Mixed Take

Masters of the Air is an Apple TV+ World War II series following the 100th Bomb Group as they carry out missions in their B-17 Flying Fortresses. The show follows the brave soldiers as they battle the Nazi forces in unforgiving elements at 25,000 feet in the air. In this episode, Doni and Robert talk with Dee Rees, an Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker who directed episodes 7 and 8 of the series, discussing the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen and what makes a person patriotic.

James Cameron’s Avatar series currently holds the number 1 and number 3 spots on the all time worldwide box office earnings chart making it a household name to even the most casual movie goer. While the movies boast dazzling set pieces, beautiful cinematography, a memorable score, and engaging story, Avatar gives significant commentary about our world. In this episode, Doni and Robert discuss certain themes from Avatar including capitalism, colonialism, cross-cultural engagement, cultural preservation, and destiny. Press play and dive deep with us into the waters of Pandora. EPISODE NOTES Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea Producer: Rich Hurtado Instagram: @mixedtake Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch on: YouTube

Games of Thrones is an epic series that spans seven seasons. Like many of the other IP in previous episodes, Doni and Robert discuss why George R.R. Martin created a world that lacks ethnic diversity in positions of power and reduces the people of color to positions of slavery and savages. Was this a culturally tone deaf oversight or a creative decision in attempts to reflect the real world? Tune in to this episode of Mixed Take to hear what Doni and Robert have to say on that matter. EPISODE NOTES Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea Producer: Rich Hurtado Instagram: @mixedtake Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Ricky Padilla joins the Mixed Take crew to discuss DC's first Latine-led superhero film, Blue Beetle. They discuss what makes the film distinctly Latine and what they hope to see in comic book films moving forward. EPISODE NOTES Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea, Ricky Padilla Producer: Robert Rivera Instagram: @mixedtake Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we highlight some of the ways Marvel has diversified the MCU. With movies like Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, and Shang-Chi showcasing predominate ethnic casts, the question we raise is: Is this powerful representation or is it pandering? Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts. EPISODE NOTES Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea Producer: Rich Hurtado Instagram: @mixedtake Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

DC Comics was first released in 1934. five years before Marvel. Since then, they’ve produced endless comic books, television shows, animated features, and movies. In this episode, we celebrate some of our favorite DC characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. However, as we desire diversity in DC, we discuss whether that should come about via race-bending, gender-swapping, or the introduction of brand-new characters. Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts. Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea Producer: Rich Hurtado Instagram: @mixedtake

When it comes to character development, rich lore, and and an amazing story, there are few films that compare to the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. But before the release of the polarizing Prime Video series Rings of Power, we wondered, “Where is the diversity and where are the women?” In this episode, we talk about both our love for the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and our excitement for an ever-diversifying multicolored Middle Earth. Mixed Take Producer: Rich Hurtado

A Million Miles Away, based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, recounts the story of how he made his childhood dream of going into space a reality. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with José Hernández as he offers insight about the accuracy of the film, his opinion of Michael Peña’s portrayal of him, and what it took to overcome the seemingly endless obstacles that stood between him and the stars. Get ready to be inspired. Episode Notes: Mixed Take Producer: Rich Hurtado Interview courtesy of Grace Hill Media | Eden Prime Video: A Million Miles Away

Watch us on Youtube! There is no disputing Star Wars’ worldwide cultural impact. It is also held dearly in the hearts of so many people, especially those who grew up watching Star Wars. Robert and Doni are no exception to this. And yet, for so many years, Star Wars has lacked the cultural representation that a diverse galaxy deserves. In this episode, we discuss both our love and frustration over this beloved franchise. And perhaps, in the days ahead, we’ll see more of the Brown side of the Force.

Episode Credits: Writer and Host: Robert Rivera Music by Rich Hurtado of Deep Blue Sounds, LLC Producer: Robert Rivera, Rich Hurtado Executive Producer: Emanuel Padilla Summary: Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight. In this review, Mixed Take co-host Robert Rivera gives his initial thoughts on the new Michael B. Jordan film.

Easter Sunday is a movie that uses comedic moments and family drama as both an “invitation to Filipino culture” and a sneak peek into the life of Jo Koy. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with Jo Koy and Lydia Gaston as they discuss the absence of Filipino representation in film and the challenges of breaking stereotypes.

In this episode we ask the question, "should ethnic actors Anglicize their names to assimilate into the culture of Hollywood?" Today we look at the Estévez family including Martin Sheen, Emilio Estévez, and Charlie Sheen. When is it okay and when is it wrong to assimilate? You’re in luck because you’ll get the definitive answer on this episode of Mixed Take!

Polynesians represent! In this episode we talk about how Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jason Mamoa have changed the game for those who don't fit the Hollywood mold. If you don't fit, make a space only you can fill!

JLo has been described as an actress, singer, dancer, director, producer, fashion designer, entrepreneur, mother, New Yorker, and as one journalist stated, “the model of the 21st century renaissance woman.” Jennifer Lopez truly does it all.

In this episode we take a look into the career of Zoe Saldaña and other Afro-Latino actors as we discuss things like the misidentification of Latinos in Hollywood and examine why Latino's should be written into more scripts.

From Pulizer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, actor, and now director Lin-Manuel Miranda comes as new Netflix film, tick, tick…Boom! In this episode we discuss the film and interview actor, singer, and fellow Boriqua, Robin De Jesus

In this special episode we discuss the new Netflix original series, Colin in Black & White. From co-creators Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick comes a bold new dramatic limited series that chronicles Kaepernick’s coming of age story, tackling the obstacles of race, class, and culture as the Black adopted child of a white family.

There is no question that Will Smith is a legend. From music to movies, everything he touches turns to gold. In this episode we discuss Will's movies and those who paved the way for his success.

This film had us at Aretha Franklin! With a star-studded cast filled with Oscar-worthy performances, Jennifer Hudson becomes the living embodiment of the Queen of Soul and gives the performance of a lifetime. Hit song after hit song, we’re left with a greater understanding of Aretha, along with a deeper connection to her.

Welcome to a bonus episode of Mixed Take! In this episode we discuss songwriter, composer, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Not only has he scored Disney films like Moana and starred in a classic like Mary Poppins Returns, but Miranda is best known for writing Broadway hits including In the Heights and Hamilton. Listen in as we discuss the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda.