Episode 8 | You're Over Cooking My Grits

Rich and Kevin head to New York and take a detour from their usual political breakdowns to embrace a more cultural moment—catching Denzel Washington live in Othello. From stage brilliance to campaign basics, they unpack the power of storytelling, the decline of true organizing, and how the Democratic Party needs to stop depending on data and start depending on people. Oh, and they definitely got smoke for modern organizers and media consultants. This one’s for the political junkies and the cinephiles.

Topics

📍 01:00 – Denzel in Othello & What Makes a Real Actor
The gentlemen break down their live theater experience and Denzel’s stage presence. Spoiler: it’s different when you’re breathing the same air as greatness.

📍 06:14 – Top 5 Denzel Performances & Oscar Robberies
Favorite Denzel flicks—Malcolm X, Training Day, The Hurricane—and wonder how the Academy keeps getting it wrong.

📍 11:06 – Movie Star vs. Actor
Rich and Kevin debate who’s acting and who’s just cashing checks. Is Whoopi underrated? Is The Rock even acting?

📍 21:53 – Rallies Ain’t Organizing & Digital Ain’t Strategy
They challenge the lazy campaign tactics of today. Spoiler alert: a viral post isn’t a voter contact.

📍 30:06 – When Data Becomes a Crutch Instead of a Tool
The duo explains how over-reliance on data and underinvestment in community organizing leads to political failure. our turn.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 Denzel Washington – For his unmatched consistency, craft, and commitment to excellence. From stage to screen, he’s still setting the bar.
🐍 Whoopi Goldberg – A true EGOT and trailblazer whose impact transcends entertainment.
🐍 The OG Organizers – Those who knocked doors with clipboards, phone books, and heart. Respect.
Black Broadway Excellence – From Denzel to Viola to Samuel L., they continue to carry the torch of unapologetic storytelling.