ABJ

ABJ

By Anthony Blackwell JrSociety & CulturePersonal Journals
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ABJ episodes

  • ABJ 13 | How Content Creation Changed My Life
    I started creating content because I had things I wanted to talk about. I never expected it to become such a big part of my life.From recording videos and reviewing music and movies to interviewing people, working in wrestling, and building the ABJ community, content creation has taken me in directions I never imagined.For Episode 13 of the ABJ Podcast, I'm looking back at my journey as a content creator. Where it started, how it evolved, the people I've met, the opportunities I've had, and the struggles that come with putting yourself out there.I'm also talking about the side of content creation people don't always see. The time, money, equipment problems, burnout, disappointing numbers, lack of support, and moments when you question whether all the effort is worth it.But more importantly, I want to talk about how the experience has changed me personally.I'm not famous. I'm not making a living doing this. And I'm definitely not an expert who has everything figured out.I'm just somebody who loves music, movies, wrestling, pop culture, and having conversations with interesting people.And somewhere along the way, creating content became more than just a hobby. It became a way for me to express myself, learn about the world, connect with people, and hopefully build something meaningful.In This Episode:Why I started creating contentHow ABJ and 5Q with ABJ evolvedFinding my voice and developing my own styleThe people I've met and opportunities I've experiencedBuilding the Cult of ABJ communityThe challenges of being an independent creatorDealing with burnout, criticism, and disappointing numbersHow content creation has changed me personallyWhat I've learned and where I want to go nextI'm still learning, still growing, and still trying to figure things out.And that's part of why I keep creating.Question for you: Have you ever started something creative that ended up changing your life? Or is there something you've always wanted to create but haven't started yet?Let me know in the comments.ABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2Subscribe for more conversations about music, movies, wrestling, personal experiences, and the things that inspire us.Come as you are. Stay beautifully damaged.#ABJPodcast #ContentCreation #ContentCreator #BeautifullyDamaged
    1 hr 38 min
  • ABJ 12 | How I Ran My Own Music Festival: The Story of Skookstock
    Have you ever had an idea that sounded great in your head, but once you started putting it together, you realized just how much work you signed yourself up for?Well, I decided to organize my own music festival, and it was called Skookstock.On Episode 12 of the ABJ Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what went into putting together my own music festival. From the original idea and booking bands to finding a venue, handling the financial side, promoting the event, and dealing with everything that comes with making something like this happen.I'm doing this episode a little differently, almost like I'm interviewing myself, answering the questions I'd ask someone else who organized their own festival.We're talking about the preparation, the challenges, the things that went right, the things that went wrong, and what it was like seeing an idea turn into an actual event.I'm also looking back at what I learned, what I'd do differently, and whether I'd ever do something like Skookstock again.This isn't a guide on how to run a music festival. It's just my experience, the stories behind it, and hopefully a little appreciation for the people who put these events together.In This Episode:Where the idea for Skookstock came fromFinding a venue and booking the bandsBudgeting and organizing the eventPromoting the festivalThe final weeks of preparationWhat actually happened on festival dayThe good, the bad, and the unexpectedWhat I learned and whether I'd do it againQuestion for you: Have you ever organized an event, started a project, or taken on something that turned out to be much bigger than you expected?Let me know in the comments.ABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2Subscribe for more conversations about music, movies, wrestling, content creation, personal experiences, and the things that inspire us.#ABJPodcast #Skookstock #MusicFestival #LiveMusic
    1 hr
  • 5Q with ABJ Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap | Kelsey Theatre
    We're heading back to the Kelsey Theatre in St. Clair, Pennsylvania!For Episode 203 of 5Q with ABJ, I had the opportunity to sit down with the people behind their upcoming production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, one of the most famous murder mysteries in theater history.We talk about what makes this story special, what goes into bringing a murder mystery to the stage, the challenges of creating suspense in front of a live audience, and why supporting local theater matters.And don't worry, we're keeping the mystery alive. No spoilers here!In This Episode:Why they chose The MousetrapBringing suspense and mystery to the stageCasting, rehearsals, and preparationWhat makes this production specialBehind-the-scenes stories and discoveriesThe importance of supporting local theaterOne of my favorite things about 5Q with ABJ is getting to meet people who are passionate about what they create and learning about the work that goes into bringing those ideas to life.A huge thank you to everyone at the Kelsey Theatre for welcoming me back and taking the time to share their stories.SUPPORT LOCAL THEATERKelsey Theatre — St. Clair, PennsylvaniaFor show dates, tickets, and more information:Official Website:https://www.agosc.org/Kelsey Theatre Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/agosc_kelsey_theatreAGO Theatre Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/agosctheatreFOLLOW ABJABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2Like, subscribe, and follow along for more music, movies, wrestling, beer, stories, topics, and ideas that inspire us.Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.#5QwithABJ #TheMousetrap #AgathaChristie #KelseyTheatre #SupportLocalArts
    53 min
  • ABJ 11 | How Rejection Changed Us with Amanda

    How Rejection Changed Me | ABJ Podcast Episode 11 with AmandaRejection sucks.Whether it's being told no by someone you care about, losing an opportunity, being left out, watching someone choose somebody else, or realizing a friendship or relationship isn't what you thought it was — rejection can mess with your head.But rejection doesn't always mean you're not good enough.Sometimes it teaches you.Sometimes it redirects you.And sometimes, it forces you to finally choose yourself.For Episode 11 of the ABJ Podcast, I'm joined by Amanda, who you've already seen on 5Q with ABJ and who will be joining me more often as a co-host.We're talking about the different kinds of rejection we've experienced, how rejection can become personal, the times rejection actually turned out to be a good thing, and what we've learned from the people and situations that didn't choose us.But we also flip the conversation around.Because we've all rejected people.We've all said no.We've all walked away from relationships, friendships, opportunities, jobs, projects, and situations that weren't right for us anymore.So we're talking about both sides of rejection — being told no and learning how to say no.The biggest lesson?Don't reject yourself just because somebody else did.And sometimes choosing yourself means accepting the answer, learning from it, and moving forward.What has rejection taught you?And have you ever experienced a rejection that eventually led you somewhere better?Let us know in the comments.In This Episode• What rejection really means• Our earliest experiences with rejection• Romantic rejection• Friendship rejection• Rejection in work and creative life• Social media and the pressure of being seen• When rejection becomes personal• When rejection actually becomes a good thing• Learning from rejection• Stop chasing people who don't choose you• Times we rejected people or situations• Learning when to say no• Choosing yourself• What we learned from rejectionABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2Follow along, subscribe, and join the conversation.The ABJ Podcast explores the music, movies, wrestling, beer, stories, topics, and ideas that inspire us.I'm not here because I have all the answers.I'm here because I believe asking good questions leads to better conversations.#ABJPodcast #HowRejectionChangedMe #Rejection #SelfGrowth #Podcast

    2 hr 22 min
  • 5Q With ABJ Scream 7 | Movie Review
    5Q with ABJ — Episode 202 | Scream 7 Movie ReviewGhostface is back. Sidney Prescott is back. And nearly 30 years after helping create Scream, Kevin Williamson is finally behind the camera directing a Scream movie.For Episode 202 of 5Q with ABJ, I'm diving into Scream 7.We're talking about what worked for me, what stood out, Sidney's return, the latest incarnation of Ghostface, the kills, callbacks, and what I learned after digging deeper into the making of the movie.We'll also look at Kevin Williamson stepping into the director's chair, the influence Wes Craven still has on the franchise, some behind-the-scenes details I didn't know going in, and why audiences are still answering Ghostface's calls 30 years later.As always, I'm not here to tell you what to like. I'm here to share my perspective, learn something new, and hopefully start a conversation.Did I miss an Easter egg or callback? Tell me in the comments.And I want to hear from the Scream fans:What's your favorite Scream movie?Who's your favorite Ghostface?What's your favorite kill?And where do you want to see the franchise go next?Follow ABJABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2All ABJ Links:https://linktr.ee/AnthonyBlackwellJrABJ Merch Store:https://abj570-shop.fourthwall.com/Like, subscribe, and follow along for more 5Q with ABJ — music, movies, wrestling, beer, stories, topics, and ideas that inspire us.Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.#5QwithABJ #Scream7 #Scream #Ghostface #Horror #MovieReview
    22 min
  • 5Q with ABJ | Open Seat #1
    5Q with ABJ — Episode 201 | Open Seat #1Welcome to something new on 5Q with ABJ.No planned guest. No prepared questions. Just an open seat and a conversation.Episode 201 introduces Open Seat, a new style of episode where I set up a table, someone takes the open seat, and we simply see where the conversation goes.For Open Table #1, I set up in St. Clair, Pennsylvania during a benefit event for Jim, a local tattoo artist who battled cancer and came out on top.With the community coming together for Jim, it felt like the perfect place to try something different. People could walk up, take a seat, and talk about whatever was on their mind.No script. No agenda. No idea where the conversation is going.That's Open Table.You never know who is going to sit down or what you're going to learn about them.A huge thank you to everyone who participated, everyone who supported the benefit, and especially Jim for allowing us to be part of the day.This is only Open Seat #1. I'm looking forward to taking the table to more events, meeting more people, and seeing where the conversations take us.Follow ABJABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2All ABJ Links:https://linktr.ee/AnthonyBlackwellJrABJ Merch Store:https://abj570-shop.fourthwall.com/Like, subscribe, and follow along for more 5Q with ABJ — music, movies, wrestling, beer, stories, topics, ideas, and conversations that inspire us.Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.#5QwithABJ #OpenTable #ABJ #StClairPA #CommunitySupport
    13 min
  • 5Q With ABJ Amanda

    5Q with ABJ — Episode 200 | A Conversation with AmandaFor Episode 200 of 5Q with ABJ, I'm joined by my friend Amanda for her first appearance on the podcast!This is the beginning of what I hope will be more conversations with Amanda in the future. We sit down, talk about the things we're interested in, share our perspectives, and just have a genuine conversation.As always with 5Q, the goal isn't to have all the answers. It's about asking questions, sharing stories, learning something new, and having conversations about the music, movies, wrestling, beer, stories, topics, and ideas that inspire us.I'm excited to have Amanda joining me for the first time, and I'm looking forward to seeing where these conversations go from here.Thanks for watching and supporting 5Q with ABJ!Follow ABJABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2All ABJ Links:https://linktr.ee/AnthonyBlackwellJrABJ Merch Store:https://abj570-shop.fourthwall.com/Like, subscribe, and follow along for more 5Q with ABJ.Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.#5QwithABJ #Amanda #Podcast #ABJ #Conversations

    1 hr 16 min
  • 5Q with ABJ The Crucible | Kelsey Theater

    5Q with ABJ — Episode 199 | The Crucible | Behind the ProductionFor Episode 199 of 5Q with ABJ, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lisa and Megan at the Kelsey Theatre in St. Clair, Pennsylvania to talk about their upcoming production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible.We talk about why they chose this story, what goes into putting together a local theater production, the people behind the scenes, and what makes supporting local theater and the arts so important.I'm not here to tell you what to like. I'm here to ask questions, hear people's stories, and learn something new alongside you.A huge thank you to Lisa, Megan, and everyone at the Kelsey Theatre for welcoming me in and taking the time to have this conversation.Go See The CrucibleKelsey Theatre — St. Clair, PennsylvaniaShow Dates:September 18 — 7:00 PMSeptember 19 — 7:00 PMSeptember 20 — 2:00 PMTickets: $15Doors open: 30 minutes before showtimeMore InformationAGO Theater Official Website:https://www.agosc.org/Kelsey Theatre Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/agosc_kelsey_theatreAGO Theater Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/agosctheatreFollow ABJABJ Website:https://abj.free.nf/?i=2All ABJ Links:https://linktr.ee/AnthonyBlackwellJrABJ Merch Store:https://abj570-shop.fourthwall.com/Like, subscribe, and follow along for more 5Q with ABJ — music, movies, wrestling, beer, stories, topics, and ideas that inspire us.Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.#5QwithABJ #TheCrucible #LocalTheater #ArthurMiller #SupportLocalArts

    51 min
  • 5Q With ABJ Across the Universe | Movie Review

    Across the Universe Review | 5Q with ABJ | Season 3 Episode 198Can a movie built entirely around Beatles songs tell an unforgettable story? Join me as I revisit Across the Universe, ask five questions, and discover why this unique musical continues to resonate with audiences.This isn't a scored review—it's a conversation.In this episode we explore: Julie Taymor's incredible directionThe performances and music Hidden details you may have missedWhat I learned while researching the filmWhy this movie still matters todayWe'll also discuss other music movies that deserve more attention and talk about future music biopics we'd love to see.Question of the Week:If you could turn one Beatles song into a movie, which one would you choose—and what would the story be?If you enjoyed today's conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with another Beatles fan. Follow 5Q with ABJ on social media for episode updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.Support the show by checking out the official 5Q with ABJ merchandise.Thanks for watching!Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.🎧 Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5xiNQBpQiMNsYe2MvV4xS9?si=vP8f4JbPQxuuNJqPtaGwFA🎙 Also available on all major podcast platforms.🖤 Follow & Support ABJ:👉 Subscribe for more vlogs & live content👉 Join the Cult of ABJ on Discord: https://discord.gg/7R4QPGcgtK👉 https://linktr.ee/anthonyblackwelljr🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share if you enjoy the episode.🜁 Join us. #CultOfABJ#AcrossTheUniverse #TheBeatles #MovieReview #Musical #5QwithABJ

    29 min
  • 5Q With ABJ Micheal | Movie Review

    Michael (2026) Movie Review | Season 3 Episode 197Does Michael help us understand the artist behind one of the greatest entertainers in music history? Join me as I ask five questions, explore the film, and share everything I learned along the way.This isn't a scored movie review—it's a conversation.In this episode we discuss: 🎬 Jaafar Jackson's performance 🎬 The filmmaking and music 🎬 What surprised me most 🎬 Behind-the-scenes discoveries 🎬 Why Michael Jackson's legacy continues to inspire audiences around the worldPlus, we talk about upcoming and rumored music biopics and ask which artist deserves the next great movie.💬 Question of the Week: What music biopic would you like to see next?👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with another movie or music fan.📱 Follow 5Q with ABJ on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and future episodes.👕 Check out the official 5Q with ABJ merchandise to help support the show.As always...Keep asking questions. Keep discovering. And keep supporting great art.#MichaelMovie #MichaelJackson #MovieReview #MusicBiopic #5QwithABJ🎧 Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5xiNQBpQiMNsYe2MvV4xS9?si=vP8f4JbPQxuuNJqPtaGwFA🎙 Also available on all major podcast platforms.🖤 Follow & Support ABJ:👉 Subscribe for more vlogs & live content👉 Join the Cult of ABJ on Discord: https://discord.gg/7R4QPGcgtK👉 https://linktr.ee/anthonyblackwelljr🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share if you enjoy the episode.🜁 Join us. #CultOfABJ

    36 min

About ABJ

From the publisher's feed

The ABJ Podcast name is officially retired.