Black Girl Nerds

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome  Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, and author Yvonne Orji. On television, she stars in HBO’s critically acclaimed comedy series 'Insecure'. A distinguished standup comedian, Yvonne previously opened for Chris Rock on various stops of his Total Blackout Tour and headlined her first comedy tour, Lagos To Laurel, at the top of 2020. She subsequently debuted her first one-hour HBO standup special, Momma, I Made It!, in June 2020. Earlier this year, Orji released her faith-based advice book, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams, and can currently be seen in the Hulu film 'Vacation Friends', alongside Lil Rel and John Cena. In September 2018, Yvonne made her feature film debut in Universal’s 'Night School' alongside Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish. She is also the co-host of the podcast Jesus & Jollof alongside Luvvie Ajayi. Outside of her creative work, Orji is dedicated to her charitable efforts. In 2008 she spent

In this week's episode of the BGN Podcast, we welcome filmmaker Jonathan Levine and Candace "The Six Figure Spa Chick" Holyfield. Segment 1: Levine’s most recent film, LONG SHOT, starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron, debuted at SXSW in 2019, where it won the Audience Award. His latest project is the Hulu series 'Nine Perfect Strangers'. Based on The New York Times bestselling book by author Liane Moriarty, the series takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation as nine stressed city dwellers try to get on a path to a better way of living.  Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Candace Holyfield-Parker started her journey with very humble beginnings.  As a single mother from Memphis, TN, Candace had big dreams to elevate her family from government assistance to a life of freedom and wealth.  Candace studied Massage Therapy, opened her first spa, and within her first few years, she became known as the Massage Therapist to the stars. As she began to learn the nuances of b

This week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast is all about public and community service.  This 2-segment episode features Katrina Williams, founder of Changing The Faces of Homelessness and Cedric Richmond, advisor to the President and  director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Segment 1: Changing the Faces of Homelessness was founded by Katrina Williams, a Mental Health Case Manager who worked with the Regional Behavioral Health Authority under Value Options and Magellan Health Services for over 15 years in Phoenix, AZ.  Katrina Williams recently relocated to Los Angeles CA and began working for Volunteers of America as a Case Manager for the Hope for Homes Shelter Program in Pomona CA.  During her employment with VOA one of her clients ended their life via suicide with her client's sudden death, she realized the severity of the Los Angeles homeless crisis and developed the CFH supportive housing Program where she provides realistic resources (employment, counseling etc.) to meet her re

This week's Black Girl Nerds podcast welcomes comic book creator and screenwriter Tyler Martin and Ms. Pat of 'The Ms. Pat Show'. Segment 1: Tyler F. Martin is a comic book and screenplay writer, publisher, editor, and creative director based in Atlanta Georgia. An avid Star Wars fan, self-proclaimed Blerd, and lover of all things comics, he is most notably recognized for founding Godhood Comics. An Atlanta-based publishing company and one of the fastest-growing and Black-owned independent comic book publishers in the U.S. Godhood Comics was founded in 2014 and designed to highlight diversity in comics by focusing on telling stories around BIPOC (Black and indigenous people of color) characters and concepts. Creator of titles such as Mega Woman, Sharpshooter, Galactic Patrol Delta, and the extremely popular comic series The Antagonists. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Based on Ms. Pat’s stand-up comedy and memoir, The Ms. Pat Show is the story of a former convicted felon turned suburban mom and stand-up comedian

BGN interviews Brian David-Marshall (President & Publisher of InterPop) and Rachel Gluckstern (Group Editor, Emergents). InterPop is forging the future of digital fandom with comic, game, and collectible NFTs minted responsibly on the Tezos blockchain. Brian David-Marshall serves as President and publisher, creating multiple digital CCGs and is excited to bring all his gaming and comic experiences to bear on the Emergents TCG and comic universe.  Rachel Gluckstern serves as group editor of InterPop's line of digital comics. She also developed the Charmz imprint for Papercutz and spearheaded the graphic novel program for Little Bee Books, acquiring the critically acclaimed "Always Human". Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Ryanne Bennett

This week on the BGN Podcast we welcome actor Carlacia Grant of 'Outer Banks' and filmmaker Jamila Wignot of 'Ailey'. Segment 1:  “Outer Banks” follows a tight-knight group of local teens, dubbed the “Pogues,” in the beach vacation destination of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. On the small screen, Carlacia appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s well-received megachurch drama series “Greenleaf” as well as the critically acclaimed miniseries “Roots” alongside legendary actors Laurence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker. Host: Stacey Yvonne Segment 2: Many know the name Alvin Ailey, but how many know the man? Ailey’s commitment to searching for truth in movement resulted in pioneering and enduring choreography that centers on African American experiences. Director Jamila Wignot’s resonant biography grants artful access to the elusive visionary who founded one of the world’s most renowned dance companies, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

This week on the Black Girl Nerds podcast we host a 3-segment episode featuring actors Kristin Dodson (Flatbush Misdemeanors), Hannaha Hall and Tai Davis (The Chi). Segment 1: Kristin was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and is currently a 3rd year in Columbia’s MFA Acting program. She has numerous television and film credits under her belt, including Cartoon Network’s The Shivering Truth and Netflix’s Roxanne Roxanne. Kristin is also an accredited theatre actor. Segment 2: Hannaha Hall is a native of the South Side of Chicago. Best known for her work as Tiff on the hit SHOWTIME drama series THE CHI, she attended the famed Lee Strasberg school in New York. She has appeared on the drama series Chicago Med. Segment 3: Tai Davis  is a Chicago native born and raised on the city's south side. She began her acting career at the age of eight when she booked her first national campaign for McDonald’s. A proud member of SAG/AFTRA, she has been in projects such as Cupid (ABC) Roll Bounce (FoxSearchlight), Save The La

In this 2-segment episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome actors Patina Miller and Jay Ellis! Segment 1: Patina will lead the latest chapter of Starz’s POWER saga, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN, as ‘Raquel Thomas’, the fierce and compelling mother of the nefarious ‘Kanan’, who was portrayed by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the original series. Starz’s tentpole POWER franchise is the most-watched show on premium cable and has a dedicated, wide fanbase.  Hosted by: Ryanne Segment 2: The new podcast series "Written Off" is hosted by Walter Thompson-Hernández (NAACP Image Award-nominee) and co-created and co-produced by Insecure's Jay Ellis and his production company Black Bar Mitzvah. The show will spotlight the creative writing of formerly incarcerated young writers in the LA area who have been impacted and silenced by the prison system in the United States and each episode will feature a different influential creative performing their writing. Hosted by: Jeandra Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie

Season 1 of Marvel Studios' 'Loki' has wrapped and we're already waiting with bated breath for season 2!  In this BGN Podcast Extra, we interview Costume Designer Christine Wada and Production Designer  Kasra Farahani. Hosted by: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the BGN Podcast, we welcome screenwriter Eric Pearson to discuss the Marvel blockbuster hit Black Widow currently playing in cinemas and on Disney+. Eric has worked with Marvel Studios, writing various short films for their Marvel One-Shots series of films, and writing the screenplay for the feature films Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow, and Godzilla vs. Kong Hosted by: Jeandra In our second segment, we have a spoilery discussion about the movie and break down our thoughts about the film, and give our hot takeaways! Hosted by: Ryanne and Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

BGN interviews multi-hyphenate Questlove about his documentary 'Summer of Soul' Over the course of six weeks during the summer of 1969, thousands of people attend the Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music, and fashion. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Music featured in podcast from 'Summer of Soul' courtesy of Hulu Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

BGN interviews the stars of the film First Date that made its premiere at Sundance earlier this year. Shy highschooler Mike finally summons the courage to ask out his badass neighbor Kelsey, only to realize he’s missing a key element for a successful date - the car. Panicked and low on cash, he’s conned into buying a beat up ‘65 Chrysler. Mike's plan to win over Kelsey soon turns into a surreal misadventure when they are inexplicably targeted by a pair of cops, a criminal gang, and a vengeful cat lady. A night fueled by desire, bullets, and burning rubber makes any other first date seem like a walk in the park. Stars Tyson Brown (Mike) and Shelby Duclos (Kelsey) join us on this episode to discuss the film. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this 2-part episode, it is all about 'F9: The Fast Saga' movie! In our first segment, we welcome actor Sung Kang notably known as Han Lue in The Fast and The Furious franchise to chat about his role in the film F9 currently playing in theaters. Host: Ryanne In our second segment, Ryanne breaks down her experience during the F9 press conference hosted by Universal Studios and gives her take on the overall series of films and what's to come. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

BGN interviews the multi-hyphenate star of Tyler Perry's 'Sistas', Mignon. Southern storyteller and actress Mignon is well on her way to heat up Hollywood. She is currently starring in the second season of BET and Tyler Perry's successful female-led series SISTAS. Mignon stars as the fearless Daniella "Danni" King and is definitely a fan favorite. Host: Ryanne Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Music by: Sammus

This week BGN interviews co-director Andy Señor Jr. of HBO's Revolution Rent. HBO’s REVOLUTION RENT, directed by Andy Señor Jr. and Victor Patrick Alvarez, follows Señor Jr. to Cuba, where he is tasked with directing a stage production of the Tony® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, “Rent,” the country’s first Broadway musical produced by an American company in more than 50 years. Returning to his exiled parents’ homeland, Señor Jr. embarks on a personal journey, exploring his Cuban heritage and his family’s complex relationship to the country they love. REVOLUTION RENT debuts TUESDAY, JUNE 15 (9:00–10:30 p.m. ET/PT) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the iconic musical’s Broadway premiere on April 29, 1996. Hosted by: Ryanne Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Music by: Sammus

In this 2-part episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we speak with actor Birgundi Baker, best known from Showtime's The Chi and Raven Majia Williams a direct descendant of one of the victims of the Tulsa massacre bringing their story to life in a new documentary. Segment 1: Birgundi Baker is a multi-talented actress that sets herself apart with her brave and intuitive performances, portraying an array of complex and powerful characters that continue to grow her career in television and film Baker was recently seen reprising her role in the third season of Showtime’s hit drama series The Chi.  Hosted by: Ryanne Segment 2: “The Legacy of Black Wall Street” tracks the rise of Black Wall Street in Oklahoma’s Greenwood District up until the tragic 1921 Tulsa race massacre that destroyed the 36-block booming business epicenter. The commemorative documentary special shifts the narrative from the massacre itself to amplify the voices of those Black pioneers then who went West to build their Americ

In this episode of the BGN Podcast, we welcome actor Yasha Jackson, star of the film 'Killer Among Us'.  On the 4th of July, a rookie female cop partners with a veteran detective to save the life of a high-school student from a radicalized serial killer.  Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this historic episode of the BGN podcast, we welcome the leading expert on the COVID-19 crisis Dr. Anthony Fauci. Dr. Anthony Fauci serves as the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and is the chief medical advisor to the President.  He became director of the NIAID in 1984 and has made contributions to HIV/AIDS research and other immunodeficiency diseases, both as a research scientist and as the head of the NIAID. From 1983 to 2002, Fauci was one of the world's most frequently-cited scientists across all scientific journals. In 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Fauci the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, for his work on the AIDS relief program. Hosted by: Ryanne In a second segment, Ryanne joins Jamie to discuss living with the vaccine in 2021 and what the summer will be like watching movies, streaming our favorite entertainment shows, and more! Hosted by: Ryanne and Jamie Music by

BGN welcomes Author MJ Fievre and SVP, Multicultural Networks and  Strategy, UP Entertainment Melissa Ingram. Segment 1: M.J. Fievre is the author of the Badass Black Girl series. She helps others write their way through trauma, build community and create social change. She works with veterans, disenfranchised youth, cancer patients and survivors, victims of domestic and sexual violence, minorities, the elderly, those with chronic illness or going through transition and any underserved population in need of writing as a form of therapy—even if they don’t realize that they need writing or therapy. Host: Ryanne Segment 2:  Melissa is the top executive at UP, responsible for driving the growth and success of AspireTV, Cine Romántico and other multicultural brands from UP Entertainment across all distribution platforms (her previous title was GM of AspireTV before it’s purchase by UP, AspireTV remains under her creative direction). Starting with Melissa at the head, AspireTV is impressively entirely run by fem

BGN welcomes author Jason Michael Primrose of the new book '205Z: Time and Salvation'. In the story, the year is 2052, humanity’s last year on Earth. Natural disasters have ravaged the Earth leaving nations devastated, food and resources limited, and civil unrest rising among a doomed population crammed into claustrophobic cities.  Jason has been obsessed with conceptualizing alternate worlds and characters since childhood. Their origins were devised as allegorical and subconscious outlets that expressed both his trials and triumphs as an LGBTQ+ person of color and struggles with finding his voice, focus, and purpose as a multi-hyphenate creative. Out of this, the Lost Children of Andromeda universe was born.  Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax