Listener Mailbag

Larry is joined by filmakers Charlotte Kaufman and Andrew Jarecki to talk about their latest film 'The Alabama Solution' as it offers a harrowing look at the prison system and the abuses that take place within it. Host: Larry Wilmore Guests: Charlotte Kaufman and Andrew Jareck Producers: Steve Ahlman and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by former ESPN contributor Kenny Mayne to discuss his newest podcast We Need a Fourth! They also discuss the going's on of sports media, the fallout from poor fan behavior in golf, and much more. Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Steve Ahlman and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry weighs in on the latest with Jimmy Kimmel and Charlie Kirk, the future of the Democratic Party, the role of artists in culture, his love of magic, conspiracy theories, and much more on this week’s episode of ‘Black on the Air.’ Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Larry is joined by investigative journalist, author, and podcast host Tara Palmeri to sift through the complexities of the Epstein files and his survivors—just days after several of his accusers traveled to Capitol Hill to demand accountability (1:26). They explore the confusion surrounding the case, the role of money, and how Epstein seemed untouchable in a scandal rooted in power and class (8:05). They also consider what the files may actually contain (15:22) and the effect on survivors who must watch as their accused abusers are publicly celebrated. Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Tara PalmeriProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Tony Award–nominated actor, Grammy- and Emmy-winning songwriter, and composer Christopher Jackson. Jackson reflects on the 10-year anniversary of ‘Hamilton,’ how the show came to life, and his experience originating the role of George Washington (2:20). He discusses his upcoming musical, 'The Crossover'; his process of writing for the show; and how raising a child with autism has shaped both his parenthood and his artistry (44:40). He also talks about his return to Broadway in Alicia Keys’s new musical, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (57:00), along with much more. Host: Larry WimoreGuest: Christopher JacksonProducers: Devon Renaldo and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by Emmy Award-winning producer Wendy Lobel to discuss her directorial debut film ‘Anxiety Club’, currently streaming on Jolt.film. They begin their conversation by talking about why Wendy wanted to make the documentary and exploring the ways that the standup comedians featured in the film use their craft as built-in therapy. This leads to Wendy and Larry sharing personal and professional anecdotes about therapy and anxiety, while also shining a light on where medication intersects with the overall issue (9:05). Next, Wendy tells us about her process for directing ‘Anxiety Club’ and the biggest surprises that occurred to her when making the project (23:22). After the break, they talk about subject authenticity when making a documentary and the obstacles that present themselves when trying to capture the deep areas of people’s personal lives (33:23). They end the pod by highlighting Marc Maron’s significance in regards to the film and breaking down some of the important things that should be known about combating anxiety (41:20). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Wendy LobelProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by New York Times journalist and author Jonathan Mahler to discuss his newest book, ‘The Gods of New York: Egotists, Idealists, Opportunists, and the Birth of the Modern City: 1986-1990,’ publishing on August 12. They begin their conversation by detailing why Jonathan decided to write the book and shining a light on the rich history of New York City that precedes the period it covers. Here, they focus on the infamous Howard Beach attack and the police response that led to the rise of Al Sharpton and a new age of public protesting (18:46). After the break, Larry and Jonathan take a look at the Wall Street crash of 1987-88 and break down how the AIDS epidemic affected both the gay and art communities in New York at that time (31:52). They end the pod by talking about Rudy Giuliani’s war against the mob, how the tabloids created Donald Trump, and filmmaker Spike Lee’s love letter to the city,  ‘Do the Right Thing’ (38:43). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Jonathan MahlerProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by journalist Maya Lau to discuss her latest podcast, Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story, currently streaming on Apple Podcasts. They begin their conversation by describing the story and subsequent legacy of Charles Ponzi, an Italian immigrant who, in 1920, defrauded his "investors" of the modern equivalent of a quarter of a billion dollars and unwittingly lent his name to one of the most infamous financial scams in history. They then shine a light on the cast of Maya’s narrative-form podcast and break down the scheme that made Ponzi infamous (11:43). This leads to a conversation about Bernie Madoff and other modern grifters and how they're able to succeed using Ponzi's diagram (25:24). After the break, Larry and Maya talk about why money is valuable and society’s general misunderstanding of how currency works (31:06). Larry then shares the life lessons he acquired as a door-to-door salesman, and Maya ends the pod with tips on how to avoid scams (38:22). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Maya LauProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by comedian Nate Jackson to talk about his new Netflix special ‘Nate Jackson: Super Funny’. They begin their conversation by examining the different ways that comedians develop relationships with an audience and sharing how they each mentally process jokes while they're performing. Nate then details how he became a comedian and the journey he took to find his unique creative voice (22:41). This leads to a conversation about the importance of owning your own space as a black comedian and the different occupational lessons he learned as one of the few African-American comedy club owners in the U.S. (29:58) After the break, Larry and Nate dive into how social media has changed the way comedy is monetized and discuss the sacrifices necessary to climb the ladder in the industry (40:31). Nate ends the pod by shining a light on his role in the upcoming “The Office” spinoff and sharing advice to aspiring stand-up comedians (57:07). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Nate JacksonProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry is joined by reporter and journalist Elizabeth Wagmeister to talk about her experiences covering the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs federal criminal case for CNN. They begin their conversation by shining a light on the atmosphere both inside and outside the courtroom, and detailing the individual charges being brought against Combs. They then examine the legal definition of sex trafficking and break down how the prosecution's underestimation of the public perception of this case may have blocked their hopes of a stronger verdict (22:48). After the break, Larry and Elizabeth discuss the effectiveness of Cassie’s testimony and it’s possible contribution to the ‘Me Too’ movement’s ultimate goals (30:07). They end the pod by speculating on how this scandal and trial will affect Diddy’s career and brand moving forward (44:10). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Elizabeth WagmeisterProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices