Ep 27: The Politics of Finding Peace - Featuring Alexis Belton

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deeper look at Tyrese Haliburton’s devastating injury and whether the number of ACL tears suffered by NBA players this season is an aberration or a sign of something more. Then, Jemele has a special conversation with 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul at the prestigious American Black Film Festival in Miami. Chris shares whether he plans to play next season and how he’s approaching his free agency this summer. He also discusses why he’s chosen to pivot into film, television and production work through his production company, Ohh Dipp!!! Entertainment. Chris shares his successes and challenges in that space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele questions why FIFA decided to drop its anti-racism campaign while the Club World Cup tournament is being played in America. Jemele is then joined by recent WNBA retiree Layshia Clarendon, the WNBA’s first non-binary player. Layshia gets candid about why she decided to retire, what it means for the her to be the WNBA’s first  non-binary player, and why she decided to go public when she had top surgery. Layshia, who also identifies as trans, shares what it's like living in a climate where numerous states have adopted anti-trans legislation. She also provides a rebuttal to those who don’t believe trans girls and women shouldn’t be allowed to play sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele gets to the bottom of why there’s only one Black female head coach in the WNBA, despite Black women making up 70 percent of the league. Jemele is then joined by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who gives his thoughts on the Elon Musk-Donald Trump feud, if it was fair for the Knicks to fire Tom Thibodeau, and how the Democrats plan to win the messaging war against Republicans. Jeffries also answers criticisms about his party’s lack of urgency and if the current Democratic leadership is enough during this perilous moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele questions whether this year’s NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indianapolis Pacers means we’ve seen the end of NBA dynasties and superstar-heavy teams. Jemele is then joined by women’s college basketball legend Candace Parker, who discusses her new book, The Can-Do Mindset. Candace shares how she feels about her jersey being retired by both the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky, especially considering her once-rocky relationship with the Sparks. She also explains what she’d like to see the WNBA do to support its players more, and what she’d tell budding superstar Angel Reese if she were her coach. Candace also reveals why she waited until well after she was married to her wife, Anna, to come out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele examines the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, reflecting on how athletes' activism helped power a worldwide movement and why their efforts weren't sustained. Jemele is then joined by actor and comedian Rickey Smiley, whose network comedy special “Fool-ish” premieres on Hulu on May 30. Smiley explains why it’s taken him over a decade to record a new comedy show. He also explains why he tempered his response to Katt Williams, whose viral interview with Shannon Sharpe included harsh criticisms of Smiley. Plus, Smiley opens up on what his healing journey has looked like since losing his son to a drug overdose and how he discovered recently he was the father of twin girls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele weighs in on the latest drama surrounding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, including the back-and-forth commentary between former NFL players Ryan Clark and Robert Griffin III. Jemele is then joined by Tony Reali, host of ESPN’s popular show, Around the Horn. Reali discusses the show ending after over 20 years, how will he navigate his career once ATH is done, and what he thinks of the criticisms that the show is ending because it’s too “woke.” Reali also shares why he chose to be candid about his mental health struggles, and losing a child.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele answers a provocative question: Was the NBA draft lottery rigged so that the Dallas Mavericks could get the No 1 pick just months after trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers? Later, Jemele is joined by Amy Trask, who was the first female CEO in the NFL. Amy covers her 20-year career with the Las Vegas Raiders, including what it was like to work with iconic owner Al Davis. Amy shares how she navigated the male-dominated world of professional football, and weighs in on some current league issues — a possible 18th regular-season game, the increase in games overseas, and the NFL broadening its reach on streaming platform. Finally, in Jemele’s new segment, the Final Spin, she shares her thought on Major League Baseball posthumously lifting Pete Rose’s lifetime ban for gambling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deep dive into Bill Belichick’s controversial relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson and whether the relationship is changing how people view the future NFL Hall of Famer. Jemele is then joined by Lanny Smith, the founder of the popular fitness brand, Actively Black. Lanny, a former Houston basketball player, discusses how he rebounded from a devastating injury that cost him his NBA career. Lanny also shares how Ryan Coogler's Black Panther movie served as inspiration for Actively Black, the challenges he faces in trying to turn his company into the “Black Nike,” and the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs. In the final segment, Jemele shares her favorite story about Gregg Popovich, who recently stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele addresses the Shedeur Sanders draft controversy, making a compelling case for why Sanders’ fall in the draft was a talent-based decision. Jemele is later joined by professional golfer Alexis Belton, a World Long Drive Tour champion who keeps it real about the challenges of pursuing a professional golf career. Alexis candidly shares some mental health struggles she’s endured trying to finding her place in golf, how she found her voice after dealing with some racial incidents as a college golfer, and how she’s using her experiences to support and empower other aspiring golfers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deep dive into how some in sports are using their money to curry influence with this presidential administration. Jemele is later joined by ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Tiffany Greene, the first Black woman to do play-by-play in college football on a major network. Tiffany shares how she fell in love with play-by-play broadcasting, how she prepares for games across multiple sports, and what it means to be an HBCU graduate that does play-by-play commentary for HBCU football games. Tiffany also shares the inspiring story of how longtime Good Morning America host Robin Roberts impacted her career. In the final segment, Jemele reveals some of her favorite sports literature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.