Underground Magnolia Podcast

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, Tyra Valteau Sorapuru, a Mental Wellness Coach and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 30 years, joins in to discuss effective tools for all around healthy living.  We discuss the following: Balancing your feelings COVID-19 forcing African Africans and other People of Color to seek helpHelping  family and friends who need mental assistanceTips on what to look for in a therapist and/or psychiatristGoing beyond virtual only therapy How emotional health affects physical healthSetting boundaries and saying NO Links and additional information for mental health support:National Alliance on Mental Illness -  https://www.nami.org/Home Therapy for Black Girls - therapyforblackgirls.com Therapy for Latinx -  therapyforlatinx.comTherapy for Black Men - therapyforblackmen.orgPsychology Today - psychologytoday.com - lets you search by race, ethnicity, gender, and other parameters.Check with your local and state government Check with your your health insuranceConfirm therapists/psychiatrists licenses in the state you reside inMUSIC:Theme: Jazz Addict’s Introby Cosimo FoggSunset Drive by Tokyo Music Walker Echoes Of The Soul by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats Pursuit by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats Merry Bay by Ghostrifter Official Made Of Wood by Joe Crotty Coffee Shop by PYC Music  CONTACT:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast(https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. To be featured on the podcast, send an email.

In this episode, host/producer, Desireia Valteau, is back with Part 4 of the long-awaited addition to the series, "Chasing DNA & Family Roots: Being Creole (Louisiana)."   Desireia interviews, Dr. Wendy Gaudin, a professor of 22 years in the disciplines of History and African American and Diaspora Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, the renowned HBCU in New Orleans. She specializes in race, racial mixture in the Americas in French colonial contexts, Creole history, critical race studies, and more.  Desireia and Dr. Wendy will unpack the following:·        Definition  of a Creole ·        The relationship to slavery and colonialism ·        Misinformation about Creoles ·        Navigating social and political spaces while claiming Creoleness and Blackness·        Challenges of teaching topic Meanwhile, Dr. Wendy is working on her book, "Diasporic Creole: Coming Home to Louisiana," slated for release from LSU Press next year. Contact: Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/) Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/) Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/)  Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.  To be featured on the podcast, send an email.

Jazz pianist, bandleader, and educator Hey Rim joins this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast to talk about her new album "Groovitude," that's packing a punch on the jazz charts.Listen in as we discuss:Why the album's dedicated to her father Standard jazz songs, original music, and Korean songs featuredWorking with Grammy-winning jazz drummer Terri Lyne CarringtonHow famed jazz pianist Oscar Peterson turned her on to jazz  while growing up in Seoul, KoreaFurthering her music interests by attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music Women in jazz beyond singingFor more on Hey Rim Jeon, go to https://www.heyrimjeon.comContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast shines the spotlight on jazz musician T.S. Monk, also the son of jazz legend Thelonious Monk.After a decade plus recording absence, he’s back with  the live album “Two Continents, One Groove.” The prolific jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader discusses:Why it took so long to release a new project.The meaning of the album's title.His band's contribution, including a song dedicated to his father that addresses the racism many musicians faced in the heyday of New York's live music club scene.Growing up with Thelonious Monk, his ongoing legacy, and the day the younger Monk realized who his father was.How other jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Max Roach, and John Coltrane were frequent visitors to the Monk home.The importance of jazz as an American art form created by African Americans.For more on T.S. Monk and Thelonious Monk, go to https://theloniousmonk.store/pages/legacy or on Instagram @tsmonkofficial.Buy the album at https://storyvillerecords.bandcamp.com/album/two-continents-one-groove.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

On this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, Doctor Bob Lee discusses: His longstanding career at WBLS, one of the most influential radio stations in the nation and the Black community.Being the President, Founder & CEO of the Make the Grade Foundation (https://makethegrade4u.org/), a non-profit that provides mentoring, tutoring, and aid to students of all ages in the NY tri-state area.Being the  author of several books that elevate African Americans and other People of Color. Order his books: https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Bob-Lee/e/B08PQBZ9LN?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000)Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast features Lorraine Lionheart, a singer and songwriter heating up the global music scene. Hailing from Botswana in Southern Africa and based in the UK, she boasts a sound that fuses traditional African music with contemporary Afropop. The sexy singer already has four independent albums and several singles under her belt that explore a new-ish African beat called amapiano.In addition to her music, Lorraine is a scholar, who is currently working on a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology and she is a lecturer, who does a masterclass on the “music of Africa.”  Her UK profile is also getting a lift. She has played for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and has been invited to sing for the Queen of England’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. She along with other artists and choirs from Britain were asked by the Commonwealth to add their own twist to a song called “A Life Filled with Grace” and Lorraine gave it her signature Southern African treatment. Hear all about Lorraine by listening NOW to the episode.For more on Lorraine Lionheart, go to her Instagram @lorraine_lionheart.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

On this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast,  Cynthia Hardy discusses how to excel in business, especially for Black Women, Women, and People of Color, Cynthia is the CEO and Founder of the Atlanta-based Pivot Global Partners. Her company is a global professional service firm offering, “change design and implementation services to mid-sized and larger organizations." Pivot Global raises a company’s performance, focusing on culture, organizational design, change management,  and other improvements. In addition to Pivot, the Xavier University of Louisiana (an HBCU) grad, is an attorney, a tech advisor, and bestselling author of “Crossing Meridians: Engineering Disruption to Become a More Effective Leader.” (Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Meridians-Engineering-Disruption-Effective/dp/1665512601)For more on Pivot Global Partners, visit https://pivotglobal.com.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliappodcast/)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

On  this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, Melba Moore discusses: New song, “So In Love,” from her upcoming "Imagine" album, which is slated for release in April 2022.New music on her daughter's independent record label. Becoming an "Auntie" to younger audiences thanks to DJ's such as D-Nice.Legendary recording and stage career:Released over 20 albums since 1970 and earned several R&B top ten hits and two #1 R&B singles. In 1968, she joined the Broadway play "Hair" and became the first African American woman to replace a white actress (Diane Keaton) on Broadway.In 1970, she won a Tony Award for starring in "Purlie."Her version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was named the second official "Black National Anthem" in 2017.Her connection with Aretha Franklin’s family and recording Franklin’s version of "Lean On Me.”She almost lost it all during her 1991 divorce from her husband, who was also her manager.Melba was also  a civil and equal rights activist, who marched with Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Additionally, she worked closely with the National Council of Negro Women and the National Political Congress of Black Women.In August 2022, she is scheduled  to  receive a special acknowledgement from President Joe Biden.For more on Melba Moore, go to her Instagram @melba1moore.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

On this episode,  real estate broker Caitlin Coakley breaks down the complicated real estate market that’s been hot for sellers but has put buyers in a tailspin.Based in the greater Seattle area, Caitlin is a third-generation realtor with 15 years of experience. She even obtained her real estate license in Washington state while still in high school. This go-getter has since risen through the ranks to found her own real estate company with her family called The Coakley Group and boasts a bevy of clients in the luxury residential market. Additionally, the 2008 University of Washington grad helps new professionals find their first home in the area that is headquarters to Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks. She helped my daughter, Simone, buy her first home in early 2021 – just days before my daughter’s 25th birthday!In addition to discussing real estate trends, Caitlin also talks about  what drives her and how her mother (of Mexican/Panamanian descent) inspires her every day.Caitlin can be reached here: https://thecoakleygroup.com/.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This episode features astrological predictions and  insights for the New Year with modern mystic Lani Moran, the founder of Astrocast, who is also a sought-after open format DJ and content creator.Astrocast Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro.cast/Website: https://www.astrocastofficial.com/Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This episode is a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand, a board-certified OB/GYN for close to twenty years and the founder and CEO of The Estrogen Doctor company (based in the Greater Orlando, Florida area).We will tackle topics including (in this order):Differences between women over 40 and women under 40. Helping women live not just longer but fulfilled lives with energy and vitality.Menstruation (What about period panties?).The different phases of Menopause.Breast cancer prevention.How COVID has upended medical care and what to watch out for during virtual doctor visits (telemedicine). Unequal medical treatment of Black women during the stages of pregnancy and childbirth. How Black women (and all women) can advocate for better healthcare.Find out how Dr. LaReesa can help you with her Future Female program. Reach out to Dr. LaReesa directly: https://drlareesa.com/.Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

On this episode, Tommy Miles, the host of the popular OWN network show  "Ready To Love," talks about the new season in D.C. , love connections on the show, dating tips, and  how to make a marriage work. Nephew Tommy also discusses his new venture - a grits company, Just Good Gritz (https://justgoodgritz.com/). Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This episode highlights Rae Shaw, the director and screenwriter of the upcoming web series Black Kung Fu Chick. Set in South Los Angeles, the web series is about a young African American girl (played by up-and-coming actress Taylor Polidore), who needs guidance with achieving her goal of becoming a doctor. One of her teacher's (played by Chinese actor Peter Boon Koh) gives her the boost she needs to reach her dreams both professionally and personally.The series premiered at last year’s Slamdance Film Festival and recently played at AfroComicCon (https://afrocomiccon.org/) on October 23 and 24, 2021. The latter is a convention featuring Black and other People of Color creatives showcasing comics, art, music, film, cosplay, and more.For more information on Black Kung Fu Chick, go to http://www.blackkungfuchick.com/.  (Note that podcast host, writer, and producer,  Desiréia Valteau, is a producer on Black Kung Fu Chick).Contact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This episode highlight's Ella's Eve Cosmetics, an e-commerce makeup brand founded by sisters Melissa Polanco and Lissa Martinez.Polanco and Martinez are proud Latinas repping their Dominican heritage in an industry that is offering up more and more beauty brands by Women of Color for Women of Color.The host catches up with  Polanco to discuss how the company started, the importance of Latina and WOC owned beauty brands,  the company's products, and the significance of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which is Sept 15 – Oct. 15. Music:Jazz Addict’s Intro  by Cosimo Fogghttps://soundcloud.com/cosimo-foggLipsia by Sapajou | https://soundcloud.com/sapajoubeatsMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USAnita Latina by Le Gang | https://soundcloud.com/thisislegangMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USCome Along by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomedayMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This third part episode features Dr. Tukufu Zuberi, who served as host of PBS’ History Detectives from 2003-2011. The Professor of Sociology & Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania does a deep dive regarding the complexity of race and identity. He takes DNA tests to task and even goes so far to say that they are a "joke" and are NOT the answer to finding one's roots. Listen now to this lively and controversial conversation.Music (in the order it was played):Jazz Addict’s Intro  by Cosimo Fogghttps://soundcloud.com/cosimo-foggBreaking Down by Groove Bakery | https://groovebakery.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ The Way by Mike Leite | https://soundcloud.com/mikeleiteMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USDay Ahead by Joe Crotty | https://soundcloud.com/joecrottyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

"Chasing DNA and Family Roots Part 2," features Rene Worland, a family historian and archivist.   In more than 20 years of research this small business entrepreneur, living with her husband in the Los Angeles area, traced her family history in the United States and Canada.Rene’s ancestors go back to the Jefferson Davis plantations in MS, the Civil War, the Native American Territory of Oklahoma, the Sharecroppers’ Roadside Demonstration in Missouri, the fight for social justice in Oregon, and entrepreneurship in the West. Additionally, the Indiana University alum unearthed numerous family tree treasures including photos and stories about her ancestors in the archives of the Library of Congress, historical newspapers, documentaries, and local historical societies. What’s interesting about Rene’s journey is that she set out to find her roots mainly in North America and not Africa, like many African Americans.  Find out more in the podcast!For more information on topics mentioned in this podcast:Henrietta Lacks: http://henriettalacksfoundation.orgTuskegee Experiment: https://www.tuskegee.edu/about-us/centers-of-excellence/bioethics-center/about-the-usphs-syphilis-study Music (In the order it was played): "Jazz Addict’s Intro" by Cosimo Fogg https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg "Vintage Memories" by Schematist | http://www.schematistmusic.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US "Coffee Shop" by PYC Music | https://soundcloud.com/pycmusic Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-ND 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/ "Affection" by Sappheiros | https://soundcloud.com/sappheirosmusic Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Contact: Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/) Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/) Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)   Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.   If you would like to be featured on the podcast, send an email.

This latest episode - Chasing DNA and Family Roots (Part One) - will kickoff a series of shows regarding taking DNA tests and using other methods to find one’s family roots. The first guest in this series is Dena Chasten, who is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Delaware African American Historical and Genealogical Society.An adoptee, Chasten located her birth parents when she was a teen through a variety of methods including family interviews, public records, and DNA. With her years of experience in tracking down one’s ancestry, Chasten will unpack her journey in finding her biological family,  host Desireia Valteau's DNA results (which include the controversial Creole culture in Louisiana), and additional ways on how you too can find your roots.Resources:Association of Professional Genealogistshttps://www.apgen.org/cpages/homeDelaware African American Historical and Genealogical Societyhttp://www.deaahgs.com/Genealogy Quick Start (Created by Shamele Jordon)http://www.genealogyquickstart.com/about.htmlMusic:Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg(https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg)Ambient Bongos by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Breaking Down by Groove Bakery | https://groovebakery.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/  The Way by Mike Leite | https://soundcloud.com/mikeleite Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USDay Ahead by Joe Crotty | https://soundcloud.com/joecrotty Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Check The Glove Box by Otis Galloway https://open.spotify.com/artist/1h3wk6cOFTdjQNbNsnBosPContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV) Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. For more information on having your music featured, send an email.

On this episode, my husband, Segun Abegunrin, is back reviewing "Namaste Wahala." (Last time, he reviewed "Bob Hearts Abishola,” which was well received. The sitcom airing on CBS, is set in Detroit and is about a white businessman, who falls in love with a Nigerian nurse).  My husband was born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. He came to the United States in the early 80s for college. Fast forward to now, he is a principal at his own architectural, management, and development company in Southern California.   As for “Namaste Wahala,” which loosely translates into “hello trouble” in Hindi and Nigerian slang, it’s about a young couple – a Nigerian woman and Indian man – who fall head over heels for one another. However, the couple’s love can’t stop their families from clashing in this cross-cultural rom-com.  Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the film has been touted as the first major collaboration between the two most powerful movie industries in the world – Bollywood, which is known as the film industry in India and in Nigeria, Nollywood is the preferred name of the cinema game there. Is this film, now on Netflix, worth taking a look at? Listen to the review to find out.   Music: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg)Bhangra Bass by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USAmbient Bongos by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Zurna (Instrumental) by Sapajou | https://soundcloud.com/sapajoubeats Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/) Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/) Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)  Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.   For more information on having your music featured, send an email. 

Desiréia Valteau,  the  host, writer, and producer of Underground Magnolia Podcast, has a lively discussion with her husband regarding the television show "Bob Hearts Abishola" Born and raised in Nigeria, Segun Abegunrin,  a principal at his own architectural, management, and development company in Southern California,  is the perfect person to unpack the CBS comedy. Set in Detroit, the show is about a white businessman (Billy Gardell from "Mike & Molly") with health issues, who falls in love with his Nigerian nurse (Folake Olowofoyeku). In its second season, the sitcom was co-created by Gina Yashere, a well-known Nigerian Brit comedienne.    Listen in on this spirited conversation with Desiréia (New Orleans native) and Segun as they talk about immigrant life in the United States. Then stick around to get his take on the upcoming sequel to 1988's “Coming To America." The second movie, called "Coming 2 America," comes out in March. Music:Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg (https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg)Ambient Bongos by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bumbumchack by Alwin Brauns | https://soundcloud.com/alwinmusik Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter: @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com. For more information on having your music featured, send an email.

It’s holiday time! Christmastime! And you know what that means – movies, movies, movies! With the pandemic and more stay-at-home orders in place, many of us will be at home roasting chestnuts, with popcorn and hot chocolate, watching these feel-good films.  In this episode, holiday movies featuring people of color are highlighted. Gone are the days of the mostly white casts on Lifetime and Hallmark networks. After a public outcry two years or so ago, these two networks expanded their productions by featuring holiday movies with black women as lead characters - Holly Robinson Peete, the Mowry sisters, Kyla Pratt, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Kelly Rowland and the list goes on.    The all-inclusive holiday movies on Lifetime also include the first film starring an Asian American Family - "Sugar and Spice" airs on Sunday, December 13. In addition to race, other first-time issues on Lifetime and Hallmark include gay themes and other abled folks.   "The Christmas Setup," about a mom finding her son a man, premieres Saturday, December 12 on Lifetime. Fran Drescher stars as the mother. Hallmark’s first holiday gay movie, "The Christmas House,” debuted at the end of November. Yes, there’s progress. Lifetime broke even more ground earlier this month with "Christmas Ever After." The romantic lead was Tony award-winner Ali Stroker, who uses a wheelchair. MOVIE REVIEW Additionally in this podcast, Netflix's "A New York Christmas Wedding" is reviewed. While it doesn’t have stars (except for Chris Noth), or a well-known director (Otoja Abit) behind it, and the production could look better, WATCH THIS MOVIE! It has a lot to say about LGBTQ issues and the Catholic Church. HEAR FULL REVIEW ON PODCAST. OLDER HOLIDAY MOVIES TO WATCH Hear about them all on the podcast. There's a special mention of the film "What’s Cooking. " Released in 2000, the film's directed by Gurinder Chadha, the Indian director who gave us the hit "Bend It Like Beckham" two years later in 2002.Christmas music featured:Christmas Is Coming by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unportedhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_USPresent by Ikson | https://soundcloud.com/iksonMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comWinter Joy by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Santa’s Tricks by Myuu | https://soundcloud.com/myuuMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USContact Underground Magnolia Podcast:Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)Twitter:  @UMPodcastDV (https://twitter.com/UMPodcastDV)Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.  For more information on having your music featured, send an email.