The Drip

Episode 15 -- Pulsing, Possible Dreams: Danez Smith's DON'T CALL US DEAD

Once again the Spoilers take on a poetry collection and the result is astonishment, tear-filled silences, and general veneration of the genius of Danez Smith. As usual, we ask more questions than we give definitive answers, in the process modeling an engagement with poetry that requires only that the reader/listener have an emotional response -- and we have SO darned many. Bottom line is that this collection both destroyed us AND elated us. Take a listen to hear what that sounds like in all its messy glory. And don't worry if you haven't read the entire collection - we've already thought of that. In this episode we each take turns reading our favorite poems and then we talk about them together. We, of course, hope you read the entire thing (redistribute wealth to poets!), but it isn't necessary for listening to this episode. And keep on listening after the closing music for something extra special - Danez performing "dear white america." You're welcome, ALL AMERICA.

Episode 14 -- "Damn these Eggs!": Lorraine Hansberry's A RAISIN IN THE SUN

In this episode, the Spoilers go back to high school to take on one of the most beloved and widely taught plays of the 20th century. Bravely confronting their literary prejudices, they reexamine this classic of African American literature while getting a little bit feisty in the process. Housing discrimination, masculinity and patriarchy, morality, and how to lose $6500 in a day are some of the fascinating subjects of discussion. The crew is particularly sympathetic toward Beneatha, bemoaning the fact that her dream seems to be the one that might still get deferred in this whole mess. Everyone is cool to forgive Brother and move into the new house, but what about that damn Willie? Does he really get away with it? In the end, the Spoilers laud sweet Lorraine and give her props for being a bit of a genius. And if Nina Simone and James Baldwin said it, who are we to disagree? Enjoy!

Driplet #2 -- Tunnel Vision: Jordan Peele's US

We're calling this a Driplet, but it's actually more of a teenage Drip about to head off to college. So if you've got the time, buckle up and listen to the Spoilers get all tied up in hilarious knots arguing about Jordan Peele's new movie, US. I mean, they go deep, deep down into the underground trying to figure out what Peele is up to. There's confusion, resentment, skepticism, and even anger -- but in the end, The Spoilers give in and join everyone else holding hands across America for US. As a bonus, Todd speaks French, does a questionable Red voice, and recommends Antoine Fisher. Absolutely no one approves. You won't want to miss this rip-roaring episode unless you are an older person who hasn't yet seen the movie (SUPER DUPER SPOILER ALERT) or you live in a very white, modern-style house and say "vodka thirty." Otherwise, grab a golf club and join the fun as the Spoilers battle to the end of humanity! (Was that a wabbit I just saw?)

Episode 13 - Movin' on Up: Michelle Obama's BECOMING

In this episode, the Spoilers get all excited about Michelle Obama's lovely memoir. As always, we have some gripes, but it is mainly all love for our favorite First Lady (No offense, Hillary). We start on the south side of Chicago with more of Crystal's remembrances of her childhood hood and move on to black motherhood, women in the workplace, community organizing, mentors and friends, parental sacrifice, the great migration, and a whole bunch of other stuff. While there are some fiery moments, this is generally a joyful episode in which we end up being impressed by the writing achievement of Michelle Obama. I think she even taught us some things. Is there anything she can't do? Does she have a podcast yet? 

Episode 12 -- What About Tish?: Barry Jenkins' IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

There's just not much we don't like about Barry Jenkins' adaptation of James Baldwins' novel IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK. It's a layered, lush, beautiful depiction of black love that really touched us all. But if you know the Spoilers you know we are always going to have something contentious to talk about. This episode is no exception. We spend a lot of time talking about Tish, about the depiction of Christianity, about the lack of Oscar love for this movie. Along the way, Todd mansplains and Anita interrupts -- and then something falls off the table. Chaos reigns! But it's all good. We think you're going to love this thoughtful and lively episode. 

The Drip Episode 11 -- Be Loving This Book: Kiese Laymon's HEAVY

In this Episode, the Spoilers are back to gush over Kiese Layman's amazing new memoir, HEAVY. There's not much to say except we were pretty much knocked out by the audacity of Laymon's writing and we talk almost endlessly about the countless ways that we were amazed. The show is fifty minutes long, but we could have gone for another two. But you know Anita wasn't going to let that happen ('cause she's good at her job). We kept it reasonable for y'all. You can thank her later, but listen to the show now!

The Drip Episode 10 -- Food and Wine and We Feel Fine: Our Dinner With Yaa Gyasi's HOMEGOING

This special episode has a little bit of everything. The Spoliers, satiated by an unbelievable Ghaniain meal prepared by their friend Nasreen, fight through the haze of the itis to tackle some deep issues in Yaa Gyasi's wonderful novel HOMEGOING. And as they do it, they have plenty of trouble remembering the names of all those characters ("they" means "Todd"). They talk about genre, clock some literary allusions, and even take on the eminent Isabel Wilkerson's critique of the book. And maybe most important of all -- they argue for at least five minutes about whether Marcus and Marjorie are in love (Duh, of course they are). You may want to pour yourself a glass of wine as you listen to this snowy Saturday night show. It goes well white both white and red . . .

The Drip Episode 9 -- And We Have Another Thing to Say: THE HATE U GIVE, the movie

In this episode the Spoilers go another round with the THE HATE U GIVE, but this time it's the movie. In it we discuss what a Black Lives Matter movie might look like, question the apparently dwindling black lighting budget, and you knew we were going to complain some more about Chris. It gets a little rowdy, but we keep our Spoiler selves on point with a rash of academic-type hot takes that may or may not be brilliant or useful. We also pay tribute to the great Ntozake Shange, whose death caught us all off guard, but whose work made us who we are today. And finally we rep the Black Youth Project 100, whose music is restoring our spirits after a week of depression and pain. This is what real activist art looks like!

The Drip Episode 8 -- Roy, Celestial, and Don't Forget About Dre: Tayari Jones' AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE

Do you hear what I hear? Yup -- THE DRIP is back and this time you can actually hear us talking! In this episode, the Spoilers work through how to think about representations of sexual violence in the wake of Kavanaugh; they talk marriage, mass incarceration, race and masculinity, and creepy Roy dolls; and they resist the desperate urge to line up on Team Roy or Team Celestial (no Team Dre).

This gem is packed full of delectable moments, mostly because it's the second time we've talked about this novel. You won't hear the first because no one could hear us over the raucous crowd at Heritage when we first tried to record this episode a couple weeks ago. This time we took it all back home to a quiet place, and if we don't say so, we are a little more thoughtful, generally brilliant, and much easier on the ears. Listen all the way to the end for the added treat of a sweet outtake from our first recording effort at Heritage -- that's right, it's Crystal rocking an impromptu performance of "Sorry" from FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/ WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF during sound check. It is so worth it.

The Drip Episode 7 -- The Spoilers Sidestep the Sexy Stuff in HER BODY AND OTHER PARTIES

In this episode, Adriana proves how big her brain is by easily besting Todd in a literary genre battle, Crystal reveals which story "elicited the most emotional reaction," and Anita shouts out Todd's mom. Also, Carmen Maria Machado gives us an excuse to fan-folk LAW AND ORDER. All the while, we sip delicious drinks and listen to the same dulcet tunes we used to hear at Lake Cofee House. Wait - have we entered some sort of time-shift? Abler, is that you? Henson? Bonita?!!!??!!