Episodes

  • Rest or Resist: Black Women Speak Out on Trump Protest Strategy and “No Kings” Movement

    Rest or Resist: Black Women Speak Out on Trump Protest Strategy and “No Kings” Movement
    Oct 18 2025
    Some Black women say they're debating whether to take part in “No Kings” Anti-Trump protests after feeling let down by the results of the 2024 election. Victor discusses “the 92%” with Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown, RISE CEO Mary-Pat Hector and AJC Reporter Brooke Leigh Howard. Plus, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn joins Victor to talk about the President's threats to “Democrat” programs during the shutdown, tension over the state of voting rights, and his new book “The First Eight”. Victor also shares an update on the devastating damage done to Native Alaskan villages, and the role climate change is playing in determining whether residents will ever be able to return home. Plus, Victor takes a moment to pay tribute to D'Angelo and get real about the risks Black people face from pancreatic cancer, and what to do about it. Later, Rafael Gomes from SCAD shares with Victor the story behind a new exhibit honoring fashion icon André Leon Talley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Leader of Largest Federal Employee Union Reacts to Trump Calling For “Democrat Oriented” Layoffs

    Leader of Largest Federal Employee Union Reacts to Trump Calling For “Democrat Oriented” Layoffs
    Oct 11 2025
    Civilians in Gaza are making the journey to see what's left of their homes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds. Victor discusses what comes next with Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian American running for governor who got national attention when she was denied a slot to speak about Gaza at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and Republican Georgia official John F. King, a retired major general in the Army National guard and a former Police chief. Thousands of federal workers are getting fired as the government shutdown drags on. President Trump says his administration is focusing on jobs that are quote "Democrat oriented". Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is the largest union representing federal workers, joins Victor to respond in his first interview since layoffs began. A right-wing group is pitching an "All American" Super Bowl performance as an alternative to Bad Bunny. Michaela Angela Davis joins Victor to react and discuss her new memoir, “Tenderheaded”. Hispanic residents in Mobile County, Alabama are speaking out against an ICE-themed Halloween display. Victor explains why the identity of the couple that put up the decorations is a big reason why. Plus, a new mural that’s meant to teach people about a racist massacre that happened more than 100 years ago is sparking debate. Critics argue the inclusion of violent imagery is problematic, and the community should have had more input. Victor speaks to the artist, Fabian Williams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Residents Describe Intensifying ICE Immigration Crackdown

    Residents Describe Intensifying ICE Immigration Crackdown
    Oct 4 2025
    Tensions over ICE are heating up as the feds crack down on protests in and around Chicago. Victor speaks to a protest leader and Illinois congressional candidate, Kat Abughazaleh, about the new threats from Trump administration officials against those rallying at ICE facilities like the one in Broadview, Illinois.Georgia Democratic Representative Nikema Williams joins Victor to explain where Democrats stand on talks with Republicans to end the government shutdown. And as the Trump White House is threatening to fire thousands of federal workers, Victor gets perspective from Leo Smith, the former Director of Minority Engagement for the GOP in Georgia, and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.Right-wing influencers are upset about Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl, and the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has a message for the artist and his fans. Journalist Suzy Exposito has interviewed the Puerto Rican superstar multiple times and shares her reaction.Images of former President Barack Obama making his DJ “debut” crossed Victor’s algorithm this week. Victor speaks with the content creator behind the viral posts.And has the music of Xania Monet crossed your playlist yet? The singer is getting millions of song streams, recently signed a major record deal … and is entirely A.I. generated. Victor speaks with Xania Monet’s real-life manager, Romel Murphy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Memphis Mayor Reacts to Trump’s National Guard Announcement

    Memphis Mayor Reacts to Trump’s National Guard Announcement
    Sep 13 2025
    President Trump says he's putting his plans to send the National Guard to Chicago aside for now and will instead turn his administration’s attention to Memphis. Victor asks Mayor Paul Young about the President’s claims that he’s "happy" about using federal troops to crackdown on crime in Memphis. Victor also discusses the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, plus the role of cashless bail in the rhetoric over crime with Former Dallas Police Chief Renée Hall, who is also President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Former Dekalb County District Attorney Robert James, and conservative political commentator Janelle King. There is a lot of concern in Latino communities right now amid a crackdown on immigration. But in East Chicago, art is still happening this weekend despite event cancellations in nearby communities. For “Art is Life” this week, Victor speaks with a member of Ballet Folklórico Yolotzin about why they felt it was still important to celebrate their Mexican culture ahead of Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Plus, Victor introduces you Kembriah Parker, and her fellow, new Tuskegee airmen and airwomen, who are the first to complete a pilot training program at the legendary HBCU in 80 years.Abby Phillip also introduces us to Myla Flores, one of CNN's “Champions for Change” who is helping address the disproportionate danger women of color face during pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • A Warning From Black Women on Rising Unemployment

    A Warning From Black Women on Rising Unemployment
    Sep 6 2025
    The August jobs report reveals that a growing number of Americans are unemployed. The rate is highest among Black workers, and a disproportionate number are Black women. Victor discusses the new jobs data with the Co-founder of Black Voters Matter, LaTosha Brown, conservative Stephanie Donegan and Capital B National Editor Dalila Paul.Plus – Victor speaks with Dr. Jerome Adams. He served as the U.S. Surgeon General during President Trump’s first term and the Covid pandemic. Dr. Adams tells Victor the President should “absolutely” fire current Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and explains his concerns for public health, especially among communities of color, under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership. Later, Victor shares the story of a town in Louisiana struggling to clean up after an explosion at a factory nearby. Victor speaks with Capital B reporter Adam Mahoney, who recently visited Roseland and spoke with residents there. And our “I See You!” series is back. Victor meets Donna Carol, who is introducing teen girls in Memphis to the business of hair braiding through “Teens Slay U”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Meet the Black Woman Who Says Trump is Hearing Her Call For A Chicago Crackdown

    Meet the Black Woman Who Says Trump is Hearing Her Call For A Chicago Crackdown
    Aug 30 2025
    President Trump is reportedly preparing to send in the Feds to tackle crime and immigration enforcement in Chicago. State and city leaders say they do not want that to happen. Trump says beautiful “African American Ladies” in Chicago do. Victor speaks to Danielle Carter-Walters of Chicago Flips Red, who says the President was referring to her. First - a look at whether Trump’s words about fighting crime match actual actions towards curbing gun violence. Victor gets perspective from Kasim Reed, the former mayor of Atlanta, Leo Smith, former minority engagement director for the Georgia GOP, and Jason “Jah” Lee, senior editor of Bossip. Plus, lawmakers in Washington State want more answers after 2 members of a crew helping contain a wildfire were arrested by Border Patrol. State Representative Shaun Scott joins Victor to explain why he thinks both parties have blame for what's going on. And for "Art is Life" this week, we're wondering: is signing your signature soon going to be a lost art? Victor speaks to Terrell and Chelsea Whittington about Cursive Academy, and their effort to get more kids to learn the skill being taught in a decreasing number of schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Trump Reveals Request from Beautiful "African American Ladies”; Reporter Describes Visit to White-Only Community

    Trump Reveals Request from Beautiful "African American Ladies”; Reporter Describes Visit to White-Only Community
    Aug 23 2025
    President Trump says he may expand his federal law enforcement takeover to Chicago, because “African American ladies, beautiful ladies” are asking him to do so. Victor discusses this and other topics, including redistricting and Target’s handling of DEI, with LaTosha Brown, Cory Ruth and Pastor Jamal Bryant. A former FBI Supervisory Special Agent says the agency's anti-DEI stance could make the country less safe. L. Nicole Dunn joins Victor to share her warning, and she reveals the reason she says she was recently ousted from her role at the bureau. Plus, there's a housing development in Arkansas looking for new residents. The catch: you have to be straight and white. Is that ... legal? New York Times Reporter Debra Kamin recently visited the “Return to the Land” community, and shares with Victor what she learned. And in “Art is Life” this week, Victor speaks with Rigoberto A. Gonzalez whose immigration-themed piece previously honored by the Smithsonian is now getting singled out by the White House as proof the Smithsonian is “out of control”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • One-on-One With Director Spike Lee; Trump and Putin Meet to Discuss Ukraine

    One-on-One With Director Spike Lee; Trump and Putin Meet to Discuss Ukraine
    Aug 16 2025
    Could President Trump's meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin have “just been an email,” or is something substantive starting to emerge after their summit in Alaska? Victor speaks with Retired Brigadier General and Democratic candidate for Congress Shawn Harris, political commentator Janelle King and author Charles Blow. They also discuss President Trump’s escalating effort to reshape the presentation of history and culture at Smithsonian museums. Plus, Victor goes one-on-one with Spike Lee. Why the acclaimed director says the U.S. under President Trump is no longer a “beacon of democracy”. Spike Lee also explains why he plans to vote for Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, and we also discuss his new joint “Highest 2 Lowest” and working with “greatest living actor” Denzel Washington for a 5th time, along with A$AP Rocky for the 1st time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins