In this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down one of the most chaotic episodes of "Atlanta" with writer and actor Kyra Jones (QUEENS - ABC, WOKE - HULU). From the tense cold open to a truly wild goose chase across Atlanta, we dive into every anxiety-inducing moment of the episode. We also get into the deeper themes of this one-man-against-the-world adventure, and how this episode turns from a wild ride into a true nightmare. Kyra also shares her best tips on breaking into a writer's room and developing your own TV show. Whether you’re a writer or a fan of great storytelling, this is the place to understand the craft of television writing. 

Chapters: 

0:00 - Intro: The Podcast & The Barbershop Episode 

0:19 - Episode Summary: The Most Stressful Episode of 'Atlanta' 

1:23 - Guest Introduction: Kyra Jones, Writer, Actor & Producer 

2:03 - Fade In / Fade Out: 'Atlanta' Edition 

5:28 - The Cold Open & The Unspoken Rules of the Black Barbershop 

9:26 - Paper Boi's Wild Ride With Bibby Begins 

13:02 - The Promise of Leftovers Instead of Lunch 

19:51 - A Haircut at Last? The Final Confrontation 

25:24 - The Writer's Journey: Indie Creator to TV Staff Writer 

28:05 - Developing Selling Your Own TV Shows 

34:08 - Closing Remarks & Podcast Outro

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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

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne

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

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1

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

Is Carrie Bradshaw the true villain of Sex and the City? On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin (The Witcher) sits down with showrunner, writer, and creator Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) to break down the iconic episode "My Motherboard, My Self" (Season 4, Episode 8).

Rae and Ilana discuss how this classic SATC episode masters storytelling and character, and why it's a must-watch. Listen to pros as they analyze Carrie's actions toward Aidan, and how they reveal her deeper fears about commitment. The writers explore one of the most relatable grief scenes in TV history—the one moment that masterfully captures the complex emotions of loss without a single flashback. They also discuss why platonic love is the real heart of the show and how the series' most powerful moments aren't about men, but about the true friendship between the women. Finally, Ilana shares her journey from staff writer on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to showrunner, and what it took to sell her own show and deal with imposter syndrome.

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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 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

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

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla 

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1 

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
 

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down The Diplomat's Emmy-nominated episode, "When a Stranger Calls," with co-executive producer of TRACKER (CBS) writer, actor, and director Steve Harper.

We dive into how the show masterfully blends genres and uses subtle, brilliant writing to draw you in. Here's what we cover:

• The Secret to Writing Without Words: How the show conveys emotion through silent acting and a single image, so it never feels "on the nose."
• Compelling Cliffhangers The rules for creating an "earned" cliffhanger that leaves viewers wanting more without feeling cheap.
• Crowdfunding Advice: Steve shares his incredible journey from writer to director and the secret to getting a web series made and Emmy-nominated!

Whether you’re a writer or a fan of great storytelling, this is the place to understand the craft of television writing.

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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

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne

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

Follow us on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1

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

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

--

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

You asked for it, we're bringing it. In the Cut Podcast is coming back with all new episodes for Season 2. Join host Rae Benjamin as she invites a batch of all new guests to breakdown their favorite episodes of TV. This season is all about the Emmy's, as we deep dive into award-winning classics like SEX AND THE CITY, ATLANTA, THE BEAR and more. If you liked the first season of the podcast, you'll absolutely love season 2. We're coming back with more episodes, higher production value, and the same passion for the craft of expert storytelling. Mark your calendars; new episodes drop September 1st.

When Atlanta premiered, it redefined what a TV show could be. The Emmy-winning series, created by Donald Glover, blends surrealism, comedy, and social commentary like nothing before it. But how did it all start?

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Racquel Callahan (The Chi, Swagger, Good Trouble) to break down the Atlanta pilot. They explore why Donald Glover tricked FX into greenlighting the show, how the pilot follows classic sitcom structure despite its experimental style, and why the series resonated across so many different audiences.

From Earn’s struggle to get Paper Boi’s song on the radio to the genre-bending moments that make Atlanta unique, we dive into what makes this pilot one of the most important of the last decade.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/NDxwF331uQQ

📽️ Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar

🎤 Host: Rae Benjamin
🎙️ Guest: Racquel Callahan
🎬 Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes
🎵 Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne

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

📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inthecutla

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

🎵 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

What makes Veep one of the smartest and sharpest political comedies ever made? From its rapid-fire dialogue to its brutal satire of Washington politics, the Emmy-winning HBO series redefined what a comedy could be. 

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Rickey Larke (Mr. Throwback, Grown-ish, Black-ish) to break down the Veep pilot. They dive into the fast-paced writing, how improv shaped the show, and why unlikable characters can still be compelling. Plus, they discuss how Veep predicted modern politics and whether a show like this could still get made today. 

#Veep #TVWriting #ComedyWriting #InTheCutPodcast #Screenwriting #HBO #storytelling 

📽️ Produced by Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar 

🎤 Host: Rae Benjamin 

🎙️ Guest: Rickey Larke

🎬 Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes 

🎵 Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

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

📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inthecutla 

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/podcasts 

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

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

What happens when you mix crime, comedy, and a missing person mystery—all set in Detroit? Diarra from Detroit does something we’ve never seen before, and we’re breaking down how it works. The show is executive produced by NAACP Award winning writer and producer Kenya Barris (Black-ish, Grown-ish) for BET+. 

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Kira Talise (Insecure, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Black and Sexy TV) to dive into what makes Diarra from Detroit so unique. From its film noir influences to its sharp humor and social commentary, they discuss why this show is changing the game for TV storytelling. 

#DiarraFromDetroit #TVWriting #Screenwriting #InTheCutPodcast #ComedyWriting #CrimeDrama #BET 

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar 

Host: Rae Benjamin 

Guest: Kira Talise 

Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org 

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/_0Q-9BHG2nk

Instagram: 

https://Instagram.com/inthecutla 

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

In the Cut Podcast host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Alesia Etinoff (The Game) to break down the Queen Sugar pilot. In this episode, we explore how Ava DuVernay crafted a deeply cinematic and subversive drama—one that defies traditional TV structure in favor of rich character studies and visual storytelling. 

Queen Sugar is a groundbreaking family drama that follows the estranged Bordelon siblings as they reunite to save their family's struggling sugarcane farm in Louisiana. With stunning cinematography, complex character dynamics, and a slow-burn approach to storytelling, the series delivers an emotionally resonant experience rarely seen on television. Though it never received the awards recognition it deserved, Queen Sugar remains a standout example of Black storytelling at its finest.

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar 

Host: Rae Benjamin 

Guest: Alesia Etinoff 

Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org 

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inthecutla 

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

In the Cut Podcast host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Jonterri Gadson (Everybody Still Hates Chris, The Upshaws, A Black Lady Sketch Show) to break down the Abbott Elementary pilot. On this episode, we explain how Quinta Brunson crafted a pitch-perfect first episode—balancing comedy, heart, and unique characters.

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows a group of dedicated teachers at a public school in Philadelphia. Led by the passionate yet inexperienced Janine Teagues, the quirky faculty navigates the challenges of underfunded classrooms and unruly students. With a mix of heartfelt moments and sharp humor, the Emmy-winning show highlights the resilience of teachers who are committed to making a difference in their students' lives. It’s a fresh take on education with plenty of laughs and relatable moments for anyone who’s ever been in a classroom.

🎬 Want more behind-the-scenes breakdowns of great TV? Subscribe for more!

#AbbottElementary #TVWriting #ComedyWriting #InTheCutPodcast

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar

Host: Rae Benjamin

Guest: Jonterri Gadson

Producer, Editor, and Videdographer: Joseph Fuentes

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org

Instagram:

https://Instagram.com/inthecutla

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

Memorable storytelling is built on conflict and change—and no one changed more than Walter White on the iconic AMC drama, Breaking Bad. From his initial introduction as a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to his first foray into dealing drugs, every moment pushes the protagonist Walt toward his inevitable transformation. Listen as professional writers Rae Benjamin and Troy Dangerfield break down the Breaking Bad pilot and explain why the show is truly the GOAT. 

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar 

Host: Rae Benjamin 

Guest: Troy Dangerfield 

Producer, Editor, and Camera Operator: Joseph Fuentes 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org

Follow us @inthecutla on Instagram