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Artwork for Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

KBLA Talk 1580
Donald Trump
Iran
Kamala Harris
Voting Rights Act
Democratic Party
Martin Luther King Jr.
Supreme Court
Democracy
California
Jesse Jackson
Civil Rights
Israel
Racism
Civil Rights Movement
Joe Biden
Birthright Citizenship
Racial Justice
Voting Rights
Immigration Policy
Los Angeles

"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... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes1008Founded4 years ago
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Artwork for Tavis Smiley

Latest Episodes

Tavis celebrates the 68th birthday of the icon Prince, taking place this weekend, and talks about his upcoming trip to The Met Museum to honor The Artist as part of their Musical Bodies exhibition.

Become a supporter of this podcast: www.spr... more

Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson gives us his Black Summer Movie Preview as he highlights must-see Black-led films that make a statement this season.

Become a supporter of this podcast: www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/s... more

YouTube

Multidisciplinary astrophysicist, inventor, award-winning author, and journalist Hakeem Oluseyi joins Tavis in studio to discuss his newest book, “Why Do We Exist? The Nine Realms Of The Universe That Make You Possible,” and more.

Become a supporter... more

Former Atlanta mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms talks about her statewide campaign and why she believes America is ready for a Black woman governor.

Become a supporter of this podcast: www.spreaker.com/podcas... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter
UCLA professor specializing in African American studies
UCLA
Episode: Marcus Anthony Hunter joins Tavis Smiley
Clarence B. Jones
Civil rights attorney, speechwriter and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Civil rights movement
Episode: Clarence B. Jones Tribute With Tavis Smiley
DD Guttenplan
Special correspondent for The Nation magazine
The Nation
Episode: Nii-Quartelai Quartey & DD Guttenplan
Ralph Johnson
Percussionist, singer, songwriter, Earth, Wind & Fire member
Earth, Wind & Fire
Episode: Ralph Johnson joins Tavis Smiley
Sonny Rollins
Jazz saxophonist; legendary figure in jazz
Solo artist
Episode: Sonny Rollins Tribute by Tavis Smiley
Vince Wilburn Jr.
Miles Davis's nephew, drummer and longtime associate
Miles Davis family, musician
Episode: Miles Davis “100” with Tavis Smiley
Stanley Clarke
Renowned bassist and collaborator
Jazz musician
Episode: Miles Davis “100” with Tavis Smiley
Marcus Miller
Legendary bassist and producer
Music
Episode: Miles Davis “100” with Tavis Smiley
Walter Mosley
Internationally acclaimed author and playwright
Author of Ghalen, A Romance In Black
Episode: Walter Mosley joins Tavis Smiley

Host

Tavis Smiley
Host of KBLA Talk 1580 show and long-form interviewer known for provocative political conversations

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 135 ratings
  • UK listener!

    A great show, thank you for bringing so many essential and intelligent voices to the airwaves.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sol na Laje
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Travis Smiley is GREAT!!!!!!

    Hello Tavis and all his listeners,

    I remember fondly Tavis from his PBS days and was one of many who has missed him beyond measure ever since. I didn’t know about this podcast or else I would’ve written this a long time ago. I always enjoyed his interview style and his energy, so I am thrilled to know he’s got a podcast! I already KNOW that his previous episodes I have yet to listen to are EXCELLENT, as I spent YEARS watching this man every single weekday listening and watching him in action. I... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sagely Warrior ML
    United Statesa year ago
  • Truth

    Tavis Smiley is a great way to hear what the networks aren’t telling you. I used to listen to Ezra Klein; then I learned about Tavis when he interviewed my seminary’s president. Now Tavis has my ear. He does his work with dignity for all and an appreciation of the worth of each person, just because they are human. I can’t put it like Tavis does, but he does it superbly. Not that Ezra Klein doesn’t do that too, but I find Tavis’s perspective and his guests more helpful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nick from nepal
    United States2 years ago
  • Truth

    Tavis Smiley is a great way to hear what the networks aren’t telling you. And done with dignity for all and an appreciation of the worth of each person, just because they are human. I can’t put it like Tavis does, but he does it superbly.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nick from nepal
    United States2 years ago
  • Downloading Issues

    Haven’t been able to download an episode for over a week. It keeps saying the episode is temporarily unavailable.

    I am able to download all other podcasts I listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Jeremiah Jahi
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, incisive interviews with informed guests
Consistently high-quality conversations with memorable guests
Long-form format with a credible host and guests
Strong commitment to civil rights and democracy
Audience experiences some download issues on older episodes

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sonny Rollins Tribute by Tavis Smiley
Q: How did you approach a return after sabbaticals and aging?
He describes mounting self-confidence, the need to prove to himself rather than others that he could grow, and the acceptance that self-understanding matters more than external validation.
Sonny Rollins Tribute by Tavis Smiley
Q: What makes it difficult to go your own way when others say you should stay on track?
Rollins explains that you must follow what feels true to you; not doing so shortchanges your life, and the struggle is worth it for authentic artistic and personal integrity.
Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro joins Tavis Smiley
Q: Why do you think Donald Trump and his administration persisted with the war in Iran?
Shapiro argues that Trump believed the war would be quick and decisive, had miscalculated the complexity of modern conflicts, failed to build a coalition, and did not adequately articulate a clear objective or gain Congressional support, which contributed to waning public support and strategic setbacks.
Clarence B. Jones Tribute With Tavis Smiley
Q: You were writing the Beyond Vietnam speech with a balanced, one-hand, on-the-one-hand approach. Why did you draft it that way, and how did King respond when he reviewed it?
Jones explains he was trying to balance nuance to protect King, but King rejected the approach, insisting there is no 'on the one hand and the other hand' morality when addressing a war. He wanted a straightforward, morally explicit stance against the war, which Vincent Harding later finalized.
Ari Berman joins Tavis Smiley
Q: Why does it matter that the structure of power—like the Senate or the Supreme Court—can preserve minority rule even when the country is shifting demographically?
He explains that electoral structures can insulate a minority from the will of the majority, allowing decisions unpopular with most voters to persist, and that this misalignment threatens democratic legitimacy and future policy outcomes.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tavis Smiley

What is Tavis Smiley about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The program features deep-dive conversations with reform-minded politicians, journalists, lawyers, and cultural commentators who critique power structures and promote civil rights, voting rights, and healthcare equity. Episodes frequently center on democracy, racial justice, and policy impact, often exploring how laws, institutions, and political strategy shape everyday lives. A standout is the long-form interview style that blends historical context with current events, attracting listeners who value principled analysis, bold questions, and expert insights from insiders and trailblazers. The show is likely appealing to intellectually curious, policy-focused audiences seeking rigorous discussion from a Black-owned, progressive-leaning platf... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Tavis Smiley?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Tavis Smiley:

1. Native Land Pod
2. The Joy Reid Show
3. The D.L. Hughley Show
4. TED Talks Daily
5. Ralph Nader Radio Hour

How many episodes of Tavis Smiley are there?

Tavis Smiley launched 4 years ago and published 1008 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Tavis Smiley?

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What guests have appeared on Tavis Smiley?

Recent guests on Tavis Smiley include:

1. Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter
2. Clarence B. Jones
3. DD Guttenplan
4. Ralph Johnson
5. Sonny Rollins
6. Vince Wilburn Jr.
7. Stanley Clarke
8. Marcus Miller

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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