Sista Brunch

TruJuLo Productions
  • 5.0 (48)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the film industry, an aspiring filmmaker, or a media enthusiast, Sista Brunch offers a rare glimpse into the professional lives of those who shape contemporary entertainment. It's an essential resource for understanding the role of an inclusive lens in crafting stories that resonate across audiences. Tune into Sista Brunch to hear the powerful voices of those leading the way in Hollywood and beyond. Learn from their experiences, get inspired by their stories, and gain insights into making your mark in the entertainment world.

  1. Karen Horne on Power, Pay, and Mothering Hollywood From the Inside

    1D AGO

    Karen Horne on Power, Pay, and Mothering Hollywood From the Inside

    What does it really take to survive — and shape — Hollywood as a Black woman executive? In this intimate, mentorship-driven conversation, Karen Horne reflects on motherhood, leadership, money, and the invisible labor Black women carry while building entire ecosystems inside the film and television industry. From running major studio diversity and talent pipelines to being laid off during industry “restructuring,” Karen speaks candidly about power, pay inequity, coalition-building, and why Hollywood’s progressive image has never guaranteed real equity. She also shares how nurturing writers, executives, and creatives shaped her leadership style — and why stepping away from corporate Hollywood forced a deep reckoning with worth, rest, and reinvention. This episode is a masterclass in longevity, impact, and believing you’ve earned your seat — especially for Black women and Black gender-expansive creatives navigating entertainment, media, and executive pathways right now. What We Talk About Motherhood and executive leadership in Hollywood Pay gaps, bonuses, and knowing your worth Why diversity programs don’t fail — studios do Coalition-building across marginalized communities Leaving corporate power and redefining success Mentorship, legacy, and making real impact Sista Brunch is a Webby-nominated podcast centering Black women and Black gender-expansive people working in film, TV, and media. Each episode blends honest conversation, career insight, and cultural context — like brunch with mentors who tell the truth. Listen, subscribe, review and share on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. On IG follow @sistabrunchpodcast for clips, updates, and community. Support the work via Patreon or Givebutter to help sustain independent Black media.

    41 min
  2. Felicia D. Henderson on Longevity, Power & Directing Your Own Path

    FEB 3

    Felicia D. Henderson on Longevity, Power & Directing Your Own Path

    Felicia D. Henderson has built a career most writers only dream of — and she’s still expanding. In this episode of Sista Brunch, the Emmy-nominated writer, director, and showrunner joins us for a grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to build longevity in television without letting the industry box you in. From navigating power rooms as a Black woman to making the leap from showrunning into directing, Felicia shares what she’s learned — and what she wishes more creatives were told earlier. We talk about her directorial debut, The Rebel Girls, a short film that has screened and won at festivals across the country, and the significance of being honored with the Best Live Action Shor Award by the African American Film Critics Association. But this conversation goes deeper than accolades. It’s about creative agency, timing, and trusting yourself when the path forward isn’t linear. This episode is for Black women and Black gender expansive creatives building careers in film and television — especially those thinking about expansion, reinvention, or simply staying in the game long enough to tell the stories that matter. If you’ve ever asked how to grow without shrinking, how to pivot without starting over, or how to claim authority on your own terms, this one’s for you. Save this episode. Sit with it. And come back to it when you need clarity.

    36 min

  3. JAN 26 · BONUS

    Praise Odigie Paige on Birdie, Sundance, and Making the Film You Want to See

    In this Season 7 pre-launch bonus episode, we sit with filmmaker Praise Odigie Paige, whose short film Birdie is playing at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, to talk about quiet storytelling, risk, faith, and what it takes to make the work you believe in — even when the odds feel stacked. This conversation is a reminder that there is power in patience, in subtlety, and in choosing yourself as an artist. Praise’s journey to filmmaking — from growing up between Nigeria and the U.S. to abandoning a pre-med path for film ([00:02:00–00:06:30]) The making of Birdie and why she was drawn to a quiet coming-of-age story rooted in faith, displacement, and girlhood ([00:08:00–00:13:30]) The Biafran War and why this under-discussed history matters to the film’s emotional core ([00:11:00–00:12:45]) Why Virginia (and Appalachia) became the setting for a Nigerian immigrant story — and what cultural exile looks like on screen ([00:14:00–00:15:30]) Writing against expectation: resisting pressure to make the story louder, faster, or more “palatable” ([00:16:00–00:19:30]) Financing the film — self-funding, shooting on 35mm, and what it really costs to make a period short ([00:20:00–00:21:30]) Shooting during election week in rural Appalachia and navigating safety, community, and grace on set ([00:22:00–00:23:15]) The Signature Sista Brunch Question — what Praise would tell her younger self about mistakes, timing, and growth ([00:25:00–00:26:45]) If you’re a Black woman or Black gender expansive creative navigating film or media, this episode offers: A grounded look at career sustainability in entertainment Permission to make work that’s quiet, specific, and true Honest insight into mentorship, risk, and self-trust A reminder that representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about nuance Praise’s story speaks to anyone building in real time and learning to honor their own pace. Praise Odigie Paige is a Nigerian-born filmmaker based in Brooklyn. Her work centers girls and women on the edge of quiet transformation. Her short film Birdie is screening at the Sundance Film Festival, and she is currently developing her debut feature, Igboland, an intimate period drama exploring faith, girlhood, and desire at the edge of war. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to Sista Brunch on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: @TruJuLoMedia ⭐ Leave a review — it helps more people find this community 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @SistaBrunchPodcast 🤍 Support the podcast via Patreon or GiveButter to help us continue archiving these stories

    28 min

  4. 06/30/2025 · BONUS

    Sheila Ducksworth on Making Soap Opera History | Sista Brunch Bonus Episode

    TV history in the making! Sheila Ducksworth, executive producer of Beyond the Gates—the first one-hour soap with a predominantly Black cast—joins us to share how she brought her lifelong vision to life. We talk about how the CBS/NAACP partnership came to be, Sheila's career journey from economics major to entertainment exec, and what it means to build with purpose and impact in TV. She also shares a brilliant tech tip, brunch stories, and advice for her younger self. 🎧 Listen + follow us on Spotify, Apple & everywhere you get podcasts. 📲 More on Instagram, YouTube + TikTok: @trujulomedia | @sistabrunchpodcast #BeyondTheGates #SheilaDucksworth #SistaBrunch #BlackWomenInEntertainment #TruJuLoMedia

    34 min

  5. 06/19/2025 · BONUS

    Love, Identity & Self-Liberation: Kareema Bee x Ekwa Msangi | Sista Brunch + The HiveMind Unified Q&A

    In this intimate post-screening conversation, The HiveMind Unified founder and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kareema Bee sits down with acclaimed director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor) to unpack the powerful themes in both of their films: The Self Love Act and Farewell Amor. This special Q&A was part of the Sista Brunch x HiveMind Unified celebration held at Vidiots, featuring a community-centered screening and artist talk. From self-love to immigration, cultural identity to creative risk, Kareema and Ekwa speak candidly about what it means to make deeply personal work that also reaches audiences across the globe. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a fan of indie cinema, or on your own healing journey—this conversation is for you. 📍 Farewell Amor is now part of the Criterion Collection.🎬 The Self Love Act is fundraising to produce more episodes—visit HiveMindUnified.com to support. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Kareema Bee intro by Shirlyn Cesar01:00 - Ekwa Msangi intro & career highlights03:00 - Love, identity & creative parallels between the two films06:00 - Navigating assimilation & cultural duality10:00 - Ekwa’s personal inspiration for Farewell Amor13:00 - Kareema’s journey to on-camera vulnerability in The Self Love Act16:00 - The metaphor of Kizomba, Kuduro & music as storytelling19:00 - Final reflections on voice, risk & artistry ✨ Hosted by Sista Brunch and The HiveMind Unified 🎧 Subscribe to hear more stories of Black women and gender expansive creatives in entertainment:📺 YouTube: @trujulomedia📲 TikTok: @trujulomedia📸 Instagram: @sistabrunchpodcast🌐 Website: www.sistabrunch.com #KareemaBee #EkwaMsangi #SistaBrunch #FarewellAmor #TheSelfLoveAct #HiveMindUnified #Juneteenth #IndependentFilm #BlackWomenDirectors #ImmigrantVoices #CriterionCollection #DocumentarySeries #TruJuLoMedia #StorytellingAsLiberation 🎥🌍🧡

    20 min

  6. 06/19/2025 · BONUS

    Ekwa Msangi on Farewell Amor, Filmmaking Grit & Legacy | Sista Brunch x HiveMind Unified

    In this special Juneteenth bonus episode of Sista Brunch, co-hosted by The HiveMind Unified, we sit down with award-winning writer/director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor, Saint X, Three Women) to talk about the deeply personal story behind her debut feature film, navigating the industry as a Black woman filmmaker, and the long journey to recognition—from Sundance to Criterion Collection. Join host Fanshen Cox and co-host Shirlyn A. Cesar (Emmy-winning producer and HiveMind Unified Director of Programs) as they explore the power of storytelling, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to make timeless work—especially in the face of systemic exclusion. Plus, Ekwa shares what she’d tell her younger self at a real-deal Sista Brunch. 🖤 This episode is dedicated to the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black filmmakers everywhere. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome by Fanshen Cox & Shirlyn A. Cesar 03:00 - Introducing Ekwa Msangi & Farewell Amor 06:00 - What inspired the story 08:30 - Navigating Sundance, investors & indie financing 13:00 - Budgeting the film and sacrifices made 16:00 - Distribution journey & pandemic impact 17:30 - Advice to her younger self 19:00 - Five years later: why this film still resonates 20:00 - Immigrant narratives in the age of Trump 21:00 - Favorite creative resources & staying inspired 📍 Recorded at Vidiots and in partnership with The HiveMind Unified, an organization supporting underrepresented early-career creatives in entertainment. 🔗 Follow, Subscribe, and Watch More: Instagram: @sistabrunchpodcast YouTube: @trujulomedia TikTok: @trujulomedia Website: www.sistabrunch.com #Juneteenth #BlackFilmmakers #FarewellAmor #EkwaMsangi #SistaBrunch #BlackWomenInFilm #CriterionCollection #IndependentFilm #TheHiveMindUnified #TruJuLoMedia #FilmTalk #SundanceFilmFestival

    22 min

  7. 05/09/2025 · BONUS

    Let’s Talk Tech: Tools & Tips from Black Women in TV + Film | Sista Brunch Season 6 Bonus

    How do Black creatives in entertainment actually get the job done? In this end-of-season bonus episode of Sista Brunch, our guests and Black Girls Film Camp co-hosts break down the tech, tools, and behind-the-scenes knowledge they rely on—from LED screens to Avid, Scriptation, and color theory. Whether you're an aspiring director, editor, actor, or producer, you’ll get the real tea on what it takes to thrive behind the scenes in TV and film. Timecodes & Guests:[00:00:00] Jayden introduces Let's Talk Tech[00:00:30] Khalilah Joi – Lighting, backdrops, Line Learner, iMovie & auditions[00:01:50] Shirlyn A. Cesar – Paper edit process (High on the Hog, Netflix)[00:02:45] Noelle Green – LED screens vs. green screens + VFX team dynamics[00:04:25] Canella Williams Larrabee – Art & Props Dept explained[00:05:45] Morenike Joela Evans – Scriptation, Keynote & multicam directing[00:07:00] Erika Green Swafford – Writer-to-showrunner career ladder[00:07:35] Jaida Cox (BGFC alum) – Symbolism & color in post-production[00:08:45] Daysha Broadway, ACE – Editing reality TV, frame rates, camera grouping[00:10:30] Loretta Edwards Wilson – Programming strategy & pitch tips[00:12:00] Marley Jones (BGFC alum) – Sony A7 camera love & film camp support Sista Brunch is a Webby-nominated podcast sharing stories of Black women & gender-expansive folks in media. Hosted by Fanshen Cox & Shawn Pipkin-West. Watch, listen, follow, subscribe, like & share on:Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube: @youtube.com/trujulomediaTikTok: @trujulomedia #FilmTech #BlackWomenInMedia #SistaBrunch #DirectingTips #TVProduction #WomenInFilm #BlackGirlsFilmCamp #MediaCareers #SetLife #PostProduction #Scriptation #ColorTheory

    13 min

  8. 05/06/2025 · BONUS

    Dream Bigger: Wisdom for the Next Generation | Sista Brunch Season 6 Compilation

    What would you tell your younger self if you could sit down together for a real Sista Brunch? 🥂 In our Season 6 finale, our brilliant guests — from award-winning writers to groundbreaking producers and directors — share heartfelt advice they wish they had heard when they were just starting out. 💛 From trusting your journey, to embracing your light, to building your dreams without fear — this compilation is packed with the wisdom, love, and encouragement we ALL need to hear. ✨ Guest Timecodes: 00:06 — Erika Green Swafford 00:20 — Noelle Green 01:00 — Tayanna Todd 02:00 — Nandi Bowe 02:53 — Meagan (MeaganzWorld) 03:42 — Shirlyn A. Cesar 05:00 — Daysha Broadway, A.C.E. 06:00 — Khalilah Joi 07:00 — Crystal Shaniece Roman 08:00 — Loretta Edwards Wilson 08:40 — Morenike Joela Evans 09:40 — Alyson Fouse 💥 Don’t miss our most listened-to episode every season! Hit that play button, listen to these gems, and share this love letter to the next generation of Black women and gender expansive storytellers. 👉🏾 Watch, like, comment, subscribe and share! 🖤 YouTube: @trujuolomedia 🖤 TikTok: @trujuolomedia 🖤 Listen on Spotify + Apple Podcasts too! #SistaBrunch #EntertainmentIndustry #BlackWomenInMedia #PodcastCompilation #WisdomToMyYoungerSelf #Storytellers #Filmmakers #TVWriters

    13 min
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5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the film industry, an aspiring filmmaker, or a media enthusiast, Sista Brunch offers a rare glimpse into the professional lives of those who shape contemporary entertainment. It's an essential resource for understanding the role of an inclusive lens in crafting stories that resonate across audiences. Tune into Sista Brunch to hear the powerful voices of those leading the way in Hollywood and beyond. Learn from their experiences, get inspired by their stories, and gain insights into making your mark in the entertainment world.

Information

  • Creator
    TruJuLo Productions
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 279398
  • Show Website
    Sista Brunch