DISCUSSIONS FROM THE OTHERHOOD

MISERY SET TO MUSIC - YOU CRY, I'LL CLAP

From Raisin, to the Color Purple, Oliver Twist, Sweeny Todd, even Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. In entertainment, human beings appear to have a taste for misery and even more so when it's set to music. So join the Blerdsassins Next door in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss the books, plays and tomes that have been converted to the musical format and place wagers on the ones that may appear on the horizon.

THE POOR PEOPLE SHOW

We've seen in films and on TV where people, families, or entire communities are depicted as being impoverished or poor. But what does poor look like exactly? Do the depictions change from region to region, from one ethnicity to another? Do Hollywood and the media see poverty through a prism of their own making?Join the Blerdsassins Next door 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT to discuss the way poverty is portrayed.

SNUBBED AT THE OSCARS - WHO WON, WHO SHOULD HAVE WON AND WHO PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN NOMINATED

The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is a day away and nominees and fans are waiting with 'bated breath to hear those four words... "And the winner is..." But sometimes the name announced is NOT the name we expected to hear. The NYTimes has pulled together their listing of the 25 Biggest Oscar Snubs of All Time. At 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST the Blerdsassins Next Door will take a tour of the NYT listing and discuss why we agree or disagree. https://www.nytimes.com/.../oscar-snubs-history.html...

BLACK WOMEN IN HORROR - SEEN ON THE BIG AND SMALL SCREEN

It's Black Women in Horror Month and over the years we've seen more and more Black Women onscreen. Join the Blerdsassins Next door 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to share our favorite (and not so favorite) performances of Black Women in TV and film horror. https://flipscreened.com/.../ten-black-and-totally.../ https://www.essence.com/.../14-black-women-horror.../...

HOLLYWOOD'S HISTORY OF THE AUTHENTIC BLACK

With Cord Jefferson's directorial debut, American Fiction on everyone's lips as we approach the Oscars, we would be remiss in not examining Hollywood's history of defining Black Authenticity. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door tonight at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we examine the history of Hollywood and how being authentically black has been depicted on the big and small screen.

THE BLACK HISTORY HODGE PODGE SHOW

The firsts, bests and worsts of media from a Black History perspective in music, sports, tv, film and journalism. Join your Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/ 8p CST 9p EST 2-17-24 in the OTHERhood to discuss the superlatives in Black History media. Want to create live streams like Discussions From the OTHERhood? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6512521832562688 I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at stre...

AND THE WINNER SHOULD HAVE BEEN. ..

BATTLE OF THE PRODUCTION COMPANY UNIVERSES - USA

There is no doubt that you have seen a TV show produced in the Norman Lear Universe, the MTM Universe, the Danny Thomas Universe, Matt Groening, or the Filmways/Henning Universe. But which of these universes has truly captured the hearts and minds of the U.S. populace? Which universe has had the most the most lasting effects? Join he Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we discuss the battle for the hearts and minds of the U.S. and who has been winning. Want to create live stre...

DREAM ON: OUR FAVORITE TV SHOWS and FILMS ABOUT DREAMS

From the Wizard of Oz to Inception and Who Shot JR dreams have been a huge part of Hollywood and TV. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss our favorite and not so favorite media based upon dreams. I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook

AMOS AND ANDY: FUNNY OR DANGEROUS?

Founder and editor of The New Yorker, Harold Ross infamously said, "Coons are either funny or dangerous." Derogatorily referring to Black people as "coons" makes his bias crystal clear, and he and other so-called captains of media industry of the same mindset were the gatekeepers and sculptors of the American zeitgeist. They controlled/control how we are seen and how others react to us. Although the vast majority of us were not around during the early fifties we've all heard of the Amos and A...

SIX DEGREES OF OCCUPATION

ARE THESE TRULY THE MOST OVERRATED FILMS OF ALL TIME?

Everyone has an opinion and the list pulled together by Your DIY (https://yourdiy.com/overrated-movies/) is rife with them. How do you decide that a film is or isn't overrated? Do you agree with the list? Do we? Also we'll play a round of Six Degrees of Occupation. Don't know the rules; then tune in to the podcast and find out. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to air your opinion and to play the game!

2023 IN REVIEW: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BLERDY

Join us here tonight 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST in the OTHERhood as we close out the year with the Good, the Bad and the Blerdy discussing the standout media issues this year and our resolutions for the next!

THE WINTER SOLSTICE SHOW - 2023

Join your Blerdsassins Next Door here in the OTHERhood 6p PST/8p CST/9p EST to celebrate the Winter Solstice and to share interesting trivia about the Holiday season, and other aspects of holiday cheer. Grab your mug of cocoa, or glass of spirits and meet us in the OTHERhood.

BUT WHAT IF SCROOGE IS RIGHT?

The ghosts have visited and given us a view of the past, present and future. Scrooge has pled his case with his employee, with his intended and his nephew. Yes, Scrooge is a miser but is he wrong? Does society value money more than morality? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to ponder whether Scrooge might have had a point. Check out Scrooge: A Christmas Carol from 1951 ( https://youtu.be/VszNMtgbmJU?si=IdQLN0P-FMZyCcAJ ) and let's talk about whether ...

PRISONERS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

This is it, the holiday season... it's all Ho Ho Ho and mistletoe and no more school and presents and food. That's what we think and we fall for it every year. Instead the holiday season is fraught with house cleaning, and dressing up for visiting relatives, having to dress up to leave the house to visit people you have never met, before; and then have to listen to hours of people you don't know reminiscing about places you have never been or ever want to be. This hostage crisis occurs EVERY ...

THE GRATITUDE SHOW!

With another Thanksgiving behind us and a winter holiday season before us, it's a good time to stop and take account of what we are grateful for and how we intend to show that gratitude as we close out the year. Join the Berdsassins Next Door, Cranston, Nikki, Sonia, William, James, Otto and me, Penelope Flynn as we list what we are grateful for and how we show that appreciation Saturday 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST in the OTHERhood.

WADING THROUGH ANOTHER BORING THANKSGIVING SHOW

Howdy Neighbors! Here we are again with our yearly Thanksgiving podcast and we're angst-ing over how to make it NOT boring. We've tried horror, science fiction, fantasy, a favorite films playlist, Franklin on the Other side of the Table and every other topic conceivable, but have not figured out the magic formula to make a non-boring Thanksgiving week podcast. So join us in the OTHERhood to query the best way to cook the turkey, whether herb stuffing is better than cornbread stuffing, whether...

THE TALKING ANIMALS SHOW!

Howdy neighbors!! Was Dr. Doolitte expressing a common human desire... to talk with the animals? Maybe that's the reason we have so many TV shows and cartoons that feature talking animals. What does it mean when we talk to the animals and they talk back to us? What does it mean when we are the only one that can see the animals talking? How does our media treat talking animals and what does it say about us? Join the Blerdasssins Next Door... Cranston, Sonia, Nikki, James, Otto, Roxanne, Willi...

SHOULD THESE FILMS REALLY BE ON A LIST OF "MUST-SEE" MEDIA?

Wealth of Geeks prepared a "must-see" listing of 25 films. But are they REALLY that must-see? Does Jaws belong on the list? Why is Apocalypse Now, NOT on the list? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT in the OTHERhood as we examine the list and determine which films should stay and which ones should go. https://wealthofgeeks.com/cant-believe-youve-never-seen-that-films/

THE BLOOD MOON FEST

October 28th is the Blood Moon also known as the Hunter's Moon marking the final hunt of the year. Join me and my band of predators Saturday Night 10/28/23 to commemorate the fruits of the harvest and the thrill of the hunt! Join us here at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT or register now at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIufuyvrzIsGt1hp4sP8mJPH4ikcsj__8kO#/registration Join us to get your howl on!

THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON TRIVIA SHOW!

For those of us whose childhoods ran through the 60s and 70s our Saturday mornings were generally ruled by teeth-rotting cereals and Saturday morning cartoons. Hanna Barbera was one of the major producers of our Saturday morning entertainment, offering comedy, drama and excitement for the kids and teens. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT as we quiz you and each other on general and specific knowledge of 1960s and 70s Hanna Barbera cartoons!

SOOO. . . WHY DID YOU QUIT THAT SHOW

Did you ever wonder what happened to your favorite (or not so favorite) character on a show played by a favorite actor? Did you think that the studio or show runners ousted them only to discover that they left of their own accord? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT where we'll discuss why some of our iconic actors chose to leave their iconic roles.

ICONIC FILMS IF WE HAD OUR WAY WITH CASTING VS. HOLLYWOOD HAVING ITS WAY

Welcome to the OTHERhood. We all know the story of how Harrison Ford nabbed the role of Indiana Jones from an unavailable Tom Selleck, and how Eddie Murphy scored the role of Reggie Hammond in 48 Hours at the expense of Jimmy Walker. Would the original casting have been better? But did you know that Eddie Murphy was considered to play Malcolm X and that Harrison Ford was passed over in favor of Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate? Waht would have happened had those casting choices stuck? Join the ...

DO WE SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY NOW? A RETURN TO THE TWILIGHT ZONE

Welcome to the OTHERhood! Tonight we stepping back into the Twilight Zone. Many of us have had our views of society and the world shaped by some of the insightful and weird speculative fiction that the show served up. But years later as we rewatch now that some of our youthful exuberance has worn thin or become tarnished, our takes are a bit different. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT where we will submit for your approval ten or so Twilight Zone episodes that years ...

Cancellation of The Wonder Years, Fair or Foul?

The axe has come down and The Wonder Years, an iteration of the Black experience in the Southern Vietnam era US has not been renewed for next season. Was this as fair appraisal reflecting a downward spiral in quality after the exit of Fred Savage or a foul and continuing practice of limiting the shows that do not reflect Hollywood's ethnic and gender stereotypes? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PDT/9p CDT/9p EDT as we discuss whether these cancellations are foul or fair. https://www.holly...

THE BEST OF THE BOYS OF SUMMER

Baseball is the Great American pastime and films about baseball are probably another great American pastime. From the Pride of the Yankees, to Natural. Field of Dreams, to Bingo Long and the Traveling All Stars Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT and we'll discuss our favorite baseball-themed films.

DOES ANYONE REALLY NEED A SECRET IDENTITY?

"I must keep my identity secret to protect my family and friends. This was one of the main superhero credos. But is it REALLY necessary? Who made up these rules? What is their foundation and in a world where the role of damsel in distress and weak, elderly parents is diminishing, is the secret identity passe'? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT while we discuss which (if any) of these dual identities is necessary.

FILMS AND SHOWS THAT MOVED ME vs BORED ME, TO TEARS

Just like in the film, The Natural when the injured Roy Hobbs launches the homerun ball into the stratosphere some scenes can truly move us. They create an emotional experience that we remember for a lifetime. But equally as we saw in The Natural, sometimes even the best in the business can swing big and miss... horribly. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/8p CST/9p EST when we discuss the films that swung big and left an indelible mark on the big and small screen experience, versus those...

THE BEST JUNK FOOD TV

Last week the Blerdsassins Next Door ran down our lists of our favorite Comfort Food tv shows...the ones that you curl up with, that give you the warm fuzzies. But this week we're sharing the list of shows that are more trash than treasure, the ones with no redeeming characteristics... the ones we wouldn't miss, but would never let anyone we respected know was on our schedule. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT Saturday night to share our delicious empty calorie shows tha...

COMFORT FOOD TV: ARE THESE THE SHOWS THAT KEEP YOU COMFY?

Howdy Neighbors! The Root published a list of shows that many in the community identify as their Go-to for a comfortable distraction. Do these shows make your list and if not, what are your substitutes? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT / 9p EDT as we compare The Root's list against ours and yours! https://www.theroot.com/comfort-tv-here-are-the-shows-we-binge-when-we-need-a-1850692746/slides/5

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HOME-TRAINING: ICONIC MOVIE MOMENTS IF THEY HAPPENED IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS

Dr. Frankenstein flips a switch and lightning rains from the sky to power his unholy creation as he shouts "It's Alive!!" In our neighborhood, Victor Frankenstein's mother is screaming I KNOW you aren't using up all my electricity with that nonsense! And when Victor calls back, "It's not your electricity. I'm using the lightning!" In that iconic moment, we know that only the monster would be alive because back-talking Victor would have bought the farm. A Gernan shepherd is chased across the f...

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME: THE BLERDSASSINS' BEST SUMMER MUSIC PLAYLIST 2023

This needs no description. Some of the best times spent during the summer had their own iconic soundtracks... what was playing during the Family reunion, or during the trip to the beach, while you were playing ball or out on the stoop. At 6p PST/ 8p CST/9p EST join the Blerdsassins Next Door and with access to past and present music, let's determine what would make up the Best Summer 2023 soundtrack.

SCI FI FILMS AND MONSTER MOVIES: CREATING YOUR BEST SUMMER PLAYLIST

During the summer there was nothing better than enjoying sci fi and monster fare on the big and small screen. But with limited funds and sometimes only one TV in the house, it was an uphill battle to get to the movies and/or watch your favorite creature features without the set being hijacked by adults. Nowadays kids have got it good! With all the streaming and online selections for monsters, mayhem, aliens and automatons, as well as what is on network TV and in the theaters, how could anyone...

FAVORITE LAST LINES - THE FINAL WORDS THAT STAY ON YOUR MIND

There are some films that you just can't forget, that have those last lines that stay with you forever. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST when we'll share the most memorable last lines in film!

GAME CHANGERS: THE MOVIES THAT CHANGED THE WAY WE VIEW FILMS

Before this film, there were no real set start times for movies. Before this film we didn't use the term "Summer Blockbuster." Before this film, the concept of the Film Universe didn't exist. Before this film we thought we were too smart to be tricked by a movie. Before this film... we didn't believe a man could fly. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door tonight in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST and we'll share those movies that have forever changed the way that we view films.

I'M NOT CRYIN'! YOU'RE CRYIN'!: THE TV SHOWS AND FILMS WE WOULDN'T WANT TO BE CAUGHT WATCHING

Almost everyone has them, the shows and films that make us misty-eyed, or we laugh too hard, or laugh too loudly, or emote in ways that those around us might give a side-eye. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST Saturday night when we'll share the tv shows and films we avoid watching... when other people are watching.

STUDS vs DUDS: The Best and Worst of TV Dads

Father's Day is just hours away so in honor of the day join your Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PST/8p CST/ 9p EST Saturday, as we rate the Best and Worst of TV Dads.

SHOWS THAT MAKE (OR DON'T MAKE) THE BLACK TV GUIDE

The African American community is not monolithic but there are a cadre of TV shows that by and large we can all say that we have watched and enjoyed. And by the same token there are those that ALWAYS get the channel flip. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we discuss those shows that make it to the Black TV Guide and those that get the heave ho!

THE SHOWS THAT SHAPED US

Was it Mission Impossible; Love American Style; Room 222; I Spy; Mannix; The Odd Couple; Star Trek; Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? Was it That's So Raven; James at 15; Soul Train; The Waltons; Malcom in the Middle; Bewitched; Marty Tyler Moore; Carol Burnett; Bob Newhart; The Cosby Show? What shows did you grow up with that shaped the way you saw the world and how you wanted to live in it? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door, here in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p EST/ 9p EST and we'll share the shows...

OUR FAVORITE LOW and NO COST ENTERTAINMENT VALUES as we SUPPORT THE WGA STRIKE

Howdy neighbors! We are three weeks into the WGA writers' strike with no end in sight. So how do we entertain ourselves without adding new stress to our budgets while still supporting the strike effort? Well, the Blerdsassins Next Door will not only lend you a cup of sugar but we'll also sweeten the coming weeks with strike-friendly entertainment options. Join us at6p PST/8p CST/9p EST in the OTHERhood as we share our Favorite No and Low cost Entertainment values that will keep you happy and ...

TV and FILM TROPES: OVERUSED or UNDERVALUED?

Why does the guilty party always get tricked into confessing the crime? Why are bad guys such lousy shots, no matter how much ammunition they have? Why is love at first sight "a thing"? Why do smart characters always forget "that one thing" that ends up begin their undoing? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door, here in the OTHERhood as we ponder whether these and other tropes are worn out and overused; or if they are useful pop culture shorthand or embedded cultural touchstones.

THE FANTASTIC MOTHER'S DAY/BLACK FAE DAY WEEKEND!!

Yes, it's one of our favorite times of year... We've got MerMay - celebrating mermaids, mermen and all things magical under the sea; We've got Black Fae Day celebrating the fae and fantasy cosplay culture throughout the Black community; and of course... Mother's Day! Drop by the OTHERhood and set a spell with the Blerdsassins Next Door as we discuss the elements and history of this fantastic holiday weekend!

GETTING IT RIGHT DURING THE WRITER'S STRIKE!

We remember the writer's strike of 2007-2008 where 100 days changed the way we watch televised content, forever. Meaningful scripted TV gave way to reality shows, re-runs and imported content masquerading as original. But let's face it we ALL love good TV, film and streaming shows. But how do we enjoy these things as consumers while supporting writers and sympathy strikers on the front line? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood as we discuss how we'll Get it Right During the Write...

THE BEST AND WORST OF WEATHER FILMS

Everyone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it... except for maybe Hollywood. We have so many films focusing on weather, but not all of them are so great. So join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood as we count down the best and worse of the weather-based cinema!

THE MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC - MUSICIANS AND MUSIC THAT PAY HOMAGE TO SCI-FI

From Parliament and Funkadelic, to Elton John, David Bowie, Earth Wind and Fire, Steely Dan and Silksonic. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood where we'll discuss our and your favorite music and musicians that delve into the world of Sci-Fi.

NEVER HAVE I EVER. . .

They say the book is a classic, that you can't say you're immersed in the genre unless you've read it at least once. The film is on all the lists and you simply cannot discuss cinema unless you've seen it. The television series has been on forever, it's part of the zeitgeist. But you've never cracked the book, seen the film or binge-watched a single season of the show. And you don't ever plan to. Join us in the OTHERhood as the Blerdsassins Next Door invite you to discuss what genre (and oth...

GONE TOO SOON VS STAYED TOO LONG

Firefly. Timeless. Star Trek: Enterprise. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Some of these we lament as having gone too soon just as they were getting good. But for some of us, a few of them stayed around waaay too long. Join us this weekend in the OTHERhood to discuss the television shows, movie franchises, books and entertainers who were cut down in the prime versus the ones that seem to live far past their “best by” date. Join the crew from the OTHERhood as we talk about the media t...

WE WON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN

We heard it was coming, we got all excited. We followed each press release, we marked our calendars, bought advanced tickets, stood in line on the first day, took our seats… and halfway through the movie, Jar Jar Binks appeared on the screen… What movies, television shows and books whetted your appetite then drowned you in disappointment? Join us in the OTHERhood with our usual suspects when we light out torches, storm the castle and chant, “Fool me one, shame on you. fool me twice…”

THE BLACK CARD SHOW!

There are shows and films that feature or star Black characters, but only a few are iconic. Join us in the OTHERhood as we list our favorite and not-so-favorite iconic shows. What shows and films do you think are so iconic that if you haven’t seen them, it might be time to hand in that Black card?