Culture Beats

I hope you enjoy my conversation about the future of the music industry with Greig Watts, a UK-based songwriter, music publisher and founder of DWB Music.   Greig is the author of the new book, “Keeping the Dream Alive: A Songwriter’s Guide to Overcoming Rejection, Finding Success and Enjoying the Journey Along the Way." He shares his journey in music and offers advice for aspiring artists. Y...

Host Chris Bournea is joined by Tamara Dever, author, book designer, musician and ‘70s and ‘80s pop-culture enthusiast. They talk about everything from the iconic ‘80s pop tune about an interracial couple that inspired her new book, “The Day We Found Yesterday,” to the one song they'd choose to listen to for the rest of their lives. You can connect with Tamara at https://www.totallycool80s.co...

I hope you enjoy this replay of my conversation with Brian Michael Murphy, author of “We the Dead.” The book explains that there’s no such thing as permanent data storage – whether it’s the photos that document our lives, the files that contain the music we love to listen to, or the DNA that we give to companies that trace our ancestry.  You can connect with Brian at https://www.brianmichaelmurphy...

From screenwriting to book publishing: Multitalented writer Gary Goldstein shares his journey from starting out in journalism, breaking into screenwriting for movies and television and becoming an author. Goldstein’s new novel is “Canine Custody,” a romantic comedy about a divorcing couple battling over custody of the family dog.   You can reach Gary at https://www.garygoldsteinla.com/   You can r...

In this episode, I reflect on the passing of icons Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem. I also weigh in on Prince’s “new” album, “Timeless,” and reflect on a summer of nostalgia, loss and surprises.  You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com  Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chrisbourneawriter   Follow me on Twitter/X at https://x.com/chrisbournea   Follow me on Instagram at https://...

In this episode, author Henry L. Sullivan and I discuss real-world parallels to the dystopian fiction he writes. We also delve into how movies and TV depict his native New Orleans.  Connect with Henry and learn more about his work at https://henrylsullivaniii.substack.com/   You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com  

Author and entrepreneur Zack James shares the motivation behind launching the new platform Starscript.com. The website enables creatives of all kinds, from writers to comic book artists to musicians, to build their fanbase, connect with other artists and, perhaps, FINALLY start making money from their passion projects  You can reach out to Zack at Starscript.com  You can reach me at chrisbournea@g...

In this episode, I speak with screen icon Greta Garbo’s great-nephew Scott Reisfield, author of the new book “Greta Garbo and the Rise of the Modern Woman.” Scott dispels long-held misconceptions about his great-aunt, whom he knew as just another member of the family.  Garbo was no recluse, Scott says, but she was a trailblazer who took control of her career and championed women’s empowerment long...

In this episode, I speak with professor and journalist Sherri Williams, author of the new book “Black Social Television: How Black Twitter Changed Television.” In the book, Sherri describes how Black consumers harnessed the power of social media to push for greater representation in television, movies and other media platforms.  Connect with Sherri at https://www.sherriwilliamsmedia.com/ You can r...

Nostalgia is a potent drug. Screenwriter-turned-novelist Seth Panitch and I discuss the power of nostalgia and how looking back on things of value can enrich your life – a theme he explores in his new novel, “Antique.” The story centers on a once-celebrated antique appraiser who gets caught in the thrall of a strange, powerful necklace that has the power to change her life and alter the future of...

The blockbuster success of the movies “Obsession” and “Backrooms” has sparked a conversation about why indie horror movies are beginning to dominate the industry. Filmmaker Joseph Mbah, director of the new supernatural thriller “Whispers Bind,” weighs in on this growing phenomenon.  Connect with Joseph at @joseph_mbah  You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com 

Can fanbases overlap? Actor and playwright-turned-podcaster Sair Kaufman explores the unlikely intersection of Broadway aficionados and Dungeons and Dragons fans with the new musical podcast, The Reality Shaper. We discuss the genesis of this unique idea, as well as the potential for podcasts to bring back the glory days of radio.  Find out more about The Reality Shaper podcast at Therealityshaper...

 A lot of authors want to break into Hollywood. Kay A. Oliver did it in reverse: She started out as a director and screenwriter, then transitioned into writing novels. Oliver is the author of the psychological thrillers, “Fear Struck” and “Blood Seed.”  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Oliver in which, among other things, we talk about the fine line between “horror” and “thriller,” how to f...

I hope you enjoy this conversation with my longtime friend and fellow journalist, Charles Farmer.  We talk about his new book, “Time to Let the Little Boys Go: A Father’s Blueprint to His Son on Surviving Life Alone,” a touching memoir about the advice his father gave him before passing away when Charles was just 21 years old.  We also reminisce about the glory days of working alongside each other...

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Robert Gaines, author of “Scintilla,” which he describes as a practical, psychology-driven guide for anyone who wants to generate business, product or service ideas.  For more information about Robert and his book, visit his website at  https://freetimemastermind.com/   You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com 

Veteran broadcaster Kingsley H. Smith shares tips on how to build a career in journalism, based on his more than 40 years in the industry. We also discuss the importance of preserving Black history.  For more information about Kingsley and his memoir, “Powerhouse Radio,” and his book, “People in Black History: Famous African Americans,” visit https://kingsleyhsmith.com/   You can reach me at chris...

Does a new technology called Nostr have the potential to eliminate gatekeepers on the Internet and place the power of self-expression solely in the hands of content creators? Technology expert Wouter Constant and I debate the pros and cons of this emerging platform.  For more information about Nostr, visit https://nostr.com/ You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com 

In observance of Women's History Month, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Valerie Hawes about her legendary mother, wrestler Lula Mae Provo. Valerie shares why her mother was hesitant to talk about being one of the courageous Black women who broke racial and gender barriers in the ring in the 1950s and '60s. Learn more about these trailblazing women in the documentary "Lady Wr...

In this episode, I speak with arts entrepreneur Ben Zingos about his innovative approach to theater. He transforms existing facilities into performance spaces through the organization he founded, the Space Pirates Theatre Collective.  For more information about Ben and the Space Pirates Theatre Collective, visit https://spacepiratestheatrecollective.org/   You can contact me at chrisbournea@gmail....

In honor of Black History Month and observance of Mardi Gras, I hope you enjoy my conversation with writer Lolis Elie. Lolis chronicles the richness of New Orleans cuisine and culture.  Find out more about Lolis at Loliselie.com  You can contact me at Chrisbournea@gmail.com   

True crime and mysteries are more popular than ever. Why do audiences like a good thrill? I explore this question with John David, author of the new thriller “The Bystander.”  Check out John's new thriller, "The Bystander" on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01IUTCGXQ?ccs_id=63262560-841b-459d-bada-5b6008bb0acb You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com

In this episode, Dr. Letisha Engracia Cardoso Brown talks about her groundbreaking research into the countless contributions that Black women have made to sports.  Dr. Brown is the author of the new book, “Say Her Name: Centering Black Feminism and Black Women in Sports.”  Find out more about Dr. Brown and her book at https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/say-her-name/9781978831803   You can reac...

In Part 2 of this very special episode of the Culture Beats podcast, I speak with Kim Goodwin Martin, daughter of wrestling legend Marva Scott.  Marva, along with her older sisters Babs Wingo and Ethel Johnson, were the first Black women to integrate professional wrestling in the 1950s.  Kim and I have known each other for years, and she and her family were kind enough to sit down to speak about t...

In this very special episode, I speak with Kim Goodwin Martin, daughter of wrestling legend Marva Scott.  Marva, along with her older sisters Babs Wingo and Ethel Johnson, were the first Black women to integrate professional wrestling in the 1950s. They were the Jackie Robinson of wrestling!  Connect with me at chrisbournea@gmail.com Connect with Kim and find out more information about her mother...

I hope you enjoy Part 2 of my conversation with Ira Cross - filmmaker, actor, model and all-around arts advocate. We share horror stories about our experiences in the entertainment industry as African American models and actors.   Connect with Ira at https://www.instagram.com/iraterrycross/   You can contact me at chrisbournea@gmail.com  Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chrisbourn...