One Hundred: The Ed Gordon Podcast

Ed talks with columnist, writer and political commentator Michael Harriot. They talk about his latest New Times best seller, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed history of America. The book looks at American History from A Black perspective and offers an unvarnished and sometimes funny and ironic look at the way American History has been told.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with actor, author, and businessman Hill Harper. They talk about Harper's decision to throw his hat in the ring and run for the U.S. Senate. They also talk about the overall state of politics, the 2024 election and why his decision to became a candidate was motivated, in part, by his young son's future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Pastor, activist, and author Jamal-Harrison Bryant. Bryant is the senior pastor of the mega-church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church outside of Atlanta. They talk about the state of the Black church, celebrate preachers and why political and social activist must do to stay relevant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Maryland Governor, Wes Moore. They talk about his historic win, the importance of state and local politics in the 2024 election and speculation of his running for higher office down the line.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with comedian Roy Wood, Jr. about his career, working on The Daily Show, the difference between Black and White audiences and what it was like hosting the White House Correspondents' dinner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer/songwriter Jonathan Butler. They discuss Butler's latest album, Ubuntu, the singer's years of growing up in South Africa under Apartheid, his award-winning international music career, and working with his idol, Stevie Wonder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer/songwriter, Valerie  Simpson about her hall of fame songwriting  career with late husband Nick Ashford and their  stellar career as artists.  They also talk about how Ashford and Simpson's music became the sound track for generations of music lovers. They also discuss what it was like working with iconic singers including: Marvin Gaye, Diana  Ross and Gladys Knight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with R&B singer, Will Downing. The star has been an R&B favorite for three plus decades, singing songs that often reflect the emotions of life, including hurt and pain, which became unthinkably real for the singer this year when his daughter, who struggled with mental illness, joined the growing ranks of young African-Americans who take their own lives. He opens up about the tragedy and what he's doing to cope, including a song he created, in the wake of his daughter's death, to help those going through dark times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Musician, Robert Glasper. They talk about his award-winning career, working with music legends, his excitement about scoring films and television. They also talk about Glasper's involvement with the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, California and why, as the curator, he's bringing all types of music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer KEM. They talk about his latest projects; a new book, Share my Life. The memoir chronicles the journey of a shy, emotionally starved child who spiraled into addiction and homelessness, only to become one of the most beloved singers of a generation, and Anniversary-The Live Album, that celebrates two decades of the singer's hits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Journalist Michelle Miller. They discuss her book, Belongings. The book explores her dealings with parental abandonment, racial identity and America's reckoning with race. They also discuss her media career and the broadcast news business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Former NBA star and activist Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. They discuss the documentary, Stand that looks at how converting to Islam and his decision to peacefully protest the flag cost the former all-star years of his thriving career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with attorney Ben Crump. They discuss the killing Tyre Nichols, police reform, and the culture of policing in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with civil rights activist, scholar and author Ben Jealous. They discuss the freedom fighter's life of activism, the state of civil rights in the country, ending racism in America and his new book, Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with political strategist and pollster Cornell Belcher. They discuss the general state of politics, the future for the Biden administration ahead of the 2024 Presidential election, upcoming Supreme Court decisions and the importance of the Black voting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with broadcaster, author, and critic, Toure. They take an in-depth look at media today, including the place of Black media. They also discuss his latest book, The Ivy League Counterfeiter and Masters of the Game, his latest one-on-one program on The Grio-TV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with award-winning ABC News correspondent, Deborah Roberts. Since the 1990s she has covered many of the world's top stories for both NBC and ABC. Among other things they talk about her career, the change in journalism, her marriage to fellow broadcaster and Today Show weatherman, Al Roker, and her upcoming book, Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Terrance Woodbury, Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner of HIT Strategies, a public opinion and research company that specializes in researching Millennials, People of Color, LGBTQ+, and other underserved communities. They talk about the 2022 midterms. The future of the voting public and power of the emerging minority vote. They also discussed the chances of a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024,  the future of Stacey Abrams and what Black voters should do to become more strategically powerful during the next race for the White House and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with journalist and commentator Jemele Hill. They talk about her new book, Uphill: A Memoir. They also discuss her entanglement with Donald Trump and his White House, her departure from ESPN, her challenging childhood in Detroit, and whether professional sports are still run by the “old boys networks”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with White House Correspondent, April Ryan. Ryan is the longest-serving African American female ever in that position. She's covered five presidents and this year she marked a quarter century working at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. They discuss her latest book, Black Woman Will Save The World: An Anthem, the upcoming midterm election and why people must invest in voting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with actor Wendell Pierce. The veteran actor has made a name for himself on television, in movies and on the stage. From the big screen's Waiting to Exhale, to television's The Wire to his current project, starring as Willy Loman on Broadway in the Arthur Miller Classic, Death of Salesman the actor is a tour de force. They talk about his career, taking on a Broadway classic and the actor's love for his hometown of New Orleans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer Brian Courtney Wilson. Since his debut album in 2009, the Chicago native has become one of gospel music's rising stars. The University of Illinois graduate is seen as a leading “new” voice on the music scene. He is often compared to the likes of Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with comedian David A. Arnold. They talk about Arnold's newfound popularity after three decades in comedy. They talk about his latest Netflix special  and explore why his brand of comedy is deeply rooted in his life's story and why nothing is off limits including his family and his years of drug and alcohol addiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Academy Award winning producer and author, Van Lathan, Jr. They talk about Lathan's Oscar win and his book, Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation. They also talk about the hardships of being a Black male in America, and Lathan's infamous, viral run-in with rapper Kanye West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Tony award-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson. They talk about his play, A Strange Loop and how winning multiple Tony Awards for the play has changed his life. They also discuss why creating work about Black is so important to him and about being seen as a “representative” for the LGBTQ+ community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of Black Music Mont, Ed talks with R&B legends, The Whispers. Twin brothers Wallace and Walter Scott and Leaveil Degree discuss their long careers, the group's classic songs and how after over 50 years The Whispers continue to be popular and tour, delivering their long list of hits to their adoring fans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with actress, host and author, Garcelle Beauvais. They talk about her new memoir and why she decided to be so public with private matter. She also talks about her against all odds career, why motherhood is so important to her, what it was like being an immigrant in America and why she decided to join the Housewives franchise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with attorney Ben Crump about his continued fight for equal rights and racial justice. They discuss the recently racial killings in Buffalo, a recent racial profiling stop of college students in Georgia, the ten-year anniversary of the killing of Trayvon Martin and a new documentary on civil rights attorney's life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with academic, broadcaster, social commentator and author Marc Lamont Hill. They discuss the current state of politics, the precarious position of Black-owned media and his new book, Seen and Unseen that looks at the intersectionality of race and technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with attorney and activist April Reign. Reign gained international attention after her 2015 hashtag, “Oscars so white” -that spoke to the lack of diversity in Academy Award Nominations. They talk about overall diversity in the media, the attack on democracy and women's rights and why she publicly shared a story about a personal choice she made. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with co-authors Randal Pinkett and Jeffrey Robinson about their latest book, Black Faces in High Places: 10 Strategic Actions for Black Professionals to Reach the Top and Stay There.  The book uses examples, including those of Barack and Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, TV-One founder, Cathy Hughes and Senator Cory Booker to demonstrate challenges they faced and showcases the tools they used to overcame them. Most importantly, the new book illustrates actionable items to help people of color stay successful and make systematic change. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with comedian/actor Bill Bellamy. They talk about crossing the “comedic line”, telling jokes in a PC-era. They  also discuss his being a part of a classic movie (Love Jones), and how he's been able to stay “relevant” after decades in show business. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with US congresswoman Karen Bass. They talk about her long time congressional career, her connection with the Biden administration, her campaign for the mayoral seat of Los Angeles and why Democrats must ignite their base before the 2022 midterm elections. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

As part of an on-going special series to highlight Black-owned businesses Ed talks with a mother and her daughters who teamed to leave the corporate world to becoming owners of multiple franchise business. They discuss the challenges of “betting on yourself”, why more African-Americans should look to become their own bosses and why building generational wealth is so important. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with comedian Earthquake. The funnyman talks  about his Netflix special, and the big opportunity fellow comedian Dave Chappelle has given him with this special. They also talk about the state of “Black comedy” and what the comic thinks of the popularity of the social media comedians and whether any topic is off limits. (Warning: Adult language) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In the first of a series of special editions that focus on Black-owned businesses, Ed talks with the owners of Straw and Wool, a Black-owned hat company that is changing the fedora game. Straw and Wool is bringing a flair to the traditional hat game and is fast gaining attention for these unique styles. Based in Phoenix, Arizona they've found a way to make their mark, nationally, from a city that is not traditionally known as a fashion-forward city and not the first place you would think of for a Black start-up.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with singer/songwriter KEM about his new music and upcoming tour, his twenty-year career and the role faith plays in his life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with playwright Dominique Morisseau about her latest Broadway play, Skelton Crew. They also discuss the new “interest” in Black media content and why saluting the working class and her hometown of Detroit is so important to her. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with journalist Jacque Reid about her long career in news, changes in the news business, her years at BET and why she's become a strong advocate for Veganism. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with legendary singer Dionne Warwick. They talk about her remarkable 60-year career, her musical marriage with the great writing/producing team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and how social media has brought about a resurgence in popularity among a new generation of fans. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with CNN legal analyst and author Laura Coates about her new memoir, Just Pursuit. The book details the imbalances in the justice system she's seen in her years as an attorney. She also explores what should be done to make system more equitable. They also talk about the future of police reform, voting rights and the Supreme Court. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ed talks with activist-journalist Mark Thompson about the politic waters of 2022. They explore a number of topics including: The Biden administration's record, the attack on Democracy, reparations, and the up-coming midterm elections. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com