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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!
Ray J is clearing the air about Whitney Houston—again. Jill Munroe breaks down his new comments denying any drug use with the late icon. Plus, Deion Sanders shares he's cancer-free after major surgery, but fans are focused on who showed up by his side—Karrueche Tran. And did you know LA radio once refused to play Boyz II Men because they were considered too corny? We've got the receipts and the glow-up. Also tonight: GloRilla and Brandon Ingram spark dating rumors after being spotted hugged up in Cabo Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Follow her socials @StilettoJill or visit JillMunroe.com. Catch her live M-F on KBLA Talk 1580 from 6PM to 7PM.
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!
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!
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!
(Airdate 7/11/25) Dominique & Miles opine about West African cuisine following their trip to Benin, Ghana and Nigeria. Professor Redelia Shaw traveled with us. She joins us to connect the dots between Black American history and the Motherland.Dominique DiPrima broadcast from West Africa for two weeks in June/July 2025 with Rapper/Radio Production Coordinator Miles Low and 51 members of our KBLA delegation as a joint project of African Focus Inc and KBLA Talk 1580 radio. The African Focus Inc Trailblazers cut a path through the motherland with our annual journey.
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!
Journalist, opinion columnist, and host of KBLA Talk 1580's Conversation Live: Altadena Rising, James Farr talks about life and recovery six months after the L.A. Wildfires.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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!
KBLA Talk 1580 hosts Jesse Jackson Jr., Adrianne Shropshire, and Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, give their activist analysis of Juneteenth in the Trump era, energizing Black voters, and other trending socio-political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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!
(Airdate 6/17/25) John Randolph Wood, Jr. is the National Ambassador of Braver Angels, America's largest grassroots, bipartisan organization dedicated to the work of political depolarization. He is the host of The Reconstruction Project with John Wood Jr Sunday mornings at 9A on KBLA Talk 1580. It's a Talking Point Tuesday and Dominique and John do a bipartisan dust-up.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://www.instagram.com/johnrwoodjr/
Tavis Smiley continues the conversation in Part 2 of this KBLA Talk 1580 Live series, diving deeper into the aftermath of Trump's decision to send troops to LA. The panel reflects on community reactions, media narratives, and what this means for the city.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
In this special live broadcast on KBLA Talk 1580, Tavis Smiley breaks down Trump's controversial decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles. Joined by colleagues and experts, the conversation unpacks the political and social implications of this move.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
In the final installment of this special KBLA Talk 1580 Live series, Tavis Smiley and his guests explore the long-term consequences of the troop deployment to LA and examine what's next for local leadership, public safety, and civic response.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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!
Ray Richardson, veteran sports journalist and host of the sports show "Out of Bounds" on KBLA Talk 1580, looks at the new generation of Black female tennis stars tearing it up at the French Open this year and the NBA Finals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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!
Zo Williams, host of “The Voice of Reason” on KBLA Talk 1580, and comedian and actor Ray Grady, join Tavis in studio to talk about their Comedic Relationship Roundtable Series, where comedy collides with connection.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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. 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!
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!
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!
Veteran sports journalist and host of the sports show "Out of Bounds," on Tavis' flagship station KBLA Talk 1580 AM, Ray Richardson offers his tribute to Junior Bridgeman, the inspirational NBA-player-turned-billionaire who passed away this week.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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 "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 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!
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 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!
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!
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!
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 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 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!
KBLA Talk 1580 Chief White House Correspondent, author and host of A More Perfect Union, Nii-Quartelai Quartey and former Congressman and host of The Jesse Jackson Jr. show, Jesse Jackson Jr, share their analysis about Trump's first address to Congress since his reelection and trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
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!
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!
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!