You Are The Genre cover art

You Are The Genre

You Are The Genre

Written by: Tim Barnes
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Comedian/screenwriter Tim Barnes (The Tonight Show, All That) explores the building blocks of creative careers with award-winning entertainers, thinkers, and generally cool people. New episodes Wednesdays!

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Episodes
  • Special Announcement - JUDGE TRAVIS @ The Signal Awards

    Special Announcement - JUDGE TRAVIS @ The Signal Awards
    Oct 4 2026
    🔊: Behind-The-Scenes InterviewsHey, I’m Tim Barnes. You are the genre, and this is a special announcement regarding my scripted audio series JUDGE TRAVIS. Most of this year’s You Are The Genre episodes have been dedicated to interviews with cast and crew members of the show. And it’s been a big year for the series beyond that.In addition to being highlighted on Deadline, receiving positive reviews, and becoming an official selection at the Tribeca Festival Creators Market, we’ve now been nominated for two Signal Awards: Best Writing and Scripted Fiction!Apparently, this is one of those things like the Webby Awards that requires friends and fans to vote. We’re up against some heavy hitters, so if you’re up for it, I’d appreciate a vote for JUDGE TRAVIS!This recognition is pretty damn good for a show that’s been tossed around Hollywood like a hot potato. And seeing as how JUDGE TRAVIS is a comedy, it’s kind of cool being nominated in two categories that aren’t defined by the genre.Also, if you haven’t yet, I hope you get a chance to listen (away from children because there are curse words 😬 😀).Wishing you all the best in these insane times,- TBIN THIS EPISODE: Behind-the-scenes audio reveals Judge Travis’ lifestyle of serial cheating, tarnishing his stern “America’s Dad” persona in the process. To make matters worse, his producer Jax learns he’s been cheating on the show by pursuing work with the network’s rival, Streamo. Later, Judge Travis presides over a case between actor Tony De La Croix and makeup artist Alina Hutch. Tony claims Alina put him in blackface for the film without him noticing it.Listen to You Are The Genre episodes a week earlier than the rest by selecting a paid subscription to the newsletter!Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.comCREDITSJudge Travis is Created & Directed by Tim Barnes. This episode was written by Tim Barnes.Executive Producers: Hans Sahni, Tim Barnes, Elizabeth Baquet and Jimmy MillerConsulting Producer: Carly HoogendykProduced by Ninth Planet AudioStarring:Bashir Salahuddin as “Percy Travis,” Langston Kerman as “Jax”, Brandi Denise as “Raquel” and Amber Ruffin as “Narrator”Guest Starring:Keesha Sharp as “Shirley Travis”, George Wallace as “Greg Gregory”, Alex Moffat as “Tony De La Croix” & Chivonne Michelle as “Alina Hutch”Co-Starring:Dustin Rubin as “Movie Announcer” - Justiin Davis as “Young Percy” - Brian Babylon as “Court Show VO” & Cody Wilkins as “Commercial VO”Staff Writers:Ian Abramson, Ben Holbrook, Rebecca O’Neal and Milly TamarezWriters’ Assistant:Jennifer AndersonAssociate Producer:Ciara PaviaCasting Director:Kate Geller, CSAAssociate Casting Director:Ross Shenker, CSAEdited, Sound Designed and Mixed by Ben KruseSound Effects Editor:Morgan VolkFoley Artist:Tommy StangOriginal Music by:Kev Luu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lettersfromafricanamerica.substack.com/subscribe
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    32 mins
  • [Freddie Nunez] Is STILL The Genre

    [Freddie Nunez] Is STILL The Genre
    Sep 26 2026

    🔊: Apple - Spotify - Newsletter

    Hey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode, I’m chatting with my friend, the king melodic melancholy, Freddie Nunez! Freddie created the You Are The Genre theme song and has a brand new album out titled Letting Go. We discuss what “letting go” really means in his life, reaching acceptance in adulthood, and yes, naturally, The Matrix.

    This video is exclusive to paid members of the newsletter, but will be available soon in podcast feeds

    All the best,

    TB

    Paid subscribers can WATCH the interview:

    Freddie Nunez is a singer-songwriter known for bringing emotionally honest country music into spaces where it’s rarely expected. Originally from the deserts of Southern California, Nunez became a fixture of New York City’s underground circuit for several years, building a reputation for heartfelt storytelling rooted in acoustic arrangements, pedal steel textures, and warm, immersive guitar soundscapes.

    At the core of Nunez’s music is a consistent pop sensibility and an instinct for emotional stories, delivered through a soothing, expressive voice. His songs span a wide emotional range but always grounded in honesty. Fans connect deeply with both the vulnerability in his songwriting and the sense of growth that defines his evolving sound.

    Critics have praised Nunez for blending classic country foundations with a modern, unconventional context. Reviewing Left Hand Path, Modern Folk Music of America described his work as “stately, classically styled country,” highlighting his “warm, soaring, yet resigned voice” and his ability to evoke “late nights with soft moons and early mornings with hard, unforgiving sunlight.” Comparisons have been drawn to pivotal moments when artists like Ray Charles or Dwight Yoakam pushed country music into new cultural spaces.

    Listen to You Are The Genre episodes a week earlier than the rest by selecting a paid subscription to the newsletter!

    Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.com

    CREDITS:

    * Host: Tim Barnes

    * Guest: Fredde Nunez

    * Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez

    * Music Engineer: Adam Smith

    * Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lettersfromafricanamerica.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • 👨🏾‍⚖️ [Keesha Sharp] Is The Genre

    👨🏾‍⚖️ [Keesha Sharp] Is The Genre
    May 8 2026
    🔊: Apple - Spotify - NewsletterHey, I’m Tim Barnes, you are the genre, and in this episode, I’m chatting with the incredible actress and television director Keesha Sharp. In my new audio series JUDGE TRAVIS (which has been announced as an official 2026 Tribeca Festival Creators Market Selection), Sharp plays one of the most complex, important, and nuanced characters. In this discussion, we discuss how she stays positive in an ever-shifting and demanding industry, and the important role that music and dance have played in her life and career.All the best,TimAward-nominated actress, writer, and director Keesha Sharp has become known in the entertainment industry for her innate ability to bring complex characters to life on screen, her steadfast professionalism, and her irrefutable beauty, inside and out. Keesha can be seen on season 3 of “Power Book II: Ghost” . Recently, Sharp starred as Trish Murtaugh in the international hit series “Lethal Weapon” for FOX, rebooting the hit movie franchise of the same name. Sharp stood out as Trish, a lawyer and devoted wife and confidante to Roger (Damon Wayans). “Lethal Weapon” became an instant hit in the US and overseas. Sharp was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards for her work on the show. She also recently recurred on the hit FOX series “Empire” and the acclaimed “The Good Fight” (Paramount+).On the film front this year, Sharp stars in the Psychological thriller “Dark My Light” (2023) with Albert Jones and Tom Lipinski. In addition, she stars in “Heist 88” (2023) with Courtney B. Vance and Keith David for Paramount+. This reunites her with her co-star from “The People Vs O.J. Simpson” (Vance) and August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars” (David).Sharp is also well known for her role as Dale Cochran, wife of defense attorney Johnnie Cochran (Courtney B. Vance), in the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning limited series “The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” her series regular role as Gigi on the TBS/Syndicated comedy “Are We There Yet,” and as Monica Charles Brooks on the hit CW series “Girlfriends,” for which she was nominated for her first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.In addition to her diverse acting credits, Keesha Sharp has become a force as a Director as well. Known for her preparation, meticulous dedication to the story and talent for communicating with actors, Sharp is a Director for different genres of television. After making her directorial debut on the multi-cam comedy “Are We There Yet” (TBS), she has gone on to direct dramatic action series “Lethal Weapon” (FOX) and “Black Lightning” (CW), the comedy “The Last OG” (TBS), dramas “Bel Air” (Peacock), “Found” (NBC), “All American: Homecoming” (CW), “Our Kind of People” (FOX) and sci-fi “Charmed” (CW).Listen to You Are The Genre episodes a week earlier than the rest by selecting a paid subscription to the newsletter!Merch and more are coming soon at YouAreTheGenre.comCREDITS:* Host: Tim Barnes* Guest: Keesha Sharp* Theme Song: “You Are The Genre” by Freddie Nunez* Music Engineer: Adam Smith* Podcast Art: Madhuri Shukla This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lettersfromafricanamerica.substack.com/subscribe
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    59 mins
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