Back of the Theater Podcast (general)

We talk about getting older. Menelek, as always, is angry.

Direct download: 1-13-24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:40pm EDT

Dave Chappelle starts the new year on fire. BUT THEN...Katt Williams says, "Hold my drink, Bitch."

Buckle Up and Happy New Year!

Direct download: 1-4-24.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:22am EDT

Hans and Menelek breakdown all of the amazing radio we have done this year. Listen, we promise to do more radio this year. We talk about the historic opening of The Color Purple and we find a way to make fun of Boots Riley again. (Hack)

Direct download: 12-27-23.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 10:20am EDT

The answer is "Yes, she does". 

Direct download: 11-2-part_2.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 10:57am EDT

We break down the press tour of Jada "Smith". Menelek is angry. And well, so is Hans.

Direct download: 11-2-part_one.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 8:54am EDT

Menelek is back. And guess what? He's still angry. At everyone. 

Direct download: 9-10-23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:05am EDT

Hans has officially hijacked the show.

Direct download: The_Last_Solo_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42am EDT

Hans has some things to get off his chest.

Direct download: Solo_Number_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:46pm EDT

Hans and Menelek return. We break down Dear Mama. Ja Morant. Classism. Ebony K. Williams. And Menelek keeps singing gospel music for some reason.

Direct download: 5-17-23.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 4:28pm EDT

Stephanie Malson is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker and producer. She is currently a BlackStar 2023 Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab Producing Fellow. OURIKA!, a short film Stephanie produced was an official selection of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. She is also Co-Producer on the upcoming feature documentary, ULRICK, which chronicles the life of Haitian master painter Ulrick Jean Pierre. Stephanie holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Rosemont College.

Direct download: Steph.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:14pm EDT

We're back to give you the radio you deserve and need.

Direct download: 2-27-23.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:08am EDT

Hans and Menelek fight over who is committed to the podcast. We talk about Wakanda Forever and Black Adam. Hans falls asleep at one point.

Direct download: 12-1-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 12:35pm EDT

Menelek and Hans disagree about Black Adam. Menelek actually liked it. Hans very much did not. We also talk about the latest Kanye West meltdown. "Bye, Ye."

Direct download: 10-26-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

Hans and Menelek breakdown some of their favorite internet conspiracies. JFK? Moon Landing? Is Space real?

Direct download: 9-27-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 12:06pm EDT

Hans and Menelek breakdown the innovations of camera tech. Cinema has changed and we are here for it. We almost get through the show without a fight. Almost.

Direct download: 9-18-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27am EDT

Will had the moral courage to step out of his mansion and address the public. We talk about his apology with the upmost respect and care.

Just kidding.

Direct download: 7-30-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 6:19pm EDT

Menelek and Hans catch up on the news and more!

Direct download: Video-20220701_054202-Meeting_Recording.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 10:28pm EDT

Hans and Menelek talk about yet another mass shooting and the lack of police response. This somehow leads to a conversation about Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. Oh, and Boots Riley. Sorry, boots.

Direct download: 5-31-2020.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33am EDT

Menelek turned 41 last week and he's very excited about it. (not really) Hans and Menelek talk news and Ozark.

Direct download: Video-20220517_200534-Meeting_Recording.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 4:29pm EDT

Menelek feels like he may have written all that he has to write. Hans does not agree. At All.

Direct download: 4-21-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 10:07am EDT

We can't stop talking about Will Smith slapping the hell out of Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Direct download: 4-2-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm EDT

Will Smith assaulted Chris Rock because of a joke. Hans and Menelek talk about it.

Direct download: 3-27-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29am EDT

A little Tension this week. What else is new?

Direct download: 1-13-21.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 3:51am EDT

Two weeks in a row? Is this a real podcast? Thoughts and prayers to brother Hans he fights Covid-19. We debate Will Smith's rap career. And Menelek, as always, is angry.

Direct download: 1-4-22.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 10:41am EDT

Menelek and Hans start the show with a battle for who really wants to do the show. That leads to a discussion of Stanley Kubrick and other random topics. Enjoy! Happy New Year!

Direct download: 12-27-21.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:08pm EDT

Hans wants to leave the show. He just lacks the moral courage to admit it. The guys talk about the future of the show, Will Smith, Kanye, and Aaron Rodgers.

Enjoy the show while you can. Hans wants to leave. Please let him know how you feel about that on social media. @cineclass on twitter and instagram.

Direct download: 11-15-21.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:38pm EDT

Menelek and Hans are in person! We break down the backlash of Dave Chapelle's latest Netflix special "The Closer". What does free speech mean in 2021? Let's break it down.

Direct download: Dave_Chappell_-_10_23_21_2.15_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EDT

Nicki Minaj set twitter on fire with some some comments on the Covid-19 vaccine. We talk about the passing of Norm McDonald and old stories from Menelek's wedding.

Direct download: 9-16-2021.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

Menelek and Hans talk film and breakdown the role of the Director and the cinematographer. Here's a shock: They don't agree.

Direct download: 9-1-21.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:06pm EDT

Hans and Menelek argue about Joe Biden and then talk about the crate challenge. Yup.

Direct download: Video-20210825_182557-Meeting_Recording.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 4:53pm EDT

We talk about the suspension of Sha'Carri Richardson and Bill Cosby's release from prison.

You can always email us at backofthetheater@gmail.com

Direct download: July_8th_show.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

Hans returns from a shoot in Louisville, Ky. He talks about the amazing art installation Promise, Witness, Remembrance. We talk about politics. Hans lost a friend this week. He talks about the nature of grief.

Direct download: A_Tribute_to_Elmu.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:10pm EDT

Menelek and Hans start with a fight about the future of the show. Joe Budden fired his co-hosts this week. Kwame Brown has a lot of anger.

Direct download: Joe_Budden_Kwame_Brown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02am EDT

First of all. We would like to apologize for being away for so long. Hans was working on a long shoot. Menelek was finishing up his MFA and trying to find a new home. We catch up on a lot of things and we promise to be more consistent with shows in the future.

 

Direct download: Aaron_Rogers_-_5_4_21_4.20_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:32pm EDT

We breakdown Kirk Franklin's verbal attack on his son. That leads to a discussion about the drama in the royal family.

1 Angry Black Man is streaming for free on Tubi.com.

See it here!

Direct download: Kirk_Franklin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:02am EDT

Hans and Menelek debate anger. They talk politics and Black Hollywood.

Direct download: Mar_1_Show_-_3_2_21_1.09_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:23pm EDT

We talk about the terrible storm in Texas and the current state of politics.

Direct download: Feb_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:51pm EDT

We talk about the terrible storm in Texas and the current state of politics.

Direct download: Feb_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50pm EDT

Hans and Menelek bring in the new year with some political talk. As they are on the air, a mob of angry white people start to storm the capitol.

 

 

Direct download: Vocaroo_1mvA7f2WjqEz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:35am EDT

Dr. Shakib Hassan joins the show to talk about the second wave of Covid-19. He has received the first dose of the vaccine as well.

 

 

Direct download: Vocaroo_1nsPvUtd3ofN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:06pm EDT

The guys reflect on the last four years under Trump. We play clips from our show FOUR YEARS AGO. The night the world changed and Trump became president. 

Direct download: Vocaroo_17PeEwmvfCKG.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:44am EDT

Hans and Menelek return for a talk about politics and Mental Health. 

Direct download: Vocaroo_16wcTGeu1GEf.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:34am EDT

Hans and Menelek catch up. We break down the debate and the future of American Politics.

Direct download: Vocaroo_1l0rgNACiIkn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17am EDT

We talk about the tragic death of Chad Boseman.  The Election.  Covid-19. Jerry Falwell Jr.  Buckle Up.

Direct download: 9-2-20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39am EDT

A random conversation about Anger, Beyonce, Trump, and elections.  And Hans hangs up.

 

Direct download: Vocaroo_05_Aug_2020_22_32_22_MST_4qBey6gJgTA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

We breakdown's Kanye's latest breakdown.  We talk about the film game and how do you manage anger?

Direct download: Vocaroo_5chOollGvJH.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:56am EDT

Hans and Menelek return. They fight.  Then they make fun of Corey Feldman...

 

 

Direct download: Anger.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:24pm EDT

The world is still on fire.  We talk about Da 5 Bloods.  Covid-19. Trump and Menelek's anger.

Direct download: crazy_times.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:33am EDT

The Boys get on facebook live to talk about the various things.

Direct download: Vocaroo_49cfm3t9E4s.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56am EDT

The country is on fire.  Hans and Menelek talk about the various uprisings around the world.

1 Angry Black Man is Available on June 5th.  Purchase or Rent at the following platforms.  Join us for a live tweet watch party at 7:00pm EST.  We will have a live Q&A after the film on the 1 Angry Black Man Facebook page.  www.facebook.com/1angryblackman

AT&T

DirecTV

Dish

iN DEMAND (Comcast, Spectrum)

Vubiquity (Verizon Fios)

Amazon

iTunes

Vudu

Xbox

Google Play

YouTube Movies

Direct download: George_Floyd.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:42am EDT

The Boys argue this week about politics and several other thing.

1 Angry Black Man comes out JUNE 5TH.  Available on all VOD platforms.  (Cable, Direct TV) Amazon.  Google Play.  Youtube Movies. Itunes.

Direct download: two_angry_black_men.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:28pm EDT

WE HAVE A DEAL.  1 Angry Black Man Gets a Deal.  Menelek and Hans talk about the long journey to get the film made.  It will be available for DVD and digital purchase on June 5th.

SEE THE TRAILER Trailer

Direct download: Vocaroo_e0Shyle3Jmc.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:46pm EDT

We breakdown the new Jordan Documentary on ESPN. 

 

Note from Menelek: "Jordan is the GOAT.  LeBron is a very nice guy."

Direct download: michael_jordan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:08pm EDT

We talk about life in a pandemic.  Stay safe. 

Direct download: Life_with_Corona.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm EDT

Angela is a DGA Episodic TV Director that transitioned into directing after over 10 years of working as an episodic 1st AD.

Direct download: Angel_Gomes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:17pm EDT

Angel Kristi Williams is a filmmaker born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Her work has screened in art galleries, numerous festivals around the world and garnered the attention of Participant Media, before completing her MFA at Columbia College Chicago. Her short film "Charlotte," won the jury awards at Atlanta and Sarasota Film Festivals.  Angel is a 2014 Film Independent Project Involve Fellow, where she was the recipient of the Sony Pictures Diversity Fellowship. Her feature directorial debut, Really Love was selected to play in narrative competition at SXSW and won the Special Jury Recognition for Acting for co-stars Kofi Siriboe and Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing.

Direct download: Angel_Kristi_Williams.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:04pm EDT

We report about life in Social Distant.  How are you holding up?  We talk about celebs on social media.  And we breakdown some films.  Dead Man Walking.  The Passion of The Christ. Fargo. No Country for Old Men

Direct download: The_Quarentine.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:20pm EDT

We are bored and decided to do another show.  We breakdown the democratic primary.

Direct download: Bernie_Sanders.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:30pm EDT

Dr. Shakib Hassan joins to the show to talk about the danger of the Coronavirus.  How long will the outbreak last?  What can we do to protect ourselves?

 

 

Direct download: corona.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:47am EDT

Hans had a breakthrough in therapy today.  We discuss fatherhood and dealing with demons of the past.

 

Direct download: Street_Therapy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EDT

We breakdown the comments of Pastor Troy on the Grammy outfit of Lil Nas X.  Here is a sneak preview...PASTOR TROY IS A DAMN FOOL

Direct download: Pastor_Troy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19am EDT

Rest in Peace to Kobe.  We also discuss Terry Crews and Menelek has a problem with Black Brits.

 

 

Direct download: Kode_and_things_-_1_30_20_12.20_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:37am EDT

We start with a fight.  Then we break down the latest Oscar stuff.  Then we talk break down Tyler Perry's recent post about not having a writer's room.

Direct download: The_Oscar_Nom_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

We break down "Don't Fuck This Up" on Netflix.  Was this a good move for Kevin Hart?  Menelek rants about Star Wars.  HAPPY NEW YEAR, GANG!

Direct download: Kevin_Hart.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm EDT

The Guys breakdown some Black film news.

Direct download: Dec_Six_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:51am EDT

Hans and Menelek are back from a week in Los Angeles.  We talk the Democratic Primary and our LA meetings.

1 Angry Black Man screens at the Hampton University Film Festival November 14th at 6:00pm.  Info can me found here...

http://news.hamptonu.edu/release/Hampton-University-School-of-Liberal-Arts-and-Education-to-Hold-4th-Annual-Film-Festival-November-12--14

Direct download: After_L.A.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:54am EDT

Hans and Menelek Breakdown Eddie Murphy's new film.  It's so good.  Check it out on Netlix

Direct download: Dolomite.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:23am EDT

Hans and Menelek breakdown some issues.  Like always.

Direct download: The_Real_HU.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32pm EDT

We took a little break.  We come back with hard hitting debates about the NBA and the future of film tech. 

Direct download: And_Were_Back.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:26pm EDT

We discuss the outrage of Dave Chapelle's new special "Sticks and Stones".

 

Direct download: sticks_and_stones.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:52pm EDT

Menelek and Hans debate the future of cinema. 

Direct download: The_Auteur_Theory.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:17am EDT

We breakdown the deal between Jay Z and the NFL for "Social Awareness".  Black Capitalism strikes again.  We also talk about the role of the modern father and couple's therapy. 

Direct download: Jay_Z_and_The_NFL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:43am EDT

Menelek and Hans Breakdown the Democrat Debate.  Who will go against Trump?

Direct download: Politics_and_Prose.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33am EDT

The business side of the game has Menelek down in the dumps.  Hans tries to help. 

Direct download: Thereapy_Phoenix_Style.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:55pm EDT

First show in Menelek's new city.  It's hot. 

Direct download: The_Phoenix_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:09pm EDT

Menelek needs to relax or he will die.  We also breakdown Lena Waithe's comments about support in Black Independent film. 

Direct download: lena.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41am EDT

Guy Branum is the creator and host of truTV’s Talk Show The Game Show, a hilarious mashup of two beloved television formats that pits comedians and celebrities against each other for the title of “Best Guest of the Night.”

You may also know him from his recurring segment “No More Mr. Nice Gay” on Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, serving as “Staff Homosexual” on Chelsea Lately and his performance as Natalie Portman’s sassy gay friend in the feature film No Strings Attached. Noticing a trend?

Guy has also appeared on @MidnightThe Nightly Show with Larry WilmoreThe Meltdown with Jonah and KumailRoad to Roast and Debate Wars. As a TV writer, Guy spent three seasons writing for Hulu’s The Mindy Project and was a producer during the show’s last season.

Guy has also written culture and political commentary for Slate.comThe New York Times and Vulture.

Direct download: guy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:06am EDT

Direct download: Hans_Solo_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EDT

An influential observer of popular culture and entertainment, Michael Holman is a filmmaker, artist, writer, and musician, based in New York City. A pioneer in the Downtown New York Art Scene and Uptown Hip Hop Scene, Holman founded the band Gray - an industrial atmospheric, noise group - with painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as created and produced the first Hip Hop television show, Graffiti Rock in 1984. Holman is a writer/director/producer/educator of film (wrote the screenplay for the Miramax film "Basquiat") television, theater (wrote and directed live stage performances for Niles Rodgers and Tommy Boy Music) and writes art criticism for British magazine, Art Monthly. Holman and original band mate Nick Taylor continue to record and perform as Gray in high end museums around the world. Holman is also a painter of splendid works on canvas, and through his revolutionary voice, vision and style, has helped set the stage for a new epoch in world culture.

Direct download: Holman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:28am EDT

Menelek's turns 38.  One of our fans is having a baby.  We also have a long conversation about Cinema.

Direct download: 5-15-2019.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:50pm EDT

We start with a breakdown of the NBA playoffs.  We then play tribute to the John Singleton.  He passed away last week at the age of 51.  BLACK MEN, for information on strokes, please visit https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressureit 

Direct download: John.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:43am EDT

Our Comic Book Correspondent Leonard Teague comes in for a breakdown of the last Avengers film and the entire MCU.

 

AVENGERS!

Direct download: END_GAME.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:20am EDT

Hans and Menelek breakdown the Muller Report.  Menelek is on medication.

Direct download: Mumba_and_The_Muller_Report.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:52am EDT

Hans and Menelek breakdown Magic Johnson's abrupt departure from the Lakers.  We talk some cinematography.  What happens to Space Jam 2??

Direct download: magic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:25am EDT

We talk about the passing of LA rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Direct download: nip_huss.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:15am EDT

Menelek finally watches Ozark after Hans told him about it two years ago.  We discuss Spielberg's comments about Streaming services and if those films qualify for Oscars.

Direct download: netflix.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:37am EDT

Menelek's good friend Shakib joins the show to talk about medical stuff.  He's a doctor.

Direct download: shak.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10am EDT

The news of the week.

Direct download: College_Admissions_Scandal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:47am EDT

We back.

Direct download: athlete_rappers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:36am EDT

Post Superbowl discussion. 

Direct download: superbowl_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52am EDT

Hans reports from Park City.  We breakdown music.  Why is Maron 5 popular?

Tickets for the LA screening of 1 Angry Black Man are available at www.paff.org.

 

 

Direct download: Post_Sundance.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:14am EDT

1 Angry Black Man will screen at the Denton Black Film Festival January 26th at 1:00pm.  Tickets available at Dentonbff.com.

Hans will be at Sundance for the World Premiere of Wu Tang: Of Mics and Men. 

 

Direct download: Pre_Sundance_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:13pm EDT

Just listen to the show and the title will make sense.

Direct download: 1-16-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:50am EDT

Happy New Year, Gang!  We screen at the Denton Black Film Festival January 26th at 1:00pm. 

 

Direct download: new_year.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:35am EDT

We are taking next week off. We ramble about Obama and Cornell West

Direct download: last_show_of_the_year.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:08am EDT

1 Angry Black Man is an official selection at the Denton Black Film Festival in Texas.  This is our 8th official selection.  In this episode, a political fight turns into a fight about Peter Lugar's steakhouse. Somehow. 

Direct download: Steak.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:12am EDT

Writer/Director Nikyatu Jusu's films have screened at festivals nationally and internationally garnering her NYU’s prestigious Spike Lee Fellowship Award, the Princess Grace Narrative film grant and Director’s Guild of America Honorable Mentions, to name a few.  Three of her shorts were acquired by and aired on HBO, her most recent being Flowers, which she co-wrote and co-directed.  

 

Her latest short film Suicide By Sunlight: a project funded by the production grant THROUGH HER LENS sponsored by the Tribeca Film Institute and Chanel, will make its debut at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. This project was also awarded a Rooftop Films/ Adrienne Shelly Foundation Short Film Grant.

Direct download: nikiyatu.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:57am EDT

Hans and I ramble about what happens about what happens when you die. 

Direct download: Death_and_stuff.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:15pm EDT

We give a full breakdown of the midterm elections and the future of the democratic party. 

1 Angry Black Man screens at UPENN in Philly on November 29th. 

Direct download: mid_terms.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51am EDT

Hans reports from the Da Bounce Urban Film Festival in Amsterdam. 

Direct download: Hans_Goes_Solo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:46pm EDT