Look to the Cookie
254 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★ - 19 ratingsLook to the Cookie is now the one stop shop for all things progressive pop culture. Writers from all over the country contribute opinions--backed by education, experience, and research--on current events. Germar Derron hosts the eponymous podcast. We cover all of pop culture, news, sports, and politics.
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Episodes
Rankings: the DC Extended Universe [Updated 6/17/23]
June 17, 2023 20:32You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do nearly enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the fourteen released DC Extended Universe films as determined by every African-American staff member at LTC. Warner Bros. 14. Suicide Squad 3.8/10 Suicide Squad and Fantastic Four (2015) share the dubious distinction as the only modern superhero films that I have not watched a second time. Suicide Squad wins the award for the Best Trailer-Worst Movie combo. I've rarely cared so...
Rankings: the DC Extended Universe [Updated 3/19/23]
March 20, 2023 02:05You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do nearly enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the thirteen released DC Extended Universe films as determined by every African-American staff member at LTC. 13. Suicide Squad 3.8/10 Suicide Squad and Fantastic Four (2015) share the dubious distinction as the only modern superhero films that I have not watched a second time. Suicide Squad wins the award for the Best Trailer-Worst Movie combo. I've rarely cared so little for ch...
Power Rankings: the Marvel Cinematic Universe [updated 2/20/23
February 20, 2023 18:51You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the 31 released Marvel Cinematic Universe movies as determined by the entire LTC staff that wears glasses and has dark skin . . . named Germar. 31. (30) Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 5.9/10 This. Is not good. The Illuminati and all of the multiverse were wasted here. It's a cartoonish, contrived, and poorly presented fan-service fanmade YouTube indie, written by someone th...
Power Rankings: the Marvel Cinematic Universe [updated 11/24/22]
November 24, 2022 21:42You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the 30 released Marvel Cinematic Universe movies as determined by the entire LTC staff that wears glasses and has dark skin . . . named Germar. 30. (29) Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 5.9/10 This. Is not good. The Illuminati and all of the multiverse were wasted here. It's a cartoonish, contrived, and poorly presented fan-service fanmade YouTube indie, written by someone t...
Rankings: the DC Extended Universe [Updated 11/24/22]
November 24, 2022 21:19You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do nearly enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the twelve released DC Extended Universe films as determined by every African-American staff member at LTC. 12. Suicide Squad 3.8/10 Suicide Squad and Fantastic Four (2015) share the dubious distinction as the only modern superhero films that I have not watched a second time (now includes, oddly, Black Panther). Suicide Squad wins the award for the Best Trailer-Worst Movie combo...
Indie Music: Zach Churchill "Surrender"
August 03, 2022 20:58by Germar Derron "Hey, indie music." "Hey Germar, what's up?" "We are not in Kansas anymore." I used to produce indie music. It never sounded like this. It's hard to think of this as "indie." And yes, I understand that "indie" doesn't equal not good. But this sounds like a song teachers play, in a production or songwriting class, as an example of what radio-ready commercial music should sound like. It's a "comp track." The professor might say something like, "if your track doesn't sound li...
My Trans Episode
August 01, 2022 15:18Photo by Anna Shvets In Episode 643, Germar finally finds the courage to deliver the Trans 101 course that every cis-person needs. It's a lot. It takes some brain power. Take notes. Follow @GermarDerron or don't because this site has run its course.
Indie Music: Bel-la, "Nothing's Gonna Get You Back"
July 28, 2022 17:05by Germar Derron Are those crickets? The music video for "Nothing's Gonna Get You Back" thoughtfully explores its theme through image, rhythm, melody, and soundscape. For a more stripped-down, pristine, studio version, the single also exists untethered from video. But even before I watched the video, the song pushed a visual--night, solitude, a journey, light that obfuscates, and dreams. This song, mix-wise, goes hard against the grain, and triumphs unscathed. The instrumental portion is...
NOPE
July 28, 2022 03:08Universal NO SPOILERS. In Episode 642, Germar delivers the web's BEST review of Jordan Peele's NOPE. Follow the fabulous filmmaker @GermarDerron.
Progressives, the Real Racists
July 23, 2022 20:32Photo by Gotta Be Worth It In Episode 638, Germar returns to the world which is just as he left it. If you listen to one awful indie podcast episode this week, it really should be this one. DSE. Chef's kiss. Follow Jesus's right-hand podcasting man @GermarDerron.
Power Rankings: the Marvel Cinematic Universe [updated 07/16/22]
July 16, 2022 18:41You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the 29 released Marvel Cinematic Universe movies as determined by the entire LTC staff that wears glasses and has dark skin . . . named Germar. 29. (28) Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 5.9/10 This. Is not good. The Illuminati and all of the multiverse were wasted here. It's a cartoonish, contrived, and poorly presented fan-service fanmade YouTube indie, written by someone th...
Rankings: the Theeuhtahr [Updated: 7/16/22]
July 16, 2022 18:14You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. Plus, Germar's life has shifted from music, to film, to . . . stage. And because he sees so many theatrical productions, he will rate and rank them here. Additionally, you're going to click this link because you want to know where your production ranks. And remember, a score of 5.5 does not equal 55% failure. It means that the show was better than 55% of all shows. Photo: Josh Sisk 39. Silent Sky (the 2020 pandemic, Michiana...
Thor: Love and Thunder
July 10, 2022 21:45In Episode 636, Germar actually covers a MOVIE for the first time in 873 years! Thor: Love and Thunder. Spoilers for sure, but light and marked. Follow the pod god of love @GermarDerron.
America's Sick Take on Sickness
July 05, 2022 13:33Photo by Andrea Piacquadio It's a shortie! Me: I'm sick. Them: Work, work, work. Til you diiieeeee!!!! (inside joke) Here, I explain everything about getting ill because apparently most of you have never experienced it. Also, I have the answer to the question that isn't "malaise": it's like if someone had hot air that was slightly warmer than your body temperature, and it was filled with stank breath and virus and they pumped it through your mouth into your lungs and stomach and it got int...
Indie Music: Blunda, "Brighter Days"
July 02, 2022 19:23by Germar Derron On Brighter Days, Blunda presents a pleasant mix of moods via a musical journey. A central mode drives the project, but a light blending of a few genres makes this unique. Beyond the style of music, here, Blunda also manages the tiniest bit of a journey through time. Pieces of Brighter Days feel familiar because it's a modern sound (where modern means the last twelve years of indie or alternative pop and rock). And some tracks evoke that similar familiar feeling by conne...
""Indie Music: 1st Base Runner, "Brighter DaysBBrighter Days"Light Roars""
July 02, 2022 19:23by Germar Derron On Brighter Days, Blunda presents a pleasant mix of moods via a musical journey. A central mode drives the project, but a light blending of a few genres makes this unique. Beyond the style of music, here, Blunda also manages the tiniest bit of a journey through time. Pieces of Brighter Days feel familiar because it's a modern sound (where modern means the last twelve years of indie or alternative pop and rock). And some tracks evoke that similar familiar feeling by conne...
Indie Music: Blunda, "Brighter Days
July 02, 2022 19:23by Germar Derron On Brighter Days, Blunda presents a pleasant mix of moods via a musical journey. A central mode drives the project, but a light blending of a few genres makes this unique. Beyond the style of music, here, Blunda also manages the tiniest bit of a journey through time. Pieces of Brighter Days feel familiar because it's a modern sound (where modern means the last twelve years of indie or alternative pop and rock). And some tracks evoke that similar familiar feeling by conne...
White Women are Easy?
June 28, 2022 17:44Photo by Gustavo Fring In Episode 633, Germar drops straight facts knowledge. You don't know where this is going. So just press play and learn everything about interracial dating. Follow me, follow me, follow me, but don't lose your grip @GermarDerron. NSFW.
Abortion
June 28, 2022 02:06Photo by Emma Guliani As a man, I usually refrain from stating an opinion on the matter. But I was just so hurt. Action items.
Indie Music: 1st Base Runner, "Light Roars"
June 27, 2022 16:55by Germar Derron This is good, real good. I thought of Radiohead well before I read that Radiohead creative director, Dilly Gent, provided some guidance on the project. And though comps are not everyone's cup of tea, a favorable comparison to many serious artists' favorite band is always a compliment. Light Roars goes a step beyond Ellis and into something bigger, more defined, and maybe more commercial, but not for commercial's sake. Overall, Light Roars presents a master class in prod...
""Indie Music: 1st Base Runner, "Brighter DaysBBrighter Days"Light Roars""
June 27, 2022 16:55by Germar Derron This is good, real good. I thought of Radiohead well before I read that Radiohead creative director, Dilly Gent, provided some guidance on the project. And though comps are not everyone's cup of tea, a favorable comparison to many serious artists' favorite band is always a compliment. Light Roars goes a step beyond Ellis and into something bigger, more defined, and maybe more commercial, but not for commercial's sake. Overall, Light Roars presents a master class in prod...
Feminists Got One Wrong
June 24, 2022 14:39In Episode 632, Germar's throwing his best stuff--anything to get you to listen. Respect women. But why doe? Follow the Feminist Fellow @GermarDerron.
I HATE Good Mornings
June 21, 2022 14:38Photo by Gareth Davies It's a shortie! And it's a good listen. Storytime. Don't say "good morning" to Germar, but do follow him @GermarDerron. BONUS: HE'S SINGING AGAIN!
unHINGEd: the Leftovers
June 20, 2022 18:40In Episode 631, Germar continues to whine about app-based dating and people. If you haven't already, you definitely should follow the entire journey here, here, here, and maybe even here. Follow the man who is not nicknamed King Ding-a-ling @GermarDerron.
Power Rankings: Superhero TV [Updated 6/30/22]
June 17, 2022 00:53You love lists, and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the 34 modern comic-based super-powered television series (Marvel and DC). The list is updated as seasons conclude and series premiere. 34. (33) Batwoman 4.0/10 So far, no good. She's flawed; that's good. The villain is her sister--ummm--okay. The diversity is nice. And I really mean that. But the show's just not very interesting . . . yet? And then an antagonist was gay, and somehow ...
Celebrating the Platonics/Step Up Romantics
June 16, 2022 23:45Photo by cottonbro He did it. In Episode 630, Germar Derron details his unending love for all of the beautiful people whose boobs he doesn't squeeze. Here, he explains that it's hard to date when all of the love interests pale in comparison to his platonic friendships. Follow all of your wives' best friend everywhere @GermarDerron.
HINGE Follow-Up: Grace
June 13, 2022 23:59Photo by Torsten Dettlaff It's a sequel. So, maybe listen to the original first. In this episode, Germar Derron reveals how his top former Hinge match responded to a little awkwardness. He then uses this point to spring into thoughts about people's general nastiness, aggressiveness, and lack of grace. Follow Dr. Derron everywhere @GermarDerron. NSFW.
HINGE Revelations: Men May Be Okay
June 12, 2022 09:06It'sa me, Germario. I'm on the dating app Hinge now. If most men's experiences mimic mine maybe we aren't as bad as you think we are. (see, here) Follow Dating Derron everywhere @GermarDerron.
BODY COUNT
June 07, 2022 14:36Photo by cottonbro In Episode 627, Germar Derron gets desperate. He's talking about SEXXX!!!!! Body Count. Does it matter? Too high? Too low? Listen to every word. Don't argue with a ghost. Just listen to these things that never seem to be said. Watch the trailer for The Box because ummm, yeah.
The Michael Jordan of People
May 27, 2022 19:32Photo by Mike Chai In Episode 626, meet the Michael Jordan of people. It's another epi about all of the EQ, emo IQ, people stuff. But this one includes real-world examples, comparisons, reasons, purposes, and MORE. Follow the people's MJ everywhere @GermarDerron.
Guns: It's Not About Mental Health
May 26, 2022 04:40In Episode 625, at this point, Germar Derron is the only person worth hearing from that you haven't heard from about mass shootings. It's not a mental health issue. Follow the original everywhere @GermarDerron.
Indie Music: Eric Anders and Mark O'Bitz, "The Loss We've Won"
May 25, 2022 20:19by Germar Derron Timely. I listened to this album after another senseless mass shooting in the United States--the fourth or fifth within just a few short weeks. It helped. Apparently, Anders and O'Bitz are known for their social commentary and immersive moods. I may not be in a place to dissect commentary, but the immersive mood calmed me. None of the nine tracks here sound uplifting in the traditionally bright, loud, or fast sense. And, honestly, sometimes that pleasant plucking can agi...
The Moment I Knew it Wouldn't Work
May 21, 2022 19:46Photo by Jens Johnsson In Episode 624, Germar recalls moments in five of his many many many many romanytic relationships, where he knew it would not work forever ever. Many. It gets deep--much deeper than just dating. Follow many many many everywhere @GermarDerron.
Indie Music: Chris Forte, "Backyard Astronomy"
May 18, 2022 17:18by Germar Derron Backyard Astronomy is the sonic equivalent of an academic degree in music. No, listeners will not walk away four years later with a piece of paper, wedding gigs, and students. But here, Chris Forte does mimic four years of musical exploration and progression. The tracks represent a journey through genres, regions, and eras. Forte touches at least six different genres here, but the project could probably be divided fairly into equal and opposing halves. Half of the album c...
Indie Music: Chris Forte, "Backyard Astronomy"nullnullnullnull
May 18, 2022 17:18by Germar Derron Backyard Astronomy is the sonic equivalent of an academic degree in music. No, listeners will not walk away four years later with a piece of paper, wedding gigs, and students. But here, Chris Forte does mimic four years of musical exploration and progression. The tracks represent a journey through genres, regions, and eras. Forte touches at least six different genres here, but the project could probably be divided fairly into equal and opposing halves. Half of the album c...
Complaining
May 17, 2022 18:58Photo by Alex Green In Episode 623, Germar delivers another best. podcast. ever. Recently, a local pastor did a whole sermon on why you shouldn't complain. He's dead wrong. If you don't wash your butt, don't follow Germar everywhere @GermarDerron.
Indie Music: Ajay Mathur, "Talking Loud"
May 16, 2022 23:01by Germar Derron Some may say that Talking Loud by Ajay Mathur is by-the-book Americana. It might be. But it is definitively American. From the first note of the first song, it evokes American summers, America in the 80s, American sunshine, American barbecues, and American love. Talking Loud is not annoyingly dated or nostalgic for nostalgia's sake. This is 1987 summertime, summer fling, feel-good American in the best way. The album feels like when you watch a movie and it opens with a...
Rankings: the Theeuhtahr [Updated: 5/15/22]
May 15, 2022 14:31You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. Plus, Germar's life has shifted from music, to film, to . . . stage. And because he sees so many theatrical productions, he will rate and rank them here. Additionally, you're going to click this link because you want to know where your production ranks. This list does not include grade school or "junior" productions. And remember, a score of 5.5 does not equal 55% failure. It means that the show was better than 55% of all shows...
Power Rankings: the Marvel Cinematic Universe [updated 05/13/22]
May 13, 2022 13:08You love lists and Look to the Cookie doesn't do enough of them. So here are the rankings and reasons for the 28 released Marvel Cinematic Universe movies as determined by the entire LTC staff that wears glasses and has dark skin . . . named Germar. 28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 5.9/10 This. Is not good. The Illuminati and all of the multiverse were wasted here. It's a cartoonish, contrived, and poorly presented fan-service fanmade YouTube indie, written by someone that ju...
Mothers, Black Folk and Mental Health
May 08, 2022 16:06There's no reason to protect her anymore. But much more importantly, it is so far beyond time for Black people to get their mental health right. PLEASE listen and learn. You CAN be a much better you, for everyone, with counseling and maybe medication.
20 Things to Know About HelloFresh
April 26, 2022 17:26by Germar Derron In my quest to be healthy enough to date grad students until I'm at least 75, I tried six HelloFresh meals. Some were delish. Others were like Del Taco, but not fun and too salty. Below, I've carefully detailed everything you should know about life on HF. 20. Sharpen Your Knives 19. Step One Add Salt, Step Two Add Salt, Step Three Add Salt 18. When it's "spicy," add a bottle of your fav hot sauce. It's still not that spicy. 17. It only takes [double that time]. 16. Wa...
Youth Development Work Regression
April 25, 2022 18:27This podcast contains stories that are the most important you'll hear today. You just gotta click and share . . . click . . . and share. Youth work has become impossible, but not for most of the reasons you might list.
Grown-ups Matter
April 21, 2022 03:01Photo by Craig Adderley In Episode 621, Germar Derron breaks news: adults matter too. Ya just gotta listen. No one reads this because I literally put a cash prize in the last one and not a single person responded. I should've been a dentist.
Indie Music: Swansgate, "Becoming Someone"
April 19, 2022 01:20by Germar Derron This . . . is unexpected. Somehow Swansgate's Becoming Someone sounds much like the universe appears from space--infinite and homogeneous. But at the same time, that consistent color and temperature, of the Swansgate space, also contains many distinct sonic galaxies. They collected and combined many subgenres under that bigger umbrella genre called "Swansgate." Watching the video for "Embedded Rhythm," while muted, recalls every video of every band ever. The visual could ...
Building My Perfect Partner
April 17, 2022 18:54In Episode 620, Germar really hates Plenty of Fish. So, once again he attempts to design the perfect romantic partner, with the hopes that she's a listener. And this time, he does that by examining the positives of past relationships. Follow Don Juan Germaro everywhere at the first person that responds with "k" gets a cash deposit in May.
Indie Music: Nick de la Hoyde, "Devotion"
April 16, 2022 16:04by Germar Derron On "Devotion," Nick de la Hoyde remains consistent while also showing tremendous growth. And that growth in no way diminishes his past efforts. I still regularly bump, "By My Side." On seemingly every song, de la Hoyde portrays a unique ability to sound like the past, present, and future of music simultaneously. And "Devotion" is not an exception. It may be the rule. This song, like many by the de la Hoyde brothers (writers and producers), is genre-blending and time-trav...
Pronouns
April 15, 2022 03:54Photo by Sharon McCutcheon In Episode 619, they, them, theirs. In another best episode of all time, Germar explains everything better than everyone . . . again. No one will like this episode. Follow the world's greatest most-hated everywhere no one reads this.
Dr. Aditi Paul on Sex, Sex Apps, Gen Z Sex, and Sex Sex
April 05, 2022 19:51In Episode 616, Germar welcomes Professor Aditi Paul to the podcast. Dr. Paul is the universe's leading expert on Gen-Z sex, dating apps, and app-based sex work. Follow Aditi everywhere @iamaditipaul. Follow in love with the universe's best podcast host @GermarDerron.
Shortie: "Morbius"
April 02, 2022 13:48A quick review of the latest Marvel-Sony-Spider-man-Villain-Hero-movie-film. LIGHT SPOILERS. Follow your hero, Germar Derron, everywhere @GermarDerron. NSFW.
Indie Music: Nick de la Hoydnullnullnullnullnullnullnull
March 30, 2022 19:07by Germar Derron Some people may couch Experience as "urban" pop. But it's more accurately described as a journey through four decades of traditional rhythm and blues. The entire project feels old school, once you come to terms with 1987 to 2010 being old school. But it doesn't sound dated or dusty. It sounds updated and eclectic. Throughout the album, Aries Marquis croons and coos silky smooth and soulful. And on this chrono-journey through all of modern R&B Marquis teases notes of MJ, ...