Podcasts about last week tonight

Discover the magic of community-driven cat rescue in our latest Friends Like Us episode. Join host Marina Franklin, Becky Wisdom from Green Point Cats, and comedian Subhah Agarwal as they chat about cat colonies, TNR, and the urgency to help communities in the over populations of cats.  Becky Wisdom is the founder of Greenpoint Cats, a leading Brooklyn-based animal rescue organization focused on TNR (trap, neuter, return). Her journey into rescue began in 2018 when she moved to Greenpoint and found herself living on a block with a crew of unforgettable feline neighbors—an encounter that inspired her to take action. What started as an effort to help a few street cats quickly became a full-time calling. By 2020, Becky had left her career in marketing to devote herself entirely to rescue work. Her grassroots efforts sparked a growing community of animal advocates in Greenpoint and beyond, building a network of support and care for some of the city's most vulnerable animals. Her passion for rescue is deeply rooted in her upbringing, which included daily chores like caring for opossums and rehabilitating birds. With media coverage from New York Magazine, the Hallmark Channel, and several local TV news outlets, Becky continues to save lives—and inspire others to do the same. Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix's “Arsenio Hall” limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'. 

Im Follow-up geht es noch mal um die Frage, ob ein falscher Artikel besser ist als keiner — und eine Korrektur zum Vatertag. Danach sprechen wir über den 8. Mai als Feiertag der Befreiung vom Nationalsozialismus. Dieser Tag wird zum Teil recht unterschiedlich in verschiedenen europäischen Ländern gefeiert. Zum Schluss: Manuel erklärt (und beklagt), wie Apple an einer Art "digitalem Glücksspiel" mitverdient.   Transkript und Vokabelhilfe Werde ein Easy German Mitglied und du bekommst unsere Vokabelhilfe, ein interaktives Transkript und Bonusmaterial zu jeder Episode: easygerman.org/membership   Sponsoren Hier findet ihr unsere Sponsoren und exklusive Angebote: easygerman.org/sponsors   Podcast Live Events in Basel & Berlin In 2025 machen wir zwei Podcast Live Events in Basel

Jeff Mauer is the brains behind I Might Be Wrong, here on Substack. He was head writer for Last Week Tonight, with John Oliver and before that, wrote speeches at the EPA. He's smart, funny, and thoughtful — and savvy enough to shut the fuck up when Chris Rock walks into the room. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chrisryan.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into Friends Like Us as host Marina Franklin talks with veteran comedians Ralph Harris, Keith Robinson, and Charles Walden. They share stories, laughs, and insights on what keeps them thriving in the industry.  Keith Robinson: Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Keith Robinson, is considered a comic's comic. He has captivated audiences around the world with his straightforward humor. He was a regular on Comedy Central's Tough Crowd; and the co-host of The Wanda Sykes Show (Fox), His first hour special; 2014's Kevin Hart Presents: Back of the Bus Funny can still be streamed on Amazon Prime, Peacock and Tubi. Keith has been featured in films such as Trainwreck and King of Staten Island. After two strokes, and an extended hospital stay, during COVID, Keith marched right back to the stage to create his latest and most personal work yet, Different Strokes; his second hour special, picked up and to be released in 2024 by Netflix. Keith is currently working on several projects, including, feature films, television and tours. Charles Walden: Celebrity standup comedian and actor Charles Walden has been doing what he loves for over 30 years and that's entertaining his audience. Stricken by Cerebral Palsy from birth Charles doesn't allow his condition to limit or stop him from living his best life. Between gigs Charles has been employed by the State of Philadelphia for over fifteen (15) years. He enjoys traveling the world making people laugh.  Charles Walden was raised in the rough and tough inner city of Philadelphia and had to struggle and survive like any other kid in the inner city. He got No breaks just because he had Cerebral Palsy. He was not babied at all by family, friends, or the community. He had to put his pants on one leg at a time like every other boy or man. He had to overcome many obstacles. There was a lot of mental and physical pain he endured from living and growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia. The death of his mother crushed him, but he kept going. She was his rock. Many years have passed since her death and the pain never goes away but he keeps going. Charles' greatest pleasure is when he's on stage performing as he gives his audiences the most inspirational laughing good time they've had in a long while.  Charles Walden is not embarrassed or ashamed of his Cerebral Palsy and has incorporated his condition in a unique way into his standup comedy show.  Charles is proud to say stand up comedy has giving him the opportunity to perform on some iconic TV shows and stages such as BETs Comic View, Martin Lawrence 1st Amendment and even Def Comedy Jam's All-Star Season, to name a few.  Charles is a requested favorite to perform at  colleges, universities, comedy clubs, churches and military bases across the Country. Ralph Harris - From humble beginnings in North Philadelphia to the bright lights of Hollywood, Ralph Harris has been living the dream as a successful comedian and actor, in a career that spans over thirty-five years, and remains in full swing. Labeled by his peers as one of today's legendary comedic talents, with a resume that includes notable acting experience. Harris also served as host of the Culinary Competition, My Momma Throws Down on the TVOne network. He also made his feature film debut in the Golden Globe hit DREAMGIRLS, starring one of his comedy idols Eddie Murphy, Beyonce´, Jamie Foxx and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. Harris kicks off the movie as the Detroit MC that helps Jamie hook up with the Dreamettes. Not one to slow down, Harris continued his film career momentum, immediately landing his second feature role in the film Evan Almighty starring Steve Carell and Wanda Sykes. Harris' jump to the big screen comes after years of successful television work, including appearances on Seinfeld, The Parent ‘Hood, Nick Freno, Living Single and In Living Color. No stranger to late night TV, Harris has been featured on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Arsenio. Harris, is best known for his starring role in the ABC sitcom On Our Own which aired during the immensely popular TGIF block on Friday nights, the show has also aired in syndication on TVOne. You can catch Harris on TV and the Web, in either of his previously recorded specials – Comedy Central Presents and the widely popular HBO Comedy Half-Hour, also on all major streaming music platforms, on his previously recorded album titled HICKEY HEAD. When he's not filming, Harris continues to tour the world and the sea, literally! Performing to sold-out audiences as a comedian, his first career and love. Harris' comedy is character driven, a throwback to many of the greats including his other comedy idols Pryor, Cosby, Redd Foxx, Jonathan Winters and the list goes on. Born and raised in Philadelphia… Ralph spends what little time he's not on the road performing, at home in Los Angeles. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'.         

Jeff Maurer, former Last Week Tonight writer, has been knee-deep in century-old New York Times clippings—considering the differences between yesterday's fascism fears and today's. In Part 2, Jeff analyzes John Oliver's recent reliance on straw men and Jon Stewart's fairly triumphant return to The Daily Show. Plus- who is favored in a trade battle between the US and China contested on questions of tolerance for suffering?  Join Team Gist Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow The Gist List at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marina Franklin host comedy giants on Friends Like Us! Tune in as Ralph Harris, Charles Walden, and Keith Robinson share stories about their journey, friendship, and the comedic landscape today. It's a laughter-packed episode with comedy legends! Keith Robinson: Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Keith Robinson, is considered a comic's comic. He has captivated audiences around the world with his straightforward humor. He was a regular on Comedy Central's Tough Crowd; and the co-host of The Wanda Sykes Show (Fox), His first hour special; 2014's Kevin Hart Presents: Back of the Bus Funny can still be streamed on Amazon Prime, Peacock and Tubi. Keith has been featured in films such as Trainwreck and King of Staten Island. After two strokes, and an extended hospital stay, during COVID, Keith marched right back to the stage to create his latest and most personal work yet, Different Strokes; his second hour special, picked up and to be released in 2024 by Netflix. Keith is currently working on several projects, including, feature films, television and tours. Charles Walden: Celebrity standup comedian and actor Charles Walden has been doing what he loves for over 30 years and that's entertaining his audience. Stricken by Cerebral Palsy from birth Charles doesn't allow his condition to limit or stop him from living his best life. Between gigs Charles has been employed by the State of Philadelphia for over fifteen (15) years. He enjoys traveling the world making people laugh.  Charles Walden was raised in the rough and tough inner city of Philadelphia and had to struggle and survive like any other kid in the inner city. He got No breaks just because he had Cerebral Palsy. He was not babied at all by family, friends, or the community. He had to put his pants on one leg at a time like every other boy or man. He had to overcome many obstacles. There was a lot of mental and physical pain he endured from living and growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia. The death of his mother crushed him, but he kept going. She was his rock. Many years have passed since her death and the pain never goes away but he keeps going. Charles' greatest pleasure is when he's on stage performing as he gives his audiences the most inspirational laughing good time they've had in a long while.  Charles Walden is not embarrassed or ashamed of his Cerebral Palsy and has incorporated his condition in a unique way into his standup comedy show.  Charles is proud to say stand up comedy has giving him the opportunity to perform on some iconic TV shows and stages such as BETs Comic View, Martin Lawrence 1st Amendment and even Def Comedy Jam's All-Star Season, to name a few.  Charles is a requested favorite to perform at  colleges, universities, comedy clubs, churches and military bases across the Country. Ralph Harris - From humble beginnings in North Philadelphia to the bright lights of Hollywood, Ralph Harris has been living the dream as a successful comedian and actor, in a career that spans over thirty-five years, and remains in full swing. Labeled by his peers as one of today's legendary comedic talents, with a resume that includes notable acting experience. Harris also served as host of the Culinary Competition, My Momma Throws Down on the TVOne network. He also made his feature film debut in the Golden Globe hit DREAMGIRLS, starring one of his comedy idols Eddie Murphy, Beyonce´, Jamie Foxx and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. Harris kicks off the movie as the Detroit MC that helps Jamie hook up with the Dreamettes. Not one to slow down, Harris continued his film career momentum, immediately landing his second feature role in the film Evan Almighty starring Steve Carell and Wanda Sykes. Harris' jump to the big screen comes after years of successful television work, including appearances on Seinfeld, The Parent ‘Hood, Nick Freno, Living Single and In Living Color. No stranger to late night TV, Harris has been featured on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Arsenio. Harris, is best known for his starring role in the ABC sitcom On Our Own which aired during the immensely popular TGIF block on Friday nights, the show has also aired in syndication on TVOne. You can catch Harris on TV and the Web, in either of his previously recorded specials – Comedy Central Presents and the widely popular HBO Comedy Half-Hour, also on all major streaming music platforms, on his previously recorded album titled HICKEY HEAD. When he's not filming, Harris continues to tour the world and the sea, literally! Performing to sold-out audiences as a comedian, his first career and love. Harris' comedy is character driven, a throwback to many of the greats including his other comedy idols Pryor, Cosby, Redd Foxx, Jonathan Winters and the list goes on. Born and raised in Philadelphia… Ralph spends what little time he's not on the road performing, at home in Los Angeles. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'.       

Marina Franklin talks with guest Professor Marlene Daut and Nonye Brown-West. They dive into the incredible history of Haiti with Dr. Marlene Daut on the latest episode of Friends Like Us. Discover the power of education and representation in shaping our narratives.  Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you. Marlene L. Daut is an author, scholar, editor, and professor. Her books include Tropics of Haiti: Race and the Literary History of the Haitian Revolution in the Atlantic World (Liverpool UP, 2015); Baron de Vastey and the Origins of Black Atlantic Humanism (Palgrave, 2017); Awakening the Ashes: An Intellectual History of the Haitian Revolution (UNC Press, 2023); and The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe (Knopf, 2025). Her articles on Haitian history and culture have appeared in over a dozen magazines, newspapers, and journals including, The New Yorker (“What's the Path Forward for Haiti?”), The New York Times (“Napoleon Isn't a Hero to Celebrate”), Harper's Bazaar (“Resurecting a Lost Palace of Haiti”), Essence (“Haiti isn't Cursed. It is Exploited”), The Nation (“What the French Really Owe Haiti”), and the LA Review of Books (“Why did Bridgerton Erase Haiti?”). She has won several awards, grants, and fellowships for her contributions to historical and cultural understandings of the Caribbean, notably from the Ford Foundation, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Haitian Studies Association, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Most recently, she won a grant from the Robert Silvers Foundation for The First and Last King of Haiti. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.A. in English and French in 2002 and went on to teach in Rouen, France as an Assistante d'Anglais before enrolling at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2009. Since graduating, she has taught Haitian and French colonial history and culture at the University of Miami, the Claremont Graduate University, and the University of Virginia, where she also became series editor of New World Studies at UVA Press. In July 2022, she was appointed as Professor of French and African American Studies at Yale University. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'.   

In this episode of Litigation Nation, co-hosts Jack Sanker and Danessa Watkins dive into some pressing legal stories making headlines recently.Danessa kicks off the discussion with a defamation lawsuit filed against John Oliver, stemming from an episode of Last Week Tonight that aired on April 14, 2024. The lawsuit claims that Oliver misrepresented comments made by Dr. Morley, a managed care organization executive, regarding Medicaid and patient care. The conversation explores the complexities of defamation law, particularly the distinction between fact and opinion, and the implications of Oliver's statements on public perception.Jack then shifts the focus to the impact of tariffs at the state level, highlighting how governors are attempting to navigate the challenges posed by recent federal trade policies. He discusses Rhode Island's proposal to create a free trade zone based on a colonial charter from 1663, and California's efforts to protect its agricultural sector through potential tax incentives and international agreements. Illinois is also mentioned, with Governor J.B. Pritzker exploring the use of foreign trade zones to mitigate the effects of tariffs on local industries.The episode wraps up with a critical examination of recent executive orders targeting law firms that have represented clients opposed to the current administration. The hosts discuss the chilling effect these orders may have on legal representation and the broader implications for the legal profession. They emphasize the importance of standing up for First Amendment rights and the principle of zealous advocacy, regardless of the political climate.Overall, a thought-provoking look at the intersection of law, politics, and public policy, and we hope to encourage our listeners to consider the implications of these legal battles on society as a whole.

Emmy and Peabody-winning writer/comedian Jeff Maurer (creator of I Might Be Wrong on Substack and former writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) and host Thomas Emerick revisit the 2002 World Cup Round of 16 soccer matchup between the USA men's national team and Mexico. Setting the Stage:How Jeff handled catching a match with a 2:30 a.m. Eastern kickoff live from Jeonju, South KoreaBeing a soccer fan in the '90s in VirginiaBritish and American soccer fandom at Last Week Tonight with John OliverThe historical rivalry between the USA and Mexico in soccer.Pre-match expectations: Betting odds, media hype, and the national sentiment.Key Moments of the Match:Brian McBride's Early Goal: How the U.S. took the initiative.Landon Donovan's Iconic Header: Breaking down the play that sealed the win.Rafael Márquez's Red Card: The turning point that cemented the upset.Analysis & Commentary:Tactical breakdown: What the teams did well and where they faltered.Reflections on how the game influenced the trajectory of both teams and reshaped the narrative of American soccer.Cultural Impact:The broader legacy of the match in expanding the tent of U.S. soccer fandom.How the game is remembered today by fans and its influence on the USA-Mexico rivalry.Additional Threads:Late Night TV landscape in 2002 and todaySubstack as a comedy platform and as a disruptor in news and social mediaHOSTRotoViz contributor Thomas EmerickGuestEmmy and Peabody-winning writer/comedian Jeff Maurer (I Might Be Wrong)SPONSORSBetterHelp - This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ROTOVIZ and get on your way to being your best self.Underdog Fantasy – Get a 100% deposit match on your first deposit up to $100 when you sign up at Underdogfantasy.com using this link or the promo code ROTOVIZ.Listeners of RotoViz Radio can save 10% on a one-year RotoViz subscription by visiting RotoViz.com/podcast or by using the promotional code "rvradio2025" at the time of purchase.Gametime - Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code ROTOVIZ for $20 off your first purchase.SHOW NOTESRotoViz Radio provides the power for Remember That Game: Subscribe to the RotoViz Radio on YouTubeDirect message: Bluesky @ThomasEmerick | Twitter @ThomasEmerickEmail: emericktc@gmail.comFollow: Apple and SpotifySubscribe: Remember That Game on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into an inspiring episode, as host Marina Franklin talks with Mayor Randall Woodfin and Roy Wood Jr. on Friends Like Us! From community empowerment to leadership and Randall Woodfin's new memoir, "Sons of Birmingham,". Hear how these sons of Birmingham are making waves.  Randall Woodfin was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and after four years in Atlanta earning his degree from Morehouse College, has lived in Birmingham ever since. He worked at City Hall (in jobs for both the Mayor and the City Council) and for the Jefferson County Committee on Economic Opportunity, attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and, after obtaining his law degree, accepted a job in the City of Birmingham Law Department. As an assistant city attorney, he also became an organizer, working on campaigns at the local, state, and federal level. After serving on the Birmingham Board of Education, he ran for mayor in 2016 with endorsements from President Joe Biden, Senators Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker, and Stacey Abrams. Woodfin won an upset victory in a runoff in 2017 and earned a featured speaker role at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. He is seeking his third term in 2025. Buy his new memoir: "Sons Of Birmingham". ROY WOOD JR. is a comedian, an Emmy-nominated documentary producer for the PBS documentary The Neutral Ground, a correspondent on Comedy Central's Emmy-nominated The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and host of Comedy Central's award-winning podcast, The Daily Show: Beyond the Scenes. Spring of 2023, Wood guest hosted The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents' Dinner to its highest ratings since 2017. Wood co-starred alongside Jon Hamm in Paramount Pictures' long-awaited Fletch remake, Confess, Fletch (2022), and has guest appearances in ‘Only Murders in the Building', ‘Better Call Saul', ‘The Last O.G.' & ‘Space Force.' As a writer and executive producer, his development deals have included a first-look deal with Comedy Central for ‘Jefferson County: Probation,' an HBO Max project, ‘1% Happy,' an untitled medical field comedy for NBC, and an untitled single-camera comedy about the National Guard for FOX. Wood's first Comedy Central one-hour stand-up special, Roy Wood Jr.: Father Figure, debuted in 2017, the same year he was named the new host of Comedy Central's storytelling series, This is Not Happening. Debuting in 2019, his second Comedy Central special, Roy Wood Jr.: No One Loves You, remains the network's highest-rated original stand-up premiere. In 2021, his third Comedy Central special, Roy Wood Jr.: Imperfect Messenger, aired hyper-recent material just two weeks after taping. Forbes declared he is “One of comedy's best journalists,” Entertainment Weekly has described his thought-provoking comedy as “. . . charismatic crankiness. . .” and Variety Magazine named him “One of 10 Comics to Watch in 2016.” Wood began his comedy career in 1998 at 19 while attending Florida A&M University. In 2006, he debuted on network television on The Late Show with David Letterman. In 2008, he appeared on HBO's historic Def Comedy Jam and was selected by America as one of the top three finalists on Last Comic Standing on NBC. He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyer, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.  He also performed on numerous USO Tours for our Troops stationed everywhere from Guam to Iraq to the Philippines.  At the height of the pandemic, Roy raised money for the displaced staff of comedy clubs through tipyourwaitstaff.com and Laugh Aid. In his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, his philanthropic endeavors include supporting Workshops, Inc., which enriches lives by helping people with disabilities and other employment barriers achieve their vocational potential. The DUBS Baseball Academy is an investment in sports to change lives. STAIR of Birmingham, where tutoring empowers students to read better and dream bigger. Also, I See Me, Inc., where the mission is to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by increasing the literacy rates in children of color by engaging them in literature that reflects their culture and image. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'.       

In the 5 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock Discussed: AP wins reinstatement to White House events after judge rules government can’t bar its journalists Kristen Waggoner on X: "These young women forfeited a game against a male player—one of the first teams in America to do so. They’ve been banned from sports competition in Vermont ever since. Tomorrow, we’re going to court for them. Victoria Coley on X: "

Hour 1 Segment 1 Tony starts the show talking about Joy Behar’s thoughts on President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Tony also talks about the latest update on China’s response on the tariffs. Hour 1 Segment 2 Tony talks about James Carville needing people to be on high alert because President Trump is going to rig the midterm election, and it will bring upon martial law. Hour 1 Segment 3 Tony talks about John Oliver spending more than 42 minutes on his show, Last Week Tonight, arguing that men who transition to live as ladies have little or no discernible physical advantage over women. Tony also talks about the Associated Press being allowed back inside the White House press briefings. Hour 1 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the first hour of the show by talking about Scott Jennings and Abby Phillip going back and forth on illegal immigration. Tony also talks about legal status being revoked for nearly one million migrants who entered the U.S. under the Biden era CBP One app. Hour 2 Segment 1 Tony starts the second hour of the show talking about Pete Hegseth firing Vice Admiral, Shoshana Chatfield, amid widening purge of military officers. Hour 2 Segment 2 Tony talks about Sunny Hostin talking about many blacks and women won’t be able to vote with a voter ID requirement. Tony also talks about Hegseth saying the U.S. and Panama are taking back the canal from Chinese influence. Hour 2 Segment 3 Tony talks about the breaking news of President Donald Trump raising tariffs on China to 125% and issuing a 90-day pause on some tariffs. Hour 2 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the second hour of the show talking more about the breaking news of President Trump raising tariffs on China to 125% and issuing a 90-day pause on some tariffs. Hour 3 Segment 1 Tony starts the final hour of the show talking about the stock market prices skyrocketing after he increased his tariffs up 125% on China and issuing a 90-day pause on some tariffs. Hour 3 Segment 2 Tony talks about the oil prices changing after President Donald Trump’s 125% tariff hike on Chine and the 90-day pause on other tariffs. Later, Tony talks about the overall experience of race day for the Indianapolis 500. Tony also talks about the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announcing he’s running for U.S. Senate against John Cornyn. Hour 3 Segment 3 Tony talks about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly urging people to get the measles vaccine. Hour 3 Segment 4 Tony wraps up another edition of the show talking about House Republicans holding out on President Trump’s budget and tax cut plan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 Segment 1 Tony starts the show talking about Joy Behar’s thoughts on President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Tony also talks about the latest update on China’s response on the tariffs. Hour 1 Segment 2 Tony talks about James Carville needing people to be on high alert because President Trump is going to rig the midterm election, and it will bring upon martial law. Hour 1 Segment 3 Tony talks about John Oliver spending more than 42 minutes on his show, Last Week Tonight, arguing that men who transition to live as ladies have little or no discernible physical advantage over women. Tony also talks about the Associated Press being allowed back inside the White House press briefings. Hour 1 Segment 4 Tony wraps up the first hour of the show by talking about Scott Jennings and Abby Phillip going back and forth on illegal immigration. Tony also talks about legal status being revoked for nearly one million migrants who entered the U.S. under the Biden era CBP One app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony talks about John Oliver spending more than 42 minutes on his show, Last Week Tonight, arguing that men who transition to live as ladies have little or no discernible physical advantage over women. Tony also talks about the Associated Press being allowed back inside the White House press briefings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Stewart is wrong. Again.John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, devoted 42 minutes to explaining that, despite all the evidence, despite what you see right in front of you, despite the fact that two men faced off against each other at the Women's UK Pool Final, there are no men in women's sports.He's wrong. Allow us to explain.Also, Mug Club Undercover sent a journalist to Meta to find out what's really going on with H-1B Visas.GUEST: Josh FirestineLink to today's sources https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/sources-april-8-2025Go to https://www.xlear.com/ and use Promo Code: LWC20 for 20% off Xlear and Spry products & free shipping on orders of $30 or more!DOWNLOAD THE RUMBLE APP TODAY: https://rumble.com/our-appsJoin Rumble Premium to watch this show every day! http://louderwithcrowder.com/PremiumGet your favorite LWC gear: https://crowdershop.com/Bite-Sized Content: https://rumble.com/c/CrowderBitsSubscribe to my podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/louder-with-crowder/FOLLOW ME: Website: https://louderwithcrowder.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/scrowder Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/louderwithcrowder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevencrowderofficialMusic by @Pogo

Mercury retrograde is OVER! So what's going on in all the pizza restaurants in NYC? How I got into Last Week Tonight with John Oliver MOM-Tent Become a Certified Fan! Help support the podcast and get our Thursday show, More Mama's Boy! Listen to my other podcast, “Kramer and Jess Uncensored”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Oliver angered many people Sunday night...with his 40-minute episode on transgender involvement in sports. John Oliver dedicated the entire episode of Last Week Tonight on HBO...attempting to prove that men have no biological advantage over women athletically. We reveal and react to several segments of John Oliver on Last Week Tonight. We discuss the absurdity of the topic...and question why the far-left continues fighting this losing battle. We also provide a simple solution to the issue...and explain why all transgender athletes should compete against men. USE PROMO CODE BTL10 TO SAVE 10% WITH WHOA MOMMA PROTEIN: https://whoamommaprotein.com

Comedian and former schoolteacher Joe Dombrowski joins Adam for a lively conversation filled with personal stories, education insights, and a crash course in gay hygiene essentials. Joe shares how he transitioned from wrangling kindergartners to performing on major stages like Seattle's Moore Theatre, revealing how his “teacher comedian” persona first took off online. They reflect on the wild state of public schools, and the uniquely relatable humor that emerged from it. Joe gives Adam a brutally honest—and hilarious—look into the world of poppers, butt-cleaning protocols, and the realities of keeping things fresh in gay culture. They also bond over blue-collar upbringings, absurd parental advice, and the strange ways public education and comedy intersect.Later in the show, political commentator and author Steve Hilton joins Adam to dissect California's relentless political dysfunction and cultural unraveling. They discuss themes from Hilton's new book CALIFAILURE, exploring how progressive policies and bureaucratic bloat have contributed to the state's decline. The conversation spans everything from housing crises and public safety to media narratives and economic flight. Adam and Steve share a candid, solutions-focused conversation about restoring accountability in government and why California—once a model of prosperity—is now in desperate need of reform.In the news; John Oliver, who's being sued by a health insurance executive claiming that a Medicaid monologue on HBO's Last Week Tonight destroyed his reputation. Adam reflects on the passing of actor Val Kilmer at age 65, and praises his iconic performance of Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors. And finally, Kanye West's gutted Malibu mansion, once a minimalist masterpiece turned concrete shell, is finally changing hands in an all-cash deal. For more with Joe Dombrowski : “My Straight Friends” Monthly show at the Comedy Store's Belly Room Live Shows:APRIL 4 + 5 HARTFORD CT - Hartford Funny Bone Comedy ClubMAY 16-18 TORONTO, ON - The RoyalPODCAST: “The Social Studies Podcast” WEBSITE: https://TheJoeDombrowski.com/INSTAGRAM: @joe_dombrowski TWITTER: @joe_dombrowski_For more with Steve Hilton:“CALIFAILURE: Reversing the Ruin of America's Worst-Run State” - AVAILABLE NOWWEBSITE: www.SteveHiltonShow.com INSTAGRAM + TWITTER: @SteveHiltonxThank you for supporting our sponsors:Adam Live Showsoreillyauto.com/ADAMRuffGreens.com Use promo code “Adam”SIMPLISAFE.COM/ADAMSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You don't have to be perfect to find true love! Join host Marina Franklin as she and funny friend Von Decarlo dives in to finding true love with dating coach Francesca Hogi in our latest episode. Learn how self-love and authenticity lead the way to meaningful connections.  Francesca Hogi is a coach, speaker, and writer. She teaches people how to truly love themselves and find true love. She's the founder of The True Love Society membership community and the host of the podcast Dear Franny.  And her first book, How to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships is available for Preorder by April 7th . Von Decarlo is a New York-bred stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and actress who has appeared in worldwide ad campaigns and national commercials for Disney, GNC, Match, and Carnival Cruise lines. She performed in Montreal for Kevin Hart's LOL Network as well as the Lil' Rel and Friends show at the Just For Laughs comedy festival, and most recently in Australia for the Human Kind Festival. Additional appearances include HBO's Pause with Sam Jay, Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks on Tru TV and HBO Max, CNN's year-end wrap-up special, The Jerry O'Connell Show on FOX, BET, BuzzFeed, The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee's Lip Service, Sirius XM's Urban View and NBA channel, In Godfrey We Trust Podcast, and more. Von Decarlo is the Executive Producer of the documentary Killing Is Easy on Comedy Central as well as the producer of three posthumous comedy albums, Mr. P, Unreleased, and The Lost Files. Her debut comedy album, A Draggable Offense, is available on all major platforms, and can be heard on the She So Funny and Laugh Out Loud radio stations on Sirius XM. Look out for Von Decarlo in the upcoming RomCom, Switch Up, and in the indie film, Salesman, currently on Amazon Prime.   Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'. 

In this episode of Reasonably Happy, comedian and writer Paul Ollinger sits down with former Last Week Tonight writer Jeff Maurer for a razor-sharp, no-holds-barred conversation on comedy, politics, and the state of liberal discourse. Maurer, now the voice behind the acclaimed Substack I Might Be Wrong, unpacks his journey from speechwriter to Emmy-winning TV writer, and why he left Hollywood to pursue independent commentary. They dive deep into the culture wars, media bias, the Biden dilemma, and what today's Democratic Party can learn from the Obama era. With sharp wit and refreshing honesty, Maurer discusses the left's loss of self-awareness, the problem with orthodoxy, and how free speech is under siege from all sides. If you're tired of political echo chambers and crave a blend of humor and intellect, this one's for you. Get Pauls book! https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book Check out Jeffs Substack: https://substack.com/@imightbewrong

Marina Franklin talks with the first African American Rockette, Jennifer Jones and comedian Jenny Saldana. Jennifer Jones  shares her journey from a child to the first African American Rockette. Discover her inspiring story in 'Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience.'" #RockettesAnniversary #DreamBig Meet Jennifer Jones, who has her new memoir: Becoming Spectacular :The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette. Jennifer Jones is the pioneering first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette! With her exceptional skills and infectious passion for dance, Jennifer has not only mesmerized audiences but also played a pivotal role in reshaping the performing arts landscape. Through grace and artistry, she has shattered barriers and championed diversity in what was once a monolithic industry. Jennifer made her groundbreaking debut as a Rockette during Super Bowl XXII's halftime show, showcasing unparalleled talent, precision, and poise that left spectators in awe. Her stellar performance on such a prestigious platform ignited inspiration and underscored the vital importance of authentic representation in entertainment. Throughout her illustrious career, Jennifer's captivating stage presence has won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to her craft, combined with her natural talent, has garnered immense admiration from fans and colleagues alike. By boldly defying stereotypes, Jennifer serves as a guiding light for aspiring dancers, encouraging them to chase their dreams with determination and tenacity. In addition to her remarkable achievements in dance, Jennifer is a dedicated advocate for colorectal cancer awareness. As a survivor herself, she passionately raises awareness about this critical health issue, striving to ensure that discussions around cancer are inclusive and accessible to all. In essence, Jennifer Jones' journey as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette is a testament to her talent, grit, and unwavering commitment to change. Her memorable Super Bowl performance has etched her name in dance history, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their talents fearlessly. Jennifer's legacy transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance while serving as a beacon of progress, unity, and hope. Jenny Saldana is a writer, actress, and stand-up comedian and a Breast Cancer Rock STAR and all around hotness. She wrote, produced and starred in Happy Cancer Chick, a web series inspired by her own battle with breast cancer. She appeared in HBO's High Maintenance. Her video series, The Little Brown Girl Show can be found on Youtube and Facebook Live. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'.   

This week on the Fan Le Batard Show Nasty Nate creates a 16 team bracket based on popular Le Batard Show theme/occurances/bits/characters/ things? and break it all down to select a winner. Then Nasty Nate talks about Greg's Faux pas, Don't Look Now's potential to become the next I've Gotta Tell Ya, Last Week Tonight's segment on Sports Betting, and the March Sadness Tournament.

Join Jordan, Commish, Pitt Girl, and Beth, along with VP of Podcast Production, Arthur. We talk Skyline Irish Chili, Katie's famous Pop Tart photo winding up on Last Week Tonight, Commish breaks everyone's brain thanks to Decisive Koala, Beth opines on the worst week for West Virginia in a long time, we feel for South Alabama MBB, Syracuse vs Colorado spring game?, the insane Barkley Marathons have begun, there are Pikachu's on the field and Commish spoils the movie Detective Pikachu (between 1:15 and 1:20 or so), we preview the NCAA WBB tourney and much much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this Friends Like Us for Women's Month: Marina Franklin talks with Calise Hawkins and Mia Jackson, breaking down the impact of boycotts, the necessity of taking breaks, and sharing laughs with incredible women.  Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that's Georgian for “native”). In 2017, she was selected as a New Face by the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and Atlanta's Creative Loafing named her the Critic's Choice Best Stand-Up in the city. She has toured nationally with Amy Schumer and is a featured comic at festivals and clubs across the country. Her first stand up special aired in October 2018 as part of Unprotected Sets on EPIX. Mia has appeared on NickMom's Night Out, Viceland, Comedy Central's This Week at the Comedy Cellar and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Her Comedy Central half hour special debuted in November 2019. Calise Hawkins is a stand-up comedian and writer. She has performed her standup on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon , Nick Mom's Night Out and she was a cast member of Oxygen's Funny Girls. She has written for Comedy Central's @midnight , Hood Adjacent with James Davis, HBO's That Damn Michael Che, and Hulu's Everything's Trash.  Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'. 

Is The Boys" the best show of the 2010s?

Joining Thursday Buzz hosts Tony Castañeda and Eli Wilz is Emmy and Peabody-winning speechwriter and comedy writer Jeffrey Maurer, whose career includes, interestingly, long stints at both the EPA and John Oliver's HBO show Last Week Tonight. The post Smart, Funny Guy Admits He Might Be Wrong appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Join Marina Franklin, Dr. Brittany Friedman, and Akeem Woods in an eye-opening discussion on Dr. Friedman's new book: "Carceral Apartheid. How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons." Learn about the systemic issues within America's prisons and how history repeats itself without intervention. Dr. Brittany Friedman is recognized as an innovative thinker on how people and institutions hide harmful truths. Her current work examines this in the realm of social control, and the underside of government such as prisons, courts, and treasuries. New ongoing work is examining this within interpersonal relations. She is the author of CARCERAL APARTHEID: HOW LIES AND WHITE SUPREMACISTS RUN OUR PRISONS. Friedman has written for outlets such as TIME, The Washington Post, and The Conversation, and is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Southern California, co-founder of the Captive Money Lab, and an Affiliated Scholar of the American Bar Foundation. Akeem Woods is the funny little brother you always (never) wanted — his comedy style will have you on the edge of your seat reeling from laughter! No topic is safe from discussion, whether it be the KKK or the hardships of growing up poor. Akeem is a regular at the Comedy Cellar in NYC, was a semi-finalist on Stand Up NBC, has been seen on Kevin Hart's LOL Network, and just recently made his television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden! Currently, you can find Akeem working on a new show for BET and at clubs and colleges all over the country. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'. 

Ever wondered why John Oliver's political satire is so sharp? It might be his unwavering love for Liverpool Football Club! dive deep into Oliver's lifelong devotion to the Reds, from his working-class roots in the UK to his scathing takedown of the European Super League on Last Week Tonight. Discover how Jürgen Klopp's leadership, Mohamed Salah's brilliance, and Liverpool's iconic status shape Oliver's worldview and occasionally sneak into his HBO show.John Oliver Liverpool, Last Week Tonight, Jürgen Klopp, European Super League, Premier League

Here are the 4 KEEN ON AMERICA take-aways in our conversation about the dysfunctional American immigration system with Felipe Torres Medina1) Background & Immigration Journey* Felipe Torres Medina is a comic writer for "The Stephen Colbert Show" and author of the new book America Let Me In about the US immigration system* Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Medina moved to the US at 21 on a student visa to pursue a master's in screenwriting at Boston University* Medina received an "alien of extraordinary ability" visa (talent visa for artists) after graduation, and eventually got a green card after marrying2) On the US Immigration System* Medina describes the immigration process as expensive (costing "tens of thousands of dollars" in legal fees) and filled with bureaucratic challenges* He emphasizes that legal immigration requires "tremendous privilege and money" that most people don't have* The book takes an interactive "choose your own path" format to highlight the maze-like nature of the immigration system* He points out that there hasn't been comprehensive immigration reform since the Clinton administration (nearly 30 years ago)3) Comedy as Commentary* Medina uses humor to process his experiences and create community around shared frustrations* He was inspired by writers like Julio Cortazar, George Saunders, Tina Fey, and Carrie Fisher* The book aims to educate Americans who "have so many opinions about immigration" but "don't know what it entails"* He mentions that making the book interactive and game-like adds "levity" to a tense topic4) How to Fix the System* While critical of Trump's immigration policies, Medina says the book isn't specifically about Trump but about a "flawed and messy" system created by multiple administrations* He suggests moving US Citizenship and Immigration Services out of the Department of Homeland Security to change the narrative that immigration is a security threat* His proposed reforms include creating better pathways for educated immigrants and hiring more USCIS staff to reduce backlogs FULL TRANSCRIPT* Andrew Keen: Hello everybody. It is Sunday, March the 9th, 2025. Interesting piece in the times. A couple of days ago, The New York Times, that is about the so-called British flame thrower who is a comic best suited to taking on Trump. They're talking about a man called Kumar. Nish Kumar looks very funny, and apparently he's very angry too. I have to admit, I haven't seen him. It's an interesting subject. It suggests that at the moment, even in spite of Trump and outraging many Americans, the state of American humor could be amped up a bit. My guest today is a writer on The Stephen Colbert Show and a comic, or certainly a comic writer in his own right, Philippe Torres Medina. He has a new book out on Tuesday. It's called America Let Me In, and I'm thrilled that he's joining us from Harlem in Manhattan today. Congratulations, Phillip, on the new job. What do you the new book? I was going to say job. That's a Freudian error here. What do you make of the Times's observation that American humor isn't in its best state when it comes to Trump?Felipe Torres Medina: Oh, wow. That's that's an interesting question. First of all, I love Nish Kumar. I think he's a wonderful, wonderful comedian. He's very funny. He has a level of wit and his observations are just wonderful. I hadn't seen this article, but I really appreciate that the times recognized him because he's been working very hard for a lot of years. I think more than American humor not being fit for the moment. I think at least personally for me, a little bit of addressing Trump again began. And addressing Trump in general is, you know, jokes have to be new. And after basically ten years of Donald Trump every day, all the time, it's certainly hard to continue to find new angles. Now, the dysfunction of the administration and perhaps sometimes the cruelty and whatever they're doing does provide you with material. But I think it can cause you as a writer to be like, oh God, here we go again. More Trump stuff. You know, because that's what we're talking about.Andrew Keen: Do you see your book, Philippe, as a Trump book? America? Let me in. It's about immigration. I mean, obviously touches on in many ways on Trump and certainly his hostility to immigration and immigrants. But is it a Trump book, or is it a broader kind of critique or observation about contemporary America?Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah, I never set out to write a book about Trump or a Trump book. My goal is to write a book about the immigration system, because I went through it, and as a comedian, I encountered in it many contradictions and absurdities that just kind of became fodder to me for comedy. So I try to write this book about the system, but the system was caused by many administrations in many parties, you know, now, the current hostility or the current everythingness of immigration, you know, immigration being kind of in the forefront of the national discourse certainly has been aided by Republican policy in the past ten years and by Donald Trump's rhetoric. But that doesn't mean that this is a book about Trump or as a response to Trump. It's actually a book responding to a system that is flawed and messy, but it's the one we have.Andrew Keen: Yeah. You described the book as a love letter to immigrants, but it's not a love letter to the system. Tell me your story. As you say. You went through it so you have firsthand experience. Where were you born?Felipe Torres Medina: So I was born in Colombia. I was born in Bogota, Colombia, which is the capital of Colombia. I lived there most of my life. I moved to United States when I was 21 on a student visa, because I came here to do my masters. I did my master's in screenwriting at Boston University. And after that, you know, I started working here as a comedian, but also as a writer. And I was able to get an alien of extraordinary ability visa, which is a very pretentiously named visa, kind of makes you sound like you're in the X-Men, but it it's just what they call talent visas for artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, educators, whatever. And so I got one of those and then several renewals of those. And then, you know, thanks to my work as a writer, as a comedian, initially as a copywriter in advertising, I was able to I bought I met the love of my life, got married, and then I have a green card and that's why I'm here.Andrew Keen: Yeah. As and quoting here, it sounds rather funny. An alien of extraordinary ability. Do you think your experience is typical? I mean, the even the fact that you came for grad school to to Boston puts you in a, in a kind of intellectual or professional elite. So is your experience in any way typical, do you think?Felipe Torres Medina: I wouldn't say typical. I would say my experience is the experience of many people who come here. And I think it's the experience of the people who are, quote unquote, the immigrants we want. Right. And, you know, if we're going to dive into the rhetoric of the of immigration these days, I came the right way and did everything, quote unquote, the right way. You know, but what this book and also this journey that I took to immigrate here proves is that it's it's only possible with tremendous amount of privilege and tremendous, tremendous amount of money. You know, it's a very expensive process for the majority of people.Andrew Keen: How much did it cost you?Felipe Torres Medina: Oh, I think in total since I started. I mean, when you count the fact that for most, like master's programs, you don't get any sort of financial aid unless you get, like a scholarship from your own country or a sort of like Fulbright or something like that. There's already the cost of a full master's program.Andrew Keen: But then you weren't coming. I mean, you didn't pay for your master's program in order to get immigration papers, you know.Felipe Torres Medina: Of course, that, but I, I had to pay for my master's program to be able to study here. You know, I didn't have I didn't have my any sort of aid. But, you know, discounting that in terms of immigration paperwork, I've spent tens of thousands of dollars because you have to hire immigration lawyers to make sure that everything's fine. And those are quite expensive.Andrew Keen: Was it worth it?Felipe Torres Medina: Well, yeah. You know, I met the love of my life. I live a.Andrew Keen: Very. I mean, there are lots of loves of. You could have met someone else, and that's true. Or you might have even you might have even met her or him at an airport somewhere else while they were on vacation.Felipe Torres Medina: That's that's possible. But yeah, I mean, I live a I live a good life. I do what I wanted to do, you know, I, I took got my master's because I wanted to write comedy professionally and I get to do that. And I do think when I set out to do this, I was like, well, the place with the best film and television industry in the world is and was then and still is the United States. So I was like, well, I have to go there, you know, and I was able to become a part of this industry and to work in this art form.Andrew Keen: You didn't get any job. You You got the combat job? Yes. I believe you drew the the short straw, right? I bet nobody else was right. Just Stephen Colbert.Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah, I'm very lucky. And but again, it's a mix of luck and hard work and all those things. So yeah, I don't I don't regret moving.Andrew Keen: So some people might be watching this maybe some some MAGA people. I'm not sure if MAGA people really watch this, but if they were they might be thinking, well, Philippe Torres Medina, he's a good example. He's the type of person we want. He jumped through many hoops. He's really smart. He's really successful. He brings value to this country. Is now a full time writer on the Colbert's show he came from it came from Latin America. And he's exactly the kind of person we want. And we want a system that's hard, because only guys like him have the intellectual and financial resources to actually get through it. Well, how would you respond to them?Felipe Torres Medina: I would say that I appreciate the compliment, but I wouldn't necessarily say that that's the best way to move forward on immigration now. I will say this book is a humorous take on the whole immigration journey. And so what? Like I tell different stories of different people coming here made up or inspired by real life. And one of the paths that you can take in this book, because this is kind of an interactive choose your own path book, is mine. But I think what this book tries to prove is that even if you do everything right, even if you, you know, have the money, sometimes it's very, very hard. And that, I think, does put us at a disadvantage when it comes to having a workforce that could be productive for the country, especially as birthrates are declining. You know, we are headed toward a but, you know, people have described as a barrel economy. If we don't simply up the population and the people who are upping the population and actually having children are immigrants.Andrew Keen: One other piece of news today, there's obviously a huge amount of news on the immigration front is apparently there's a freeze on funding to help green card holders. You've been through the process. You write about it in the new book. But how much more difficult is it now?Felipe Torres Medina: You mean under the current administration? Yeah. I wouldn't know. I you know, I think that.Andrew Keen: This idea of even freezing green card. Yeah. That holidays, even if you have a green card, you get frozen.Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah, exactly. And I think that that, you know, I think that that's what Trump did in his first term, more or less with legal immigration, was to create roadblocks and freezes and these kinds of things to kind of just like stymie the process and make it slower, make it harder, even for people who, again, are doing everything right to be able to remain in the country.Andrew Keen: And I'm guessing also some of the DOJ's stuff about laying off immigration judges and court stuff, they're taking office to leave. Apparently 100 immigration court staff are retiring. This adds to it as well.Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. I mean, Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS is a very particular part of the government because it is one of the few parts of the federal government that funds itself. Again, going back to cost the fees that they make are so big, they make so much money that if there's a government shut down, actually, USCIS does not shut down. It's one of the few parts of the government that didn't need to shut down, because they make so much money out of the immigrants trying to come here. So it's a really, really strange part of the government. It kind of doesn't know where it belongs. So seeing like the the DOJ's cuts that arrive into the and that may be implemented into USCIS. Kind I'm not familiar with any Dodge cuts recently on USCIS, but I suspect that they would be strange because it's a it's a very strange division of the federal government. It's not like the Department of Education or the like the Forestry Service. It's it's it's own kind of like little fiefdom.Andrew Keen: Are you wrote an interesting thing or you were featured recently on Lit Hub, where this show actually used to get distributed about how to write a funny book about American immigration. Of course, it's it's a good question. I mean, it's such a frustrating bureaucratic mess at the best of times. I do write anything funny, Philippe, about it.Felipe Torres Medina: Well, I think the, the to me, the, the finding a format to be able to explore this, this chaotic system. It's so, so complicated. It's like a maze. So to me, having this kind of interactive format allowed me to have some freedom to be like, okay, well, you know, one of the things that they taught me in my comedy education, when I was training at a theater here in New York, the Upright Citizens Brigade is the premise of if this is true, then what else is true? You know, so if this absurd thing is reality, then what? How can you heighten that reality? And for me, you know, the immigration system is so absurd. It's it's so Byzantine and chaotic that I was like, okay, well, I can heighten this to an extra level. And so when I keyed in on, on this format of like allowing the person who's reading it to be the many characters to inhabit the, the immigrants and also to be playing with the book, you know, going out and going to one page, making their own choices. It allowed me to change the tone immediately of the conversation because you say immigration and everyone's like, oh, you know, it gets tense. But if you're saying like, no, no, this is a game, you know, we're playing this game. It's about immigration, but it's a game. All of a sudden there's a levity to it, and then you take the real absurdities and the real chaos of the system and just heighten it, which is basically what you do with comedy at all times.Andrew Keen: Who are the the fathers or perhaps the mothers of this kind of comedy? The person who comes to my mind is is Kafka, who found his own writing very funny. Not, and I'm not sure everyone necessarily agrees. He, of course, wrote extensively about central mid European bureaucracy and its darkness and absurdity. Who's inspired you both as a comic writer and particularly in terms of this book?Felipe Torres Medina: Well, actually, Kafka also has a great book called America.Andrew Keen: Yeah. Which is a wonderful first paragraph about seeing this. Seeing the Statue of Liberty.Felipe Torres Medina: Yes. Which is also kind of about this. But I would say my inspirations comedically are, you know, I don't think I would have written this book without, like, the work of Tina Fey. I think Bossy Pants was a book where I was like, oh, you can be funny in writing. And Carrie Fisher is a big Star Wars nerd, you know, to like great, funny writer writers who are just, like, writing funny things about their lives. But I think the playfulness of it all, actually, I was inspired by this Argentine writer, Julio Cortazar, who wrote a novel that in English just translated as hopscotch. And this novel is a huge, like, structural disrupter, you know, in the like, what we call the Latin American boom of writing in the 60s, 70s and 80s. And he wrote this novel that is like a game of hopscotch. You're jumping from chapter two chapter. He's directing you back and forth. So I read a lot of that. And I, you know, I read that in my youth, and then I read it. I reread it as I was older. And then there are writers like George Saunders, who can be very funny while talking about very sad or very poignant things. And so that was also a big inspiration to me. But, you know, I am a late night writer, so I was interested in actually making it like, ha ha, funny. Not just, you know, sensible chuckle funny, you know, kind of like a very, like, intellectual kind of funny. So I was also inspired by, you know, my job and like Colbert's original character in Colbert's book, America, I am American. So can you the writing of The Onion and, you know, the book, The Daily Show Book America, which is just kind of like an explanation of what the federal government is and what the country is written in the tone of the correspondents or the the writers for The Daily Show back in the original Jon Stewart iteration. So those books kind of like informed me and made me like, realize, oh, I can you can make like a humorous guy that's jokey and funny, but also is actually saying something isn't just like or teaching you something. Because the biggest reason I started writing this book is that Americans don't know their own immigration system, and they have so many opinions about immigration, particularly now, but no one knows what what it entails. You know? And I don't just mean like conservatives, you know, I don't just mean like, oh, MAGA people. Like, I was living in New York in the Obama years or like the late Obama years, and none of my liberal Brooklyn, you know, IPA and iced matcha drinking friends had any idea what I was going through, you know, when I was trying to get my visas.Andrew Keen: The liberals drink IPA. I didn't know that I drink IPA, I mean, I have to change my. Yeah. It's interesting you bring up in the first part of that response, the, the the Argentine novelist. There's something so surreal now about America. An interesting piece in the times about not being able to pin Trump down because he says one thing one day, the next thing the next day, and everyone accepts that these are contradictions. Now, the times describes these contradictions as this ultimate cover. I'm not quite sure why they're a cover. If you say one thing one day, in the next something the opposite the next day. But is there a Latin American quality to this? I mean, there's a whole tradition of Latin American writing observing the, the cruel absurdities of of dictators and wannabe dictators.Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah. I mean, it's it's part of our literary tradition. You know, the dictator novel you have. But again, just as the feast of the goat, and you have Garcia marquez, my my compatriot, you know, like that.Andrew Keen: Was one of my favorite magnificent writing.Felipe Torres Medina: It's it's possibly, I hesitate to say, my favorite writer because it creates ranking, but.Andrew Keen: Well amongst your.Felipe Torres Medina: Favorite, among my favorite writers, 100 Years of Solitude. Obviously that is possibly my favorite novel, but he has also, I believe it's the Autumn of the Patriarch, which is his novel about. Exactly. Yeah. I mean, there is a there is. I wouldn't say it's a South American or Latin American quality to it. I think it's just once you encounter it, it is so absurd that art does have to come out and talk about it, you know, and, you know, you see the in a book like the Autumn of the Patriarch. That is a character full of contradictions. That is a character who, in chapter one, hates a particular figure because they he they think that they're against him and then is becomes friends with them and then hires him to be his personal bodyguard. You know, that is what dictators are, and that is what authoritarians do. It is the cult of the person. It is the whims of the person, and the opinion of the person are the be all and the end all to the point where the nation is. It is at the whims of, of of a a person, of those of those persons contradictions. So I wouldn't say it's necessarily a Latin American nature to this, but I think Latin America, because we experience dictatorship in many times supported or boosted by the United States. Latin Americans were able to find a way to turn this into art. And quite good art is what I would say.Andrew Keen: Yeah, and of course, it's the artists who are best able to respond to this. As you know, it's not just a Latin American thing. The Central Europeans, the Czechs in particular. Yes.Felipe Torres Medina: Milan Kundera.Andrew Keen: Yeah. Written a series of wonderful books about this. But the only way to respond to someone like Trump, for example, who says one thing one day, the next thing the next day when he talks about tariffs, he says, well, I'm going to have 25%. And the next day, oh, I've decided I'm not going to have 25%. Then the following day he's going to change his mind again. The policy people, I'm not very helpful here. We need artists, satirists of one kind or another humorist like yourself to actually respond to this, don't we?Felipe Torres Medina: I think so. I think that that that is what. Helps you? I mean, it's the emperor has no clothes, right? That's how you talk. And it's about all kinds of government, obviously. Autocracy or dictatorship is one thing, but at all in all systems of government, these are powerful people who think they have they know better and who think that they are invincible. And you know what? What satire or humor and art does is just point out and say like, wait, that's weird. That thing they just did is weird. And being able to point that out is, is a talent. But also that's why people respond to it so well. People say like, yeah, that is weird. I also notice that. And so you create community, you create partnership in there. And so all of a sudden you're punching up, which is something you want to do in comedy. You want to make fun of the people who have more power, and you're all punching up and laughing at the same thing, and you're all kind of reminding each other. You're not crazy. This is weird.Andrew Keen: Yeah. I mean, the thing that worries me. I was on Kolber on the Colbert Show a few years ago in the original show. I mean, it's brilliant comic, very funny. But him and Jon Stewart and the others, they've been going so long, and they. I'm not saying they haven't changed their shtick. I mean, writers like you produce very high quality work for them, but it's one of the problems that these guys have been going for a while and America has changed, but perhaps they haven't.Felipe Torres Medina: I mean, it's an interesting thing to bring up, particularly with with Stephen, because his show was completely different. Ten years ago, it was a completely different show. He was doing a character. Yeah, right. And now he's doing a more traditional late night show. I think I think the format of late night is a very interesting beast that somehow has become A political genre. You know, it didn't used to be with Letterman. Didn't you see with Conan O'Brien, Jay Leno? You know, they would dabble in politics. They would talk about politics because it's what people are talking about. But now it's become kind of like this world. It all has to be satire. And there's some there's some great work. And I do think people keep innovating and making, like, new things, even though the shows are about ten years old. You know, you have Last Week Tonight, which my wife writes for, but it's a show that does more like deep dive investigations and stuff like that. So it's more like end of the week, 60 minutes, but with jokes kind of format. But I do think, yeah, maybe like the shows, can the shows in the genre in general, like there's genre I could do with some change and some mixing it up and.Andrew Keen: Well, maybe your friend Kumar could.Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah. Well, what? Let us get.Andrew Keen: A slot to his own late night show. And I wonder also, when it comes to I don't want to obsess over Trump or that course it's hard not to these days, but because he himself is a media star who most people know through his reality television appearance and he still behaves like a reality television star. Does that add another dimension of challenges to the satirical writers like yourself, and comics like or satirical comics like Colbert and Jon Stewart?Felipe Torres Medina: I think it's just a layer of how to interpret him as a person. At least for me, it's like, okay, well, you have to remember that he is a show man, and that's what he's doing.Andrew Keen: Yeah. So they're coming back to your your metaphor of the air and power and not having any clothes on. He kind of, in his own nodding wink way, acknowledges that he's not pretending to wear any clothes.Felipe Torres Medina: Yeah, and, well, sometimes he is and sometimes he isn't. And that is. That's the challenge. And that's why writing jokes about him every day is hard. But, you know, we we.Andrew Keen: And the more I know I watched Saturday Night Live last week that Zelensky thing and it was brilliant. Zelensky and Musk and Trump. But I'm very doubtful it actually impacts in any way on anything. Well, and I.Felipe Torres Medina: Think that that's also a misconception people have about comedy. You know, comedy is there to be funny. You know, comedy isn't there to change your mind if it does that, great. But the number one impetus for For Comedy should be to make you laugh. And so the idea that, like, a sketch show is going to change the nation. I don't know. Those are things that I think are applied on to comedy. They're kind of glob down to comedy. I don't necessarily think that that's what it the, the people making the comedy set out to do so. I think if if it made you laugh and if it works. The comedy has done its job. Comedy, unfortunately, can't change the world, you know. Otherwise, you know, I'm sure there would have been a very. There are many good Romanian comedians who could have done something about it has.Andrew Keen: You know, time to time. I mean, Hava became Czech president for a while. You, you, you know, that you sometimes see laugh, laughter and comedy as a kind of therapy when it comes to some of the stuff you do with Kovat. Are you in in America? Let me in. Are you presenting the experience, the heartbreaking experience? So certainly an enormously frustrating experience of the American immigration system as a kind of therapy, both for people who are experiencing it And outsiders, Americans in general.Felipe Torres Medina: And for myself, I think.Andrew Keen: And of course, yes. So self therapy, so to speak.Felipe Torres Medina: I think so, I mean, it is for me a way to like comedy is a way to process things for me. It comes naturally to me, and it is inopportune at times when dealing with things like grief and things like that. But I mean event, anyone who's gone through grief, I think, can tell you there's one moment when things are going really bad and one of the people grieving with you makes one joke and you all laugh and you're like, this. This somehow fixed for one second. It was great. And then we're back to sadness. So I think comedy, you know, as much as again, I go back to what I said a second ago, it's about making you laugh and that making you laugh can create that partnership, can create that empathy and that that that community therapy, I guess, of people saying like, oh wait, yeah, this is weird, this is strange. And I feel better that someone else recognized it, that someone else saw this.Andrew Keen: It certainly makes you saying, hey, you wrote an interesting piece for The New Yorker this week. In times like these, where you, you write perhaps satirically about what you call good Americans. Is the book written for good or bad Americans or all Americans or no Americans? Who do you want to read this book?Felipe Torres Medina: Oh my God. I want everyone to read it and everyone to buy a copy so that I've got a lot of money. All right. No, I think it's written for most Americans and and immigrants as well. People living here. But I do think, yeah, it's written for everyone. I don't think I wrote it with particular like, kind of group in mind. I think to me, Obviously with my background and my political affiliations, I think liberals will enjoy the book. But I also think, you know, people who are conservative, people who are MAGA, people who don't necessarily agree on my vision of immigration, can learn a lot from the book. And I purposely wrote it so that these people wouldn't necessarily be alienated or dismissed in any way. You know, it's a huge topic, and I think it was more of a like, I know you have an opinion. I'm just showing you some evidence. Make with it what you will, but I'm just showing you some evidence that it might not be as you believe it is, both for liberals and conservatives. You know, wherever you are on the spectrum, liberals think it's super easy. Conservatives that think it's super easy but in a bad way to move here. And I'm here kind of saying like, hey, it's actually this super complicated thing that maybe we should talk about and we should try to reform in some way.Andrew Keen: Yeah. And I think even when it comes to immigration, often people are talking about different things. Conservatives tend to be talking about quote unquote, illegal immigration and progressives talking about something else, too. You deal with people who try to get into America illegally, or is that for you, just a subject that you're not touching in this book?Felipe Torres Medina: I address it very lightly toward the final pages of the book. I first of all, I can, like, claim ownership on all immigrant narratives. And I wrote this about the legal immigration system because it's what I've navigated. Again, I am not an immigration lawyer. I am not an activist. I'm a comedy writer who happened to go through the immigration like system, so I but I did feel like, you know, okay, well, let's talk for a second. You've seen how hard it is because I've shown you all this evidence in the first couple stories in the book. And again, I say in the last pages because because of the interactive nature of the book, this could there is potentially a way for you for this to be the first, one of the first things you read in the book, but to where the last pages of the book, I say, okay, let's talk about you. We've seen how hard it is. Let's talk about the people who do so much to try and come here and who go even harder because they do it in the like, in the unauthorized way, you know, or the people who come here seeking asylum, which is a legal way to come to the United States, but is very difficult. So I do present that, but I do think it is not necessarily the subject of a comedy book, As I said earlier, when you're dealing with comedy, you want to be punching up. You want to be making fun of people in authority figures or in a sort of status position that is above the general population or the the voice of the comic. And with with undocumented immigrants and people trying to come here in irregular ways. It's it's very hard to find the humor there because these people are already suffering very much. And so to me, the line is threading the line of comedy there. It can very quickly turn into bullying or making fun of those people. And I don't want to do that because a lot of people are already doing that, and a lot of people who are already doing that work on this in this administration. So I don't I don't really want to mess with that.Andrew Keen: Philip, I'm not sure if you've got a a Spanish translation of the book. I'm sure there will be one eventually.Felipe Torres Medina: Hopefully.Andrew Keen: If people start reading this in Colombia, where you're from, Bolivia or Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, they think themselves, this is so hard to get in, even legally. Even if you have money to pay for lawyers, they might think, well, f**k it, I'll just try and get over the border illegally. And do you think in a way, I mean, it's obviously designed as a humor book, but in a way this would encourage any sane person to actually give up. I mean, go try and try and go somewhere else or just stay where you are.Felipe Torres Medina: I think, I think the book has a tone of I'm I'm a pretty optimistic person. So I think the book does have a tone of optimism and love for America. I do love the United States, where I, while presenting it as a difficult thing, I am also saying, like it? It's pretty good. You're going to have a good time if you make it here. So I don't think it will be a deterrent. Whether it's some sort of Trojan horse to create more people, to try and go through the border. I don't know, it'd be pretty funny if a funny book tended ended up doing that, but.Andrew Keen: It'd be great if we just got hold of the book and blamed you for for for all the illegal immigrants. But in all seriousness, it was been a lot of pieces recently about, according to the New York Times, people going silent for fear of retribution. As a comic writer and someone clearly on the left, the progressive in American politics. Do you think that there is a new culture of fear by some of your friends and colleagues in the comedy business? Are they fearing retribution? Trump, of all people, doesn't like to be laughed that some people say that he he only wanted to be president after Obama so brilliantly and comically destroyed him a few years ago.Felipe Torres Medina: I think in comedy, you know, I think people are tired of talking of Trump because, again, as I said, ten years of writing about him. I don't think anyone is necessarily afraid of talking about him or making fun of him. I think that is or his administration. I think that is proven like this past week with explosion of memes, making fun of J.D. Vance, his face, you know, to the point where J.D. Vance has tried to hop on the meme and be like, ha ha! Yes, I enjoy this very much too. Good job members. So like, obviously, first of all, he doesn't like it, but I think everyone is. And I think this is something that America does so well. Americans like to make fun of politicians, period. And even though I think in certain spaces of, you know, politics and activism, there might be fear of retribution that is much more marked. I think the let's make fun of of the Emperor for having no clothes that make fun of them is an instinct that that it's not going away and it won't go away any, anytime soon.Andrew Keen: Philip, finally, you've written a funny book about immigration. But of course, behind all the humor is a seriousness. Lots of jokes. It's a very entertaining, amusing, creative book. But it also, I think, suggests reform. You've given a great deal of thought. You've experienced it yourself. How can America improve its immigration story so that we don't have in the future more satirical books like America Like Me and what are the the reforms, realistically, that can be made that even conservatives might buy into?Felipe Torres Medina: Well, I think one of the biggest things is, if you look at it historically, there hasn't been comprehensive immigration reform since Clinton. Which is ridiculous. You know, we're nearing on 30 years there, and we're. We're basically 30 years since. And, you know, I'm 33, so it's a whole lifetime for a lot of people with no changes to a system, no comprehensive changes to a system. And that just means that, like it is going to become outdated. So obviously it's very hard right now with the tenor, but what we really need is for people to sit down and talk about it as a normal issue. And this is not an invasion. This is not a national emergency. It is simply an issue, an economic issue. And I think one of the biggest things, and one of my personal suggestions is that. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service has always been, as I said, this kind of strange ancillary part of the government. It started as part of the Department of Labor, eventually joining the Department of Justice. Then it goes back to labor. It kind of always bounces around. They don't know where it fits. And in after 911, it became part of the Department of Homeland Security. And I think that creates a an aura around immigration as something that is threatening to homeland security. You know, which is not true.Andrew Keen: Yeah. I see what you're saying. It's become the the sex when it comes to, in the context of Victorian something that we don't talk about, and we use metaphors and similes to, to, to describe. And I take your point on that. But what about some and I take your point on the fact that the system hasn't been reformed since Clinton. But let's end with a couple of final, just Doable reforms, Philippe, that can actually make the experience better. That will improve that. That might be cheaper that the the Doge people might buy into that both left and right will accept and say, oh, that's fair enough. This is one way we can make immigrating to America a better experience.Felipe Torres Medina: I think, rewarding if we're talking about this idea of like, we want the best immigrants, educated people. I think actually rewarding that because the current system does not do that for most people trying to get a work visa. They're subjected to a lottery where the chances are something like 1 in 16 of getting a work visa to be here, and that is really bad for companies in general. It's something that the big tech firms have been lobbying against for years, and because there's no consensus in Congress to actually do something. We have been able to address that. So I think actually rewarding the kind of like higher education, high achievement immigrants. In a way that isn't just like if you have $5 million, you can buy a gold car. Yeah, and.Andrew Keen: That's what Trump promised.Felipe Torres Medina: Right? Actually rewarding it in a way that's like, okay, well, if you have a college degree, maybe you don't just get a one year permit to work here, you know, maybe you can. There is a path for you to if you made your education here, if you start your professional life here, if you are contributing because all these immigrants are paying taxes or contributing, maybe there's a path that isn't as full of trapdoors and pitfalls. I would say that that that's one of the biggest things. And honestly, higher up, like I, I do think maybe this is my progressive side of me, but it's like get more people working in USCIS so that these waits aren't taking forever and getting more immigration judges, you know, hire people who are going to make this system efficient, because that is, I think, unfortunately, what Dodge thinks that the, you know, we're going to slim it down so it doesn't cost that much. Yeah. But if you slam it down, you don't have enough people. And there's a lot of people are still trying to come here and they're still trying to do things. And if you don't have enough people like working those cases, all you're creating is backlogs.Andrew Keen: Yeah. I'm guessing when those transforms the American immigration system through AI, you'll have another opportunity for you to write a book. Yeah. I mean, I let me in an important book, a very funny book, but also a very serious book by one of America's leading young comic writers full time, writing for Stephen Colbert, Philippe Torres Medina. Philippe, congratulations on the book. It's out next week. I think it will become a bestseller. Important book. Very funny too, and we can say the same about you. Thank you so much.Felipe Torres Medina: Thank you so much for having me.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

From laughter to resilience: Joanna Briley and Nonye Brown-West join host Marina Franklin to highlight the Black Women In Comedy Laugh Fest's mission of community building. Joanna Briley. Brooklyn born, Connecticut raised. Hilarity ensued. Joanna's worked for the MTA 34 years and it's made her one of the friendliest Token Booth Clerks. With her love of stand up comedy and outrageous subway stories, Ms. Briley has written and will perform “Swipe This: My Life in Transit!” at this year's NYC Fringe Fest April 5, 9, 11, 16 at the Chain Theatre. Joanna is also the proud creator of the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest which was created in 2018 and will have her 6th festival this February 26 - March 2 2025 in various venues throughout NYC. Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.  

Welcome to TV Break, where Pop Break's Podcasts Editor Alex Marcus is joined by editor-in-chief Bill Bodkin, and TV Columnist Josh Sarnecky to talk about the happenings in television.Here's the format of the show:The Best Thing I Saw on TV Last Month – Alex, Bill, & Josh talk about a show/episode/event they liked from the last month including Max's The Pitt, HBO's White Lotus, Disney Plus's Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and AppleTV Plus's Severance, Prime Video's Invincible, and AEW Collision & Dynomite. Newsbreak – This month, they discuss a recent interview between Deadline's Mike Flemming and Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy, regarding her potential retirement and the future of Star Wars in the movies and on television.Streaming Wars – Alex, Bill, & Josh pick a streamer they think “won the month” based on new shows airing/upcoming shows announced etc. Bill went with Disney Plus, thanks to the hype around Andor and Daredevil, the positive response to Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and sister streamer Hulu's live Oscar stream. Meanwhile, Josh hands it to Amazon's Prime Video thanks to its successful run of shows from Invincible to Reacher to Wheel of Time, plus the news that they now have full creative control of the James Bond franchise. Finally, Alex gives it to Max for their stellar work with The Pitt, White Lotus, Last Week Tonight, and Harley Quinn, not to mention trailers for The Rehearsal, The Last of Us, and The Righteous Gemstones, and the recent James Gunn press conference updating the media on DC Studios.New Series Spotlight – This month, the guys review NBC and Peacock's hotly anticipated spin off of Suits, Suits: LA starring Arrow's Stephen Amell. They get into their history with the Suits franchise, and why this latest attempt shocked them with how poorly it was put together.

In this episode, Marina Franklin hosts Shari Dunn, author of 'Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work,' and comedian Kenice Mobley. The conversation covers the backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, competency checking, and the pervasive assumption of black intellectual inferiority. Shari Dunn is a polymath, an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, and university professor. She is an American Leadership Forum Fellow and has been awarded the prestigious Executive of the Year Award in 2018, the 2019 Women of Influence Award (Portland Business Journal), the Associated Press Award for Best Spot News, and the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association Award for Best Morning News Show. Shari has written for Fortune Magazine; her work has been cited in the Wall Street Journal and quoted in Ad Age and the Chronicle of Philanthropy, among others. Shari is also a sought-after speaker. She holds a BA in philosophy from Marquette University and a JD from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Shari is the author of 'Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work' published by Harper Collins business available February 25th everywhere you buy books. Kenice Mobley performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show. She has appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix, and HBO and was named to Vulture's list of Comedians You Should and Will Know. Kenice's debut comedy album Follow Up Question, was on Paste Magazine's list of best albums of the year. After it's Edinboro Fringe Festival debut, she'll be performing her solo show Don't Kill Yourself Yet at this year's 6th Annual Black Women in Comedy Laugh Fest in New York on February 27 at Caveat. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.  

Correspondent Scott Pelley reports on the recent firings and resignations at the U.S. Department of Justice. Correspondent Lesley Stahl reports on President Trump's efforts to halt the work and cut the funding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an enforcement agency that was created in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Host John Oliver's highly lauded show, "Last Week Tonight," gives him a Sunday night platform to unleash searing, satirical takes on the politics and problems of America, his adopted homeland. So how did this Brit become one of this country's sharpest comedians? Correspondent Bill Whitaker travels to the U.K., and goes behind-the-scenes in New York, to trace Oliver's comedic journey. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Friends Like Us for a vibrant discussion with Lamar Woods & Charles McBee! We celebrate Black excellence, discuss mental health in hip hop, review the Black National Anthem and more.  Lamar Woods Lamar grew up in Atlanta, Ga. where he got his BA in Religious Studies at Georgia State University. Once he graduated, he moved to Los Angeles and got his start in Hollywood studying improv and sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade. Lamar's writing credits include GRAND CREW (NBC),  BROOKLYN 99 (NBC), SINGLE PARENTS (ABC), NEW GIRL (FOX), and SURVIVOR'S REMORSE (Starz).   On the feature side, Lamar co-wrote and stars in IT'S A PARTY which is available on Roku & Amazon.  You can also see Lamar performing around town with his all black, all male, improv/sketch team, The Big Team.   Lamar has also recently released his sophomore hiphop album, Highly Sensitive Person, which is currently available on all DSPs. Highly Sensitive Person..  has successfully over 100, 000 streams Charles McBee is a respected NYC stand-up comedian and writer from Toledo, Ohio. He has made three national stand-up comedy appearances on Gotham Comedy Live and was a favorite on two FOX television shows, Laughs Seasons 1 and 2 and Punchline Seasons 1 and 2.  Charles has written for several TV shows, including Uncommon Sense and Uncommon Sense Live with Charlamagne Tha God, VH1's Hip Hop Honors 2017, and was also a creative consultant on Nick Cannon's Wild N Out.  He's most  worked on the 2020 VMA's as well as the 2021 Golden Globes, hosted the 2021 Music Lives Festival for the Live X Live Network, and was the Head Writer for Comedy Central's Hell Of A Week, which was nominated for a Writers Guild Award. Charles has also gained a following on social media with his comedic commentary about growing up in the 80s and 90s. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.      

Bill Frost (CityWeekly.net, X96 Radio From Hell), Tommy Milagro (SlamWrestling.net), and special guest star Dr. Paul "Zil" White (molder of young minds) talk The Brutalist, The Last Showgirl, Mufasa: The Lion King, Bill Maher vs. Kid Rock, Good Cop/Bad Cop, Wild Cards, Reacher, Zero Day, Pantheon, Grosse Point Garden Society, Suits LA, What's Dr. White Watching (The Pitt, Abbott Elementary, St. Denis Medical, Have I Got News For You, Last Week Tonight, Severance, Silo, and Shrinking), Rasslin' News, SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night, The Z-Suite, The Gorge, and more. Drinking: Vodka Soda & Limes made with Vodka from OFFICIAL TV Tan sponsor Sugar House Distillery.* Yell at us (or order a TV Tan T-shirt) @TVTanPodcast on Threads, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or Gmail.* Rate us: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, YouTube, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, etc. 

Bill Frost (TV reviewer for Salt Lake City Weekly, Inlander, Coachella Valley Independent, Washington City Paper, and elsewhere) is back with another Weekender info-blast of stuff to watch. You're welcome.Brought to you by Sugar House Distillery, Outlaw Distillery, Ogden's Own Distillery, Bohemian Brewery, and Boozetique.* Yell at us (or order a TV Tan T-shirt) @TVTanPodcast on Threads, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or Gmail.* Rate us: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, YouTube, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, etc. 

Highlights of what's new in streaming for the week of February 15, 2025. Hulu The Fox Hollow Murders: Playground of a Serial Killer (Feb. 18) Chris Distefano: It's Just Unfortunate (Feb. 21) A Thousand Blows, season 1 (Feb. 21) Netflix American Murder: Gabby Petito (Feb. 17) Gabby's Dollhouse, Season 11 (Feb. 17) Court of Gold, limited series (Feb. 18) Offline Love, season 1 (Feb. 18) Rosebud Baker: The Mother Lode (Feb. 18) Too Hot to Handle: Germany, season 2 (Feb. 18) My Family, season 1 (Feb. 19) Uncredited: The Story of Passinho (Feb. 20) Zero Day, limited series (Feb. 20) Disney+ Win or Lose, season 1 (Feb. 19) Max Flow (Feb. 14) Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 12 (Feb. 16) The White Lotus, season 3 (Feb. 16) We Beat the Dream Team (Feb. 18) Paramount+ On TV: A Black History Month Special (2/17) Peacock Return to Office (Feb. 16) Prime Video George Lopez: Muy Católico (Feb. 18) Reacher, season 3 (Feb. 20) Apple TV+ Surface, season 2 (Feb. 21) Tubi Tarot Curse (Feb. 15)

Discover the connection between Afrofuturism and prophecy with our latest episode featuring Vanessa Fraction and Hollie Harper. Hosted by Marina Franklin, we explore Black History Month and its significance today.  Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barbershop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense. Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie was a semi-finalist in the 2019 NBC Standup Competition and has been featured on NY1, and in Black Enterprise Magazine, Thrive Global, Confessional Magazine and Black San Diego Magazine. Her popular sketch comedy show AMERICAN CANDY has played the Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, BAM Café as well as the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Time Out Chicago named them one of the five groups to watch. Hollie is a regular host for West Side Comedy Club in NYC and works with Gold Comedy and Stand Up Girls, two programs that empower young women by teaching them standup comedy. She was recently the talent coordinator and casting for “Blood Lassi” on Spotify, written by Pratima Mani, and moderated the panel for the Emmy Award winning, WOC editing team of Black Lady Sketch Show for The Black TV and Film Collective. She is also the Creative Consultant for the very successful Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

Bill Frost (CityWeekly.net, X96 Radio From Hell) and Tommy Milagro (SlamWrestling.net) talk Better Man, The Simpsons: The Past & The Furious, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Sly Lives!, Cobra Kai: The Final Finale, The Gorge, I Love You Forever, Yellowjackets S3, Have I Got News For You, The White Lotus S3, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver S12, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Amazing Spider-Man (sorry, Andrew Garfield), Rasslin' News, R.I.P. The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, Mo, The Franchise, Frasier, Bosch: Legacy, and Billy the Kid, School Spirits, Chelsea Green & Farrah Abraham: Future Standup Comedy Legends, and more.Drinking: Sir-Veza Mexican Lager and Cherny Bock Czech Dark Lager from OFFICIAL TV Tan sponsor Bohemian Brewery.* Yell at us (or order a TV Tan T-shirt) @TVTanPodcast on Threads, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, or Gmail.* Rate us: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, YouTube, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, etc. 

Healing Your Financial Mindset:  Financial expert Kara Stevens, founder of The Frugal Feminista, joins Marina Franklin and Leighann Lord  to share invaluable insights on managing personal finances, healing your mindset, and building wealth. Kara talks about her own journey from financial dysfunction to becoming a money mentor, emphasizing the importance of understanding your relationship with money and making informed financial decisions. Tune in for practical advice on student loans, credit card management, and how to align your financial habits with your values. A must -listen for anyone looking to take control of their financial future with compassion and clarity. Kara Stevens is a powerhouse in the world of financial wellness, blending her expertise in economics, education, and social justice to empower women of color to heal their relationship with money and build lasting wealth. As the founder of The Frugal Feminista, Kara has touched thousands of lives through her transformative programs, bestselling book Heal Your Relationship with Money, and partnerships with global brands like American Express, Spotify, and Verizon.  With over 20 years of leadership experience and degrees from Oberlin College and Columbia University, Kara brings a unique blend of compassion, strategy, and cultural awareness to her mission of helping women navigate systemic barriers and achieve financial abundance.  Her work is a testament to her belief that healing and wealth go hand in hand, making her a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advocate for equity and empowerment. Leighann Lord is a seasoned standup comedian who has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy All Star Jam, Comedy Central, The View, Netflix, and Showtime's Even More Funny Women of a Certain Age. She has performed for the troops and her Dry Bar Comedy special has had over one million views. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.      

In this podcast episode, Marina Franklin hosts Nilanjana 'Buju' Dasgupta and Nonye Brown-West for a discussion around cultural and social change. Nilanjana discusses her new book, 'Change the Wallpaper,' which advocates for a science-driven approach to achieving social change by focusing on local, situational changes rather than solely relying on diversity trainings and symbolic acts. This episode delves into diverse topics such as the impact of early social interactions, classism, the importance of representation, local collective action, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.  Nilanjana Dasgupta is pro vost professor of psychology and inaugural director of the Institute of Diversity Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is the author of many articles; the winner of the Hidden Bias Research Prize from the Kapor Foundation; and the recipient of multiple U.S. government research grants. Her work has been featured in the New York Times and other major outlets. She lives in Northampton, MA. Her book Change the Wallpaper: Transforming Cultural Patterns to Build More Just Communities (Yale University Press) will be published on January 7, 2025. Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.  

This week on Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin is joined by comedians Zainab Johnson and Subhah Agarwal to discuss hope amid the LA wildfires and how you can help. In tough times, community matters  Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix's “Arsenio Hall” limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live. Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen.  Zainab is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series titled "Upload" from Greg Daniels and stars in her very first One Hour Comedy Special "Hijabs Off" premiering worldwide October 24th only on Amazon Prime video. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

This "Friends Like Us", host Marina Franklin chats with Brandon Collins and Hollie Harper about Brandon's new "Drunk Black History" tour, the legacy of Jimmy Carter, and how artistry meets activism.  Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie was a semi-finalist in the 2019 NBC Standup Competition and has been featured on NY1, and in Black Enterprise Magazine, Thrive Global, Confessional Magazine and Black San Diego Magazine. Her popular sketch comedy show AMERICAN CANDY has played the Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, BAM Café as well as the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Time Out Chicago named them one of the five groups to watch. Hollie is a regular host for West Side Comedy Club in NYC and works with Gold Comedy and Stand Up Girls, two programs that empower young women by teaching them standup comedy. She was recently the talent coordinator and casting for “Blood Lassi” on Spotify, written by Pratima Mani, and moderated the panel for the Emmy Award winning, WOC editing team of Black Lady Sketch Show for The Black TV and Film Collective. She is also the Creative Consultant for the very successful Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest. Brandon Collins is a versatile screenwriter, comedian and podcaster who has performed at the SXSW and New York Comedy Festival, and has had appearances in various MTV, VH1, and Max productions. He recently participated in the 2022-2023 Universal Writer's Lab (beating out over a thousand applicants) and is the host of the critically acclaimed show, "Drunk Black History" Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.  

In this New Year's episode, host Marina Franklin introduces new friend Bob Bordone and comedian Nonye Brown-West. The group dives deep into the complexities of having difficult political conversations, especially in the post-election and current societal climate. Bob Bordone, a Harvard Law School expert in negotiation and conflict resolution, discusses his upcoming book co-authored with Dr. Joel Salinas, blending conflict management and brain science. They explore the generational divide in addressing disagreements and the rising cost of speaking up. Strategies for effective communication and the importance of conflict resilience in maintaining relationships amidst differing viewpoints are key takeaways from the discussion. Bob Bordone is an internationally-recognized expert in negotiation, mediation, consensus-building, and facilitation. A Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School, Bob founded and directed the Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program during his two decades as the Thaddeus R. Beal Clinical Professor of Law. He has trained thousands of executives, government leaders, and diplomats through Harvard's Program on Negotiation and the Harvard Negotiation Institute. Beyond Harvard, Bob serves on several boards and advisory groups focused on civil discourse and conflict resolution, bringing his expertise to organizations like Seeds of Peace and the National Institute for Civil Discourse. Author of upcoming HarperCollins book Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

We are counting down the top 10 episodes of 2024, as voted by our listeners! Up next, #2: ACAB Includes Candy Buybacks, MAGA Campaign Abductees? 11.01.24 In episode 1769, Jack and Miles are joined by writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, bestselling author, and co-host of Quick Question with Soren and Daniel, Daniel O'Brien, to discuss… MAGA Boys Wondering Where Their Bros Are At With The Voting, Well If You’re Worried About Turnout THANK GOD FOR ELON, How Trump Will Try to Steal the Election If He Loses, Dentists’ Halloween Candy Buyback Programs Are Somehow Way Worse Than You Could Possibly Imagine and more! MAGA Boys Wondering Where Their Bros Are At With The Voting Well If You’re Worried About Turnout THANK GOD FOR ELON How Trump Will Try to Steal the Election If He Loses Good dental health and candy: The right choices for Halloween treats Dentists hold 17th annual candy buyback Cash For Halloween Candy? Dentists' Buyback Program Is Booming Halloween Candy Buyback 2024 FAQs The Halloween Candy Buy Back: A public relations grand slam! Halloween Buy Back Program We're Rebranding to Troopathon! Pro-Troop Charity Misleads Donors While Lining Political Consultants' Pockets Sal Russo: From establishment politics to the Tea Party Express Questions Linger about the Legitimacy and Purpose of “Move America Forward” Daniel's Recommendation: Follow Tina Friml! LISTEN: Nadja by Unknown Mortal OrchestraSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is our Favorite Episode for 2024! Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin features guests Dr. Donna J Nickel and Nonye Brown-West.  Dr. Donna J. Nickel, an academic from California, discussing her latest book on Claudia Hampton's contributions to affirmative action and black education. The discussion extends to contemporary issues, including the repercussions of ending affirmative action, historical context of race-based discrimination, and the attack on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. The episode aims to shed light on the broader history of race and conservative philanthropy while examining current racial and educational policies. Dr. Donna J. Nicol is the Associate Dean of Personnel and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and a professor of history at California State University Long Beach. She is the immediate past department chair and professor of Africana Studies at CSU Dominguez Hills, a post she held from 2017-2023. She earned her doctorate degree in Educational Studies (with a specialization in History and Philosophy of Higher Education and a graduate minor in African American and African Studies) from The Ohio State University in 2007.  Dr. Nicol's research focuses race, conservative philanthropy, and U.S. higher education, and the history of African American women's educational activism. Her work has been published in Race, Ethnicity and Education, The Feminist Teacher (twice), History of Philanthropy, Palimpsest: A Journal of Women, Gender and the Black International, The Encyclopedia of American Women's History, Encyclopedia of Multiracial America, and Habitus of the Hood. In February 2021, Dr. Nicol was a featured guest expert for the Al Jazeera English documentary, The Big Picture: A Race for America. Dr. Nicol has also published opinion columns on racism in philanthropy for Al Jazeera Digital and has appeared on the Insufferable Academics podcast, the Fresh Off the Vote podcast, and the Peace and Justice Radio Show. Prior to becoming an academic, Dr. Nicol spent three years teaching secondary language arts and social studies for Los Angeles Unified School District and seven years in various academic administrative roles at Mt. St. Mary's College and The Ohio State University. She serves on the board of directors for the Historical Society of Southern California, co-principal investigator for the State of Black Los Angeles County Report (2023) and is active in a number of professional academic and social service organizations. Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action examines the leadership strategies that Black women educators have employed as influential power brokers in predominantly white colleges and universities in the United States. Author Donna J. Nicol tells the extraordinary story of Dr. Claudia H. Hampton, the California State University (CSU) system's first Black woman trustee, who later became the board's first woman chair, and her twenty-year fight (1974–94) to increase access within the CSU for historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.  

In this engaging episode, host Marina Franklin is joined by comedians Calise Hawkins and Jackie Fabulous for a lively discussion. They share their experiences of performing stand-up comedy in front of diverse audiences, talk about the unique challenges and laughter involved, and delve into personal and societal topics such as menopause and its impact on their lives and careers. Additionally, they address pertinent issues like the influence of AI on creativity, the effect of outdoor dining sheds in New York, the wild world of cryptocurrency art, and social media regulations for minors. Check it out! Calise Hawkins is a stand-up comedian and writer. She has performed her standup on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon , Nick Mom's Night Out and she was a cast member of Oxygen's Funny Girls. She has written for Comedy Central's @midnight , Hood Adjacent with James Davis, HBO's That Damn Michael Che, and  Hulu's Everything's Trash. Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian rated one if Variety's 10 Comics to Watch for 2024, actress and writer who's been featured three times on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, America's Got Talent: All Stars, Showtime's Flatbush Misdemeanors, The Arsenio Hall Show,, That Damn Michael Che and much more. In addition to her television appearances Jackie's hilarious and affable stand-up can be seen across the country as she tours America's top comedy clubs. Her hour special “Menoplause” is available now.  Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.  

Hey there. It's a great time to support our work. Right now, every gift gets matched! Here's where to do it. Today we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from the archive – a story about giving – and bringing you an update. In 1980, a young father named Denny Buehler was battling leukemia and needed to travel from Cincinnati to Seattle for treatment. To raise the money, his friends and family threw a softball tournament. Denny passed away a few months later. But his friends and family turned the softball tournament into a beloved tradition, and a chance to give back. For more than 40 years, they'd host the games and sell hot dogs to raise money for people in the area who needed help with medical expenses. Then in 2019, the Denny Beuhler Memorial Fund found a way to make the money they'd fundraise go a hundred times farther. Literally. Inspired by a segment on Last Week Tonight, they partnered with a group to buy up old medical debt – and erase it. Now in 2024, that group – now known as Undue Medical Debt – has grown its influence and helped crush billions (!) in debt.Here's a transcript of this episode. Send your stories and questions. Or call 724 ARM-N-LEG.And again — we'd love for you to support this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” talks about Joe Rogan's reaction to seeing Donald Trump for the first time since he won the election at a UFC match at Madison Square Garden; Vivek Ramaswamy explaining to Fox News' Maria Bartiromo how he and Elon Musk will use the DOGE to drastically cut government waste and eliminate unnecessary federal agencies; MSNBC's Jen Psaki and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” begging the Democratic Party to double down on its support for trans athletes in women sports despite some Democrats waking up to being out of touch with most of America on this issue; “The View's” Whoopi Goldberg proposing a sex strike to punish men who voted for Donald Trump; “Real Time with Bill Maher's” audience going quiet for Bill Maher's brutal message for the Democratic Party; NYC Mayor Eric Adams shooting down every unhinged attack on Donald Trump from “The View's” Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin; and much more. WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/ Check out the NEW RUBIN REPORT MERCH here: https://daverubin.store/ ---------- Today's Sponsors: Lumen.Me - Lumen is the world's first handheld metabolic coach that measures your metabolism through your breath. It lets you know if you're burning fat or carbs, and gives you tailored guidance to improve your nutrition, workouts, and sleep. Go to: https://lumen.me/rubin to get 15% OFF! Brightcore Nutrition LLC - Use Fortify to build and retain lean muscle. Go to: https://mybrightcore.com to get 25% off their order with CODE: RUBIN Or call (888) 508-9296 for even greater discounts and free shipping on every order! Rumble Premium - Corporate America is fighting to remove speech, Rumble is fighting to keep it. If you really believe in this fight Rumble is offering $10 off with the promo code RUBIN when you purchase an annual subscription, Go to: https://Rumble.com/premium/RUBIN and use promo code RUBIN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The host of "Last Week Tonight" talks about what he's learned in the ten years of making the show, why he doesn't consider himself a journalist and not giving in to nihilism.