Black Girl Nerds

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome multi-hyphenate Keith L. Underwood, creator of the comic series 'Califia and the Timeless Sentries'. Keith L. Underwood is an independent public relations expert with over twenty years in the communications industry. He is an international advertising and marketing strategist, content creator, media writer, brand manager, print and digital media consultant, event coordinator, and creative director. In 2014, Underwood was the founder and digital content creator of WarriorsOfWonder.com, a digital media platform featuring the latest news, reviews, and info centering on diversity in the comic book genre. In 2016, Underwood created Califia and the Timeless Sentries. Califia and the Timeless Sentries is a science fantasy property about Califia, a Nubian Amazon queen after whom the state of California was named, who joins forces with other legendary heroes to fight cruelty and injustice in a world where time, space, science, and sorcery defy the la

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we welcome actor Crystal Renee’ Hayslett of BET's Sistas and TV showrunner Tze Chun of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. Segment 1: Crystal Renee’ Hayslett is an actor and featured in Will Packer Productions and Universal Pictures feature film Praise This, released on Peacock on April 7.  Crystal also stars as ‘Fatima’ in Tyler Perry’s Sistas and its spinoff Zatima. Season 6 of Sistas will premiere on BET 5/31.Host: RyanneSegment 2:  Tze Chun is Executive Producer and Showrunner of the Gremlins animated prequel Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai for Warner Bros Animation and Amblin which premieres on May 23rd on Max, and served as Showrunner and Executive Producer of Boots Riley’s upcoming Amazon Prime show I'm A Virgo which premieres in June 2023.Host: JamieMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we drop a bonus episode to feature the animation team behind the upcoming film Elemental from Disney and Pixar Studios. Featured in the interviews are director Peter Sohn, producer Denise Ream as well as directing animators Gwendolyn Enderoğlu and Allison Rutland. Director Peter Sohn joined Pixar Animation Studios in September 2000 and has worked on Academy Award®-winning feature films including Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and “WALL•E.” Sohn made his directorial debut on the Pixar short "Partly Cloudy", before going on to direct his first feature The Good Dinosaur. He was also an executive producer on Luca, which debuted on Disney+ in June 2021. Denise Ream joined Pixar Animation Studios in October 2006 as the associate producer on the Academy Award®-winning feature film Up. Ream continued on to produce 2011’s Cars 2, working alongside director John Lasseter, and Pixar’s original November 2015 feature film, The Good Dinosaur, with director P

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we interview actor Sung Kang of Fast X and the team behind FX's The Secrets of Hillsong Stacey Lee and Sarah Amos. Segment 1: Sung Kang is an American-born Korean actor, most recognizable for his recurring role in the multi-billion dollar Fast and Furious franchise for Universal Pictures. Sung will next reprise the role of Han Lue in Fast X, the highly-anticipated tenth installment of the Fast franchise, starring opposite Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, Jason Momoa, and Helen Mirren. The film is set to release on May 19, 2023. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: The Secrets of Hillsong is a four-part documentary series based on the explosive original reporting on the megachurch’s scandals by Vanity Fair journalists Alex French and Dan Adler. Directed by Stacey Lee, The Secrets of Hillsong features the first interviews with former pastors Carl and Laura Lentz since their public ousting from the church, which for years counted musicians, actors, athletes and other cele

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we interview actors Katy O'Brian and Jay Lycurgo. Segment 1: Katy O'Brian is an actor, writer and martial artist. She is best known for her roles as Jentorra in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, George in Syfy's zombie show Z Nation, Major Sarah Grey in The CW's superhero series Black Lightning and Kimball in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. She plays Imperial communications officer Elia Kane in the second and third seasons of The Mandalorian. Host: Jamie Segment 2:  Jay was cast in a supporting role in Matt Reeves’ upcoming blockbuster feature The Batman. He as most recently seen in the role of ‘Tim Drake’ aka ‘Robin’ in the HBO Max series Titans, where he quickly became the fan favorite and the first POC to portray the character. Currently, he can be seen starring as the lead in Joe Barton’s upcoming fantasy series Half-Bad for Netflix Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus, Sky Blew and Shubzilla Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview actors Javicia Leslie and Tunji Kasim. Segment 1: 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. Filmed for release in 2023 she plays the lead role as Jo Czeuzot in “Double Life'' for Paramount and Lighthouse Pictures directed by Martin Wood.  Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Tunji stars in the much anticipated, “Bridgerton” prequel drama series entitled “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” debuting worldwide on Netflix May 4, 2023.  The 6-episode event reveals the origins of the beloved character Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio), as she ascends the throne and changes the Bridgerton kingdom as she knows it.  Tunji plays Adolphus, the leader of his county and head of the family, two roles that don’t often go hand in han

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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: RyanneMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Suppor

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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: RyanneSegment 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

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 JeanineMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.