Friends Like Us

This week host Marina Franklin talks with Vanessa Fraction and Nonye Brown-West about Kelly Clarkson, 3D-printed salmon, Halle Barry's public family disputes, and more. Catch our hilarious take on hot topics!  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 for turning real‑life chaos into comedy that la...

In this week's Friends Like Us, we explore the powerful role Black women play in shaping democracy, Marina Franklin talks with the brilliant Professor Christina Greer and. Listen in for political insights and a chuckle or two with comedian Mia Jackson.  Christina Greer is a Professor of Political Science at Fordham University, Lincoln Center (Manhattan) campus and currently a Visiting Fellow at Br...

Host Marina Franklin talks with Ant Pruitt, and Alexis Bradby! From AI's impact on the workforce to the value of human connection, this episode covers it all. Don't miss out on the laughs and wisdom!  Ant Pruitt is a model and commercial actor as a well as a freelance digital content creator. If not on set working as talent for a photo or commercial shoot, Ant is out in the field as a freelance ph...

This week on Friends, Marina Franklin hosts a vibrant discussion with Sara Contreras, and Kimberly Clark. From personal journeys to cultural insights, explore the power of comedy to bridge generations and spark change. Don't miss out! #ComedyUnites Sara Contreras is one of the nation's leading Latina comics, known as the "Latin Diva of Comedy."  She's best known as a member of "The Original Latin...

This Friends Like Us, Marina Franklin is chatting with comedians Rob Haze and Gina Brillon about everything from comedy dynamics to Hispanic Heritage Month. Get ready for laughs and thought-provoking insights! Rob Haze is a comedian from Atlanta, Georgia. He is a writer/ performer on Sherman's Showcase on IFC. He was on the Sneaker Sketch  show Sneak This on B/R Kicks. Rob has a stand up album cal...

Friends Like Us hosted by Marina Franklin presents comedians Hollie Harper & Sami Beason diving into cultural discussions and comedy. Whether it's cat stories or remembering 9/11, it's packed with humor and heart. Don't miss it! Hollie Harpe r is a South Jersey comedian/writer/actress. In 2021 she created and co-exec-produced Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV for which she was nominated fo...

On this Friends Like Us, laughter and real talk with Marina Franklin as she hosts the hilarious Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley. We tackle everything from personal growth and hilarious moments to the undeniable legacy of Dolly Parton.  Tune in for laughs and real talk! Vanessa Fraction  is a comedian, actress, writer, and host who brings big laughs, big energy, and a point of view you don't for...

This week, host Marina Franklin talks with Amma Marfo and Nonye Brown-West about the debate over Jilaf Rice, Harry and Meghan, and that everybody is weird.  Amma Marfo : After years of writing about comedy, Amma decided to take to the stage – on the nudge of a dare set for her by her podcast co-hosts. In the years since, she's developed an "anxious Black nerd" persona that creates a unique take on...

This week on Friends Like Us, Host Marina Franklin talks with Chanel Ali and Sarah Cooper about Chanel's Solo Show-Relative Stranger, Sarah's Work on Survival Of The Thickest, and hot topics! Sarah Cooper is a stand-up comedian, writer, actor and producer. As a comedian, she shares observational takes on the news, relationships, identity, technology and the corporate world. Her books include 100 T...

LeBron's last harrah, wondering why Gen Z is choosing sleep over sex, how New Yorkers brave the streets, or just need a good laugh? We've got you! Join your host Marina Franklin with guests Sami Sour and Hollie Harper for the latest laughs and life lessons. Hollie Harpe r is a South Jersey comedian/writer/actress. In 2021 she created and co-exec-produced Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV f...

Host Marina Franklin chats with Emmy-nominated composer Kathryn Bostic & filmmaker Sharaé Nikai. Dive into their stories, career wisdom, and the power of community and vote for Kathryn for the World Soundtrack Awards.  Kathryn Bostic -  Award winning, Emmy nominated (The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat; Amy Tan-Unintended Memoir; Toni Morrison-The Pieces I Am) composer and singer-songwriter Kat...

Ever had an awkward moment? This week on Friends Like Us, join Marina & her awesome guests, Zainab Johnson and Alexis Bradby, as they explore navigating life's awkward situations, bad lettuce sagas, and the confusion surrounding Pete's hormone ideas. Catch the laughs and wisdom!  Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engagi...

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...