The A.R. Bernard Show

In this insightful episode of The AR Bernard Show, A.R. Bernard sits down with two influential thought leaders to discuss the current landscape of American politics. Denise Hamilton, a DEI expert and author, shares her perspective on the state of inclusivity, the role of unconscious biases, and offers candid views on Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Joe Battaglia, a seasoned author, host, and the executive producer of the country’s top faith-based music radio show, provides his take on how the media is shaping the presidential election narrative, examines VP Harris’s engagement with the press, and reflects on Trump’s ongoing influence in politics. Tune in for a compelling conversation that tackles the intersection of politics, media, and diversity.

Denise Hamilton Bio:

Denise Hamilton is a leading expert on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and a passionate advocate for creating more inclusive spaces in corporate America and beyond. As the author of Do Something: The DEI Workbook, Denise encourages individuals to challenge their unconscious biases and work toward greater awareness and empathy. She frequently appears on platforms to discuss social justice, leadership, and DEI best practices.

Connect with Denise Hamilton on social media:

Joe Battaglia Bio:

Joe Battaglia is a renowned author, host, and media producer with decades of experience at the intersection of faith and media. He’s the executive producer of the country’s top faith-based music radio show, “Keep the Faith.” He is also the author of Make America Good Again: 12.5 Biblical Principles to Unite Our Nation, Restore True Greatness, and Bring Healing to Our Land and The Politically Incorrect Jesus: Living Boldly in a Culture of Unbelief. Joe is known for his sharp insights on how the media shapes public perception, particularly during pivotal moments like presidential elections.

Connect with Joe Battaglia on social media:

Is there a place for comedy in journalism? In this engaging episode of The AR Bernard Show, AR Bernard is joined by stand-up comedian, actor, and Emmy-nominated writer and producer, Roy Wood Jr. The two dive into Roy’s exciting new CNN show, Have I Got News For You, where comedy and journalism collide. Together, they explore the power of humor in addressing serious political issues, the role of comedy in shaping public opinion, and how entertainment can provide fresh perspectives on today’s news. They also tackle the upcoming presidential election, offering a candid and insightful discussion about the political landscape in America.

BIO: A former correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Roy has built a reputation for blending humor with thought-provoking political and cultural analysis. His comedic style challenges societal norms, often shining a light on difficult topics like race, politics, and current events. In addition to his work on The Daily Show, Roy has been featured in multiple stand-up specials, television shows, and films, solidifying his place as one of today’s most influential voices in comedy.

Roy Wood Jr. Social Media Handles:

With the presidential election less than two months away, we welcome the esteemed Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to The A.R. Bernard Show for a profound discussion on the intersection of race, religion, and politics in America. In this timely episode, the conversation delves into how evangelicalism shapes political discourse and the crucial role racial identity plays in determining electoral outcomes.

Dr. Dyson and A.R. Bernard also explore the challenges Vice President Kamala Harris faces in garnering support from Black male voters and examine the broader shifts within the Republican Party. Dr. Dyson provocatively describes the party’s evolution as a shift from “the Party of Lincoln to the party of Teslas.” He also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Unfinished Fight for the Vote, co-authored with Marc Favreau, which highlights the ongoing struggle to uphold the democratic promises outlined in the Constitution.

BIO: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is a prominent academic, author, and cultural critic with expertise in race, religion, and politics. He currently serves as a professor at Vanderbilt University and is the author of numerous bestsellers, including Tears We Cannot Stop and Jay-Z: Made in America. A regular media commentator, Dyson is a leading voice on issues of social justice and civil rights, offering sharp and accessible analyses that bridge scholarly work and public discourse.

Here’s where you can find Dr. Dyson:

Twitter (X): @MichaelEDyson

Instagram: @michaelericdyson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDrDyson/

In this episode of The A.R. Bernard Show, comedian, actor, and radio host Rickey Smiley joins Pastor Bernard in an open and honest discussion about the difficult journey of moving through grief, and the healing power of humor. Smiley reflects on the personal losses that have shaped his life, including the heartbreaking death of his son, and how his experiences are, unfortunately, relatable to many. He and A.R. Bernard explore how they’ve both experienced grief while finding resilience and healing through their faith. Smiley also shares insights from his latest book, Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith, offering a candid look at how laughter and faith have helped him move forward despite the challenges. He also touches on his recent conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Rickey Smiley rose to fame with his hilarious prank calls and stand-up comedy, using his talent to blend humor with everyday experiences. Smiley is the host of the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show, where he delivers a mix of entertainment, humor, and social commentary. Beyond his entertainment career, Smiley is a passionate advocate for social causes, especially those that support youth and education. He is also an accomplished author and philanthropist, deeply committed to helping others through his work on and off the air.

Connect with Rickey Smiley on social media:

As the presidential election season intensifies, familiar voices are stepping up to share their views, and today’s guest, Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown, is no exception. Yvette is a long-time advocate for voter education, union rights, and caregivers. In this episode, she opens up about how her faith shapes her political views, her career, and everything else in her life. She also shares in great detail her personal journey as a caregiver for her father.

Best known for her role as Shirley Bennett on NBC's Community, Brown has also appeared in Act Your Age, Inside Out 2, and Always a Bridesmaid (which she also wrote). In addition, she is the host of Squeezed, a podcast focused on caregiving. Tune in for an engaging discussion on faith, politics, and the importance of speaking up.

You can find her podcast and socials below:

Instagram: @yvettenicolebrown

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvettenicolebrown/

X (Tiwtter): @YNB

Podcast, Squeezed: https://lemonada.lnk.to/Squeezed

In this episode, A.R. Bernard is joined by two insightful guests, Sophia Nelson and John Carter, to discuss the state of the Republican Party, the changing demographics of America, and how to build diverse faith-based organizations that embrace multiple backgrounds and cultural perspectives.

Sophia Nelson, a highly respected journalist and political commentator, regularly appears on CNN and MSNBC and contributes to The Washington Post and USA Today. A Pulitzer Prize-nominated author, she was named one of the most influential women leaders in the world by The Guardian in 2018. A longtime Republican, Nelson founded the PAC “Childless Chicks for Harris” in response to the Trump/Vance presidential ticket.

Pastor John Carter is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Center in Syracuse, New York, and serves on the Governor's Interfaith Advisory Board. He is also the author of "The Transformed Life: Discover How to Live from the Inside Out."

Leon Lacey, a renowned film composer, music producer, and conductor, has made a name for himself with his innovative fusion of classical music and contemporary genres, blending different musical styles from different cultures, countries and centuries. Lacey’s work has established him as a versatile and influential force in the music industry. Influenced by legendary figures like Quincy Jones, his music has graced major productions and is known for its emotional depth and creativity. 

In this episode, Lacey joins A.R. Bernard to discuss the impact of faith on his work and life, his Kobe Bryant inspired work ethic, his creative process and the dream project he never got to work on (spoiler: The Wiz).

CeCe Winans, the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, with numerous Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Awards, joins Pastor A.R. Bernard for a compelling conversation. They discuss her legendary family, the influence of Detroit on her life and career, the complexities of racial identity in the music industry, and the essential role of faith in her work.

Stephen A. Smith is never one to hold back—whether he's discussing sports, culture, or even presidential politics. As an accomplished commentator and journalist (and outspoken critic of Dallas Cowboys fans), Smith isn’t afraid of tough conversations.

In this episode, A.R. Bernard and Smith dive into Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign and her communications strategy (spoiler: Smith believes Harris should engage with the press more). Smith also shares his thoughts on why Trump's personal attacks resonate with his supporters, reflects on what went right and wrong at the NABJ Convention where Trump said that Harris "happened to turn Black," and discusses how America's shifting racial demographics are impacting politics. The conversation also touches on Smith's relationship with Fox News' Sean Hannity and Snoop Dogg's memorable Olympics coverage.

Detroit-born, six-time Grammy-winning singer Bebe Winans joins A.R. Bernard for an insightful conversation. Winans, one of 10 multi-talented siblings, shares how he and his sister CeCe Winans rose to stardom in an unconventional way. From their roots in a conservative hometown church choir to their time with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's PTL, the Winans' journey raises intriguing questions about culture and race. Winans also discusses his transition from performing on stage to working behind the scenes, where he discovered a passion for writing and producing. This led to the Broadway success of his show “Born For This.” The episode also delves into his future projects, including a new television show, “Mind Your Business,” and his latest song, a love letter to God titled “Father in Heaven.”