Harlem's Very Own Podcast

Performing in Color

Happy Black History Month, Beloveds! For our first February episode, Harlem's Heroes break intellectual bread with a cadre of talented young Black creatives of the stage and screen. In our biggest discussion since S1E4, these brilliant guests give insights well beyond their years on why awards shows need work (or abolition); staying inspired through the funk of inactivity; expressing yourself in a sea of the identical, and much more.  FEAT. Justin freezing, in true actor fashion, and forgetting his AKAs at the top!  This is our first episode edited by Mister Federico Perez whose work with Tiny House Audio you can check by clicking his name.  Don't forget to follow Harlem's Very Own Playlist here or here!Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

The Tao of Garcia (with Sifu Richard Garcia)

[LIGHT REMASTER with updated intro: 5/2/23]
The Dragon of the East descends on Harlem's Very Own Podcast. Finally, beloveds, the long awaited (for us anyway) interview arrives! Justin and Jude's gung fu teacher comes to the show to discuss his martial arts journey, the appeal of Bruce Lee's philosophy, his love for Cobra Kai, and so much more. FEAT. Some 80s-themed rapid fire questions at the end, and a high school story you just gone have to hear. Rate and review us wherever you're listening, we'd greatly appreciate it!
Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

The Soul Purpose

Happy New Year, Beloveds! HvO is entering a new era. This episode sees two-time guest and Friend of the Show Ahmad Simmons officially appointed as the third mic to Jude and Justin. With his added dynamic the boys discuss Disney Pixar's latest heart-wrencher, 'Soul', and some of the controversy it cropped up. But FIRST: Dre's divorce [2:35], McGregor's return [12:28], & chaos at the Capitol [26:10].FEAT. A round of Top 5 at the end, Pixar edition.Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

A Marvelous Christmastime

Joy to the world, more Marvel news has come! Harlem's Heroes have fought their way through the beast that was 2020, coming out more seasoned and capable in the end. Who knew Marvel would throw all these gifts our way right before the finish line? Before Jude ever swung a kettlebell, and before Justin ever wrote a poem, they were both nose down in comic books. And they haven't had a full chance to express just how nerdy they can get. So, on this final episode of the year, they invite their boy Ahmad Simmons back on the show to help them do just that.BUT FIRST! Money or The Maverick [2:30]; Lupe's Vaccine Fiasco [25:25]; and Behind Bars for Bars [42:00]. MAIN SEGMENT: Marvel News + Movie Theater Blues [1:08:45]FEAT. Justin absolutely abusing the word "interesting" and a round of Terrence Howard impressions at the end. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Movemba, Mo Problems?

This week on HvO,  We've just finished Movember (aka No Shave November, aka No Nut November) and Harlem's Heroes have some questions about how much work all these national months are actually doing--especially ones that are based on deadly and widespread diseases like cancer. They crack open a tough topic and discuss men's health in general, with all the usual flavors of humor and sobriety. BUT FIRST! A Family Reunion, Chappelle Showin' Out, and Lori Harvey's Wishlist.FEAT. Jude and Justin doing their best impression of Aku, the Shapeshifting Master of Darkness. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Lady Liberty's New Boo (feat. Just Too Opinionated)

On this week's episode, HvO has its first major crossover with another podcast -- Just Too Opinionated! Zuher Ibrahim and Ali Dorsett are two political science graduates from Pace University whose podcast gives voice to political events and history from a POC POV. They call into the show to help Harlem's Heroes parse some of the difficult and unclear questions about America, not just in the wake of this election, but looking to the future. FEAT. Jude's uncanny new superpower to guess anyone's favorite alcoholic beverage! Click here to find out who your local representative is.Read up on the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and learn how you can help. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Birthday Suit

On the Season Four premiere of HvO, Harlem’s Heroes celebrate their FIRST ANNIVERSARY! Doing this show for a full year has been a lot of work and we never really stopped to let you, dear listener, get to know us. So today, Justin and Jude have each prepared three questions to ask each other. The catch is -- neither one knows what the other is going to ask. This could get dangerous, but that’s where we stay. BUT FIRST! The Eagle Lands, Jonesin’ for Tyson, & Rhymes VERZUZSupport the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

Juiced Up

Another Hood Classic in the bag, and this one's been a long time coming.Harlem's Heroes bring it back uptown to talk about 'Juice', the coming-of-age tragedy that Jude keenly describes as "Black Outsiders". They discuss its impact, compare and contrast it to 'New Jack City', and of course analyze the silver screen debut of Barrio-born, South Central-raised Tupac Shakur back on his home turf. Did Justin think all these years were worth the wait? Press play and find out! FEAT. A touching tribute from Jude to his mom up top. We dedicate this episode to Marissa Steffers and Andrew Wilson. "Te vojo bene assai." 'Juice' is a 1992 crime-thriller film directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, written by Ernest R. Dickerson and Gerard Brown; starring Omar Epps, Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkins, Khalil Kain, and Tupac Shakur. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

It's (Finally) Friday

It's Tuesday, you prolly have a job, but listen to our podcast anyway! The trip through Hood Classic History continues! Justin gives his impressions after an overdue viewing of 'Friday', Ice Cube's screenwriting crown jewel and major motion debut. It's less narratively dense than their last subject film, but it's still full of moments and characters to talk about. How does this small stoner film hold up all these years later? Press play and find out!FEAT. Jude's feelings about Jehovah's Witnesses, and Justin's spiciest AKAs yet!'Friday' is a 1995 comedy directed by F. Gary Gray, written by and starring Ice Cube alongside Chris Tucker, Nia Long, "Tiny" Lister, Regina King, Anna Marie Horsford, with John Witherspoon and Bernie Mac. (May they both Rest In Peace)Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)

What's New, Jack?

THIS MONTH ON HvO -- Harlem's Heroes switch up the program to watch some classic Black movies that one of them hasn't seen (hint: it's Justin). And they kick things off with Mario Van Peebles' 1991 debut, 'New Jack City'. While recapping the plot, your dedicated co-hosts discuss the themes of the film, what it has to say about addiction and crime, and whether its message is still a viable one nearly 30 years later. FEAT. Justin putting on a spotty Australian accent to shout out our brand new cover art by the lovely Shalini Jasinge, all the way from Sydney! Find more of her work here! 'New Jack City' is a 1991 crime-drama directed by Mario Van Peebles starring Wesley Snipes, Allen Payne, Ice T, Judd Nelson, Chris Rock, Michael Michele, Vanessa Williams, Bill Nunn, and Mario Van Peebles. Support the show (https://instagram.com/hvopod)