Ride the Omnibus

Ariel, Kim, and Heather talk about the new film Miss Juneteenth (on virtual streaming now), a directorial debut from Channing Godfrey Peoples celebrating the relationship between mothers and daughters, the attempt to live out deferred dreams through the next generation, and the power of having something that is your own. Our discussion ranges from the marginalization of and within the Black community, to the secret culture of debutante balls, to the cyclical nature of toxic relationships.

Ariel, Megan, and Dan break down their shared love for Sondheim's A Little Night Music (1973). They examine the classic show lyrically, musically, dramatically, and thematically, while comparing it to the source material, Ingmar Bergman's film, Smiles of a Summer Night (1955).

Ariel sits down with cinematographer Kuni Ohi to talk about his work in the film industry, both in times of strong creative collaboration and now, in the time of COVID. As one of few filmmakers currently working, he shares his experiences from the field, in-depth discussion of the creative process, and his hopes for the future, discussing the movement to include more people of color at higher levels in the film industry. Discussed (and recommended) projects include: American Bodies; Slave Cry; Something, Anything.

Ride the Omnibus (Trailer)

A continued look at the music of MC PHZ-SICKS, and a conversation about his love of wrestling, Black trauma, and the media's role in the protests and violence against Black bodies. Features the songs Brim Low, DX/NWO, and Riot in My Memory.

Our first segment in a new series, Movers and Shakers, where we interview creators who make a difference in the world about their work. We talk with MC PHZ-SICKS about his music and the progression of his work in the hip-hop genre. This conversation ranges from the influences that have shaped him, to his quest to tackle misogyny in his work, to the processing of black trauma.  Warning: Contains explicit language. All musical content is owned by PHZ-SICKS.

Ariel, Bryan, and Kris close out Horror Week by chatting about Jordan Peele's masterwork of horror, Us, both in its original crafting and through the lens of this moment.  Warning: Explicit language and spoilers for the film are included in this episode.

Ariel, Kim, and Dan dish about Tales from the Hood, discussing the relevance of the film to the current conversation about police brutality, issues with the ways Black people are portrayed in the media, and the use of coded racist language in politics.  WARNING: Contains explicit language and spoilers for the film.

Welcome to Horror Week! Ariel, Sean, and Alex discuss Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror and bring you an overview of the horror tropes, while discussing the power of representation, and the movies and roles that have mattered most to us. Please note: This conversation does contain spoilers for many horror films, but we feel these are essential to the conversation.

Ariel, Ellen, and Sherry sit down to discuss Raoul Peck's I Am Not Your Negro and the words and works of James Baldwin, and how they relate to this moment in American history. Through this documentary and essential quotes, three different generations of educators discuss the importance of Baldwin's work and the imperative to steep oneself in history. Our conversation takes many turns, from the invention of race to the bootstrap myth to the future of our nation, looking within and looking ahead.

A preview to a conversation on the invention of race, bootstraps, and academia, through the work and words of James Baldwin.

Ariel discusses Hypatia of Alexandria with our science nerds, Ellen and Maria, through the lens of Agora, a 2009 biopic starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia. We talk perspective, scientific experimentation, ancient history, as well as conflicts between religion and science, and the importance of the simple act of questioning.

Ariel, Dan, and Mike discuss Susanne Heinrich’s debut feature, Aren’t You Happy?, a film in 15 vignettes about a melancholy maiden moving from one space to the next, in search of a place to crash. Now available on Virtual Cinemas. Warning: Conversation includes spoilers.

Ariel, Dan, and Mike discuss Aren’t You Happy? - the debut film from Susanne Heinrich, a part of the Tales of Europe 2020 Collection, a new release streaming now on Virtual Cinemas through local independent theatres. Everything’s on the table: feminism, sexuality, art, capitalism, babies, and what’s making our wheels go round this week.. Come ride the Omnibus with us!

Ride the Omnibus (Trailer)