BINGELY STREAMING

JULIA

Max Original

HBO Max

We have watched PBS' The French Chef, watched Julie & Julia and have read a number of books. There is so much to learn about Julia Child's story and HBO Max's Julia delves in by covering the beginning days of her public access TV show off the success of Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

We see her creating her show behind the scenes, brokering a deal to even getting it on air, innovations that were created for this show that have become staples on our favorite shows and more. We learn the process of writing cookbooks, what's involved in testing recipes as well as what it's like working with publishers. We also meet culinary figures like James Beard as well as known writers like John Updike.

In addition to looking at the beginnings of celebrity chefs and the kinds of portfolios that we have come to know about them, we watch Julia navigate these spheres that didn't have a rule book, the importance of working with friends and family in order to get to where she got to and the importance of her legacy. We highly suggest listening to the official companion podcast, Dishing with Julia after each episode hosted by Kerry Diamond of Cherry Bombe.

THE ULTIMATUM: MARRY OR MOVE ON

Netflix Original Series

Netflix

We enjoyed seeing Love is Blind which hosted and executive produced by Nick and Vanessa Lachey. They're back with a new show, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On where couples who have dated for 2 years call an ultimatum where they get married or they go their separate ways. We hear from each couple on which one made the ultimatum or why they feel they need more time.

The couples meet one another, spend time to see who they want to live with for 3 weeks, then they connect with their significant other for 3 weeks and then a decision is made. This is yet another social experiment that delves into interpersonal relationships and is worth continuing to the reunion show as well.

POWER: DON KING

Somethin' Else

Spotify

We enjoyed POWER by Somethin' Else where they focused on The Maxwells as well as Hugh Hefner. Season 3 focuses on boxing promoter Don King from his early days, handling the careers of Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr and Mike Tyson, his fall from the sport and how his business models have found their way to UFC as well as content creators who have found their way to the sport.

Read the APR ISSUE #76 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

BAD VEGAN: FAME. FRAUD. FUGITIVES.

Netflix Documentary Series

Netflix

We remember having editor lunches that took place at Pure Food and Wine here in as this was the cities' first raw vegan restaurant and one that was frequented by a number of celebs. It seems like at its height of fame, it suddenly was gone.

In Netflix's BAD VEGAN: FAME. FRAUD. FUGITIVES, we get the inside scoop on the rise of Sarma Melngailis' dream and how it came to an end when she began met Anthony Strangis via her Twitter feed.

We find out how she built her business, obtained financial backing and created a space in the culinary world that was ahead of its time. We also see how her need to be loved created a setup where she engaged in fraudulent business practices that ultimately derailed her business, and landed her in Rikers after being a fugitive in Las Vegas for 10 months.

It's up to the viewer to decide whether she was an active participant in the scheme or if she was a gaslit woman that truly believed that by following Anthony's instructions would allow her to finally obtain the money she desired, immortality and the life that she always wanted.

THE THING ABOUT PAM

Peacock Originals

Peacock

We enjoyed The Thing About Pam podcast hosted by Dateline's Keith Morrison. This true crime story is now a series which he continues to narrate. Renée Zellweger (Chicago, Judy, Bridget Jones's Diary) plays Pam Hupp who is seen as a pillar of her community. This series focuses on the murder of Betsy Faria who was battling a terminal cancer, had a supportive family life and a best friend, Pam who was available to pitch in and help.

Upon her death, although the police and prosecutors believe Betsy's husband is the murderer, there are a number of things that don't make sense. We see that Pam's creation of a trust to take care of Betsy's girls is in her name and it seems she has plans on these funds. She's also way too interested to assist the prosecutor in finding Betsy's husband guilty and goes to great lengths to stay in the loop on what's going on.

AMERICAN HOSTAGE

Amazon Original

Spotify

Jon Hamm (Mad Men, Bridesmaids, Top Gun: Maverick) plays Fred Heckman, a local radio reporter in Indianapolis in the true crime podcast. He finds that a call he takes connects him to Tony Kiritsis who is holding a banker hostage. Tony demands to be interviewed during a 63-hour standoff to explain how he got to this point.

Read the MAR ISSUE #75 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

THE GIRL BEFORE

Max Original

HBO Max

We've all had those moments when we want to have a clean slate of sorts. When life gets hectic or confusing, it's time to change things up. In The Girl Before, we meet an architect who has a home where in exchange for staying there, you must agree to a series of rules and way of living. We are introduced to 2 women that opt to participate in this contract in different time periods. At times, their lives mirror one another, even when they have never met each other. The connection is the house, the architect/owner and a grieving man.

How much privacy are you willing to give up in order to reduce the chaos and clutter of your life? At what point do you decide that managing your life on your terms of more important then simply giving it away?

In this 4 episode limited series, you see the impact of making decisions and how each choice creates a number of options for better and for worse.

INVENTING ANNA

Netflix Originals

Netflix

Anna Delvey was a NY It Girl heiress on the move and was on the way to create a social club that allowed the elite sect of NYC and artists to come together. Anna worked to get the appropriate funding to ensure that her vision would be everything she thought it could be. She went on a number of meetings, met the right people and even created an inner circle of sorts that kept her finger on the pulse of what was going on.

The only part that was missing was that she was not a rich heiress waiting for her trust fund or for her father not to cut her off. She was a woman filled with ambition ready to move the chess pieces that she needed and left debts and embarrassment to those that connected with her that didn't know her full story.

In Inventing Anna, Shonda Rhimes delves into this story that has been the subject of a number of podcasts to dig deep into the players involved and additional information on this story that continues to evolve.

CLASSIFIED

QCODE

Spotify

When QCODE drops its immersive scripted podcasts, we know we will be intrigued. Their latest, CLASSIFIED, follows Ivan Harris who finds himself at the Ravenholm Institute.

They say that he will remain there until his delusions are gone. He knows that he is an assassin who fell in love with the woman he was supposed to kill. Who's right and how will he find out?

Read the FEB ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

S2. E3. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH CHEF KRISTEN KISH, CHEF JUSTIN SUTHERLAND, CHEF JEREMY FORD

On today’s episode of Athleisure Kitchen, I catch up with Chef Kristen Kish (Bravo's Top Chef Season 10 winner and chef/owner of Arlo Grey), Chef Justin Sutherland (Iron Chef America Winner, Top Chef Season 16 contestant and chef/owner of Handsome Hog) and Chef Jeremy Ford (Top Chef Season 13 Winner and Chef/owner of Michelin starred Stubborn Seed and The Butchers Club) who are in the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag. I chatted with the co-hosted trio ahead of the season 2 launch of Tru TV’s Fast Foodies that looks at your favorite comfort food dish and having it recreated by a chef and then making it again to put their own spin on it! We find out more about how they came together, filming the second season, who we can expect to see on the show and what they have in their kitchens for their Fast Foodies fix!  

You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

BINGELY STREAMING

HIT & RUN

Netflix Originals

Netflix

The best part of the holiday season is being able to binge on a number of shows that you have heard your friends talking about. One weekend, we dedicated times to watching Hit & Run, a thriller that kept us on the edge of our seats as we get on a wild ride that takes us from Tel Aviv to NYC.

We meet Tel Aviv tour guide, Segev Azulai (Lior Raz), who is married to an American Dancer Danielle (Kaelen Ohm). She is heading to New York to audition for a project. On her way there, she is killed in a hit-and-run accident.

We see Segev trying to understand what happened; however, he is left to think about the possibility that it may not have been an accident. As we watch him navigate finding out what happens, we begin to see that he is not your average tour guide as he seems to be connected to a network of people from another life that have been able to provide intel on what happened to his wife and that she was also not who she seemed.

THE PLOT THICKENS

S3. LUCY

TCM

Spotify

For fans of Hollywood stories, TCM's podcast The Plot Thickens, has focused on in depth stories that digs deep into actors lives as well as film/television lore. Their 1st season tackled Peter Bogdanovich's career as an actor and director, his involvement with Playmate Dorothy Stratten and additional projects that he navigated. The 2nd season tackled The Bonfire of the Vanities and the book about the scandals associated with the show, The Devil's Candy: The Bonfire of the Vanities Goes to Hollywood.

This season they focus on the dynamic career of Lucille Ball and how she went from being a showgirl to creating a powerhouse brand that became an international success. This podcast digs deep pinto her story by talking about how she met Desi Arnaz, how his upbringing in Cuba led to his vision and focus when he came into America and more. We hear how they became a powerhouse in Hollywood and how their studio became a major player in the industry. We also hear from her daughter, Lucie Arnaz as she shares her insights. We also hear previous interviews and recordings from Lucy herself!

GHOSTWRITER

C13

Apple Podcast

Ghostwriter is a psychological thriller podcast-length movie. Kate Mara and Adam Scott star where a former journalist takes a ghostwriting job for a new murder mystery novel for an eccentric billionaire. As they work together, questions and suspicions - begin to emerge.

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

S2. E2. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH CHEF AARTI SEQUEIRA

On today’s episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we sit down with Aarti Sequeira who is also in the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag. We begin by talking about her culinary journey and how we first met her during in season 6 of Food Network’s Next Food Star where she won her season. We talk about her show Aarti Party, her love for sharing Indian foods and being a Food Network personality as a host and a judge. Just in the past weeks alone, we have enjoyed her judging on the latest season of Halloween Wars and then immediately after, she is judging Holiday Wars! She shares how she takes on her role as a judge and why honesty is essential when she is interacting with contestants. We also talk about her latest project, My Family Recipe Journal which allows people to record their family recipes as well as to add new ones that you have created with your friends and family. She talks about the importance of maintaining these culinary moments and how through this, families can still be connected through space, time and generations.

You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

TALKING GHOST WITH METHOD MAN AND LARENZ TATE

We caught up with 2 co-stars from STARZ’s 2nd season of POWER BOOK II: GHOST which premiered on Nov 21st! We sat down with Method Man and Larenz Tate. In the first half of the podcast, we catch up with the legendary performer of the Wu-Tang Clan, and actor in a number of TV series and films, Method Man. We talk about his diverse career and what we can expect on the latest season. We delve into the writer’s room and the phenomenal cast which includes his co-stars and musical collaborators – Mary J. Blige and Redman. We also talk about his commitment to fitness and how he continues to increase expanding his business into the cannabis industry and NFTs.

ATHLEISURE MAG: As one of the stars of POWER BOOK II: GHOST, what was it about the series that made you want to be involved?

METHOD MAN: Well I mean, that first series was great and the way that they ended it in that season finale, it was unheard of!

AM: You play Davis MacLean. What’s your process like in playing him and how do you get into that mindset?

MM: Well now it’s just throwing on the suit. Of course, in the beginning, you do your due diligence. You do your research, you try to find their voice for this character. You want to know his intentions and all of this stuff that goes into building a character. But once you get into it and you and the writers are on the same page, it’s just all hitting the ground running after that. It’s all pretty easy.

AM: Did you find that you added more into the character than what was in the script?

MM: No, I give all the writers 110% credit! I mean, outside of an ad lib here and there like a motherfucker or something like that, they get all of the credit. They know exactly who this man is. The only time that I would ever say something is when I feel like they're not being true to the character the character which hasn’t happened.

AM: Last year when it launched, many of us were so excited to see that you and Mary J. Blige (she plays Monet Tejada) were in the show. This season, Redman (he plays Theo Rollins, Davis’s older brother) has joined the cast! How exciting is it for you to be on set and to have all of these cultural moments with great people that you have worked with?

MM: I’m glad we made our music quota, we needed it. It’s great. I mean, Mary’s great. The days that I see her on set, it’s always fun and she likes to laugh and I like to joke which is the perfect combination right there. What can I say about Redman? I’ve been working with dude for like most of my career. They knew they had something there – it was instant chemistry when they brought him in. So it was pretty simple and pretty cool.

AM: To catch our readers up on what’s taken place, where did we leave Davis last season and what’s coming up that you can share with us that we can expect?

MM: Last season, Davis kind of ended on riding a high because he won one of the biggest cases of his career. He got his nemesis fired in the process which is icing on the cake. But where other people would be gloating, Davis sees an opportunity and he hires the former US attorney on his team. There’s a bit more layers there that I am not at liberty to say right now, but I think that Davis being as calculated as he is – there is a reason for him in hiring Cooper Saxe (Shane Johnson) at this moment, so just stay tuned!

AM: We are excited to see how it all plays out this season. Here at Athleisure Mag, when we’ve watched your IG, we know that you are always in the gym and staying ready!

MM: I mean with everything that I do, that’s why!

AM: Exactly! In the SEP ISSUE #69, B-Real said that he gives it up to you that you are always working out. So that was his shout out to you.

What are 3 moves that you love doing when you hit the gym?

MM: Deadlifts, bench and squats are my favorites.

AM: As someone who has had such a great body of work, a successful career in TV, film, being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and you’re going into NFTs and cannabis, how do you take time for yourself because you are a busy man.

MM: I don’t. I never have any time anymore. But, I could be doing a hell of a lot worse!

AM: Exactly!

MM: As a matter of fact, I take that back. When football season starts, they occasionally interrupt my Sundays, but usually Sundays is all football from 1:00 through 11:00, so you know where to find me!

IG @MethodManOfficial

After catching up with Method Man and finding out more about how his character, Davis MacLean ended the last season and what we can expect from this season, we had to talk to Larenz Tate to find out about Councilman Rashad Tate! Larenz joined the original series of POWER in the last 2 seasons of this show. He talks with us about how his character continued in the premiere season and what we can expect in this season! We also talk about what drew him to this show, his character and how he has maintained longevity in this career.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You were in the last 2 seasons of POWER, the flagship and you also joined the regular cast in POWER BOOK II: Ghost as well. What does it mean to you to not only have your character continue on into the series, but also to just be part of this cast?

LARENZ TATE: I love it! I signed up because I wanted to continue and the fact that the incredible Courtney A. Kemp which is the creator of the show, found value in incorporating me into the show – just meant a lot. As you said, I was able to be a part of the original POWER series, which was a fabulous show. To be able to find my character in this show is great. I mean, the writing is fantastic and it’s probably the closest thing to POWER. The demographics are a little different and there are some that are a little younger, there are some new people and there are some similarities. But certainly, the fact that there is some value in seeing that Tate is still surviving from the original show! I mean there are so many people who didn’t make it out of that show and they didn’t make it. So we get to see a show and a storyline where there are a lot of wins, some losses and there are some good people with good intentions, but bad decisions! I think that life is kind of like that, so it’s relatable when people watch our show. They get a chance to either see themselves or how they would interpret or react to the characters that they are watching. As an actor, it’s great to have words, dialogue and stories that are really multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. When they write, they’re not paint in trope or painting by the numbers. It’s truly gratifying and I’m excited!

AM: What drew you to want to be in the amazing show?

LT: Well, I can take it all the way back to the original POWER. I loved the show and when I saw it, I said, “I dig this!” These characters should be materialized and this representation should be there because it’s more that what people may think on the outside. It’s a show about the underworld, drug dealing and so much more. It’s a show about family, brotherhood, sisterhood, deceit, deception, big decisions, people finding a way out of their circumstances, empowerment and all of it! Originally, I was cast to portray a different character who was in season 4 through 6 – the lawyer, Terry Silver (Brandon Victor Dixon) who helped Ghost (Omari Hardwick) when he was going to jail. He also falls in love with Tasha St. Patrick (Naturi Naughton). I was away working and it didn’t happen. Long story short, I called Courtney and I said, “listen, I love this Black excellence. I’m down – whatever you want me to do. Let’s do it. I’ll come and do an episode, whatever.”

AM: Just get me in there!

LT: Yeah. I told her that it was me talking, not reps, agents and managers – all of that stuff – it was just me. She said that there was a really cool character that she was about to start filming on. She let me know that it was a politician and that his last name was Tate and I was like, “ok let’s go this is dope!” She didn’t give me a whole lot to go from, but we talked about it and she wanted to see what I would do with him. She gave me the setup and she trusted me and I was able to come in and to dispel the idea that this politician, as soon as he walks into a room has this stigma that he’s not trustworthy. So to combat that and to finesse it, he comes in with a high five and he’s smiling. He’s got all of the cool things to say and he throws people off.

AM: He diffuses everything!

LT: Yeah, yeah, yeah. He lets you know, “I’m welcome and you can invite me to the barbecue.” That being said, it’s been a joy. Unlike a movie, unless you’re doing sequels – you get in, you get out and you do your job. You live with that character for a period of time. With this, you’re able to really lean into it and you get a chance to be able to find different things that the writers are creating for you. They can take you in any kind of direction and you have to be willing to do it. Especially when the writing is good. So, I have been very fortunate to be part of this and to just see where the value is and in telling the story along with Rashad Tate.

AM: Where did we leave off with him last season and where do we see him this season? What can you tell us about what is going on for some of our readers that need to catch up?

LT: Season 1, you find him going for the Gubernatorial race. He’s trying to be the Governor and he’s trying to win. Where we find him in season 2, literally, he’s in his brother’s basement, on a couch, hiding under a rock from the world because he lost the gubernatorial run. He’s out of it and his brother Kamaal Tate (Lahmard Tate) who is played by my real life brother.

AM: Which is really awesome!

LT: Yeah it is, I love it! He’s telling him that failure is not acceptable and that he is a Tate. Rashad knows that he should not look at this as a failure, but as a lesson learned and how he can find a way to get back into the game and to climb that political ladder. He can also incorporate some of the things that he has learned along the way and he’s going to cross paths with another St. Patrick – more St. Patricks! It’s 3 – 3! This young boy Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.), once he crosses paths with him, he’s looking at how he can utilize him to be an ally or will he ultimately be an enemy?

That’s what’s nice about the storytelling. There’s always this duplicity and duality that’s going on – you know, it’s the tug of war of power.

AM: That’s amazing! You’ve had such an amazing and dynamic career that has included so many movies and so many films. We’ve enjoyed seeing you in them and yet, you never age! So how do you stay in shape, stay positive and optimize yourself?

LT: You know for me, I just want to be the best version of myself. I’ve been in the game for a long time and I have been in this industry for 3 decades and I have seen how it has taken a toll on a lot of people. For me, I want to run the marathon as opposed to a sprint. So I try to avoid all the pitfalls that would cause self-destruction, that would cause a situation where I am aged before my time. It has an affect on your life all together. I decided to go the other route – I don’t want that other route, I’ve seen it. The demise of so many people that I respect. So now for me, I just want the best version of myself and I have to be mindful of my health, my mental space and my body and mind and conscious. It all plays a part in it. It’s all about responsibility and accountability!

IG @LarenzTate

PHOTOS COURTESY | STARZ POWER BOOK II: GHOST

Hear STARZ POWER BOOK II: GHOST co-stars Method Man and Larenz Tate now on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the latest issue of NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Talking Ghost with Method Man + Larenz Tate in mag.

TASTING JOURNEY WITH DUFF GOLDMAN

This month, we caught up with founder of Charm City Cakes and Food Network/Discovery+ Host and Judge, Chef Duff Goldman. As a favorite of Athleisure Mag, we talk about him hosting No Kid Hungry’s Thanksgiving Bake-A-Thon which took place this month! Viewers were able to watch Duff as well as noted bakers and celebrities create holiday dishes and answer questions that enthusiasts have when creating their own works of art! We explore why he is so passionate about working with No Kid Hungry and how he has been involved with them for well over a decade! We also talked about his show Holiday Baking Championship and how important it is for him to provide feedback to contestants while also taking people through the culinary journey of enjoying a bite of your favorite treats! You will never look at your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the same way! We also talk about 3 items that bakers should be gifted or gift themselves, upcoming projects and being a new father.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s always great catching up with you! The last time we talked with you, you were preparing to do Chefs Cycle with No Kid Hungry.

DUFF GOLDMAN: Oh yeah!

AM: Yes and you were talking about how you were getting ready for that. Why is No Kid Hungry so important to you?

DG: You know, we all kind of look at the world and we see problems and a lot of the times, it can be frustrating because generally, on the by and large, people are good. They want to help and people want to do things. Most of the problems that you see on the news or whatever – you have no idea how to help and you’re just so helpless. I want to make a difference and I can’t. I think that when as individuals, we’re presented with opportunities where we can actually and truly make a difference and we know it, then it feels so good to be doing it and doing something, you know!

AM: On Nov 13th you will be hosting the Thanksgiving Bake-A-Thon for No Kid Hungry. That seems like it’s so much fun. Can you tell us more about this event which I know is livestreamed and it’s going on for 4 hours.

DG: Yeah it’s definitely more up my alley than riding a bicycle for 300 miles! Doing a bunch of baking, telling jokes and making a bunch of people laugh – that I’m good at. Riding a bike, not so much!

What we’re going to do is have 8 different bakers and everyone is going to do a half hour demo showing their stuff. Throughout the whole night, I am going to be emceeing and making a Dutch Apple Pie.

AM: Like you’ve said, there have been so many ways that you have supported and participated in No Kid Hungry – are there going to be future things that you’re doing that we should be keeping an eye on whether it’s directly in this holiday season or even early next year?

DG: I am constantly doing stuff with them. A lot of chefs work with them because you can see where No Kid Hungry is operating. When I first started with them, I was in Baltimore and my shop is still there and I got to go to a school where No Kid Hungry was providing a breakfast for all of the kids. I got to hang out and we all had breakfast together with all of the kids right in downtown Baltimore. Then we were all in the gym together where we ate and we got to play a bunch of different games. I was like, “this is actually happening right now! I’m seeing the benefits of No Kid Hungry right here, right in front of me In my community.” For me, that was just so big and it’s big with a lot of chefs because wherever you are, there’s a chance that No Kid Hungry has done some work. It’s great and I will definitely be doing lots more with them. I have been working with No Kid Hungry since 2006 – it’s been a long time.

AM: During the thick of the pandemic, and I’m sure you were as well, a number of people were baking and doing hobbies and all of these because who knew whatof these things because who knew what we thought would be a couple of weeks inside would turn into much more.

One of the things that we enjoyed watching was your YouTube channel for Charm City Cakes where your team was actually sharing their creations. How important was it for you to be able to provide that type of relief to people whether they were bakers themselves or just looking for escapism?

DG: Honestly for me, it was great and it was really good. But it was really for my staff! I was like, listen you guys, I don’t want to let anybody go so instead of just closing up shop and hoping that one day we will be able to go back and start making cakes again, let’s figure out different ways to get to work. So everybody started making videos and I was doing stuff and other people were doing stuff and it really turned into a really fun thing and it was kind of a win-win-win situation. Everybody at home got to see cool cakes, I got to keep my staff employed and everybody got better! Everybody was trying new things. Because a lot of times in decorated cakes, you tend to see a lot of the same things over and over again. Here, everyone got to stretch their wings a little bit and to show what they were made of which is good.

AM: That’s pretty exciting! One of the things that we enjoy is that you’re so busy on so many different sides, but when you’re just looking at the TV shows that you do with Buddy vs. Duff, Spring Baking Championship, Holiday Baking Championship etc. It’s always fun to see you enjoying the treats, but also giving your feedback to the bakers when they are competing and those elements are happening. What does it mean to you to be able to show your love of baking and pushing the boundaries of creativity through all of these shows that you are a part of?

DG: You know, I think I had to make peace with it funnily enough. When I was filming Ace of Cakes, I was in my shop doing what I do, but here I had to think about and figure out what I do – I’m eating these brownies and I’m telling people what I think about it. Then I had to figure out, what was my motivation. One of the things is that I really love it when people understand something on a deeper level than they did before. Everybody has had a brownie. But when you can break it down into the different components – like I can break down a brownie into the different things that I look for.

When I talk about the texture of a brownie and I talk about when you bite down into the brownie and you get that just first crispy level right on top and then your teeth kind of sink in and then it kind of goes moosh and that layer on the bottom usually has a little bit of butter on it that is kind of percolated on and you get that butter flavor from the bottom and a little bit of salt. You know, when you sort of start explaining how you taste your food as a chef, I think that that helps people. I mean everybody can take a bite of a brownie and say, that’s a good brownie. But when you can really stop and think about why it’s a good brownie, I think that it just brings a deeper appreciation that can happen. For me, just getting people to really appreciate the difference between a brownie that you bought at Starbucks that was baked last week and frozen for a couple of days versus a brownie that was fresh and that people really thought about the ratio of chocolate to flour and that we got the right texture, flavor and all of those things. For me, it makes me feel good because I’m educating people on what a good brownie is and I’m also propping up people that are making a good brownie and hopefully getting people to seek them out and don’t just buy the brownie from the gas station! You don’t want that brownie! That brownie’s no good! You want the brownie that somebody made in their kitchen and thought about it and are proud of and that’s good and it also makes me feel good!

AM: Just the way that you broke that down, because we love brownies – the glands started salivating just thinking about it! You took us through a 30 second journey where we’re like, “he is right, there are levels to that. It’s not just crunchy on top and gooey chocolate on the bottom.” You literally took us on a journey where we see that you’re right!

DG: Yeah! Because it’s a thing! I mean, when you take a bite of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, you bite into it and at first, it’s like your canine teeth kind of hit the thick part of the chocolate where it’s a bit thicker so it will go snap. But your front teeth, the top teeth kind of go in the top and sort of goes into the peanut butter and then before your bottom teeth get in there, your tongue is actually hitting the bottom of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and the chocolate is always so thin right there that it has just a little more give so it’s a different texture than the top. And then when you bite into it and that one piece of chocolate goes snap, but because the edges are serrated – you know that zig zag on the edges, that part kind of pokes up in your lip for a second and it gives you a little sharp and that first bite of that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup – I love it, but when you break down that for people, everyone has had that experience but no one has articulated it. When you do, it helps people to understand the food that they are eating and what they’re making.

I think that it makes people better cooks and better chefs because what people try to do then is say, “let me think about what is my favorite thing – there’s this burger that I like – why do I like it?” They’ll start really thinking about all of the little things like – they buttered the bun, salted it and then toasted it in a pan. The inside of the bun kind of has the texture of the outside of a grilled cheese. You start going through everything that makes that burger and the next time that person makes a burger, they are going to make it exactly the way that they want it because they are actually thinking of all of those little tiny details. That’s truly what makes a good chef – being able to articulate things that you like in a bite that other people will appreciate people will appreciate. The customers don’t have to think about the food like you’re thinking about it and I don’t think it’s necessary for everybody to think about the minutia of every little thing that they eat, but to be able to craft something that gives somebody else an experience that you yourself have had and enjoyed, that is what makes a good chef.

AM: You translate that so well and once again, in the example of the Reese’s Cup another favorite of ours – we don’t eat a lot of candy around here, but that is something that we really enjoy!

DG: Haha they are so good!

AM: They’re so tasty and there is just something about it. But you took us on that journey and it’s like, “he’s so right, the canine teeth do hit that part!”

DG: Totally!

AM: So with Holiday Baking Championship which kicks off this month, what can we expect from this season and what are you excited about?

DG: You know, one of the things that I love about Holiday Baking Championship is that we film it in the summer time. I basically love all of those flavors – cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, eggnog – all of those things. I love it. I basically get 2 Christmas baking seasons every year and I just love it and it’s really great! This is a really good one! All the bakers are fantastic, and we have some really good challenges and I feel like Nancy Fuller and I just reached a new level in our relationship where we were just bickering at each other and one of the fun things is that Nancy and my daughter formed a special bond. We were filming in Knoxville, and we brought her out there and Josephine and Nancy immediately connected, and it was really really beautiful and I hope that they show some of that because it was really cute.

AM: Well, that’s exciting and as someone who has hosted and judged so many shows, shows, is there an ingredient that when you hear that a contestant wants to use it that you feel it’s a bit of a red flag and your doubtful that it will work and be a disaster? Or are you intrigued that they will use it and think that it could be cool?

DG: I mean, I always keep an open mind. I try not to let my personal prejudice mess things up. For example, I am not a huge fan of raspberries and chocolate. I think it is overplayed and a lot of time, I think that raspberries are acidic, and that dark chocolate is as well. So a lot of times I find that the combination of raspberries and chocolate is a bit too sour. But that’s just me. Everytime that someone makes it and I ask myself is it well balanced, is it done? It’s not like, “oh I don’t like these flavors, so you don’t win.” It’s like, did you do something cool with it?

AM: With it being the holiday season, what are 3 gifts that you suggest whether we’re buying it for ourselves or for a fellow baker that they should have in their kitchens for baking?

DG: Ohhhhh! I would say, if you don’t mind spinning extra money, a Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer – it’s just night and day. For baking, you will do so much more with it. Definitely a scale – a digital one that can weigh out in ounces and grams. It’s always really good. I would say if someone is doing a lot of baking, I would say a bench scraper – it’s not something that a lot of people have in their kitchens at home, but I think that everyone would find it really useful – especially when you’re cleaning up. It’s great because it has this nice blade and handle that you can just scrape on your counters and it gets all of that dry stuff and it just comes up and you can wipe it down. It just makes cleaning so much easier.

AM: Well that’s great gifting ideas!

Now that you are a dad, how has it been for you to go through this phase and do you find that you look at food in a new way as Josephine is being introduced to new foods?

DG: Yes and no. I mean, just being a chef and a student of food, I’m pretty well versed into proteins, carbs and fats – good fats and bad fats. Same for good carbs and bad carbs. I’m definitely thinking about it more and I’m not giving her Skittles and soda so that’s good! But for the most part, what I think is really good is that I love just cooking for her. I made an old school puree where instead of putting it in a blender, I steamed some carrots, sweet potatoes and I ran them through a tamis and I did it old school French style. It was nice because there was a little bit of texture and she seemed to really enjoy it. Today, I’m going to make a spinach and pear smoothie and see. It’s kind of exciting. We’re going to put some yogurt in there.

AM: That’s exciting!

DG: Yeah, she’s going to eat well. When she goes to college, she’s going to be like, “oh man, I’ve had it good my whole life!”

AM: Pretty much – those dining halls!

Well looing at your portfolio and the body of work that you have created in your career from the shows that you have been on, your partnership with Goldbelly, your bakeries and also your philanthropic efforts with No Kid Hungry, what do you want your legacy to be seen as?

DG: It’s a good question. I think that hopefully, if anything, what makes me the happiest is seeing that I have inspired people to get in touch with their creative side. Not necessarily in baking, but just in anything, you know? I have inspired people to quit their jobs and start businesses and I think that that right there and showing people that there are career paths out there that are not sitting at a desk and 9-5. There’s some cool stuff out there.

I think that one of the things that I was most proud of with Ace of Cakes is that a lot of kids look at adults and they don’t think being one looks like a lot of fun at all. For the most part, they’re right. But they could look at Ace of Cakes and be like, these are adults and they seem to be having a great time! I think that for me, that feels really good. I like that if I met my 7 year old self, 7 year old Duff would say, “wow, that dude is pretty cool.” It makes me feel good and that’s a good measure in general. As you’re going through life and making decisions, it’s always important to ask yourself if your 7 year old self would be disappointed in your right now or would they say, yeah this is right and I turned out pretty cool. Sometimes when you see politicians – I mean would Ted Cruz’s 7 year old self be like, “yeah you’re awesome” or would he be like, “you suck! I can’t believe that I ended up being you.” You know what I mean?

AM: There are so many!

DG: I don’t want to let myself down. I don’t want to let Duff down from 1981 and for him to think that this guy sucks.

AM: Um yeah, can there be a trade in?

DG: Totally! I turned out to be a dick!

AM: It’s like, is that the road that you wanted to go down? It just doesn’t look right!

DG: Yeah! What decision did you make that led you to this point? You should go back and rethink that one!

AM: It’s like, do you have any friends? Because if you had a good one, they would say, “wow you need to rethink that one!”

DG: Dude, what the hell? What is going on with you?

AM: How do you take time for yourself and get that moment of zen with all of the things that you have been involved in?

DG: It’s really important. You’ll never have the time if you don’t make the time. It’s really important to be able to find that time for yourself. I know you wouldn’t really think of it by looking at me, but I am actually insane about exercising. I love to exercise. I love to lift. I have a really nice gym here at my house. I do a lot of other stuff too. I play music and I have a whole jam room studio in the basement and right now I am working on a set of blocks for my daughter.

AM: We saw that on Instagram! It’s so cute!

DG: Yeah! I’m kind of right in the middle of that. It’s a big job!

AM: Earlier this year you posted about this wooden play thing that someone suggested you should buy it, but then you got the tools and materials and made it. You’re a serious woodsman!

DG: Yeah, my wife was like, there’s this thing and we could buy it, but it would be cool if you made it. So I wanted to make it and I ended up spending about $1,000 in tools for something that would have cost $90 on Etsy but it was super fun!

AM: It looked beautiful!

DG: Yeah, I do a lot of wood working – like bird feeders around the house. I had to child proof the house. We kind of live in a cabin, it’s a big A-frame and it’s not fancy it’s from the 70s and it’s a loft upstairs and that’s dangerous for a little kid. So I had to build all of these walls and stuff to keep her from falling off the loft because there are no handrails – no door. So I love doing a lot of wood work and I’m trying to get these blocks done and my wife wants me to make a sensory board for her. Things to play with and things that make noise. I have to finish these blocks because I hate leaving projects unfinished. To put the blocks aside and then move to something else, it doesn’t sit well with me - so I have to get them done!

IG @duffgoldman

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 92, 95 + 99 No Kid Hungry | PG 96 The Jim Henson Company |

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Tasting Journey with Duff Goldman in mag.

Hear Chef, Restaurateur, Baker, TV Personality and Host/Judge of Food Network/Discovery+, Duff Goldman on our show, Athleisure Kitchen - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

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THE HARDER THEY FALL

Netflix Originals

Netflix

The Harder They Fall is a fictional film that is based on real cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws of the 19th-century American West with principals being a member of an all Black cast.

We follow Nat Love (Jonathan Majors) who is intent on getting revenge for the death of his parents when he was young. This outlaw connects with his crew to take down his mortal enemy, Rufus Buck (Idris Elba) a ruthless crime boss who was just released from prison.

Throughout the film, we look at the interactions between the Nat Love Gang, the Rufus Buck Gang and the US Marshal Bass Reeves. These historical black figures have goals that keep them on their mission. Nat's focus is to kill Rufus for his wrongdoings as well as to steal from bandits which keeps him on Bas Reeves' radar. Buck stays focused on protecting Redwood, a safe haven for Black settlers.

Ultimately, we'll see who has left standing with so much at stake.

THE CURSE OF VON DUTCH: A BRAND TO DIE FOR

Hulu Documentary

Hulu

The Curse of Von Dutch: A Brand to Die For looks at the rise and fall of one of the most iconic brands to jump on a trend that dominated the 2000's. We're introduced to a series of characters from gangsters, Venice Beach surfers, European garmentos, Hollywood star power and more that attempt to gain control of Von Dutch.

We see as the brand begins from one that is obscure to one of the most recognized global labels. In a decade, the brand oscillates between backstabbers, greed and even bloodshed. Everyone that was involved with this brand is forever changed - even the scope of pop culture!

HAILEYWOOD

iHeart Originals

iHeart Radio

We've all had that moment when we visited a destination or even saw it online and thought that we would want to live there and in theory, bring all of our favorites to this town to make it our own. In Haileywood, hosted by Noble Blood's Dana Schwartz, she talks about the true story of Bruce Willis' quest to buy an Idaho town.

In this podcast, we connect with the Die Hard and 90's movie icon and we learn about the era and how celebrity was being produced beyond the screen. We also learn that Bruce was not one who enjoyed the media's eye on him and how he yearned to have a private life and how he thought he could do this in one of the smallest towns in Idaho.

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

S2. E1. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH CHEF DUFF GOLDMAN

On today’s episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we catch up with founder of Charm City Cakes and Food Network Host and Judge, Duff Goldman. A favorite of Athleisure Mag and in the NOV ISSUE #71, we talk about him hosting No Kid Hungry’s Thanksgiving Bake-A-Thon which took place this month! Viewers were able to watch Duff as well as noted bakers and celebrities create holiday dishes and answer questions that enthusiasts have when creating their own works of art! We explore why he is so passionate about working with No Kid Hungry and how he has been involved with them for well over a decade! We also talked about The Holiday Baking Championship and how important it is for him to provide feedback to contestants while also taking people through the culinary journey of enjoying a bite of your favorite treats! I promise you will never look at your Reese’s Cup in the same way! We also talk about 3 items that bakers should be gifted or gift themselves, upcoming projects, being a new father and he shares one of our favorite features that our readers enjoy in Athleisure Mag’s issue, 9LIST ROUTIN3S!

You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

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DOPESICK

Hulu Originals

Hulu

Hulu's latest limited series, Dopesick focuses on what happened when one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in US history. We're taken to a mining town where a number of its residents are injured to their work. We also learn about the origins of OxyContin and how one of America's richest families launched, marketed and infiltrated the medical community via its sales reps to get it into the hands of those who would eventually become hooked on it and in many cases would die.

With a cast that includes Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson, Peter Sarsgaard and Michael Stuhlbarg tell this story from the doctors, Big Pharma, judicial system and the people who consumed the medication.

SQUID GAME

Netflix Series

Netflix

Sometimes there are shows that become phenomenons where you don't want to be the only person who hasn't watched it. Squid Game is a Korean series that has dominated the top 10 for weeks. Who would have thought that classic children's games can be turned on its head and involve winning life-changing money?

We come to know 456 contestants who come from various walks of life but all have financial strife as a common link between one another. The only way that they can change their life now is to play the games, stay alive, continue to win and then take their lives back!

Ultimately, we find that everything is not child's play and that even the game itself has a number of intricacies that include those who created the game, those with a vested interest in it and the societal implications that are involved. Even though this is the 1st season, we're hoping that there will be another one to see how it continues with everything that we now know!

QUEEN OF THE CON: THE IRISH "HEIRESS"

iHeart Radio

True Crime is always our go to and Queen of the Con: The Irish "Heiress" has been a story that we have heard at various times. Mair Smyth was friends with noted reality TV producer of Jonathan Walton. He found her to be sweet and a woman that was in need. She came from a storied Irish family and was fighting for her $25 million inheritance.

She fell into a few legal issues and after attempting to help her out, Jonathan learned the truth about his international scamming best friend.

Her con spans from Los Angeles to Belfast for hundreds of thousands of dollars. As he finds out about the diverse scams, can he get justice in time?

Read the OCT ISSUE #70 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

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CLICKBAIT

Netflix Originals

Netflix

In the first episode of Netflix Original's Clickbait, we are introduced to Nick Brewer (Adrian Grenier), who on the surface is a good husband, father and family man. He loves his job, is respected by his peers and students and has friends who adore him. In the same episode, we see that there not everything is as it seems as we know he has a bit of a temper and his family - mainly his sister has a bit of bumps that pop up.

When Nick comes up missing, we get an intense look into those that he is connected with to see how their relationships really are and if they were involved in what happened to him. We also see how in an age of connectivity, it can distort reality and what people will do to maintain their images and the idealized life that they would like to lead.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

Hulu Original

Hulu

We love a good true crime podcast and we're not going to lie, when a crime takes place, we do think about all the factors that are involved and how we or our favorite podcast hosts would solve it. Hulu's newest series takes all the tropes that we love about true crime podcasts with a murder that takes place in the UWS' Arconia and 3 of its residents played by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez decide to find out who killed Tim Kono and to make a podcast out of it called, Only Murders in the Building.

We see how the characters are connected to one another as well as previous crimes, we learn how they make the podcast and the bumps that go along the way with production and of course, we're getting closer to solving the mystery itself. For those that have been enjoying this season, get ready as Season 2 has already been greenlit!

MURDAUGH MURDERS

FITS News

Spotify

Mandy Matney is a journalist for FITS News who brings her brand of small town journalism to an intricate case that has gained national momentum in the Murdaugh Murders podcast. She tells the story of an affluent and influential legal family for a century that is tied to a number of deaths and scandals that have taken place within the Murdaugh family as well as adjacent to it over the past few years.

She gives us insight into a family that has been involved in Hampton County, South Carolina. From the family impacting business that has come into the area, to embezzlements, she continues to report how all of these occurrences have come together to shape the news cycle that is still evolving with this family through her podcast.

Read the SEP ISSUE #69 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

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AFTER SHOCK

Nomadic Engine, Salmira Productions + iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio

This month, we've been enjoying After Shock on iHeartRadio which looks at an earthquake that takes place in LA and how people are disconnected as well as finding new living dynamics as they try to continue living after the largest recorded disaster! Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead) is the creator, director, producer and stars in this scripted podcast which is also executive produced by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead) and David Harbour (Stranger Things). All 3, in addition to more actors interact as they meet preppers, indegenous activists, a utopian cult on the island and more. Even though they survived the initial effects of the after shock, there are unexplained deaths that take place that they can't explain and it seems like there is something much larger at play than just the earthquake itself. The all star cast also includes: Tati Gabrielle (The 100), Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars), Russell Hornsby (Black Mafia Family), Rockmond Dunbar (9-1-1), Tovah Feldshuh (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill), Michael O’Neill (Council of Dads), Austin Amelio (The Walking Dead) and EJ Bonilla (Colony).

BAKE SQUAD

Netflix Originals

Netflix

We love a baking competition! Bake Squad is hosted by the founder Milk Bar, Christina Tosi whose cakes and cookies are always a treat. This show brings creativity, competitions and over the top dessert designs. Each episode has 4 bakers tasked to make a cake with the specifications of the client in 7 hours. Only one will be chosen from what they create to add to the person's special day!

The 4 bakers you'll get to know each episode who has participated in a number of baking projects for celebs includes: Maya-Camille Broussard - "the flavor fanatic" founder of Justice of the Pies, Ashley Holt - "queen of cakes" founder of Sugar Monster Sweets, Christophe Rull - "pastry illusionist" a pastry chef, and Gonzo Jimenez - "champion of chocolate" co-owner of Miette et Chocolat.

LOUD: THE HISTORY OF REGGAETON

Spotify Original

Spotify

When you think about Reggaeton, you think that it started with Daddy Yankee in Puerto Rico; however, it started about 10 years prior in Panama as it's a blend of reggae + dance hall in Spanish. In LOUD, an original podcast, each Wed. our host, Ivy Queen, a respected voice in reggaeton dives into the history of the sound that started on Panamanian buses to the shores of Puerto Rico to the vibrant streets of New York City.

We learn how she got into the industry as well as how in Panama, Black artists and descendants of West Indian canal workers who became the pioneers of reggae en español such as Renato emerged.

This podcast investigates the historical, cultural and racial contexts of this while tracking its Black roots in Panama and Puerto Rico as well as its mainstage presence as a global phenomenon today!

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

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THE FINAL CHAPTERS OF RICHARD BROWN WINTERS

Gimlet/Spotify Originals

Spotify

We came across The Final Chapters of Richard Brown Winters podcast which is 1 episode with 13 chapters that introduces us to the quest of an author who is known for creating a series of books; however, he is a recluse that hasn't been seen for awhile. His fans are wondering when he will release his next book since it has been years since his last night. His critics wonder why the consistency of his books aren't there.

A small group of curious people come together to find out more about the author, his process and to understand why he has lived the way he has for so long. In addition, they uncover a number of truths about the recluse and how they can maintain his legacy to ensure that his fans stay with him to hear about the jounrey of his characters.

DR. DEATH

Peacock Original

Peacock

We enjoyed the first season of Wondery's Dr. Death podcast which talked about the destructive and murderous Dr. Christopher Duntsch who terrorized unsuspecting patients in Dallas, Texas with surgeries that left them more uncomfortbale then when they started, paralyzed and in some cases dead. This successful podcast has been turned into a series that's perfectly bingeable on Peacock.

In this series, we find out about how Duntch's past ultimately created an individual who would take his narcissistic behavior, risky surgeries and the ability to use his charm to advance in his career.

We also get insight into how he was ultimately taken down by the efforts of two doctors and a legal system that had to navigate how they approached doctors who work in such a negligent way as well as how they created checks and balances to better monitor the medical community as a means to advocate for patients rights.

For those who enjoyed the podcast, this series is a great way to learn more about portions of the story that were not covered.

THE CONTROL GROUP

iHeartMedia

iHeartRadio

The second season of The Control Group is a fictional podcast about a nuclear event that takes place in a city. Throughout the episodes, we find out how an entire town either lives in their bunkers or go to an area shelter. With little information being shared, they all listen to a radio station to find out what is taking place and to prepare for their next steps.

As we learn more about the main characters which includes a family, a stranger that happens to be caught up in the events that have unfolded as well as the military, we learn that there is more going on then what is being shared. How much of the nuclear episode is real and how big is it? What's happening outside of the town that this is taking place and will life return to normal? The Control Group looks at how people operate under distress when it is initiated by forces that are meant to protect those that they serve.

Read the JUL ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

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BLACKOUT

QCode

Spotify

Last Season, QCode's BLACKOUT, an apocalyptic thriller, introduced us to a small-town radio DJ, Simon Itani (Academy Award winner Rami Malek of Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Little Things) fights for his family and community when the power grid is shut down nationwide bringing on a devolving modern civilization.

In season 2 which started a few weeks ago, it picks up after Simon's family escapes. As they wait out what took place, their paths cross with an old family friend Wren (played by Aja Naomi King of How to Get Away with Murder, The Upside and Sylvie's Love). In the safehouse that she found them at, she tells Simon and his family what she experienced in Boston when the power grid went down and how she got out of Boston. As she talks about her life prior to the chaos and after, we are left wondering if she can be trusted and what can they find out about the origins of this blackout and who profits from the wide sweeping chain of events that took place.

EDITH!

QCode + Crooked Media

iHeart Radio

Edith! is a scripted political satire podcast by QCode and Crooked Media reimagines history starring Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, I Care a Lot and Jack Reacher) as Edith Wilson, the second wife to President Woodrow Wilson explores the untold true-ish story of America's secret First Female President.

We get introduced to Edith's life prior to her husband suffering a massive, paralyzing stroke in the White House. Telling no one, she does the unthinkable. For nearly a year, after the end of World War I, she acts as the de facto unelected President. She signed issue orders as her husband, fired people as him and caused international incidents in his name. A number of historians believe she took on this role near the end of his presidency.

While all of these activities are going on, enemies that are external and internal get closer to finding out her most guarded secret. In this limited series, we learn about how the events took place, the role that she played and her thoughts of doing so.

MARY J BLIGE'S MY LIFE

Amazon Original Documentary

Amazon Prime Video

With 13 albums, Mary J Blige notes that her second album, My Life, is her most important one. This documentary talks about the importance of this album which allowed her to speak to her fans as well as to survive what was happening around her. This 17 track album was a lyrical therapy for her and was mainly produced by P. Diddy and Chucky Thompson.

The documentary, Mary J Blige’s My Life, explores the making of the album and allows her to get candid with members of her family, collaborators, record execs (Andre Harrell, Jimmy Iovine) actors (Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson) and fellow artists (Method Man, Nas, Alicia Keys) as they talk about her transition from the projects to the upper echelon of the music industry. Mary also talks frankly about her struggles on camera.

Viewers are left thinking about how she was able to be involved in the shift of R&B as well as to buck the notion of what an artist of the genre was perceived to be. We also get an insider view on the obstacles that took place between her first album, What's the 411 and how that affected her as she was in the process of creating My Life.

Read the JUN ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

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HALSTON

Netflix Limited Series

Netflix

When it comes to American Fashion Icons, Halston exemplifies his ability to understand a woman's body, being a trailblazer in including Black models within his show to reflect diversity, and pushing licensing as it pertained to categories in fashion and outside of it. In Netflix's Limited Series, they talk about the rise and fall of Halston delving into his early beginnings as a boy growing up in Indiana, becoming a fashion darling who was known as a hatmaker with a studio in Bergdorf Goodman with a clientele that included Jackie Kennedy and ultimately, taking on the apparel world.

This is illustrated as we see him in the 60's to the days of Studio54 as well as the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. We meet his muses, go behind the scenes of the iconic and historic The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show and we learn about the positive and negative experiences of business decisions that Halston made as he took on investors to support his brand and how he lost control due to this involvement.

HERE COMES THE BREAK

Double Elvis Productions x Def Jam Recordings

iHeart Radio

Fans of Double Elvis Productions (Disgraceland, 27 Club, Blood on the Tracks: The Phil Spector Story) know that he delves into the history of some of the biggest names in music from entertainers and producers. In this network's latest podcast, Here Comes the Break, this audio drama follows Ruben who is navigating school and is dealing with anxiety and mental health; however, a new passion emerges when he creates a podcast that shares up and coming artists. We hear him navigate creating his podcast, working with a team and balancing his life. As he goes to shows and interviews them, his persona becomes larger than life.

Although this is a scripted show, you get real interviews from up-and-coming artists on Def Jam as well as hearing their latest songs.

P!NK ALL I KNOW SO FAR

Amazon Original Movie

Amazon Prime Video

This month, P!NK All I Know So Far an Amazon Original Movie drops. Since her debut in 2000, Pink has released 8 studio albums and sold over 60 million albums. In this music documentary follows pop superstar P!nk on her Beautiful Trauma Tour as she balances her hectic schedule as a performer, being a boss, as well as being a mom and a wife. We get an all-access pass to a mix of footage that takes us with her on the road, behind-the-scenes interviews and personal material. This tour included 156 shows across 18 countries. The tour sold 3 million tickets worldwide and is the 10th highest-grossing tour in Billboard's Boxscore's history - the biggest tour for a women in over a decade.

In many respects, this film, which is directed by "The Greatest Showman's" Michael Gracey, is endearing and revealing and can be seen as a love letter to her family and her fans.

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YOUNGER

Paramount+

Parmount+

The final season of Younger has finally dropped with its initial episodes being available on Paramount+ and the remainder being available weekly. If you've yet to catch up on this series which focuses on a woman's quest to have her ideal job and life by pretending to be younger than she is.

As we watch her navigate her life in book publishing, maintaining new friendships and old ones as well as being a single mother, we see her come into her own as she realizes what she wants in life.

We're looking forward to how loose ends will be tied up with the cliffhanger from season 6!

MAY I ELABORATE? DAILY WISDOM FROM JB SMOOVE

Team Coco

Apple Podcasts

We've been a fan of JB Smoove ever since we saw him on Curb Your Enthusiasm playing Leon Black who is always giving advice to Larry David as well as being readily available to help him in whatever shenanigans that they have gotten themselves into.

In this newly launched podcast, May I Elaborate? Daily Wisdom From JB Smoove, he shares an inspirational quote every Monday - Thursday. JB not only shares his thought on the quote, but he expands its meaning and how it can be applied to your life. With episodes under 15 minutes, it's a light and funny way to go about your day. We're looking forward to hearing him muse about the mundane to the aspirational in his newest show.

SOFT VOICE

QCode

Spotify

Last summer, we were introduced to podcasts produced by QCode which is known for its immersive shows that have covered a wide array of subjects. In Soft Voice, we are introduced to Lydia, a real estate agent in London who has a perfect life. In addition to being a top agent, she has a stable and dependable boyfriend, a great place to live, savings, and a regimented life. We realize that she is led by Soft Voice, a voice that makes sure she stays on the straight and narrow and lives in moderation. She doesn't make decisions on her life and leans on her as a crutch.

One day, she realizes that Soft Voice has left and she isn't being reminded or scolded. In her place, Dark Voice utilizes strong suggestions to make her more active in her life. These suggestions lead her to begin questioning the life that she has been living and creates chaos that results in losing the very things that made her stable.

How will Lydia navigate her life and will she be able to do so without the need for either voice?

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HISTORY OF SWEAR WORDS

Netflix Comedy

Netflix

Hosted by Nicolas Cage, Netflix Comedy presents a History of Swear Words. In each of its 6 episodes, a swear word is covered and provides its historical evolution from when it started, how it was adopted and how it has progressed over time. Nicolas provides anicdotes from the comfort of a stately library. In addition, a number of major comedians weigh in on the use of the word and how it gained popularity or whether it's as bad as it is perceived to be. They also have etymologists and others who study language that provide their insight as well.

In each episode, you hear a lot of facts that allows you to see the word in a new light in terms of its adoption through time and culturally. We wonder if they will continue to have a history of other kinds of words since the 6 big ones have already been covered!

EVIL BY DESIGN

CBC Podcast

Apple Podcast

In the past few years the inexcusable acts by Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, Bill Cosby and more have been brought to light. Their well known exploits were whispered about in their respective and adjacent industries are in full display. Adding to this list is fast fashion mogul, Peter Nygard (known as Canada's Jeffrey Ep-stein) who is allegedly accused of rape, sexual assault and human trafficking that has spanned across 4 decades, 4 countries and more than 80 women that are said to have been involved. In Evil By Design, CBC Podcast's Timothy Sawa brings his investigative journalism of 20+ years to focus on the women and men who were victimized, the systems that failed them and how he was able to do this for so long.

BUSINESS MOVERS

Wondery

Spotify

Fans of Business Wars and Business Wars Daily which focuses on 2 businesses that are competing with one another in a designated space, have a new show to add to their list. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator), Business Movers looks at successful businesses and the story that took place to get to their success. The stories look at their early beginnings and how they took leaps of faith to be where they are now! This includes epic moves filled with bold decisions, highs and lows and the unknown. In addition to having a greater understanding of the business and how it has grown beyond its vision, it's also a peek into the innovators as an individual.

This series kicked off with its initial episodes that involve Walt Disney. We learn about Walt, his upbringing, building his company which included his successful movies as well as his biggest gamble, the creation of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We also learn how he began to focus on his dream of living beyond him by setting up his brother Roy to take the reigns.

We can't wait for additional episodes which will also look at mishaps from successful companies such as the colossal failure of New Coke.

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MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM

Netflix Originals

Netflix

Netflix Originals brings the story of the Mother of the Blues, Ma Rainey, to showcase how she trailblazed in the industry. Based on the play written by August Wilson. The film where Viola Davis stars as Ma Rainey as well as Chad Boseman's final film as Levee Green, the band's trumpeter. The film tackles artistic control, commercial exploitation, and racism in various forms from systematic to violent.

Most of the scenes take place in a recording studio in Chicago in 1927 where the band shares stories that lets you know about their journey, the lies, truths and how their decisions led them to where they ended up.

FROM NOW

QCode

Apple Podcast

We've been fans of QCode's podcast for awhile now so when we heard that Richard Madden (Bodyguard) and Brian Cox (HBO's Succession) would be starring in this scripted sci-fi podcast, we made sure to add this to our list. The first episode introduces us to the USS Hope a spaceship that vanished for 35 years and then came back to earth. The lone survivor leaves the carrier and is the same age as when he left! His brother, voiced by Cox and is his twin and has a one-on-one meeting with them.

The meeting allows them to reconcile and although it was a pleasant exchange, it turn a bit dark as they uncover information that can threaten their relationship from sibling rivalry, family loyalty, technological advances, the future of space exploration, climate change, human adaptation and how we process time individually.

CATFISH

Wondery + MTV

Spotify

We enjoy seeing Catfish where Nev Schulman brings interested parties together to find out if they are who they say they are, if they are compatible to stay together or if they have other issues that they need to figure out. Nev has also shown us how we can go about protecting our digital spaces and interactions so that we can safeguard ourselves from those that may not have our best interests as heart. If you've enjoyed seeing the movie that started it all and the weekly TV show, you can now listen to some of the most shocking episodes on this podcast.

MTV partnered with Wondery to take some of the best episodes from the TV show and to make it an auditory experience as we navigate those being catfished. As this show just began, we love that Max is in these episodes. In listening to the first few episodes, you can hear the best of the actual show as well as voiceovers to connect portions of the episode in terms of describing the person that they are working with so that you have a full picture on what's taking place.

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THE WHITE VAULT

Fool and Scholar Productions

Spotify

This thriller podcast takes the listener to the far reaches of the world where explorers and researchers are asked to collect and find information at the Outpost Fristed. Over the past few seasons, we have listened to the soundscapes that have introduced us to beings that have done them harm and have the ability to mimic people on the trip. In the final season, we are brought in on a recovery mission which includes previous cast members.

The team at Fool and Scholar Productions will bring this particular story to a close and we can only hope to find out more about the beings that we have listened to as well as to understand the intersectionality of the team that has been challenged to find out more about them.

CHAMELEON: HOLLYWOOD CON QUEEN

Campside Media

Apple Podcast

In the entertainment industry, there are a number of scams from casting calls, seeking investments for productions and more. In CHAMELEON: Hollywood Con Queen, this scam has taken place for a number of years and has targeted stylists, makeup artists, fitness trainers and more. It utilizes a Hollywood hierarchy where everyone is connected via a network of assistants who talk to one another in order to connect top agents, directors and producers. Due to the lack of direct conversations, the head of this scam has impersonated assistants as well as directors and producers in order to get the intended victim to spend their own money to go overseas and to willingly provide money without understanding that they are furthering the activity of the scam.

As the listener learns how the scam takes place and learns about those that are involved, we're brought into a world that affects everyone that is involved in the industry. We also hear from those in the industry who were conned, those who unknowingly introduced people to the con as well as those whose identity was used to keep the scheme running.

VERIFIED: DUST UP

Witness Docs

Apple Podcast

The first season of True Crime podcast, Verified focused on the dangers of the share economy as it pertains to the travel industry. It follows the stories of women who were sexually assaulted while staying outside of Venice by Italian cop Dino Maglio who found his victims through the site, Couchsurfing.com. It looks at the power of reviews, checkmarks and how these positive ratings can still hide a predator in plain site. This season shared how the women fought back as a collective from across the globe legally.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Natasha Del Toro is back as a host for the second season which launched this month. This season explores the case against a baby powder identified as a possible carcinogen that caused cancer for adult women who used it.

Throughout the podcast, testimonies from a number of women are introduced as they came together to fight against one of the world's best-known companies in the world, Johnson & Johnson.

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