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
Jan 16, 2026 • 19min
Jermaine Fowler joins Tavis Smiley
Jermaine Fowler previews his new horror film, “Night Patrol,” and discusses his career as a successful actor and comedian.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 16, 2026 • 18min
Raquel Graham joins Tavis Smiley
Raquel Graham, "Shark Tank" winner, CEO of Roq Innovation, and host of "Entrepreneuring with Raquel Graham" on KBLA Talk 1580 gives her insight on Black-led investment funds thriving despite DEI rollbacks, the benefits of franchising and why Africa is the next frontier for Black entrepreneurs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 16, 2026 • 22min
Bill Kurtis joins Tavis Smiley
Bill Kurtis, broadcaster and documentary producer, reflects on his time covering the assassination of Fred Hampton and other historic events in his new memoir, “Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 16, 2026 • 17min
Bishop William J. Barber II joins Tavis Smiley
Bishop William J. Barber II, president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and Moral Mondays, discusses the ICE resistance movement, the “It’s Time to Love Forward Together” moral march and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 16, 2026 • 21min
U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson joins Tavis Smiley
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Jan. 6 select committee, recalls the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and discusses what comes next in 2026.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 16, 2026 • 38min
Andre Gaines and Dominique DiPrima join Tavis Smiley
Andre Gaines, director, producer and co-writer of the new André Holland film “The Dutchman,” reflects on the legacy of Amiri Baraka’s controversial play, along with resident Baraka expert Dominique DiPrima, his daughter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 16, 2026 • 34min
Katie Benner & Erica L. Green join Tavis Smiley
New York Times investigative reporters Katie Benner and Erica L. Green discuss their new book, “Miracle Children: Race, Education, and a True Story of False Promises,” and weigh in on top stories from their regular beats at the Justice Department and the White House.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 15, 2026 • 40min
Niambi Carter joins Tavis Smiley
Associate professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland and author Dr. Niambi Carter gives her analysis of Minnesota suing the federal government and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 13, 2026 • 15min
David Jolly joins Tavis Smiley
Comedian David Jolly is in the studio with his hilarious New Year’s wisdom for those observing Dry January, drawn from his own “Five-Year Comedy and Sobriety Experiment.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Jan 13, 2026 • 22min
Jeh Johnson joins Tavis Smiley
Jeh Johnson, former Homeland Security secretary under President Barack Obama, shares his concerns about the types of people being recruited for ICE through its “Defund Your Culture” sales pitch.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
