Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

Larry is joined by journalist Alex Thompson from Axios to discuss the new book he coauthored with CNN’s Jake Tapper, ‘Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, It’s Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.’ They begin their conversation by analyzing the personal history between Joe Biden and Barack Obama and breaking down how the elements of the book came together. This leads to an examination of the mainstream media's coverage of the public incidents that seemingly showcased Biden’s mental decline and the monumental effect his infamous debate with Donald Trump had on the American political landscape (18:39). After the break, Larry and Alex talk about the role family members like Jill and Hunter played in the cover-up and examine the differences in how Trump's current term is reported on versus his previous administration (25:55). They end the pod by discussing the political implications of Tucker Carlson’s viral takedown of Ted Cruz and whether or not the U.S. is heading into a war with Iran (47:33). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Alex ThompsonProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by author, television host, and political commentator Joy Reid to discuss her new podcast, The Joy Reid Show. They begin their conversation by talking about why Joy left MSNBC and examining the state of cable news in modern culture. This leads to an analysis of the different ideological splits within the Republican Party and the current status of the U.S. on the global stage (10:09). After the break, Larry and Joy discuss why the Democrats are struggling so hard to get their messaging through to voters and the controversial revelations surrounding Joe Biden’s last days in office (29:23). Joy ends the pod by sharing her thoughts on how American politics can move forward and breaking down the focus of her new podcast (43:01). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Joy ReidProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and media executive Mark Whitaker to discuss his newest book ‘The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America’. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired Mark to write the book and detailing Malcolm X’s Shakespearean life journey from harrowing childhood to celebrated civil rights icon. This leads to a conversation about why both progressives and the modern black conservative movement have championed Malcolm’s teachings, and a breakdown of X’s relationship with Muhammad Ali (14:47). After the break, Larry and Mark discuss how Alex Haley’s posthumous autobiography of Malcolm X came together and examine the role its played in preserving Malcolm's historical significance (32:06). Finally, they end the pod by taking a hard look at the events surrounding Malcolm X’s assassination and shining a light on the strength of his cultural legacy against Martin Luther King's (45:02). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Mark WhitakerProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry starts off a special listener mailbag episode by sharing some of his biggest concerns with Donald Trump’s second term so far and his administration’s attack on government agencies and the Constitution. Next, he talks about the brand-new Pope Leo XIV and the role of religion in modern society (22:23). After the break, Larry discusses the future of his L.A. Lakers and breaks down the fundamental changes Hollywood filmmakers are feeling in today's political climate (35:38). He ends the pod by answering questions sent in from aspiring TV writers and reflecting on some of the experiences that shaped his path as he was coming up through the industry (40:52). Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School and co-host of the podcast ‘Strict Scrutiny’, Leah Litman, to discuss her forthcoming book ‘Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes’, publishing on May 13th. They begin their conversation by talking about how the politicization of modern Supreme Court operations inspired her book, and shining a light on the history of the conservative right’s use of Roe v. Wade as a stepping stone to further their patriarchal influence on the U.S’s civil rights policies. This leads to a discussion about about voters who agree with this antiquated agenda and the individual Supreme Court justices who are motivated to implement it (24:24). After the break, Larry and Leah take a look at LGBTQ-rights issues in relation to the Supreme Court and how the current administration is using grievance policies to dismantle the 14th Amendment (33:18). They end the pod by talking about the ultimate governmental goals of the MAGA movement, and how Democrats can fight against those initiatives going forward (50:43). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Leah LitmanProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ costar Daniel Lubetzky, and they begin their conversation by analyzing the importance of independent thought in today’s political climate. They then focus on the objectives of the Builders Movement and Daniel's efforts to curb political extremism and heal divisions within the business community (9:17). After the break, Daniel shares how the story of his father surviving the Holocaust has inspired his unifying world view and discusses the damaging effects antisemitism has had historically on different societies around the world (25:46). Daniel and Larry end the pod by shining a light on ‘Shark Tank,’ relaying advice for young entrepreneurs, and breaking down the success of Kind LLC (52:01).Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Daniel LubetzkyProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by political journalist Tara Palmeri, writer of ‘The Red Letter’ Substack and host of The Ringer podcast ‘Somebody’s Gotta Win’, to discuss all of the latest buzz shaking up Washington D.C. They begin their conversation by analyzing the possible political repercussions of Trump’s new tariffs. This leads into a talk about the viability of a third Trump term and a detailing of the apparent unseriousness of the president’s current cabinet officials (13:13). After the break, Larry and Tara turn their eyes left toward new reporting on the covering up of Joe Biden’s mental state during the final stretch of his presidency, and the coordinated efforts to keep Biden from debating and ultimately running for a second term (24:54). They end the pod by shining a light on ways Kamala Harris’s team failed her during the 2024 campaign, and speculating on the length of Elon Musk’s tenure within the White House orbit (31:31). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tara Palmeri Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Axios Senior Political Reporter Alex Isenstadt to talk about his new book ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power’. They begin their conversation by discussing Alex’s approach to writing the book and the environment surrounding Trump when he decided to run for president a second time. They then analyze the personality differences between Trump’s first and second administration, particularly the bevy of influential allies currently in his cabinet, like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (10:25). This leads to an examination of Trump as an indomitable political athlete, whose mystique has kept a solid base of followers even through his most politically devastating moments (15:40). After the break, Larry and Alex shine a light on Trump’s mercurial relationship with Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, and Tucker Carlson, while highlighting the behind-the-scenes machinations that led to JD Vance’s ascendancy to vice president (28:13). Finally, Larry and Alex analyze the viability of Elon Musk’s partnership with Team Trump and talk about the future of both the Democratic and Republican Parties (45:36). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Alex Isenstadt Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by actress Krys Marshall to talk about the Season 2 release of her Hulu show ‘Paradise’. They begin their conversation by examining Marshall’s upbringing and the many factors that inspired her to become an actor. This leads to a conversation about the mental, interpersonal, and familial hurdles Krys overcame to reach her personal goals within the industry (9:03). Next, Krys details the synopsis of ‘Paradise’ and describes how the cast, crew, and writers created an ideal and enriching acting environment (22:47). After the break, they shine a light on the importance of representation in modern television and how Marshall’s Apple TV show ‘For All Mankind’ has provided a safe space for Black nerds (39:28). Larry and Krys end the pod by discussing the projects they hope to work on in the future and sharing stories of manifesting their own success (54:54). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Krys Marshall Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by filmmakers George and Teddy Kunhardt to discuss their newest documentary ‘Becoming Katharine Graham’, currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired them to start the project and shining a light on the male-dominated world Katharine lived in when she was running the Washington Post. They then debate the accuracy of famous cinematic portrayals of Graham and take a hard look at her relationship to the feminist movement in the late '60s and early '70s (28:49). After the break, George, Teddy, and Larry break down how Graham’s famous family is intrinsic to her legacy and share the biggest lessons they learned from making the film (37:57). They end the pod by examining the state of print media in society today and the factors that motivate the Kunhardts to create their patented brand of documentaries (45:54). Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: George Kunhardt and Teddy Kunhardt Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices