465: Akinola Davies Jr. of 'My Father's Shadow'

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome director Akinola Davies Jr. who talks about his powerful new film My Father’s Shadow.A semi-autobiographical story set during a single, turbulent day in Lagos amid the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. Davies Jr. shared how the film draws from personal and collective memory, using an intimate family journey to explore a nation on the brink. The narrative follows a father, estranged from his two young sons, as they navigate the sprawling city while escalating political unrest threatens their return home — turning an already fragile reunion into a tense emotional and physical odyssey.My Father’s Shadow is currently playing in theaters.Host: JamieMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we sit down with actor Orlando Jones to talk about his latest musical project, Tainted Love, inspired by his graphic novel of the same name.We cover everything from movies and filmmaking to his creative evolution and yes, we definitely talk about American Gods and that unforgettable scene.So sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation. Orlando has a lot to say, and you won’t want to miss it.Host: JamieMusic: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome X Mayo and Jean Elie who appear in the upcoming Marvel series 'Wonder Man' streaming on Disney+.  Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man”. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.X Mayo: X has continued to build an impressive range across film and television. She co-starred in Lionsgate’s hit horror-comedy The Blackening, appears in Apple TV+’s acclaimed comedy Loot and in Disney’s Freakier Friday. Her sharp comedic voice and distinctive presence continue to solidify her position as one of the most engaging performers in comedy today.  Jean Elie: Jean is best known for his portrayal of Issa’s brother Ahmal Dee on the Emmy award-winning HBO series, Insecure, for his role on the Netflix hit series, Colin in Black and White and his work on The Eric Andre Show.His series (AMC) Allblk series Send Help, which he created with producing partner Mike Gauyo (also a writer from Insecure). Inspired by his own experiences, Send Help is a coming-of-age dark comedy series centered on a first-generation Haitian-American young man (Elie as Fritz Jean-Baptiste) who is struggling to overcome the challenges of “making it” in Hollywood while coming to terms with a recent family tragedy. Send Help is currently streaming on Tubi.Wonder Man premieres Jan 27th on Disney+Host: JamieMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome writer/director Nia DaCosta to discuss her latest film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Fresh off directing 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a bold and unsettling expansion of the universe created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, she turns a familiar horror landscape on its head injecting it with psychological depth, cultural tension, and a haunting sense of humanity.From redefining studio horror with Candyman, to helming one of the most ambitious franchise films in recent memory with The Marvels, her career has been marked by fearless storytelling and an uncompromising point of view.Host: Chalice WilliamsMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

Happy New Year! In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we interview actor and filmmaker Nicki Micheaux.Nicki Micheaux is no stranger to commanding the screen, but in Night Patrol, she delivers one of her most grounded and emotionally charged performances yet. The actress sat down with BGN to discuss her role as Ayanda, a fierce, deeply protective mother navigating a community under siege and the personal stakes that come with survival in a system designed to overlook people like her.Set against the backdrop of South Los Angeles housing projects, Night Patrol follows an LAPD officer forced to confront his past when he uncovers a horrifying secret: a covert police task force is endangering the very neighborhood he grew up in. As tensions rise between law enforcement and local street gangs, the film explores what happens when loyalty, morality, and justice collide. At the heart of that chaos is Ayanda, a woman whose strength is rooted not in spectacle, but in her unwavering love for her two sons and her community.Host: JamieMusic by: Sammus

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast, we chat with multi-hyphenate Teyana Taylor about her critically-acclaimed work in the Paul Thomas Anderson film One Battle After Another. In One Battle After Another, Teyana Taylor delivers a raw, commanding performance as Perfidia, a woman fighting to hold her life together while the world keeps throwing punches. Taylor channels her signature intensity into a character who is both fierce and deeply vulnerable someone navigating personal trauma, fractured relationships, and the quiet battles no one sees.Host: JamieMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome music artist East-O of Truth Teller Productions. The new EP, The Kush, from TTP was released on April 20, 2025 worldwide. The Kush was solely written and produced by East-O (Chris Herbie Holland).Host: JamieMusic by: TruthTeller Productions/East-O and SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome actor Taylor Polidore Williams, best known for her role in the hit Netflix series Beauty In Black.Born in Texas and the daughter of an engineer and educator, Taylor grew up surrounded by the arts in the Houston area. She is a proud alumna of HBCU Clark Atlanta University where she studied Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Film. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She stars in Netflix’s hit series She stars in Netflix’s hit series Beauty In Black, as the series lead. Her character Kimmie begins the series as a victim of human trafficking, and perseveres to become the leader of the Beauty in Black empire.Host: JamieMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax

In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome director RT Thorne making his feature film debut with his movie 40 Acres. Making its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, 40 Acres is now available on Demand and DVD.After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving — even thriving — on a farm in the middle of nowhere... so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) and her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey’s eldest Emanuel (Kataem O’Connor) is a young man, and when he meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy.Host: Jamie BroadnaxEdited by: Jamie BroadnaxMusic by: Sammus

BGN breaks down the films screened at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, which celebrated its 50th year.  Jamie and Chalice cover the majority of the films they screened at the festival from the good to ones that gave us some major side-eye.Hosts: Jamie Broadnax and Chalice WilliamsMusic by: SammusEdited by: Jamie Broadnax