Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry 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 Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by U.S. Representative from California’s 17th congressional district Ro Khanna and they begin their conversation by discussing the protest movement happening on college campuses around the U.S. and the principal factors contributing to the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. They then pivot to the congressional misconceptions surrounding TikTok before examining the viability of progressive capitalism and the role of AI in modern industry (20:22). After the break, Larry and Ro try to make sense of Donald Trump’s popularity, break down the immigration issue, and talk about the most important qualities in leadership (36:46). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Rep. Ro Khanna Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by attorney, political commentator, and host of 'The Bakari Sellers Podcast', Bakari Sellers, to discuss his new book ‘The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now’. They begin their conversation by discussing the importance of relatability in politics and examining the level of this quality within Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Next, Bakari breaks down the personal and sociological reasons he decided to write his book and how he hopes it can re-engage readers, particularly African-American ones, to be more active in local and national politics (15:38). After the break, Larry and Bakari talk about what today’s youth can learn from traumas and grassroots movements of the past, the value of celebrity in activism, and some of the biggest issues concerning Black voters heading into the 2024 election (29:12). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Bakari Sellers Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist and author Tiffany Cross and they begin their conversation by discussing the racial obstacles Tiffany faced during her time at MSNBC and how her passion for storytelling developed. They then dive into her new podcast 'ACross Generations with Tiffany Cross', and talk about how the show touches on, and attempts to bridge the gap between, the psychological motivations between different age groups in our society (17:55). This leads to some deep examinations on the keys to personal success, the importance of maintaining healthy dynamics within all facets of life, and the value of giving versus receiving gifts (30:20). After the break, Tiffany shares a personal story of interviewing her mom for the ‘ACross’ pod and explains the biggest existential issues stunting Black relationships today (47:01). Larry and Tiffany end the pod by shining a light on Tiffany’s new political podcast ‘Native Land Pod’ and debating the viability of African-American Trump voters (1:06:05). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tiffany Cross Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Oscar and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and producer Ed Zwick to discuss his new memoir ‘Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood’. They begin by examining the state of the film industry against other forms of modern media and reflect on the importance of the movie-going experience in the 1970s and '80s. Next, Ed expounds on some of the remarkable moments he experienced working with geniuses like Woody Allen, Matthew Broderick, and Denzel Washington, and on legendary projects like ‘Special Bulletin’, ‘Glory’, and ‘Thirtysomething’ (12:40). After the break, Ed offers tools to young creatives on dealing with fame, overcoming career lulls, and the finished script (45:37). Larry and Ed end the pod by talking about their favorite parts of filmmaking and the effect of streaming culture on Hollywood (54:46). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Ed Zwick Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Larry reaches deep into the ‘Black on the Air’ Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram mailbags to answer some questions from some of you! Throughout the Q&A he weighs in on a myriad of burning topics including Donald Trump (11:30), the JFK assassination (24:18), ‘Cowboy Carter' (41:31), Louis Gossett Jr.(52:56), much, much more. Host: Larry Wilmore Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist Taylor Lorenz to discuss the latest technology buzz, the state of internet culture, and her new podcast on Vox Media focusing on these subjects called 'Power User’. They begin their conversation by breaking down the recent congressional moves to ban TikTok and analyzing whether or not our representatives are correct to be concerned about its effect on young users. Next, they dive into the world of Elon Musk and X/Twitter, and shine a light on the platform’s influence on the lucrative right wing digital movement (20:11). After the break, Taylor talks about her personal ties to social media before sharing her takes on independent citizen journalism and online disinformation (36:10). Larry and Taylor end the pod with deep thoughts on the future of AI and Neuralink (51:56). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Taylor Lorenz Producer: Chris Sutton  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Antonia Hylton to talk about her latest book ‘Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum’. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired Antonia to write about the Crownsville mental health facility and the tribulations surrounding black mental health in the early part of the 20th century. Next, Antonia details her personal connection to the book's subject via the tragic story of her dad’s cousin Maynard, who struggled with schizophrenia. Larry then reads a powerful passage from ‘Madness’ that leads to a discussion about residual effects of terror tactics used by racists during the Jim Crow era (22:08). After the break, they shine a light on how Crownsville evolved over time to become an integrated and valuable resource for the local Black community until its closure in the early 2000s (40:52). Antonia ends the pod by offering accessible ways to propagate positive mental health accessibility and acceptability in working class societies going forward (56:57). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Antonia Hylton Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated VFX supervisor Andrew Roberts to discuss his work on the movie ‘The Creator’ currently streaming on Hulu. They begin their conversation by breaking down the movie’s plot, examining Andrew’s creative approach to VFX, and detailing his collaboration process with director Gareth Edwards and production designer James Clyne. Next, Andrew talks about the biggest challenges he faced during the making of ‘The Creator’ and his favorite moments from the film (22:57). After the break, Larry asks Andrew about how he got started in digital effects as a career and what legendary movies inspired him to dive into the realm (39:19). They end the pod by debating the effects of AI on the futures of both filmmaking and humanity (52:05). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Andrew Roberts Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated writer and director Cord Jefferson to discuss his newest film ‘American Fiction’. They begin their conversation by reminiscing about their time together on ‘The Nightly Show’ and marvel at the amazing journey that Cord's career has taken up to this moment. They then shift to ‘American Fiction’ and discuss the myriads of genres the movie attempts to encompass and how its main character Monk, played by Jeffrey Wright, reflects the real limitations put on Black writers in Hollywood (5:10). This leads to a discussion on the process of adapting a screenplay from an original book, in this case ‘Erasure’ by Percival Everett, and how Cord used his journalism "superpower" to navigate his transition from TV to cinema storytelling (13:38). After the break, Cord talks about the diverse reactions he’s received from people who have seen ‘American Fiction’ and shares an educational showbiz story passed along by legendary actress and member of the film's cast, Leslie Uggams (41:22). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Cord Jefferson Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Additional Production: Kyle Williams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Academy Award-nominated writer and producer David Hemingson to discuss his latest film ‘The Holdovers’. They begin the conversation by discussing the creative layers within the movie’s story structure and David’s working process with director Alexander Payne. They then dive into the deeply personal inspirations for each of the film’s main characters and how the talents of stars Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and D’aVine Joy Randolph were essential their development (22:13). After the break, Larry and David shine a light on the technical aspects of ‘The Holdovers’ and speak on its myriad of '70s cinematic influences (44:59). David ends the pod by sharing some advice for aspiring storytellers and examining the role of comedy in all of his projects (55:26). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: David Hemingson Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by legendary filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner to discuss his 10-part podcast series titled ‘Who Killed JFK?’ currently available at iHeart and co-hosted by Soledad O’Brien. Rob begins by recalling when he first heard about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and talking about how the ultra-famous murder mystery has continued to pique his interest throughout his lifetime. They then break down all of major suspects and motives within the conspiracy before debating Lee Harvey Oswald’s level of involvement (9:17). After the break, Rob and Larry dive into how the crime was covered up, share their individual theories on the matter, and ponder if the truth about JFK’s assassination will ever be revealed to the public (41:02). Larry ends the pod by giving big flowers to Rob’s father, comedy great Carl Reiner (56:30). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Rob Reiner Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer Tina Nguyen and they begin their conversation by discussing Tina’s journalistic journey and what it was like working for Tucker Carlson. From Tucker’s disdain for her high school principal to firing her, Tina gives an insight on what Tucker the person is like (2:34). They then discuss why MAGA hasn’t embraced Ron DeSantis, differences between MAGA and conservatism, and how MAGA can be so brilliant, yet so weak-minded. They also discuss what the Convention of States is (34:03). Finally, they end the pod by predicting whether Donald Trump will win the 2024 nomination, and talking about who the intellectuals involved in the movement are (40:43). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tina Nguyen Producer: Kyle Williams Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry starts the pod with a replay of a lovely conversation with his daughter, Lauren Wilmore, on the history and impact of the classic song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." He’s then joined by legendary director and producer Reginald Hudlin to discuss his new holiday film ‘Candy Cane Lane’, streaming on Amazon Prime, and give flowers to its star, Eddie Murphy (17:23). They then examine the process of casting a great movie, societies post-pandemic movie-going habits, and the state of the cinema industry (43:16). Finally, Larry and Reggie end the pod by talking about the challenges within storytelling for adults and the art of being a creative executive before sharing their lists of favorite Christmas specials (56:02). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Reginald Hudlin Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist Donie O’Sullivan to discuss his new CNN documentary—‘Waiting for JFK: Reporting From the Fringe’—that aired on ‘The Whole Story With Anderson Cooper.’ They begin their conversation talking about how Donie was inspired to create a one-hour special on the fringe conspiracy group that formed in Texas who believe JFK and JFK Jr. are alive and descend from Jesus Christ, and, additionally, that JFK Jr. is Donald Trump (4:50). They discuss similar conspiracy theories that have formed, such as QAnon and its connection to disenchantment and the exploitation of peoples’ losses (22:38). Finally, they end the pod by returning to the JFK conspiracy, discussing how Donie got kicked off of X, and breaking down Donie’s experiences at Trump rallies and with conspiracists in the field (60:57). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Donie O’Sullivan Producer: Olivia Crerie Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry pays tribute to friend and comedic legend Norman Lear by revisiting the very first ‘Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air’ episode, which features an in-depth interview with the iconic producer. Throughout the conversation they discuss Norman’s early days before his television career, the cultural impact of ‘All in the Family,’ and much more. Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Norman Lear Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer David Brooks in front of a live audience at Live Talks L.A. to discuss his new book ‘How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen.’ They begin their conversation by discussing his personal journey and the life lessons that inspired him to write the book. They then dive into the lack of social relationships in modern society and the importance of leading with trust and positivity in everyday interactions (8:54). This leads to discussions about the obstacles that keep people from understanding each other, the instinctively biological aspects of seeing others deeply, and their thoughts on antisemitism (29:14). They end the pod by taking questions from the audience (51:19). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: David Brooks Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Denver Film’s Kevin Smith (CEO) and Matt Campbell (Artistic Director) in front of a live audience at the 2023 Denver Film Festival. They begin their conversation with a brief history of Denver Film, a look at the curation process for the festival, and their thoughts on the state of the movie industry after the pandemic. Next, Larry, Kevin, and Matt focus on the proliferation of amazing indie and international films on the DFF schedule, give advice to aspiring filmmakers, and highlight the films that have had the biggest impact on their lives (25:59). They end the pod by taking questions from some of the attendees (46:03). Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Kevin Smith and Matt Campbell Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Errol Morris to discuss his new Apple TV+ documentary ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’ based on the memoir of the same name by spy novelist John le Carré. They begin by talking about the origins of the project and how his current promotional tour is inspiring Morris to analyze his famous interview style. This leads to a discussion on the difference between interviewing and interrogating, the importance of active listening when engaging an audience, and how documentarians have to face the struggle between memory, truth, and reality when trying to tell their stories (4:17). Next, they dive into the personal philosophy of the movie’s subject, the meaning behind the film's title, and Morris’s favorite parts of le Carré's original book (30:25). They end the pod by shining a light on the historic lessons Errol learned while making the film, the moral compass of its subject, and modern society’s inability to accept the brutal truths of history (38:00). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Errol Morris Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen to discuss his new memoir ‘A Man of Two Faces’. They begin their conversation by talking about why he wrote the book, how it juxtaposes his family’s experiences as Vietnamese refugees in the 1970’s to his current views on American colonialism, and the tenuous relationship between memory and trauma. Next, they dissect the distinctions between the words “immigrant” and “refugee” while examining Viet’s connections to African-American culture and classic literature (19:34). After they break, they shine a light on the misinformation within Hollywood cinema about Southeast Asian culture and explore the factors that have minimized the general perception of France’s role in the conflict historically (31:52). Viet ends the pod by sharing his definition of the American dream and paying tribute to the personal influence and memory of his beloved mother (40:05). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Viet Thanh Nguyen Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by science journalist Wendy Zukerman to discuss her podcast ‘Science Vs.’. They begin their conversation by discussing the inspiration and motivations behind creating a science program that searches to use delight and humor to teach people about the world around them. Next, they dive into the ongoing debate about climate change in both Australia and the U.S, and how the global pandemic has shaped society's relationship with mental health (12:16). After the break, they pit science vs. spirituality and take a look at the obstacles that arise when attempting to combat conspiracy theories and myths with facts (38:25). Finally, Wendy and Larry go through the ‘Science Vs.’ catalog and discuss the important lessons that were learned from some of the show’s most intriguing episodes (52:22). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Wendy Zukerman Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist Dave Weigel and they begin their conversation by discussing Weigel’s career, beginning with his time as an editor for the Washington Post on through to his current role as politics writer at Semafor. They then examine the power of Donald Trump’s cult of personality and all the ways it’s shaping the modern GOP (9:46). Next they tackle the confusing narratives coming out of the war in Ukraine and how America’s attitudes toward it are being shaped by hot button cultural issues (34:11). After the break, Larry and Dave break down the individual lanes Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert Kennedy Jr. have created for themselves in the current presidential race (52:40). They end the pod by breaking down the differences between common sense and conspiracy theories while offering tips on how to find reliable sources in today’s media landscape (1:03:56). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Dave Weigel Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by author, journalist, and cultural critic Michael Harriot to discuss his new book ‘Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America’. They begin their conversation by exploring Michael’s incredibly thorough research style and educational roots. They then dive into how historical facts get replaced by false narratives over time and the motivations behind the Western imperialists’ contributions to some of these myths (9:09). Larry and Michael then examine the factors that allow certain civilizations to dominate others and talk about the unique aspects of early American slave trade versus similar human trafficking scenarios in other parts of the world (16:33). After the break, they shine a light on Christianity’s role in white supremacy, slavery, and the colonization of America (34:15). Michael ends the pod by revealing his thoughts on the biggest obstacles facing truthful historical storytelling and the state of modern white supremacy (53:23). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Michael Harriot Producers: Chris Sutton and Mike Wargon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actress, comedienne, and author Yvonne Orji to talk about her memoir, ‘Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams,’ which was recently released in paperback. They begin their conversation by reminiscing about their time together working in television. Next, Yvonne shares how she maintained her devout Christian faith within the chaotic world of show business, and the inspiration that drove her to write her book (19:09). She then discusses her experiences growing up as a Nigerian-born immigrant, the support she received from her father, and the challenges she faced during the pandemic (43:31). They end the pod with Yvonne’s best advice from the book and some life lessons from Larry on making distinctions rather than definitions when applying creativity to your craft (55:17). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Yvonne Orji Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist and co-host of the ‘Today, Explained’ podcast Noel King to discuss the show’s new special series ‘Blame Capitalism’. They begin by talking about how the project came together, the political divisions within economic philosophy, and the right-wing’s ideological shift towards authoritarianism. Next, they debate America’s changing views on democracy and capitalism throughout the generations while shining a light on the beginnings of the Tea Party movement (15:49). This leads into an examination of the shareholder mentality in today’s marketplace, modern society’s relationship to unions, and the continual rise in the price of property and education (24:25). Noel ends the pod by breaking down the future of capitalism, what she learned while producing the special series, and the social impact of Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential run (45:27). Host: Larry Wimore Guest: Noel King Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist Kara Swisher to discuss her podcasts ‘Pivot’ and ‘On With Kara Swisher’. They begin their conversation by talking about the importance of betting on yourself when making career choices. Next, they examine the relationship between Elon Musk’s mental health and his tech empire while also shining light on the current state of tech giants Meta and Google (10:24). After the break, Larry and Kara dive into how the iPhone has changed society and debate the effects of AI on public transportation and the entertainment industry (31:12). Kara ends the pod by sharing what types of tech she thinks will still be around in a decade (55:40). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Kara Swisher Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist and author Brian Raftery to discuss his new podcast at The Ringer called ‘Do We Get to Win This Time?’ which focuses on Hollywood’s depiction of the Vietnam War during the ’70s and ’80s. They begin by talking about the importance of a great trailer, the excitement of seeing a classic movie on opening night, and how the podcast came together. Next, Brian and Larry share their personal connections to the war in Vietnam before diving into some of the pioneering movies that exposed society to its visceral realities, notably ‘The Deer Hunter’, ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Rambo’, and ‘Platoon’ (9:51). After the break, they dissect the mastery of Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Full Metal Jacket’, ponder if there are any stories left to tell from the Vietnam conflict, and shine a light on John Wayne’s influence on cinematic depictions of the war (32:27). They end the pod by shining a light on their favorite war movies and the way different generations influence each other (1:05:22). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Brian Raftery Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist, author, and CNN anchor Jake Tapper to discuss his new novel ‘All the Demons Are Here: A Thriller’’. They begin their conversation discussing how the book combines fiction with contemporaneous real-life historical moments, particularly the rise of Rupert Murdoch's media empire and tabloid culture in the late 1970s. They then dive into the current indictments facing former president Donald Trump, beginning with the most recent one that focuses on the events of January 6th, and take a look at how close Trump came to pulling off the fake elector scheme he’s being charged for (13:59). This leads to a robust conversation about the prevalence of conspiracy theories and modern society’s reverence for them (23:05). After the break, Jake and Larry dissect the classified documents and Stormy Daniels's indictments while shining a light on Trump's mindset when he was committing the alleged infractions (35:37). They end the pod by talking about the likelihood of Trump serving time in prison, his political charisma, and his chances of winning re-election (45:37). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Jake Tapper Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by environmental strategist, educator, and author Kylie Flanagan to discuss her book ‘Climate Resilience: How We Keep Each Other Safe, Care for Our Communities, and Fight Back Against Climate Change’ publishing on August 1. They begin their conversation by talking about the uniquely personal method Kylie utilized to convey the impact of the global climate crisis in her book and breaking down the definition of “climate resilience”. Next, they dive deep into the obstacles surrounding the global warming dialog, the tangible metrics that can be referenced by folks to tamper their existential anxieties about the planet, and the ways to connect to the burgeoning youth activist movement (14:11). After the break, Larry asks Kylie if the negative effects of climate change can be reversed, how she got involved in environmental justice, and what type of responses she’s already received from the book (24:41). They end the pod by shining a light on how simple action items and powerful storytelling can inspire everyday people to consider climate activism (31:07). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Kylie Flanagan Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by astronomer and actress Aomawa Shields to discuss her new book ‘Life on Other Planets: A Memoir of Finding My Place in the Universe.' They begin their conversation by examining the myriad of intersecting issues and topics presented within the book and the personal journey Aomawa went through that led to its creation. Dr. Shields then details the mental obstacles she overcame to reach her professional goals and talks about the importance of being your own role model (9:14). Next, she shares the important lessons that were learned during her acting class at MIT and the support network she discovered while pursuing her Astronomy and Astrobiology PhD that fostered the discovery of her inner superpower (25:42). After the break Larry and Aomawa tackle the big questions about life on other planets and the vastness of the universe (45:24). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Dr. Aomawa Shields Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by award-winning sportswriter and author Sally Jenkins to discuss her new book ‘The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work and Life’. They begin by talking about some of the world-class athletes that inspired her to write the book, how talent was such a small part of each of their successes, and the lessons non-athletes can garner from their stories. This leads to conversation about the importance of practice and honest self evaluation when working to achieve personal goals, using the preparation exercises of icons like Steph Curry, Peyton Manning, and Pat Summit as examples (26:25). After the break, Larry and Sally examine the importance of team culture, the obstacles within coaching or directing exceptional talent, and how to utilize failure in a positive way (35:31). They end the pod by shining a light on the individual perseverance and friendship between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, giving flowers to Sally’s legendary sportswriter dad Dan Jenkins, and discussing some of their favorite athletes (50:39). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Sally Jenkins Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actor, producer, and director Numa Perrier to discuss her new film ‘The Perfect Find’ starring Gabrielle Union and currently streaming on Netflix. They begin by describing the premise of the movie, how Numa got involved with the project, and her process preparing to direct Gabrielle. Next, Larry and Numa examine how improv factored into the on-screen performances, what it takes to make a successful romantic comedy, and Perrier’s personal journey through the entertainment industry (10:58). They end the pod by discussing their time working together on ‘Reasonable Doubt’, Numa’s production of ‘The Legend of Black Herman’, and Larry’s philosophical connection to magic (37:16). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Numa Perrier Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and fellow podcaster Mike Reiss to discuss the recent Titan submersible tragedy that occurred during a deep-sea exploration of the Titanic shipwreck. They begin by discussing some of the projects they’ve worked on together and why Mike started regularly going on exciting travel adventures. Mike then details his reaction to the tragedy, the subsequent media attention, and his experiences while exploring the sunken RMS Titanic (9:33). After the break they talk about some of the misconceptions about OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, examine the general negativity toward billionaire adventurers, and shine a light on how TV shows can sometimes predict world events (37:20). Mike ends the pod by sharing his favorite ‘Simpsons’ moment and praise for Larry’s brother, Marc Wilmore (46:26). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest Mike Reiss Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the federal indictment of Donald Trump. He then digs into the mailbag and answers some of your listener questions, which involve such wide-ranging topics as the Beatles, the political and entertainment industry landscapes, his favorite comedians, and much more (7:26). Host: Larry Wilmore Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist, anchor, and CNN correspondent Audie Cornish to discuss her new podcast ‘The Assignment with Audie Cornish’, and they begin by breaking down the differences between audio and TV fame. They then dive into the art of crafting good interviews, the reasons Audie chose journalism as a career, and her decision to part ways with NPR (11:11). After the break, they talk about the mission of ‘The Assignment’, the state of modern broadcast news, and Donald Trump’s recent town hall event (28:56). Larry and Audie end the pod by examining the future of political activism, her upcoming episode on CNN’s ‘The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper’, and the AI conundrum (1:00:04). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Audie Cornish Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actor Rainn Wilson and they begin their conversation by reminiscing about their time working together on ‘The Office’. Next, they dive into Rainn’s new Peacock show ‘Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss’, talk about the origins of the project, and detail its search for the definition of happiness within different cultures around the world (8:37). After the break they examine Wilson’s new book ‘Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution’ and explain the thematic connections it draws from in classic TV shows like ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘Star Trek’ (34:13). They end the pod by breaking down the importance of sacredness and pondering humanity’s artistic integration with nature (40:00). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Rainn Wilson Associate Producer: Chris Sutton  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actor and comedian Marcel Spears to talk about the new Broadway play ‘Fat Ham’. They begin their conversation by discussing all of the creative ways it reimagines Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and explore how the play dissects the family dynamic and challenges the misconceptions of masculinity in African-American culture, particularly from a Southern point of view (4:42). After the break, Larry and Marcel talk about how humor and food play huge roles in ‘Fat Ham’ before shining a light on the amazing cast, Pulitzer Prize-winning script, and Tony-nominated costume design (30:17). Marcel ends the pod by sharing his future acting goals and what it was like to work with 'Fat Ham' co-star Nikki Crawford, who’s performance earned her a Tony nomination as well (46:01). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Marcel Spears Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by producer and playwright Scott Carter to discuss his new podcast ‘Ye Gods! With Scott Carter’. They begin their conversation by talking about why Scott wanted to create the pod and how a near-death asthma attack led to an epiphany that kickstarted his journey into the study and consideration for all religions. Next, they dive into Scott’s path to becoming a television producer, the production methods he developed while working with Bill Maher, and his take on Tucker Carlson (18:12). After the break, Scott explains his own interpretation of God, how it’s positioned within the wide proliferation of religions, and if faith can exist within a world of broad scientific advancements (38:02). They end the pod by pondering if God is necessary to have a moral life and shine a light on the state of religion in America (50:13). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Scott Carter Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by U.S. Representative from California Katie Porter at Live Talks L.A. to discuss her new book ‘I Swear: Politics is Messier Than My Minivan’. They begin the conversation by discussing Katie’s early days in politics, her commitment to legislative transparency, and how a deep passion for bureaucracy pushed her to run for office. Next, Katie shares the inspiration for the iconic white board, her opinions on big bank machinations, and her aspirations to become a U.S. senator (19:52). They then talk about Joe Biden’s accomplishments in office, detail the many changes facing Democrats going forward, and touch on some hot-button political topics (38:41). Finally, Larry and Katie take questions from the Live Talks L.A. audience (56:30). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Katie Porter Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer Tracy McMillan to discuss the new Onyx Collective show ‘UnPrisoned’, currently streaming on Hulu . They begin by talking about what inspired Tracy to create such a deeply personal show and the journey she and the original script went through to get to the finalized product. They then dive deep into the process of integrating real-life traumas into your art and how actors Delroy Lindo and Kerry Washington were able to add their own talents and nuances into her story (9:03). This leads to conversations about the evolution of human attachment in our society, Tracy’s connections to her incarcerated father and subsequent foster families, and how the generational trauma experienced by African Americans manifests itself culturally (22:55). After the break, Tracy breaks down how she became a relationship expert and offers tools on how to take correct actions to achieve emotional and spiritual security (43:43). They end the pod by talking about the pitfalls of abundance avoidance and the ways Tracy was changed by the process of making ‘UnPrisoned’ (1:02:27). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tracy McMillan Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actress Tracee Ellis Ross and they begin their conversation by sharing what they've learned about themselves and society through the events of the pandemic. Next, Tracee talks about her new podcast 'I Am America', explains why she wanted to start the project, and details some of the amazing individuals and stories featured in the show (18:22). After the break, they dive into their shared love of cinematic storytelling, their individual acting processes, and Tracee's professional chemistry with her 'Black-ish' co-star Anthony Anderson (36:03). Finally, they discuss some of Tracee's most recent roles, her new hair care company Pattern, and the enduring qualities of her iconic mom Diana Ross (51:35). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tracee Ellis Ross Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and former physician Anthony Chin-Quee to discuss his upcoming book 'I Can't Save You: A Memoir' coming out on April 4. They start their conversation by discussing Anthony's process for putting together the memoir and some of the experiences he went through as a Black physician that inspired him to write it. They then dive into the emotional compartmentalization required to be a successful surgeon, Chin-Quee's journey to becoming a doctor, and how the system for testing an individual's specialization highlights racial discrimination within the medical industry (7:19). This leads to a conversation on how trauma is passed down through the family tree and the paths to address and work through it (30:10). After the break, Anthony details his personal struggles with suicidal thoughts, and talks about the metrics and techniques the health community uses to designate the severity of a patient's depression (38:01). Larry and Anthony end the pod by examining Chin-Quee's current relationship with himself and medicine, as well as the hurdles facing Black men in regards to treating mental health (51:29). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Anthony Chin-Quee Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actor, writer, and comedian Ike Barinholtz to discuss the Hulu series 'History of the World Part II'. They begin their conversation by discussing how the project came together, what it was like working with comedy titan Mel Brooks, and the pioneering aspects of Brooks's legendary movie 'Blazing Saddles". Next, Ike talks about the process of constructing the sketches for 'History' and how the incredibly diverse and talented writers group fomented a harmonious atmosphere of creativity that drove the making of the series (19:26). After the break, Larry and Ike examine their shared love of history, Ike's beginnings in the comedy industry, and Jordan Peele's genius (31:37). They end the pod by talking about Ike's future in comedy, debate their favorite Mel Brooks movies, and imagine an iconic character from one of them they would've liked to play (42:41). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Ike Barinholtz Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by professor and writer Theresa Runstedtler to discuss her new book 'Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA'. They begin their conversation by discussing how Dr. Runstedtler's connection to the NBA via the Toronto Raptors dance team and the corporatization she witnessed within that organization during her stint inspired her to research the primary aspects of her book. Next, they examine the history of segregation in professional basketball, how racial context was tied to the emerging style of play within the game, and pioneers like Connie Hawkins who insisted on wage equality for Black players in the league (8:19). They then dive into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's influence on the ABA-NBA merger and the influence of racially biased media coverage on the public’s perception of Black players and the sport’s overall revenue in the '70s (25:15). After the break, they take a look at the ascension of Simon Gourdine, the first Black NBA executive, and talk about the obstacles that hinder Black coaches and executives throughout all of the major American sports leagues (38:27). Larry and Theresa end the pod by discussing how the ‘74 Finals, the emergence of Larry Bird, and the NBA's inclusion of the slam dunk contest spearheaded the marketability of the league into the modern era (42:42). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Theresa Runstedtler Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by professor, historian, and host of the PBS series 'Finding Your Roots' Henry Louis Gates Jr. They begin their conversation by discussing how Henry's upbringing and the parental influence fueled his passion for storytelling and education. Henry then details how the show and the accompanying DNA technology have evolved over the years from exclusively connecting African-Americans to their pre-slavery tribal roots to the highly revered service it is today that helps people from races and regions all over the world connect to their family trees (13:43). Dr. Gates then shares anecdotes about some of his favorite guests and moments from past episodes of 'Finding Your Roots', including Oprah Winfrey, Angela Davis, and Morgan Freeman (25:13). Larry and Henry end the podcast by talking about the show's ability to consistently uncover deep family secrets, Gates's upcoming appearance on 'The Simpsons', and how listeners can explore their own genealogies (52:55). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Henry Louis Gates Jr. Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by author, journalist, and media executive Mark Whitaker to discuss his newest book, 'Saying It Loud: 1966—The Year Black Power Challenged the Civil Rights Movement'. They begin their conversation by talking about why Mark decided to write the book and break down the social and political events that led up to this turbulent year. They then get into the key figures and organizations involved during this time period, notably the SNCC, Stokely Carmichael, John Lewis, and Sammy Younge Jr., whose tragic and publicized death at the beginning of 1966 helped spark a consciousness movement that ultimately led to the beginning of the Black Panthers (9:14). Next they dissect the meaning of the term "Black Power" and how the established press distorted its original messaging to foment division within the movement's participants (24:06). After the break they get into the distraction caused by the '60s anti-war movement and middle-class feelings towards Black Power (35:08). They end the pod by drawing comparisons between the Black Power era and BLM, and comment on the current lack of leaders like Malcolm X that would be equipped to legitimize and take the modern progressive movement into the future (51:54). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Mark Whitaker Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy Award-winning writer and director Craig Mazin to talk about his newest venture 'The Last of Us' on HBO. They begin their conversation by breaking down the synopsis of both the series and the popular video game it's based on while also touching on Craig's relationship with the two. Next, they discuss the obstacles and advantages of making comedies, the flexibility of comedic actors, and how to create an adaptation of a video game that already has a rabid fanbase intimately familiar with the source material (8:10). Craig then talks about his experiences making a show about a fungal pandemic while living through a viral one and how he was able to express complex emotional themes within the chaos of a zombie infested post-apocalyptic plotline (21:23). This leads into a conversation about humanity's relationship to sickness, its dependence on religion, and the future of shows based on video game franchises (37:19). Craig and Larry end the pod by discussing Mazin's entry into the world of screenwriting, exploring some of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring writers, and assessing the state of the Writer's Guild (47:11). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Craig Mazin Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by comedian and host of 'Pod Save America' and 'Lovett or Leave It', Jon Lovett. They begin their conversation by discussing the progressive network he co-founded, Crooked Media, and the tumultuous political landscape that inspired its genesis. Next, they dive into the nature of the political system and the success of some of its arbiters, notably Barack Obama, and point to the rise of Sarah Palin as the beginning of the Trump era currently dominating right wing ideology (14:48). After the break they talk about Joe Biden's presidential success, how he's being underestimated because of his age, and speculate on his possible Democratic successor (26:42). Next, they debate the desensitization of violence in America in regards to recently circulated videos like the Paul Pelosi incident, the Tyre Nichols footage, and images broadcasted from the war in Ukraine (39:11). Finally, Jon reflects on his time as a political speechwriter and the positive atmosphere of his live shows (48:35). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Jon Lovett Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist, Ringer contributor, and Academy Award–winning producer Van Lathan Jr. to discuss his book ‘Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation.’ They start their conversation by reviewing some of their personal experiences from the past couple of years and discussing the importance of perseverance when navigating the mental roadblocks in your career. Van then recounts the emotional visit to his father's home in Baton Rouge after his death (11:00). Next, Van dives into the process of writing the book, his history with panic attacks, and the incident that started him on his journey in dealing with those struggles (26:19). After the break they examine the mental health challenges affecting black people in general and the steps Van continually took to overcome his own during the pandemic (46:48). Finally, they speculate on Kanye West's current state of mind and Van shares some advice for anyone who may be going through their own battles with mental health (1:01:37). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Van Lathan Jr. Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the new year, the Speaker of the House race, and 'Harry & Meghan'. He is then joined by sports writer and analyst for ESPN's 'NFL Live', Mina Kimes. They begin their conversation by discussing the Damar Hamlin tragedy and the complications it presents, both institutionally within the NFL and ethically for the fanbase (11:17). They then dive into the current state of the league, the adjustments made to make the game safer, and the viability of football as America's primary sport moving forward (23:12). Next, Mina details how she got started in sports journalism, the accessibility of professional athletes, and the obstacles she faces as a Korean-American woman in the sports community (42:36). This leads to a discussion about dealing with social media trolls, Larry's beloved Rams, and some advice from Mina for aspiring sports analysts looking to get into the journalism game (55:56). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Mina Kimes Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry begins the pod by resharing a lovely discussion he had with his daughter Lauren from an episode in 2020 where they dissect the lyrical intricacies of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and examine how the song has evolved over time. He's then joined by award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins to discuss his new television show 'Kindred' streaming at FX on Hulu. They begin their conversation by talking about how the show came together, why Branden chose to adapt 'Kindred' from author Octavia Butler's impressive catalog, and the similarities between his show and the '70s TV mini-series 'Roots' (17:48). Next, Branden touches on the challenges of interpreting the chronological, thematic, and sci-fi elements of Butler's novel to the screen (28:11). After the break they explore the psychological layers of some of the show's main characters and shine a light on actor Mallori Johnson's portrayal of the protagonist Dana (49:08). They end the pod by debating the role of 'Kindred' in the current cultural climate and speculate on the future of the show (56:33). Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Lauren Wilmore and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs on the recent anti-semitic rhetoric being advertised from celebrities like Kanye West, Kyrie Irving, and Dave Chapelle before answering some of your mailbag questions. He's then joined by television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal to discuss his new book 'Somebody Feed Phil the Book', which serves as a companion to his ongoing Netflix show 'Somebody Feed Phil'. They begin by talking about how the book came together and the delicious experience at a Georgia 7-Eleven in his youth that inspired his lifelong obsession with travel and food (36:05). Phil then details how the TV show came to fruition, from the inspiration he received from his friend Ray Romano's Italy trip to a bizarre pitching experience he had with the Travel Channel (48:00). After the break they dive into the challenges of making a travel show, and where Phil would like to go next (1:15:11). Finally, Phil gives some flowers to his departed father and shares some advice to folks looking to get into the entertainment industry (1:36:46). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Phil Rosenthal Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Production Assistance: Brian Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by television personality and journalist Cari Champion. They start their conversation by discussing her new venture, 'The Cari Champion Show' on Amazon Prime Video. They then pivot to the controversial Jerry Jones photo, Lebron James's subsequent comments, and the journalistic double standards that arise in these instances (5:37). Next, they dive into the firestorm surrounding Kanye West's recent diatribes and discuss the implications and consequences of these troubling actions (30:51). After the break Cari talks about some of the challenges of being a woman in the world of sportscasting and speculates on what lies ahead for her illustrious career (40:50). They end the pod by examining the state of their beloved Los Angeles Lakers (50:55). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Cari Champion Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and filmmaker Elvis Mitchell to discuss his new documentary on Netflix, 'Is That Black Enough For You?!?', which focuses on the unsung heroes of African-American cinema during the 1960s and '70s. They begin their conversation by talking about the genesis of the project and some of the legendary actors who serve as inspiration for the film's focus, particularly Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. Next, they examine how the psychological dynamics and representation presented in films like 'Cotton Comes To Harlem', 'Night of the Living Dead', and 'Uptight' were flashpoints for the blaxploitation era and the mainstream popularity of movies like 'Superfly' and 'Shaft' (22:39). Next, they talk about the stigma of the Black cowboy in American culture and the power within films that can shape social narratives (). After the break, they dive into Pam Grier's potency as a screen icon and share anecdotes about growing up watching their favorite favorite films from the era. They end the pod by examining the importance and intersection of music in Black films from the 1970s, notably Curtis Mayfield's contributions to 'Superfly', and how the bevy of amazing footage was obtained for the project (53:17). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Elvis Mitchell Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on 'Reasonable Doubt', the midterm elections, and Herschel Walker. He's then joined by acclaimed writer and filmmaker Nelson George to discuss his new documentary 'Say Hey, Willie Mays!' on HBO.(18:12) They begin their conversation by detailing Nelson's beginnings as a young baseball fan in New York and talking about Willie Mays's influence and celebrity during the height of his fame and in the modern sports lexicon. Next, they examine Willie's relationship to Barry Bonds, his lifelong commitment to the sport of baseball, and his reputation as one of its pioneering "five-tool" players.(35:43) After the break, they touch on Mays's connection to Hank Aaron and the myriad of issues that have caused baseball's decline in popularity.(45:06) They end the pod debating why Willie Mays should be on the Mount Rushmore of Black athletes.(1:10:24) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Nelson George Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jon Meacham at the Gloria Kaufman Performing Arts Center for Live Talks LA to discuss his book 'And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle'. They begin their conversation by talking about why Meacham wanted to write the book and detailing Lincoln's challenges in regards to slavery and the abolitionist movement during his political rise. Next, they explore Lincoln's motivations for becoming president, the beginning of his anti-slavery ethos, and how he applied this outlook throughout his time in office.(24:31) This leads to a discussion about the chaos surrounding the 1964 election, whether the Civil War was ultimately avoidable, and if the same type of violent division could happen today.(28:42) They end the pod by taking a variety of questions from the audience.(59:06) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Jon Meacham Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Karim Amer to discuss their new documentary 'The Lincoln Project' on Showtime. They begin their conversation by talking about the genesis of the powerful media group of the same name as well as the primary players and inspiration for the film. Next, they describe the process of maintaining a candid and authentic atmosphere when attempting to achieve authenticity in a documentary setting.(13:15) This leads to a discussion on the overuse of personality attacks by the Democratic party in the political theatre and how election-denying Trumpists in the Republican party are infecting democracy in general.(22:59) After the break they debate the effectiveness of the Lincoln Project's ads on the electorate and dissect the political obstacles facing progressive movement and the United States going forward.(37:09) Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Fisher Stevens and Karim Amer Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Academy and Emmy Award-winning writer and director Travon Free to discuss his new documentary '38 at the Garden' on HBO. They begin the conversation by sharing why he wanted to make the film and how it exposes the limitations society places on a particular narrative or stereotype, in this case Jeremy Lin's struggle to prove his worthiness as an NBA-level basketball player as a Taiwanese-American. Next, they talk about the importance of telling stories like Lin's to strengthen our society against bigotry, the importance of representation in all facets of life, and audience reception to the film.(23:25) After the break, Travon talks about life after winning an Oscar, which in turn leads to an in-depth discussion about intellectual property, how major studios will recycle IP to generate revenue, and how aspiring writers can use IP to break into the industry.(37:26) Finally, Travon details the advantages and complications of being part of a dual-director team with Martin Desmond Roe and his infatuation with Formula 1 racing.(57:03) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Travon Free Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Kerry Washington and Raamla Mohamed, the producers and creators of the new Hulu legal drama 'Reasonable Doubt'. They begin their conversation by explaining how the show got its start, the intricacies of writing its complex characters, and the expert casting of lead actress Emayatzy Corinealdi. Next, Raamla and Kerry share their experiences coming up in the industry while working on 'Scandal' together and discuss the benefits of developing a project like 'Reasonable Doubt', where diversity and inclusion are the focus when casting key position roles in the overall production. (18:29) Then Kerry dives into her preparation for directing the series pilot and the importance of creating a safe space for actors to excel.(32:34) After the break, Raamla discusses how she uses her personal history to infuse a wholly Los Angeles feel into 'Reasonable Doubt', and details the audience response to the show's impeccable fashion and soundtrack.(43:45) They end the pod by sharing advice to any aspiring actors, writers, or producers looking to be in the industry.(1:02:36) Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Kerry Washington and Raamla Mohamed Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the political landscape heading into the midterms, the Dobbs decision, and the definition of personhood. He's then joined by Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph to talk about the new ABC series 'Abbott Elementary'. They start their conversation by talking about the emotions Sheryl felt when she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard and the impetus behind her viral acceptance speech. (23:45) Sheryl then details how she was cast for 'Abbott Elementary', the challenges she faced in preparation for the role, and some of the techniques she employed to execute her performance.(35:56) After the break, they dive into how her parents and bi-country upbringing empowered her to pursue her acting dreams.(49:53) They then discuss how her participation in the Negro Ensemble Company at Rutgers University opened the door for her first screen role opposite Sidney Poitier in 'A Piece of the Action'.(52:34) They end the pod by talking about her experiences with the original stage production of 'Dreamgirls' and the biggest lessons she's learned from her legendary career.(62:21) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Sheryl Lee Ralph Production Assistance: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and comedian Andy Borowitz to discuss his new book, 'Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber,' which examines how television has negatively shaped the political climate and its participants since its proliferation in the 1950s and '60s. Andy starts the conversation with some anecdotes from his time working on 'The Facts of Life' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and then pivots into the three-part structure of the book (4:02). In the opening "Ridicule" section, Andy details the history of anti-intellectualism in the modern conservative movement and how it contrasts with the "egg head" candidates often sought by the left (19:41). Next, they talk about the "Acceptance" phase, which breaks down how raw charisma and the cultural zeitgeist propelled Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump to mass popularity and positions of power (40:03). After the break they get to the "Celebration" chapters, which examines how Trumpist firebrands like Ron DeSantis became the face of the current GOP (51:21). Larry and Andy end the pod by pondering whether it's the politicians making the voters stupid or if the stupidity is already within the voters themselves (1:09:52). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Andy Borowitz Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein to discuss their new PBS docuseries 'The U.S. and the Holocaust', premiering Sept. 18. They begin their conversation by detailing the United States government's inadequacies in their response to the Nazi's persecution of the Jews during WWII. Next, they offer a brief history of xenophobia in American society leading up to the events in the film(7:10) and talk about how the number of casualties and the sentimentality of certain portrayals of the war like 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank may have been different if America would have reacted more quickly.(19:06) After the break they dive into Charles Lindbergh's anti-semitism and how it drastically contradicted his celebrated public persona, while also shining a light on some of the lesser known heroes of the Holocaust. (29:35) They end the pod by collectively pondering how humanity is capable of committing atrocities like the Holocaust and debate if the current political climate in the U.S. is heading towards a similar atmosphere.(40:09) Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actress and producer Regina Hall to talk about her new film 'Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul' premiering theatrically and on Peacock September 2. They start their conversation by breaking down the film's plot and her role as Trinitie Childs, the "first lady' of a struggling megachurch, while also delving into Hall's own religious background. This leads to a discussion about the complicated nature of not only church hierarchies but organized religion itself.(11:48) Next, they discuss the creative approach to playing Trinitie and the chemistry between her co-star Sterling K.Brown.(19:42) After the break, Regina details how a personal tragedy influenced her life trajectory and propelled her towards acting school and a successful career in the industry.(25:17) Hall then shares how she is able to explore the character-driven spaces within a script to cultivate comedic performances.(33:05) They end the pod by talking about about some of Regina's influences and looking forward to future projects.(35:53) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Regina Hall Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Jessica Gao to talk about her new Disney+ series 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law'. They begin their conversation by talking about how they became friends, why she wanted to develop a show around She-Hulk, and her personal connection to the character. Next, Jessica details her journey from comic book fan to comic book TV and movie writer via her experiences working at a comic book store at a young age and the subsequent opportunities that presented themselves after contributing to a writing fellowship at Nickelodeon.(11:08) This leads to a discussion about the importance of identifying career "indicators" that reveal the value of your work and consistently learning your craft when starting out.(27:45) Jessica then describes her struggle to avoid being pigeonholed as a Chinese-American woman in a white male-dominated Hollywood machine and maintain representation within her projects and throughout the industry.(32:54) After the break, Larry and Jessica break down the challenges of putting together a Marvel show and praise the incredible work of the 'She-Hulk' cast, particularly lead actress Tatiana Maslany.(37:07) They end the pod by looking forward to the rest of the show's first season and Jessica shares some very amusing anecdotes about her parents.(54:22) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Jessica Gao Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer, director, and stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia to talk about his new one-man show ‘The Old Man and the Pool,’ and they start their conversation by examining Mike’s extremely honest storytelling style and how it’s applied in theatre vs. comedy club settings. Next, they dive deep into the magic of the “inevitable non sequitur” in comedic storytelling and dissect the building blocks of a great joke (6:35). Mike then shares the journey that led him into the world of stand-up and how he navigates the inclusion of real-life family anecdotes within his material (11:15). After the break, Mike details his struggles with both cancer and a rare sleep disorder and talks about the effect they’ve had on his life view and career (33:10). They end the pod by offering aspiring comics tips on relatability and break down the importance of the zen state of mind for a successful performance (45:00). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Mike Birbiglia Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and former political operative Tim Miller to discuss his new book 'Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell’. They begin their conversation by examining the reasons why Miller decided to write such an unflinching memoir that details the moral conflicts that led him to leave his job as an opposition research "hitman" for GOP candidates and ultimately quit the Republican party. Next, they dissect the shift in political rhetoric that led to the rise of Donald Trump and Miller dives deep into the ideological paradox he faced being a gay man in an increasingly conservative and homophobic environment.(14:54) After the break they discuss the viability of the Trump cult and if he still has enough power to be re-elected for another term.(41:01) Finally, Larry and Tim share their predictions for the upcoming mid-terms and the future of gay marriage in the Supreme Court.(52:52) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tim Miller Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actor, writer, and director B.J. Novak to discuss his new film, 'Vengeance,' premiering on July 29. They begin their conversation by explaining the premise of the movie, the long journey to its completion ,and B.J.'s personal connection to the project. Next, they discuss the isolated feel of the movie's environment and how his experiences visiting with the people in West Texas differed from his political and ideological expectations.(13:23) Novak then discusses some of the challenges he faced directing "Vengeance' and Larry breaks down the difference between directing and producing. (26:19) They end the pod with an amazing talk about their shared experiences working on 'The Office' together and B.J. passes along some advice to writers and directors aspiring to be in the TV or movie industries.(34:25) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: B.J. Novak Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by executive producers Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi to talk about their critically acclaimed Apple TV + Series 'For All Mankind' and they start their conversation by discussing the alt-history concept of the show and how they use their writing to both contrast and illuminate real-world events. This leads to a discussion about how different the global society would be if certain geo-political eras, in this case the Russian-U.S. space race, were altered. (8:33) Next, they debate whether or not technology can be a conduit for social change and the challenges of long-term character and story development working within the alternative reality butterfly effect they've created. (15:21) They then theorize on the iconic moments in history that wouldn't be the same in the world of 'For All Mankind' and analyze the shows focus on the dangers of space travel. (28:20) After discussing the recent James Webb telescope and Mars images, (36:42) they end the pod by sharing their writing process, and their hopes for the future of the series. (44:11) Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Matt Wolpert & Ben Nedivi Production Assistance: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by comedian, writer, and cultural critic Baratunde Thurston to discuss his new PBS series 'America Outdoors.' They begin their conversation by discussing how the show was produced. They then pivot to Thurston's intentions for the program, including providing a conduit for inner-city kids to appreciate the diverse American topography in an appreciative way.(9:40) Next, they talk about how nature can play a part in unifying people using the history and restoration of the L.A. River as context.(25:00) Baratunde then breaks down the process of selecting the locations for the show and shares some of the profound experiences he had filming in the Great Dismal swamps outside of Chesapeake Bay, which profoundly connected him with the racial history of that region in a spiritual way.(32:18) Larry and Baratunde conclude their conversation by talking about the complex connection Black people have to the outdoors and complications of loving America despite the imperfections within its history, current political climate, and the machinations of the recent Supreme Court decisions.(49:32) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Baratunde Thurston Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on his promo-week appearances on 'The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon', New York Magazine, and the 'HypochondriActor' podcast while also looking forward to his many projects coming up later in the year. He's then joined by Emmy and Oscar-winning director David Frankel to talk about his new film 'Jerry and Marge Go Large.' They start their discussion by giving a synopsis of the movie and explaining the rules of the Winfall lottery game that lies at the heart of the plot.(13:00) They then examine David's filmmaking process, his relationship with his DP Maryse Alberti, and Bryan Cranston's involvement with the development of the film.(23:00) David then details how he got started in the film industry and his philosophy on directing TV shows versus feature films.(34:18). David and Larry end the pod by debating the future of movies on the big screen after the pandemic and projects they hope to create in the future.(41:30) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: David Frankel Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on his acting role in the upcoming movie 'Jerry and Marge Go Large', guns, and the January 6th hearings. He's then joined by Emmy-award winning director James Burrows to talk about his new memoir 'Directed by James Burrows'. They begin their conversation by discussing James's early life growing up in show business, his legendary father, and how a stint in regional theatre prepared him for and open doors to directing in television.(16:51) Burrows then shares some amazing anecdotes from his time working on some of the most important shows in TV history, including 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show',(32:58) 'Taxi',(42:14) 'Cheers',(57:32) and 'Will & Grace'(1:09:31). After James and Larry praise the genius of the great Andy Kaufman (44:29) they end the podcast by examining the technical aspects of creating a sitcom pilot and giving advice to people who aspire to be television directors.(1:14:34) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: James Burrows Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by legendary director and producer Judd Apatow to discuss his new HBO documentary 'George Carlin's American Dream'. They start their discussion by talking about why Judd wanted to make the film and George's legacy as a social commentator.(2:53) They then explore Carlin's career parallels with Richard Pryor, follow his progression from entertainer to truth-teller, and go over George's famously meticulous stage preparation.(12:48) Next, Judd opines on some of his favorite comedic performers and shares some details from his newest book 'Sicker in the Head'.(32:01) Finally, Larry and Judd debate their favorite Carlin bits and chat about the responsibility of the modern comic.(44:15) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Judd Apatow Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the definition of an unborn child and his favorite Beatles album before being joined by president of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson. They start their conversation by sharing their reactions to the leaked Supreme Court document on Roe v. Wade and detailing the historic political mechanisms that led to this decision.(11:31) They then discuss the medical, racial, and economic fallout from overturning Roe and how to bridge the "believability gap" within the public's opinion on abortion rights heading into the midterm elections.(18:11) Alexis then talks about how she became involved with and eventually president of Planned Parenthood, and the organization's battle against the criminalization of women's health care in the U.S.(34:25) They end the podcast by detailing how ordinary citizens can help and contribute to the pro-choice movement.(46:57) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Alexis McGill Johnson Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on Dave Chappelle and Roe v. Wade. He's then joined by Academy Award winning director Barry Levinson to discuss his new HBO biopic 'The Survivor' and they begin by talking about how the film deals with and depicts the post-traumatic stress syndrome of a Holocaust survivor. (15:00) They then pivot to Ben Foster's preparation for the title role of Jewish boxer Harry Haft and the incredible mental and physical conditioning he undertook to get the most out of his performance. (22:06) Next, Barry explains the importance of maintaining credibility and authenticity as a filmmaker when making a movie of such a serious and historic nature.(27:12) They then discuss the importance of the theatre in today's streaming culture and why movies about the Holocaust still hold so much relevance.(45:43) Barry ends the pod with an amazing story about how a chance encounter with a soon-to-be infamous criminal and a small acting group in Los Angeles kick started his prolific career in show business.(1:01:24) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Barry Levinson Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry Weighs in on Elon Musk, Twitter, Tesla, and the mechanism in which billionaires are made. He's then joined by MSNBC analyst and host of Showtime's 'The Circus' John Heilemann to talk about how the show is constructed and its ambitions within today's political discourse.(16:55) They then detail how the results of the 2016 election not only kickstarted the success of 'Late Night with Stephen Colbert' but also kept 'The Circus' in production.(30:49) Next, they debate a number of current hot button topics including Ron Desantis,(45:25) Trumps appeal to his followers,(53:31) and the Republican Party vs. Disney.(59:31) They end the pod by speculating on what the Democratic party and President Biden can do to compete in the upcoming elections.(1:14:49) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: John Heilemann Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistance: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the 'Fall of Civilizations' podcast, the decline of the American empire, and the current cultural shift in our society. He's then joined by author Chris Fabricant to discuss his new book, 'Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System,' and they begin by talking about the genesis of the term and how it connects to and affects the criminal justice system, particularly in the field of forensic dentistry.(18:28) They then examine different cases in which "expert" confirmation bias distorted overwhelming evidence and swayed their outcomes.(28:53) Next, Chris shares how his passions led to him becoming the director of strategic litigation for the Innocence Project and what the organization is doing to correct wrongful convictions and change some of the public misconceptions around forensic science. (41:03) They end the conversation by talking about the future of junk science and how to reform the damage it has done to the criminal justice system. (1:02:57) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Chris Fabricant Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on Will Smith. He's then joined by sports journalist Bomani Jones to discuss his new HBO show 'Game Theory'. They begin by talking about how production came together for the series and its intelligent combination of humor and entertainment with insightful sports commentary.(21:09) Next, Bomani details how the early support he received from his highly academic parents influenced him in his journey to becoming a prolific sports journalist and TV host.(40:49) After the break Larry and Bomani examine some of the hot-button topics in the sports world, including Kyrie Irving's vaccination debacle (50:19), Brian Flores's case against the NFL (56:33), and Deshaun Watson's lucrative contract and accompanying controversies.(1:04:10). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Bomani Jones Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearing. He is then joined by Rodney Barnes to discuss his new HBO show 'Winning Time' about the rise of the '80s Los Angeles Lakers dynasty. They talk about how the production came together(14:14), give a brief history of the ABA and NBA leading up to the events in the series,(20:20) and examine the show's impeccable casting.(27:27) Rodney then details his inspirational journey from being a "hired gun" living in his car to being one of the more accomplished Black creatives working in film and TV.(39:00) They wrap things up by sharing insight into what it takes to find happiness as a working writer(45:58) and Rodney looks forward to some of the future projects he's excited about.(57:36) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Rodney Barnes Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Julia Ioffe from Puck to talk about every angle of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They begin by discussing the geopolitical and historical aspects of the conflict and how both sides are using Nazi analogies to meet their respective ethno-nationalistic goals.(3:13) Next, they dive into topics like Vladimir Putin's dissemination of misinformation about the invasion to his people, (12:45) how the conflict compares to the events of World Wars I and II,(25:15) racism in Russia,(32:47) and much more. After Julia shares her deeply personal connection to the tragedy(39:15) they wrap up their conversation by speculating on how the war will end and what Puck is doing to question the status quo and restore objectivity to modern journalism.(47:08) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Julia Ioffe Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Stanley Nelson to discuss his Oscar-nominated (Best Documentary Feature) film 'Attica'. They begin their conversation by talking about how the event is a microcosm of racial tension in the U.S. and why Nelson decided to make a movie about it. They then detail how the Attica riots started and analyze the major events and individuals that contributed to its outcome.(6:42) Stanley and Larry wrap things up by examining the emotional impact of the movie and what social issues are still reverberating from the tragedy 50 years later.(40:36) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Stanley Nelson Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the Lakers and Ukraine. He's then joined by Roy Wood Jr. and they begin their conversation by sharing their experiences from working on 'The Daily Show' and how they navigate writing racially based jokes in the current political and social climate. (14:33) They then discuss Roy's new stand-up special 'Imperfect Messenger' and discuss the process and tribulations he went through in preparation for it. (30:30) Next, they go over Roy's early years in Alabama and how his father's work as a radio commentator influences the work he does today. (43:05) They wrap things up by talking about how they each found their voice in the entertainment industry and the projects they are working on for the future. (54:17) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Roy Wood Jr. Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the Rams' Super Bowl win, Kyrie Irving, Tucker Carlson's comments on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the New York Times' recent statement on racial animosity during the 2016 presidential election. He's then joined by James Curtis, author of the book 'Buster Keaton: A Filmmaker's Life', and they start their conversation by talking about other biographies on Keaton and why James decided to write his. (24:56) They then touch on some of the major points in Buster Keaton's career, including his early days in show business during with vaudeville era, his rise to fame via acclaimed short films, and ultimately making major pictures for MGM. (30:20) Next they go over the production and budget issues that effectively ended Buster's ascension and relegated him to obscurity until his eventual return to the limelight through television appearances. (54:13) They wrap up the pod by discussing the rediscovery of his legacy and their favorite Buster Keaton films. (1:16:57) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: James Curtis Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the L.A. Rams, Whoopi Goldberg, Joe Rogan, COVID-19 misinformation, election disinformation, and anti-Semitism. He's then joined by Reinaldo Marcus Green to discuss his movie 'King Richard.’ They start by talking about how the film came together (25:05) and what it like meeting and working with Will Smith. (31:18) They then pivot to the casting of Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as Venus and Serena Williams,(41:54) the process of getting the tennis scenes as authentic as possible, and the tribulations of raising child athletes in Black communities like Compton (55:05). Next they dissect Will Smith's physical and mental transformation into Richard Williams (58:31) and the message Green is hoping to convey with the movie.(103:34) Finally, Reinaldo details his journey from a young baseball prospect through stints on Wall Street and as a teacher to ultimately finding his calling as a filmmaker (106:43). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Reinaldo Marcus Green Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on Joe Biden's first year as president of the United States. He's then joined by W. Kamau Bell to discuss his documentary 'We Need To Talk About Cosby.' They start their conversation by touching on how Bill Cosby influenced them through his TV shows and albums in the '60's and '70's and American culture in general with 'The Cosby Show' in the 1980's. They then pivot to Cosby's infamously controversial behavior and the turning points that led to them coming to light, starting with the "Pound Cake" speech (24:14), the viral Hannibal Buress rant (32:16), and Barbara Bowman's essay on her firsthand experience with him (38:30). Finally, they talk about how the film highlights society's treatment of victims of sexual assault and what we can do as a community to fix those issues. (46:00) Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: W. Kamau Bell Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by John McWhorter to discuss his book 'Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America' and the factors that are affecting racial discourse within the current cultural and political climate. They touch on many of the issues and obstacles holding back the modern anti-racism movement, including religion (9:16), victimhood (24:34) and white supremacy (22:15). Larry and John then dissect the definition of "whiteness" (27:20), share their views on critical race theory (35:53), talk about the future of the woke movement (49:04) and much more. Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: John McWhorter Producer: Kaya McMullen Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices