Brown & Black: Recent Episodes
Jack Rico, Mike Sargent
2022 Webby Honoree 'Brown & Black' is a new podcast exploring the convergence of race and pop culture, hosted by two diverse voices, one Latinx and one Black, to fill a needed void in rethinking how pop culture news and opinion are conveyed in America today. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, two national film and culture critics, interview filmmakers, artists, and journalists to examine the complex nature of entertainment and race.
On this episode, Rico and Sargent have an in-depth discussion about the past, present and future of film criticism. Is it traditional film critics or opinion reviewers on TikTok? They share their personal journeys into film criticism, the role of Rotten Tomatoes today, the new influencer/film promoters of social media, and predictions for where the industry is heading. This is an insightful conversation for any fan or student of film and media criticism. Episode Summary: - How Jack and Mike got their start in film criticism - The lack of diversity among mainstream film critics - The impact of Rotten Tomatoes on critics vs audience scores - How online and social media led to the rise of "everyone is a critic" - The shift from traditional professional critics to influencers - The role of ethics and public opinion in film criticism - Predictions on the future of film criticism and movie watching experiences The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack argues why he believes the Barbie movie is really a Latina film at its core. Its pivotal scene centers on a Latina character and her mixed-race daughter. The guys peel back the layers of the $150 million dollar marketing campaign that catapulted Barbie into the national spotlight, and examine the long-standing influence of predominantly white-centric advertising on communities of color, and how this latest campaign breaks that mold. The conversation takes a detour into the sensitive territory of "patriarchy guilt". Jack throws a curveball, questioning Mike on his potential complicity in benefitting from patriarchal systems. The discourse is raw, thought-provoking and timely. The question of the hour: Is Barbie set to claim the coveted Best Picture award? Mike, ever the devil's advocate, pushes back citing an uneven tone. But given the film's astounding critical acclaim and box-office triumph, will the Academy be able to ignore it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hollywood is on strike! In this OFF THE CUFF episode, Jack and Mike discuss how the WGA and SAG-AFTRA walkouts could reshape the entertainment industry, including how it could lead to the collapse of American culture. They analyze the sociopathic CEO mentality, and why executives feel they can dehumanize actors and writers. The guys also explore a few potential scenarios of the strikes such as the death of the movie theater and decentralized Hollywood 2.0 created by actors and writers. Episode Summary:
WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes
Existential threat to Hollywood
Studio greed and lack of empathy
Dehumanization of creators
Sociopathic CEOs
Potential boycotts and industry and cultural collapse
Death of movie theaters?
Decentralized Hollywood 2.0?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of "Brown and Black," hosts Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss the need to challenge the stigma surrounding multi-hyphenates and the superficial nature of the question, "What do you do?" They emphasize the importance of recognizing one's own values and personal branding, highlighting passions and values instead of specific skills. By reframing the conversation, multi-hyphenates of color could overcome societal norms and forge deeper connections with others, leading to a more inclusive and understanding society. Episode Summary:
Societal Perceptions and Multi-Hyphenates: Explore why multi-hyphenates, especially those of color, face judgment and often have their social standing diminished.
The Gig Economy & Perception of Multi-Hyphenates: Dive into how the rise of side hustles and the gig economy have contributed to a perception of multi-hyphenates as amateurs or solely motivated by financial gain.
Artists vs. Multi-Hyphenates: Learn why artists are more readily accepted as multi-hyphenates, whereas other professions may limit exploration and growth outside of specialized fields.
Hobbyists vs. Professionals: Understand why multi-hyphenates are often labelled as hobbyists, which can imply a lack of professionalism or commitment.
Reconsidering The Question - "What Do You Do?": Consider a fresh perspective on this classic question, and why the response should focus on values and passions to foster deeper connections.
The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Actor and musician Rome Flynn joins the podcast to discuss his reprised role as Santiago Zayas in Season 2 of Amazon's hit rom-com series, 'With Love'. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of "casting authentically," the escalating concerns about actors' self-audition tapes, and Flynn's thoughts on the potential havoc a SAG strike could inflict on the Hollywood industry. We also broached the question: could Rome Flynn be the one to bring baseball legend Roberto Clemente's epic story to the big screen? Episode Highlights: "The Power of Authenticity": Rome Flynn discusses his approach to portraying honest and relatable characters, focusing on his role as Santiago Saez, a modern Afro-Cuban American cynic. He shares the challenges inherent in bringing such a layered character to life. "Afro-Latino Representation and the Casting Process": Flynn illuminates the casting process for Santiago, and discusses the commendable efforts of Black actors in creating opportunities for underrepresented demographics within the industry. "Navigating the Acting Industry": Flynn candidly shares his journey within the industry, and the strategic choices he has made to maintain his artistic integrity. He underscores the importance of decision-making for actors of color, which sometimes includes turning down certain roles. "The Impending WGA Strike and AI Disruption": Flynn shares his insights on the ongoing WGA strike, the potential of a combined strike with SAG, and emphasizes the necessity for actors to fight for fair compensation, residuals, and protections against the potential threat of AI-digitization. "Self-Auditions From Hell": Flynn discusses the current state of self-audition tapes, even though he no longer uses them. He recognizes the emotional weight that actors carry during the process and acknowledges the limitations of self-tapes in capturing a performer's essence. "The Roberto Clemente Dream": Flynn expresses his enthusiasm for potentially playing such a role. However, he highlights the importance of aligning with the right team and storytellers who can honor and do justice to Clemente's inspiring story. The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this special episode of Brown & Black, we sit down with recent Pulitzer Prize-winning, Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer Michael Abels. We take a journey through his life, his passion for music, the challenges he faced as a Black composer in the 1980s, and his latest work on the film "Chevalier," based on the life of Joseph Bologne in the 1800s. We asked him about the barriers he overcame as a Black composer, what sets Joseph Bologne apart from traditional composers, and will classical music has to transform to survive in the era of artificial intelligence. Michael Abels weighed in. Episode Highlights:
The Early Years: Abels reveals his lifelong love for music, sparked by childhood experiences of singing and moving to the rhythm of songs like "The Sound of Music." He started taking piano lessons at the age of four, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey.
Breaking Into The Classical Music Industry: Abels discusses the hurdles he faced in the 1980s when trying to establish himself as a film composer. Despite living in LA, he struggled to convince anyone to hire him, leaving him puzzled about the reasons behind his rejection… until he met Jordan Peele.
The Film "Chevalier": Hear how Michael was drawn to the film "Chevalier" and why he considered it an honor to contribute to telling Bologne's story. Through his involvement in the project, Abels gained a deeper understanding of Bologne's life and the challenges he faced, while witnessing the recognition Bologne's legacy was finally receiving.
The Significance of Joseph Bologne: Abels recalls his discovery of Joseph Bologne, a notable yet often overlooked figure in classical music history. As a groundbreaking composer in 18th-century France, Bologne's influence on the artistic scene is emphasized, underscoring his enduring relevance, particularly to underrepresented audiences.
Reclaiming Black Identity Through Music: Abels discusses the musical composition and scoring of the pivotal moment in the film when Bologne reclaims his Black identity and joins the fight for justice. He shares insights into how he fused classical and hip-hop elements to create a song of protest, conveying Bologne's transformation and his willingness to be seen authentically.
Helping the Next Generation of Composers of Color: Abels opens up about his involvement as a co-founder of the Composer's Diversity Collective. The advocacy group aims to increase visibility and opportunities for composers of color in the media industry, connecting diverse composers with directors and showrunners who can help tell untold stories.
Is The Future of Classical Music AI?: Abels reflects on the future of classical music with artificial intelligence and the need for greater diversity and multicultural representation. He applauds the efforts being made to make classical music more inclusive and accessible using hip-hop and other genres, emphasizing the importance of accommodating and engaging with the evolving world.
The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, offers insightful examinations of race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinguished film and culture critics - one Latino and one Black - the podcast reimagines the narrative surrounding pop culture news and opinions in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent feature interviews with Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists, unpacking the complex relationship between entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Creators of color have built successful careers sharing their stories on TikTok since 2018. Many argue that banning TikTok threatens freedom of expression and connections between people. It also threatens jobs and democracy.
In this episode, we discuss the possibility of banning TikTok in the U.S. and how it impacts creators of color. The ban could significantly impact culture, the economy, businesses, and influencers of color. We try to answer why it's happening and how it affects small and medium-sized businesses in communities of color.
Segment 1: The Impact of a TikTok Ban on Creators of ColorTikTok has become a popular platform for creators of color to share their stories and connect with audiences worldwide. A ban on TikTok would deprive these creators of a platform and audiences of their work.
It would also impact culture, as TikTok shares news and entertainment. Businesses relying on TikTok ads would also be affected. Influencers could lose jobs and be unable to connect with audiences. They have built careers on the platform, and a ban would cut them off from their livelihoods and audiences.
Segment 2: The U.S.-China Digital Competition
The TikTok ban stems from the U.S.-China competition for digital control. The U.S. worries that TikTok shares user data with China. The U.S. wants to rely less on Chinese tech as China competes globally. Banning TikTok is a way for the U.S. to curb China's influence, but it also harms marginalized groups in the U.S. who have found their voices on the platform.
Segment 3: Small Businesses at Risk
A ban on TikTok would also impact small and medium-sized businesses, especially in communities of color. TikTok helps them reach customers and generate revenue at a low cost. Banning it reduces their ability to do so, as they may not have the resources to build a following on other platforms.
As businesses owned by people of color suffer more in downturns, communities of color are disproportionately affected. They face higher unemployment and poverty rates, and a TikTok ban could exacerbate economic inequalities.
Segment 4: The Future of Social Communication
If TikTok is banned, will we return to traditional modes of social interaction, such as face-to-face communication? Is this for the best or the worst? This shift may be a positive development, as it could lead to more meaningful and authentic interactions between people. However, it is also possible that this shift could lead to a loss of connection and community. We can use it to build a better world or tear it apart.
'Brown & Black' Podcast 2022 Webby Honoree 'Brown & Black' is a new magazine show exploring race and pop culture, hosted by two diverse voices, one Latino and one Black, to fill a void in rethinking how pop culture news and opinion are conveyed in America today. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, two national film and culture critics, interview Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists to examine the complex nature of entertainment and race.
In this episode, Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss why actress Angela Bassett's reaction to losing the Best Supporting Actress award to Jamie Lee Curtis at the 95th Oscars went viral, and what it means for Black women in Hollywood. They then debate the misuse of the term "wokeness" in society.
Segment 1: Angela Bassett's Viral Oscar Reaction
- Jack Rico and Mike Sargent analyze Angela Bassett's loss to Jamie Lee Curtis in the Best Supporting Actress category at the 95th Academy Awards, which sparked renewed conversations about racism and bias in the Oscars.
- They argue that the Academy's predominantly older white male membership has likely led to unequal opportunities for Black actors and films.
- The discussion then focuses on the lack of visibility for Angela Bassett's Oscar campaign compared to Jamie Lee Curtis's and discusses the challenges Black actors and filmmakers face in the industry.
Segment 2: The Misuse of "Wokeness" in Society
- Mike and Jack discuss how the concept of "wokeness," which originated in the Black community to signify awareness of racial injustice, has been co-opted and weaponized by some conservatives.
- They examine an interview where conservative author Bethany Mandel struggled to define "woke" and criticize it, revealing her ignorance about the term.
- The hosts explore the fear some people have about acknowledging historical wrongs and shifts in power dynamics.
- Mike provides a clear definition of "wokeness" and its roots in the African American community as a term for recognizing racial discrimination and prejudice.
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In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.
In this final episode of this four-part podcast series, Jack Rico and Mike Sargent analyze the musical biopic, “Straight Outta Compton”.
Episode Breakdown
Segment 1: The Cultural Significance of Straight Outta Compton
Jack and Mike give an overview of the movie and what it personally means to them. They also note that the film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The guys discuss the film's relevance to current conversations about police brutality and racial justice, and the impact of hip-hop and rap music on society.
Segment 2: The Black Male Experience Watching Straight Outta Compton
In this segment, the guys explore the impact of the movie on pop culture, its appeal to a mass audience, Black and Latino toxic masculinity, and the role of art in representing it. They discuss how the film became the highest-grossing movie from an African American director and highlight the explosive power that music can have in society. But, how did Mike feel about this film after the deaths of Eric Garner, Tyree Nichols, and George Floyd? Despite the progress made in society, the guys know police violence against Black people has remained unchanged.
Segment 3: The Deeper Conversation of Straight Outta Compton
The guys dive into a deep conversation about Black cultural appropriation and the power of art in promoting social change. They discuss how Black culture has been commodified and exploited for a profit with little recognition of the contributions made by Black people. We also explore the history of artists who used their music to address social issues, from Nina Simone and Sam Cooke during the Civil Rights Movement to today's Kendrick Lamar and Donald Glover. And what about the contributions of Latino artists in the LA hip-hop scene? The guys examine the contributions of Kid Frost, Mellow Man Ace, and Cypress Hill.
Segment 4: The Movie Conversation of Straight Outta Compton
Jack and Mike discuss their shock at Straight Outta Compton not being nominated for more awards and the reasons behind it. They bring up the example of the 2016 Oscars, where "Straight Outta Compton" was only nominated for Best Original Screenplay, which was won by their two white writers. Meanwhile, the lead actors and director, all Black, were shut out of the nominations. Hmmm. The guys also discuss the possibility of a Latino equivalent to "Straight Outta Compton," which would showcase the contributions of Latinos to hip hop. The guys examine the contributions of Kid Frost, Mellow Man Ace, and Cypress Hill.
Segment 5: Bonus Features
In this segment, the focus is on the movie's bonus features, and two of them stood out. The first one is "Becoming NWA," which offers an intimate and insightful glimpse into the personal and artistic journey of the group. The second one is a featurette by director F. Gary Gray, highlighting the film's expression of Black identity and trauma, as well as his exceptional attention to detail in the vivid recreation of the Rodney King riots. They also discuss the importance of understanding the motivation behind NWA's music, including the inspiration for "Fuck the Police."
Just for our viewers, buy this movie for $7.50 on VUDU from now until February 28th, and add Straight Outta Compton to your movie collection.
How to redeem your Vudu code:
Redeem promo code “CelebrateBlackHistory” on Vudu.com between 2/11/23 to 3/2/23 to be able to purchase Do The Right Thing, Straight Outta Compton, Get Out, Girls Trip, and/or Queen & Slim at $7.50 each. After you redeem the promo code, you will find the offers here or by clicking the bell icon that appears when signed into your account.
Your ability to purchase the five movies on Vudu at $7.50 each will expire on 3/2/23 at 11:59 pm PT. Sign up for the #UniversalPictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. #UPHEPartner
In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.
This week we take a closer look at 'Queen & Slim' by Lena Waithe and Afro-Latina Melina Matsoukas. We'll dive deep into its various elements and analyze it from different perspectives.
Episode Breakdown:
Segment 1: The Cultural Significance of Queen & Slim
In this segment, Mike, who follows writer #LenaWaithe and director #MelinaMatsoukas, was deeply moved by the film and its commentary on the Black experience in America. He felt the film showed the reality that Black people face, where they can have their lives at risk when they encounter police. Jack, who was less aware of the racial context in 2017, was moved by the film’s beauty and aesthetics, but it became more powerful to him on the rewatch post-Floyd.
Segment 2: The Black Male Experience Watching Queen & Slim
In this segment, Mike says that of all the films they have watched for #BlackHistoryMonth, this one had the most emotional impact on him. He expresses his fear as a Black person due to the countless videos of police brutality and violence against #Black people. Jack talks about how Slim represents the Black man who values family and home, while Queen is more detached from her family. They also explore the choices and challenges that Black men face in America, and how they shape their identity in the film.
Segment 3: The Deeper Conversation of Queen & Slim
Mike reflects on the powerful and thought-provoking message of the film and how it's a protest art that reflects the times, how it's an ode to Blackness, and how it travels the racial psyche of America. He also highlights how the film makes him feel as a Black man, especially in light of the recent news of #TyreNichols. Jack shares his thoughts on the film, discussing how it made him feel as a #Latino in a system not designed for people of color. He reflects on his journey to understanding the plight of #BlackAmerica, admitting he once lived in a fantasy bubble not wanting to confront the dark history of this country.
Segment 4: The Movie Conversation of Queen & Slim
In this segment, Jack and Mike discuss the various elements that make Queen & Slim excellent. They emphasize the writing and acting, particularly the dialogue between the two main characters. Mike touches on the political and social themes present in the film, highlighting the writer's understanding of the Black experience in #America. Jack also mentions the film's director, Melina Matsoukas, and her background as an #AfroLatina with a diverse cultural heritage. He highlights Matsoukas' use of fashion, photography, literature, class, society, and politics to create a glamor aesthetic in her films and believes Matsoukas is going to win an Oscar.
If you're a big fan of 'Queen & Slim,' join our discussions all month long.
Sign up for the #UniversalPictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. All films mentioned are available to own on Digital and Disc.
In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.
In this second episode, we will deconstruct Malcolm D. Lee's rated R comedy hit "Girls Trip" and we have broken it down in several ways.
The Cultural and Social Significance of Girls Trip
The Black Male Experience Watching Girls Trip
The Deeper Conversation of Girls Trip
The Movie Conversation of Girls Trip
If you're a big fan of "Girls Trip," join our discussions all month long.
Sign up for the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news.
In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.
In this first episode, we will deconstruct Jordan Peele's instant horror classic, "Get Out" and we have broken it down in several ways.
The Cultural and Social Significance of Get Out
The Black Experience Watching Get Out
The Deeper Conversation of Get Out
The Movie Conversation of Get Out
If you're a big fan of "Get Out," join our discussions all month long.
Sign up for the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news.
Happy 2023! In this first episode of the year, Jack and Mike discuss three themes: cultural compromise, cultural appropriation, and cultural erasure.
Cultural Compromise: They debate host Jerrod Carmichael's decision to sell out his morals and values for money and isn't that all of us?
"How much does it cost to sell your moral principles? Because that's what Carmichael did and the number was $500,000." - Jack Rico
Cultural Appropriation: They then discuss Gwen Stefani saying "I'm Japanese" and doubling down on it.
"Stefani got roasted by Asian Press. These Japanese women bowing to her and, there are all these images you could call white supremacy." - Mike Sargent
Cultural Erasure: Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee banning the term "Latinx" and whether it's important or not.
"It's a joke law. It's not gonna hold Mike. So that's why I particularly don't take this seriously. And I don't think it's gonna go anywhere." - Jack RicoTo listen to our podcast, subscribe on these platforms:YouTube youtube.com/@brownblackpodcast
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In this episode, we discuss the controversial topics of code-switching, pivoting, and Brown and Black unity in a divisive world. We explore how these topics can be difficult to navigate in both intimate conversations in the workplace and your personal life.
This episode is particularly special because it is our first virtual live podcast episode, which we recorded at the Men of Color event in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally, we were supposed to be there in person, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to "pivot" and go the virtual route.
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Happy Holidays everyone! In this episode, Mike and Jack reflect on how NYC restaurants have returned to normal except for its movie theaters and they offer some thoughts on why.
They also discuss the world's biggest event happening right now - the World Cup. And because we are America, race reared its ugly head at a USMNT press conference and we're all still talking about it. Jack and Mike dissect what an "American" is supposed to look like to the world in 2022. Also, listen to two white Americans speak to that same question, and how futból is becoming their preferred sport.
In today's episode, we discuss how Elon Musk and Kanye West's views on American free speech and how it is affecting Latinos and Blacks.
We also talk about digital status and the acquisition of credibility. Does Twitter's blue verification checkmark really offer advantages?
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What does a cop show look like in 2022 produced by a Black showrunner?
In this episode, we interview Atlanta-born Mike Flynn, the Co-Creator, Executive Producer, & Co-Showrunner of the CBS cop drama “East New York." We ask him why a Black showrunner would want to create a cop show in a country that has profited enormously from the mass incarceration of Blacks. What is his specific approach to creating white characters in the writer’s room from a Black perspective, and how does he plan to create Brown and Black unity through art?
If you are asking who Nury Martinez is and what she said, you've come to the right podcast. Jack and Mike explain what happened at Los Angeles City Council, and how it affects Blacks and Mexican immigrants there, and give their Latino and Black perspective on the reality of anti-Blackness in the United States.
Now that we know it openly exists, is Brown and Black unity possible? It's time we have real talk about Latino anti-Blackness.
The history of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States is one that has been largely ignored, from their contribution as explorers and settlers in pre-colonial America to the usage of the Spanish language throughout the continent. In this episode, we take a look at what Hispanic Heritage Month means to not just Latinos, but to the Black community as well. How much does each group know about Latino history? How important is it to know Latino history and what are the consequences if it is not taught to future generations?
The history of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States is one that has been largely ignored, from their contribution as explorers and settlers in pre-colonial America to the usage of the Spanish language throughout the continent. In this episode, we take a look at what Hispanic Heritage Month means to not just Latinos, but to the Black community as well. How much does each group know about Latino history? How important is it to know Latino history and what are the consequences if it is not taught to future generations?
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and the first Black CEO of the organization, joins Jack and Mike to discuss the state of the Grammys, the challenge of staying innovative and relevant in a streaming world, how Reggaeton and Hip-Hop can win the top awards, and how the Grammys could expand into developing Grammy shows in other languages.
We also discussed how he pivoted from basketball to the boardroom, and his advice to Brown and Black up-and-comers about what it takes to become a leader at work and in life.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and the first Black CEO of the organization, joins Jack and Mike to discuss the state of the Grammys, the challenge of staying innovative and relevant in a streaming world, how Reggaeton and Hip-Hop can win the top awards, and how the Grammys could expand into developing Grammy shows in other languages.
We also discussed how he pivoted from basketball to the boardroom, and his advice to Brown and Black up-and-comers about what it takes to become a leader at work and in life.
Jack and Mike interview David Castañeda, (Diego Hargreeves a.k.a. Number 2) from Netflix's 'Umbrella Academy'. They discuss his initial reluctance at being labeled a 'Latino superhero' and eventually realizing the contribution inhabiting that label can have. We also discuss the Batgirl cancellations and what it means for Latino actors and the work of creators of color. They also discuss comic cons, Latino whitewashing, and a potential Umbrella Academy season 4 renewal.
The guys also have a heated debate about the James Franco, Fidel Castro casting debacle. They ask: should actors have the right to play any kind of ethnic role?
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Jack and Mike's unified top ten list of movie and tv shows:
The Valet (Hulu)
Super Pumped: The Battle For Uber (Showtime)
The Dropout (Hulu)
The Offer (Paramount+)
Father of the Bride (HBOMax)
American Dream: George Carlin (HBOMax)
Top Gun Maverick (Paramount)
Stranger Things S4 (Netflix)
Rise (Disney+)
Our Father (Netflix)
Including this episode are soundbites from George Carlin, John Leguizamo, Joe Biden, AOC, Elie Mystal, and Phillip Atiba Goff
The new Hispanic adaptation of HBO Max's 'Father of the Bride' (Andy García, Gloria Estefan et. al) is out streaming now. Jack and Mike review if Matt Lopez's script is the future of American Latino storytelling. Also, the guys chat about their invitation to Netflix's premiere event of 'Spiderhead' starring Chris Hemsworth, and they discuss if the experience made them clamor for the old glamour days... or not.
It's post-Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off to the summer, and Jack and Mike fresh off their Webby win, discuss how Facebook and social media overall have contributed to the erosion of societies, evident in the Uvalde mass shooting and the Buffalo murders. The guys also discuss Walmart's Juneteenth debacle and America's long history of commodifying Black and Latino culture, and does Pandora have racist music editors or racist AI's?
Chef Kwame Onwuachi has his first-ever cookbook coming out on May 17th called My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef, which was most recently featured in TIME’S Ten Most Anticipated Cook Books for 2022. He has been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, Esquire Magazine’s 2019 Chef of the Year, and is a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. He was featured on the TIME 100 Next 2019 List and has been named the most important Chef in America by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Also, Jack and Mike discuss the message the new 'Barbie' movie photo starring Margot Robbie says about American beauty; Jack moderated a panel with Griffin Matthews of HBOMax's The Flight Attendant. Hear what has to say about diversity on screen; Did we get a whiff of what new media will look like in the future?
This week, Jack and Mike welcome stand-up comedienne Leighann Lord who weighs in on the future of the stand-up comedy profession in wake of the Smith/C. Rock debacle at the Oscars. Will audience members feel emboldened to copycat Will Smith? How much is race a part of it? And should we ban roasting humor?
The guys also discuss their first Webby Award Honoree Award in the Best Co-Host category! Listen to all the details of their win here.
Erick Galindo, the young Mexican-American award-winning journalist, writer, director, and producer joins our show this week to discuss his latest podcast production, "Ídolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sánchez," an eight-episode podcast series that examines seven theories on why and who killed Mexican corrido singer Chalino Sánchez (a production by Sonoro, Futuro Studios, and Sin Miedo Productions.) We also discuss his new CBS television show 'Mexican Beverly Hills,' currently in development.
Tim Fielder is an artist, author, and one of the pioneers of Afrofuturism. He joins us this week to discuss Carnegie Hall's 'Afrofuturism Festival' and his thoughts on "Latinofuturism". Jack and Mike also give their first reaction of Matt Reeve's THE BATMAN. Was Robert Pattinson good in it? Did the EMO punk vibe work? Was its three-hour duration too long? Will people like this new Batman reboot? Listen in.
This week Jack and Mike tackle Joe Rogan's use of the N-word and his subsequent apology. Was it genuine? The guys also discuss Awkwafina's "blaccent" accusations, her apology, and what will happen to her career moving forward? And actress Robin Givens is our guest this week where she discusses her appearance on ABC's 'Queens'.
This week Jack and Mike discuss Cardi B's $4 million legal win against gossip YouTuber Tasha K. and what the repercussions are for gossip bloggers and entertainment journalism. Also, the guys talk about the recent racist slurs hurled at Black basketball players in China and how these tensions were manifested in reverse with 'Linsanity'. Are Asians racist of Blacks, is it vice-versa, or is it both?
Happy 2022 everyone! In this first episode of the new year, Jack asks Mike why America is having a love affair with Disney's animated Colombian film, 'Encanto'. They both discuss why all Disney ethnic animated movies do much better versus live-action ethnic films like 'In The Heights' or 'West Side Story'. What is their success rooted in? The guys explore.
Happy 2022! We open the year discussing the puzzle that is moviegoers today. Why did they risk their health to make 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' a billion-dollar movie and not 'West Side Story,' 'The Matrix: Resurrections,' or Guillermo del Toro's 'Nightmare Alley'? Plus, we give our take on why public radio is seeing an exodus of hosts of color.
In what feels like a Latino remake of 'West Side Story,' Steven Spielberg brings us a retelling of a classic with new revisions to the Puerto Rican characters. Jack and Mike examine the Latino amendments Spielberg got right and wrong, in particular, the Puerto Rican accents, as well as the bigger meaning of the film for Latinos in Hollywood, and whether Black moviegoers will have a desire or incentive to see it.
Happy Thanksgiving 2021! This week Mike and Jack recommend their favorite Thanksgiving movie, plus, they discuss Hollywood's history of transgressions against foreign accents.
This week, Jack takes an issue with Rosalia and The Weeknd's new song - 'La Fama'. The song is a Bachata from the Dominican Republic, yet neither of them are from there. Is it then cultural appropriation? Mike responds. The guys also discuss writer/director Aaron Sorkin's comments about Javier Bardem's casting of Cuban Desi Arnaz in 'Being The Ricardo's'. Sorkin says, "Spanish and Cuban aren’t actable." Is he right? Listen to the Brown & Black perspective on all of it.
In this episode, the guys review Rebecca Hall's film 'Passing,' Written, produced, and directed by Hall, it stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. The film is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Nella Larsen. The title refers to African-Americans who had skin color light enough to be perceived as white, the practice of which is referred to as passing. Jack looks at the film from the Latino colorism perspective, while Mike relates to a situation in his own life.
It's Halloween and we're talking with Edwin Pagán who is the Founder-In-Chief of LatinHorror.com, a website specializing in Latin-influenced horror. We discuss why Latinos and Blacks love horror movies so much.
For the next 30 minutes, listen to Jack and Mike having a great conversation about the Netflix-Dave Chapelle-transgender issue and what does artistic freedom mean to Ted Sarandos and Netflix? Will this weaken the streaming giant's steel armor? What do people really want from their comedians? They also discuss the top ten films at the box office and what their results say about Americans in 2021, and the guys address the white teacher who danced and mocked Native Americans in her class, WB's 'Dune' film, and Jack's take on why The Great Resignation is happening.
We end our Hispanic Heritage Month series with actor, producer, writer John Leguizamo. He has a new comic book out called 'Phenom X' which is influenced by Latino invisibility and image representation in entertainment and media. This rebroadcast from Sept 13, 2020, has us and John deconstructing the reasons why Hollywood and the news media has a beef with Latinos.
Actor and producer Gina Torres joins the show to discuss her new podcast project - 'Princess of South Beach'. It's a 36 episode, modern, bilingual audio telenovela series recorded in English and Spanish that reimagines the telenovela format. Torres is also a producer of her work and she takes Jack and Mike through the good and the bad of being Afro-Latina in Hollywood. And you'll want to stick around to hear two stories that happened to her on set regarding her skin color and Cuban heritage. It'll make your skin boil.
Plus Mike and Jack discuss the complex pressures of being "authentic" today, and why Asian content like 'Squid Game,' is faring better than Latinx content.
We continue our Hispanic Heritage Month series as we rebroadcast our favorite Latinx interviews since the inception of the show. Jack gives Mike his take on Latino invisibility. Also, we are rebroadcasting our interview with Estuardo Rodriguez, who was in charge of getting the government to allow the creation of the Smithsonian American Latino Museum. When the museum is finished, it will be the most important Latino institution in America. Hear the interview and why this museum is crucial to American culture.
In this rebroadcast from June 21, 2020, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Afro-Latino children’s book author and illustrator, Eric Velasquez, talks to us about the power and context of Afro-Latino images in media and the importance they have in the development of children's self-esteem.
Academy Award nominee Riz Ahmed and Marvel's new 'Blade' director Bassam Tariq sit down with us to talk about their new film 'Mogul Mowgli'. We tackle Muslim identity, the love-hate relationship many have with their family, and their thoughts of Black cultural appropriation.
Teresa Hsiao is the creator, writer, and showrunner of 'Awkwafina is Nora from Queens' on Comedy Central. She gives us details about season two of the show, her thoughts on the Asian boom in Hollywood, her approach to doing comedy in 2021, and her disbelief at how Hollywood hasn't already created a Latino wave on screen.
Mike discusses directing his new horror film.
Jack discusses hosting a new Spotify Original show.
What is at the root of white supremacy? Why do many white Americans fight so hard to preserve it? Why do they defend so staunchly their Confederate monuments? These are questions director CJ Hunt and executive producer Roy Wood Jr. tried to answer with their documentary The Neutral Ground. Part investigative journalism, part comedy, this film explores themes of white supremacy but also being mixed-race Black in America and the complexities that represents in a melting pot of Americans.
The conversation is very real, so if you can't handle REAL, "we'll see you on the next episode."
This week we welcome director Carlos López Estrada and actor/producer Kelly Marie Tran to discuss their new film collaboration - 'Summertime'. Jack and Mike also explore the importance of spoken word and poetry in cinema.
In this episode, Mike and Jack review the MCU's real first lady - Black Widow. Mike then welcomes Dominican musician Yasser Tejeda who discusses his new acoustic EP 'Interior' and shares how in the Dominican Republic his conservatory did not teach him how to play Bachata or Merengue. Mike explores the topic further in the interview. Tejeda's music is a fusion of Dominican experiences merging the traditional Dominican culture with Jimi Hendrix, bebop, and the blues.
Tejeda grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, moved to Boston to study at the famed Berklee School of Music, and is now based in New York. In addition to his pursuit of roots in music ecstasy, he has toured extensively with pop star Prince Royceand recorded multiple projects with Vicente Garcia and Eduardo Cabra.
“When I received the invitation to this podcast, I was like, I love this. We are so connected, and at the same time, there seems to be a disconnection. People think that we come from different places, though we had these connections that go beyond us. That is shown in the music.”
Actress and singer Jasmine Cephas-Jones joins the show to discuss her new show on STARZ, 'Blindspotting,' the TV adaptation of the 2008 film directed by Carlos López Estrada starring Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casals. Jack and Mike also discuss the new storytelling trend of spoken word in film and television plus the controversy of the Latinx musical 'In The Heights' which her fiancé Anthony Ramos is the lead.
Jack and Mike are celebrating their 50th episode of 'Brown & Black'! In this episode, the guys reflect back on fifty episodes and how not only did America change but how they changed as well. Then they discuss the Amazon/MGM merger, along with the WarnerMedia/Discovery+ merger too. How will art be affected by the streaming industry and business? And will 'In The Heights' be #1 at the box office? Mike and Jack discuss, predict and analyze a whole series of outcomes that will help or prevent Latinx stories from flourishing.
Today we’re doing a deep dive into how storytelling shapes, influences and creates our worldview. Jeff Gomez, one of the world’s leading experts in transmedia storytelling, has helped build the story universes of famed franchises, IPs, brands such as Avatar, Transformers, Spider-Man, Halo, Splinter Cell, Coca-Cola, Nike, and many more. We also ask Jeff why we are so attracted to dark stories? Why are we compelled to consume it and share it? We also ask him how we convince Hollywood executives to green light Latino stories, and why it is of the utmost importance we challenge our reality.
The 2021 Oscars had the most amount of diverse and inclusive winners ever... except for Latinos who were invisible once again. Why and how do Latinos fix it? Also, Hollywood is remaking 'Another Round' with Leonardo DiCaprio, which just won the Oscar for Best International Feature. Why does Hollywood need to remake foreign films? What is the cultural and social implications of it? Is it American Supremacy? And white girls have stolen an idea from a Black Clubhouse room and they just got signed by a major agency. Why didn't the Black members? Jack and Mike talk it out.
Why isn't there a Latino movie star? Will Danny Ramirez from Marvel's 'Falcon & The Winter Soldier' be the first Latino movie star in the modern era? From HBO's 'The Affair' to 'Top Gun: Maverick' starring Tom Cruise, what is Ramirez's ceiling? We also discuss why there hasn't been a Latino movie star to crack $100M at the box office.
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 50% of Americans say they are anxious about resuming in-person interactions once it is safe. It's been officially diagnosed. Perhaps like Tony-winner Karen Olivo who won't return to "Moulin Rouge!" to protest bullies like Scott Rudin, people don't want to deal with assholes anymore. Also, did you know Reuters will be charging you for the news? What will happen to the intellectual gap? We discuss that more. Thanks for listening and sharing us.
Little Marvin is the creator, writer, showrunner and executive producer of Amazon's new horror series - THEM. We discuss with him white rage, the critique of black trauma in storytelling today, a brief history of black homeownership against the backdrop of the "American Dream," and how fear and art are powerful tools in defining reality.
In our exclusive part two interview with Dr. Barnor Hesse, the creator of the ‘8 White Identities,’ he explains how white citizens weave in and out of different kids of identities in relation to racism and anti-racism; he also gives his opinions on how language, the way we describe things, is the key to real change in this country, and should white Latinos have their own breakdown of identities as well?
Dr. Hesse is an Associate Professor of African American Studies, Political Science, and Sociology at Northwestern University who received a Ph.D in Government, Ideology and Discourse Analysis at the University of Essex in England.
In this special two-part episode of 'Brown & Black,' we bring you an EXCLUSIVE interview with Dr. Barnor Hesse, the creator of the much talked about ‘8 White Identities’ that has rattled right-wing media personalities such as Megyn Kelly and Ben Shapiro. In his first-ever US interview, Dr. Hesse breaks down each of the '8 White Identities' and the origins of how they came to be. He also explains to Mike and Jack the formation of race, the history of Black political thought, and amongst many other topics, why he has never given an interview to American media outlet until now.
Dr. Hesse is an Associate Professor of African American Studies, Political Science, and Sociology at Northwestern University who received a Ph.D in Government, Ideology and Discourse Analysis at the University of Essex in England.
The anticipated Part 2 will be out next week.
This week Jack and Mike discuss HBOMax's new 'Justice League' remake by director Zack Snyder. They also discuss Alexi McCammond's departure from Teen Vogue even for racist Asian tweets when she was 17 years-old. Is cancel culture not allowing teens to grow up now?
This week Jack and Mike talk to the legendary director Spike Lee about his new film 'Da 5 Bloods,' Black Superman, the power of art and if NYC will return to its glory. Plus the guys talk the future of Grammys and award shows, plus debate the bigger significance of HBOMax's #TheSnyderCut.
Mexican-American director Carlos Lopéz Estrada joins Jack and Mike to discuss working for the last several years on making 'Raya and the Last Dragon' for Disney. He explains what he learned as a director, storyteller and leader from Disney creatives, why as a Latino it's okay for him to direct culturally foreign narratives, and what he really believes about the 'Blue Beetle,' the first Latino superhero on the big screen.
Is it better to conceal rather than reveal your heritage in Hollywood?
Today we’re going to tackle a subject that has been a bit disturbing. There is a rising trend of Latinos(as) declining to divulge their cultural heritage. Jack recently interviewed an actress who identified as a young brown, mixed race Latina who didn't want to reveal her heritage. Jack then asked her if she could elaborate on why she didn’t feel comfortable disclosing her Latina heritage, and her response was intense.
We also discuss first Latino superhero 'Blue Beetle' directed by Puerto Rican Angel Manuel Soto from Warner Bros. and DC Comics. Will this make Latino stories visible in the mainstream?
This is one of out best episodes. Jack and Mike welcome comedian, actor, producer Randall Park. You know him from many hit movie and television shows ('Fresh Off The Boat,' 'The Interview,' 'Always Be My Maybe') and he is now reprising his role as Jimmy Woo in Disney+'s Marvel show 'WandaVision'. In our interview, we discussed comedy actors becoming drama actors, what the American Dream is today, why he thinks Latino stories aren't being greenlit by studios, and how he thought 'Fresh Off The Boat' would never be picked up,
The guys also discuss Mars, Ted Cruz, Amazon, Clubhouse (again), cryptocurrency and more.
'Clubhouse' is the hottest and most exclusive app around right now. Jack and Mike discuss their experiences with the app and how Blacks have been the reason it has taken off.
Voiceover Queen Joan Baker joins the show to discuss why there are no Black movie trailer voices today, why being bilingual is an advantage, and how POC can break into the business.
This week Jack and Mike give cultural context and meaning behind four movies which you might be interested in watching this week - 'Trial of the Chicago 7,' 'Judas & The Black Messiah,' 'The Little Things,' and 'Malcolm & Marie'.
The guys also discuss last episode's guest Donnell Rawling's and his comments on Latinos needing to be "more patient" in waiting for their success to come.
Comedian, actor, radio host and entrepreneur Donnell Rawlings is currently one of the hottest acts in comedy right now. He was recently featured in the acclaimed Pixar animated hit film "Soul," and has been performing alongside Dave Chappelle, Joe Rogan and many more in cities such as Yellow Springs, Ohio. His long list of credentials would make any person envious, but in this episode, Rawlings discusses how he is building his Black Power. He also talks about the moment he knew he went from good to great and why restless Latinos who want to achieve power need to just wait for their time to come.
Jack and Mike also have a conversation about the latest Reddit Wall Street scandal, what it means to have a Black Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in charge of the most powerful military in the world, and what they think of the AFI's Top 10 list.
It was a Brown and Black Inauguration as Jennifer Lopez performed, Amanda Gorman recited the Inaugural poem, and Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn into office. Jack and Mike discuss the Jennifer Lopez "Let's Get Loud" lyric controversy she slipped in at the Inauguration performance, as well as how Amanda Gorman will handle her new found fame.
This week we are visited by filmmakers Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz (a.k.a Bush + Renz) who directed 'Antebellum,' arguably the most polarizing film of 2020. But in the aftermath of the recent Capitol riots, we revisit the uncomfortable beauty of 'Antebellum' with the duo.
Plus, Mike and Jack give their Brown and Black takes on the Kamala Harris and Vogue backlash, and they ask why are so many white women wanting to pass as Latinas?
Happy 2021 everyone! Or is it? On this first episode of the new year, Jack and Mike assess the white coordination attacks of the Capitol Hill takeover. White politicians are in on it, white law enforcement is in on it, white America is in on it. So what does this mean for Brown & Black folks? How do we get the same privilege without getting shot, paralyzed or arrested for standing up?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This is our last episode of 2020 and Jack and Mike decide to shoot the breeze about their Christmas traditions, favorite Christmas movies and the year that was 2020.
Brown & Black Music - D’zillla Corona Carol available on all digital platforms: https://li.sten.to/axi3RiJ
This week Mike and Jack analyze the now notorious Tom Cruise rant and what it means for his legacy and the future of movie-making, how will people react to Eddie Murphy's 'Coming To America 2' sequel 32 years after its original release, and is the Latinx Christmas film 'Nothing For The Holidays' for all Latinos? Plus, they review two Black films releasing this holiday season - George C. Wolfe's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' and Regina King's 'One Night In Miami'.
It's mid-December and Jack and Mike welcome director Keith McQuirter to discuss his new EPIX series "By Any Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem''. The four-part docu-series brings alive the dramatic true story of Black and Brown Harlem and its music during the 1960s and it how connects that history to our present moment.
Director Reginald Hudlin, ('House Party,' 'Boomerang,' 'Marshall') discusses his new Disney movie 'Safety' out on streaming now. Hudlin is a screenwriter, director, producer, media executive and comic-book writer. He was the former President of Entertainment for BET, has written numerous graphic novels, co-produced the 2016 Academy Awards as well as the Emmys. He also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture as a producer for Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. He talks about telling Black stories at Disney, what he believes are the key reasons why Latinx stories aren't breaking through in Hollywood, and if the comic book industry can reinvent themselves through diversity.
Jack and Mike recap and opine on Warner Bros. shocking announcement of releasing 17 films on HBOMax in 2021 and its subsequent backlash.
Tony-winning actor James Iglehart (Genie from 'Aladdin') joins the program to discuss his new HGTV show 'Biggest Little Christmas Showdown'. He also talks to Jack and Mike about 2020's backlash on 'Hamilton,' and what diversity will look like on Broadway in 2021.
The guys also review two movies - Pixar's 'Soul' and the Billie Holiday documentary, 'Billie'. They also have a provocative conversation on why Black actors and Black stories are still being legitimized by white critics and white outlets. Why can't they be legitimized by Black and Brown prestige outlets? Why isn't that enough?
On this episode Jack and Mike recommend six Latino and African-American black horror films you can stream from the comfort of your own home this Halloween weekend. Mike recommends three Black horror films and Jack recommends three Latino horror films of his own. Listen now to see what they picked.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃 As opposed to leaving you with a repeat episode on this holiday, we decided to keep you company with a new episode! We're bringing along three of our friends too - Comedian, writer, and actress Leighann Lord, Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director/CEO Ballet Hispanico and Puerto-Rican electronic musical project ÌFÉ. Sit back, relax, and oh, please pass the turkey and mash potatoes. 😉
“No self-respecting government is going to teach you a history that’s going to allow you to have the tools to change the system.”
Paul Ortiz, historian and author of the book “An African-American and Latinx History of the United States” joins the show to discuss with Mike and Jack about the plethora of historical contributions Brown and Black people have made in America. He also touches upon our own self-hatred and why it still affects us, why the educational system doesn't favor Black and Latinos, and why Hollywood is a bastion for white propaganda and how Broadway's Hamilton is the last thing you should revere as fact.
On today’s episode Mike and Jack talk to about the Eva Longoria anti-black comments that created a backlash with Black Twitter. Journalist, political commentator and scholar-activist Rosa Alicia Clemente, who served as Eva’s advisor throughout the fiasco, joins the show to discuss what happened and provide context on anti-black history with Latinos and Blacks. Rosa argues everyone is anti-black, but if so, can some be forgiven? She also sounds-off on why we should seek historians and professors for enlightenment and stop looking at celebrities like John Leguizamo and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Latinx leaders.
Welcome to the last episode of the daily election series of the Brown and Black podcast. We have a new President of the United States and his name is Joe Biden.
On this episode Jack and Mike explore the "now what" scenario - what will a Biden Presidency mean for Latinos and Blacks ? How will Biden meet the challenge of unifying the country?
Day 2 of our daily series where Mike and Jack distill the election chaos of the US Presidency from a Brown and Black perspective. They also discuss racial implications from Trump's briefing towards pollsters and is the media complicit in aggrandizing Trump?
Jack and Mike are going to do daily podcasts to discuss the circus that is The White House until we officially call who the next President of the United States is. Here's the first of hopefully a few episodes.
Our episode this week focuses on the subject of cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation. Legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr. plays Luis Garcia in Sergio Navarretta's 'The Cuban,' which centers around a former Cuban jazz musician who changes the life of a young caretaker after he's diagnosed with dementia. In a time where our country is sensitive about actors playing roles not native to their culture, did Mr. Gossett Jr. commit cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation? We asked Mr. Gossett Jr. point blank just that.
On this episode, we are discussing, in-depth, the fate of movie theaters. Will they re-open, will home-theaters replace them, or will they disappear altogether. We spoke to several moviegoers, and theater-owner Emelyn Stuart, who shared their feelings about their current relationship with movie theaters.
Jack and Mike take a look at the recent growing number of hired Black media executives and ask if they willfulfill the promise of transforming the content we see in 2021. And will Latinx executives be left behind?
The guys also begin a new movie review segment focusing on Brown and Black movies with "The Wall of Mexico" starring Esai Morales.
We welcome award-winning costume designers Michelle Cole and Sharen Davis whom are both nominated for Primetime Emmys this year for Outstanding Costume Designing.
But before Mike and Jack interview Michelle and Sharen, they discuss the mindset of Latino Republicans and Latinos for Trump, plus they're thoughts on the profusion of Blacks and women nominated against the backdrop of no Latinx nominated in any major category.
Michelle Cole is nominated this year for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for ABC’s Blackish. This is the 3rd year in a row that she’s nominated, and this is also her 7th overall Emmy nomination in her career. Sharen Davis is a two-time Academy Award and Emmy-nominated costume designer who is nominated this year for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes for the HBO’s Watchmen and already won as of the time of this recording. The power ladies discuss with Jack and Mike how they got into costume designing, differences designing wardrobe for a white character than it is for a Black character, the differences between fashion design and costume design, where they get their Inspirations from, and Sharen Davis's prescient design of face masks in ‘Watchmen’ before Covid-19.
This week Jack and Mike welcome the one and only John Leguizamo who is debuting as a director on the big screen with Latinx chess film, 'Critical Thinking'. Leguizamo who gave an unfiltered and uncensored interview, discussed the challenges of financing Latinx films, why major studios rarely release them anymore, the enduring influence of 1988's 'Stand and Deliver,' the psycho-social erasure of Latinx in media and politics, the enigma of Latinos for Trump, colorism and racism amongst Latinos, especially on Spanish-language TV (Telemundo), should white filmmakers still tell Latinx/Black stories, what kind of films he wants to do next, and an update on his new Broadway musical - 'Kiss My Aztec' coming 2022.
Jack and Mike also talk to Calixto Chinchilla, the founder and executive director of the New York Latino Film Festival which this year goes virtual. Did he ever consider cancelling it this year due to the pandemic, his thoughts on brown and black unity and if he believes the new academy diversity rules are a sign of progress or tokenism.
And the guys passionately break down the new Academy Awards Diversity Rules. Will it work or disappoint?
"We don't own history, the history owns us," “POV is critical to storytelling in history,” “I had a producer literally tell me once, ‘white people don’t want to see movies where all the white people are bad,” “The promise of America and the reality of America... that’s what '24th' is all about.” These are some of the quotes you'll hear in this latest episode of 'Brown & Black' where our features guests are Academy-Award winning writer Kevin Willmott (director, writer, producer '24th') and Trai Byers from FOX's 'Empire' (actor, writer, producer '24th') discuss the difficulties of getting '24th' made, why Black historical dramas are crucial to the storytelling of America, as well as why he feels Latinx movies don't get made in Hollywood and what he suggests Latinx filmmakers do about it.
Jack and Mike also discuss the significance and legacy of Chadwick Boseman who died at age 43 from colon cancer.
This week Jack and Mike share their thoughts on the DNC and the division, hate, and animosity that news networks have commercialized for profit, ratings and so much more. Also, they discuss the "Blackifying" of white Hollywood movies with the news that Will Smith and Kevin Hart are remaking "Planes, Train and Automobiles". Plus, did you hear about Susan B. Anthony's racist past?
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Our guest today is music composer Amanda Jones, the first African-American woman to be nominated in the Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special for Original Dramatic Score for the episode "Maine" from Apple TV+'s documentary series Home. Black female composers are rarely ever nominated for Emmys and are less than 1% of the industry, which is why Jones's nomination is so significant. In this episode, we ask her the magnitude of her selection, what the "color" of her music is, her thoughts on pop music today, and whether she believes we should enter the era of gender-free award categories.
Mike and Jack also explore the damning assertions from former MSNBC producer Ariana Pekary's blunt blog entry about why she left TV news and why she is transitioning over to independent journalism, and they also discuss why Joe Biden's newly handpicked Vice-President, Kamala Harris, is about to face a serious revolt from Trump's base and right-wing media. Can she withstand the onslaught of bad press coming her way and how will she counter it?
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Our featured guest this week is Estuardo Rodríguez, President and CEO of the Friends of the American Latino Museum, a campaign to create the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino in Washington DC’s National Mall. Jack and Mike ask him the questions that are on all of our minds - when will the museum open, how much it will cost to build, will all Latino culture be included, and why wasn't it called The Latinx Museum?
Mike and Jack also tackle the very controversial Primetime Emmy nominations which did not include one single Latinx nominee in the main categories, but did possess a record-breaking amount of Black nominees. They discuss both sides.
And the guys saw Beyoncé's new visual album "film" Black is King. Why did they think and will they recommend it?
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Our guest this week is millennial Mayor Michael Tubbs who at 26 years-old became the youngest Mayor of a major American city in 2016, and the first African American mayor of Stockton, California. Now at age 29, Jack and Mike catch up with him to discuss his new HBO Documentary Stockton On My Mind, reparations, being in the room where it happens, brown and black unity amongst many and if he has any plans to run for President.
Mike and Jack also discuss whether there is enough Hispanic-American contributions to create a Smithsonian Latino Museum, the Los Angeles Times Latino journalists pen an open letter for better newsroom representation, and how white men are being hateful of Latina women.
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Comedian, actor, producer George Lopez joins our show to discuss his new Netflix show We'll Do It For Half.
In the interview, Jack Rico and Mike Sargent ask Lopez about why he has never worked with Netflix before until now, why Covid-19, George Floyd and Black Lives Matter were not a part of his special, the role and responsibility of comedy and comedians beyond making us laugh, why comedians can make transitions to drama but not dramatic actors to comedy, why America's Mexican has never taken his comedy tour to Mexico City, and his thoughts on if we will ever see a Latino President in the White House.
In our news segment, Mike and Jack also converse and debate Goya, the complexity of Hispanic identity, cancel culture, and if the new slate of diverse and inclusive programming is here to stay.
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This week Mike and Jack examine why Netflix is depositing $100 million dollars into Black banks; Lin-Manuel Miranda's revered Broadway musical 'Hamilton' has been released on Disney+ and is receiving backlash from historians for glorifying slave-owners. Has art become more significant than historical facts? And in 1983, artist David Bowie challenged MTV VJ Mark Goodman on why MTV didn't play Black music in primetime. Chuck Creekmur, co-founder and co-CEO of AllHipHop.com joins the show to explain how racism still oppresses black and brown music in the music industry today.
References:
David Bowie Criticizes MTV for Not Playing Videos by Black Artists
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGiVzIr8Qg
"The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap" by Mehrsa Baradaran
https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674237476
Correcting ‘Hamilton’ (Historian Annette Gordon-Reed Interviewed)
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2016/10/correcting-hamilton/
"What Is Owed" by Nikole Hannah-Jones
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/24/magazine/reparations-slavery.html
Marianne Williamson Speech on Reparations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmu9hXtnbvo&feature=emb_title
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This week, Jack and Mike discuss how social media has created a visible and actionable generation of young, multicultural American political activists (Trump never saw it coming in Tulsa) that will become of voting age in the next 2-4 years; Also, after watching Damon Lindeloff's 'Watchmen' on HBO, Mike and Jack debate whether white storytellers should still be allowed to tell Black, Latinx or diverse stories moving forward.
Mike and Jack interview Afro-Latino children’s book author and illustrator, Eric Velasquez, about the power and context of Afro-Latino images in media. They also tackle the age-old question: is he more Black than Latino or more Latino than Black? If both, how?
Follow Mike Sargent Twitter @mikeonscreen
Follow Jack Rico on Twitter @jackricofficial
Follow us on Twitter @brownblackpod
White media has taken a beating this week after many of its magazine and digital platforms have seen their main figureheads toppled by accusation of racism and bias. But will all the remorseful apologies last and create true industry change of equality ? Jack and Mike get into why image representation matters more than federal policy changes.
On this fourth episode, Jack and Mike get real about being Black in a Latino group and being Latino in a Black group. They also discuss Afro-Latino identity and if they're black enough to feel they have enough skin in the BlackLivesMatter cause.
On this first episode of our new series on the future of America’s cultural and entertainment industry post covid-19, Mike Sargent and Jack Rico explore what our world will look like after we re-open our cities and communities. To answer that, we first take a look at the history of consumerism and how, like a virus, it has spread its disease in our environment and our American worth.
The mission of this podcast is to unite the two most powerful and influential cultural demographics in the United States - Latinx and Black - to fill a colossal void in mainstream journalism. Statistics show there are barely any Black or Latinx food, film, television or music critics who work at major American news institutions. Why? Captive by the perspectives of one dominant culture, two film and culture critics, Jack Rico and Mike Sargent set-off on a quest to let our voices and stories be heard.
Mike Sargent and Jack Rico discuss the pressures to constantly be productive and how it affects minorities the most. The root could be somewhere within the profit machine of America, sports, and how black and Latino athletes are the guinea pigs.
Also, AMC theaters vs. Hollywood studios, how are we ultimately affected?
Quibi has been having a tough time getting subscriptions. Will it fail? CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg gives his opinion.
And Disney has decided to release its $75 million 'Hamilton' film on Disney+ on July 3rd. Will it be a hit or a flop?
On this debut episode Jack and Mike discuss life under quarantine, how consumption habits are changing before our eyes and tease a future series of what the world of entertainment will look like post Covid-19.
'Brown & Black’ is a new podcast exploring the convergence of race and pop culture, hosted by two diverse voices, one Latinx and one Black, to fill a needed void in rethinking how pop culture news and opinion is conveyed in America today. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, two national film and culture critics seen on TODAY and FOX Business News, interview filmmakers, artists and journalists to examine the complex nature of entertainment and race.