Chasing relevance. We're all guilty of it at some point, desperately trying to stay current and be noticed. But what's the cost? In this episode of Brown & Black, we'll peel back the layers on society's obsession with relevance, specifically for people of color in media and entertainment today. Why does it matter to so many people? Do we really need to stay relevant and what happens if we don't? Episode Summary What is relevance, particularly for POC in the entertainment industry? Mike discu...
Oct 22, 2023•36 min
In this special episode, our co-host Mike Sargent discusses his new horror film "From the Shadows" which he directed, produced and co-wrote. He shares some behind-the-scenes stories of making the film, including directing horror legends Keith David and Bruce Davison and what it’s like to direct an independent feature. Plus, find out which stories Mike is itching to tell next. Key Topics Discussed: The plot and themes of "From the Shadows" Casting Keith David and Bruce Davison, Mike's history wit...
Sep 30, 2023•40 min
In this episode we discuss truth and the Supreme Court with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter . Her latest documentary series, ' Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court ' out September 22 on Showtime is a four part docuseries that covers a broad range of topics essential to historians and those curious about the systems of power in this country. In our conversation, we discuss Porter's transition from law to filmmaking, her perspectives on the Supreme Court's evolution, the contributi...
Sep 20, 2023•29 min
Rotten Tomatoes, the notorious film review aggregate website, has been shaping the movie choices of audiences for more than a decade. But a recent exposé reveals the site may be rotting from within. In this episode, we discuss the New York Magazine article " The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes " and its reporting on how the website has become corruptible and is steadily losing its credibility. We also examine how the site has been vulnerable to manipulation by studios and PR firms alike. So we ...
Sep 14, 2023•23 min
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 ...
Aug 23, 2023•48 min
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 tak...
Jul 28, 2023•42 min
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 S...
Jul 15, 2023•26 min
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 incl...
Jul 02, 2023•44 min
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 ...
Jun 16, 2023•39 min
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 m...
Jun 07, 2023•32 min
In this episode, we welcome back the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr. , to discuss the pressing issues currently facing musicians of color, such as the advancement of AI-generated music, the struggle for fair compensation, and the rise of Regional Mexican Music as a global force. We explore how the Grammys are addressing these issues, and pose the question: Will AI ever win a Grammy for Record of the Year? Segment 1: Purpose of Grammy's on the Hill Harvey Mason Jr. discussed the im...
Jun 03, 2023•34 min
In this episode, we are joined by Afro-Venezuelan and Afro-Indigenous singer 'GOTOPO,' who tells us about her new song "Sacudete" and delves into the intriguing concept of 'Ancestral Futurism,' an artistic approach that fuses the past, present, and future of pop culture while exploring heritage and identity. GOTOPO highlights the significance of connecting with cultural roots and using art to create conversations around race and identity in a less polarizing manner. Through ancestral futurism, s...
May 14, 2023•40 min
In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack and Mike discuss two central topics affecting creators of color – the ongoing negotiations between the WGA (Writer's Guild of America) and Hollywood studios, and the invisible Latino renaissance in America that's receiving little recognition from mainstream legacy media. Segment 1: The Writer's Guild of America Strike and Its Impact on Creators of Color Jack and Mike dive deep into the WGA strike, examining its possible consequences on the entertainment...
May 01, 2023•42 min
In this episode, we delve into the adverse effects of AI-generated images on media and their growing impact. We'll discuss the recent controversy over Levi's partnership with LalaLand.ai and debate if AI-inclusive modeling serves as a positive force. Furthermore, we'll examine the white savior narrative issues in the film AIR, directed by Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon, and consider the significant influence of movies and TV on culture. Segment 1: The AI and Race Dilemma Jack and Mike inves...
Apr 10, 2023•39 min
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 med...
Mar 30, 2023•34 min
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 sp...
Mar 20, 2023•28 min
In honor of Black History Month, we've joined forces with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to spotlight four iconic Black films from their extensive cinematic collection. The concluding episode of our four-part podcast series, hosted by Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, delves into the musical biopic "Straight Outta Compton." Episode Breakdown: Segment 1: Cultural Significance of "Straight Outta Compton" Jack and Mike provide an overview of the film, sharing personal reflections. They highlight i...
Feb 28, 2023•45 min
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 #Meli...
Feb 15, 2023•51 min
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 "Girl...
Feb 08, 2023•51 min
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 dis...
Feb 01, 2023•48 min
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 d...
Jan 16, 2023•35 min
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 circums...
Dec 19, 2022•31 min
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 America...
Dec 07, 2022•20 min
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? Follow Brown & Black on: YouTube Instagram TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Nov 09, 2022•27 min
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 cre...
Oct 25, 2022•37 min
One of the most controversial subjects in Latino culture is Latino Anti-Blackness. It is an issue that isn’t discussed or acknowledged and most Latinos prefer to avoid it altogether. It is a silent sin ingrained into the culture since the Spaniards first colonized the Americas. It is a subject our Latino co-host Jack Rico has had a reckoning with by having to confront questions from his Black co-host Mike Sargent, all due to the recent Nury Martinez scandal . For those unfamiliar, Nury Martinez,...
Oct 16, 2022•30 min
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 ta...
Sep 27, 2022•38 min
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 l...
Sep 06, 2022•43 min
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 positive 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 hav...
Aug 23, 2022•1 hr 3 min
To listen to our podcast, subscribe on these platforms: iTunes: https://apple.co/32hShVT Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2ZwbAZz iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/32kX6h1 Pandora: https://pdora.co/2DDeWS7 TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2WpoKG2 Follow us: Twitter @brownblackpod Instagram @brownblackpodcast YouTube @brownblackpodcast Follow Jack Rico on Twitter @jackricofficial Follow Mike Sargent Twitter @mikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 02, 2022•41 min
