The Culture Garden

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast !  Rich is back with Ray P as they dive deeper into the New York Times Top 100 Films of the 21st Century list. This week, we're breaking down films ranked #80–71 — and let’s just say, it's been interesting. From hidden gems to head-scratchers, Rich shares his thoughts on some of the standouts (for better or worse), including one pick he calls &quo...

Welcome back to a brand new episode! 🎙️ This week, Rich and Skool are diving into the 1994 cult classic Little Giants . 🏈💥 They’ll break down their personal connection to the film, why it's stood the test of time over the last 31 years, and what makes it a nostalgic staple for '90s kids. Plus, they’re bringing the heat with some fun behind-the-scenes facts from the set and playing a roun...

**SPOILER ALERT**  Welcome back to a new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! This week, Kieron and Rachel dive into the newly released film Love, Brooklyn . From their theater experience to first impressions, they break down the film’s emotional depth, standout performances by Andre Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise , and how the characters show real emotional maturity in the face of co...

Welcome back to another episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! 🎙️ This week, Kieron, Rachel, and Skool dive into Highest 2 Lowest , the fifth collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. They break down their  theater experiences, share their thoughts on the film’s message, and explore a gripping moral dilemma: Would you risk it all for the sake of a friend? 🤔 Tune in for: In-depth fil...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! In this episode, Rich returns with Ray P to discuss his latest thoughts on the New York Times Top 100 Films list , diving into films ranked #90 through #81 . He shares what he’s learning on this cinematic journey, unpacks the emotional weight and artistic merit of Melancholia , and reveals his favorite film out of the 20 he’s watched so far . Whether...

New podcast alert, Who TF Asked You , the bold new podcast from Skool and co-host Rio, where no opinion is off-limits and the culture is always up for debate. In this episode, the duo dives into the world of cinema—breaking down popular movies they can’t stand and underrated films they swear by . Get ready for hot takes, passionate rants, and a whole lot of real talk. Be sure to subscribe to their...

*Crossover Episode from Another Week in the Books, another podcast hosted by Rich* Welcome back to a new chapter with Another Week in the Books ! This week, Spike Lou and Rich open up about self-doubt, the importance of celebrating your wins, and how deepening personal connections can reshape what friendship really means. It’s a powerful reminder to be kind to yourself as you chase your goals. Tha...

*Crossover Episode from Another Week in the Books, another podcast hosted by Rich* Welcome back to Another Week in the Books ! In Chapter XXXVIII, Spike Lou and Rich sit down with Rich’s close friend and brother, artist Nate Austin , for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation. Nate shares his journey as a creative, the game-changing role his wife played in multiplying his success, and the tough...

Welcome back to another episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! This week, Kieron and Rachel pop open a good bottle of wine and dive deep into the 2020 film Uncorked . Kieron shares the story behind his love of wine, setting the stage for a rich conversation about the film’s central themes — including the freedom to chase your own dreams, the generational gaps between Black men, and how those gaps...

Welcome back to a new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! 🌱🎙️ In this heartfelt episode, Rich and Rachel open with a tribute to the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner , reflecting on his profound impact as an actor, artist, and cultural figure. They honor his legacy and discuss what he meant to multiple generations through his work and presence. Then, the conversation shifts to Rich’s latest cinematic...

Welcome back to another episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, Rich and Skool take a nostalgic dive into their personal DVD collections, unearthing some hidden gems and timeless classics that shaped their love of film. From cult favorites to cultural milestones, each movie holds a story—and the fellas are here to share why these particular films matter so much to them. Whether it’s the...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! In this episode, Kieron and Rachel close out Black Music Month with a deep dive into Lifetime's biopic The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel . They explore the groundbreaking legacy of Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark and her daughters, whose voices and vision forever transformed the gospel music landscape. From the group's iconic harmonies to their cu...

Welcome back to another episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, Kieron and Rachel are celebrating Black Music Month by diving into the 2008 film Cadillac Records . Join us as we break down the all-star cast, explore the real-life inspirations behind the characters, and discuss how this iconic music came to life on screen. From Beyoncé’s best performance with her portrayal  of Etta James...

Welcome to a new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, Rich and Rachel dive into the evolution of the show’s format, embracing a more laid-back, conversational style that brings you closer to the heart of their dialogue. At the center of this episode is the film One of Them Days , starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Rich and Rachel explore the movie’s powerful themes of friendship, financia...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! In this week’s episode, Rich and Rachel are discussing the official launch of the Culture Garden Film Club ! 🎬 This new venture is all about bringing film lovers together to explore the layers, themes, and artistry that make cinema so impactful. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a full-on film buff, the Film Club is your new home. Plus, Rich breaks...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, Rachel and Kieron head back to 2006 and dive into the Denzel Washington-led thriller Déjà Vu . Ironically, the conversation kicks off with a real sense of déjà vu — both hosts recall loving this movie way more than they do now. It’s not bad, just… slower than they remembered. In this episode, we explore the film’s take on time travel, the emo...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, Kieron and Rachel are stepping away from the usual format for a special freestyle conversation on the newly released film Sinners . Join them as they dive deep into the film’s powerhouse ensemble performances and unpack rich themes like the Great Migration, the legacy of the Black Church, and the cultural weight carried by each scene. It’s an...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! It’s Cinco de Mayo weekend—one of the biggest moments on the boxing calendar—and we're celebrating the only way we know how: by diving into a cult classic that punches way above its weight. This week, Rich is joined by Chaz to break down The Great White Hype , a hilarious and satirical look at the boxing world that still hits hard today. Whether you...

Welcome back to another episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week is a personal and heartfelt one, as Kieron takes time to honor his father ahead of the anniversary of his passing. He opens up about his dad’s lasting legacy, his deep love for cinema, and how revisiting some of his father’s favorite films helps him navigate the grief that this season brings. Alongside Skool, the duo dives i...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, Rich and Skool are in the building to break down the 2002 action/comedy I Spy . They’ll dive into Eddie Murphy’s filmography and discuss how a string of box office misfires led him to step away from acting for a while. Of course, they’ll also highlight just how goofy this movie is—touching on its best scenes, funniest quotes, and all the cate...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast ! In this episode, Kieron and Rachel dive into the 2000 film Men of Honor , which chronicles the remarkable journey of Carl Brashear as he strives to become the first African American U.S. Navy Master Diver. Rachel offers a deep dive into the historical context of the time period, shedding light on the intense struggles Carl faced in an environment that w...

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, your hosts Rich and Ray P are diving into Chris Rock’s 2014 film, Top Five . The duo has a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about whether or not this movie deserves "classic" status. They discuss the stellar ensemble cast, the significance of breaking free from the boxes society puts you in, and th...

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! This week, the crew dives into the 25th annual Black Reel Awards, offering their thoughts on the 2024 film year. Was it a "down" year for cinema, or is there more to the story? The crew also explores the evolution and expansion of Black storytelling in film. Of course, they'll break down the award winners and share w...

Welcome back to a brand new episode of The Culture Garden podcast! This week, Rich and Ray P continue Romance Month with a deep dive into the 2023 Netflix film The Perfect Find . Based on Tia Williams’ book, the duo compares the film to the novel, highlighting the key differences and what worked (or didn’t) in the adaptation. Rich shares his doubts about whether there’s “true love” between Jenna a...

Welcome back to another episode of The Culture Garden Podcast ! Rachel and Kieron are continuing Romance Month with a special Valentine’s Day episode, diving into the 2014 film About Last Night . Join them as they explore the film’s origins and its adaptation from the 1986 classic, uncover what makes it so easy to watch and relatable, and Kieron raises an intriguing question about the racial dynam...