This Friends Like Us! Host Marina Franklin welcomes back birthday girl Amanda Seales and burgeoning star Nonye Brown-West. What's the truth behind the tune? We chat with Amanda Seales about her latest album Truth Translator and much more! This episode is not to be missed!

Amanda Seales is a multi-disciplined scholar and creative in the Black radical tradition. Her work travels the page, stage, screen, canvas and spaces in between, focused on disrupting systems of oppression, decolonizing the mind and body, and engaging imagination in resistance. A staunch advocate for human rights and the collective liberation of all living things she supports several movements and organizations with her efforts, income, and creative outlets. Realizing that Hollywood would not support her in living by and making work that was grounded in her values, in 2024 she divested from the entertainment business leaving behind an established career as a comedian/ actress/ tv/radio host to work independently committed to empowering the people through edutainment. Her new album Truth Translator will be available to stream on all major platforms with audiences encouraged to purchase at a rate of their choosing at AmandaDiva.bandcamp.com.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Go to NonyeComedy to see where she is performing near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

This Friends Like Us host Marina Franklin talks with Subhah Agarwal and Kaneez Surka! They dissect the reality of screw worms, hilarious breakup tales, and the danger of having trillionaires in today's world. It's a jam-packed episode of laughs!

Kaneez Surka has produced and performed in her Netflix Special, 'Ladies Up', Netflix's 'Comedy Premium League,' and Amazon Prime Video's Improv specials, 'Something From Nothing' and 'Improv All Stars - Games Night.' Kaneez is also known for her comedic acting. Her short film, 'The Shaila(s)' was selected for the Voot Select Film Festival.

Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix's "Arsenio Hall" limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

On this Friends Like Us! The Knicks might have finally won, but are you a true New Yorker if you weren't born in an NYC hospital?Host Marina Franklin discusses this and more with Jackie Fabulous and Chanel Ali.

Chanel Ali You know Chanel Ali from Netflix's Dash and Lily or her time on MTV's Girl Code. Originally from Philly, her storyteller-like style and commanding stage presence allowed her to conquer the NYC comedy scene as a crowd favorite. She boasts two Comedy Central specials, an album, and the fact that she drinks way more than you.

Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress and writer who's been featured four times on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON and has appeared on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT ALL-STARS. Jackie was named one of Variety's TOP 10 TO WATCH in 2024. Jackie also received the honor of having her name added to the wall of legends at The Comedy Store in 2024. In addition to her television appearances Jackie's hilarious and affable stand-up can be seen across the country as well as internationally. Her special YOU CAN LEAVE is available on HULU now.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

Host Marina Franklin chats with the hilarious Ophira Eisenberg and rising star Sami Beason about Ophira's new comedy special, toxic positivity, AI hallucinations, parenting and more! Tune in now for laughs and insights!

Ophira Eisenberg is a Standup Comedian, Writer, and Podcast Host (NPR, CBS, CNN, The Moth, HBO, Comedy Central, iHeart) who headlines theaters and comedy venues across the world, tours regularly with the Moth Mainstage, and hosts the weekly parenting-comedy podcast Parenting is a Joke (Webby Finalist for Best Host). Her new comedy special, I Used to Be Nicer produced by Lewis Black/Stark Raving Black Productions, is streaming now. She also hosted NPR's trivia comedy show Ask Me Another for 9 years. Her breakout memoir Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamy(Seal Press) has been optioned for a television series, and her solo show Leaving A Mark: A Comedy About Scarswon Women in the Arts & Media Award for Solo Show Scripts and just finished a successful European tour.

Sami Beason is a rising comedy talent from Denver, celebrated for their quick wit, authentic storytelling, and constant giggle. In 2024, they took home the Best of Fest award at the Colorado Springs Festival and now has a special on YouTube called "First Gen" through open bar.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

A dive into the world of friendship with our latest "Friends Like Us" podcast episode! Marina Franklin host special guests Sharaé Nikai and David Lassiter as they talk about their incredible journey creating "The Other Gold" — a film about friendships' complexities. Watch it now on Apple TV and Tubi!

Sharaé Nikai - Against industry odds, Jersey City native Sharaé Nikai wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in her very first feature film, "The Other, Gold." It is a heartfelt dramedy that follows a TV writer living in Little Tokyo as she navigates grief, isolation and the rekindling of a former BFF-ship. Out of 13,016 submissions, TOG was invited to world premiere as one of only 10 films in Tribeca's US Narrative Competition.

This acclaim led to Nikai being in consideration for the 2025 Oscars, Spirit Awards and Emmys in the Outstanding Television Movie, Directing & Lead Actress categories. It also makes her the first Black female quadruple threat (sole writer/producer, director & star) to qualify for the Academy Awards with no studio or major production company backing.

As a producer, Sharaé secured an exclusive Mental Health Awareness partnership for "The Other, Gold" at FOX-owned Tubi and sponsorship for its launch by Women in Film (WIF) and The Entertainment Community Fund. In March 2026, "The Other, Gold" was released worldwide in celebration of Women's History Month exclusively on Apple TV.

In addition to TOG, Nikai appears in numerous ad campaigns, films and TV series including Grey's Anatomy and opposite Alison Brie in Sundance's "Horse Girl" (The DuPlass Bros/Netflix). Currently, she is the 2026 international voice of Nordstrom Rack all while developing her dramedy driven TV/film slate. In her spare time, Sharaé takes serious pride in the accent mark over her "e" and is the reigning (read: self-proclaimed) trap karaoke queen.

David Lassiter is an American filmmaker, actor, writer, and musician from Jersey City, New Jersey. He co-directed and appeared in the feature film The Other, Gold (2024), which premiered at the Tribeca Festival before streaming on Apple TV+ and Tubi.

Before transitioning into filmmaking, Lassiter worked as a fashion model and was signed to Wilhelmina Models, appearing in campaigns and editorial work for brands and publications including Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Vogue, GQ, Banana Republic, Swatch, and Levi's.

He later studied acting in New York at HB Studio, Susan Batson Studio, and WB Workshops while appearing in national campaigns for Verizon, Macy's, and American Eagle. Lassiter also collaborated with Viacom on street-interview segments featured on MTV and MTV2.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

Dive deep into the hidden crisis of women's health with Dr. Kemi Doll on "Friends Like Us," hosted by Marina Franklin and featuring Nonye Brown-West. Discover the truth about the Black womb and survival strategies. Listen now for eye-opening insights! #Podcast #WomensHealth #MaternalMentalHealthMonth

Dr. Kemi Doll is a gynecologic oncologist, uterine cancer scientist, and author of the upcoming book, "A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb & Your Survival Guide to Healing. She is is a physician, surgeon, researcher, advocate, and coach working at the intersection of health justice, reproductive equity, and personal empowerment. She is a Professor at the University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Public Health, a double board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and OB/GYN, and the Founding Director of The Gynecologic Research and Cancer Equity (GRACE) Center. Her groundbreaking research on racial disparities in endometrial (uterine) cancer has been funded by the NIH, PCORI, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and featured in The New York Times, NPR, BET, and Good Morning America. A sought-after speaker and public voice, Dr. Doll co-founded the national nonprofit Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African Americans (ECANA) and built KD Coach LLC, a coaching company that has supported over 200 women of color faculty in securing millions of dollars in grant funding while reclaiming joy in their careers. Her podcast, Your Unapologetic Career, has over 200,000 downloads and continues to uplift and challenge listeners through honest, witty, and actionable conversations. Dr. Doll lives, writes, and works with deep purpose—and is unwavering in her mission to create a more just and joyful world.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Go to NonyeComedy to see where she is performing near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

From Spirit Airlines' collapse to Megan Thee Stallion's breakup, Marina Franklin dives into all the drama with comedians Jackie Fabulous and Alexis Bradby. Plus, they chat with Jackie about her hilarious new comedy show featuring an all-female lineup at the new Brooklyn Improv. Don't miss out!

Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress and writer who's been featured four times on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON and has appeared on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT ALL-STARS. Jackie was named one of Variety's TOP 10 TO WATCH in 2024. Jackie also received the honor of having her name added to the wall of legends at The Comedy Store in 2024. In addition to her television appearances Jackie's hilarious and affable stand-up can be seen across the country as well as internationally. Her special YOU CAN LEAVE is available on HULU now. Tonight check out her new show featuring all women at the Brooklyn Improv : That Time Of The Month - ticket links go to brooklynimprov.com

Originally from East Tennessee, Alexis Bradby started her stand-up journey after moving to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California. Since her start in 2015, she has become a beloved performer in both Los Angeles and New York City. Alexis is known for her contagious smile and youthful energy, which led to her being featured on Holey Moley (ABC), The Price is Right (CBS), and iCarly (Paramount+). In addition to stand-up, she writes for television and was the writers' room assistant for hit shows such as iCarly and Tab Time.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

This week on Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin has another hilarious and insightful conversation with Leighann Lord and Jenny Saldana ! We chat about the analog generation, social media realities, the Michael Jackson movie, and Caitly Jenner's Passport Rejection. Don't miss the laughs!

Leighann Lord is a seasoned standup comedian who has appeared on HBO's Def Comedy All Star Jam, Comedy Central, The View, Netflix, and Showtime's Even More Funny Women of a Certain Age. She has performed for the troops and her Dry Bar Comedy special has had over one million views. And

Jenny Saldaña is a writer, actress, and stand-up comedian and a Breast Cancer Rock STAR and all around hotness. She wrote, produced and starred in Happy Cancer Chick, a web series inspired by her own battle with breast cancer. She recently appeared in HBO's High Maintenance. Her video series, The Little Brown Girl Show can be found on Youtube and Facebook Live. See her show Digital Dating Diary at the Grisly Pear May 17th at the grisly pear midtown.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

Host Marina Franklin talks with the incredible rising star Tata Sherise and the hilarious Subhah Agarwal on this week's Friends Like Us! Dive into laughter, insights, and more.

TaTa Sherise is a dynamic NYC based comedian, actress, and creator making waves in the comedy scene. She's been hailed as "The Next Hottest Comedian to Come Out of Philly" by The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2024, she made history as the first Black woman to win Philly's Phunniest. TaTa was named a 2023 & 2024 NY Comedy Fest Creator and Comic to Watch. Known for her high-energy performances, raw humor, and captivating stage presence, she brings real-life stories and unfiltered honesty to the stage. TaTa has appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, Facebook TV's Mastery of Comedy, and recently Netflix. In addition to her solo work, she is the co-creator of Girls Got Giggles, a brand she launched with creative partner Andrea "Drizz" Lewis. Together, they produce a podcast, live shows, sketches and short films that bring humor, heart, creativity, and unfiltered thoughts. She stars in the hilarious comedy movie Rent A Bae on Tubi and can also be seen in other films on Tubi and Amazon Prime. TaTa's comedy connects with audiences through her unique blend of charm, wit, trauma, and movement on stage.

Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix's "Arsenio Hall" limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

Dive into the legacy! Join host Marina Franklin as she chats with Dr. Tamara Nall and Hollie Harper about embracing and celebrating matriarchal legacy. Tune in for insights on redefining generational traditions.

Dr. Tamara Nall is the founder of The Junia Legacy, a cultural movement redefining generational naming traditions to intentionally honor daughters as legacy bearers. Through Junia, she introduced a feminine counterpart to "Junior," creating space for women to be recognized in lineage and identity. Her work explores the intersection of culture, naming, and generational pride, empowering families to build legacy with intention.

Hollie Harper is a South Jersey comedian/writer/actress. In 2021 she created and co-exec-produced Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV for which she was nominated for best actress at 2021's NYC Web Fest. She was a recent semi-finalist in the NBC Standup Competition, won Best Actress at 2024's Act One, One Act Festival and just earned a Best Actress nomination by Broadway World for her performance in Melanie Goodreaux's "The Popes Of Farragut Street". Her live, sold-out comedy show "F.D.K." with Emily Flake was recently chosen for the Knockouts Women's Comedy Festival, the New York Comedy Festival and the IO Comedy Festival in Chicago.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch