Story Stream: 3/7 - 3/13

Hello neighbors!

I've been thinking about how often I discuss the stories we're putting out into the world with Milieu Media Group each week, and it dawned on me that I never really discuss the stories we're putting in. As in, the stories that are informing us, or me specifically, as a storyteller. I thought it may be interesting, especially for those of you who consistently listen to more than one Milieu Media Group podcast, to share what stories I'm watching and listening to, in the form of movies, tv shows, podcasts, music, etc., as they may provide insight into how particular themes or forms work their way into my work. It also serves as a simple means for reviewing and making recommendations. So here are the stories I've streamed over the course of the last week, categorized by medium. Enjoy!

MOVIES

I've spent a significant amount of time this past week working my way through the Criterion Channel's Black Westerns collection. In much the same way as Afrofuturism explores, exposes, and combats the tendency of science fiction to imagine a future with no or few black bodies present, Black Westerns explore, expose, and combat the tendency of the western genre to misremember America's historical westward expansion, as though 1/3 of all cowboys were not black. There are a total of 11 films curated for this collection, and last week I made it through the first four, each of which I genuinely loved, and each of which I would recommend watching. They were:

Seargent Rutledge (1960)

This was a particular favorite. Woody Strode, who plays the protagonist, 1st Sergeant Braxton Rutledge, is phenomenal. The whole film feels more like a play in many ways than a movie, but in a really clever way. Streaming on the Criterion Channel. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)

Duel at Diablo (1966)

Sidney Poitier is brilliant in every role. James Garner is also excellent in this one. Streaming on the Criterion Channel. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

The Learning Tree (1969)

This one started off a bit confusing for me, as it didn't feel even remotely like what I think of as a "western." But, I'm thankful I stuck with it, not only because it proved to be a really great film, but because it expanded my idea of what can be classified as a western. The main character, Newt Winger, was especially interesting to me. Streaming on the Criterion Channel. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

Skin Game (1971)

More from James Garner, paired here with Lou Gossett, who is phenomenal in this role. This is a very funny story, ridiculous in moments, but only in endearing ways. And despite its humor, remains poignant in its commentary on race inequality. Streaming on the Criterion Channel. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)

The World's A Little Blurry (2021)

I knew little of Billie Eilish prior to the start of this week outside of the song Bad Guy, her childhood obsession with Justin Bieber, and her appearance on Ellen a couple years back. But after listening through an interview with her and her brother/collaborator on one of my favorite podcasts, mentioned below, I spent some time with her music, and this documentary this week. I'm a fan now. This girl is talented. Streaming on Apple TV+. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

TV

Sports Night (1998)

I think Aaron Sorkin is a genius. I mean...he is a genius, and I can't imagine anyone debating that. So, even despite the laugh track present in this later 90s sitcom, the writing and character development, true to Sorkin's signature fast-paced style and sarcastic, dry wit, make this show worth watching. I started it a few years back, when I first discovered my deep admiration for Sorkin's work, but honestly don't remember finishing it. So I picked up the whole series on Apple TV+ a few weeks back, and have been working my way through again, loving it no less than the first time around. Buy it on Apple TV+. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended.)

The Bachelor (2021)

What? So what? I'm on Team Michelle, (obviously), but I don't have a good feeling about her chances. Streaming on Hulu. (2/10 - Highly Recommended)

PODCASTS

Smartless - interview with Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell

This is one of my absolute favorite podcasts, and I'm usually a Day 1 listener. I've fallen a bit behind the last couple weeks though, so I just made it to their interview with Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connor this week. Thoroughly enjoyed it though, obviously, as it sent me down the Eilish/O'Connor rabbit trail the rest of the week. Streaming on all the podcast apps. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Moda Spira Podcast

Okay, so yes: I produced and co-hosted this show. But here's the thing: I've recently (magically, mysteriously, wonderfully) entered into a mentoring relationship with a former producer of This American Life, and former Head Story Editor at Gimlet Media. Each week he's been listening to and critiquing a piece of my work, which has been an unbelievable gift. I sent him the first episode of Moda Spira Podcast this week to review, and after doing so, really wanted to revisit it myself. I'm still so proud of this show, and have THOROUGHLY enjoyed listening through it again now, nearly three years after recording it. I think it may be my best work to date. If you haven't ever started it, or as in the case of many listeners, finished it, I really hope you will. And if you have, then I'd invite you to listen again. Streaming on all podcast apps. (9/10 - Highly Recommended)

MUSIC

FINNEAS - Blood Harmony (2019)

In my meandering exploration of Billie Eilish, I came across the solo debut by her genius brother and collaborator, Finneas, and spent some time with it this week. Excellent production, great songwriting. Indie electro pop. Streaming everywhere. (6/10 - Recommended)

David Ramirez - Backslider (2021)

I posted about this on Instagram this week. A rich collection of hymns from a most unexpected source, very much in the style of Johnny Cash, as with much of David's work. I'm a big fan of David, and of this unlikely album. Streaming everywhere. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

Eminem - MTBMB: Side B (2020)

I fully appreciate that this won't be for everybody. As a lifelong lover of both hip hop and words, this album, consistent with much of Eminem's past work, and ALL of his recent work, floors me. If you haven't been paying attention the last few years, Eminem is getting better with age. Darker, to be sure, but better still. He is a master of his craft if ever there was one. I'd put this in his top 3 albums for me. Streaming everywhere. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

That's it for this week, friends! I'd love to hear your recommendations for more stories to check out this week in the comments below!

Best,

LB