Me dia We Love

Media We Love

By Ericka Foster

No matter where you are in the country, you may be sheltering - in -place, quarantined, on lockdown – some version of not leaving the house. You may be worried that you’ve reached the end of the internet. We’ve put together a short list of podcasts, television shows, and movies that might make you feel better.

Podcasts We Love

Pop Culture Happy Hour – This was the inspiration for this article. The podcasts are short and light- hearted. The hosts cover the tv, movies, and music that everyone is talking about. The best part is that the hosts don’t take themselves seriously. So, this isn’t a high - brow conversation about the symbolism in Netflix’s Fatal Affair. It is a conversation on why The Floor is Lava feels good to watch during the quarantine.

Jemele Hill is Unbothered – You’ll like ly remember Jemele Hill from ESPN’s SportsCenter and His&Hers. She interviews a cross- section of guests from John Legend and Lakeith Stanfield. Often, you’ll find out new and interesting things about her guests. She also includes commentary on current even ts in that kind of “around the way girl” style that made her so popular on ESPN.

Ear Hustle – Entertainment takes all kinds of forms. There will be some people who find solace in listening to others’ experience while incarcerated. Nigel Poor cocreated Ear Hustle with Earlonne Woods and Antwan Williams who were incarcerated at the time. Earlonne and Antwan were released in 2019, and Rahsaan “New York” Thomas is the inside co- host of the program. The show is grim in that it is definitely about prison. However, it displays the humanity of the inmates, which makes it a must listen.

The Brilliant Idiots – If you like radio- style podcasts, you may enjoy this podcast by Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schultz. Charlamagne tha God is a popular New York (we had to mention it because it is a style) radio host, author, and

Honorable Mentions

The Daily – a short podcast from the New York Times that asks the same thing you were wondering. Death, Sex, and Money – conversations about the things that are hardest to discuss. Michelle Obama Podcast – This isn’t a funny title. The former First Lady hosts a podcast

activist. Andrew Schultz is a popular comedian. This podcast lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.

Everyday Black Men – This podcast is hosted by three black men discussing what black men talk about. The subject run the gamut of Jada Pinkett S mith’s “entanglement” and Black Lives Matter. Riker, R.Reed, and Armstead are three selfproclaimed “every day” guys talking about what guys talk about.

Movies We Love

In times of uncertainty, watching a comforting old movie – something that used to make you feel good can bring back memories of happiness. That’s why most of these movies are…not new. Whether or not your favorite movie is on the list, you should watch it the next time you have a couple of free hours.

There’s nothing like a pandemic and a social justice movement to make you feel like an underdog. Rocky is a classic tale of man vs. himself that still gets people fired up, although the original came out in 1976. If the first one doesn’t float your boat, there are seven to choose from, as well as two recent Creed movies.

In these times, it’s refreshing to watch good win out over evil. There is a spate of superhero movies to choose from. One of the most popular recent superhero movies is Black Panther . As the Bad Boys for Life – Best of both worlds: a new

people of Wakanda go out and fight for their honor, the story li ne feels a little Coach Carter this is up your alley.

close to home right now.

Don’t count out any animated movies, really. It’s nice to remember what it is like to be a kid. No shade if you like the updated version, but I’m talking about the original Lion King – with

2020 Movies

The Photograph – remember when we could get closer than 6 feet apart?

movie based on nostalgia.

The Way Back – If you liked Remember the Titans, James Earl Jones and Ha kuna Matata.

Uncut Gems – Adam Sandler in a serious role in a chaotic movie also starring Kevin Garnett.

Birds of Prey – That comic book movie.

It was risky to put a romantic movie on this list, but everyone needs love. Love & Basketball is a cult classic that combines coming of age with romance. Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, and Mr. State Farm Dennis Haysbert star in this movie.

In hi s heyday in the ‘90’s, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall created a movie about an African prince who travels to America to find his bride called Coming to America .

Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall play several characters in this movie. Although some of the African stereotypes don’t hold up 32 years later, the jokes do. Sexual chocolate!

TV Shows

There’s no way to pick just five shows. By the time this goes to print, there may be a new “have - to- watch” show. We tried to pick shows from across the internet.

Ozark (Netflix) has three seasons of WTF am I watching that will have you on the edge of your seat. You will be angry, curious, vindicated, and surprised as you watch this.

Wu Tang changed the face of hip - hop. While their lyrical style holds up against much of th e foolishness on the radio today (the previous comment from Ericka foster is the independent opinion of the author and not representative of Positive Transitioning, its affiliates or partners), they also demonstrated a business acumen that was revolutionary for hip - hop at its time. Wu - Tang has created a cult following that makes Wu - Tang: An American Saga (Hulu) as interesting today as it was back then.

This Is Us (NBC) is about family. We all have loved ones. They piss us off at the same time they are saving us from ourselves. To say that there will be happy endings is not exactly true, but, there is love. And sometimes we need that too. This is Us is on NBC Friday Night Lights (Hulu).

and you can find all the episodes on Hulu.

Teresa Mendoza is a survivor. On Queen of the South (USA/Netflix), you’ll watch her move through Just a few more:

Pose (FX/Netflix)

Mayans MC (FX/Hulu)

Insecure (HBO)

the ranks of drug cartel with strategy and sensitivity.

Homecoming (Amazon Prime) is a mind - bending show that combin es suspense with social commentary. The good news is that the show has two seasons of halfhour episodes, so you can binge watch all the episodes in one day if you hunker down. If you become obsessed with the show, check out the podcast of the same name th at it is based upon.