03.18.2020 | By Jack Rico |
*Update: March 24
If you’re a culture vulture like me, you must be bummed you can’t use this time during the coronavirus to enjoy the arts in your city. But fret not, as we are slowly coming to grips with the impending reality that we are going to become a virtual society for the foreseeable future, here is a calendar of virtual events to keep your mind distracted and instructed. Get ready to be busy!
01.8.2018 | By Jack Rico |
This year’s Golden Globes, a usually festive, yet historically disreputable and controversial show, had an air of legitimacy behind its wings last night. It was the first time that I took the Globes seriously and that began with the commitment from a diverse group of Hollywood women who gave the Time’s Up movement meaning and intention. The night also gave way to an overarching theme of reclamation, inclusivity, and purpose. Read More
12.30.2017 | By Jack Rico |
I have consumed a freakish amount of information in 2017, perhaps more than I ever have in my life. Here then are what has stood out to me the most in the last 12 months. 👇🏽👇🏽
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12.18.2016 | By Jack Rico |
This week on the Highly Relevant podcast, we’re reintroducing some pop culture elements back into the show, but we’re keeping politics because Donald Trump has blurred the lines between the affairs of the state and entertainment. No one seems to know what’s what anymore? Regardless, many things have happened in entertainment this week such as the Golden Globes/SAG/Grammy nominations as well as the arrival of “Star Wars: Rogue One” in theaters. Read More
12.3.2016 | By Jack Rico |
One of my favorite endeavors is to be well-read on a variety of subjects, ranging from politics to pop culture. I like to share what I’m reading, seeing, and listening to, but also intrigued to hear what other people’s current obsessions are as well. So moving forward, we’ll begin the first installment of a new weekly feature article titled – “What I’m Obsessing On This Week”. Read on and let me know what you’re obsessing about this week.
10.31.2016 | By Jack Rico |
On the tenth episode of my Highly Relevant podcast, I had a chance to chat with Brian Tyree Henry, a.k.a. Paper Boi on FX’s Atlanta. We spoke mainly about diversity in the arts, but we did get to the nitty gritty on the prolific usage as of late of the word ‘nigga” in television and film (music has been like that from the beginning). Aren’t we trying to eliminate the word from our vocabulary? We also conversed on his pal Donald Glover’s casting in the new Star Wars movie, his first encounter with him, his character Paper Boi, the show’s appeal, his view on Latino culture, Broadway’s lack of minority storytelling, and why Gina Rodriguez is so hot to him. Read on or listen to the interview! Read More
10.21.2016 | By Jack Rico |
On this ninth episode, I talk about Tom Cruise’s new movie ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’ with my good friend Mike Sargeant as we tackle Tom’s career, his longevity and our opinions on why he doesn’t seem to want to collaborate with another A-List actor (3:20). We also review Broadway’s new family feel-good musical Holiday Inn (24:46) as well as take a look at Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar (21:34), and I ask a New Yorker what he’s seeing, listening and downloading (27:43), plus, we recap the most important pop culture news you might have missed this week. Read More
07.18.2016 | By Jack Rico |
*(Premiering Friday, August 12th)
Living in New York City is unlike any other city in the entire world. Sure, many global cities might look like it, but none of them offer the diversity, culture and smarts we do. I like to think of my new podcast – HIGHLY RELEVANT – much like my own New York City, one where diversity is welcomed and embraced, where arts & culture are top of mind, and, just a cool place to enjoy highly relevant conversations with some really talented people, some of whom you should already know… and some you should get to know. 
Think filmmakers, actors, musicians, writers and journalists… how are they shaping pop culture and what does that mean for us? They say, “it’s about the journey,” well, I’d love for you to join me on this journey, one where you and I will hopefully learn a thing or two right within the confines of your #headphones. And don’t just be a listener, be a participant! Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover and who you’d like me to interview. This will be OUR podcast. The HIGHLY RELEVANT podcast with yours truly… every Friday beginning August 12th.
02.24.2016 | By Jack Rico |
With the academy awards coming up, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver tackles Hollywood whitewashing in a humorous yet unflinching way. The focus of the video is self-explanatory, but this whole idea that there aren’t enough good roles for people of color is utter balderdash. Even when roles do exist, they still can be played by white actors. Just ask Emma Stone. Her portrayal of a half-Asian woman in Aloha is perhaps the most egregious act of whitewashing in the modern era. Read More
09.29.2015 | By Mariana Dussan |
Oh my! So much exciting (and some hilarious) news bits in the entertainment world today! Here are the five highlights so that you are all caught up with the 5 trending entertainment stories that are buzzing. Read on!
