Nicholas Buccola, professor of Government, Humanism, and Ethics at Claremont McKenna College, goes inside his latest text, “One Man’s Freedom: Goldwater, King, and the Struggle over an American Ideal,” and explains why you may never hear Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech the same way again.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Christopher D. Cook, author of the stinging RootsAction autopsy of the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential campaign, reveals how his findings have been received and how Democrats should respond.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Tavis reprises his 2016 conversation with Rob Reiner and his son Nick who has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his parents.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Glass artist Jason McDonald explains how his collaboration with Solange Knowles put him on the map and how he hopes to break down barriers for Black craft artists.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Arlene Reckson, former music executive and production coordinator for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, goes inside the recording session of their iconic holiday song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” which included young voices from the Harlem Community Choir.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Vincent Brown, Harvard professor of American history as well as African and African American studies, expands on his comments in “The American Revolution” series about what life was like for Black people before, during and after this country’s break from the Brits.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Butch Ware, Green Party candidate for California governor and UC Santa Barbara professor, is back in the studio with a progressive outsider’s look at the big races in 2026 — from the battle for Congress to statehouse showdowns.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Deroy Murdock, Fox News commentator, American Spectator contributing editor, and Daily Signal columnist, gives his take on the Venezuelan boat attacks, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s run for Texas governor, and his warning for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dr. Todd Boyd, USC media studies professor, a.k.a. “Notorious Ph.D.,” celebrates today’s 50th anniversary of the seminal Parliament album “Mothership Connection” and shares his favorite hip-hop albums of 2025.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dr. Cornel West, scholar, leading public intellectual, author, and special contributor, shares his thoughts on whether Progressives should draft their own Project 2029 plan and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.