All Episodes

June 2, 2025 13 mins

Ayo Solanke stops by to chat about his breakout role as Ryan in the hit Netflix series BET. Ayo shares how his life has changed since the show hit the global Top 10, what it was like stepping into a complex character, and how fans have connected with Ryan’s emotional journey.

He opens up about the show’s deeper themes, memorable filming experiences, his dynamic with co-star Yumeko, and hopes for a second season. Plus, Ayo teases his upcoming short film Island and talks about balancing acting with creating his own work.

Episode Highlights:
  • BET’s global success and Ayo’s reaction to the Top 10 rankings

  • Auditioning under a fake name and discovering the role of Ryan

  • Researching the character and building emotional authenticity

  • Fan reactions and what audiences are connecting with most

  • His favorite scenes to shoot—including the dance and emotional confrontations

  • Developing chemistry with the cast, especially Yumeko

  • What he hopes to explore with Ryan in Season 2

  • Ryan’s “ideal game” in the world of BET

  • Ayo’s upcoming short film Island and creative aspirations

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8s_ijyP8BpQ

For more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias on YouTube: Subscribe here

Got a burning question or a topic suggestion? Reach out to us at popcultureunplugged@gmail.com

Stay connected with us on social media for the latest show updates

Visit our official website for more: www.popcultureunplugged.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exciting content: Subscribe here

Don't miss out on the latest updates and exclusive content—join us in Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias!

 

#AyoSolanke #BETNetflix #PopCultureUnplugged #NetflixInterview #TVPodcast #BehindTheScenes #ActorInterview #RyanBET

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.