Controlling Our Narrative

Police shot Jacob Blake in his back in Wisconsin, while his children were in the car— guests Dr. Calvin Smith, Jarrett Hill, and Co-EP OJ Smith discuss their feelings after this latest shooting that has sparked protests and athlete strikes. Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron speaks on Breonna Taylor’s family at the Republican National Convention. We laugh about what tv we’re watching to spark joy and what shows have not held up. Rapper Akon causes a friendly debate in this week’s Out of Africa segment.

Kamala Harris is the first Black Vice Presidential Candidate for a major party, in history. A Black man in Louisiana might spend the rest of his life in prison for trying to steal hedge clippers. Actor Ryan Reynolds apologizes for getting married at a slave plantation, what’s the big deal? The panel talks about the problems with using Africa as a benchmark for failure. Attorney Janika White and Vincent Winston guest host.

Trump talks Covid-19 deaths and upsets many. TCU’s Football Coach apologizing for using a racial slur. Latinx representation in Hollywood and the work that still needs to be done. Beyonce’s Black Is King. Guests: Marileny Acevedo and Chriss Holliday

We break down Nick Cannon’s anti-Semitic comments, the fall out, and support. What happened after and why? Rebecca Pierce, a Black and Jewish writer and filmmaker shares her perspective. Counseling Psychologist Dr. LaVonya Bennett joins the show as well. The St. Louis couple who pointed guns at peaceful protestors are charged but Missouri’s Attorney General wants it all dismissed. Why is Georgia Governor Brian Kemp suing Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

95 percent of Syracuse police officers do not live in the city. A child in Michigan is sent to juvenile detention for not completing her homework. The White House has a new campaign focused on careers. Does it miss the mark or get it right? Plus, this week’s Out of Africa. The Root’s News Editor Monique Judge and Aerospace and Defense executive and motivational speaker Crystal Jackson join the conversation.

Emmy award winning actor Terrance Terrell and Clinical Psychologist Karmen Thulin join us to talk about how Black Americans are twice as likely to die from Coronavirus as their white neighbors and why the New York Times had to sue the CDC to get the data that backs the fact. The shocking death of a 16-year-old foster child brings us all to tears. Was “Connie” actually shopping at a Baton Rouge School Board meeting? A prominent Ethiopian singer was shot dead in the capital. Co-EP OJ Smith breaks down why the shooting sparked protests in this episode’s Out of Africa

Jamal Jimoh and Nick Burchett join the show to talk Universal Basic Income, chokehold bans, apologies from Belgium and way too much talk about master bedrooms.

After the killing of Rayshard Brooks, two officers face charges and Atlanta’s police chief steps down. What should happen next? House Democrats and Senate Republicans both unveil police reform bills. A 15 year veteran officer cries on camera after her McDonald’s order takes too long. 54 African countries are standing together in an international fight to protect Black Americans. Artist Chris Paul Thompson and Realtor and CPA Jessica Hardrick join this week’s show.

Television producer Nisa Ahmad and Civil Rights Attorney Sue-Ann Robinson talk about the move to “defund the police,” how we talk to our white friends about racism and when it becomes too much, plus what find out what we’re all doing to take a little break. This week’s Out of Africa has a country mourning a long time leader and a book by British Nigerian author Bernadine Evaristo that reimagines slavery.

Attorney Janika White and Dr. Calvin Smith join us to break down the charges against 4 former Minneapolis police officers for the murder of George Floyd, the future of Covid-19 post-protests but why its necessary to keep fighting, and how police officers are behaving while protests go on in all 50 states. Plus OJ gives us a look at how people all over Africa are showing solidarity with Black Americans in the fight against police brutality.

Brooke, OJ and Philly journalists Sean Bell and Jay Scott Smith discuss their feelings after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. We talk about how police brutality caught on camera has begun to change journalism. Everyone has an Amy Cooper in their lives. Joe Biden said what? Plus Out of Africa takes us to the Congo this week.

Entertainment attorney Nyanza Shaw and TFtours owner Tina Farris join the show to talk liability protections, risk taking as states reopen, and retail workers forced to enforce mask and social distancing rules. OJ’s Out of Africa takes us to the Republic of Burundi.

Why did Trump specifically ask one reporter about China? We discuss that and what happened when police shot Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. OJ takes us to Ethiopia for this episode’s Out of Africa. Filmmaker Jamin Keene and host of “Disruption Now” Rob Richardson join the show.

TV producer Nisa Ahmad and journalist and tv host Jason Carter join the show to talk about Joe Biden’s “Lift Every Voice” plan, the horrible “Tip Your Mask,” and what we’re watching while safe inside.

Georgia starts the reopening process. The mayor of Las Vegas shocks. We break down what’s going on with the restaurant industry and talk about things we will never do again in a post-COVID world. Former CBS News correspondent Don Champion and LA based HR professional Staci Smith join the conversation.

Dr. Calvin Smith and Ed King, an HR professional based in Texas join the show. We break down tv famous doctors blowing it, how you can be kind to grocery store workers, and our WFH dress code. Plus, a tip the USA could take from Ghana when it comes to helping people out during a pandemic.

Trump wants to “open the country back up.” What does that mean and what could happen? We break it all down. Plus, Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Eman Spaulding talks about life in an ER right now. Also, you know him from Apple Music, Dussepalooza and so much more— Low joins the conversation too and let’s us know why he started the “cheat sheet” to go along with Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s “Verzuz.”

We’re talking Bernie or Busters, the US Surgeon General’s request to Black Americans, what higher education looks like post-the new coronavirus and more. Dr. Tara Pixley, a Los Angeles-based visual journalist, writer, professor and critical race scholar along with writer and professor David Dennis Jr. join the conversation this episode. OJ breaks down reports of mistreatment of Africans in China.

Wisconsin Voters risked their health to vote. We’re talking about what the latest Supreme Court decision meant for them and what it could mean for us all in November. Will there be sports in 2020? We break down our thoughts. Bernie Sanders suspends his bid for President. Plus, OJ has an update on last episode’s Out of Africa talker. On-air talent, video producer and digital media alchemist Jeff J. And Adidas Senior Communications Manager Richard Boadu join the show this episode.

We’re breaking down why the new Coronavirus is hitting black communities hard. What’s the point of Trump’s daily press briefings? Also, what should be done to protect those in prison or jail from the disease? Plus, Tiger King. This episode’s guest hosts are Philly sports host Sean Bell and Memphis attorney Janika White. And OJ has an Out of Africa that may terrify you.

The Root’s Monique Judge and Journalist/Podcaster Jay Scott Smith join the show to talk about the South Carolina primary, pandering, Ava Duvernay’s strong progressivism, and a strange and seemingly harmful rule in Utah. Plus, OJ breaks down Joe Biden’s South Africa lie in the latest edition of “Out of Africa.”

Guest Co-Hosts Dela Yador and Jason Carter join Brooke and OJ to talk about Michael Bloomberg, Elizabeth Warren’s meeting with Black men in South Carolina, Dwyane Wade, and Shipt employees taking a stand. Host: Brooke Thomas

On this first episode back from winter hiatus Dr. Karmen Thulin and Jacorey Palmer join the show to talk about just about everything. Impeachment, Pompeo screams, bail reform, how promoting a Joe Rogan endorsement causes harm, and why Jerry from Netflix's Cheer is a new hero. Plus co-ep OJ Smith breaks down his recent trip to Ghana, the year of return and what he learned about his own identity. Hosted by: Brooke Thomas

Brooke and Co-EP OJ are joined by two of Brooke's good friends Vince Winston and Quez Rooks to talk about the most recent Democratic Debate, LGBTQ issues and Disney.

Sen. Kamala Harris introduces a plan that will help many children, but the internet doesn’t read. Billionaires vs Elizabeth Warren. Rep. Ayanna Pressley splits from the rest of “The Squad.” Buttigieg and Black people. Dr. Karmen Thulin and Dr. Calvin Smith join the show to talk about a number of political issues— plus is Trump’s mental health fair game? Netflix, the Oscars, Nigeria and much more. Join co-EP OJ and Brooke as they discuss just about everything with two of their longtime friends.

Elijah Cummings, George Bush, Mark Zuckerberg and Gina Rodriguez-- talk about a wide ranging conversation. TheRoot.com's News Editor Monique Judge and Jade of Jade and XD's Podcast join the show.

Impeachment, Donald Trump, Ukraine and now China is the big news this week. We break it all down. Also, we spend extended time talking about the Amber Guyger murder trial in Dallas, TX. Bothem Jean’s family has the right to forgive, but did the media handle it properly? Guests Janika White, Memphis attorney and The Root’s Terrell Jermaine Starr join us for this episode.

Brooke, OJ and guest hosts Ben Dixon and David Dennis Jr. break down the most recent Democratic debate-- who won, who lost, who shined and who disappointed. We have a story out of Alaska where a Black teen swimmer was disqualified most likely because of her body shape and how this fits into how Black women's bodies are policed in society. We talk about Jemele Hill's case for more black athletes going to HBCU's. What happens when Black people are silenced in the progressive movement? And as always, OJ has the latest edition of Out of Africa.

This is a special jam-packed show. Guest hosts Aida Rodriguez, Jayar Jackson and Brooke's mom Larnett Glenn join the show to talk Jay-Z's deal with the NFL, who should drop out of the 2020 presidential race next, hilarious but sad examples of why companies should hire more Black people and of course Popeye's new fried chicken sandwich. And as always co-ep OJ Smith brings this episode's edition of Out of Africa and why an African trade agreement proposal will change the game.

This episode we break down the massive ICE raid in Mississippi. Also, should we be giving attention to reformed white nationalists-- the hosts disagree. We talk about the wildest google review ever and have a little fun looking back at college experiences with special guest hosts actor Garrett Brooks and actor/filmmaker Jamin Keene.

Trump’s racism and how the media covers it. We break down why “hiring based on talent” isn’t always what it seems. R. Kelly is now in federal trouble— we look at the importance of justice for victims and fighting for the 6th Amendment. Do HIV exposure laws protect or just further stigmatize a marginalized community. Plus— find out why Brooke walked out of her bathroom, to find her neighbor standing in her living room, uninvited.   Guests: Adrienne Lawrence and Ashlee Marie Preston   Hosted By: Brooke Thomas   Executive Producers: Brooke Thomas & OJ Smith

We talk Kamala Harris and misconceptions about her criminal justice record. The Congressional Black Caucus vs Justice Democrats? BET founder Bob Johnson said WHAT? A$AP Rocky needs activists although he wouldn’t be one. Halle Bailey is the new Little Mermaid, we create dream Disney re-casts. And, as always, co-ep OJ Smith with news out of Africa. Guest co-hosts Xavier D’Leau and Dan Evans. Hosted By: Brooke Thomas

The Exonerated 5 and Donald Trump. Are Bernie Sanders’ fans insufferable? “Black boys don’t need more discipline, they need mentors,” we discuss. A mini-debate to determine the best mid-90s black movie era soundtrack. Sudan: why isn’t it covered enough and what can we do. ET Live Host Jason Carter and TYT Director, Host and Activist Jacorey Palmer join as co-hosts.