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
Dec 20, 2025 • 14min
Nadine McKinnor joins Tavis Smiley
Songwriter Nadine McKinnor, co-writer of Donny Hathaway’s anthem “This Christmas,” recalls her collaboration on this holiday classic.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 20, 2025 • 22min
Odie Henderson joins Tavis Smiley
Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson is back with his Top 10 films of 2025, as well as his 10 favorite performances of the year, and honors the cinematic legacy of Rob Reiner.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 20, 2025 • 35min
Nicholas Buccola joins Tavis Smiley
Nicholas Buccola, professor of Government, Humanism, and Ethics at Claremont McKenna College, goes inside his latest text, “One Man’s Freedom: Goldwater, King, and the Struggle over an American Ideal,” and explains why you may never hear Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech the same way again.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 20, 2025 • 8min
Christopher D. Cook joins Tavis Smiley
Christopher D. Cook, author of the stinging RootsAction autopsy of the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential campaign, reveals how his findings have been received and how Democrats should respond.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 20, 2025 • 22min
Rob and Nick Reiner Conversation
Tavis reprises his 2016 conversation with Rob Reiner and his son Nick who has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his parents.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 18, 2025 • 15min
Jason McDonald joins Tavis Smiley
Glass artist Jason McDonald explains how his collaboration with Solange Knowles put him on the map and how he hopes to break down barriers for Black craft artists.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 18, 2025 • 21min
Arlene Reckson joins Tavis Smiley
Arlene Reckson, former music executive and production coordinator for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, goes inside the recording session of their iconic holiday song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” which included young voices from the Harlem Community Choir.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 18, 2025 • 21min
Butch Ware joins Tavis Smiley
Butch Ware, Green Party candidate for California governor and UC Santa Barbara professor, is back in the studio with a progressive outsider’s look at the big races in 2026 — from the battle for Congress to statehouse showdowns.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 18, 2025 • 23min
Deroy Murdock joins Tavis Smiley
Deroy Murdock, Fox News commentator, American Spectator contributing editor, and Daily Signal columnist, gives his take on the Venezuelan boat attacks, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s run for Texas governor, and his warning for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Dec 17, 2025 • 34min
Dr. Todd Boyd joins Tavis Smiley
Dr. Todd Boyd, USC media studies professor, a.k.a. “Notorious Ph.D.,” celebrates today’s 50th anniversary of the seminal Parliament album “Mothership Connection” and shares his favorite hip-hop albums of 2025.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
