Topic: Tavis Smiley

20 chapters across the catalog

Couple of Reds
Episode 1149 2:23:22 - 2:25:38

1149: Couple of Reds

Killer Mike, Tavis Smiley, Second Amendment Advocacy

The hosts discuss the marginalization of black public figures like Killer Mike and Tavis Smiley who deviate from the Democratic Party line. They highlight Killer Mike's advocacy for the Second Amendment and the idea that the black community should be armed for self-protection. This segment explores how the media "disappears" individuals who challenge the established political narratives of the left.

End of an Era
Episode 1038 53:02 - 56:50

1038: End of an Era

Rob Reiner and Carl Reiner on Tavis Smiley

Rob and Carl Reiner appear on Tavis Smiley's PBS show to criticize Donald Trump's leadership, calling him "mentally unstable" and a "pathological liar." They contrast Trump with Barack Obama, whom they describe as the "smartest president" in recent history. The discussion also touches on the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the perceived racism behind the delegitimization of the Obama presidency.

Spin the Bottle
Episode 1010 2:43:46 - 2:46:13

1010: Spin the Bottle

Tavis Smiley Lawsuit Against PBS

Tavis Smiley is suing PBS for breach of contract after the network pulled his show following allegations of sexual misconduct. Smiley claims he was railroaded and has not been given specific details about the complaints against him. Some observers speculate that Smiley's previous pro-Second Amendment comments may have contributed to his ouster from the public broadcaster.

Milkshake Duck
Episode 991 1:42:54 - 1:46:22

991: Milkshake Duck

Al Franken Resignation, Political Maneuvering

The hosts discuss the resignation of Senator Al Franken, suggesting it was a strategic move by the Democratic leadership to pressure Republicans. There is speculation that Franken was a potential 2020 running mate for Hillary Clinton. His departure is viewed as a "falling on the sword" to maintain a moral high ground against Roy Moore and Donald Trump.

Skin Folk
Episode 990 51:03 - 54:35

990: Skin Folk

Tavis Smiley, PBS Suspension, Sexual Misconduct Investigation

PBS suspended talk show host Tavis Smiley following an investigation into claims of sexual misconduct. Smiley released a statement denying any coercive behavior and criticized PBS for a "sloppy" investigation that lacked due process and failed to provide the names of his accusers. The hosts predict a significant slander and unlawful termination lawsuit against the broadcaster.

Judas Goat
Episode 917 1:41:40 - 1:45:39

917: Judas Goat

Rob Reiner and Tavis Smiley on Trump's Mental Stability

Director Rob Reiner appears on Tavis Smiley's program, calling President Trump "mentally unstable" and a "pathological liar." Reiner argues that opposition to Barack Obama was rooted in racism and questions the legitimacy of the Gorsuch Supreme Court nomination.

Fack Base
Episode 914 56:51 - 1:01:57

914: Fack Base

Andrew Sullivan Tavis Smiley Interview, Trump Handshake Controversy

Andrew Sullivan appeared on the Tavis Smiley Show to claim President Trump is "psychologically unwell" and "clinically delusional." He cited Trump's supposed refusal to shake German Chancellor Angela Merkel's hand as evidence of "childish" behavior. The hosts debunk this narrative, noting that Trump shook Merkel's hand multiple times during the visit and that the media focused on a single awkward moment.

Coin of the Realm
Episode 910 1:25:30 - 1:27:42

910: Coin of the Realm

Jane Kaczmarek, Deplorables and Moral Character

Actress Jane Kaczmarek appeared on the Tavis Smiley show, referring to her family in Milwaukee as a "basket of deplorables." She expressed a lack of concern for the feelings of Trump supporters, claiming the president has trampled on civil rights and moral character. The hosts critique her stance as representative of a broader refusal to find common ground in American politics.

Summer of Chaos
Episode 841 13:47 - 18:00

841: Summer of Chaos

Second Amendment Rights and the Black Community

John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry discuss the subtext of recent shootings regarding black men and firearm ownership. They reference Tavis Smiley's past comments on why the black community should appreciate the Second Amendment. The hosts suggest a political narrative is being pushed to disarm the black population while ignoring black-on-black violence in cities like Chicago.

Toilet Wars
Episode 800 3:01:58 - 3:12:37

800: Toilet Wars

Tavis Smiley on Music Abundance and Show Outro

Tavis Smiley discussed the "age of musical plenty" and the 30 million songs available on streaming services. The hosts reflect on the predicted "death of music" during the Napster era and how the industry has adapted. They close the 800th episode by thanking the producers and playing a celebratory "Trump Mix" of soundbites.

Shunt Unit
Episode 791 20:09 - 26:35

791: Shunt Unit

Tavis Smiley on Black Economic Progress and Obamacare

Tavis Smiley reports on C-SPAN that black Americans have lost economic ground in every major category over the last decade. Smiley expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act in addressing health disparities, specifically noting that key provisions like pre-existing condition protections are being bypassed by insurance companies through tiered medication pricing.

The Big Jump
Episode 749 1:24:12 - 1:30:06

749: The Big Jump

Killer Mike on Tavis Smiley, Black Economic Empowerment

Rapper Killer Mike appears on the Tavis Smiley show advocating for black economic self-segregation and Second Amendment rights. He encourages the African American community to move money into black-owned banks and credit unions to gain political leverage. He argues that if every "Negro" in America were armed, gun laws and police behavior would change instantly.

Boss Ass Look
Episode 664 33:51 - 39:41

664: Boss Ass Look

Wesley Clark, Five Long-Term Global Challenges

Retired General Wesley Clark appears on the Tavis Smiley show to discuss his book, "Don't Wait for the Next War." Clark identifies five primary challenges for the United States: terrorism, cyber security, financial stability, the ascent of China, and climate change. He outlines the geopolitical risks of intervening in Syria, noting the potential for conflict with Russia and Iran.

Civil Society
Episode 470 2:23:35 - 2:26:34

470: Civil Society

Matt Damon on Taxes and Firefighters

Actor Matt Damon appeared on the *Tavis Smiley Show* and stated that he wants to pay more taxes to support services like firefighters and police. The hosts mock Damon, pointing out that most firefighters are volunteers and that federal taxes primarily fund military operations and drone strikes rather than local infrastructure.

Dr. Watson I presume?
Episode 279 45:23 - 48:33

279: Dr. Watson I presume?

Barack Obama, Tavis Smiley and Speech Patterns

President Barack Obama's speaking style is analyzed, specifically a recurring stammer when he is not using a teleprompter. This pattern is compared to PBS interviewer Tavis Smiley, suggesting it may be a "milieu characterization" picked up from specific social or professional circles. While Obama is noted for his humor and one-liners, his ad-libbed responses are criticized for lack of fluency.

What do you call Soy milk?
Episode 207 1:22:45 - 1:26:42

207: What do you call Soy milk?

Afghanistan Withdrawal Predictions and Blackwater Sale

Senator Russ Feingold's appearance on the Tavis Smiley show is interpreted as a signal that the U.S. is preparing for a withdrawal from Afghanistan before the next presidential election. The news that Eric Prince is putting Blackwater up for sale further supports the theory that the "economic hitman" phase of the conflict is concluding. The war is described as a drain on American resources that has reached its logical end for commercial interests.

The Deuce!
Episode 200 34:35 - 40:35

200: The Deuce!

Tavis Smiley, Isabel Allende Racism Controversy

Novelist Isabel Allende appeared on Tavis Smiley's PBS show and claimed that historical accounts are always written by white men and lack interesting voices. The hosts criticize these comments as blatantly racist and attack Smiley for failing to challenge the assertion that history is exclusively a male, white domain.

Dvorak Wears Prada
Episode 94 31:23 - 35:36

94: Dvorak Wears Prada

Prince Interview, Tavis Smiley Chemtrail Discussion

The musician Prince appeared on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS to discuss his grievances with the mainstream music industry and the sales of "Purple Rain." During the interview, Prince spoke about observing "chemtrails" in the sky and their alleged effect on neighborhood behavior. The hosts discuss the validity of these claims and the existence of government documents regarding atmospheric saturation.