Black Girl Nerds

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome avid outdoorist, digital nomad, and author Noami Grevemberg to discuss her new book 'Living The Vanlife'. Living on the road in her classic Volkswagen Vanagon since 2016, she’s the founder of the Diversify Vanlife community organization and author of the upcoming book, 'Living the Vanlife' which will be out on July 4th, 2023, and is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold.  Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus and Sky Blew Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we celebrate the opening of the new Searchlight Pictures film 'Chevalier' coming to theaters April 21st. In this discussion, we talk about the life of Joseph Bologne and give our critiques about the upcoming film. Chevalier is directed by Stephen Williams and stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Chevalier, Samara Weaving as Marie-Josephine and Lucy Boynton as Marie Antoinette. Host: Ryanne and Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we welcome AI specialists Dr. Sam Martin and Malik Afegbua. Segment 1: Dr Sam Martin is a Digital Sociologist and Data Scientist, who has been drawing and creating for most of her life. Although she studied Law at Oxford and have a PhD in Digital Health, the one consistent pull throughout has been digital art and all things creative, from designing jewellery, to pottery and more. Lockdown and the Pandemic really led Dr Martin to focus more on digital art and AI art as a way to express one’s inner dreams, feelings, as well as to connect with people in a way that resonates with their everyday lives. Host: Ryanne Segment 2:  Malik Afegbua is a Nigerian born and based contemporary Artist, Virtual reality curator and Film Director (Cinema / Television). The Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of Surrey, London is the Lead Visioner and Chief Executive Officer of Slickcity Media, a full-fledged innovative media production company with expertise acr

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview actors Michelle Williams, Hong Chau and director Kelly Reichardt of the upcoming film 'Showing Up'. A sculptor preparing to open a new show must balance her creative life with the daily dramas of family and friends, in Kelly Reichardt’s vibrant and captivatingly funny portrait of art & craft.  Host: Jeandra Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview animator and producer Love Barnett. Love Barnett, is one-half of the multimedia production company Martian Blueberry, which is currently producing animation for Meg Thee Stallion, The Major League Baseball organization. Love is the co-founder, along with co-founder and legendary animation producer Carl Jones  (known for The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). Love Barnett started her own casting agency (Much Love Productions) at the tender age of 17. Casting music videos, movies and booking dancers for major recording artists and world tours. Not only has she been a major force behind the camera, she’s also expanded her talents in front of the camera as well. Performing in iconic music videos for Kanye West, Eminem, Petey Pablo and the legendary Tupac, to popular sitcoms such as Martin, Smart Guy, and The Last OG. Her passion for entertainment was also met by her love for cars, landing a position as the monthly automotive columnist for Black Men M

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we highlight the intersection of STEM and entertainment with guests Dr. Tina Lasisi and Dr. Kareem Edouard. Segment 1: Dr. Tina Lasisi is a science communicator, content creator, and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southern California. As a biological anthropologist, Dr. Lasisi explores hair shape and skin pigmentation, providing insights into the genetic architecture and evolutionary history of racialized human traits. Her unique research and nuanced perspective reach diverse audiences through her dynamic and witty TikToks and Instagram Reels, in addition to her conversations as a guest expert on several podcasts, including NPR’s Short Wave, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, and In Those Genes. Dr. Lasisi brings enthusiasm, wit, and authenticity to PBS Digital Studios as the host of “Why Am I Like This?” Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Work It Out Wombats!, an exciting new animated series starring a trio of marsupial siblings—Malik, Zadie

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast, we celebrate the SXSW Film and TV Festival currently underway with guests Bomani J. Story and Laya DeLeon Hayes and Kyla Frye discusses her latest project 'Payday'! Segment 1: Vicaria is a brilliant teenager who believes death is a disease that can be cured. After the brutal and sudden murder of her brother, she embarks on a dangerous journey to bring him back to life. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, 'The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster' thematically challenges our ideas of life and death. Host: Jamie Segment 2: Kyla Frye is a multifaceted, award-winning actress who hails from the East end of London.  From being the first Black woman to take on the iconic role of Sandra in Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing, to donning her khakis as a soldier with Tom Cruise in 'Edge of Tomorrow', Kyla’s unwavering presence on stage and screen brings the audience on a thrilling journey full of love and drama. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie B

In this week's BGN Podcast Extra, ahead of tonight's episode, we interview actor Javicia Leslie.  Javicia will appear as Batwoman in the CW series 'The Flash' airing at 8/7c. Javicia Leslie is an actress, visionary and philanthropist committed to making her mark on the world. She is best known for her reign over Gotham City as Ryan Wilder in D.C.'s “Batwoman”. Her casting made global history as the first bisexual Black actress to portray Batwoman. Since her debut in 2019, she has quickly become recognized as one of young Hollywood's most heralded stars and was featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s highly coveted “Next Big Thing'' list. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we chat with actor Ayesha Harris of 'Daisy Jones and the Six' and filmmaker Muta' Ali of 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali'.  Segment 1: Born and raised in the Long Beach and Inland Empire areas of southern California, Ayesha lived many lives before pursuing a career in acting full time. Ayesha can next be seen in the upcoming Amazon Prime miniseries “Daisy Jones and the Six,” opposite Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, and Suki Waterhouse. Adapted from Taylor Jenkins Reid’s wildly popular historical fiction novel of the same name, the series follows the rise and fall of a fictional LA rock band in the 1970s – in the guise of Fleetwood Mac – while exploring the reason behind their split at the height of their success.  Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Muta’Ali is an award winning film director whose latest feature documentary release is Cassius X: Becoming Ali. He received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Director of a Documentary for his critically acclaimed Yusuf Hawk

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast, we welcome multi-hyphenate Rodney Barnes and actor William Jackson Harper. Segment 1: Rodney Barnes is an award-winning writer, producer, and comic book creator whose vibrant and emphatic creative voice has established him as a Hollywood mainstay. From writing on Adult Swim’s The Boondocks, Everybody Hates Chris to Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga and HBO's Winning Time, Barnes has displayed versatility across a variety of genres in the industry’s largest and most influential programs. His newly founded Zombie Love Studios, a graphic novel production studio that will both adapt and create original graphic novels, beginning with the release of his latest graphic novel,  "Blacula: Return of The King". Host: Jamie and Ryanne Segment 2: William Jackson Harper, is an actor and playwright. He is best known for his role as Chidi Anagonye on the NBC comedy The Good Place, for which he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome legendary actor of the stage and screen, Alfre Woodard. Alfre Woodard currently stars in the animated Disney series Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. She plays Mimi, the grandmother to superheroine Lunella Fayette aka Moon Girl. Woodard has received various accolades, including four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as nominations for an Academy Award and two Grammy Awards.  She chats with BGN about her role on the Disney animated series and culture of the Oscars.  Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast we interview actor Skyla I’Lece and tech entrepreneur DeJuan Strickland. Segment 1: Skyla’s will appear on the upcoming Disney+ basketball drama series, The Crossover. Poetry and basketball collide in this powerful new series about 14-year-old twin brothers who come of age on and off court, and this inspirational and emotional family drama is narrated through lyrical poetry. Skyla plays female lead ‘Alexis’ (known as ‘Miss Sweet Tea’ in the novel), a talented musician who has just moved back to the neighborhood and becomes intertwined with the twin brothers. NBA star LeBron James serves as an executive producer. The Crossover will debut on Disney Channel on April 4, 2023 then will drop the following day on Disney+. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: DeJuan Strickland is a 14-year old scholar who enjoys gaming, anime and comics. He has launched 2 comic books of his own called "Techboy" and "Science Girl". He is a member of the National Black Society of Engineers J

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview actor Kyla Pratt and comedian Vir Das.  Segment 1: Kyla Pratt reprises her role as Penny Proud in Disney+'s "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder," the long-anticipated revival of the groundbreaking animated series "The Proud Family." Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Das’ latest offering Landing, his fourth Netflix special, is a show about the personal reflection and existential turmoil Vir unwittingly thrust himself into by giving that speech last year. It’s a show about freedom, foolishness, the west, the east, and what it means to be a citizen of one nation in a global world.  Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome guest Travis Hopson of Punch Drink Critics to chat with us about the best and worst films out of Sundance 2023.  Now that the festival has wrapped, here's our takeaways of what films you should be looking for in 2023. Host: Jamie and Jeanine Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we're celebrating the films coming out of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival!  Featured in this episode are filmmakers D. Smith of 'Kokomo City', Milisuthando Bongela of 'Milisuthando' and actor Travina Springer of 'To Live and Die and Live. The 2023 Festival is January 19–29, 2023, in person in Park City, Salt Lake City, and the Sundance Resort, along with a selection of films available online across the country January 24–29. Segment 1: D. Smith is the director of 'Kokomo City', a film about  four Black transgender sex workers explore the dichotomy between the Black community and themselves while confronting issues long avoided.  Host: Jamie Segment 2: Milisuthando Bongela is the director of 'Milisuthando'. This penetrating coming-of-age personal essay on love and what it means to become human in the context of race explores the memories and experiences of Milisuthando Bongela, who grew up within apartheid without knowing it was happening until it was

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview Guslagie Malanga who stars in the French film Saint Omer directed by Alice Diop.  The film premiered at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals and was entered for Best International Film for the 2023 Oscars. In Saint Omer, Rama is a novelist who attends the trial of Laurence Coly (Guslagie Malanga), a young woman accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter. Testimonies from witnesses and Coly's own words soon shake Rama's convictions. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we open up our comic books and do a deep dive in to issue #1 of Monica Rambeau in her first solo series as Photon.  The limited series is penned by author Eve L. Ewing and illustrated by Luca Maresca, Ivan Fiorelli, with color artist Carlos Lopez and letterer Clayton Cowles. If you're a fan of Monica Rambeau and comic books this is an episode you do not want to miss! Hosts: Ryanne and Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we chat with director Kasi Lemmons and actor/author Terrence Terrell. Segment 1: Kasi Lemmons made her directorial debut with 1997's Eve's Bayou, followed by Dr. Hugo (1998), The Caveman's Valentine, Talk to Me, Black Nativity, and her highest-grossing film, 2019's Harriet, about abolitionist Harriet Tubman.  Her latest film, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a look at the life and career of cultural icon Whitney Houston. Host: Jamie Segment 2: Terrence Terrell is well known for his roles in Chuck Lorre’s comedy series B Positive (CBS), Will Packer-produced friendship sitcom Bigger (BET+), and the longest running Amazon original series Bosch. He stars in the upcoming Peacock TV series 'The Best Man: The Final Chapters'. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

BGN dives into episodes 3 and 4 of the new FX series 'Kindred' currently streaming on Hulu. Adapted from the celebrated novel Kindred, by Hugo Award-winner Octavia E. Butler, the FX series centers on “Dana James” (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who has uprooted her life of familial obligation and relocated to Los Angeles, ready to claim a future that, for once, feels all her own. But, before she can settle into her new home, she finds herself being violently pulled back and forth in time. She emerges at a nineteenth-century plantation, a place remarkably and intimately linked with Dana and her family. An interracial romance threads through Dana’s past and present, and the clock is ticking as she struggles to confront secrets she never knew ran through her blood, in this genre-breaking exploration of the ties that bind. Hosts: Jamie Broadnax, Angelica Monk and Ryanne Bennett Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

BGN dives into the first two episodes of the new FX series 'Kindred' currently streaming on Hulu. Adapted from the celebrated novel Kindred, by Hugo Award-winner Octavia E. Butler, the FX series centers on “Dana James” (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who has uprooted her life of familial obligation and relocated to Los Angeles, ready to claim a future that, for once, feels all her own. But, before she can settle into her new home, she finds herself being violently pulled back and forth in time. She emerges at a nineteenth-century plantation, a place remarkably and intimately linked with Dana and her family. An interracial romance threads through Dana’s past and present, and the clock is ticking as she struggles to confront secrets she never knew ran through her blood, in this genre-breaking exploration of the ties that bind. Hosts: Jamie Broadnax, Angelica Monk and Ryanne Bennett Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax