Club Shay Shay Podcast - Nightcap Hour 2: Ryan Coogler Joins the Show, Grandmother Walks Through Basketball Game, and Reverend Asking for Too Much Money!

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Hosts: iHeartPodcasts, The Volume, and Shay Shay Media

Episode Overview

In this vibrant episode of Club Shay Shay's Nightcap Hour 2, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe (Chad Ochocinco Johnson), known affectionately as "Unk," hosts the acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler. The dynamic duo delves deep into Coogler's illustrious career, his latest cinematic venture, and the intricate balance between sports and creative endeavors. Additionally, humorous segments feature Unk's grandmother navigating her way through a basketball game and a spirited discussion about pastoral fundraising tactics.

1. Welcoming Ryan Coogler

[08:27]
Unk: "Yeah, absolutely not. No, because they were in need of a playmaker of this magnitude even with Stefan Diggs coming off ACL..."

Ryan Coogler graces the show, bringing his visionary insights from blockbuster hits like Black Panther and Creed. Unk expresses his admiration and excitement for Coogler's participation, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.

2. Discussing "Sinners" – Coogler’s Latest Project

[13:08]
Unk: "So let me ask you this, Ryan, okay? You want. You like, you play football. Did you have professional or collegiate aspirations?"

[15:24]
Ryan Coogler: "It's a beautiful question, man. So I had an uncle who was from Mississippi... He passed away while I was working on Creed in 2015. That inspired me to create something unique..."

Coogler introduces his new film, Sinners, a genre-blending masterpiece that intertwines supernatural action with psychological mystery. He shares personal anecdotes about his inspiration, rooted in his family heritage and the blues music legacy.

3. Filmmaking Process and Challenges

[19:37]
Unk: "What’s the timetable? How long does it take to make a movie in general?"

[20:01]
Chad Ochocinco: "Correct, man. And that's not including writing the script. Because I write the script too..."

Coogler elaborates on the rapid development of Sinners, completing it in just one year compared to his previous projects, which spanned multiple years due to unforeseen challenges like actor injuries and the pandemic.

4. Casting Michael B. Jordan and Collaborative Chemistry

[23:14]
Ryan Coogler: "What's next? We got another Creed coming. I want to shoot my shot real quick."

[24:10]
Chad Ochocinco: "Look, bro, like chemistry, man. Like, you develop a shorthand where you save time... And Mike has a very amazing work ethic..."

The conversation shifts to Coogler's strategic casting choices, particularly his collaboration with Michael B. Jordan. Coogler emphasizes the importance of chemistry and shared vision, likening their partnership to iconic filmmaker-actor duos.

5. Exploring Genre and Future Projects

[25:04]
Ryan Coogler: "How long? I'm just curious, how long does it take to make..."

[35:59]
Ryan Coogler: "It's a blessing to be able to work in a space where you get to work on things that are fresh..."

Coogler discusses his passion for pushing genre boundaries, expressing enthusiasm for experimenting with new cinematic techniques and themes. He highlights Sinners as his first foray into horror elements, aiming to expand his creative repertoire beyond his established works.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Shared Memories

[38:00]
Chad Ochocinco: "Yeah, big time. I had an older cousin... I got into him just because he thought he was cool..."

Amidst discussions about filmmaking and sports, Coogler and Unk share personal stories, reminiscing about their childhoods, favorite superheroes, and mutual admiration for each other's careers. These light-hearted moments add depth to their camaraderie.

7. Addressing Community and Cultural Impact

[26:28]
Chad Ochocinco: "Like, black folks, we like theater and talking at the screen..."

Coogler emphasizes the cultural significance of Sinners, drawing parallels between blues music and its roots in the Mississippi Delta. He underscores the film's exploration of brotherhood, loyalty, and the enduring legacy of African American contributions to global culture.

8. Closing Remarks and Future Collaborations

[76:00]
Chad Ochocinco: "He could pass for T'Challa. Yeah, he could."

As the episode winds down, Coogler and Unk discuss potential future projects, including the possibility of Coogler directing additional Creed installments. Their mutual respect and shared vision hint at exciting collaborations ahead.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Coogler [15:24]: "Football is fleeting, you know what I'm saying? So I applied to USC film school, and I got accepted. I found out I got accepted in the middle of the season..."

• Chad Ochocinco [24:43]: "Spike’s a big hero of mine, man. A mentor, you know."

• Ryan Coogler [35:59]: "It's a blessing to be able to work in a space where you get to work on things that are fresh, work on things that haven't been done before."

• Chad Ochocinco [84:50]: "You don't tell somebody what they should give. That's between them and their God."

Conclusion

Nightcap Hour 2 offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Ryan Coogler's creative mind, his dedication to storytelling, and his commitment to cultural representation. Through engaging dialogue and heartfelt exchanges, Coogler and Unk not only celebrate Coogler's achievements but also inspire upcoming artists and athletes to pursue their passions relentlessly. The episode masterfully balances professional insights with personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for fans of both sports and cinema.

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