The Kwerk Tartz 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.