The Culture Garden

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast!

Kieron and Rachel are joined by Kindra Parker and Rashid Mausi to discuss their upcoming docuseries, Go Black to Africa.

The conversation explores Kindra’s journey from Detroit to becoming a citizen of Ghana, what inspired her to reconnect with the Continent, and how the series aims to give audiences a deeper look at the food, culture, music, people, and everyday experiences of life across Ghana, Botswana, and South Africa.

Rashid also joins the conversation to talk ab...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! This week, Rich and Rachel dive into the 2017 film, Marshall. They discuss why films like this still carry so much importance in 2026, the incredible performance delivered by Chadwick Boseman, why courtroom dramas remain one of the most underrated genres in film, and much more.

We appreciate you for tuning in! Please remember to subscribe, comment, like, and share. Y’all be cool how y’all be cool!

Instagram: @theculturegardenpodcast

Welcome back to a special episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! This week the crew is joined by Executive Director of the Light Reel Film Festival, Tim Gordon, to discuss the upcoming 7th annual event. Tim reflects on seeing the vision for the festival years ago and gives credit to the people who showed him it was possible. He also opens up about what truly separates Light Reel from other festivals, and the impact he hopes the event continues to have on filmmakers and the community alike.

The conversation also dives into what attendees...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! This week the crew revisits the 1997 classic Soul Food. In this episode, they’ll recall their thoughts from episode 12 to see if any perspectives have changed over time, discuss where Soul Food ranks among the legendary films released in 1997, and break down why this movie still holds up nearly 30 years later.

We appreciate you for tuning in. Please be sure to subscribe, comment, like, and share. Y’all be cool how y’all be cool!

Instagram: @theculturegardenpodcast

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! With the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada arriving this weekend, the crew revisits the original that helped define a generation of fashion and workplace drama.

They break down key differences between the novel and the film, revisit how Anne Hathaway landed the role despite being the 9th choice, and examine why this film draws people in, whether they have an interest in fashion or not. 

We appreciate you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe, comment, like, and share.

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast 

This week, the crew dives into the 2003 thriller Out of Time starring Denzel Washington—and the conversation covers a range of topics. Where does this film really rank in Denzel’s catalog? Is it an underrated gem or a forgettable entry in an elite filmography?

Expect a split room, honest takes, and a broader discussion about how the public remembers (or overlooks) certain films over time. This one might have you rethinking where Out of Time belongs.

Tap i...

Welcome to a brand new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! This week, the crew kicks things off with a major announcement you won’t want to miss before Rich and Rachel dive into the 2004 Spike Lee joint She Hate Me.

They break down the film’s layered messaging, question whether its many themes ultimately help or hurt its direction, and ask the real question—was Spike Lee trolling with this one? Expect thoughtful analysis, a few laughs, and an honest conversation about one of his more polarizing films.

We app...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! The break is officially over, and Rich and Skool are back in the garden to talk about the 2018 film Superfly.

With this being their first time watching, they share their initial reactions, highlight what stood out most, and examine how the film holds up on its own. They also pay homage to the original Super Fly, comparing its cultural impact and questioning where the 2018 version fits in terms of legacy.

Tap in for a conversation filled with perspective, critique, and a deeper...

What’s the word, good people?! The Culture Garden Podcast is back later this week, but in the meantime, we’ve got a bonus drop for you. We’re highlighting Skool’s podcast, Who TF Asked You, with an episode from this past December featuring Mo from Childish Grownups.

The crew dives into a nostalgic conversation breaking down their Top 5 Cartoons of All Time—this one is strictly for the stoop kids. From classics to personal favorites, expect strong opinions, real debate, and a lot of laughs along the way.

We appreciate you for tapping in. If you...

Culture Garden is on Spring Break and will be back on April 9th. In the meantime, check out an episode of We Got Y'all discussing Paradise. If you like it, please be sure to subscribe!:

Welcome back to the We Got Y’all television podcast! We’ve reached the penultimate episode of Paradise Season 2, and Rachel and Rich are back to break it all down. This week, they dive into the growing theories surrounding Alex, attempt to untangle the complicated Samantha/Link timeline, and explore fan speculation about parallel timelines and alternate universes. Plus, they...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! 🌹🎙️

Rachel and Kieron are wrapping up the 4th Annual Romance Month with a review of their first animated film, Entergalactic! In this episode, Rachel shares her thoughts after watching the film for the very first time, and the two dive into whether this story would work as a live-action adaptation.

They also explore the film’s connection to classic Black romantic movies, the themes of timing and vulnerability in relationships, and how animation adds a unique layer to modern love stories.

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast!

Rachel and Kieron continue Romance Month with a deep dive into the 1997 indie classic Hav Plenty. They explore the origins of the film and how timing, opportunity, and belief helped turn a $65,000 passion project into a theatrical release.

The conversation also unpacks the complexity of romantic relationships—how love isn’t just about chemistry, but about alignment. Where you are in life, emotionally and professionally, can ultimately determine whether you end up with the person you once thought was “the one.”

<...

Welcome back to the Culture Garden Podcast! The trio is back and honored to highlight the winners of the 26th annual Black Reel Awards. They’ll break down the winners in each category, share who they voted for, and dive into some engaging and thought-provoking discourse about the films and performances that made 2025 such a special year in cinema.

We truly appreciate you for listening, and we want to give a special shoutout to the Black Reel Awards for continuing to create space for the culture. Be sure to support their mission, and y’all...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! Rich and Rachel return for the 4th Annual Romance Month, kicking things off with a conversation about the newly released Relationship Goals. The two dive into their surprise at learning the film is based on Pastor Michael Todd’s book and whether that revelation shifted their expectations going in. They also share their overall thoughts on the film and have a larger conversation about what happened to the Rom-Com genre over the last decade.

We appreciate you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe, comment, like, and sh...

Welcome back to a brand-new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast!

In Episode 140, the trio revisits the 1999 crime drama In Too Deep. The conversation hits close to home as Rich and Skool reflect on their personal connections to the film, especially with parts of it being filmed right in Cincinnati.

They also dive into a fun debate: who belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of rappers turned actors, and ultimately tackle the big question — does In Too Deep deserve classic status?

As always, we appreciate yo...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast 

In Episode 139, Kieron and Skool break down the 2015 coming-of-age film Dope. The conversation connects the dots between the continuing universe that began with Rick Famuyiwa’s The Wood, explores the film’s central theme of refusing to let anyone define you or put you in a box, and gives flowers to an incredible cast that brought this story to life. They also talk about why Los Angeles might be one of the best cities ever captured on screen and how the setting plays a huge role in the f...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! 🌱

We’re kicking off 2026 with a classic as the crew dives into the 2003 sequel Bad Boys II.

In this episode, we discuss where Bad Boys II ranks within the franchise, what it was really like being outside when this movie dropped, and the film’s lasting cultural impact. Of course, we also tackle the big debate: is Mike Lowery the coolest movie character of all time? Plus plenty more laughs, memories, and real-time reflections.

We appreciate you for lis...

Happy New Year from The Culture Garden Podcast!
This week, Kieron and Skool take a moment to reflect on all the movies they watched throughout 2025 and narrow it down to their Top 10 Films of the Year.

Before locking in the list, the conversation kicks off with some fun reflection—highlighting the most surprising films, the most disappointing releases, and a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut. From unexpected gems to films that didn’t live up to the hype, it’s a thoughtful and entertaining look back at the year in film.<...

Ending 2025 with gratitude 🙏🏽
Seeing our Spotify Wrapped for The Culture Garden and We Got Y’all is always humbling. Being part of your weekly listens, your routines, and your conversations means more than we can put into words.

Thank you for letting us share one of our biggest passions with you and for being part of this family. 

Happy New Year — let’s claim that 2026 will be an incredible year for all of us. We’re rooting for you too. 🌱✨

#SpotifyWrapped #PodcastLife #TheCultureGarden #WeGotYall #PodcastCommunity #Grateful #BlackPodca...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! 🎬

In this episode, Kieron, Rachel, and Skool break down the nominations for the 26th Annual Black Reel Awards, set to take place on February 16th, 2026. The crew goes category by category, sharing their thoughts on this year’s nominees, highlighting Sinners and its record-breaking nominations, debating the crowded fields for Outstanding Lead and Supporting Performances, and discussing why it’s so important to continue supporting and uplifting the Black Reel Awards and Black excellence in film and television.

As always, we appreciate you for...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! In this episode, Rich and Skool dive into The New York Times’ list of the Top 100 Films of the 21st Century, breaking down entries ranked 60–51 and what makes each one stand out. From the intensity of Whiplash and the chaos of Uncut Gems to the brilliance of Best in Show, Punch Drunk Love, Inception, Pan’s Labyrinth, Borat, The Favourite, and the powerful 12 Years a Slave, the duo explores performances, themes, and the cultural impact of each film.

The conversation also touches on the subjective nature of rankin...

Welcome to a new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! The trio is back like they never left to break down the 2007 Tyler Perry classic, Why Did I Get Married. This week’s conversation centers on the film’s legacy and where it stands among Tyler Perry’s extensive catalog. They dive into the friend group’s dynamic and their annual couples’ trip, and debate whether Mike might be the most diabolical Tyler Perry villain of all time (and trust us—there are plenty of contenders).

As always, they’ll cover best scenes, quotes, standout momen...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! It’s officially college football season, so Rich and Skool are lacing up to break down the 1998 comedy classic(?) The Waterboy. This week, they dive into Adam Sandler’s incredible run, including his two-lane career as both a legendary comedy actor and an underrated dramatic performer. They’ll talk about where The Waterboy ranks in Sandler’s filmography, the loss of mindless comedies, and plenty more laughs and insights along the way.

We appreciate you for tuning in! Please remember to subscribe, comment, like, and share. Y’all be coo...

Welcome back to a new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! This week, Rich and Skool are joined by Childish Grownups co-host, Mia, for her annual Halloween appearance to discuss the 2005 supernatural thriller The Skeleton Key. The crew dives into why Mia chose the film, what makes it appealing even for non-horror fans, and the clever plot twist that still surprises viewers nearly 20 years later. 

As always, we appreciate you for tuning in! Be sure to comment, subscribe, like, and share. Y’all be cool how y’all be cool!

Ins...

Welcome back to a new episode of The Culture Garden Podcast! 🌿 Rich and Skool are back to break down the next batch of 10 films from the NY Times Top 100 list. This round includes some surprise first watches like Memento, The Hurt Locker, and Little Miss Sunshine, along with a chance to revisit modern classics such as Gone Girl and Oppenheimer. 🎬

If you’re a film lover or a true movie nerd, this one’s for you! Be sure to subscribe, comment, like, and share — and as always, y’all be cool how y’all be cool!

<...

Welcome back to The Culture Garden Podcast! 🌱🎬

In this episode, Rich and Skool are back with exciting news about the upcoming launch of The Culture Garden Film Club – a space for true film lovers to connect, discuss, and dive deeper into the movies that move us.

They also break down all the films they watched in theaters during September and early October, including One Battle After Another, The Smashing Machine, and several others. Expect honest grades, hot takes on whether the films are worth your theater time, and early predictions for Best Lea...

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 "one of the worst films he's ever seen." 🤯

Is the list getting better or just more frustrating? Tune in to find out!

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 round of This or That to see where Little Giants stacks up among other iconic ‘90s kid films.

You don’t want to miss this trip down memory la...

**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 complex relationships.

They also explore how Brooklyn itself feels like a character in the story and discuss the film’s recurring theme of moving forward without looki...

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:

As always, we appreciate you for rockin’ with us! Don’t forget to subscribe, c...

🎙️ 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 you're a film buff or just love great conversations about storytelling and culture, this one’s for you.

🎬 Let us know your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe, comme...

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 YouTube page @skoolanRio and tap in for more unfiltered content.

Enjoy the show!

In...

*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.

Thank you for listening—don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe.

Let’s get be...

*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 but powerful lessons he’s learned about self-worth. He also opens up about how he stays inspired with his art and the downfall of survival mode.

<...

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 shape their lived experiences. They also touch on the film’s originality, emotional depth, and the beauty of forging your own path.

W...

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 journey — watching the New York Times Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century. This episode covers films ranked #100–91, as Rich shares his thoughts on new discoveries, m...

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 performances, or where they were in life when they first watched it, every film has a memory attached—and this episode is all about connecting over those...

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 cultural impact, this conversation celebrates Black artistry, resilience, and faith. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering their story, this episode is a tribute to a family that redefined a genre.

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 to the legacy of the artists on Chess Records, we’re talking about all the things that make this movie a standout favorite.

Tune in for...

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, financial pressure, and self-discovery, all grounded in the rich cultural backdrop of Los Angeles. They reflect on their own childhood experiences and examine how the film...