Black People Love Paramore

This week, Sequoia and Ryann travel back in time to the year they both got pictures of themselves in front of the pink wall and choker necklaces were cool.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

This week, Sequoia and Ryann revisit the original Shrek movie, which has since spawned three other sequels with a fifth movie scheduled for 2027. They get into why the movie was such a success and ask the question: Are Shrek and Fiona really…Black? Plus, can they guess what fairy tale character is speaking from just the audio clip? Find out!

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

Join us for a conversation with host Sequoia Holmes and hemlocke springs! The indie-pop artist behind the viral hit “girlfriend,” known for standout vocals, offbeat lyrics, and a fresh alt-pop sound. We get to know Hemlocke and talk about music, touring, navigating the industry as a Black woman, and favorite Paramore music!!

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

If you’re seeing this before May 1, 2026, the MaxFunDrive is taking place RIGHT NOW, and it’s never been easier to support Black People Love Paramore. If you are not a MaxFun member, and enjoy this show, please take a moment to keep it going for just $5 a month at MaximumFun.org/joinparamore.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

It's MaxFunDrive. And here, for the first time, we give you an exclusive look (well, listen) at the craft of podcasting: presenting Casters on Casters. Three different coasts are represented in this episode. Recording from Los Angeles is Sequoia Holmes (Black People Love Paramore) on the West Coast of the U.S. Dimitry Pompée (Eurovangelists) joins the conversation from the D.C. area on the East Coast. And nearly 4000 miles east of him, is Ella McLeod (Comfort Creatures) from London. The trio share what it's like behind the scenes, how they got into podcasting, and what they all have in common. Plus, the various challenges they've encountered making their shows. If this glamorous, in-depth journey into what makes your favorite hosts tick inspires you, support them by joining as a member at maximumfun.org/join. Edited and Produced by Laura Swisher for Maximum Fun.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

This week, Sequoia and Ryann are joined by Nadirah, a digital content creator and author of First Things First: Hip-Hop Ladies Who Changed the Game. The trio reflect on the cultural impact of Beyoncé’s seminal album Lemonade, and also attempt to rank her albums and songs from best to…not best.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

This week, Sequoia and Ryann go deep on card games, and a heated back and forth about Uno nearly upends their friendship. They reveal which card games are played at their family gatherings, and wonder whether Bid Whist is more popular in the midwest than other parts of the country. Plus, what do they call Go Fish in the UK? All this and more in this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2026

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2026

This week, Sequoia shows off her encyclopedic knowledge of Pokémon to mark the Japanese media franchise's 30th anniversary. She's joined by co-host Ryann Gilyard and writer/comedian Garrick Bernard. From watching Pokémon on the WB, collecting ALL the cards and weeping, WEEPING, at Pokémon the First Movie, they reminisce about their relationships to the iconic franchise. Plus, Ryan challenges Garrick and Sequoia to a game of Name That Pokémon. All this and more!

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2026

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker discuss the Disney heavy hitter, Lizzie McGuire, starring Hilary Duff. They get into the nostalgia, the fashion, and pop cultural significance of the show.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2026

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss casual fine dining restaurant chains that are popular in pop culture and why we love places like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, & Chili’s so much - All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2026

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the High School Musical franchise in its 20th year anniversary.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2026

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker discuss the original influencer - Kimora Lee Simmons. They get into her legacy, the Baby Phat fashion brand, reality television, and family dynamics throughout the years. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2026

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Ryann Graham and Jewel Wicker read and answer letters sent by YOU, the listeners.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Ryann Graham and Jewel Wicker discuss the beloved Christmas classic, Dr. Suess’How The Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the classic film, Soul Food. They get into dysfunctional family dynamics, the complexity of media representation, and justice for Teri! All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nickelodeon cartoon show, As Told By Ginger. The two discuss the show’s unique approach to pre teen drama, puberty, middle school and high school nostalgia, and why “In Between” sung by Macy Gray is one of the best theme songs of all time. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss Twitches, starring Tia and Tamera Mowry, in its 20th year anniversary. Our hosts get into the series, the best Disney witches, and whether or not Twitches is for millennial audiences or Gen Z. All this and more!

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the Twilight franchise. They get into the books, cult following, and and cultural impact of the series.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and guest co-host, journalist Clarissa Brooks, discuss the iconic TV show, Gilmore Girls, on its 25th year anniversary.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss two of the biggest staples of pop culture of the early 2000s, MTV’s TRL and BET’s 106 & Park.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and Ryann Graham discuss the incomparable Miley Cyrus - career, growing up in the public eye, and why Miley is a staple in pop culture.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2025

In a special bonus episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham go over the Love Island S7 Reunion shenanigans.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker have a graduation ceremony for all our favorite emo & pop punk songs that turn 18 this year.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the beloved early 2000s teen cult classic, Freaky Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jaime Lee Curtis. Our hosts get into the film’s fashion, messy character choices, the iconic soundtrack, and the film’s sequel out this Friday. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the classic Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, Camp Rock starring Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss one of the longest standing reality TV shows of all time: Big Brother, in its 27th season.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss the Love Island USA Season 7 midseason finale.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and Ryan Gilyard discuss the ground breaking documentary, Paris is Burning in its 35th anniversary, and the one of the most influential subcultures in the world: Ballroom Culture.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

On this week’s episode, Co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker talk about all things Black Romance: media, books, and how the genre influences Black Pop Culture.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, and Ryan Gilyard discuss Shonda Rhimes’ medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy. They talk best and worst relationships, characters, and storylines, along with what the 21 season show has meant to pop culture. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

DISCLAIMER: We had some mic issues while recording this episode, so please level your audio volume accordingly. Our apologies for the inconvenience. Thank you! On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryan Gilyard discuss The Met Gala! They get into the history of the event, best and worst dressed, and this year’s Black Dandyism theme. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryan Gilyard talk about SPRING BREAK! They reminisce about college days, spring break horror stories, and how youth culture has shifted when it comes to occasion. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

On this week’s episode, Co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker give Mariah Carey her flowers for the 20th anniversary of one of her most critically acclaimed albums, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005).

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

On this week’s episode, Co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker welcome the astrology new year aka Aries SZN by talking about Astrology. They discuss the best and worst of Aries, controversial opinions on dating each sign, & more! Buy Mocha Grande Merch Become a MaxFun Member Today!

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

On this week’s episode, co-hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryan Graham celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film, A Goofy Movie. The two get into Black coded cartoon characters, the flawless movie soundtrack, and the Tevin Campbell of it all. All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

On this week’s episode, Co - hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryann Graham discuss Jon M. Chu’s 2024 Wicked. Our hosts get into Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s ground breaking performances, cast drama, and how Elphaba was always Black girl coded.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

On this week’s episode, Co - hosts Sequoia Holmes and Jewel Wicker discuss the career of one of the greatest rappers of our generation - Kendrick Lamar

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

On this week’s episode, Co - hosts Sequoia Holmes and Ryanna Graham discuss the rise and fall of TikTok. *This episode was recorded before the “ban” on January 19th

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

A word from our host, Sequoia Holmes. If you’ve been affected by the LA county fires or would like to help those who have: Follow @MutualAidLA for all resource updates Or Donate to families displaced by the fires with the link below.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes welcomes Love, Peace, and Spades founder Kevito Clark and org resident host, Joshua Pinkay.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2025

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes welcomes Emo historian and author of the My Emo Diaries series, My Emo Diaries. The two discuss the career of emo staple Panic! At The Disco, analyze the state of the scene during their career peak, and bring up the pressing question: why all the contention towards emo kids? All this & more!

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes welcomes actress and online fitness coach, Ashley Chatman to discuss the practice of “Manifestation.” The two get into exactly what manifesting is (and isn’t), how social media can be misleading, and what it really means to visualize the life you want.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

This episode we're chatting about why Black people love holiday foods featuring Toya Coleman (aka Toya from Harlem) from That Wasn’t In My Textbook podcast.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes and special guest, writer / comedian Garrick Bernard, discuss season 7 of Netflix’s Love Is Blind.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes welcomes Fangirl Central co-host, Amanda Miller to talk all things Halloweentown. They get into the franchise’s character astrology, the greatness that is Debbie Reynolds, and how Kalabar was actually right but had the wrong approach.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2024

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes welcomes host of the NPR podcast, Pop Culture Happy Hour and author of the book WANNABE: Reckoning With The Pop Culture That Shapes Me, Aisha Harris. We get into the cultural phenom that is *NSYNC, their (possibly flawless?) discography, boy band drama, and what made early 2000s pop music so special. All this & more! The Radio Disney Jamz + 2000s Pop Party hosted by Sequoia Holmes is happening 10/19! Buy your tickets NOW

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

On this week’s episode, BPLP fave, award-winning journalist Jewel Wicker joins host Sequoia Holmes in a conversation on the newest Princess of Pop: Sabrina Carpenter. They get into the singer’s Disney career, to headlining her own tour, to collaborating with pop legends like Christina Aguilera. All this & More!

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes welcomes award-winning journalist and culture editor for Teen Vogue, Kaitlyn McNab, on the show to talk about the cultural phenomenon that is TikTok.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

On this week’s episode, host Sequoia Holmes and Sisters Who Watch’s Shelby and Laura Holland discuss Love Island USA Season 6 reunion.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2024