Best Donavan Podcasts (2025)

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The Week That Was: Trump Stamping His Name on Everything. What's Next? 1:01:01

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4d ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests public relations specialist Beverly Watts; attorneys Steve Fishman, Bill Seikaly, and Joel Sklar; labor and community activist Barb Ingalls; and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They discuss: Trump orders an oil tanker blockade of Venezuela Trump addresses the nation — how much of what he said was true? Ca…

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Detroit in Black and White: Who Will Gov. Whitmer and Mayor Mary Sheffield Endorse For Governor? 1:00:49

4d ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Hosts Adolph Mongo, Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk about the pressing issues of the week including the governor's race. Can Mayor Mike Duggan win as an independent? Who will Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield endorse for governor? The panel addresses those issues.…

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Episode 035 | Classics & Discipline 2:22:16

6d ago2:22:16

2:22:16

This week, we’re starting off loud reacting to T.I. saying his catalog is unbeatable — no matter who steps into a Verzuz with him. From there, we break down what a real T.I. vs. Jeezy battle would look like, and why a certain generation might still side with Gucci Mane when the hits, moments, and cultural impact get weighed. Next up, we dive into p…

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Next Man Up Celebrates Poetry, Perseverance, and Public Access as Kelvin Watson Reimagines Libraries as Community Hubs 29:36

11d ago29:36

29:36

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," featuring Kelvin Watson, Executive Director of the Las Vegas Clark County Library District. Watson discusses his efforts to expand digital literacy and library access, particularly for underserved communities, through innovative technologies like recording studios and business spaces. He emphasi…

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The Week That Was: MSU and U-M Seem to Match Scandals. 1:09:25

11d ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests Detroit Free Press investigative columnist M.L. Elrick; attorneys Bill Seikaly, Steve Fishman, and Joel Sklar; labor and community activist Barb Ingalls; veteran journalist Nancy Derringer; and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They discuss: They discuss: The firing of University of Michigan coach Sherrone …

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Episode 034 | Disappearances & Power Plays 1:43:46

14d ago1:43:46

1:43:46

This week, we’re starting off hot reacting to two wild headlines. First — Authorities officially ended the search for 1973 New York dr*g kingpin Frank Matthews. The man made $60 million, walked off with $20 million cash the night before trial… and vanished like a ghost. Is this the greatest American disappearance ever — or the biggest government em…

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Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion Amplifies Mental Health Through Spoken Word, Autism Advocacy, and Community Healing 30:00

18d ago30:00

30:00

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a program dedicated to promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Jessica "Jess Flo" Washington, a Las Vegas-based poet and autism advocate, discusses her journey as a mother of an autistic child, emphasizing the importance of community and self-care. She highlights her organization, I A…

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Detroit in Black and White: Should We Take All the Vaccines? Is RFK Jr. Right? 52:02

19d ago52:02

52:02

Hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk about Friday's vote by a federal vaccine committee to not recommend that newborns be immunized at birth against hepatitis B, which is a highly infectious virus that can cause liver damage. The committee is carrying out an agenda set by Robert Kennedy Jr., scretary of U.S. Health and Human Servic…

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Episode 033 | Millions & Reckonings 1:50:43

20d ago1:50:43

1:50:43

This week, pardon the audio issues but we’re starting off hot reacting to Odell Beckham Jr. saying it’s “super hard” to live off a 5-year, $100M contract. After taxes, houses, cars, and helping family… is he exposing real financial-literacy gaps in pro sports? Or is this just millionaire problems disguised as struggle talk? And is the money problem…

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Detroit in Black and White: Dan Gilbert's Downtown. Could Kwame Kilpatrick Get Elected Mayor Again? 1:03:16

25d ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Hosts Adolph Mongo, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk about Mayor Mike Duggan's tenure and Dan Gilbert's contributions to downtown Detroit and Duggan's legacy. They also discuss whether Kwame Kilpatrick could win a mayoral election in Detroit if he received a pardon, which would clear the way for him to run. Under state law, he is barred from runni…

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Episode 032 | Catalogs & Controversy 1:44:02

28d ago1:44:02

1:44:02

This week the guys are back and we’re starting off spicy reacting to the Brandy & Monica R&B tour — whose catalog is really stamped in history, and who do we need to see hit the stage next? Then we get into Haiti qualifying for the 2026 World Cup… but is it really a win when the Trump travel ban puts Haitian and Iranian families in the shadows? Who…

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The Week That Was: Trump Has Nothing to Hide in Epstein Case. That's Hard to Believe The Way He's Acted. 1:17:56

1M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

Hosts Saeed Khan talks with guests, public relations specialist Beverly Watts, attorneys Steve Fishman, Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar; community and labor activist Barb Ingalls, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They talk about: Trump says nothing to hide in Epstein files; Judge castigates DOJ prosecutor…

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Detroit in Black and White: Donavan McKinney Wants To Replace Shri Thanedar. And is Lt. Gov. Gilchrist's Video Too Much? 59:56

1M ago59:56

59:56

Hosts Adolph Mongo, Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk with guest, Democratic state lawmaker Donavan McKinney, who is running for Congress in the 13th Congressional District. He wants to unseat Congressman Shri Thanedar and explains why. They also talk about Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist's edgy video. Is it the right message for his gubern…

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Episode 031 | Laughs & Locker Room Smoke 1:44:56

1M ago1:44:56

1:44:56

This week, we’re picking up right where we left off — starting with Salt-N-Pepa & OutKast officially being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Two legendary groups, two very different legacies… but did hip-hop finally get the respect it’s owed? From there, we get into Nicki Minaj taking the podium at a U.N. event to speak on violence agains…

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BRUNCH IN NUDE AT MINT LIVE AUDIO 2:19:41

1M ago2:19:41

2:19:41

LIVE AUDIO FROM MY SET AT BRUNCH IN NUDE AT MINT IN CONNECTICUTBy DJ TECH XII

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Detroit in Black and White: Congresswoman Haley Stevens on Health Care and the Shutdown 1:00:55

1M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

Hosts Vanessa Moss and Allan Lengel talk with Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who is running for U.S. Senate. The hosts also talk about other pressing matters including President Trump threatening to sue the BBC and his chances of winning.By Allan Lengel / Deadline Detroit

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Episode 030 | The Wave & The Rebrand 1:56:02

1M ago1:56:02

1:56:02

This week, we’re kicking things off with The Wave God himself — Max B is finally home after 16 years behind bars. The Harlem legend’s release has the internet in a frenzy, with hip-hop showing love to one of the most influential voices of the blog era. The culture’s celebrating a legend who influenced a whole sound before streaming even existed. Is…

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Episode 029 | EBT & Ego Trips 1:43:36

1M ago1:43:36

1:43:36

This week, we’re kicking things off with a bold one — Jay-Z says no rapper alive can stand on stage with him. Is Hov right? Can anyone — Drake, Wayne, or Kanye — go hit-for-hit? Or has he reached that “untouchable” status where no one even bothers to try? Then we react to the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta “Tank” Davis fight being canceled — was this about…

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Miss Black Nevada, Charnay Ellesse Brandon Inspires Healing and Growth Through Advocacy 30:00

2M ago30:00

30:00

Donavan LeDean hosts a poetry show focused on mental health, featuring guest Charnay Ellesse Brandon, Miss Black Nevada 2025. Charnay discusses her personal and community development through her role and her work in curating wellness events like "Resilient Women of Domestic Violence." She emphasizes the importance of combining arts with education t…

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Detroit in Black and White: Adolph Mongo's Advice to Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield. And Talk of Reparations. 1:04:25

2M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Hosts Adolph Mongo, Vanessa Moss and Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk about reparations in Detroit and whatever happen to the task force set up to address the issue. Mongo also lays out what Council President Mary Sheffield needs to do to be a successful mayor and what she needs to avoid. The group also talks about SNAP benefits and immigrants get…

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DONAVANS YARD MALTA EUROPE LATE LEAVERS PARTY (LIVE AUDIO) 1:18:04

2M ago1:18:04

1:18:04

DONAVANS YARD MALTA EUROPE LATE LEAVERS PARTY (LIVE AUDIO) by DJ TECH XIIBy DJ TECH XII

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Superfan Marty Greenberg Talks About What's the Next Step for the Lions? Will Campbell Take Over Offensive Call Playing? 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

One day after a disappointing 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, superfan Marty Greenberg talks with Allan Lengel of Deadline Detroit about what the Detroit Lions need to do to get back on track. They discuss the trade deadline, injuries on the offensive line, and whether there’s a chance Coach Dan Campbell might take over the play-calling duties…

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Healing Through Words: Promoting Mental Health and Humanity 29:59

2M ago29:59

29:59

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a program focused on promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest poet Jenny Uddin, a criminal justice major, shares her journey of returning to poetry after witnessing the traumas of her field. She recounts a particularly impactful experience working with women in a jail, which led her ba…

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The Week That Was: Have We Heard the End of Trump's Third Term? Hamtramck Mayor's Hope of Ambassadorship Fading? 1:08:27

2M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Host Saeed Khan talks with public relations specialist Beverly Watts; attorneys Joel Sklar, Steve Fishman, and Bill Seikaly; community and labor activist Barb Ingalls; veteran journalist Nancy Derringer; and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They discuss: chatter about President Trump seeking a third term; the Mayor of Hamtramck’s nominatio…

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Southfield Mayoral Candidate Talks About the Northland Project, the City's Future And More 1:06:09

2M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Southfield mayoral candidate Sylvia Jordan, a daycare owner and former City Council president, joins hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel, and Jim Nardone to discuss her vision for Southfield, concerns about the Northland City Center development, and issues surrounding foreclosures. The hosts also discuss ethics concerns at City Hall.…

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Episode 028 | No Limit & No Illusion 1:47:09

2M ago1:47:09

1:47:09

First things first, this week, the guys give respects to the long-awaited return of Verzuz — live from ComplexCon Las Vegas. Cash Money vs. No Limit turned into a full-blown celebration of New Orleans rap history, with Mia X stealing the show as the night’s MVP. We break down the best rounds, most slept-on records, and who really walked away with t…

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The Week That Was: Michigan GOP Has Doubts About John James' Chances of Winning the Governor's Race 1:13:08

2M ago1:13:08

1:13:08

Pollster Ed Sarpolus said Friday morning that the Michigan Republican Party doesn’t believe GOP Congressman John James can win the 2026 governor’s race. “Right now, Republicans want him out of the state, off the ballot — even the DeVos family is wavering,” Sarpolus, executive director of Target Insyght in Lansing, said on a live podcast, The Week T…

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The Week That Was: The Government Shut Down and the Israeli-Hamas Peace Agreement 1:15:32

2M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

Host Saeed Khan talks with public relations specialist Beverly Watts, attorneys Jalal Abdallah, Bill Seikaly, Steve Fishman and Joel Sklar; labor and community activist Barb Ingalls, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They talk about: Federal Government Shutdown Continues; Trump Considers Invoking Insur…

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Detroit in Black and White: Race and the Gambling Scandal Involving NBA Players 1:01:21

2M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone discuss the issues of the week, including the gambling scandal involving former Detroit Pistons star Chauncey Billups. Some are asking: Why is the media only showing pictures of Black players linked to the scandal when there are dozens of defendants?By Allan Lengel / Deadline Detroit

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Episode 027 | Draw The Line In The Sand 1:51:36

2M ago1:51:36

1:51:36

This week, the squad kicks things off reacting to Verzuz officially returning — live from ComplexCon Las Vegas — with Cash Money vs No Limit on one stage. Two legendary labels, one night of history in the making. Who really had the bigger run, and which catalog wins when the smoke clears? From there, we shift to Kevin McCall, who broke down while r…

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OVO FEST LAST STOP 10-17 LIVE AUDIO 2:36:39

2M ago2:36:39

2:36:39

OVO FEST LAST STOP 10-17 LIVE AUDIO by DJ TECH XIIBy DJ TECH XII

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The Week That Was: Trump's War on Venezuela. Can this Democracy be Save? 1:06:48

2M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Host Saeed Khan talks with Detroit media veteran Guy Gordon, attorneys Steve Fishman, Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They talk about: President Trump addresses Knesset after Gaza ceasefire; Trump authorizes covert CIA action in Venezuela; Some airports refusing to air TS…

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Are the Dems Shortchanging Garlin Gilchrist? James Harris Wants to Be Your Next Council Member 1:01:33

2M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone talk with guest, James Harris, the community relations fire chief in Detroit, who is running for one of two at-large city council seats currently held by incumbents. He tells the hosts why he's deserving of the job. The hosts also talk about Mayor Mike Duggan's chances of winning the governor's race …

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Episode 026 | Faith & Trust Issues 1:46:55

2M ago1:46:55

1:46:55

This week, we’re starting off hot reacting to Joe Rogan’s viral comments on Trump’s immigration policies — is it compassion or politics when empathy meets enforcement? From there, we dive into religion — what are your real thoughts on it? Should scripture only be read one way, or does your personal journey reshape what it means? And is this why so …

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Donavan LeDean and Rachel De Vera Elevate Mental Health and Cultural Identity Through Poetry 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a program promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Rachel De Vera, a Filipina American poet and UNLV employee, discusses her journey into poetry, inspired by a positive experience in eighth grade. She emphasizes the importance of poetry in reflecting societal issues and promoting menta…

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Detroit in Black and White: Veteran Attorney Bill Noakes Wants To Be Michigan's Next Attorney General 1:00:49

2M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Veteran attorney Bill Noakes has done it all in the legal field: He's worked in corporate America, including the legal staff of General Motors, and been a criminal defense attorney and taught law. Nokes talks with "Detroit Black and White" hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel and Jim Nardone about why he should be the next Michigan Attorney General.…

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Episode 025 | Confessions & Consequences 1:46:31

3M ago1:46:31

1:46:31

This week, we got GI back with crew and we kick things off reacting to Cam Newton’s viral statement — he says he always asks women for their list of previous partners before dating them. Is that smart vetting or straight insecurity? From there, we get into Sean “Diddy” Combs’ 50-month sentence for transporting women for prostitution. Is this the en…

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Billy Allen Champions Libraries, Literacy and Mental Health Through Hip-Hop and Community Leadership 30:00

3M ago30:00

30:00

By Donavan LeDean

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The Week That Was: The Hegseth-Trump Show Before the Military Brass. Good Material for SNL. 1:20:38

3M ago1:20:38

1:20:38

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests, pollster Ed Sarpolus, public relations specialist Beverly Watts, attorneys Joel Sklar and Bill Seikaly, community and labor activist Barb Ingalls, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They talk about: mass shooting at Grand Blanc Mormon church; the federal government shu…

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TOLL ROAD #SPEEDINGTHROUGHMIAMIEDITION SPONSORED BY @SUPREMESHOTZNYC 1:16:24

3M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

THE NEWEST DANCEHALL TAPE IS OUT NOW TUN UP DI VOLUME AND BUNX LIKE LISTEN SHAREBy DJ TECH XII

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Episode 024 | Real Life & Algorithms 1:55:05

3M ago1:55:05

1:55:05

The squad is back and this week we kick it off with Ace Hood affirming his loyalty to his wife Shelah Marie — is that growth with age or a conscious choice to change? From there, we dive into Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl. How will he compare to last year’s show, and should non-English artists be front and center for an English-speaking crowd…

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Episode 023 | Demands & Outrage 1:34:06

3M ago1:34:06

1:34:06

This week, we kick it off with our weekend sports parlays — tickets cashed or straight L’s? Then we dive into Cardi B’s new album. Is she truly a rap artist or more of an entertainer? And Offset’s divorce demands are wild — cover his taxes, pay millions, and hand over property just to sign the papers. Is that leverage or pure finesse? Next, Young T…

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Detroit in Black and White: The Political Future of Ex-Detroit Police Chief James Craig? 1:03:46

3M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Hosts Allan Lengel and James Nardone talk about the free speech and Charlie Kirk and the political future of former Detroit Police Chief James Craig.By Allan Lengel / Deadline Detroit

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The Week That Was: Charlie Kirk and Limiting Free Speech 1:14:27

3M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

Host Saeed Khan talks with public relations specialist Beverly Watts, attorneys Joel Sklar, Bill Seikaly and Steve Fishman, community and labor activist Barb Ingalls, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They talk about: Republican politicians call for speech policing on Charlie Kirk criticisms; Jimmy Kim…

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Episode 022 | Cameras & Chaos 1:54:49

3M ago1:54:49

1:54:49

This week we got GI back with us and we kick it off with Cam’ron putting Adrien Broner in check — the Dipset legend wasn’t having the disrespect toward Stat Baby, and we react to the viral fallout. Then it’s fight talk: Terence “Bud” Crawford proves once again why he’s different after another dominant win, and we break down what’s next for boxing. …

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Donavan LeDean and Acamea Deadwiler Discusses The Significance of Mental Health Writing and The Role It Plays In Today's Society 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Donavan LeDean hosts a poetry show focused on mental health, featuring guest Akemi Daweiler, an Indiana native and Las Vegas resident. Acamea Deadwiler discusses her journey into mental health writing, inspired by her personal experiences and a family mental health crisis. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling without judgment and the role …

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Episode 021 | Trust & Betrayal 1:54:22

3M ago1:54:22

1:54:22

This week we’re back with our guest GI and it kicks off wild — YNW Bortlen takes a plea deal and agrees to testify against YNW Melly. Is that survival or straight betrayal? And if you were in Melly’s shoes, do you take the case on your back, push for a plea, or fight it all the way? Then we flip it to growing up in the 90’s. From the moments that d…

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Poets Explore Mental Health, Cultural Expression, and Social Issues 30:00

4M ago30:00

30:00

Hosted by Donavan LeDean, various poets explore themes of mental health promotion, cultural expression, and social issues. Key poems discussed include reflections on black love, the struggle for personal freedom, and the human condition. Additionally, the show includes messages promoting courage, healthy debate, and the importance of embracing dive…

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The Week That Was: A Detroit Auto Journalist Talks About Elon Musk Being Ethically Challenged 1:09:09

4M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

Host Nancy Derringer talks with guests, public relations specialist Beverly Watts, automotive journalist Paul Eisenstein, editor-in-chief of Headlight News; attorneys Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar, community and labor activist Barb Ingalls and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel. They talk about: U.S. Navy attacks ship out of Venezuela, kills 11…

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Episode 020 | Leverage & Love 1:42:39

4M ago1:42:39

1:42:39

The squad is all together and we kick it off with Cardi B — she beats a civil case in LA, but the internet is more focused on pregnancy rumors. We break down the clips and the reactions. Next up: Brittany Renner & PJ Washington’s baby exchange goes viral. Is Brittany oversharing, or just exposing the reality behind PJ’s image? And was PJ wrong for …