CherryPop

On this special episode of CherryPop, multi-hyphenate dancing/singing trio Triple Charm joins Meg to talk all about sisterhood. The real-life sisters shed light on their love and appreciation for each other’s strengths and individualities and share how their strong bond helps them creatively collaborate. We also dive into holiday traditions, swapping clothes, and Barbie. 

“I would say I've learned so much about them. And in a strange way that I don't think I ever would have had the opportunity to if we weren't working together. And in a creative sense, I don't think I would have seen that side of them as much [...] So I think that's been something that's so beautiful, that we've been able to see [...] each other's minds at work in a completely different way than if we're just, like, you know, watching TV together.” - Amalia 

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This episode of CherryPop is proudly sponsored by our friends at DSW. We’re going all in for fall! From the perfect knee-high or western boot for the office or back-to-school to your new favorite loafers, DSW has a shoe for every occasion! Shop their latest fall looks at dsw.com!

On this episode of CherryPop, we’re highlighting rising stars in the music industry with special guest La Rhonza. La Rhonza, known as Lee Rodriguez on screen, talks about her recent journey to becoming a singer and songwriter. She shares the inspiration behind her latest and first bilingual single, “All Inclusive,” honoring and exploring her Hispanic heritage. La Rhonza and CherryPop host Meg McCarthy also discuss the power of lyrics, the therapeutic quality of music, and La Rhonza’s desire to help others relate and feel seen through song.  

“Some days, I feel like Lee and some days I feel like La Rhonza. They have different feelings to them. When I'm Lee, I feel cool as hell. Lee is confident, and La Rhonza’s more vulnerable in her feelings and more like, let's talk about life and all questions that come with it.” - La Rhonza

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

On this episode of CherryPop, Meg welcomes educator, advocate, and author Blair Imani. 

“If you're a lonely kid who has to eat lunch at the library, like I did, it just feels like that's gonna be your life forever. So, if someone can tell you a real-life story of somebody who was in that situation and overcame it, it can help you be like, ‘Okay, right now, I'm in my cocoon phase and, one day, I'm gonna bloom and become this beautiful butterfly’.” -Blair Imani

The “Smarter in Seconds” creator shares the value of boundaries, personal space, and implanting strategic vulnerability. She also talks about her love for biographies, the fine line between disruption and curiosity, and the power of collaborating and honoring people’s time. 

“I think one of the biggest things that capitalism and white supremacy culture tell us is that we can't work with our friends. We can't work with our family. And for a lot of folks who are marginalized [...] we don't have the option of not doing that. We don't have all the same opportunities; we have to make things work. And so it's all about having boundaries, all about building trust.” - Blair Imani 

Learn more about Blair Imani by visiting her website, joining her on social media @blairimani, and reading her books: Making Our Way Home (2020), Modern HERstory (2018)

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This episode of CherryPop is presented by DSW. DSW is your one-stop shop for all the need-right-now shoes from all your favorite brands. Visit http://dsw.com to find a shoe that’s right for you!  

Actor Gia Kim candidly shares her empowering personal growth journey playing Yuri in XO, Kitty, explains the show’s celebration of South Korean culture, and speaks about her positive and productive experience working with a predominantly female-led team behind the camera.

“Yuri commands the space that she's in. That's something that, even up until recently, I always had to consciously work out. It's like, it's okay for me to take up space. Everyone has their own right to take up their own space. I learned a lot from Yuri [...] she found me at the right time when I needed her to.” -Gia Kim

Don’t forget to celebrate all the big (and little) moments in life that shape us! Share your big moments with DSW and become a DSW VIP for free by visiting dsw.com!

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This episode of CherryPop is presented by DSW. This Pride Month, join us and our partners at DSW as we celebrate putting our best foot forward and unapologetically living in full color! 

Actor, activist, and writer Nicole Maines shares the powerful impact dreaming big had on her as a young trans woman, the joys and challenges of writing a graphic novel for the DC Universe, and what it’s like tackling the complexities of mental health on screen as Lisa in Yellowjackets Season 2.  

“If we're not hoping, or if we're not dreaming, what are we doing? It's important for us to have ambition, goals, and hope. All of that is encompassed in dreaming. As cliche as it is to tell people to chase their dreams and to hold on to their dreams, I think it’s crucial for all of us.” -Nicole Maines 

DSW is your one-stop shop for all the need-right-now shoes from all your favorite brands. Visit http://dsw.com to find a shoe that’s right for you!  

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This episode is sponsored by Buffalo 8 Distribution: A Bondit Company. Buffalo 8 is a full-service film and media company focused on production, post-production, distribution, design, and finance. CherryPop host Meg McCarthy and Head of Buffalo 8 Distribution Nikki Stier Justice discuss the future of women in film, spotlighting Marcella Cytrynowicz’s gripping thriller romance,  American Cherry, and Em Johnson’s coming-of-age story, Balloon Animal. 

American Cherry producer Taryn Sims and Balloon Animal writer/director Em Johnson join the conversation to grapple with gender disparity in front of and behind the camera while shedding light on how to support women in film from inside and outside of the industry. The group’s respective experiences give unique perspectives on the indie filmmaking landscape, festival support, and more. 

“We still have a long way to go. It helps when you have female producers and people in those positions that can champion women directors and leads in departments. We're not even close to scratching the surface, and we have a long way to go, but I think that the conversations have been started and there is an awareness that we need more.” - Taryn Sims  

With its intense storyline, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, American Cherry is a must-see and is now available on demand. 

And do not miss the chance to experience Em Johnson’s enchanting world of Balloon Animal, available on demand April 7th.

Support indie filmmaking by checking out some other Buffalo 8 films:

Amy’s Victory Dance

Diamond in The Rough

Fransgiving

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This special episode is brought to you by CherryPicks' founder, Miranda Bailey. Known for producing indie films, Bailey’s work as a filmmaker has helped shape the cultural landscape of the independent films we know today. Founder’s Special is a limited editorial and digital series in which Miranda talks directly to you, sharing deeply personal stories of paving her own path to Hollywood and how she’s now built a new road for women’s voices to be heard: CherryPicks. For more visit https://www.thecherrypicks.com/stories/founders-special-siblings/

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

On this week’s CherryPop episode, Meg welcomes actress and star of Grey’s Anatomy, Kelly McCreary. Kelly shares her invaluable experience playing Dr. Maggie Pierce and how the character taught her to embrace her inner nerd. Additionally, she talks about Shonda Rhimes’ impact on the industry and sheds light on the precedent set by Shondaland of a supportive and safe work environment.

“Shonda’s work first impacted me as an actor because it enabled me to envision myself in roles beyond just what I thought would be available to me. [...] Black women have always found a way to carve space out for themselves, but it's been hard fought—hard fought, hard won—and not a ton of opportunity, even when those spaces are made. So what was really exciting about Shonda, and the impact that she had on the industry [and] on casting, was normalization.” - Kelly McCreary 

“Raising a human being is work. The mental labor, physical labor, emotional labor, [are] defaulted a lot of times to women because of the patriarchy. Of course, there are lots of great men and dads out there who know how to integrate themselves or want to integrate, but let's be real, there's a fundamental assumption that women do a lot, and to know that would not cost me my job, that the work of being a mom would be unquestioningly supported by my work, is so incredibly valuable.” - Kelly McCreary 

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This episode is sponsored by Wooden Finger Studios. Check out their mobile game Ethereal Run, available now on IOS and google play!

On this episode of CherryPop, our host Meg McCarthy is joined by Never Forgotten director, writer, and star Ty Gordon, star Christy St. John, and producer Rodes Phire. Together they discuss the film's important commentary on mental health awareness and toxic masculinity, and exchange stories and advice about the joys and hurdles of indie filmmaking.

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

A chat for the modern ages, She Called Action is a non-profit organization that offers a platform to give women in the entertainment industry a louder voice. Like CherryPicks, their efforts are dedicated to providing resources for a stronger female alliance, equality and job opportunities in the entertainment industry. Check out their podcast, follow them on Instagram and swing by their website to join the cause at www.SheCalledAction.org

This episode of CherryPop is presented by Gravitas Premiere's sparkling comedy with a magical twist, Mack & Rita. A 30-year-old writer played by Elizabeth Lail spends a wild weekend in Palm Springs and wakes up to find she has magically transformed into her 70-year-old self in this delightful comedy starring Oscar-winner Diane Keaton. 

On this week of CherryPop, Meg is joined by Mack & Rita director Katie Aselton and star Elizabeth Lail. 

Meg and Katie discuss how the film deconstructs preconceived notions and societal stereotypes about age, and Katie shares her personal and professional journey toward embracing her authentic self. 

Later on, Mack & Rita star Elizabeth Lail sheds light on her powerful and memorable experience working on the film, the importance of leading with kindness, and more! 

“Life is too short, and you should experience full joy. So many different kinds of women were on set, and we were all allowed to be who we are. Even if you are quiet and introverted, there was space for that, or if you wanted to be playful, there was space for that. Katie was like, This is great. You guys are great as you are; let's put a camera on it.” - Elizabeth Lail

Mack & Rita releases in theaters nationwide on August 12th! Find a theater near you and get your tickets here! 

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram  @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

Joining Meg this week on CherryPop is actress and advocate Lolo Spencer. Lolo is the founder of Sitting Pretty Productions, a platform devoted to showcasing disability lifestyle authentically, and shares the importance of inclusivity in intimacy on screen. 

“That's a topic that I've been advocating for since day one when creating content, because it's one never discussed. And it's never discussed in a way that I feel like is empowering or helpful, to the community. It's always this, you know, as we always say, inspiration porn perspective. That doesn't make me want to have sex! So this isn't what I'm making. If this doesn't make me want to have sex, nobody's gonna want to have sex with me if this is how we're talking about it.” -Lolo Spencer

Lolo and Meg also break down the emotionally intimate and impactful moments in Lolo’s 2019 film Give Me Liberty, for which she was nominated for a Spirit Award for her outstanding performance.

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This episode is presented by Prime Video. Available now on Prime Video, Harlem is a single-camera comedy following the lives of four best girlfriends from their college days at NYU, as they navigate sex, relationships and chasing their dreams

“…When you go through things, it doesn't mean you have to stop being friends, it means that you love each other more, it means that you push into each other more, you're holding each other accountable in love wrong or right.” Meagan Good (Camille)

On this two-part episode of CherryPop, our host Meg McCarthy had the immense pleasure of talking to three of the lovely stars of Prime Video’s Harlem, Meagan Good, Jerrie Johnson, and Shoniqua Shandai. Together, they discuss the power of sisterhood, their beautiful bond on screen and off, and the importance of seeing healthy examples of womanhood on screen. 

Meg is later joined by the multi-talented creator, executive producer, and writer of Harlem, Tracy Oliver, and the series’ fabulous and inspiring costume designer, Deirdra E. Govan. Tracy and Deirdra share their collaborative journey creating the show’s vibrant world, a world that creates joy, meaning, and pays homage to their love and personal connection to the city of Harlem.

“I felt like a lot of people were leaning into black pain and black struggle stories, and I deliberately decided to go against that. And I was like, No, I want bright, bold colors, and I want everyone to look aspirational.” Tracy Oliver (creator, executive producer, writer)

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

Run the World stars Amber Stevens West and Corbin Reid break down the first half of the two-part season finale and touch upon the importance of female friendships, mutual respect in a partnership, and representing all types of female pleasure and sex on screen.

“It made me more comfortable [...] to be a part of a show that was going to include intimacy scenes on screen in the most realistic way possible.” - Amber Stevens West 

”Women know what they're experiencing, so it makes sense that, if it's from a woman's gaze, that it's going to be more relatable.” - Corbin Reid 

Catch Run the World every Sunday 8:30PM PT/ET across all STARZ platforms.

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

This week on CherryPop, the lovely actress Nikohl Boosheri joins Meg to talk all about her beautiful and badass The Bold Type character, Adena. They also chat about representation of Muslim women on screen and the importance of the film Farah Goes Bang, in which Nikohl plays Farah, a twenty-something-year-old woman who has yet to lose her virginity. 

“In the past, we've always seen Muslim women and Middle Eastern women portrayed under the control of a man, a victim, not having any autonomy [...] submissive in some way. In the first episode, Adena says, ‘I'm a proud Muslim lesbian,’ so I was like, wow, this is a woman who is in the driver's seat of her own life, and she's not afraid to rewrite stereotypes or challenge stereotypes.” - Nikohl Boosheri

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

For this week’s powerful and important conversation, Meg hands the mic over to the very talented and inspiring comedian, Sherry Cola (Good Trouble), and the lovely and legendary Kelly Hu from such films and tv shows as The Scorpion King, Arrow, and most recently Finding ‘Ohana. Sherry and Kelly candidly discuss their experiences with racism on and off screen, type casting, and the importance of Asian representation in Hollywood and beyond.

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media

First up, Meg welcomes, country music singer/songwriter Cam on this week's episode of CherryPop! Cam discusses why she stopped being afraid of being sexualized by the country music industry, her experience filming the music video for her hit song "Till There's Nothing Left" (while eight months pregnant!), and why it’s important to dismantle and unlearn patriarchal structures. Cam also bestows some very sage sex advice given to her by her grandmother that you won’t want to miss! Later on, actress and musician Herizen Guardiola joins Meg and Cam to candidly chat about the importance of lifting up and celebrating each other as women. She opens up about her admirable refusal to use her sexuality and body for professional gains and explores the different forms of expression within the music industry versus the entertainment industry. Additionally, Herizen gracefully describes the privilege of portraying the goddess Oshun in the last season of American Gods (Starz) and encourages us to love and appreciate our inner goddesses. 

CherryPicks is the best place to see what women think about movies, tv, and more. CherryPicks highlights reviews and original stories exclusively from female and non-binary writers. www.TheCherryPicks.com

Follow CherryPicks on Instagram and Twitter.  @thecherrypicks

Follow your host Meg McCarthy on Instagram   @megjomccarthy

Music composed by Honor Nezzo.

CherryPop is executive produced by Miranda Bailey and Rebecca Odes, produced and hosted by Meg McCarthy, and edited by In Haus Media