A new 'Spike Lee Joint' is on its way to Apple TV+ this summer! But first, "Highest 2 Lowest" starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky and lfenesh Hadera will make its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19—the same day "Do the Right Thing" made its debut in Cannes back in the 1980s. 

Is this a sign from the Universe that Spike has made another hit? You gotta listen to "More to the Story with Markette Sheppard" to find out! In this episode, you'll hear directly from the film director, courtesy of "7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony" and you'll also hear a preview of the brand spanking new trailer for the film, along with 70-year-old back story of the film's plot. 

This episode explores not just the film's layered narrative, but also invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with success, integrity, and personal growth. Markette's authentic analysis provides fresh perspectives on these universal themes.

Also in this episode: special guest film reviewer and voice actor John from Asheville, N.C. offers a movie recommendation in our listener generated film review segment called, "What I'm Watching Right Now." (DM our show host @markettesheppard if you'd like to submit a guest movie or TV review!)

Ready to dive into this fascinating discussion about one of the year's most talked-about films? Listen now to discover how this story might change your perspective on success and moral choices. Remember to follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content!

In this week's episode of "More to the Story," host Markette Shepard brings you exclusive insights into the highly anticipated sequel, "The Accountant 2," starring and produced by Ben Affleck.

Listen in as Markette discusses the film featuring Affleck as Christian Wolfe, who teams up with his brother Brax, played by Jon Bernthal. This episode highlights the themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the challenges they face while unraveling a deadly conspiracy.

In an exclusive clip courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios, Affleck and the cast share their perspectives on the deeper bonds between siblings and the support that defines their relationship.

With the film's release on April 25, 2025, excitement is in the spring air! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. What does brotherhood mean to you? Share your views with us by DM'ing the show's host on TikTok or Instagram @markettesheppard, and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoy the show!

Breaking records one block at a time, "A Minecraft Movie" has set a record as the highest grossing film adaptation of a video game, raking in $157 million in its opening weekend. 

Host Markette Sheppard explores how this blockbuster has resonated deeply with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who found solace in Minecraft's virtual worlds during the pandemic. Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks and Emma Myers, the film follows a group of misfits transported into the nether regions of the beloved blocky Minecraft universe. In this episode, Markette also breaks down how Minecraft's success extends beyond entertainment, inspiring young viewers to pursue careers in architecture and engineering.

The episode also covers exciting new streaming content:

• "Government Cheese" (Apple TV+) starring David Oyelowo, which is the perfect "snack" for Easter binge watching;
• Shonda Rhimes' "The Residence" (Netflix) featuring Uzo Aduba, a clever and funny whodunnit and;
• Seth Rogen's "The Studio" (Apple TV+), recommended by Glow Stream TV's film & TV critic Cheryl Grant, an alum of "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," in our user generated segment called "What I'm Watching Right Now."

Ready to dive deeper into the back stories of the hottest films and TV series that are reshaping both entertainment and career aspirations? Listen to this episode of "More to the Story with Markette Sheppard" for fascinating insights into the intersection of gaming culture and mainstream success.

Be sure to also follow Markette on social media @markettesheppard to join the conversation about your favorite shows and movies!

Get all the details on the fascinating journey of how a simple YouTube show filmed in a Phoenix photo studio became Netflix's newest dating show sensation. Listen to "More to the Story with Markette Sheppard" find out how "Pop the Balloon or Find Love" creators Arlette Amuli and her husband, B.M., grew their YouTube show from an idea in their living room to making it a viral sensation with weekly appointment viewing. Now for the best part: they are now producing it for one of Hollywood’s biggest streaming networks. 

"Pop the Balloon Live" with Yvonne Orgi stepping in as host, with Arlette and B.M. executive producing, will premiere April 10 on Netflix. But how did this happen? Again, you have to listen to find out!  

Plus, host Markette Sheppard previews the fifth installment of the "John Wick" film franchise with an exclusive preview of "Ballerina," courtesy of Lions Gate Films featuring Keanu Reeves (Wick) and Ana de Armas (Eve the assassin, a.k.a. “The Ballerina”). This much anitcipated revenge-driven spinoff that promises to deliver the franchise's signature action-packed thrills is set to release in theaters nationwide in June of 2025.  

Follow, rate and review "More the Story with Markette Sheppard" to stay connected and to hear from listeners like you on their TV and film recommendations in a regular segment called, “What I’m Watching Right Now,” which will be back next week. Want to be on the show? Submit your movie reviews and show ideas to our host, Markette Sheppard via TikTok or Instagram.

  #Entertainment #Netflix #JohnWick #TVNews

Get a preview of Tyler Perry’s new film "Duplicity" and hear directly from the creator of "Madea" himself as host Markette Sheppard pulls out a Tyler Perry clip from her vault of celebrity interviews.

In "Duplicity," Kat Graham stars a high-powered attorney named Marley who faces her most personal case yet: uncovering the truth behind the shooting of her best friend’s (Meagan Tandy) husband (Joshua Adeyeye). With the help of her boyfriend (Tyler Lepley) – a former cop turned private investigator – Marley’s search for what really happened leads her down a treacherous maze of deception and betrayal. RonReaco Lee also stars.

Available on Prime video March 20.

Film trailer courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.

DM your film and TV recommendations to our host @markettesheppard on Instagram and TikTok.

Explore the life and legacy of the man who designed the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and the homes of Hollywood stars like Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and more. It's all captured in an award-winning PBS documentary, "Hollywood’s Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story" featuring commentary from Smithsonian Institution Historian Lonnie Bunch, legendary music producer Quincy Jones and more.

In this episode, hear from the women filmmakers who spent years making the Emmy award-winning production come alive. Royal Kennedy Rogers (director, producer and writer), Kathy McCambell Vance (director and producer) and Shirlyn Cesar (associate producer).

Listen and learn about Williams’ lasting legacy as a pioneering African-American architect known for his iconic designs and contributions to luxury architecture, as well as high-quality affordable design.

Continue through the end to also hear a guest listener review of "The White Lotus," Season 3, from a Silver Spring, Md. Listener who hosts the podcast, "Radical Acts Uncut."  

Are you ready to pull back the curtain on Hollywood and get more to the story on iconic figures who have shaped the landscape of TV and film? Then, listen to the end to "More to the Story with Markette Sheppard." Remember to follow, rate and review the podcast to support the show.  

Conan O'Brien talks hosting the 97th Annual Academy Awards. Special thanks to the Academy, ABC and Hulu for this special press interview. 

The Academy Awards ceremony is Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. It will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu. 

Follow, rate and subscribe to "More to the Story with Markette Sheppard" to show support for this podcast.

Share your favorite moments from the Oscars with our host on TikTok and Instagram @markettesheppard.

A groundbreaking casting decision puts Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo in the spotlight as Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s L.A. production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" puts a Black bisexual woman at the gates of Heaven. Where do you stand on a Black woman portraying Jesus Christ on stage? Listen to this episode before casting the first stone.  

Plus, in another milestone moment, Anthony Mackie is the first Black Captain America on the silver screen and we have his reaction on tape, along with a clip from "Captain America: Brave New World" featuring Harrison Ford, who made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the President of the United States in this film. 

In this episode we also hear from Mikey Vongdara, a listener from St. Petersburg, Fla. who is a self-proclaimed Dungeon’s and Dragons nerd. In his guest TV review during our “What I’m Watching Right Now” listener-generated segment, Mikey recommends the crowd-funded Amazon Prime show, "The Legend of the Box Machina," which emerged during the pandemic as a web series and was later picked up by Prime with strong support from the fandom. 

Ready to explore these transformative moments in entertainment? Listen now to dive deeper into how these casting choices are reshaping the landscape of theater, film, and streaming content. Share your thoughts and recommendations for our next episode through a voice note to our host, Markette Sheppard, on Instagram and Tiktok @markettesheppard!

Discover the heartbreaking reality of how missing person's cases involving African-American women are systematically overlooked. Featuring a filmmaker interview and family of victim’s from the documentary, “Vice News Presents: When Black Women Go Missing,” this powerful episode delves into the stark disparities in law enforcement responses and media coverage when Black women disappear.

Through compelling personal accounts, the episode exposes the deep-rooted biases within our system.   Included in this episode is an audio clip of the documentary highlighting how families often face an uphill battle, with authorities frequently misclassifying young Black women as runaways rather than missing persons worthy of an Amber Alert. Despite these challenges, advocates are making groundbreaking changes, including establishing the nation's first office dedicated to missing and murdered Black women and girls in Minnesota.

Don't miss this eye-opening episode of “More to the Story with Markette Sheppard” that challenges our understanding of justice and equality when it comes to missing persons cases.

Listen now to hear these powerful stories of resilience and learn how you can be part of the solution to this pressing crisis.

If you have a recommendation for a great documentary, film or TV series and you’d like it to be featured in a future episode, DM our host via Instagram @markettesheppard and share what you’re watching right now.

Just in time for Valentine's Day get an inside look at the action-adventure film "Love Hurts" starring Oscar-winning actors Ke Huy Quan ("Everything, Everywhere, All at Once") and Ariana DeBose ("West Side Story") with Mustafa Shakir ("Luke Cage"). 

Then hear from listener Rob Winter of Springfield, Ohio who reviews the Clint Eastwood film "Juror No. 2" in this week's "What I'm Watching Right Now" segment featuring film reviews from our podcast community. 

Ready to geek out about movies? Join "More to the Story" host Markette Sheppard for this exciting episode about new movies and old classics. Want to get in on the action? Send your guest film review to the show via Instagram @markettesheppard.

Plus, remember to follow the podcast, rate and review to show love this Valentine's Day season! Listen now to dive deeper into these captivating stories from Hollywood.

In this episode, we highlight Hollywood's inspiring shift towards veteran actresses.

In an industry often criticized for its ageism, a remarkable change is taking place as Hollywood embraces seasoned actresses like never before. This episode delves into the unexpected Oscar nominations of Pamela Anderson (57) and Demi Moore (62), and Jamie Lee Curtis (66) who are challenging traditional narratives about aging in entertainment.

Discover how these iconic figures, some previously known more for their looks than acting prowess, are just now being recognized for their artistic merit after decades in the industry. The discussion extends to Zoe Saldana's (46) touching story of persistence, showcasing how close she came to abandoning her dreams before landing a career-changing role in "Emilia Perez."

The episode wraps with binge-worthy TV recommendations from listeners Caroyln Leigh of Tennesee, a doctor-turned-voice actor, and Duke Muse, a New Jersey transplant in LA. The two share their perspectives on popular shows like "The Neighborhood," "Squid Game 2," and "The Madness." Send our host a DM on Instagram @markettesheppard to share your guest review for a future episode!

Ready to hear more about how Hollywood is rewriting the rules for women in entertainment? Press play to listen to this inspiring episode that proves it's never too late to receive recognition for your craft. 

Also be sure to follow, rate and review "More to the Story with Markette Sheppard" on your podcast app to show your support for this podcast and help others find the show. 
#Hollywood #WomenInFilm #Perseverance

Get ready for spine-tingling thrills as Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan reunite for "Sinners," a horror film exploring the dark past of twin brothers (both played by Jordan). While the movie world buzzes with this collaboration, "Sister Act 3" faces emotional challenges after Maggie Smith's passing, with Whoopi Goldberg, a star and producer of the film, committed to preserving the beloved franchise's spirit.

Plus, in our guest TV and film review segment called, “What I’m Watching Right Now,” "Oddity" is praised as the hidden gem streaming world and the year's most terrifying horror film by a listener in New York, Alex Shebar. Alex is working on a documentary that follows the journey of a group of friends who get together every year to watch 24 hours of movies and 2025 marks their 25th year. You can follow him for updates on Instagram @alexshebar. Meanwhile, across the pond in England, a listener and music producer by the name of Murdo Morrison gives a lukewarm review of the BBC One show, “SAS Rogue Heroes.”  

🎧 Tune in to get your entertainment fix and follow, rate, and review “More to the Story with Markette Sheppard” on your podcast app to show your support and follow the host @markettesheppard for exclusive movie trailers and clips.  

What happens when a TV writer channels her worrisome energy into a gripping psychological thriller? Sandra Chwialkowska’s debut novel The Ends of Things takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the mind of lead character Laura, a New York lawyer whose dream Caribbean vacation becomes a psychological maze of paranoia and mystery.

The story centers around Laura's encounter with Diana, a mysterious solo traveler at a couples resort. When Diana suddenly vanishes, Laura's overactive imagination spirals into a web of assumptions and revelations that challenge perceptions of reality.

Through this captivating narrative, Sandra expertly weaves themes of female friendship, personal agency, and the masks we wear in public. Drawing from her TV writing background, she crafted a story that delves deeper into character psychology than any screenplay could allow.

Listen now, then visit our Bookshop.org page to purchase the book.

Keep listening after the interview to hear two More to the Story listeners give TV and film reviews in our listener generated segment called, What I’m Watching Right Now.

The first TV recommendation comes from Philly’s Cheryl Grant who recommends a dark comedy with a romantic twist. Cheryl is a film critic and entertainment industry veteran who has been heard on the airwaves of The Tom Joyner Morning Show and Radio One stations across the US. You can follow her on Instagram @news2cher.  

The second listener review comes from Nic Stefanovic in Boca Raton, Florida who has a Bob Dylan music documentary he recommends. Nic is an actor and music artist who does improv theater. You can check out Nic’s band, People’s Love Cult and follow him on Instagram @misterpopeofficial to learn more.

Be sure to follow, rate and review More to the Story with Markette Sheppard on your podcast app to support the show!

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping preview of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning featuring an exclusive preview with Tom Cruise as the legendary “Ethan Hunt,” Ving Rhames, Angela Bassett and more of the star-studded cast courtesy of Paramount Pictures!

"Cruisees" will love listening to this action-packed sneak peek on More to the Story with Markette Sheppard months ahead of MI8’s release, which is set to hit theaters in May of 2025.

The episode wraps up with our new listener generated segment, What I’m Watching Right Now, featuring TV reviews of Landman (Paramount Plus) starring Billy Bob Thornton from Darrell in Lincoln, NE and the charming Emily in Paris (Netflix) starring Lily Collins from Jan in Dallas. You can follow Jan on Instagram @toodiescloset.

What are two things you are currently watching? DM the host via Instagram @markettesheppard to be featured in an upcoming episode.  

Whether you're a die-hard Mission Impossible fan or just love great entertainment, this episode is packed with details you won't want to miss.  

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: listen to this podcast right now, follow, rate and review it after!

Ready to hear from the #Sonic3 stars about why they love the movie so much and get your next binge-worthy TV recommendation?

Jim Carey opens the latest episode of More to the Story with Markette Sheppard followed by an enlightening conversation with another Sonic the Hedgehog 3 star Tika Sumter, who reveals the secret sauce behind the massive appeal of the Sonic movie franchise.

But that's not all – this episode introduces a new segment called, “What I’m Watching Right Now” where TV and film recommendations are shared and you can come on the show and give your TV & film reviews. This week, we highlight No Good Deed and Six Triple Eight, both on Netflix.

Listen to the podcast for more about No Good Deed and Six Triple Eight. If you’d like to share what you’re watching in this exciting new segment featuring must-watch TV and movie recommendations send me a voice note via Instagram @markettesheppard. Follow, rate and review the More to the Story with Markette Sheppard podcast to show your support.

Thanks for listeining!

In this episode, find out how an $8,000 investment from a friend led Producer, Writer and Director Barry Jenkins to create the Oscar-winning masterpiece Moonlight - a testament to the power of believing in someone's talent. This story of friendship and artistic collaboration will inspire anyone pursuing their dreams.

The interview is followed by a special clip of global icon Beyoncé and her daughter Blue Ivy Carter discussing their latest venture directed by Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King.

Experience the heartwarming mother-daughter dynamic as Beyoncé and Blue Ivy share their unique experience working together on this reimagining of the beloved classic. Their chemistry both on and off-screen adds a special touch to this highly anticipated film.

Don't miss this noteworthy episode to hear these remarkable stories of creativity, connection, and the power of believing in others.

Follow, rate and review More to the Story with Markette Sheppard on your podcast app to show your support for the show. 

To see video and photos from this episode of Beyonce, Blue Ivy and Jenkins, follow the host on Instagram @markettesheppard.

From Federal Reserve to Hollywood: An Extraordinary Career Pivot

Ever wondered what it takes to leave a prestigious career, like working in a stable job at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank to pursue uncertain dreams in Hollywood? Nkechi Okoro Carroll's inspiring journey proves that with determination and strategic planning, radical career changes are possible. As the executive producer of hit shows "Found" on NBC and the CW's "All American," she transformed from economist to entertainment powerhouse, defying her traditional Nigerian family's expectations.

The episode delves into how Okoro Carroll masterfully crafted her transition, using vacation days to work on sets and teach herself TV writing. 

Under Okoro Carroll's leadership, "All American" has become more than simply entertainment – it's a platform tackling crucial issues like mental health and financial literacy, while celebrating Black culture through vibrant storytelling and dance sequences.

Ready to be inspired to chase your own dreams, no matter how impossible they seem? Listen to this episode to discover how determination and passion can transform your career path in unexpected ways.

Follow @markettesheppard on Instagram to see behind the scenes pics and videos from this episode.

#CareerChange #TelevisionIndustry #WomenInEntertainment

Get ready. There's a brand new podcast coming to your audio streamer. It's going to be more than what you're expecting from a podcast. Yes, there's going to be interviews, but there's also going to be big names and a pop of entertainment woven in between. The show is called MORE TO THE STORY, hosted by Emmy award-winning TV host and author Markette Sheppard and it'll feature in -depth interviews with stars, creatives, and business people about their road to success. 

So follow along and subscribe to more to the story. on your podcast app right now to be the first to be entertained and inspired by new episodes.