4 Friends & A Book Podcast

What do you do when you don't see yourself in the stories being told? You create your own. We talk with Hotep, creator of Black Lion and Cubs, about graphic novels, anime, entrepreneurship, and building a universe from the ground up.  

This week, we’re talking The Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFadden and unpacking the themes of love, survival, identity, and generational pain that made this story unforgettable. We also get into redistricting, voter suppression, and the fight to protect the Black vote. Plus, Isaiah shares a rant about showing up as your full self and why shrinking yourself for others is never worth it.

We’re talking The Voice in My Head Is God by 2 Chainz, and yeah… we all didn’t love it. We get into what worked, what didn’t, and where we disagreed. Each of us also shares something y’all should be paying attention to right now. And Isaiah closes with a rant on the United Nations vote on slavery, and why the United States, being one of only three countries to vote against it matters.

In this episode, we unpack  The Mother of Black Hollywood  by Jenifer Lewis and her raw, unfiltered story of resilience, mental health, and making space for yourself in an industry that doesn’t always make room for you. We also react to the rising tensions surrounding the Iran war, what’s happening, what’s at stake, and why it matters beyond the headlines. And in The Rant, Isaiah celebrates extrao...

This week, we unpack Black AF: The Unwhitewashed History of America and its bold, unfiltered take on the stories American textbooks leave out. We also react to the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein files, what’s new, what’s unsettling, and what it could mean moving forward. And in The Rant, Isaiah breaks down why honoring Black History Month still matters and what it should actually look...

📚 Book Review: Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson We review Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson, unpacking its thriller twists, unreliable narration, and the ending that left us debating who deserves sympathy and accountability. 🔥 Hot Topic: ICE Murder: Renee Good We talk about the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, the national outrage, questions about use of force, an...

📚  Book Review: Go Higher by Big Sean This episode, we dig into  Go Higher  by Big Sean and talk through the themes of growth, discipline, and purpose. We reflect on what stood out, what challenged us, and how the message speaks to the season many of us are in. 🔥  Hot Topic: Holiday Plans We shift into a more personal conversation about our holiday plans. From how we’re spending time to how we’r...

📚 Book Review: 107 Days by Kamala HarrisWe break down Kamala Harris’ new book 107 Days and explore what she shares, what she sidesteps, and how her story connects to the political climate we’re living in right now. Honest reactions, key insights, and what this book means for voters heading into 2025.🔥 Hot Topic: Was the Government Shutdown Worth It? We take a deep look at the shutdown, the fallo...

📚 Book Review – Matriarch by Tina Knowles:A raw and inspiring look at Tina Knowles’ journey through family, faith, and finding her power beyond the spotlight.🔥 Hot Topic – Government Shutdown:As Washington stalls, everyday Americans are left paying the price for political power plays.🎤 The Rant – Honoring Assata Shakur:A bold tribute to Assata Shakur’s courage, resilience, and the unapologetic...

We are back for Season 6 with your favorite 4 Friends. Join us as we catch up after our summer break and kick off the season with our reading list for season 6.THE RANT: Amanda Seals vs 20 Black ConservativesConnect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   YOUTUBE |   / @4friendsandabook   #4friendsandabookpodcast #boo...

Juanita provides a powerful reminder of God's love for us and his longing for our love in return. Hear more about her book and her journey of becoming a published author here on 4 Friends & A Book Podcast. Pick up the book: https://www.thegreatembracing.com/ Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   YOUT...

We’re chatting with Paul M. Williams about crafting Bruce Edwards, a gripping story of crime, loyalty, and tough choices in Ohio’s underworld. Join us as we discuss this book and learn about Paul’s journey of writing this 5-book series. Pick up the book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/... Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/4friendsandabook FACEBOOK...

Author Newton Vanriel joins the 4 Friends & A Book Podcast to discuss his inspiring children's book The Adventures of the Soul Sistas and share his journey as a writer. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about storytelling, purpose, and representation! Grab the book: https://www.soulsistasbook.ca/ Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |...

After losing two children, Tiffany shares how she journeyed through grief, faith, and healing to find joy again. A powerful conversation you don’t want to miss. FROM GRIEF TO JOY: A motivational guide for mothers who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss https://www.amazon.com/GRIEF-JOY-moti... Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |   / 4-fr...

We’re recapping the best moments from Season 5 of 4 Friends & A Book Podcast. From the books that stirred the pot to the takes that had us divided it’s all here. Laugh with us debate with us and find out which books made the biggest impact. Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: YOUTUBE| /@4friendsandabook INSTAGRAM | / 4friendsandabook FACEBOOK | / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599 #4fri...

In this episode, we're diving into Toni Morrison’s Sula—a haunting tale of friendship, betrayal, and Black womanhood that still cuts deep today. We’re also unpacking the global crisis around Afrikan refugees and the rising tension over tariffs—because the personal is always political. THE RANT: 5th-round draft pick for Shedeur Sanders? Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: YouTube: / @4...

We’re diving into Charlamagne tha God’s Get Honest or Die Lying—a bold call for truth, healing, and owning your story. But does the message land? Let’s talk about it. THE RANT: The Roast We Didn’t Ask For: ChatGPT vs. 4 FriendsConnect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM | / 4friendsandabook FACEBOOK | / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599 4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on...

Join us as we unpack The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. Plus is the US Economy in trouble? Hot Topic: US Economy THE RANT: Honoring Mayor LaRhonda PatrickConnect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   YouTube: ⁠   / @4friendsandabook   #4friendsandabookpodcast #bookreviewers #2025reading #bookrecommendation...

Join us as we unpack Heavy by Kiese LaymanHot Topic: DEITHE RANT: Honoring Dr. Alvin ChapmanConnect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM | / 4friendsandabook FACEBOOK | / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599 YouTube: / @4friendsandabook #4friendsandabookpodcast #bookreviewers #2025reading #bookrecommendation #bookclubreads #dei #bookpodcast #booktube 4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discu...

Join us as we unpack Adversity for Sale by Jay Jenkins Hot Topic: The state of rap music in 2025 THE RANT: Nurse charges with abusing newborn babies at Virginia hospital Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast YouTube: ⁠   / @4friendsandabook   #4friendsandabookpodcast #bookreviewers #2025reading #bookrecommendation #bookclubreads #youngjeezy #bookpodcast 4 Friends and A Book podcast centers d...

4 Friends review The Fire Next Time, by the late civil rights activist and writer James Baldwin Hot Topic: Favorite Christmas Moments THE RANT: Chayla Kendall battle with the Georgia Dream Lender Program SUBSCRIBE HERE:    / @4friendsandabook   Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   #bookreviewers #2024readi...

4 Friends review I Take My Coffee Black, by musician, actor, and activist Tyler Merritt Hot Topic: 2024 U.S. Presidential Election THE RANT: Self-Care Matters SUBSCRIBE HERE:    / @4friendsandabook   Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook   FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experi...

4 Friends review the reimaged story from the classic novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, that is now told from the perspective of Jim. Hot Topic: 2024 Presidential Election Fatigue, Misinformation, and Digital Media THE RANT: Missouri executes Marcellus Williams despite new evidence SUBSCRIBE HERE:    / @4friendsandabook   Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsand...

Join us as we catch up, share our summer reading list, and discuss topics/events that occurred during our summer break. The Rant: All You Need Is You... 4 Friends Summer Reading List: 1) Bits and Pieces - Whoopi Goldberg 2) The Moment - Bakari Sellers 3) Managing Leadership Anxiety - Steve Cuss 4) Black AF History - Michael Harriot 5) The House of Eve - Sadeqa Johnson 6) Rogue Justice - Stacey Abr...

Join us as we relive some of our favorite moments and books from Season 4 of 4 Friends & A Book podcast. 4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experiences, and a little bit of everything else in between. We have organic conversations which flow naturally from the book at hand, through the writer's journey, and of course, the impact it has on the culture. Our missi...