Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

Larry is joined by comedian Nate Jackson to talk about his new Netflix special ‘Nate Jackson: Super Funny’. They begin their conversation by examining the different ways that comedians develop relationships with an audience and sharing how they each mentally process jokes while they're performing. Nate then details how he became a comedian and the journey he took to find his unique creative voice (22:41). This leads to a conversation about the importance of owning your own space as a black comedian and the different occupational lessons he learned as one of the few African-American comedy club owners in the U.S. (29:58) After the break, Larry and Nate dive into how social media has changed the way comedy is monetized and discuss the sacrifices necessary to climb the ladder in the industry (40:31). Nate ends the pod by shining a light on his role in the upcoming “The Office” spinoff and sharing advice to aspiring stand-up comedians (57:07). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Nate Jackson Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Larry is joined by reporter and journalist Elizabeth Wagmeister to talk about her experiences covering the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs federal criminal case for CNN. They begin their conversation by shining a light on the atmosphere both inside and outside the courtroom, and detailing the individual charges being brought against Combs. They then examine the legal definition of sex trafficking and break down how the prosecution's underestimation of the public perception of this case may have blocked their hopes of a stronger verdict (22:48). After the break, Larry and Elizabeth discuss the effectiveness of Cassie’s testimony and it’s possible contribution to the ‘Me Too’ movement’s ultimate goals (30:07). They end the pod by speculating on how this scandal and trial will affect Diddy’s career and brand moving forward (44:10). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Elizabeth Wagmeister Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

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 Wilmore Guest: Alex Thompson Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://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 Wilmore Guest: Joy Reid Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://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 Wilmore Guest: Mark Whitaker Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]