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Chart-Toppers: Kendrick vs. Drake and Streaming Trends

Broup chat logo with headshots of Cory McCants, Ashleigh Chrisena Ricci, and Donny Kutzbach

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.

Group Chat 2024
Latest Episodes
  • From dating shows to docuseries, reality TV has blurred the line between entertainment and real life. But is it all just harmless fun, or are we watching something deeper unfold? This is more than just reality TV talk, this is about perception, culture and the stories we choose to believe.
  • In this episode, we break down whether media is actually in danger or simply evolving, who really controls what we see, and whether audiences have real choice or just the illusion of it. We also explore why storytelling matters now more than ever and what is at stake if those voices are limited.
  • From Hollywood to hometown traditions, this episode dives into Irish culture in film and history. We speak with Tony Davoren about his work on Sinners and Irish representation in cinema. You’ll also see a short Irish jig highlighting traditional dance. Finally, we explore Buffalo’s vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
  • It’s Women’s History Month and we’re getting real. From Serena Williams and Caitlin Clark dominating sports, to Taylor Swift shifting the music industry, women are shaping culture in powerful ways. But here’s the question: are we truly progressing, or just celebrating louder?
  • This week on Group Chat, the team breaks down Netflix’s America’s Next Top Model docuseries and the questions it raises about reality TV, beauty standards, and what was really happening behind the scenes. Then we turn to Buffalo, where Black Carpet III takes over Shea’s, bringing together designers, models, and creatives for a powerful celebration of culture and style.
  • This week on Group Chat, the timeline is heavy with nostalgia and headlines. The team reflects on the cultural impact of Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson, cover Olympic Village headlines, Buffalo traditions, and more! Culture commentary and real conversation, just like your group chat.
  • This week on Group Chat we break down Bad Bunny’s love letter to Puerto Rico, ask why we are so obsessed with messy love stories and fairytale endings, and look at how people are really celebrating Valentine’s Day. Tap in and join the conversation.
  • In the final Group Chat episode of 2025, Bentley and the group revisit the moments, stories, and highlights that shaped their year and share what stuck with them. It’s a warm, lively wrap to 2025, and don’t fret, the fun starts up again in 2026.
  • In this episode of Group Chat, Bentley takes a trip through all things Thanksgiving, from the nostalgic traditions we cling to every year to the new trends reshaping the holiday with Camille Le Caër, Krysta Mannion, and Michele Mehaffy joining the conversation.
  • Bentley sits down with Josh Mullin of Uncle Ben’s Remedy and co-owner of Jack Rabbit; George Davis, veteran music educator and Dreamgirls vocal coach; and Buck Quigley, frontman of The Steam Donkeys and member of Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, to explore how storytelling and song go hand in hand.