
Ernestly Speaking! with Ernest Owens
Award-winning journalist Ernest Owens reviews the latest headlines, controversies, and all the other things you give a damn about.
Episodes
267 episodes
Ernestly Speaking! S9, Episode 5: Texas Democrats Hold ‘Em, An Interesting Philly D.A.’s Race, the Decline of Major Award Shows
In this “down in the Vineyard” episode, Ernest details his vacation in Oak Bluffs, Democrats fighting back, a Philly D.A. candidate switches parties, about that NABJ convention, new lessons that progressives should learn, and much more.
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Season 9
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Episode 5
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2:48:42

Ernestly Speaking! S9, Episode 4: Kamala Harris Returns, Philly Politicians Addicted to Social Media, The “Good Jeans” of Sydney Sweeney
In this “don’t deny it, disrupt it” episode, Ernest explores the GOP switch on Gaza, the great Democratic fall book tour, why Love Island shouldn’t come to Philly, about that American Eagle jeans/genes ad, new lessons that progressives should l...
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Season 9
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Episode 4
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2:55:44

Ernestly Speaking! S9, Episode 3: Trump’s Epstein Problem, Philly Mayor Hires & Fires, Celebrity Deaths Become Us
In this “uncomfortable opinion” episode, Ernest unpacks the new never-ending Trump controversy, Hunter Biden goes off, a global media awakening in Gaza, Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administrative chaos, missing Malcolm Jamal Warner (and not ...
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Season 9
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Episode 3
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5:08:04

Ernestly Speaking! S9, Episode 2: A Divided MAGA House, Alphas Take Over Philly, Emmy Nomination Shockers
In this “do not bow” episode, Ernest dives into the Epstein files controversy that Trump can’t shake off, Democrats reckon with their own identity crisis, a contentious Congressional race in Philly is underway, mainstream media takes more hits,...
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Season 9
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Episode 2
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2:34:00

Ernestly Speaking! S9, Episode 1: The Inexplicable Season 9 Premiere!
In this “such good English” season premiere, Ernest returns with thoughts on the latest divides within the Trump administration, the Democratic establishment’s infighting over Mamdani, lessons learned from Philly’s District Council 33 strike, t...
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Season 9
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Episode 1
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4:06:18

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 25: The Unstoppable Season 8 Finale!
In this “Daddy’s Home” season finale, Ernest evaluates the socialized chaos of Trump’s White House, updates on the aftermath of that historic NYC Mayoral primary, the compromise of SCOTUS, the triumphant return of Sarah McLachlan, why Love Isla...
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Season 8
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Episode 25
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4:14:36

Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: What Philly Can Learn from Zohran Mamdani's NYC Democratic Victory
In this special edition episode, Ernest gives a very straight-forward analysis of how New York City Democrats made a very bold and historic move in electing Zohran Mamdani during their mayoral primary -- and how Philly can catch the momentum.
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Season 8
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2:04:59

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 24: Trump vs. Iran, Philly’s $1.3 Million Cop Uniforms, That Tyler Perry Lawsuit
In this “please ask, I will tell” episode, Ernest explores the war Trump has started in the Middle East, about that bombshell Tucker Carlson interview with Ted Cruz, SCOTUS goes full anti-LGBTQ, Philly's potential Congressional battle race, the...
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Season 8
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Episode 24
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4:40:17

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 23: Trump vs. Gavin Newsom, Philly’s “No Kings” Protest, The Boring Return of Nelly & Ashanti
In this “let’s take it there” episode, Ernest explores a refreshing political beef Trump wasn’t prepared for, NYC mayoral race heats up, a new Philly budget gets passed, an important reminder for white liberals, Sabrina Carpenter's interesting ...
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Season 8
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Episode 23
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3:36:53

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 22: Trump vs. Elon Musk, Philly’s Center City Dranks, Tony Awards Shockers
In this “on and popping” episode, Ernest explores the end of Trump’s toxic bromance, why all politicians must name the bills they legislate, chaos at Philadelphia City Council, an early Oscars category prediction, Tyler Perry strikes again, and...
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Season 8
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Episode 22
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4:23:35

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 21: Elon Musk (Finally) Exits DOGE, Philly’s Political Identity Crisis, An Honest Pride Month Conversation
In this “VIP Gold pass” (lol) episode, Ernest analyzes Trump’s high-profile Black pardons, why it’s time to move on from Biden, the policy clusterfuck of Philly Democrats, putting respect on Audra McDonald’s name, Miley Cyrus’ fabulous new albu...
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Season 8
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Episode 21
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2:31:34

Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: The Roots Picnic is Officially the Philadelphia Fyre Festival
In this special edition episode, Ernest gives a very sobering (read: brutally honest) telling of the first day of Roots Picnic 2025. Listener discretion is advised.
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Season 8
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1:06:30

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 20: Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Passes, Lessons from Philly’s Lackluster Primary, Lilo & Stitch is Disney’s Best Remake
In this “don’t say I didn’t warn ya” episode, Ernest analyzes Trump's slashing $1.7 trillion in government spending, lessons learned 5 years after George Floyd protests, the real future of Philly’s Democratic Party, the new reality of exposing ...
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Season 8
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Episode 20
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5:22:53

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 19: Trump’s Qatar Plane, Philly Primary Predictions, Reviewing Beyoncé’s Magnificent Cowboy Carter Tour
In this “anything goes” episode, Ernest analyzes Trump's potential conflict of interests, inside the fight between David Hogg vs. DNC, what Tuesday’s primaries say about the state of Philly politics, how to reckon with the continual failure of ...
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Season 8
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Episode 19
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3:46:05

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 18: Trump’s Fox News Hiring Spree, Cancelling Barstool Philly, the Katy Perry Problem
In this “pop off” episode, Ernest analyzes Trump's 23rd Fox News hire, how AI is already ruining college campuses, bigotry in Philly’s bar scene, what’s not being said about the recent MET Gala, and much more.
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Season 8
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Episode 18
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2:46:59

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 17: Trump’s Terrible 100 Days, Bernie Sanders in Philly, Cancelling Saquon Barkley
In this “respect for the office” (lol) episode, Ernest breaks down Trump's underreported bait-and-switches, another Philly progressive scandal, about the Eagles visiting the White House, the major shockers of this year’s Tony nominations, and m...
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Season 8
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Episode 17
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3:35:22

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 16: The Blunder of Pete Hegseth, Philly City Council vs. Kensington, Cancelling Shannon Sharpe (Again)
In this “you get what you give” episode, Ernest breaks down the latest White House eruptions, a contested papal conclave, dissension within Philly’s City Council, what’s really wrong with Shannon Sharpe, reviewing the autobiography of Tina Know...
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Season 8
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Episode 16
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3:53:22

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 15: An American Constitutional Crisis, PA Governor Shapiro Remains Strong, That Stupid Blue Origin Space Trip
In this “for what it's worth” episode, Ernest breaks down the ongoing deportation crisis at the White House, David Hogg's bold plan to buck against the Democratic establishment, an interesting revelation from the Philly Sheriff's Office, the ci...
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Season 8
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Episode 15
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3:01:35

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 14: Trump’s Trade War, Philly D.A. Krasner Backlash, the Curious Case of Keri Hilson
In this “pay it” episode, Ernest breaks down the ongoing tariffs conflict, Kamala Harris’s potential next move, updates in the contentious Philly District Attorney race, what people get wrong about the “Let Them” theory, about that Keri Hilson ...
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Season 8
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Episode 14
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2:14:06

Ernestly Speaking! Special Edition: Why Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner is Afraid of Me
In this special edition episode, Ernest shares the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the controversial D.A. backing out of a televised debate -- and what it says about his political future.
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Season 8
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1:22:02

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 13: Trump Tariffs, Former Philly Mayor Kenney Returns, Re-Cancelling Jonathan Majors
In this “told you so” episode, Ernest breaks down President Trump’s historic tariffs, Cory Booker making good (performative) trouble, interesting endorsements in the Philly DA race, how to be strategically fortunate, why Michael B. Jordan might...
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Season 8
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Episode 13
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4:27:39

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 12: GOP’s Election Backlash, A People’s Tax Plan in Philly, Tyler Perry Film Masochism
In this “big business” episode, Ernest breaks down President Trump’s political whiplash, that Signal group chat security breach, Philly’s Working Families Party tax plan challenge, how to love people from a distance, why it was worth $921 to se...
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Season 8
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Episode 12
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3:58:22

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 11: White House Mismanagement, Philly’s Sheriff Office Under Fire, Justice for Snow White
In this “straight to the business” episode, Ernest breaks down President Trump’s Department of Education fallout, what's wrong with Philly’s new budgetary priorities, his take on what it truly means to be in community, moving on from Kanye West...
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Season 8
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Episode 11
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3:02:59

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 10: Government Shutdown Betrayal, About that Philly Influencer Chaos, Lizzo’s Recording Redundancy
In this “clock that tea” episode, Ernest breaks down the reversal of DOGE fortune, the failure of Senator Chuck Schumer, Philly’s new budget, his viral spat with a Philly influencer, 5 years since the pandemic, and more.
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Season 8
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Episode 10
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2:44:20

Ernestly Speaking! S8, Episode 9: Trump’s Address to Congress, Philly Political Standom, Lady Gaga’s Triumphant Return
In this “front and center” episode, Ernest breaks down the flips and flops from that Congressional circus, unpacks the cowardice of the Democratic Party, Philly’s liberal contradictions, why the straights should reconsider their use of “partner...
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Season 8
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Episode 9
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3:56:37
