Feminist Frequency Radio

This week, we revisit the classic 1980 comedy about sexism in the workplace, 9 to 5. We discuss all the ways in which the film still rings true, the insight with which it depicts women trying to navigate multiple manipulative sexist behaviors of men in positions of power, and how it doesn't lay the blame at the feet of one bad boss but acknowledges that these are systemic issues that necessitate structural change. We also talk about what it's like to watch this film some 40 years after its release, when we seem to have made little progress with addressing these kinds of abuses and power imbalances. At the same time,  the film now captures a bygone era of American employment before the days of the gig economy, when it was easier to find jobs that were just jobs and not things we brought home or that absorbed our entire identity. Also, we talk about the one scene that made Ronald Reagan mad.Time Stamps:03:00 - 9 to 538:00- What’s Your FREQ-Out: Ebony on The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Carolyn on I Know This Much Is

This week we're off to Palm Springs via the new time-loop rom-com on Hulu starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milotti. We discuss how Palm Springs tweaks the familiar structure of films like Groundhog Day in some significant ways to serve up something fresh, while also acknowledging that it can't entirely avoid some of the troubling matters of consent that often seem to come with the time-loop territory. We also talk about how the film explores questions of what it means to live ethically when every day is the same as the previous ten thousand days, and the surprising sweetness of its love story.Time Stamps:02:10 - Palm Springs37:55 - What’s Your FREQ-Out: Carolyn on I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Ebony on P-Valley, Anita on Carrion and A Mortician’s Tale, Listener Chelsea on The Babysitter’s Club (Netflix)Links Mentioned:In Palm Springs, Consent Is a Murky Line by Sarah Jae LieberFollow Us:Join our Patreon Our WebsiteSubscribe on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagram

After a brief detour into recent events in Portland, we get into Netflix's hugely successful new action flick, The Old Guard, featuring Charlize Theron as the de facto leader of a group of immortal mercenaries as they welcome a new member and face a new adversary. Our conversation touches on the strength of Gina Prince-Bythewood’s direction, as well as the makeup of the crew, with its international membership that includes two gay men whose fierce devotion to each other melted even Anita's heart. We discuss how the identities of the main characters feel central to their stories and their experiences.  Additionally, concerns are raised about the “strong female character” trope, we talk about the loneliness that comes with immortality, and mention some of the fun questions that the premise of a movie like this raises.Time Stamps:02:00 - What’s Happening in Portland07:40 - The Old Guard48:10 - What’s Your FREQ-Out: Ebony on artists Jessica Spence and Frank Morrison, Carolyn on First Cow, Anita on BettyLinks Ment

Cartoon voices have been recast, episodes of 30 Rock have been pulled, and Gone with the Wind has been recontextualized. In this week’s episode of FFR, we discuss the many ways that Hollywood has scrambled in recent weeks to respond to the current conversation about racial justice, and whether any of the actions being taken are actually meaningful, or are just meant to convey the appearance of meaningful action. We ask how, moving forward, we can disrupt white supremacy’s hold on the media we create, and what do we do with the sometimes-oppressive media of the past as we seek to build a better future.Time Stamps:2:55 - Hollywood “Responds” to Conversations About Racial Justice44:50 - FREQ-Outs: Carolyn on Hannibal, Ebony on Mucho Mucho Amor, Anita on Sludge LifeLinks Mentioned:Imran Siddiquee’s tweet on 30 RockDr. Jason Dorwart’s thread on Come As You Are and disability representationHannibal reunionSludge Life, free on the Epic StoreFollow Us:Join our Patreon Our WebsiteSubscribe on Apple PodcastsTwitterInst

In this week’s episode, Anita and Carolyn embark on a grim and arduous journey through the discourse over The Last of Us Part II. We share our personal reactions to the game’s cast of characters, talk about its view of humanity and its use of violence, discuss the game’s narrative structure and themes, and ultimately answer the question of whether or not we found the grueling quest it takes us on to be worthwhile. Join us! Time Stamps:3:45 - The Last of Us Part II (Yep, this episode is pretty much ALL Last of Us talk.)Links Mentioned:Broken People, Broken Worlds: Carolyn’s piece on The Last of Us Part IIFollow Us:Join our Patreon Our WebsiteSubscribe on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagram

Ebony hosts this episode of Feminist Frequency Radio to discuss the James Baldwin documentary, I Am Not Your Negro, with very special guest, the prolific and award-winning writer, scholar and activist, Dr. Taiyon J. Coleman. Together, they examine the 2016 film, directed by Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck, and the legacy of Baldwin’s work against the backdrop of ongoing global protests of police violence against black people and the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe on to FFR on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagramFollow/Contact Dr. Coleman:TwitterEmail: tjcoleman@stkate.edu

This week’s podcast was recorded on May 31, 2020. We won’t be discussing a new piece of media; we’re discussing a nation at war. Over the past week, we have watched as righteous protests rise in the wake of the Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd—and the deaths of many other black people including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade. In response, the white supremacist American state apparatus has activated violently. Today, we want to share with you some of what we’ve seen, resources that might help you take action, and ways to make sense of some of the conflicting narratives we’re being fed. #blacklivesmatter RESOURCE LIST: PETITIONS, DONATE, CALL AND EMAIL TO DEMAND JUSTICE AND SHARE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-0KC83vYfVQ-2freQveH43PWxuab2uWDEGolzrNoIks/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR0zIYlxvOAQh6LDych9e3LCZ8nf2I43gPzEnfWCeYMAe1zB00tTv0PEHZs ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT (but please do your own research):List of BLM suggested ways to support: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/Reclaim The Block

Anita, Ebony and Carolyn are back with another Entertainment News roundup. What’s up for discussion today? The Snyder Cut of Justice League is coming (yikes)! E3 is cancelled, but do we even need it anymore? And Joe Biden is taking the black vote for granted. Commiserate with us as we wade through the mostly bad (and somewhat absurd) of recent news, with at least one bit of good news for fans of a particular cancelled Netflix favorite. CW: discussion of suicide during segment on Hana Kimura’s recent death. Time stamp located below. Time Stamps:5:51 - The Snyder Cut of Justice League is coming - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/justice-league-snyder-cut-plans-revealed-it-will-be-an-new-thing-129510217:28 - The deathbed confession of Norma Corvey aka Jane Roe of Roe v Wade - https://www.vox.com/2020/5/22/21267493/aka-jane-roe-norma-mccorvey-deathbed-confession22:35 - Joe Biden interview on The Breakfast Club with Charlamagne tha God - https://youtu.be/KOIFs_SryHI33:36 - Hana Kimura has died at 22;

**Mark your calendar for Feminist Frequency’s 11th birthday party! This Thursday, May 21st from 5:00 - midnight Pacific time join at Twitch.tv/femfreq for guests, games, and giveaways. This week on the podcast we are delighted to think critically about the Apple TV+ series Little America. The anthology, from makers of The Big Sick and Master of None, puts the immigrant experience at the center of its plot. Currently available to view without a subscription and already renewed for a second season, this series presents stand-alone episodes observing the story and life of an individual immigrant living in the United States. Join us as we take a look at several episodes, from the tale of a young boy left to run the family motel when his parents are deported, or a Nigerian college student in Oklahoma who loves American cowboy culture, to a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in the US so that he can live openly as a gay man, and explore how successfully Little America presents their stories.Time Stamps:6:36 - Main Discu

On this episode of Feminist Frequency Radio we take a look at The Half of It, the second film from Saving Face director Alice Wu. Available for streaming on Netflix, the film is a take on the classic-literature-as-teen-movie genre, reimagining Cyrano de Bergerac as wry, bookish teenager Ellie Chu, who reluctantly agrees to help charming but dim-witted Paul woo the girl that Ellie herself has a crush on. Join us as we examine how this film subverts expectations of the genre, telling a surprisingly multi-faceted story of teen angst. Time Stamps:4:47 - Main Discussion on The Half of It41:52 - What’s Your Freq Out?Carolyn on Driveways (2019) directed by Andrew Ahn and starring Hong Chau, Lucas Jaye, and Brian DennehyEbony on Tongan responses to Rutger Bregman’s telling of “real life” Lord of the Flies - https://twitter.com/endlessyarning/status/1259346151154708480?s=20 - https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/09/the-real-lord-of-the-flies-what-happened-when-six-boys-were-shipwrecked-for-15-monthsAnita on the

Caitlin Durante—writer, comedian, co-host of The Bechdel Cast, Josie and the Pussycats enthusiast, and very special guest of Feminist Frequency Radio—returns to discuss the 2001 cult classic film with Anita and Carolyn. Can she convince us of its “borderline flawless” status, or, upon closer inspection, does this movie only manage to reinforce the out-of-control corporate commercialism it aims to critique?Time Stamps:2:52 - Main Discussion on Josie and the Pussycats40:03 - What’s Your Freq Out?Carolyn on Tales from the Loop, series on Amazon PrimeCaitlin on the movies Paddington and Paddington 2Anita on “Wake”, episode of the Still Processing podcast - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/07/podcasts/still-processing-parasite-watchmen-bong-joon-ho.htmlGuest freq out from listener Daniel on Control, game from Remedy Entertainment ** Support the Stay in the Game Relief Fund - https://givebutter.com/stayinthegame Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe on to FFR on Apple PodcastsTwitterInstagramFollow Caitlin:

Because you asked (and because we need to focus on something other than coronavirus updates) Entertainment News is back! In this episode Carolyn and Anita are joined by returning special guest Laura Hudson, to discuss some of the most interesting recent entertainment news stories and media happenings. From video game and television series announcements we're nervous about, to contemplating the cost of digital turnips in Animal Crossing, we’ve got the news you need.Time Stamps & Links Mentioned:2:36 - Star Wars Series in the Works at Disney+ from Russian Doll Co-creator - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-series-works-at-disney-russian-doll-creator-1291400?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social12:20 - Cyberpunk 2077's faction The Mox protects sex workers from violence - https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/04/08/cyberpunk-2077s-faction-the-mox-protect-sex-workers-from-violence/18:15 - Rate My Skype Room - https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/04/rate-my-skype-room-twitter - https:/

This week on the Feminist Frequency Radio podcast we grapple with Hulu’s limited series Mrs. America, focusing on the battle for and against the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. Join as we struggle with the powerful questions and feelings the series raises as this telling of feminism’s past illuminates the many issues the movement continues to face today.Time Stamps:1:39 - Week #2645 of the Quarantine Report4:43 - Main Discussion on Mrs. America51:01 - What’s Your Freq Out?Carolyn on Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, and others undermining the severity of COVID-19Ebony on Year of the Rabbit, IFC series - https://www.ifc.com/shows/year-of-the-rabbitAnita on the finale of Devs on Hulu, and the new album Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona AppleLinks Mentioned:Combahee River Collective - https://combaheerivercollective.weebly.comAnita on Mrs. America and the current state of feminism - https://twitter.com/anitasarkeesian/status/1250985102450065408?s=20Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe on to FFR on Apple PodcastsTwi

Originally slotted to debut at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, but currently made available on Netflix, the documentary L. A. Originals chronicles the partnership between director Estevan Oriol and master graffiti artist and high profile tattooist, Mark Machado, aka Mister Cartoon. Join us as we share some of our thoughts and reactions regarding storytelling, cultural appropriation vs appreciation, and the intersection of cultural identity and feminism, as we explore this intriguing, if somewhat rambling, story about the rise of two prominent Chicano artists over the shifting landscape of 25+ years.Time Stamps:1:34 - Isolation updates: movement and fashion3:57 - Main Discussion on L. A. Originals40:13 - What’s Your Freq Out?Ebony on McMillions documentary series on HBOCarolyn on Colombo episode, “Try and Catch Me” - https://youtu.be/iRgqqywphzwAnita on In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria MachadoGuest Freq Out from Chris on Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to) game by PopcannibalLinks Mentioned:Gra

Like so much of life right now, the format for this episode of Feminist Frequency Radio will be a bit different. Check in with us while we shelter-in-place, and Anita, Carolyn and Ebony share the films, shows, books, games and new hobbies that are seeing us through self isolation.Time Stamps:1:34 - Vibe check15:40 - Media for Quarantimes:Carolyn:Films by Kelly Reichardt - First Cow, Wendy and Lucy, and Certain Women - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0716980/Ebony:The Terracotta Bride by Zen Cho - https://zencho.org/the-terracotta-bride-out-now/“Penhallow Among Passing Things” by Iona Datt Sharma - https://www.generalist.org.uk/iona/fiction/penhallow-amid-passing-things/Foyle’s War - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foyle%27s_WarAnita:Hart of Dixie - https://g.co/kgs/3ZyAaVNashville - https://g.co/kgs/ZFjAsdZoey’s Extraordinary Playlist - https://g.co/kgs/vKtkgHDevs - https://g.co/kgs/DsGQxh “Wavelength” board game - https://www.wavelength.zoneMarco Polo app - https://www.marcopolo.meThe Light Brigade by Kameron Hurl

Mysterious and ominous, Devs, Hulu’s new limited series from Alex Garland, seems right in line with the filmmakers other contributions to the sci-fi genre, Ex Machina and Annihilation. After two episodes, Anita, Carolyn and Ebony agree that the series is “interesting” but their definition of what makes is so may differ depending on which one you ask. Tune in to hear our thoughts on class, race, critical reception of the series, and that giant statue.Time Stamps:1:22 - International Women’s Day fails4:42 - Main Discussion on Devs42:34 - What’s Your Freq Out?Ebony on Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le GuinCarolyn on Reply All Podcast episode, “The Case of the Missing Hit” - https://gimletmedia.com/shows/reply-all/o2h8bxAnita on Women’s Weekend Film Challenge - https://www.womensweekendfilmchallenge.com/Guest Freq Out from Ariana on The Raven Cycle novel series by Maggie StiefvaterLinks Mentioned:Shell International Women’s Day cringe - https://twitter.com/lightmyacid/status/1236465779027165185?s=20Police Service o

Carolyn and Anita are joined on the podcast by special guest Nicole He, game developer and creative technologist, to take a look at Hulu’s High Fidelity, originally a novel by Nick Hornby, but probably known by most from the 2000 film starring John Cusack as Rob Gordon, a record store owner and obsessive music fan who takes us through his all-time top-five most painful breakups while trying to reunite with his most recent girlfriend. Hulu’s series swaps out this white dude version of Rob for a queer, woman of color played by Zoe Kravitz. Does the new representation in High Fidelity matter? And what happens to the narrative when this swap is applied to a character who epitomized a new kind of toxic masculinity at the start of the 21st century?Time Stamps:1:45 - a little bit about Nicole and how she makes some of the coolest sh*t Anita’s ever seen7:02 - Main Discussion on High Fidelity41:20 - What’s Your Freq Out?Carolyn on Tevin Thompson’s Fortnite essayNicole on women weightliftingAnita on The Care and Feedin

This week, FFR takes a journey into the genre-defying cinematic poesy of Mati Diop’s Atlantics. The highly acclaimed, supernaturally-tinged drama, screened in competition at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival -- and surprisingly/horrifyingly, it was the first film directed by a Black woman to do so. Join us for a discussion of Diop’s remarkable film, and the necessity and joy of exploring art from a non-white, non-Western perspective.  Time Stamps:1:29 - Gum talk5:55 - Vintage radiator talk6:38 - Atlantics37:01 - What’s Your Freq Out?41:53: Listener FREQ OUT!!! David Nylander on The Dragon PrinceCarolyn - Portrait of a Lady on FireEbony - Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James AcasterAnita - DollfaceItems Mentioned:Trump prefers Gone With the Wind to Parasite African futurism: https://twitter.com/NiNanjira/status/1060839021750951936Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe on to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

Well, hi there, puddin’! Grab a breakfast sandwich and your Fun Guns, because in this week’s podcast Feminist Frequency Radio is  taking on Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). We’ve been anticipating this movie for quite some time, at best with ambivalence and at worst with skepticism. Media headlines and frothing fanboys have blasted the film, but could it actually be… a pretty fun movie?Time Stamps:1:44 - Anita and Ebony’s Hot Hair Tips, and Caro hangs in there3:10 - Main Discussion on the Birds of Prey31:45 - What’s Your Freq Out?Carolyn on The Intuitionist by Colson WhiteheadEbony on the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (paff.org)Anita on The Calculating Stars and The Fated Sky, both from the Lady Astronaut series of novels by Mary Robinette KowalLinks Mentioned:https://twitter.com/abujimin/status/1227314799303970819?s=21Follow Us:Join our PatreonOur WebsiteSubscribe on to FFR on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to our Star Trek PodcastTwitterInstagram

As The Good Place finishes its 4th and final season, we reflect on the cultural impact of a refreshingly sincere and optimistic show which came at a particularly dark time. Join us as we revisit some of our favorite moments, and ask what The Good Place taught us about how to be a good person in a morally complex world.Time Stamps:0:40 - Anita and Ebony flesh out their Star Trek, space-vape fanfic2:25 - Main Discussion on the final season of The Good Place39:08 - What’s Your Freq Out?Carolyn on Until the End of the World on Criterion ChannelEbony on Cinematography and DPsAnita on Sayaka Murata's “Convenience Store Woman” (2016 in japan) / english translation in 2018Links Mentioned:Our previous episode on The Good Place - https://youtu.be/qq4x0CmDCYI“The Good Place Doesn’t Need a Love Story” by Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, January 23, 2020 - https://www.vulture.com/2020/01/the-good-place-eleanor-chidi-love-story.htmlWomen vs. History: The Defiant Lives That They Don’t Want You to Know by Anita Sarkeesian and