Melyssa Ford recently sat down with Charlamagne Tha God on her Hot & Bothered podcast, addressing the ongoing issue of misogyny within the male-dominated podcast world. The discussion comes amid her quiet exit from The Joe Budden Podcast, sparking widespread conversation and speculation online about the dynamics behind her departure.

During the candid exchange, Ford reflected on her experiences working alongside men who often echoed ideas from the “manosphere” and “red pill” communities — online spaces that promote gendered power dynamics and traditionalist ideologies. She discussed how those environments have affected her and other women trying to navigate male-led platforms.

Although neither Ford nor Joe Budden has made an official statement confirming her exit, fans noticed her appearances on The Joe Budden Podcast had become increasingly infrequent before stopping altogether. Observers also noted that she quietly removed “JBP” from her Instagram bio, suggesting her tenure with the show had come to an end.

Melyssa Ford speaks with Charlamagne Tha God about how the manosphere and red pill community content has affected her and how she previously worked with men that exhibited those group think ideologies 👀 👀 via Hot & Bothered pic.twitter.com/8pj2G5aOrO

— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@chatnigga101) November 11, 2025

Earlier this year, Drake added fuel to the fire with lyrics on his album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. On the track “GIMME A HUG,” the Toronto rapper praised Ford while simultaneously taking aim at his longtime adversary, Joe Budden — further igniting fan theories about tension within the podcast team.

 

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Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) were divided. Some defended Ford’s perspective, emphasizing the need to confront misogyny even in subtle forms. Others accused her of lacking accountability.

One user wrote,

“Why can’t accountability be part of allyship, Melyssa? Hearing uncomfortable truths can enrich your life and relationships. Being coddled and only hearing what you want is part of the misogyny you’re talking about.”

Another added,

“If you’ve been a Joe Budden fan for years, you knew this was bound to fail. They only brought Mel on to look like they wanted a female opinion. With five loud personalities talking over each other, she didn’t stand a chance.”

Still, many defended Ford against online criticism:

“Even if you think Mel isn’t perfect, it doesn’t erase her point. The space can still be misogynistic. Y’all are tracking her every move just to tear her down.”

As conversations around gender bias in podcasting continue, Ford’s remarks highlight the challenges women face when trying to assert their voices in media spaces that remain largely male-driven.

 

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