Friends Like Us

This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talk with Holly Harper and breathwork expert Jasmine Marie. Friends discuss the significance of mental health, particularly for Black women. They delve into Jasmine's book, 'Black Girls Breathing,' which focuses on healing from trauma, combating chronic stress, and finding freedom. Jasmine shares her personal journey and the establishment of Black Girls B...

I noticed issues on Spotify so I am releasing this again.  This Friends Like Us, Marina welcomes Vanessa Fraction  and  Nonye Brown-West . We  discuss Vanessa's new podcast 'Action Fraction on Air,' which will focus on having fun with friends and exploring diverse topics. The conversation shifts to the impact of social and political issues on comedy, the unfair media coverage of Kamala Harris comp...

In this lively episode of Friends Like Us, Marina talks with comedian Von Decarlo and Kenice Mobley . They discuss various topics, including experiences at the Edinburgh Festival, the importance of promoting health and exercise, and the humorous yet practical use of Depends. The conversation shifts to the political landscape, examining Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, the challenges of voting...

New Friends Like Us episode hosted by Marina Franklin features Kaneez Surka and Subhah Agarwal . Laugh out loud while they tackle today's hottest topics. With topics ranging from Kamala Harris to Melania Trump, this episode is loaded with laughs and thought-provoking discussions. Subhah Agarwal  has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah ha...

This 'Friends Like Us' hosted by Marina Franklin features comedians Akeem Woods and Mia Jackson.  It's a lively discussion that covers a range of topics including societal issues such as: a Detroit judge handcuffing a teenager on a field trip,  North Carolina's Mark Robinson, New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, and the scandal of P. Diddy.  Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that's Georgian fo...

This Friends Like Us features Jenny Saldaña  and Abbi Crutchfield. The guests discuss donuts and weekend activities as well as more serious topics like breast cancer awareness.  Jenny talks about her personal battle with breast cancer, including issues of systemic racism and cultural challenges faced by women of color in healthcare. Jenny's upcoming comedy show, 'Hooray for Boobies,' aims to raise...

This 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 di...

This Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin welcomes Keith Price , a key figure in the comedy world known for supporting many comedians. The conversation touches on the importance of such influences and shifts to praise for Vanessa Fraction's comedic talent. Topics of discussion include Glenn Close's acclaimed role in a recent movie, the societal impact of gun laws in the U.S., and the complexi...

Host Marina Franklin welcomes guests Zainab Johnson and Daisy Auger-Domínguez . Daisy shares her experiences and insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, including the challenges and successes she faced in corporate roles,  The group also reflects on the Democratic National Convention and its inspirational messaging, particularly emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and p...

We love this episode so much we are airing it twice! Tamara Payne, Nonye Brown-West and Troy Laraviere visit Friends Like Us and discuss pulitzer prize winner's Les Payne's and Tamara's book : The Dead Are Arising: The Life Of Malcom X and more with host Marina Franklin. Tamara Payne  -Tamara Payne is co-author of The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X written with her father, Pulitzer Prize-...

Hollie Harper and Nonye Brown-West visit friends and discuss cultural vultures to Kamala Harris, we're breaking down some heavy topics on this episode of Friends Like Us. Catch the insightful conversation and let us know your thoughts!  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 t...

Dr. Lynetter Mawhinney and Michele Thompkins visit friends and break down the importance of Black teachers, biracial identification, how policy changes affect our youth.  Stay informed and engaged on what the election means for education. Don't miss this crucial conversation. Lynnette Mawhinney is an award-winning writer, creator, and long-time educator. Dr. Mawhinney was a former high school Engl...

We had so much fun with SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka that we decided to air it twice! SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka visit friends and discuss spoken word, poetry, mental health wellness, christians stepping away from gender roles and more with host Marina Franklin.   SublimeLuv  (aka Sublime) is a powerful spoken word and teaching artist, author, curator, facilitator, public speaker, and social justi...

We are re-airing an importany episode on preparedness for taking care of elders.  Ashima Franklin and Leighann Lord visit friends and discuss why parents can not be friends with their kids, the tiktoker who went viral for living in a storage unit, and giving yourself and elder parents grace.  Ashima Franklin  Originally from Alabama, Ashima Franklin has a "girl next door" personality that mixes wi...

We are re-airing a really funny episode with two of my favorite friends/comedians who currently have hilarious Comedy Specials on Netflix right now! Check them out!  Rachel Feinstein and Keith Robinson share insights into their creative processes, the importance of resilience, and why they continue to push their boundaries. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, practical advice for young...

It's an Election year and so we are re-airing this important episode.  Subhah Agarwal  and  Sharon Lavigne  visit friends and discuss Sharon Lavigne's battle for clean air and justice, taking on the big industries that have created Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" -- nicknamed for the above-average rates of cancer within the 85-mile stretch of communities with the highest concentration of fossil fuel an...

Hollie Harper and host Marina Franklin disuss the debates, ageism in politics, and the upcoming election. Don't miss this insightful chat!  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 wa...

Jourdain Fisher and Charles Mcbee visit friends and discuss comedy, social media, the tend commandments, and surviving breakups. Catch the laughs and insights now with host Marina Franklin. Jourdain Fisher has got it all. He is a hilarious comedian, writer, and actor. He has performed on COMEDY CENTRAL and in 2018 he made his late night TV debut on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON where he r...

Tamara Payne, Nonye Brown-West and Troy Laraviere visit Friends Like Us and discuss pulitzer prize winner's Les Payne's and Tamara's book : The Dead Are Arising: The Life Of Malcom X and more with host Marina Franklin. Tamara Payne -Tamara Payne is co-author of The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X written with her father, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne, published by Liveright....

Rachel Feinstein and Keith Robinson share insights into their creative processes, the importance of resilience, and why they continue to push their boundaries. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, practical advice for young comedians, and an inspirational message to keep striving no matter the obstacles. Special appearances by rising comedian Nonyé Brown-West add fresh perspectives to th...

Mugga, Rita Brent, and Joanna Briley visit friends and talk about the upcoming Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest , Rita Brent's  new song: gospel version of   "Bleach-blonde, Bad-built, Butch body and more with host Marina Franklin!  Rita Brent is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and...

This week Mia Jackson and Brandon Collins visit Friends Like Us for a honest conversation about growing up with skewed or limited black history and more with host Marina Franklin. 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 i...

SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka visit friends and discuss spoken word, poetry, mental health wellness, christians stepping away from gender roles and more with host Marina Franklin.   SublimeLuv (aka Sublime) is a powerful spoken word and teaching artist, author, curator, facilitator, public speaker, and social justice advocate. SublimeLuv's work embodies the theme of the "personal as political." She...

Subhah Agarwal and Sharon Lavigne visit friends and discuss Sharon Lavigne's battle for clean air and justice, taking on the big industries that have created  Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" -- nicknamed for the above-average rates of cancer within the 85-mile stretch of communities with the highest concentration of fossil fuel and petrochemical operations in the Western Hemisphere. Sharon Cayette Lavi...

Jon Laster and Nathan Macintosh visit friends and discuss the troubles with tech, black app for black products- BLAPP and so much more! It's a funny one... don't miss it!  Jon Laster is known for One Bedroom (2018), No More Mr Nice Guy (2018) and The 2019 ESPY Awards (2019) and check out his new series An Astute Woman Web Series. He is the Founder and C.E.O. of Blapp. Blapp is a Google-based, geo-...