The Kwerk Tartz

Well, we survived 2022. The past two years have been a rollercoaster, and hosts reflect on what's become important for them as they step into 2023 and navigate new seasons in life- revelations in love, parenting, and their career grind being at the top of mind. They also sift through some of their favorite hot takes- from the Daily Show's search for a new host, to Van Jones vs Black Twitter, and Kanye West's ongoing unraveling- issa lot y'all. Ultimately, as life is life-ing they are grateful for their friendship, their obviously needed escapism, and for the 13 and a half humans that listen to our rants. Thank you, and Happy New Year. 

In this episode the hosts recap some of the summer's juicy celebrity gossip, from Ali Wong's divorce, to the Will Smith vs Chris Rock saga, to Aries Spears and Tiffany Haddish's child abuse accusations. It was a messy summer y'all. They also reflect on the Biden Administration's final decision on loan forgiveness, sharing their somewhat dueling perspectives on if this decision is truly impactful. Of course there's some tea and hot takes on Beyonce's new music, BTS's "hiatus announcement"- sorry Army, and, some overall reminiscing on the better days of K-dramas on Netflix; will the k-wave dwindle? Hosts wrap up with some real talk about what they look forward to, and hope that this episode ain't the one that gets them cancelled. Thanks for listening. 

In this episode hosts reflect on their journeys to healing at this stage of their lives. Amidst the new normal- Covid denial and increasingly hostile global politics, they speak up about mediocre leadership, grieve the hate-motivated deaths, and unpack the pains of navigating the Oppression Olympics. They also explore some of the critiques of their media escapes- leading to a conversation about POC entertainers such as Ali Wong who are embracing and unapologetically owning their sexuality, for better or worse. This episode is dedicated to Christina Yuna Lee, and Michelle Go. Let us also remember them as we remember and seek justice for all Women of Color whose lives have been wrongfully taken. Thanks for listening.

In this episode the hosts reflect on Lunar New Year traditions of the past and present, and set intentions for the future. They also get down to the nitty gritty about Awkwafina's Twitter rant and missed opportunity to be a more accountable Asian American ally to Black folx- she has some work to do. Speaking of accountability, the hosts wonder what it will take for "moderate" podcasters such as Joe Rogan to be held accountable to be more respectful and responsible influencers. On the lighter note, they talk through some new music, review Take Out by Lisa Ling (a must see), and recap their K-drama queue, noticing the strengths and pitfalls of the last two years of Netflix original shows.  If fear to keep in 100% can't be a factor for the hosts within their identities, they decide to be candid, ask the questions that need to be answered, and have fun doing it.  Thanks for Listening.

In this episode the hosts bring in the new year with some post-holiday season reflections and some real talk about their family lives. Covid is back at it, and Omarion is bearing the brunt of our pandemic fatigue. Sorry Omarion, it will get better. They take a trip down memory lane as they reflect on the influence and problematicness of Sex in the City, and it's eerie comparisons to Living Single, revisiting some of the prior episodes' discussion of gatekeeping and whitewashing in Hollywood. There's also a lotta spoilers, so if you have not seen the Insecure series finale, catch up before you listen, mkayyy. They give the rundown on some of their love-to-hate shows, anticipating Bridgerton Season 2, Squid Game Seasons 2 & 3, and the latest episodes of Singles Inferno- a barely steamy Korean Dating show. The hosts realize that by rounding to the nearest 10 they are basically 40- giving rich messy Auntie vibes, but, they still some bad bitches. Thanks for Listening.  

In this episode the hosts recap 2021, reflecting on their personal lives as well as some of their favorite television, film and media- gotta love escapism. Squid Game resonated with people all over the world (warning, there are spoilers, but if you haven't watched it by now, you are late to the party). "Mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida" (the hibiscus flowers bloomed), is still circulating the internet months after Squid Game's release with hilarious and ironic spins on the Korean version of the "red-light-green-light" children's game. Hosts also express their take on 2021's interesting (but not that interesting) K-drama line-up. BTS sweeps the American Music Awards, and K-pop is everywhere. It seems that things are changing in the public's willingness to watch and support new kinds of stories, diverse characters, and BIPOC artists, but are Hollywood gatekeepers catching up? We dedicate this episode to bell hooks, who passed away a few days after we recorded. May her legacy and light live on.  Though we're still navigating difficult times, we still have joy and hope for a better future. We hope that everyone listening is safe, healthy, and bringing 2021 to a positive close. Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2022. 

After an 8-month hiatus, the hosts reflect on the increasingly dangerous political climate, parenting during the covid-19 pandemic, and share their take on 2021's cancel culture line-up of targets. They also review some of the shows and films that have sparked interest or brought joy, such as Hulu's documentary "Summer of Soul," the largely forgotten, but highly impactful Black music festival that took place in Harlem in 1969. The stark similarities between the events of the world in 1969 and 2021 are uncanny, and Ms. Nina Simone's "Backlash Blues" featured in the documentary acts as a hauntingly accurate synopsis of the climate in which most people of color, and people of the global majority are still living over a half century later. There's also a discussion about the k-drama drought that they have experienced, and their concerns with Netflix's recent production of k-dramas that veer away from the standard "algorithm." Though the topics of reflection are heavy, there is faith and optimism that we will get through the tough times that we are experiencing now. Thanks for listening. 

In Episode 6 the hosts share some news about their 2021 start, they share their take on the Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and deal with the notion that 2021 just might be the ghetto ass cousin of the sh*t show year 2020. Some entertainment news and geeking out on new their new favorite shows such as Mr. Queen are discussed (warning of a few spoilers). And, of course, they share what they are looking forward to. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Tee_nassty and Faye J recap the final stretch of the notorious 2020. They discuss election shenanigans, coping with the “new normal” as Covid-19 continues to accelerate, new music, celeb news, and some of their recent tv faves such as Lovecraft Country, The Tale of the Nine tailed fox, Start Up and more *Fair warning, there will be some plot spoilers*. 2020 has been a challenging year that has made us think about what’s most important: our health, growth, our sustainability, and our relationships with others. We hope that 2021 offers a window of opportunity to heal from the setbacks of 2020, and sets a new tone that helps us all thrive.

In this episode Tee_Nassty and Faye J. unpack some of the challenges and setbacks of this year. From the Covid19-crisis to the unjust murders of unarmed Black folx, and early deaths of Black celebrities such as Chadwick Boseman, 2020 has left many of us feeling like we should just throw the whole damn year away. The conversation segues to a  lighter discussion about some upcoming films such as Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the long-awaited premiere of Mulan. They also discuss some of their favorite projects such as Black is King and several other projects and events that they look forward to. 2020 has been harsh and difficult, and, the hosts still seek joy, allyship, free-expression, and truth-telling to share with listeners. Thanks for listening.