Masters of the Air is an Apple TV+ World War II series following the 100th Bomb Group as they carry out missions in their B-17 Flying Fortresses. The show follows the brave soldiers as they battle the Nazi forces in unforgiving elements at 25,000 feet in the air. In this episode, Doni and Robert talk with Dee Rees, an Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker who directed episodes 7 and 8 of the series, discussing the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen and what makes a person patriotic.

James Cameron’s Avatar series currently holds the number 1 and number 3 spots on the all time worldwide box office earnings chart making it a household name to even the most casual movie goer. While the movies boast dazzling set pieces, beautiful cinematography, a memorable score, and engaging story, Avatar gives significant commentary about our world. In this episode, Doni and Robert discuss certain themes from Avatar including capitalism, colonialism, cross-cultural engagement, cultural preservation, and destiny. Press play and dive deep with us into the waters of Pandora.

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch on: YouTube

Games of Thrones is an epic series that spans seven seasons. Like many of the other IP in previous episodes, Doni and Robert discuss why George R.R. Martin created a world that lacks ethnic diversity in positions of power and reduces the people of color to positions of slavery and savages. Was this a culturally tone deaf oversight or a creative decision in attempts to reflect the real world? Tune in to this episode of Mixed Take to hear what Doni and Robert have to say on that matter.

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Ricky Padilla joins the Mixed Take crew to discuss DC's first Latine-led superhero film, Blue Beetle. They discuss what makes the film distinctly Latine and what they hope to see in comic book films moving forward.

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea, Ricky Padilla

Producer: Robert Rivera

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we highlight some of the ways Marvel has diversified the MCU. With movies like Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, and Shang-Chi showcasing predominate ethnic casts, the question we raise is: Is this powerful representation or is it pandering? Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts.

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

DC Comics was first released in 1934. five years before Marvel. Since then, they’ve produced endless comic books, television shows, animated features, and movies.

In this episode, we celebrate some of our favorite DC characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. However, as we desire diversity in DC, we discuss whether that should come about via race-bending, gender-swapping, or the introduction of brand-new characters. Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts.

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

When it comes to character development, rich lore, and and an amazing story, there are few films that compare to the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. But before the release of the polarizing Prime Video series Rings of Power, we wondered, “Where is the diversity and where are the women?” In this episode, we talk about both our love for the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and our excitement for an ever-diversifying multicolored Middle Earth.

Mixed Take Producer: Rich Hurtado

A Million Miles Away, based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, recounts the story of how he made his childhood dream of going into space a reality. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with José Hernández as he offers insight about the accuracy of the film, his opinion of Michael Peña’s portrayal of him, and what it took to overcome the seemingly endless obstacles that stood between him and the stars. Get ready to be inspired.

Episode Notes:

Mixed Take Producer: Rich Hurtado

Interview courtesy of Grace Hill Media | Eden

Prime Video: A Million Miles Away

Watch us on Youtube!

There is no disputing Star Wars’ worldwide cultural impact. It is also held dearly in the hearts of so many people, especially those who grew up watching Star Wars. Robert and Doni are no exception to this. And yet, for so many years, Star Wars has lacked the cultural representation that a diverse galaxy deserves. In this episode, we discuss both our love and frustration over this beloved franchise. And perhaps, in the days ahead, we’ll see more of the Brown side of the Force.

Episode Credits:

Writer and Host: Robert Rivera

Music by Rich Hurtado of Deep Blue Sounds, LLC

Producer: Robert Rivera, Rich Hurtado

Executive Producer: Emanuel Padilla

Summary: Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight. In this review, Mixed Take co-host Robert Rivera gives his initial thoughts on the new Michael B. Jordan film.