Friendslikeus

In this engaging episode, host Marina Franklin is joined by comedians Calise Hawkins and Jackie Fabulous for a lively discussion. They share their experiences of performing stand-up comedy in front of diverse audiences, talk about the unique challenges and laughter involved, and delve into personal and societal topics such as menopause and its impact on their lives and careers. Additionally, they address pertinent issues like the influence of AI on creativity, the effect of outdoor dining sheds in New York, the wild world of cryptocurrency art, and social media regulations for minors. Check it out! Calise Hawkins is a stand-up comedian and writer. She has performed her standup on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon , Nick Mom’s Night Out and she was a cast member of Oxygen’s Funny Girls. She has written for Comedy Central’s @midnight , Hood Adjacent with James Davis, HBO's That Damn Michael Che, and  Hulu's Everything's Trash. Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian rated one if Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2024,

Serene Cotter, and Violet Gray Join host Marina Franklin in a thought-provoking episode. They delve into critical topics including post-election sentiments, the challenges of modern feminism, especially white feminism, and the intersectionality in feminist movements. Violet shares her experiences in comedy, the importance of wit in roast battles, and her journey with Dungeons & Dragons. Make sure to check out Serene's insightful book 'Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop It.'  Serene Khader is a political philosopher and holds the Jay Newman Chair in the Philosophy of Culture at the City University of New York. She is the author, most recently, of Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop.  Violet Gray is a stand-up comic, podcaster, and proud Dungeons & Dragons player based in Baltimore, MD. She has won the Pearl Next Superstar Comedian contest and was featured on Night Train w/ Wyatt Cenac. Her comedy is best characterized as observations about ev

In this Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin welcomes Lonnie B. Supreme, a talented jazz musician and composer, and comedian Nonyé Brown-West. Lonnie shares his journey pursuing his doctorate in Miami, and discusses the significance of his family's historical legacy in jazz. He emphasizes the importance of education, resources, and perseverance in music, while reflecting on his latest album, 'The Future is Bright.' The conversation also touches on the value of embracing one's heritage, the impact of influential musicians like Quincy Jones, and the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the arts. With insightful discussions on history, personal growth, and the current socio-political climate, this episode aims to uplift and inspire listeners. L  A N I  B.  S U P R E M E (b. 1989; New Orleans, USA) is an internationally-performing American musician, sound artist, and educator who plays with the practice and concept of lineage as a portal into past and future. Transmuting the tension between tradition a

This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talk with Holly Harper and breathwork expert Jasmine Marie. Friends discuss the significance of mental health, particularly for Black women. They delve into Jasmine’s book, 'Black Girls Breathing,' which focuses on healing from trauma, combating chronic stress, and finding freedom. Jasmine shares her personal journey and the establishment of Black Girls Breathing, which provides accessible breathwork resources for Black women. The conversation addresses the systemic issues surrounding Black women's health, the therapeutic benefits of breathwork, and the impact of chronic stress. Jasmine also highlights the importance of community and creating spaces for Black women to rest and heal. The discussion is interspersed with personal anecdotes, practical breathing techniques, and reflections on the socio-political climate, especially following recent elections. The episode concludes with a promotion for Jasmine’s book and information on how to join the Black Girls Breathing

I noticed issues on Spotify so I am releasing this again.  This Friends Like Us, Marina welcomes Vanessa Fraction and Nonye Brown-West. We  discuss Vanessa's new podcast 'Action Fraction on Air,' which will focus on having fun with friends and exploring diverse topics. The conversation shifts to the impact of social and political issues on comedy, the unfair media coverage of Kamala Harris compared to Donald Trump, the future of Social Security and the peril Trump's economic plans pose to it, liberal dominance in Hollywood, exemplified by Zachary Levi's support for Trump and the backlash he received, and voter fraud claims involving nuns. Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanes

In this lively episode of Friends Like Us, Marina talks with comedian Von Decarlo and Kenice Mobley. They discuss various topics, including experiences at the Edinburgh Festival, the importance of promoting health and exercise, and the humorous yet practical use of Depends. The conversation shifts to the political landscape, examining Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, the challenges of voting amidst controversies, and Barack Obama's message to black men about the importance of participating in elections. The hosts also cover the advantages and potential downsides of evolving technology, such as Apple’s noise-canceling earbuds and Meta's new glasses. Tune in for a mix of humor, personal stories, and insightful political commentary.  Kenice Mobley - Kenice performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She’s been featured as one of Vulture’s Comedians You Should and WiIll Know, performed at the Netflix is A Joke Festival as part of the

New Friends Like Us episode hosted by Marina Franklin features Kaneez Surka and Subhah Agarwal. Laugh out loud while they tackle today's hottest topics. With topics ranging from Kamala Harris to Melania Trump, this episode is loaded with laughs and thought-provoking discussions. Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix’s “Arsenio Hall” limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live. Kaneez Surka has produced and performed in her Netflix Special, 'Ladies Up', Netflix's 'Comedy Pr

This 'Friends Like Us' hosted by Marina Franklin features comedians Akeem Woods and Mia Jackson. It's a lively discussion that covers a range of topics including societal issues such as: a Detroit judge handcuffing a teenager on a field trip,  North Carolina's Mark Robinson, New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, and the scandal of P. Diddy.  Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that's Georgian for “native”). In 2017, she was selected as a New Face by the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and Atlanta's Creative Loafing named her the Critic's Choice Best Stand-Up in the city. She has toured nationally with Amy Schumer and is a featured comic at festivals and clubs across the country. Her first stand up special aired in October 2018 as part of Unprotected Sets on EPIX. Mia has appeared on NickMom's Night Out, Viceland, Comedy Central's This Week at the Comedy Cellar and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Her Comedy Central half hour special debuted in November 2019. Akeem Woods is the fu

This Friends Like Us features Jenny Saldaña and Abbi Crutchfield. The guests discuss donuts and weekend activities as well as more serious topics like breast cancer awareness.  Jenny talks about her personal battle with breast cancer, including issues of systemic racism and cultural challenges faced by women of color in healthcare. Jenny's upcoming comedy show, 'Hooray for Boobies,' aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.  We also emphasize the importance of medical advocacy, disparities in healthcare, and a shocking revelation about music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs' criminal activities. The discussion concludes with anecdotes about childhood curiosity, discipline, and the importance of autonomy from an early age. Always hosted by Marina Franklin. Abbi Crutchfield has been seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS, Broad City on Comedy Central, and she hosted You Can Do Better on TruTV. Her jokes on Twitter are consistently featured on best of lists by public

This Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin features guests Dr. Donna J Nickel and Nonye Brown-West.  Dr. Donna J. Nickel, an academic from California, discussing her latest book on Claudia Hampton's contributions to affirmative action and black education. The discussion extends to contemporary issues, including the repercussions of ending affirmative action, historical context of race-based discrimination, and the attack on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. The episode aims to shed light on the broader history of race and conservative philanthropy while examining current racial and educational policies. Dr. Donna J. Nicol Dr. Donna J. Nicol, Associate Dean of Personnel and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and professor of history at California State University Long Beach, brings her extensive background in educational studies and African American studies to her roles. Her research delves into race, conservative philanthropy, U.S. higher education, and the history of African Amer

This Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin welcomes Keith Price, a key figure in the comedy world known for supporting many comedians. The conversation touches on the importance of such influences and shifts to praise for Vanessa Fraction's comedic talent. Topics of discussion include Glenn Close's acclaimed role in a recent movie, the societal impact of gun laws in the U.S., and the complexities of having civil discussions with the Republican voters.  Keith Price: Out Comedian, Actor, Writer, radio personality, Keith Price is a dynamic and diverse comic energy who brings every aspect of himself to the stage for the purpose of laughter and understanding.   He was the first out, African-American personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.  He produces and performs in comedy shows in and outside of New York City.  He also is the host and executive producer of his own podcast, Keith Price’s Curtain Call available on Broadway World,  ITunes, Google Play Music, as well as, MOCHAA with Bobby Rivers   Being the fi

Host Marina Franklin welcomes guests Zainab Johnson and Daisy Auger-Domínguez . Daisy shares her experiences and insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, including the challenges and successes she faced in corporate roles,  The group also reflects on the Democratic National Convention and its inspirational messaging, particularly emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and political participation. The discussion rounds off with Zainab Johnson sharing her comedy tour dates and Daisy promoting her book tour, leaving you inspired to drive change and stay hopeful. Daisy Auger-Domínguez is a global leader, speaker, author, and workplace strategist. With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out. Described as a calming and invigorating voice, Daisy prioritizes people and culture as

We love this episode so much we are airing it twice! Tamara Payne, Nonye Brown-West and Troy Laraviere visit Friends Like Us and discuss pulitzer prize winner's Les Payne's and Tamara's book : The Dead Are Arising: The Life Of Malcom X and more with host Marina Franklin. Tamara Payne -Tamara Payne is co-author of The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X written with her father, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne, published by Liveright. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and NAACP Image Award. Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch, as well as in NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning, and the New York Comedy Festival. Nonye made her acting debut in The Sympathy Card, now available for streaming on Vudu, Apple, Amazon, and Google Play Troy A. LaRaviere is an American school administrator, educator and current President of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association

Hollie Harper and Nonye Brown-West visit friends and discuss cultural vultures to Kamala Harris, we're breaking down some heavy topics on this episode of Friends Like Us. Catch the insightful conversation and let us know your thoughts!  Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie was a semi-finalist in the 2019 NBC Standup Competition and has been featured on NY1, and in Black Enterprise Magazine, Thrive Global, Confessional Magazine and Black San Diego Magazine. Her popular sketch comedy show AMERICAN CANDY has played the Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, BAM Café as well as the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Time Out Chicago named them one of the five groups to watch. Hollie is a regular host for West Side Comedy

Dr. Lynetter Mawhinney and Michele Thompkins visit friends and break down the importance of Black teachers, biracial identification, how policy changes affect our youth.  Stay informed and engaged on what the election means for education. Don’t miss this crucial conversation. Lynnette Mawhinney is an award-winning writer, creator, and long-time educator. Dr. Mawhinney was a former high school English teacher at the School District of Philadelphia and transitioned into teacher education. She has conducted teacher trainings in the U.S., Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa, Bahrain, and Egypt. Dr. Mawhinney is Professor of Urban Education and Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Academic Initiatives at Rutgers University-Newark. As a secret artist, she applies her craft of visual-based approaches to her research and scholarship on the recruitment and retention of teachers of Color. Michele Thompkins - Michele, the host, was driven to start the podcast, 'Talk To Me Michele Podcast', by her passion for great co

We had so much fun with SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka that we decided to air it twice! SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka visit friends and discuss spoken word, poetry, mental health wellness, christians stepping away from gender roles and more with host Marina Franklin.  SublimeLuv (aka Sublime) is a powerful spoken word and teaching artist, author, curator, facilitator, public speaker, and social justice advocate. SublimeLuv’s work embodies the theme of the “personal as political.” She exists in this world as a Black Queer woman with a mental illness. Her life and experiences living in her body often fuel her poems. She changed her artist name to SublimeLuv in 2012 when she began to perform more often. Sublime means “supreme, outstanding.” She chose to spell l-o-v-e as l-u-v because she views Luv as a revolutionary tool. Luv signifies Black love, love for the oppressed, queer love, trans love, and disabled love. When we practice Luv, we fiercely love ourselves and each other no matter how worthy or unworthy we are d

We are re-airing an importany episode on preparedness for taking care of elders.  Ashima Franklin and Leighann Lord visit friends and discuss why parents can not be friends with their kids, the tiktoker who went viral for living in a storage unit, and giving yourself and elder parents grace.  Ashima Franklin Originally from Alabama, Ashima Franklin has a “girl next door” personality that mixes with her no holds barred delivery to form a hilarious comedy routine that’s inspired by her real-world situations as a working “Baby Momma”. Ashima rose to fame after appearances on Showtime’s “Kattpacalypse,” having toured the country with comedian Katt Williams on the Conspiracy Theory & Development Spurt tours, and also from Bounce TVs “From the String.” She was also a writer for Russell Simmons All Def Digital which offers over 2.2 million subscribers and counting. Leighann Lord is a seasoned standup comedian who has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy All Star Jam, Comedy Central, The View, Netflix, and Showtime’s Eve

We are re-airing a really funny episode with two of my favorite friends/comedians who currently have hilarious Comedy Specials on Netflix right now! Check them out!  Rachel Feinstein and Keith Robinson share insights into their creative processes, the importance of resilience, and why they continue to push their boundaries. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, practical advice for young comedians, and an inspirational message to keep striving no matter the obstacles. Special appearances by rising comedian Nonyé Brown-West add fresh perspectives to this engaging and heartfelt discussion with host Marina Franklin. Rachel Feinstein fresh off her new Netflix special “Big Guy” , if you have not seen it - go and check it out! She has appeared on LIFE & BETH for Hulu. Steven Soderbergh Amazon series RED OAKS, Judd Apatow’s HBO comedy CRASHING. Her past credits include TRAINWRECK, TOP FIVE, THE NIGHTLY SHOW WITH LARRY WILMORE, HBO’s LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER, co-hosting THE VIEW on multiple occ

It's an Election year and so we are re-airing this important episode.  Subhah Agarwal and Sharon Lavigne visit friends and discuss Sharon Lavigne's battle for clean air and justice, taking on the big industries that have created Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” -- nicknamed for the above-average rates of cancer within the 85-mile stretch of communities with the highest concentration of fossil fuel and petrochemical operations in the Western Hemisphere. Sharon Cayette Lavigne, Times voted Sharon one of the most influential people of 2024. A native of St. James, Louisiana, boasts a distinguished 38-year career as a devoted Special Education teacher within the St. James Parish school system. In 2018, she embarked on a transformative journey by founding RISE St. James, a faith-based grassroots nonprofit dedicated to advocating for clean air, clean water, and combating the proliferation of petrochemical industries in St. James Parish. Despite humble beginnings, Sharon's vision drew around ten passionate individuals to h

Hollie Harper and host Marina Franklin disuss the debates, ageism in politics, and the upcoming election. Don’t miss this insightful chat!  Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie was a semi-finalist in the 2019 NBC Standup Competition and has been featured on NY1, and in Black Enterprise Magazine, Thrive Global, Confessional Magazine and Black San Diego Magazine. Her popular sketch comedy show AMERICAN CANDY has played the Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, BAM Café as well as the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Time Out Chicago named them one of the five groups to watch. Hollie is a regular host for West Side Comedy Club in NYC and works with Gold Comedy and Stand Up Girls, two programs that empower young women