Tavis Smiley

Spiritual writer, best-selling author, and wellness educator Lalah Delia talks about how we can enter the new year with clarity, steadiness, and inner alignment.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

LawrenceWare, Oklahoma State University philosophy professor and co-director of theAfricana Studies Program, explains why he was not surprised by Nicki Minaj's MAGA flirtation over the holidays - and what it could mean for Black voters during the midterms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Journalist José Luis Granados Ceja, who covers Latin America for Drop Site News, goes inside the U.S. invasion of Venezuela and explains what it means for other left-leaning leaders in our hemisphere.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dr. Cornel West, scholar, leading public intellectual, author, and special contributor, shares his thoughts on the large-scale strike on Venezuela and the capture of its President Nicholas Maduro and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Christina Greer, political scientist, author, and associate professor at Fordham University, is back with her breakdown of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration and what it means for New York City and the Democrats in 2026.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with award-winning organizer, philanthropic consultant, and co-founder of Black Voters Matter, LaTosha Brown, as she discusses her economic pressure campaign We Ain't Buying It and explains why she's calling for the boycott of Trump enablers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with University of Michigan professor, award-winning cultural translator, and author Marcus Collins as he shares his thoughts on America confronting the erasure of Black history and progress, the White House's new media bias tracker, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with historian, professor, and UC Santa Barbara Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jeffrey Stewart as he celebrates the 100th anniversary of The New Negro: An Interpretation, his new edition of that seminal anthology, and his 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning work on editor Alain Locke.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Jaron Lanier—futurist, public intellectual, and computer scientist—as he shares an update on the intersection of AI and humans, marking 35 years since the first web browser, website, and server were launched.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit the late Mother Viola Fletcher, the longest-living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, in her final in-studio conversation with Tavis Smiley.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with actor Kenric Green, star of the new film Sarah's Oil, as he recounts the story of a young Black girl who became a millionaire after “black gold” was discovered on her Oklahoma land and shares what it's like to be one half of a Hollywood power couple with Sonequa Martin-Green.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with NAACP award-winning historian and Fulbright scholar Karida Brown, Emory University sociology professor, as she discusses her two latest books, The Battle for the Black Mind and The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) as he discusses his new memoir, The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Ruth E. Carter, two-time Oscar-winning costume designer, as they discuss her career, the story behind Eddie Murphy's red leather suit, and her insights featured in the new documentary Being Eddie.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Lori Wallach, director of the Rethink Trade program at American Economic Liberties Project, as she breaks down President Donald Trump's $2,000 stimulus plan, which is supposedly funded by tariffs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Vincent Intondi, Cornell University scholar, managing editor of The Nuclear Times, and executive director of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility—as he reflects on the new Netflix film A House of Dynamite in the context of his work on the intersection of race and nuclear weapons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, as she goes inside her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Christian Menefee, Harris County Attorney and run-off candidate for Texas' storied 18th Congressional seat, as he shares how he plans to fill the big shoes of those who came before him, including Sylvester Turner, Sheila Jackson Lee, Mickey Leland, and Barbara Jordan.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with materials engineer and science communicator Ainissa Ramirez as she shares her debut children's book, Spark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone—plus, Tavis speaks directly with Johns Hopkins University Professor Jim West.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Joel Berg—CEO of Hunger Free America and author of America, We Need to Talk: A Self-Help Book for the Nation—as he explains why President Donald Trump is allowing food stamp funding to run out.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with John Fugelsang, actor, comedian, political commentator, and host of the SiriusXM radio show Tell Me Everything as he discusses his New York Times bestseller, :Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with soul singer and songwriter Matthew Grant, as they discuss turning pain into power, love, his music, and much more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Joseph Viteritti, Hunter College professor and former senior advisor to the Chancellor of New York City public schools, as he previews his new book, "Radical Dreamers: Race, Choice, and the Failure of American Education."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Paul Rieckhoff, host of the Independent Americans podcast and founder of Independent Veterans of America, as he gives his battlefield assessment on the future of Defense Secretary-for-now Pete Hegseth and President Trump's crackdown on the alleged Anti-Christian bias at the Veterans Administration.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Ian K. Smith—former co-host of The Doctors and author of the bestselling book Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—as he shares the latest project from his successful side hustle as a novelist, Beyond Midnight, featuring private investigator Ashe Cayne.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Renée Watson, New York Times bestselling author and mentee of famed poet Nikki Giovanni, as she shares her final collection, The New Book: Poems, Letters, Blurbs, and Things.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with world-renowned composer and musician Terence Blanchard and the one and only Aaron Neville as they reflect on their native New Orleans 20 years after Hurricane Katrina.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Luenell, who talks about her recent sold-out show at the Apollo, her hilarious role in the Emmy-winning series Hacks, and a preview of her new So Cal residency, That Time of the Month.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Patrick Kennedy—former member of Congress for 16 years and the youngest child of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy as he discusses his latest book, "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," new evidence surrounding the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and the family's views on his cousin, RFK Jr.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, Tavis Smiley remembers actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reprising their final public conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with award-winning writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee, reflecting on his life and career and the release of his debut novel, "The Best Man: Unfinished Business."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi—Director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study, co-founder of The Emancipator, and author of ten New York Times bestsellers as he discusses his latest book for the next generation, "Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley's conversation with Jessica Fulton, Joint Center Senior Fellow for Political and Economic Studies, on her project "Forward Together: Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

In our third-hour roundtable, our White House correspondent Nii-Quartelai Quartey, Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, and former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush look ahead to the upcoming midterm elections, the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

For our second-hour roundtable, scholar Cornel West, attorney Elizabeth Booker Houston, and philosopher Tim Golden look at the progressive challenges and victories of 2025.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

It's our big year-in-review for all three hours! In our first-hour roundtable, civil rights attorney Connie Rice, social justice organizer Rashad Robinson, and political commentator Danielle Moodie reflect on the attacks on civil rights and the Constitution this past year. Plus, our surprise guest, Black Thought, helps us kick it off.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Songwriter Nadine McKinnor, co-writer of Donny Hathaway's anthem “This Christmas,” recalls her collaboration on this holiday classic.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson is back with his Top 10 films of 2025, as well as his 10 favorite performances of the year, and honors the cinematic legacy of Rob Reiner.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Nicholas Buccola, professor of Government, Humanism, and Ethics at Claremont McKenna College, goes inside his latest text, “One Man's Freedom: Goldwater, King, and the Struggle over an American Ideal,” and explains why you may never hear Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech the same way again.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Christopher D. Cook, author of the stinging RootsAction autopsy of the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential campaign, reveals how his findings have been received and how Democrats should respond.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Tavis reprises his 2016 conversation with Rob Reiner and his son Nick who has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his parents.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Glass artist Jason McDonald explains how his collaboration with Solange Knowles put him on the map and how he hopes to break down barriers for Black craft artists.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Arlene Reckson, former music executive and production coordinator for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, goes inside the recording session of their iconic holiday song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” which included young voices from the Harlem Community Choir.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Vincent Brown, Harvard professor of American history as well as African and African American studies, expands on his comments in “The American Revolution” series about what life was like for Black people before, during and after this country's break from the Brits.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Butch Ware, Green Party candidate for California governor and UC Santa Barbara professor, is back in the studio with a progressive outsider's look at the big races in 2026 — from the battle for Congress to statehouse showdowns.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Deroy Murdock, Fox News commentator, American Spectator contributing editor, and Daily Signal columnist, gives his take on the Venezuelan boat attacks, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett's run for Texas governor, and his warning for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dr. Todd Boyd, USC media studies professor, a.k.a. “Notorious Ph.D.,” celebrates today's 50th anniversary of the seminal Parliament album “Mothership Connection” and shares his favorite hip-hop albums of 2025.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dr. Cornel West, scholar, leading public intellectual, author, and special contributor, shares his thoughts on whether Progressives should draft their own Project 2029 plan and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

John Nichols, executive editor of The Nation magazine, gives his analysis on how Trump is dragging Republicans to a crushing defeat and other trending political news. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Cecil Brown, UC Berkeley professor and Richard Pryor's longtime friend and collaborator, celebrates the life of the GOAT as we mark 20 years since his passing this week. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Eva Aridjis-Fuentes, director of the fascinating documentary "Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus,” helps us celebrate what would have been the 65th birthday of the mysterious singer, best known for her haunting track “Goodbye Horses” in Jonathan Demme's film “The Silence of the Lambs.”   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.