This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talk with Holly Harper and breathwork expert Jasmine Marie. Friends discuss the significance of mental health, particularly for Black women. They delve into Jasmine’s book, 'Black Girls Breathing,' which focuses on healing from trauma, combating chronic stress, and finding freedom. Jasmine shares her personal journey and the establishment of Black Girls Breathing, which provides accessible breathwork resources for Black women. The conversation addresses...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr
I noticed issues on Spotify so I am releasing this again. This Friends Like Us, Marina welcomes Vanessa Fraction and Nonye Brown-West . We discuss Vanessa's new podcast 'Action Fraction on Air,' which will focus on having fun with friends and exploring diverse topics. The conversation shifts to the impact of social and political issues on comedy, the unfair media coverage of Kamala Harris compared to Donald Trump, the future of Social Security and the peril Trump's economic plans pose to it, lib...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr
In this lively episode of Friends Like Us, Marina talks with comedian Von Decarlo and Kenice Mobley . They discuss various topics, including experiences at the Edinburgh Festival, the importance of promoting health and exercise, and the humorous yet practical use of Depends. The conversation shifts to the political landscape, examining Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, the challenges of voting amidst controversies, and Barack Obama's message to black men about the importance of participating...
Oct 30, 2024•59 min
New Friends Like Us episode hosted by Marina Franklin features Kaneez Surka and Subhah Agarwal . Laugh out loud while they tackle today's hottest topics. With topics ranging from Kamala Harris to Melania Trump, this episode is loaded with laughs and thought-provoking discussions. Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix’s “Arsenio Hall” limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jeffe...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This 'Friends Like Us' hosted by Marina Franklin features comedians Akeem Woods and Mia Jackson. It's a lively discussion that covers a range of topics including societal issues such as: a Detroit judge handcuffing a teenager on a field trip, North Carolina's Mark Robinson, New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, and the scandal of P. Diddy. Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that's Georgian for “native”). In 2017, she was selected as a New Face by the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and Atlanta...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr
This Friends Like Us features Jenny Saldaña and Abbi Crutchfield. The guests discuss donuts and weekend activities as well as more serious topics like breast cancer awareness. Jenny talks about her personal battle with breast cancer, including issues of systemic racism and cultural challenges faced by women of color in healthcare. Jenny's upcoming comedy show, 'Hooray for Boobies,' aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. We also emphasize the importance of medical advocacy, disparit...
Oct 02, 2024•59 min
This Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin features guests Dr. Donna J Nickel and Nonye Brown-West. Dr. Donna J. Nickel, an academic from California, discussing her latest book on Claudia Hampton's contributions to affirmative action and black education. The discussion extends to contemporary issues, including the repercussions of ending affirmative action, historical context of race-based discrimination, and the attack on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. The episode aims ...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min
This Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin welcomes Keith Price , a key figure in the comedy world known for supporting many comedians. The conversation touches on the importance of such influences and shifts to praise for Vanessa Fraction's comedic talent. Topics of discussion include Glenn Close's acclaimed role in a recent movie, the societal impact of gun laws in the U.S., and the complexities of having civil discussions with the Republican voters. Keith Price: Out Comedian, Actor, Write...
Sep 18, 2024•57 min
Host Marina Franklin welcomes guests Zainab Johnson and Daisy Auger-Domínguez . Daisy shares her experiences and insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, including the challenges and successes she faced in corporate roles, The group also reflects on the Democratic National Convention and its inspirational messaging, particularly emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and political participation. The discussion rounds off with Zainab Johnson sharing her comedy tour dates a...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min
We love this episode so much we are airing it twice! Tamara Payne, Nonye Brown-West and Troy Laraviere visit Friends Like Us and discuss pulitzer prize winner's Les Payne's and Tamara's book : The Dead Are Arising: The Life Of Malcom X and more with host Marina Franklin. Tamara Payne -Tamara Payne is co-author of The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X written with her father, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne, published by Liveright. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Awa...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Hollie Harper and Nonye Brown-West visit friends and discuss cultural vultures to Kamala Harris, we're breaking down some heavy topics on this episode of Friends Like Us. Catch the insightful conversation and let us know your thoughts! Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was re...
Aug 28, 2024•57 min
Dr. Lynetter Mawhinney and Michele Thompkins visit friends and break down the importance of Black teachers, biracial identification, how policy changes affect our youth. Stay informed and engaged on what the election means for education. Don’t miss this crucial conversation. Lynnette Mawhinney is an award-winning writer, creator, and long-time educator. Dr. Mawhinney was a former high school English teacher at the School District of Philadelphia and transitioned into teacher education. She has c...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min
We had so much fun with SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka that we decided to air it twice! SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka visit friends and discuss spoken word, poetry, mental health wellness, christians stepping away from gender roles and more with host Marina Franklin. SublimeLuv (aka Sublime) is a powerful spoken word and teaching artist, author, curator, facilitator, public speaker, and social justice advocate. SublimeLuv’s work embodies the theme of the “personal as political.” She exists in this wo...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 29 min
We are re-airing an importany episode on preparedness for taking care of elders. Ashima Franklin and Leighann Lord visit friends and discuss why parents can not be friends with their kids, the tiktoker who went viral for living in a storage unit, and giving yourself and elder parents grace. Ashima Franklin Originally from Alabama, Ashima Franklin has a “girl next door” personality that mixes with her no holds barred delivery to form a hilarious comedy routine that’s inspired by her real-world si...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 35 min
We are re-airing a really funny episode with two of my favorite friends/comedians who currently have hilarious Comedy Specials on Netflix right now! Check them out! Rachel Feinstein and Keith Robinson share insights into their creative processes, the importance of resilience, and why they continue to push their boundaries. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, practical advice for young comedians, and an inspirational message to keep striving no matter the obstacles. Special appearances...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr
It's an Election year and so we are re-airing this important episode. Subhah Agarwal and Sharon Lavigne visit friends and discuss Sharon Lavigne's battle for clean air and justice, taking on the big industries that have created Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” -- nicknamed for the above-average rates of cancer within the 85-mile stretch of communities with the highest concentration of fossil fuel and petrochemical operations in the Western Hemisphere. Sharon Cayette Lavigne , Times voted Sharon one of...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Hollie Harper and host Marina Franklin disuss the debates, ageism in politics, and the upcoming election. Don’t miss this insightful chat! Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie was a semi-finali...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Jourdain Fisher and Charles Mcbee visit friends and discuss comedy, social media, the tend commandments, and surviving breakups. Catch the laughs and insights now with host Marina Franklin. Jourdain Fisher has got it all. He is a hilarious comedian, writer, and actor. He has performed on COMEDY CENTRAL and in 2018 he made his late night TV debut on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON where he received a standing ovation. In fact, his performance on The Tonight Show went so well that Jimmy hir...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Tamara Payne, Nonye Brown-West and Troy Laraviere visit Friends Like Us and discuss pulitzer prize winner's Les Payne's and Tamara's book : The Dead Are Arising: The Life Of Malcom X and more with host Marina Franklin. Tamara Payne -Tamara Payne is co-author of The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X written with her father, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Les Payne, published by Liveright. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and NAACP Image Award. Nonye Brown-West is a New ...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 27 min
Rachel Feinstein and Keith Robinson share insights into their creative processes, the importance of resilience, and why they continue to push their boundaries. The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, practical advice for young comedians, and an inspirational message to keep striving no matter the obstacles. Special appearances by rising comedian Nonyé Brown-West add fresh perspectives to this engaging and heartfelt discussion with host Marina Franklin. Rachel Feinstein fresh off her new N...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr
Mugga, Rita Brent, and Joanna Briley visit friends and talk about the upcoming Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest , Rita Brent's new song: gospel version of “Bleach-blonde, Bad-built, Butch body and more with host Marina Franklin! Rita Brent is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and singer-pianist, Angela. She credits her mother for single-handedly cultivating her talents and preparing...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 31 min
This week Mia Jackson and Brandon Collins visit Friends Like Us for a honest conversation about growing up with skewed or limited black history and more with host Marina Franklin. Brandon Collins is a versatile screenwriter, comedian and podcaster who has performed at the SXSW and New York Comedy Festival, and has had appearances in various MTV, VH1, and Max productions. He recently participated in the 2022-2023 Universal Writer’s Lab (beating out over a thousand applicants) and is the host of t...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 24 min
SublimeLuv and Kaneez Surka visit friends and discuss spoken word, poetry, mental health wellness, christians stepping away from gender roles and more with host Marina Franklin. SublimeLuv (aka Sublime) is a powerful spoken word and teaching artist, author, curator, facilitator, public speaker, and social justice advocate. SublimeLuv’s work embodies the theme of the “personal as political.” She exists in this world as a Black Queer woman with a mental illness. Her life and experiences living in ...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 29 min
Subhah Agarwal and Sharon Lavigne visit friends and discuss Sharon Lavigne's battle for clean air and justice, taking on the big industries that have created Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” -- nicknamed for the above-average rates of cancer within the 85-mile stretch of communities with the highest concentration of fossil fuel and petrochemical operations in the Western Hemisphere. Sharon Cayette Lavigne , Times voted Sharon one of the most influential people of 2024. A native of St. James, Louisiana...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Jon Laster and Nathan Macintosh visit friends and discuss the troubles with tech, black app for black products- BLAPP and so much more! It's a funny one... don't miss it! Jon Laster is known for One Bedroom (2018), No More Mr Nice Guy (2018) and The 2019 ESPY Awards (2019) and check out his new series An Astute Woman Web Series. He is the Founder and C.E.O. of Blapp. Blapp is a Google-based, geo-located app that will tell you all the Black businesses that are right around you. Nathan Macintosh M...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Kenice Mobley and Alycia Cooper visit Friends Like Us and discuss the importance of understanding systemic issues in tax codes, Mayor Adam's attack on NYC Libraries, Biden Skewers The Orange man and more with host Marina Franklin! Alycia Cooper Twenty-three year stand-up comic, Alycia Cooper, has always been a natural performer. A Washington DC area native, Alycia grew up in Seat Pleasant and later, Temple Hills, MD. She then went on to graduate from The University of Maryland at College Park wi...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Mike Britt, Ashima Franklin, and Akeem Woods visit Friends Like Us and discuss the Good Times Animation, Mike Britt's new comedy special, TikTok Ban, racist/homophobic family members, and anulled marriages due to no sex. Mike Britt is a Brooklyn, NY-born stand-up comedian. He got his start at the Uptown Comedy Club in Harlem. Since then, He has appeared on Comedy Central Presents, BET's Comicview, VH1's Best Week Ever, and The Bad Boys of Comedy. In 2015, he's now known as the "singer" of the Un...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 32 min
Irene Bremis and Hollie Harper visit Friends and discuss Irene's new comedy special: 'Sweetie', the OJ Saga, mental health in the subway, and more with host Marina Franklin. Hollie Harper is a comedy nerd from South Jersey. She is currently the creator and co-exec producer of Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV and a co-host of the nationally trending Twitter Storytelling Chat “BlerdDating.” Hella Late! with Hollie Harper was recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Bes...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Janna Pea and Marc Theobald visit Friends Like Us and discuss bringing a folding chair to the table, black people not being the boogey man, DEI Attacks, the she-economy and more with host Marina Franklin. Janna Pea is a seasoned communications executive + recent entrepreneur. Her work has increased the visibility and influence of artists + entertainers, innovative brands + companies, philanthropies, visionary cultural organizations, and more. Pea Nation partners with clients to not simply fight ...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Liz Meile and Nonye Brown West visit friends and talk Viral You Tube Comedy Specials, Fragile Infrastructure, Cats For Rats, and more with host Marina Franklin! Liz Miele is a NYC comedian that has appeared on Comedy Central, FOX, AXS TV, Hulu and NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. She's been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, Runner's World, Psychology Today and The Guardian. She has several viral videos on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok including jokes “Feminist Sex Positions,” "Dating Is Harder...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 19 min
