Tavis Smiley

Follow Tavis Smiley
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

"Tavis Smiley" is the flagship program for KBLA, America's newest progressive radio network and LA's first Black-owned talk station. Broadcast live across southern California on 1580AM and around the world on KBLA1580.com and TuneIn, this podcast presents the best of Tavis Smiley's conversations with activists, influencers, thought leaders, and cultural vanguards.

KBLA Talk 1580

Donate to Tavis Smiley


    • May 21, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 3,148 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Tavis Smiley with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Tavis Smiley

    Primary Candidates Roundtable with Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 38:18 Transcription Available


    Tavis talks to candidates, who won their primaries, about their vision and goals for their respective states.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Ari Berman joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 19:20 Transcription Available


    Ari Berman, national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author of the new book Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It, explains why white progressive leaders have been slow to criticize the gutting of the Voting Rights Act.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Kareem Crayton joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 21:52 Transcription Available


    Kareem Crayton, vice president of the Washington, D.C. office and Southern Politics Program lead at the Brennan Center for Justice, assesses whether Karl Rove could be right in saying the GOP redistricting plan could backfire in favor of Democrats, and what it could mean for Black political power.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dylan Rodríguez joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 40:29 Transcription Available


    Dylan Rodríguez, UC Riverside professor and co-director of the Center for Ideas and Society, shares his analysis about the Senate vote to force President Trump to end the Iran war and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Mayor Karen Bass joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 20:18 Transcription Available


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Robert Drummond joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 21:52 Transcription Available


    Physician-scientist Dr. Robert Drummond talks about the latest on the hantavirus and how the controversial conversation about the credentials of Cheyenne Bryant is a lesson for Black professionals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Bishop William J. Barber II joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 16:33 Transcription Available


    President and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and Moral Mondays, Bishop William J. Barber II reflects on their rally outside the White House yesterday and their challenge to distorted theology that justifies war and policy violence.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Galen Druke joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 22:06 Transcription Available


    Galen Druke, host of the nonpartisan podcast GD Politics, breaks down the numbers behind Trump's new low approval ratings and his expectations for today's primaries.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    John Wood Jr. joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 39:47 Transcription Available


    National ambassador for Braver Angels, leading figure in the American depolarization movement, and host of The Reconstruction Project on KBLA Talk 1580, John Wood joins Tavis in studio to talk about how neutral maps could empower Black voters, the future of the Black GOP, and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey Joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 7:24 Transcription Available


    White House correspondent Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey talks about how the governor of South Carolina has called for a special session for redistricting, hoping to eliminate the seat held by Congressman James Clyburn before the midterms, and how the Democrats' redistricting push in Virginia dies at the Supreme Court.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Congressman James Clyburn joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 33:12 Transcription Available


    Tavis has a one-on-one special midterm election year conversation with trailblazer and veteran lawmaker Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina about the future of voting rights, his reelection campaign, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Michael Meltsner joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 17:16 Transcription Available


    Attorney for Muhammad Ali, the first assistant counsel to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and author of Mosaic: Who Paid for the Bullet?, Michael Meltsner shares his take on the role of the judiciary in the struggle for civil and political rights.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Cornel West joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 21:37 Transcription Available


    Author, scholar, leading public intellectual, and special contributor, Dr. Cornel West offers his analysis about the dismantling of Black political power and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Leigh Ann Caldwell joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 38:52 Transcription Available


    Emmy Award-winning political journalist and chief Washington correspondent for Puck, Leigh Ann Caldwell talks about trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Terrell J. Starr joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 14:19 Transcription Available


    Black foreign policy journalist and correspondent Terrell J. Starr talks about his wartime coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and what he sees as America's standing in a changing geopolitical world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Former Wisconsin Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 22:47 Transcription Available


    Former Wisconsin Lt. Governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes discusses how he plans to make history as the first Black Wisconsin governor while navigating a shifted political and economic landscape in the Badger State.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Anahita Dua joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 15:50 Transcription Available


    Dr. Anahita Dua, founder and chair of Healthcare for Action, gives her take on President Trump's cognitive state, as Democrats call for testing, and the latest about Medicaid fraud.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Cornel West joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 22:14 Transcription Available


    Author, scholar, leading public intellectual, and special contributor, Dr. Cornel West offers his analysis about politics, social justice, human rights, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Leonard Pitts Jr. joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 39:20 Transcription Available


    Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and director of The Center for Urban Journalism at Morgan State University, Leonard Pitts Jr. talks about the fourth anniversary of the Buffalo mass shooting, white people's blindness, and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Kesha Ealy & Marcus S. Mason joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 13:15 Transcription Available


    Renowned gospel vocalist and musical playwright Kesha Ealy and composer and co-writer Marcus S. Mason talk about the live audience recording of their new production, Experiencing The Dream: MLK The Musical, based on the love story of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Ashley Etienne joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 22:13 Transcription Available


    Tavis has a one-on-one with trailblazer and veteran lawmaker Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina for a special election-year conversation about the future of voting rights, his reelection campaign, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Ruben Navarrette joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 16:02 Transcription Available


    Nationally syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate and writer of the Navarrette Nation on Substack, Ruben Navarrette shares his analysis about California's “lackluster” governor's race and how the Supreme Court has flunked history and common sense.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Steve Hilton joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 22:21 Transcription Available


    Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton joins Tavis in studio to discuss his platform for governor and why he thinks it's time for the Democratic stronghold to shift its allegiance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Connie Rice joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 41:17 Transcription Available


    Connie Rice, civil rights attorney and co-founder of the Urban Peace Institute, gives her take on the Democrats' latest midterm message, Trump's “election integrity army,” and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Joy-Ann Reid joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 39:45 Transcription Available


    Former MSNBC political analyst, award-winning journalist, and bestselling author Joy-Ann Reid shares her thoughts on the redistricting fight, the state of the Democratic Party, and what's next for Black America, socially and politically.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Tiffany L. Warren joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 41:55 Transcription Available


    Bestselling author and screenwriter Tiffany L. Warren gives us a sneak peek into her new Black romance text, A Harlem Wedding: A Novel, and discusses why Black love is still a story worth telling.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Robin Smith joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey 4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 40:04 Transcription Available


    Licensed psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Robin Smith talks about the mental health challenges of racism, identity politics, and more facing Black America as our political power is eroded, along with other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Jeannie Jacobs joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 17:49 Transcription Available


    Former OB-GYN and now lifestyle and culinary enthusiast Jeannie Jacobs talks about her big pivot from medicine and her new cookbook, Welcom3e To My Table. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Rachael Spriggs joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 22:00 Transcription Available


    Rachael Spriggs, director of powerbuilding for The Equity Alliance in Memphis, gives us the latest developments in the Tennessee redistricting fight and how progressive ideas can take root in the face of retroactive policies.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Ann Carlson joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 17:46 Transcription Available


    Ann Carlson, UCLA law professor and former NHTSA administrator, talks about her new book, Smog and Sunshine: The Surprising Story of How Los Angeles Cleaned Up Its Air, revealing how community advocates and government agencies collaborated to do what many thought couldn't be done.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Shakari Byerly joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 22:06 Transcription Available


    Shakari Byerly, managing partner of the public opinion research and consulting firm Evitarus, dives into their latest poll showing a close contest between California Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Michael Bland & Desiree Cormier joins Guest Host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 35:18 Transcription Available


    Executive director of Black Men Vote, Michael Bland, and co-founder and principal for The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice, Desiree Cormier, talk about Black civic and political power and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Xavier Mills joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 16:00 Transcription Available


    Actor Xavier Mills talks about his latest film, the Southern Gothic tale, Is God Is, where he plays the son of Sterling K. Brown, and what he sees as the future of Black storytelling in Hollywood.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Sister Helen Prejean joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 22:09 Transcription Available


    Prominent anti-death penalty advocate and bestselling author Sister Helen Prejean speaks on the upcoming execution of the “severely mentally ill” inmate Tony Carruthers, the Trump administration's approach to capital punishment, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Lerone A. Martin joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 35:48 Transcription Available


    Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford and religious studies professor, Lerone A. Martin takes us inside his new text, Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King Jr.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    John Nichols joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 40:57 Transcription Available


    John Nichols, executive editor of The Nation magazine, shares his analysis about the Ohio and Indiana primaries and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Nate Jackson joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 37:25 Transcription Available


    Comedian, actor, and entrepreneur Nate Jackson talks about headlining the Netflix Is A Joke festival this week, his Big Dog Comedy Tour, and his signature ability to “crowd work” like no other.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Ryan Cooper joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 15:26 Transcription Available


    Senior editor at The American Prospect and author of How Are You Going to Pay for That? Smart Answers to the Dumbest Question in Politics, Ryan Cooper talks about the rising costs of Trump's agenda on taxpayers and the environment.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 23:10 Transcription Available


    Distinguished diplomat and foreign policy expert Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro gives his analysis on the Trump administration's relentless justification for the war with Iran, in spite of its unpopularity with the American people.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Adrianne Shropshire joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 42:11 Transcription Available


    Adrianne Shropshire, host of The BlackPack radio show on KBLA Talk 1580 and executive director of the political organization BlackPAC, gives her analysis about trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Tracie Thoms joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 16:51 Transcription Available


    Emmy-nominated screen and stage actress Tracie Thoms joins Tavis in studio to talk about her career, the season finale of the Angela Bassett executive-produced show 9-1-1, and her recurring role in the hit Disney film The Devil Wears Prada 2.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Press Robinson Sr. joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 21:29 Transcription Available


    Baton Rouge civil rights pioneer, attorney, and professor Press L. Robinson Sr. speaks on his six decades of building Black political power and the erasure of gains he sees coming.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    U.S. Rep. André Carson joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 18:04 Transcription Available


    U.S. Representative André Carson (D-IN) talks about his re-election campaign and what's at stake in the looming redistricting battle in Indiana.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Cornel West joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 23:38 Transcription Available


    Author, scholar, leading public intellectual, and special contributor, Dr. Cornel West, gives his insights about the struggle for civil rights and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 39:37 Transcription Available


    Award-winning talk show host and Founding Director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University Maryland, Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead shares her thoughts on the evisceration of the Voting Rights Act and other trending political topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Randi Weingarten joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 13:40 Transcription Available


    Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, returns to discuss their support of the upcoming May Day Strong actions this weekend and share her thoughts about the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Dee Dee Bridgewater joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 19:48 Transcription Available


    In celebration of International Jazz Day, triple Grammy- and Tony Award–winning jazz master Dee Dee Bridgewater talks about the enduring power of jazz music, her career, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Kishonna Gray joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 32:30 Transcription Available


    Kishonna Gray, University of Michigan School of Information professor and author of Intersectional Tech: Black Users in Digital Gaming, joins Tavis in studio to talk about the links between video games, violence, and race, as we face more political violence and assassination attempts in America.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 16:12 Transcription Available


    Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) shares how the CBC will respond to the gutting of the Voting Rights Act, as Black America braces for redistricting battles ahead of the midterms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Austin Sarat joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 21:37 Transcription Available


    Austin Sarat, attorney, writer, and professor, discusses the impact of the court's decision on presidential records, voting rights, and other political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Kyle Sammy joins Tavis Smiley

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 16:13 Transcription Available


    Creative director for The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Kyle Sammy, talks about how The Wright is reaching for a new generation of history lovers with mockumentary-style viral videos and the challenges facing Black museums at this time.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

    Claim Tavis Smiley

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel