On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, writer and host Rae Benjamin sits down with actor and writer Darryl Wesley (The Upshaws - Netflix, Clipped - FX, The Game - Paramount+) to break down the powerful pilot episode of Netflix’s "Mo." 
 

They explore how creator Mo Amer masterfully balances humor and heartbreak while telling a deeply personal story about identity, immigration, and resilience. From authentic Houston storytelling to finding comedy in dark moments, Rae and Darryl unpack how Mo turns real struggle into universally relatable television. 
 

🎬 Filmed at the Young Musicians Foundation in South LA — visit ymf.org to learn more. 
 

Chapters: 
 

00:00 Introduction 

00:21 Mo — Netflix’s Authentic Comedy 

01:17 Welcome Darryl Wesley 

01:56 Fade In / Fade Out: Houston Edition 

04:18 Why Darryl Chose Mo to Discuss 

05:13 Cold Open: Cruisin' Through Houston 

08:12 Humor in Serious Topics: Palestinian Statehood & ICE 

11:52 Writing Flawed but Lovable Characters 

17:06 The Grocery Store Scene 

19:46 Finding Comedy in Darkness 

23:34 How the Pilot Sets Up Mo’s Journey 

26:09 Career Talk with Darryl Wesley 

30:30 From Basketball to Writing for TV 

33:09 Outro — Stay In The Cut

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Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos

Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar 

Host & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin 

Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes 

Audio Engineering: Max Fishman 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/   

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Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq
 

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Season 2 Credits:

Key Set PA

Jose Medina Rodriguez

Set PAs

Cathie Arteaga 

Julio Correa 

Jordan Patton 

Terrence Little 

Michael Shann III

Post-Production PA

Johan Barry

Writer’s Assistants

Ra Djhuty 

Balla-Gabriele Laura Ferdinand 

Keith A. Wallace

PR/Marketing Assistants

Marcy Best 

Tiffany D. Pinkney