Best Des And Kay Podcasts (2025)

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Cllr. Dr. Lilian Seenoi-Barr joins Tavis Smiley 17:06

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28m ago17:06

17:06

Cllr. Dr. Lilian Seenoi-Barr, who became Northern Ireland’s first Black mayor in the city of Derry last year, shares the good, the bad, and the ugly part of being Black in the occupied territories controlled by the British government. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Des Lee joins Tavis Smiley 22:31

28m ago22:31

22:31

Des Lee, musician and author of “My Saxophone Saved My Life: The Miami Showband Massacre and My Quest for Answers" tells us how he survived the Miami Showband Massacre 50 years ago this Thursday (July 31, 1975) and connects the dots to the far-right gangsters burning racist bonfires in Northern Ireland this month. Become a supporter of this podcast…

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Ernie Suggs joins Tavis Smiley 38:24

29m ago38:24

38:24

Ernie Suggs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter and author of "The Many Lives of Andrew Young," talks about Ronald Reagan historic “states rights” speech in Philadelphia, Mississippi 45 years ago; where the presidential candidate appealed to white supremacists, mere miles from the murder site of civil right workers, Schwerner, Chaney and Goodman…

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Mark Barabak joins Tavis Smiley 17:26

29m ago17:26

17:26

Mark Barabak, political columnist for the Los Angeles Times, is back with details on Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA)’s redistricting plan and his state’s summer of discontent. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Dr. Julianne Malveaux joins Tavis Smiley 23:10

30m ago23:10

23:10

Professor, author and founder of the nonprofit Economic Education, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, gives her analysis about the reign of terror of ICE raids and other trending political topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Tyanna Watts joins Tavis Smiley 16:22

31m ago16:22

16:22

By KBLA Talk 1580

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Roye Okupe joins Tavis Smiley 23:18

31m ago23:18

23:18

Roye Okupe, founder of YouNeek Studios, takes us inside “Iyanu”, the #1 series on The Cartoon Network, and tells us about his highly-anticipated San Diego Comic-Con appearance this past weekend. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Dexter Hall joins Tavis Smiley 36:23

32m ago36:23

36:23

Interim Executive Director of the Providence Foundation, Dexter Hall, talks about the impact of Trump's recent executive order on homelessness and the risks of criminalizing those who suffer from poverty, mental illness and addiction. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Dedrick Asante Muhammad joins Tavis Smiley 39:56

2h ago39:56

39:56

CEO of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, discusses why Black workers don't have the privilege to wait for a new Congress or President to gain economic justice along with other trending political news. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Christopher Sebastian Parker joins Tavis Smiley 37:52

2h ago37:52

37:52

Christopher Sebastian Parker, UC Santa Barbara Professor and Founder and CEO of Black Insights Research, gives his take on Trump accusing former President Obama of treason, how Black voters are preparing for the 2026 elections and other trending political news. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--62864…

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Kenneth Crouch joins Tavis Smiley 30:00

11m ago30:00

30:00

Classically trained keyboardist, musical director, and nephew of gospel legend Andrae Crouch, Kenneth Crouch, joins Tavis in the studio for a career conversation about his backstory, the impact of jazz and gospel on his life, and what he wants his musical legacy to be. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smile…

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Derek Mobley joins Tavis Smiley 16:30

12m ago16:30

16:30

Derek Mobley, a 40-something Black man with disabilities, talks about A.I. bias and his class action lawsuit against software vendor Workday, Inc. for alleged discrimination by its hiring algorithm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Dr. Cornel West joins Tavis Smiley 19:29

12m ago19:29

19:29

Scholar, leading public intellectual, author, and special contributor, Dr. Cornel West, shares his analysis on France recognizing Palestinian statehood and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Summer Lee joins Tavis Smiley 16:11

6d ago16:11

16:11

Congresswoman Summer Lee of Pennsylvania join Tavis Smiley Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Marcus Anthony Hunter joins Tavis Smiley 20:28

3d ago20:28

20:28

USC professor, Marcus Anthony Hunter joins Tavis Smiley to talk about this political moment and reparations. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Genesis Robinson joins Tavis Smiley 16:51

3d ago16:51

16:51

Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground, updates us on the recent Florida Supreme Court decision that has “turned its back on Black voters.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Dr. Cornel West joins Tavis Smiley 21:53

3d ago21:53

21:53

Public intellectual, professor, and author Dr. Cornel West, shares his thoughts about the release of the Dr. King files, the Breonna Taylor case, and what's next in the fight for civil rights. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

1
John Nichols joins Tavis Smiley 41:26

3d ago41:26

41:26

John Nichols, the National Affairs Correspondent for The Nation magazine, talks about the future of progressivism and other trending political topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Luenell joins Tavis Smiley 34:19

4d ago34:19

34:19

Luenell is back in studio to talk about her recent sold-out show at the Apollo, her hilarious role in the Emmy-winning series “Hacks,” and a preview of her new So Cal residency called “That Time of the Month.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Mychal Denzel Smith joins Tavis Smiley 42:16

4d ago42:16

42:16

Mychal Denzel Smith, author of the New York Times bestseller “Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching” and “Stakes Is High,” takes us inside his new piece for the Intercept about “the Black vote” in the NYC mayoral race. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

1
Kristen Soltis Anderson joins Tavis Smiley 37:52

4d ago37:52

37:52

Kristen Soltis Anderson, noted pollster for Echelon Insights and author of the newsletter “Codebook,” gives us a big-picture look at the numbers and trends for the Trump presidency six months after his return to the White House. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Ozzie Smith joins Tavis Smiley 17:11

6d ago17:11

17:11

Ozzie Smith, Hall of Fame shortstop, goes inside “The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball,” a Smithsonian exhibit he helped create, and previews this year’s inductees ahead of this weekend’s Hall of Fame ceremony. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Thai Floyd joins Tavis Smiley 20:54

6d ago20:54

20:54

Thai Floyd from Alabama A&M takes us inside her dream job as the first full-time female voice of an HBCU football program, starting with the season opener against Arkansas next month. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Patrick Kennedy joins Tavis Smiley 37:38

6d ago37:38

37:38

Patrick Kennedy, former member of Congress for 16 years and the youngest child of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, shares his latest book “Profiles in Mental Health Courage,” thoughts on new evidence in the assassination of his uncle JFK, and the family’s feelings about his cousin RFK Jr. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/po…

1
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Tribute joins Tavis Smiley 37:49

6d ago37:49

37:49

Tavis remembers actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reprising their last public conversation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Barbara Arnwine & Daryl Jones join Tavis Smiley 38:52

9d ago38:52

38:52

Barbara Arnwine, founder and president of The Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) and Daryl Jones, co-leader and Board chair of the TJC, talk about the "Good Trouble Lives On" protests that took place on the 5th year commemoration of the death of Congressman John Lewis. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-s…

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Dr. Cornel West joins Tavis Smiley 38:43

7d ago38:43

38:43

Dr. Cornel West, public intellectual and Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, kicks off his new twice-weekly conversation with Tavis, Mondays and Thursdays. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Sean Hannity joins Tavis Smiley 40:31

7d ago40:31

40:31

Tavis goes to head-to-head with Sean Hannity, host of his eponymous program on the Fox News Channel as well as “Wanted: Dead or Alive” on Fox Nation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

1
Stacey & Joaquin Loper Joins Tavis Smiley 10:18

11d ago10:18

10:18

Stacey and Joaquin Loper, co-stars of the new series “Back to the Frontier,” take us inside their family’s 1880s world of no phones, no makeup, and no running water. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

1
Michael Brown Joins Tavis Smiley 29:06

11d ago29:06

29:06

Michael Brown, former FEMA administrator and now host of the podcast The Situation, is back with his take on the recent flooding disasters and reflections on Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago this summer. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

1
D.D. Guttenplan Joins Tavis Smiley 37:55

11d ago37:55

37:55

D.D. Guttenplan, editor of The Nation magazine and host of The Nation podcast, shares their blockbuster 160th anniversary issue titled “These Dis-United States.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

1
Bill Kristol Joins Tavis Smiley 36:19

11d ago36:19

36:19

Bill Kristol, editor-at-large of The Bulwark, is back to break down the messy break up between President Trump and the MAGA movement and other trending political topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Robin Givhan joins Tavis Smiley 36:23

13d ago36:23

36:23

Robin Givhan, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and former fashion editor, takes us inside her newest text “Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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William “Sandy” Darity joins Tavis Smiley 17:01

13d ago17:01

17:01

Professor and Director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, William “Sandy” Darity is back with his take on the impact of the Big Ugly Tax Bill and other Trump policies on the growing wealth inequality. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. joins Tavis Smiley 22:58

13d ago22:58

22:58

Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. from the Cherokee Nation is back with an update on their slavery task force and the impact of the Job Corps shutdown, which is paused for now. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Peter Beinart joins Tavis Smiley 37:30

12d ago37:30

37:30

Peter Beinart, Editor-at-Large for Jewish Currents and CUNY journalist professor, goes inside his new book “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning” and shares his thoughts about why MAGA allies are turning on Trump. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

1
Sheléa joins Tavis Smiley 25:40

13d ago25:40

25:40

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, pianist, and actress Sheléa is back to preview her tribute to her mentor, Quincy Jones, at Disney Hall in Los Angeles this weekend as part of The Inner City Youth Orchestra’s Season Finale Concert. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

1
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot joins Tavis Smiley 33:05

13d ago33:05

33:05

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America and one of TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year (2025), breaks down the real-life hunger games that too many Americans are forced to play, as they face “the largest cut to SNAP in history.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

1
Maurice “Moe” Mitchell joins Tavis Smiley 32:47

13d ago32:47

32:47

Maurice “Moe” Mitchell, national director of the Working Families Party, explains why “fusion voting” is the way forward for progressives who want to win. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

1
Alec Karakatsanis joins Tavis Smiley 39:16

15d ago39:16

39:16

Founder and director of Civil Rights Corps, Alec Karakatsanis is back to take us inside of his new book "Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News," as he explains the power and impact of the police narrative on our policies and culture. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support…

1
Shanelle Matthews and Marzena Zukowska join Tavis Smiley 36:15

15d ago36:15

36:15

Shanelle Matthews, former communications director for the Movement for Black Lives, and immigrant rights organizer Marzena Zukowska, share their new book “Liberation Stories: Building Narrative Power for 21st-Century Social Movements.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

1
Ruben Navarrette joins Tavis Smiley 16:26

15d ago16:26

16:26

Nationally syndicated columnist for The Creators Syndicate, Ruben Navarette, discusses the latest developments in the Texas flood response fallout and how this administration stopped making sense, as we slouch toward fascism. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead joins Tavis Smiley 22:36

15d ago22:36

22:36

Professor of African American studies, award-winning talk show host and Founding Director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University Maryland, Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead talks about the upcoming in-person-only summer school Democracy Defenders - Summer Seminar and Summit, and other political topics. Become a supporte…

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Speech joins Tavis Smiley 31:52

18d ago31:52

31:52

Speech, the two-time Grammy Award-winning founder of the iconic hip-hop collective Arrested Development, talks about their new album Adult Contemporary Hip Hop and why we need “life music” now more than ever. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Roeshana Moore-Evans joins Tavis Smiley 35:10

18d ago35:10

35:10

Roeshana Moore-Evans, founder and principal strategist of Equity Empowerment, takes us inside her former role as the inaugural Executive Director of the Harvard Legacy of Slavery Initiative. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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Sean Wynn joins Tavis Smiley 17:18

18d ago17:18

17:18

Sean Wynn, former president of the Harvard Black Law Students Association, lays out the controversy surrounding the Ivy League institution’s slavery project. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580

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The War and Treaty Joins Tavis Smiley 14:40

19d ago14:40

14:40

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, the husband-and-wife duo known as the Black country band The War and Treaty, share their latest single “Feels Like Home,” their upcoming tour dates, and what it’s like to open for The Rolling Stones. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Candace Fields Joins Tavis Smiley 19:50

19d ago19:50

19:50

Black marine biologist Candace Fields helps us celebrate SHARKFEST on the National Geographic channel with two special programs, “Investigation Shark Attack” and “JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Laurence Rees Joins Tavis Smiley 17:39

19d ago17:39

17:39

Laurence Rees, award-winning historian and documentary filmmaker, tells us why his iconic series “The Nazis: A Warning from History” is getting a fresh run on the BBC, and what it can still teach us about the possible and dangerous road ahead. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.…

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Erica Smiley Joins Tavis Smiley 22:18

19d ago22:18

22:18

Erica Smiley, executive director of Jobs With Justice, updates us on the struggle to build power for working people and address issues of inequality and poverty. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.By KBLA Talk 1580