The JamirSmith Show Podcast

The highly anticipated second season of Diarra From Detroit is finally here and I had the opportunity to sit down with the brilliant Diarra Kilpatrick during ESSENCE FEST 2026 & The Black Excellence Brunch hosted by Trell Thomas. Season 2 raises the stakes with a triple homicide, a citywide treasure hunt, undercover missions, and plenty of unexpected twists. I can't wait for everyone to ex...

Today I'm on the red carpet at the All American Final Season Premiere from the Warner Bros. Lot, bringing exclusive conversations with the cast and creative team behind one of television's most impactful dramas. T'll be speaking with Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Bre-Z, Nathaniel Logan Melntyre, Osy Ikhile, Antonio J. Bell, Alexis Chikaeze, Kareem Grimes, Lauryn Hardy, along w...

Before she closed out an unforgettable night at ESSENCE Festival of Culture, I had the honor of sitting down with the incomparable Kim Burrell @kimburrelllove Our conversation wasn't just about music, it was about faith, purpose, and living in the space between what feels believable and what only God can make possible. She spoke about embracing both the believable and the unbelievable seasons...

It was an honor to sit down with André Holland @andreholland, Wendell Pierce, and director Sheldon Candis @sheldoncandis to discuss a story rooted in redemption, mentorship, resilience, and the transformative power of community. "They Fight", reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories happen outside the ring. Through powerful performances and authentic storytelling, the film shines...

Thank you to all the amazing talent that came through the press rooms. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca Cola, is the nation's largest celebration of Black culture, bringing together music, entertainment, wellness, business, fashion, beauty, and community in the heart of New Orleans. More than a festival, it's a cultural homecoming where artists, entrepreneurs, thought lead...

From Married to Medicine to the ESSENCE Festival stage, Dr. Mimi Sanders continues to use her voice to advocate for mental health-especially within the Black community. It was a pleasure connecting with Dr. Mimi and her husband Steve Sanders, at #ESSENCEFest and hearing her lead such an impactful conversation on Black women's mental health, healing, and advocacy. She reminded us that wellness...

FIVE FILM FRIDAYS, powered by Create The Writers Room, is more than a program-it's a launchpad for the next generation of filmmakers. Biannually, FIVE standout short films are handpicked by industry insiders and screened directly for our network of studio and production partners, creating real momentum beyond the screen. Founded by actor, director, writer, producer, and author R.D. Castleberry...

The Black Excellence Brunch curated Trell Thomas honored the legendary Ms. Patti LaBelle during this year's 2026 Essencefest in New Orleans. The event continues to highlight and honor those creatives that have made footprints in our lives. Instagram @blackexcellencebrunch @trellworld @kendragmedia

The Black Excellence Brunch curated Trell Thomas honored the legendary Ms. Patti LaBelle during this year’s 2026 Essencefest in New Orleans. The event continues to highlight and honor those creatives that have made footprints in our lives. Instagram @blackexcellencebrunch @trellworld @Beyondthegatescbs

An honor to interview the legendary MC Lyte @mclyte at the Black Excellence Brunch hosted by Trell Thomas during ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola. Our conversation went beyond music as we discussed the mission behind Hip Hop Sisters Network, the nonprofit she founded to uplift communities through social justice, financial empowerment, educational advancement, and positive represe...

Some conversations just feel like home. Thank you, my friend and love, Dawn Richard @dawnrichard, for chatting with me during the Black Excellence Brunch @blackexcellencebrunch hosted by Trell Thomas @trellworld during ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola. You're more than an incredible artist, you're my friend and someone who leads with heart. Every time we connect, it's a reminder...

12th Annual Truth Awards held in Beverly Hills, CA. Thank you to The Better Brothers of LA for another amazing year.

“From the Field to the Frontlines: Darren M. Haynes on Reinvention, Resilience & Real Legacy” 🎧 OPEN (2–3 mins) HOST (Jamir): Some careers are built on talent. Others are built on resilience. And then there are those rare individuals who master both. Today, I’m sitting down with Darren M. Haynes—a 13-time Emmy Award-winning sports anchor, former ESPN SportsCenter host, now holding it down at CBS...

FIVE FILM FRIDAYS Shorts FIVE FILM FRIDAYS, powered by Create The Writers Room, is more than a program-it's a launchpad for the next generation of filmmakers. Biannually, FIVE standout short films are handpicked by industry insiders and screened directly for our network of studio and production partners, creating real momentum beyond the screen. Through mentorship, insider access, and our partners...

We caught up with Rapper, Griot B before his Juneteenth performance: The inspiration behind his new viral single “Fresh Out” and its messages of freedom, family and Black joy. Just released this week, the single has already generated 375K+ views on YouTube. His 6-track EP, Good Trouble is out today on all streaming platforms Using music as a tool to build confidence and empower youth. The growing...

“Today’s guest is part of television history. From modeling and commercials to starring in one of the most groundbreaking soap operas in modern television, he’s helping reshape representation on daytime TV. You know him as Martin Richardson on CBS’ hit series Beyond the Gates — please welcome Brandon Claybon.” SEGMENT 1 — THE BEGINNING OF THE DREAM What was it about storytelling that spoke to you...

Today’s guest is one of the most influential voices in modern American fashion. From Ridgeway, South Carolina to dressing some of the most powerful women in the world, his designs have become synonymous with confidence, elegance, and power dressing. He’s dressed icons including VP Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ke Ke Palmer, Issa Rae, and so many more. His work represents more th...

I had the opportunity to interview Marcus L.A. Garrett at The Walt Disney Concert Hall to discuss is amazing performance “On The Seashore “. Escape from the craziness of life and immerse yourself in Sound Waves, a program that ebbs and flows with brilliant meditations on water, the source of all life. As the finale to the Master Chorale’s 2025/26 season, Sound Waves presents you with a rare moment...

Today we’re sitting down with Brandon Black, known for his breakout role in A Madea Homecoming under the direction of Tyler Perry. But this conversation goes deeper than film, it’s about identity, industry, and what it really means to be seen. Host: Let’s talk about the acting world right now. Streaming has changed everything—access, visibility, even what success looks like. How do you see the ind...

“From Baltimore to the Spotlight: George Lovett on Voice, Growth & Staying the Artist You Deserve to Be” “Today on The Jamir Smith Show, I’m sitting down with a voice that carries soul, discipline, and intention, Baltimore-born singer, performer, and storyteller, George Lovett. From American Idol to Showtime at the Apollo, to building his artistry through Savannah College of Art and Design this is...

Gail Bean: Actress | Storyteller | Snowfall | P-Valley | Sundance Breakout Today’s guest is someone whose work lives in the body long after the credits roll. From Snowfall to P-Valley, she has portrayed women in survival, transformation, and truth, please welcome Gail Bean.” We asked some amazing questions: I had the opportunity to meet this absolutely beautiful woman while she was getting honored...

Today we’re stepping into a world where vulnerability meets cinematic sound. She’s an artist whose voice feels like midnight in the city, haunting, intimate, and unforgettable. From her breakout cover of Personal Jesus to her latest release Gravity, she’s carving out a distinct lane in dark pop. Today, we welcome Michelle Kash.” We were able to ask questions with Michelle Kash: -You’ve described g...

I’m super excited about this next interview. I had a chance to sit with Black Writers Weekend, CEO, Tamika Jamison, and chat about how she built this community of writers and became the blueprint of the unseen. We dug deep and talk about: Tamika, when people hear your name today, they hear author, entrepreneur, visionary, founder, but who is Tamika Newhouse at the core when the titles are stripped...

I’ve Cried the Blues Cast & Creative Team Guests: Dennis Williams, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Darrel Walls, Karen Linette Welcome to the show. This production carries history, music, pain, and triumph. For each of you—what was the first feeling you had when you became part of I’ve Cried the Blues? This story is set in 1945 Little Rock, but the themes still feel current. Why does this story matter i...

Today, we’re diving into passion, power, and a little bit of chaos—in the best way possible. Joining us is actress Gabrielle Faith Brown, starring in My Dark Romeo, premiering April 30 on ReelShort. This isn’t your typical love story—it’s enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, tension-filled drama… the kind of story where love feels like a battle When you first read My Dark Romeo, what was your imm...