Friends Like Us

On this Friends Like Us, laughter and real talk with Marina Franklin as she hosts the hilarious Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley! From heated debates about spin class etiquette to the chaos of the Empire State Building climb, there's never a dull moment!  Vanessa Fraction is a comedian, actress, writer, and host who brings big laughs, big energy, and a point of view you don't forget. She's known...

This Friends Like Us! Host Marina Franklin welcomes back birthday girl Amanda Seales and burgeoning star Nonye Brown-West. What's the truth behind the tune? We chat with Amanda Seales about her latest album Truth Translator and much more! This episode is not to be missed! Amanda Seales is a multi-disciplined scholar and creative in the Black radical tradition. Her work travels the page, stage, scr...

This Friends Like Us host Marina Franklin talks with Subhah Agarwal and Kaneez Surka! They dissect the reality of screw worms, hilarious breakup tales, and the danger of having trillionaires in today's world. It's a jam-packed episode of laughs! Kaneez Surka has produced and performed in her Netflix Special, 'Ladies Up', Netflix's 'Comedy Premium League,' and Amazon Prime Video's Improv specials,...

On this Friends Like Us! The Knicks might have finally won, but are you a true New Yorker if you weren't born in an NYC hospital? Host Marina Franklin discusses this and more with Jackie Fabulous and Chanel Ali.   Chanel Ali You know Chanel Ali from Netflix's Dash and Lily or her time on MTV's Girl Code. Originally from Philly, her storyteller-like style and commanding stage presence allowed her t...

Host Marina Franklin chats with the hilarious Ophira Eisenberg and rising star Sami Beason about Ophira's new comedy special, toxic positivity, AI hallucinations, parenting and more! Tune in now for laughs and insights!  Ophira Eisenberg is a Standup Comedian, Writer, and Podcast Host (NPR, CBS, CNN, The Moth, HBO, Comedy Central, iHeart) who headlines theaters and comedy venues across the world,...

A dive into the world of friendship with our latest "Friends Like Us" podcast episode! Marina Franklin host special guests Sharaé Nikai and David Lassiter as they talk about their incredible journey creating "The Other Gold" — a film about friendships' complexities. Watch it now on Apple TV and Tubi! Sharaé Nikai - Against industry odds, Jersey City native Sharaé Nikai wrote, produced, co-directed...

Dive deep into the hidden crisis of women's health with Dr. Kemi Doll on "Friends Like Us," hosted by Marina Franklin and featuring Nonye Brown-West. Discover the truth about the Black womb and survival strategies. Listen now for eye-opening insights! #Podcast #WomensHealth #MaternalMentalHealthMonth Dr. Kemi Doll is a gynecologic oncologist, uterine cancer scientist, and author of the upcoming bo...

From Spirit Airlines' collapse to Megan Thee Stallion's breakup, Marina Franklin dives into all the drama with comedians Jackie Fabulous and Alexis Bradby. Plus, they chat with Jackie about her hilarious new comedy show featuring an all-female lineup at the new Brooklyn Improv. Don't miss out!  Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress and writer who's been featured four times on THE TONIGHT...

This week on Friends Like Us , host Marina Franklin has another hilarious and insightful conversation with Leighann Lord and Jenny Saldana ! We chat about the analog generation, social media realities, the Michael Jackson movie, and Caitly Jenner's Passport Rejection. Don't miss the laughs! Leighann Lord  is a seasoned standup comedian who has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy All Star Jam, Comedy Cent...

Host Marina Franklin talks with the incredible rising star Tata Sherise and the hilarious Subhah Agarwal on this week's Friends Like Us! Dive into laughter, insights, and more. TaTa Sherise is a dynamic NYC based comedian, actress, and creator making waves in the comedy scene. She's been hailed as "The Next Hottest Comedian to Come Out of Philly" by The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2024, she made his...

Dive into the legacy! Join host Marina Franklin as she chats with Dr. Tamara Nall and Hollie Harper about embracing and celebrating matriarchal legacy. Tune in for insights on redefining generational traditions. Dr. Tamara Nall is the founder of The Junia Legacy, a cultural movement redefining generational naming traditions to intentionally honor daughters as legacy bearers. Through Junia, she int...

Host Marina Franklin talks with new friend Jenny Hagel and Nonye Brown-West as they talk about Jenny's new book, "Advice No One Asked For." It's a fun episode for these stressful times. Don't miss it!  Jenny Hagel is an Emmy-nominated TV writer and comedy performer in New York. She is a writer/performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, where she created the recurring segment Jokes Seth Can't Tell –...

Apologize for Previous audio- We have updated and corrected so you can enjoy! This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with the insightful Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, discussing her new book "Rise and Resist"—a revolutionary take on workplace tactics! Plus, don't miss the dynamic energy of young comedian Sami Beason. The Pink Elephant   Dr. Janice Z. Gassam Asare  is a PhD-trained organizatio...

Dive into financial empowerment with our latest episode! Join host Marina Franklin, Bola Sokunbi of Clever Girl Finance, and rising star Nonye Brown-West as they share insights on building wealth, resilience, and mindset. Don't miss it! Bola Sokunbi is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), investor, finance expert, speaker, podcaster, and bestselling author. She is the founder and CEO...

This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with funny ladies Chanel Ali and Hollie Harper about decline in city rats, comedy, and confronting uncomfortable truths! They share stories and laughs while addressing issues like family history and societal norms . Listen now!  Hollie Harper is a South Jersey comedian/writer/actress. In 2021 she created and co-exec-produced Hella Late! with Hollie...

In this episode of Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley on  everything from winter sports to the wild world of reality TV. It's a lively discussion filled with humor, insight, and all the laughs you need!  Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can current...

Ready to spice up your relationship and learn how to be the ultimate partner? Join Friends Like Us as Jordan Carlos shares his dad wisdom from his new book: "Choreplay." Laugh along with the brilliant Nonye Brown-West and hosted by the one and only Marina Franklin! Jordan Carlos is a stand up comedian and actor based in New York. He recently starred in and wrote for the first season of Phoebe Robi...

This week on Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with comedic powerhouse Jackie Fabulous! Very funny lady Vanessa Fraction and I talk about her new special, "You Can Leave," now streaming on Hulu. Don't miss these laughs!  Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress and writer who's been featured four times on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON and has appeared on AMERICA'S GOT TAL...

Marina Franklin host a brand new Friends Like Us with Jenny Saldaña and Kimberly Clark!  We spill hilarious and heartfelt dating stories, just in time for Valentine's Day! Jenny Saldaña 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. S...

This week, host Marina Franklin has a powerful conversation with Janus Adams and Sami Beason on Friends Like Us as we explore Harriet Tubman's entrepreneurial spirit and how it can guide us today. An episode you can't miss for Black History Month! Janus Adams: The creator of Harriet Tubman's "A Way Out of No Way" Day, Dr. Adams is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, historian, and the author of elev...

Wondering how dating apps compare to thrift shopping? So did we! Host Marina Franklin talks with Zainab Johnson and Kenice Mobley on our latest episode of Friends Like Us as we navigate the amusing world of dating, autism awareness, and everything in between. Listen now for your daily dose of laughter!  Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of th...

Tune in for an insightful episode where Marina Franklin discusses black men's health, comedy, and the power of community with guests Guy Torry and Nonye Brown-West. Guy Torry is an actor and comedian known for his role in the film American History X and as the creator of the acclaimed docuseries Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy.   Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American come...

Host Marina Franklin takes a deep dive into the future of AI with Justin Feinstein's new book, "Your Behavior Will Be Monitored," and the hilarious Sami Beason! Tune in to our latest episode for laughs, insights, and more. Justin Feinstein is a writer and storyteller across multiple media. Available now for pre-order: "Your Behavior Will Be Monitored" is Justin's debut specu-lative novel about a r...

How do you handle winter blues? Join host Marina Franklin, Vanessa Fraction and Holie Harper as we talk holiday cheer, money-saving hacks, and controversial documentaries that will keep you talking. 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 Storyte...

Marina Franklin reflects on a year full of incredible guests, heartfelt discussions, and important advocacy work. Whether you're a longtime listener or new, there's something here for everyone. Happy Holidays, and here's to a bright 2026! 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 Ol...