Culture Beats

Can fanbases overlap? Actor and playwright-turned-podcaster Sair Kaufman explores the unlikely intersection of Broadway aficionados and Dungeons and Dragons fans with the new musical podcast, The Reality Shaper. We discuss the genesis of this unique idea, as well as the potential for podcasts to bring back the glory days of radio. 

Find out more about The Reality Shaper podcast at Therealityshaper.com 

You can reach me at [email protected] 

 A lot of authors want to break into Hollywood. Kay A. Oliver did it in reverse: She started out as a director and screenwriter, then transitioned into writing novels. Oliver is the author of the psychological thrillers, “Fear Struck” and “Blood Seed.” 

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Oliver in which, among other things, we talk about the fine line between “horror” and “thriller,” how to find a good manuscript editor, and the status of women in Hollywood. 

For more information about Oliver and her work, as well as writing tips, visit https://kayaoliver.com/ 

You can reach me at [email protected] 

I hope you enjoy this conversation with my longtime friend and fellow journalist, Charles Farmer. 

We talk about his new book, “Time to Let the Little Boys Go: A Father’s Blueprint to His Son on Surviving Life Alone,” a touching memoir about the advice his father gave him before passing away when Charles was just 21 years old. 

We also reminisce about the glory days of working alongside each other in the Black Press at the newspapers the Call and Post and the Columbus Post in Ohio. 

You can reach Charles Farmer at https://www.facebook.com/charles.farmer.351 

You can reach me at [email protected]

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Robert Gaines, author of “Scintilla,” which he describes as a practical, psychology-driven guide for anyone who wants to generate business, product or service ideas. 

For more information about Robert and his book, visit his website at 

https://freetimemastermind.com/ 

You can reach me at [email protected] 

Veteran broadcaster Kingsley H. Smith shares tips on how to build a career in journalism, based on his more than 40 years in the industry. We also discuss the importance of preserving Black history. 

For more information about Kingsley and his memoir, “Powerhouse Radio,” and his book, “People in Black History: Famous African Americans,” visit https://kingsleyhsmith.com/ 

You can reach me at [email protected]

Does a new technology called Nostr have the potential to eliminate gatekeepers on the Internet and place the power of self-expression solely in the hands of content creators? Technology expert Wouter Constant and I debate the pros and cons of this emerging platform. 

For more information about Nostr, visit https://nostr.com/

You can reach me at [email protected] 

In observance of Women's History Month, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Valerie Hawes about her legendary mother, wrestler Lula Mae Provo. Valerie shares why her mother was hesitant to talk about being one of the courageous Black women who broke racial and gender barriers in the ring in the 1950s and '60s.

Learn more about these trailblazing women in the documentary "Lady Wrestler," streaming on Prime Video. I directed the documentary, which features interviews with wrestling legends like Ethel Johnson,  the first Black women's world wrestling champion, and Ramona Isbell.

You can contact me at [email protected]

In this episode, I speak with arts entrepreneur Ben Zingos about his innovative approach to theater. He transforms existing facilities into performance spaces through the organization he founded, the Space Pirates Theatre Collective. 

For more information about Ben and the Space Pirates Theatre Collective, visit https://spacepiratestheatrecollective.org/ 

You can contact me at [email protected]

In honor of Black History Month and observance of Mardi Gras, I hope you enjoy my conversation with writer Lolis Elie. Lolis chronicles the richness of New Orleans cuisine and culture. 

Find out more about Lolis at Loliselie.com 

You can contact me at [email protected] 

True crime and mysteries are more popular than ever. Why do audiences like a good thrill? I explore this question with John David, author of the new thriller “The Bystander.” 

Check out John's new thriller, "The Bystander" on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01IUTCGXQ?ccs_id=63262560-841b-459d-bada-5b6008bb0acb

You can reach me at [email protected]