Episode 305: The Power of Pop Culture with Sequoia Holmes
Digest
Dory Shefrier and Elise Hu welcome Sequoia Holmes, host of the podcast "Black People Love Paramore," to the show. Sequoia shares her self-care practice of listening to wellness podcasts in the morning and avoiding them at night to prevent anxiety. She discusses her upbringing in Long Beach, California, and how her diverse family background and love for emo music, particularly Paramore, shaped her. Sequoia reveals that Black people's common interests, like anime and astrology, are often overlooked by mainstream culture. She also shares her experience with online dating as a Black woman, highlighting the challenges and the importance of being wary of potential scams. The conversation then shifts to the changing landscape of pop culture and the death of monoculture, with Sequoia reflecting on the globalization of culture through the internet and the influence of social media on our consumption habits. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of the podcast and a call for listener feedback on the "intentions" segment.
Outlines
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Introduction and Guest Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "Feb 35" and its hosts, Dory Shefrier and Elise Hu. They welcome Sequoia Holmes, an award-winning multi-hyphenate from Long Beach, California, who hosts the pop culture podcast "Black People Love Paramore." Sequoia's podcast explores the common and uncommon interests of Black people, helping the community feel more seen.
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Self-Care Practices and Pop Culture Influences
This Chapter delves into Sequoia's self-care practices, particularly her curated podcast listening habits. She explains how she prioritizes wellness podcasts in the morning and avoids them at night to prevent anxiety. The conversation then shifts to Sequoia's upbringing in Long Beach, California, and how her diverse family background and love for emo music, particularly Paramore, shaped her musical taste and consciousness.
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Common and Uncommon Interests of Black People
This Chapter explores the common and uncommon interests of Black people, as discussed by Sequoia. She highlights anime and astrology as surprising interests within the Black community, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating these diverse passions. The conversation also touches on the significance of rising signs in astrology and the differences between sun signs and rising signs.
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Online Dating Experiences and the Death of Monoculture
This Chapter focuses on Sequoia's experiences with online dating as a Black woman and the changing landscape of pop culture. She shares her observations about the evolution of Tinder and the challenges of navigating online dating in the current era. The conversation then shifts to the death of monoculture and the globalization of culture through the internet, with Sequoia reflecting on the influence of social media on our consumption habits and the homogenization of cultural references.
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Future Plans and Listener Feedback
This Chapter discusses Sequoia's future plans for her podcast "Black People Love Paramore." She shares upcoming episodes on reality TV and pets, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse interests of Black people. The conversation concludes with a call for listener feedback on the "intentions" segment, inviting listeners to share their thoughts on whether they enjoy this segment and if they have any alternative suggestions for ending the show.
Keywords
Black People Love Paramore
A pop culture podcast hosted by Sequoia Holmes that explores the common and uncommon interests of Black people, aiming to help the community feel more seen. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from music and movies to social issues and personal experiences, with a focus on highlighting the diverse perspectives and experiences of Black people.
Sequoia Holmes
An award-winning multi-hyphenate from Long Beach, California, known for her work as a podcaster, social media strategist, and pop culture enthusiast. She is the host and creator of the podcast "Black People Love Paramore" and is passionate about using her platform to amplify Black voices and celebrate Black culture.
Paramore
An American rock band formed in Franklin, Tennessee, in 2004. The band is known for its energetic live performances, Hayley Williams' distinctive vocals, and its blend of pop-punk, alternative rock, and emo influences. Paramore has released six studio albums, including "Riot!" (2007) and "Brand New Eyes" (2009), which achieved commercial success and critical acclaim.
Anime
A Japanese term for animation, often used to refer to a style of animation that originated in Japan. Anime is characterized by its distinctive art style, vibrant colors, and diverse storytelling. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, and science fiction. Popular anime series include "Dragon Ball Z," "Attack on Titan," and "My Hero Academia."
Astrology
The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their supposed influence on human affairs and the natural world. Astrology is based on the belief that the positions of the sun, moon, and planets at the time of a person's birth influence their personality, relationships, and life path. It uses a system of twelve zodiac signs, each associated with specific traits and characteristics.
Tony Hawk
An American professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and media personality. He is widely considered one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, known for his innovative skateboarding techniques and his contributions to the development of skateboarding as a sport. Hawk is also known for his video game series, "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater," which became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Online Dating
The practice of using online platforms and services to find romantic partners. Online dating apps and websites have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering users a convenient and accessible way to connect with potential matches. Some popular online dating platforms include Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.
Monoculture
A culture that is dominated by a single group or ideology, often characterized by a lack of diversity and a suppression of alternative perspectives. The term is often used to describe a society or culture that is overly homogeneous and lacks a sense of individuality or creativity.
Globalization of Culture
The process by which cultural elements, ideas, and practices spread across national borders and become increasingly interconnected. This process is driven by factors such as technology, trade, migration, and tourism. The globalization of culture can lead to both positive and negative consequences, including the spread of knowledge and innovation, but also the homogenization of cultures and the erosion of local traditions.
TikTok Shop
A feature on the social media platform TikTok that allows users to buy products directly from creators and brands. TikTok Shop has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a seamless shopping experience within the app. It has raised concerns about the potential for excessive advertising and the impact on the user experience.
Q&A
What are some of Sequoia Holmes's self-care practices?
Sequoia Holmes practices listening to wellness podcasts in the morning to start her day with a positive mindset and avoids them at night to prevent anxiety. She believes that curating podcast content based on the time of day or mood can be beneficial for self-care.
How did Sequoia Holmes's upbringing and love for emo music shape her?
Sequoia Holmes grew up in Long Beach, California, with a diverse family background. Her love for emo music, particularly Paramore, began in middle school and played a significant role in shaping her musical taste and consciousness. She credits Paramore with inspiring her to pursue her passion for music and pop culture.
What are some common and uncommon interests of Black people that Sequoia Holmes highlights?
Sequoia Holmes discusses anime and astrology as surprising interests within the Black community. She emphasizes that these passions are often overlooked by mainstream culture and that it's important to recognize and celebrate the diverse interests of Black people.
What are some of the challenges of online dating as a Black woman, according to Sequoia Holmes?
Sequoia Holmes shares her experiences with online dating as a Black woman, highlighting the challenges she has faced, including encountering men who are already in relationships and dealing with potential scams. She emphasizes the importance of being wary and setting boundaries in online dating.
How has the death of monoculture and the globalization of culture impacted our consumption habits?
Sequoia Holmes reflects on the globalization of culture through the internet and the influence of social media on our consumption habits. She observes that the internet has led to a homogenization of cultural references, with many people consuming the same content and adopting similar trends, potentially leading to a loss of individuality and diversity.
What are some of the upcoming projects and plans for Sequoia Holmes's podcast "Black People Love Paramore"?
Sequoia Holmes shares her plans for upcoming episodes of "Black People Love Paramore," including episodes on reality TV and pets. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse interests of Black people and using her platform to amplify Black voices.
What is the "intentions" segment of the podcast "Feb 35" and how is it evolving?
The "intentions" segment of "Feb 35" is a forward-looking segment where the hosts share their intentions for the week. The hosts are open to continuing this segment but are also open to changing things up, inviting listeners to share their feedback and suggestions for alternative ways to end the show.
How has the rise of remote work impacted the way people find community and build relationships?
The conversation touches on the impact of remote work on social connections and community building. The hosts discuss the potential loss of organic social interactions in the workplace and the need for intentional efforts to build relationships outside of work. They also explore the emergence of online communities and the potential for building relationships in the metaverse.
Show Notes
Doree and Elise start the summer strong with an introduction to this new season of the podcast. Then they welcome Sequoia Holmes, host of Black People Love Paramore, to the podcast to chat all about the formative nature of the music you listened to as a middle schooler, astrology as a fun way to view identity, what life moving online means for the youths these days, and the power of movies as cultural touchstones.
Mentioned in this Episode
- Pre-order a signed book from Kate! (And find Kate's newsletter here)
- Join Kate Spencer at the LA book launch for One Last Summer - June 13th!
- To leave a voicemail or text for a future episode, reach Doree & Elise at 781-591-0390. You can also email the podcast at forever35podcast@gmail.com.
- Visit forever35podcast.com for links to everything they mention on the show or visit shopmyshelf.us/forever35.
- Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast) and sign up for the newsletter at forever35podcast.com/newsletter.
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