Roxane Gay, best-selling author and cultural critic, joins to unravel the fascinating yet tragic tale of MoviePass. She discusses how a wealthy individual took control from its original Black founders, leading to a spectacular downfall driven by a flawed business model. The conversation is spiced up with personal anecdotes and critiques of the entertainment industry, touching on the chaotic corporate shifts and dubious marketing strategies. Plus, Roxane reveals that you can indeed dance to the Succession theme while exploring serious social issues!
The rise and fall of MoviePass highlights systemic issues in the startup ecosystem, particularly regarding the exploitation of marginalized founders.
The podcast discusses the complexities of scams, revealing the societal dynamics that influence individual vulnerability and perceptions of trust.
Cultural commentary on movie-watching in Black communities emphasizes the joy of collective experiences and the unique dynamics of audience interactions.
Deep dives
New Couples on 90 Day Fiance
The latest season of a popular reality show features new couples embarking on a journey to meet their online partners in person. One couple highlights the excitement and apprehension of their first kiss, while another navigates the complexities of bringing an ex along to meet a new love interest. The series illustrates the challenges faced by couples who have built relationships through digital communication and are now confronted with the reality of a face-to-face encounter. As the stories unfold, viewers can expect both heartwarming and dramatic moments as relationships are tested.
Electric School Buses Revolutionizing School Transportation
The impact of electric school buses on children's health and the environment is explored, emphasizing the positive implications of this transportation shift. Electric buses reduce pollution, thereby lowering the risk of pediatric asthma and creating a quieter, calmer environment for students with sensory sensitivities. In addition to health benefits, these electric vehicles symbolize a step towards sustainable practices, aligning with eco-conscious movements. Partnerships between electric fleet companies and educational institutions aim to make electric transportation accessible and affordable for all communities.
The Intriguing World of Scams
The podcast delves into discussions about scams, exploring both the victim's and the scammer's perspectives. A guest, a social commentator, articulates the complexities surrounding scams, ranging from sympathy for victims to fascination with ingenious con artists. Various examples highlight the differing cultural approaches to scams and the inherent privileges that affect who becomes a target or a participant. The conversation underscores how societal trust dynamics can influence individuals' vulnerability to being scammed.
MoviePass: A Cautionary Tale
The narrative of MoviePass illustrates the rise and fall of a tech startup that initially attracted millions of subscribers with an enticing business model. Founded by two Black entrepreneurs, the venture promised unlimited movie tickets for a low monthly rate but ultimately faltered due to unsustainable financial practices. The company underwent a hostile takeover, and as executive power shifted, it led to dire financial consequences and tarnished the founders' reputations. MoviePass serves as a stark reminder of the exploitation that can occur in the startup world, particularly for marginalized founders striving against the odds.
Cultural Commentary on Movies and Experiences
Listeners are treated to a lively discussion about the cultural significance of the movie-watching experience, particularly within Black communities. The shared commentary emphasizes the collective enjoyment derived from watching films together in theaters, often enhanced by the lively reactions of audience members. By recounting personal anecdotes, the conversation captures the unique dynamics that occur in predominantly Black film-viewing spaces. This community aspect enriches the film experience, turning a simple outing into a dynamic event filled with interaction and communal enjoyment.
Best-selling author & cultural critic Roxane Gay (Bad Feminist, Hunger) joins the Con-gregation to help break down the fraud-filled downfall of MoviePass, the subscription service that offered users unlimited movies for the wildly unsustainable price of $10 a month. You might know how MoviePass eventually collapsed, but its problems actually first began when a rich white guy stole the company from its two black founders. Oh and in case you're wondering, we also learn that, yes, you can in fact throw ass to the Succession theme song. Stay schemin'!
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