Tavis Smiley

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Patrick Kennedy—former member of Congress for 16 years and the youngest child of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy as he discusses his latest book, "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," new evidence surrounding the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and the family’s views on his cousin, RFK Jr. Become a support...

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Luenell, who talks about her recent sold-out show at the Apollo, her hilarious role in the Emmy-winning series Hacks, and a preview of her new So Cal residency, That Time of the Month. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

In this Best of 2025 episode, Tavis Smiley remembers actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reprising their final public conversation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi—Director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study, co-founder of The Emancipator, and author of ten New York Times bestsellers as he discusses his latest book for the next generation, "Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers." Become a supporter of this podcast: ht...

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with award-winning writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee, reflecting on his life and career and the release of his debut novel, "The Best Man: Unfinished Business." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Jessica Fulton, Joint Center Senior Fellow for Political and Economic Studies, on her project "Forward Together: Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

In our third-hour roundtable, our White House correspondent Nii-Quartelai Quartey, Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, and former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush look ahead to the upcoming midterm elections, the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

For our second-hour roundtable, scholar Cornel West, attorney Elizabeth Booker Houston, and philosopher Tim Golden look at the progressive challenges and victories of 2025. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

It’s our big year-in-review for all three hours! In our first-hour roundtable, civil rights attorney Connie Rice, social justice organizer Rashad Robinson, and political commentator Danielle Moodie reflect on the attacks on civil rights and the Constitution this past year. Plus, our surprise guest, Black Thought, helps us kick it off. It's our big year-in-review for all three hours! For our first-...

Songwriter Nadine McKinnor, co-writer of Donny Hathaway’s anthem “This Christmas,” recalls her collaboration on this holiday classic. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson is back with his Top 10 films of 2025, as well as his 10 favorite performances of the year, and honors the cinematic legacy of Rob Reiner. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Nicholas Buccola, professor of Government, Humanism, and Ethics at Claremont McKenna College, goes inside his latest text, “One Man’s Freedom: Goldwater, King, and the Struggle over an American Ideal,” and explains why you may never hear Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech the same way again. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Christopher D. Cook, author of the stinging RootsAction autopsy of the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential campaign, reveals how his findings have been received and how Democrats should respond. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Tavis reprises his 2016 conversation with Rob Reiner and his son Nick who has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his parents. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Glass artist Jason McDonald explains how his collaboration with Solange Knowles put him on the map and how he hopes to break down barriers for Black craft artists. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Arlene Reckson, former music executive and production coordinator for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, goes inside the recording session of their iconic holiday song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” which included young voices from the Harlem Community Choir. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Butch Ware, Green Party candidate for California governor and UC Santa Barbara professor, is back in the studio with a progressive outsider’s look at the big races in 2026 — from the battle for Congress to statehouse showdowns. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Deroy Murdock, Fox News commentator, American Spectator contributing editor, and Daily Signal columnist, gives his take on the Venezuelan boat attacks, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s run for Texas governor, and his warning for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Dr. Todd Boyd, USC media studies professor, a.k.a. “Notorious Ph. D.,” celebrates today’s 50th anniversary of the seminal Parliament album “Mothership Connection” and shares his favorite hip-hop albums of 2025. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Dr. Cornel West, scholar, leading public intellectual, author, and special contributor, shares his thoughts on whether Progressives should draft their own Project 2029 plan and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

John Nichols, executive editor of The Nation magazine, gives his analysis on how Trump is dragging Republicans to a crushing defeat and other trending political news.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Cecil Brown, UC Berkeley professor and Richard Pryor’s longtime friend and collaborator, celebrates the life of the GOAT as we mark 20 years since his passing this week.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Eva Aridjis-Fuentes, director of the fascinating documentary "Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus,” helps us celebrate what would have been the 65th birthday of the mysterious singer, best known for her haunting track “Goodbye Horses” in Jonathan Demme’s film “The Silence of the Lambs.”    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Rev. Willie Williams, chair of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Sumner, Mississippi, talks about their latest acquisition — the barn where the Black teenager from Chicago was lynched, tortured and killed 70 years ago. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .

Dr. Cornel West, scholar, leading public intellectual, author, and special contributor, shares his thoughts on the passing of the first Black education secretary Rod Paige, the progressive autopsy report by RootsAction that tells how Democrats lost the White House and more.   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support .