Friends Like Us artwork

Friends Like Us

336 episodes - English - Latest episode: 19 days ago - ★★★★★ - 401 ratings

A podcast featuring women of color with different views on topics hosted by Marina Franklin.

Comedy Society & Culture color comedy female funny hilarious topics women
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Episodes

A Tale of Two Tales: Furry Friends and Failing Infrastructure

April 10, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 180 MB

Liz Meile and Nonye Brown West visit friends and talk Viral You Tube Comedy Specials, Fragile Infrastructure, Cats For Rats, and more with host Marina Franklin!  Liz Miele is a NYC comedian that has appeared on Comedy Central, FOX, AXS TV, Hulu and NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. She's been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, Runner's World, Psychology Today and The Guardian. She has several viral videos on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok including jokes “Feminist Sex Positions,” "Dating Is...

Toxic Hollywood Culture and Social Media Constraint

April 03, 2024 10:03 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

TK Dutes and Ashley Ray visit friends and discuss toxic hollywood culture, social media constraint, a Screenwriter's Lawsuit and more with host Marina Franklin. Keisha "TK" Dutes is a producer with experience spanning terrestrial radio, live streaming audio, and podcast since 2005. Her life in audio is all encompassing. Her most recent episode of NPR Life Kit is about "How to Mind Your Own Business". Currently, she helps people bring their podcasts to life via her company, Philo's Future M...

Vanessa Fraction Visits Friends

March 27, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 213 MB

Vanessa Fraction Visits Friends and we discuss Freaknik, Election 2024, and When Women Speak Their Truth and more with host Marina Franklin.  Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation. As a...

Navigating AI, Advocacy, and Awards With Von Decarlo and Ant Pruitt

March 20, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 222 MB

Von Decarlo and Ant Pruitt visit friends and discuss Artificial Intelligence Trouble, America's problem with TikTok, Bird Safety and more with host Marina Franklin. Von Decarlo is a New York-bred stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and actress who has appeared in worldwide ad campaigns and national commercials for Disney, GNC, Match, and Carnival Cruise lines. She performed in Montreal for Kevin Hart's LOL Network as well as the Lil' Rel and Friends show at the Just For Laughs comedy fest...

Comedy, Career, and Resilience With Zainab Johnson and Nonye Brown-West

March 13, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 195 MB

We discuss pivot points with Nonye Brown-West and Zainab Johnson- Zainab Johnson's inspirational feature in Rolling Stone Magazine, hoop dreams, resillience and more with host Marina Franklin. Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen.  Zainab is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series titled "Upload" from Greg Daniels and stars in her very first One Hour Come...

Be Kind To Yourself

March 06, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 216 MB

Charla Lauriston and Gordon Baker-Bone visit friends and discuss being kind to yourself in writing/life and more with host Marina Franklin.  Charla Lauriston is a Vancouver and Los Angeles based comedian, writer, and director. Most recently, she wrote for Grand Crew on NBC and has previously written for The Last OG, Ghosted, People of Earth, and Hoops. Her 2021 episodic short, Witchsters, is the official selection of the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival, New Filmmakers Los Angeles, and the 202...

No Gratitude For The Attitude with Christina Greer and Hollie Harper

February 28, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 198 MB

Christina Greer and Hollie Harper visit friends and discuss the dificult job of Mayor, Sneakers used to pay an Ex-President's legal fees, anti-social students and more with host Marina Franklin. Christina Greer is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University - Lincoln Center (Manhattan) campus. Her research and teaching focus on American politics, Black ethnic politics, campaigns and elections, and public opinion. Prof. Greer's book Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, an...

Dark Comedy Is Funnier With Laurie Kilmartin

February 21, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 152 MB

Laurie Kilmartin and Onika McLean visit friends and discuss Laurie's new comedy special: Cis Woke Grief Slut, dark comedy, and protection from doxing with host Marina Franklin. Onika McLean, born in North Carolina, and raised in East New York Brooklyn, is a single mother of two, legal professional, and a sharp comedian whose no-nonsense perspective on life, love, single motherhood, and her mid life crisis is taking the comedy arena by storm. She was the fan favorite on Bravo Television's, ...

Escaping Narcistic Love With The Gossiping Heifers

February 14, 2024 13:45 - 1 hour - 223 MB

The Gossiping Heifers visit friends and discuss Micheles new book "Breaking Free" , a guide and workbook for women trying to escape a narcissistic relationship and more with host Marina Franklin. The Gossiping Heifers- Michele and Rochele are the dynamic duo behind the wildly entertaining podcast, "The Gossiping Heifers." With a flair for humor and a knack for keeping listeners engaged, these two sisters bring a fresh and hilarious perspective to the world of current events, celebrity goss...

Once An Adult, Twice A Child

February 07, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 218 MB

Ashima Franklin and Leighann Lord visit friends and discuss why parents can not be friends with their kids, the tiktoker who went viral for living in a storage unit, and giving yourself and elder parents grace.  Ashima Franklin Originally from Alabama, Ashima Franklin has a “girl next door” personality that mixes with her no holds barred delivery to form a hilarious comedy routine that’s inspired by her real-world situations as a working “Baby Momma”. Ashima rose to fame after appearances ...

The Rideshare Queen Deanna Dixon Visits Friends

January 31, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 212 MB

The Ridshare Queen Deanna Dixon and Vanessa Fraction visit friends and discuss different perspectives on success and more with host Marina Franklin. Deanna Dixon, renowned as the Rideshare Queen, has woven an extraordinary narrative as an esteemed background vocalist for icons like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Monica. However, her journey took a transformative turn when she chose to relinquish the glitz of Hollywood and prioritize her daughter's well-being. This decision led her to become a fu...

No Black Breast Cancer Barbie?

January 24, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 211 MB

Suzette Simon and Ashima Franklin visit Friends and discuss advocating for your breast health, securing health aid, touring with Katt Williams and more with host Marina Franklin!  Suzette Simon is the founder of NYLaughs, a New York-based nonprofit that produces free comedy events in public spaces to inspire audiences, enrich the lives of New Yorkers, and connect people through humor. It Also works to deepen an appreciation of the art of Stand Up Comedy, a unique NY cultural asset.    She ...

The Year Of The Snitch

January 17, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 196 MB

Hollie Harper and Nonye Brown-West discuss the fallout from the Katt Williams Interview, Tariji P. Henson's fight for The Color Purple cast, T.D. Jakes and more with host Marina Franklin.  Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she...

Quantifiable Metrics For New Year's Resolutions

January 10, 2024 11:30 - 1 hour - 205 MB

Vanessa Fraction, Pat Brown, and Kenice Mobley visit friends and discuss diversity attack, quantifying your resolution, Rudy Giuliani's attack on Georgia election workers, and more with host Marina Franklin.  Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be ...

Favorite Episode with Zainab Johnson, Sara Cooper, and Erica Switzer

January 03, 2024 11:29 - 1 hour - 112 MB

We love it so much we aired it twice! Listen to favorite episode with Sarah Cooper, Zainab Johnson and Erica Switzer join friends and discuss Sarah's new book: "Foolish", Zainab's new comedy special: "Hijab's Off", and young star Erica Switzer.  Sarah Cooper is a writer and comedian with millions of followers across social media. She's the author of How to Be Successful without Hurting Men's Feelings and 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, as well as the star of the hit Netflix comedy ...

Favorite Episode 2023 With Dr. Janus Adams and Africa Miranda

December 27, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 132 MB

Janus Adams and Africa Miranda visit Friends and discuss how segregation in education still remain, the lack of school funding in New York City, Brown Vs. Board Of Education and more with host Marina Franklin.   Africa Miranda - In the span of her 15-year career, Africa Miranda has been an actress, a model, a host, an author, a beautypreneur and a digital personality. Most importantly, she’s been a student of life. As the face and spokesperson for brands like Refinery 29, Macy’s, TJ Maxx a...

Is Beyonce The Answer To The World's Problems?

December 20, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 159 MB

Von Decarlo and Nonye Brown-West visit friends and discuss whether  celebrities like Beyonce have a responsibility to speak about injustice and more with host Marina Franklin.  Von Decarlo is a New York-bred stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and actress who has appeared in worldwide ad campaigns and national commercials for Disney, GNC, Match, and Carnival Cruise lines. She performed in Montreal for Kevin Hart's LOL Network as well as the Lil' Rel and Friends show at the Just For Laughs...

Emerging Talent In The Dominican Republic And "El Tiguere Vacano" Visits

December 13, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 203 MB

Jason Andors and Jenny Saldaña visit friends and express their love for the Dominican Republic, Emerging talent in the Dominican Republic helps profile, Hot Travel Spot, Jason's builds a home for an Dominican elder and more.  Jenny Saldaña is an award winning playwright, actor and comedian. She is also a 17 year breast cancer survivor and advocate. Jenny published her first book, Master First Dater: Second to None (available on Amazon) Jason Andors has appeared on HBO’s Bad Boys of Comed...

Keith Robinson and Zainab Robinson Visit

December 06, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 197 MB

Keith Robinson and Zainab Johnson visit Friends Like Us and discuss Keith Robinson's new Netflix Comedy Taping, Zainab Johnson's Amazon's Comedy Special: Hijabs Off, and lessons from life's interuptions.  Zainab Johnson is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen.  Zainab is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series titled "Upload" from Greg Daniels and stars in her very first O...

Get Up And Get On It With Dana Frank

November 29, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 197 MB

Dana Frank and Kaneeze Surka visit friends and discuss the importance of legacy, Dana as Real Estate Mogul/Change-Maker/Philanthropist, Getting Up and On It, Menopause, and more with host Marina Franklin.. Dana Frank is an accomplished businesswoman who manages several hundred residents for TD Frank Family Properties, keeping the business that her parents started in the 1950s alive and thriving. With grace and wit, she has taken the  business world by storm to challenge continuing issues o...

Gospel Singing On A Plane Gone Wrong

November 22, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 221 MB

Vanessa Fraction and Subhah Agarwal visit Friends and discuss Social Media Comics, Grammy Nominated Gospel Singer On A Plane, The Perfect Proposal, and Scholastic Books Backlash with host Marina Franklin. 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 jo...

A Comedy Spectacular With Jeff Leach

November 15, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 81.4 MB

Jeff Leach and Nonye Brown-West visit Friends Like Us and discuss Jeff Leach's Comedy Spectacular, Processing Loss and more with host Marina Franklin.  Jeff Leach- Born and bred out of the character-rich East End of London, Jeff cut his teeth in the world of showbiz first as an international DJ and Producer playing at clubs and major festivals throughout Europe and remixing dance tracks for Island Records and Ministry Of Sound. After years on stage performing as a theatrical actor with ins...

Prachi Gupta and Nimesh Patel Visit

November 08, 2023 18:08 - 1 hour - 76.6 MB

Prachi Gupta and Nimesh Patel Visit friends and discuss Prachi's highly acclaimed book: "They Called Us Exceptional", Nimesh's new comedy special: "Lucky Left", mental health in the South Asian community and more. Prachi Gupta is an award-winning writer based in New York. They Called Us Exceptional is her debut memoir. She was a senior reporter at Jezebel and co-host of Jezebel's former politics podcast, Big Time Dicks. She won a 2020 Writers Guild Award for her investigative essay, "Stori...

Verb Co-Founders: Shannon Jones and Yadira Harrison visit Friends

November 01, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 88.9 MB

Shannon Jones and Yadira Harrison visit Friends and discuss the importance of making cool stuff with friends in business, working with some of the world’s biggest and most recognizable brands, diversity in marketing, and work-life balance. Shannon Simpson Jones Co-founder, verb. Shannon Simpson Jones is co-founder of Verb, a marketing consultancy that is redefining how consumers experience and interact with brands. Verb gives brands a new type of partner, providing a holistic approach to i...

Aparna Nancherla and Alvin Irby

October 25, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB

Aparna Nancherla and Alvin Irby Visit friends and take a deep dive into the imposter syndrome and how funding for Black Organizations are held under a microscope.  Aparna Nancherla is a comedian and general silly billy. Her sense of humor is dry, existential, and absurd, with notes of uncalled-for whimsy. Think a wine you didn’t order. Her forthcoming book, Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and Impostor Syndrome (Viking), is currently available for pre-order via Penguin Random House and wi...

Sarah Cooper, Zainab Johnson and Erica Switzer

October 18, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 112 MB

Sarah Cooper, Zainab Johnson and Erica Switzer join friends and discuss Sarah's new book: "Foolish", Zainab's new comedy special: "Hijab's Off", and young star Erica Switzer.  Sarah Cooper is a writer and comedian with millions of followers across social media. She's the author of How to Be Successful without Hurting Men's Feelings and 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, as well as the star of the hit Netflix comedy special, Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine. Cooper built her comedy care...

Gettin' Messy With The Gossiping Heifers

October 11, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 84.8 MB

Those Gossiping Heifers (Michelle and Rocky) join Mia Jackson to gossip on this week's Friends Like Us Podcast with host Marina Franklin.  Gossiping Heifers/Michele and Rochele are the dynamic duo behind the wildly entertaining podcast, "The Gossiping Heifers." With a flair for humor and a knack for keeping listeners engaged, these two sisters bring a fresh and hilarious perspective to the world of current events, celebrity gossip, and everyday life. Listeners can expect a rollercoaster ri...

Check In On A Friend

October 04, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 83.2 MB

Kevin A. Walton and Lady Carol Causieestko visit Friends Like Us and discuss suicide prevention,  Subverting Toxic Masculinity by alligninging with inner spirit and more with host Marina Franklin. Kevin Walton is a Spiritual Leader, Transformation Specialist, and Activational Speaker who has led thousands of students and initiates around the globe on a powerful journey of access into the greater depth and capacity of the Self, Creation, and Authentic Expression.  Through the founding of hi...

The Co-optation Of History and MLK

September 27, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 135 MB

NoorJehan Tourte and Hajar Yazdiha visit friends and discuss the misuse of Dr. Kings Words , immigrant communities indebted to the Civil Rights movement, Hasan Minhaj and more with host Marina Franklin. Hajar Yazdiha is an Assistant Professor of Sociology, faculty affiliate of the Equity Research Institute, and a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar (2023-2025). Dr. Yazdiha received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and is a former Ford Foundation Postdoctor...

Light A Fire Under Your Arse

September 20, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 90 MB

Onika Mclean and Nonye Brown-West visit friends and discuss how they all need that fire lit to get a win, Coco Gauff's win, flipping 45 the bird in Iowa, and more with host Marina Franklin.  Onika McLean, born in North Carolina, and raised in East New York Brooklyn, is a single mother of two, legal professional, and a sharp comedian whose no-nonsense perspective on life, love, single motherhood, and her mid life crisis is taking the comedy arena by storm. She was the fan favorite on Bravo ...

Artificial Intelligence In Need Of Guardrails

September 13, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 117 MB

Von Decarlo and Ant Pruitt visit Friends Like Us and discuss the good, the bad, and the grey of artificial intelligence with host Marina Franklin.  Ant Pruitt Freelance digital content creator. What does this mean? I'm someone that not only loves to snap photographs, but I also enjoy shooting video and writing. When I'm not capturing freelance content, I'm performing my daily duties as a host, producer and community manager at TWiT TV, the podcast network focused on providing news around t...

A Better Romantic Future

September 06, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 123 MB

Francesca Hogi and Calise Hawkins visit Friends Like US and discuss possibilities for a better romantic future with host Marina Franklin. Francesca Hogi is a coach, speaker, writer, and podcaster. As a love coach, she teaches single people how to transcend their romantic challenges and find true love. As a life coach, she teaches rebels and seekers to truly love their lives. Francesca also teaches people about personal branding, community building, and marketing. Calise Hawkins is a stan...

Owning Your Story

August 30, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 126 MB

Kiana Webb and Hoodo Hersi visit friends and discuss owning our story, doing things in unity to advance all apects of life, how our value is not determined by historical past, and more with host Marina Franklin.  Kiana Webb, one of the most successful women in business and community-focused philanthropy in the US, had a revelation. She felt that she had seemingly reached the pinnacle of her career, yet she felt unfulfilled.  Kiana embarked on a journey of self-discovery, determining that s...

Zainab Johnson and Abbi Crutchfield

August 23, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 147 MB

This week Zainab Johnson and Abbi Crutchfield join Friends Like Us and discuss the hardship brought on by the WGA/SAG strike, Billy Porter selling his house, and how the Alabama riverboat brawl sparked a cultural moment with host Marina Franklin.  Zainab Johnson, a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer is quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen. Zainab was named one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics To Watch, she is one of the host for Netfli...

When The Hood Comes Off With Rob Eschmann

August 16, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 121 MB

Rob Eschmann and DC Benney discuss how Rob's new book, "When The Hoods Come Off" , chaotic giveaway in Union Square, DC Benny's new comedy hour on YouTube, and how the use of social media challenges racism and racist narratives with host Marina Franklin. Rob Eschmann Dr. Eschmann is a writer, educator, filmmaker, and scholar from Chicago. He is a proud product of the Chicago Public Schools and received his PhD from the University of Chicago in 2017. He writes on educational inequality, c...

Social Media and Social Forgiveness

August 09, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 120 MB

Hollie Harper and Tracee Loran discuss Sag's Indie film waiver, black history on social media, Sinead O'Connor and more with host Marina Franklin.  Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie wa...

Political Power Of The Working People

August 02, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 84.8 MB

Chuck Nice and Nonye Brown-West join friends and discuss the surge in labor strikes, the generational divide, San Francisco's downtown is a wake up call and more with host Marina Franklin. Chuck Nice is a respected veteran of stand-up comedy with a rich history in entertainment. For years, Chuck has been busy making a name for himself across all mediums, including radio, television, and digital media. Recently, Chuck was delighted to deliver a TED Talk, on the main stage of the Vancouver c...

The Baby Trap with Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley

July 26, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 145 MB

Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley visit Friends Like Us and argue wether they would stop for a white baby, late at night, on an Alabama road and more with host Marina Franklin!  Vanessa Fraction  is the high-spirited, outrageously funny co-host of Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by rapper and producer T-Pain. She also guest hosts on the entertainment news television series Dish Nation (FOX) and can be seen in Universal Pictures’ cinematic musical, Praise This written and directed by Tina G...

Favorite Episode: "Museums And Diversity" with Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham

July 19, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB

Favorite episode with Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham and Nonye Brown-West for your summer listening! Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham is a museum professional with over 15 years experience in the field. She has worked at the New-York Historical Society, Brooklyn Museum, 9/11 Museum and Memorial, and African American Museum in Philadelphia. Stephanie’s advocacy aligns with Museum Hue, an organization she co-founded and serves as Director. She built the first online directory and mapping of museum...

Favorite Episode: "The Caregivers" with Jeanne Sparrow and Andrea Dalzell

July 12, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

Favorite Episode For Your Summer Listening with The Seated Nurse, Andrea Dalzell and Jeanne Sparrow! Andrea Dalzell is a phenomenal and passionate Registered Nurse, a highly active Healthcare Advocate, Disability Rights Influencer, and most importantly, a strong Survivor! Andrea Dalzell was born and raised in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, New York. At the early age of five, Andrea was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord that causes pai...

What Do The Writers Guild Writers Want?

July 05, 2023 10:55 - 1 hour - 123 MB

Rick Younger, Veniece Antoinette, and Marc Theobald visit Friends Like Us and discuss what WGA writers want, picket line etiquette, policing of black joy and more with host Marina Franklin.  Rick Younger is an actor, comedian, and singer originally from Baltimore, MD. Television appearances include "AXS TV'S Gotham Comedy Live" and "It's Showtime at the Apollo." Rick also toured nationally with the Broadway musical RENT. You've undoubtedly seen him in numerous national television commercia...

Four Naturals Hair Care With Shalita Grant And TK Dutes

June 28, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Shalita Grant from Netflix's "You" and TK Dutes visit friends and discuss natural hair freedom, how to treat 4C Hair with Four Natural Hair Care, the CROWN Act and more with host Marina Franklin.   Shalita Grant, a Tony-nominated actress, made headlines when she courageously left a popular TV show due to her struggle with traction alopecia and hair damage, which affected her in front of millions of viewers. Determined to find a solution, she developed a groundbreaking plant-based hair trea...

Matteo Lane and Pat Brown Visit Friends

June 21, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 110 MB

Matteo Lane and Pat Brown visit Friends and discuss Matteo's new self-owned comedy special, the problems with Media on LGBTQIA2S+ issues, gender neutral bathing suits and more with host Marina Franklin.  Matteo Lane Named one of Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch, stand-up comedian Matteo Lane performs to sold-out crowds all over the world. Matteo's meteoric rise is reflected in his constantly expanding fanbase, with over 2.5 million followers across social media. He has shared the stage wi...

Hot Flash Topics

June 14, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 120 MB

Mugga and Sara Contreras visit Friends Like Us and discuss Netflix's "Manifest", The 123yr old virgin, New York's Lack Of School Diversity, Hot Flashes and more with host Marina Franklin. Mugga is an American actress and comedian who was born and raised in Brooklyn. She is known for her roles as Dolores in The First Purge, Reema Pell in Orange Is The New Black, and NBC’s Manifest as Bethany.  Sara Contreras, a top female comedian, actor, and writer since 1995—and one of Showtime’s 2008 A...

Black Poets Matter

June 07, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 111 MB

Lisa Willis and Nonye Brown-West visit friends and discuss the banning of Amanda Gorman's poem, Supporting black poetry, and advocating for black art with host Marina Franklin. Lisa Willis serves as the Executive Director of Cave Canem. She is a passionate artistic administrator with 20 years of experience managing multi-disciplinary projects in the non-profit and commercial arts sectors. She has held various consulting and management roles in development, programming, and operations for N...

The Black Women In Comedy Laff Fest

May 31, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 129 MB

Hollie Harper, Joanna Briley, and Chaundra Daniels visit Friends Like Us and discuss the importance of black women in comedy, The Black Women In Comedy Laff Fest For Juneteenth and more with host Marina Franklin. Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 202...

A Strategy For Work-Life Harmony

May 24, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 132 MB

Tina Wells, Dean Edwards, and Bret Raybould visit friends and discuss work-life harmony, race relations, well being, The positive impact of black female entrepeneurs and more with host Marina Franklin. Tina Wells is a business strategist, advisor, author, and the founder of RLVNT Media, a multimedia content venture that brings culture-shifting storytelling and beloved products to market through innovative partnerships. In 2023, her acclaimed “Elevation Approach,” a framework for finding wo...

Humanity Checked Out

May 17, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 122 MB

Natalie Brasington and Exavier Pope visit friends and discuss the defunding of Harlem Schools, how Jordan Neely's life should have mattered, and more with host Marina Franklin.  Natalie Brasington is a multimedia producer, content creator, director, strategist, and media programming developer passionate about seeing the magic in everyone. She specializes in building media programs for social service agencies, nonprofits, and community groups through her hybrid media production company and ...

The Unknown Black Artist

May 10, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 131 MB

Vanessa Fraction, Mia Jackson, and Akeem Woods visit Friends Like Us for a hilarious take on hot topics! Vanessa Fraction: Action Fraction is a fitting handle for the intelligent and hilarious stand-up comedian, actor, writer, television personality, and women’s empowerment advocate Vanessa Fraction. A mother of two, working at the phone company in 2001, Vanessa Fraction hit the stage of a popular open mic at The Cotton Club, Chicago to sing backup for a co-worker. Performing the gig with ...

Museums And Diversity

May 03, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 62.8 MB

Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham and Nonye Brown-West discuss funding of museums centering on People Of Color across the United States.  Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham is a museum professional with over 15 years experience in the field. She has worked at the New-York Historical Society, Brooklyn Museum, 9/11 Museum and Memorial, and African American Museum in Philadelphia. Stephanie’s advocacy aligns with Museum Hue, an organization she co-founded and serves as Director. She built the first onli...

Guests

Judy Gold
1 Episode

Books

A House Divided
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

@mrgeorgewallace 1 Episode
@janusadams 1 Episode
@justsydnyc 1 Episode