Tavis Smiley
KBLA Talk 1580
"Tavis Smiley" is the flagship program for KBLA, America's newest progressive radio network and LA's first Black-owned talk station. Broadcast live across southern California on 1580AM and around the world on KBLA1580.com and TuneIn, this podcast presents the best of Tavis Smiley's conversations with activists, influencers, thought leaders, and cultural vanguards.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 3, 2026 • 18min
Clara Ester Joins Tavis Smiley
Clara Ester, who was a 19-year-old college student when she witnessed the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Hotel on April 4, 1968, after attending his final speech the night before, reflects on her unique experience that fateful week.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 3, 2026 • 23min
Trina Greene Joins Tavis Smiley
Trina Greene, CSU Fullerton professor and founder of Parenting for Liberation, contrasts recent pro-spanking arguments by Charles Barkley and Stephen A. Smith with the nonviolent teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 3, 2026 • 17min
Colonel Pamela Stevenson Joins Tavis Smiley
This year, Kentucky could vote for a real colonel. Current Kentucky House Minority Floor Leader and retired Air Force Col. Pam Stevenson explains why she is running for the U.S. Senate seat left open by its longtime occupier, Mitch McConnell.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 3, 2026 • 22min
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen Joins Tavis Smiley
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) returns to the program live from Memphis, where local residents are processing the looming date of April 4, with his reaction to President Donald Trump’s speech about the war against Iran.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 3, 2026 • 41min
James Peterson Joins Tavis Smiley
Dr. James Peterson, writer, educator, and host of Evening WURDS on WURD (900 AM and 96.1 FM) in Philadelphia, PA, gives his analysis about trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 1, 2026 • 38min
Lisa Graves Joins Tavis Smiley
Lisa Graves, co-founder of the judicial advocacy organization Court Accountability and co-host of the podcast Legal AF, shares her insights about the landmark birthright citizenship case in the Supreme Court.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 1, 2026 • 17min
Jon Ralston Joins Tavis Smiley
Jon Ralston, political journalist and founder of The Nevada Independent, talks about his book The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 1, 2026 • 22min
Ruth Buffalo Joins Tavis Smiley
Former North Dakota representative and Indigenous activist Ruth Buffalo reflects on the NoDAPL (No Dakota Access Pipeline) movement at Standing Rock 10 years ago and what’s next for sacred, ancestral lands.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 1, 2026 • 40min
Ryan Grim Joins Tavis Smiley
Ryan Grim, co-founder of Drop Site News, returns with his analysis about trending political topics, including Trump’s federal voting list, the Iran war, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Apr 1, 2026 • 39min
Michael Harriot Joins Tavis Smiley
Michael Harriot, award-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated TV writer, and New York Times bestselling author of Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America, talks about the future of Black history, the upcoming “Reporting While Black” symposium at Howard University, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
