PODCAST · society
Brown & Black
by Jack Rico, Mike Sargent
Winner of a 2024 Gold Signal Award, 'Brown & Black' is a podcast at the intersection of race and pop culture. Hosted by Jack Rico (Latino) and Mike Sargent (Black), two nationally recognized film and culture critics, provide a multicultural perspective missing from mainstream media today. Through interviews with filmmakers, artists, and journalists, the show explores the complex relationship between race and entertainment.
Episodes
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One Battle After Another: A Brown & Black Breakdown
Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another got the casting right, but did it get Latinos and Blacks right? People are still talking about the film One Battle After Another. We breakdown how Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie handles Black and Latino characters in Hollywood. With Teyana Taylor,...
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Bad Bunny and the NFL's First All-Spanish Halftime Show
This week on Brown & Black, we drop an Off the Cuff episode on the breaking news that Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl halftime show. This marks the first-ever Spanish-language halftime show on America's biggest stage. We break down why this moment matters for Latino and Black culture, how…
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The Viral Rant That Exposed White Identity
Many white Americans face a contradiction: they love Black and Latino culture, but don't like Black and Latino people. Dr. Barnor Hesse of Northwestern University calls this "White Voyeurism." It's part of his Eight White Identities framework that explains Jennifer Welch's viral rant against MAGA...
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Is Off-Broadway's MEXODUS the Next 'Hamilton'?
Did you know The Underground Railroad went South and America spent 200 years hiding it? In this episode, we talk to Nygel Robinson and Brian Quijada, creators of the Off-Broadway musical MEXODUS, which reveals how 10,000 enslaved people escaped to Mexico between 1829-1865. This history of Black…
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Spike Lee, Denzel, and the Black Film Marketing Problem
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, two of Hollywood's biggest stars, reunite for A24's Highest 2 Lowest (in theaters August 15). But you wouldn't know it from the marketing. Its low-profile rollout has people asking: is this racism or just business? And will the burden of promoting the film fall…
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Emmys 2025: A Brown & Black Breakdown
How can the Latino star of Disney's Andor, the best-reviewed show in the Star Wars franchise, be snubbed by the Emmys? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how the voting process really works from the inside. We're also asking some hard questions: Why are Latinos showing up in record...
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Summer Movies 2025: Jurassic World: Rebirth / Materialists
This July weekend, we review two of the biggest summer movies of 2025: Jurassic World: Rebirth and The Materialists. Mike breaks down why Jurassic World is stuck in a loop of reboots and clichés, even with big stars like Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. And what would it take to save this...
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Why Sacrilege's Nyasha Hatendi Chose Horror to Speak His Truth
In this episode, we welcome Nyasha Hatendi, the creator, writer, director, and producer of Audible's new audio horror drama, Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi. He opens up about his motivations for creating Sacrilege, the influences behind its horror, his collaboration with actor Caleb McLaughlin…
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'Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi': An Audio Drama Analysis
In this special sponsored episode, we're partnering with Audible for our first-ever audio drama analysis, breaking down the groundbreaking supernatural thriller "Sacrilege: Curse of the Mbirwi" starring Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things. Created by Zimbabwean-American filmmaker Nyasha…
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Is Ryan Coogler's 'SINNERS' Too Black for Hollywood?
This week we deconstruct Ryan Coogler's SINNERS from a Latino and Black perspective. It's a film that is creating deep cultural conversations about Black originality and the business of Black culture globally. We explore its cultural symbolism, audience reactions, Variety's media bias, and the...
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Can Brown & Black Art Survive AI? OpenAI, Studio Ghibli & the Fight for Creative Ownership
If AI can make human-like art, do we still need the artist? In this episode we unpack the OpenAI's 'Image Editor' and the Studio Ghibli AI trend, and discuss the cultural, economic, and existential implications AI poses to Black and Latino artists. Episode Summary: AI Art: Speed & Quality…
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Mark Anthony Green on His A24 Directorial Debut "Opus"
In Opus, Ayo Edebiri plays a journalist invited into a world of celebrity power, but is she there to observe, or be consumed by it? This week on Brown & Black, journalist and filmmaker Mark Anthony Green joins us to unpack his A24 directorial debut, Opus. We dissect the film's underlying themes,...
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Trump and the Whitewashing of Brown & Black Culture
Is Donald Trump's Kennedy Center takeover the start of a cultural whitewash? This week on 'Brown & Black,' we examine what happens when the most powerful man in America seizes control of the nation's most prestigious cultural institution. The President's takeover of the Kennedy Center has sparked...
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Make America White Again
How do you make a America whiter without saying you're making it whiter? In this first episode of 2025, during Black History Month, we dissect what does Trump's dismatling of DEI and the self-sabotaging deportation crusade, mean or businesses and media?And how much damage will be done to Blacks…
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A Brown & Black Thanksgiving: Our TV & Movie Picks
In this special Thanksgiving episode, we're sharing some of our favorite movies and TV shows we're currently watching or bingeing. Hopefully, you'll find something to add to your Thanksgiving watchlist. From Black documentaries on 70s cinema and military-style action TV shows to a surreal film...
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The Color of Aspiration: Are Latinos The Next Whites?
It's November 7, 2024. Latinos are clearly becoming the next 'whites' and represent what the Republican Party may look like in the future. This episode promises to challenge everything you thought you knew about Latino identity in the U.S. Back in April 2024, we spoke to Political Psychologist...
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Harvey Mason Jr., Grammy CEO on AI and the Future of Music
What does responsible AI use look like in the music world? This week, we sit down with Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the man at the helm of one of music's most revered institutions, to discuss AI's current and future impact on the music industry - especially for creators of color - and how the...
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40 Acres Lie Revealed: Is Reparations Near?
Land, land, land. What if your ancestors kept the land they were promised? How would your life be different? In this episode, we speak with Mother Jones Editorial Director, Jamilah King, about a story meant to be hidden in the annals of history. She and her investigative team used AI to unearth...
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Regina Porter on Class, Privilege, and 'Rich People Gone Away'
What happens when a pandemic exposes the realities that wealth and privilege usually hide? Author Regina Porter stops by our show to discuss her provocative new novel, "The Rich People Have Gone Away," a title that says it all. It's a book with sharp social commentary where characters are forced…
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The "La Bamba" Remake: Latino Identity vs. Hollywood
With the recent announcement of WB's "La Bamba" remake, we ask: Did Hollywood whitewash Luis Valdez's 1987 film classic, and will the remake do better? And how much of your identity would you sacrifice to be seen by mainstream media? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Brown & Black, we use the...
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Kamala Harris: Is America Ready For Its First Multicultural President?
In this episode, we explore how pop culture and social media are driving Kamala Harris's potential presidential election and how her multicultural background (Black and Indian) is challenging the power structures in American politics. We also examine the new lawsuit involving Flamin' Hot Cheetos...
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Kimberly Bryant On Decolonizing AI: Is It Too Late?
Kimberly Bryant, the founder of "Black Girls Code" and the "Black Innovation Lab," joins us for a can't-miss conversation about the real threat AI poses to people of color if we don't wake up now. This episode is a wake-up call. We dissect the implications of the recent news headlines involving…
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Beyoncé vs. White Privilege
Has white privilege sabotaged Beyoncé? In this episode, we analyze the recent revelation how AMC's CEO undermined Beyoncé's Renaissance concert film, costing her millions, while protecting Taylor Swift's release. Was this decision based on business or unconscious bias? Learn more about your ad...
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Identity Crisis: How the 2030 Census Could Reshape Hispanic America
Should race and ethnicity be combined in the next Census? In this episode, we discuss the Census Bureau's recent announcement of their proposed changes to the race and ethnicity categories, particularly for Hispanics. What potential risks will that on the Afro-Latino community? Will 2030 see...
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The Color of Aspiration: Are Latinos The Next Whites?
Are Latinos becoming the next whites, and what role does politics play in this ideological shift? We talk to Political psychologist Efren Perez, a UCLA Professor of Political Science and Psychology, who holds a PhD from Duke University. His research focuses on race, ethnicity, politics, and...
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Sheila E. On Why She Waited Decades to Make a Salsa Album
Sheila E broke barriers as both a talented percussionist and an Afro-Latina artist. In this episode, she reveals the personal motivations behind creating her first salsa album now, "Bailar," and explores her relationship with Latin music and identity. Her answers offer a unique window into the...
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In Memoriam: Louis Gossett Jr. Discusses Cultural Appreciation (2020 Interview)
In tribute to the life and career of legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr., we are re-airing our 2020 interview with him regarding his role as Luis Garcia in 'The Cuban'. In this conversation, Mr. Gossett Jr. shared his insights on embracing international cultures and his love for Cuba. 'The Cuban',...
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Talent vs Image: The Music and Wisdom of Afro Cuban Singer Daymé Arocena
Mike and Jack have an in-depth discussion with a claimed Afro Cuban singer Daymé Arocena about her new album Alkemi, she opens up about her struggles as a black Latina woman in this industry, how we perceive black skin, how we perceive Latina women with black skin, body image in the pop music...
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AI and White Backlash: Our Progress Under Threat
In this episode, progress vs. preservation. We discuss the alarming white backlash targeting Latino interns and how AI is impacting the film industry and creators of color. We explore how these two stories set the stage for a broader debate on diversity in the digital age. The Smithsonian Latino...
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2024 Oscars: Is Colman Domingo Afro-Latino Enough?
Does Colman Domingo's Blackness overshadow his Latino heritage, making him invisible to the Afro-Latino community? In this episode, we'll analyze how Latino and Black films and actors fared in the 2024 Oscar nominations. We'll also discuss Colman Domingo's groundbreaking Best Actor nomination as...
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2024 Award Season: Does Diversity Even Matter Anymore?
Is the DE&I backlash in America casting a shadow over award-season voters? In our first 'Brown & Black' episode of 2024, we have a critical exploration of DE&I's impact on Hollywood's award season. We'll also dissect the ratings and their implications, analyze the Latino shutout and its...
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Should 'Hamilton' Be Celebrated Today? Why Is Netflix Supporting Black Banks? How Racism Still Controls The Music Industry
This week Mike and Jack examine why Netflix is depositing $100 million dollars into Black banks; Lin-Manuel Miranda's revered Broadway musical 'Hamilton' has been released on Disney+ and is receiving backlash from historians for glorifying slave-owners. Has art become more significant than...
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The Top Latino and Black Films of 2023
In this episode, we share our top Latino and Black films of 2023. Jack chose: "At the Gates," a psychological thriller that flips the traditional Latino immigrant story. "Radical," based on an inspirational true story that highlights the power of education in some of Mexico's poorest schools.…
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Warren Drummond: How His Storyboards Shaped Hollywood's Biggest Hits
For over three decades, legendary storyboard artist Warren Drummond has been the inspiration and creative force behind some of Hollywood's most iconic films, such as "A Beautiful Mind" and "Straight Outta Compton", collaborating with industry giants like John Singleton, Ron Howard, and Denzel...
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Gannett and The Marvels: White Backlash in the Age of Diversity
Listen to this heated discussion on the controversial reverse discrimination lawsuit from white employees against Gannett for its diversity efforts in news, plus we tackle the 'woke' backlash of the film 'The Marvels' for its focus on diverse female superheroes. We ask, is DE&I under attack? Can...
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The 6 Must-See Latin & Black Horror Films for Halloween
Happy Halloween! 🎃 Fear, a universal emotion, resides within each of us. As children, we quivered at tales of demons, ghosts, and mysterious noises in the dark—stories predominantly told from a white perspective, often neglecting the rich tapestry of Latino and Black experiences. This month, we...
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Chasing Relevance: A Dangerous Obsession or Necessary Reality?
Chasing relevance. We're all guilty of it at some point, desperately trying to stay current and be noticed. But what's the cost? In this episode of Brown & Black, we'll peel back the layers on society's obsession with relevance, specifically for people of color in media and entertainment today.…
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"From The Shadows": Mike Sargent on Returning to Directing
In this special episode, our co-host Mike Sargent discusses his new horror film "From the Shadows" which he directed, produced and co-wrote. He shares some behind-the-scenes stories of making the film, including directing horror legends Keith David and Bruce Davison and what it's like to direct…
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Decoding the Supreme Court with Filmmaker Dawn Porter
In this episode we discuss truth and the Supreme Court with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter. Her latest documentary series, 'Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court' out September 22 on Showtime is a four part docuseries that covers a broad range of topics essential to historians and...
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Rotten Tomatoes and the Co-opting of Consensus Culture
Rotten Tomatoes, the notorious film review aggregate website, has been shaping the movie choices of audiences for more than a decade. But a recent exposé reveals the site may be rotting from within. In this episode, we discuss the New York Magazine article "The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes"…
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Influencers vs. Critics: Who is the Future of Film Criticism?
On this episode, Rico and Sargent have an in-depth discussion about the past, present and future of film criticism. Is it traditional film critics or opinion reviewers on TikTok? They share their personal journeys into film criticism, the role of Rotten Tomatoes today, the new influencer/film...
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A Triumph of Latina Feminism? Barbie: The Brown & Black Film Analysis
In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack argues why he believes the Barbie movie is really a Latina film at its core. Its pivotal scene centers on a Latina character and her mixed-race daughter. The guys peel back the layers of the $150 million dollar marketing campaign that catapulted Barbie into...
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WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike! Is It Time To Decentralize Hollywood?
Hollywood is on strike! In this OFF THE CUFF episode, Jack and Mike discuss how the WGA and SAG-AFTRA walkouts could reshape the entertainment industry, including how it could lead to the collapse of American culture. They analyze the sociopathic CEO mentality, and why executives feel they can...
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The Identity Dilemma of The Multi-Hyphenate
In this episode of "Brown and Black," hosts Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss the need to challenge the stigma surrounding multi-hyphenates and the superficial nature of the question, "What do you do?" They emphasize the importance of recognizing one's own values and personal branding,...
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Rome Flynn Talks Afro-Latino Representation, SAG Strike Fears, and the Dream of Portraying Roberto Clemente
Actor and musician Rome Flynn joins the podcast to discuss his reprised role as Santiago Zayas in Season 2 of Amazon's hit rom-com series, 'With Love'. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of "casting authentically," the escalating concerns about actors' self-audition tapes, and…
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Pulitzer-Winning Composer Michael Abels on Race, AI and Being Black in Classical Music
In this special episode of Brown & Black, we sit down with recent Pulitzer Prize-winning, Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer Michael Abels. We take a journey through his life, his passion for music, the challenges he faced as a Black composer in the 1980s, and his latest work on the film...
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Grammy CEO Talks Artist Rights, Mexican Music, and the Future of AI in Music
In this episode, we welcome back the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., to discuss the pressing issues currently facing musicians of color, such as the advancement of AI-generated music, the struggle for fair compensation, and the rise of Regional Mexican Music as a global force. We...
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Singer GOTOPO: Reimagining Afro-indigenous Identity Through Ancestral Futurism
In this episode, we are joined by Afro-Venezuelan and Afro-Indigenous singer 'GOTOPO,' who tells us about her new song "Sacudete" and delves into the intriguing concept of 'Ancestral Futurism,' an artistic approach that fuses the past, present, and future of pop culture while exploring heritage…
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WGA Strike & The Latino Renaissance: The Persistent Struggle For Creators of Color
In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack and Mike discuss two central topics affecting creators of color – the ongoing negotiations between the WGA (Writer's Guild of America) and Hollywood studios, and the invisible Latino renaissance in America that's receiving little recognition from mainstream...
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AIR's White Savior Complex and the Age of Digital Distrust
In this episode, we delve into the adverse effects of AI-generated images on media and their growing impact. We'll discuss the recent controversy over Levi's partnership with LalaLand.ai and debate if AI-inclusive modeling serves as a positive force. Furthermore, we'll examine the white savior...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Winner of a 2024 Gold Signal Award, 'Brown & Black' is a podcast at the intersection of race and pop culture. Hosted by Jack Rico (Latino) and Mike Sargent (Black), two nationally recognized film and culture critics, provide a multicultural perspective missing from mainstream media today. Through interviews with filmmakers, artists, and journalists, the show explores the complex relationship between race and entertainment.
HOSTED BY
Jack Rico, Mike Sargent
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Brown & Black have?
Brown & Black currently has 144 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Brown & Black about?
Winner of a 2024 Gold Signal Award, 'Brown & Black' is a podcast at the intersection of race and pop culture. Hosted by Jack Rico (Latino) and Mike Sargent (Black), two nationally recognized film and culture critics, provide a multicultural perspective missing from mainstream media today. Through...
How often does Brown & Black release new episodes?
Brown & Black publishes regularly with 144 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Brown & Black?
You can listen to Brown & Black on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Brown & Black?
Brown & Black is created and hosted by Jack Rico, Mike Sargent.
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