The Melanated Archives

Crate #211: Diana Sands

In the season finale of The Melanated Archives Podcast, we explore the remarkable life and career of legendary stage and screen actress Diana Sands. Though her life was tragically cut short at 39, her influence continues to resonate across generations of performers. Best known for her iconic role as Beneatha Younger in both the original Broadway production and the film adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, Sands left an indelible mark with her powerful performances. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the craft of acting. Join us as we delve into the legacy of a star who burned brightly, for far too short a time—Miss Diana Sands. Episode Guests: Russell Hornsby, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Glynn Turman Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com  Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:  TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_  TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives  TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/  Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay  Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Crate #210: Glynn Turman

With a dynamic acting career spanning over 60 years, the legendary Glynn Turman is busier now than ever! This stage and screen titan joins us for an uplifting and inspiring conversation about his rise to Broadway fame at just 12 years old, playing Travis Younger in the original production of A Raisin in the Sun. We explored his iconic work throughout the 1970s, including his role as Preach in Cooley High, and the cultural and educational impact of Colonel Bradford Taylor in A Different World. Glynn Turman is both a masterclass in talent and a class act in life. Join us as we dive into the importance of legacy with Glynn Turman on episode 210 of The Melanated Archives Podcast. Episode Guest: Glynn Turman: Instagram - @glynnturman1 Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com  Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:  TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_  TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives  TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/  Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay  Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Crate #209: Denise Nicholas

We are talking all things art, activism, and the written word with acting pioneer, activist, and author Ms. Denise Nicholas! Known for her groundbreaking roles in the hit TV series In The Heat of The Night, Room 222, Let’s Do It Again, & Baby…I’m Back, Nicholas chats with us about her early career as a member of the Free Southern Theater at the height of the Black Arts Movement and her forthcoming memoir scheduled for release in 2025! Join us for an in-depth conversation about the power of storytelling and artistic evolution with the one and only Denise Nicholas.  Let’s dig in the crates.  Episode Guest: Denise Nicholas: Facebook - @DeniseNicholas  Available This October: The Longwood Writers Workshop Anthology, A GATHERING OF VOICES Available Now: Freshwater Road by Denise Nicholas: https://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Road-Denise-Nicholas/dp/1572841958 [https://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Road-Denise-Nicholas/dp/1572841958] Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Crate #208: Kendra & Brandon Check In!

It’s been a hot summer minute, but we are back! Check in with us as we give you all the tea on where we’ve been, what we are currently up to, & who we got stopping by next on The Melanated Archives Podcast!  Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Crate #207: Carolyn Michelle Smith

In episode 207 of the TMA Podcast, Brandon chats with famed actress, educator, and producer Carolyn Michelle Smith. Known for her portrayal of DEJA in Lena Waithe’s “The Chi” and AGNES in the hit Netflix series “Russian Doll”, Carolyn’s love for the craft stretches beyond the screen to her artistic mentorship efforts and ability to recognize and cultivate safe spaces for melanated communities. A founding member of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association (JBAA) Carolyn is also one of the founding co-directors of the Acting Track for Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab. Join us for another deep dive into the crates as we chat about the importance and responsibility of leaving the door to success open behind you so that others may walk through it as well. You don't want to miss this necessary episode of The Melanated Archives Podcast! This Episode's Guests Include: Carolyn Michelle Smith: Instagram - @that_carolynmichelle Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support