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...

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...

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...

In this episode, Jack and Mike discuss the break-up of Desus & Mero, Sylvester Stallone's Rocky IP beef with Irwin Winkler, and their review of Jordan Peele's 'NOPE' and Hulu's 'The Bear'.

Jack and Mike reveal their favorite television shows and movies of 2022 so far in a unified top ten list.

Jack and Mike discuss the ramifications of the recent Supreme Court decisions including overturning Roe versus Wade and how this will impact Women and POC and what this means for the future of Hollywood, entertainment, and the literal state of the nation.

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...

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. Learn more about your ad-choices at...