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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 & SlimIn this segment, Mike, who follows writer #LenaWaithe and director...

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...

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,"...

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"...

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...

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...

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.

An interview with Black showrunner Mike Flynn about modernizing the cop show genre with CBS' East New York.

In this episode, Jack and Mike have a REAL TALK about Latino anti-Blackness around the world. They discuss the recent anti-Black, anti-Indigenous remarks made by the Los Angeles City Council president, Nury Martinez. Is Brown and Black unity now 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...