Harlem's Very Own Podcast

Beloveds! We missed y'all. Welcome to season six. We cover a lot even in this short episode, but there's a big, slightly scary change coming this year and fans of the show are gonna want to listen to the end to hear it. 

It's the end of a season, beloveds. S5 has been a hoot and holler from start to finish. Join Harlem's Heroes and their guest-on-retainer Wes Goodrich for a conversation that slowly morphs into a review of 'The Boys' on Amazon Prime.  Also—vacation recaps, using Pop Smoke music to recenter oneself, James Joyce's freaky letters, the proper Cinnabon eating timeframe, Jude's ideal funeral, and more. Keep up with us across socials @hvopod. Thanks for another great season. We'll see y'all in a couple months! 

Welcome back beloveds! Eric Adams attempted to set a new record at Pace University for worst commencement speech ever given. Justin with the inside scoop.  Also—Logan Paul's presidential bid, Gorr vs. Kratos, Canelo v. GGG 3, celebrities we'd fight for free, Mr. Morale reactions, and more.  Follow us across socials @hvopod! 

Greetings, beloveds!  BLM remains under fire for misappropriated funds, so the boys dream up all the things we could do with $6M. Also—Dave Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl, audiences vs comics, UFC 274 reactions, Rick Ross memes, and more.  Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod

Happy May, beloveds. The hell is a villain era? We try to figure it out while talking about our favorite villains in fiction.  Also — muskrat buys the bird app, King Push paves the way for Mr. Morale, Fury and Ngannou, Rush vs. the Eagle, Jude's inseam shorts, and more. Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod!

Welcome back Beloveds. Judge Ketanji confirmed as BLM is outed for some exorbitant spending.  Also — male birth control, workplace hookups, Will Smith vs Kenny Rock, movie stars vs. celebrities, and more.  Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod!

Happy April, beloveds!  We discuss the portal that split open beneath Hollywood when the Fresh Prince smacked Tyler J. Williams. Also — Barry Keoghan's Joker, Masvidal's assault, Griselda beef, Miranda Cosgrove, Creed 3 set photos, chameleon tongues, and much more. Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod and follow the fellas individually.

This week on the show, There's an Emmett Till opera coming out. Deadass. Also — Snoop Dogg's NFT label, Jussie's jailing, favorite medicines, sea monster concerns, fart stories, and much more.  Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod and follow the fellas individually. 

Happy March, beloveds! Y'all think Bruce Wayne would own a WNBA team? Talking the chaos unfolding between the New York Liberty and the association over chartered flights. Also, Putin's fairy odd-mother; claymation Pete Davidson; more favorite snacks; villains we wanna see in the new Batman series, y mucho mas.  FEAT. Justin debuting some truly sinister AKAs.  Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod and follow the fellas individually.

Welcome back, beloveds. #BlackLove has been circulating a lot this month, between Rocky and Rihanna's pregnancy to Nazanin and Miguel's reunification. As such, Harlem's Heroes decided to investigate that term a bit more closely, and they reinvited Grace Duah (@_graceduah) to help them do it. But first: reviewing that halftime show and stopping a truly devious Twitter criminal.  "Death to Black Love" by F.D. Signifier can be found here. Keep up with the show across socials @hvopod and follow the fellas individually!

Happy Black History Month, Beloveds! And 恭喜发财 to our Chinese listeners

This week on HvO,  Did y'all know Whole Foods carries condoms? Anyway, stopping this nigga Fivio Foreign; Brittany Renner dunking on Fresh & Fit; Ohio's White Knight vs. Iron Mike; Different sources of milk; Super Bowl Halftime Show; Moon Knight; Kool Moe's rap report card, and more. FEAT. Grandmomma Simmons' incredible story of performing alongside The Nicholas Brothers.  Find out ways to support the victims/families of the Twin Parks Fire here and here. Keep up the show across socials @hvopod and follow the fellas individually. 

This week on your favorite bimonthly broadcast, Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction. Also, honoring a Golden Girl; stopping this nigga Tristan Thompson; Aaliyah's new album, 20 years belated; the dark underbelly of Sesame Street, and more. Follow the boys on IG and Twitter @hvopod. 

Happy Holidays, Beloveds!  Harlem's Heroes bring back Friend of the Show Wes Goodrich to talk nonsense for an hour and a half in a relaxed remote session immediately following Justin's final day of undergrad! Topics covered include:  Meagan Good's divorce Attractive names Alexa Demie being immortal  JAY-Z being underrated Fantastic 4 cast ideas  And a lot more. Be easy till January y'all! 

Happy December, beloveds! In an unexpectedly musical episode, Harlem's Heroes run through a bevy of topics including their Spotify Wrapped results, Grammy Nominations, and the reports of a little A$AP incubating in the Right Honourable womb of Robyn Rihanna Fenty.  Other topics covered include: Chris Cuomo's suspension from CNN  The passing of Virgil Abloh Joe Rogan dethroned by the Sunny Gang Celebrity dating prospects The power of corny lyrics  FEAT. Will Smith stopping by the studio to praise Ahmad's acting abilities!

On this episode of Harlem's Very Own Podcast, the fellas go over the continually-evolving details from the tragedy at Astroworld and discuss the accountability of celebrities to their fans.  Other topics covered include: Joe Rogan's autofellatio fantasy Spider-Man: No Way Home DaBaby's Baby Mama  The softest rap beefs in history Silk Sonic FEAT. A conversation between special guests Dave Chappelle and Jay Z!  A bountiful Thanksgiving week to you, beloveds. Stuff yourselves! We'll be back right on schedule in December. 

Happy November, beloveds.  Harlem's Heroes respond to the results of the mayoral election and paint a picture of their ideal New York City. Later, they dig into the Will & Jada turmoil as continually stirred up by the internet, and discuss the unhealthy obsession a lot of people hold with celebrity marriages.  Other topics covered include: Jude's fashion goals Pimpin' Pete Davidson Facebook Meta  Claressa's first loss  FEAT. A surprise midway cameo appearance from...a member of The Media Morgue???

On this episode of HvO! The fellas dissect the blissfully Black phenomenon that was the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival through the lens of Questlove's documentary 'Summer of Soul'. Other topics covered include: Conor McGregor breaking a DJ's nose The Rock's rap career Kanye's legal name change Usman/Covington rematch at UFC 268  FEAT. the great Tony Lawrence's voice in our slightly modified intro!  

Harlem's Very Own Podcast returns! The Season 5 premiere brings i tre moschettieri back together in person for an energetic, insightful, and unbroken episode. Harlem's Heroes discuss the troubled career of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, including his latest brush with the law, as well as some surprising developments in the legacy of Jude and Justin's great-grandmaster: Bruce Lee himself. Other topics covered include: Chloe x Halle Personal summer recaps Lil Durk's Top 50 rappers of all time Michael Jackson VERZUZ who?  And much more. It's good to be back, beloveds.   

REUPLOAD!  The final entry in our Hood Classic Retrospective wherein we review Spike Lee's JUNGLE FEVER (1991) starring Wesley Snipes, Annabella Sciorra, Ossie Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and more! Featuring the President of the Denzel Washington Fanclub, Wes Goodrich (@wesgoodrich97). 

SEASON 4 FINALE! Harlem's Heroes discuss the latest in fight sports and popular culture. TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE: Claressa Shield's MMA debutPaul "versus" Mayweather Teyana Taylor covering MAXIM When being 6'0 feels average Favorite moments in Season IVFEAT. The formal announcement of our strike against Hennessy and Casamigos. Thank you for rocking with us for our first full-length season. We will return full force in September, but we're gonna enjoy our summer and we hope you do too. If you see one of us around, give us a pound! Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Harlem's Heroes talk the latest in sports and pop culture.TOPICS INCLUDE: Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open The Mount Rushmore of Rap (2010-2020)The Pentagon confirming UFOsWhen/when not to fight on a planeHulu's Mike Tyson docuseries: The KnockoutFEAT. Sir Justin Attenborough explaining the wild biology of the octopus!Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Harlem's Heroes  discuss the latest in fight news and pop culture. Topics covered include Rick Ross' exercise routines, TD Jakes, the UFC Lightweight Belt, "The Off Season", Drake's Artist of the Decade Award, animals we could fight, and more.FEAT. The formal introduction of our brand new segment: "STOP THIS NIGGUH!"Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Harlem's Heroes discuss the latest in fight sports and pop culture. TIMESTAMPSIn This Corner [2:00-25:40] -- UFC 261Political Partaaay [25:50-40:05] -- Trump's FB ban, NYC reopeningWhat's Poppin? [41:35-1:22:35] -- TDE Announcement theories, MCU moviesSupport the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Harlem's Heroes chop it up about the latest news in fight sports and pop culture.Timestamps[7:50-31:10] In This Corner! Paul beating Askren, Claressa Shields coming to MMA, whether or not Jon Jones likes Black people[31:15-41:55] What's Poppin? 'Black Panther' recast?[42:00-1:05:40] Political Partay! Chauvin's verdict, weed legalization in NYC[1:06:35-1:39-25] Main Segment: PEDs in the film industry & the Male Superstar Industrial ComplexFeat. Ahmad's very best Steve Harvey impression?Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Back to Basics.Harlem's Heroes chop it up about the latest news in fight sports and pop culture. Timestamps[0:00-25:40] In This Corner! Ngannou on Top, Jones up next,  Zhang vs. Namajunas[26:00-1:08:30] What's Poppin? "Montero", DMX's (at the time of recording) Uncertain Fate [1:09:15-1:40:30] Main Segment: TINA (2021, dir. Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin)Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Happy Spring, Beloveds! We're ending March by discussing the stars & snubs of the GRAMMYs, but with plenty other hot takes about the music industry in general, joined again by three dope young women. Aja Adam makes a return appearance after the classic S1E4 ("What U Been Bumpin?"), alongside first timers Destinee Aaliyah (@destineeaaliyah) and Grace Duah (@__graciegirl7), 1/2 of the Keepin It Cute duo! FEAT. Grace providing a helpful delineation on "problematic" vs "criminal". Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Let's get physical, physical! International Women's Day, Harlem's Heroes sit down with three vibrant and brilliant young women to discuss how they deal with the social pressures ascribed to sex; everyone's favorite pastime. Or, is it? One such guest is Brianda Agramonte (@thatsbrianda), an actress, songwriter, and podcaster who has been celibate for three years and has a lot to say about its benefits especially for other women. Beside her is music journalist Zoë Cherry (@CountBlaccula) with her perspective as a queer-identified woman currently experiencing a period of abstinence--which is distinct from celibacy, and which we will define for you! Fear not! And beside us is Homie of the Show, our Queens Correspondent: ¡ABRIL!This is our most NSFW episode yet, you have been warned! Also, content/trigger warning for sexual coercion discussed in peripheral detail from 23:40-26:05. FEAT. A very exclusive and exciting scoop from Brianda at the tail end of the episode...Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

For the final BHM episode, Harlem's Heroes get revolutionary. Joined again by Wes Goodrich, the boys recap the plot of Shaka King's Judas and the Black Messiah while discussing its impact, the decisions made in creating it, how it stands in conjunction with Regina King's One Night in Miami and other civil rights dramatizations, and more. FEAT. Justin unearthing who Daniel Kaluuya should REALLY be playing in a biopic. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Happy Black History Month, Beloveds! For our first February episode, Harlem's Heroes break intellectual bread with a cadre of talented young Black creatives of the stage and screen. In our biggest discussion since S1E4, these brilliant guests give insights well beyond their years on why awards shows need work (or abolition); staying inspired through the funk of inactivity; expressing yourself in a sea of the identical, and much more. FEAT. Justin freezing, in true actor fashion, and forgetting his AKAs at the top! This is our first episode edited by Mister Federico Perez whose work with Tiny House Audio you can check by clicking his name. Don't forget to follow Harlem's Very Own Playlist here or here!Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

The Dragon of the East descends on Harlem's Very Own Podcast. Finally, beloveds, the long awaited (for us anyway) interview arrives! Justin and Jude's gung fu teacher comes to the show to discuss his martial arts journey, the appeal of Bruce Lee's philosophy, his love for Cobra Kai, and so much more. FEAT. Some 80s-themed rapid fire questions at the end, and a high school story you just gone have to hear. Rate and review us wherever you're listening, we'd greatly appreciate it!Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Happy New Year, Beloveds! HvO is entering a new era. This episode sees two-time guest and Friend of the Show Ahmad Simmons officially appointed as the third mic to Jude and Justin. With his added dynamic the boys discuss Disney Pixar's latest heart-wrencher, 'Soul', and some of the controversy it cropped up. But FIRST: Dre's divorce [2:35], McGregor's return [12:28], & chaos at the Capitol [26:10].FEAT. A round of Top 5 at the end, Pixar edition.Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Joy to the world, more Marvel news has come! Harlem's Heroes have fought their way through the beast that was 2020, coming out more seasoned and capable in the end. Who knew Marvel would throw all these gifts our way right before the finish line? Before Jude ever swung a kettlebell, and before Justin ever wrote a poem, they were both nose down in comic books. And they haven't had a full chance to express just how nerdy they can get. So, on this final episode of the year, they invite their boy Ahmad Simmons back on the show to help them do just that.BUT FIRST! Money or The Maverick [2:30]; Lupe's Vaccine Fiasco [25:25]; and Behind Bars for Bars [42:00]. MAIN SEGMENT: Marvel News + Movie Theater Blues [1:08:45]FEAT. Justin absolutely abusing the word "interesting" and a round of Terrence Howard impressions at the end. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

This week on HvO, We've just finished Movember (aka No Shave November, aka No Nut November) and Harlem's Heroes have some questions about how much work all these national months are actually doing--especially ones that are based on deadly and widespread diseases like cancer. They crack open a tough topic and discuss men's health in general, with all the usual flavors of humor and sobriety. BUT FIRST! A Family Reunion, Chappelle Showin' Out, and Lori Harvey's Wishlist.FEAT. Jude and Justin doing their best impression of Aku, the Shapeshifting Master of Darkness. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

On this week's episode, HvO has its first major crossover with another podcast -- Just Too Opinionated! Zuher Ibrahim and Ali Dorsett are two political science graduates from Pace University whose podcast gives voice to political events and history from a POC POV. They call into the show to help Harlem's Heroes parse some of the difficult and unclear questions about America, not just in the wake of this election, but looking to the future. FEAT. Jude's uncanny new superpower to guess anyone's favorite alcoholic beverage! Click here to find out who your local representative is.Read up on the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and learn how you can help. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

On the Season Four premiere of HvO, Harlem’s Heroes celebrate their FIRST ANNIVERSARY! Doing this show for a full year has been a lot of work and we never really stopped to let you, dear listener, get to know us. So today, Justin and Jude have each prepared three questions to ask each other. The catch is -- neither one knows what the other is going to ask. This could get dangerous, but that’s where we stay. BUT FIRST! The Eagle Lands, Jonesin’ for Tyson, & Rhymes VERZUZSupport the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

"I swear 'fore God, and four mo white people!" Season 3 comes to a close! On this final entry in the Hood Classic Retrospective, Harlem's Heroes check out Spike Lee's 'Jungle Fever'. It's the longest movie yet, and easily the most jam-packed with thematic material. Luckily, the boys aren't handling it alone! They invite Wes Goodrich, a Brooklyn-bred writer-director currently enrolled in Columbia University's graduate filmmaking program, to help tackle the 2+ hour story. And they have the Queen of Queens ¡ABRIL! back on with them too. Does Spike have anything to say about race relations, and interracial relationships, that we didn't already know? Well you won't find answers here! Press play already! FEAT. Jude, a product of real life jungle fever, revealing the truth behind some of the prejudices depicted in the film! 'Jungle Fever' is a 1991 romantic dramedy written and directed by Spike Lee; starring Wesley Snipes, Annabella Sciorra, John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson, Lonette McKee, Ossie Davis, Frank Vincent, and Halle Berry, with Anthony Quinn and Ruby Dee. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hvopod/support

"Riverside, mothaf*cka!" Another Hood Classic in the bag, and this one's been a long time coming. Harlem's Heroes bring it back uptown to talk about 'Juice', the coming-of-age tragedy that Jude keenly describes as "Black Outsiders". They discuss its impact, compare and contrast it to 'New Jack City', and of course analyze the silver screen debut of Barrio-born, South Central-raised Tupac Shakur back on his home turf. Did Justin think all these years were worth the wait? Press play and find out! FEAT. A touching tribute from Jude to his mom up top. We dedicate this episode to Marissa Steffers and Andrew Wilson. "Te vojo bene assai." 'Juice' is a 1992 crime-thriller film directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, written by Ernest R. Dickerson and Gerard Brown; starring Omar Epps, Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkins, Khalil Kain, and Tupac Shakur. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hvopod/support

"The Lord is my shepherd; He know what I want." It's Tuesday, you prolly have a job, but listen to our podcast anyway! The trip through Hood Classic History continues! Justin gives his impressions after an overdue viewing of 'Friday', Ice Cube's screenwriting crown jewel and major motion debut. It's less narratively dense than their last subject film, but it's still full of moments and characters to talk about. How does this small stoner film hold up all these years later? Press play and find out! FEAT. Jude's feelings about Jehovah's Witnesses, and Justin's spiciest AKAs yet! 'Friday' is a 1995 comedy directed by F. Gary Gray, written by and starring Ice Cube alongside Chris Tucker, Nia Long, "Tiny" Lister, Regina King, Anna Marie Horsford, with John Witherspoon and Bernie Mac. (May they both Rest In Peace) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hvopod/support

"Am I my brother's keeper???" THIS MONTH ON HvO -- Harlem's Heroes switch up the program to watch some classic Black movies that one of them hasn't seen (hint: it's Justin). And they kick things off with Mario Van Peebles' 1991 debut, 'New Jack City'. While recapping the plot, your dedicated co-hosts discuss the themes of the film, what it has to say about addiction and crime, and whether its message is still a viable one nearly 30 years later. FEAT. Justin putting on a spotty Australian accent to shout out our brand new cover art by the lovely Shalini Jasinge, all the way from Sydney! Find more of her work here! 'New Jack City' is a 1991 crime-drama directed by Mario Van Peebles starring Wesley Snipes, Allen Payne, Ice T, Judd Nelson, Chris Rock, Michael Michele, Vanessa Williams, Bill Nunn, and Mario Van Peebles. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hvopod/support

We just tryna get our spins. Harlem's Heroes are no strangers to the stream hustle. Having run their show for over half a year now, they know that earning and maintaining interest in your content is the universal struggle for creators such as themselves. And on this episode, which brings a brief pause to their run of guest-oriented episodes, they call on a few friends in the music recording business to share the peaks and valleys of their journeys thus far. With the ever-ebullient Abril back at their side, the boys host one of their smoothest and most insightful convos yet. Don't miss this one! FEAT. Some brutal unpopular opinions at the end. Seriously, y'all--hide the weapons from yourselves.

Greetings from the frontline. For quite a few of our friends, work didn’t stop with the coronavirus. It just got trickier. We sit down with Selena -- a kindergarten teacher for children with learning disabilities; Rick -- a second-year medical student on track to become a psychiatrist; and Jasmine -- an EMT-in-training with a Bachelor’s in psychology as well. Tune in for this latest insightful and ranging conversation!FEAT. Multiple Justin rants. We’re so sorry.

Working out is hard to do. And maybe no one knows that as well as the group we gathered for this fitness-centric episode. Listen in as trainers Sonja, Joe, and Jeff trade personal accounts about their health journeys, discuss how corporate and clientele demands have shifted with Covid, and get into some of the lesser-seen aspects of our gym-centric society. FEAT. our first ever Zoom recording. Not too shabby.

Sheesh. Been a fat minute, ain’t it? But after a long time planning, Harlem's Heroes are back with a "miniseries" of sorts to chronicle different aspects of life in quarantine. Yes, this COVID era is a mixed bag for everyone, especially college students. For HvO’s first ever remote-recording session, the boys talk to a few recent college graduates about where they were when everything changed, and what they're doing now to stay on track.Ahmad K. Simmons is a new alumnus of Columbia College Chicago’s performing arts program and Kiara Jones a new alumna of Temple University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. Feat. Returning FOTS, Miss Mocahontas herself: Abril!!!

Now since we all came from a woman, got our name from a woman, and our game from a woman...you know the rest. For this month, Harlem’s Heroes wanted to theme at least one episode around Women’s History. Luckily, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a four-part documentary on Hulu that aims to cover her life both in and outside of politics. After watching episode one, the boys sit down to dish on this particular portrayal of one of the most simultaneously denigrated and celebrated women in American history. Feat. a shout-out to SOME of the ladies in our lives. Plus, Justin reads his two-week notice!

And We Back! *Cue Dipset Anthem* After a much-needed break and somewhat inspired by the untimely passing of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Harlem's Heroes are jumping right into Black History Month with a discussion of Black celebrity. In a candid and flowing conversation the boys cover topics like the impact of Black art on America, the fickleness of cancel culture, the nuances of representation, and try to parse the validity behind Issa Rae's now famous quote: "I'm rooting for everybody Black."But should we be?

ON THIS DELI MENU DELUXE-SIZED EPISODE OF HvO, OUR SEASON FINALE — Wow, 2019 is finally over. We’re about to enter the decade all those futuristic movies are set in! No flying cars yet, but there has been a ton of great music. So Jude and Justin decided to cap the year off by counting down the artists, albums, and tunes that kept them grooving this past decade. And they brought a few friends along to spice things up.Unleash the Top 5 lists!!! Thank you for rocking with us for our first season! Harlem's Heroes wish you Happy Holidays and a New Year full of health! We can’t wait to keep hangin’ out with y’all.

Is there any better way to close out 2019 than by having an African immigrant fight an American Trump supporter? In their first of many fight sport-oriented episodes, Harlem’s Heroes dish on some upcoming bouts -- most notably "The Nigerian Nightmare" Kamaru Usman vs Colby "Chaos" Covington. They also relive their first experiences watching fight sports, hypothesize a few "What Ifs" in fighting, and ponder what professional fighter they'd each step in a ring with for $10M. (This episode is also the first one to be completely unedited. Do what you will with that information.)

The foolery continues in episode two! Harlem's Very Own discuss rapper T.I.’s revelation that he takes his daughter to a gynecologist every year for...uh…hymen maintenance, let’s call it? Jude and Justin don’t have kids, but they’re both pretty sure that’s a line they’d never cross. They discuss necessary boundaries, how they'd have The Talk with their kids, and offer some tips to the Atlanta rap vet (as if he'll ever hear it) about how he can do better.BUT FIRST: Resurrection Without a Cause, Julia Robbed of a Role, & Remembering the Dragon.

ON THE INAUGURAL EPISODE OF HvO, get ready for IMMEDIATE controversy! Jude is an atheist; Justin is a Christian. Neither of them really cared for Yeezy’s latest venture. Still, the two sit down to open up a potentially episode-spanning can of worms. Do they believe in Kanye’s reformation? And after everything that’s happened, can we still believe in Kanye at all? BUT FIRST: Fahrenheit $2.75, Huffman and Puffin, & #BernSome2020