This week, Cher and James discuss the gift that is Tangerine, the vetting nature of the Oscars, and the revolutionary filming techniques of the indie. In Open Call, both James and Cher discuss music that helps them process their feels. We are sponsored this week by: Field Notes Field Notes Brand. USA made memo books & other products, including seasonal limited-editions. Visit fieldnotesbrand.com or 400 North May in Chicago, We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising g...
Mar 09, 2016•35 min•Ep. 47
This week, Cher and James are LIVE at Joliet Area Historical Museum, hanging out with the lovely Candice Quinerly, discussing growing up in the suburbs and/or the city respectively, dealing with racism at a young age, and how to handle micro-aggressions. In Open Mic, we debate about internet fighting, trash reality TV, and hyper-local restaurant institutions in Joliet. And lastly, in Open Call, Candice is turning a year older, Cher talks about a great TV show, and James embraces his love for an ...
Mar 02, 2016•44 min•Ep. 46
In this B-side, Cher and James discussing the ramifications of 2016 Grammy winners, and how black media must carve their own path for recognition. We were sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad, but encouraged you to enjoy the show! Topics covered during our conversation: Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly, a masterwork in the highest order Alabama Shakes' Sound & Color, a solid output from a wonderful live band Beck's Morning Phrase, winner of Alb...
Feb 26, 2016•11 min•Ep. 45
This week, Cher and James discuss the passing of American author Harper Lee, and her lasting impression on them. They also dig deep into the recent controversy of both Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé's recent performances. In Open Call, Cher gives a shout out to a recent podcast episode, and James gives some love to a hygiene habit. We were sponsored this week by: ' Jackbox : Get 5 hilarious party games in The Jackbox Party Pack, from the creators of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK. Now on Xbox One, PS3, PS4, St...
Feb 24, 2016•37 min•Ep. 44
This week, Cher and James discuss their celebrity and internet crushes for Valentine's Day, how they inspire them, aspire to be like them, and just wondering why they don't love them back. In Open Ended, Cher gives a shout out to a tabletop game, and James gives kudos to a scheduling program. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and ...
Feb 17, 2016•49 min•Ep. 43
In honor of the new Beyoncé video and Cher's sore throat, we are doing a special dispatch episode. James records his reaction to the "Formation" video for the first time and Cher gives a loving account of Bey's importance to her life. Closing out the episode, Cher and James talk about their new podcasts, Gossip Girls and Refresh. We are sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad, but encouraged you to enjoy the show! We also have announcements like: Help us ...
Feb 08, 2016•19 min•Ep. 42
This week, Cher and James join Veronica Corzo-Duchardt to talk about her Neche Collection, how she blends her tangible prints on analog and digital mediums, and encouraging more visibility in artist talks. In Open Mic, Cher and Veronica debate over teaching methods, James and Veronica debate over notebooks vs iPads, and Cher and James debate with Veronica over Queen Latifah and how Missy Elliott needs to get into acting. Lastly, in Open Call, Veronica finds her vibe watching choreography videos,...
Feb 03, 2016•40 min•Ep. 41
This week, Cher and James sit down with Deanna Mingo of Divyn Media and Chakka Reeves of Highwater to discuss social media, digital marketing, and writing online as women of color. In Open Mic, they debate on pandering in marketing, ownership over content platforms, and self-promotion. Lastly in Open Call, Cher hits the books, James and Deanna discuss TV, and Chakka is inspired by an art gallery in Chicago. We are sponsored this week by: Iron Galaxy : Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force,...
Jan 27, 2016•40 min•Ep. 40
This week, Cher and James talk about the art that was David Bowie's life and death, staying relevant in your art, finding validation in yourself, and discussing #BlackGirlMagic. In new segment, Open Up, James and Cher answer a question about being a good ally for women, and in Open Call, Cher discovered an undercover feminist movie franchise, and James shares his joy over a new mixtape from Future. We are sponsored this week by: Podcast Movement . Podcast Movement: Looking to start a podcast of ...
Jan 20, 2016•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 39
This week, Cher and James speak with Justin and Matt of Backspace about starting a startup business, staying positive against adversity and microagressions, and finding confidence within. In Open Mic, they debate about sharing mediums, designers learning to code, and lifestyle businesses. Lastly, everyone discussing their affection for the Star Wars, bionic joints, cartoons, and two really beautiful, black musicians. We are sponsored this week by: Field Notes Brand . USA made memo books & ot...
Jan 13, 2016•1 hr•Ep. 38
In their first ever live event, Cher and James hang out with great human being, Sharlene King, about online dating, distinguishing what a good profile can be, and how to be yourself, without freaking out a potential suitor. In Open Mic, our hosts debate with Sharlene over the online dating best practices, first impressions, and non-creepy Twitter DM sliding. Finally, everyone talks about what made 2015 great. Prefer to watch the video? Check it out here ! We are sponsored this week by: Iron Gala...
Jan 06, 2016•55 min•Ep. 37
This week, Cher and James discuss the blended lines of race and gender online, including Tumblr mentality, POCs using racial slurs, and the lack of mediocrity allowed online. In Open Call, Cher talks about a recent addition to the Apple Music library, and James talks about a certain presidential campaign. We are sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, visit openended.fm/sponsor . We also have ann...
Dec 30, 2015•38 min•Ep. 36
This week, Cher and James release a Dispatch to ol’ Saint Nick, pleading and begging for their Christmas wishes to be fulfilled. Also, Cher found a holiday poem for the season! We are sponsored this week by : Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! We also have announcements like : ‘Tis the Season for giving! Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pa...
Dec 23, 2015•18 min•Ep. 35
This week, Cher and James put on their best robot voices with Roboism hosts, Alex and Savannah. Topics include: robots, feminism, education, Star Wars, and white tech bros comparing themselves to activists. In Open Mic, we determine what makes a robot, and what makes an appliance. Lastly, in Open Call, Savannah shouts out a Disney Channel Original Movie, Alex recommends Sleep Aid apps, James has a new favorite Snapchat page, and Cher is vibing a West Coast girl group. We are sponsored this week ...
Dec 16, 2015•36 min•Ep. 34
This week, Cher and James discuss read receipts. From text messaging to Facebook Messenger to Outlook, they dissect what’s wrong with them, and how to make them work. In the aftershow, Cher talks about her favorite culture year end wrap-ups, and James has a crush on a fictional character from a film franchise. We are sponsored this week by: Iron Galaxy : Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Visit capsuleforce.c...
Dec 09, 2015•35 min•Ep. 33
This week, Cher and James gush over their mutual love for their guest, Jenn and Trin of the Friendshipping Podcast. They discuss how to be a friend, making friends, and generally being a decent human person. During Open Mic, Cher and James debate Jenn and Trin on when to end a friendship, IRL vs. Digital Hangs, and making work friends. And lastly, in Open Call, Jenn loves a new Netflix series, Trin makes a fashion statement, James discovered a movie franchise, and Cher revisits an old TV show. W...
Dec 02, 2015•41 min•Ep. 32
For the holiday weekend, we are dropping a dispatch on the technology wrapped around our holiday travels. Topics include: Cher's airport adventures, a challenge James is taking on for the weekend, and apps to keep our business running, discover new places, and not get lost. We are sponsored this week by : Iron Galaxy : Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Visit capsuleforce.com for more information. We also hav...
Nov 25, 2015•10 min•Ep. 31
This week, Cher and James dig into the world of online video, where they praise the resurgence of people of color dominating the small screen while thinking aloud about the future of video discovery. Topics include: Master of None, Netflix and Hulu, the writing of Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae, and gripes with the limitations of streaming hardware options. During Open Call, Cher discovers a mysterious producer named Breakmaster Cylinder, while James gets in his feels with the app Drizzy Tears. We are ...
Nov 18, 2015•28 min•Ep. 30
This week, Cher and James welcome special guest Molly Marshall while discussing community outreach in Awesome Foundation, creating communities online and IRL, and the recent success of Podcast Club, including the announcement of their live event. During Open Call, Cher talks about a New York restaurant, James shares his love for a recent Reply All episode, and Molly talks about the Garfield Park Conservatory. We also have a new segment, Open Mic, where we square off with our guest in mini debate...
Nov 11, 2015•29 min•Ep. 29
This week, special guest G. Keenan Schneider speaks with Cher and James about the complexities of writing online, empathizing with readers’ perspective, and weeding out the trolls from actual constructive criticism. In the after show, G. Keenan shares his joy over the new Apple TV, Cher talks about her love for Ira Glass, and James discusses the latest book from Ta-nehisi Coates. Sponsors Cards Against Humanity : This episode is sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, they asked us not to read an a...
Nov 04, 2015•59 min•Ep. 28
A special Halloween-themed variety extravaganza featuring listener stories of being terrified by tech and a new radio play, "The GPS".
Oct 28, 2015•19 min•Ep. 27
Tape from the cutting room floor of episode #25.
Oct 23, 2015•8 min•Ep. 26
This week, Cher and James welcome guest Rashid Zakat. Topics include: creating lo-fi art online, creating content for the future while being modest, and discovering how humor in art can create community. During the after-show, Rashid talks about the VSCO app and a photography book, Cher shares her love for Issa Rae, and James discovered a new app. Sponsors: Basecamp : When you use Basecamp to run projects, people know what to do, people know where things are, and you stay on top of everything al...
Oct 21, 2015•42 min•Ep. 25
This week, Cher and James get physical and investigate the current state of fitness tracking. Topics include: the Chicago Marathon, the popularity of Fitbit, and guilt-driven anxiety. During the after-show, Cher triggers nostalgia with an orchestral song, and James triggers nostalgia with the background muzak of a department store. Sponsors: MakeSpace : Wish you had more space in your home? Use MakeSpace. They’ll pick up, store, and deliver your stuff. Get started at MakeSpace.com and use code C...
Oct 14, 2015•36 min•Ep. 24
This week's special guest Sabella Flagg talks with Cher and James about employment, albeit self-employment, unemployment, and how those transitions effect your psyche, money, and career. In the aftershow, Sabella talks about Ryan Adams, Cher discusses her recent crafting project, and James talks about his relaunch of his "CSS Black Lives Matter" campaign. Sponsors: Know Your Company : Got 25 to 75 people in your company? Check out KnowYourCompany.com – software that helps companies like Airbnb k...
Oct 07, 2015•44 min•Ep. 23
This week, Cher and James speculate the future of content blockers, how they deal with them in their own devices, and the pros and cons of monetizing content. In the after show, Cher talks about her favorite new TV show and an old film from her childhood, while James discovered a new folk band. Sponsors Utter Nonsense : Ever wondered what it's like to see your friend orgasm or take a poop? Reveal these mysteries and more with the Chicago-born party game, Utter Nonsense. Currently available at Ta...
Sep 30, 2015•38 min•Ep. 22
Cher and James sit down with Lindsay Eyth, of Eythink. They discuss her surprise Etsy shop success, her graphic design beginnings, and the transition into being her real self online and in real life. Sponsors Iron Galaxy : Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Thanks to the Chicago Podcast Cooperative for hooking up this week’s sponsor! You can also donate at openended.fm/donate or become a member at patreon.com...
Sep 23, 2015•34 min•Ep. 21
Cher and James discuss how and when to engage in awkward, controversial conversations, both online and in real life. In the aftershow, Cher shares her love for Skylar Spence's new album, and James talks about his joy over the new iPhone. Sponsors Emporium Arcade Bar : Emporium hosts awesome game, beer, food, and live music events daily in Wicker Park and Logan Square. Visit emporiumchicago.com for info. Thanks to the Chicago Podcast Cooperative for hooking up this week’s sponsor! You can also do...
Sep 16, 2015•35 min•Ep. 20
C’ne Rohlsen-Green visits Cher and James as they discuss her early start with “analog life," her need for tangibility in her work, and her growing appreciation for digital expression. In the after-show, C’ne shares her affection for Alessa Cara, James’ talks about Long Haul Productions, and Cher talks about a podcast all about Gilmore Girls. Sponsors Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! Thanks to the Chicago Podcast Cooperative for hooking up this week’s spon...
Sep 09, 2015•35 min•Ep. 19
Cher and James discuss data, and the pros and cons of algorithms infiltrating the human experience. During the after show, Cher talks about her love for the sleep app, Pillow, while James shows excitement for the new bike GPS, SmartHalo. Sponsors Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! Thanks to the Chicago Podcast Cooperative for hooking up this week’s sponsor! You can also donate at openended.fm/donate or become a member at patreon.com/openended , starting at ...
Sep 02, 2015•36 min•Ep. 18
