Podcast
Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air
Catalog
Episodes
- Larry Says GoodbyeDec 29, 2025 · 47 minIn his final episode, Larry looks back on the podcast’s journey, reminiscing about favorite episodes and key moments along the way. He reflects on how the show evolved sonically and personally and expresses his gratitude to the listeners and contributors who've shaped it over the past eight years.
Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Phil Rosenthal on Max & Helen'sDec 21, 2025 · 52 minLarry sits down with acclaimed TV writer and restaurateur Phil Rosenthal to discuss his latest venture, Max & Helen’s. Phil reflects on his years creating ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ his unexpected pivot from television to the food world, and why diners remain the heart of food culture.
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Phil RosenthalProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Jon Lovett on the State of the WorldDec 14, 2025 · 1 hr 8 minLarry is joined by podcast host Jon Lovett for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the world. They discuss Trump, Democratic front-runners, health care, Lovett’s personal experience with GLP-1 medications, and much more.
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Jon LovettProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Werner Herzog on ‘The Future of Truth’Nov 23, 2025 · 1 hr 23 minLive from Los Angeles, Larry sits down with legendary filmmaker and author Werner Herzog to discuss his new book, ‘The Future of Truth.’ Together, they explore philosophy, history, and politics and ask the ultimate question: What does truth really mean?
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Werner HerzogProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein on ‘The American Revolution’Nov 16, 2025 · 1 hr 2 minAhead of his latest PBS documentary, Larry sits down with Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein to explore ‘The American Revolution.’ They discuss the making of the project, the surprises they encountered, and the deeper truths they discovered about the people, ideals, and contradictions that shaped the founding of our nation.
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Ken Burns and Sarah BotsteinProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Jake Tapper on ‘Race Against Terror’Nov 9, 2025 · 1 hrLarry sits down with CNN anchor and bestselling author Jake Tapper to discuss his new book, 'Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War.' The two explore America’s evolving response to terrorism, the pursuit and prosecution of terrorists, and what today’s battles over Donald Trump reveal about truth, power, and accountability.
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Jake TapperProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Charlotte Kaufman and Andrew Jarecki on 'The Alabama Solution'Oct 18, 2025 · 1 hr 7 minLarry is joined by filmakers Charlotte Kaufman and Andrew Jarecki to talk about their latest film 'The Alabama Solution' as it offers a harrowing look at the prison system and the abuses that take place within it.
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guests: Charlotte Kaufman and Andrew Jareck
Producers: Steve Ahlman and Brandy LaPlante
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- Kenny Mayne on Sports MediaOct 4, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minLarry is joined by former ESPN contributor Kenny Mayne to discuss his newest podcast We Need a Fourth! They also discuss the going's on of sports media, the fallout from poor fan behavior in golf, and much more.
Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Steve Ahlman and Brandy LaPlante
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- Listener MailbagSep 27, 2025 · 1 hr 4 minLarry weighs in on the latest with Jimmy Kimmel and Charlie Kirk, the future of the Democratic Party, the role of artists in culture, his love of magic, conspiracy theories, and much more on this week’s episode of ‘Black on the Air.’
Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Tara Palmeri on Epstein and His SurvivorsSep 6, 2025 · 53 minThis week, Larry is joined by investigative journalist, author, and podcast host Tara Palmeri to sift through the complexities of the Epstein files and his survivors—just days after several of his accusers traveled to Capitol Hill to demand accountability (1:26). They explore the confusion surrounding the case, the role of money, and how Epstein seemed untouchable in a scandal rooted in power and class (8:05). They also consider what the files may actually contain (15:22) and the effect on survivors who must watch as their accused abusers are publicly celebrated.
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Tara PalmeriProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Christopher Jackson on the 10-Year Anniversary of 'Hamilton,' His Return to Broadway, and MoreAug 25, 2025 · 1 hr 9 minLarry is joined by Tony Award–nominated actor, Grammy- and Emmy-winning songwriter, and composer Christopher Jackson. Jackson reflects on the 10-year anniversary of ‘Hamilton,’ how the show came to life, and his experience originating the role of George Washington (2:20). He discusses his upcoming musical, 'The Crossover'; his process of writing for the show; and how raising a child with autism has shaped both his parenthood and his artistry (44:40). He also talks about his return to Broadway in Alicia Keys’s new musical, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (57:00), along with much more.
Host: Larry WimoreGuest: Christopher JacksonProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante
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- Wendy Lobel on ‘Anxiety Club’Aug 16, 2025 · 55 minLarry is joined by Emmy Award-winning producer Wendy Lobel to discuss her directorial debut film ‘Anxiety Club’, currently streaming on Jolt.film. They begin their conversation by talking about why Wendy wanted to make the documentary and exploring the ways that the standup comedians featured in the film use their craft as built-in therapy. This leads to Wendy and Larry sharing personal and professional anecdotes about therapy and anxiety, while also shining a light on where medication intersects with the overall issue (9:05). Next, Wendy tells us about her process for directing ‘Anxiety Club’ and the biggest surprises that occurred to her when making the project (23:22). After the break, they talk about subject authenticity when making a documentary and the obstacles that present themselves when trying to capture the deep areas of people’s personal lives (33:23). They end the pod by highlighting Marc Maron’s significance in regards to the film and breaking down some of the important things that should be known about combating anxiety (41:20).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Wendy LobelProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Jonathan Mahler on ‘The Gods of New York: Egotists, Idealists, Opportunists, and the Birth of the Modern City: 1986-1990’Aug 9, 2025 · 54 minLarry is joined by New York Times journalist and author Jonathan Mahler to discuss his newest book, ‘The Gods of New York: Egotists, Idealists, Opportunists, and the Birth of the Modern City: 1986-1990,’ publishing on August 12. They begin their conversation by detailing why Jonathan decided to write the book and shining a light on the rich history of New York City that precedes the period it covers. Here, they focus on the infamous Howard Beach attack and the police response that led to the rise of Al Sharpton and a new age of public protesting (18:46). After the break, Larry and Jonathan take a look at the Wall Street crash of 1987-88 and break down how the AIDS epidemic affected both the gay and art communities in New York at that time (31:52). They end the pod by talking about Rudy Giuliani’s war against the mob, how the tabloids created Donald Trump, and filmmaker Spike Lee’s love letter to the city, ‘Do the Right Thing’ (38:43).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Jonathan MahlerProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Maya Lau on ‘Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story’Jul 19, 2025 · 1 hr 5 minLarry is joined by journalist Maya Lau to discuss her latest podcast, Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story, currently streaming on Apple Podcasts. They begin their conversation by describing the story and subsequent legacy of Charles Ponzi, an Italian immigrant who, in 1920, defrauded his "investors" of the modern equivalent of a quarter of a billion dollars and unwittingly lent his name to one of the most infamous financial scams in history. They then shine a light on the cast of Maya’s narrative-form podcast and break down the scheme that made Ponzi infamous (11:43). This leads to a conversation about Bernie Madoff and other modern grifters and how they're able to succeed using Ponzi's diagram (25:24). After the break, Larry and Maya talk about why money is valuable and society’s general misunderstanding of how currency works (31:06). Larry then shares the life lessons he acquired as a door-to-door salesman, and Maya ends the pod with tips on how to avoid scams (38:22).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Maya LauProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Nate Jackson on 'Nate Jackson: Super Funny'Jul 13, 2025 · 1 hr 16 minLarry is joined by comedian Nate Jackson to talk about his new Netflix special ‘Nate Jackson: Super Funny’. They begin their conversation by examining the different ways that comedians develop relationships with an audience and sharing how they each mentally process jokes while they're performing. Nate then details how he became a comedian and the journey he took to find his unique creative voice (22:41). This leads to a conversation about the importance of owning your own space as a black comedian and the different occupational lessons he learned as one of the few African-American comedy club owners in the U.S. (29:58) After the break, Larry and Nate dive into how social media has changed the way comedy is monetized and discuss the sacrifices necessary to climb the ladder in the industry (40:31). Nate ends the pod by shining a light on his role in the upcoming “The Office” spinoff and sharing advice to aspiring stand-up comedians (57:07).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Nate JacksonProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Elizabeth Wagmeister on the Diddy TrialJul 5, 2025 · 52 minLarry is joined by reporter and journalist Elizabeth Wagmeister to talk about her experiences covering the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs federal criminal case for CNN. They begin their conversation by shining a light on the atmosphere both inside and outside the courtroom, and detailing the individual charges being brought against Combs. They then examine the legal definition of sex trafficking and break down how the prosecution's underestimation of the public perception of this case may have blocked their hopes of a stronger verdict (22:48). After the break, Larry and Elizabeth discuss the effectiveness of Cassie’s testimony and it’s possible contribution to the ‘Me Too’ movement’s ultimate goals (30:07). They end the pod by speculating on how this scandal and trial will affect Diddy’s career and brand moving forward (44:10).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Elizabeth WagmeisterProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Alex Thompson on ‘Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again’Jun 21, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minLarry is joined by journalist Alex Thompson from Axios to discuss the new book he coauthored with CNN’s Jake Tapper, ‘Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, It’s Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.’ They begin their conversation by analyzing the personal history between Joe Biden and Barack Obama and breaking down how the elements of the book came together. This leads to an examination of the mainstream media's coverage of the public incidents that seemingly showcased Biden’s mental decline and the monumental effect his infamous debate with Donald Trump had on the American political landscape (18:39). After the break, Larry and Alex talk about the role family members like Jill and Hunter played in the cover-up and examine the differences in how Trump's current term is reported on versus his previous administration (25:55). They end the pod by discussing the political implications of Tucker Carlson’s viral takedown of Ted Cruz and whether or not the U.S. is heading into a war with Iran (47:33).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Alex ThompsonProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Joy Reid on 'The Joy Reid Show'Jun 7, 2025 · 54 minLarry is joined by author, television host, and political commentator Joy Reid to discuss her new podcast, The Joy Reid Show. They begin their conversation by talking about why Joy left MSNBC and examining the state of cable news in modern culture. This leads to an analysis of the different ideological splits within the Republican Party and the current status of the U.S. on the global stage (10:09). After the break, Larry and Joy discuss why the Democrats are struggling so hard to get their messaging through to voters and the controversial revelations surrounding Joe Biden’s last days in office (29:23). Joy ends the pod by sharing her thoughts on how American politics can move forward and breaking down the focus of her new podcast (43:01).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Joy ReidProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Mark Whitaker on ‘The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America’May 17, 2025 · 1 hr 9 minLarry is joined by writer and media executive Mark Whitaker to discuss his newest book ‘The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America’. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired Mark to write the book and detailing Malcolm X’s Shakespearean life journey from harrowing childhood to celebrated civil rights icon. This leads to a conversation about why both progressives and the modern black conservative movement have championed Malcolm’s teachings, and a breakdown of X’s relationship with Muhammad Ali (14:47). After the break, Larry and Mark discuss how Alex Haley’s posthumous autobiography of Malcolm X came together and examine the role its played in preserving Malcolm's historical significance (32:06). Finally, they end the pod by taking a hard look at the events surrounding Malcolm X’s assassination and shining a light on the strength of his cultural legacy against Martin Luther King's (45:02).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Mark WhitakerProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Larry Wilmore on the Trump Administration, Pope Leo XIV, the State of Hollywood, and MoreMay 10, 2025 · 1 hr 2 minLarry starts off a special listener mailbag episode by sharing some of his biggest concerns with Donald Trump’s second term so far and his administration’s attack on government agencies and the Constitution. Next, he talks about the brand-new Pope Leo XIV and the role of religion in modern society (22:23). After the break, Larry discusses the future of his L.A. Lakers and breaks down the fundamental changes Hollywood filmmakers are feeling in today's political climate (35:38). He ends the pod by answering questions sent in from aspiring TV writers and reflecting on some of the experiences that shaped his path as he was coming up through the industry (40:52).
Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Leah Litman on ‘Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes’May 3, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minLarry is joined by professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School and co-host of the podcast ‘Strict Scrutiny’, Leah Litman, to discuss her forthcoming book ‘Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes’, publishing on May 13th. They begin their conversation by talking about how the politicization of modern Supreme Court operations inspired her book, and shining a light on the history of the conservative right’s use of Roe v. Wade as a stepping stone to further their patriarchal influence on the U.S’s civil rights policies. This leads to a discussion about about voters who agree with this antiquated agenda and the individual Supreme Court justices who are motivated to implement it (24:24). After the break, Larry and Leah take a look at LGBTQ-rights issues in relation to the Supreme Court and how the current administration is using grievance policies to dismantle the 14th Amendment (33:18). They end the pod by talking about the ultimate governmental goals of the MAGA movement, and how Democrats can fight against those initiatives going forward (50:43).
Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Leah LitmanProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Daniel Lubetzky on the Builders Movement, ‘Shark Tank,’ Kind LLC, and MoreApr 19, 2025 · 1 hr 6 minLarry is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ costar Daniel Lubetzky, and they begin their conversation by analyzing the importance of independent thought in today’s political climate. They then focus on the objectives of the Builders Movement and Daniel's efforts to curb political extremism and heal divisions within the business community (9:17). After the break, Daniel shares how the story of his father surviving the Holocaust has inspired his unifying world view and discusses the damaging effects antisemitism has had historically on different societies around the world (25:46). Daniel and Larry end the pod by shining a light on ‘Shark Tank,’ relaying advice for young entrepreneurs, and breaking down the success of Kind LLC (52:01).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Daniel Lubetzky
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Tara Palmeri on ‘Somebody’s Gotta Win’ and ‘The Red Letter’Apr 5, 2025 · 59 minLarry is joined by political journalist Tara Palmeri, writer of ‘The Red Letter’ Substack and host of The Ringer podcast ‘Somebody’s Gotta Win’, to discuss all of the latest buzz shaking up Washington D.C. They begin their conversation by analyzing the possible political repercussions of Trump’s new tariffs. This leads into a talk about the viability of a third Trump term and a detailing of the apparent unseriousness of the president’s current cabinet officials (13:13). After the break, Larry and Tara turn their eyes left toward new reporting on the covering up of Joe Biden’s mental state during the final stretch of his presidency, and the coordinated efforts to keep Biden from debating and ultimately running for a second term (24:54). They end the pod by shining a light on ways Kamala Harris’s team failed her during the 2024 campaign, and speculating on the length of Elon Musk’s tenure within the White House orbit (31:31).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Tara Palmeri
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Alex Isenstadt on ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power’Mar 29, 2025 · 57 minLarry is joined by Axios Senior Political Reporter Alex Isenstadt to talk about his new book ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power’. They begin their conversation by discussing Alex’s approach to writing the book and the environment surrounding Trump when he decided to run for president a second time. They then analyze the personality differences between Trump’s first and second administration, particularly the bevy of influential allies currently in his cabinet, like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (10:25). This leads to an examination of Trump as an indomitable political athlete, whose mystique has kept a solid base of followers even through his most politically devastating moments (15:40). After the break, Larry and Alex shine a light on Trump’s mercurial relationship with Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, and Tucker Carlson, while highlighting the behind-the-scenes machinations that led to JD Vance’s ascendancy to vice president (28:13). Finally, Larry and Alex analyze the viability of Elon Musk’s partnership with Team Trump and talk about the future of both the Democratic and Republican Parties (45:36).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Alex Isenstadt
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Krys Marshall on ‘Paradise’Mar 22, 2025 · 1 hr 11 minLarry is joined by actress Krys Marshall to talk about the Season 2 release of her Hulu show ‘Paradise’. They begin their conversation by examining Marshall’s upbringing and the many factors that inspired her to become an actor. This leads to a conversation about the mental, interpersonal, and familial hurdles Krys overcame to reach her personal goals within the industry (9:03). Next, Krys details the synopsis of ‘Paradise’ and describes how the cast, crew, and writers created an ideal and enriching acting environment (22:47). After the break, they shine a light on the importance of representation in modern television and how Marshall’s Apple TV show ‘For All Mankind’ has provided a safe space for Black nerds (39:28). Larry and Krys end the pod by discussing the projects they hope to work on in the future and sharing stories of manifesting their own success (54:54).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Krys Marshall
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- George & Teddy Kunhardt on ‘Becoming Katharine Graham’Mar 3, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minLarry is joined by filmmakers George and Teddy Kunhardt to discuss their newest documentary ‘Becoming Katharine Graham’, currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired them to start the project and shining a light on the male-dominated world Katharine lived in when she was running the Washington Post. They then debate the accuracy of famous cinematic portrayals of Graham and take a hard look at her relationship to the feminist movement in the late '60s and early '70s (28:49). After the break, George, Teddy, and Larry break down how Graham’s famous family is intrinsic to her legacy and share the biggest lessons they learned from making the film (37:57). They end the pod by examining the state of print media in society today and the factors that motivate the Kunhardts to create their patented brand of documentaries (45:54).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guests: George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Thomas Chatterton Williams on "How the Woke Right Replaced the Woke Left"Feb 23, 2025 · 1 hr 5 minLarry is joined by writer and cultural critic Thomas Chatterton Williams to discuss his latest essay for The Atlantic, "How the Woke Right Replaced the Woke Left". They begin by shining a light on the political left’s weak hold on the cultural landscape, and breaking down the definition, history, and downfall of "woke" ideology. Next, they take a look at the rise of right-wing counterculture and its strength within the government and popular media (13:13). After the break, Larry and Thomas examine the growing acceptance of racist rhetoric both domestically and abroad before talking about the serious regime changes they are seeing within the current Donald Trump administration (36:09). They end the pod by debating the political allure of Trump and the next moves for the Democratic Party (48:37).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Thomas Chatterton Williams
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Roy Wood Jr. on ‘Lonely Flowers’ and ‘Have I Got News for You’Feb 8, 2025 · 1 hr 4 minLarry is joined by actor and comedian Roy Wood Jr. and they begin their conversation by acknowledging Black History Month. Roy then breaks down his new CNN show ‘Have I Got News for You’ and opines on whether or not comedic "bubbles" will last under the new Trump administration (5:41). They then pivot to his recently released stand-up special on Hulu, ‘Lonely Flowers’, and examine the different ways some of their favorite comedians navigate performing darker or more emotional comedic material (20:51). Roy ends the pod sharing his love for Alabama and shining a light on the importance of community (52:37).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Roy Wood Jr.
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Juanita Tolliver on ‘A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics’Jan 26, 2025 · 59 minLarry is joined by journalist and MSNBC political analyst Juanita Tolliver to discuss her new book, ‘A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics’. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired Tolliver to write about the legendary political fundraiser and shining a light on the many influential luminaries that were in attendance, including Huey Newton, Flip Wilson, and Berry Gordy. After the break, Larry and Juanita talk about the converging ideologies that aligned themselves with Chisholm’s groundbreaking campaign and draw comparisons between her and Kamala Harris’s recent bid for the presidency (30:19). Juanita ends the pod by contemplating on who could fill Shirley Chisholm’s revolutionary shoes in today’s politics, and sharing some of the favorite things she learned while researching the book (46:03).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Juanita Tolliver
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Laura Coates on ‘Laura Coates Live’Jan 19, 2025 · 1 hr 4 minLarry is joined by CNN Anchor and Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates, and they begin their conversation by talking about Laura’s stylistic approach to the interviews she conducts on her show ‘Laura Coates Live’. They then break down the defamation case between ABC News and Donald Trump and discuss the reasons why there is currently a general mistrust in the mainstream media (11:30). This leads to a conversation about how to avoid bias in journalism and the role social media plays in people’s perception of the news (18:08). After the break, Larry and Laura look ahead to Trump’s upcoming inauguration and examine the legalities behind some of the executive orders he wants to enact on his first day in office (26:37). They end the pod by examining the definitions between the right and left political factions, shining a light on how the rest of the world may be preparing for the new presidential administration, and speculating on how long the Trump/Musk love affair will last (44:30).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Laura Coates
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- RaMell Ross on ‘Nickel Boys’Jan 11, 2025 · 1 hr 7 minLarry weighs in on the L.A. fires. He’s then joined by writer and Academy Award-winning filmmaker RaMell Ross to discuss his newest movie ‘Nickel Boys ’(8:33). They begin their conversation by talking about how the project came together, RaMell's experimental inspirations, and the screenwriting process with co-writer Joslyn Barnes. Next, they dive into RaMell’s personal connection with the Colson Whitehead novel that provides the movie's base and break down the "epic banal" philosophy behind the images in his storytelling (24:10). After the break, Larry and RaMell shine a light on the exquisite casting for ‘Nickel Boys’ and discuss what Ross took away personally from making the film (36:14). RaMell ends the pod by discussing why he loves teaching so much and his thoughts on the state of the movie industry (55L43).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: RaMell Ross
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Alan Zweibel on the Early Days of ‘Saturday Night Live’Dec 22, 2024 · 1 hr 3 minLarry is joined by Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Alan Zweibel to discuss his experiences working on ‘Saturday Night Live’ during its first few years on the air. Alan begins the conversation by sharing his feelings about the 50th anniversary of ‘SNL’ and detailing the anatomy of a good joke. Larry and Alan then talk about Lorne Michaels’s original concepts for the show and detail the inspiration for some of Zweibel’s favorite sketches (15:34). Next, they examine some of the iconic performers and hosts who made those first shows so special, including Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, and Andy Kaufman (24:36). After the break, they talk about the lasting influence of ‘SNL’s early commercial parodies and pay tribute to the great Gilda Radner (38:11). Alan ends the show by remembering some of the lessons he learned as one of the original writers at ‘SNL’ and some of the projects he has lined up for the future (49:17).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Alan Zweibel
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Emily Chang on ‘Posthuman’ and ‘The Circuit’Dec 7, 2024 · 54 minLarry is joined by technology journalist Emily Chang to talk about her Bloomberg Originals limited series ‘Posthuman’, and her podcast ‘The Circuit’, which features interviews with influential figures in the tech industry. They begin their conversation by discussing the inspiration for ‘Posthuman’, which delves into humanity’s connection to artificial intelligence, and shine light on some of AI's latest innovations. Larry and Emily then touch on many hot-button topics regarding AI, including its uses for medicine, warfare, and mental health (15:57). They end the pod by sharing their predictions, hopes, and fears about the future of AI (37:33).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Emily Chang
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Timothy Shenk on ‘Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics’Nov 25, 2024 · 1 hr 9 minLarry is joined by writer and historian Timothy Shenk to discuss his newest book, ‘Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics’. They begin their conversation by talking about why they think the Democrats failed with their messaging in the 2024 election and what the rise of Trumpism means about American culture today. Next, Shenk shares the historic and societal reasons he was inspired to write his book, which tells the story of modern Democratic ideology through the lens of highly influential political thinkers like Stan Greenburg (19:23). They then look at historical figures like George Wallace and Eugene McCarthy to see how their vision of populism led to the rise of politicians like Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Barack Obama (24:50). After the break, Larry and Tim debate what the Democrats can do to reconnect to the working and lower classes and examine which major political party is best positioned for success going forward (52:05).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Timothy Shenk
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- S.E. Cupp on ‘Off the Cupp’Nov 17, 2024 · 1 hr 24 minLarry weighs in on the results of the presidential election and the future of the Democratic Party. He’s then joined by political commentator and host of the new iHeartRadio podcast ‘Off the Cupp’, S.E. Cupp, and they begin their conversation by sharing their reactions to Donald Trump winning the presidential election (18:01). They then examine the apparent cultural shift in America to the idealistic right and the viability of Trumpism in the Republican Party (30:46). This leads to a discussion about the appointment of Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Elon Musk’s influence on Trump's developing administration (40:24). After the break, Larry and S.E. shine a light on what’s left of "wokeism" in politics and discuss their biggest fears about the impending Trump presidency (55:28). They end the pod by diving into the state of cable news and trying to make sense of the Tucker Carlson zeitgeist (1:07:16).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: S.E. Cupp
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Samantha Bee and Joanna Coles on ‘The Daily Beast Podcast’Nov 2, 2024 · 1 hrLarry is joined by comedian Samantha Bee and chief content officer at The Daily Beast, Joanna Coles, to discuss their latest venture ‘The Daily Beast Podcast’. They begin their conversation by shining a light on how they started the podcast and the interesting way Joanna connects creative luminaries in her industry. They then quickly pivot to an examination of the divisive nature of the Republican Party, speculate on how either Trump or Harris will win the election, and dive into the government's flawed response to the COVID epidemic (15:41). After the break, Larry, Sam, and Joanna talk about how they consume news, Melania Trump’s book, and Kamala Harris’s biggest hurdles as we race closer to Election Day (38:32).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guests: Samantha Bee and Joanna Coles
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Craig Unger on ‘Den of Spies: Reagan, Carter, and the Secret History of the Treason That Stole the White House’Oct 27, 2024 · 59 minLarry is joined by journalist and writer Craig Unger to discuss his newest book ‘Den of Spies: Reagan, Carter, and the Secret History of the Treason That Stole the White House’, which investigates the secret collusion between the U.S. government and Iran and how it affected the 1980 presidential election. They begin the pod by diving into the history of the C.I.A.’s involvement in the Middle East and how the events in the book led to future events like the Iran-Contra scandal. This leads to a conversation about the myriad of famous participants involved in these covert operations and how the media turned a blind eye to the truth while it was going on (23:30). After the break, Larry and Craig shine a light on the mysterious deaths that happened during those years before talking about the current state of the C.I.A. (34:05). They end the pod by examining Donald Trump’s compromising ties to both the Russian mob and government (48:58).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Craig Unger
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Nate Silver on “On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything”Oct 20, 2024 · 1 hr 21 minLarry weighs in on his recent tour, the newest season of ‘Reasonable Doubt’, and the upcoming presidential election. He’s then joined by writer, statistician, and founder of the site FiveThirtyEight Nate Silver to discuss his newest book ‘On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything’ (15:27). They begin their conversation by talking about why certain types of people get into gambling and the importance of preparation when going into high stakes competitions (21:08). Nate then details how he got into politics before breaking down the process of his calculations and predictions (31:44). After the break they categorize different types of gamblers into ‘fox’ and ‘hedgehog’ categories and apply these descriptors to individuals operating in society (48:43). Larry and Nate end the pod by making election and sports predictions (1:07:28).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Nate Silver
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Yuval Noah Harari on ‘Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI’Oct 5, 2024 · 1 hr 28 minLarry is joined by historian and author Yuval Noah Harari in front of an audience at Live Talks L.A. to discuss his newest book, ‘Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks From the Stone Age to AI.’ They begin their conversation by talking about the nature of information and how it's been manipulated throughout human history, starting with the invention of the printing press and book distribution up to the complications of present-day media. Next, they break down the roles different bureaucracies play in controlling information from the public (33:49). This leads to a debate about what dangers and benefits AI technology poses for the future of humanity and whether AI can teach itself to have a moral compass (43:35). Finally, Larry and Yuval take questions from some of the attendees (1:04:12).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Yuval Noah Harari
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Abby Phillip on ‘NewsNight with Abby Phillip’Sep 21, 2024 · 57 minLarry is joined by journalist and host of CNN’s ‘NewsNight’, Abby Phillip, and they begin their conversation by discussing Donald Trump and his influence on the news media and the Republican Party. They then pivot to Kamala Harris and shine a light on her meteoric rise to the top of the Democratic ticket and break down the effectiveness of her media strategy heading into the final stretch of the election (15:38). After the break, Abby talks about why civil disagreements are the essential fuel for her nightly show ‘NewsNight with Abby Phillip’ and shares her assessment on the state of TV journalism (28:39).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Abby Phillip
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Will Packer on ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’Sep 14, 2024 · 1 hr 17 minLarry weighs in on the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He’s then joined by producer Will Packer to discuss his new Peacock limited series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’. They begin their conversation by discussing the premise and history behind the project, which leads to a discussion about the art of creating content in today’s entertainment industry (12:57). After the break, Larry and Will shine a light on the artistic way Don Cheadle, Kevin Hart, Terrence Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson embody their individual characters in ‘Fight Night,’ which tells the story of a heist that took place at a Muhammad Ali boxing match (37:52). Finally, Will talks about his journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s top producers and shares some sage advice for aspiring filmmakers (56:06).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Will Packer
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Sophia Cai on the DNCAug 24, 2024 · 1 hr 11 minLarry weighs in on the state of the presidential race and shares some of dates of his upcoming tour. He’s then joined by Sophia Cai from Axios and they begin their conversation by talking about Kamala Harris’s historic rise to Democratic presidential nominee and the change in party dynamics after Joe Biden dropped out of the race. They then examine Kamala’s running mate Tim Walz before breaking down the differences between the Harris and Biden campaigns, and the contributions Barack Obama has made to the current movement (27:40). After the break Larry and Sophia take a look at the biggest issues motivating voters this election and speculate on how Kamala will do versus Trump in their upcoming date and how she'll deal with the press between now and November (44:26).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Sophia Cai
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Langston Kerman on ‘Bad Poetry’Aug 17, 2024 · 1 hr 8 minLarry is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Langston Kerman to talk about his brand new Netflix stand-up comedy special ‘Bad Poetry’, streaming on Aug. 20th. They begin their conversation by breaking down different types of comedy writing and examining Langston’s process when coming up with themes for a special. This leads to discussions about dating apps, love relationships, and biraciality, and how each of those subjects contribute to Langston’s art (13:03). After the break, Larry and Langston share stories that reflect the obstacles and triumphs they faced during their respective comedy writing careers (34:14). They end the pod by debating the viability of some of their favorite conspiracy theories and shining a light on Langston’s podcast ‘My Momma Told Me’ which deals with those subjects from a black perspective (45:52).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Langston Kerman
Producer: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Marion Jones on the Olympics and Driven Inc.Aug 10, 2024 · 1 hr 8 minLarry weighs in on his favorite moments from the 2024 Olympics so far, Tim Walz, Trump’s wild press conference, and the state of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. He’s then joined by former world champion track-and-field athlete Marion Jones and they begin their conversation by discussing her journey from teenage phenom athlete to a star on the U.S. Olympic team (14:09). They then talk about the struggles Marion faced throughout her athletic career with the spectre of performance enhancing drugs and discuss the importance of relaying her tumultuous story to the youth for inspiration (21:29). After the break they shine a light on Marion’s partnership with Driven Inc., a program that seeks to motivate athletes and entrepreneurs to find balance in their careers and be open to reinvention to gain success (42:52). Larry and Marion end the pod by sharing their favorite athletes and moments from the Paris Olympics (52:34).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Marion Jones
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Governor Wes Moore on the Democratic Party and Kamala HarrisJul 27, 2024 · 46 minLarry weighs in on this week’s attacks against Kamala Harris by the right-wing media. He’s then joined by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and they begin their conversation by discussing the many accomplishments Moore has achieved for his state, and the general mood of the Democratic Party after Joe Biden dropped out of the race and Kamala Harris stepped in as the presumptive presidential nominee (9:16). They end the pod by talking about what Vice President Harris needs to do to unite her party and win in November against Donald Trump (29:13).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Governor Wes Moore
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Scott Galloway on ‘The Algebra of Wealth’Jul 21, 2024 · 1 hr 23 minLarry weighs in on Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race. He’s then joined by professor, author, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway; they begin their conversation by discussing the art of doing interviews, the state of mainstream TV as a viable information source, and the schism between left and right political ideologies (16:47). They then shine a light on the importance of proper mentorships for young men in today’s culture, and how this lack of guardrails has negatively impacted our society in the last century (47:53). Larry and Scott end the pod by examining Galloway’s most recent book ‘The Algebra of Wealth,’ and break down the philosophy of finding what you're good at, rather than following your passion as means for stabilizing your finances for the future (58:23).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Scott Galloway
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Colman Domingo on ‘Sing Sing’Jul 13, 2024 · 58 minLarry weighs in on President Joe Biden. He’s then joined by director, playwright, and Emmy Award-winning actor Colman Domingo to discuss his latest film ‘Sing Sing’ (13:55). They begin their conversation by talking about the process of choosing roles for a project and describing the premise of ‘Sing Sing’, which centers around a group of prison inmates that organize and perform a play. This leads to a discussion about the real-life program Rehabilitation Through the Arts that helps people escape from the realities of incarceration through creativity, and the importance of the arts in our society, particularly impoverished communities (29:14). Colman ends the pod by sharing how he “downloads” characteristics into his creative process when fleshing out a role and shining a light on the emotional reactions he received from some of the pre-release screenings of ‘Sing Sing’ (40:35).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Colman Domingo
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Bill Maher on 'What This Comedian Said Will Shock You'Jun 22, 2024 · 1 hr 21 minLarry is joined by comedian Bill Maher in front of a live audience at Live Talks L.A. to discuss his new book 'What This Comedian Said Will Shock You'. They begin by shining a light on how Bill compiled his favorite editorials from ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ for the book and contrasting the focus of the hit HBO series with the celebrity-formatted vibes of his previous show, ‘Politically Incorrect’. This leads to a conversation about the difficulties of staying true to your artistic principles in modern culture and how to deal with the specter of white guilt in the internet age (9:01). They then pivot to the presidential race between Biden and Trump, and analyze the prevalence of self-imposed ignorance in the two major political parties and society at large (33:29). After the break, Larry and Bill answer hot-button questions from some of the event attendees (52:45).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Bill Maher
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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- Janine Sherman Barrois on ‘The Big Cigar’Jun 15, 2024 · 57 minLarry is joined by writer, producer, and showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois to discuss her latest venture ‘The Big Cigar’ currently streaming on Apple TV+. They begin their conversation by discussing the difficulties of making a genuine high-budget biopic that features such a polarizing cultural icon like Huey Newton. Janine then shares what she learned about the Black Panthers during the creation process, in particular the group’s deep awareness of their image in relation to the media (17:50). Larry and Janine end the pod by talking about the importance of gathering contemporary accounts when making period pieces, praising the amazing cast of ‘The Big Cigar’, and giving advice to upstart writers looking to get into show business (38:34).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Janine Sherman Barrois
Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante
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- Stephen Merchant on ‘The Outlaws’Jun 8, 2024 · 1 hr 2 minLarry is joined by actor and comedian Stephen Merchant and they begin their conversation by comparing the American and British versions of ‘The Office’, and sharing stories from making their respective iterations of the hit TV show. They then pivot to the Amazon Prime series ‘The Outlaws’ which recently premiered its third season and features Merchant as a writer, producer, and actor (17:31). During their breakdown of the show Larry and Stephen touch on subjects as wide-ranging as the viability of lonely characters in storylines, the sadness of Donald Trump, and the invigorating energy of doing stand-up comedy (21:13). They end the pod by talking about the amazing cast of ‘The Outlaws’, their love of heists, and the career lessons Merchant has learned from his many occupational hats (39:51).
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Stephen Merchant
Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton
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