Brown & Black

4.1 (31)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Winner of a 2024 Gold Signal Award, 'Brown & Black' is a podcast at the intersection of race and pop culture. Hosted by Jack Rico (Latino) and Mike Sargent (Black), two nationally recognized film and culture critics, provide a multicultural perspective missing from mainstream media today. Through interviews with filmmakers, artists, and journalists, the show explores the complex relationship between race and entertainment.

MAR 31

Can Brown & Black Art Survive AI? OpenAI, Studio Ghibli & the Fight for Creative Ownership

If AI can make human-like art, do we still need the artist? In this episode we unpack the OpenAI's 'Image Editor' and the Studio Ghibli AI trend, and discuss the cultural, economic, and existential implications AI poses to Black and Latino artists. Episode Summary: AI Art: Speed & Quality Enjoying vs. Fearing AI Art Copyright Crisis Is the Artist's Career in Peril? Audience Over Artists? Art vs. Commerce Struggle Inflection Point The Japanese Copyright Law Loophole Prompt Engineers Replacing Artists? Redefining "Artist" Cultural Gatekeepers Adapt or Resist? Defining the Artist The Capitalist Framework Protecting Brown & Black Artists Devaluation Through Imitation Valuing Artists, Protecting IP, Reforming Laws Subscribe and listen to 'Brown & Black': 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/32hShVT

33 min
MAR 14

Mark Anthony Green on His A24 Directorial Debut "Opus"

In Opus, Ayo Edebiri plays a journalist invited into a world of celebrity power, but is she there to observe, or be consumed by it? This week on Brown & Black, journalist and filmmaker Mark Anthony Green joins us to unpack his A24 directorial debut, Opus. We dissect the film's underlying themes, including the seductive power of validation, the blurred lines between journalism and celebrity, and how Black horror and comedy can expose the darker truths of our human condition. Episode Summary Mark Anthony Green reveals journey from GQ journalist to filmmaker The reality of being "in the room" vs. having creative control Behind-the-scenes stories of working with Nile Rodgers, and George Clinton Crafting intelligent, complex Black characters Are we in an entertainment journalism crisis? How "Get Out" changed horror filmmaking for Black directors Why Opus connects differently with Black viewers The six-year journey of bringing "Opus" to the screen. Why Mark Anthony Green considers audience discussions "the sequel" to his film. #MarkAnthonyGreen #Opus #A24 #AyoAdebiri #BlackFilmmakers #BrownBlackPodcast

35 min
MAR 4

Trump and the Whitewashing of Brown & Black Culture

Is Donald Trump's Kennedy Center takeover the start of a cultural whitewash? This week on 'Brown & Black,' we examine what happens when the most powerful man in America seizes control of the nation's most prestigious cultural institution. The President's takeover of the Kennedy Center has sparked fears of a whitewashing of African-American and Latino culture. From shrinking opportunities for artists of color to the threat against Spanish-language media, are we witnessing the beginning of state-run art in America? Episode Summary: Discussing the definition of "white culture" and its relationship to power Discussion of Trump's unprecedented control of the Kennedy Center Analysis of the dismissal of 18 board members and the cultural implications Debate on American culture as fundamentally rooted in Black culture Exploration of the potential future of Spanish language in mainstream media Examination of the potential impact on BET, Univision and Telemundo Discussion of how artists today might respond to cultural oppression A plea to listeners to resist cultural erasure Subscribe and listen to 'Brown & Black': 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41HIIxy

25 min
FEB 3

Make America White Again

How do you make a America whiter without saying you're making it whiter? In this first episode of 2025, during Black History Month, we dissect what does Trump's dismatling of DEI and the self-sabotaging deportation crusade, mean or businesses and media?And how much damage will be done to Blacks and Latinos before they get their way? Then we discuss why the backlash to the 13-time Oscar-nominated Netflix musical "Emilia Perez" isn't about "foreigners stealing Latino stories." It's about the power to define, represent, and shape how a culture is perceived. Whoever controls the story, controls the power. We break down why "Emilia Perez" has ignited a battle for the soul of cultural storytelling. Episode Summary The Trump administration’s full-scale attack on DEI Why companies like Target & McDonald's are retreating from diversity Can capitalism survive without Latino and Black labor? The history of Mexican deportation: Why 1929 is repeating itself today The dystopian reality of race in America The impact of anti-DEI laws on education, media, and business The Supreme Court's role in dismantling civil rights Is DEI really gone, or is it evolving? What’s the future of racial progress in America? FOLLOW US 📸 Instagram: @BrownBlackPodcast 📺 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to amplify Latino and Black voices in media! #MakeAmericaWhiteAgain #DEI #Trump2025 #Project2025 #RacialJustice #CulturalRepresentation #LatinoVoices #BlackVoices #BrownBlackUnity

35 min
11/26/2024

A Brown & Black Thanksgiving: Our TV & Movie Picks

In this special Thanksgiving episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite movies and TV shows we’re currently watching or bingeing. Hopefully, you’ll find something to add to your Thanksgiving watchlist. From Black documentaries on 70s cinema and military-style action TV shows to a surreal film tackling female ageism, we’ve included a mix of Latino, Black, and mainstream selections that we enjoyed. We think that after watching these, you’ll have a lot to talk about over the holidays. Episode Summary: (00:00) - The power of movie escapism (05:15) - Lioness: Military-style action with Zoe Saldana (09:30) - The Piano Lesson: Black legacy meets supernatural themes (14:00) - Pedro Páramo: Family and redemption through a Mexican lens (16:45) - Is That Black Enough for You?: 70s Black cinema documentary (20:00) - Blitz: WWII drama spotlighting resilience and untold stories (23:30) - The Substance: A surreal exploration of female ageism (30:00) - Captain America: Brave New World: Diversity in the Marvel universe (30:30) - Emilia Pérez: A transformative Latino musical (34:00) - Gladiator 2: Representation in historical epics Subscribe and listen to 'Brown & Black': 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2uwVWk2 Follow us: 📱 https://www.instagram.com/brownblackpodcast https://www.instagram.com/jackrico https://www.instagram.com/iammikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 min
11/07/2024

The Color of Aspiration: Are Latinos The Next Whites?

It’s November 7, 2024. Latinos are clearly becoming the next ‘whites’ and represent what the Republican Party may look like in the future. This episode promises to challenge everything you thought you knew about Latino identity in the U.S. Back in April 2024, we spoke to Political Psychologist Efren Perez, a UCLA Professor of Political Science and Psychology, who holds a PhD from Duke University, about his research on what are the true psychological and political factors that are driving many Latinos to "whiteness." Is it a survival mechanism or is it status-seeking? What are the long-term implications of this negotiation of identity and the Census? Episode Summary: • Perez on his recent Newsweek article and the concept of "ideological whiteness." • Exploring Latino identity and the political landscape. • Impact of personality traits on political ideology among Latinos. • Latino Republicans and their alignment with conservative ideologies. • Discussion on how historical shifts have redefined racial categories. • Potential future of Latino identity and politics in the U.S. Key Quotes: ❞ "We've been talking about Latinos and African Americans and other groups as if they sort of naturally belong together. They don't." - Efren Perez "The main point is that the category of white has expanded and narrowed across the centuries. And we are living in a moment, awash in data where we can show you that it's going through expansion right now." - Efren Perez “Quit focusing on the outliers and focus your energy on organizing, mobilizing the two-thirds that are already convinced, but don't have the time to vote, don't have the time or resources to make their perspective felt." - Efren Perez Subscribe and listen to 'Brown & Black': 🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/47JgORF Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2uwVWk2 Follow us: 📱 https://www.instagram.com/brownblackpodcast https://www.instagram.com/jackrico https://www.instagram.com/iammikeonscreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 min
10/27/2024

Harvey Mason Jr., Grammy CEO on AI and the Future of Music

What does responsible AI use look like in the music world? This week, we sit down with Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the man at the helm of one of music's most revered institutions, to discuss AI’s current and future impact on the music industry - especially for creators of color - and how the Recording Academy is confronting this challenge head-on. Harvey reveals what’s at stake: artist rights, the moral challenges AI presents, and how the Grammys are preparing for the inevitable surge of AI-generated music. If you're in the music industry, a fan of pop culture, or following the AI disruption drama, this eye-opening conversation will make you rethink the future of music and creativity in the digital age. Episode Summary: 0:00 - The growing impact of AI on the music industry explained 1:40 - Exploring whether AI is a creative tool or disruptor in music 3:30 - Discussing AI’s role in the process of music creation 6:20 - The ethical use of AI is needed to protect human creativity 9:15 - How AI increases corporate profits but can harm artists 12:00 - Examining AI’s potential benefits for music industry revenue 14:45 - Questioning whether AI will ever have its own Grammy category 17:30 - The Grammys’ stance: no awards for AI-generated music 20:40 - Expanding access to music education for creators of color 24:15 - The Grammys use AI detection to protect artist rights 26:50 - Redefining what defines talent in an AI-driven music world 30:10 - Balancing AI innovation with human connection in music 32:45 - A preview of the 2025 Grammy nominations: diversity and creativity Sources: Recording Academy: https://www.recordingacademy.com/press-room/executives Will. I. Am. FYI app: https://will.i.am/ Harvey Mason Jr. Quotes: "The AI songs right now are generating a hundred songs per second. ... No one can tell me that AI is going to make Songs in the Key of Life or Nevermind, or Illmatic." "But as it relates to the academy right now, we don’t reward or award AI in our process. So if you're AI vocal, you're not eligible for performance." "AI is happening. There's no going back. ... Let’s make sure that it's done responsibly, ethically, maybe even morally." "If you're Bad Bunny ... but if you're the purist who wants to have complete control over their voice ... then they should be able to do that as well." "I do believe in the power of human creativity...but without some real advocating and without legislation... we would have the danger in my mind that we could slip into a place where we’re just listening to generated AI music." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

41 min
10/13/2024

40 Acres Lie Revealed: Is Reparations Near?

Land, land, land. What if your ancestors kept the land they were promised? How would your life be different? In this episode, we speak with Mother Jones Editorial Director, Jamilah King, about a story meant to be hidden in the annals of history. She and her investigative team used AI to unearth evidence that could force the nation into a reckoning with reparations and finally confront its buried truths. Episode Summary: 3:15 - Explosive findings from '40 Acres and a Lie' impacting African American descendants 12:45 - Jamila King on AI's role in revealing hidden Freedman’s Bureau documents 18:20 - How this story reshapes reparations and America's broken promises 25:30 - Black and Mexican land losses post-Civil War and unjust government land grabs 37:00 - Storytelling, media literacy, and empowering the next generation for justice 45:15 - Reparations and the legal challenges ahead Source: Mother Jones article https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/06/40-acres-and-a-lie/ Subscribe and listen to 'Brown and Black': 🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/3BrownBlackSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3BrownBlackApple Follow us: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownblackpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/brownblackpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brownblackpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

47 min

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TRAILER

Brown & Black - Trailer

'Brown & Black’ is a new podcast exploring the convergence of race and pop culture, hosted by two diverse voices, one Latinx and one Black, to fill a needed void in rethinking how pop culture news and opinion is conveyed in America today. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, two national film and culture critics seen on TODAY and FOX Business News, interview filmmakers, artists and journalists to examine the complex nature of entertainment and race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

02/12/2020

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5 min

4.1

out of 5

31 Ratings

Accidentally found this gem

07/17/2022

bruxa rosa

Of course Apple has never suggested this podcast despite the fact that almost all of the podcasts I listen to have black or Latinx hosts . Eu sou afro brasileira and voices that are relatable to me as a black Latina are important. Keep up the outstanding work gentleman . Amo isso!
Unity

08/09/2020

PochaccoYoly

What a wonderful podcast that brings two worlds together and finding a common ground.