BFFs, pop culture enthusiasts, and scholars Portia & LaRhonda know one thing for sure: A Different World is the most important sitcom ever! And each week, they’ll prove it as they review every episode of A Different World. So join us -- Class is in session!
It's the end of the school year, which means it's time for transition. We're moving off campus, making summer plans, reevaluating old relationships, and letting off some steam. Grab a piano, a casserole, and meet us at La Grenade! Episodes Discussed: S2E22 - There's No Place Like Home This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting the University of the Virgin Islands. Go to www.uvi.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
We are joined by our guest policy and politics expert, Talisha Searcy, to discuss a groundbreaking episode where Dwayne campaigns for student government president, and Rev Jesse Jackson visits the campus. Episodes Discussed: S2E21 - Citizen Wayne Episode Resources: • Follow: Talisha Searcy (Twitter:@talisha_searcy ; Facebook: @Talisha Searcy) • Visit: talishasearcy.com This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Wilberforce University. Go to www.wilberforce.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Freddie's first kiss turns into a nightmare. We are joined by our guest, award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist Cynthia Dorsey. (Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault) Episodes Discussed: S2E20 - No Means No Episode Resources: • Follow: Cynthia Dorsey (Twitter: @crmdelafemmecnt; Instagram: @soulactorcyn; Facebook: @soulactor) • Visit: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Wilberforce University. Go to www.wilberforce.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Whitley takes a job at The Pit, and Ron tries to recover from a botched haircut. Episodes Discussed: S2E19 - Take This Job and Love It This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Delaware State University. Go to www.desu.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Kim takes on too many responsibilities; and Mr. Gaines moves in with Col. Taylor. We are joined by our amazing guest, entrepreneur, wellness curator, and social worker Quinn Flowers, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C. Episode Discussed: S2E18 - High Anxiety Episode Resources: • Follow: Quinn Flowers (LinkedIn: @QuinnFlowers; Instagram: @quinnflowers.licsw.rpt) • Visit: The Healing Garden • Shop: Healing Garden Company This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Delaware State University. Go to www.desu.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Someone wants that ol' thang back and he traveled all the way to Hillman to get it! Episode Discussed: S2E17 - The Thing About Women Episode Resources: • Listen: Ledisi - Add To Me (Official Video) This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Claflin University. Go to www.claflin.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Ron and Dwayne are on line and one of them fails to cross the burning sands. If you understood that previous sentence, you might be our Classmates for real! Episodes Discussed: S2E16 - It's Greek to Me This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Claflin University. Go to www.claflin.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Whitley's mother comes to campus to facilitate the board of trustees business. However, while there she is determined to find a boyfriend for her daughter. Episodes Discussed: S2E15 - For She's Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage Episode Resources: • Visit: Phillis Wheatley | National Women's History Museum • Visit: Dominic Hoffman website • Watch: A Different World - S1E10 - The Gift of the Magi (Amazon Prime) This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting the University of Maryland- Eastern Shore . Go to wwwcp.umes.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
All good things must come to an end. Especially if it was only good for one person… Sing it with me: [to the tune of N.E. Heartbreak]
Clair Huxtable gives a business etiquette seminar at Hillman while Vanessa and her friend Kara are seeking out “biiigg fun” around campus. Episode Discussed: S2E13 - Risky Business This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Dillard University. Go to www.dillard.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Today (4/7/22) is National Beer Day (that's a true fact), and what better way to celebrate than to revisit the time when Freddie got lit! Episodes Discussed: S2E12 - I've Got the Muse in Me This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Dillard University. Go to www.dillard.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
We discuss the various ways in which friends of Kim and Robert support them as they face potential life-altering consequences when Kim fears that she may be pregnant. Episodes Discussed: S2E11 - It Happened One Night This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Go to www.cdrewu.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Dwayne's radio show gets pulled off the air; the students take over the Dean's office; and we see the birth of Freddie - The Activist. Episodes Discussed: S2E10 - Radio Free Hillman Episode Resources: Read: “The Evolution of A Different World” (Entertainment Weekly) This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Go to www.cdrewu.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Whitley and Kim deal with male guest issues while Freddie assumes her short lived reign as the Hillman Poet Laureate. Join us as we discuss boundaries. Episodes Discussed: S2E9 - All's Fair This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Bennett College. Go to www.bennett.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Dwayne discovers that he has more in common with Col. Taylor than he thought. Meanwhile, Whitley gives Freddie a makeover. Plus, there's a nice #BlackandSTEM moment. We're ready to break it all down for you! Episodes Discussed: S2E8 - Life With Father This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Bennett College. Go to www.bennett.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
It's Homecoming at Hillman, and the Ladies of Gilbert Hall experience a rift among friends while perfecting their step routine for homecoming festivities. Episodes Discussed: S2E7 - A Stepping Stone Episode Resources: • Visit: Hampton University • Visit: The Links, Inc. • Visit: Apollo Theater • Watch: Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (Netflix) This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Lincoln University. Go to www.lincolnu.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Instead of going home for Thanksgiving, Whitley and Kim decide to run in dem Virginia streets cuz that's they business. Episodes Discussed: S2E6 - If You Like Pilgrim Coladas This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Lincoln University (MO). Go to www.lincolnu.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Whitley and Jaleesa team up for an audition to sing backup at an upcoming Gladys Knight concert on campus. They ask Angela, an aspiring opera singer, to join them, however, she turns into an insufferable diva, who steals the show. Heartbroken, Whitley and Jaleesa imagine what it might have been like to sing with Gladys. Meanwhile, Freddie tries to work up the nerve to ask Dwayne to the concert. Episodes Discussed: S2E5 - Three Girls Three Episode Resources: Read: “This TV Sitcom Broke New Ground By Portraying A Same-Sex Wedding In 1991” (Huffington Post) Watch: “Roc & TV's First Gay Wedding” (YouTube) Visit: United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF) This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Edward Waters College. Go to www.ewc.org to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
After a mid-season break, Portia and LaRhonda are back! New episodes come out every Thursday starting February 10. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Whitley and Freddie sort out their feelings over the same man while Dwayne eats brownies in the computer lab (Is that allowed?). Canoes and poetry may also be involved... Episodes Discussed: S2E4 - Dream Lover This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Edward Waters College. Go to www.ewc.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Jaleesa and Walter enjoy a first date with the stipulation that they are just friends. Meanwhile Dwayne and Ron launch a shaky wake-up service. Episodes Discussed: S2E3 - Some Enchanted Late Afternoon This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Tougaloo College. Go to www.tougaloo.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Dewayne and Ron's friendship is tested after Ron abandons his group project responsibilities to engage in campus shenanigans. Meanwhile we are introduced to the Pit Master himself, Mr. Vernon Gaines, as Freddie and Kim eagerly seek on-campus employment. Episodes Discussed: S2E2 - Two Gentlemen of Hillman This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Tougaloo College. Go to www.tougaloo.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
A new academic year brings big changes to Hillman College. So long Denise, Maggie, and Millie. Hello Freddie, Kim, and Col. Taylor. It's time to hit the reset button! Episodes Discussed: S2E1 - Dr. War Is Hell Episode Resources: • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Thad Mumford This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Cheyney University. Go to www.cheyney.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Although Denise Huxtable's time at Hillman College has ended, her story isn't over. In this episode, we will review Denise's difficult decision to leave school and remain at home in Brooklyn, NY. Episodes Discussed: The Cosby Show - S5, E1 – Together Again and Again This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting Cheyney University. Go to www.cheyney.edu to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
The transition from Season 1 and Season 2 of "A Different World" will forever go down in television history as one of the most successful sitcom overhauls of all time! From the writers, to the producers, to the cast… Debbie Allen's redirection remains a topic of conversation for fans of the show. Few sitcoms have experienced overhauls like this and survived, let alone thrived. In this episode, Portia and LaRhonda will give an overview of some of the most important changes made to bring a more authentic HBCU experience to the public. Oh, it's about to be a different world… for real though! Episodes Discussed: N/A Episode Resources: • Read: “The evolution of A Different World” (Entertainment Weekly) • Read: “How Aretha Franklin Ended Up Singing the A Different World Theme Song” (Vulture) • Read: “‘Different World' Merely Rides on Cosby Coattails” (Sun Sentinel) • Read: “Much-panned ‘Different World' finds its legs” (Baltimore Sun) • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Anne Beatts • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Phylicia Rashad • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Jay Sandrich • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Thad Mumford This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting the United Negro College Fund. Go to www.uncf.org to donate. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Before we talk about the transition from Season 1 to Season 2 of “A Different World”, we must talk about the person responsible for it all -- Debbie Allen. In this episode, Portia and LaRhonda will do a deep dive into her childhood in Texas, her dance training, her experience at Howard University, highlights from her award-winning career on Broadway, television, and film, and her transition into producing and directing right up until she joins the team at “A Different World”. There's a reason why “A Different World” is the most important sitcom ever. Now let's meet the woman primarily responsible for its status. Episodes Discussed: N/A Episode Resources: • Listen: Strong Black Legends podcast - Debbie Allen episode • Watch: Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (Netflix) • Watch: Television Academy Awards Foundation: The Interviews - Debbie Allen • Watch: Uncensored (TV One) - Debbie Allen Describes Her Impact on "A Different World" This season, we are highlighting and donating to a variety of HBCUs, which have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, these institutions need our support. This week, we are supporting the United Negro College Fund. Go to www.uncf.org to donate. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit our website. Like this show? Please leave us a review here. And post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us so we can thank you personally! Original music produced by Deyquan Bowens. For more info, visit www.deyquanbowens.com.
Eggs and Theo come to campus. Episodes Discussed: S1E21 - Come Back, Little Eggby S1E22 - My Dinner with Theo
Claire comes to campus and Denise and Dwayne finally go on a date. Episodes Discussed: S1E19 - Clair's Last Stand and S1E20 - If Only for One Night
Jaleesa has stage fright and Denise comes home for Spring Break. Episodes Discussed: S1E18 - Speech Therapy (The Cosby Show) S4E22 - Home for the Weekend
Whitley and Denise fight over a man and Dwayne breaks the gender barrier. Episodes Discussed: S1E16 - The Show Must Go On S1E17 - Mr. Hillman
The gang helps a homeless student and Valentine's Day hits Hillman. Episodes Discussed: S1E14 - Wild Child S1E15 - Dr. Cupid
Denise becomes a counselor and Lettie takes over. Episodes Discussed: S1E12 - Advise and Descent S1E13 - The Prime of Miss Lettie Bostic
Whitley gets a stepmama and Dwayne gets a sugarmama. Episodes Discussed: S1E10 - Gift of the Magi S1E11 - Does He Or Doesn't He?
Denise joins the track team and crushes on her professor. Episodes Discussed: S1E8 - If Chosen I May Not Run S1E9 - Romancing Mr. Stone
Little Sister Rudy and Grandpa Russell come to campus! Episodes Discussed: S1E6 - Rudy and the Snow Queen S1E7 - Sometimes You Get the Bear… Sometimes the Bear Gets You
The life of a college co-ed in the 1980s is… interesting. Episodes Discussed: (The Cosby Show) S4E5 - Shakespeare S1E4 - Those Who Can't… Tutor / S1E5 - War of the Words
Maggie joins the party. Episodes Discussed: S1E2 - Pilot / S1E3 - Porky de Bergerac
Meet Sophomore, Denise Huxtable, and her new friends at Hillman. Episodes Discussed: S1E1 - Reconcilable Differences
A review of every episode of The Cosby Show that mentioned Hillman College, setting the stage for “A Different World” prior to its premiere. Episodes Discussed: S1E6 - Breaking With Tradition S1E20 - Back to the Track, Jack S2E23 - The Card Game S2E24 - Off to the Races S2E25 - Denise's Decision S3E2 - Food for Thought S3E9 - Denise Gets a D S3E12 - Cliff in Charge S3E25 - Hillman
Before we talk about “A Different World”, we must talk about the creator -- Bill Cosby.
BFFs, pop culture enthusiasts, and scholars Portia & LaRhonda know one thing for sure: A Different World is the most important sitcom ever! And they'll prove it as they review every episode of ADW. So join us... Class is in session!
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