A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai Quartey

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Leah Litman, Author of "Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes." Listen to her take on the Trump Administration's relentless assault on federal agencies, more than 150,000 federal workers who have accepted Trump's resignation incentives, and why every American should care. Later we tap into our conversation with Texas State Representative Christian Manuel of Select Congressional Redistricting Committee to share why the GOP redistricting battle in Texas is a dress rehearsal for the desperate measures the Republican Party is willing to take to maintain its grip on the federal government and beyond. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Tony Award Winning Actor Wendell Pierce to talk about why he thinks “The Wire” shouldn't come back, how his ownership of WBOK-AM in New Orleans helped him prepare for his role in the new “Superman” blockbuster film, plus listen to him offer his take on the politics shaping the state of the media industry and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Nothing More of This Land" Author Joseph Lee to talk about his sweeping exploration of Indigenous identity, weaving in the story of his own family from the beaches of Martha's Vineyard to Alaska to Northern California, the halls of the United Nations and beyond. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "The Life Coach" Writer, Director, Producer Patricia Bebia to talk about relationship between Black masculinity, leadership, what inspired her directorial debut, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Immigration Lawyer Allen Orr, Founder of Orr Immigration Law to talk about dropped cases against L.A. Protestors, what it says about competence of federal prosecutors, and impact of ICE raids on L.A. Workers. Listen to his take on Black Americans moving abroad and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Social Change Executive Director and Civil Rights Attorney Todd Belcore to separate the fact from fiction on new Trump lawsuit challenging NYC sanctuary city policy and SCOTUS emergency decision on voting rights. Later listen to us talk about why Gov. Tony Evers decision to not run for a third term matters and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Mayor Tito Brown of Youngstown, Ohio to talk separate fact from fiction on-on-the-ground when it comes to national public safety trends. Listen to his take on impacts to public education in Ohio and beyond if veto override by Ohio Republicans seeking to provide property tax relief is successful. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by AMPU Political Contributor & Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University Dr. Jonathan Collins. Together they remember the enduring legacy of Malcolm Jamal-Warner and the politics of his timeless character Theo Huxtable. Later listen to them react to Hunter Biden unload on Democratic Party elite and share his true feelings about Kamala Harris. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our first hour, author and cultural historian Shawn Levy sits down with Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey to talk about his new book, CLINT: THE MAN AND THE MOVIES, an honest look at the life and legacy of Clint Eastwood, who just turned 95. Known for his powerful biographies of Paul Newman, Jerry Lewis, and Robert De Niro, Levy shares what it takes to really understand a Hollywood legend.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by AMPU Political Contributor & Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University Dr. Jonathan Collins. Together they discuss the politics of some of the days biggest headlines and talk about why Maryland Governor Wes Moore Matters as America's only sitting Black Governor while Black America endures a cascade of attacks by a hostile Administration. Dr. Quartey even answers some of Dr. Collins questions about his observations as Gov. Moore interviewer. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by the Founder & Executive Director of the Black Emotional and Mental (BEAM) Health Collective, Yolo Akili Robinson. Learn about how this award-winning leader is building a national network of care in collaboration with grassroots organizations on the frontlines. He is a powerful voice reshaping how Black men think about care, healing, masculinity, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Democratic Strategist & Former South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Isaac Wilson and Former White House Fellow William Godwin to glean latest analysis on US airstrikes in Iran, White House handling of the political fallout, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice and Co-Founder of The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice, Desiree Cormier Smith. Listen to her take on President Trump's emerging Africa strategy, potential U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran conflict, and Former U.N. Ambassador's "Dolly Parton Approach." Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actor Ed Begley, Jr. to talk about his new film "Don't Tell Larry" coming out on Amazon and Apple on June 20th. Plus listen to his vision for a more perfect union. Later we remember the lives of the Mother Emanuel families and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Immigration Lawyer Allen Orr to react to latest news on ICE raids and President Trump's latest additions to travel ban (spoiler alert 25 African countries are at risk). Listen to guidance from Allen to know your rights. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Author and Founder of the National Homelessness Law Center Maria Foscarinis to talk about her new book "And Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America." But first we get her reaction to the ICE raids in Los Angeles and other cities across America. Listen to her take on how these raids make addressing homelessness more complicated and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by KBLA Political Analyst & Columbia University Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Jonathan Collins. Listen to Professor Collins weigh-in on Los Angeles School Superintendent's decision to deploy school police to set up safe zones around campuses and graduations amid ICE raids, what L.A. Mayor Karen Bass told me about the matter, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Jerron Hurtts, Sr. to talk about his continued fight for custody of his twin boys who became internet famous when he posted family videos that went viral. The court said his viral social media post amounted to child exploitation. He says the Court has it wrong as it does for many fathers fighting for their parental rights. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Black Men Vote" Executive Director Michael T. Bland to talk about the path forward to a more perfect union with fresh approach to Black men across America. Plus listen to his take on Tulsa Mayor vs. Maryland Governor's record on reparations and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Of Kennedy & King" Author Dr. Robert Carpenter to talk about his pulse-pounding historical thriller set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1960s America. Listen to how surviving his near-fatal hit-and-run inspired him to write this novel. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Cornel West and Nina Turner discuss the corrupting force of big money and dark money on elections. The race for the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court has drawn $100 million. It is the most expensive state supreme court race in history and is a glaring example of why Citizens United must be overturned.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Obama White House Political Appointee and PFLAG National CEO Brian Bond to talk about how the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them is growing at lightning speed in small town America. Listen to us go beyond the days trending headlines. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by comedian Kathy Griffin who talks about President Trump's return to the White House and her return to the stage on her "My Life on the PTSD List" tour. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Founder of the Haitian Women's Collective Carine Jocelyn to talk about Haitian immigrants grappling with uncertainty as end of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) looms. Later, we talk with "Night Fight" Director & Tufts University Professor Khary Saeed Jones about documenting his experience running from a racist vigilante in rural parts of Canada. His new film is creating buzz at SXSW and we can understand why. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Black Veterans Project Co-Founder & Co-CEO Richard Brookshire to talk about ProPublica report on how "The Office That Investigates Disparities in Veterans' Care Is Being Liquidated" and more. Later we talk to Psychotherapist Rod Warner about his insights gleaned from his Texas-based practice focused on Black couples, Black men, and Black women. If you appreciate "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, listen to Rod put us on to Dr. Moses Chism's "Six Pain Languages." Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "One of Them Days" Film Director Lawrence Lamont to talk about the success of the film, lessons in building an enduring legacy in Hollywood, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Social Media Strategist and "Bearily Bear" Podcaster top talk about how she's diversifying storytelling for young people, while leaning into the promise of artificial intelligence. Later I'm joined by Dwen Curry, Executive Producer of "Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story" on BET+. She talks about what it means to share her story on BET+ platform in a time such as this, offers her take on Rep. Sarah McBride being misgendered on Capitol Hill, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Spill App Co-Founder Alphonzo Terrell to talk about the next demonstration of growth for the game changing visual conversation app committed to being a safe space from hate speech and white supremacy. Learn about rare opportunity to invest in the next iteration of this platform and get Alphonso's take on relevant trending headlines of the day. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Real Housewives of Atlanta Star and Broadway Producer Kandi Burruss about producing "Othello" starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, her growing body of work, and the legacy she hopes to pass along to her kids. Later, I'm joined by award-winning attorney and Social Change Executive Director Todd Belcore to talk about chilling effect of President Trump's ear against the legal establishment and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by National Association of Social Workers CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, along with Labor and Employment Attorney Natalie E. Norfus of "The Norfus Firm." Together they talk about state of the social work and DEI profession in the Trump Era, emerging impacts, and what we should focus on beyond the headlines.  Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actor and Advocate Greg Mathis, Jr. to talk about his new BET+ original film "Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story." He also compares the challenges he experienced as a Capitol Hill staffer over a decade ago with the challenges facing our country now. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by White House Correspondents Ebony McMorris of AURN and Gerren Keith Gaynor of TheGrio to unpack the weeks most consequential events in the Nation's Capital for Black Americans. From Trump's Joint Address to Congress to Rep. Al Green's censure to covering the Trump White House. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Congressman and nationally syndicated host of the "Jesse Jackson, Jr. Show" Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Howard University, Professor of Political Science Dr. Ravi Perry to unpack the historical context, politics, and implications of Trump's joint address to congress and Democrats underwhelming response. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by bestselling author, speaker, and leadership coach Dr. Sabine Charles to talk about her Leadership MEQ (Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Qualities) program designed for anyone looking for a leadership tune-up or career pivot. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" co-star Ricco Ross to talk about the connection between his character Horace and his own father, advice for African-Americans interested in living abroad, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Dr. Jean Accius, President & CEO of CHC: Crating Healthier Communities to talk about fate of Medicaid, implications for our fellow Americans, and what we can do about it. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) CEO Ann Young Lee to talk about the emerging impacts of U.S. Agency for International Development mass layoffs and relief efforts from Ukraine to Altadena being led by the organization she co-founded with Actor Sean Penn. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Comedian George Wallace to talk about his new show "Clean Slate" with co-star and trans activist Laverne Cox. Later we learn from National Bar Association Immigration Chair Allen Orr and Shan Potts of the Law Offices of Shan Potts about the state of the Trump Administration's mass deportation efforts, why Black people should be concerned, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Mrs. Lonnie Ali to talk about the Muhammad Ali Center's foremost study on compassion, surprising and not so surprising insights, and lessons we can draw in using compassion to combat injustice and bridge divides. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Livingstone College President Dr. Anthony Davis to talk about the storied HBCU's recent $10 million anonymous gift, recent trends in Black student enrollment,  pre/post-election Kamala Harris effect, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by “Win With Black Women” Founder Jotaka Eaddy to talk about how she worked with “Win With Black Men” and others to bring nearly 25,000 folks together on a Sunday night to organize in support and solidarity for Joy Reid following her unexpected exit from MSNBC. Listen to her call to action and where she believes we go from here. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by “Win With Black Women” Founder Jotaka Eaddy to talk about how she worked with “Win With Black Men” and others to bring nearly 25,000 folks together on a Sunday night to organize in support and solidarity for Joy Reid following her unexpected exit from MSNBC. Listen to her call to action and where she believes we go from here. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by KBLA Chief Visionary Officer and nationally syndicated radio host Tavis Smiley to talk about President Trump's Black History Month celebration, mass layoffs of federal workers, and new "Fired but Not Forgotten: The Testimony Project" intended to amplify the stories of Black federal workers. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by the James A. Muhammad, President of USC Radio Group, which oversees the acclaimed Classical California Network. This hour he opens up about his origin story and mission to make classical music more accessible to all of us. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by NAACP Image Awards Senior Advisor Nicholas Wiggins to preview the highly anticipated awards show, delve into NAACP's impact work in support of Altadena community, outlines goals of its new Black Consumer Advisory in response to DEI backsliding in Corporate America, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Talk Naija Co-Founder and Licensed Psychologist Dr. Uche Ukuku and "Mind. Muscle. Movement: A Guided Wellness Journal" Author & Physical Trainer Steven Beck. A more perfect union starts with a more perfect YOU. That said, we unpack some of the beliefs that get in the way of a healthy mindset and offer tips, tools, and resources to help us on our wellness journey in difficult times. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Former U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner on Life Altering 10:30 pm White House Email

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Altadena Homeowner Lauren Randolph to for a sobering reality check as she and her family navigate efforts to rebuild the community they love. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Entertainment Attorney Yemi Adegbonmire and NAACP Image Award Winning Writer/Producer Cameron Johnson to preview their highly anticipated Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) Institute session "No Filter, No Apology: Black & Queer in Hollywood." Listen to their take on President Trump's hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center, threats and opportunities in light of DEI attacks, and decision to present Dave Chappelle with NAACP Image Award. Later, tap into my conversation with California Lawyers Association Chair and National Bar Association Region 9 Director Terrence J. Evans previewing the upcoming virtual Know Your Rights event for Altadena residents and people impacted by L.A. wildfires featuring respected experts. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Photo Essayist Eli Williamson to talk about his new photo exhibit exploring Black male identity and virtue near Chicago. In this hour, listen to Eli offer his take on healthy vs. toxic masculinity and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Cornel West and Nina Turner explore the mental implications of racism on the American psyche, especially Black Americans.