

Tavis Smiley
KBLA Talk 1580
"Tavis Smiley" is the flagship program for KBLA, America's newest progressive radio network and LA's first Black-owned talk station. Broadcast live across southern California on 1580AM and around the world on KBLA1580.com and TuneIn, this podcast presents the best of Tavis Smiley's conversations with activists, influencers, thought leaders, and cultural vanguards.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 24, 2025 • 42min
Renée Watson joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Renée Watson, New York Times bestselling author and mentee of famed poet Nikki Giovanni, as she shares her final collection, The New Book: Poems, Letters, Blurbs, and Things.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 24, 2025 • 37min
Ian K. Smith joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Ian K. Smith—former co-host of The Doctors and author of the bestselling book Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—as he shares the latest project from his successful side hustle as a novelist, Beyond Midnight, featuring private investigator Ashe Cayne.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 24, 2025 • 34min
Terence Blanchard and Aaron Neville join Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with world-renowned composer and musician Terence Blanchard and the one and only Aaron Neville as they reflect on their native New Orleans 20 years after Hurricane Katrina.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 23, 2025 • 38min
Patrick Kennedy joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Patrick Kennedy—former member of Congress for 16 years and the youngest child of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy as he discusses his latest book, "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," new evidence surrounding the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and the family’s views on his cousin, RFK Jr.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 23, 2025 • 34min
Luenell joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Luenell, who talks 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, That Time of the Month.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 23, 2025 • 38min
Malcolm-Jamal Warner Tribute
In this Best of 2025 episode, Tavis Smiley remembers actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, reprising their final public conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 22, 2025 • 34min
Jessica Fulton joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Jessica Fulton, Joint Center Senior Fellow for Political and Economic Studies, on her project "Forward Together: Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 22, 2025 • 37min
Ibram X. Kendi joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi—Director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study, co-founder of The Emancipator, and author of ten New York Times bestsellers as he discusses his latest book for the next generation, "Malcolm Lives! The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 22, 2025 • 38min
Malcolm D. Lee joins Tavis Smiley
In this Best of 2025 episode, we revisit Tavis Smiley’s conversation with award-winning writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee, reflecting on his life and career and the release of his debut novel, "The Best Man: Unfinished Business."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dec 21, 2025 • 38min
Year-End Roundtable 3: Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Cornel West, Chris Rabb, and Nii-Quartelai Quartey
In our third-hour roundtable, our White House correspondent Nii-Quartelai Quartey, Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, and former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush look ahead to the upcoming midterm elections, the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.


