Friendslikeus

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 occasions, and several appearances on INSIDE AMY SCHUMER for which she won a Writers Guild award. You may also remember Rachel co-hosting alongside Shaq on UPLOAD WITH S

Mugga, Rita Brent, and Joanna Briley visit friends and talk about the upcoming Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest , Rita Brent's new song: gospel version of  “Bleach-blonde, Bad-built, Butch body and more with host Marina Franklin!  Rita Brent is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and singer-pianist, Angela. She credits her mother for single-handedly cultivating her talents and preparing her for the entertainment business. By 18, she joined the Army National Guard where she served as a drummer in the 41st Army Band, ending her time in service as a sergeant. She began her radio broadcasting career at WJSU 88.5 FM as a student at THEE Jackson State University from which she graduated, and later spent six years at Mississippi Public Broadcasting as a host and producer. In 2013, she made a big leap into standup comedy. 9 years later, she has appeared on Comedy Central, truTV, Epix TV, LOL Network, Circl

This week Mia Jackson and Brandon Collins visit Friends Like Us for a honest conversation about growing up with skewed or limited black history and more with host Marina Franklin. Brandon Collins is a versatile screenwriter, comedian and podcaster who has performed at the SXSW and New York Comedy Festival, and has had appearances in various MTV, VH1, and Max productions. He recently participated in the 2022-2023 Universal Writer’s Lab (beating out over a thousand applicants) and is the host of the critically acclaimed show, "Drunk Black History" 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 O

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 deemed by society. Luv is activism and resistance. We need revolutionary Luv today. Ka

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 her inaugural gathering, hosted at her residence. Transitioning to retir

Jon Laster and Nathan Macintosh visit friends and discuss the troubles with tech, black app for black products- BLAPP and so much more! It's a funny one... don't miss it!  Jon Laster is known for One Bedroom (2018), No More Mr Nice Guy (2018) and The 2019 ESPY Awards (2019) and check out his new series An Astute Woman Web Series. He is the Founder and C.E.O. of Blapp. Blapp is a Google-based, geo-located app that will tell you all the Black businesses that are right around you. Nathan Macintosh Most recently performing for his third time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC, Nathan has also appeared on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS, Conan on TBS,  and multiple Just For Laughs Galas. His first special, ‘Money Never Wakes’, was reviewed highly and named ‘Best Youtube Special of 2023’ by The New York Times. His newest special, ‘Down With Tech’, has been named one of the ‘5 Stand Up Specials You Should Definitely Watch’ and reviewed highly by Vulture. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One

Kenice Mobley and Alycia Cooper visit Friends Like Us and discuss the importance of understanding systemic issues in tax codes, Mayor Adam's attack on NYC Libraries, Biden Skewers The Orange man and more with host Marina Franklin!  Alycia Cooper Twenty-three year stand-up comic, Alycia Cooper, has always been a natural performer. A Washington DC area native, Alycia grew up in Seat Pleasant and later, Temple Hills, MD. She then went on to graduate from The University of Maryland at College Park with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Radio-Television-Film and a minor in Theater. While in college, she fell in love with comedy by watching HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam.” There, she saw people her age who reminded her of herself performing the funniest routines she had ever seen. They were raw and uncut, but most of all hilarious. After college, she worked at BET in Washington, DC as a music television producer. Years later, after having moved to Los Angeles in hopes of creating sitcoms, Alycia tried her hand in stand-up, and

Mike Britt, Ashima Franklin, and Akeem Woods visit Friends Like Us and discuss the Good Times Animation, Mike Britt's new comedy special, TikTok Ban, racist/homophobic family members, and anulled marriages due to no sex.  Mike Britt is a Brooklyn, NY-born stand-up comedian. He got his start at the Uptown Comedy Club in Harlem. Since then, He has appeared on Comedy Central Presents, BET's Comicview, VH1's Best Week Ever, and The Bad Boys of Comedy. In 2015, he's now known as the "singer" of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt theme song. Check out his new special "Check the Mike" on 800lb Gorilla. 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

Irene Bremis and Hollie Harper visit Friends and discuss Irene's new comedy special: 'Sweetie', the OJ Saga, mental health in the subway, and more with host Marina Franklin.  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, tw

Janna Pea and Marc Theobald visit Friends Like Us and discuss bringing a folding chair to the table, black people not being the boogey man, DEI Attacks, the she-economy and more with host Marina Franklin. Janna Pea is a seasoned communications executive + recent entrepreneur. Her work has increased the visibility and influence of artists + entertainers, innovative brands + companies, philanthropies, visionary cultural organizations, and more. Pea Nation partners with clients to not simply fight for a seat at the table of representation but to create new rooms, venues, and movements where diverse change makers can transform dominant impact narratives. As a result of Janna’s work, more Black and brown Americans, women, and LGBTQ+ people are now seen and heard. From the Women’s March to the #MeToo movement to the racial reckoning of summer 2020, Janna has helped shape and define some of the highest-profile national and global events in recent history. Known for her calm navigation of crisis communications situat

Liz Meile and Nonye Brown West visit friends and talk Viral You Tube Comedy Specials, Fragile Infrastructure, Cats For Rats, and more with host Marina Franklin!  Liz Miele is a NYC comedian that has appeared on Comedy Central, FOX, AXS TV, Hulu and NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. She's been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, Runner's World, Psychology Today and The Guardian. She has several viral videos on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok including jokes “Feminist Sex Positions,” "Dating Is Harder for Comedians," and "F*ck Finland". She regularly tours internationally and has four albums out including her first, “Emotionally Exhausting” which has over 3 million views, and Self Help Me, which has almost 2 million views. Her most recent special “Ghost of Academic Future” has over 1 million views and was listed on the New York Times, Paste Magazine and Interrobang “Best Comedy Specials of 2022” list. Her next special “Murder Sheets” premiered April 2nd on youtube. Her book "Why Cats Are A**holes" was published Ma

TK Dutes and Ashley Ray visit friends and discuss toxic hollywood culture, social media constraint, a Screenwriter's Lawsuit and more with host Marina Franklin. Keisha "TK" Dutes is a producer with experience spanning terrestrial radio, live streaming audio, and podcast since 2005. Her life in audio is all encompassing. Her most recent episode of NPR Life Kit is about "How to Mind Your Own Business". Currently, she helps people bring their podcasts to life via her company, Philo's Future Media and serves as a board member of Association of Independents in Radio. Fun Fact: She is also an extreme hobbyist and visual artist.  Ashley Ray is the most famous bisexual solo polyamorous black queer comedian, actor, and writer currently based in Los Angeles. In 2021, she was featured in Bust for her “whip smart TV criticism.” And yes, she’s also famous for smoking pot. In 2022, Ashley wrote on Adult Swim’s, ALABAMA JACKSON created by Donald Faison. Ashley was selected as one of HBO Max’s Queer Comics to Watch for 2021

Vanessa Fraction Visits Friends and we discuss Freaknik, Election 2024, and When Women Speak Their Truth and more with host Marina Franklin.  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, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barber Shop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for

Von Decarlo and Ant Pruitt visit friends and discuss Artificial Intelligence Trouble, America's problem with TikTok, Bird Safety and more with host Marina Franklin. Von Decarlo is a New York-bred stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and actress who has appeared in worldwide ad campaigns and national commercials for Disney, GNC, Match, and Carnival Cruise lines. She performed in Montreal for Kevin Hart's LOL Network as well as the Lil' Rel and Friends show at the Just For Laughs comedy festival, and most recently in Australia for the Human Kind Festival. Additional appearances include HBO's Pause with Sam Jay, Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks on Tru TV and HBO Max, CNN's year-end wrap-up special, The Jerry O'Connell Show on FOX, BET, BuzzFeed, The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee's Lip Service, Sirius XM’s Urban View and NBA channel, In Godfrey We Trust Podcast, and more. Von Decarlo is the Executive Producer of the documentary Killing Is Easy on Comedy Central as well as the producer of three posthumous comedy albums, Mr. P

We discuss pivot points with Nonye Brown-West and Zainab Johnson- Zainab Johnson's inspirational feature in Rolling Stone Magazine, hoop dreams, resillience and more with host Marina Franklin. Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen.  Zainab is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series titled "Upload" from Greg Daniels and stars in her very first One Hour Comedy Special "Hijabs Off" available NOW only on Prime Video. 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, and Sway In The Morning. Nonye has produced comedy shows for The Stonewall Inn, The American Repertory Theater, and she is the co-producer of Savage Comedy at Logan's Run in Brooklyn, NY. Nonye made her acting debut in The Sympathy Card, streaming now on Vudu and Amazon. Always hosted by

Charla Lauriston and Gordon Baker-Bone visit friends and discuss being kind to yourself in writing/life and more with host Marina Franklin.  Charla Lauriston is a Vancouver and Los Angeles based comedian, writer, and director. Most recently, she wrote for Grand Crew on NBC and has previously written for The Last OG, Ghosted, People of Earth, and Hoops. Her 2021 episodic short, Witchsters, is the official selection of the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival, New Filmmakers Los Angeles, and the 2021 Austin Film Festival and American Black Film Festival. Charla is the creator of The Werking Writer School, a career-focused online course and community for new and aspiring screenwriters. Charla’s 2014 web series, Clench & Release, garnered critical acclaim that described her as “self-assured and gleefully sarcastic” (WNYC) and “one of the most exciting and original voices in comedy” (Splitsider). As a standup, Charla has appeared on ‘The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail’ on Comedy Central, and has performed with Jonatha

Christina Greer and Hollie Harper visit friends and discuss the dificult job of Mayor, Sneakers used to pay an Ex-President's legal fees, anti-social students and more with host Marina Franklin. Christina Greer is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University - Lincoln Center (Manhattan) campus. Her research and teaching focus on American politics, Black ethnic politics, campaigns and elections, and public opinion. Prof. Greer's book Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream (Oxford University Press) investigates the increasingly ethnically diverse black populations in the US from Africa and the Caribbean. She finds that both ethnicity and a shared racial identity matter and also affect the policy choices and preferences for black groups. Professor Greer is currently working on a manuscript detailing the political contributions of Barbara Jordan, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Stacey Abrams. She recently co-edited Black Politics in Transition, which explores gentrifica

Laurie Kilmartin and Onika McLean visit friends and discuss Laurie's new comedy special: Cis Woke Grief Slut, dark comedy, and protection from doxing with host Marina Franklin. Onika McLean, born in North Carolina, and raised in East New York Brooklyn, is a single mother of two, legal professional, and a sharp comedian whose no-nonsense perspective on life, love, single motherhood, and her mid life crisis is taking the comedy arena by storm. She was the fan favorite on Bravo Television's, The Single’s Project. She is the winner of the Sloshed Comedy Competition and the Rising Stars Comedy Competition in London. Onika performs regularly at LOL and Times Square and passed at Comic Strip Live and has Dangerfield's, New York Comedy Club, New York Stand, Broadway Comedy, Village Underground, and the. She runs a monthly show entitled Cosmic Comedy.   Laurie Kilmartin is stand up comedian and an Emmy-nominated, WGA award-winning comedy writer. She was a staff writer for all 11 years of CONAN on TBS, and has performe

The Gossiping Heifers visit friends and discuss Micheles new book "Breaking Free" , a guide and workbook for women trying to escape a narcissistic relationship and more with host Marina Franklin. The Gossiping Heifers- Michele and Rochele are the dynamic duo behind the wildly entertaining podcast, "The Gossiping Heifers." With a flair for humor and a knack for keeping listeners engaged, these two sisters bring a fresh and hilarious perspective to the world of current events, celebrity gossip, and everyday life. Listeners can expect a rollercoaster ride through the latest news headlines, celebrity scandals, and everything in between. Whether it's discussing the ins and outs of politics, sharing dating stories that will have you in stitches, or offering valuable tips on navigating the complexities of modern life, Michele and Rochele leave no stone unturned. What sets "The Gossiping Heifers" apart is their ability to blend insightful commentary with rib-tickling humor. Each week, they invite special guests from

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 Even More Funny Women of a Certain Age. She has performed for the troops and her Dry