WOCU Podcast

WOCU Podcast

The Women of Color Unite Podcast: How Hollywood Works… Or Doesn't hosted by Cheryl L. Bedford and Nicci Freeman, pulls back the velvet curtain on the entertainment industry: the wins, the wild stories, and the “you can’t make this up” moments that define life behind the scenes. The show brings you real talk from people who live it, love it, and occasionally have to fight it. Each episode dives into creativity, career chaos, and those rare moments when visibility, innovation, and access actually align.

Episodes

December 4, 2025 43 mins

Bill Duke is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and humanitarian whose career has shaped American film and television for over five decades. Known for his commanding on-screen presence in classics like PredatorCommando, and American Gigolo, Duke is equally celebrated behind the camera, directing landmark projects such as Deep CoverA Rage in Harlem, and Sister Act 2. A pioneer of Black storytelling in Hollywood, he has ...

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In today’s episode, we’re bringing you an extraordinary lineup of trailblazing directors whose vision, craft, and boundary-breaking work have shaped film and television for decades. These storytellers haven’t just created iconic films and TV—they’ve opened doors, shifted culture, and inspired future generations of filmmakers.


The transcript for this episode will be available the day following the airdate.⁠


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In today's episode, we are joined by three powerhouse actors, Kareem Grimes, Christopher Ammanuel, and Damion Poitier. They share their experiences navigating the entertainment industry as Black actors, including the challenges and rewards of their craft.


Transcript


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We’re back with season two of the Women of Color Unite Podcast! Did you miss us?


The Women of Color Unite Podcast: How Hollywood Works… Or Doesn't pulls back the velvet curtain on the entertainment industry: the wins, the wild stories, and the “you can’t make this up” moments that define life behind the scenes. The show brings you real talk from people who live it, love it, and occasionally have to fight it. Each episode div...

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Women of Color Unite is finally back with a new season!!! This season Cheryl will be hosting will her good friend Nicci Freeman. They'll be interviewing industry professionals both behind and in front of the camera. You do not want to miss this! So be sure to tune in October 23rd!

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On this episode of the Women of Color Unite podcast, Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper recap the first season of the WOCU podcast, and reflect on the WGA and SAG strikes so far.

Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access to our “Hot Tea” bonus segments and the video versions of the podcast for only $2.99 per month: Subscribe here

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On this episode of the Women of Color Unite podcast, Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper sit down with Dr. Sarah L. Webb to discuss the much avoided topic of Colorism in Hollywood. 

Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Become a premium subscriber today and get access to our “Hot Tea” bonus segments and the video versions of the podcast for only $2.99 per month: Subscribe here

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    On this bonus episode, our hosts Cheryl L. Bedford and Manon de Reeper are joined by Women of Color Unite’s Head of Education, Dr. Akosua Lesesne, who responds to Roanna Renee’s story of how she experienced sexual battery at the hands of a VP of DEI in Hollywood - what the implications are, and what the future holds for DEI in the entertainment industry.

    Subscribe to the Women of Color Unite Podcast to never miss a new episode. Bec...

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    TRIGGER WARNING!

    On this episode of the Women of Color Unite Podcast, Roanna Renee shares her story of sexual battery, betrayal, and the total disregard of Black female victims.

    If you or someone you know has been sexually harrased, battered or assaulted, please reach out for help to the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1(800) 656-4673. Please speak to someone today.


    This is dedicated to all the women of color left out of #Me...

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    This episode, Cheryl and Manon break down the diversity paradox and how Hollywood is leaving billions of dollars on the table. Over and over, studies have shown that more diverse representation in film and TV positively impacts both viewership and the bottom line, yet marginalized communities are still severely underrepresented on-screen. 

    In our hot tea segment for premium subscribers, we talk about pitching our own projects, all ...

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    This episode, Cheryl and Manon break down what Diversity, Equity & Inclusion departments do at the studios and other production companies, and how they have become yet another tool in the toolbox of Hollywood gatekeepers.

    In our hot tea segment for premium subscribers, we talk about Uber’s “Don’t Call Me Karen” event, and how that led to their DEI Officer being suspended. Oof. And what about that “backlash” from Asia about cast...

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    June 1, 2023 58 mins

    Welcome to the first episode of the all new podcast from Women of Color Unite (WOCU)!

    Join us as we get a colorful introduction to WOCU's founder, Cheryl L Bedford and WOCU's VP Manon De Reeper. Learn about who they are and how WOCU came to be. You definitely don't want to miss hearing about their first meeting!

    Stick around to hear some insightful perspective on the current WGA strike and how this impacts women of co...

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    May 30, 2023 1 min

    Welcome to the WOCU Podcast, an inspiring platform by Women of Color Unite! Join us as we dive into meaningful conversations, share powerful stories, and uplift voices from our community. Subscribe to our channel and get ready to explore diverse narratives shaping our world today. In this YouTube Short, we give you a glimpse into our podcast. Enjoy insightful dialogue, dynamic guests, and actionable advice designed to empower, insp...

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