Jacquis Neal
Jacquis Neal is the host of Culture Kings. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and follow the show on Twitter here.
Describe your show in a tweet-length description.
Culture Kings is a show where we talk pop culture and what's relevant in many different ways, whether that be just talking about it in a conversational way, interviewing someone, or in a high concept comedic way. Every once in a while, we will do something crazy like Sacred Hill Church, our black soap opera.
When did you start it and why?
It started as an indie podcast called Against The Grain in early 2017, with me, Edgar, and Carl. And it spawned from a group text thread, and I thought we should record this shit. So we did, and it snowballed to what it is now. CK has been a show since Jan 2018.
Do you over prep, under prep, or perfect prep for your episodes?
Generally under prep, with a mixture of just enough prep. Edgar will say I sometimes over prep for certain episodes that are my idea.
Dream guest for your show?
The Rock. I'd love to have him one day!
Who do you wish had a podcast?
I don't know. I likely wouldn't listen to it anyway. Not consistently enough to care anyway. If anything, I'm looking forward to having my own podcast, in addition to Culture Kings.
If you were going to start another podcast that would be wildly successful no matter what (so don't worry about it succeeding...this is JUST for you...) what would it be?
Can't answer that, because I'm in the position to make it happen. So can't share the ideas.
What are the qualities of a good podcaster?
The best quality of a podcaster is to know that you are the reason people come to listen. Your podcast has been done before, I'm sure. So the one thing that'll make yours different, for sure, is you. Also, like anything, do something you like, not something you think will be popular. Lastly, surround yourself with a team that will that you want to continually work with. Whether it be producing team, co-hosts, etc. Otherwise, your soul will suck dry. That's dark... I'm sorry.
What do you hope your show does for people?
Gives them an enjoyable 60-90 mins of listening. That's all that matters to me. And also, giving people an outlet to hear things they don't hear otherwise, and know it's ok to be you.
What was the best experience you’ve ever had on another podcast?
Doing Spontanenation with Paul F. Tompkins. He's a comedy and podcast legend. So to grace his show, and have fun doing it, was an honor.
Does your fiance listen to your podcast?
NO. Thank God.
Do you wish she did?
I love my fiance, but NO. I hope her phone breaks if she ever tries to listen.
Why do you love Disney so much?
I love Disney parks and things that come with that. I guess by proxy that means I love Disney. But it starts with the parks first. I love it because it's a pure escape. It is a chance to be free, young, care-free, and just recharge for me. It's magic in that on a perfect day, you are just there to enjoy yourself, be caught up in creation, and give in to the whimsy of it. Also, they put on great shows in the park. At Disney World, the food is AMAZING, and they have fun rides. I love it all.
How do you respond to people who say adults shouldn't go to Disney World without kids?
They can lick a dirty asshole, and they don't matter. Let them be miserable. People who care what other people like, that aren't harming anyone, are depressed, miserable people. So let em be and enjoy yourself.
If you could only go on one Disney ride for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ride would be Tower of Terror. Show would be Fantasmic, both at Disney World.
Is there a guest on Culture Kings that you would want a do-over with?
Not at all.
Quick NBA Q: Kawhi Leonard or Derrick Rose circa 2010?
DRose! [ed. note: I do not know what this means.]
Hottest take at this moment?
I'm tired of Hot takes is my hottest one. And Trump is gonna win a second term, because the left will spend all our time fighting each other.
Who wins in a wing eating contest: Edgar Momplaisir or Miles Gray?
Miles.
What’s the toughest thing about being a POC podcaster that people don’t know about?
Seeing non POC succeed doing the same thing you are doing, or doing something worse and not as good. Also, watching the powers to be throw full support into their non-POC shows, and half assed support into the POC shows. For the record, I'm not talking about any show, network, or body in particular. These are observations that all POC entertainers have, see and experience.
If you could get Jason Mraz to score a Disney film, which one would you have him do?
Wall-E or Inside/Out.
Thanks, Jacquis!