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Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode, I’m chatting with the incredible actress and television director Keesha Sharp. In my new audio series JUDGE TRAVIS (which has been announced as an official 2026 Tribeca Festival Creators Market Selection), Sharp plays one of the most complex, important, and nuanced characters. In this discussion, we discuss how she stays positive in an ever-shifting and demanding industry, and the important role that music and dance have played in her life and career.

All the best,

Tim

Award-nominated actress, writer, and director Keesha Sharp has become known in the entertainment industry for her innate ability to bring complex characters to life on screen, her steadfast professionalism, and her irrefutable beauty, inside and out. Keesha can be seen on season 3 of “Power Book II: Ghost” . Recently, Sharp starred as Trish Murtaugh in the international hit series “Lethal Weapon” for FOX, rebooting the hit movie franchise of the same name. Sharp stood out as Trish, a lawyer and devoted wife and confidante to Roger (Damon Wayans). “Lethal Weapon” became an instant hit in the US and overseas. Sharp was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards for her work on the show. She also recently recurred on the hit FOX series “Empire” and the acclaimed “The Good Fight” (Paramount+).

On the film front this year, Sharp stars in the Psychological thriller “Dark My Light” (2023) with Albert Jones and Tom Lipinski. In addition, she stars in “Heist 88” (2023) with Courtney B. Vance and Keith David for Paramount+. This reunites her with her co-star from “The People Vs O.J. Simpson” (Vance) and August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars” (David).

Sharp is also well known for her role as Dale Cochran, wife of defense attorney Johnnie Cochran (Courtney B. Vance), in the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning limited series “The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” her series regular role as Gigi on the TBS/Syndicated comedy “Are We There Yet,” and as Monica Charles Brooks on the hit CW series “Girlfriends,” for which she was nominated for her first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

In addition to her diverse acting credits, Keesha Sharp has become a force as a Director as well. Known for her preparation, meticulous dedication to the story and talent for communicating with actors, Sharp is a Director for different genres of television. After making her directorial debut on the multi-cam comedy “Are We There Yet” (TBS), she has gone on to direct dramatic action series “Lethal Weapon” (FOX) and “Black Lightning” (CW), the comedy “The Last OG” (TBS), dramas “Bel Air” (Peacock), “Found” (NBC), “All American: Homecoming” (CW), “Our Kind of People” (FOX) and sci-fi “Charmed” (CW).

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CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Keesha Sharp

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

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Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode, I’m chatting with audio engineer Ben Kruse. Ben was the editor, sound designer, and mixer for the JUDGE TRAVIS audio series I created. The experience ended up becoming a long, fun, and sometimes at times even therapeutic collaboration. Look forward to some deep dives into audio techniques, Bolivian culture, and music in this conversation.

All the best,

Tim

Ben Kruse in his own words: Chicago based sound engineer that for many years has worked across film, podcast and musical mediums as a sound editor, sound designer, sound effects editor, re-recording mixer, foley editor and composer. More than anything else, as it pertains to my work, I love crafting intricate and detailed soundscapes that help paint emotional canvases.

I deeply value community engagement and am passionate about fostering collaboration and engaging in thoughtful dialogue with fellow creators and humans alike. Although fully immersed in the U.S. my roots are also firmly planted in the country of Bolivia - which I consider to be home.

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Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Ben Kruse

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

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Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting musician and DJ Kev Luu about his creative journey from Las Vegas to L.A. and creating the original music for my audio sitcom JUDGE TRAVIS. Kev shares some incredible insights on the immigrant experience, supporting his elders through the non-profit Seniors Fight Back and how he’s pushed through the many challenges millennials have faces since the Great Recession. Remember that?!

We recorded this so long ago and I’m glad it can finally reach your ears! Comment with moments that resonate with you!

All the best,

Tim

Kev Luu is a Los Angeles based DJ, music producer, and audio engineer. For Judge Travis, Kev composed and produced the original music featured throughout the scripted comedy podcast, helping shape the show’s sonic identity with custom scoring and musical cues. Outside of podcast scoring, Kev performs as a DJ and MC for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations while producing original music across hip-hop, pop, and electronic genres.

Listen toYou Are The Genre episodes a week earlier than the rest by selecting a paid subscription to the newsletter!

Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Kev Luu

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting AGAIN with Milly Tamarez. She was a writer on my new scripted audio series JUDGE TAVIS. So, part one is a behind-the-scenes deep dive on what went into her episode of the show which is a real therapeutic explosion of jokes and insights from each character. And part two is a re-release of our chat from a few years back.

Wow, time moves fast as hell these days.

Enjoy!

-Tim

MILLY TAMAREZ is a stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster, and actress based out of Brooklyn, New York. She most recently wrote for ABC’s The Celebrity Dating Game, Jason Biggs’ Cash At Your Door on E!, WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown, NPR’s weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait....Don’t Tell Me. Milly was the cohost for a female-led political and pop culture podcast, The Betches Sup and is currently the creator and co-host of Go Touch Grass on the Headgum network.

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Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Milly Tamarez

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting with playwright, actor, and JUDGE TRAVIS staff writer Ben Holbrook. We met years ago at a standup show that I was on and he was attending and it kicked off a unique friendship where every now and then we’ll just have a real, solid chat that ranges from sci-fi to a psychological analysis of intergenerational trauma—which, I suppose, can be another form of sci-fi. It was a pleasure to bring him aboard the writing team for JUDGE TRAVIS and before we dive into the nuances of his creative career in this episode, we discuss his process for writing episode 6 of the show.

Ben also has a hilarious scripted audio series of his own titled Kepler’s Ark!

I hope this inspires you to have a deep conversation with a friend soon.

Best,

Tim

Ben Holbrook is a Brooklyn-based (originally from NC) playwright, filmmaker, and creator of digital and live experiences whose works have been produced, developed, or commissioned by: The Brick, The High Line, The Prism Festival (Makers Ensemble and Judson Church), Theatre Untitled, The Exponential Festival, Fundamental Theater Project, Ruddy Productions, The Samuel French OOB Festival, The Mercury Store, The New York International Fringe Festival, The Memphis Fringe Festival, The Motor Company, Wildwind Performance Lab, Voices of the South (TN), Ugly Rhino(LA), Seoul Players (SK), Holiday House, Find the Light (LA), The Irish Arts Council, 45th Street Block Association, and Paper Lantern Theatre Company (NC). Films

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Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Ben Holbrook

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting with Ian Abramson TWICE!

First up: a behind-the-scenes conversation about his experience writing episode five of my new scripted podcast JUDGE TRAVIS.

Second: a a special re-release of our conversation from 2024 where we discussed his standup comedy special The Heist.

Ian and I have known each other since high school and have collaborated on numerous projects from a web series that’s probably hard to find on the internet these days to the short film we co-created called Inland Empire (no relation to the David Lynch classic).

If you’re a fan of comedy math, pop culture and sugar burps—this is the episode for you.

Best,

Tim

Here’s Ian’s bio, as written on his website:

Ian Abramson? I haven’t heard that name in a long time...

Well, not the way you pronounce it anyway.

My name is Ian Abramson (I’m sorry, you’re still reading that wrong. EE-IN ABE-RAM-SHGERT).

I grew up in the Inland Empire. Between San Diego and Los Angeles. Weird area, but it made me a weird guy so who’s complaining? I went to college and I worked in summer camps. I’ve been told I have camp counselor vibes, which I guess just means I’m a lot sometimes.

I’m a comedian. I write, I act, blah, blah, blah.

They say not to make your website funny, but if you’re looking for something serious online I’d suggest Wikipedia.

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Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Ian Abramson

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting with comedian, writer, and fashion designer Rebecca O’Neal. We’ve been friends circa 2012 in the Chicago comedy scene and I was thrilled to bring her aboard the writers’ room for JUDGE TRAVIS. O’Neal wrote episode 4 of JUDGE TRAVIS which premiered February 18, so you can either listen after this interview or before!

We commiserate on the pluses and minuses of a sheltered childhood, nostalgia for the Chicago comedy scene that defined us, and the testy waters of the entertainment industry as it stands now.

O’Neal is a powerhouse of creativity and JUDGE TRAVIS is all the better for it.

Enjoy!

-Tim

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Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

* Host: Tim Barnes

* Guest: Rebecca O’Neal

* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

* Music Engineer: Adam Smith

* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting with actor/comedian Brandi Denise. She’s performed on THE TONIGHT SHOW, acted in the POWER series, and now voices the role of the bailiff in my new scripted audio series JUDGE TRAVIS. Before that role, we likely bumped into each other at some point in the Chicago comedy scene. It’s a testament to her clarity of voice as a performer that when it came time to start casting the bailiff role, she was immediately on my list.

When we spoke for this interview near the end of 2025, I was excited to learn more about her path as a comedian and star on the rise. Also, check out her Hulu special!

Hope you enjoy!

-Tim

Brandi Denise is an actress and comedian known for her standout roles on Power, Power Book II: Ghost, and BET’s Games People Play. She rose to viral fame with her unforgettable guest appearance on Abbott Elementary, sparking widespread buzz for her performance.

A 2022 Just For Laughs New Face, Brandi has been featured on BET’s ComicView and was named one of Vulture’s 2024 “Comics You Should and Will Know.” Her Comedy Central feature hit over a million views in 2022, adding to a growing list of viral moments. With over 350,000 followers, she’s built a loyal fanbase across both screen and stage.

Her debut comedy special is now streaming on Hulu, presented by Kevin Hart’s LOL Live series—cementing Brandi as a powerful voice in comedy and culture.

Listen toYou Are The Genre episodes a week earlier than the rest by selecting a paid subscription to the newsletter!

Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

CREDITS:

Host: Tim Barnes

Guest: Brandi Denise

Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

Music Engineer: Adam Smith

Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla

Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode I’m chatting with writer Andrew E. Colarusso. I interviewed him in text form a few years back in the newsletter, but now he joins me in audioland to discuss his latest collection of poetry PETTYGOD. The collection is irrepressible, holy, profane, tender, hilarious, "too hot to touch."

Our two creative paths intersect in strange ways. For instance, another text interview of mine with DuVay Knox influenced one of the poems in PETTYGOD. Which is why I should warn you: some explicit words are said in this episode!

Andrew owns and operates Taylor & Co., an independent bookstore in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. I worked there for a while as the “Monday guy” and can attest that it’s a uniquely inviting space filled with an eclectic roster characters popping in each day.

As risk of being petty, Andrew also flips the script and interviews ME about my scripted audio series JUDGE TRAVIS.

I hope you get to check out both of our projects.

-Tim

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“Andrew E. Colarusso’s newest is a sharp-edged erotic, politically unflinching poetry collection where syntax is shattered to reveal deeper ancestral reckoning. Like Kamau Brathwaite, Colarusso understands the page as a score to conjure rebellion, bend grammar, break form, and tune the line to the frequency of diaspora, confessional grief, and spiritual survival. His language pulses with both prophecy and protest, as seen in poems like ‘The Pussy Detective,’ which blends pulp poetics, satire and sovereignty, and refuses the sanitized gaze of empire while regarding the vernacular as sacred terrain. In ‘Who Hath Known the Mind of God,’ the writer reckons despair and the brutal intimacy of city life as it unfolds into a fever dream of love and despair. Across his work, interiority becomes a site of disruption, therefore, Pettygod be a living archive for the haunted and the holy. Colarusso scribes like fire, raising sacred spaces from ash, where fracture and ruin form the raw scaffolding of a resilient desire to be free.”—Mahogany L. Browne

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Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and this is a preview of an upcoming scripted audio series that I have coming out February 11th called JUDGE TRAVIS, which you should subscribe to now wherever you listen to podcasts! I’ll be interviewing people involved with the show here on You Are The Genre as we switch to a Monday release schedule between February 9 and March 16.

JUDGE TRAVIS is your front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes chaos of America’s favorite fake TV judge. Through the guise of leaked audio, listeners eavesdrop on the absurd drama unfolding behind the bench of the reality television court show, JUDGE TRAVIS. Starring Bashir Salahuddin (SOUTH SIDE), Langston Kerman (INSECURE), Brandi Denise (POWER), Keesha Sharp (GIRLFRIENDS), Amber Ruffin (LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS) and George Wallace (CLEAN SLATE).

Created and directed by television writer Tim Barnes (THE TONIGHT SHOW, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central), Judge Travis draws inspiration from classic Hollywood-satire comedies like THE BERNIE MAC SHOW and THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW. Court shows are one of America’s favorite pastimes. But why do we love these stern authority figures? And who are the real people behind those robes? JUDGE TRAVIS proves the answers to those questions are crazier than anything you’ve ever seen on TV.

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Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com