In this week's episode of Mama We Made It, hosts DJ and Reg dive deep into the new series "Forever," offering up their heartfelt and unfiltered reactions. They explore the show's nuanced approach to Black love, heartbreak, parenting, and coming-of-age, reflecting on how its authentic storytelling feels like a camera pointed straight into their own lives and living rooms. Reg shares his lifelong connection to seminal Black authors and how seeing Judy Blume's work adapted by Mara Brock Akil struck a personal chord, while DJ opens up about his upbringing, first heartbreak, and the rich dimensions of Black family relationships depicted on screen.

They praise standout performances, highlighting Wood Harris's real and relatable portrayal of fatherhood and the complexity of young love between Justin and Keisha. The discussion covers critical themes like navigating adolescence in predominantly white spaces, addressing mental health in the Black community, and the layered realities of modern Black parenting. Together, they unpack some of the show's most challenging moments—including issues of consent, the role of the village, and intergenerational dynamics—while debating whether they really need a second season or if the series stands strong as it is. If you haven't watched "Forever" yet, the DJ & Reg make a passionate case for adding it to your must-see list.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3cJQ6t84Mkk

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It with DJ & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

In this episode of Mama We Made It, DJ and Reg break down the latest Pew Research Center data on Black America, reflecting on its significance and real-life implications.

They take a close look at why the number of people self-identifying as Black in the US matters, examine patterns in migration with a focus on African and Caribbean immigration, and unpack differences in education and household wealth across racial groups. They also discuss the evolution of self-reported race in census data and its importance, and highlight why access to accurate data is essential for teaching, community building, and shaping the narrative around Black existence. With engaging personal stories and a historical lens, this episode delivers an honest, matter-of-fact look at the current state and future of the Black community in America.

Pew Research Center - Key facts about the U.S. Black population - https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/23/key-facts-about-black-americans/

Pew Reserach Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A5WMrVnVFkU

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It with DJ & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f

Welcome back to Mama We Made It! DJ and Reg continue their conversation with Nakeia Medcalf for a rich, SPOILER HEAVY! discussion on Ryan Coogler's latest film "Sinners." The trio brings their unique perspectives as Black Christians, exploring how the movie's treatment of faith, legacy, and the afterlife resonated with their own church upbringings. Nakeia dives into the Pentecostal echoes she felt throughout the film, from musical moments to themes of spiritual "crossing over." At the same time, Reg highlights the nuanced portrayal of family, community, and the southern Black experience. DJ reflects on how the film reawakened childhood memories of Sunday school and why small details like treats and color symbolism matter.

Together, they break down everything from the power dynamics between characters, the significance of southern setting as "character," and the use of imagery like plantation money and juke joints. The conversation also zooms out to examine Coogler's groundbreaking business deal—touching on artistic autonomy, ownership, and legacy in Hollywood. The episode closes with a round of favorite lines, thoughts on representation, and major love for Black creatives telling Black stories.

Resources:
Hannah Beachler and set design inspiration:
https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/sinners-easter-egg-black-panther-howlin-wolf-hannah-beachler-1236378489/

Symbolism and subtext:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/movies/sinners-symbolism.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Hollywood undermining Sinners:
https://www.salon.com/2025/04/26/the-smash-success-of-sinners-could-shift-hollywoods-power-balance/

Key interesting reviews:
https://jacobin.com/2025/04/sinners-coogler-race-history-horror/

https://collider.com/what-should-hollywood-learn-from-sinners-success/

https://andscape.com/features/sinners-movie-brought-us-home-and-refused-to-let-vampires-take-it-from-us/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sinners-box-office-film_n_680abd8be4b031fa917d7773

Ryan Coogler Kodak video: technical discussion - aspect ratio, film stock, and more:
https://reactormag.com/sinners-director-ryan-coogler-explains-film-stock-and-aspect-ratios/

Ruth Carter interview on her process:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a64567733/sinners-ruth-e-carter-costumes-interview-2025/

Easter Eggs and hidden messages:
https://screenrant.com/sinners-secret-details-spotify-explainer/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tp7gnOcGxRA

You can also listen to Mama, We Made It with DJ & Reg on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-we-made-it-with-dj-reg/id1809918939

Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/20eLaINMng2ISxB3TH6hED?si=ac880381abfd406f