We Interrupt This Program

We Interrupt This Program
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What do you get when you mix a family science scholar and a media researcher? Deep dives into the human and technical elements of film and television, silly! Join Ebony and Vern as they (lovingly) beat your favorite media to death with a microscope and interrupt the programming we all receive from the mythology of our modern era. But like, relatably! As academics we know that knowledge can be gatekept by its makers, and we want to take higher learning to more accessible places. We believe media literacy is not only a right but a responsibility and that people who are knowledgeable about family and relationship dynamics can be better friends, partners, neighbors, members of a society. We chose to use the most accessible texts in our culture (movies/tv) and empower people to become better versions of themselves.

  1. 06/12/2025

    Tucker & Dale review pt 2: college kids

    Ebony Williams and Vern Cooper delve into the film 'Tucker and Dale vs Evil', exploring its unique blend of horror and comedy. They discuss character dynamics, the role of miscommunication, and the subversion of traditional horror tropes, particularly regarding race and class. The conversation highlights how the film uses humor to address serious social issues, emphasizing the importance of context and perception in understanding character motivations. Through their analysis, they reveal the film's layered storytelling and the significance of code-switching and identity in the narrative. Takeaways The conversation explores the humor and character dynamics in 'Tucker and Dale vs Evil'. Miscommunication plays a crucial role in the narrative's progression. The film subverts traditional horror tropes, particularly regarding race and class. Character backstories significantly influence their actions and perceptions. The comedic elements serve to highlight serious social issues. Code-switching is a recurring theme, reflecting identity struggles. The film's humor often arises from misunderstandings and perceptions. Socioeconomic factors are intertwined with the characters' experiences. The discussion emphasizes the importance of context in interpreting actions. The film's layered storytelling invites multiple viewings for deeper understanding. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tucker and Dale vs. Evil 00:10 The Death of Common Ground 01:30 Distrust of Authority 03:48 Allison's Character Development 05:52 The Woodchipper Incident 07:48 The Sheriff and the Chaos 09:35 The Harbinger of Doom 11:33 Code-Switching and Misunderstanding 12:36 Decision Making in Crisis 13:42 The Role of Miscommunication in Relationships 16:17 Miscommunication and Conflict Resolution 18:16 Looking Ahead to Lovecraft Country tags: Tucker and Dale vs Evil, horror comedy, character dynamics, social commentary, miscommunication, class issues, perception, code-switching, identity, humor

  2. 06/05/2025

    Tucker & Dale vs Evil Review: Part 1

    Summary Ebony and Vern explore the film 'Tucker and Dale vs. Evil,' discussing its unique blend of comedy and horror, character dynamics, and the themes of miscommunication, identity, and perception. They delve into how the film plays with horror tropes, the significance of costuming, and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes. The discussion highlights the film's commentary on class and regionality, as well as the role of female characters and the consequences of miscommunication in the narrative. Takeaways Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is a unique blend of comedy and horror. Horror films have evolved to include more cultural commentary. The film challenges stereotypes about hillbillies and rednecks. Miscommunication is a central theme that drives the plot. The characters' perceptions of each other are crucial to the story. Costuming plays a significant role in character development. The cabin symbolizes the characters' optimistic outlook on life. Female characters are given depth and agency in the narrative. Physical comedy enhances the film's storytelling. The film critiques societal prejudices and stereotypes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tucker and Dale vs. Evil 05:04 Comedy Horror: A Unique Genre 09:24 Character Dynamics and Perceptions 13:57 The Role of Humor in Horror 17:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 20:29 Miscommunication and Misunderstanding 25:14 The Complexity of Humor and Horror 26:40 Tropes and Stereotypes in Horror 30:19 The Death of Common Ground tags Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, horror films, comedy horror, character dynamics, miscommunication, identity, perception, class, regionality, stereotypes

    Tucker & Dale vs Evil Review: Part 1

  3. 06/05/2025

    Decoding "Sinners", pt 2.

    Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners,' exploring its themes of colonialism, spirituality, and the cultural significance of music. They discuss the characters' coping mechanisms, the film's moral complexities, and the impact of historical context on contemporary narratives. The dialogue highlights the importance of cultural appropriation, allyship, and the dangers faced by Black individuals, while also drawing parallels with other films and literature. The conversation emphasizes the film's potential to resonate within the African American community and its broader implications for understanding identity and culture. Takeaways The film 'Sinners' explores the intersection of colonialism and spirituality. Hoodoo is presented as a blend of African traditions and Christianity. Coping mechanisms in the film contrast faith with action. Music serves as a powerful narrative device connecting past and present. The film's portrayal of danger reflects real societal issues for Black people. Cultural appropriation is a significant theme in the discussion of music. The characters' experiences highlight the complexity of allyship. The film has the potential to become iconic within the African American community. Historical context enriches the understanding of the film's themes. The conversation underscores the importance of unpacking cultural narratives. Chapters 00:00 Religion, Spirituality, and Coping Mechanisms 03:16 Cultural Appropriation and Historical Context 06:32 The Impact of Personal Backgrounds 07:16 Cultural Interactions and Naivety 08:55 Finding Joy in Unconventional Spaces 10:42 The Complexity of Morality 11:51 The Role of Monsters in Society 12:39 Grounding Stories in Reality 14:19 Exploring Historical Contexts 15:03 Music as a Connective Tissue 17:15 Cultural Blending in Music 18:40 Colonialism's Impact on Cultures 19:34 Allegiances and Self-Interest 20:22 The Power of Community 22:15 Reflections on the Conversation 23:03 WItP Pod.mp4 tags: Sinners, colonialism, spirituality, music, cultural appropriation, coming of age, allyship, film analysis, African American culture, narrative device

    Decoding "Sinners", pt 2.

  4. 05/29/2025

    The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are

    Vern and Ebony delve into the season finale of The Last of Us, exploring character dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of Ellie's actions. They discuss themes of parenthood, community, and the cyclical nature of violence, while reflecting on the emotional weight of the narrative and its implications for future seasons. Takeaways The finale explores deep character dynamics and development. Ellie's journey is marked by significant consequences. Themes of parenthood and responsibility are prevalent. The conflict raises moral dilemmas for the characters. Cycles of violence are a central theme in the narrative. Ellie's obsession impacts her relationships and decisions. Community and belonging play crucial roles in the story. The nature of war and its effects on individuals are examined. The climax presents critical choices and their consequences. The aftermath sets the stage for future implications. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Last of Us Season Finale 03:41 Ellie's Journey and Consequences 06:27 The Complexity of Relationships 09:29 Moral Dilemmas in a Chaotic World 11:55 Ellie's Obsession and Its Impact 15:24 Social Commentary and Moral Reflections 17:46 Understanding Character Motivations 20:11 The Weight of Impossible Decisions 22:43 The Messiness of Choices 25:28 The No-Win Scenario 26:03 Lessons from the Journey 26:32 Breaking the Cycle of Violence 27:18 The Role of Family and Support 27:56 The Importance of Connection 28:46 The Future of Leadership 29:44 The Next Generation 30:26 The Ideological Divide 31:24 The Nature of Power 32:14 Understanding the Conflict 32:42 The Struggle for Resources 33:38 The Role of Ideology 34:24 The Weight of Control 34:39 The Weight of Reality 36:06 The Impact of Violence 38:02 Identity and Purpose 39:00 Consequences of Choices 40:49 Setting the Stage for Season 3 42:24 Emotional Labor in Storytelling 49:13 Looking Ahead: Future Discussions 51:30 WItP Pod.mp4 tags: Keywords The Last of Us, Season Finale, Character Development, Parenthood, Violence, Redemption, Community, War, Choices, Consequences

    The Last of Us s2 Finale: Wherever you go, there you are

  5. 05/25/2025

    Decoding "Sinners": A Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Latest Film (Part 1)

    Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the film 'Sinners' directed by Ryan Coogler, exploring its themes of representation, music, colonialism, and identity. They discuss the significance of the Great Migration, the portrayal of monsters as metaphors for societal issues, and the concept of 'sinners' as a reflection of ideological control. The dialogue also touches on the importance of body image and the complexities of liminality in relation to race and identity. Through their analysis, they highlight the film's rich cultural narratives and the power of music as a storytelling device. Takeaways The film 'Sinners' explores themes of representation and identity. Music serves as a central mechanic in the storytelling. The Great Migration is portrayed as a complex narrative. Colonialism is critiqued through the lens of cultural appropriation. Monsters in the film symbolize deeper societal issues. The concept of 'sinners' relates to ideological control. Conditioning through religion is a recurring theme. The veil represents the connection to ancestors. Body image and representation are critically examined. Liminality highlights the precariousness of identity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Film and Initial Reactions 02:34 Character Representation and Cultural Themes 04:45 Music as a Central Theme 06:57 Colonialism and Identity in the Narrative 09:12 Monsters as Metaphors 11:27 Exploring the Concept of Sinners 13:53 The Role of Ancestors and Community 16:28 Body Image and Representation in Film 21:27 Colonial Beauty Standards and Identity 22:39 Liminal Characters and Their Precarious Existence 24:24 Proximity to Whiteness and Its Implications 25:45 Cultural Significance of Music and Identity 30:10 Liminal Spaces: Navigating Between Worlds 31:43 Religion, Spirituality, and Coping Mechanisms tags Sinners, Ryan Coogler, representation, music, colonialism, cultural appropriation, community, body image, liminality, film analysis

    Decoding "Sinners": A Deep Dive into Ryan Coogler's Latest Film (Part 1)

  6. 05/22/2025

    TLOU2e6: Manful Tears of Pedro Pascal (appreciative)

    Vern and Ebony delve into the emotional complexities of the characters in 'The Last of Us', particularly focusing on Joel and Ellie's relationship. They explore themes of generational trauma, the significance of birthdays, and the challenges of parenting in a post-apocalyptic world. The conversation highlights the characters' growth, the impact of their choices, and the nuances of love and sacrifice, culminating in a reflection on the consequences of their actions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 04:29 Ellie's Birthdays: A Journey Through Time 06:54 The Museum Adventure: A Day of Wonder 11:46 The Emotional Highs and Lows of Parenthood 15:46 Teenage Rebellion and Parental Concerns 19:59 Navigating Adulthood and Rites of Passage 23:21 The Complexity of Parental Relationships 25:34 Consequences of Choices and Moral Dilemmas 29:16 Emotional Turmoil and the Weight of Decisions 35:35 The Complexity of Sacrifice 38:36 The Reward of Patience in Storytelling 43:19 Justice vs. Revenge in a Post-Apocalyptic World 46:06 WItP Pod.mp4

    TLOU2e6: Manful Tears of Pedro Pascal (appreciative)

  7. 05/15/2025

    TLOU2e5: What will Ellie choose and where the F*ck is Shimmer

    In this episode review of 'The Last of Us', hosts Vern Cooper and Ebony Williams delve into the intricate character relationships, emotional stakes, and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. They explore the tension between Ellie and Dina, the impact of trauma on their lives, and the choices that lead to consequences. The discussion also highlights the action sequences, the nature of violence, and the cycle of revenge that permeates the narrative. As they anticipate future episodes, they reflect on the themes of community, coexistence, and the psychological effects of violence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:20 Character Relationships and Development 05:03 Themes of Trauma and Survival 07:29 Action Sequences and Pacing 09:42 Moral Dilemmas and Choices 12:17 Infected and Human Threats 14:19 The Nature of Violence 16:50 Climactic Moments and Revelations 21:04 The Group Effort of Violence 22:04 Symbolism in Violence and Love 22:38 Ellie's Temptation and Choices 23:29 Ellie's Immunity and Its Implications 24:23 The Nature of Cordyceps and Control 25:16 Gail's Insights and Ellie's Behavior 26:03 The Cycle of Violence and Trauma 30:34 Faith in Science and Belief Systems 32:52 The Disturbing Nature of Revenge 36:39 The Dilemma of Parenthood and Violence 39:19 The Aftermath of Violence 41:14 Sympathy for the Devil 45:58 The Complexity of Revenge 51:59 Anticipating the Future 52:35 Final Thoughts and Predictions 53:55 WItP Pod.mp4

    TLOU2e5: What will Ellie choose and where the F*ck is Shimmer

  8. 05/10/2025

    The White Iron Barb 3: The Barbenclaw

    Vern and Ebony reflect on their previous discussions about films, particularly focusing on 'Barbie' and 'Iron Claw.' They explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and representation in media, discussing how these films critique societal norms. The conversation delves into personal reflections on identity and the impact of media on their lives, as well as the importance of interruptions in film narratives. They also touch on the significance of representation in the Academy Awards and plan future discussions. Takeaways Hollywood doesn't want to hear a story like this. Toxic masculinity is an issue that needs addressing. The importance of insider perspectives in discussions about race and gender. White-splaining is a barrier to effective allyship. The impact of patriarchy on both men and women should be examined. Barbie and Iron Claw both address masculinity but in different ways. Media can reflect and interrupt societal narratives. Representation in film is crucial for understanding diverse experiences. The Academy Awards often overlook important narratives. Future discussions will focus on powerful Black women in film. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting Previous Movie Discussions 01:13 The Burden of Liberation on Marginalized Groups 04:27 Interruptions in Media: Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 07:00 The Power of Media to Challenge Dominant Narratives 11:44 The Importance of Representation and Diverse Perspectives in Media 24:02 The Industry's Response to Interruption 24:59 The Power of Interpretation 25:49 Navigating Backlash and Potential Impact 29:05 The Personal and Political Nature of Interruption 31:47 Navigating Conversations in Different Spaces 35:31 The Value of Allowing Ourselves to be Stretched 38:24 Shirley Chisholm as an Interruption 42:43 Understanding the Audience and Intent 44:47 Preference and Emotional Resonance 45:36 Reflecting on the Conversation

    The White Iron Barb 3: The Barbenclaw
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About

What do you get when you mix a family science scholar and a media researcher? Deep dives into the human and technical elements of film and television, silly! Join Ebony and Vern as they (lovingly) beat your favorite media to death with a microscope and interrupt the programming we all receive from the mythology of our modern era. But like, relatably! As academics we know that knowledge can be gatekept by its makers, and we want to take higher learning to more accessible places. We believe media literacy is not only a right but a responsibility and that people who are knowledgeable about family and relationship dynamics can be better friends, partners, neighbors, members of a society. We chose to use the most accessible texts in our culture (movies/tv) and empower people to become better versions of themselves.

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  • Creator
    We Interrupt This Program
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
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    © We Interrupt This Program
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    We Interrupt This Program