Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

Larry is joined by television personality and journalist Cari Champion. They start their conversation by discussing her new venture, 'The Cari Champion Show' on Amazon Prime Video. They then pivot to the controversial Jerry Jones photo, Lebron James's subsequent comments, and the journalistic double standards that arise in these instances (5:37). Next, they dive into the firestorm surrounding Kanye West's recent diatribes and discuss the implications and consequences of these troubling actions (30:51). After the break Cari talks about some of the challenges of being a woman in the world of sportscasting and speculates on what lies ahead for her illustrious career (40:50). They end the pod by examining the state of their beloved Los Angeles Lakers (50:55).Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Cari ChampionAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and filmmaker Elvis Mitchell to discuss his new documentary on Netflix, 'Is That Black Enough For You?!?', which focuses on the unsung heroes of African-American cinema during the 1960s and '70s. They begin their conversation by talking about the genesis of the project and some of the legendary actors who serve as inspiration for the film's focus, particularly Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. Next, they examine how the psychological dynamics and representation presented in films like 'Cotton Comes To Harlem', 'Night of the Living Dead', and 'Uptight' were flashpoints for the blaxploitation era and the mainstream popularity of movies like 'Superfly' and 'Shaft' (22:39). Next, they talk about the stigma of the Black cowboy in American culture and the power within films that can shape social narratives (). After the break, they dive into Pam Grier's potency as a screen icon and share anecdotes about growing up watching their favorite favorite films from the era. They end the pod by examining the importance and intersection of music in Black films from the 1970s, notably Curtis Mayfield's contributions to 'Superfly', and how the bevy of amazing footage was obtained for the project (53:17).Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Elvis MitchellAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on 'Reasonable Doubt', the midterm elections, and Herschel Walker. He's then joined by acclaimed writer and filmmaker Nelson George to discuss his new documentary 'Say Hey, Willie Mays!' on HBO.(18:12) They begin their conversation by detailing Nelson's beginnings as a young baseball fan in New York and talking about Willie Mays's influence and celebrity during the height of his fame and in the modern sports lexicon. Next, they examine Willie's relationship to Barry Bonds, his lifelong commitment to the sport of baseball, and his reputation as one of its pioneering "five-tool" players.(35:43) After the break, they touch on Mays's connection to Hank Aaron and the myriad of issues that have caused baseball's decline in popularity.(45:06) They end the pod debating why Willie Mays should be on the Mount Rushmore of Black athletes.(1:10:24)Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Nelson GeorgeAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Jon Meacham at the Gloria Kaufman Performing Arts Center for Live Talks LA to discuss his book 'And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle'. They begin their conversation by talking about why Meacham wanted to write the book and detailing Lincoln's challenges in regards to slavery and the abolitionist movement during his political rise. Next, they explore Lincoln's motivations for becoming president, the beginning of his anti-slavery ethos, and how he applied this outlook throughout his time in office.(24:31) This leads to a discussion about the chaos surrounding the 1964 election, whether the Civil War was ultimately avoidable, and if the same type of violent division could happen today.(28:42) They end the pod by taking a variety of questions from the audience.(59:06)Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Jon MeachamAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Karim Amer to discuss their new documentary 'The Lincoln Project' on Showtime. They begin their conversation by talking about the genesis of the powerful media group of the same name as well as the primary players and inspiration for the film. Next, they describe the process of maintaining a candid and authentic atmosphere when attempting to achieve authenticity in a documentary setting.(13:15) This leads to a discussion on the overuse of personality attacks by the Democratic party in the political theatre and how election-denying Trumpists in the Republican party are infecting democracy in general.(22:59) After the break they debate the effectiveness of the Lincoln Project's ads on the electorate and dissect the political obstacles facing progressive movement and the United States going forward.(37:09)Host: Larry WilmoreGuests: Fisher Stevens and Karim AmerAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Academy and Emmy Award-winning writer and director Travon Free to discuss his new documentary '38 at the Garden' on HBO. They begin the conversation by sharing why he wanted to make the film and how it exposes the limitations society places on a particular narrative or stereotype, in this case Jeremy Lin's struggle to prove his worthiness as an NBA-level basketball player as a Taiwanese-American. Next, they talk about the importance of telling stories like Lin's to strengthen our society against bigotry, the importance of representation in all facets of life, and audience reception to the film.(23:25) After the break, Travon talks about life after winning an Oscar, which in turn leads to an in-depth discussion about intellectual property, how major studios will recycle IP to generate revenue, and how aspiring writers can use IP to break into the industry.(37:26) Finally, Travon details the advantages and complications of being part of a dual-director team with Martin Desmond Roe and his infatuation with Formula 1 racing.(57:03)Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Travon FreeAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Kerry Washington and Raamla Mohamed, the producers and creators of the new Hulu legal drama 'Reasonable Doubt'. They begin their conversation by explaining how the show got its start, the intricacies of writing its complex characters, and the expert casting of lead actress Emayatzy Corinealdi. Next, Raamla and Kerry share their experiences coming up in the industry while working on 'Scandal' together and discuss the benefits of developing a project like 'Reasonable Doubt', where diversity and inclusion are the focus when casting key position roles in the overall production. (18:29) Then Kerry dives into her preparation for directing the series pilot and the importance of creating a safe space for actors to excel.(32:34) After the break, Raamla discusses how she uses her personal history to infuse a wholly Los Angeles feel into 'Reasonable Doubt', and details the audience response to the show's impeccable fashion and soundtrack.(43:45) They end the pod by sharing advice to any aspiring actors, writers, or producers looking to be in the industry.(1:02:36)Host: Larry WilmoreGuests: Kerry Washington and Raamla MohamedAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the political landscape heading into the midterms, the Dobbs decision, and the definition of personhood. He's then joined by Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph to talk about the new ABC series 'Abbott Elementary'. They start their conversation by talking about the emotions Sheryl felt when she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard and the impetus behind her viral acceptance speech. (23:45) Sheryl then details how she was cast for 'Abbott Elementary', the challenges she faced in preparation for the role, and some of the techniques she employed to execute her performance.(35:56) After the break, they dive into how her parents and bi-country upbringing empowered her to pursue her acting dreams.(49:53) They then discuss how her participation in the Negro Ensemble Company at Rutgers University opened the door for her first screen role opposite Sidney Poitier in 'A Piece of the Action'.(52:34) They end the pod by talking about her experiences with the original stage production of 'Dreamgirls' and the biggest lessons she's learned from her legendary career.(62:21)Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Sheryl Lee RalphProduction Assistance: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by writer and comedian Andy Borowitz to discuss his new book, 'Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber,' which examines how television has negatively shaped the political climate and its participants since its proliferation in the 1950s and '60s. Andy starts the conversation with some anecdotes from his time working on 'The Facts of Life' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and then pivots into the three-part structure of the book (4:02). In the opening "Ridicule" section, Andy details the history of anti-intellectualism in the modern conservative movement and how it contrasts with the "egg head" candidates often sought by the left (19:41). Next, they talk about the "Acceptance" phase, which breaks down how raw charisma and the cultural zeitgeist propelled Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump to mass popularity and positions of power (40:03). After the break they get to the "Celebration" chapters, which examines how Trumpist firebrands like Ron DeSantis became the face of the current GOP (51:21). Larry and Andy end the pod by pondering whether it's the politicians making the voters stupid or if the stupidity is already within the voters themselves (1:09:52).Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Andy BorowitzProducer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein to discuss their new PBS docuseries 'The U.S. and the Holocaust', premiering Sept. 18. They begin their conversation by detailing the United States government's inadequacies in their response to the Nazi's persecution of the Jews during WWII. Next, they offer a brief history of xenophobia in American society leading up to the events in the film(7:10) and talk about how the number of casualties and the sentimentality of certain portrayals of the war like 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank may have been different if America would have reacted more quickly.(19:06) After the break they dive into Charles Lindbergh's anti-semitism and how it drastically contradicted his celebrated public persona, while also shining a light on some of the lesser known heroes of the Holocaust. (29:35) They end the pod by collectively pondering how humanity is capable of committing atrocities like the Holocaust and debate if the current political climate in the U.S. is heading towards a similar atmosphere.(40:09)Host: Larry WilmoreGuests: Ken Burns and Sarah BotsteinAssociate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices