Interludes

Comedy is in the eye and ear of the beholder. And if you’re blessed enough to behold comedian and boss lady Jori O’Neale, then you know it’s true. Our podcast’s first ever guest returns to talk about life as a working mom in NYC, her Chicago roots and her annual Mother’s Day comedy show this Sunday featuring Interludes host Valarie Johnson. Both funny ladies headline “Yo Momma Got Jokes 2,” an online variety show for the whole family.

Judging by the smoke signals sent up from backyards and porches, it’s Barbeque Season. Food scholar Adrian E. Miller shares his new book, Black Smoke, a history and guide to BBQ in America. Meanwhile Mr. Wamble and I eat our way through BBQ joints.

In a world where radio stations play the same songs, over and over, a podcast emerges: This one. We love new music. We love new music, too - The Sequel. And just like the movie or music industries, we’re not afraid to milk a good thing ‘til it’s dry. Meet international artist Kubo Sensei and Brooklyn vocalist, Lissa Millien on this episode of Interludes.

Vaccination hesitancy appears to be growing in America. At the start of the week, there were three companies the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were relying on to present vaccines to combat COVID-19. And then, due to troubling trials, there were two. Hear both sides of the vaccination debate from wellness coach Agustin Rodriguez and internist Dr. Aunita Hill-Jones sway Valarie to decide whether to vax or not to vax.

Last year, Chicago actor Dre Blaze Rodgers was tired of the “drug dealer/ gang banger” roles offered to him, so he decided to make his own film. Despite doubters and a global pandemic, this first-time filmmaker’s debut The Mysterious Mr. Wizdom is streaming to a worldwide audience on Amazon Prime. Meet the cast and filmmaker following in the tradition of Oscar Micheaux, Robert Townsend and Shelton "Spike" Lee.

Even with a love jones for your body and your skin tone, unless your name is Nina or Monica or Marie, “Struggle Love” won’t do. What is “Struggle Love”? It’s what too often passes for romance in movies. Special guests Joy and KC the Alchemist of the podcast “3BC” (Three Black Chicks) help Val scrutinize the seductive narrative of “Struggle Love” films. Val wishes Happy Birthday to the Queen of Soul, subject of her own “Genius” mini-series.

After a pandemic pause, the magic of movies is back. Is anybody surprised about the historic nominees or incensed by the snubs of the upcoming Academy Awards? Valarie and EP Michael break down the chances for the nominees in the main Academy Award categories and reflect on the continued need for representation across the film industry.

The Minneapolis Sound is the gift Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis gave to Janet Jackson & Prince gave to the world. It put the city on the worldwide map in the ‘80s. A soaring soulful sound is taking Flyte Tyme with Ms. Arnise, an artist and educator bringing the healing power of music to a city that’s seen its turmoil. Val interviews Ms. Arnise and shares her thoughts on Derek Chauvin’s trial and women songwriters.