Screens And Rhymes Podcast

Jordan Martins opens the show with an up-to-date take on the Celtics' post-season eve and gives his predictions on where the C's will land when it's all over (01:03). Christian Williams joins the show for Segment 2 where both fans discuss the Celtics season in-depth (16:50).

Jordan Martins opens the show by discussing design philosophy and theory, his home design journey, how he entered homeownership in his 20s, and how 2020 forever shifted how our homes work (02:34). He also talks about the well-designed end-to-end experience of going to a sensory deprivation chamber in Brooklyn (31:46). Then he talks with Bo Lee of Design Kinds about her creative sector spanning work, health hacking, interior design, great ergonomic products, and supporting Asian-Americans (34:46). Jordan closes with a reminder about COVID-19 global vaccine distribution and a cautionary note about Americans getting back to enjoying life after the vaccines (1:22:54).

Jordan Martins opens the show with some May TV and film streaming recommendations (2:45), then gets into a review of the LeSean Thomas' Netflix anime "Yasuke" (5:57). Then he discusses why he enjoyed the 2021 Oscars besides the snub of Chadwick Boseman for Best Actor (21:24). He reviews "The Falcon And The Winter Soldier" series (spoiler alert!) and covers how the show soars with its themes of Black identity (25:57). Jordan also gives a thorough breakdown of Isaiah Bradley's comic book origins and discusses how 2003's "Truth: Red, White & Black" comic was full of forgotten Black and American history. Historical topics include early American socialism, The Red Scare of 1919, real-life experiments on Black soldiers during World War II, and more (35:12).

Jordan Martins opens the show by breaking down Carol Dweck's theory of growth mindset, and how it inspired Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown. (0:53) Then he talks with Electra of Respect The Artists about her artist empowerment platform, things artists can do to improve their confidence, and the work required to have a successful art career (6:38). Jordan gives a spoiler-free take on Episode 1 of "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier" and how it's handling themes of impostor syndrome, survivors guilt, and depicts the struggles of Black families. He also discusses Anthony Mackie's excellent portrayal of Sam Wilson and closes by discussing violence against Asian-Americans and the threat of white domestic terrorism. (52:20)

Jordan Martins discusses all things NFTs and gives a comprehensive explainer of how the technology works, and the power it has to disrupt multiple creative industries. He explains why he is excited for it as an artist and content creator, and why he's been active as an investor already. There's a breakdown of NBA Topshot, Beeple's $68M sale through Christie's, and why Square and Jack Dorsey buying Tidal is an NFT play.

Jordan Martins connects the legacy of the Black Panthers to the global inequality struggles still present today. He breaks down the Panthers' use of media, visual messaging, and Fred Hampton's promotion of Marxism. Jordan recalls firsthand experiences learning from former NYC Young Lords and talks about his introduction to revolutionary politics, and ongoing community work. Kris Williams AKA PHZ-Sicks joins for Segment 2 and the two discuss the Black movie-going experience, and how they miss supporting indie theaters. Then they discuss recent Black films 'One Night In Miami' (31:20) 'Malcolm & Marie' (44:00), and 'Judas And The Black Messiah' (64:00).

Jordan Martins breaks down how he became interested in progressive politics, Bernie Sanders' influence beyond the memes, and he evaluates Biden's first two weeks in office. He also shares his thoughts on Gamestop and WallStreetBets vs. The Feds. Then Jordan interviews Haitian-American creative, organizer, and mental health worker, Ericka Mitton (26:48). They discuss the early 2010s NYC streetwear and "industry" scene, Black Twitter, Clubhouse as a healing space, Ericka's Sound Bath Clubhouse rooms, Clubhouse's $1-billion valuation, the state of Black filmmaking, and Ericka taking the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Jordan Martins breaks down some of his favorite things from the year 2020. The list includes Screens (movies, apps, viral moments) and Rhymes (favorite: song, album, music video) along with some individual highlights as well. Jordan also talks about his journey securing the PS5, and what it means to him as a gamer to get a console close to launch. (12:40) Mike Toney joins for Segment 2 and the two have an in-depth discussion about video games and debate the Game of The Year. They break down the full Game Awards list that includes Hades and Animal Crossing (18:48), they discuss Final Fantasy 7 Remake's nomination for GOTY and plot lines (27:15), The Last Of Us 2 GOTY debate and ideas of vengeance (53:20), and the GOTY case for Ghost of Tsushima and their love for samurai storytelling (90:20).

Welcome to the Screens And Rhymes Podcast! In Segment 1 Jordan Martins runs through his personal history, vision for the show moving forward, meaning behind Screens And Rhymes, and how he flourished in 2020 despite the world melting down. In Segment 2 (20:47) Jordan begins an interview with his friend, mentor, and frequent collaborator, Mike Toney. They discuss how they first met, the creative process behind the Black Anime book, African diaspora influences and the current US climate for Black content, Blackness in anime and the transmission of Black culture globally, inspiration for Jordan's Blue Edition book project, Mike Toney's animation improvement after taking a class with Kipo creator Rad Sechrist, and Mike's career trajectory and the follow-up Black Anime 2 book.