Black Girl Nerds

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome filmmaker Lagueria Davis. Black Barbie celebrates the momentous impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it. Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome Iyanla Vanzant and actor Aml Ameen. Segment 1: Iyanla Vanzant is best known as the host of the hit OWN series “Iyanla, Fix My Life,” which recently completed its 10th and final season. From welfare mother to New York Times best-selling author, from the Brooklyn projects to Emmy Award winner, from broken pieces to peace, Iyanla is one of the country’s most celebrated writers and public speakers, and she’s among the most influential, socially engaged, and acclaimed spiritual life coaches of our time. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Aml Ameen plays Martin Luther King Jr. in Netflix’s film Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by former President Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions. The film follows civil rights activist Bayard Rustin as he organizes the 1963 March on Washington and as you may know, it’s already getting a ton of awards buzz this season. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

Maya Williams is a religious Black multiracial nonbinary suicide survivor who is currently the seventh poet laureate of Portland, Maine. Maya's debut poetry collection, Judas & Suicide, was selected as a finalist for the New England Book Award in July 2023, and is available via Game Over Books. Eir second poetry collection, Refused a Second Date, is available via Harbor Editions this October. They have contributed essays to venues such as Black Girl Nerds, Stylist, The Daily Beast, LGBTQ Nation, Honey Literary, The Rumpus, and more. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome Twitch streamers BigBossBoze and ChelseaBytes. Segment 1: Ericka "Boze" Bozeman is a Twitch streamer and former member of Smosh Games. She streams a wide variety of games under her Twitch channel BigBossBoze. She’s notably known for her true crime content which you can also see on her Twitch channel and YouTube. Host: Jamie Segment 2: ChelseaBytes is one of two Women' Guild Leaders and she is all about the tech on-stream. Not only is she an official G2 Esports streamer, she also hosts events for Amazon, Intel, and more. Her goal is to show the world that computer scientists don’t look and act the way most people imagine. ChelseaBytes was also a member of Twitch Women’s Alliance (TWA). Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome TV host, weather man and executive producer Al Roker. Al Roker is a journalist, television personality, and author. He is the current weather anchor on NBC's Today and occasionally co-hosts 3rd Hour Today. His latest project is the film Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land. The documentary explores the complex history of the American Black farmer. As an underrepresented topic that continues to impact Black farmers today, it’s important to showcase the legacy of Black farming in America and the devastating impact of heirs’ property on Black land ownership. It also addresses how landowners are reclaiming their agricultural rights and their paths to generational wealth with the support of other landowners and organizations. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome executive producers Jim Cooper and Jeff Dixon of the new Apple TV+ series Curses! In Curses!, when a generations-long family curse turns Alex Vanderhouven to stone, it’s up to his two kids, Pandora and Russ, and his wife Sky, to return artifacts stolen by their ancestors to their rightful homes to finally lift the curse for good. The series is created and executive produced by Jim Cooper (“DreamWorks Dragons”) and Jeff Dixon (“The Hurricane Heist”). Writer/director John Krasinski (“A Quiet Place” Parts I & II) also serves as executive producer and Allyson Seeger (“A Quiet Place” Parts I & II) as co-executive producer. Leo Riley (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Tron: Uprising”) is supervising producer, with Chris Copeland (“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”) and Justin Copeland (“Wonder Woman: Bloodlines”) serving as creative consultants. Leo Riley (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Tron: Uprising”) directs with animation services provided by CGCG and House of Cool. Host: Ryanne Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Music by: Sammus

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome author Tatiana Obey. Tatiana Obey writes badass characters slaying dragons. Her debut novel, Bones to the Wind, is a 2022 BBA Award Winner and a 2022 Indie Ink Award Finalist. She taught English in South Korea, studied abroad in Japan, and worked as a marketing specialist for a woman-owned law firm. The one thing she loves as much as writing is traveling the world. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we chat with comic book creator Beserat Debebe. Beserat Debebe is the founder of Etan Comics and the writer/creator of HAWI, JEMBER, and ZUFAN. He was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University. In 2018, his love for graphic novels and fantasy stories led him to establish Etan Comics, a Pan-African entertainment company bringing African stories to life using comics & graphic novels made by African storytellers. His works have been nominated for Best Graphic Novel Awards, and featured on BBC, OkayAfrica, ComicsBeat, and more! Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we discuss the season 1 finale of the Disney+ series Ahsoka. Specifically the discussion circulates around episodes 7 and 8 of the series. The show is about Ahsoka Tano, the former Jedi knight investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Building off her popularity in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), seeks to quell a threat that is attempting to revive the Empire. Featuring a majority female-led cast, the series centers around three women with a shared history of standing up against repression and fighting for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against them. The team comes face to face with new conflicts as society struggles to reform. The women are prompted to consider their places in a post-war environment and what it means to work together as a team… along with awesome lightsaber battles, of course. Host: Jamie and Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome the animation team behind the upcoming Disney adventure Wish. Segment 1: Jennifer Lee (Exec Producer), is the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) and is the writer/director of Frozen and Frozen 2 the latter of which continues to be the highest-grossing animated feature ever released. Segment 2: Chris Buck (Director), previously directed Frozen 2 and the Oscar® winning Frozen, along with fellow director Jennifer Lee, and both films went on to become the top two highest-grossing animated features ever released. Fawn Veerasunthorn (Director): was previously head of story for the Academy Award®-nominated Raya and the Last Dragon from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Veerasunthorn joined the Studio as a story artist in 2011 and has since contributed her talents to the Oscar®-winning feature films Frozen and Zootopia, as well as Moana, Ralph Breaks the Internet and Frozen 2. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Wish premieres in theaters Nov 22nd.

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we chat about the Disney+ series Ahsoka. The series is about Ahsoka Tano, the former Jedi knight investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Building off her popularity in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), seeks to quell a threat that is attempting to revive the Empire. Featuring a majority female-led cast, the series centers around three women with a shared history of standing up against repression and fighting for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against them. The team comes face to face with new conflicts as society struggles to reform. The women are prompted to consider their places in a post-war environment and what it means to work together as a team… along with awesome lightsaber battles, of course. Host: Jamie and Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome comedian and author Aida Rodriguez. Aida Rodriguez is a favorite of critics and fans alike. Aida's comedy special Fighting Words is currently streaming on Max. The special concludes with a travel documentary of Aida’s trips to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic celebrating her vibrant heritage and reuniting with her estranged father. She also has a new book called Legitimate Kid, a personal memoir of her childhood. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome former model and and activist Bethann Hardison and filmmaker Nailah Jefferson. Segment 1: Invisible Beauty shines a spotlight on the singular and unapologetic Hardison, one of the fashion industry’s most influential icons who, as a pioneering Black model, modeling agent and entrepreneur, has pushed the boundaries of fashion culture and has been at the forefront of progress throughout her career. In her lifetime, Hardison has seen the pendulum swing toward and away from the Black model. At every setback, she spoke up and rallied her colleagues and clients in the industry to advance change. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is writing her memoir, taking stock of her own legacy at a moment when the fashion industry was shaken by discrimination. Opens in theaters September 15th. Host: Jamie Segment 2: Nailah is a New Orleans based filmmaker intrigued and inspired by the enduring human spirit, whose films span fiction and nonfiction. Her acclaimed work has been distributed domestically and internationally on the film festival circuit, theatrically and televised. Her film Donyale Luna: Supermodel explores the remarkable life and career of Donyale Luna, one of the first Black models who graced the covers of both Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar in Europe. The movies premieres Sept 13th on HBO. Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

*This interview was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike* In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome actors Birgundi Baker and Hannaha Hall of Showtime's The Chi. The Chi follows life in a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago where daily danger, and the smallest and simplest of decisions can have life or death consequences for the residents. Birgundi Baker hails from Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated from Howard University’s musical theater program and shortly after moved to Chicago to pursue her career in acting. Previously, she was seen in hit series such as Fox’s Empire, ABC’s Station 19, the CW DC series Black Lightning, and NBC’s Chicago Med and Chicago PD. Hannaha Hall is best known for her roles in the TV shows, The Chi (2018) and Chicago Med (2015). After completing college, she moved to New York City to study acting at The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome multi-hyphenate artists Robyn Hood and Heir Jordan of Truth Teller Productions and NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge winner Georgianna McKenny. Segment 1: Miriam A. Hyman aka Robyn Hood (Philly native) is a classically trained actress and a Hip Hop Recording Artist. TV: Currently: Miriam has reprised her guest starring role as Dre for season 6 of The Chi. Up next, Hyman will play US Attorney Stacy Marks on season 2 of Power Book IV: Force on Starz as a series regular and She’s also been seen in Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Blue Bloods, The Rookie, Blindspot and more. The Chicago native Heir Jordan born Jordan Terrell Walker is a lyricist and producer. He’s been writing and making beats since a youth working with various Chicago land artists. He’s known for his witty bars, catchy hooks and infectious beats. He has since teamed up with cousin and CEO of Truth Teller Productions, actress Miriam A. Hyman/Robyn Hood to work alongside her and lead producer/ lyricist East-O. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Georgianna McKenny, 17, is a rising senior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Originally from Crystal Springs, Mississippi, she loves watching movies and learning new languages.McKenny is the high-school winner of NPR's fifth-annual Student Podcast Challenge. She won against 3,300 entries – from middle- and high schoolers in 48 states. McKenny and her winning entry tell the story of the toll Jackson's water crisis has taken on the city's students. Host: Kiersten Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast, we welcome film and TV producer Yolanda T. Cochran and DIY star of Honest Renovations Lizzy Mathis. Segment 1: Yolanda T. Cochran is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (serving on the Executive Branch Executive Committee), Television Academy of Arts & Sciences and also the Board of Directors of the Producers Guild of America (PGA). Her 25+ years of experience in film and television includes work as an independent film producer, as a producer within the independently situated production company Alcon Entertainment and also as a production executive overseeing entire production teams at film and tv studios. Her experience spans across multiple studios including Disney, Viacom, Warner Bros and Universal. Yolanda is most recently featured in front of the camera on MAX, producing the film Gray Matter in the series Project Greenlight where season 5 reboots the behind the scenes look at the challenges of filmmaking. Host: Jamie Segment 2: Lizzy is a fun-loving, cool mom of three and Founder and Editor in Chief of The Cool Mom Co. Lizzy created an all-inclusive, diversity driven, digitally native destination for moms and moms-to-be with a fresh, approachable and honest point of view on millennial motherhood - bringing the coolest in food, style, living and beauty back to mom life while keeping self-care, sustainability and community top of mind. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast we welcome TV showrunner Reggie Rock Bythewood and comedian Sasheer Zamata. Segment 1: Multihyphenate Reggie Rock Bythewood is creator and showrunner of the Apple TV+ series Swagger, from Imagine Television Studios, Boardroom, CBS Studios and Undisputed Cinema. The series is inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s youth basketball experiences. Season 2 is currently streaming. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Sasheer Zamata has released her second comedy special Sasheer Zamata: The First Woman. Sasheer will next be seen alongside Kathryn Hahn in Agatha: Coven of Chaos, Marvel’s upcoming WandaVision spinoff series for Disney+ and has been seen in Hulu’s Woke. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast, we chat with actors and podcasters Michelle Buteau and Alesha Reneé. Segment 1: Michelle Buteau is an award winning actress, comedian, creator and writer. Buteau most recently starred in the Netflix series Survival Of The Thickest, which she also created and executive produced. Her latest venture, is a new podcast called "Adulting with Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos" which is currently available for streaming wherever you download your favorite podcasts. Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Alesha Reneé is the ultimate multi-hyphenate. She currently serves as the Executive Producer of “Unleash for Love” by Alesha Reneé.” Previously, Alesha has worked on Kenan (NBC), Criminal Minds (CBS), New Girl (FOX), Magnum P.I. (FOX) and has recurring roles on the Detroiters (Comedy Central) and Grand Crew (NBC), just to name a few. You can find her audio series on Audible. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

*This interview was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike* In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome actors Jason Weaver and Carolyn Michelle Smith of the Showtime hit series The Chi. Jason Weaver (Shaad) has appeared in such film and television projects as Boomerang, Black-ish, Let’s Stay Together, The Ladykillers, Drumline and Thea as well as a young Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream. Carolyn Michelle Smith (Deja) appeared in several episodes of the second season of Russian Doll. She previously starred in the Emmy Award-winning series House of Cards and in Steve McQueen's series Codes of Conduct. Additional credits include Law and Order, Luke Cage, How To Get Away With Murder and Colony. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome actor Celia Rose Gooding, star of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Celia Rose Gooding made their Broadway debut and rose to prominence for the role of Mary Frances "Frankie" Healy in the rock musical Jagged Little Pill for which they won a 2021 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and were nominated for a 2020 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, becoming one of the youngest nominees in the category at age 20. Gooding plays the role of Nyota Uhura in the Paramount+ original series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Host: Ryanne Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Music by: Sammus