Peabody and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and documentarian Stanley Nelson has spent more than two decades showcasing diverse stories in American history. He sat down with Errol Louis to talk about his efforts to shine a light on the African American experience, including his most recent films on the history of black businesses and on the life of Miles Davis.

He also discusses how he's helping the next generation of African American filmmakers.

Mentioned in this episode:

"Boss: The Black Experience in Business"

"Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool"

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Andrea Stewart-Cousins made history when she became the first woman to lead a legislative house in New York’s history. The State Senate Majority Leader discusses her experience shattering the traditional deal-making formula in Albany, which consisted of “three men in a room.”

Stewart-Cousins also talks about her path from a childhood in public housing to her time as a journalist and the housing dispute that led her to get into politics.

And she reveals the story behind her trademark accessory, a scarf.

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Ahead of the first Democratic presidential debate, Harry Enten joins Errol to analyze the latest polling data using historical context and demographics. Enten also discusses what Joe Biden’s chances are of remaining a frontrunner and weighs in on Mayor de Blasio’s run. He also explains what to look out for as 20 candidates take the debate stage.

Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message.

Mentioned in this Episode:

“Predicting the Next President”

Karenna Gore has been an environmental activist for many years, following in the footsteps of her father, former Vice President Al Gore. She’s currently the director of the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and joins Errol to discuss her efforts to reframe climate change as a moral and spiritual issue and engage faith-based leaders to help fix it. Gore also touches on politics and family, discussing her relationship with her grandfather, former Tennessee Senator Al Gore Sr., and working on her father’s presidential campaign.

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Amy Goodman is the longtime host of “Democracy Now!,” an independent TV and radio news show. She tells Errol about what drew her to journalism and how her award-winning show came to life. And she talks about the importance of grassroots political journalism and why bringing stories of alternative voices is vital for maintaining a healthy democracy and ultimately, peace.

Goodman also recounts that one time she debated President Clinton for 30 minutes on live radio.

Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message.

Mentioned in this Episode:

“Breaking the Sound Barrier”

“Democracy Now!: Twenty Years Covering the Movements Changing America”

Dean Obeidallah is a lawyer turned comedian, an activist, the host of a progressive radio show and the recently launched podcast “I Want to be Your Muslim Friend.” As the son of a Sicilian mom and Palestinian dad, he tells Errol about finding his Arab-American identity after the September 11th terror attacks. And he discusses how he’s using comedy as a vehicle to fight racism and bigotry.

He also explains why he’s suing neo-Nazis and reflects on the Trump presidency and the 2020 race for the White House. 

Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message.

Rev. Al Sharpton discusses how his start as a child preacher led to a fatherly relationship with the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown and being mentored by Jesse Jackson.

He explains his interest in social justice and the idea behind founding the National Action Network. He also weighs in on the 2020 race, including Mayor de Blasio’s recent bid for the White House. And he reveals the secret behind his dramatic weight loss.

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The critically-acclaimed Broadway hit “To Kill a Mockingbird” is nominated for nine Tony Awards. Playwright Aaron Sorkin and actor Gbenga Akinnagbe, who plays Tom Robinson, join Errol for a powerful conversation about their efforts and challenges to reimagine Harper Lee’s beloved novel about racial injustice set in 1930s Alabama. And they talk about the importance of opening the Shubert Theatre’s doors to New York City public school students.

Sorkin, who is behind “A Few Good Men,” “The Social Network” and the hit TV show “The West Wing,” discusses his writing process and touches on the Trump presidency. And Akinnagbe talks about his role as Chris Partlow on the series “The Wire” and his social activism clothing brand, Liberated People, which raises funds for the Trayvon Martin Foundation.

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John Miller, the deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism at the NYPD, joins Errol to talk about how he keeps New York City and its eight million residents safe from terror attacks and offers his insights into the psychology of terrorists.

He also discusses his time as an award-winning reporter and his interview with Osama bin Laden in 1998, and he explains his career path, going back and forth from journalism to law enforcement.

Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message.

In Case You Missed It:

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Errol’s conversation with former NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton.

Errol heads to the International Rescue Committee’s headquarters in Midtown, Manhattan, and sits down with David Miliband, the IRC’s president and CEO, who discusses the global refuges crisis and his efforts to provide aid and support to displaced people in about 40 countries. That includes those separated at the southern border in the United States, as President Trump sets new guidelines for those looking to seek asylum.

And as former foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, David weighs in on Brexit and talks British politics.

Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message.