S2E1 - How Will Smith Changed the Game for Black Actors in Hollywood

There is no question that Will Smith is a legend. From music to movies, everything he touches turns to gold. In this episode we discuss Will’s movies and whose who paved the way for his success.

S1E10 - Respect: Interviews with Liesl Tommy and Jennifer Hudson

This film had us at Aretha Franklin! With a star-studded cast filled with Oscar-worthy performances, Jennifer Hudson becomes the living embodiment of the Queen of Soul and gives the performance of a lifetime. Hit song after hit song, we’re left with a greater understanding of Aretha, along with a deeper connection to her.

S1E9 - Lin-Manuel Miranda: Hamilton and In the Heights

Welcome to a bonus episode of Mixed Take! In this episode we discuss songwriter, composer, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Not only has he scored Disney films like Moana and starred in a classic like Mary Poppins Returns, but Miranda is best known for writing Broadway hits including In the Heights and Hamilton. Listen in as we discuss the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda.

S1E8 - Jon M. Chu: Director of Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights

Jon M. Chu, a Silicon Valley native and natural born filmmaker, brings colorful and vibrant stories like Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights to our screens. At a time in our nation’s history when anti-Asian racist rhetoric and attacks are on the rise, filmmakers like Chu challenge our ideas of who is an immigrant and whether the American Dream is alive and well. Join us to learn more about the life and works of Jon M. Chu!

S1E7 - Blue Miracle: Interview with Jimmy Gonzales

We all love a good underdog story, but when the underdogs are orphans and the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against them, reality hits - the stakes could mean life or death. In this story, based on real life events, director and writer Julio Quintana delivers a must-see heart warming tale of perseverance, love, and family.

S1E6 - Ryan Coogler: Rocky, Creed, and Black Panther

The film industry is behind in terms of diversity and studio execs are nervous to green-light big budget films with ethnically diverse leads. But that hasn't stopped Director Ryan Coogler from making box office hits like Black Panther and Creed. Tune in for this seasons final episode and a look at one of Hollywood's most notable directors.

S1E5 - Mindy Kaling: Actress, Writer, Comedian, and Diva

Mindy Kaling might be best known for her role in The Office as the hilarious pop-culture drama queen, Kelly Kapoor. However, Mindy is more than an actress. She is a writer, public speaker, author, and comedian. Her funny, pensive prose is packed with subversive punchlines and witty comebacks. Join us to learn more about the creative genius of Mindy Kaling!

S1E4 - Ava Duvernay: Injustice, Civil Rights, and the 2020 Protests

Ava Duvernay is a U.S. filmmaker and Academy Award Nominated director for Selma and the documentary 13th. In this episode we'll discuss Duvernay's directing style and her creative eye for storytelling, often highlighting narratives that give a voice to those that are silenced by our society.

S1E3 - Alfonso Cuarón: The Man Who Does It All - Director, Writer, Producer

Movies are normally referred to as motion pictures. In the case of Alfonso Cuarón, his movies are motion portraits. Each frame is carefully crafted until it unfolds into a scene. And each scene comes together until it forms an artistic picture of human struggle and growth. Join us to learn more about Cuarón's techniques and storytelling style.

S1E2 - Alejandro G. Iñárritu: The Artist Behind the Revenant, Birdman, and So Much More

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Alejandro G. Iñárritu. From disc jockey to Hollywood director of iconic movies including Birdman, Babel, and the Revenant, Iñárritu’s films invite us to grapple with questions related to purpose, love, redemption, and hope

S1E1 - Guillermo del Toro, Monsters, and the Catholic Church

Guillermo del Toro might be seen as strange but he is no stranger to Hollywood. His resume is overflowing with critical acclamation, box office success, and a cult following. In this episode, we explore how his Mexican roots and Catholic upbringing influenced his career and shaped his films.