Culture Beats

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...

 If you grew up loving movies like me, which ones had the most profound effect on you?  Which movies shaped the way you see the world and made you feel that anything was possible, even if you didn’t grow up with money or any kind of privilege?  I reveal the movies that influenced me in that way in this conversation with Ira Cross - filmmaker, actor, model and all-around arts advocate.  Ira shares...

In the second part of this conversation for the “Culture Beats” podcast with Victor Dandridge, a multitalented writer, designer and publisher, we talk about the pros and cons of using AI to design comic books and other content.  We also delve into this question: Is the market oversaturated with comic book movies?  For more information about Victor and his work, visit http://www.vantageinhouse.blog...

In this episode of the “Culture Beats” podcast, I speak with Victor Dandridge, a multitalented writer, designer and publisher about the challenges and rewards of being an independent creative working in the comic book industry.   For more information about Victor and his work, visit http://www.vantageinhouse.blogspot.com/   For more information about me and to get in touch with me, visit Chrisbour...

 In the second part of the conversation between Culture Beats host Chris Bournea and financial coach Diamond Zimmerman, they get into the nitty-gritty of how independent artists and entrepreneurs can pursue their dreams without getting into debt over their heads.  Culture Beats host Chris Bournea can be reached at chrisbournea@gmail.com Diamond Zimmerman can be reached at Diamondcharlena@outlook.c...

The Culture Beats podcast features conversations about pop culture and many other aspects of life. The show is hosted by Chris Bournea, director of the acclaimed "Lady Wrestler" documentary who is also an author and journalist. 

In this premiere episode of the Culture Beats podcast, financial coach Diamond Zimmerman shares tips on how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, save and invest – especially for us independent artists and entrepreneurs! Diamond Zimmerman can be reached at Diamondcharlena@outlook.com Financial literacy resources Diamond Zimmerman would like to share: Books: “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramse...