Podcast Summary
A conversation with Temby and Attica Locke about their inspiring collaborations and impactful storytelling: The power of creativity and storytelling to connect with audiences, inspire change, and bring people together
Creativity and storytelling have the power to connect with audiences on a global scale and inspire change. In this episode of Unlocking Us, Brené Brown continues her conversation with Temby and Attica Locke, two incredibly talented and inspiring women. Their Netflix series, From Scratch, debuted with over 32 million hours viewed and is currently the number one show on Netflix. Temby, a bestselling author, TV producer, actor, screenwriter, and advocate, shares her personal story of love, loss, and resilience. Attica, also a bestselling author and award-winning screenwriter and producer, has written novels and worked on critically acclaimed shows like Empire and Little Fires Everywhere. Their creative collaborations have led to powerful and thought-provoking content that resonates with viewers around the world. Whether it's through books, television, or other forms of media, the stories we tell have the power to bring people together and spark important conversations.
The surprise and gratification of 'The Queen's Gambit's' success: The relatable story of 'The Queen's Gambit' resonated globally, touching on universal themes and validating black stories, leading to a significant impact on media representation.
The success of "The Queen's Gambit" came as a surprise but was also deeply gratifying for the creators, given its personal relevance and the underrepresentation of black experiences in media. With over 32 million hours viewed and a top 10 ranking in 74 countries, the series resonated with a global audience, touching on universal themes of family, personal growth, and identity. Creator Scott Frank shared his confidence in the story's potential, drawing from his own experiences and the relatability of the characters. For Attica Locke, the show's success was a validation of black stories and the importance of representation in media. Despite initial fears about the reception, the team was proud and deeply grateful for the overwhelming response. The impact of "The Queen's Gambit" extends beyond entertainment, potentially shifting narratives and broadening perspectives on underrepresented stories and experiences.
Authentic representation in storytelling: Creators should acknowledge and address real issues, especially for underrepresented communities, for authentic representation in storytelling. Trust and support from production teams are crucial.
Authentic representation matters in storytelling, even when dealing with complex and contradictory experiences. The discussion highlighted the importance of acknowledging and addressing real issues, especially for underrepresented communities. In the context of the show "Under the Banner of Heaven," the creators intentionally included authentic portrayals of a Black family's experiences, refusing to shy away from the challenges and contradictions that come with it. This authenticity was possible due to the trust and support from the production teams at Hello Sunshine and Netflix. The conversation also emphasized the need for gatekeepers in publishing and media to trust and understand the cultural nuances and experiences that may not be familiar to them, but are essential for authentic representation and connection with diverse audiences.
Media representation and inclusion matter: Gatekeepers must acknowledge and value diverse perspectives to create resonating media and foster an inclusive environment
Representation and inclusion in media are crucial, especially for those who have been historically marginalized. Gatekeepers, who hold significant power in the industry, have a responsibility to acknowledge and understand the value of diverse perspectives. It's not necessary to fully grasp every detail or culture portrayed, but rather, an open-minded attitude and willingness to learn is essential. By trusting and valuing diverse voices, we can create media that resonates with a wider audience and fosters a more inclusive and growth-oriented environment. The experience of exclusion or misunderstanding is common for many, and it's essential to recognize and address these instances to ensure that everyone's stories are told and valued.
Addressing biases in creative spaces for authentic storytelling: Being aware of biases and standing up for what's right is crucial for creating stories that resonate with a diverse audience. Vulnerability and taking a moment to breathe can help creatives navigate fear and pivot when needed.
Acknowledging and addressing biases in creative spaces is crucial for authentic storytelling. The speaker, a TV showrunner, shared her experience with bias in the room and emphasized the importance of standing up for what's right and pushing back when necessary. She encouraged creatives to learn from each other and pivot when needed, using specific examples from their own work. The more we can be aware of our biases, the more we can create stories that resonate with a diverse audience. The speaker also emphasized the importance of vulnerability and taking a moment to breathe when facing fear. In their rapid-fire round, they shared their thoughts on vulnerability being a superpower and the last TV shows they binged and loved.
Art that grows with us and offers new experiences: Favorite movies continue to resonate with us as they evoke emotion and provide new perspectives throughout life, serving as shared experiences and spaces for meaningful conversations
Certain pieces of art, whether it be movies or music, hold a special place in our lives as they grow with us and offer new experiences with each revisit. For the speakers in this conversation, their favorite movies, such as "Terms of Endearment" and "The Color Purple," continue to resonate with them due to their ability to evoke emotion and provide new perspectives as they navigate different stages of life. These movies serve as shared experiences and spaces for meaningful conversations with loved ones. The enduring impact of such art is a testament to its greatness.
Food as a Character in The Queen's Gambit: Food is used to express emotions, create bonds, and highlight cultural differences in The Queen's Gambit. Temby's favorite meal is Pastal Pomodoro, while Attica missed Panavino's dishes. Ordinary moments with food bring them joy.
Food plays a significant role in the series, acting as a character that is used to woo, soothe, control, and wound. A specific moment from the conversation revolved around the Jackson Victory Tour concert, which was described as an unforgettable spectacle. Additionally, the group shared their favorite meals and ordinary moments that bring them joy. Temby's favorite meal is a classic Pastal Pomodoro, while Attica missed a dish from a now-closed restaurant called Panavino. Temby finds joy in looking out of her bedroom window, suspended in a tree house-like setting, while Attica's joy comes from watching her daughter's excitement as she learned to ride a tricycle. Food battles and the way it is used in the series were also discussed, highlighting its importance as a tool for human interaction.
Exploring Emotions Through Music: Music deeply connects and reveals individuals' emotions and experiences, providing a source of comfort, strength, and self-expression.
Music deeply connects and reveals the inner selves of individuals. Both Timbie and Adika shared their personal playlists, each reflecting their unique emotions and experiences. Timbie's playlist showcased her romantic and deep-feeling nature, while Adika's playlist highlighted her connection to blues and country music as a source of comfort and strength. Interestingly, Aretha Franklin's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" made it onto both playlists, emphasizing the importance of staying connected and persevering through life's challenges. Overall, music serves as a powerful medium for self-expression and emotional exploration.
The transformative power of art and storytelling: Music and stories have the power to evoke emotions, create shared experiences, and provide healing and comfort. Artistry and truth-telling bring people together and foster connections, understanding, and growth.
Music has the power to ground and connect us, evoking deep emotions and creating a sense of shared experience. The speaker recalls how a particular song, when played, would create a pause in her childhood world, grounding the adults around her and making her realize their complex lives beyond her immediate experience. She also appreciates the artistry of Aretha Franklin's rendition of the song, which holds different meanings for her at different times. This conversation highlights the transformative power of art and storytelling in bringing people together and providing healing and comfort. Attica Locke's work, specifically her Netflix series "Texas Rising," is praised for its truth-telling, beauty, and ability to address important themes with bravery, kindness, and authenticity. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of art and storytelling in creating connections, understanding, and growth.
