Black Girl Nerds

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview actors Javicia Leslie and Tunji Kasim. Segment 1: Javicia Leslie is an actress, visionary and philanthropist committed to making her mark on the world. She is best known for her reign over Gotham City as Ryan Wilder in D.C.'s “Batwoman”. Her casting made global history as the first bisexual Black actress to portray Batwoman. Filmed for release in 2023 she plays the lead role as Jo Czeuzot in “Double Life'' for Paramount and Lighthouse Pictures directed by Martin Wood.  Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Tunji stars in the much anticipated, “Bridgerton” prequel drama series entitled “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” debuting worldwide on Netflix May 4, 2023.  The 6-episode event reveals the origins of the beloved character Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio), as she ascends the throne and changes the Bridgerton kingdom as she knows it.  Tunji plays Adolphus, the leader of his county and head of the family, two roles that don’t often go hand in hand. He must make an impossible choice between what is best for his country, and what is best for his little sister, Queen Charlotte.  Host: Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome avid outdoorist, digital nomad, and author Noami Grevemberg to discuss her new book 'Living The Vanlife'. Living on the road in her classic Volkswagen Vanagon since 2016, she’s the founder of the Diversify Vanlife community organization and author of the upcoming book, 'Living the Vanlife' which will be out on July 4th, 2023, and is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold.  Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus and Sky Blew Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we celebrate the opening of the new Searchlight Pictures film 'Chevalier' coming to theaters April 21st. In this discussion, we talk about the life of Joseph Bologne and give our critiques about the upcoming film. Chevalier is directed by Stephen Williams and stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Chevalier, Samara Weaving as Marie-Josephine and Lucy Boynton as Marie Antoinette. Host: Ryanne and Jamie Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we welcome AI specialists Dr. Sam Martin and Malik Afegbua. Segment 1: Dr Sam Martin is a Digital Sociologist and Data Scientist, who has been drawing and creating for most of her life. Although she studied Law at Oxford and have a PhD in Digital Health, the one consistent pull throughout has been digital art and all things creative, from designing jewellery, to pottery and more. Lockdown and the Pandemic really led Dr Martin to focus more on digital art and AI art as a way to express one’s inner dreams, feelings, as well as to connect with people in a way that resonates with their everyday lives. Host: Ryanne Segment 2:  Malik Afegbua is a Nigerian born and based contemporary Artist, Virtual reality curator and Film Director (Cinema / Television). The Bachelor of Arts graduate from the University of Surrey, London is the Lead Visioner and Chief Executive Officer of Slickcity Media, a full-fledged innovative media production company with expertise across the entire media value chain including film/tv production, documentaries, VR, films, commercials, corporate videos, visual marketing, media technology, and publishing. Host: Ryanne

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview actors Michelle Williams, Hong Chau and director Kelly Reichardt of the upcoming film 'Showing Up'. A sculptor preparing to open a new show must balance her creative life with the daily dramas of family and friends, in Kelly Reichardt’s vibrant and captivatingly funny portrait of art & craft.  Host: Jeandra Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview animator and producer Love Barnett. Love Barnett, is one-half of the multimedia production company Martian Blueberry, which is currently producing animation for Meg Thee Stallion, The Major League Baseball organization. Love is the co-founder, along with co-founder and legendary animation producer Carl Jones  (known for The Boondocks, Black Dynamite). Love Barnett started her own casting agency (Much Love Productions) at the tender age of 17. Casting music videos, movies and booking dancers for major recording artists and world tours. Not only has she been a major force behind the camera, she’s also expanded her talents in front of the camera as well. Performing in iconic music videos for Kanye West, Eminem, Petey Pablo and the legendary Tupac, to popular sitcoms such as Martin, Smart Guy, and The Last OG. Her passion for entertainment was also met by her love for cars, landing a position as the monthly automotive columnist for Black Men Magazine conducting celebrity interviews from behind the wheel. Host: Ryanne Edited by: Jamie Broadnax Music by: Sammus

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we highlight the intersection of STEM and entertainment with guests Dr. Tina Lasisi and Dr. Kareem Edouard. Segment 1: Dr. Tina Lasisi is a science communicator, content creator, and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southern California. As a biological anthropologist, Dr. Lasisi explores hair shape and skin pigmentation, providing insights into the genetic architecture and evolutionary history of racialized human traits. Her unique research and nuanced perspective reach diverse audiences through her dynamic and witty TikToks and Instagram Reels, in addition to her conversations as a guest expert on several podcasts, including NPR’s Short Wave, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, and In Those Genes. Dr. Lasisi brings enthusiasm, wit, and authenticity to PBS Digital Studios as the host of “Why Am I Like This?” Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Work It Out Wombats!, an exciting new animated series starring a trio of marsupial siblings—Malik, Zadie and Zeke—who live with their grandmother in their diverse and vibrant "Treeborhood," is premiering on PBS KIDS February 6. Dr. Edouard, an assistant professor in the Department of Education at Drexel University.  Creative Producer Kareem Edouard, Ph.D., an expert in understanding the intersectionality of race, culture, and STEM for students of color as well as issues of culture and inclusion in children’s media. Dr. Edouard's expertise helped ensure that all aspects of the series, which will introduce computational thinking concepts to help viewers solve meaningful problems, learn flexible thinking and effectively express themselves, are looked at through the lens of culture and inclusion.  Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast, we celebrate the SXSW Film and TV Festival currently underway with guests Bomani J. Story and Laya DeLeon Hayes and Kyla Frye discusses her latest project 'Payday'! Segment 1: Vicaria is a brilliant teenager who believes death is a disease that can be cured. After the brutal and sudden murder of her brother, she embarks on a dangerous journey to bring him back to life. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, 'The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster' thematically challenges our ideas of life and death. Host: Jamie Segment 2: Kyla Frye is a multifaceted, award-winning actress who hails from the East end of London.  From being the first Black woman to take on the iconic role of Sandra in Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing, to donning her khakis as a soldier with Tom Cruise in 'Edge of Tomorrow', Kyla’s unwavering presence on stage and screen brings the audience on a thrilling journey full of love and drama. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's BGN Podcast Extra, ahead of tonight's episode, we interview actor Javicia Leslie.  Javicia will appear as Batwoman in the CW series 'The Flash' airing at 8/7c. Javicia Leslie is an actress, visionary and philanthropist committed to making her mark on the world. She is best known for her reign over Gotham City as Ryan Wilder in D.C.'s “Batwoman”. Her casting made global history as the first bisexual Black actress to portray Batwoman. Since her debut in 2019, she has quickly become recognized as one of young Hollywood's most heralded stars and was featured on The Hollywood Reporter’s highly coveted “Next Big Thing'' list. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast we chat with actor Ayesha Harris of 'Daisy Jones and the Six' and filmmaker Muta' Ali of 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali'.  Segment 1: Born and raised in the Long Beach and Inland Empire areas of southern California, Ayesha lived many lives before pursuing a career in acting full time. Ayesha can next be seen in the upcoming Amazon Prime miniseries “Daisy Jones and the Six,” opposite Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, and Suki Waterhouse. Adapted from Taylor Jenkins Reid’s wildly popular historical fiction novel of the same name, the series follows the rise and fall of a fictional LA rock band in the 1970s – in the guise of Fleetwood Mac – while exploring the reason behind their split at the height of their success.  Host: Ryanne Segment 2: Muta’Ali is an award winning film director whose latest feature documentary release is Cassius X: Becoming Ali. He received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Director of a Documentary for his critically acclaimed Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn and his feature documentary debut was Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee, featuring Harry Belafonte, Alan Alda, Phylicia Rashad, Spike Lee and others. Muta’Ali is currently directing his next feature documentary on a wildly popular product invented by black entrepreneurs and driven into the ground by predatory executives. Host: Ryanne Music by: Sammus Edited by: Jamie Broadnax