Best Ryan Sargent Podcasts (2025)

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Is Ryan Coogler's 'SINNERS' Too Black for Hollywood? 36:52

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1M ago36:52

36:52

This week we deconstruct Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS from a Latino and Black perspective. It's a film that is creating deep cultural conversations about Black originality and the business of Black culture globally. We explore its cultural symbolism, audience reactions, Variety's media bias, and the troubling Asian release rollout that may hint at anti-B…

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Can Brown & Black Art Survive AI? OpenAI, Studio Ghibli & the Fight for Creative Ownership 33:00

2M ago33:00

33:00

If AI can make human-like art, do we still need the artist? In this episode we unpack the OpenAI's 'Image Editor' and the Studio Ghibli AI trend, and discuss the cultural, economic, and existential implications AI poses to Black and Latino artists. Episode Summary: AI Art: Speed & Quality Enjoying vs. Fearing AI Art Copyright Crisis Is the Artist's…

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Ep: 48 - Taking Over The Family Business w/ Landon Morel from Southern Sun 56:21

2M ago56:21

56:21

We sit down with Landon Morel of Southern Sun Paving to explore the journey of transforming a family paving business through modern leadership and strategic growth. Topics: Taking Over the Family Business: Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic Building & Leading High-Performance Crews The Southern Sun Tempo: Setting the Pace Social Media's Impact on Co…

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Ep: 47 - Women in Construction, AI, Next Gen Careers w/ Gloria Marie 1:22:50

3M ago1:22:50

1:22:50

We talk show with Gloria Marie, a construction business owner and passionate advocate for women in trades and all folks in trades. Topics Industry Perspectives on Women in Construction Leadership & Communication Next Generation Development Next Generation Salary Personal Development Industry Trends & AI The Bred to Build Podcast is built for everyo…

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Mark Anthony Green on His A24 Directorial Debut "Opus" 34:50

3M ago34:50

34:50

In Opus, Ayo Edebiri plays a journalist invited into a world of celebrity power, but is she there to observe, or be consumed by it? This week on Brown & Black, journalist and filmmaker Mark Anthony Green joins us to unpack his A24 directorial debut, Opus. We dissect the film's underlying themes, including the seductive power of validation, the blur…

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Trump and the Whitewashing of Brown & Black Culture 25:15

3M ago25:15

25:15

Is Donald Trump's Kennedy Center takeover the start of a cultural whitewash? This week on 'Brown & Black,' we examine what happens when the most powerful man in America seizes control of the nation's most prestigious cultural institution. The President's takeover of the Kennedy Center has sparked fears of a whitewashing of African-American and Lati…

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Ep: 46 - The Human Side of Construction: Generational Gaps, Team Building, Mental Health w/ Angelo Suntres 1:04:32

4M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

We talk show with Angelo Suntres, a passionate advocate for construction workforce transformation, to dive deep into the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. Topics The Hard Truths (Expectations & Realities) Generational Divide: Old School & New School Collide Mental Health & Construction Culture Leadership That Actually…

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Make America White Again 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

How do you make a America whiter without saying you're making it whiter? In this first episode of 2025, during Black History Month, we dissect what does Trump's dismatling of DEI and the self-sabotaging deportation crusade, mean or businesses and media?And how much damage will be done to Blacks and Latinos before they get their way? Then we discuss…

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A Brown & Black Thanksgiving: Our TV & Movie Picks 28:57

6M ago28:57

28:57

In this special Thanksgiving episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite movies and TV shows we’re currently watching or bingeing. Hopefully, you’ll find something to add to your Thanksgiving watchlist. From Black documentaries on 70s cinema and military-style action TV shows to a surreal film tackling female ageism, we’ve included a mix of Latino,…

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The Color of Aspiration: Are Latinos The Next Whites? 53:38

7M ago53:38

53:38

It’s November 7, 2024. Latinos are clearly becoming the next ‘whites’ and represent what the Republican Party may look like in the future. This episode promises to challenge everything you thought you knew about Latino identity in the U.S. Back in April 2024, we spoke to Political Psychologist Efren Perez, a UCLA Professor of Political Science and …

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Harvey Mason Jr., Grammy CEO on AI and the Future of Music 41:01

7M ago41:01

41:01

What does responsible AI use look like in the music world? This week, we sit down with Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the man at the helm of one of music's most revered institutions, to discuss AI’s current and future impact on the music industry - especially for creators of color - and how the Recording Academy is confronting this challenge head-on.…

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40 Acres Lie Revealed: Is Reparations Near? 47:12

8M ago47:12

47:12

Land, land, land. What if your ancestors kept the land they were promised? How would your life be different? In this episode, we speak with Mother Jones Editorial Director, Jamilah King, about a story meant to be hidden in the annals of history. She and her investigative team used AI to unearth evidence that could force the nation into a reckoning …

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Regina Porter on Class, Privilege, and 'Rich People Gone Away' 44:35

8M ago44:35

44:35

What happens when a pandemic exposes the realities that wealth and privilege usually hide? Author Regina Porter stops by our show to discuss her provocative new novel, "The Rich People Have Gone Away," a title that says it all. It's a book with sharp social commentary where characters are forced to confront their own moral complexities about privil…

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The "La Bamba" Remake: Latino Identity vs. Hollywood 45:10

9M ago45:10

45:10

With the recent announcement of WB’s "La Bamba" remake, we ask: Did Hollywood whitewash Luis Valdez’s 1987 film classic, and will the remake do better? And how much of your identity would you sacrifice to be seen by mainstream media? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Brown & Black, we use the announcement of the "La Bamba" remake to discuss ide…

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Kamala Harris: Is America Ready For Its First Multicultural President? 41:01

10M ago41:01

41:01

In this episode, we explore how pop culture and social media are driving Kamala Harris's potential presidential election and how her multicultural background (Black and Indian) is challenging the power structures in American politics. We also examine the new lawsuit involving Flamin' Hot Cheetos creator Richard Montañez and PepsiCo for defamation a…

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Ep: 45 - How To Lead When Sh*t Hits The Fan w/ John Scepaniak from Wm. D. Scepaniak - A Family-Owned Aggregates Company 44:03

11M ago44:03

44:03

How to lead when things go sideways. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of handling unexpected problems on the job site and when situations take a turn for the worse. Our guest, John Scepaniak, shares his extensive experience and insightful strategies for maintaining composure and leadership during chaotic times. Handling Bad News: J…

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Kimberly Bryant On Decolonizing AI: Is It Too Late? 37:09

12M ago37:09

37:09

Kimberly Bryant, the founder of "Black Girls Code" and the "Black Innovation Lab," joins us for a can't-miss conversation about the real threat AI poses to people of color if we don't wake up now. This episode is a wake-up call. We dissect the implications of the recent news headlines involving FKA Twigs and the misuse of Tupac's voice by Drake. Pl…

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Ep: 44 - MattBangsWood w/ Matt Panella: Small Beginnings, Big Builds, Chips on Shoulder & The Impact of Social Media 59:14

12M ago59:14

59:14

This is the first time MattBangsWood shares his story. We learn more about his influences, how he got started, and the mentality he's developed to stay hungry in the game. Episode Summary: Family background and influences Building Up Contacts and Networking Social Media and Its Impact (Pros & Cons) Looking Forward and Supporting the Youth Advice to…

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Beyoncé vs. White Privilege 27:10

1y ago27:10

27:10

Has white privilege sabotaged Beyoncé? In this episode, we analyze the recent revelation how AMC's CEO undermined Beyoncé's Renaissance concert film, costing her millions, while protecting Taylor Swift's release. Was this decision based on business or unconscious bias? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Identity Crisis: How the 2030 Census Could Reshape Hispanic America 26:25

1y ago26:25

26:25

Should race and ethnicity be combined in the next Census? In this episode, we discuss the Census Bureau's recent announcement of their proposed changes to the race and ethnicity categories, particularly for Hispanics. What potential risks will that on the Afro-Latino community? Will 2030 see Hispanic/Latinos in the United States be pressured to con…

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Ep: 43 - One Project Changed It All w/ Victor Mezhvinsky from Forma Construction: Immigrant Roots to Luxury Builder 1:11:32

1y ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Have you ever felt like you had a "make you" or "break you" project? We dive in with Victor Mezhvinsky, President and Founder of FORMA Construction, whose journey from immigrant roots to luxury builder is nothing short of inspiring -- Especially with one make or break project that defined his future. Episode Summary: Family Journey and High Expecta…

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Ep: 42 - Roof Slayer w/ Ryan Smith: Mastering the Art of Roof Cutting, Mentorship and the Impact of Social Media 54:45

1y ago54:45

54:45

On this episode we dive in with the legend, Ryan Smith (aka Roof Slayer), to discuss his journey of mastering framing and roof cutting, gaining knowledge, and embracing growth and mentorship. Episode Summary: Ryan's Journey and Expertise The Market for Hand-Cut Roofs Passing Down Knowledge and Challenges Embracing Education and Mentorship Ryan's Jo…

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The Color of Aspiration: Are Latinos The Next Whites? 47:36

1y ago47:36

47:36

Are Latinos becoming the next whites, and what role does politics play in this ideological shift? We talk to Political psychologist Efren Perez, a UCLA Professor of Political Science and Psychology, who holds a PhD from Duke University. His research focuses on race, ethnicity, politics, and society. He recently wrote an article in Newsweek titled "…

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Ep: 41 - Building People w/ Herb Sargent: Employee Ownership, Development, and Long-Term Vision 1:30:55

1y ago1:30:55

1:30:55

On this episode we dive in with Herb Sargent, President and CEO of Sargent Corporation, known for their heavy civil construction work across seven states in the Northeast. Episode Summary: Exploring Sargent Corporation Transition to Employee Ownership Investing in People and Development Utilizing Podcasting for Company Growth Future Outlook and Per…

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Sheila E. On Why She Waited Decades to Make a Salsa Album 24:09

1y ago24:09

24:09

Sheila E broke barriers as both a talented percussionist and an Afro-Latina artist. In this episode, she reveals the personal motivations behind creating her first salsa album now, "Bailar," and explores her relationship with Latin music and identity. Her answers offer a unique window into the challenges and triumphs of embracing heritage and langu…

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In Memoriam: Louis Gossett Jr. Discusses Cultural Appreciation (2020 Interview) 55:51

1y ago55:51

55:51

In tribute to the life and career of legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr., we are re-airing our 2020 interview with him regarding his role as Luis Garcia in 'The Cuban'. In this conversation, Mr. Gossett Jr. shared his insights on embracing international cultures and his love for Cuba. 'The Cuban', where Gossett plays a Cuban jazz musician in a nursin…

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Talent vs Image: The Music and Wisdom of Afro Cuban Singer Daymé Arocena 45:58

1y ago45:58

45:58

Mike and Jack have an in-depth discussion with a claimed Afro Cuban singer Daymé Arocena about her new album Alkemi, she opens up about her struggles as a black Latina woman in this industry, how we perceive black skin, how we perceive Latina women with black skin, body image in the pop music industry and how has that all impacted and Influenced th…

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AI and White Backlash: Our Progress Under Threat 28:57

1+ y ago28:57

28:57

In this episode, progress vs. preservation. We discuss the alarming white backlash targeting Latino interns and how AI is impacting the film industry and creators of color. We explore how these two stories set the stage for a broader debate on diversity in the digital age. The Smithsonian Latino Museum is being sued for its pro-Latino internship pr…

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2024 Oscars: Is Colman Domingo Afro-Latino Enough? 32:59

1+ y ago32:59

32:59

Does Colman Domingo's Blackness overshadow his Latino heritage, making him invisible to the Afro-Latino community? In this episode, we'll analyze how Latino and Black films and actors fared in the 2024 Oscar nominations. We'll also discuss Colman Domingo's groundbreaking Best Actor nomination as the first Afro-Latino LGBTQ+ actor, and whether his p…

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2024 Award Season: Does Diversity Even Matter Anymore? 37:42

1+ y ago37:42

37:42

Is the DE&I backlash in America casting a shadow over award-season voters? In our first 'Brown & Black' episode of 2024, we have a critical exploration of DE&I's impact on Hollywood's award season. We'll also dissect the ratings and their implications, analyze the Latino shutout and its contributing factors, and share our predictions for which Lati…

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Should 'Hamilton' Be Celebrated Today? Why Is Netflix Supporting Black Banks? How Racism Still Controls The Music Industry 48:12

1+ y ago48:12

48:12

This week Mike and Jack examine why Netflix is depositing $100 million dollars into Black banks; Lin-Manuel Miranda's revered Broadway musical 'Hamilton' has been released on Disney+ and is receiving backlash from historians for glorifying slave-owners. Has art become more significant than historical facts? And in 1983, artist David Bowie challenge…

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The Top Latino and Black Films of 2023 29:50

1+ y ago29:50

29:50

In this episode, we share our top Latino and Black films of 2023. Jack chose: "At the Gates," a psychological thriller that flips the traditional Latino immigrant story. "Radical," based on an inspirational true story that highlights the power of education in some of Mexico's poorest schools. "They Shot the Piano Player," an animated docudrama abou…

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Warren Drummond: How His Storyboards Shaped Hollywood's Biggest Hits 43:17

1+ y ago43:17

43:17

For over three decades, legendary storyboard artist Warren Drummond has been the inspiration and creative force behind some of Hollywood's most iconic films, such as "A Beautiful Mind" and "Straight Outta Compton", collaborating with industry giants like John Singleton, Ron Howard, and Denzel Washington. Warren joins the show to discuss his new boo…

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Gannett and The Marvels: White Backlash in the Age of Diversity 43:34

1+ y ago43:34

43:34

Listen to this heated discussion on the controversial reverse discrimination lawsuit from white employees against Gannett for its diversity efforts in news, plus we tackle the 'woke' backlash of the film 'The Marvels' for its focus on diverse female superheroes. We ask, is DE&I under attack? Can diversity thrive in a divided America, or have we rea…

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The 6 Must-See Latin & Black Horror Films for Halloween 40:51

1+ y ago40:51

40:51

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Fear, a universal emotion, resides within each of us. As children, we quivered at tales of demons, ghosts, and mysterious noises in the dark—stories predominantly told from a white perspective, often neglecting the rich tapestry of Latino and Black experiences. This month, we take you back to our classic 2020 Halloween episode, w…

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Chasing Relevance: A Dangerous Obsession or Necessary Reality? 35:44

1+ y ago35:44

35:44

Chasing relevance. We're all guilty of it at some point, desperately trying to stay current and be noticed. But what's the cost? In this episode of Brown & Black, we'll peel back the layers on society's obsession with relevance, specifically for people of color in media and entertainment today. Why does it matter to so many people? Do we really nee…

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"From The Shadows": Mike Sargent on Returning to Directing 40:19

1+ y ago40:19

40:19

In this special episode, our co-host Mike Sargent discusses his new horror film "From the Shadows" which he directed, produced and co-wrote. He shares some behind-the-scenes stories of making the film, including directing horror legends Keith David and Bruce Davison and what it’s like to direct an independent feature. Plus, find out which stories M…

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Decoding the Supreme Court with Filmmaker Dawn Porter 28:39

1+ y ago28:39

28:39

In this episode we discuss truth and the Supreme Court with award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter. Her latest documentary series, 'Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court' out September 22 on Showtime is a four part docuseries that covers a broad range of topics essential to historians and those curious about the systems of power in this cou…

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Rotten Tomatoes and the Co-opting of Consensus Culture 22:50

1+ y ago22:50

22:50

Rotten Tomatoes, the notorious film review aggregate website, has been shaping the movie choices of audiences for more than a decade. But a recent exposé reveals the site may be rotting from within. In this episode, we discuss the New York Magazine article "The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes" and its reporting on how the website has become corrup…

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Mark Rogers, Director of Content Marketing at Freshpaint 29:27

2y ago29:27

29:27

"That's just kind of the nature of content marketing: you publish a lot of stuff that doesn't work. And you just kind of have to be okay with it."

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Influencers vs. Critics: Who is the Future of Film Criticism? 47:50

2y ago47:50

47:50

On this episode, Rico and Sargent have an in-depth discussion about the past, present and future of film criticism. Is it traditional film critics or opinion reviewers on TikTok? They share their personal journeys into film criticism, the role of Rotten Tomatoes today, the new influencer/film promoters of social media, and predictions for where the…

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Cari O'Brien, Founder at Custom Content Solutions 27:40

2y ago27:40

27:40

"I have a visceral reaction to people who say, AI won't take your job. It's people who know how to use AI that will take your job. AI is absolutely tearing apart the content world right now. I don't think it will stay this way forever. I think that it will bounce back."By Ryan Sargent

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A Triumph of Latina Feminism? Barbie: The Brown & Black Film Analysis 41:49

2y ago41:49

41:49

In this episode of Brown & Black, Jack argues why he believes the Barbie movie is really a Latina film at its core. Its pivotal scene centers on a Latina character and her mixed-race daughter. The guys peel back the layers of the $150 million dollar marketing campaign that catapulted Barbie into the national spotlight, and examine the long-standing…

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WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike! Is It Time To Decentralize Hollywood? 25:44

2y ago25:44

25:44

Hollywood is on strike! In this OFF THE CUFF episode, Jack and Mike discuss how the WGA and SAG-AFTRA walkouts could reshape the entertainment industry, including how it could lead to the collapse of American culture. They analyze the sociopathic CEO mentality, and why executives feel they can dehumanize actors and writers. The guys also explore a …

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The Identity Dilemma of The Multi-Hyphenate 43:57

2y ago43:57

43:57

In this episode of "Brown and Black," hosts Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss the need to challenge the stigma surrounding multi-hyphenates and the superficial nature of the question, "What do you do?" They emphasize the importance of recognizing one's own values and personal branding, highlighting passions and values instead of specific skills. B…

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Rome Flynn Talks Afro-Latino Representation, SAG Strike Fears, and the Dream of Portraying Roberto Clemente 39:08

2y ago39:08

39:08

Actor and musician Rome Flynn joins the podcast to discuss his reprised role as Santiago Zayas in Season 2 of Amazon's hit rom-com series, 'With Love'. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of "casting authentically," the escalating concerns about actors' self-audition tapes, and Flynn's thoughts on the potential havoc a SAG strike could…

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Pulitzer-Winning Composer Michael Abels on Race, AI and Being Black in Classical Music 31:58

2y ago31:58

31:58

In this special episode of Brown & Black, we sit down with recent Pulitzer Prize-winning, Emmy and Grammy-nominated composer Michael Abels. We take a journey through his life, his passion for music, the challenges he faced as a Black composer in the 1980s, and his latest work on the film "Chevalier," based on the life of Joseph Bologne in the 1800s…

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Grammy CEO Talks Artist Rights, Mexican Music, and the Future of AI in Music 33:47

2y ago33:47

33:47

In this episode, we welcome back the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., to discuss the pressing issues currently facing musicians of color, such as the advancement of AI-generated music, the struggle for fair compensation, and the rise of Regional Mexican Music as a global force. We explore how the Grammys are addressing these issues, …

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Ep: 40 - From Kidney Beans to Shark Tanks w/ JMAX Plumbing aka Bearded Plumber (Justin Bowie) 1:21:10

2y ago1:21:10

1:21:10

College wasn't for Justin. His father was a builder and he found himself in Arizona building everything from kidney bean pools, shark tanks, and monster pools to keep the desert residents cool. On this episode we discuss more about: What motivated him to specialize in pools Lessons from another plumber in 2008 What qualities separate good builders …

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Singer GOTOPO: Reimagining Afro-indigenous Identity Through Ancestral Futurism 40:08

2y ago40:08

40:08

In this episode, we are joined by Afro-Venezuelan and Afro-Indigenous singer 'GOTOPO,' who tells us about her new song "Sacudete" and delves into the intriguing concept of 'Ancestral Futurism,' an artistic approach that fuses the past, present, and future of pop culture while exploring heritage and identity. GOTOPO highlights the significance of co…