Welcome to the "I Hate This Industry Podcast," where your hosts Darrel Reese Jr and Steven Almeida bring you a no-holds-barred take on the entertainment industry and current events. If you’re tired of the same old Hollywood nonsense, you’re in the right place.
Darrell and Steven aren’t afraid to speak their minds, pulling back the curtain on the industry’s biggest stories, giving you all an inside look on the business that makes this industry run. We're taking you behind-the-scenes of the entertainment world! With a blend of humor, wit, and unfiltered honesty, they’ll have you laughing, thinking, and maybe even questioning everything you thought you knew about showbiz.
So, if you’re looking for a podcast that keeps it real and isn’t afraid to stir the pot, hit that subscribe button and join the "I Hate This Industry Podcast" crew. Let’s dive into the madness together!
Follow Darrell Reese JR.
Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr (http://Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr)
Twitter.com/Darrellressejr (http://Twitter.com/Darrellressejr)
Follow Steven Almeida
instagram.com/___therealworld (http://instagram.com/___therealworld)
Twitter.com/___therealworld (http://Twitter.com/___therealworld)
IHTI: The Debrief - Why Investing In Creators Matters
Episode Segment: Power in the Hands of the People
In this clip, Ithe creators discuss the transformative power of investment and why their model of direct-to-consumer engagement is redefining the creative landscape. Moving beyond traditional "donations," the team explores how every contribution is an investment into a unique vision—and a way for supporters to have their voices truly heard.
Key Highlights:
Investment as Empowerment: Why donating to the project is an investment in your own voice and power as a fan and creator.
A New Creative Era: Reflections on building from nothing—from a high school student setting up a home studio with equipment from Chinatown to owning professional production spaces in Brooklyn today.
Creating Opportunity: The team’s commitment to hiring actors, managing artists, and listening to the ideas of those who may lack their own resources.
Direct-to-Consumer Model: Drawing inspiration from visionaries like Nipsey Hussle and Russell Simmons to build a unique, community-driven universe.
"We're the guys who are creating opportunities. We're the guys who are listening to ideas. We're the guys who believe in people."
POWERED BY: AURUM HOUSE STUDIOS
Follow the pod: https://www.aurumhousestudios.com/ihtipodcast (https://www.aurumhousestudios.com/ihtipodcast)Tune into the “I Hate This Industry Podcast” with hosts Darrell Reese JR. & Steven Almeida for game-changing insights! #IHateThisIndustryPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ihatethisindustrypodcast)
Follow Darrell Reese JR.
Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr (http://Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr)
Twitter.com/Darrellressejr (http://Twitter.com/Darrellressejr)
Follow Steven Almeida
instagram.com/___therealworld (http://instagram.com/___therealworld)
Twitter.com/___therealworld (http://Twitter.com/___therealworld)
26 Mar 2026
IHTI: The Debrief - Our Film Trailer Is Finally Out
The Debrief: Behind the Scenes of "The Foundation" Film Trailer
In this clip, the Steven Almeida and Darrell Reese JR. dive into the long-awaited release of "The Foundation" film trailer, a project months in the making that faced several delays before finally dropping last Thursday. The team discusses the creative synergy that led to the final cut, highlighting the impact of the music and imagery in capturing the film’s unique aesthetic.
Key Highlights:
The Creative Process: Hear about the rapid-fire revisions between the editor and the team to get the trailer perfected by 5:00 AM.
Building a Universe: The creators explain why "The Foundation" is more than just a film—it serves as the definitive trailer for their entire cinematic universe.
Fan Reception: With over 1,000 views already on Instagram, the team reflects on the overwhelming feedback from both family and total strangers.
Release Date: Mark your calendars! The official release date for the film is set for June 24th.
"This film... it makes me want more. And I'm mad that there isn't more to it yet, but that’s the genius of it."
POWERED BY: AURUM HOUSE STUDIOS
Follow the pod: https://www.aurumhousestudios.com/ihtipodcast (https://www.aurumhousestudios.com/ihtipodcast)Tune into the “I Hate This Industry Podcast” with hosts Darrell Reese JR. & Steven Almeida for game-changing insights! #IHateThisIndustryPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ihatethisindustrypodcast)
Follow Darrell Reese JR.
Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr (http://Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr)
Twitter.com/Darrellressejr (http://Twitter.com/Darrellressejr)
Follow Steven Almeida
instagram.com/___therealworld (http://instagram.com/___therealworld)
Twitter.com/___therealworld (http://Twitter.com/___therealworld)
16 Mar 2026
The Game Needs Me
In this episode of I Hate This Industry, the conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build independent media in a rapidly evolving creative landscape.
Steven Almeida and Darrell Reese Jr. explore the shift from traditional industry gatekeeping toward creator ownership, collaborative ecosystems, and multi-platform storytelling. From building a cinematic universe across film, music, and podcasts to experimenting with new crowdfunding models that connect fans directly to the creative process, this episode unpacks the blueprint for a new era of independent storytelling.
The discussion also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding independence vs. partnership, including the recent conversation around LaRussell and his partnership with Roc Nation, and what it reveals about the complexity of creative ownership in today’s industry.
Another major theme is the role of AI in creative work—not as a replacement for artists, but as a tool that can enhance workflow, expand possibilities, and help creators operate at a higher level.
Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on patience, discipline, and the importance of community when building something that lasts. From voice acting and casting calls to the development of scripted podcasts and interconnected story worlds, the conversation offers a candid look at the realities behind independent media production.
At its core, this episode is about control, creativity, and the future of creator-led media—and why the next generation of storytellers may not need the traditional industry at all.
Key Topics
Building a cinematic universe across multiple media platforms
Ownership and control in independent creative projects
AI as a tool in film, music, and content creation
The LaRussell & Roc Nation partnership discussion
Crowdfunding and fan-powered storytelling
Scripted podcasts and voice acting production
The importance of patience and community in creative work
Notable Moments
“The power of control in art and media.”
“Voice acting and casting calls.”
“The role of AI in creativity.”
Follow the pod: https://www.goldprintent.com/ihtipodcast (https://www.goldprintent.com/ihtipodcast) Tune into the “I Hate This Industry Podcast” with hosts Darrell Reese JR. & Steven Almeida for game-changing insights! #IHateThisIndustryPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ihatethisindustrypodcast)
Follow Darrell Reese JR.
Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr (http://Instagram.com/Darrellreesejr)
Twitter.com/Darrellressejr (http://Twitter.com/Darrellressejr)
Follow Steven Almeida
instagram.com/___therealworld (http://instagram.com/___therealworld)
Twitter.com/___therealworld (http://Twitter.com/___therealworld)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Host of I Hate This Industry Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
