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 11, 2026 • 34min
Pete Buttigieg Joins Tavis Smiley
Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary and Mayor of South Bend, IN, is in studio to talk about the Hoosier state’s redistricting pushback and the Democratic Party strategy for the midterms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 10, 2026 • 36min
Cecily Myart-Cruz and Max Arias Joins Tavis Smiley
Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), is in the studio, along with Max Arias, executive director of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99, with an update on plans to strike amid contentious contract negotiations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 10, 2026 • 16min
Dylan Rodríguez Joins Tavis Smiley
Dylan Rodríguez, UC Riverside professor and co-director of the Center for Ideas and Society, returns to opine on the “Abolish ICE” movement and whether it will sway voters in this year’s midterm elections.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 10, 2026 • 21min
Dr. Cornel West Joins Tavis Smiley
Leading public intellectual, author, scholar and special contributor Dr. Cornel West gives his analysis on racism in America and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 10, 2026 • 17min
Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo Joins Tavis Smiley
Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo, former Minneapolis police chief, shares his thoughts on ICE operations in Minneapolis and how the city can move forward.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 10, 2026 • 22min
Christopher Sebastian Parker Joins Tavis Smiley
Christopher Sebastian Parker, UC Santa Barbara professor, author and founder of Black Insights Research, discusses Trump’s racist post about the Obamas and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 6, 2026 • 33min
Rissi Palmer Joins Tavis Smiley
Rissi Palmer, the GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter who has performed at the White House, the Apollo and the Grand Ole Opry, shares her newest EP, “Perspectives,” and previews this weekend’s Opry 100 celebration.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 6, 2026 • 17min
Marc Morial Joins Tavis Smiley
Marc Morial, president of The Urban League, previews the Urban Civil Rights Museum, set to open later this year as part of their $300 million Empowerment Center.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 6, 2026 • 21min
Dylan Rodríguez Joins Tavis Smiley
Dylan Rodríguez, UC Riverside professor and co-director of the Center for Ideas and Society, explains why he believes the Democratic Party is the most effective counterinsurgency organization in modern history — where true change goes to die.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 6, 2026 • 39min
Jennifer Bendery Joins Tavis Smiley
Jennifer Bendery, senior politics reporter for HuffPost, gives an update on the national reaction to the deadly shootings in Minneapolis and how the term “Abolish ICE” could shape the midterm elections.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
