Podcasts about bounce tv

BOSSes, get ready for an electrifying conversation with a true entertainment icon. In this episode of the VO Boss Podcast, Anne Ganguzza is joined by the legendary Rolonda Watts, an Emmy-winning, talk show host, actress, and award-winning voice actor. Rolonda's career is a masterclass in professional reinvention. From her groundbreaking syndicated talk show, The Rolonda Show, to her powerful voice acting work on Professor Wiseman in Curious George and her on-screen roles in Mind Your Business and Survival of the Thickest, she embodies the art of pivoting with purpose. The hosts discuss how her journey from journalism to entertainment shaped her, why listening is the most important tool for any communicator, and the life philosophies that have guided her to become a true BOSS.   00:01 - Anne (Host) Hey, bosses, Anne Ganguzza, you know your journey in voiceover is not just about landing gigs. It's about growing both personally and professionally. At Anne Ganguzza Voice Productions, I focus on coaching and demo production that nurtures your voice and your confidence. Let's grow together. Visit Anneganguzza.com to find out more. 00:48 Visit anganguza, hey. Hey everyone, welcome to the VO Boss Podcast. I'mGanguzzayour host, Anne Ganguza, and I have something amazing for you 00:53 , bosses, today.  00:55 Today's guest is a one-woman entertainmentRolondaempire. She's done it all award-winning journalistRolonda daytime talk show host, actor, stand-up comic, best-selling author and one of the most recognizable voices in voiceover. You may have heard her as Professor Wiseman on Curious GeorgeRolonda in the Proud FamilyRolonda kung Fu Panda and now Invincible Fight Girl. She's also the annoucer and promo voice of the Sherry Show, where Sherry Shepard calls her a daytime talk show legend, which I happen to agree. Rolanda Watts is currently lighting up the screen on Bounce TV's hit comedy Mind your Business which I always get to see all the shorts on the Facebook feed, by the way where she plays Lucille, the sharp, sassy family matriarch that keeps it real with tough love and somehow I feel like that just echoes your character to a T. And she I feel like that just echoes your character to a T, and she's also appearing in the upcoming season of Netflix's Survival ofRolondathe Thickest, and was recently inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at the 2024 Emmys, recognizing her lifetime of groundbreaking work in television.  02:04 Bosses, please welcome the incomparable Rolanda Watts, thank you. Thank you, rolanda. I have to tell you, you know I'm a big fan. I mean, I've said this to you before, but, bosses, I am the biggest fan of Rolanda. I actually know Rolanda from watching her on daytime talk TV, and that was a while ago. I want to say that daytime talk shows had just kind of come into like being, and you're one of the first that I watched and I just I just you, your personality, just everything about you was just amazing. It's just magnetic, and so I am so excited to be able to interview you, a talk show host. So I was like, oh man, how am I going to prepare to talk to you? But you are just so gracious and wonderful, and so that kind of gave me a little bit of of hope that I wouldn't completely flub it up today, rolanda.  03:05 - Rolonda (Guest) I don't think you would do that, Anne.  03:08 - Anne (Host) My goodness. So for the bosses, who you know don't really know your story and how you started off, I mean, my gosh, you're a media empire, so I don't even like we could have like five days worth of interviews with you, but it all started as broadcast journalism correct interviews with you, but it all started as broadcast journalism correct?  03:28 - Rolonda (Guest) Yes, Tell us about that. Well, I grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I, you know, I went to well, it's a long story about how I became an actor, but it all started with being 12 years old and going to Broadway with my family and seeing Guys and Doll and I was just like, oh my God, I love the stage and that's what I Anne do. So I went to Spelman and majored in theater arts and then there weren't a lot of roles when I got out of college. There just wasn't a track for folks who looked like me in the acting world, and so I fell in love with journalism, went to Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism and I was a news reporter and investigative anchor woman and producer for many years for New York WABC, WNBC Inside.  04:16 - Anne (Host) Edition, and that's impressive. And all of a sudden. Well, yeah, I was an investigative journalist. I mean you just said it like it came so easy. But I Anne imagine at the time. I mean you must have had to really work to get yourself in that space.  04:33 - Rolonda (Guest) Well, it was a crazy time because it was the 1980s. There weren't a lot of women in investigative news reporting, not in New York City, and so it was a groundbreaking time for women and and there was so much in the news, especially in New York, it was the big gang wars, the mob wars. You know, gotti hadn't even come into into play yet, so it was murder and mayhem. I was covering, wow and yeah, an inside edition. I was more murder and mayhem.  05:04 - Anne (Host) I remember that.  05:06 - Rolonda (Guest) Yeah. And then a man by the name of Roger King, who in heaven remains the number one selling as human being in television, asked me if I would like to do my very own syndicated talk show. So for four years I did the Rolanda show and then, when that was over let's loop back to the 12 year old who wore the subway token around her neck as a good luck charm. I said I'm not going to be on a porch when I'm 80 years old, going I could have, would have, should have. I am going to take my chances and go for my lifelong dream and make that 12 year old inside of me happy.  05:41 And I took off and went to Hollywood and that's where I became an actor and a writer and a producer and had my own production company and stumbled into voice acting and all of these things were part of what so many people call me the reinventionist. But I have had to reinvent my life for so many reasons and so many times. But I believe that isRolondamany different things that I've done and it's all around one thing and that's what we do as voice actors Good storytelling.  06:13 - Anne (Host) Yeah, absolutely Absolutely. And it's so interesting because before I had really come into like knowing you again, after you know, watching your talk show, and then knowing you as in voiceover yeah, the Anne and promo voice of the Sherry show, how interesting. Like you started to talk show, you're like a legend and talk show in my, in my brain. I'm like Rolanda, that's so awesome, like you. And now you kind of came full circle back to it a little bit Right, being the Anne and the promo voice.  06:46 And I was watching a clip of you the other day and Sherry was saying something. She was going on. She was gushing about you, which I get that. She was gushing about you and it was so interesting. She was giving you this credit about talking about your talk show and how wonderful you were and you turned it right. The conversation went right back to her about how wonderful she was and I was just blown away by how gracious that was and I just thought, well, no wonder. Well, no wonder you made such a great talk show host, such a great communicator, such a great actor and stand-up comedian and everything, because you just have this wonderful way of connecting with people.  07:29 - Rolonda (Guest) Well, you're awfully sweet, Anne. I'm going to receive all of that, but I thank you for that. You know it's, it's it. I, you know I was. I get blown away too, because Sherry does not hold back about what. What do the folks say? Giving me my flowers? And it's nice to receive them when you can smell them. You know, you know, know, it's really interesting because we did pave the way for sherry and and kelly and and drew and tamron all of them and I also know the hard work that those ladies are doing.  08:04 This job called talk is not easy. The politics that go on, the struggles day to day, the whole idea that the show is bigger than you as a human. It's very trying and you're out there by yourself. So I of course give her her flowers back because you can hand over the baton, but if the person can't run with it it really doesn't count. So to be able to see that continuum is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  08:29 And you know what's really funny is that Sherry's executive producer, who you see on the show all the time, John Murray. John was a college student when he first came to see my show and that's when he got the TV bug. He was bitten by the TV bug and so I would invite him back. In fact, one time I put him on the show so he could come and see how the producers worked and the behind the scenes working Skip to him becoming the executive producer of the Sherry show, and he said there's no other voice that we would have introduced, Sherry, and pass on the legacy than you. So it's really good. I mean, you got to be nice to kids, because they're coming up and they'll be your boss.  09:10 - Anne (Host) Right. Isn't that the truth?  09:12 - Rolonda (Guest) It is, it's like full circle.  09:13 - Anne (Host) You've, really you've done so much and you are.  09:15 I feel as though you've got. I feel like, look, I know how busy I am and I do a lot of stuff, but I feel like you, you're, you're doing it all. I mean you're, you're in that sitcom and I see, I'm thankful. I see the clips that you're posting on Facebook and it's so funny how the Rolanda that I know right, that I had a conversation with at VO Atlanta, I mean I feel like it is just so true to your character. Tell us a little bit about that role. I feel like you're just having the best time doing it.  09:44 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh my God, Lucille Williams, or Lucille is just one of the most wonderful characters. I mean, she's just great. And this coming weekend she's going to break off into her cougarlicious life, I know, oh wow.  10:05 She and her besties. They call themselves the silver sneakers. The nieces have convinced them that they need to give up the old guys, who just need a nurse and a purse, and go and get some of the young guys to go get some cool you know, be cougars and so we see how that works. But it's very, you know, it's fun to play her. She's sassy, she's the matriarch of the family, but at the same time we're writing storylines that give her a full bodied woman-ness. At this certain age, absolutely, absolutely.  10:42 - Anne (Host) I love that.  10:43 - Rolonda (Guest) But Mind your Business is a wonderful sitcom. It's one of those wonderful family sitcoms. It's produced by Bentley Evans, who did Jamie Foxx and Martin, so you're going to get that kind of zany funniness, but it's. But my character is lost her business almost during covid and calls on her family to come in and help save the business. And so she moves in with the family to save some money and all hell breaks loose. They need more of a referee than they do business partners. Now.  11:14 - Anne (Host) I love it. Now, if I'm correct, you're on season two, is that correct?  11:20 - Rolonda (Guest) We're on season two. That's right.  11:22 - Anne (Host) That's right Will there be more seasons. We certainly hope so. I hope so too.  11:25 - Rolonda (Guest) Listen, we're depending on you to watch and binge and love it. We're on Bounce TV or the Brown Sugar app and you Love it.  11:32 - Anne (Host) We're on Bounce TV or the Brown Sugar app and you can go look up where you can watch it. Yeah, I love that. Well, ok, so All right, we have to. Now we have to come to the voiceover aspect of things. So you actually have been doing voiceover since you came to LA, right?  11:46 - Rolonda (Guest) And well, you know what's so crazy, Anne, is that I was doing voiceover work, promos and Anne and voiceovers, and I didn't even know I was a voice actor, because I was doing all of that stuff for my show. I mean, had I known I was a voice actor at that time, I would have had a very different contract, trust me. But but it let meRolonda you know. But, just being a news reporter for so many years in New York City and on Inside Edition across the nation, people just knew my voice. And when, when I moved to LA and gave up the whole news and talk business to come out here and be an actor and a producer, nine months into the game the writers went on strike and instead of hosting an internationally syndicated talk show, I was on the picket line serving pizza to the striking writers.  12:39 And I was like what am I going to do? And I had to eat, I had to pay my rent, I mean what, what? And it was like I'm not going back to news, so what am I going to do? And I remembered that I used to call 411 back when you used to get information and the operator even knew my voice. They would go is this Rolanda. And so I said well this, I know I've got a voice, I'll go do voice acting. And I could not catch a cold because I didn't understand what the business was about. I had a voice and I had a microphone, but I had no idea what voice acting was about. I had a voice and I had a microphone, but I had no idea what voice acting was about.  13:14 So I went over to Calumson and Calumson over there in Burbank and I took a class and that thing saved my life because those that was the one of the that was the well, it was one of the longest strikes in Hollywood nine months and by that time I had created a whole new career and the voice actors weren't on strike. So I said this is a great backup for my physical acting and there are times and when my voice works more than my physical acting and now that I'm becoming a woman of a certain age those roles aren't coming in as quickly. But, honey, I can play a hot 30 year old.  13:53 - Anne (Host) Well, my voice. I love that you're using the woman of a certain age because, as a woman of a certain age, as well, what are you?  14:02 - Rolonda (Guest) going to do.  14:04 - Anne (Host) Exactly. I mean, I say use it Right, I mean absolutely. And so let's talk just for a brief moment about what. So acting and voice acting, same, different, what? What would you say are the key differences? Because you said, oh, I had to go to Kalmanson and Kalmanson, right.  14:22 - Rolonda (Guest) So there are some things, yeah, oh, absolutely.  14:25 - Anne (Host) Bosses need to know that are different and I absolutely always tell people yes, you should, you should, you know, take acting classes. But also there are some, some differences.  14:35 - Rolonda (Guest) Yeah, I find that there there's. It's just a different set of muscles, I think that's what you would say. One is just strictly your imagination and I think, well, for me, one helps the other. Well, for instance, the character I play we talked about Lucille, lucille talks like this she's got a little quiver in her voice and she just real high pitch, like that. So some of those tricks that we learn in terms of texture and pitch and pacing and all of that that we do as we imagine our characters, I do the same thing when I see the character on the page and I say how does that voice, what? What is it about her voice that's going to make her stand out. And they know that's Lucille, that's part of her, because she doesn't have cause. That character doesn't have this voice, not my voice. So I think that that that helps me find my characters In fact.  15:29 In fact I did a play and I had I did three plays at one time. Craziest thing in the world never been done Did three plays at one time, playing 10 different characters, from a nine-year-old girl to a 76-year-old grandmother, and all of those are different voices. You know, one was a journalist, one was a, you know, grandmother one, a, a little girl who grew up in mississippi. I mean, those are just such different voices and I also have bring my physical things, like when I'm thinking of a character in my voice, acting. I think what would they wear?  16:04 Shakespeare said, the clothes make the man and the woman too. Are they wearing a cape that they sold over there, you know? Are they carrying a sword? Does she have really tight bobs in her hair? I mean, does she have a mustache? So there are all kinds of things that I think. If I'm in my prop room or my wardrobe room and it's just my imagination, what can I do to help bring those things to light? Just the way, when they put the wig on and the clothes and the heels on for stage or screen, you could become that character. You do the same in your imagination, yeah.  16:37 - Anne (Host) I love that, I love that parallel.  16:40 That makes so much sense, actually, and it's interesting. So, for voice actors, who have not necessarily acted, what sort of tips would you have to for them to be better actors? Let's say, because it's funny, I do a lot of the stuff that people don't think you need to act for in terms of voiceover, like corporate narration or e-learning, and they think that you don't need to act. But in reality you're always a character, and so when I'll say to my students, envision that scene, it's just to them they're like what, why? Why do I need to do that? Why don't I just read the words? You know why?  17:20 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) I hear it. Yeah, exactly, you know why?  17:22 - Rolonda (Guest) Because we're not looking for readers, we're looking for actors, and I think that's one of the biggest mistakes that folks make who don't become a VO boss is because they don't understand what this industry is about. It's really not even about your voice. It's not about I mean, everybody has a beautiful, unique voice, because there are no two voices alike but it's the acting that's going to make you so different. It's those subliminal things under those lines. Sometimes you have a whole commercial that tells a whole life story in four lines and they, they fought over those lines. Attorneys, 50 people made all those lines. So they mean something. What is the story we're telling here? Right, and who am I in this story and who am I talking to? You know all of those questions. Where am I? Why am I even this story and who am I talking to? You know all of those questions. Where am I? Why am I even talking about this toilet paper? You know, and I'm a bear.  18:21 Why am I. Even I'm a mama bear. I mean why? You know why am I, and I'm not going to act like a bear, but I'm going to act like a mom who's concerned about her kids not wiping themselves. And that's just real stuff. So how do you tap into the authenticity? How do you make it human? Because what our job is is to connect with another human being. That's something that folks down there on Madison Avenue, the big advertisers, can't do in their suits, so they depend on us as actors, to be human, to be just plain old ourselves and human. No bravado, as we're hearing so much in our copy and in our instruction and directions as actors. Authenticity, throw it away, just give it to me. No salesy, no Anne, and I got to tell you that's the hardest thing in the world to do. Even for us seasoned actors, it's sometimes hard to shake off the the, the formality and just get real with it. You know and feel comfortable and confident with that.  19:21 - Anne (Host) Can I ask you to repeat that, can you that you said, you said what you said. It was hard, it's hard, it is hard, right. It is so hard Like I love it because you create that scene Right. It is so hard, like I love it because you create that scene Right In which those words make sense, right.  19:36 And tell a story and sometimes those words are really we don't know. We don't know that, Like I, have some people that are almost indignant that they don't have a storyboard or they don't. They don't understand the words. So therefore, if they don't, they're just kind of well, let's just say them then.  19:58 - Rolonda (Guest) Right In a melody that I think they want to hear. Rolonda, that's great, then they'll have a melody that they just heard, but they won't have the commercial.  20:03 - Anne (Host) I love it, so yes, so you said it's hard, rolanda says it's hard, it is.  20:09 - Rolonda (Guest) I go on record as saying the hardest thing I've ever had to do whether it was talk, tv or vocal or physical acting is being myself. Now in life, I have no problem beingRolondaauthentically Rolanda. What you see is Rolonda you get. But it's something that happens when we pick up that script and that microphone is in front of us and, all of a sudden, things start changing and happening. We're just not ourselves. I don't sound like myself. I don't like toRolondahear my voice. It takes, it's really acting. When you hear people who sound like how did they get that job? They don't even sound like a voice actor. It's because they are turning themselves Rolonda a virtual pretzel justRolondato sound like that, to sound so normal.  20:58 I remember when I first started doing my talk show um, the, the demand of being a, an actor I mean not an actor, but a talk show host with a talk show called rolanda was that you had to be Rolanda. You couldn't be the news reporter anymore. That was crucial to the success, and so it was very hard to even do it then, and I can remember my bosses and my partners calling going get that news reporter out of there, bring back Rolanda. And I said but I've got this crazy laugh and a raspy voice and I, you know, I'm a Southern accent and that's everything that makes my brand. I mean, it's crazy, but that's Rolanda. When you say Rolanda, that's what you hear. So whatever that is about you, whatever that quirky, crazy thing that you think is your fault, that's going to be your greatest asset. You know, when I was a little kid, they called me froggy and I always played all the guys in all my all girls school plays and I thought that was a real fault of mine. And now I can play women, men, little boys, pirates, anything in this industry of voice acting, and there's no limitation. The only limitation is your imagination. It's not about the equipment, it's not even about your voice. It's about your brilliant imagination and what you bring to that character, not even the microphone, what you bring to that character that nobody else thought about. That made that animator go. Oh, I can't wait to draw this character, um, and to make the casting director's job easy. They want you to win, they want you to get this job, so give it to them, show them your special sauce.  22:43 But I think it takes real practice, practice, practice. Like carnegie hall, they say. You just don't walk up into carnegie hall and start playing the violin. No, you got to learn how the instrument works. You got to learn how to maintain it, take care of it, how to make love to that instrument so it delivers that God given art and craft that you've put into it. You've got to do the work. And a lot of people think, well, I can just go pick this up and read. And the sad thing is, and they don't take classes and they have no idea what they're doing wrong. The worst thing that can happen is you go years and years and years building on the wrong stuff because you never took the time to learn the right stuff. You don't know what you don't know. Yeah, that's so.  23:29 - Anne (Host) I'm.  23:29 - Rolonda (Guest) I'm real big on training and classes so that you get the education and the acting experience and you understand how to break down scripts, you understand the vocabulary of this industry and how to network and and and use your resources that are right there at your fingertips.  23:46 - Anne (Host) Well, I think I think you're probably very much a VO Boss on using those resources and networking throughout your whole career. That's absolutely something that I feel that you've you've done so successfully. What would you say is probably the most important thing tip that you could give to to ensure success in this industry? Because it's a evolving industry and, yes, being the the queen of reinvention, right, you've had to reinvent yourself, and reinvent yourself not only in, you know, voiceover, but in, like all the media and how it's evolved over the years. So what would be your, your best tip to ensure success? Don't quit there. You go.  24:26 - Rolonda (Guest) I like that. The only people who don't succeed in voice acting are people who quit. I like that. You know, even the greatest ones. And you know, when we're at the VO Atlanta conference and we're with the greats I mean we're with Bob, who's Porky the pig, and we're with Joe, who's every network's Anne and when you hear these, these, these major vo stars and pros say, man, I do 50 to 100 auditions and may not nab the job a lot of us went whoa.  24:59 - Anne (Host) thank god, it's just not us, because yeah, I mean I can show you a stack in my head. I'm like oh, thank god, because, yeah, I, I just did a ton, I know, yeah, and look, listen I hear some auditions from this month okay yeah, am, I, am, I am I booking every one of them?  25:16 - Rolonda (Guest) no, but that's but. But you have to change your mindset. Every time I show up that microphone and I'm doing an audition, I'm not going up there. Well, I'm not going to get the job anyway. If you've got a bad attitude like that, it's time for you to jump into a classroom and just realign yourself, because this is a long game. And let me tell you what's going to happen when you get great you nab that job, you go and do that commercial. One hour it's gone and you're right back to auditioning again. So don't put all of your emphasis on just the job, but the but, the practice, the maintenance of it. Uh, going to conferences like the VO Atlanta conference, vo Dallas conference, sosa look up these places. That's a good place to hobnob. This is a very solo business. You're a solopreneur, you're by yourself, you, your microphone, your computer and your imagination. That's it. So get out and join memberships. Like Anne. You can come and take my class, the voice acting masterclass with Rolanda. In fact, I'm going to offer your listeners a very special deal if they're interested.  26:29 But that's another way that we build community and you learn what's the cutting edge. Right now we're dealing with AI. What does that mean? Staying on the cutting edge of things that are going to affect your career and really take it as a business. This is not just a hobby. Understand how your taxes work, understand the legalities and understand the questions to ask when you're signing a contract. Now just don't run out there all willy-nilly and not ask the right questions or your voice will be used forever and you not get paid. You know the video game people just had a strike and got some. Where are we moving forward in the business?  27:10 Be able to talk intelligently about the business. So when you're out there meeting people, they know, oh okay, this is somebody really serious. This isn't just somebody who just got a microphone on amazon and call themselves a voice actor, because there's a lot of that. But I say that um, really, just don't quit and understand that every time you show up in front of that microphone, it's another opportunity to show you a special sauce. And if the casting director doesn't get you into this particular job and that's not their decision, it's the producer's or whoever the client is. If you don't make it then, then at least they've heard you. I get a lot of times where they're. Rolonda same client will keep calling me back and I know I've impressed them in those other auditions I've done, so I know they're looking for something for me, so I just keep showing up, doing the best that I possibly can and finding ways to make it different. Because they've heard the same audition 50 million times, sometimes 500 times.  28:12 So what can you do to make it a little different and still stay within the parameters? So there's Ganguzza kinds of tricks and strategies and all kinds of things that you can do to stand Ganguzza and also how you market yourself like anything else. This is a brand Just because Rolonda have a microphone. Anything else this is a brand. Just because you have a microphone doesn't mean you have a brand. So reallyRolonda you know, that's one of the things I tell my students all the time. Once you get the breaking down the script and understand how the microphone and the vocab let's, let's talk about marketing, social marketing. How do we brand ourselves? How can you be one name like Rolanda and people immediately know what that means, and so that's really knowing your stuff and knowing your own voice too, that's so interesting because for a while, when I first started, I had different names.  29:00 - Anne (Host) I mean I, of course I started VO Peeps, I have VO Boss, and then I have Anne Ganguza brand and I'm like I really just need to wrap it all up into the Anne Ganguza brand. So finally, people say I need an Anne Ganguza, like I need a Rolanda. I need an Anne Ganguza, and so I love that that you have that brand and you build on that brand. But, rolanda, let me ask you a question, because I saw the stack of auditions. Do you I mean still, do you get, still I say still do you get an imposter syndrome?  29:31 - Rolonda (Guest) I think I'm pretty much. I'm pretty much at this time in my life. I know who I am. You know I'm not trying to. I've done enough and achieved enough and have enough confidence in myself. I think you know what I think this is. The other thing about this industry is confidence, because you can hear I can hear through a microphone. If you're not confident and you don't even believe yourself, if you see it, I'm going to see it. If you believe it, I'm going to believe it. And that's half the battle, I mean, and that's also part of the practice of this art and this craft, is learning how to still your nerves. Breathing is so much a part, warming up is so much a part of it and it's a full body job. This is an inside job because your beautiful vocal cords are right here in this body encases it. So you got to work out, you got to stretch. You know I love this. Old morgan freeman used to say that the secret to his great voice was a good, deep yawn.  30:29 Absolutely, you know because it just loosens up everything and these 41 muscles up here need to be worked out. A lot of people just jump right up, start reading, don't even warm up their mouths.  30:40 - Anne (Host) As evidenced by your. I think it was yesterday when I saw you on Facebook and you were like all right, I'm going back to the gym.  30:48 - Rolonda (Guest) I know. I messed up.  30:50 - Anne (Host) That's it. I'm going back.  30:54 - Rolonda (Guest) I'm a hot mess but.  30:56 - Anne (Host) I think that warming up I mean it helps, it absolutely does. Just a physical walk, you know, if you go to the gym, a physical warmup does absolutely help. Now, we did talk, we touched upon the confidence issue. We did talk, we touched upon the confidence issue, and one thing that I'm really excited about is that in let's see, is it in September, on the 17th, we are going to have you doing a guest directorship for the VO bosses on improv to improve your confidence and connection. So we will be talking about how bosses can remain confident or stay confident or get confident in the booth, and I love that.  31:35 You said that we can hear. We can hear that confidence and it's really interesting because even if you're telling a story and it may not be the story that ends up being on the video or the commercial right or the commercial right If we're auditioning and we're telling a story and we're convinced of it and we are confident in it, then the people listening, the casting directors, the people that will cast us, will believe it as well, and I think that's one of the telltale signs that they say, ah, shortlist, or that's what's gonna get you the gig.  32:05 - Rolonda (Guest) I think confidence and that's really believing in yourself and being able to take chances and risks. Because you know, think about it. The casting director is hearing 500 people say the same three lines. What are you going to bring to that story that's going to make a difference? I'll give you an example.  32:23 I did an at t commercial and it was about it. It was a very little short commercial and it was about a young girl who sees her mother, who has gone out for girls night at a salsa club, and she says mom, is this you on social media? And the mother goes oh, yes, honey, we were out with Raul last night and we were just dancing and then I something happened. And I said and I just to world. That was not even a line in the script, but I just had this imagination, cuz I used to go out salsa with my girlfriends in California and, honey, when Eduardo would ask us to dance, we would to world. And that just brought that into that like an aunt Lucille, and that's what got me the gig. And it was, and it was just that little button that we say, you know, because they've heard 500 times that people say the same thing yes, I went salsaing with my girlfriend, but nobody twirled but me, nobody's.  33:26 - Anne (Host) nobody else is twirling except for Rolanda. Nobody else is.  33:29 - Rolonda (Guest) honey, that's how much fun I had, which lets you know what that video must have looked like, that the girl saw.  33:36 Absolutely, absolutely, and listen and the fact that these old ladies were even on social media, lets, you know, those boys were young. They taught him how to tick and tock and twirl, you know. So I'm having a whole imaginative thing about going out with my girlfriends and then my girlfriend, my daughter, catching me. Oh please, child, we had a good time. You know, we don't care about what people think at this age. So bringing all of those things, even my own wisdom at this age, like I don't care, honey, I'm twirling with Eduardo because the guys my age don't twirl, so I'm bringing all of that fun into it, you know.  34:11 Another example was when I did judge Joe Brown. You know I was the Anne for that show and when I was doing the audition we had to, you know, was a promo, so I would have to read the line and then listen to the sound bite and then read the line in between. And listen to the sound bite, read, read the line. And I was so big. Judge Joe was such a crazy, freaking judge show. I would say, coming up today on Judge Joe, I'm going to slit your tire and I'm going to beat Shaniqua Mary can't stand, john and then I'm going to cut your other tire and then I would be.  34:46 And then one time I just went, whoa, the next Judge, joe. Honey, they fell on the floor. I was so busy listening that I was reacting like an at home person and I was like, ooh, on the next Joe. I was so irreverent that they created a little animation called lady justice and it was a little bug and I made up this whole story that lady justice was in love with joe just like the daytime audience was gone. Joe, tell them, joe, that's judge, joe, you know because I know the daytime audience. Yeah, so that's the other question we asked who are you talking to?  35:30 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) absolutely, this wasn't the inside edition audience. This. Don't be afraid to take that risk.  35:53 - Rolonda (Guest) You can do a straight one on the next Judge. Joe and Shanique was going to go, but honey, one time let it rip and show them that you can have fun. Fun is the main key. If it's not fun, don't do it.  36:05 - Anne (Host) Yeah, I agree, I think if you can make, if you can make someone laugh, if you can, if you can, if you can bring a smile to that casting director, that person listening to you, oh my goodness. And speaking of because normally I try to make this, you know, a 30 minute podcast, but I do want to touch upon. I do want to touch upon the fact that you are a stand up comedian as well, and we had quite a conversation at VO Atlanta on that, and so I feel like that's just all embedded in your personality and I think you were always a funny person, like from maybe a young girl. But talk to us about being at stand up comedy is tough.  36:41 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh, it's really tough.  36:42 - Anne (Host) But you know something that's a rough audience.  36:45 - Rolonda (Guest) Know your audience. Who are you talking to? That's true. And you know something Lunell taught me that she said know your audience, be able to switch on a dime, whatever. But I'm going to tell you just, VO bosses, that comedy helps immensely. It helps your timing, you know. So much of comedy comes in threes. So when you're doing animation or even some fun commercials, what's that third line where the funny ABC?  37:10 - Anne (Host) read right Where's that?  37:11 - Rolonda (Guest) Where's that? Third line where the funny? Or they want an ABC. Read Right, where's that? Where's that? Where's the funny? And that also gives you the confidence and the imagination and and I tell you funny, joan Rivers told Sherri Shepherd funny girls always work, funny women, funny girls always work, funny women, funny women always work. So adding a little humor to something I think makes you stand out. But I love the craft of comedy. I'm uh got uh some comedy shows here in New York at the comedy village comedy in Harlem, and then I'm going to go out to flappers in LA this winter December for the holidays and I'm opening for Lunell and that's really exciting so yeah, I'm getting my comedy on Awesome.  37:58 - Anne (Host) Look out for me on Netflix one day. I do not doubt it. Well, rolanda, it has been such a pleasure. I wish I could talk to you for another. Well, another five episodes.  38:07 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute Speaking of Netflix. I got to do this and we're talking about Michelle Boutot's show survival of the thickest.  38:15 - Anne (Host) I'm on that one as well on Netflix. Awesome. Oh, and before and before we actually go, talk to us a little bit about September 17th improv to improve your confidence. A little bit about what we're going to, we're going to be diving into in that class.  38:30 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh, I can't wait to that class because improv is such a great way to gain your confidence, to loosen up and to have a whole bunch of fun. The beautiful thing about improv is there are certain rules that we go by, but it's just fun and it's going to help you tap into your authenticity. One good example we improv every day in life. You talk to your lover very different than you do to your boss, and don't let your best girlfriend call you in the middle of the day, and then, when your mother calls, listen to all the different voices that we have, and that's a lot of improv too. Improv also helps you listen and much of acting is about listening and I think you will surprise yourself, and part of the improv to improve your confidence is finding your own voice and discovering things through this exercise about your own experiences and about your being able to to react on a dime and have fun and laugh about it. Then when you you get those scripts, you can improv in your head.  39:32 I always do a little role play before I start, something Like if I have to play an old grandma, then I talk like an old grandma. Okay, I spin and rush them out. Our teeth don't fit too well. You got a little pain in the rats every once in a while. So you keep building these wonderful things that help you. Listen, you may not get that job, but you know you're going to doggone. Put in the effort because you've done the work. You know you. You will be so surprised, all the places that your voice will take you. And improv too. I mean there are times you're going to meet strangers, a new boss, and going to have to improv too. I mean there are times you're going to meet strangers, a new boss and going to have to improv too.  40:13 So improv is going to be a fun exercise for us. We're going to then take scripts, break down those scripts and do some acting. I'm going to teach you about Uta Hagen's nine questions. We're going to talk a little bit, a bit about Sandy Meisner's techniques, and these are just little things that you can put in your hip pocket that will help you. When you go out into the world and you're in that booth by yourself and you look to the right and the left and there's nobody there but padded walls, what are you going to do? You're not going to freak out, because we're going to learn about warmups and what we do with all this body when we're nervous and behind a microphone, because I can hear nervousness, I can hear it. So let's uh, let's work on that rolanda, did you hear my nerves?  40:57 - Anne (Host) did you hear my nerves when I was interviewing you are so not nervous listen, you need to make it easy.  41:05 - Rolonda (Guest) You've got the ganguza method, that's it there you my own method. I want to be gangouza'd. I love it.  41:12 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) I love it oh my gosh.  41:14 - Anne (Host) Thank you so so much. It has been such a pleasure talking to you today.  41:19 - Rolonda (Guest) You know how much fun we have. We get together and start talking and the sun can come up.  41:23 - Anne (Host) So true, so true.  41:23 - Rolonda (Guest) Thank you, thank you so much.  41:25 - Anne (Host) I so true, thank you. Thank you so much. I'm so excited for you, for our class in September. Bosses, I'm going to give a great big shout out to our sponsor, ipdtl. You, too, can connect and network like bosses, like Rolanda and myself. Find out more at IPDTLcom.  41:42 - Rolonda (Guest) I just wanted to add this that if any of your listeners wanted to check out my voice acting masterclass voice acting masterclass I'm going to offer 50% off if they use the code VO Boss 50.  42:01 - Anne (Host) Oh, I love it. Vo Boss 50.  42:01 - Rolonda (Guest) I'll put that on the show notes, guys. Thank you so much, Just for your listeners. 50% off. Vo Boss listeners go to Rolandacom.  42:08 - Anne (Host) Awesome Thanks. Bye bosses. Thank you, Rolandacom. Awesome Thanks, Bye bosses. Thank you, Rolanda. Bye.  42:13 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) Join us next week for another edition of VO Boss with your host, Anne Ganguza, and take your business to the next level. Sign up for our mailing list at vobosscom and receive exclusive content, industry revolutionizing tips and strategies and new ways to rock your business like a boss. Redistribution with permission. Coast to coast connectivity via ipdtl.   

Tiara West is a visionary storyteller who blends the grit of experience with the grace of artistry. On Visual Intonation, she opens the door to her world, where self-taught passion meets years of tireless hustle. Born in Baltimore and sharpened in Atlanta, Tiara shares how she transformed her dreams into cinematic moments, beginning with theater training at Arena Players Incorporated and evolving into award-winning filmmaking. This podcast isn't just about her journey. It's a deep dive into the art of becoming.Tiara takes listeners behind the lens. From shadowing sets at Bobbcat Films and working on productions for BET Plus, Bounce TV, and Lifetime, to directing soul-stirring shorts like Sophia, now streaming on Revolt TV, she peels back the curtain on the making of independent cinema. With clarity and heart, she explores everything from directing actors to editing late into the night under the glow of a laptop screen. It's raw. It's real. And it's incredibly human.Whether you're a filmmaker, a dreamer, or just someone who loves a good story, there's something here for you.Visual Intonation is more than a podcast; it's a creative journal, a masterclass, and a celebration of voice and vision. For anyone chasing bold dreams with bare hands, Tiara West offers not just inspiration, but instruction. Tune in to hear how soul becomes cinema, and why she believes the best stories aren't just seen—they're felt.Tiara West's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8099455/bio/Tiara West's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiarawestTiara West's Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/tiarawestTiara West's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiara_westTiara West's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TiaraWestFilms/videosTiara West's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiara-west-50a959149?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appSupport the showVisual Intonation Website: https://www.visualintonations.com/Visual Intonation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualintonation/Vante Gregory's Website: vantegregory.comVante Gregory's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directedbyvante/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): patreon.com/visualintonations Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@visualintonation Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@directedbyvante

Bentley Kyle Evans made his acting debut in the 1990 film House Party. He is most notable as the show runner on several sitcoms, among them Martin (1992–1997) on FOX, The Jamie Foxx Show (1996–2001) on The WB, and Love That Girl! (2010–2014) on TV One. Evans is also the creator of Love That Girl! and the co-creator of The Jamie Foxx Show. Outside of television, Evans is the co-screenwriter, with his Martin star Martin Lawrence, of Lawrence's 1996 feature film, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. Evans created, executive produces and directs the TV series Family Time, which became Bounce TV's first original scripted program. Evans is also the creator of other Bounce TV sitcoms, such as In the Cut and Grown Folks. In addition, Evans executive produced a new Jamie Foxx sitcom, Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!, which debuted on Netflix in 2021. Evans teamed up with famed rapper MC Lyte and together they co-created the series Partners in Rhyme which premiered on the ALLBLK. Evans directed the first and second season. Also on ALLBLK, Evans Executive produces and directs the situation comedy, Millennials. The second season is set to air in the third quarter of 2022. In 2022, Evans co-wrote and co-executive produced Martin: The Reunion on BET+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before Reesha Archibald became a Hollywood television producer and started collaborating with Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone, she was in St. Louis thinking about ways to use her artistic talents. Now that she's made it big as an executive producer on shows including Bounce TV's “Finding Happy” and “Johnson,” she's focused on lifting up St. Louis' talent and providing opportunities for creatives in her hometown. In this episode, she talks about her journey from St. Louis to Hollywood and her vision for storytelling that reflects the breadth of Black lived experiences.

In this super fun episode, Hilliard & guest co-host actor/writer/dir Denzel Whitaker sit down for an in-depth conversation with award-winning writer-dir-producer LISA FRANCE. If you ever had questions about how to become an Episodic Director, this might be the podcast for you!Lisa France is an entertainment vet with over 25+ years in the business as a writer, director and producer. She began her film and TV career from the ground up. PA, AD, set dec, camera operator, props, 2nd AD, driver, stand-in, extra, etc.  She attributes her extensive entertainment job resume to her ability to think quickly in difficult production situations.  Eventually she landed a stunt gig with Spike Lee in He Got Game and a stunt acting job on The Summer of Sam and did stunts on a variety of other TV shows and films, most notably, The Sopranos. France directed, co-wrote and produced her first feature film, "Anne B. Real" in 2003, which won more than 40 film festival awards and nominations around the world, including two Independent Spirit Award nominations.She then directed two more award-winning independent films in rapid succession, both were distributed on Netflix, Starz and AMC theaters. Her first documentary, "Roll with Me", also garnered numerous awards, debuted at The Woodstock Film Festival and was a 2018 Slamdance Official Selection later acquired and distributed by Ava DuVernay's ARRAY Releasing. France has directed numerous thrillers and Christmas movies for Lifetime, BounceTV, OWN Hulu and Tubi. During the height of the pandemic, France directed and produced on Season 5 and 6, the critically acclaimed, award winning series "Queen Sugar" by creator Ava DuVernay. France recently directed episodes of the hit FOX series "The Cleaning Lady" and "Naomi" which is currently streaming on HBO MAX. France produced "The Herricanes" which just debuted and won a Special Jury Prize and the Audience Award at SXSW and is actually playing in theaters this month. France is a proud member of AWD, the LGBTQ+ community, the DGA, WGA, and SAG-AFTRA.Our Motto: "Keep it GAME all day!"For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!www.Screenwritersrantroom.comhttps://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/productsSubscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media@Hilliardguess.bsky.socialIG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom@Lisafrance2067@DenzelWhitakerWE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.comWe invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support!THEME SONG: Jack SpadeWEBSITE: MQL2,Abigail Bloom & Laura HuieLOGOS: Rachel MusikanthRANT ROOM TEAM:Richard Scott - Creative ProducerTyler Musikanth - Assoc ProducerBrooke Baltimore - MarketingTogo - Marketing

Gwendolyn Osborne is a British actress and former model who spent 12 years on The Price Is Right from 2005 to 2017. Osborne was recognized as one of the "longest-running woman of color on a daytime game show". Gwendolyn had a role as an Elite Amazonian in the film Wonder Woman 1984, directed by Patty Jenkins. Other movie and films include, Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler, and Any Given Sunday. Osborne had roles on several daytime soap operas which include, General Hospital, The Bold And The Beautiful, and The Young And The Restless. She has played Misandra on the Bouncetv series In the Cut. She also played Jade Dominquez for two seasons of Ocean Ave. In 2023, Osborne had a role in Grown-ish and played Juliette. Osborne starred and produced a reality series based on her life, Meet the Smiths, on TBS. Currently Gwendolyn recurs as therapist ‘Dr. Mikayla Cabrera' on the BET+ show All the Queen's Men. Additionally, Gwendolyn is a board member of She Is Hope LA – a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering single mothers and their families by providing essential resources, education, and support. Through housing, career development, and community programs, SHE IS HOPE LA is committed to breaking the cycle of instability and guiding single mothers on their journey from survival to success.   Want to watch: YouTube Meisterkhan Pod (Please Subscribe)

Learn about the power of diverse storytelling in film and TV. See how representation and unique perspectives can unlock creativity and change the narrative in the entertainment industry.Patricia Cuffie-Jones, an Emmy-Nominated writer and director, is a respected storyteller and creative voice with 20+ years of experience developing screenplays, sitcoms, and dramas that have appeared on Netflix, Amazon, BET, TUBI, TV One, Bounce TV, and ALLBlk.Highlighted in Variety Magazine as one of the powerhouses of Black excellence in this industry, Patricia has proven to be a force and one to watch! From thrillers to period pieces, Patricia has been praised by critics for writing stories that are fresh yet moving, with complex characters that are authentic and relatable. She's known as a director who brings clear vision, elevated production value, and unique rapport with actors of all levels helping them to delve deeper into the complexities and layers of story and characters.In addition to her Emmy nomination for writing her series "Stuck With You," this Baltimore native has flexed her roots in theater through her highly acclaimed period piece “Love Soul Deep" which was nominated five times for the Los Angeles NAACP Theatre Award. Patricia enjoys partnering with production companies and networks that are looking to elevate and diversify storytelling. She seeks out writing and directing opportunities that can expand her stories of love, suspense, family, romance, faith, and resilience.Patricia just wrapped up her first international film and has written and directed a reimagining of the 1985 Richard Pryor classic Brewster's Millions: Christmas, both which will be released on BET during the holiday season of 2024 (December 5th)Website: https://www.patriciacuffiejones.com/Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcuffiejones/ Explore the impact of diverse storytelling in film and television, featuring insights from an Emmy-nominated writer and director with over 20 years of experience. Discover how fresh narratives and authentic characters can elevate the industry and engage audiences.Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services. storytelling, diverse storytelling, screenwriting, directing, Emmy-nominated writer, Black excellence, character development, filmmaking, film industry, original screenplays, production value, independent film

Dive into an in-depth and enlightening conversation with the cast of the acclaimed Bounce TV series "Johnson" on this episode of SUAVV Sessions. We explore their journey of creating a show that powerfully addresses the true essence of black manhood, tackling complex topics with authenticity and heart. ### In This Episode, We Cover: - **The Genesis of "Johnson":** Discover how the project originated from Deji LaRay's desire to fill a void in television by representing black men more accurately, starting from an initial pilot written in 2014 to filming in 2017, and eventually airing in 2021. - **Casting Through Connections:** Learn how genuine friendships and professional admiration enabled the cast to come together seamlessly without formal auditions, fostering a natural chemistry that shines on screen. - **Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Controversy:** Understand how the show fearlessly addresses controversial and sensitive topics within the black community, providing a balanced yet engaging narrative that resonates with viewers. - **Authenticity in Representation:** Hear about the mission to change the narrative around black men in Hollywood, emphasizing positive representation and showcasing multifaceted characters that mirror real-life experiences. - **Behind-the-Scenes Insights:** Get a glimpse of the on-set dynamics, including the cast's favorite behind-the-scenes stories, the evolution of their characters, and how their off-screen brotherhood enhances their performances. Join Deji LaRay, Thomas Q. Jones, Omar Kinnebrew, and Philip Smithey as they delve into the heart of their storytelling, sharing both the challenges and triumphs of making "Johnson" a pivotal show for the culture and beyond. Don't miss this candid and inspiring discussion!

Exploding onto the comedy scene, Atlanta comedian Josh Harris has experienced an impressive rise over the last few years. Hailed by Creative Loafing Magazine for “combining frat boy silliness with a trap star mentality,” his high energy performances and original material made him a semifinalist on Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes. In 2009 NBC flew him to LA to compete in the finals of the nationwide talent search Stand Up for Diversity, which showcased the country's ten freshest comedians at The Comedy Store. In 2012 he performed a nationally televised comedy set for Bounce TV's “Off The Chain” hosted by Rodney Perry from “The Monique Show.”  In 2017 he performed a nationally televised comedy set on Trinity Broadcasting Network. In 2018 he hit viral video success garnering over 11 million views on his hilarious sketches. In 2020 Josh landed a comedy contract headlining Carnival Cruise Ships. He's written for Cartoon Network Online, starred in a television pilot for History Channel, and in 2015 released his debut musical comedy album “I'm Here You're Welcome.” The album debuted at #3 on the iTunes comedy Charts and hit #13 on Billboard. 

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am honored to speak with my friend, Maria Howell.  Maria and I met years ago and played in the Livin' Large band.  She is one of my favorite singers and people on the planet.Maria was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, and graduated from Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She worked as a jazz singer and made her film debut in The Color Purple (1985). Later, she began appearing in film and television. She lived in Okinawa, Japan, from 1995–2001.In the 2000s, Howell returned to the United States and made guest appearances on television series such as Drop Dead Diva, Army Wives, The Game, Necessary Roughness, and The Vampire Diaries, and well co-starred in films including Daddy's Little Girls (2007), Mississippi Damned (2009), The Blind Side (2009), and What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012). In 2013, Howell played Seeder in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Also in 2012, she was cast in a recurring role in NBC's post-apocalyptic series Revolution as Grace Beaumont. In 2013, she played Ida Hayes in the Lifetime comedy-drama Devious Maids.From 2016 to 2018, Howell played Lt. Theresa Hawkins in the Bounce TV prime-time soap opera Saints & Sinners. In 2019, she co-starred opposite Kristin Chenoweth in the Hallmark Channel Christmas film A Christmas Love Story. In 2021, she had a recurring role in the BET+ thriller series Sacrifice.Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.

Kaye Singleton is an award-winning writer, producer, and actress that is well on her way to making her own footprint in this industry, or as the much-respected Tyler Perry would say, created her own seat at the table. As a multi-faceted creative talent, she is committed to telling culturally authentic stories for, about, and that explore, the beautifully diverse experiences of Black Women.To date, as an actress she has taken on a variety of roles on hit shows and films. She's best known for her series regular role beginning in Season 3 of Tyler Perry's The Oval on BET as Simone, the beautiful, smart, and cunning wife of the Vice President of the United States, and her Six Season recurring role as the long-suffering, loyal - but problematic - "Josie" on Saints & Sinners, BounceTV's #1 Show. She's also had memorable roles on Sistas (BET), Claws (TNT), Don't Waste Your Pretty (TV One), Tales (BET), American Soul (BET), and Dumplin (Netflix).In 2020, Kaye secured her first production deal as a first-time Showrunner and Creator for the highly-rated anthology series - Covenant'' which premiered on October 14th, 2021 on AMC's allblk. Covenant's unique take on bible stories is a stand out for the network as it's quoted to "create a world of thrilling, suspenseful drama where characters and stories of the bible are thrust into a vicious dystopia of present-day, real-life situations. Each episode will reimagine a classic story as it would take place in the modern world - challenging viewers to examine how sacred lessons of faith and love fit into today's society.Enjoy my epic conversation with Kaye Singleton.

Today we talk to filmmaker, producer, director, Lisa France! We will be discussing the new documentary she produced called The Herricanes, and all it represents.  Directed by Olivia Kuan, The Herricanes will be featured in key fim festivals including Slamdance 2024 this week in Park City, Utah. The Houston Herricanes was a women's professional full-tackle football team. The players found camaraderie and strength as they controversially open a new door in the world of sports. Women playing football and stepping into a terf, not just dominated, but protected for, and only allowed for men. The Houston Herricanes were a part of the first women's full tackle football league in the 1970s. Their unknown story is one of commitment, courage, and strength. Despite adversity and hardship, they fielded a team purely for the love of the game. What they started is a movement that is still in motion today. Lisa France began her film and TV career as a stunt woman . She directed, co-wrote and produced her first feature film, Anne B Real in 2003, which won more than 30 film festival awards and nominations around the world, including two Independent Spirit Award nominations, a Black Reel Award, Urbanworld, Pan African Film Festival and American Black Film Festival. Her first documentary, Roll with Me also garnered numerous awards, and has been acquired by and distributed by ARRAY Releasing. France has directed numerous thrillers and Christmas movies for Lifetime, BounceTV, OWN Hulu and Tubi; directed and produced on Season 5 and 6 of Queen Sugar and more. With co-host Brody Levesque

Today we talk to filmmaker, producer, director, Lisa France! We will be discussing the new documentary she produced called The Herricanes, and all it represents.  Directed by Olivia Kuan, The Herricanes will be featured in key fim festivals including Slamdance 2024 this week in Park City, Utah. The Houston Herricanes was a women's professional full-tackle football team. The players found camaraderie and strength as they controversially open a new door in the world of sports. Women playing football and stepping into a terf, not just dominated, but protected for, and only allowed for men. The Houston Herricanes were a part of the first women's full tackle football league in the 1970s. Their unknown story is one of commitment, courage, and strength. Despite adversity and hardship, they fielded a team purely for the love of the game. What they started is a movement that is still in motion today. Lisa France began her film and TV career as a stunt woman . She directed, co-wrote and produced her first feature film, Anne B Real in 2003, which won more than 30 film festival awards and nominations around the world, including two Independent Spirit Award nominations, a Black Reel Award, Urbanworld, Pan African Film Festival and American Black Film Festival. Her first documentary, Roll with Me also garnered numerous awards, and has been acquired by and distributed by ARRAY Releasing. France has directed numerous thrillers and Christmas movies for Lifetime, BounceTV, OWN Hulu and Tubi; directed and produced on Season 5 and 6 of Queen Sugar and more. With co-host Brody Levesque

Merry Christmas! Kevonte and Lance discuss the 2021 Bounce TV Christmas movie, Who Is Christmas Eve starring Juliana Harkavy aka. Dinah Drake! They talk Bounce TV, genealogy research, Harkavy's very Arrow-esque role, and the parallels of this story to Kev's family history! BULLSEYE, OFF THE MARK, MISS, or FAILED THIS CITY?Lance: BULLSEYEKevonte: BULLSEYEArtwork by Tom Gehrke: https://tomsart.threadless.com/PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/alwaysmallvilleTWITTER: https://twitter.com/donotfailourpodFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/alwaysmallvilleEMAIL: alwaysarow@gmail.comThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5497038/advertisement

Glorelys "Glory" Mora is a proud Bilingual Dominican-American standup comedian, born and raised in Uptown, NY, who has appeared on HBO, VICE TV, FUSE TV, TV ONE, CLEO TV (w/ Chef JJ), E! FASHION POLICE (w/ the late Joan Rivers), and more. She has performed in and produced comedy shows in Hawaii, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, the Dominican Republic, and more. When she's not on stage she's guest-starring in sketches for PERO LIKE, LATINO REBELS, EOP COMEDY, BOUNCE TV, and BEING LATINO. Find her @glorelysmora and catch her new podcast "Girl Let Me Tell You" on the Mitú network!

Called "up-and-coming" by the LA Times, Lynn Maleh is a Syrian-American TV writer and standup comedian whose last name means salty, which she is. She's written for Act Your Age on Bounce TV, The Onion, Reductress, and McSweeney's and has performed on The New York Comedy Festival, Don't Tell Comedy, Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen, and a few times in Brad Pitt's old backyard. She co-created and co-produces Hilarious Habibis, the first ever Middle Eastern-only standup showcase at The Hollywood Improv. Follow her @heylynnmolly and find her at lynnmaleh.com.

Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley visit Friends Like Us and argue wether they would stop for a white baby, late at night, on an Alabama road and more with host Marina Franklin!  Vanessa Fraction  is the high-spirited, outrageously funny co-host of Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by rapper and producer T-Pain. She also guest hosts on the entertainment news television series Dish Nation (FOX) and can be seen in Universal Pictures' cinematic musical, Praise This written and directed by Tina Gordon, produced by Will Packer, Tim Story, James Lopez, and Sharla Sumpter. From her unique brand of comedy that's both witty and unapologetically honest, Fraction's hilarious stand-up sets never fail to deliver sharp commentary on everyday life, relationships, and the struggles of being a successful black woman. Her ability to effortlessly weave these topics into a cohesive storyline that perfectly illustrates her point is what makes her stand out from other comics. Fraction's comedy is relatable and incredibly funny, with an edge that allows her to push boundaries. She's the kind of comedian who will make you laugh until your face hurts while making you think about the issues at hand. With a storied history of industry wins, Fraction was an analyst for the Comedy Hype News show and periodic face on Windy City Live (Chicago), she is also a recurring favorite as a crowd warmer for numerous shows, including Dancing With Myself, America's Got Talent: Extreme, Black Girls Rock, The Soul Train Awards, BET Her: Fights Breast Cancer, Sunday's Best and The Ms. Pat Show. As an actress, Fraction's appearances in television and film also include Last Call (Bounce TV), Comedy Knockout (truTV), Tales (BET), a returning role on Bounce TV's Mann and Wife, Kim Field's Holiday Love: The Rebirth (TV One), Kevin Hart's Celebrity Game Face (E!), and the lighthearted comedy Squatter's Rights.  From Def Comedy Jam (HBO) to NickMom Night Out (Nick Jr.) to Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks (truTV), 1st Amendment Standup (STARZ), Mike Epps Live at Club Nokia, Just for Laughs Montreal Festival (2008, 2018), and Just For Laughs Chicago (2013), Fraction's bold and clever stand-up has been a welcomed highlight on these and other showcases. The demand for her comedic brilliance has garnered opportunities to perform abroad touring the UK and performing for the U.S. troops in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. After performing on The Monique Show, a year later she was offered her first writing gig. Fraction's versatility as a writer blossomed on shows like Raven's Home (Disney), The Arsenio Hall Show (CBS), the Triumph Awards (Bounce TV), and 106 & Park (BET). Fraction's passionate take on women's freedoms and rights to empowerment stretches beyond the stage. She is a certified self-defense instructor, and her branded style of teaching, Kicks & Comedy, equips women with life-saving self-defense skills and lifts spirits by infusing comedy. Vanessa's mission is to empower her audience to overcome their struggles while laughing at hers. Kenice Mobley performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She appears regularly on SiriusXM and is a Finalist in the StandUp NBC Competition. This year, Kenice worked on the BET Awards and By Us For Us, a sketch comedy series presented by Color of Change. She hosts Complexify on ViceNews, Love About Town, an interview and relationship podcast, and Make Yourself Cry, available on Planet Scum. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.    

MTV's “Tuesday Night Takeover” heats up with an all-new season of Caught in the Act: Unfaithful. In Season Two, Tami teams up with suspicious lovers to catch and confront their cheating partners. After the investigation, Tami and our relationship coaches—featuring a special guest appearance by DJ Envy (host of The Breakfast Club and author of the bestselling book Real Life, Real Love)—advise our suspicious lovers on how to move forward. In the end, the suspicious lover can join forces with their partner's other lover or take them both down in an undercover ambush. Actress, Producer, Director, TV Personality, Comedian and Businesswoman, Tami Roman first rose to fame when she was cast on MTV's ground-breaking series, 'The Real World'. Tami is the creator of “The Bonnet Chronicles”, an Instagram account that features hilarious tell-it-like-it-is rants by Tami's alter ego, Petty Betty. Roman appeared in Reese Witherspoon's Truth Be Told, opposite Octavia Spencer for Apple TV; Carl Weber's The Family Business for BET; and Lee Daniels' The Ms. Pat Show for BET+. Her involvement in BounceTV's hit series Saints and Sinners had the most views in the history of the network. Tami recently starred in her own talk show for FOXSOUL network entitled “Get Into It” and she recently appeared on the Emmy Award-winning show, RuPaul's Drag Race, where she raised money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Leveling up her accolades, Tami also directed two episodes of the hit series UNCENSORED for TVOne, starring Keyshia Cole & music producer Stevie J.

MTV's “Tuesday Night Takeover” heats up with an all-new season of Caught in the Act: Unfaithful. In Season Two, Tami teams up with suspicious lovers to catch and confront their cheating partners. After the investigation, Tami and our relationship coaches—featuring a special guest appearance by DJ Envy (host of The Breakfast Club and author of the bestselling book Real Life, Real Love)—advise our suspicious lovers on how to move forward. In the end, the suspicious lover can join forces with their partner's other lover or take them both down in an undercover ambush. Actress, Producer, Director, TV Personality, Comedian and Businesswoman, Tami Roman first rose to fame when she was cast on MTV's ground-breaking series, 'The Real World'. Tami is the creator of “The Bonnet Chronicles”, an Instagram account that features hilarious tell-it-like-it-is rants by Tami's alter ego, Petty Betty. Roman appeared in Reese Witherspoon's Truth Be Told, opposite Octavia Spencer for Apple TV; Carl Weber's The Family Business for BET; and Lee Daniels' The Ms. Pat Show for BET+. Her involvement in BounceTV's hit series Saints and Sinners had the most views in the history of the network. Tami recently starred in her own talk show for FOXSOUL network entitled “Get Into It” and she recently appeared on the Emmy Award-winning show, RuPaul's Drag Race, where she raised money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Leveling up her accolades, Tami also directed two episodes of the hit series UNCENSORED for TVOne, starring Keyshia Cole & music producer Stevie J.

Below The Belt Show (www.belowthebeltshow.com) presents more interviews from The Creative Coalition's Right To Bear Arts Gala preceding the White House Correspondence Dinner. BTB's own Al Sotto talks to actress Yvette Nicole Brown best known for her work in Community. As a Walking Dead fan, Yvette tells us why she never appeared on camera on The Walking Dead and which of the spinoffs would she like to appear on if asked! Yvette also talks about her upcoming appearance on Bounce TV's "Act Your Age" and Apple TV's Frog and Toad. Don't miss it!

Below The Belt Show (www.belowthebeltshow.com) presents another stellar show! This week we present more interviews from The Creative Coalition's Right To Bear Arts Gala preceding the White House Correspondence Dinner. First, BTB's own Al Sotto talks to actress Yvette Nicole Brown best known for her work in Community. As a Walking Dead fan, Yvette tells us why she never appeared on camera on The Walking Dead and which of the spinoffs would she like to appear on if asked! Yvette also talks about her upcoming appearance on Bounce TV's "Act Your Age" and Apple TV's Frog and Toad. Don't miss it! Also we talk to Executive Producer Lindsay Goffman who talks to us about the success of her show, " The Good Doctor! At the end of the program, Al talks to Katherine McNamara, best known for her work on Shadowhunters and as Mia Smoak in the CW Arrowverse. Katherine talks about her current show Walker: Independence as well as what was the highlight on working on all the Arrowverse shows (Arrow, Supergirl, The Flash). When asked if Katherine would like to be a part of James Gunn DCU, what did she say? Find out in our exclusive! BTB's host with the most Al Sotto brings to you another entertaining program! This week on the panel we welcome Mike "The General" Zad, "The Ravishing Russian" Anna Kuchma, Darth Paul Wallis and cosplayer Wes Whitlock! Wes gives us a spoiler free review of "The Flash." We also talk about our WWE Night of Champions PPV Picks! So expect all the late-breaking news on pop culture, entertainment, and more! Listen to our gut busting humor, insightful commentary, and thought provoking opinions on the world of entertainment — uncensored — only on Below The Belt Show (www.belowthebeltshow.com)! Song Credits: Classic Cut - Big Mountain "Baby I Love Your Way"

The premieres kick off the two-part, 16-episode first season, with the first eight episodes running weekly throughout the spring and the second half running over the summer. The multiple-camera, half-hour comedy tells the story of three vibrant, successful Washington D.C./Northern Virginia-area women in their 50s who are each at a personal crossroads and who decide the best way forward in life is together. "Act Your Age" stars Kym Whitley ("Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Next Friday," "Young and Hungry") and Tisha Campbell ("Uncoupled," "My Wife and Kids," "Dr. Ken") with special guest star Yvette Nicole Brown ("Community," "The Mayor," "Big Shot"). Whitley plays Bernadette, a successful, no-nonsense real estate developer. Campbell plays Keisha, the wild card of the group who is always up to something, and Brown plays Angela, the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, who is looking to redefine her life after being widowed by her husband, a revered career politician. The multi-generational sitcom also features Mariah Robinson ("The Wrong Valentine") and Nathan Anderson ("Black-ish," "Richie Rich,") as the 20-something children of Angela and Bernadette, respectively. Alyson Fouse ("Big Shot," "Everybody Hates Chris," "The Wanda Sykes Show") created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is executive produced by Barry Poznick, Bradley Gardner ("Hot in Cleveland") and David Hudson; and co-executive produced by Ranada Shepard and Ken Ornstein ("Everybody Loves Raymond").

YVETTE NICOLE BROWN BIO Yvette landed her first television role - - a two-episode gig playing Toni Childs' sister "Sherri" on GIRLFRIENDS - - by chance. Casting director Robi Reed called her in to audition from a post card submission. Yvette had no credits and no agent. That stroke of serendipity at the beginning of her career, taught Yvette that you never know how God is going to move in your life and career. Booking a series regular role two months later, on the first pilot she auditioned for further proved the point. That show, ABC's THE BIG HOUSE -- which starred Kevin Hart, only lasted a few episodes; but that experience proved to be a blessing as well. Through it, Yvette learned the transient nature of the business and to always "travel light".Yvette has since appeared (and often recurred) on shows as varied as ENTOURAGE, PSYCH, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, HOT IN CLEVELAND, MELISSA & JOEY, THE OFFICE, THE SOUL MAN, THAT'S SO RAVEN, HALF & HALF, SLEEPER CELL, HOUSE, TWO AND A HALF MEN, THAT 70'S SHOW and BOSTON LEGAL - - where she got to perform "Big, Blonde & Beautiful" from Hairspray. It was a bit of a homecoming because Yvette is no stranger to singing. She was managed by Michael Bivins (of New Edition and BBD) and signed to Motown Records when she was just a teen.Younger viewers may know Yvette from her recurring role on Nickelodeon's DRAKE & JOSH, where she played movie theater manager, Helen Ophelia Dubois. Landing that role was another serendipitous experience. The role of Helen was to be a one-time role; one that Yvette auditioned for while on hiatus from THE BIG HOUSE. That one-time role turned into four years of employment and introduced Yvette and her silliness to the best group of fans in the world...kids! The cast of DRAKE & JOSH reunited in 2008 for the holiday movie, "Merry Christmas: Drake & Josh," a film that broke Nickelodeon viewership records when it was seen by over 8 million viewers the night it debuted. It has since gone on to become an annual holiday favorite.Yvette has also had a successful career in commercials. She's appeared in over 40 national spots. You may have seen her in ads for BIG LOTS, PINE SOL, CITIBANK, FIBER ONE YOGURT, DAIRY QUEEN, HAMBURGER HELPER, ARROWHEAD WATER, HOME DEPOT, COMCAST, LG and DiGIORNO'S PIZZA to name a few. Yvette was also immortalized in puppet form as "Mrs. Lewis, from downstairs" in a series of NIKE spots alongside puppet versions of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. She is also making a name for herself in the voiceover world. She can currently be heard as "Luna" on Disney's ELENA OF AVALOR, "Principal Waller" on DC's SUPERHERO GIRLS and the dual role of "Portia" and "Zenith" on Crackle's SUPERMANSION where she works alongside Bryan Cranston and Keegan Michael Key. She also voiced the character "Cookie" for three seasons as one of the HUB Network's POUND PUPPIES. Listen closely and you can also hear Yvette on WABBIT, FAMILY GUY, PUPPY DOG PALS, THE REGULAR SHOW and DOC McSTUFFINS just to name a few and recently made her feature animated debut voicing "Ladybug" in the film "Yellowbird"Most recently, Yvette has made the rounds of numerous game shows and talk shows including THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT, THE CHEW, THE VIEW, THE REAL, HOLLYWOOD GAME NIGHT, TO TELL THE TRUTH, CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD, PYRAMID, MATCH GAME, CELEB NAME GAME and her absolute favorite, THE TALKING DEAD.In addition to her commercial and television work--most recently as a series regular on CBS' THE ODD COUPLE, Yvette also has a burgeoning film career. She made her film debut in the romantic comedy, "Little Black Book," working alongside Brittany Murphy and Oscar winners, Holly Hunter and Kathy Bates. Her next film, Michael Bay's futuristic thriller, "The Island" put her on the set with Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. Supporting roles in other films including "Dreamgirls" and "The Kid and I," - - where she first met and worked with one of her childhood heroes, Henry Winkler - - soon followed. She was in the box office hit, "Tropic Thunder" (directed by Ben Stiller) where she worked with Matthew McConaughey; as well as the family film, "Meet Dave" where she realized a childhood dream by sharing the screen with Eddie Murphy.Other film roles include the family film, "Hotel for Dogs" starring Emma Roberts and Don Cheadle, the romantic comedy, "The Ugly Truth" starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, the indie hit, "(500) Days of Summer" starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt; and the action thriller, "Repo Men" where she shared the screen with Jude Law and Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker. Most recently, those with a keen eye, could see Yvette peeking thru loads of prosthetic makeup as one of the "three fates" in the Percy Jackson sequel, "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters".Yvette also appeared in the hit BET mini-series THE NEW EDITION STORY and hosted SyFy's game show, COSPLAY MELEE, Yvette also co-starred in the recent ABC sitcom THE MAYOR and starred as Shirley Bennett for five seasons on the NBC hit comedy series COMMUNITY.Yvette currently resides in L.A. ABOUT ACT YOUR AGE, PREMIERING MARCH 4th ON BOUNCE Series premiere of 'Act Your Age' set for Saturday, March 4 on Bounce, starring Kym Whitley and Tisha Campbell, with special guest star Yvette Nicole BrownDouble-episode premiere kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, today announced that its newest original series, "Act Your Age," produced in partnership with MGM, will premiere on Saturday, March 4, with the first two episodes back-to-back starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.The premieres kick off the two-part, 16-episode first season, with the first eight episodes running weekly throughout the spring and the second half running over the summer.The multiple-camera, half-hour comedy tells the story of three vibrant, successful Washington D.C./Northern Virginia-area women in their 50s who are each at a personal crossroads and who decide the best way forward in life is together. "Act Your Age" stars Kym Whitley ("Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Next Friday," "Young and Hungry") and Tisha Campbell ("Uncoupled," "My Wife and Kids," "Dr. Ken") with special guest star Yvette Nicole Brown ("Community," "The Mayor," "Big Shot").Whitley plays Bernadette, a successful, no-nonsense real estate developer. Campbell plays Keisha, the wild card of the group who is always up to something, and Brown plays Angela, the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, who is looking to redefine her life after being widowed by her husband, a revered career politician.The multi-generational sitcom also features Mariah Robinson ("The Wrong Valentine") and Nathan Anderson ("Black-ish," "Richie Rich,") as the 20-something children of Angela and Bernadette, respectively.Alyson Fouse ("Big Shot," "Everybody Hates Chris," "The Wanda Sykes Show") created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is executive produced by Barry Poznick, Bradley Gardner ("Hot in Cleveland") and David Hudson; and co-executive produced by Ranada Shepard and Ken Ornstein ("Everybody Loves Raymond").In addition to Bounce, viewers can also watch "Act Your Age" - along with all Bounce original series - anytime on Brown Sugar, Bounce's subscription video-on-demand service, with episodes dropping the day after their Bounce premieres. Visit www.BrownSugar.com for more information.https://twitter.com/bouncetv?lang=en https://www.bouncetv.com/show/act-your-age/57065/ https://twitter.com/YNB

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This week on friends Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley visit friends and discuss Brittney Griner swap, Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Patti LaBelle concert scare and more with host Marina Franklin.  Kenice Mobley performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She appears regularly on SiriusXM and is a Finalist in the StandUp NBC Competition. This year, Kenice worked on the BET Awards and By Us For Us, a sketch comedy series presented by Color of Change. She hosts Complexify on ViceNews, Love About Town, an interview and relationship podcast, and Make Yourself Cry, available on Planet Scum. Her new album : “Follow up questions” is available on all platforms right now!  Vanessa Fraction: Currently, Ms. Fraction is a Co-host with THE NAPPY BOY RADIO PODCAST hosted by; Rapper, Producer TPAIN. She is also an Analyst for THE COMEDY HYPE NEWS SHOW. Additionally, Vanessa (aka Action Fraction) is a certified Self-Defense instructor and teaches a class, “Kicks & Comedy”, That empowers women with life-saving self-defense skills and lifts spirits by infusing comedy.   Born in St. Louis and raised in Chicago, this mother of two has over a decade of experience captivating fans around the world with her one of a kind storytelling talent. Whether you see her on stage, television or hear her on the radio, Vanessa is on a mission to empower her audience to overcome their struggles while laughing at hers. These can be hilarious tales of being a single mother paying child support or revealing anecdotes on the battle of being a strong, successful black woman. Her television credits include appearances on Comedy Knock Out and Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks (TruTV), Tales (BET), and a  recurring role on BounceTV's Mann and Wife. Vanessa's hilarious and bold stand-up comedy has been showcased on many shows such as HBO's Def Comedy Jam, 1st Amendment Standup (STARZ) and Mike Epps Live at Club Nokia. As a writer she has worked on The Arsenio Hall Show (CBS), 106 & Park and The Mo'Nique Show (BET). Her film roles include Barber Shop 2: Back in Business and Kim Field's Holiday Love: The Rebirth. Her quick wit and sharp humor is featured when she guests hosts on entertainment shows like DishNation (FOX) When you "do the math" Vanessa Fraction equals One Very Funny Lady! Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

Welcome back to the Love Is Black Podcast! Join us this week as we discuss love bombing with our special guest, actress, author and fabulous Mara Hall! On this episode she discusses: What is love bombing; Characteristics of narcissistic abuse; Self love after surviving narcissistic abuse; and more! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/12soUzKnsbE Mara Hall is best known for her co-star roles in Scandal (ABC), The Resident (FOX) and The Quad (BET), supporting role in Hilbilly Elegy, lead role in the comedic film A Taste of Christmas, and her role as Nurse Kathleen on the award-winning ABC series Grey's Anatomy (ABC). Mara guest starred in many episodes of Bounce TV's popular series Saints & Sinners. Mara joined the cast of the Oprah Winfrey Network, Will Packer Productions series Ambitions as series regular DARCIA LANCASTER-“The cousin you love to hate”. Mara made her national TV debut on the hit show Dance Your Ass Off as one of the contestants on Oxygen's reality dance/weight loss competition series. Mara launched her social media movement and lifestyle show, I Got Something To Say #IGSTS, that empowers audiences through laughter. Mara is also passionate about music and teaching and empowering musicians through her love of band. She continues to consult and sprinkle her pixie dust on band programs throughout the country as “The Band Whisperer”. Connect with Mara on Instagram: @mara_hall & @lovebombingthebook and on her YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@Marahall Please follow, like, and give us 5-star ratings! Subscribe to the podcast anywhere you get your podcasts. Every little bit helps. You can find us here: https://www.instagram.com/loveisblackpodcast/ https://twitter.com/Loveisblackpc https://www.facebook.com/loveisblackpodcast You can also support us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/loveisblackpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/loveisblack/message

OOPS, DID CAM JUST BLUSH? Terri J Vaughn takes her seat next to Cam Newton on this weeks Funky Friday. The multi hyphenated success story of Mrs. Vaughn is one for the books. So go ahead, grab your popcorn and join us now on Funky Friday with Cam Newton. About Terri J Vaughn: Terri has over 25 years' experience in the entertainment industry. She exploded on to the scene with her lovable and memorable character Lovita Alize' Jenkins, on The Steve Harvey Show. Out of a need to create more acting opportunities for herself and others, Terri went on to form her independent production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment. In 2015 Terri moved into the directing chair and now this multi-hyphenated talent enjoys a successful career both in front of and behind the camera.With mentors like producing and directing icons Stan Lathan and Debbie Allen, Terri has been encouraged to not limit her creative talents. Inspired to do just that, Terri continues to study and develop her own style behind the camera. Terri's directing debut, the hilarious ‘Friday-isque' independent movie comedy, #DigitalLivesMatter, starring social media comedic influencers, DC Young Fly, Emmanuel Hudson and B. Simone. She followed that up with directing an episode of the multi-camera comedy Mann & Wife for BounceTV. In 2018, Terri directed and executive produced Merry Wishmas, a holiday movie starring David and Tamela Mann and one of her childhood favorite's Kim Fields. She's gone on to direct the television movies Angrily Ever After, Hip Hop Holiday, Christmas Belles, starring veteran actors Janet Hubert and John Amos, ‘Twas The Chaos Before Christmas, starring the comedic duo Sherri Shepherd and Cynthia McWilliams and Dear Santa I Need A Date. During the unprecedented year of 2020 Terri directed two Viacom family Christmas comedies; MarVista Entertainment's A Christmas Surprise and Reuben Cannon Production's Soul Santa. Her latest directing projects, an independently filmed kids' comedy, Merry Switchmas and the first comedic episode of Tales, now in their third season on BET. Terri has become a sought-after director, who continues to be a trailblazer in front of the camera and behind it. Terri has been honored with three NAACP Image Awards for her work on The Steve Harvey Show, is co-owner of the Atlanta based independent production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment and is the founder of Take Wings Foundation (1997), based in the San Francisco Bay Area, mentoring young women growing up in at risk communities. Follow Cam on Social Media! Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameronNewton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameron1newton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamJNewton2/ Executive Producer: Cam Newton David Ricks Produced / Directed By: David Ricks https://www.instagram.com/david_ricksiii/ Production Manager: Ashe Kennedy Associate Producer: Briana Lawrence Camera: Jervius Pittman Vashon Revils Amani Billups Location Sound / Sound Mix and Master: Troy Hermes Production Assistant: Jos Rivera Production: Iconic Saga http://bit.ly/IconicSagaInstagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OOPS, DID CAM JUST BLUSH? Terri J Vaughn takes her seat next to Cam Newton on this weeks Funky Friday. The multi hyphenated success story of Mrs. Vaughn is one for the books. So go ahead, grab your popcorn and join us now on Funky Friday with Cam Newton.About Terri J Vaughn:Terri has over 25 years' experience in the entertainment industry. She exploded on to the scene with her lovable and memorable character Lovita Alize' Jenkins, on The Steve Harvey Show. Out of a need to create more acting opportunities for herself and others, Terri went on to form her independent production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment. In 2015 Terri moved into the directing chair and now this multi-hyphenated talent enjoys a successful career both in front of and behind the camera.With mentors like producing and directing icons Stan Lathan and Debbie Allen, Terri has been encouraged to not limit her creative talents. Inspired to do just that, Terri continues to study and develop her own style behind the camera. Terri's directing debut, the hilarious ‘Friday-isque' independent movie comedy, #DigitalLivesMatter, starring social media comedic influencers, DC Young Fly, Emmanuel Hudson and B. Simone. She followed that up with directing an episode of the multi-camera comedy Mann & Wife for BounceTV. In 2018, Terri directed and executive produced Merry Wishmas, a holiday movie starring David and Tamela Mann and one of her childhood favorite's Kim Fields. She's gone on to direct the television movies Angrily Ever After, Hip Hop Holiday, Christmas Belles, starring veteran actors Janet Hubert and John Amos, ‘Twas The Chaos Before Christmas, starring the comedic duo Sherri Shepherd and Cynthia McWilliams and Dear Santa I Need A Date. During the unprecedented year of 2020 Terri directed two Viacom family Christmas comedies; MarVista Entertainment's A Christmas Surprise and Reuben Cannon Production's Soul Santa. Her latest directing projects, an independently filmed kids' comedy, Merry Switchmas and the first comedic episode of Tales, now in their third season on BET. Terri has become a sought-after director, who continues to be a trailblazer in front of the camera and behind it. Terri has been honored with three NAACP Image Awards for her work on The Steve Harvey Show, is co-owner of the Atlanta based independent production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment and is the founder of Take Wings Foundation (1997), based in the San Francisco Bay Area, mentoring young women growing up in at risk communities.Follow Cam on Social Media!Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameronNewton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameron1newtonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamJNewton2/Executive Producer:Cam NewtonDavid RicksProduced / Directed By:David Ricks https://www.instagram.com/david_ricksiii/Production Manager:Ashe KennedyAssociate Producer:Briana LawrenceCamera:Jervius PittmanVashon RevilsAmani BillupsLocation Sound / Sound Mix and Master:Troy HermesProduction Assistant:Jos RiveraProduction: Iconic Saga http://bit.ly/IconicSagaInstagram

11/24/22 "Gayle and Oprah"  Sherri and Kym are back just in time for Thanksgiving and have shown up with your favorite sides. The ladies tell us all about "Act Your Age" on Bounce TV, "Kym" on Audible finishing in the top 10 comedy podcasts, an upcoming live podcast in St. Louis, an Emmy nomination for Sherri (outside of her talk show!), and "The Sherri Show" continues to grow. Thank you to all of the incredible TFM fans who continue to support this show and all of the projects Kym and Sherri are involved in. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the sweet potato pie!  Kym's product store: http://whitleyproducts.store/index.html TFM merch: http://byjack.com/twofunnymamas SherriShowtv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#JohnsonBounceTV is seemingly a series that many people have been asking to see. Much like #Insecure, it follows a group of Black friends navigating their lives. However, this show focuses on Black men, their romantic relationships, friendships, jobs, hanging out - their realistic everyday existence. It's a different view from what is more often seen of Black men in the mainstream. In this interview, the creators and cast talk about what it meant for them to be able to bring this much needed depiction to life. #DejiLaRay #ThomasQJones  #CedrictheEntertainer #ReeshaArchibald #PhilipSmithey #DerrexBrady #TerriJVaughn #EricRhone #DLHughley #blackmen #blackfilmhistory #television #streamingshows #BounceTV #showsaboutblackmen --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nancygandcorryg/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nancygandcorryg/support

Interview by Manny Akiio https://www.instagram.com/mannyakiio Recently we sat down with actor/artist Tray Chaney for an exclusive “Off The Porch” interview! During our conversation he talked about moving to Atlanta, jumping off the porch, what inspired him to get into the entertainment industry, starting to take his career serious after he was casted for ‘The Wire', auditioning for the character Wee-Bay, getting passed on the role because he was too short but landing the role of Poot, his experience of being on ‘The Wire', being featured on Bounce TV's ‘Saints And Sinners', getting into music, his new film ‘Secret Society', and much more!

Keisha Taylor, Bounce TV's Chief Marketing Officer, and Kendra Jo, the showrunner of the original series, “Finding Happy,” share details on the network and the new original show. Plus, the next installment in our series, “Cheers! A Toast to Atlanta's Oldest Watering Holes,” features the 43-year-old dance hall, Johnny's Hideaway. Then, music contributor H Johnson tells us about bassist Ray Brown in this week's edition of “H Johnson's Jazz Moment.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every SNL movie ranked by our Mom's favorite PODCAST! Yer boys get into: Early horror films! The hidden gems of Bounce TV! Critically panned movies we love! Musical SQWEE-BOS! Black Panther 2 trailer! Attach your ankle winglets and join the LEGIONS!

Björgvin Arnarson recently joined host Elias in the cave! Björgvin Arnarson can be seen starring in the SyFy/USA "Chucky" TV series, based on the hit horror film franchise. Björgvin plays Devon Evans. Boy-next-door and true-crime junkie, Devon is hellbent on making sense of Hackensack's mysterious tragedies, both past and present. Chucky TV SERIES - After a vintage Chucky doll turns up at a suburban yard sale, an idyllic American town is thrown into chaos as a series of horrifying murders begin to expose the town's hypocrisies and secrets. Arnarson discovered his love for acting after he booked his first role on Bounce TV's "Family Time" sitcom. His recent credits include the tv series, "PEN15" and the feature film "The Seventh Day." A natural entertainer, he pursued acting from a young age, participating in theater and making short films. When Björgvin is not on set, he is an entrepreneur and filmmaker, active in the local art scene. He also plays piano and studies digital arts. You can watch this interview on YouTube  https://youtu.be/xTvM6jSyp4o Have a question? Email us  themccpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Social Media for the latest show updates  www.twitter.com/themccpodcast www.instagram.com/themccpodcast www.facebook.com/themancavechroniclespodcast www.themccpodcast.com  www.youtube.com/c/TheManCaveChronicleswElias      

Kaye Singleton and Nonye Brown-West visit Friends Like Us and discuss creating your own seat at the table with host Marina Franklin. Kaye Singleton is an award-winning writer, producer, and actress that is well on her way to making her own footprint in this industry, or as the much-respected Tyler Perry would say, created her own seat at the table. As a multi-faceted creative talent, she is committed to telling culturally authentic stories for, about, and that explore, the beautifully diverse experiences of Black Women. To date, as an actress she has taken on a variety of roles on hit shows and films. She's best known for her series regular role beginning in Season 3 of Tyler Perry's The Oval on BET as Simone, the beautiful, smart, and cunning wife of the Vice President of the United States, and her Six Season recurring role as the long-suffering, loyal - but problematic - "Josie" on Saints & Sinners, BounceTV's #1 Show. She's also had memorable roles on Sistas (BET), Claws (TNT), Don't Waste Your Pretty (TV One), Tales (BET), American Soul (BET), and Dumplin (Netflix).  In 2020, Kaye secured her first production deal as a first-time Showrunner and Creator for the highly-rated anthology series - Covenant'' which premiered on October 14th, 2021 on AMC's allblk. Covenant's unique take on bible stories is a stand out for the network as it's quoted to "create a world of thrilling, suspenseful drama where characters and stories of the bible are thrust into a vicious dystopia of present-day, real-life situations. Each episode will reimagine a classic story as it would take place in the modern world - challenging viewers to examine how sacred lessons of faith and love fit into today's society. Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch, as well as in NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning, and the New York Comedy Festival. Nonye made her acting debut in The Sympathy Card, now available for streaming on Vudu, Apple, Amazon, and Google Play. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf  

Kaye Singleton is an award-winning writer, producer, and actress that is well on her way to making her own footprint in this industry, or as the much-respected Tyler Perry would say, created her own seat at the table. As a multi-faceted creative talent, she is committed to telling culturally authentic stories for, about, and that explore, the beautifully diverse experiences of Black Women.To date, as an actress she has taken on a variety of roles on hit shows and films. She's best known for her series regular role beginning in Season 3 of Tyler Perry's The Oval on BET as Simone, the beautiful, smart, and cunning wife of the Vice President of the United States, and her Six Season recurring role as the long-suffering, loyal - but problematic - "Josie" on Saints & Sinners, BounceTV's #1 Show. She's also had memorable roles on Sistas (BET), Claws (TNT), Don't Waste Your Pretty (TV One), Tales (BET), American Soul (BET), and Dumplin (Netflix).In 2020, Kaye secured her first production deal as a first-time Showrunner and Creator for the highly-rated anthology series - Covenant'' which premiered on October 14th, 2021 on AMC's allblk. Covenant's unique take on bible stories is a stand out for the network as it's quoted to "create a world of thrilling, suspenseful drama where characters and stories of the bible are thrust into a vicious dystopia of present-day, real-life situations. Each episode will reimagine a classic story as it would take place in the modern world - challenging viewers to examine how sacred lessons of faith and love fit into today's society.Enjoy my epic conversation with Kaye Singleton.

Ryan Glover is the co-founder and chairman of Greenwood bank, a new digital bank designed for Black and Latinx communities. Previously he was co-founder and CEO at Noontime, a music publishing and production company, and he's co-founder and CEO at Bounce TV. Ryan talks with Will Lucas about why Black banking efforts haven't led to generational and transformative wealth for African Americans, and tips for successful partnerships - the kind that have led to his personal success. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Brown, Vanessa Fraction, and Onika McLean visit Friends and discuss protection of children. Onika McLean, born in North Carolina, and raised in East New York Brooklyn, is a single mother of two, legal professional, and a sharp comedian whose no-nonsense perspective on life, love, single motherhood, and her mid life crisis is taking the comedy arena by storm. She was the fan favorite on Bravo Television's, The Single's Project. She is the winner of the Sloshed Comedy Competition and the Rising Stars Comedy Competition in London. Onika performs regularly at LOL and Times Square and passed at Comic Strip Live and has Dangerfield's, New York Comedy Club, New York Stand, Broadway Comedy, Village Underground, and the. She runs a monthly show entitled Cosmic Comedy. Vanessa Fraction: Currently, Ms. Fraction is a Co-host with THE NAPPY BOY RADIO PODCAST hosted by; Rapper, Producer TPAIN. She is also an Analyst for THE COMEDY HYPE NEWS SHOW. Additionally, Vanessa (aka Action Fraction) is a certified Self-Defense instructor and teaches a class, “Kicks & Comedy”, That empowers women with life-saving self-defense skills and lifts spirits by infusing comedy.  Born in St. Louis and raised in Chicago, this mother of two has over a decade of experience captivating fans around the world with her one of a kind storytelling talent. Whether you see her on stage, television or hear her on the radio, Vanessa is on a mission to empower her audience to overcome their struggles while laughing at hers. These can be hilarious tales of being a single mother paying child support or revealing anecdotes on the battle of being a strong, successful black woman. Her television credits include appearances on Comedy Knock Out and Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks (TruTV), Tales (BET), and a  recurring role on BounceTV's Mann and Wife. Vanessa's hilarious and bold stand-up comedy has been showcased on many shows such as HBO's Def Comedy Jam, 1st Amendment Standup (STARZ) and Mike Epps Live at Club Nokia. As a writer she has worked on The Arsenio Hall Show (CBS), 106 & Park and The Mo'Nique Show (BET). Her film roles include Barber Shop 2: Back in Business and Kim Field's Holiday Love: The Rebirth. Her quick wit and sharp humor is featured when she guests hosts on entertainment shows like DishNation (FOX) When you "do the math" Vanessa Fraction equals One Very Funny Lady! Pat Brown has been seen on CBS's Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Fuse's Uproarious, Axis's Gotham Live, NBC's Comic's Unleashed and BET‘s ComicView, TVOne's made for TV movie-WHITE WATER, the independent film SOMEBODIES, and the web series UNREQUITED. Pat has won both the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and the She Devil Competition. She has been featured in Time Out Magazine, After-Ellen, Splitsider and Punchline Magazine. Her critically acclaimed album “The Pat Brown Sex-Tape” has been described as “provocative and conceptual” by Laugh and is streaming on all platforms. You can watch her set on Two Dope Queens on HBO! Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

Bounce TV's “Johnson” writer and director, Geno Brooks, discusses his company Artistic Standard. He talks about working with Cedric the Entertainer, DL Hughley, Earthquake and Terri J. Vaughn.Topics Covered:Why HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are the perfect fit.New Projects: Development deal with Cedric The Entertainer for Geno's pilot, CREW'D.Working with Cedric The Entertainer and Terri J. Vaughn. Making a high quality production on a lower budget project.More on Geno BrooksAn American filmmaker, hailing from Chicago, IL, most known for his New Media projects, including award-winning digital series, THE THERAPIST, the Greek life digital series, BLACK BOOTS and latest love story, JONES.Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Brady talks the ups and downs of acting, his hit TV show "Johnson", and shares the time the highlighter wasn't on his side! About Derrex: Derrex Brady is one of the stars of the critically acclaimed Bounce TV series, JOHNSON (Executive Producer: Cedric the Entertainer), set to premiere Season 2 on July 10 th . The series chronicles the trials and tribulations of four life-long friends, all with the last name of “Johnson”. The men, all at different places in life find their friendships tested after 25 years, threatening the unity that had always been so strong. They are forced to confront and find humor in the most controversial issues from the black man's perspective ranging from love, marriage, business, politics and religion. Drawing from real life, Brady who is married with sons knows that family is everything. This led him to build a genuine brotherhood on and off screen with his fellow cast mates. In the first season, BOUNCE spoke to audiences, debuting as the highest rated half- hour dramedy in Bounce TV's history. Up next for this busy is the feature film A Snowy Day in Oakland opposite Loretta Devine, Nicole Ari Parker, Deon Cole and Kimberly Elise. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brady knew from an early age that acting would be his calling. After settling in Los Angeles, he began booking commercials and television guest roles soon followed. Some of his favorite credits include: NCIS, a recurring role on Lifetime's Any Day Now, USA Network's In Plain Sight, The District, Strong Medicine, Girlfriends, Boston Legal, JAG and more. On the film front, Brady has been seen opposite Al Pacino in Simone, The Space Between with Oscar Winner, Melissa Leo and most recently on Amazon Prime & Apple TV in the romantic comedy Questions. Stepping behind the camera, Brady expanded his creativity and business acumen by teaming up with his producing partner M.D. Walton to launch Skyscope Pictures. The company, along with producer/director Anthony Hemingway (Anthony Hemingway Productions) are currently developing the feature film Michael, inspired by their award-winning short film, The Championship Rounds, which starred Harold Perrineau, Jr., Rutina Wesley and Michael Anthony Spady. Between family and artistry, Brady believes that Balance Inspires Peace. He is a passionate golfer and exercise warrior. Always one to give back, Derrex Brady is also an advocate for Young Warriors, an organization providing support and guidance for fatherless boys. Instagram: @derrexbrady  Follow the show on social media!          Instagram: https://instagram.com/thanksforcominginpodcast/          Twitter: https://twitter.com/tfci_podcast          Facebook: http://facebook.com/thanksforcominginpodcast/           Theme Music by Andrew Skrabutenas Producers: Jillian Clare & Susan Bernhardt Channel: Realm For more information, go to thanksforcominginpodcast.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jayne Amelia talks with Syd Stewart. Syd is a poet, actor and filmmaker, and the author of two books of poetry, A Rock and A Hard Place (iUniverse, 2010) and Babylon Graffiti (Zeitgeist Press, 2019). Syd was featured in films Hughes' Dream Harlem and Everyday People, and has appeared in The New York Times, Variety, and People Magazine. Most recently, Stewart's work was selected by the National Endowment For The Arts' 50th Anniversary. Just recently, she was a staffed television writer on the dramedy series Johnson, that aired on Bounce TV and produced by Cedric The Entertainer. Notably, she was a 2020 BIPOC Justice For My Sister Fellow, 2019 Indie Memphis/Barry Jenkins Black Filmmaker Finalist, 2017 New York Stage and Film filmmaker fellow, Austin Film Festival Second Rounder and a 2016 semifinalist for Universal Pictures Emerging Writers Program. Syd's literary works are published in the following publications: Obsidian III: Literature in the African Diaspora, African Voices, Zone, The Lasting Joy, America at the Millennium, Signifyin' Harlem, and Under a Quicksilver Moon. Stewart is the founder of Better Youth, a nonprofit organization which uses mentoring and media arts to equip foster and community youth with creative confidence.betteryouth.orgsydsteword.comInstagram/Twitter/Facebook: @sydsteword

Rich reacts to the Brooklyn Nets' refusal to deal Kevin Durant after his trade demand in June and the guys debate if the Clippers or Lakers are a better bet to win the NBA title, offers up some advice for whomever buys the Los Angeles Angels after owner Arte Moreno announced the team is up for sale (which made Hall of Famer Rod Carew VERY happy), and makes a plea for future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols not to call it a career after this season.  NFL RB-turned-actor Thomas Q. Jones joins Rich in-studio to discuss the new season of his Bounce TV show ‘Johnson,' says if NFL coaches or TV network executives are bigger liars, says what advice he has for Seahawks WR DK Metcalf as he dips his toes in the acting waters, says why it's difficult for running backs to have long careers especially in today's NFL, and reveals that time at the Pro Bowl when he had a very awkward moment with Jay Cutler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Deji LaRay is a multi-talented actor, writer, and producer from Atlanta, Georgia, who is gearing up for the release of the new show he created, "Johnson." After realizing there was a stereotype against African American men not sharing emotions or expressing themselves, he knew the world needed a show that not only showcases the opposite but would also help close the divide between the understanding of men and women.Topics Covered"Johnson" on Bounce TV is now airing Season 2.How did the idea for this show come about, and what was the process in making this project a reality.Working with D.L. Hughley, Terri J. Vaughn, Earthquake, and Cedric The Entertainer.More on Deji LaRayLaRay can be seen starring in seasons 2 and 3 of the Amazon Prime series "Age of the Living Dead." He also spent six seasons on the Amazon series "Bosch," and appeared in three episodes during the first season of the OWN series "Greenleaf."Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Hollywood's most exciting rising stars of today, Skyh Alvester Black continues to make a mark and hone his talents as an actor, artist, and producer. This year, Skyh returns as leading man Amp ‘Addiction' Anthony on Tyler Perry's smash-hit, male exotic dancer drama series “All the Queen's Men”; Season 2 is currently airing on BET+. Deji LaRay is a multi-talented actor, writer, and producer from Atlanta, Georgia, who is gearing up for the release of the new show he created, "Johnson." After realizing there was a stereotype against African American men not sharing emotions or expressing themselves, he knew the world needed a show that not only showcases the opposite but would also help close the divide between the understanding of men and women.Topics CoveredSeason 2 of All the Queen's MenExecutive producing and star in the romantic drama feature, “A Haitian Wedding.” Skyh's battle for homelessness at various points throughout his lifetime."Johnson" on Bounce TV is now airing Season 2.How did the idea for this show come about, and what was the process in making this project a reality.More Skyh Alvester BlackAdditional television credits for Skyh include the highest-rated Tyler Perry-produced BET series, “Sistas,” as well as starring opposite Don Cheadle and Regina Hall in Showtime's critically acclaimed drama series “Black Monday.” Skyh also led season one of AMC ALLBLK's legal drama series “Lace” as attorney Othello Charles in 2021. On the film front, Skyh was recently seen starring on TV One's feature thriller “Stranger Next Door,” directed by Emmy-Award winning director Victoria Rowell. More on Deji LaRayLaRay can be seen starring in seasons 2 and 3 of the Amazon Prime series "Age of the Living Dead." He also spent six seasons on the Amazon series "Bosch," and appeared in three episodes during the first season of the OWN series "Greenleaf."Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen in as I have an honest conversation with Award-Winning Civil Rights Attorney, Best-Selling Author, Areva Marin Esq. discussing her book, AWAKENING, in which she continues to explore societal norms for gender roles within America's average working environment. Challenging a supposedly forward- thinking society to look in the mirror and re-evaluate the archaic perspective of a woman's role in and around the workplace. She intends for this 185-page book to be the average working woman's manual to breaking outdated generational gender roles.With season 2 of "Johnson" airing on Bounce TV every Sunday, Thomas Q Jones is excited for viewers to see how the show tackles some tough topics like divorce, interracial love, sexuality, and finances. And as a executive producer on the show, he's also proud to be part of a team that is paving the way for other creators of color.Topics CoveredAreva Martin has been identified as a California Super Lawyer for the last five years.Founding member of Martin & Martin, LLP, one of Los Angeles' premier African American female-owned law firms.Areva Martin's charity, Special Needs Network (SSN) recently raised more than 500K during a recent fundraising drive.Being a showrunner and executive producer.Addressing Black male stereotypes with this showHow Cedric is paving the way in Hollywood for creators/producers like him and Deji"JOHNSON's" take on divorce, interracial love, sexuality, finances, manhoodSeason 2 airs Sundays, 8/7cMore about Awakening“AWAKENING: Ladies, Leadership And The Lies We've Been Told” is a three-prong approach to defining, exploring and solving the five key falsehoods that have historically kept women at an inequitable position in society. While acknowledging the strides female leaders have taken in pushing the movement forward, the book takes an honest account of gender equity in our society today, including its myriad shortcomings. The final section is devoted to actionable items, strategies and solutions necessary to rebuild a society that not only values gender equity, but Martin's welcoming voice invites readers into a hard conversation. Real-world anecdotes give vivid context to this deeply researched book, which delivers an accessible understanding of the challenges we face along with the essential guidance to overcome them.More about "Johnson:"Johnson" is a dramedy that focuses on life-long best friends, all of whom share the same last name, centering around their intriguing and sometimes complicated journey of love, friendship, heartbreak, and personal growth in a world we all recognize. The series is produced in partnership with Cedric The Entertainer and Eric C. Rhone's A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, Deji LaRay, and Thomas Q. Jones' Midnight Train Productions. LaRay and Jones serve as showrunners and executive producers, with Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer, and Reesha L. Archibald serving as executive producers.Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With season 2 of "Johnson" airing on Bounce TV every Sunday, Thomas Q Jones is excited for viewers to see how the show tackles some tough topics like divorce, interracial love, sexuality, and finances. And as a executive producer on the show, he's also proud to be part of a team that is paving the way for other creators of color.Topics CoveredBeing a showrunner and executive producer.Addressing Black male stereotypes with this showHow Cedric is paving the way in Hollywood for creators/producers like him and Deji"JOHNSON's" take on divorce, interracial love, sexuality, finances, manhoodSeason 2 airs Sundays, 8/7cMore about "Johnson:"Johnson" is a dramedy that focuses on life-long best friends, all of whom share the same last name, centering around their intriguing and sometimes complicated journey of love, friendship, heartbreak, and personal growth in a world we all recognize. The series is produced in partnership with Cedric The Entertainer and Eric C. Rhone's A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, Deji LaRay, and Thomas Q. Jones' Midnight Train Productions. LaRay and Jones serve as showrunners and executive producers, with Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer, and Reesha L. Archibald serving as executive producers. More about BounceBounce (@bouncetv) features a programming mix of original series and movies, theatrical motion pictures, off-network series, specials, and events designed for African American audiences. Bounce is available to 98% of U.S. television homes free and over the air with a digital antenna, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over the top on Roku and Apple TV, and on mobile devices via the Bounce app; and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce XL, Scripps Networks' newest free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, is available on Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV Sling, and Xumo. Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Luther KIng III is an historic icon, though his own story still has many more chapters to be written. He was born in 1957, the oldest son of two African-American civil rights activists. Sadly at the age of only 10, he and his three siblings lost their father, when he was murdered in cold blood. His father was only 39 years old when he was killed, and he had known at the time that others wanted him dead. Only the day before his death, our guest's father specifically addressed the growing threats against his life saying, "I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop and I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as people, will get to the promised land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."MLK III was forced to endure the loss of his father. And was raised by his mother in Atlanta. He eventually attended Morehouse College where his father also went. And from there, he went on to make his own contributions to the legacy that his parents sought. He never feared standing up for justice, equity, fairness, and civil rights. He led countless movements, rallies and protests, including when he was arrested in the South African embassy in Washington, DC, is part of a civil disobedience protest against Apartheid and for the release of Nelson Mandela. But his passions are as broad as they are deep. He has led protests against bias in the field of technology. And it's spoken to the United Nations on behalf of individuals living with AIDS. He became the first of his family to attain political office, getting elected to the Fulton County commission. He became the fourth president of the Southern Christian leadership conference. And he founded the nonprofit, Realizing The Dream Inc, where he spearheaded nonviolence education workshops and programs in Bosnia, Herzegovina, India, Israel, and Palestine, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the United States. He earned the honor of speaking for Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and also spoke at Michael Jackson's funeral in 2009. Our guest served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Martin Luther king Jr. Center in Atlanta. And he co-founded Bounce TV, the first ever independently owned and operated TV network featuring African Americans. He's also served on the board of advisors of Let America Vote, an organization that fights against voter suppression. He's received numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the prestigious Ramakrishna Bajaj Memorial global award for the outstanding contributions he's made to the promotion of human rights and the humanitarian award by the Montreal Black Film Festival. He was even given the honor of presenting the ceremonial coin at Superbowl 40 and throwing out the first pitch at the major league baseball civil rights game. His father famously said, "I have a dream. That my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today." Today we have the privilege and opportunity to hear from one of those children about his father's dream and much more.

Kenice Mobley performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She appears regularly on SiriusXM and is a Finalist in the StandUp NBC Competition. This year, Kenice worked on the BET Awards and By Us For Us, a sketch comedy series presented by Color of Change. She hosts Complexify on ViceNews, Love About Town, an interview and relationship podcast, and Make Yourself Cry, available on Planet Scum. Vanessa Fraction Currently, Ms. Fraction is a Co-host with THE NAPPY BOY RADIO PODCAST hosted by; Rapper, Producer TPAIN. She is also an Analyst for THE COMEDY HYPE NEWS SHOW. Additionally, Vanessa (aka Action Fraction) is a certified Self-Defense instructor and teaches a class, “Kicks & Comedy”, That empowers women with life-saving self-defense skills and lifts spirits by infusing comedy.   Born in St. Louis and raised in Chicago, this mother of two has over a decade of experience captivating fans around the world with her one of a kind storytelling talent. Whether you see her on stage, television or hear her on the radio, Vanessa is on a mission to empower her audience to overcome their struggles while laughing at hers. These can be hilarious tales of being a single mother paying child support or revealing anecdotes on the battle of being a strong, successful black woman. Her television credits include appearances on Comedy Knock Out and Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks (TruTV), Tales (BET), and a  recurring role on BounceTV's Mann and Wife. Vanessa's hilarious and bold stand-up comedy has been showcased on many shows such as HBO's Def Comedy Jam, 1st Amendment Standup (STARZ) and Mike Epps Live at Club Nokia. As a writer she has worked on The Arsenio Hall Show (CBS), 106 & Park and The Mo'Nique Show (BET). Her film roles include Barber Shop 2: Back in Business and Kim Field's Holiday Love: The Rebirth. Her quick wit and sharp humor is featured when she guests hosts on entertainment shows like DishNation (FOX) When you "do the math" Vanessa Fraction equals One Very Funny Lady! Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

Rodney Perry loves the spotlight at center stage and will never abandon his life as a stand-up comedian delivering his brazen reality based comedy.With 24 years of marriage and six children (5 girls and 1 boy) Perry is an expert on all things family and rips the seams of crowds that attend his shows to hear all about his fatherhood fodder. Perry finds delight in giving back and sharing what he's learned over the years with his weekly improv classes that he hosts in Atlanta where he calls home. Comedy is his forte, however, this funny man isn't afraid to explore his serious side in roles as is evident his appearances in the film “Mr. Right” where he gets to flex his acting chops alongside actor Columbus Short as well as the upcoming drama Broad Street Bullies where he plays a notorious gangster. Adding producer to his long list of credentials he's also producing shows like the independent release, A Song for Jordan. The early years of comedy found Perry his first gig as a writer/warm up guy for Kim Whitley on her talk show “Oh Drama.” Being on the scene, he was able to parlay his skills into opportunity and began opening for the likes of George Lopez, Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer, to name a few. He would spend the next 10 years nonstop on television in various capacities. Hosting comedy shows like “Who's Got Jokes” helped him fine tune his craft and fueled the fire for the screen, big and small. Catching the attention of comedy lovers and industry shot callers alike, Perry got another big break with a starring role as “Harold” in Tyler Perry's “Madea's Big Happy Family” and it's only been a meteoric ride on the fast track ever since. Perry has since found a home at Bounce TV where as the host of his own comedy show “Off the Chain” he would spend the next several years giving Bounce TV its leverage in the cable market with his ever increasing ratings. “Off The Chain” would go on to become a sold out tour and in addition he would also break records for the young network with his number 1 rated comedy special “Rodney Perry: 44 and Still Ticking” Perry is resilient having survived a stroke that left him without the use of his left side. He was tireless during the rehabilitation process and today you'd be hard pressed to see any deficit in his body post stroke. He recently added COVID-19 survivor to the list, he assures us this is not deliberate. Rodney is a winner and a fighter but he takes no credit for his survival. He gives God all the credit and the glory. He believes God still has some duties that he must complete. Currently Perry is appearing in the film Coming to America 2, which should have a Christmas release. He is also producing and starring in a SiriusXM show called “That Jokers's Funny”. Rodney is also scheduled to co-write, direct and produce an 8 episode small series for Comedy Hype the internet magazine entitled “Someone You Should Know”. Rodney just won't stop!! Ayanna Shon Ayanna Shon, is a Birmingham, Al native currently working in the film and entertainment industry by way of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ayanna studied visual communication and film design becoming a multi-hyphenated content creator while pursuing her career in the music industry as a writer and recording artist. Ayanna later discovered her passion behind the scenes just as the love of being on stage. Interning and soon after developing a career in communications for Clear Channel and broadcasting. Ayanna branded herself as a celeb photographer working with many national and independent recording artists, actresses and actors. Gaining more wisdom from a theatrical perspective and leadership while being mentored by creative executives as well as her eldest play write brother. In 2015, Ayanna launched CBA film studio in her home town, a full service production company focused on creating original content with a driven focused in green screen music video production. , Ayanna enjoys the responsibility as the Executive...