Culture Beats

Chris Bournea
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ARTS

The Culture Beats podcast features conversations about pop culture and many other aspects of life. The show is hosted by Chris Bournea, director of the acclaimed "Lady Wrestler" documentary who is also an author and journalist. 

  1. MAR 9

    An Icon Hiding In Plain Sight: Wrestler Lula Mae Provo's Daughter on Her Little-Known Legacy

    In observance of Women's History Month, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Valerie Hawes about her legendary mother, wrestler Lula Mae Provo. Valerie shares why her mother was hesitant to talk about being one of the courageous Black women who broke racial and gender barriers in the ring in the 1950s and '60s. Learn more about these trailblazing women in the documentary "Lady Wrestler," streaming on Prime Video. I directed the documentary, which features interviews with wrestling legends like Ethel Johnson,  the first Black women's world wrestling champion, and Ramona Isbell. You can contact me at chrisbournea@gmail.com

    40 min

  2. FEB 23

    The Transformative Power of Live Theater with Ben Zingos

    In this episode, I speak with arts entrepreneur Ben Zingos about his innovative approach to theater. He transforms existing facilities into performance spaces through the organization he founded, the Space Pirates Theatre Collective.  For more information about Ben and the Space Pirates Theatre Collective, visit https://spacepiratestheatrecollective.org/  You can contact me at chrisbournea@gmail.com

    45 min

  3. FEB 9

    The Culture and Cuisine of New Orleans with Lolis Elie

    In honor of Black History Month and observance of Mardi Gras, I hope you enjoy my conversation with writer Lolis Elie. Lolis chronicles the richness of New Orleans cuisine and culture.  Find out more about Lolis at Loliselie.com  You can contact me at Chrisbournea@gmail.com

    25 min

  4. JAN 26

    Why Are Crime Stories More Popular Than Ever? with Author John David

    True crime and mysteries are more popular than ever. Why do audiences like a good thrill? I explore this question with John David, author of the new thriller “The Bystander.”  Check out John's new thriller, "The Bystander" on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01IUTCGXQ?ccs_id=63262560-841b-459d-bada-5b6008bb0acb You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com

    42 min

  5. JAN 12

    Centering Black Women in Sports with Dr. Letisha Engracia Cardoso Brown

    In this episode, Dr. Letisha Engracia Cardoso Brown talks about her groundbreaking research into the countless contributions that Black women have made to sports.  Dr. Brown is the author of the new book, “Say Her Name: Centering Black Feminism and Black Women in Sports.”  Find out more about Dr. Brown and her book at https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/say-her-name/9781978831803  You can reach me at chrisbournea@gmail.com  Watch “Lady Wrestler: The Amazing, Untold Story of African-American Women in the Ring,” the documentary I directed about the courageous Black women who integrated professional wrestling in the 1950s, on Amazon Prime Video. Follow the Lady Wrestler Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ladywrestlermovie

    38 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    The Legacy of Black Lady Wrestling Trailblazers featuring Kim Goodwin Martin Part 2

    In Part 2 of this very special episode of the Culture Beats podcast, I speak with Kim Goodwin Martin, daughter of wrestling legend Marva Scott.  Marva, along with her older sisters Babs Wingo and Ethel Johnson, were the first Black women to integrate professional wrestling in the 1950s.  Kim and I have known each other for years, and she and her family were kind enough to sit down to speak about their family’s legacy for the documentary “Lady Wrestler,” which I produced and directed and is streaming on Prime Video.  In Part 2 of our interview, Kim and I talk about her and her family's work to preserve the legacy of her trailblazing mother and aunts.  I can be reached at chrisbournea@gmail.com Connect with Kim and find out more information about her mother Marva Scott and her aunts Babs Wingo and Ethel Johnson at https://www.thewingosisters.com/  Watch “Lady Wrestler: The Amazing, Untold Story of African-American Women in the Ring,” the documentary I directed, on Amazon Prime Video at  https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Wr estler-Amazing-Untold-African-American/dp/B08P3VBFJT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Lady+Wrestler&qid=1614896574&sr=8-1

    32 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    The Legacy of Black Lady Wrestling Trailblazers featuring Kim Goodwin Martin

    In this very special episode, I speak with Kim Goodwin Martin, daughter of wrestling legend Marva Scott.  Marva, along with her older sisters Babs Wingo and Ethel Johnson, were the first Black women to integrate professional wrestling in the 1950s. They were the Jackie Robinson of wrestling!  Connect with me at chrisbournea@gmail.com Connect with Kim and find out more information about her mother Marva Scott and her aunts Babs Wingo and Ethel Johnson at https://www.thewingosisters.com/  Watch “Lady Wrestler: The Amazing, Untold Story of African-American Women in the Ring,” the documentary I directed, on Amazon Prime Video at  https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Wr estler-Amazing-Untold-African-American/dp/B08P3VBFJT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Lady+Wrestler&qid=1614896574&sr=8-1

    25 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Modeling and Acting Horror Stories: Ira Cross Interview Part 2

    I hope you enjoy Part 2 of my conversation with Ira Cross - filmmaker, actor, model and all-around arts advocate. We share horror stories about our experiences in the entertainment industry as African American models and actors.   Connect with Ira at https://www.instagram.com/iraterrycross/  You can contact me at chrisbournea@gmail.com  Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chrisbourneawriter  Follow me on Twitter/X at https://x.com/chrisbournea  Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chrisbourneawriter/  Follow me on Threads at https://www.threads.net/@chrisbourneawriter  Subscribe to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/chrisbournea  Watch “Lady Wrestler: The Amazing, Untold Story of African-American Women in the Ring,” the documentary I directed, on Amazon Prime Video at  https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Wr estler-Amazing-Untold-African-American/dp/B08P3VBFJT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Lady+Wrestler&qid=1614896574&sr=8-1   Follow the Lady Wrestler Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ladywrestlermovie

    35 min
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About

The Culture Beats podcast features conversations about pop culture and many other aspects of life. The show is hosted by Chris Bournea, director of the acclaimed "Lady Wrestler" documentary who is also an author and journalist. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Bournea
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Culture Beats
  • Show Website
    Culture Beats