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
Feb 25, 2026 • 17min
Vincent Intondi Joins Tavis Smiley
Dr. Vincent Intondi, Cornell University scholar, editor of Nuclear Times, and executive director of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, shares his reflections on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s pivotal work on nuclear disarmament. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 20min
Nicholas Meyer Joins Tavis Smiley
As U.S. warships line up along the coast of Iran, renowned director and screenwriter Nicholas Meyer explains how his seminal 1983 made-for-TV movie “The Day After” was viewed by 100 million Americans and changed President Ronald Reagan’s mind on nuclear weapons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 38min
Lewis R. Gordon Joins Tavis Smiley
Lewis Gordon, professor and head of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut, offers his insights on Rev. Jackson lying in state in South Carolina, the State of the Union and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 8min
U.S. Rep. Al Green Joins Tavis Smiley
U.S. Rep Al Green (D-TX) talks about being ejected from the State of The Union - again - this time for holding up the protest sign 'Black People Aren't Apes' during the address.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 32min
Virginia Kase Solomón Joins Tavis Smiley
Virginia Kase Solomón, president and CEO of Common Cause, gives her take on President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, the state of our democracy and where we go from hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 21min
Mopreme Shakur Joins Tavis Smiley
Mopreme Shakur returns with his new memoir, “THIS THUG’S LIFE: An Unapologetically Black Story,” and takes us inside the Shakur family, the iconic hip-hop group T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E., and the legacy of his younger brother, Tupac Shakur.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 16min
Gina Belafonte Joins Tavis Smiley
Gina Belafonte, co-founder of Sankofa.org previews the inaugural fundraiser celebrating what would have been her father Harry Belafonte’s 99th birthday.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 19min
Jaime Harrison Joins Tavis Smiley
Jaime Harrison, former DNC chair and host of the YouTube show “At Our Table,” previews tonight’s “Black People’s Alternative to the State of the Union,” which he is headlining alongside Angela Rye and Karen Finney.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 25, 2026 • 42min
Eli Attie Joins Tavis Smiley
Eli Attie, Emmy Award–winning TV writer and former speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore, shares his expectations for President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight and reflects on the breakdown of civility since his days in Washington.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 23, 2026 • 37min
Luenell Joins Tavis Smiley
The “Original Bad Girl of Comedy,” Luenell, returns to talk about being honored at the KBLA Talk 1580 Black History Month luncheon in support of the flagship station — and to share when she’s coming to a comedy club near you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
