Feminist Frequency Radio

It’s Caro’s last episode as co-host of the Feminist Frequency Radio Podcast, but she’s lightening the weight on our hearts with her final delightful discussion pick: the irreverent 2013 gem We Are the Best! about a group of young teen girls forming a punk band in 1982 Sweden. Another perfectly “Caro Movie” that focuses on beautiful, character-driven storytelling, We Are the Best!captures those golden moments of adolescence when everything seems both possible and impossible at once. Friendships seem to burn brighter; parental attention starts to chafe; and identity is an ever-changing kaleidoscope. Listen in for our discussion as we say goodbye.Time Stamps:8:20 - Main discussion on We Are the Best!41:53 - What’s your Freq Out?Anita on the film Desert Hearts (1985) directed by Donna DeitchCaro on the film Sweat (2020) directed by Magnus von HornEbony on the 2016 crime drama series MaigretGuest Freq Out from listener Kit on the 6 book series Murderbot DiariesSubmit your own FREQ out at feministfrequency.com/FREQ

Ebony is back to hosting as she and Carolyn surrender to the contemplative pacing and character-driven appeal of “A Very Caro Movie”: Charles Burnett’s 1990 masterpiece, To Sleep With Anger. Recently added to the Criterion Collection, the film centers around a middle-class Black family in South Central LA, and the mysterious drifter—both charming and menacing—who upends their lives. Starring Danny Glover, Mary Alice and Vonetta McGee, To Sleep With Anger is just the kind of luminous and thoughtful storytelling to course-correct a podcast which may or may not have been talking about a few too many MCU titles of late. In addition to our main discussion, we’ll be making a Big Announcement regarding the future of the FFR podcast, as well as sharing some thoughts on the recent news surrounding Activision Blizzard.Time Stamps:1:40 - Activision Blizzard harassment9:35 - Big changes for the FFR podcast12:47 - Main discussion on To Sleep With Anger40:38 - What’s your Freq Out?Ebony on the Wraith Kings Series of novels

We’re returning to the MCU for a look at the cosmic, time-hopping multiverse of Loki. The series boasts a stellar cast, aesthetic, and a whole lot of storytelling in a six-episode package. Can the God of Mischief change his stripes, and do we even want him to? Listen in to our discussion of this stand-out series and witness as we slowly morph into a Marvel-centric podcast.Time Stamps:8:01 - Main discussion on Loki40:38 - What’s your Freq Out?Anita on the novel The Echo Wife by Sarah GaileyLinks Mentioned:https://twitter.com/anitasarkeesian/status/1416421460516638722?s=20Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagram

Today on the podcast we’re discussing the 24th (!!!!) entry to the MCU, Black Widow. The movie attempts to balance themes of chosen family, trauma and healing with its need to deliver lots of fight scenes and CGI spectacle. But does it succeed, and knowing Natasha’s ultimate ending, do we still care? Listen in to hear our conversation. Time Stamps:10:00 - Main discussion on Black Widow45:13 - What’s your Freq Out?Anita on the immersive theater experience The Nest - http://www.thenestshow.comGuest Freq Out from listener Marion on the novel Legendborn by Tracy DeonnLinks Mentioned:Film Freak Central review of Black Widow by Walter Chaw: https://www.filmfreakcentral.net/ffc/2021/06/black-widow-2021.htmlFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagram

100% PURE ADRENALINE. We’re back and we’re finally tackling a topic we’ve been wanting to talk about for a long time: Point Break, which is having its 30th anniversary this year. It’s peak 90s action cinema and with it, director Kathryn Bigelow not only created a uniquely soulful entry into the action canon, but she may have defined many of the decade’s best cinematic sensibilities as well. Is it ironic or sincere? Is Keanu great or terrible in it? How does Lori Petty’s Tyler both fulfill and subvert the standard role of the superfluous love interest in a film that’s really all about its male characters? Is Carolyn left-reading too much or does Reeves’ Johnny Utah actually discover that the FBI is a soul-crushing machine of which he wants no part? We discuss all this and much more, so gather round the bonfire, catch some waves and join us as we talk about Point Break. Time Stamps:08:15 Point Break41:35 - What’s Your FREQ-Out: Ebony on Summer of Soul, Carolyn on the problems with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s rec

On this episode of the Feminist Frequency Radio podcast, we’re watching RoboCop, one of the first American films by Paul Verhoeven, who would go on to direct Total Recall, Basic Instinct, and notably, Starship Troopers. After discovering Anita had never seen the 80s classic, Carolyn and Ebony are revisiting the film and bringing her along for the ride. What kind of movie is RoboCop? Mid-tier 80s action flick or brilliant work of Reagan-era satire? And how does it hold up both for Caro and Ebony who are coming back to it, as well as for a first time viewer in 2021 like Anita? Listen in to hear our discussion.Time Stamps:7:34 - Main discussion on RoboCop44:50 - What’s your Freq Out?Caro on the documentary miniseries on HBO Exterminate All the BrutesAnita on the upcoming novel from author Claire North—Notes from the Burning Age—out July 6 -  https://www.clairenorth.comLinks Mentioned:Kendall’s rap from Succession: https://youtu.be/6dUDQTc-9kMFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple Podcasts

On this episode of FFR, Entertainment News returns with a crop of pop culture updates and events that are designed to make you bury your head in the nearest pillow and scream. From un-cancelable sexual offenders to the latest string of reboots, remakes, and retreads, we’re here to talk about the things that are keeping our group chats popping and our Twitter feeds unbearable.Time Stamps:2:27 - Talking about our recent live stream event10:03 - Everything Old Is New Again:Timothee Chalamet playing Willy Wonka: https://www.etonline.com/timothee-chalamet-to-play-young-willy-wonka-in-new-origin-film-wonka-166260Henry Cavill as the Highlander: https://deadline.com/2021/05/henry-cavill-lionsgates-highlander-reboot-chad-stahelski-1234761916/Emma Stone as Cruella deVil: https://nypost.com/2021/05/21/how-emma-stone-transformed-into-disney-villain-cruella/29:33 - The World Is On Fire and We Can’t Talk About ItEmily Wilder fired from AP: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/may/24/associated-press-journalists-emily-wil

Today on the podcast we’re discussing the 1976 horror classic Carrie, directed by Brian de Palma and based on Stephen King’s first published novel. We asked our patrons to select from several films with Bad Mothers, and this is what they chose— a film with enduring cultural significance full of fascinating contradictions between de Palma’s characteristically problematic lens and other narrative aspects that seem to naturally invite a feminist reading. Listen in as we unpack the many layers of Carrie and how the film presents the feminine and femininity, including gender performance, internalized misogyny, and of course, motherhood.*** Friendly reminder to mark your calendars for our birthday blow out! This Friday, May 21st starting at 1pm PT we've got 26 hours full of streamers and games all celebrating Feminist Frequency's 12th anniversary. Spread the word & follow us on http://twitch.tv/femfreq to get ready!Time Stamps:10:39 - Main discussion on Carrie43:56 - What’s your Freq Out?Ebony on accessibility

On this topical episode of the podcast we’re tackling fame, celebrity culture, and fandom. While celebrity is nothing new, the modern landscape of social media creates both new avenues to fame, as well as new opportunities for fans to access their favorite stars and content creators. Today we’re talking: toxic celebrity, access and entitlement, and the false “democratization” of fame that offers a little bit of notoriety to anyone.Time Stamps:5:51 - Main discussion43:56 - What’s your Freq Out?Ebony on the novel The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole DavisAnita on the novels from the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers— The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and A Closed and Common OrbitLinks Mentioned:https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy8npv/ava-rose-tiktok-fame-social-media-influencer-harrassment-v28n1Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

Arrogant tech bros cruelly disregarding privacy and the boundaries of decency in worship of their own genius (and as the world cheers on) has become a modern horror staple (e.g. the film Ex Machina or the series Devs), but today on the podcast we’re discussing the HBO series MADE FOR LOVE, where the tone for this premise takes a darkly comedic turn as we follow Hazel Green-Gogol (played by Cristin Milioti) and her bid for freedom from her controlling, narcissistic husband (played by Billy Magnussen) who has literally put a chip in her head without her consent. What did we think? Listen in to find out.Time Stamps:3:34 - Main discussion on Made for Love44:01 - What’s your Freq Out?Caro on the HBO series Mare of EasttownEbony on Without RemorseFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

Following the success of WandaVision, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is the MCU’s latest attempt to handle tough topics in a weekly action series, but does it manage to be more than propaganda? Listen in as Anita, Ebony, and Carolyn dive into a heated discussion of how a show framed as opening a new era for Captain America mostly reinforces the status quo.Time Stamps:6:11 - Main discussion on The Falcon and The Winter Soldier45:28 - What’s your Freq Out?Ebony on the series The Great Pottery Throw DownCaro on the video game Devotion developed by Red Candle GamesAnita on the book Making Movies by Sidney LumetLinks Mentioned:https://twitter.com/pinballwitch/status/1386549231977078786?s=21Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

When all your faves are problematic, it may be tempting, or even natural, to tease out progressive politics or disruptive readings within media which on the surface seems to support the status quo. Is that ultra-macho action movie really about found family? Is your favorite root-for-the-bad-guy drama actually a scathing indictment of violence and toxic masculinity? Well, maybe not, but the tendency to seek a progressive meaning in the media we love is called “left-reading,” and today on the podcast Carolyn, Ebony, and Anita are taking a look at the phenomena and discussing why it happens and what harm might be done by excusing popular media in this way.Time Stamps:6:00 - Introduction to “Left-reading”9:34 - The Equalizer and The Equalizer 217:13 - Breaking Bad20:46 - Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings27:00 - Optimistic left-reading, opportunities for reclamation, and personal interpretation vs real-world impact36:24 - Cop-aganda40:00 - Fury Road and Ripley44:00 - John Wick and The Fast and the Furi

On this episode of the Feminist Frequency Podcast, Ebony is back in the saddle and leading the charge, hosting our discussion of the new Netflix film Concrete Cowboy, from first-time director Ricky Staub and starring Idris Elba, Lorraine Toussaint, and Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin. While we can agree that Idris Elba and Method Man in cowboy hats is a good thing, our opinions diverge from there. Who’s take do you agree with? Listen in to find out.Time Stamps:15:11 - Main discussion on Concrete Cowboy48:54 - What’s your Freq Out?Caro on the Director’s Cut of the film Doctor SleepAnita on the 2008 Swiss film Home directed by Ursula MeierEbony on the novel Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-GarciaLinks Mentioned:Statement from the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club about the film: http://fsurc.com/news/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_(2008_Swiss_film)Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

Today on the podcast we’re returning from our break (and yet somehow still entering vacation mode) as Anita, Caro, and special guest Charlie Jane Anders take a look at Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s colorful comedy Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar. Is this movie a timely escape or a bit of a bad trip? Listen in to find out what we found so polarizing.** This week’s Bonus segment (normally only available to our Patreon supporters) will be available to all! Make sure you listen in as we talk to special guest Charlie Jane Anders about her illustrious career, her writing process, and her brand new YA sci-fi book, Victories Greater Than Death!Time Stamps:9:38 - Main discussion on Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar40:16 - What’s your Freq Out?Special Guest Charlie Jane Anders on season 2 of Batwoman on the CWCaro on the book Afropessimism by Frank B Wilderson IIIAnita on the novel Trail of Lightening by Rebecca RoanhorseFollow Charlie Jane:Preorder Victories Greater Than Death - bit.ly/VGTDpreorderoffershttps:

Today’s very special episode of the Bonus is available to all! Listen in as we talk to Charlie Jane Anders about her illustrious career, her writing process, and her brand new YA sci-fi book, Victories Greater Than Death!Follow Charlie Jane:Preorder Victories Greater Than Death - bit.ly/VGTDpreorderoffershttps://twitter.com/charliejanecharliejane.comhttps://instagram.com/charliejaneandersFollow Us:Our WebsiteSubscribe on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagram

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Special Guest Walter Chaw, film critic for Film Freak Central, to discuss writer/director Lee Isaac Chung’s semi-autobiographical film Minari, which despite being about an American family pursuing a version of the American Dream, controversially won Best Foreign Language Film at the 2021 Golden Globe Awards. Listen in as we discuss how this beautifully authentic film insightfully approaches a particular American experience through the story of the Yi family.Time Stamps:8:55 - Main discussion on Minari45:27 - What’s your Freq Out?Special Guest Walter Chaw on increased Asian American visibility and representation in recent film releases along with the increase of hate crime against Asian Americans.Links Mentioned:Walter Chaw’s review of Minari at Film Freak Central: https://www.filmfreakcentral.net/ffc/2021/01/minari.htmlWalter Chaw’s review of Raya and the Last Dragon at Film Freak Central: https://www.filmfreakcentral.net/ffc/2021/03/raya-and-the-last-dragon.htmlDenver Pub

We asked our patrons to pick a time-loop film for us to discuss and they have spoken! FFR is headed back to 1999 to take a look at the propulsive German thriller, Run Lola Run. The film has endured for over 20 years as both an influential movie and cultural reference point, with its unrelenting visual and narrative pace. Join us as we revisit the story of fire-engine-red-headed Lola (played by Franka Potente) and her desperate run through Berlin to save her feckless boyfriend.Time Stamps:5:40 - Main discussion on Run Lola Run40:06 - What’s your Freq Out?Caro on the 1970 documentary Meeting the Man: James Baldwin in ParisLinks Mentioned:https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jan/11/how-we-made-run-lola-run-franka-potente-berlinhttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/run-lola-run-1999feministfrequency.com/freqoutFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

Our spotlight on Black cinema continues today on the podcast with our look at The 40 Year Old Version.  Written, directed and produced by first-time director Radha Blank, this sharp comedy won the 2020 US Dramatic Competition Directing Prize at Sundance. Join us as we discuss this semi-autobiographical tale of a Black creative grappling with asserting an authentic voice in a marketplace governed by white gatekeepers demanding compromise.Time Stamps:5:52 - Main discussion on The 40 Year Old Version38:39 - What’s your Freq Out?Caro on the 2010 film BeginnersFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

Continuing our month-long series of episodes focusing on work by Black creators, on today’s podcast we’re taking a look at Judas and the Black Messiah. Directed by Shaka King, the Sundance 2021 premiering film has earned both critical acclaim and scrutiny.  Can a Hollywood movie adequately tell a story about political radicals? Does Judas and the Black Messiah do justice to Fred Hampton? Listen in to hear our thoughts.Time Stamps:6:43 - Main discussion on Judas and the Black Messiah41:48 - What’s your Freq Out?Anita on the TV series Ted LassoLinks Mentioned:“Judas and the Black Messiah Is What Happens When Hollywood Co-opts Radical History” by Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, February 11, 2021 - https://www.vulture.com/article/judas-and-the-black-messiah-movie-review-hbo-max.html“Judas and the Black Messiah is a Call to Action [Review]” by Jourdain Searles, okayplayer, February 11, 2021 - https://www.okayplayer.com/culture/judas-and-the-black-messiah-review.htmlFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to

Today on the podcast, we’re discussing Julie Dash’s lush and lyrical 1991 film Daughters of the Dust. Focusing on a multi-generational group of Gullah women on the eve of a life-altering move, this sweeping work was the first film directed by a Black woman to get a general theatrical release in the United States. 30 years later, the haunting and expressive film retains its striking impact.Time Stamps:3:49 - Main discussion on Daughters of the Dust44:34 - What’s your Freq Out?Ebony on the novel Song of Solomon by Toni MorrisonAnita on the film CODA written and directed by Sian HederLinks Mentioned:https://www2.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/features/beyonce-lemonade-julie-dash-daughters-dusthttps://lareviewofbooks.org/article/uses-beauty-daughters-dust-diasporic-inheritance/http://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/the-return-of-julie-dashs-historic-daughters-of-the-dustFollow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram