Shows
Junkie 4 A StoryMale Toxicity In American TV Sitcoms: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)In this episode, I talk about male toxicity as it pertains to TV portrayals of the American family, specifically, the classic sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, starring Will Smith. This 90s sitsom was enjoyed in most American households but I want to point out some parenting and insubordinate moments that should have been addressed in the storylines.
2023-06-0422 minJunkie 4 A StoryHow A Black Man Died Of Old Age: Sidney Poitier
In this episode, I talk about actor Sidney Poitier and his brush with death, including a time when he and fellow actor Harry Belafonte were nearly killed in the 1960s South.
2023-05-2821 minJunkie 4 A StoryCelebrity True-Crime w/Queen of Disco Donna Summer: The Multiple Threats to her LifeIn this episode, I talk about the Queen of Disco Donna Summer and the three, almost fatal attempts on her life. These stories come from her memoir, Ordinary Girl: The Journey.
For more info about her memoir, click the link below:
Ordinary Girl: The Journey by Donna Summer, Marc Eliot | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
2023-05-2114 minJunkie 4 A StoryJanet Jackson Is Beloved for Her Music But When Are We Getting A Thriller FilmIn this episode, I talk about Janet Jackson's film roles and which role I would like to see her play next. I also mention some thriller books.
For more info on the books mentioned in this video, click the links below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063029101
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780593479827
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063118454
2023-05-1624 minJunkie 4 A StoryHip Hop Video Vixen Karrine Stephens Is Back With Fictional Superhead TalesIn this episode, I talk about video vixen Karrine Steffans and her memoir, Confessions of A Video Vixen.
For more info on this book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780060892487
2023-05-1413 minJunkie 4 A StoryJennifer Bonjean Appeals R. Kelly's 2021 Conviction & Slow Ghosting Bad Behaving CelebritiesIn this episode, I talk about R&B legend R. Kelly and his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean appealing his 2021 Federal conviction. I also talk about male celebrities employing female attorneys to defend them in sex crime cases and slow ghosting bad behaving celebrities vs. canceling them.
2023-05-0718 minJunkie 4 A StoryJulia Roberts: America's Sweetheart Who Knew How To break Hearts & MarriagesIn this episode, I talk about actress and RomCom queen, Julia Roberts and her salacious love life.
For more info on the books mentioned, click the link below:
https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/julia-her-life-9780312285654
https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/julia-roberts-america-s-sweetheart-9781932270099
2023-04-3043 minJunkie 4 A StoryStone Cold Fox by Rachel Croft Croft Will Have You Rooting For The Girl Who Doesn't Make Nice With Other Girls Book reviewIn this episode, I review the debut, thriller novel, Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft.
For more info about the book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780593547502
2023-04-2309 minJunkie 4 A StoryCicely Tyson Went From The Woman, To The Other Woman, To Jazz Musician Miles Davis' Final WifeIn this episode, I talk about Cicely Tyson and her short-lived marriage from a teen pregnancy. She had a brief romance with jazz singer Miles Davis before he married his second wife, Betty Mabry. Then they rekindled their romance and went on to live in marital strife. I use both of their autobiographies to tell of their turbulent years together.
For more info on both books, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781451643183
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780062931061
2023-04-1628 minJunkie 4 A StoryBob Johnson Romantically Exploited Debra Lee At BET To Keep Her From Asking For Her WorthIn this episode, I talk about former BET Entertainment CEO, Debra Lee and her turbulent professional and personal relationship with founder, Bob Johnson.
For more info about her new memoir, I am Debra Lee click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780306828591
2023-04-0915 minJunkie 4 A StoryHow Casablanca Records Kept Donna Summer's Dim All The Lights From Reaching No. 1In this episode, I talk about Queen of Disco, Donna Summer and the number one single she should have had with Dim All The Lights. It never reached its peak because of the release of No More Tears (Enough is Enough) with Barbra Streisand, which went on to become number one.
2023-04-0222 minJunkie 4 A StoryActress Mo’Nique Is No Longer Blacklisted, But Was It Worth It? The Reading movie review (2023)In this episode, I talk about actress Mo’Nique and her blacklisting status in Hollywood getting revoked. I also review her new film,The Reading (2023) on BET.
For more info about the book mentioned in this episode, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780306828591
2023-03-2612 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Decline of Sex Symbol Raquel Welch's Film CareerIn this episode, I talk about actress Raquel Welch and the decline of her film career. I also reference her semi autobiography, Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage for some of the details and stories.
For more info on the books discussed, click the link below:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/raquel-raquel-welch/1100389029?ean=9781602861367
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elizabeth-taylor-kate-andersen-brower/1141113083?ean=9780063067653
2023-03-1927 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Scandalous Affair That Kept Elizabeth Taylor From Winning An OscarIn this episode, I talk about the recently released bio about actress Elizabeth Taylor and her affairs and marriages. For more info on the book, Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit & Glamour of an Icon by Kate Anderson Brower, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063067653
2023-03-1227 minJunkie 4 A StoryA Forgotten Blaxploitation Horror Film That Explores Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Personalities In The GhettoIn this episode, I talk about Blaxploitation films and more specifically, Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde (1976). I also talk about the classic novella that the film is loosely based on, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886).
2023-03-0526 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Exes, Oh No's, And Tommy Lee Effect On Pamela Anderson: Love, Pamela MemoirIn this episode, I talk about Pamela Anderson's memoir, Love, Pamela.
For more info about the book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063226562
2023-02-2622 minJunkie 4 A StoryHow A Drug-Free Pam Grier Got Cocaine In Her SystemIn this episode, I talk about actress, Pam Grier. Her 2010 autobiography, Foxy: My Life In Three Acts, is in preproduction for a film adaptation; there is no release date or casting news--as of the time of this recording.
For more info about the book, click the link below:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/foxy-pam-grier/1101094896?ean=9780446564700
2023-02-2245 minJunkie 4 A StoryYour Place Or Mine? Either Way Reese Couldn't Save The Stale Chemistry She Had With Ashton KutcherIn this episode, I review the new film on Netflix, Your Place Or Mine.
2023-02-1912 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Essential Dick Gregory Is Something We Could All Benefit FromIn this episode, I review The Essential Dick Gregory, edited by his son Christian Gregory. This book is a collection of his stand-up routines, lectures, speeches, interviews, etc.
For more info about this book, you can click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780062879202
2023-02-1514 minJunkie 4 A StoryWhen #MeToo Influences FOMO Literary Voices: The Big Hurt by Erica SchickelIn this episode, I talk about Erica Schickel and her need to be a part of the #MeToo movement, whether she has a #MeToo story to tell. I also review her memoir, The Big Hurt.
For more info about the book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780306925054
2023-02-1228 min
Junkie 4 A StoryQueen of Funk, Betty Davis Did Not Get Between The Sheets With Rock Star, Jimi Hendrix; Or Did She?Queen of Funk, Betty Davis passed away on February 9, 2022. That is when I first learned who she was. Her ex-husband, musician Miles Davis accused her of having an affair with rocker, Jimi Hendrix during their marriage. I'm going to sort through the autobiographies and biography to draw my own conclusion.
For more info on the books I mention in this video, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780062931061
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781451643183
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781324091073
2023-02-0832 minJunkie 4 A StoryIf You Had To, Hell Isn't Enough An Incentive To Provoke Good Behavior: Sign Here by Claudia LuxIn this episode, I talk about the TV series, Evil, The Screwtape Letters, and Sign Here, the debut novel by Claudia Lux.
For more info about Sign Here, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780593545768
2023-02-0511 minJunkie 4 A StoryCicely Tyson Denounced Blaxploitation, But Did She Do Any Better for Black Stereotypes in FilmsIn this episode, I talk about actress Cicely Tyson and some of the films she made during the Blaxploitation era. The filma mentioned are: Sounder (1972), The River Niger (1976), and A Hero Ain't Nothin' But A Sandwich (1977).
For more info about her autobiography, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780062931061
2023-02-0131 minJunkie 4 A StoryA Jew Invites A Black Muslim Over For Dinner, What Could Go Wrong With "You People"?In this episode, I review the film, You People (2023), streaming on Netflix. This film stars Eddie Murphy, Jonah Hill, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Lauren London; it is directed by Kenya Barris.
2023-01-2913 minJunkie 4 A StoryWho Needs A Celebrity Memoir From Geena Davis When There Is Social MediaIn this episode, I question the need for celebrity memoirs and biographies in the social media era. I also review actress, Geena Davis memoir, Dying Of Politeness.
For more info on the book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063119130
2023-01-2224 minJunkie 4 A StoryShe Said: Why Major Audiences Shy Away From #MeToo Investigative Journalism Films That Are Too FemaleIn this episode, I talk about some popular and classic investigative, journalism films and compare them to the recent addition to the genre: She Said. I also speculate on why She Said bombed at the box office in 2022.
Here is a link for more info about the book, She Said:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780525560364
2023-01-1536 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Love/Hate Square That Is Netflix’s Dead To MeIn this episode, I talk about the four essential people entangled in this murderous square that is, Dead To Me.
2022-12-2517 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Missing Crypto Queen is the AntiCinderella Story About Greed And Betting On The Wrong WomanIn this episode, I review The Missing Crypto Queen by Jamie Bartlett.
For more info about this nonfiction book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780306829161
2022-11-3011 minJunkie 4 A StoryShould You Trust Bethenny Frankel For Book RecsIn this episode, I read and review Bethenny Frankel's book recommendations and judge the housewife's reading taste.
For more info on the books, here is a link to the interview:
Bethenny Frankel’s favorite recent reads (amazon.com)
2022-10-3130 minJunkie 4 A StoryCan Julia Roberts And George Clooney Revive RomCom CinemaIn this video, I review the new film release, Ticket To Paradise, starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney.
2022-10-2612 minJunkie 4 A StoryNot Another Crypto Romance From Emily HenryIn this video, I talk about my history with reading what Emily Henry calls romance. Then I review the author's latest release, Book Lovers. Other books mentioned in this video are People We Meet On Vacation and Beach Read.
Book Lovers (Paperback) | Joseph-Beth Booksellers (josephbeth.com)
2022-10-2317 minJunkie 4 A StoryLuckiest Girl Alive: The Movie Was Better, Or Was ItMila Kunis new film, Luckiest Girl Alive has remained in the top ten on Netflix for weeks but is the book better?
For more info on the book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781476789644
2022-10-1931 minJunkie 4 A StoryIf Queen Meryl Can Do It, Nobody CanI review Queen Meryl:The Iconic Roles, Heroic Deeds, and Legendary Life of Meryl Streep by Erin Carlson.
For more info about the book, click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780316485272
2022-10-1615 minJunkie 4 A StoryPatience Is A Subtle Thief book reviewIn this episode I review the coming of age novel, Patience Is A Subtle Thief by debut author, Abi Ishola Ayodeji.
Here is a link for more info on the book:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063116917
2022-10-1215 minJunkie 4 A StoryFour Books & A Movie: Only Murders In The Building & Opinions On Non Fiction ReadsIn this episode, I talk about one of my favorite TV series, Only Murders In The Building on Hulu and the season 2 release; I also review some nonfiction recent reads. Books reviewed are: The Defense Lawyer by James Patterson; The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora; Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones; and The Founders by Jimmi Soni.
Here is a link for more info on the books reviewed in this episode:
https://bookshop.org/lists/non-fiction-13d12d7c-91f6-465a-a6c7-a80367a6e7d2
2022-10-0946 minJunkie 4 A StoryReal-Life Rock Bands & Stars Who Have Daisy Jones & The Six Stories To TellIn this episode, I review Taylor Jenkins Reid novel, Daisy Jones & The Six and talk about some legendary bands that have similar history. Bands and rock stars mentioned are: Lenny Kravitz, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, Rage Against The Machine, and Heart.
Here is a link for more info on the book:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781524798642
2022-10-0528 minJunkie 4 A StoryDid This C Student Understand The Plot Of Project Hail Mary?In this episode, I talk about my hesitance to read science fiction and also review Andy Weir's latest novel, Project Hail Mary.
Here is a link to the book for more info:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780593135204
2022-09-2820 minJunkie 4 A StoryHonk For Jesus, Save Your Soul And Lose Your Religious Mind In The ProcessIn this episode, I review the film Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul, starring Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown. I also mention some related celebrities such as, R. Kelly, and pastors Eddie Long and Lamor Whitehead and the uprising of Pastor Hustle culture.
2022-09-1117 minJunkie 4 A StoryIf Sex & The City Had A Male Lead, It Would BeIn this episode, I review the Netflix series, Uncoupled. I talk about the star Neil Patrick Harris and the supporting cast: Tisha Campbell, Marcia Gay Harden, Tuc Watkins, and Emerson Brooks.
2022-08-3114 minJunkie 4 A StoryMad Max: Fury Road Took Blood, Sweat, & Tears To Become A ClassicIn this episode, I review the book, Blood, Sweat, And Tears: The Wild And True Story Of Mad Max: Fury Road by Kyle Buchanan. I also talk about the antics that happened to explain the 20 plus years it took for filmmaker George Miller to get Fury Road made.
Here is a link for more info on the book:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780063084346
2022-08-2125 minJunkie 4 A StoryShould You Judge An Author By Their Interview: Thriller EditionIn this episode, I talk about my method of judging authors by their interviews and whether that is an effective way to gauge if I will like their storytelling. Books and authors reviewed are: The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen; I'll Be You by Janelle Brown; and Under Her Care by Lucinda Berry.
You can check out these books (with the exception of Under Her Care) at Junkie 4 A Story Bookshop:
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
2022-08-1736 minJunkie 4 A StoryNew Competition Show For Unknown Writers And The Rockstar Treatment They Have Been Getting In Recent YearsIn this episode, I talk about the new competition show for unknown writers and how authors have become the new rockstars; or was it always that way? I also ask you, who would be your Mt Rushmore of authors?
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/89842-publishing-gets-the-reality-show-treatment-with-america-s-next-great-author.html
2022-08-0714 minJunkie 4 A StoryOcean 8 screenplay reviewIn this episode, I talk about the book The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart and the Oceans 8 movie and review the screenplay.
For more info about the book, here is a link:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780393867756
2022-08-0328 minJunkie 4 A StoryDopesick Recieved 14 Emmy Nominations But What Are People Saying About Beth Macy's Book?In this episode, I talk about the Hulu original TV series Dopesick and the 14 Emmy nominations it received. I also talk about the book, Empire Of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe and review the book Dopesick from author Beth Macy (the source of the TV series) and compare the differences between the two books.
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780385545686
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780316551304
2022-07-3113 minJunkie 4 A StoryGod's Favorite Idiot Is Almost The Best Forgotten Comedy Of 2022In this episode, I review the Netflix original, God's Favorite Idiot. Actors Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone team up for Evangelical satire but does it work?
2022-07-2722 minJunkie 4 A StoryIs Sandra Oh The Only Asian Actress Good Enough For Dramatic Roles?In this episode, I review Sandra Oh's new film, Umma available on Netflix. I also talk about the scarcity of Asian actresses in Hollywood who get these kinds of dramatic roles.
2022-07-2410 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Chicks 2022 Tour And How The Ladies Survived Cancel Culture Before It Was A Real ProblemYet another correction. In a previous video, I talked about the book Her Country by Marissa R. Moss country trio, The Chicks. I did some research to find out where The Chicks are today. That's when I learned that they haven't stopped being the rocking, Chicks that they are.
2022-07-2012 minJunkie 4 A StoryMarissa R. Moss's Her Country, Country Music Going Black And The 10 Percenters Of The Music GenreI'm talking about the recently published book, Her Country by Marissa R. Moss, country singers: Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris. I also talk about getting Dixie'd, and Country music welcoming Black artists like Mickey Guyton and R&B icon Monica.
For more information about the book:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781250793591
2022-07-1716 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe #MenToo And Female Tax Are Why We're Still Talking About Anna DelveyIn this episode, I talk about the Inventing Anna limited series and podcast. I also talk about the book, The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart and Anne Hathaway and internal misogny in Hollywood.
Here is a link for more info about the book:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9780393867756
2022-07-1325 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Art Of Fake Outrage And Evil TV Series Is Worth The Paramount Plus SubscriptionIn this video, I talk about the writing and producing team, Robert King and Michelle King; the Joe Rogan scandal and fake outrage; and TV series: The Good Wife, The Good Fight, & Evil on Paramount Plus.
2022-07-1022 minJunkie 4 A StoryDorothy Dandridge, The Black Marilyn Monroe, Gets A Musical At Carnegie HallIn this video, I talk in detail about actress Dorothy Dandridge and the striking resemblance of her tragic life and that of Marilyn Monroe. I also talk about the upcoming musical, The Songs Of Dorothy Dandridge that is coming to Carnegie Hall.
https://www.dorothydandridgemusical.com
2022-07-0626 minJunkie 4 A StoryBlack Actresses In Hollywood Who Struggle With Mental IllnessIn this episode, I talk about the inspiration behind my debut novel Girl Most Unlikely (2022). Actresses Lisa Nicole Carson and Dorothy Dandridge are also mentioned.
2022-07-0313 minJunkie 4 A StorySandra Bullock Mocks The Romance Genre In The Lost City & Vanity Fair's 33 Best RomComsI talk about Sandra Bullock's return to the romantic comedy genre with the film The Lost City (2022), her chemistry with Channing Tatum and Brad Pitt's cameo appearance. I also, react to Vanity Fair's list of 33 best romantic comedies of all time.
2022-06-2925 minJunkie 4 A StoryA Review Of Monica Ali's Love Marriage And Talks Of A BBC TV AdaptationThis is a book review of the adult novel Love Marriage by Monica Ali. Also, I talk about the TV adaptation the author is working on for BBC.
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
2022-06-2620 minJunkie 4 A StoryCan Black Hollywood Deliver A Titillating Erotic Thriller Film In 2023?Black Hollywood has got the romcom and crime genres on lock, but can they deliver a good erotic thriller? Now we have had some erotic thrillers in the past, but it has been some years. In this episode, I delve into the classics of this genre–provided by Hollywood–then ask the question, when will Black Hollywood give us something to celebrate?
2022-06-2217 minJunkie 4 A StoryFrom Hollywood With Love: Circle Jerks Of Romantic ComediesRomantic comedies of the 80s, 90s, and 00s have captured moviegoers hearts but Hollywood for whatever reason, has neglected this genre in recent years. In this episode, I talk about the jerks in the movies we love that made the “prince charming” oh so much more charming in comparison.
Movies mentioned are: Friends With Benefits, When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman, Bridget Jones Diary, and Waiting To Exhale.
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
2022-06-1919 minJunkie 4 A StoryWhat If Bill Clinton And Hillary Rodham Never Married And The Monica Lewinsky Scandal Never HappenedIt’s 1971, and Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton are madly in love. But, she learns of his weaknesses and proposes they have a separation before committing to marriage. This is a review of the novel, Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld. I also talk about the real life marriage of Hillary and Bill Clinton; the Monica Lewinsky scandal; and the second president in American history to be impeached.
Here is the link for the book:
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
2022-06-1514 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe 30th Anniversary Of Waiting To Exhale And Black On Black CriticismThis is a review of the book and film, Waiting To Exhale, its success over the years, and the criticism it endured from its own community. I mention some of the men of the film, Wesley Snipes and Daniel Haysbert. I also talk about the essay, Mock Feminism from her essay collection, Reel To Real: Race, Class, and Sex At The Movies.
Here is the link for further details on the books I mentioned:
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
2022-06-1230 minJunkie 4 A StoryInsta Buy/Pass Challenge Of Some Bestsellers From Colleen Hoover, Bethany C. Morrow, And OthersIn this episode, I cover what makes me interested in a book: cover, synopsis, author; how that can also turn me off of a book; and certain topics/tropes I am choosing to take a break from, temporarily. The books mentioned are: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover; Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow; The Kindest Lie Nancy Johnson; and This Way Out Tufayel Ahmed.
Here are the links to the books I discussed in this video:
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
https://www.amazon.com/This-Way-Out-Tufayel-Ahmed-ebook/dp/B09D3JC...
2022-06-0835 minJunkie 4 A StoryMelissa Febos Essay Collection Body Work Gives Women The Voice To Tell Their StoryThis is a chatty review of Body Work: the new essay collection from Melissa Febos.
2022-06-0511 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Plot, Plagiarism, Ambitions, & Envy Can Cause An Author To Commit Literary ThieveryIn this episode, I talk about author Jumi Bello's plagiarism scandal and the canceling of her debut novel, The Leaving. I also review the adult thriller, The Plot, from author Jean Hanff Korelitz.
2022-06-0129 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Lincoln Lawyer Review & Netflix Wants Us To Stream Like It’s 1999In this episode, I review the Netflix series, The Lincoln Lawyer, and the limited series Clickbait. I also talk about the changes we may see coming to Netflix. The Lincoln Lawyer series is based on the second book, The Brass Verdict in the series [by the same name] by author, Michael Connelly.
Here is my affiliate link to the book for further details:
https://bookshop.org/a/83281/9781455567393
2022-05-2915 minJunkie 4 A StoryIf You Like Stories That Leave You With More Questions Than Answers, Watch The Janet Jackson Documentary On LifetimeThis is a review of the Janet Jackson documentary that is available on Lifetime and A&E. I talk about some of the headlines surrounding the Jackson musical family and Janet’s way of not telling the story while telling the story. I also share my thoughts on the superbowl debacle and the hint of a reunion between Miss Jackson and the NFL.
2022-05-1620 minJunkie 4 A StoryFive Movie Recs To Provoke A Specific ConversationIn this episode, I give five movie recommendations to provoke specific conversations to have with a loved one or spouse.
2022-04-2618 minJunkie 4 A StoryNetflix Taps Queen Of RomComs, Meg Ryan To Direct A Lady's Guide To Selling Out: A Romance With A #MeToo EdgeMeg Ryan has been absent from the big screen for some time. With recent news, confirmed by Netflix, that she is set to direct, A lady's Guide To Selling Out, she is back in the spotlight. Although, there is no word yet on whether she will grace us with her smart humor in front of the camera as well, we can look forward to her direction in this romcom that tackles MeToo networks and the reliable happily ever after that audiences love.
If you are interested in the source for this adaptation, here is the link to r...
2022-04-2408 minJunkie 4 A StoryCan You Trust Netflix Recs And The More Like This Feature?In this episode, I review three Netflix films: Windfall, I Don't Feel Safe In This World Anymore, and In For Murder. I also discuss the More Like This feature and whether it is helpful.
2022-04-1914 minJunkie 4 A StoryA Lady's Guide To Selling Out By Sally Franson | Book ReviewThis is a book review of the debut novel, A Lady's Guide To Selling Out by Sally Franson. I also mention an essay collection that Franson's latest writing is in, Letters To A Stranger, edited by Colleen Kinder with a foreword by Leslie Jamison.
https://bookshop.org/shop/Junkie_4_A_Story
2022-04-1707 minJunkie 4 A StoryNetflix Gives The Greenlight For The Shondaland Adaptation Of The Residence By Kate Anderson BrowerIn this episode, I speculate about the upcoming series, The Residence to be released on the Netflix platform. I also discuss the book, The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower, which is the original source for the murder mystery.
https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/The-Residence--Inside-the-Private-World-of-the-White-House-9780062305206
2022-04-1209 minJunkie 4 A StoryBook Review | Twisted: The History of Black Hair Culture By Emma DabiriThis is a book review.
Here is the link for more info:
https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Tangled-History-Black-Culture/dp/0062966723/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H9CL9UERKEE0&keywords=twisted+emma+dabiri&qid=1647046362&s=books&sprefix=twisted+emma%2Cstripbooks%2C580&sr=1-1
2022-04-1006 minJunkie 4 A StoryCODA And Cast Elevate Sign Language Improv Acting To Oscar GoldThis is a review of the Apple Original film, CODA and the inspiration behind it.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/08/12/coda-marlee-matlin-fought-star-deaf-actors-lauded-film/5563441001/
2022-04-0519 minJunkie 4 A StorySingle Black Female: Lifetime Let's Raven Goodwin Be The Dumb Black Girl And Amber Riley The VillainSingle Black Female was a massive ratings success on Lifetime when it debut. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the film and Black actors in thrillers.
2022-04-0309 minJunkie 4 A StoryWhy Jessica Chastain’s Oscar Win Is Good For Women And Her Allyship With The LGBTQ Community Extends Beyond Her Tammy Faye Baker RoleThis is a chat about actress, Jessica Chastain and why I am a fan of hers'. Her Oscar win provoked me to talk about her allyship with the LGBTQ community and how looking out for other actresses makes her one of a kind.
In this video I misspoke by stating that the film Chastain and Spencer worked on together was The Shape Of Water. It was not disclosed in the article which film Chastain negotiated a higher salary for. I apologize for the inaccurate information.
In this video, I discuss her salary negotiation for actress, O...
2022-03-2908 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Ivy League Experience Comes To A Horrific End For Regina Hall And Zoe Renee In Master: An Amazon Original FilmThis is a review of the Amazon Original film, Master. Regina Hall and Zoe Renee share ominous experiences at an Ivy League college in New England while one of their own is aiding in the proslavery and racists attacks against Black students and faculty members on campus.
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Regina-Hall/dp/B09KKM71BK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9PUN3DN0VAKP&keywords=master+film&qid=1648351700&s=instant-video&sprefix=master+film%2Cinstant-video%2C202&sr=1-1
2022-03-2611 minJunkie 4 A StoryYale Becoming Coed In 1969 Contributed To The MeToo Reckoning Of The 21st CenturyA reluctant president did his best to negate efforts to turn Yale University into a coed institution. This is a chat about Yale becoming coed, begrudgingly, in 1969 to follow the direction American society was moving in. My thoughts are based on the book, Yale Needs Women by Anne Gardiner Perkins.
Here is the link for more info on the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Needs-Women-Rewrote-League-ebook/dp/B07T7YHYXS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CRXRPALAZU9Z&keywords=yale+needs+women+by+anne+gardiner&qid=1647964451&sprefix=yale+nee%2Caps%2C272&sr=8-1
2022-03-2220 minJunkie 4 A StoryTell Me An Ending Shows That Memory Removal Won't Solve Mental IllnessThis is a review/chat about the debut novel from Jo Harkin, Tell Me An Ending.
https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-Ending-Jo-Harkin-ebook/dp/B0984P44DS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1N17YOJ1T097S&keywords=tell+me+an+ending&qid=1647733038&s=books&sprefix=tell+me+an+%2Cstripbooks%2C226&sr=1-1
2022-03-2019 minJunkie 4 A StoryPamela Anderson Is Not Interested In The Pam And Tommy Series On Hulu SeriesActress Pamela Anderson and rocker Tommy Lee are at the center of the sextape scandal portrayed in the Hulu limited series. Showrunner Robert Siegel and the leading stars: Lilly James and Sebastian Stan, attempts to get the former Baywatch star's perspective were ignored. This is my take on the limited series.
https://ew.com/tv/pam-and-tommy-made-without-pamela-anderson/
This is the original article, from Rolling Stones magazine, that the limited series is based on.
https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/pam-and-tommy-the-untold-story-of-the-worlds-most-infamous-sex-tape-194776/
2022-03-1517 minJunkie 4 A StoryWhile Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams | Book ReviewThis is a book review of American politician, Stacey Abrams' adult, political thriller, While Justice Sleeps.
https://www.amazon.com/While-Justice-Sleeps-Stacey-Abrams-ebook/dp/B08KSRQ7L1/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1646603692&sr=8-1
2022-03-1310 minJunkie 4 A StoryHow Gender Politics Forced Nellie McKay To Pose As A Single WomanThis is a book review of Half In Shadow: The Life and Legacy of Nellie Y. McKay by Shanna Greene Benjamin.
Here is the link to purchase book:
https://www.amazon.com/Half-Shadow-Legacy-Nellie-Mckay/dp/1469662531/ref=sr_1_2?crid=LPQG4BST32TH&keywords=half+in+shadow&qid=1646502513&s=books&sprefix=half+in+shadow%2Cstripbooks%2C98&sr=1-2
2022-03-0810 minJunkie 4 A StoryAll Her Little Secrets By Wanda M. Morris | Book ReviewThis is a book review of All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris. This is the author's debut novel.
https://www.amazon.com/All-Her-Little-Secrets-Novel-ebook/dp/B08RZ5T3SH/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
2022-03-0614 minJunkie 4 A StoryEmpathy Tourism In The Wake Of The MeToo MovementThis is in response to the Vulture.com article by Kathryn VanArendonk. I discuss the growing trend of the redemption arc and revisiting women who were publicly shamed and humiliated. https://www.vulture.com/article/womens-redemption-plot.html
2022-03-0117 minJunkie 4 A StoryI know Why You're Not Reading Ashes Of Gold By J ElleThis is a book review of The Wings Of Ebony duology, recommending Ashes of Gold by J Elle.
https://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Gold-Wings-Ebony-Elle/dp/1534470700/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2UE5C7CQ8TUIR&keywords=ashes+of+gold&qid=1645974757&sprefix=ashes+of+gold%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUlZaOUlFWUYwNVEyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzE2NTU4MlpYSVk5WTdVUUJTWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDUyNjY2MjFWRzZKUEY4MzRPSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
2022-02-2716 minJunkie 4 A StoryThe Great Integration Of The American Dream For Black People In The 1960s: Apple Original Movie, The BankerTwo Black entrepreneurs use their wealth and business savvy to integrate American Home lending in the 1960s with the help of some good White folks. This is a review of the Apple original movie, The Banker starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long, and Nicholas Hoult.
2022-02-2314 minJunkie 4 A StoryComedian Mo'Nique's Las Vegas Residency And How Her Anti-Tokenism Stance Leaves Her Blacklisted In HollywoodComedian Monique has been battling, for years, with Tyler Perry, Oprah, and Lee Daniels. She blames them for her being blacklisted in Hollywood since the movie Precious. She also stays in the news for her ongoing lawsuit with Netflix. I give my opinion on what’s happening.
2022-02-2118 minJunkie 4 A StoryHow A Black Man Died Of Old Age: Dick GregoryThis episode summarizes three events in comedian and political activist, Dick Gregory's life that could have met him with an early demise but he managed to escape it.
These are the sources I used for this episode, in case you want to take a closer look at Dick Gregory's life.
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/10/18/Dick-Gregory-finds-business-dispute-no-laughing-matter/7710593150400/
Cooksey, Gloria. "Dick Gregory." The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Thematic Series: The 1960s, edited by William L. O'Neill and Kenneth T. Jackson, Charles Scribner's Sons, 2003. Gale In Context: Biography, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K3436600217/BIC?u...
2022-02-1522 minJunkie 4 A StoryNetflix's, "Inventing Anna" Tells The Story Of How Anna Delvey Took Becoming The "It" Girl Too FarThis is a review of the number one show on Netflix currently, Inventing Anna. This series is based on the New York Magazine article, How An Aspiring "It" Girl Tricked New York's Party People by Jessica Pressler, who is also a producer on the series.
2022-02-1312 minJunkie 4 A StoryBook Review: The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, And History Of American Comedy by Kliph NesteroffThis is a review of the book, The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, and the history of American Comedy by Kliph Nesteroff.
https://www.amazon.com/Comedians-Thieves-Scoundrels-History-American-ebook/dp/B00XAQ1O7Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19GI4UJK2PQAK&keywords=the+comedians&qid=1643586444&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+comedians%2Cdigital-text%2C94&sr=1-1
2022-02-0817 minJunkie 4 A StoryBook Review In 360: Base Notes by Lara Elena DonnellyThis is a review of Base Notes by Lara Elena Donnelly. This is a serial killer, psychological thriller by a nebula-nominated author.
https://www.amazon.com/Base-Notes-Lara-Elena-Donnelly-ebook/dp/B091PRWHR6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=68KME73VUWLR&keywords=base+notes+lara+elena+donnelly&qid=1644171717&sprefix=base+note%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1
2022-02-0606 minJunkie 4 A StoryCan The Recent Match.com Study Influence Hollywood To Update Its Romcom Formula?In this episode, I go over the results of the Match.com study. This study includes U.S. singles to gather information about their dating behavior and mindsets on long-term relationships. I take it a step further and ask the question, can this Match.com study influence Hollywood to update the romcom storylines to reflect sentiments of singles in the 21st century?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-new-home/202201/new-research-life-satisfaction-among-single-people
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/singles-in-america-match-releases-largest-study-on-us-single-population-for-11th-year-301419590.html
https://www.amazon.com/Singlism-Bella-DePaulo-ebook/dp/B0054S70E2/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=faS5f...
2022-02-0131 minJunkie 4 A StoryReview Of Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The WindowThis is a review of the original Netflix series, Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window. It is currently a top ten on the streaming platform. For good reason? possibly. This is a spoof of The Woman In The Window starring Amy Adams and also on Netflix.
2022-01-3016 minJunkie 4 A StoryWho's Responsible For The Takedown of NY Governor, Andrew Cuomo?The 56th governor of NY, Andrew Cuomo, finally resigned from office on August 10th of 2021, after numerous allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and the nursing home scandal. This fall from grace was calculated and while I don't have the answers to when Cuomo's downfall was hinted at, I do speculate on who was part of the takedown of the governor and his scandalous personality.
https://www.newsweek.com/how-long-has-andrew-cuomo-been-new-york-governor-when-he-reelection-1570215
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/19/nyregion/cuomo-impeachment-report.html
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2021/08/03/andrew-cuomo-timeline-ag-report/6923722002/
https://www.nytimes.com/article/andrew-cuomo-nursing-home-deaths.html
2022-01-2539 minJunkie 4 A StoryAlyssa Milano Gives A Brazen Performance In The Nora Roberts Film Adaptation On NetflixThis is a review of the Netflix original film adaptation of the Nora Roberts book, Brazen Virtue. Brazen is directed by Monika Mitchell. This serial killer thriller will entertain you, maybe not in the way it intended, still it's worth watching.
Grace Miller is a crime novelist who uses her professional expertise to solve her sister's murder while letting a new romance distract her every now and then.
2022-01-2414 min
Junkie 4 A StoryWhat These Five Films Say About Black Women Through Filmmaker, John Singleton's LensToday is filmmaker, John Singleton's birthday. He would have turned 54 years old and most likely celebrated on a filmset somewhere. In celebration of the late filmmaker, I will be discussing five of his films: Boyz In The Hood, Baby Boy, Poetic Justice, Hustle And Flow, and Woo, focusing on what these films say about Black women in 20th and 21st centuries in America.
2022-01-0647 minJunkie 4 A StoryEight Times Morris Chestnut Gave Us Relationship And Love Life GoalsTo celebrate Morris Chestnut's birthday, I talk about films where Morris gave us relationship and love life goals. Then there is one example of an anti-relationship and love life goal.
Happy New Year, 2022!
2022-01-0138 min
Junkie 4 A StoryLGBTQ Storylines In Hollywood And A Sapphic Romance For Zendaya (Teen Vogue Solution)Actress Zendaya was trending on Twitter because of a recent interview in Teen Vogue where she shared that she would be interested in making a film about two Black women in love. It sounds like she wants it to be a romcom. In this episode, I come up with some ideas for a romantic comedy that might pique her interest.
Here is the link to the Tweet that was trending on December 7, 2021: https://twitter.com/TeenVogue/status/1468261944624828418
If you like cute romances, I have a short story, Levitate that is available on Kindle and KU.
2021-12-2827 min
Junkie 4 A StoryReacting to Vulture.com Ranking of All 169 Episodes of SeinfeldIn this episode, I react to Vulture.com ranking of all 169 episodes of Seinfeld. Do I agree or disagree with their choices?
In the Vulture.com article, Larry Fitzmaurice ranks all the Seinfeld episodes and provides his opinion on each one.
https://www.vulture.com/best-seinfeld-episodes-ranked.html
If you are a new Seinfeld fan, because of it being available on Netflix or however, here are a few websites for the Seinfeld junkie in you:
https://seinfeldscripts.com
https://seinfeld.fandom.com/wiki/Del_Boca_Vista
If you...
2021-12-2533 min
Junkie 4 A StoryReacting To Esquire's List Of 23 Best Netflix Original Films Of 2021On this episode, I react to Esquire's list of 23 Best Netflix Original Films of 2021.
Here is the link to the article.
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g35204800/best-netflix-original-movies-2021/
If you are curious about the story behind Woman in the Window, here are a few articles:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/a-suspense-novelists-trail-of-deceptions
https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a33658571/dan-mallory-jake-gyllenhaal-scammer-tv-series-janicza-bravo/
2021-12-2132 min
Junkie 4 A StoryRewrite: A Seinfeld Fan Rewrites The Series FinaleYou know how everyone hates the Seinfeld finale? Here, I attempt to rewrite the episode. Of course, the creators and writers behind one of the most beloved sitcoms, do not need my help. However, this is my idea for the finale, all in fun. In the end, I love the finale now more than I did when I first saw it years ago.
Here is the book, Is This Anything that I read from in this episode:
https://www.amazon.com/This-Anything-Jerry-Seinfeld-ebook/dp/B084BYK62K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NWDYH686OG1I&keywords=is+this+an...
2021-12-1830 min
Junkie 4 A StoryRanking Actress, Nia Long’s Filmography–films Only!Nia Long is one of (if not) my favorite actresses. She has given us classic films such as: Love Jones, and The Best Man. She is also known for TV roles like, The Fresh Prince and NCIS: Los Angelos. On this episode, I rank her [film]ography which spans three decades.
I refer to IMDB website to help rank Nia Long's filmography. Here is the link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000505/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1#actress
If you like cute romances, check out my short story, Levitate available on KU or in the Kindle s...
2021-12-1651 min
Junkie 4 A StoryReaction to Vulture Ranking Of Every Episode Of Sex And The CityIt has been a while since I've watched all five seasons of Sex and the City. Vulture.com ranked all 93 episodes of the legendary Sex and the City back in June of 2018. This is me reacting to Vulture's ranking. With my spotty memory, will I or will I not agree with Jennifer Keishin Armstrong's ranking list?
In case you want to follow along or add your two cents:
https://www.vulture.com/2018/06/every-episode-of-sex-and-the-city-ranked.html
Here is the link to the book I mention in this episode, Call Me Athena from De...
2021-12-0731 min
Junkie 4 A StoryImagine Goldie Hawn And Kate Hudson Sharing The Big Screen TogetherYou know how everyone is always asking Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson when they are going to star in a film together. In this episode, I come up with a comedy and dramedy for the mother/daughter duo who have yet to grace the big screen together. Because I love them so much, I couldn't limit myself to one idea.
2021-11-3028 min