Welcome to Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast where we discuss how the mixing of cultures and heritages in the US - influence film, television, and other forms of media and entertainment. It's hosted by us, Robert Rivera and Donielle Alicea.
Why does it matter that Guillermo Del Toro is Mexican and Lin Manuel Miranda is Puerto Rican? Does that have any impact on their storytelling? No longer are we exposed to art from a limited perspective. Let's celebrate these stories and explore the lives of those creating them (as well as laugh and geek out along the way).
Mixed Take welcomes Kenric Green (The Walking Dead, Star Trek Discovery), who plays Joseph Rector in the film, Sarah's Oil. He shares what it was like working alongside his wife, Sonequa Martin-Green, how his faith helped him in his role, and what we would have done if he became a millionaire at 11 years old.
As Gabby's Dollhouse takes a giant step to the silver screen, Robert Rivera of Mixed Take sits down with La Reina, Gloria Estefan, and Gabby herself, Laila Lockhart Kraner to discuss Latina representation and growing up with Gabby. Get ready for Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie.
Following his first Bad Guys film, Director Pierre Perifel is back to talk about diversity and bias in The Bad Guys 2. Check out this interview and then take the family to see this hilarious and heartfelt sequel voiced by actors like Anthony Ramos, Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, and Zazie Beetz.
Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is here and Mixed Take hosts Doni Alicia and Robert Rivera sit down with Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards and Daniel Weyman to discuss representation and scale acting in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth.
Masters of the Air is an Apple TV+ World War II series following the 100th Bomb Group as they carry out missions in their B-17 Flying Fortresses. The show follows the brave soldiers as they battle the Nazi forces in unforgiving elements at 25,000 feet in the air. In this episode, Doni and Robert talk with Dee Rees, an Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker who directed episodes 7 and 8 of the series, discussing the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen and what makes a person patriotic.
A Million Miles Away is a Prime Video original based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, recounts the story of how he made his childhood dream of going into space a reality. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with José Hernández as he offers insight about the accuracy of the film, his opinion of Michael Peña’s portrayal of him, and what it took to overcome the seemingly endless obstacles that stood between him and the stars. Get ready to be inspired.
Who We Are
Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera is a lifelong Chicagoan and works at his alma mater, Moody Bible Institute, where he helps to equip students for vocational ministry by placing them in various opportunities in the Chicagoland area. He has served on his church staff for over a decade, overseeing the youth ministry and the music ministry. Robert's love for movies began as a kid with the original Star Wars trilogy. As an adult, he's learned to appreciate the rich themes found in film. Robert and his wife, Michelle, live in Humboldt Park with their four children and they are an active part of the covenant family of their church, The Brook.
Donielle Alicea
Donielle (Doni) Alicea is constantly curious and a natural creative talent with affinities for photography, videography, music, and all things related to marketing. Doni earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from North Park University in Chicago, IL and earned her Bachelor or Arts in Theology and Counseling Psychology from Moody Bible Institute. She currently leads a team of marketing professionals at a tech startup in Chicago. When Doni isn’t working, snapping photos, or sipping lattes, she can be found hangin with her adorable dogs, Logan & Arya. Her work as a photographer can be seen at www.DoniJac.com.
Manny
Manny is a guy that has been shaped by the works of artists. Though a man(nequin) of few words, Manny has a lot to say concerning film and culture. He has a keen eye for seeing the deeper themes in films and his insights make him a giant amongst his peers. If he isn’t looking polished and striking a pose on IG, you can find him exploring the roots of his ancestry. Manny is always looking to build new friendships, no strings attached.