The JamirSmith Show Podcast

5th Annual #GLAADHonors Celebrates Black & Brown LGBTQ Creators, Storytellers, and Community in Los Angeles March 13, 2026

I had the chance to chat with musician, and actor Elijah Boothe how drops his new single on July 17 followed by an EP in August 2026. Fron acting to music, every chapter continues to be intentional. Working with artists like Durand Bernarr and Knwledge Elijah continues to trust his own artistry and create the his own journey. Download the new single on July 17 and stay turned for his amazing EP in...

2026 NBA HBCU Classic  presented by  AT&T  will take center stage during  NBA All-Star 2026  in Los Angeles, California. This highly anticipated matchup will feature two powerhouse programs— the  Hampton University Pirates  and the  North Carolina A&T Aggies

One of the most meaningful conversations I had during this year’s Essence Festival was with DeVon Franklin and his wife, Maria Castillo. Our discussion wasn’t just about careers or accomplishments, it was about healing, transformation, love, and the legacy we leave behind. We talked about the importance of doing the inner work, living with intention, and understanding that our character is just as...

During this year’s @essencefest & @blackexcellencebrunch hosted by @trellworld , I chatted with with Victoria Thomas @iam_queenvee tech founder, sports agent, and attorney, for a conversation that stayed with me long after the cameras stopped rolling. She reminded me that when we’re invited into these rooms, it’s something special and there’s magic in the room! It’s about building genuine rela...

Jamaal: Loved Coded is an anthology sci-fi show about the intersection of humanoid robots and dating. Gay men navigate the complexities of dating with engineered, lifelike lovers. Stream all episodes on HERE TV

Elijah, welcome to The Jamir Smith Show. I’ve been excited about this conversation because you’ve built a career that refuses to stay in one lane. From acting to music, every chapter seems intentional. How are you feeling in this season of your life?” Before we get into the work… how’s your heart today? Act One: Becoming Elijah Many people know the credits, but they don’t know the journey. When yo...

Elijah, welcome to The Jamir Smith Show. I’ve been excited about this conversation because you’ve built a career that refuses to stay in one lane. From acting to music, every chapter seems intentional. How are you feeling in this season of your life?” Before we get into the work… how’s your heart today? Act One: Becoming Elijah Many people know the credits, but they don’t know the journey. When yo...

Essencefest 2026 with DeVon Franklin and wife Maria Castillo Franklin sit down with me to talk about love, legacy and black representation.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Raheem DeVaughn @raheem_devaughn during ESSENCE Festival as he prepares for another incredible performance. We talked about the importance of ownership, building a lasting legacy, and how staying true to your purpose continues to open new doors. And of course, we had to talk about “You”, a timeless #1 record that still connects with people years later because...

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...

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...