Larry Wilmore: Black On The Air

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

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 w

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/adchoice

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,

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 Ga

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 compa

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 sc

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 Wil

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). Ho

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 Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad ch

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 cultu