The Up & Down Show

S2E11: LIFE LESSONS WITH FILMMAKER EMILY SKYE (Upendo's Neighbor)

Upendo and Daniel have a robust conversation with Emily Skye of SheWolf Films. Emily is a local screenwriter/director/producer that has a new feature film RIVER (follow it at @riverofficialfilm on Instagram) coming out July 13th. Hear her story and most importantly how she was able to navigate the film industry as a woman. You will be inspired by her truth and the lessons she has learned on her journey thus far. Will Emily survive the Rapid-Fire questions posed by the hosts? Watch to find out why Upendo is so desperate to date her neighbors and why Daniel never made it as a model. Ups for this episode focus on Delray Beach, Florida. #emilyskyefilms #shewolffilms #riverofficialfilm #womenfilmmakers #shefilmtribe #delraybeach

S2E10: HOW WAS YOUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

Upendo and Daniel pause to reflect on their memories and inspirations around Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as a month to honor the history of Black Americans. Can you remember when you first began celebrating this national honorarium? The hosts  share some trivia, some possibly controversial opinions, and their own favorite Black historical figures of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. What former US Senator refused to vote in favor of designating a Black History Month? Will we ever live in a society where we do not require a special month to honor Black lives? Can you sing the Black National Anthem? What are your opinions on the idea of reparations? Ups for this episode include two new movies about Black lives and an app that Upendo swears will change your life.  

#CicelyTyson #GeorgeWashingtonCarver #MLK #blackhistorymonth #HarrietTubman #reparations #DannyGlover #AmandaGorman #NipseyHussle #TigerWoods #colorism #onenightinmiami #crackthedocumentary #keywithamazon

S2E9: A-ONE, A-TWO, A-YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO THIS NEW YEAR

Upendo and Daniel celebrate making it through 2020 (the year that will from now on go unnamed). The previous year was like a long, bad date. It's time to dust off our vision boards and own today and tomorrow. This is not a retrospective show. This is a show about moving on. What are you looking forward to in 2021? How easy is it to forgive, forget and/or move on from negative people, places and things? The hosts explore these concepts.

 

Daniel and Upendo reclaim their commitment to love, singing, sci-fi and staying healthy as the coronavirus continues to mutate. Join them as they forecast their personal, professional and global realities. And learn how forgiveness factors into their lives. Grab your bestie, listen to the show and let us know how your forecasts compare to theirs. Ups for this episode include a BFF's innovative, recycled jewelry and a national nonprofit known for repurposing goods and hiring people with disabilities.

 

#gratitude #movingon #love #maraineysblackbottom #2021 #stevenspielberg #suzannesole #bff #recycle #goodwill #dune #seanyoung #kylemclaughlin #timotheechalamet #scifi #kissing #dancing #brunch #traveling

S2E8: FINDING YOUR LIGHT WITHIN THE DARKNESS OF JANUARY 2021

Daniel and Upendo don’t hold back any punches as they react to the political climate and chaos already plaguing this new year, and it's only January. This episode was the first show recorded in 2021. Both hosts could not wait to get back to break down their thoughts and opinions about this most unusual moment in history: The storming of the US Capitol; Insurrectionists; White supremacy groups; and,, Trump’s unceremonious and unprecedented departure from office.

 

But not to worry, Upendo and Daniel also find time to celebrate some of the highpoints of January 2021. Both hosts agree that Inauguration Day provided Americans with excitement and appreciation for life that seemed to be missing during the last 4 years: Pride; Hope; Excitement; And so many undeniably instant classic political moments. Can someone say Amada Gorman, Lady Gaga, and JLo?, And we shall never forget former first lady, Michelle Obama, in that purple pant suit and matching trench coat, with THE belt buckle of the year. We don't know about you, but somehow January 20th seemed to introduce a new source of light and hope for our country. And we are eager to keep the positive vibes flowing.

 

#comingtoamerica #OutofAfrica #yale #universityofflorida #inauguration2021 #presidentbiden #vicepresidentharris #halo #amandagorman #ladygaga #katyperry #bridgerton #netflix #redroosterovertown

S2E7: EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE

Upendo and Daniel kick off 2021 with their first "Every Thing Is On The Table" episode, where the hosts surprise one another with secret questions that will reveal "the real" Daniel & Upendo. Each host secretly curated questions to ask the other and did not share any questions prior to filming. Also, the hosts are only able to plead the fifth on two questions for the entire episode. Will one of them have to plead the fifth? Which Up & Down Episodes are their personal favorites? What are their fears and insecurities? Why did both hosts have to strip down to their underwear in a parking lot? Does Daniel have daddy issues? What does Upendo think about parenthood? Which host should have been sued for fraud? This episode will keep you laughing, learning and guessing about these two besties. Ups for this episode include a new musical movie, including the film's celebrated director and cast.

 

Please leave your comments about the show on our YouTube and podcast pages, including Apple Music and Spotify. Upendo and Daniel want to hear from you. What other questions do you have for them? And what other topics would you like for the show to showcase?

#bestfriends #ryanmurphy #theprom #merylstreep #comedy #talkshow #generationx

*This episode was recorded on December 21, 2020, prior to the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Therefore, our first episode of the new year does not address the condemnable attacks to our democracy. The Up & Down Show prays that our country will rise above the failed insurrection and continue to heal toward peace and justice for all.

S2E6: HEY LOOK, MY BARTENDER'S ON TV!

Upendo and Daniel sit down with Upendo's neighbor who just happens to be a world class bar chef and soon-to-be television star. Meet Bill Binder, who many are calling the "Anthony Bourdain of Whiskey." Learn how this local bartender turned a job slinging drinks in his family’s bar (frequented by Bill the Kid no less) into a newfound career that celebrates his passions for golf, cigars and brown liquor. Be one of the first to learn about Bill’s upcoming television series, Binders Stash, that follows him as he travels the country, touring small and large distilleries and educating us on the subtleties of whiskey. Published in Forbes Magazine for his craft cocktails, this talented mixologist created a local whiskey bar in Palm Beach County that was named “Best Bourbon Bar in America” by Bourbon Review. And though he has officially retired from working behind the bar, Bill shakes out his leather apron once again for the hosts, as he teaches us how to make the perfect Old Fashioned. With a gorgeous beard and smile made for Instagram, this handsome, funny and engaging storyteller proves to be the perfect sparing mate for the Up & Down hosts. For more information visit www.bindersstash.com or follow Bill on Instagram at @bindersstash.

 

#whiskey #billbinder #bindersstash #oldfashioned #golf #beard #thebeardedvillains #italian #billythekid #mixologist #barchef #bartender #tvhost

S2E5: YOUTH & SEXUALITY: SOCIAL MEDIA IS INVADING OUR LIVES

Upendo and Daniel review two controversial films in the news: Cuties (a polarizing film about a group of preteen girls' sexual awakening in this modern time of social media) and The Social Dilemma (Netflix's chilling documentary about how big tech companies are purposefully using computer science and psychology to anticipate and control our real life behaviors and interests). Are you scared yet? Is Cuties artistic messaging or a dangerous exploitation of young girls? Remember Taxi Driver? Pretty Baby? The Blue Lagoon? We do. Let's talk about it. And, as expected, the hosts relate these pop culture topics back to their own lives? Which one of the hosts overshares this time? Will Daniel and Upendo take a break from social media after learning the truth about the very real dark web? You'll have to check out this episode to know. Ups in this episode include a new beauty product and two apps that will save you time and have you dancing and singing in your living rooms.

 

#cuties #thesocialdilemma #netflixs #socialmedia #beautyproducts #starbucks #broadwayhd #overshare #brookeshields #thebluelagoon #prettybaby #taxidriver #jodiefoster 

 

S2E4: NOW YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR BLACKNESS?

Daniel and Upendo get personal about their own racial identities. The only rule for this episode was "keep things close and specific to our own experiences." In an effort to model that talking about race doesn't have to be scary, the hosts surprise each other with unplanned questions, stories and topics around this issue. The episode takes a winding, labyrinth of a road toward deeper discoveries for both of them. How have recent events heightened their own identities? What does it mean to be "not black enough? " Is there a difference between the black experience and the biracial experience? What is Black Pride? Is it ok to have White Pride? How does race intersect with sexual identity? The hosts unpack these and other topics, and they try to explain the difference between Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation. No one is safe, including: Adele, Nancy Pelosi, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Linda Ronstadt. Ups for this episode include Chadwick Boseman, a local company promoting the Black Lives Matter movement, new COVID testing sites, and a new black entrepreneur in the family.

 

Link to Daniel's article for Yale Spizzwinks: https://tinyurl.com/YSAA-08-2020-Gibson

 

#ModernizingMedicine #LilyEssentialsandWellness #race #family #culturalappropriation #culturalappreciation #Adele #essentialoils #ChadwickBoseman #CVS #covidtest #blackbusinesses #cousins #spizzwinks #yale

 

Lily Essentials & Wellness Contact:

Website: https://lilyessentialsandwellness.lifestepseo.com

Instagram Page: @essentialslily

Facebook Page: @Lily Essentials and Wellness

S2E3: BROTHERLY LOVE, CELEBRATING JOSHUA GIBSON

Upendo and Daniel welcome their first-ever on-camera guest, Joshua Gibson. Daniel's younger brother visits the show to share how he has turned his life around and reclaimed his future. Hear personal family stories, including what brought Joshua to Florida in 2017, allowing these two to get to know one another better than they every knew they could. This is a special family episode that highlights a brotherly bond that has overcome injustices, incarcerations, bad decisions and a few wild nights in South Beach and Key West. Help us celebrate as we bid "Bon Voyage" to one of Daniel's personal heroes. Ups for this episode include a local nonprofit and Upendo's favorite place to pick flowers.

 

#brothers #returningcitizens #reentry #love #thelordsplace #blacklivesmatter #father #flowers

S2E2: WAXING ON CARDI B's WAP (Audio Podcast Only - No Video)

Daniel and Upendo dissect Cardi B's song of the summer, WAP, and ponder whether or not the song represents "Women's Empowerment" or just "Women's Entrapment." The song, which features rapper Megan Thee Stallion, took over the airwaves and watercoolers (or at least our zoom Happy Hours) this summer. Is this new art, or just rehashed sexuality used for shock value? The hosts also get into Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's personal "Entanglement" this summer, after the Hollywood couple openly talked about their marital indiscretions. Is monogamy normal? Is Cardi B the new Millie Jackson, the new Madonna, or the new Gloria Steinem? Ups for this episode include a salty summer snack (and new tongue twister) and a new diet hack!

 

#CardiB #WAP #somersaultlifecompany #noom #entanglement #JadaPinkettSmith #WillSmith