Latest Episodes
That Time We Celebrated Surviving 2021
December 17, 2021
- 29:31
We did it, Joe! We made it to the end of year and not going to lie, 2021 had us in the first half…and maybe the second half, too. But,...
That Time We Told Y'all To Check Out 'Okay, Now Listen'
November 18, 2021
- 1:00:06
This week, we're popping back into your feeds to share an extra special episode from one of our favorite pop culture rewind podcasts:...
That Time We Literally Looked Back At It 🍑 (feat. ✊🏾 Nikki Giovanni, Nichole Perkins, and Savala Nolan)
October 11, 2021
- 52:42
In our final episode of Season Two, we had to “end” it just right, by doing what we do best— looking back at it (aye!) — so we’re...
About The Show
Back Issue reminisces on moments in pop culture’s past that have shaped our present. Each episode brings personal reflection, incredible guests, and plenty of deep belly laughs. This season our co-pilot Tracy Clayton is taking a break, so Josh Gwynn has invited some very special guest co-hosts to share their perspective on some of the most formative stories in pop culture. We start out with not just another hair story but a conversation about the gendered politics of specific hairstyles as Josh sets out on a mission to get a silk press. We’ll also reflect on iconic award speeches, explore what our brains do on gossip, break down the backstories of Degrassi and Cheetah Girls, decide if Josh should become the next Black ex-pat, and discuss which multi-hyphenate performers are deserving of their flowers.
More Episodes
That Time We Celebrated Surviving 2021
December 17, 2021
- 29:31
We did it, Joe! We made it to the end of year and not going to lie, 2021 had us in the first half…and maybe the second half, too. But,...
That Time We Told Y'all To Check Out 'Okay, Now Listen'
November 18, 2021
- 1:00:06
This week, we're popping back into your feeds to share an extra special episode from one of our favorite pop culture rewind podcasts:...
That Time We Literally Looked Back At It 🍑 (feat. ✊🏾 Nikki Giovanni, Nichole Perkins, and Savala Nolan)
October 11, 2021
- 52:42
In our final episode of Season Two, we had to “end” it just right, by doing what we do best— looking back at it (aye!) — so we’re...
That Time We Read U, Wrote U
October 4, 2021
- 41:10
Racers, start your engines ‘cause this week’s maxi challenge is gonna leave you gagging (don’t worry; that’s a good thing). Josh and...
That Time We Needed To 🗣GO LAY DOWN
September 27, 2021
- 37:05
This week, we’re taking a moment to breathe, shoop shoop, and exhale. Tracy and Josh explore mental health with our favorite therapist,...
That Time Y’all Played Too Much
September 20, 2021
- 44:50
It’s game night, so get your "Draw 4" cards ready 'cause it's about to go down! Josh and Tracy invite the very special and highly...
That Time Music Videos Made Us Want to Emote in the Rain
September 13, 2021
- 45:19
Welcome to the Fifty-Eleventh Back Issue Video Music Awards! Join Josh and Tracy as they honor their favorite music videos of the ‘90s...
Introducing: 9/12
September 8, 2021
- 07:55
How did 9/11 the day become 9/11 the idea? That question drives award-winning host Dan Taberski (Missing Richard Simmons, Running From...
That Time The Clownery Came Back To Bite 🤡
September 6, 2021
- 47:41
Reality TV dating shows are a subgenre of “reality” that seem to get weirder by the year. Josh and Tracy have watched their fair share...
That Time Aretha Asked Celine If She Knew Jesus
August 30, 2021
- 41:58
Glamour. Sass. Unadulterated talent. What makes a diva? Podcast divas of the universe Tracy and Josh go deep in their diva bags and...
That Time We Sat There And Ate Our Food
August 23, 2021
- 50:45
Grab your sporks and your doggy bags! This week, Josh and Tracy dig in and dig deep about their mutual love of food and its way of...
That Time We Did It For the '99s and '00s
August 16, 2021
- 38:12
Music has a way of scoring life’s big and small moments, and this week, Josh and Tracy team up to create the ultimate mixtape that...
That Time The Internet Wasn’t A Hellscape
August 10, 2021
- 49:41
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to pay tribute to this thing called Beyoncé’s internet. No, not today’s digital hellscape,...
That Time It Wasn’t Right Or OK
August 2, 2021
- 45:01
This week, Josh and Tracy put together a mixtape of love to unpack Whitney Houston’s career and legacy -- from her gospel beginnings and...
That Time We Gave You Five
July 26, 2021
- 41:41
Now that the world is opening and closing...and opening, we’ve been thinking a lot about touch. This week, Tracy and Josh explore all...
Back Issue Season 2: Back In The Habit
July 19, 2021
- 04:08
Your summer just got a lot hotter, 'cause Back Issue is back in the habit! 🔥Season 2 is about to serve even more joy and pop culture...
Remember When We Found Ourselves? (Feat. Jill Scott and Perry Fair)
December 7, 2020
- 48:20
Before We Bid Season 1 Adieu, Did You Know Tracy Almost Got An Ankh Tattoo?This week, Josh and Tracy close out Back Issue's first season...
Remember Backing That Azz Up? (Feat. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford and Mariah Moore)
November 30, 2020
- 54:44
Without A Doubt, I Miss The CookoutThis week, take a break from your solitary quarantine as Josh and Tracy take you waaay back to some...
Remember When We Caught The Spirit? (feat. Pastor Shirley Caesar and Ashon Crawley)
November 23, 2020
- 55:47
Can You Hear It? I Know You Caught The Spirit This week, Josh and Tracy are taking you to church. First, they talk about their time in...
Remember What Beef Is? (Feat. Jean Grae)
November 16, 2020
- 46:60
Day or Night, It's About To Be A What? Girl Fight! This week, Josh and Tracy give you all things beefs, feuds, and squabbles. They...
Remember The Audacity of Daytime Talk Shows? (Feat. Sherri Shepherd)
November 9, 2020
- 56:55
Give Me A Break, You Ain't No Ricki LakeThis week, Josh and Tracy take you through the world of daytime talk shows and unpack the fun,...
Remember When MTV Was That Girl? (Feat. Erika Clarke)
November 2, 2020
- 51:22
Young And Free, I Want My MTV!This week, Josh and Tracy are talking all things MTV. From ‘The Real World’ cinematic universe to the boom...
Remember What We Thought Love Was? (feat. Darnell Moore)
October 26, 2020
- 47:31
No Mary J., We're Searching For Real Love TodayThis week, Josh and Tracy are talking about love (*cue studio audience* oooooh). First,...
Remember All That Teen Angst? (feat. Fefe Dobson and Hannah Giorgis)
October 19, 2020
- 47:48
Sugar We're Going Down, Gotta Get Outta This Town This week, Josh and Tracy take you back to days of dark eyeliner and teen angst to...
Remember K-Ci and Jojo's 'Ooh-Yeah?' (Feat. Cori Murray and Charli Penn of 'Yes, Girl')
October 12, 2020
- 31:51
Red Rover Red Rover, Bring 'Yes, Girl' Right OverThis week, Josh and Tracy host a very special crossover episode. First, they talk all...
Remember How Glorious Black TV Was in the '90s? (Featuring TC Carson)
October 5, 2020
- 45:23
Bring It Back, TV Used To Be Hella BlackThis week, in the first annual Blemmy Awards, Josh and Tracy look back on the Golden Age of...
Remember When Girl Groups Were Everywhere? (Feat. Cindy Herron-Braggs)
September 28, 2020
- 56:23
Turn the Radio On, Where Have All The Girl Groups Gone?This week, Tracy and Josh talk all things girl groups. From the diva-era of...
Remember How They Tried Mariah Carey and Glitter? (feat. Ira Madison III)
September 21, 2020
- 47:25
It Should Have Been Bigger, #JusticeforGlitterThis week...CATEGORY IS: opinions you're scared to tell your friends. Josh bravely...
Remember When Yt People Started Dipping Their Toes in Soul Music? (feat. Ashley C. Ford)
September 14, 2020
- 41:31
Face Crack! I Thought You Were Black! This week, Josh and Tracy revisit musical white folks who somehow scored an invitation to the...
Remember Everything Beyoncé Has Given Us? (feat. Crissle and Matt Bellassai)
September 7, 2020
- 45:14
This week, Tracy and Josh celebrate the Queen, the legend, Ms. Texas Trill Herself: Beyoncé. They're joined by Crissle, co-host of The...
Remember How 'In Living Color' Changed Culture Forever? (feat. Tommy Davidson)
August 31, 2020
- 47:26
The Show That Made You Wanna Holler; This Week, We Talk 'In Living ColorThis week, Tracy and Josh revisit the world of Fire Marshall...
Remember How Messy Top Model Was? (feat. Jay Manuel)
August 24, 2020
- 54:20
In Case You Forgot, We Let Tyra Get Away With A LOT.This week, Josh and Tracy revisit moments from one of the most influential...
Coming Soon: Back Issue
June 26, 2020
- 04:06
Remember when Monica allegedly punched Brandy right before they performed live at the MTV Video Music Awards? When Freaknik took over...