Open Ended

This week, Cher and James discuss the gift that is Tangerine, the vetting nature of the Oscars, and the revolutionary filming techniques of the indie. In Open Call, both James and Cher discuss music that helps them process their feels. We are sponsored this week by: Field Notes Field Notes Brand. USA made memo books & other products, including seasonal limited-editions. Visit fieldnotesbrand.com or 400 North May in Chicago, We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. "Open Up" segment will be a regular feature on our non-guests! Head over to ask.fm/openended to receive our excellent advice! You can also use the #AskOpenEnded on Twitter! Rate us on iTunes! Recommend us on O

This week, Cher and James are LIVE at Joliet Area Historical Museum, hanging out with the lovely Candice Quinerly, discussing growing up in the suburbs and/or the city respectively, dealing with racism at a young age, and how to handle micro-aggressions. In Open Mic, we debate about internet fighting, trash reality TV, and hyper-local restaurant institutions in Joliet. And lastly, in Open Call, Candice is turning a year older, Cher talks about a great TV show, and James embraces his love for an essential oil. We were sponsored this week by:' Jackbox: Get 5 hilarious party games in The Jackbox Party Pack, from the creators of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK. Now on Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Steam and more! Go to jackboxgames.com for more info We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.

In this B-side, Cher and James discussing the ramifications of 2016 Grammy winners, and how black media must carve their own path for recognition. We were sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity : They asked us not to read an ad, but encouraged you to enjoy the show! Topics covered during our conversation: Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly, a masterwork in the highest order Alabama Shakes' Sound & Color, a solid output from a wonderful live band Beck's Morning Phrase, winner of Album of the Year 2015 Taylor Swift's 1989, good not great Bad Blood Remix, featuring Kendrick Lamar, a thing that happened The Verge article, about an old Black adage that's still relevant NAACP Image Awards, an award show on black excellence BET Awards, another award show for the black media community Source Awards, RIP Hamilton, a Broadway musical on the life of Alexander Hamilton, the dude on the $10 bill Thank you to... Our Patreon supporters: Caty, Amy, Kathy, Stewart, Classy, Jennifer, Joelle, Will, "Michael&q

This week, Cher and James discuss the passing of American author Harper Lee, and her lasting impression on them. They also dig deep into the recent controversy of both Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé's recent performances. In Open Call, Cher gives a shout out to a recent podcast episode, and James gives some love to a hygiene habit. We were sponsored this week by:' Jackbox: Get 5 hilarious party games in The Jackbox Party Pack, from the creators of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK. Now on Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Steam and more! Go to jackboxgames.com for more info. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. Our ”Open Up" segment will be a regular feature on our non-guests! Head over to ask.fm/openended

This week, Cher and James discuss their celebrity and internet crushes for Valentine's Day, how they inspire them, aspire to be like them, and just wondering why they don't love them back. In Open Ended, Cher gives a shout out to a tabletop game, and James gives kudos to a scheduling program. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. "Open Up" segment will be a regular feature on our non-guests! Head over to ask.fm/openended to receive our excellent advice! You can also use the #AskOpenEnded on Twitter! Rate us on iTunes! Recommend us on Overcast! References made during our conversation: Ewan McGregor, Cher's eternal Man Crush Monday Chris O'Dowd, James' male crush, but cons

In honor of the new Beyoncé video and Cher's sore throat, we are doing a special dispatch episode. James records his reaction to the "Formation" video for the first time and Cher gives a loving account of Bey's importance to her life. Closing out the episode, Cher and James talk about their new podcasts, Gossip Girls and Refresh. We are sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity: They asked us not to read an ad, but encouraged you to enjoy the show! We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. "Open Up" segment will be a regular feature on our non-guests! Head over to ask.fm/openended to receive our excellent advice! Rate us on iTunes! Recommend us on Overcast! Fi

This week, Cher and James join Veronica Corzo-Duchardt to talk about her Neche Collection, how she blends her tangible prints on analog and digital mediums, and encouraging more visibility in artist talks. In Open Mic, Cher and Veronica debate over teaching methods, James and Veronica debate over notebooks vs iPads, and Cher and James debate with Veronica over Queen Latifah and how Missy Elliott needs to get into acting. Lastly, in Open Call, Veronica finds her vibe watching choreography videos, James finished another book, and Cher gives a shout out to a music podcast. We are sponsored this week by: Open TV: This episode is sponsored by Open TV, a platform for television pilots and series by queer, trans, cis-women or artists of color in Chicago. Open TV is celebrating the release of the second season of its very first series, You're So Talented by Chicago's own Sam Bailey. The premiere of You’re So Talented is Thursday at The Whistler in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The screening is at 6PM, after wh

This week, Cher and James sit down with Deanna Mingo of Divyn Media and Chakka Reeves of Highwater to discuss social media, digital marketing, and writing online as women of color. In Open Mic, they debate on pandering in marketing, ownership over content platforms, and self-promotion. Lastly in Open Call, Cher hits the books, James and Deanna discuss TV, and Chakka is inspired by an art gallery in Chicago. We are sponsored this week by: Iron Galaxy: Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Visit capsuleforce.com for more information. If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, visit openended.fm/sponsor. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member startin

This week, Cher and James talk about the art that was David Bowie's life and death, staying relevant in your art, finding validation in yourself, and discussing #BlackGirlMagic. In new segment, Open Up, James and Cher answer a question about being a good ally for women, and in Open Call, Cher discovered an undercover feminist movie franchise, and James shares his joy over a new mixtape from Future. We are sponsored this week by: Podcast Movement. Podcast Movement: Looking to start a podcast of your own? This year, Podcast Movement, the world's largest podcaster conference, will be in Chicago. Learn more at PodcastMovement.com, and use code CPC to save $30 off registration.. If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, visit openended.fm/sponsor. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time do

This week, Cher and James speak with Justin and Matt of Backspace about starting a startup business, staying positive against adversity and microagressions, and finding confidence within. In Open Mic, they debate about sharing mediums, designers learning to code, and lifestyle businesses. Lastly, everyone discussing their affection for the Star Wars, bionic joints, cartoons, and two really beautiful, black musicians. We are sponsored this week by: Field Notes Brand. USA made memo books & other products, including seasonal limited-editions. Visit fieldnotesbrand.com or 400 North May, in Chicago. If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, visit openended.fm/sponsor. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month,

In their first ever live event, Cher and James hang out with great human being, Sharlene King, about online dating, distinguishing what a good profile can be, and how to be yourself, without freaking out a potential suitor. In Open Mic, our hosts debate with Sharlene over the online dating best practices, first impressions, and non-creepy Twitter DM sliding. Finally, everyone talks about what made 2015 great. Prefer to watch the video? Check it out here! We are sponsored this week by: Iron Galaxy: Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Find out more information at capsuleforce.com If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, visit openended.fm/sponsor. We also have announcements like: Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at o

This week, Cher and James discuss the blended lines of race and gender online, including Tumblr mentality, POCs using racial slurs, and the lack of mediocrity allowed online. In Open Call, Cher talks about a recent addition to the Apple Music library, and James talks about a certain presidential campaign. We are sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity: They asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, visit openended.fm/sponsor. We also have announcements like: LIVE EVENT! If you are in the Chicagoland area, we are having our first live show at the Cards Against Humanity Theater, 1917 N Elston, Chicago, IL. 8-9PM. It's FREE, so come through! Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.

This week, Cher and James release a Dispatch to ol’ Saint Nick, pleading and begging for their Christmas wishes to be fulfilled. Also, Cher found a holiday poem for the season! We are sponsored this week by: Cards Against Humanity: They asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! We also have announcements like: ‘Tis the Season for giving! Help us reach our new fundraising goal for 2015-2016! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. Rate us on iTunes! Recommend us on Overcast! References made during our conversation: ‘Twas The Night Before a Programmer’s Christmas, a poem for the geek in all of us Cher Top 3 Tech Christmas Wishes: A Sims-Diamond hologram, that tells the world what you’re listening to Multiple accounts logins for Instagram, so Cher can leave a good app rev

This week, Cher and James put on their best robot voices with Roboism hosts, Alex and Savannah. Topics include: robots, feminism, education, Star Wars, and white tech bros comparing themselves to activists. In Open Mic, we determine what makes a robot, and what makes an appliance. Lastly, in Open Call, Savannah shouts out a Disney Channel Original Movie, Alex recommends Sleep Aid apps, James has a new favorite Snapchat page, and Cher is vibing a West Coast girl group. We are sponsored this week by: Field Notes: Field Notes Brand. USA made memo books & other products, including seasonal limited-editions. Visit fieldnotesbrand.com or 400 North May, in Chicago. We also have announcements like: We are kicking off a new fundraising goal for 2015! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.

This week, Cher and James discuss read receipts. From text messaging to Facebook Messenger to Outlook, they dissect what’s wrong with them, and how to make them work. In the aftershow, Cher talks about her favorite culture year end wrap-ups, and James has a crush on a fictional character from a film franchise. We are sponsored this week by: Iron Galaxy: Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Visit capsuleforce.com for more information. We also have announcements like: We are kicking off a new fundraising goal for 2015! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. Rate us on iTunes! Recommend us on Overcast! References made during our conversation: The Wiz Live! on NBC Read Receipts, a massive

This week, Cher and James gush over their mutual love for their guest, Jenn and Trin of the Friendshipping Podcast. They discuss how to be a friend, making friends, and generally being a decent human person. During Open Mic, Cher and James debate Jenn and Trin on when to end a friendship, IRL vs. Digital Hangs, and making work friends. And lastly, in Open Call, Jenn loves a new Netflix series, Trin makes a fashion statement, James discovered a movie franchise, and Cher revisits an old TV show. We are sponsored this week by: **Basecamp**: When you use Basecamp to run projects, people know what to do, people know where things are, and you stay on top of everything all the time. We also have announcements like: We are kicking off a new fundraising goal for 2015! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a m

For the holiday weekend, we are dropping a dispatch on the technology wrapped around our holiday travels. Topics include: Cher's airport adventures, a challenge James is taking on for the weekend, and apps to keep our business running, discover new places, and not get lost. We are sponsored this week by: Iron Galaxy: Scream like a school kid with Capsule Force, an intergalactic-retro-anime multiplayer game now available on PS4 and Steam! Visit capsuleforce.com for more information. We also have announcements like: We are kicking off a new fundraising goal for 2015! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. Make sure to rate us on iTunes so we can get a chance at being featured, and tell your friends and family about this podcast! References made during our dispatch: Fed

This week, Cher and James dig into the world of online video, where they praise the resurgence of people of color dominating the small screen while thinking aloud about the future of video discovery. Topics include: Master of None, Netflix and Hulu, the writing of Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae, and gripes with the limitations of streaming hardware options. During Open Call, Cher discovers a mysterious producer named Breakmaster Cylinder, while James gets in his feels with the app Drizzy Tears. We are sponsored this week by: MakeSpace: Wish you had more space in your home? Use MakeSpace. They’ll pick up, store, and deliver your stuff. Get started at MakeSpace.com and use code CHICAGO50 to get $50 of free storage. We also have announcements like: We are kicking off a new fundraising goal for 2015! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becom

This week, Cher and James welcome special guest Molly Marshall while discussing community outreach in Awesome Foundation, creating communities online and IRL, and the recent success of Podcast Club, including the announcement of their live event. During Open Call, Cher talks about a New York restaurant, James shares his love for a recent Reply All episode, and Molly talks about the Garfield Park Conservatory. We also have a new segment, Open Mic, where we square off with our guest in mini debates! We are sponsored this week by: Emporium Arcade Bar: Emporium hosts awesome games, beer, food, and live music events daily in Wicker Park and Logan Square. Visit emporiumchicago.com for info. We also have announcements like: We are kicking off a new fundraising goal for 2015! We have our eyes on a portable recorder so we can start doing more on-site interviews, continue to pay our guests, and make this podcast sustainable. Give us a hand with a one-time donation at openended.fm/donate, and becoming a member starting

This week, special guest G. Keenan Schneider speaks with Cher and James about the complexities of writing online, empathizing with readers’ perspective, and weeding out the trolls from actual constructive criticism. In the after show, G. Keenan shares his joy over the new Apple TV, Cher talks about her love for Ira Glass, and James discusses the latest book from Ta-nehisi Coates. Sponsors Cards Against Humanity: This episode is sponsored by Cards Against Humanity, they asked us not to read an ad. Enjoy the show! Thanks to the Chicago Podcast Cooperative for hooking up this week’s sponsor! You can donate at any time at openended.fm/donate, or become a member, starting at $1 a month, at patreon.com/openended. Disclaimer: Explicit Language is used in this episode Conversation Notes: Heben and Tracy of Another Round Jenna Worthham Pop-Up Magazine G. Keenan Schneider No Octothrope Limitless Adventure Daring Fireball Lindsey Stone Trevor Noah “Podcasts and Diversity” article on No Octothrope Stephen Colbert Chicago