The Cinematic Soul

Ebakuu
  • 5.0 (6)
  • FILM HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Cinematic Soul is where Black films and storytelling meet deep conversations, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Hosted by EB, a passionate film lover from the South Side of Chicago, this podcast dives into the artistry, culture, and impact of Black cinema—from timeless classics to hidden gems. Each episode brings in-depth film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes insights, and real talk about how these movies reflect Black life, love, and legacy. The Cinematic Soul is a space to celebrate the beauty of our stories!

  1. Do You Know Where You’re Going To? | Revisiting Mahogany (1975)

    18H AGO

    Do You Know Where You’re Going To? | Revisiting Mahogany (1975)

    This week on The Cinematic Soul, I revisit the 1975 cult classic Mahogany starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams. From the moment the opening runway sequence begins, Mahogany feels like a dream wrapped in glamour, ambition, loneliness, and desire. I talk about the haunting beauty of “Do You Know Where You’re Going To?”, the way Chicago is captured through a 1970s lens, Diana Ross’ unforgettable screen presence, and why her eyes carry so much of the emotional weight of the film even in its quieter moments. I also dive into the chemistry between Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams, the film’s relationship with fashion and identity, the pressure of becoming visible in a world that wants to reshape you, and why Mahogany still resonates through Black cinema, queer culture, and fashion history decades later. Plus, this week’s Cinematic Flowers go to Lenard Norris for his grounded and heartfelt performance as Will. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - The Opening Sequence and That Song 05:34 - Diana Ross’ Presence and Performance 09:48 - Chicago, Politics, and Community 13:57 - Billy Dee Williams and Romantic Chemistry 17:42 - Fashion, Identity, and Reinvention 21:33 - Why Mahogany Still Resonates 24:18 - Cinematic Flowers: Lenard Norris 25:41 - Closing Reflections Instagram: @CinematicSoulPod X/Twitter: @TheCinematicSoul Threads: @CinematicSoulPod YouTube: @CinematicSoulPod

    26 min
  2. The Wiz, Mentorship & the Stage That Changed Everything | Ft. Keith Myles Sr.

    MAY 3

    The Wiz, Mentorship & the Stage That Changed Everything | Ft. Keith Myles Sr.

    The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, look at how they were made, talk about what they get right, and what they leave behind. This week, I’m joined by Keith R. Myles Sr., a drama teacher and mentor whose journey into theater didn’t follow a straight line. We start with The Wiz, but the conversation naturally moves beyond the film. For Keith, that experience helped shape how he saw himself and what he believed was possible. It led him into teaching, into directing, and into spaces where he could pour into others the same way people once poured into him. In this episode, we talk about finding your footing without a clear roadmap. Keith shares how he taught himself theater, how he stepped into opportunities when they showed up, and what it felt like to be hired on the spot and trusted with a classroom. There’s a lot here about discipline, connection, and the kind of presence it takes to really reach students. We also spend time with The Wiz. The way it sits in the culture, the choices it makes, and the scenes that still linger. That subway moment comes up, and how fear in film can stick with you long after the credits roll. More than anything, this is a conversation about mentorship. About how one person showing up can shift someone else’s direction. And how those moments, even the small ones, don’t really leave you. If you enjoy the episode, follow The Cinematic Soul, leave a rating, and share it with someone who knows what a good teacher can do. ⸻ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back and introducing Keith Myles Sr. 03:20 Finding theater without a blueprint 08:45 Getting hired on the spot and stepping into teaching 14:10 The Wiz and what it meant at that time 20:30 Building relationships with students and classroom impact 27:15 Faith, community, and staying grounded 33:40 Improv, fear, and unexpected moments 40:10 The Wiz film and its place in the culture 48:20 The subway scene and how fear lingers 54:30 Music, performance, and emotional connection 01:02:15 Mentorship and long-term impact 01:10:40 Final reflections ⸻ Follow The Cinematic Soul Instagram @cinematicsoulpod Threads @cinematicsoulpod YouTube: @CinematicSoulPod Follow me @ebeknowing

    1h 20m
  3. Why Do Fools Fall in Love Didn’t Tell Frankie Lymon’s Full Story

    APR 21

    Why Do Fools Fall in Love Didn’t Tell Frankie Lymon’s Full Story

    The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, look at how they were made, talk about what they get right, and what they leave behind. This week, we’re revisiting the 1998 film Why Do Fools Fall in Love and taking a closer look at how it tells the story of Frankie Lymon. On the surface, it’s a biopic. But once you sit with it, the focus shifts. The movie leans heavily into the courtroom battle between the three women in his life, which makes for an engaging watch—but also keeps Frankie at a distance. Instead of walking through his rise, his pressure, and his decline, we’re mostly hearing about him after the fact. In this episode, I get into that tension. What the film chooses to center, what it smooths over, and why that matters. Especially when you’re talking about a 13-year-old Black artist navigating fame in an industry that wasn’t built to protect him. I also talk performances, with Cinematic Flowers going to Vivica A. Fox for bringing real presence and energy to the film, along with a look at the cinematography and how the movie handles its different timelines. If you enjoy the episode, follow The Cinematic Soul, leave a rating, and share it with someone who loves Black cinema and music history. ⸻ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back and episode intro 03:10 What kind of story this really is 07:20 Frankie Lymon and the missing perspective 11:05 Cinematic Flowers: Vivica A. Fox 14:30 Visual style and storytelling choices 17:45 The exploitation of young talent 20:10 Why the story feels incomplete 22:00 Final thoughts ⸻ Follow The Cinematic Soul Instagram @cinematicsoulpod Threads @cinematicsoulpod YouTube: @CinematicSoulPod Follow me @ebeknowing

    22 min
  4. Why Get On Up Hits Different Now | Chadwick, James Brown, and Legacy (2014)

    MAR 30

    Why Get On Up Hits Different Now | Chadwick, James Brown, and Legacy (2014)

    In this episode, let’s sit down for a deep conversation about Get On Up and why Chadwick Boseman’s performance as James Brown still feels so powerful. I break down the film’s storytelling choices, cinematography, the way music drives emotion, and how Chadwick completely disappeared into the role. More than just a biopic, this film captures movement, pain, ambition, and legacy in a way that still hits hard today. I also talk about the emotional weight the film carries now, especially when looking back at Chadwick’s work and the fragility of performances that have only grown more meaningful over time. If you love film analysis, acting craft, and conversations about the emotional soul of cinema, this episode is for you! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Get On Up 02:30 Revisiting the Film’s Impact 05:37 Cinematography and Storytelling Choices 07:41 The Power of Music in the Film 10:35 Character Dynamics and Relationships 13:15 Chadwick Boseman’s Transformation into James Brown 16:10 The Emotional Weight of the Final Scene 28:03 Conclusion and Reflection on Legacy Follow the show on IG + Threads: @cinematicsoulpod YouTube: @CinematicSoulPod

    32 min
  5. The Cost of Genius | Ray and the Legacy of Ray Charles (2004)

    MAR 17

    The Cost of Genius | Ray and the Legacy of Ray Charles (2004)

    The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, unpack the culture behind them, and celebrate the stories that stay with us. Today we’re talking about genius. The kind that changes music forever but also comes with pain, pressure, and complicated truth. In this episode we revisit the 2004 film Ray and explore the life and legacy of Ray Charles. I take a deeper look at Jamie Foxx’s transformative performance, the film’s cinematography, and the way music becomes part of the storytelling instead of just living in the background. We also talk about myth-making in biopics, the emotional cost of fame, resilience, relationships, and why Ray Charles’ influence still shapes American music today. If you enjoy the episode, follow The Cinematic Soul, leave a rating, and share it with someone who loves Black cinema and music history. New episodes weekly. ⸻ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Ray Charles and the film Ray 00:02 Jamie Foxx’s performance and emotional depth 04:42 The cultural significance of Ray Charles 06:14 Myth-making and cinematic storytelling 09:14 How Ray impacted Jamie Foxx’s career 12:05 Health scares and resilience 14:37 Cinematography and visual storytelling 16:40 Music as narrative 19:45 The cost of genius 21:44 Relationships and emotional complexity 27:25 Final thoughts on Ray Charles’ legacy ⸻ Follow The Cinematic Soul Instagram @cinematicsoulpod Threads @cinematicsoulpod Follow me @ebeknowing

    30 min
  6. The Sound That Changed American Music | Cadillac Records (2008)

    MAR 9

    The Sound That Changed American Music | Cadillac Records (2008)

    The Cinematic Soul is where we talk about movies through the lens of Black culture, history, and the music that lives inside these stories. The sound that changed American music didn’t start with rock and roll. It started with the blues and the artists who recorded at Chess Records! In this episode we take a look at the story behind Cadillac Records and the musicians who helped shape modern music. From Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf to Chuck Berry and Etta James, these artists helped transform the blues into the sound that would eventually become rock and roll. We also talk about what the film gets right, where it struggles historically, and the performances that stand out including Jeffrey Wright’s portrayal of Muddy Waters. And we introduce a new segment called Cinematic Soul Flowers, where we give well deserved appreciation to the actors who help bring these stories to life. If you enjoy the episode make sure to like, subscribe, share it with someone who loves film and music, and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 Exploring Music Stories in Black Cinema 01:32 Diving into Cadillac Records 02:58 The History of Chess Records 05:20 The Impact of the Great Migration on Music 08:27 Standout Performances in Cadillac Records 16:49 Cinematic Soul Flowers Honoring Jeffrey Wright 20:02 The Legacy of Muddy Waters and Rock and Roll ⸻ Follow The Cinematic Soul Instagram @cinematicsoulpod Threads @cinematicsoulpod Follow EB’s Socials @ebeknowing ⸻ Keywords Cadillac Records Chess Records Muddy Waters Howlin Wolf Chuck Berry Etta James Black music history Blues and rock and roll Jeffrey Wright Black cinema

    22 min
  7. Dreamgirls (2006): Effie White, Beyoncé, and the Legacy of a Black Musical Classic

    FEB 28

    Dreamgirls (2006): Effie White, Beyoncé, and the Legacy of a Black Musical Classic

    Dreamgirls (2006) remains one of the most influential modern Black musical films. In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I sit down with Shani Showbiz to talk about the legacy of Dreamgirls, from Jennifer Hudson’s unforgettable performance as Effie White to Beyoncé’s portrayal of Deena Jones, and the complicated ways Black women have been seen and sometimes boxed in by the music industry and Hollywood. This episode also marks the first full video episode of The Cinematic Soul, bringing the conversation to life in a new way as the show continues to grow! The conversation moves between film discussion and real-life experience. Shani and I share stories from the stage, auditions that didn’t quite land, moments of self doubt, and the long road toward confidence as performers. Anybody who has ever stepped into an audition room or onto a stage will recognize that journey. We also spend time appreciating the craft behind the film itself. The cinematography, the visual language of the Motown era, and how the movie captures the glamour, pressure, and image politics inside the music business. Even all these years later, Jennifer Hudson’s Effie White performance still hits like a lightning bolt. Somewhere between the laughter and the honesty, the conversation becomes bigger than Dreamgirls. It turns into a reflection on finding your voice, trusting your gifts, and having the courage to use them. Follow the conversation online Instagram and Threads: @cinematicsoulpod Ernest: @ebeknowing Shani: @damngirlyouknoweverybody Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the world of Dreamgirls 02:54 How the film shaped our love for performance 05:49 Effie White and why that character still hits today 08:50 Theater memories and early performing experiences 11:42 Representation in performing arts 14:38 Typecasting and navigating auditions 17:51 Finding yourself through performance 20:26 The influence of Dreamgirls on the next generation 23:29 Why the film still matters today 35:31 High school theater stories and early roles 40:36 Character dynamics inside the Dreams 55:26 Looks, image, and the music industry 01:02:11 Cinematography and storytelling in Dreamgirls 01:07:19 Passion, patience, and the creative process 01:09:10 Overcoming self doubt as an artist 01:10:00 Taking creative risks 01:11:26 Body confidence and expression on stage 01:14:04 Authenticity versus perfection in performance 01:20:05 Living boldly and chasing purpose 01:22:51 Protecting artistic integrity 01:30:38 Final reflections and what comes next Topics: Dreamgirls (2006), Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Effie White, Black cinema, movie musicals, performing arts, film analysis, Motown era storytelling.

    1h 34m
  8. Crooklyn Raised: Why Spike Lee’s Most Personal Film Feels Like Home

    FEB 22

    Crooklyn Raised: Why Spike Lee’s Most Personal Film Feels Like Home

    In this episode of The Cinematic Soul, I sit down with one of the most important films of my life, Spike Lee’s Crooklyn. A movie that raised me. I share what it was like growing up watching Crooklyn with my family and why it still feels like home every time I revisit it. We get into the brownstone in Bed Stuy, Arthur Jafa’s cinematography, the lens choices during the Virginia sequence, and why those visual shifts matter. I talk about Delroy Lindo as Woody and how that performance shaped the way I see artists chasing their dreams. We also reflect on the autobiographical roots of the film and how the Lee siblings turned memory into cinema. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection to Crooklyn 01:20 Why Crooklyn Matters to Me 03:36 The Brownstone and Brooklyn as Character 06:55 Cinematography and the Feel of Memory 08:41 Delroy Lindo as Woody 13:34 Alfre Woodard and the Center of the Home 18:56 Troy’s Perspective and Growing Up 20:05 The Virginia Lens Distortion and Emotional Framing 22:30 The Soundtrack and Musical Memory 25:05 Cast Highlights and Remembering Carlton Williams 28:55 Reception and Legacy 30:15 Final Reflections Follow the socials (IG and Threads) @ebeknowing @cinematicsoulpod

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Cinematic Soul is where Black films and storytelling meet deep conversations, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. Hosted by EB, a passionate film lover from the South Side of Chicago, this podcast dives into the artistry, culture, and impact of Black cinema—from timeless classics to hidden gems. Each episode brings in-depth film breakdowns, behind-the-scenes insights, and real talk about how these movies reflect Black life, love, and legacy. The Cinematic Soul is a space to celebrate the beauty of our stories!

Information

  • Creator
    Ebakuu
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ebakuu
  • Show Website
    The Cinematic Soul

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