Billy Porter has a Grammy, a Tony and an Emmy. But showing up at the Oscars in a black velvet tuxedo gown made him a cultural icon. The attitude that led to that moment is a key to his success and offers a good lesson for us today.

Why Billy Porter says he can’t be a politician

Opinion writer Jonathan Capehart talks with newsmakers who challenge your ideas on politics, and explore how race, religion, age, gender and cultural identity are redrawing the lines that both divide and unite America. "Capehart" is a podcast from Washington Post Opinions, with conversations adapted from Washington Post Live events.

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Acclaimed author Percival Everett joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about Everett’s latest novel, “James,” which reexamines Jim from Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in an attempt to give the character “control of his own story.” Everett also tackles the issue of book bans across the country, Twain’s use of the n-word in his literature and why Everett believes “it belongs there.”

Conversation recorded on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Percival Everett on reimagining ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’

Legendary musician Jon Bon Jovi of the band Bon Jovi, joins The Post’s Jonathan Capehart for a conversation about the group’s new Hulu docuseries, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” which chronicles their journey from Jersey Shore clubs to some of the largest stages in the world, their trials and triumphs, what their legacy means and the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album.

Conversation recorded on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the Motion Picture Association.

Jon Bon Jovi on a new Hulu docuseries and the 40th anniversary of his band's debut album

Longtime SNL cast member Colin Jost will be hosting this year's White House correspondents’ dinner. We revisit a 2020 conversation with Jost about how he has used the power of the written word and comedy to get through life’s challenges and some of the poignant events that have shaped him.

Conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on July 20, 2020.

Best Of: Colin Jost on his journey to SNL and the power of comedy

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on April 3, comedian Alex Edelman talks about his HBO comedy special “Just for Us,” how it became “conversant with the times” in the aftermath of Oct. 7, the mechanics of his comedy and why he’s decided to stop doing the routine.

Alex Edelman on ‘Just for Us’ and the state of Jewish comedy

In this conversation recorded for Washington Post Live on March 21, Skydio CEO Adam Bry talks about the prominence of China in the drone industry, why it threatens U.S. national security, and how the company’s drones are being used both in Ukraine and here in the United States.

Why Billy Porter says he can’t be a politician

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