Acting Up w/ AJ and Crew

Ajani 'AJ' Murray

Discussions about people with disability working in the arts, media, and entertainment in front of the camera and behind it.

  1. 09/03/2025

    BONUS - Song For Rent, After Jack Smith (2018) - Audio Description Breaking the Rules

    In this Bonus Episode, AJ with fellow podcasters Cheryl Green and Thomas Reid discuss the short film, "Song for Rent, After Jack Smith" (2018), and its audio description. They are joined by guests, Malic Amalya - Director, Arthur Johnson Weiss - Audio Description, and Jade Theriault - Actress portraying Jack Smith as "Rose Courtyard." They discuss the process of making the film, and the inherint evolution of incorporating the audio description as a main feature to the film. Song for Rent is based on the 1969 experimental short film of the same name by Jack Smith. Follow link below to watch. Song for Rent (2018) - https://vimeo.com/278238847

    28 min

  2. 08/20/2025

    BONUS - Behind the Scenes - A Look Back on Season 1

    Want to know what Acting Up w/ AJ is all about? Who are these voices that join his ensemble? Where did it all begin? AJ takes a look back on the past 5 years and beyond in creating his podcast. Joined from the very beginning by friends and fellow podcasters, Cheryl Green and Thomas Reid. Influenced and inspired as a child by radio host, Tom Joyner, and later being joined by friend from Zeno Mountain Farm, Shawnsy Billops. AJ recalls the events that have lead the podcast to where it is now.

    31 min
  3. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) - When Art Finally Mirrors Reality

    05/14/2025

    What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) - When Art Finally Mirrors Reality

    We are finally here on this season finale of Acting Up w/ AJ and Crew! We are so excited to have friend and author, Kathy Roberson, lend us her mirrored experiences in raising a child with a significant cognitive disability. This a very candid conversation about family dynamics, sibling care of a brother with a disability, and the exposure it brings in publics settings. Prepare yourselves for an emotional ride in this extended episode of Acting Up w/ AJ and Crew! Thank you to all of our listeners for joining us on this expedition into Disability Representation in our Media Culture. actingupwithaj.com

    1h 36m
  4. The Ride Ahead (2024) - Part 2 - Ableism, Infantilization, and the Demand for Respect w/ Sam & Dan Habib

    03/05/2025

    The Ride Ahead (2024) - Part 2 - Ableism, Infantilization, and the Demand for Respect w/ Sam & Dan Habib

    Acting Up w/ AJ and Crew are back with Part 2! An Interview with Father/Son directing duo Samuel and Dan Habib. We dive deeper into the discussion about down talking, respect, boundaries, and the end of infantilization.  The Ride Ahead, is a feature film following Director Samuel Habib as he interviews many disabled celebrities, activists, and role models around the country. With daring discussions on the topics of being an adult with a disability. This documentary has Audio Description and Captioning for access needs. Check out their website for future screenings at RideAheadFilm.com.

    1h 21m
  5. The Ride Ahead (2024) - Part 1 - The Importance of Telling Our Own Stories w/ Sam & Dan Habib

    02/11/2025

    The Ride Ahead (2024) - Part 1 - The Importance of Telling Our Own Stories w/ Sam & Dan Habib

    Happy Black History Month! After a short hiatus, AJ and his crew are joined by Father/Son duo Samuel and Dan Habib. Their new documentary, The Ride Ahead, is a feature length extension to the Emmy Award winning short film "My Disability Roadmap." In the episode, we discuss what it means to be a filmmaker with a disability, life after high school, and the meaning of love and relationships.   SYNOPSIS - Samuel Habib is a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career, and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?

    1 hr
  6. Music (2021) - When Good Intentions Hit a Bad Note

    07/16/2024

    Music (2021) - When Good Intentions Hit a Bad Note

    Happy Disability Pride Month! This may be the hardest episode that we have ever had to complete. Sia's film Music has been controversial since the 1st announcement of an able-bodied actress being cast in the role of a non-verbal autistic person. We dive deep into the discussion of Authentic Representation, Dangers of the Prone Restraint Method, and the Autism communities outcry of "Nothing About Us, Without Us." We strive to have a non-biased viewpoint and hope to continue this important conversation.   News Feed - Sia's New Film "Music" Isn't Just Bad Representation of Autistic People; It's Downright Dangerous - Kirby Kellogg - RootedInRights.org (voiced by Shawnsy Billops) Content Round Up - Netflix Upcoming Releases (Tell Them You Love Me, Different Strokes) - "Netflix backs effort to support Filmmakers with Disabilities" - Disabilityscoop.com (voiced by Adam Grimes) Disability Spotlight - Disability Pride Month Community Reflection (voiced by Cheryl Green)

    1h 10m

  7. 06/18/2024

    The Ringer (2005) - Good, Bad, and Going Beyond the Surface

    An man imitates a disability in order to rig the Special Olympics for money. A movie as bad as it sounds? You might be suprised. We cover it all from Non-Authentic Casting, hiring 150 disabled Special Olympians, and will someone please strike down Uncle Gary with lightning.   News Feed - Privatizing Services for people with disabilities, Apple's New Assistive Technology, Para-                       Olympic Coverage 2024 Content Round Up - NPR's The Indicator from Planet Money "How video games became more                                              accessible" Disability Spotlight - Zac Gottsagen, Actor

    1h 5m
  8. Audio Description (1981-Present) - Public Television to Streaming to the Near Future w/ Thomas Reid

    05/28/2024

    Audio Description (1981-Present) - Public Television to Streaming to the Near Future w/ Thomas Reid

    Audio description (AD) is a narration of important visual information in a video or multimedia product to make it more accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. AD can provide context, clarify speakers, and describe visual elements that are not obvious from the audio, such as on-screen text, graphics, or actions. AD is often inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue.    Special Guest Thomas Reid is back in the house to discuss his role and historical expertise in the formation of Audio Description and its potential for future accessibility for the visually impaired. Thomas Ried is host and producer of the Podcast, Reid My Mind Radio reidmymind.com   News Feed - Disney Parks Update Policy on the LINE -Cheryl Green Content Round Up - Theatrical Release 'Ezra', May 31, 2024, -Adam Grimes Disability Spotlight - The Social Audio Description Collective, -Nefertiti Matos Olivares

    57 min
See All (14)

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Discussions about people with disability working in the arts, media, and entertainment in front of the camera and behind it.

Information

  • Creator
    Ajani 'AJ' Murray
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Acting Up w/ AJ and Crew