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Artwork for Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

KBLA Talk 1580
Donald Trump
Civil Rights Movement
Jesse Jackson
Democratic Party
Civil Rights
Iran
Martin Luther King Jr.
Black History Month
ICE
Supreme Court
Trump Administration
Barack Obama
Kamala Harris
Democracy
Racism
Education
Immigration Policy
Voting Rights
African American History
California

"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

Insightful conversations with thought leaders, opinion makers, celebrities, authors and artists. Plus, socially conscious commentary that challenges listeners to re-examine the assumptions they hold, and expand their inventory of ideas.

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Aaron Regunberg, co-host of Fighting Fascism, the new podcast from The Nation magazine, explains who they will be featuring, what the Democratic Party could do about it, and lessons from FDR and the New Deal.

Become a supporter of this podcast: http... more

Mike Sargent, founding member of the African American Film Critics Association & Black Film Critics Circle, is back to assess the cultural impact of the new Michael Jackson film and previews the summer movie season, which is nearly upon us.

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Dr. Jill Stein, former Green Party presidential candidate, joins guest host, former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, with an update on the Green Party’s surge in the U.K. and the progressive perspective on the conflicts with Iran, Venezuela, ... more

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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
Algernon Austin
Director of Race and Justice at The Center for Economic and Policy Research
The Center for Economic and Policy Research
Episode: Algernon Austin joins Tavis Smiley
Susannah Heschel
Dartmouth professor and daughter of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Dartmouth College
Episode: Susannah Heschel joins Tavis Smiley
Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett
OBGYN physician
Medical professional discussed in the episode
Episode: Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett joins Tavis Smiley
Tonika Lewis Johnson
MacArthur Fellow, world-winning photographer, social justice artist
Independent/Artist
Episode: Tonika Lewis Johnson joins Tavis Smiley
Steven Dean
Boston University Law Professor, author of Racial Capitalism and International Tax Law, The Story of Global Jim Crow
Boston University
Episode: Steven Dean joins Tavis Smiley
Cartia Goba
Semaphore representative who queried Donald Trump at NABJ Chicago gathering
Semaphore
Episode: Bill Kristol joins Tavis Smiley
Kez Nnamdi
Reggae musical artist
Independent artist
Episode: Bill Kristol joins Tavis Smiley
Arianne Nettles
Professor Culture Reporter and author
Unspecified (author of We Are the Culture)
Episode: Bill Kristol joins Tavis Smiley

Host

Tavis Smiley
Host known for engaging and insightful discussions on cultural and political issues, emphasizing the voices of marginalized communities and social justice.

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.

Listeners appreciate the insightful and poignant conversations that tackle crucial social issues.
Tavis Smiley is praised for his engaging interviewing style and the depth of coverage on pressing societal topics.
The podcast is recognized for featuring a diverse range of guests who provide unique perspectives on politics and culture.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Neil Maher joins Tavis Smiley
Q: Yeah, I've been thinking about something the last couple of days, Neil, not to make you political, but I want to just share my POV with you and see if you have any in response or read of it.
Neil responds by highlighting how Black officials have sometimes been targeted in political shifts, but also points to the historic significance of Black achievement in space, including Victor Glover, and argues that DEI and representation matter while acknowledging the ongoing political battles over funding and policy.
Leta McCollough Seletzky joins Tavis Smiley
Q: Why was your father at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968 in Memphis?
Leta describes her father's role as an undercover figure within the police intelligence bureau during the sanitation strike era, ultimately placing him in the parking lot near the Lorraine Motel on that pivotal night as part of his assigned duties.
Leta McCollough Seletzky joins Tavis Smiley
Q: Why write the book in the first place?
Leta explains she wished to illuminate her father's hidden life and legacy, motivated by a sense of responsibility to her children and to history, and to fill in missing pieces that connect personal memory to wider civil rights history.
Dr. Angela Simms joins Tavis Smiley
Q: Give me some of the things that we can look at, Dr. Simms. Things that we can look at that give us some sense that these particular communities are being forced to compete unfairly.
Key measures include per-capita and per-student spending comparisons between Prince George's County and neighboring wealthier counties, levels of investment in public goods, and the distribution of tax revenues that reveal how underinvestment compounds over time, creating a drag on services like education and infrastructure in Black jurisdictions.
Ashley Etienne Joins Tavis Smiley
Q: What should Democrats do between now and November to regain momentum and hold the president accountable?
Ashley outlines an affirmative, proactive agenda focused on affordability, accountability, and innovation, plus a robust inside-outside strategy leveraging community organizations to mobilize voters beyond traditional Washington channels.

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 content focuses on a blend of politics, cultural commentary, and social justice, emphasizing the challenges and achievements within the African American community. It features discussions with a variety of guests that include activists, politicians, and cultural figures, offering insights into current events, history, and the intersections between race and political power. Listeners can expect in-depth conversations that highlight the importance of civil rights, community engagement, and the role of humor and activism in shaping society, all illustrated through personal anecdotes and historical references.

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How many listeners does Tavis Smiley get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers Tavis Smiley has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Tavis Smiley?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Tavis Smiley:

1. Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams
2. Code Switch
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. TED Radio Hour
5. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for 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. Algernon Austin
3. Susannah Heschel
4. Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett
5. Tonika Lewis Johnson
6. Steven Dean
7. Cartia Goba
8. Kez Nnamdi

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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