If #FAAFO was a podcast, it would be this one!
Kimberly Renee, USA Today’s 2022 Woman of the Year, has built her career around advocacy and storytelling, bringing awareness to marginalized communities and shining a light on underrepresented voices. She’s known for impactful initiatives like Food Love by Might Be Vegan, which provided plant-based meals to BIPOC communities and people with medical needs during the pandemic, and for her commitment to justice, intersectional environmentalism, and holistic wellness. With her debut fiction podcast, Un(con)Trolled, Kimberly extends her influence into the world of audio storytelling, crafting a chilling tale about the lengths one social media influencer is willing to go to confront her trolls.
I Love Us was honored to be present for an exclusive listening party of Un(con)Trolled’s entire first season, an intimate online event via StreamYard. The event brought together an eclectic group of creatives, including the talented cast and crew behind the podcast. In attendance were Kimberly Renee; actress Loren Charde Bray, who brings the character of Dr. Simone Eli to life; Devon Knightner, a dancer, choreographer, model, and actor; the multi-faceted Amanda Seales, known for her work on Insecure; and Trazi Lashawn, an associate producer and on-set acting coach for the cast. The intimate live stream allowed attendees to engage with the series on a deeper level, offering insights into the creative process and providing a platform for lively discussions about the themes and characters that make Un(con)Trolled so gripping.
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The Story of Kenah: A Modern Anti-Heroine
At the heart of Un(con)Trolled is Kenah, a social media influencer who’s been harassed and threatened by online trolls for far too long. But Kenah isn’t content to merely ignore her trolls or turn the other cheek. She’s determined to uncover their identities, exposing them in ways that are as calculated as they are cathartic. Through her choices, the podcast challenges the very nature of justice in a world where anonymity is often used as a shield for harmful behavior.
In Un(con)Trolled, the line between reality and illusion is tantalizingly thin, keeping listeners in a constant state of suspense. Kenah’s story is marked by a growing sense of doubt, both in herself and in the world around her. Manipulated and gaslit by those she should be able to trust, Kenah is forced to confront unsettling questions within herself. As these uncertainties mount, she finds herself questioning even the most fundamental aspects of her life. This psychological depth leaves both Kenah and the audience searching for solid ground in a world where nothing can be taken at face value.
Inspired by Real-Life Events
Part of Un(con)Trolled‘s appeal lies in its basis in reality. During the listening party, Kimberly shared that certain aspects of the story were inspired by her own experiences. This grounding in reality gives the podcast a haunting authenticity, making it a reflection of the potential consequences of online behavior.
Many listeners may find themselves asking, “What would I do?” as they navigate Kenah’s story. This immersion in Kimberly’s nuanced, fictional world blurs the boundaries between right and wrong, between empathy and retribution, in ways that feel very familiar. Un(con)Trolled taps into a universal human curiosity about justice, especially for those who’ve felt silenced or intimidated by online harassment.
A Podcast that Reflects Complex Characters and Relationships
Kenah’s interactions aren’t limited to her online battles; her relationships in the story offer further depth and tension. Mia, played by Elaine Marwieh, is a close friend and confidante who becomes a critical anchor in Kenah’s life, although their personal struggles sometimes create emotional distance between them. The character of Mia brings another layer to the story as she navigates her own challenges, including ignored red flags in her partner of choice. Her experiences mirror familiar real-world dynamics, and listeners may recognize similar behaviors in people around them.
Kenah’s therapist, Dr. Simone Eli, portrayed by Loren Charde Bray, initially offers a sense of stability, appearing to be the reliable, understanding professional Kenah needs. However, as the story progresses, Dr. Eli’s responses to Kenah’s mounting anxieties become more frustratingly dismissive, leaving both Kenah and the listener feeling unheard. For many Black women, seeking a Black woman therapist is a way to ensure they are seen and understood in a space where their experiences are often minimized. When that trust begins to erode, it becomes a painful betrayal. After a particularly unsettling encounter with Dr. Eli, Kenah is left questioning her life as she knows it.
A Vintage Radio Show with a Modern Twist
The production of Un(con)Trolled is another standout element, combining the nostalgia of classic radio dramas with the sophistication of modern sound engineering. Recorded at GrindHaus Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina, the podcast features sound design by Kimberly herself and sound engineering by BRWN, creating an immersive atmosphere that heightens every moment of tension and suspense. From key strokes on a laptop to the intense heartbeat of someone approaching confrontation, the audio elements pull listeners in, making them feel like part of Kenah’s world.
In addition to Kimberly’s writing and direction, Trazi Lashawn served as associate producer and on-set acting coach, ensuring each performance resonates with authenticity. The audio world they’ve crafted offers a unique listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive, as if the audience is watching a drama unfold just beyond their headphones. With its quality and emotionally charged performances, Un(con)Trolled provides an experience that’s both classic and cutting-edge.
Themes of Power and Control in the Digital Age
Un(con)Trolled doesn’t shy away from difficult questions about morality and the nature of control. In a digital landscape where anyone can become a target of harassment, the podcast invites listeners to consider the ethics of online justice. Is Kenah simply protecting herself, or is she taking control to an extreme? The podcast blurs these lines, suggesting that control is a slippery slope—one that can consume even the most well-intentioned person if they’re not careful.
For anyone who’s faced online vitriol or bullying, Kenah’s journey is likely to resonate.The story also highlights the cost of that journey and the toll it takes on one’s mental health, relationships, and sense of self.
At its core, Un(con)Trolled is about the need for catharsis and the sometimes messy ways people pursue it. Kenah’s journey is cathartic not just for herself, but for listeners as well, who may find a sense of release in her acts of retribution. The podcast acknowledges the desire to confront those who hurt us, especially in spaces where personal grievances often go unresolved. Yet it doesn’t promise easy answers; instead, it challenges listeners to think about the impact of every action, whether in the digital world or beyond.
Kenah’s story is especially relevant in today’s culture, where internet trolls, cyberbullies, and toxic interactions have become commonplace. Kimberly’s writing highlights the dangers of unchecked behavior online while raising thought-provoking questions about the ethics of retribution. Through Un(con)Trolled, she offers listeners a space to explore the complexity of vengeance in a way that feels raw, honest, and even liberating.
A Podcast Worth Binging
Un(con)Trolled is the kind of story that you’ll want to binge from start to finish, each episode drawing you deeper into the mind of a woman who refuses to be silenced. Renee recently shared on Threads, “We have an all-Black cast and crew. And the studio where we recorded is Black-owned. If you’re feeling Blackity Black today, please give it a listen.” The podcast is now available on major streaming platforms, ready for listeners eager to peek into Kenah’s intense world of online confrontation and calculated retribution. For more updates, fans can follow @uncontrolledpod on Instagram.
Cover photo: Un(con)Trolled: Kimberly Renee’s Podcast Delivers a Suspenseful Look At Online Justice / Credit: KimberlyRenee.com
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