The Bomb Cyclone!!

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2023

Michelle and Jordan welcome NYC Councilmember, Chi Ossé, live on stage at the Bell House! Jordan shares his secret to besting a random teen bold enough to challenge him to a lap around the track (the fool!), Michelle encourages listeners to hear her story of Whitney Houston (her dog, of course) before making any adoption decisions, and Councilmember Ossé brings that town hall energy, continuing his redemption arc after losing class president three times.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2023

LIVE at the Bell House BK, Jordan and Michelle double down on Adulting with not one, but TWO guests. Comedian Kyle Grooms and his queen have been together for 24 years and happily married for three- wait, what?? Actor, writer, and comedian Jay Jurden gives us the queer perspective of what to expect at the after-after-party (intercourse). Jordan reenacts an ass-over-tea-kettles-yoga-disaster and Michelle explains why she prefers choking over rollercoasters... but who doesn't in this economy??

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2023

Messy AF and recorded live at the Bell House in deepest Brooklyn, Michelle and Jordan welcome hilarious comedian/writer, Rachel Feinstein. Jordan shares advice on what to do if you're haunted by the ghost of an in-law, Rachel clarifies that while her fireman husband is technically a hero, he's not always the first to respond(!!), and Michelle teaches there is no six without the nine... (she's talking about sex!)

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2023

Live from BK at the Bell House, Jordan and Michelle break it down and let it be broke with comedian and actress, Jackie Fabulous. Michelle re-discovers the horrors of a forty-something hangover, Jordan offers her his own hangover recovery game-plan, and Jackie shares how remembering the phone number of her fuck boy from the 90s has paid off BIG in her love life today. Yes! Fun for the whole fam!

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2022