Back of the Theater Podcast

HBCU DRESS CODES: And Other Issues of the Managerial Class

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:27:10 +0000

Look at that! Another show. Enjoy.

The Boys Are Back

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:49:56 +0000

Hans and Menelek have returned to destroy all hacks.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:03:47 +0000

In this episode, we managed to talk about W.E.B. DuBois and Bane from Batman in the same minute.

Hold tight, folks.

THE A BUILDING IS OUT TODAY!!1

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:39:17 +0000

https://podcasts.apple.com/xk/podcast/the-a-building-39-years-old/id1692268936?i=1000748497802

We talk about our new podcast "The A Building". We also talk about Trump and his bullshit. Please listen to the podcast and give us a rating. Thank you!

The New Show Bizz

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:16:01 +0000

Our new Audio Documentary "The A. Building" comes out on February 6th on iHeartradio podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or where you get your podcasts.

We talk about the current state of Show Bizz and the oscar nominations.

Netflix vs The World

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:38:43 +0000

We breakdown the latest attack on Cinema. Netflix has purchased WB and all hell has broken loose in the business.

Mamdani's World

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:00:15 +0000

Mamdani's historic win in NYC is our main discussion. Is this the end of Neoliberalism? Was Lumumba right this ENTIRE TIME? (The Answer is Yes)

You Don't Know What's Good (We'll tell you)

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:20:38 +0000

We breakdown Spike's New joint Highest to Lowest. Ignore the internet hacks. It's a good flick. We also talk about the NYC election.

DC IN LOCKDOWN! Is Hans In Danger?

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:59:58 +0000

Hans is fine. It's

We breakdown some news stories. And Boots Riley gets some smoke.

Dog Days of Summer

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:22:45 +0000

The World Continues to Burn. Hans and Menelek are trying to keep it from burning.

LeBron James & WW3

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 23:30:39 +0000

We tried to talk about the War in the Middle East, but we got sidetracked by yet another argument about LeBron James. Our Bad.

RIP to Sacha Jenkins

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 23:29:08 +0000

We pay tribute to Director and Producer Sacha Jenkins.

Elon and Trump are fighting as well...

Sinners

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 22:46:50 +0000

We break down Ryan Coogler's masterpiece, "Sinners".

We talk about other stuff too.

Let It Burn

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 03:07:24 +0000

As the empire starts to crumble. Menelek and Hans try to make sense of it.

Say Drake...

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:32:21 +0000

We breakdown the historic Superbowl Halftime show and talk about Kendrick and hip-hop. Bye Drake...

Also...Menelek is providing script coverage at Fiverr.com. A list of services can be found here...https://www.fiverr.com/s/m53BDXR

Trump is Back (Part 2)

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:29:24 +0000

and we continue...

Trump is Back and on a Rampage (Part One)

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:28:27 +0000

Trump wants to destroy the country. Mumba's computer died. So we had to break this up in two parts.

Breaking Down The Tape

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:13:21 +0000

Hans and Menelek go over the tough results from the 2024 Presidential Election. Brace yourselves, folks. It's three hours.

Election Eve

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:57:15 +0000

Menelek and Hans breakdown the election. Get out and vote, gang!

The Debate

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 05:07:38 +0000

We discuss the debate and catch up on some news.

The Karate Kid to Into The Spider Verse

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:27:41 +0000

Hey, Gang! We break down some politics and the importance of texture in film.

Menelek is a Nicholl Fellowship Quarter-Finalist (He's far too humble to care)

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:01:49 +0000

Menelek was named a Quarter-Finalist in the prestigious Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship. (Run By the Academy) 5% of 5,5000 applicants make it to the QF round. (But again, Mumba is too humble to care about any of this) Enoy the 3 hours of radio.

Game 7 Blues

Thu, 23 May 2024 20:14:30 +0000

We recorded this right after the Nuggets lost game 7. Menelek is a touch angry. Having said that, Lebron James has no moral courage.

Bye, Drake

Tue, 14 May 2024 20:30:04 +0000

We break down the great beef. Who won? IT WAS CLEARLY KENDRICK!!

Get off My Lawn

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:40:06 +0000

We talk about getting older. Menelek, as always, is angry.

Dave Chapelle & Katt Williams set the world on fire

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 06:22:52 +0000

Dave Chappelle starts the new year on fire. BUT THEN...Katt Williams says, "Hold my drink, Bitch."

Buckle Up and Happy New Year!

Maybe God Is Trying to Tell You Something (End of Year Review)

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:20:56 +0000

Hans and Menelek breakdown all of the amazing radio we have done this year. Listen, we promise to do more radio this year. We talk about the historic opening of The Color Purple and we find a way to make fun of Boots Riley again. (Hack)

Does Jada Hate Will (Part Two)

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:57:47 +0000

The answer is "Yes, she does".

Does Jada actually hate Will? (Part One)

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:54:35 +0000

We break down the press tour of Jada "Smith". Menelek is angry. And well, so is Hans.

Mumba returns to the Show

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:05:54 +0000

Menelek is back. And guess what? He's still angry. At everyone.

Hans only wants to do radio alone

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:42:20 +0000

Hans has officially hijacked the show.

Hans Goes Solo

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:46:25 +0000

Hans has some things to get off his chest.

TWO SHOWS IN THREE WEEKS

Wed, 17 May 2023 20:28:57 +0000

Hans and Menelek return. We break down Dear Mama. Ja Morant. Classism. Ebony K. Williams. And Menelek keeps singing gospel music for some reason.

Stephanie Malson

Fri, 05 May 2023 23:14:01 +0000

Stephanie Malson is a multi-hyphenate filmmaker and producer. She is currently a BlackStar 2023 Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab Producing Fellow. OURIKA!, a short film Stephanie produced was an official selection of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. She is also Co-Producer on the upcoming feature documentary, ULRICK, which chronicles the life of Haitian master painter Ulrick Jean Pierre. Stephanie holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Rosemont College.

The Return of Real Radio

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:08:04 +0000

We're back to give you the radio you deserve and need.

How is This a Show?

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:35:45 +0000

Hans and Menelek fight over who is committed to the podcast. We talk about Wakanda Forever and Black Adam. Hans falls asleep at one point.

Black Adam & Kanye West

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:39:09 +0000

Menelek and Hans disagree about Black Adam. Menelek actually liked it. Hans very much did not. We also talk about the latest Kanye West meltdown. "Bye, Ye."

Conspiracy Talk

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:06:36 +0000

Hans and Menelek breakdown some of their favorite internet conspiracies. JFK? Moon Landing? Is Space real?

Camera Talk

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 15:27:17 +0000

Hans and Menelek breakdown the innovations of camera tech. Cinema has changed and we are here for it. We almost get through the show without a fight. Almost.

Will Smith Is Very Sorry

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 22:19:31 +0000

Will had the moral courage to step out of his mansion and address the public. We talk about his apology with the upmost respect and care.

Just kidding.

How's your summer?

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 02:28:21 +0000

Menelek and Hans catch up on the news and more!

Uvalde, Texas Shooting.

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 15:33:12 +0000

Hans and Menelek talk about yet another mass shooting and the lack of police response. This somehow leads to a conversation about Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. Oh, and Boots Riley. Sorry, boots.

Happy Birthday Menelek

Tue, 17 May 2022 20:29:55 +0000

Menelek turned 41 last week and he's very excited about it. (not really) Hans and Menelek talk news and Ozark.

Burnout

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 14:07:49 +0000

Menelek feels like he may have written all that he has to write. Hans does not agree. At All.

A Little More Will Smith and Chris Rock Talk. (Then we are done, we promise)

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 19:03:23 +0000

We can't stop talking about Will Smith slapping the hell out of Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Does Will Smith have to Slap a B*tch?

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 06:29:43 +0000

Will Smith assaulted Chris Rock because of a joke. Hans and Menelek talk about it.

Angry Mumba & LA Hans

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 08:51:58 +0000

A little Tension this week. What else is new?

Hans has Omarion

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:41:29 +0000

Two weeks in a row? Is this a real podcast? Thoughts and prayers to brother Hans he fights Covid-19. We debate Will Smith's rap career. And Menelek, as always, is angry.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 04:08:11 +0000

Menelek and Hans start the show with a battle for who really wants to do the show. That leads to a discussion of Stanley Kubrick and other random topics. Enjoy! Happy New Year!

The End of The Podcast?

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 18:38:53 +0000

Hans wants to leave the show. He just lacks the moral courage to admit it. The guys talk about the future of the show, Will Smith, Kanye, and Aaron Rodgers.

Enjoy the show while you can. Hans wants to leave. Please let him know how you feel about that on social media. @cineclass on twitter and instagram.

On Dave Chappelle

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 18:24:48 +0000

Menelek and Hans are in person! We break down the backlash of Dave Chapelle's latest Netflix special "The Closer". What does free speech mean in 2021? Let's break it down.

Nicki Minaj Has a Few Thoughts

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:58:02 +0000

Nicki Minaj set twitter on fire with some some comments on the Covid-19 vaccine. We talk about the passing of Norm McDonald and old stories from Menelek's wedding.

Cinematography & Collaboration

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:06:26 +0000

Menelek and Hans talk film and breakdown the role of the Director and the cinematographer. Here's a shock: They don't agree.

U.S. Foreign Policy & The Crate Challenge

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:53:10 +0000

Hans and Menelek argue about Joe Biden and then talk about the crate challenge. Yup.

Sha'Carri Richardson, NBA Finals, Bill Cosby

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:58:45 +0000

We talk about the suspension of Sha'Carri Richardson and Bill Cosby's release from prison.

You can always email us at backofthetheater@gmail.com

Breonna Taylor Art Exhibition

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:10:56 +0000

Hans returns from a shoot in Louisville, Ky. He talks about the amazing art installation Promise, Witness, Remembrance. We talk about politics. Hans lost a friend this week. He talks about the nature of grief.

Kwame Brown, Joe Budden & Some Other Stuff

Thu, 20 May 2021 14:02:01 +0000

Menelek and Hans start with a fight about the future of the show. Joe Budden fired his co-hosts this week. Kwame Brown has a lot of anger.

Let's catch up, NFL, The Oscars, Aaron Rodgers

Tue, 04 May 2021 22:32:18 +0000

First of all. We would like to apologize for being away for so long. Hans was working on a long shoot. Menelek was finishing up his MFA and trying to find a new home. We catch up on a lot of things and we promise to be more consistent with shows in the future.

Kirk Franklin & Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:02:27 +0000

We breakdown Kirk Franklin's verbal attack on his son. That leads to a discussion about the drama in the royal family.

1 Angry Black Man is streaming for free on Tubi.com.

See it here!

Who has more Anger?

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 18:23:43 +0000

Hans and Menelek debate anger. They talk politics and Black Hollywood.

Ted Cruz is a Moron

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 04:51:32 +0000

We talk about the terrible storm in Texas and the current state of politics.

Ted Cruiz is a Moron

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 04:50:36 +0000

We talk about the terrible storm in Texas and the current state of politics.

First Show of the Year (Right Before the Coup)

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:35:40 +0000

Hans and Menelek bring in the new year with some political talk. As they are on the air, a mob of angry white people start to storm the capitol.

COVID-19 Second Wave

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 02:06:06 +0000

Dr. Shakib Hassan joins the show to talk about the second wave of Covid-19. He has received the first dose of the vaccine as well.

The Election (Then and Now)

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 15:44:36 +0000

The guys reflect on the last four years under Trump. We play clips from our show FOUR YEARS AGO. The night the world changed and Trump became president.

The Election Is Close

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 14:34:15 +0000

Hans and Menelek return for a talk about politics and Mental Health.

The Debate

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 06:17:14 +0000

Hans and Menelek catch up. We break down the debate and the future of American Politics.

R.I.P. to Chadwick Boseman

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 06:39:46 +0000

We talk about the tragic death of Chad Boseman. The Election. Covid-19. Jerry Falwell Jr. Buckle Up.

Black is King

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 19:13:13 +0000

A random conversation about Anger, Beyonce, Trump, and elections. And Hans hangs up.

KANYE THO

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 14:56:45 +0000

We breakdown's Kanye's latest breakdown. We talk about the film game and how do you manage anger?

We Are Back

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:24:41 +0000

Hans and Menelek return. They fight. Then they make fun of Corey Feldman...

Crazy Times

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 05:33:16 +0000

The world is still on fire. We talk about Da 5 Bloods. Covid-19. Trump and Menelek's anger.

Live Podcast

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:56:47 +0000

The Boys get on facebook live to talk about the various things.

#GeorgeFloyd

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:42:03 +0000

The country is on fire. Hans and Menelek talk about the various uprisings around the world.

1 Angry Black Man is Available on June 5th. Purchase or Rent at the following platforms. Join us for a live tweet watch party at 7:00pm EST. We will have a live Q&A after the film on the 1 Angry Black Man Facebook page. www.facebook.com/1angryblackman

AT&T

DirecTV

Dish

iN DEMAND (Comcast, Spectrum)

Vubiquity (Verizon Fios)

Amazon

iTunes

Vudu

Xbox

Google Play

YouTube Movies

Two Angry Black Men

Thu, 21 May 2020 20:28:42 +0000

The Boys argue this week about politics and several other thing.

1 Angry Black Man comes out JUNE 5TH. Available on all VOD platforms. (Cable, Direct TV) Amazon. Google Play. Youtube Movies. Itunes.

1 ANGRY BLACK MAN WILL BE RELEASED JUNE 5TH

Fri, 15 May 2020 03:46:00 +0000

WE HAVE A DEAL. 1 Angry Black Man Gets a Deal. Menelek and Hans talk about the long journey to get the film made. It will be available for DVD and digital purchase on June 5th.

SEE THE TRAILER Trailer

The Last Dance

Thu, 07 May 2020 20:08:45 +0000

We breakdown the new Jordan Documentary on ESPN.

Note from Menelek: "Jordan is the GOAT. LeBron is a very nice guy."

Living With Covid-19

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:33:49 +0000

We talk about life in a pandemic. Stay safe.

Angela Barnes Gomes

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 20:17:05 +0000

Angela is a DGA Episodic TV Director that transitioned into directing after over 10 years of working as an episodic 1st AD.

Angel Kristi Williams

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:04:44 +0000

Angel Kristi Williams is a filmmaker born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Her work has screened in art galleries, numerous festivals around the world and garnered the attention of Participant Media, before completing her MFA at Columbia College Chicago. Her short film "Charlotte," won the jury awards at Atlanta and Sarasota Film Festivals. Angel is a 2014 Film Independent Project Involve Fellow, where she was the recipient of the Sony Pictures Diversity Fellowship. Her feature directorial debut, Really Love was selected to play in narrative competition at SXSW and won the Special Jury Recognition for Acting for co-stars Kofi Siriboe and Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing.

Quarantine Life

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 17:20:51 +0000

We report about life in Social Distant. How are you holding up? We talk about celebs on social media. And we breakdown some films. Dead Man Walking. The Passion of The Christ. Fargo. No Country for Old Men

Bernie Sanders

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:30:19 +0000

We are bored and decided to do another show. We breakdown the democratic primary.

COVID-19

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:47:01 +0000

Dr. Shakib Hassan joins to the show to talk about the danger of the Coronavirus. How long will the outbreak last? What can we do to protect ourselves?

Therapy Breakthrough

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:00:21 +0000

Hans had a breakthrough in therapy today. We discuss fatherhood and dealing with demons of the past.

Pastor Troy & Little Nas X. (Homophobia in the Black Community)

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 07:19:46 +0000

We breakdown the comments of Pastor Troy on the Grammy outfit of Lil Nas X. Here is a sneak preview...PASTOR TROY IS A DAMN FOOL

Kobe Bryant and much more

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:37:48 +0000

Rest in Peace to Kobe. We also discuss Terry Crews and Menelek has a problem with Black Brits.

Oscar Still So White?

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:58:53 +0000

We start with a fight. Then we break down the latest Oscar stuff. Then we talk break down Tyler Perry's recent post about not having a writer's room.

Kevin Hart Documentary

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 19:37:14 +0000

We break down "Don't Fuck This Up" on Netflix. Was this a good move for Kevin Hart? Menelek rants about Star Wars. HAPPY NEW YEAR, GANG!

Queen and Slim (we actually haven't seen the movie yet)

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:51:44 +0000

The Guys breakdown some Black film news.

Los Angeles Brothers

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 07:54:58 +0000

Hans and Menelek are back from a week in Los Angeles. We talk the Democratic Primary and our LA meetings.

1 Angry Black Man screens at the Hampton University Film Festival November 14th at 6:00pm. Info can me found here...

http://news.hamptonu.edu/release/Hampton-University-School-of-Liberal-Arts-and-Education-to-Hold-4th-Annual-Film-Festival-November-12--14

Dolemite Is My Name

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 05:23:15 +0000

Hans and Menelek Breakdown Eddie Murphy's new film. It's so good. Check it out on Netlix

Your Thoughts?

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 00:32:59 +0000

Hans and Menelek breakdown some issues. Like always.

We Back! Lebron. China. Gemini Man.

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 18:26:36 +0000

We took a little break. We come back with hard hitting debates about the NBA and the future of film tech.

Dave Chapelle: Sticks and Stones

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 22:52:47 +0000

We discuss the outrage of Dave Chapelle's new special "Sticks and Stones".

The Auteur Theory

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 05:17:58 +0000

Menelek and Hans debate the future of cinema.

Jay Z and The NFL

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:43:42 +0000

We breakdown the deal between Jay Z and the NFL for "Social Awareness". Black Capitalism strikes again. We also talk about the role of the modern father and couple's therapy.

Dem Debates

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 15:33:43 +0000

Menelek and Hans Breakdown the Democrat Debate. Who will go against Trump?

Show Bizz is driving Menelek nuts.

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 23:55:51 +0000

The business side of the game has Menelek down in the dumps. Hans tries to help.

Menelek has moved to Arizona

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 17:09:36 +0000

First show in Menelek's new city. It's hot.

High Blood Pressure and Black Hollywood

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 15:41:29 +0000

Menelek needs to relax or he will die. We also breakdown Lena Waithe's comments about support in Black Independent film.