Black People Love Paramore
A humorous podcast about the seemingly random, underrepresented interests of different niches of Black people! Episode topics include Paramore, anime, astrology, Tony Hawk, UNO and more. We hope to help Black people feel *scene*... get it? New episodes every other Thursday. With co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and Ryann Graham. Theme song by prod.joelteon. Cover artwork by Pedro Fequiere.
Hocus Pocus
This week, Sequoia, Ryann and Jewel revisit Hocus Pocus in honor of Halloween. They unpack how the Disney movie has become a spooky-season staple, but question whether it's actually a cult classic or if we're all just nostalgic for the Sanderson sisters. Plus, why is this movie so gay-boy coded? Does Bette Midler get her flowers enough? Do we really need another sequel? And is Sequoia secretly a witch? They also show love to director Kenny Ortega, gush over Sarah Jessica Parker’s comedic chops, and decide which celebrities are alleged witches. Tune in for a jam-packed episode full of...
Taylor Swift’s Self-Titled Album 20th Anniversary
This week, Sequoia, Jewel and Ryann revisit Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album in honor of its 20th anniversary. They look back at teenage Taylor’s country music beginnings and early hits like “Our Song” and “Teardrops on My Guitar.” Plus, did Taylor have a real country accent? Why hasn’t her songwriting evolved beyond high school heartbreak? Is she actually upset that we don’t like her? And why is it so hard to be a Black Swiftie? They also get into the “Picture to Burn” controversy, the boyfriends who inspired her best breakup songs (like Jake Gyllenhaal and “All Too Well”...
The Black Parade 20th Anniversary Ft. Ify Nwadiwe
This week, Sequoia and special guest and comedian Ify Nwadiwe celebrate the 20th anniversary of My Chemical Romance’s iconic rock opera concept album, The Black Parade. They unpack the album’s legacy, Gerard Way’s powerful voice, and why its messages about life and death—especially through “The Patient”—still resonate today. Plus, is “Welcome To The Black Parade” the band’s best song? Does “Teenagers” hit differently as you get older? And did The Black Parade help make emo culture mainstream? They also discuss whether Disney rock acts like the Jonas Brothers were a stepping stone to more traditional rock mu...
Insecure 10th Anniversary
This week, Sequoia, Jewel and Ryann celebrate Insecure 10 years after the hit HBO series premiered. They get into the messiness of your late twenties and adult friendships and, of course, Issa and Lawrence’s complicated relationship history. Plus, was Insecure written for Black Twitter? Who was the best match for Issa—Daniel, Nathan, or Lawrence? Was Molly secretly jealous of Issa? And what did the show get right (and wrong) about sex, mental health, and friendship? They also debate whether Los Angeles is a character, where Insecure ranks among other ensemble female comedies, and break out the mirror raps one...
Aaliyah
This week, Sequoia and Jewel celebrate Aaliyah, 25 years after her tragic plane crash. They get into her One in a Million reinvention with Missy Elliott and Timbaland, her iconic effortless streetwear style, and her budding acting career. Plus, they debate who the real sons of Aaliyah are, which songs they simply can’t live without, from “Are You That Somebody?” to “Try Again,” and whether Aaliyah was the blueprint for the R&B cool girl. They get into all this, and more!
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Step Up 20th Anniversary
This week, Sequoia and Ryann revisit Step Up (2006), the dance movie with a banging soundtrack (Ciara's "Get Up”) and that made Channing Tatum a star. They attempt to understand why dance movies were EVERYWHERE in the 2000s, and why Eminem’s popularity fueled the rise of wiggers. Plus, Ryann and Sequoia look at why Black audiences embraced dance movies like Step Up, despite one of their most unfortunate tropes: there’s always a Black kid that has to die. They get into all this, and more!
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The Princess Diaries
This week, Sequoia and Jewel take another look at the 2001 hit The Princess Diaries, adapted from Meg Cabot’s book of the same name. In the process, they reminisce about their own high school experiences, and compare those to “movie trope” ones. Plus, how come girls with glasses are always catchin’ strays? And why is it that Mia’s frizzy hair gets straightened when she gets a makeover?
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...Beyoncé’s Renaissance
This week, Sequoia and Ryann talk Beyoncé’s 2022 album Renaissance. And even though Sequoia will go to the mat to defend Beyoncé’s supremacy as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, living artists today, she puts her beef with the artist on front street. Listen to the episode to see how Ryann and Sequoia rank their favorite songs on the album. Spoiler alert: Their rankings differ.
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NEW VIDEO - Alemeda
Sequoia interviews rising alt-pop singer Alemeda, who wrapped up a six-city tour earlier this year. The Ethiopian-born singer and Sequoia bond over Paramore songs and cats. Alemeda also weighs in on the cat backlash directed at Doechii, with whom she recorded Beat a B!tch Up.
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Sex and the City
This week, Sequoia, Ryann and Jewel dissect the original Sex & the City and things get heated. Sequoia and Jewel are shocked to learn Ryann’s SATC crush. According to Jewel, he “looks like a thumb!” And they ALL have thoughts about Jennifer Hudson playing SJP’s assistant Louise from St. Louis in the first Sex and the City Movie.
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Alemeda
This week, Sequoia interviews rising alt-pop singer Alemeda, who wrapped up a six-city tour earlier this year. The Ethiopian-born singer and Sequoia bond over Paramore songs and cats. Alemeda also weighs in on the cat backlash directed at Doechii, with whom she recorded Beat a B!tch Up.
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This week, Sequoia and Ryann travel back in time to the year they both got pictures of themselves in front of the pink wall and choker necklaces were cool. And the music? Well, 2016 was a very good year. With artists like Drake, Rihanna, Frank Ocean and Beyoncé and so many others at the top of their game, Ryann and Sequoia each had a difficult time choosing only five songs to play at their respective dance parties.
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Shrek
This week, Sequoia and Ryann revisit the original Shrek movie, which has since spawned three other sequels with a fifth movie scheduled for 2027. They get into why the movie was such a success and ask the question: Are Shrek and Fiona really…Black? Plus, can they guess what fairy tale character is speaking from just the audio clip? Find out!
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hemlocke springs interview
Join us for a conversation with host Sequoia Holmes and hemlocke springs! The indie-pop artist behind the viral hit “girlfriend,” known for standout vocals, offbeat lyrics, and a fresh alt-pop sound. We get to know Hemlocke and talk about music, touring, navigating the industry as a Black woman, and favorite Paramore music!!
Check out Hemlocke’s new album the apple tree under the sea, and the upcoming tour!
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Devil Wears Prada
If you’re seeing this before May 1, 2026, the MaxFunDrive is taking place RIGHT NOW, and it’s never been easier to support Black People Love Paramore. If you are not a MaxFun member, and enjoy this show, please take a moment to keep it going for just $5 a month at MaximumFun.org/joinparamore.
In this week’s episode, Sequoia and Jewel revisit Devil Wears Prada twenty years after its release in 2006. What is it about this film that makes it so beloved? Sequoia wonders if Hilary Duff would have made a good Andy (Anne Hathaway’s role). Plus, th...
Casters on Casters: Sequoia Holmes, Ella McLeod, and Dimitry Pompée
It's MaxFunDrive. And here, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters.
Three different coasts are represented in this episode. Recording from Los Angeles is Sequoia Holmes (Black People Love Paramore) on the West Coast of the U.S. Dimitry Pompée (Eurovangelists) joins the conversation from the D.C. area on the East Coast. And nearly 4000 miles east of him, is Ella McLeod (Comfort Creatures) from London. The trio share what it's like behind the scenes, how they got into podcasting, and what t...
Beyoncé’s Lemonade - 10th Anniversary
This week, Sequoia and Ryann are joined by Nadirah, a digital content creator and author of First Things First: Hip-Hop Ladies Who Changed the Game. The trio reflect on the cultural impact of Beyoncé’s seminal album Lemonade, and also attempt to rank her albums and songs from best to…not best.
This album is so important to Sequoia, that she ditched Wikipedia and wrote the topic description from her heart. As Sequoia describes it:
Lemonade is an album by cultural phenom and generational talent Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, where she takes us through a deeply tumultuo...
Card Games
This week, Sequoia and Ryann go deep on card games, and a heated back and forth about Uno nearly upends their friendship. They reveal which card games are played at their family gatherings, and wonder whether Bid Whist is more popular in the midwest than other parts of the country. Plus, what do they call Go Fish in the UK? All this and more in this week’s episode.
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Hannah Montana: 20th Anniversary
On this week’s episode, Sequoia Holmes talks with Amanda and Amber Miller: sisters, hosts of the podcast Fangirl Central, and Hannah Montana fans from day one! They talk about seeing Miley perform as Hannah Montana in her home state of Tennessee, Miley being a kid’s gateway the world of pop and country music, and what they hope to see from the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. All this and more!
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Pokémon 30th Anniversary
This week, Sequoia shows off her encyclopedic knowledge of Pokémon to mark the Japanese media franchise's 30th anniversary. She's joined by co-host Ryann Gilyard and writer/comedian Garrick Bernard. From watching Pokémon on the WB, collecting ALL the cards and weeping, WEEPING, at Pokémon the First Movie, they reminisce about their relationships to the iconic franchise. Plus, Ryan challenges Garrick and Sequoia to a game of Name That Pokémon. All this and more!
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Lizzie McGuire
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker discuss the Disney heavy hitter, Lizzie McGuire, starring Hilary Duff. They get into the nostalgia, the fashion, and pop cultural significance of the show.
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Red Lobster
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss casual fine dining restaurant chains that are popular in pop culture and why we love places like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, & Chili’s so much - All this & more!
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High School Musical: 20 Years Later
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the High School Musical franchise in its 20th year anniversary.
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Kimora Lee Simmons
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker discuss the original influencer - Kimora Lee Simmons. They get into her legacy, the Baby Phat fashion brand, reality television, and family dynamics throughout the years. All this & more!
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Fan Mail
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Ryann Graham and Jewel Wicker read and answer letters sent by YOU, the listeners.
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How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Ryann Graham and Jewel Wicker discuss the beloved Christmas classic, Dr. Suess’How The Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen.
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Soul Food
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the classic film, Soul Food. They get into dysfunctional family dynamics, the complexity of media representation, and justice for Teri! All this & more!
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HIGHLIGHTS
Family Dynamics
Toxic Masculinity
Being the oldest daughter
Black relationship dynamics
Everybody cheatin’
Cousin Faith
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As Told By Ginger
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nickelodeon cartoon show, As Told By Ginger. The two discuss the show’s unique approach to pre teen drama, puberty, middle school and high school nostalgia, and why “In Between” sung by Macy Gray is one of the best theme songs of all time. All this & more!
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Highlights
Ginger’s leg shaving debacle
“In Between” By Macy Gray
Middle School Days
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Twitches
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss Twitches, starring Tia and Tamera Mowry, in its 20th year anniversary. Our hosts get into the series, the best Disney witches, and whether or not Twitches is for millennial audiences or Gen Z. All this and more!
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Twilight
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the Twilight franchise. They get into the books, cult following behind the films, and the cultural impact of the series.
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Gilmore Girls
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and guest co-host, journalist Clarissa Brooks, discuss the iconic TV show, Gilmore Girls, on its 25th year anniversary.
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Highlights
Jewel hates fall
The WB
Helicopter Parenting
Mother / Daughter relationships
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TRL VS. 106 & Park
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss two of the biggest staples of pop culture of the early 2000s, MTV’s TRL and BET’s 106 & Park.
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Highlights
Destiny’s Child to two iconic performances
Ginuwine’s Pony Performance on TRL
Bow Wow Thee 106& Park Host
After school programming in the early 2000s
Top ten music videos of all time
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Miley Cyrus
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and Ryann Graham discuss the incomparable Miley Cyrus - career, growing up in the public eye, and why Miley is a staple in pop culture.
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Highlights
Hannah Montana
Beefin’ with Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato
Bangerz Era
Dolly Parton
Greatest Hits
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Love Island S7 Reunion
In a special bonus episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham go over the Love Island S7 Reunion shenanigans.
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Pop Punk Turns 18
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker have a graduation ceremony for all our favorite emo & pop punk songs that turn 18 this year.
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Highlights
My Chemical Romance
Avril Lavigne
Fall Out Boy
Boys Like Girls
Metro Station
All Time Low
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Freaky Friday
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the beloved early 2000s teen cult classic, Freaky Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jaime Lee Curtis. Our hosts get into the film’s fashion, messy character choices, the iconic soundtrack, and the film’s sequel out this Friday. All this & more!
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Highlights
Ranking Lindsay Lohan’s teen films
Pink Slip
Lindsat Lohan and Hillhary Duff beef
Wango Tango
Production secrets
Which cel...
Camp Rock
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the classic Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, Camp Rock starring Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas.
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Highlights
Camp Rock Soundtracks
Best DCOM Franchises
Cringe Camp Rock Moments
What makes a good movie villain / mean girl?
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Big Brother
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss one of the longest standing reality TV shows of all time: Big Brother, in its 27th season.
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Highlights
Big Brother Memes
Celebrity Big Brother
Big Brother Szn 27
Traitors
Social dynamics of the show
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Love Island S7 (Midseason, USA)
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the Love Island USA Season 7 midseason finale.
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Paris is Burning / Ballroom Culture
On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and Ryan Gilyard discuss the ground breaking documentary, Paris is Burning in its 35th anniversary, and the one of the most influential subcultures in the world: Ballroom Culture.
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Highlights
Voguing
Reclaiming Ballroom Language
Ballroom in Pop culture
Venus Xtravaganza
Rupaul’s Drag Race
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