Mixed Take: Recent Episodes
World Outspoken
Welcome to Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast where we discuss how the mixing of cultures and heritages in America - influence film, television, and other forms of media and entertainment. Hosted by Robert Rivera and Donielle Alicea.
Jon M Chu joins Mixed Take to talk about his new film, Wicked.
Wicked follows the origin of the Alphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo) and explores her relationship with the Good Witch of the North, Galinda/Glinda (Ariana Grande). In this epic adaptation of the stage musical by the same name, audiences are drawn into an immersive experience of vibrant colors, sweeping landscapes, and unforgettable music.
Episode NotesHosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea
Producer: Robert Rivera
Instagram: @mixedtake
Interview courtesy of Grace Hill Media | Eden
Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is here and Mixed Take hosts Doni Alicia and Robert Rivera sit down with Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards and Daniel Weyman to discuss representation and scale acting in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth.
Episode NotesHosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea
Producer: Robert Rivera
Instagram: @mixedtake
Interview courtesy of Grace Hill Media | Eden
Masters of the Air is an Apple TV+ World War II series following the 100th Bomb Group as they carry out missions in their B-17 Flying Fortresses. The show follows the brave soldiers as they battle the Nazi forces in unforgiving elements at 25,000 feet in the air. In this episode, Doni and Robert talk with Dee Rees, an Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker who directed episodes 7 and 8 of the series, discussing the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen and what makes a person patriotic.
James Cameron’s Avatar series currently holds the number 1 and number 3 spots on the all time worldwide box office earnings chart making it a household name to even the most casual movie goer. While the movies boast dazzling set pieces, beautiful cinematography, a memorable score, and engaging story, Avatar gives significant commentary about our world. In this episode, Doni and Robert discuss certain themes from Avatar including capitalism, colonialism, cross-cultural engagement, cultural preservation, and destiny. Press play and dive deep with us into the waters of Pandora.
EPISODE NOTES
Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea
Producer: Rich Hurtado
Instagram: @mixedtake
Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch on: YouTube
Games of Thrones is an epic series that spans seven seasons. Like many of the other IP in previous episodes, Doni and Robert discuss why George R.R. Martin created a world that lacks ethnic diversity in positions of power and reduces the people of color to positions of slavery and savages. Was this a culturally tone deaf oversight or a creative decision in attempts to reflect the real world? Tune in to this episode of Mixed Take to hear what Doni and Robert have to say on that matter.
EPISODE NOTES
Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea
Producer: Rich Hurtado
Instagram: @mixedtake
Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode, Ricky Padilla joins the Mixed Take crew to discuss DC's first Latine-led superhero film, Blue Beetle. They discuss what makes the film distinctly Latine and what they hope to see in comic book films moving forward.
EPISODE NOTES
Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea, Ricky Padilla
Producer: Robert Rivera
Instagram: @mixedtake
Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode, we highlight some of the ways Marvel has diversified the MCU. With movies like Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, and Shang-Chi showcasing predominate ethnic casts, the question we raise is: Is this powerful representation or is it pandering? Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts.
EPISODE NOTES
Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea
Producer: Rich Hurtado
Instagram: @mixedtake
Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
DC Comics was first released in 1934. five years before Marvel. Since then, they’ve produced endless comic books, television shows, animated features, and movies.
In this episode, we celebrate some of our favorite DC characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. However, as we desire diversity in DC, we discuss whether that should come about via race-bending, gender-swapping, or the introduction of brand-new characters. Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts.
Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea
Producer: Rich Hurtado
Instagram: @mixedtake
When it comes to character development, rich lore, and and an amazing story, there are few films that compare to the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. But before the release of the polarizing Prime Video series Rings of Power, we wondered, “Where is the diversity and where are the women?” In this episode, we talk about both our love for the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and our excitement for an ever-diversifying multicolored Middle Earth.
Mixed Take Producer: Rich Hurtado
A Million Miles Away, based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, recounts the story of how he made his childhood dream of going into space a reality. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with José Hernández as he offers insight about the accuracy of the film, his opinion of Michael Peña’s portrayal of him, and what it took to overcome the seemingly endless obstacles that stood between him and the stars. Get ready to be inspired.
Episode Notes:
Mixed Take Producer: Rich Hurtado
Interview courtesy of Grace Hill Media | Eden
Prime Video: A Million Miles Away
Watch us on Youtube!
There is no disputing Star Wars’ worldwide cultural impact. It is also held dearly in the hearts of so many people, especially those who grew up watching Star Wars. Robert and Doni are no exception to this. And yet, for so many years, Star Wars has lacked the cultural representation that a diverse galaxy deserves. In this episode, we discuss both our love and frustration over this beloved franchise. And perhaps, in the days ahead, we’ll see more of the Brown side of the Force.
Episode Credits:
Writer and Host: Robert Rivera
Music by Rich Hurtado of Deep Blue Sounds, LLC
Producer: Robert Rivera, Rich Hurtado
Executive Producer: Emanuel Padilla
Summary: Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight. In this review, Mixed Take co-host Robert Rivera gives his initial thoughts on the new Michael B. Jordan film.
Easter Sunday is a movie that uses comedic moments and family drama as both an “invitation to Filipino culture” and a sneak peek into the life of Jo Koy. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with Jo Koy and Lydia Gaston as they discuss the absence of Filipino representation in film and the challenges of breaking stereotypes.
In a society often divided by our differences, it’s easy to lose hope for humanity. While many work tirelessly to bring about education and open lines of dialogue in an effort to bring unity, there is something particularly remarkable about how a crisis can bring people together. Perhaps this is why there is a soft spot in my heart for inspiring movies based on real life events that demonstrate the goodness in humanity.
Mixed Take was invited to watch an advance screening of Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives, a movie that recounts the incredible true story of the rescue of a boys’ soccer team trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand, starring Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell. The film, while inspiring, also has its fair share of heart-pounding, claustrophobic moments. While I was given an entire movie theater seat, I only occupied the edge. The film captures the emotion of anxious parents, as they worry that they have already seen their boys for the last time. It captures the pressure felt by the local Thai government as they scramble for solutions before a spectating world. It captures the sacrificial hearts of those involved in the rescue. It captures the idea that every single life on earth is precious. At end of the day, that’s what moves me most. For all of the stereotypes we harbor and prejudice we face, crisis brings us together and produces greatness.
A boys soccer team and their coach pick the wrong day to travel into a tourist cave. They venture too far in when a flash flood traps them. The only way to reach them is cave diving, a dangerous activity in the best conditions - even for experienced divers. With rising waters, as monsoon season commences, the audience feels the ever-mounting stress of how to rescue these boys. You can suffer through all of the stress like me, thank you very much. Rather, I marveled at what came next.
(L to R) Thira ‘Aum’ Chutikul as Commander Kiet, Popetorn ‘Two’ Soonthornyanakijas Dr Karn, Joel Edgerton as Harry Harris, Colin Farrell as John Volanthen and Viggo Mortenson as Rick Stanton in Thirteen Lives. Photo credit: Vince Valitutti
Mortensen and Farrell, along with Joel Edgerton and a few others play the roles of volunteer divers. These are European/Australian men who dive as hobbyists but are recognized for their skill. Unlike in many "White Savior" stories where the white character solves the problem or completes the rescue alone, this movie makes it clear that the task is too big for them alone. Local farmers agree to sacrifice their crops, their livelihood, in an effort to redirect water from the mountain pouring into the cave. Thai military and relief workers work tirelessly against the clock of the rising waters. In fact, when it was all said and done, thousands of volunteers from Thailand and all around the world, came to offer their help. All this for thirteen lives? What does it say about humanity that we are willing to spend so much money, time, resources, as well as sacrifice safety, for the sake of thirteen people? If this is your thought, you’re not alone. The Pharisees once thought as you did.
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The call for help, answered by the multitudes, demonstrates the heart of the gospel. If you recall in Luke 15, after the Pharisees grumble that Jesus would associate himself with a tax collector, Jesus shares what has become a popular parable. He points out that a person with a hundred sheep would leave the ninety-nine to save the one. And when he saves the one, it would lead to great rejoicing. The tax collector that turns to Jesus is the one sheep of his parable.
The gospel is all about abandoning money, time, resources, and safety to save a few. The events of Thirteen Lives demonstrates the gospel in not only sacrifice, but in unity. For a short time, cultural, ethnic, and economic differences are set aside for the sake of accomplishing something greater. Something that requires many people from diverse backgrounds using different skills.
Director Ron Howard on the set of Thirteen Lives. Photo credit: Vince Valitutti
The movie not only recounts this feat of unity, it tells it in a way that honors the Thai people. The gospel is not American, nor are we God’s nation. I appreciate Howard’s direction. Representatives of the Thai culture helped him preserve the language and customs in order to frame the film as a Thai story that invites others to join in. Success can only come from humility. Egos, in a situation like this only serve to sabotage the efforts.
As inspiring as this is, I am discouraged that the sense of urgency fades when the crisis is averted and “normal” tragedies resume. Neither poverty nor injustice nor brokenness nor separation from God has been able to unite humankind, let alone the Church. Perhaps a movie like this can serve as a wakeup call as it provides a snapshot of what humankind can accomplish in a time of crisis. With the odds, ever so insurmountable, we could almost excuse the idea of surrendering hope to an inevitable doom in Tham Luang. What I found most encouraging was how when one group lost hope, another stepped up to suggest the impossible. The cycle of encouragement, paired with the accountability of the world watching, erased the idea of giving up as an option. If we desire to meet a hurting world, perhaps it will require us to surrender our own egos for a unified, multi-generational church representing the nations of the world.
About ROBERT RIVERAHe is the co-host of Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast exploring the relationship between entertainment and culture through a biblical lens. You can connect with him on Twitter @robriv.
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In this episode we ask the question, "should ethnic actors Anglicize their names to assimilate into the culture of Hollywood?" Today we look at the Estévez family including Martin Sheen, Emilio Estévez, and Charlie Sheen. When is it okay and when is it wrong to assimilate? You’re in luck because you’ll get the definitive answer on this episode of Mixed Take!
Polynesians represent! In this episode we talk about how Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jason Mamoa have changed the game for those who don't fit the Hollywood mold. If you don't fit, make a space only you can fill!
JLo has been described as an actress, singer, dancer, director, producer, fashion designer, entrepreneur, mother, New Yorker, and as one journalist stated, “the model of the 21st century renaissance woman.” Jennifer Lopez truly does it all.
In this episode we take a look into the career of Zoe Saldaña and other Afro-Latino actors as we discuss things like the misidentification of Latinos in Hollywood and examine why Latino's should be written into more scripts.
From Pulizer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, actor, and now director Lin-Manuel Miranda comes as new Netflix film, tick, tick…Boom! In this episode we discuss the film and interview actor, singer, and fellow Boriqua, Robin De Jesus
In this special episode we discuss the new Netflix original series, Colin in Black & White. From co-creators Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick comes a bold new dramatic limited series that chronicles Kaepernick’s coming of age story, tackling the obstacles of race, class, and culture as the Black adopted child of a white family.
There is no question that Will Smith is a legend. From music to movies, everything he touches turns to gold. In this episode we discuss Will's movies and those who paved the way for his success.
This film had us at Aretha Franklin! With a star-studded cast filled with Oscar-worthy performances, Jennifer Hudson becomes the living embodiment of the Queen of Soul and gives the performance of a lifetime. Hit song after hit song, we’re left with a greater understanding of Aretha, along with a deeper connection to her.
Welcome to a bonus episode of Mixed Take! In this episode we discuss songwriter, composer, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Not only has he scored Disney films like Moana and starred in a classic like Mary Poppins Returns, but Miranda is best known for writing Broadway hits including In the Heights and Hamilton. Listen in as we discuss the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Jon M. Chu, a Silicon Valley native and natural born filmmaker, brings colorful and vibrant stories like Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights to our screens. At a time in our nation’s history when anti-Asian racist rhetoric and attacks are on the rise, filmmakers like Chu challenge our ideas of who is an immigrant and whether the American Dream is alive and well. Join us to learn more about the life and works of Jon M. Chu!
We all love a good underdog story, but when the underdogs are orphans and the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against them, reality hits - the stakes could mean life or death. In this story, based on real life events, director and writer Julio Quintana delivers a must-see heart warming tale of perseverance, love, and family.
The film industry is behind in terms of diversity and studio execs are nervous to green-light big budget films with ethnically diverse leads. But that hasn't stopped Director Ryan Coogler from making box office hits like Black Panther and Creed. Tune in for this seasons final episode and a look at one of Hollywood's most notable directors.
Mindy Kaling might be best known for her role in The Office as the hilarious pop-culture drama queen, Kelly Kapoor. However, Mindy is more than an actress. She is a writer, public speaker, author, and comedian. Her funny, pensive prose is packed with subversive punchlines and witty comebacks. Join us to learn more about the creative genius of Mindy Kaling!
Ava Duvernay is a U.S. filmmaker and Academy Award Nominated director for Selma and the documentary 13th. In this episode we'll discuss Duvernay's directing style and her creative eye for storytelling, often highlighting narratives that give a voice to those that are silenced by our society
Movies are normally referred to as motion pictures. In the case of Alfonso Cuarón, his movies are motion portraits. Each frame is carefully crafted until it unfolds into a scene. And each scene comes together until it forms an artistic picture of human struggle and growth. Join us to learn more about Cuarón's techniques and storytelling style
In this episode, we explore the life and career of Alejandro G. Iñárritu. From disc jockey to Hollywood director of iconic movies including Birdman, Babel, and the Revenant, Iñárritu’s films invite us to grapple with questions related to purpose, love, redemption, and hope.
Guillermo del Toro might be seen as strange but he is no stranger to Hollywood. His resume is overflowing with critical acclamation, box office success, and a cult following. In this episode, we explore how his Mexican roots and Catholic upbringing influenced his career and shaped his films.
Welcome to Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast where we discusshow the mixing of cultures and heritages in America - influence film, television, and other forms of media and entertainment. It's hosted by us, Robert Rivera and Donielle Alicea.
Why does it matter that Guillermo Del Toro is Mexican and Lin Manuel Miranda is Puerto Rican? Does that have any impact on their storytelling? No longer are we exposed to art from a limited perspective. Let's celebrate these stories and explore the lives of those creating them (as well as laugh and geek out along the way).