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 4, 2026 • 35min
Rapsody Joins Tavis Smiley
GRAMMY award-winning hip-hop artist Rapsody is in studio to preview her Blue Note LA show and talk about her latest EP with Madlib called #MADRAPS.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 4, 2026 • 38min
Anthony DePalma Joins Tavis Smiley
Veteran New York Times reporter Anthony DePalma takes us inside his new book, “On This Ground: Hardship and Hope at the Toughest Prep School in America,” highlighting one of the most successful inner-city schools in the country, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 4, 2026 • 38min
Leonard Pitts Joins Tavis Smiley
Pulitzer Prize‑winning columnist and director of the Center for Urban Journalism at Morgan State University, Leonard Pitts Jr., talks about Alex Pretti, the high price of giving a damn and other trending political topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 2, 2026 • 14min
Julien and Justen Turner Joins Tavis Smiley
Brothers Julien and Justen Turner are in studio, fresh off the big Sundance Film Festival premiere for their Ohio-based comedy pilot, “FreeLance."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 2, 2026 • 21min
Alicia Lyttle Joins Tavis Smiley
CEO of AI Innovision and renowned AI strategist known as “The Queen of AI,” Alicia Lyttle, talks about how data center developers are targeting Black communities and how to keep your skills sharp as AI reshapes the workplace. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 2, 2026 • 16min
Jerome Nikolai Warren Joins Tavis Smiley
Global economist and author Jerome Nikolai Warren, originally from Alabama and now in Germany, reflects on lessons from a recent trip to Cuba, just as the threat of a U.S. invasion looms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
Dr. Cornel West Joins Tavis Smiley
Leading public intellectual, author, scholar, and special contributor, Dr. Cornel West, shares his thoughts about celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 2, 2026 • 16min
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad Joins Tavis Smiley
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, CEO of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, discusses the organization’s recent report, “State of the Dream 2026: From Regression to Signs of a Black Recession.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
Nekima Levy Armstrong Joins Tavis Smiley
Minneapolis civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network, Nekima Levy Armstrong, tells the story of her arrest while protesting in Minneapolis.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 30, 2026 • 36min
Keyon Harrold Joins Tavis Smiley
GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter and composer Keyon Harrold, dubbed “the future of the trumpet,” previews his upcoming performances at the Blue Note in Los Angeles and reflects on the legacy of his friend and longtime collaborator D’Angelo.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
