Integer's Culture Club

Cultures are nurtured by myths and legends that feed our imagination, inspire, and even touch us on a spiritual level. The same way the stories of Gilgamesh, Baeowulf, Quetzalcoatl shaped ancient cultures, Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, and Dracula have shaped modern society. But these modern myths and legends come with a price. Most of us are aware of the entities, authors and people that bring them to life. 

As a fan of these modern stories that have inspired me and have helped me find art, love and spirituality, I’ve struggled with one question: Who really owns the stories? What happens when an author, working on the IP, fundamentally changes my idea of my favorite character?

How much is my enjoyment of Harry Potter tainted by J.K. Rowling’s view of trans women, or of The Mandalorian by the dangerous conspiracy theories of Gina Carano?

In this episode, Jesús González discusses the Star Wars Special Edition. Then Blake Rozas talks about WATCHMEN and how it has changed after Alan Moore lost control over the IP. Steve Jacobson shares a clip from a documentary he worked on about album covers and his love for Yes. Finally Richard Cran ends with an amazing discussion about loving a franchise that sometimes goes against our own personal values. 

In today's episode, Jennifer Marzett, Social Brand Manager for integer, will talk to a few people: Daniel Mathenia, Account Executive for integer and assistant to the amazing Anita Mandahump, and a surprise guest!

Duct tape… These two simple words can make or break a drag performance. You see duct tape at Home Depot and think of all the great projects it will assist you with, I see pain and torture that provides the perfect female form on my 6’2” frame (without heels). See we already have one thing in common, duct tape (and maybe heels). As we unwrap and untuck for this hour on the history and culture of drag, I will also be sharing how one Grindr date changed my career path in drag forever. As a queen, I love all forms of expression from singing to poetry, to dance floors and football fields. Let’s enter the very direct, vicious, conniving, fun, exciting, and scary world of drag! 

Follow us on instagram @integer_culture_club

Follow Anita @anita_mandahump

One of the most influential but often misunderstood cultural groups, Native American representation has had a long history in the media and art world. Native American groups are becoming more vocal, educating and influencing the cultural landscape in a dynamic way. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Culture Club would like to see/discuss examples of how art and culture have conveyed the Native American experience in the past, both the misunderstood and the reclaimed representations of Native Americans. 

Gail first talks about the "Indian burial grounds trope" in movies such as "The Shinning."

Then Jesús shows the tone-def commercial of Dior's "Sauvage" starring Johnny Depp. Followed by a discussion of the ending of the movie "Hostiles" that he had with a person who had a very different interpretation of the ending. 

We end on two positive examples: the FX show "Reservation Dogs" and Sioux Lakota language representation in the movie "Dances with Wolves"

In today's Culture Club, we will listen to a conversation between two childhood friends: Ellen Cook, CEO of integer and James Sasso, Contemporary artist, disruptor and Burning Man legend.

You can find and buy Sasso's work at: arttogo.com

What is the connection between art and the unknown? This session we want to explore how and why cultures and individuals express spirituality, religion, death and creation though art.

Suzanne Lara talks about the history and meaning of Día de los Muertos

Jesús González shows a scene in Altered Carbon and talks about consciousness in a world where the human body is interchangeable

Julienne Lin delves into the spirituality and artistry of Tarot Cards

Finally Gail Obaseki enlightens us about the significance of the depiction of Jesus.

In this episode, we discuss Media vs. Reality, a subject proposed by Alex Morton: Jaws keeps us out of the water. The Godfather influenced how the real mob dressed and acted. Midsommar makes us never want to go to Sweden. When your cultural references are fictional touch points what is real?

This episode is a conversation between Jennifer Marzett and Gail Obaseki, where they will be discussing "the Soundtrack of our Lives." They go through 50 years of music and social revolution. An amazing episode with two amazing people. enjoy!

Join us as we unpack queer culture and the symbolism behind modern queer expression. We’ll discuss how representation and ally education can create inclusivity across LGBTQIA+ communities. This episode was recorded live, June 24th, 2021.