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Best of Group Chat: Digital Dark Age, Restaurant Revelations, and Literary Gems

"Best of!" *Group Chat logo*

Fasten your seatbelts as Bentley takes you on a trip through some of her top Group Chat moments! First stop: the Paramount Purge. Could we be entering a digital dark age where content is wiped off the map? Bentley and her guests get real about losing beloved content forever. Next, it’s time for food! Bentley chats with professional chefs who weigh in on how media tends to highlight the chaos and adrenaline of the restaurant world, often overshadowing the artistry and passion behind the scenes. Finally, it's time to crack open the pages as Bentley meets up with award-winning authors and booklovers to talk storytelling, banned books, and how literature weaves its magic through pop culture.

Group Chat 2024
Latest Episodes
  • BILLieve it or not, football season is here! On this episode of Group Chat, Bentley and friends, Josh Holtzman & Grace Vesneske, owners of Buffalo Iron Works and Donny Kutzbach, co-owner of Town Ballroom and Funtime Presents, huddle up to talk about football preseason and the Bills Mafia, from traditions to tailgating. Because our guests have all the behind-the-scenes knowledge, they provide an entertaining download of fall’s hottest concerts and events as we begin to sunset the summer festival season.
  • Bentley and her guests look to the cosmos as they explore the allure of horoscopes and why they continue to captivate us, then question whether Mercury in retrograde really affects our lives. The conversation shifts to the world of political cartoons and memes, their historical significance and the powerful role memes now play in shaping public opinion and political discourse. They wrap up the chat with a look at Elvis Presley’s legacy and the newest must-read memoirs. This week’s guests include Elyse Breeze, Director of Digital Strategy at Buffalo Toronto Public Media (BTPM); Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, Performer and host of BTPM’s digital series “Let’s Go!”; and Simone Sellstrom, Chair of Communication, English Literature, Philosophy, and Theater at Jamestown Community College.
  • Gather ‘round for the epic tale of a Western New Yorker’s Olympic adventure! Bentley and her guests dish on the most electrifying performances and viral moments at the Paris Olympics. From the GOATs and Snoop Dogg’s side quests to a local legend whose patriotic outfits gained international attention, this chat is one for the record books! Plus, who paid close enough attention to be victorious in a round of Group Chat Jeopardy!? This week’s guests include Cory McCants, performer and host of Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s (BTPM) digital series - Compact History and Compact Civics; Elyse Breeze, Director of Digital Strategy at BTPM; and the Olympic legend himself, Jeff Toy, owner and operator of Toy Bros Entertainment and Toy Travel.
  • What’s the deal with “brat”?? Bentley and her media-savvy crew spill the tea on Charli XCX’s “brat” album and how it has taken over summer. They talk about the resurgence of Y2k trends and how pop culture influences everything from fashion to politics. This week’s guests include Vanessa Haddad, Educator and Researcher in gaming and pop culture; Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak, Actor, Director, and Podcaster; and Dima Maddah, Senior Digital Marketing Manager.
  • Today’s chat sprints into the 2024 Olympics, Paralympics and world of Adaptive Sports - with a surprise topic at the finish line! Bentley is thrilled to welcome back Group Chat stars, Dr. Naila Ansari and Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci. Joining them is athletic powerhouse Ben Richard from Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports. They dive into Sha’Carri Richardson’s blazing comeback, Simone Biles’ awe-inspiring return to the floor, and the mixed reviews over Team USA’s uniforms. The conversation takes a powerful turn into Adaptive Sports, reshaping our views on athleticism and inclusivity. Catch this dynamic sports chat with a golden pop culture twist at the end (hint: it’s not just gold medals we’re talking about)!
  • Bentley and her guests delve into Paramount's drastic content purge, society’s craving for unapologetic stars, the rise of AI companions, and more! This episode features Dr. Naila Ansari, Buffalo State University Professor, choreographer, podcaster, and performing artist; Akram Shibly, filmmaker, podcaster, and Content Producer at Buffalo Toronto Public Media; and Patrick Hosken, Arts Writer at Rochester's CITY magazine, adjunct Professor at Syracuse University's Newhouse School, and former MTV News editor. The crew talks about the ripple effects of Paramount’s media wipeout that erased years of content from websites like MTV News, Comedy Central, and CMT. The chat heats up with a dive into upcoming movies like “Twisters” and “Joker: Folie à Deux,” and the ascent of authentic, unapologetic celebrities. In a fascinating twist, the convo ventures into augmented reality, chatbots, and AI companions, exploring their impact on human connection. Join Bentley, Naila, Akram and Patrick as they gather at the intersection of pop culture, media preservation, and technology!
  • Bentley and her guests kick off this week’s chat with today's most explosive pop culture feuds! Joining her are Cory McCants, performer and host of Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s (BTPM) Compact History and Compact Civics; Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, performer and host of BTPM’s Let’s Go!; Donny Kutzbach, Co-Owner of Town Ballroom; and special guest, Charles Gilbert, WBFO Producer and hip-hop aficionado. Together, they unpack everything from fierce musical rivalries to the Nielsen Top 10 Streaming list. They talk about the impact of viral performances like Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth concert and break down the cultural significance of diss tracks. The conversation takes a turn into chart-topping shows like Bridgerton and the fine line between artistic liberties and historical accuracy. Join this week’s crew as they cruise through the hottest pop culture showdowns and binge-worthy series.
  • Prepare for an epic collision of culinary excellence and pop culture as host Bentley brings three professional chefs together - Chef Stephen Forman, Regional Executive Chef for Delaware North Sportservice and owner of Thyme-N-Honey; Chef Camille Le Caër, Private Chef and seasoned competitor on Food Network; and Chef Zina Lapi, owner of Casa Azul. The group talks about their culinary journeys, the intense world of professional kitchens, and how shows like The Bear reflect real kitchen life. Plus, they get into Buffalo’s vibrant food scene and must-haves for the ultimate 4th of July BBQ. Grab a snack and get ready for this week’s sizzling group chat!
  • For the second week in a row, Bentley welcomes another trio of new guests, author and former librarian, Jessica Topper, Managing Director of Raíces Theatre Company, singer, actor, and the author of a new children's book, María Pérez Gómez, and avid reader Danielle Gabamonte, who loves to analyze adaptations from book to big screen. They talk everything from the rise in book clubs, popular reading apps, the future of libraries, and adaptation successes and blunders. Come along as we celebrate the written word on Group Chat!
  • Join host Bentley and our trio of new guests, Gi Swords, Director of Programs at GLYS (Growing LGBTQ+ Youth Services), Sebastian Newell, Theatre Production and Art History student at Niagara University, and Morgan Koziel, Buffalo State University student and Audio Operations Assistant at Buffalo Toronto Public Media, as they chat about the influence of pop culture on Queer youth. They talk everything from inspiring role models and iconic movies to favorite video games, along with advice they’d give to their younger selves. Plus, you'll hear about the important work GLYS is doing for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Come along as we keep the Pride month celebrations rolling!