S2 E33 - Kem

Ed talks with columnist, writer and political commentator Michael Harriot. They talk about his latest New Times best seller, Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed history of America. The book looks at American History from A Black perspective and offers an unvarnished and sometimes funny and ironic look at the way American History has been told.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with actor, author, and businessman Hill Harper. They talk about Harper’s decision to throw his hat in the ring and run for the U.S. Senate. They also talk about the overall state of politics, the 2024 election and why his decision to became a candidate was motivated, in part, by his young son’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Pastor, activist, and author Jamal-Harrison Bryant. Bryant is the senior pastor of the mega-church New Birth Missionary Baptist Church outside of Atlanta. They talk about the state of the Black church, celebrate preachers and why political and social activist must do to stay relevant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Maryland Governor, Wes Moore. They talk about his historic win, the importance of state and local politics in the 2024 election and speculation of his running for higher office down the line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with comedian Roy Wood, Jr. about his career, working on The Daily Show, the difference between Black and White audiences and what it was like hosting the White House Correspondents' dinner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer/songwriter Jonathan Butler. They discuss Butler’s latest album, Ubuntu, the singer’s years of growing up in South Africa under Apartheid, his award-winning international music career, and working with his idol, Stevie Wonder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer/songwriter, Valerie  Simpson about her hall of fame songwriting  career with late husband Nick Ashford and their  stellar career as artists.  They also talk about how Ashford and Simpson’s music became the sound track for generations of music lovers. They also discuss what it was like working with iconic singers including: Marvin Gaye, Diana  Ross and Gladys Knight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with R&B singer, Will Downing. The star has been an R&B favorite for three plus decades, singing songs that often reflect the emotions of life, including hurt and pain, which became unthinkably real for the singer this year when his daughter, who struggled with mental illness, joined the growing ranks of young African-Americans who take their own lives. He opens up about the tragedy and what he’s doing to cope, including a song he created, in the wake of his daughter’s death, to help those going through dark times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with Musician, Robert Glasper. They talk about his award-winning career, working with music legends, his excitement about scoring films and television. They also talk about Glasper’s involvement with the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, California and why, as the curator, he’s bringing all types of music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed talks with singer KEM. They talk about his latest projects; a new book, Share my Life. The memoir chronicles the journey of a shy, emotionally starved child who spiraled into addiction and homelessness, only to become one of the most beloved singers of a generation, and Anniversary-The Live Album, that celebrates two decades of the singer’s hits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.