NAACP+ Inside The Industry

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Inside the Industry is a one-on-one interview podcast that pulls back the curtain on the entertainment business by spotlighting the people who shape it. Through candid, in-depth conversations, each episode explores individual career journeys, current projects, and the realities of working behind—and in front of—the spotlight. The podcast aims to demystify the industry while celebrating creativity, strategy, and the many paths to success.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    From Interning at Hot 97 to the Met Gala with Rihanna — Entertainment Journalist Gia Peppers

    What does it actually take to build a two-decade career in entertainment journalism — across NBC's Today Show, Hot 97, Essence, Access Hollywood, BET, and the Met Gala red carpet with Rihanna? In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host ArianaDrummond sits down with her close friend and NAACP Image Awards-nominated journalist, podcaster, and host Gia Peppers for one of the most candid, funny, and genuinely inspiring conversations in the series so far. Gia breaks down: → How she went from overnight shifts at CBS Radio News to   the Met Gala carpet — and what happened in between → What her dad's 23 years at NPR taught her about   storytelling before she ever stepped into a newsroom → How she co-created Black Girl Podcast before Black women   podcasting was even a thing — and what it feels like to have built a blueprint you don't always get credit for → What it was really like interviewing Rihanna, Kobe Bryant, and Vice President Kamala Harris → How to navigate microaggressions as a Black woman in media without losing your voice or your career → Why she did the New York to D.C. commute for four years straight while working at Hot 97, Essence, and hosting   for the Washington Wizards simultaneously → The pay equity conversation that changed how she thinks about negotiating forever → Why she's launching Creatives of Faith — and what it means to keep creatives on assignment from God → The state of Black media right now and what we all need to do about it → Why dragging the rooms you want to be in is her most unpopular industry opinion Plus — her most honest reflection on legacy, what she still wants to build, and the moment at her friend's funeral that made her decide to go all the way in on her dreams. This is the episode for every aspiring journalist, content creator, and Black woman trying to take up space in an industry that wasn't built for her. Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations  Guest: Gia Peppers — Today Show, Hot 97, Essence, More Than   That with Gia Peppers, Healed Girl Era, Black Girl Podcast New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T  Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807  Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #GiaPeppers #EntertainmentJournalism#BlackWomenInMedia #BlackGirlPodcast #HealedGirlEra #ArianaDrummond#BlackCreatives #MediaCareer #BlackJournalism #ContentCreator#BlackWomen #TodayShow #Hot97 #Essence #MetGala Chapters (00:00:00) - You create the environment — Gia's philosophy on hosting(00:00:28) - Welcome to Inside the Industry(00:01:22) - Who is Gia Peppers — in her own words(00:02:35) - Creatives of Faith — what it is and why she finally did it(00:05:12) - The resume — Today Show, BET, Essence, Hot 97 and more(00:05:44) - Where it all started — her dad, NPR, and Coming to America(00:08:09) - The process of getting booked and staying booked(00:08:33) - Overnight shifts at CBS Radio News and the Sandy Hook moment(00:13:31) - How she hustled her way from CBS to every major platform(00:14:15) - How she got the Washington Wizards gig — and what it taught her(00:16:10) - What kept her motivated through the grind(00:17:00) - The funeral that changed everything — faith and going all in(00:19:32) - Navigating microaggressions as a Black woman in media(00:22:12) - How to protect your voice without burning bridges(00:23:24) - Pay equity, negotiating, and why she's still learning(00:24:28) - What Rodney Rakai taught her about taking up space(00:27:32) - Interviewing Rihanna, Kamala Harris, and Kobe Bryant(00:29:52) - The first time ESSENCE was ever on the Met Gala carpet(00:33:08) - Kobe Bryant — her favorite interview of her career(00:35:43) - The Golden Globes — her hardest room and what she learned(00:37:10) - The state of Black media and what we have to do right now(00:39:42) - Misinformation, voter rights, and why the tea can wait(00:41:30) - Black Girl Podcast — building the blueprint before it existed(00:43:33) - What it means to hear that the blueprint is still being used(00:45:18) - Was there ever pressure to make it more palatable?(00:45:56) - Legacy — what Gia Peppers wants to leave behind(00:48:23) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)

    51 min

  2. May 20

    Tribeca Film Festival Programmer Reveals Why Your Film Really Got Rejected

    If your film has been rejected by festival after festival, this episode is going to change how you think about everything. In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with Kimberley Browning — veteran film programmer, festival director, and Senior Associate Short Film Programmer for the Tribeca Film Festival — to pull back the curtain on how film festivals actually work, what programmers are really looking for, and the costly mistakes filmmakers make that have nothing to do with the quality of their films. Kimberley breaks down: → How programmers actually decide which films get selected → Why most festival rejections have nothing to do with your filmmaking → The biggest mistake filmmakers make when building a festival strategy → Why you should stop obsessing over the top 10 festivals you can name → How to build a festival strategy unique to the film you actually made → What really happens after your film gets accepted to a major festival → How to qualify for the Oscars without spending thousands of dollars → The insider tip on completion dates that most filmmakers don't know → Why submitting a rough cut could cost you more than just this festival → How film festivals are evolving in the streaming era → What the rise of virtual festivals means for filmmakers worldwide → The one music licensing mistake that's killing independent films Plus — Kimberley shares the story of the film that helped a woman get clemency, why rejection letters are not commentary on your talent, and what she wants her legacy in this industry to be. This is the episode every filmmaker needs to watch before their next submission. Period.  Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations  Guest: Kimberley Browning — Tribeca Film Festival, HBO, AFI, ABFF New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T  Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807  Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #FilmFestival #TribecaFilmFestival#IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #BlackFilmmakers #FilmFestivalStrategy#KimberleyBrowning #ArianaDrummond #ShortFilms #IndieFilm#FilmDistribution #BlackCreatives #OscarQualifying Chapters (00:00:00) - The truth about festival rejection — straight from a programmer(00:00:24) - Welcome to Inside the Industry(00:01:01) - What submissions look like at Tribeca this year(00:02:06) - How quickly can a programmer tell if a film is working?(00:03:42) - How programmers advocate for filmmakers beyond just selection(00:04:52) - What filmmakers don't see happening behind the scenes(00:06:22) - Does cultural timing or relevance affect your chances?(00:09:49) - Does runtime, pacing, or format affect selection?(00:12:13) - How to increase your chances of getting selected(00:14:22) - Why your first films are often "working out your stuff"(00:16:33) - Why you need to meet filmmakers in every city(00:18:24) - How festival laurels work as industry endorsements(00:18:50) - The premiere status question — what filmmakers get wrong(00:20:40) - You are the least qualified person to evaluate your own film(00:21:44) - Every film needs its own unique festival strategy(00:23:00) - When to hire a festival strategist — and why you can't afford not to(00:25:07) - Moonlight wasn't Barry Jenkins' first film — give yourself time(00:26:20) - Can programmers tell if your film was rejected elsewhere?(00:27:09) - The completion date insider tip you need to know(00:28:10) - How to think about top tier vs. regional vs. niche festivals(00:31:53) - Build a quilt of festivals — not a ladder(00:33:04) - The emotional journey of festival rejection(00:35:00) - The offers that come after acceptance — and which ones to ignore(00:40:18) - How to get on the Oscar shortlist — the real pathways(00:44:50) - How streaming and COVID changed the festival circuit forever(00:47:55) - The evolution of festivals and Black storytelling worldwide(00:52:24) - What filmmakers need to give themselves permission to do(00:54:34) - Kimberly's legacy — truth and encouragement(00:56:13) - Real Talk or Industry Cap (game)(01:03:16) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)

    1h 6m

  3. May 11

    Ted Lasso Writer Reveals What Hollywood Won't Tell You About Breaking In

    What does it actually take to become a working television writer in Hollywood? In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with writer and producer Chuck Hayward — whose credits include Ted Lasso, WandaVision, and Dear White People — for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the realities of building a writing career. Chuck breaks down: → How TV writers actually get staffed on shows → The difference between a spec script and a pilot (and which one to write first) → What showrunners are really looking for when they read your script → How to handle notes without killing your creative vision → The mistakes that quietly stall careers — even for talented writers → Why the streaming bubble burst changed everything for writers → How to stay competitive when the industry is shrinking Plus, Chuck shares the writing philosophy that drives everything he does: more Black weirdos on screen. And why writing authentically — not to the market— is the only strategy that actually works long term. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a creative trying to break in, or someone already in the industry looking to level up, this episode is your blueprint. Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations  Guest: Chuck Hayward — Ted Lasso, WandaVision, Dear White People New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnLI7v57zoc&list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T&pp=sAgC Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #TVWriter #HowToBeAWriter#BreakingIntoHollywood #Screenwriting #TedLasso #WandaVision#BlackCreatives #EntertainmentIndustry #ChuckHayward #ArianaDrummond Chapters (00:00:00) - What it Really Takes to Become a Professional Writer(00:01:13) - Chuck's background and what sets him apart in the room(00:04:26) - What writers do beyond just writing(00:05:20) - How Show-runners assign episodes(00:06:44) - How many writers are in a room — and the diversity problem(00:07:14) - Passionate writer vs. Professional writer: What's the difference?(00:09:09) - Where Chuck's love of writing started(00:10:21) - Was There a defining moment that really, like, started you on(00:11:14) - The decisions that took him from aspiring to professional(00:12:12) - His Core Writing Ethos: More Black Weirdos(00:13:43) - The Career Ladder and where writers get stuck(00:16:40) - Specs vs. Pilots — Which should you write first?(00:21:09) - How to actually get staffed on a show(00:23:00) - Mistakes that quietly stall careers(00:26:16) - How to handle notes and rewrites like a pro(00:29:57) - How to stay competitive right now(00:33:53) - Where the industry is headed(00:38:04) - How rejection feels at his level — and how he keeps going(00:41:28) - A mistake he made and what he learned from it(00:45:44) - What makes a script hireable vs. just good(00:47:25) - How to know when you've found your voice(00:48:36) - The legacy Chuck wants to leave(00:49:38) - Real Talk or Industry Cap (game)(00:53:14) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)

    55 min

  4. May 6

    He Started as an Intern - here’s What Changed Everything

    DeVon Franklin rose from intern to executive producer in Hollywood—but how did that actually happen? In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, DeVon Franklin—producer behind films like "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Moneyball," and "The Karate Kid"—shares what it really takes to grow in this business, navigate opportunity, and build a career with purpose. We'll cover topics such as: - What it takes to stand out early in your career - What ownership means in today’s entertainment industry - Where the biggest opportunities are for creatives right now From studio systems to independent production, this conversation breaks down what it takes to create and lead projects at the highest level of filmmaking. About Devon Franklin: Devon Franklin is a producer, author, and former studio executive at Columbia Pictures. His work spans major box office films, faith-based storytelling, and independent production, with a focus on purpose-driven content and long-term impact. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus YouTube: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Sneak Peek into the Episode(00:01:00) - Episode Starts(00:01:35) - The Key to His Success(00:04:03) - Black Producer on Me and Tuscany(00:06:06) - Does it Feel Harder to Get Faith Based Films Greenlit?(00:09:29) - In the Elevator With Steven Spielberg(00:11:01) - Tyler Perry on His Cross-Discipline(00:13:44) - Black Storytellers: The Future of Creativity(00:16:04) - When Did You First Fall in Love with Film?(00:18:27) - The Artist's Service in Work(00:20:25) - Pastor Jefferson on Divorce Sisters(00:24:24) - Tom Holland on Shaping the Film Industry(00:26:44) - What A Producers Do(00:29:09) - Paul Feist on Heaven Is for Real Box Office Success(00:35:03) - Sony's Amy Pascal on Patience(00:37:38) - What Do Producers Need To Know To Become a Producers?(00:40:30) - What's The Hard Part of Making It in Hollywood?(00:42:09) - How to Manage Relationships(00:46:11) - What Draws You To a Project?(00:47:48) - Black Storytellers on the Future(00:50:05) - The Role of a Producers(00:52:07) - The Legacy of Steven Spielberg(00:54:21) - Inside Your Industry Bag(00:55:09) - Independent Producers: You Have to Know Somebody to Break In(00:59:13) - Devon Franklin on Talking To People

    1 hr

  5. Apr 29

    The Making of a Fashion Powerhouse | Brandon Gray on Building House of Gray and Dressing Hollywood

    The making of a fashion powerhouse—how does a designer go from starting out to dressing Hollywood’s biggest stars? Brandon Gray has built a brand that commands attention on the red carpet—from the NAACP Image Awards to the Oscars and the Met Gala. But behind those moments is a story of persistence, strategy, and learning how to build in an industry that rarely gives you a clear path. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, Brandon Gray breaks down how he turned House of Gray into a sought-after fashion brand, how he broke into the industry without connections, and what it really takes to build something that lasts in fashion. We'll also cover: - What it takes to dress high-profile clients - How to turn talent into a real business - How designers can stay relevant as fashion evolves If you’re a designer, creative, or entrepreneur trying to build something of your own, this conversation gives you a real look at what it takes to go from starting out to becoming a recognized name. About Brandon Gray: Brandon Gray is the founder of House of Gray, a fashion brand known for dressing top talent at major events, including Colman Domingo, Tyler Perry, and Niecy Nash. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, fashion, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Sneak Peek at Brandon Gray(00:01:14) - Episode Start(00:01:35) - Designing for The Met Gala(00:03:15) - How Brandon Defines Fashion(00:05:26) - His Responsibility as a Black Designer(00:06:27) - How Fashion Became his Profession(00:09:04) - What Influences his Style(00:10:14) - Moving from Inglewood to Paris(00:14:52) - Gaining Confidence in Your Abilities(00:16:31) - How he Overcome Imposter Syndrome(00:16:50) - Navigating Access and Opportunity as you Elevate(00:18:17) - Stay Ready so you Don't Have to Get Ready(00:19:24) - Making it Through the Pandemic(00:25:46) - Why it's Important to Travel and Network(00:27:03) - Your Network is your Net-worth(00:29:39) - Connecting to your Audience through Social Media(00:31:21) - Mistakes to Avoid(00:33:10) - Originality vs Following Trends(00:36:26) - The Next Era of Fashion(00:37:59) - Habits you Need to Succeed in Fashion(00:39:36) - What Aspiring Designers Should Focus on Now(00:40:59) - What his Legacy Will Be(00:44:38) - 3 Tips to Break into Fashion(00:44:40) - Who you Dress Matters(00:45:38) - Nothing Changes Overnight(00:46:08) - Originality is Still a Thing(00:46:49) - Exposure doesn't Always Pay the Bills(00:48:30) - Realizing I didn't Want to be a Lawyer

    52 min

  6. Apr 21

    Breaking Into Hollywood without Connections | Inside the Industry with James Swoope

    How do you break into Hollywood without connections? For most people, the biggest barrier to entering the entertainment industry isn’t talent—it’s access. So how do careers actually get started when you don’t know anyone? In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, James Swoope—Partner at M88—breaks down how aspiring creatives can break into Hollywood, how talent managers identify potential, and how opportunities are built behind the scenes. From building relationships to creating leverage without traditional access, this conversation reveals how careers gain traction in today’s entertainment industry. We cover: How to break into Hollywood without connections How talent managers discover and develop talent How opportunities and deals get made How relationships create long-term leverage What aspiring creatives should focus on right now If you’re trying to get into the entertainment industry—or build a career from the ground up—this is your starting point. About James Swoope: James Swoope is a Partner at M88, where he helps guide talent strategy, package projects, and build opportunities for clients across entertainment and sports. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, music, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro to James Swoope(00:00:42) - Episode Start(00:05:28) - The Moment He Knew Management Was His Path(00:12:30) - The Hardest Part Of Breaking Into This Industry(00:13:31) - How He Overcame Imposter Syndrome(00:15:20) - First Step to Becoming a Manager(00:18:16) - Defining What a Manager Does(00:20:36) - Misconceptions about What Managers Do(00:22:51) - One Mistake that Aspiring Managers Make(00:25:13) - A Hard Lesson James Swoope Learned(00:26:21) - Mental Health and Overcoming Burnout(00:29:35) - How to Stay Competitive Today in the Industry(00:32:25) - What James Swoope Looks for in a Client(00:34:55) - Tips on Breaking Into Entertainment Without Connections(00:37:32) - Game: Real Talk or Industry Cap(00:40:31) - One Decision That Changed Everything For James Swoope(00:42:54) - James Shares a Question for the Next Guest

    46 min
  7. How Vertical Storytelling Is Changing Hollywood | Inside the Industry with Wendy Calhoun

    Apr 15

    How Vertical Storytelling Is Changing Hollywood | Inside the Industry with Wendy Calhoun

    Welcome to the vertical storytelling era. But how do you actually break into vertical storytelling and short-form content right now? Short-form content is reshaping the entertainment industry—and creating new opportunities for writers, producers, and creators looking to build in vertical storytelling. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, Wendy Calhoun—writer, showrunner, and co-executive producer behind Empire—shares how she built a powerhouse career across traditional television and the rapidly growing world of micro dramas. We cover: Why vertical storytelling is growing across platforms How short-form content is changing audience behavior What makes micro dramas successful How to approach writing and producing for vertical content Where creators can find real opportunities right now If you’re a writer, producer, or creative trying to understand how to get into vertical storytelling and short-form content, this conversation gives you a clear look at where the industry might be headed.  About Wendy Calhoun: Wendy Calhoun is a writer, showrunner, and executive producer known for her work on Empire, and is now building projects in vertical storytelling and micro drama formats. This episode explores vertical storytelling, short-form content, and micro dramas, and how these formats are changing the entertainment industry. If you’re interested in TV writing, digital storytelling, or building a career in film and television, this conversation breaks down how the industry is evolving. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside The Industry for weekly conversations with industry leaders across film, television, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Inside the Industry: Introductions(00:01:06) - Intro to Wendy Calhoun(00:07:44) - How Wendy got into storytelling(00:09:45) - Wendy on breaking through in her career(00:14:25) - Wendy on overcoming microaggressions(00:17:21) - Defining Micro Dramas and a Vertical Dramas(00:18:47) - How dopamine keeps us watching this content(00:20:22) - How Microdramas have changed the way we consume stories(00:23:23) - Shocking Microdrama statistics(00:25:29) - How you can get into Verticals now(00:30:39) - Why it's important to own your content(00:31:30) - The importance of authentic voices and representation(00:35:20) - How KPop Demon Hunters changed the game(00:38:34) - Why emerging creators today have the advantage(00:39:51) - Will AI change the way stories are made?(00:44:09) - Hollywood is trying to play catch up to YouTube(00:45:36) - What Creators should be doing right now to get into Verticals(00:48:39) - 3 tips for producing a Micro Drama or Vertical

    53 min
  8. Introducing NAACP+ Inside the Industry | A New Original Podcast Series (Official Teaser)

    Season 1 Trailer

    Introducing NAACP+ Inside the Industry | A New Original Podcast Series (Official Teaser)

    What does it take to build a career in entertainment today? NAACP+ Inside The Industry is a new original series exploring how film, television, music, fashion, and digital culture actually operate—through conversations with the professionals shaping the business. Hosted by Ariana Drummond, a publicist with over 15 years of experience across multiple areas of the industry, the series connects the dots between creative work and the business behind it. Each episode features real stories, practical insight, and the decisions that define long-term success across entertainment careers. Guests include producers, executives, designers, and creatives working at the highest levels of the industry. - New episodes drop weekly on NAACP+. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:01) - Inside the Industry: How to Get Your Job

    1 min

Trailer

About

Inside the Industry is a one-on-one interview podcast that pulls back the curtain on the entertainment business by spotlighting the people who shape it. Through candid, in-depth conversations, each episode explores individual career journeys, current projects, and the realities of working behind—and in front of—the spotlight. The podcast aims to demystify the industry while celebrating creativity, strategy, and the many paths to success.

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