Why the Barbershop Episode is the Most STRESSFUL Episode of 'Atlanta'
In this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down one of the most chaotic episodes of "Atlanta" with writer and actor Kyra Jones (QUEENS - ABC, WOKE - HULU). From the tense cold open to a truly wild goose chase across Atlanta, we dive into every anxiety-inducing moment of the episode. We also get into the deeper themes of this one-man-against-the-world adventure, and how this episode turns from a wild ride into a true nightmare. Kyra also shares her best tips on breaking into a writer's room and developing your own TV show. Whether you’re a writer or a fan of great storytelling, this is the place to understand the craft of television writing. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: The Podcast & The Barbershop Episode 0:19 - Episode Summary: The Most Stressful Episode of 'Atlanta' 1:23 - Guest Introduction: Kyra Jones, Writer, Actor & Producer 2:03 - Fade In / Fade Out: 'Atlanta' Edition 5:28 - The Cold Open & The Unspoken Rules of the Black Barbershop 9:26 - Paper Boi's Wild Ride With Bibby Begins 13:02 - The Promise of Leftovers Instead of Lunch 19:51 - A Haircut at Last? The Final Confrontation 25:24 - The Writer's Journey: Indie Creator to TV Staff Writer 28:05 - Developing Selling Your Own TV Shows 34:08 - Closing Remarks & Podcast Outro--Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videosProduced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del MarHost & Executive Producer: Rae BenjaminDirector & Executive Producer: Joseph FuentesOriginal Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOneFor more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutlaFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq--Season 2 Credits:Key Set PAJose Medina RodriguezSet PAsCathie ArteagaJulio CorreaJordan PattonTerrence LittleMichael Shann IIIPost-Production PAJohan BarryWriter’s AssistantsRa DjhutyBalla-Gabriele Laura FerdinandKeith A. WallacePR/Marketing AssistantsMarcy BestTiffany D. Pinkney
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"Carrie Was the Real VILLAIN of Sex and the City" TV Writers Break Down Her Most Selfish Episode
Is Carrie Bradshaw the true villain of Sex and the City? On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin (The Witcher) sits down with showrunner, writer, and creator Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) to break down the iconic episode "My Motherboard, My Self" (Season 4, Episode 8).Rae and Ilana discuss how this classic SATC episode masters storytelling and character, and why it's a must-watch. Listen to pros as they analyze Carrie's actions toward Aidan, and how they reveal her deeper fears about commitment. The writers explore one of the most relatable grief scenes in TV history—the one moment that masterfully captures the complex emotions of loss without a single flashback. They also discuss why platonic love is the real heart of the show and how the series' most powerful moments aren't about men, but about the true friendship between the women. Finally, Ilana shares her journey from staff writer on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to showrunner, and what it took to sell her own show and deal with imposter syndrome.-- Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videosProduced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del MarHost & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq -- Season 2 Credits:Key Set PAJose Medina RodriguezSet PAsCathie ArteagaJulio CorreaJordan PattonTerrence LittleMichael Shann IIIPost-Production PAJohan BarryWriter’s AssistantsRa DjhutyBalla-Gabriele Laura FerdinandKeith A. WallacePR/Marketing AssistantsMarcy BestTiffany D. Pinkney
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The Secret to Writing an Emmy-Nominated Show (The Diplomat)
On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down The Diplomat's Emmy-nominated episode, "When a Stranger Calls," with co-executive producer of TRACKER (CBS) writer, actor, and director Steve Harper.We dive into how the show masterfully blends genres and uses subtle, brilliant writing to draw you in. Here's what we cover:The Secret to Writing Without Words: How the show conveys emotion through silent acting and a single image, so it never feels "on the nose."Compelling Cliffhangers The rules for creating an "earned" cliffhanger that leaves viewers wanting more without feeling cheap.Crowdfunding Advice: Steve shares his incredible journey from writer to director and the secret to getting a web series made and Emmy-nominated!Whether you’re a writer or a fan of great storytelling, this is the place to understand the craft of television writing.--Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videosProduced by:Raenbo Media & Video Del MarHost & Executive Producer: Rae BenjaminDirector & Executive Producer: Joseph FuentesOriginal Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOneFor more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://www.inthecutla.orgFollow us on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ--Season 2 Credits: Key Set PAJose Medina RodriguezSet PAsCathie Arteaga Julio Correa Jordan Patton Terrence Little Michael Shann III Post-Production PAJohan BarryWriter’s AssistantsRa DjhutyBalla-Gabriele Laura FerdinandKeith A. WallacePR/Marketing AssistantsMarcy BestTiffany D. Pinkney
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In the Cut Podcast - Season 2 Trailer
You asked for it, we're bringing it. In the Cut Podcast is coming back with all new episodes for Season 2. Join host Rae Benjamin as she invites a batch of all new guests to breakdown their favorite episodes of TV. This season is all about the Emmy's, as we deep dive into award-winning classics like SEX AND THE CITY, ATLANTA, THE BEAR and more. If you liked the first season of the podcast, you'll absolutely love season 2. We're coming back with more episodes, higher production value, and the same passion for the craft of expert storytelling. Mark your calendars; new episodes drop September 1st.
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Atlanta’s Pilot Changed TV Forever—Here’s Why
When Atlanta premiered, it redefined what a TV show could be. The Emmy-winning series, created by Donald Glover, blends surrealism, comedy, and social commentary like nothing before it. But how did it all start?On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Racquel Callahan (The Chi, Swagger, Good Trouble) to break down the Atlanta pilot. They explore why Donald Glover tricked FX into greenlighting the show, how the pilot follows classic sitcom structure despite its experimental style, and why the series resonated across so many different audiences.From Earn’s struggle to get Paper Boi’s song on the radio to the genre-bending moments that make Atlanta unique, we dive into what makes this pilot one of the most important of the last decade.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/NDxwF331uQQ📽️ Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar🎤 Host: Rae Benjamin🎙️ Guest: Racquel Callahan🎬 Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes🎵 Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne📢 For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://www.inthecutla.org📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inthecutla🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317🎵 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ
In the Cut Podcast dissects the best episodes of television with professional writers. Hosted by Rae Benjamin, TV Writer and Founder of In the Cut, a company that provides education and resources for Black writers and other people of color.
For more info, visit our website inthecutla.org follow us on IG instagram.com/inthecutla and subscribe on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA
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