Phrankly Speaking

Phrankly Speaking welcomes the return of his lovely lady Megan aka MJ aka Movie Mego to discuss all things kooky, spooky and spoopy this Spooky Season. From movies we've watched recently to movies we love to movies that totally freaked us out in our younger days of yore. Filled to the brim with the regular snark, shade and shenanigans you've come to know and love, with a Spicy Dash of Mego Sauce!! REEL TALK!!!!

Phrankly Speaking is joined by his lovely lady Megan aka MJ aka Movie Mego to discuss the iconic date movie genre, recent date movie watches and cinematic romance through the years. A fun look at a crazy sexy cool catalog of movies and the talents that make them so special. Filled to the brim of course with the regular snark, shade and shenanigans, Phrankly Speaking of course!

Beccz joins the Phrankly Speaking podcast to discuss the Hulu documentary Brats by directed Andrew McCarthy that looks at the history and legacy of the iconic 80 Hollywood crew The Brat Pack. We discuss the documentary itself, who was actually in the group, the movies from the iconic group and time period and all kinds of zany 80s culture. It's a super rad, totally tubular ride down memory lane, Frankly Speaking Style of course!!!

Phrankly Speaking Reel Talk is back at it continuing the conversation with Libby B by grabbing the scrubs and the scalpel to do another filmmaker dissection. This time we go deep into the twisted, disturbing, unequivocally strange and sometimes darkly hilarious world of Yorgos Lanthimos and his library of films. As usual we hit you with heavy doses of snark, shade, shenanigans and most importantly SPOILERS about a catalog of movies unlike any other. So buckle up, this one is gonna be another bumpy banger - Phrankly Speaking style of course! But as always we make it out the other side ROCK STEADY BABY. Reel talk!!!

Libby B is back to dive into the warped mind and films of Yorgos Lanthimos, but first we use this episode to play catch up and talk the state of cinema from this years Oscar's to recent box office trends and the soft summer box office with all the snark, shade and shenanigans you've come to love and enjoy. We'll be back early next week before the holiday to go FULL Yorgos following this weekend's release of his latest Kinds of Kindness.

Phrankly Speaking grabs the mic to discuss the recent hip hop beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake before hitting the ring with tag team partner The Good Brother Neez to discuss last month's Wrestlemania show, his history with Wrestlemania and WWE, and the history of the superstars the company currently revolves around. Even if you aren't a fan of hip hop or pro wrestling, don't be a jabroni - make sure to check this Stone Cold Stunner of an episode out.

***TRIGGER WARNING*** Phrankly Speaking is back at it with returning special guest Beccz to dive into the dark murky waters of some truly despicable deplorable behavior. We discuss the conversation surrounding the abuse and assault allegations of both Sean Puffy Combs and the Nickelodeon scandal involving Dan Schneider, Brian Peck and scores of child actors who suffered at their hands - as covered by the Max documentary: Quiet on Set. This is a very sensitive and at times disturbing conversation about a very delicate topic. Be warned. ***TRIGGER WARNING***

OH SNAP!!! Beccz is back to hop in the Time Machine and head back to the 90s to celebrate women's history with a fun look at the decade's dynamic women across pop culture from movies to music to television. It's all that and a bag of chips!!!

Back at it, this time joined by Becca Beccz for another Phrankly Speaking Reel Talk, breaking down the upcoming slate of movie franchises that will be returning to the big screen in 2023 from the heavy hitters and the grand finales to the horror movie industrial complex and the WTF! Did we really need another one of THOSE??? Looks like a lot of reheated spaghetti getting thrown at the wall in 2023. Will it stick? We'll see. Until then we'll break down the lineup and let you decide what's hot and what's not AT THE MOVIES this year, on the franchise tip!

Black History. Valentine's Day. Black Love Rom Coms and Drams. 90s. 2000s. Reel Talk. Solo Dolo. LETS GO!

Frankly Speaking back at it after a hiatus to play catch up on the sim shenanigans of the 2023 (Duece Triple Simmy) with some real talk from the continued tragedies of mass shootings and police brutality/fatality to Tik Tok and Black Twitter. Then it's back to the reel talk with a catch up on all the movies I've seen from the Oscar hopefuls at Independent Picture House, to the big budget blockbuster hits and misses, and a splash of blink and you missed it flicks scattered around - especially during the dumptuary movie days of the early part of the year. A real smortgasboard of takes and topics including the new wine and cheese filmmelier steez! Frankly Speaking style of course.

After taking a moment to give thanks for all the blessings of 2023, it's time to give flowers to some of the recent magnificent black artists and works of art including: Jordan Peele and the screening of his Get Out with the Charlotte Symphony as well as his latest film Nope - available on streaming; the long awaited follow up to Ryan Coogler's Black Panther movie - Wakanda Forever as it mourns the loss of its leading man, hear and soul Chadwick Boseman; and finally the recently completed 4 season series of the surreal heartfelt and hilarious Atlanta on FX - written, directed and starring Donald Glover and one of the most insanely talented casts and crews assembled on the medium formally known as television. Kudos to the excellence and power to the culture! I'm thankful! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Chopping it up with the returning Beccz for all things tv, from the old school method to the laziness of network television to the massive cornucopia of streaming series available this time of year!!!! ENJOY

Don't call it a comeback, but Phrankly Speaking is back after a long hiatus spent all across the map in different cities seeing concerts, absorbing nature, watching football games, eating, drinking and of course AT THE MOVIES. Reel Talk, this is a quick solo dolo look at all of the good and the bad, the highlights and lowlights, shoutouts and shots fired - to finish off a fun season of Phrankly Speaking. Next week we return with the hoodie weather season debut of Phrankly Speaking Reel Talk in all of its glorious Fall TV, back to school, baseball, spooky movies, and prestige cinema glory. Lots of guests new and old and all the snark, shade and shenanigans we know and love. Frankly Speaking style of course!!!

Continuing the conversation with Beccz celebrating 50 years of HBO on our TVs and new G devices. For part two - we hop thru the library of HBO's hits, misses and personal favorites in the comedy, drama and dramedy categories. (Sorry to say we didn't fit in documentaries and limited series. HBO is prolific!) We hit some fan faces and deep cuts before tackling some of the more recent offerings. Then we take a quick look at what's coming up on the platform. When it comes to original programming HBO is the king, and it's not particularly close.

Back at it with the return of Beccz to celebrate 50 years of HBO on our TVs and now devices. On part one - because how do you fit 50 years into one pod, we discuss our earliest memories of Home Box Office, some of the early shows, the prime era of cable television and the iconic shows of HBO. Of course that leaves lots of room for the trademark deep dives and diversions - though sadly had to leave a great one out about the Fast and Furious franchise. And if we don't mention some of your favorites - don't worry we pack a LOT into next weeks part 2. So thanks for listening and look out for that one.

This week we enlist the help of returning guest Libby B to put on a hazmat suit and dive deep into the strange scary world of Alex Garland and his evil A24 cinematic universe creations, Ex Machina, Annihilation and MEN. Super spoiler filled dissections of WTF proportions, which is completely on par for the world of Alex Garland. Maybe you've seen these movies. Maybe you haven't. Consider this a blueprint and to paraphrase Jay Z - Am I telling you to see these? NO! We did that so hopefully you don't have to go through that. LOL. Enjoy. But be warned it's a wild one!

After a very brief intro acknowledging the not very surprising, but still shocking repeal of Roe v. Wade, it's part two of the conversation with Frances - further breaking down the superstardom, mythology and movies of Tom Cruise. Same trademark deep dives, diversions, analysis and silliness - but a little bit more shiny and weird like the catalog of movies and this millennium in general that we cover in the Y2K era. Lots of sci-fi, interesting role choices and Ethan Hunt DEALING in 5 of the 6 (soon to be 7 and then 8) Mission Impossible movies. So strap in cause we're still feeling the need for speed and CRUISING Y2K BABY!!!

Back at it with a birthday episode featuring the return of Frances to celebrate the recent success and career of one of our favorite actors, Tom Cruise - arguably the biggest movie star of all time. Lots of trademark deep dives, diversions, analysis and silliness - on topics ranging from celebrity to Vietnam to the elephant in the room, Scientology. So if you're a fan like us. Enjoy. If you're a hater, get ready to hate! Cause we're CRUISING BABY!!!

Excited once again to be joined by another brand new special guest, my CLT homegirl Beccz. And we are talking about Netflix in all of its iterations, successes and challenges as one of its major shows leaves, another returns and the company decides to pivot at a critical point in its history. As usual expect all kinds of deep dives, diversions, insights and jokes as we get into the thick of things…Phrankly Speaking style of course. Reel Talk!

After another heartbreaking soul crushing mass shooting in an elementary school that killed 19 children and 2 adults, its time for a break from the REEL Talk to get REAL. We find ourselves shocked but not surprised by this cycle of violence in America. But this is who we are. This is what we are. And if it's unacceptable. So if standing on the soapbox is what needs to be done. Phrankly Speaking so be it! The soapbox it is. Cause we can't keep doing this. This probably isn't for everyone, so you can hold off till next week when it's hopefully back to movies and pop culture. But we need to talk about this. And we need to hear some hard truths. It's ok, to not be ok. And none of this is OK. Also : Strong language warning.

Excited to be joined by a special guest Lacey J, calling in all the way live from the tropical Oasis of Minnesota (SKOL!), to induct the first movie into the Movies Bros Love HOF by shattering the first rule of Fight Club. Cause we DEFINITELY are definitely diving into a seminal masterpiece of 1999 - and talking in depth about Fight Club in all its brilliance and dark, heavy themes. Fantastic convo!

Did someone say broke rappers, the club, invisible cars, hidden doors, rainbow pianos, alligator man, Florida Man, whiteface, blackface, and lemon pepper wings wet!?!?! It can only be one thing…THE ATLANTA ON FX episode - broken down in all its comedy, drama, surrealism and even horror, by yours truly and brand new guest to the pod Monique. (Whoop whoop!!!) An ode to the brilliance of one of the best series in entertainment history. All facts! No cap!

Digging in the crates for NFL Draft Day with a lost episode recorded almost one year ago today on last years Draft Day with Cuzzo Geez! Unlike this year which is lacking buzz especially at the QB position, last year was a loaded draft filled with high end QB prospects and LOTS of drama including my 49ers who moved up to 3 to draft their QB of the future and had the NFL world on the edge of their seat. We break down the 49ers drama, the top QBs, the Aaron Rodgers drama, the effect Covid had on the NFL (and NBA), the NFC least, and so much more. And now a year later we can see just how sterling our NFL analysis was, especially compared to some of the hacks that somehow get paid to do this for a living. But first I have to give a special shoutout to Cuzzo Geez favorite actor of all time, that just dropped yet another banger to add to the unbearable weight of massive bangers he's made over years! Happy Birthday Week Cuzzo!!!! Enjoy!

Celebrating the unofficial 420 holiday with a quick trip down the timeline of one of the low key darker historical dates in history, along with the origins of the 420 and its significance to the culture of canibus and all things Mari - ja - Juana! Then its time to hop back on the Reel Talk track with a few ideas for the next Great stoner comedies and a look at some of the quintessential stoner classics with a very special 420 rating system by yours truly, Phrankly Speaking, of course. BLAZING!!!

This weeks episode is another solo dolo pod - taking a look at some of the recent offering in movies and streaming that I've checked out over the last few months. The Batman, A24's X and Everything Everywhere All At Once, HBO shows and more. Phrankly Speaking Style Of Course! Check it out and remember to subscribe so you can get your listen on weekly for the dopest in movies and pop culture entertainment. Reel Talk!

And now back to the regularly schedule programming. Back at it with Libby B on part 2 breaking down the 10 Best Picture nominated movies at the Academy Awards. But first Phrankly Speaking goes deep dive with the last word on our fascination with celebrity, the saturation of violence in our society, the constant juggling of trauma and the way we talk about things - in light of the shocking incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock on the grand stage of the Academy Awards. A little perspective on what it says about us more than what it says about them. So I know it seems like we've exhausted the subject, but as usual we did a lot of talking without really saying much. And with some time to marinate, I have a lot to say, Phrankly Speaking style. So get ready for a ride for that breakdown and the continued conversation with Libby B, on the movies themselves that ended up getting overshadowed, then grab the remote control and check some of them out for yourselves! Reel Talk!

Three times dope as my movie buddy Libby B returns to the podcast for the annual Oscar time look at our favorite movie and trends from the nominated films and the year that was. And what a year 2021 was for the return of movies post Covid's cinema sleeperhold. And the Oscars ceremony ended up being one of the most memorable for all time due to the slap heard round the world. Discussing the best technical achievements, performances, trends, hotness and the notness (gotta do something about these movie times) on this episode, before breaking down each individual best picture nominees on tomorrow's podcast. Lights, camera, ACTION!

Finally got to go face to face with The Good Brother Neez live from Houston for a potpourri of topics from black history to NOT black history movie viewing to music and hip hop icons. Full of the OG shenanigans that can only be expecting when best friends and brothers get on the mic with beers in hand and hilarity on the brain!

Winter is here. Fall is in the books. And Frankly Speaking, it's time for a look back at a quite memorable Fall 2021 movie season. From massive blockbusters to super weird art house movies to the mighty Netflix movie industrial complex, a long list of movies from the last few months get a sizable holiday scoop of snark, shade and shoutouts Frankly Speaking style of course. Reel Talk!

Guess who's bizzack. Yup Frankly Speaking is back at it after losing my mojo along with my last podcast. And absolutely thrilled to be joined by my sister Frances aka Frosty Freeze aka Karmenjay aka FranSis as we break down the newest phase of Marvel, post End Game. Tying up old ends. Opening up new loops. Reaching audiences in new ways. And moving mad units from Disney Plus subscriptions to movie tickets with the likes of Wandavision, Captain and Winter Soldier and Loki before pivoting to our thoughts on the latest MCU offering The Eternals. Lots of MCU thoughts and examinations of some of the deeper issues beneath the surface. So hit the play button and challenge your mind like Quaid, to get some Marvel Us perspective, Reel Talk!

Libby B returns for part 2 of the Reel Talk season 2 debut - continuing on with the friends and associates movie swap. It's on to my list so we have a little bit more machismo and high octane energy not to mention car chases, inappropriate jokes and OMG moments galore. Reel Talk! So strap in for part two of the Friends and Associates movie swap - including all the thoughts, laughs, analysis, takes, ups, downs and SPOILERS of my off the wall list of personally curated Friends and Associates movies bookended by the GOAT Eddie Murphy - Beverly Hills Cop, Stand By Me, Midnight Run, Pulp Fiction, Out of Sight, Bowfinger. Some of my favorites movies with some of my favorite performances. Very fun episode! Very fun conversation! Shoutout to Libby B, and buddies and associates on film and in real life!!!

Libby B returns for the debut of season 2 - dropping HOT fire in the Hygge CLT studio for a Frankly Speaking movie collab BANGER! We converse and hand out awards to everyone involved in a diverse slate of phenomenal films, bursting with superstars - especially HOF women with apex talent and prestige that constantly set movies ablaze. Reel Talk! So strap in for part one of the Friends and Associates movie swap - including all the thoughts, laughs, analysis, takes, ups, downs and SPOILERS of Libby's beautifully curated film list of Friends and Associates!

Welp, here we go again. Covid spun the block and now we are at another crossroads despite HAVING THE FRICKEN COVID VACCINE READILY AVAILABLE! See, it's time to get out one last PSA and one last rant, and then move back to the comforting podcast waters of Reel Talk, chopping up the history, impact, analysis and overall magic of the great medium that is film. So for the time being, enjoy a last look at the nonsense parading around our streets, our country, our society, our simulation???? Frankly speaking style, OF COURSE!

We’re back with a sequel! After a quick solo dolo post Oscars intro, fellow cinema junkie and movie club buddy buddy Libby, returns to the podcast. It’s a hindsight look at the challenging and game changing year of movies with no movies at the movies. We discuss what that was like and what it might mean going forward. Then we give our Oscar predictions, analysis and bold takes in advance of the recent Academy Awards ceremony. Spoiler Alert - The takes were bold AND spicy. The analysis was quite on time. The predictions weren’t as crisp as last year. And Chadwick Boseman did not get his flowers. RIP KING!

As shots go in arms we hope to return to normal. But that’s not a good thing if the new normal is the same as the old normal with mass shootings, police killing citizens, white supremacist political affiliations, widespread mental and physical illness and constant proof that Black Lives Don’t Matter. Heavy stuff but it’s heavy times and Phrankly Speaking - straight shooting on all of it. Quickly, concise and to the point!!!

Giving a shoutout to March 2021 as it comes to an end while vaccines go in arms (including mine). After a bit of lamenting the chaos caused 1 year ago when Covid shut the world down and the imprint it still has on the world and one of my favorite months, March; - I pivot and throw some shade at awards season, show CPT love to Black History Kings and Queens past and present, shoutout Women’s Empowerment Month & great women of cinema and appreciate the women (and men) of all colors that helped build this country - in light of the recent hate crimes and murder sprees that have again rocked the nation. A little bit of snark and shade but mostly love and good vibes as March 2021 comes to a close and hopefully Covid follows suit. Enjoy!

Glad to have Sis to help cut into the insanity with the Hindsight 2020 series. We begin the post mortem autopsy on the craziest year in modern history with the first incisions on the most Jumanji-est of shenanigans from UFOs and ghost love to the fireworks madness and demon sperm, not to mention all kinds of other wacky detours and side notes from the year that was and some of its crazy 2016 and 2021 kin. Then we pull the mask off some true monsters that lurked amongst us beneath the surface and in plain sight. Get ready for a roller coaster of wildness, laughs and drama completely befitting of the first foray into 2020 and the surreality of it all. Hindsight is 2020. 2020 is officially hindsight. And it’s time to figure out, what on Earth happened!?!?!?! Let’s go! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Its a new year and Frankly Speaking is FINALLY back from the campaign trail and in the booth for a new season dropping shoutouts to ATL, Dr. King, Stacey Abrams, the new president and the 2 new GA senators Ossoff and Rev. Warnock. Then it’s time for an razor sharp autopsy of the FORMER administration and the carnage left in its wake. This one is a heater! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dropping a few quick nuggets about the runoff and the sore loser in the White House while in between movie watching at the Starlight Drive In in Hotlanta Georgia.

Back at it with the real talk and the real talk. Gonna be combining real talk about Summer 2020 with some reel talk about the Summer movies I grew up with. This episode covers the diversity and beauty of blackness in today’s America as well as in the various movies that graced summer movie screens through the years; including a review of the relevance and brilliance of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, then and now.

Phrankly Speaking taking a quick break from the Reel Talk for some REAL TALK about more of the recent murders of black citizens at the hands of the police, police brutality/harassment at large, the resulting protests and occasional riots, white supremacy, and why BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Coming off the top of the dome with the 90s high school movie review. Swirling glasses of wine on the 2020 tip. Dope movies! Dope analysis! “The style is fantastic!”

This episode starts (and ends) with the latest in stay your butt at home entertainment including the superb ESPN doc Michael Jordan: The Last Dance. Then we hop in the Ferrari and joyride through the incredible catalog of the late great Chicago writer/director John Hughes including his impressive writing credits, his collaborations with John Candy (RIP) and of course his iconic high school movies that defined a genre and an era. Mad props! (Also props is a Chicago word...who knew?)

Shoutout to all my 4/20 peeps. The 420 Reel Talk episode is passing out phat bags of weed comedy commentary and stoner buddy suggestions. Check for the jokes and rambling and get some history with lots of movie talk and 420 shoutouts and safety tips. Be safe and smart y’all! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Come for the Tiger King takes stay for a comprehensive list of excellent documentaries. Some of the all time greats. Some of my personal favorites. Recommendations, spoiler free, summaries and personal thoughts covering a veritable buffet of documentaries on so many different yet interesting topics, for any and all tastes. Politics to history, social issues to great people with a focus on ones that are available for streaming and the 411 on where to find them. Phrankly Speaking style of course! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Reel Talk debuts with an in-depth look at the great Harrison Ford and his super dope catalogue - with a focus on movies that are currently streaming and the 411 on where to find them. Starting with a look at how he started, my personal relationship to him and his films and some alternate history. Then it’s deep cut and ala carte suggestions from his library of bangers. And finally the main course takes on the the masterpieces that made him the Hollywood Legend he is and where to check those out. H Dot Reel Talk - Frankly Speaking, of course! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

After a lengthy delay Frankly Speaking says goodbye to its first season of political and social commentary, pop culture, entertainment and sports shenanigans with a look at the current state of affairs in regards to Covid 19 and our political dynamics. Don’t fret the return is just around the corner with a soft pivot to entertaining takes on movies movies movies with season 2: THE REELNESS, a time appropriate mix of movie history, streaming suggestions and reviews of some of the great and my personal favorite movie stars, directors, genres and years! So enjoy this last episode calling of a season chock full of meat, potatoes and veggies. And get ready for a spread of appetizing takes, intoxicating suggestions and delightfully decadent reviews and endorsements. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Happy to be joined by my long time homeboy, fellow politics junkie and attorney at law Sahr, making his podcast debut, to discuss the start of the 2020 election season including the Iowa disaster, the impeachment of President Trump, the current lineup of Democratic contenders and their various strategies of defeating President Trump, and the flaws of the progressives vs moderates narrative instead of divide and conquer tactics. It’s a burner of an episode with a lot of insight into the current state of political affairs as the 2020 election train starts to really pick up steam.

Fellow cinema junkie, movie club member and viewing partner Libby, joins the podcast for the first time to take a hindsight look at the movies of 2019 from the duds to the snubs to the movies we love and then give our 2020 Oscar predictions & choices in advance of the recent Academy Awards ceremony. Spoiler Alert - Parasite won big! Bong! Bong!

A solo dolo shout out to the memories of Kobe Bryant and my best friend Chris Barrett aka CND Man. And then the Good Brother Neez hops on the pod to review a return journey in and around the City of Brotherly Love, our hometown of Philadelphia!