Explore every episode of the podcast WOCU Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Hollywood Works... Or Doesn't with Brenda Gilbert | 23 Oct 2025 | 01:57:17 | |
We’re back with season two of the Women of Color Unite Podcast! Did you miss us? The Women of Color Unite Podcast: How Hollywood Works… Or Doesn't pulls back the velvet curtain on the entertainment industry: the wins, the wild stories, and the “you can’t make this up” moments that define life behind the scenes. The show brings you real talk from people who live it, love it, and occasionally have to fight it. Each episode dives into creativity, career chaos, and those rare moments when Visibility, Innovation, and Access actually align. In our premiere episode, we have an illustrious guest, Brenda Gilbert of BRON Studios. Now a board member of Women of Color Unite, Gilbert has produced over 125 projects, including “The Willoughbys” and “Loudmouth.” She joined our hosts, Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman, to share her journey from business to film production, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the challenges she faced in the industry. Links mentioned: The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Season 2 Trailer: How Hollywood Works or Doesn't | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:01:10 | |
Women of Color Unite is finally back with a new season!!! This season Cheryl will be hosting will her good friend Nicci Freeman. They'll be interviewing industry professionals both behind and in front of the camera. You do not want to miss this! So be sure to tune in October 23rd! | |||
| Episode 6: Finding Empowerment in Exhaustion | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:59:46 | |
Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access to our “Hot Tea” bonus segments and the video versions of the podcast for only $2.99 per month: Subscribe here Links mentioned: The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @manondereeper and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Episode 5: Colorism in Hollywood with Dr. Sarah L. Webb | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:46:17 | |
On this episode of the Women of Color Unite podcast, Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper sit down with Dr. Sarah L. Webb to discuss the much avoided topic of Colorism in Hollywood. Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access to our “Hot Tea” bonus segments and the video versions of the podcast for only $2.99 per month: Subscribe here Links mentioned:
The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @manondereeper and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Episode 4.5: Black Women Reclaiming #MeToo: The Inclusion Illusion | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:43:25 | |
On this bonus episode, our hosts Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper are joined by Women of Color Unite’s Head of Education, Dr. Akosua Lesesne, who responds to Roanna Renee’s story of how she experienced sexual battery at the hands of a VP of DEI in Hollywood - what the implications are, and what the future holds for DEI in the entertainment industry. Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access to our “Hot Tea” bonus segments and the video versions of the podcast for only $2.99 per month: Subscribe here Links mentioned: Dr. Akosua Lesesne's Instagram https://lovenowmedia.com/the-me-too-movements-new-program-director-has-a-history-of-healing/ me too. Movement (metoomvmt.org) All the women are white, all the blacks are men (book link) Her Words | Sojourner Truth Memorial Committee DR. Deguar Analysis “Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them.” Assata Shakur The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @manondereeper and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Episode 4: Black Women Reclaiming #MeToo: Roanna Renee's Story | 13 Jul 2023 | 01:01:26 | |
TRIGGER WARNING! On this episode of the Women of Color Unite Podcast, Roanna Renee shares her story of sexual battery, betrayal, and the total disregard of Black female victims. If you or someone you know has been sexually harrased, battered or assaulted, please reach out for help to the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1(800) 656-4673. Please speak to someone today. This is dedicated to all the women of color left out of #MeToo. Links:
Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access to our “Hot Tea” bonus segments and the video versions of the podcast for only $2.99 per month: Subscribe here The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @manondereeper and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Episode 3: The Diversity Paradox: How Hollywood Leaves Billions On The Table | 29 Jun 2023 | 01:04:04 | |
This episode, Cheryl and Manon break down the diversity paradox and how Hollywood is leaving billions of dollars on the table. Over and over, studies have shown that more diverse representation in film and TV positively impacts both viewership and the bottom line, yet marginalized communities are still severely underrepresented on-screen. In our hot tea segment for premium subscribers, we talk about pitching our own projects, all of which have marginalized leads, and some of the (positive and negative) responses we’ve had. Perhaps the most perplexing: “this is too diverse”. Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access: Subscribe here Links mentioned:
The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @manondereeper and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Episode 2: DEI Departments Are Failing Marginalized Filmmakers | 15 Jun 2023 | 01:06:45 | |
This episode, Cheryl and Manon break down what Diversity, Equity & Inclusion departments do at the studios and other production companies, and how they have become yet another tool in the toolbox of Hollywood gatekeepers. In our hot tea segment for premium subscribers, we talk about Uber’s “Don’t Call Me Karen” event, and how that led to their DEI Officer being suspended. Oof. And what about that “backlash” from Asia about casting Halle Bailey as the Little Mermaid? Our thoughts may not be what you expect. Links mentioned:
Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access: Subscribe here The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @manondereeper and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| Episode 1: WGA Strike: Impact on WOC | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:58:36 | |
Welcome to the first episode of the all new podcast from Women of Color Unite (WOCU)! Join us as we get a colorful introduction to WOCU's founder, Cheryl L Bedford and WOCU's VP Manon De Reeper. Learn about who they are and how WOCU came to be. You definitely don't want to miss hearing about their first meeting! Stick around to hear some insightful perspective on the current WGA strike and how this impacts women of color. ==== WGA Strike Resources: WGA STRIKE RESOURCES Research article about intersectionality in non-profits: “Diversity Within”: The Problems with “Intersectional” White Feminism in Practice | Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society | Oxford Academic (oup.com) Subscribe to Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access: Subscribe here The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nalonni Madden and Sameena Mustafa, edited by Lauren Bonett and Nwabata Nnani, and hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper. If you want to submit questions or responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @thejtclist @manondereeper and @CLBP_cheryl. | |||
| WOCU Podcast Trailer | 31 May 2023 | 00:01:00 | |
Welcome to the WOCU Podcast, an inspiring platform by Women of Color Unite! Join us as we dive into meaningful conversations, share powerful stories, and uplift voices from our community. Subscribe to our channel and get ready to explore diverse narratives shaping our world today. In this YouTube Short, we give you a glimpse into our podcast. Enjoy insightful dialogue, dynamic guests, and actionable advice designed to empower, inspire, and unite women of color across the globe. The WOCU Podcast - is a place where diverse voices thrive. Use the hashtag #WOCUPodcast to join the conversation! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content. #WOCUPodcast | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Divas with Disabilities | 22 Jan 2026 | 01:41:42 | |
Today we are joined by Divas with Disabilities--Tameka Citchen-Spruce, Zazel-Chavah O'Garra and Samiyah Muhammed. They discuss the ups and downs of navigating life and the entertainment industry with disabilities and how Hollywood often gets it wrong when it comes to representing women of color with disabilities. These Divas are making great strides to bring factual representation to the screen and stage for themselves and other divas with disabilities! Links mentioned: The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Lana Walker & Amy Malone | 08 Jan 2026 | 02:11:56 | |
For every article, interview or story, there is a publicist working behind the scenes to shape, control, and promote the public perception of a celebrity, film, or brand. They are the vital link between talent and the media, ensuring a consistent and positive narrative in the highly competitive entertainment world. Today we are joined by veteran Hollywood publicists Lana Walker and Amy Malone who have worked behind the scenes for some of the biggest names in the industry. The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Angela Meryl, Eddie Perez, Damion Poitier & Noelle Kim | 18 Dec 2025 | 01:47:26 | |
Behind every jaw-dropping action sequence are the professionals risking everything without the spotlight. Today, we are joined by three of the industry's busiest stunt performers, coordinators, and agents. Links mentioned: - Angela Meryl's Instagram - Eddie Perez's Instagram - Noelle Kim's Instagram The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Bill Duke | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:43:51 | |
Bill Duke is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and humanitarian whose career has shaped American film and television for over five decades. Known for his commanding on-screen presence in classics like Predator, Commando, and American Gigolo, Duke is equally celebrated behind the camera, directing landmark projects such as Deep Cover, A Rage in Harlem, and Sister Act 2. A pioneer of Black storytelling in Hollywood, he has championed representation, mentored emerging filmmakers, and founded the Duke Media Foundation to equip young people with media and financial literacy skills. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including recognition from the Directors Guild of America and appointments to national arts commissions. A true multi-hyphenate, Bill Duke continues to influence culture through his creative work, advocacy, and commitment to empowering future generations. Links mentioned: - Bill Duke's Instagram - Menace Trailer - Commando Trailer - Short Film Trailer The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Oz Scott and Matty Rich | 20 Nov 2025 | 01:57:02 | |
In today’s episode, we’re bringing you an extraordinary lineup of trailblazing directors whose vision, craft, and boundary-breaking work have shaped film and television for decades. These storytellers haven’t just created iconic films and TV—they’ve opened doors, shifted culture, and inspired future generations of filmmakers. The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. Links mentioned:
The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Kareem Grimes, Christopher Ammanuel, and Damion Poitier | 06 Nov 2025 | 02:30:28 | |
In today's episode, we are joined by three powerhouse actors, Kareem Grimes, Christopher Ammanuel, and Damion Poitier. They share their experiences navigating the entertainment industry as Black actors, including the challenges and rewards of their craft. Links mentioned:
The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Ben Watkins | 05 Feb 2026 | 01:05:24 | |
Today's episode will be helmed by award-winning journalist Mary C. Curtis as she interviews Ben Watkins, the creator and showrunner of the crime thriller 'Cross', starring Aldis Hodge. Season 2 of 'Cross' premieres on February 11th on Prime Video. Links: - Mary C. Curtis' Instagram - Ben Watkins' Instagram - Blue Monday Productions Instagram - Prime Video Instagram The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Whitney Davis | 05 Mar 2026 | 01:51:09 | |
Joining us today in our season finale is industry whistleblower Whitney Davis. Article:‘CBS Has a White Problem’ The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||
| How Hollywood Works... or Doesn't with Courtney M. Franklin, Gail Shand, Austin Davoren & Scott Sudduth | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:53:32 | |
Film productions are massive machines with one million moving parts all kept organized by the 1st AD (First Assistant Director) . Today we are joined by four 1st ADs who have coordinated sets ranging from small commercial shoots to multi-million dollar productions. The Women of Color Unite Podcast is produced by Nwabata Nnani and edited by Lauren Bonett. It’s hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman. The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate. If you want to submit responses to any of our episodes - either written or a voice note - you can send them to podcast@wocunite.com. Find out more about Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org Donate to Women of Color Unite: https://wocunite.org/donate Music by Oh Yeah featuring Nyuta Follow us on social media: @wocupodcast, @wocuniteorg @gypsycarpetbagger and @Cheryl_CLBP. | |||