Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

The Ringer

4.7 (3.6K)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED MONTHLY

Emmy Award—winning producer, actor, and comedian Larry Wilmore is back on the air, hosting a podcast where he weighs in on the issues of the week and interviews guests in the worlds of politics, entertainment, culture, sports, and beyond.

JUN 7

Joy Reid on The Joy Reid Show

Larry is joined by author, television host, and political commentator Joy Reid to discuss her new podcast, The Joy Reid Show. They begin their conversation by talking about why Joy left MSNBC and examining the state of cable news in modern culture. This leads to an analysis of the different ideological splits within the Republican Party and the current status of the U.S. on the global stage (10:09). After the break, Larry and Joy discuss why the Democrats are struggling so hard to get their messaging through to voters and the controversial revelations surrounding Joe Biden’s last days in office (29:23). Joy ends the pod by sharing her thoughts on how American politics can move forward and breaking down the focus of her new podcast (43:01). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Joy ReidProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

56 min
MAY 17

Mark Whitaker on ‘The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America’

Larry is joined by writer and media executive Mark Whitaker to discuss his newest book ‘The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon’s Enduring Impact on America’. They begin their conversation by talking about what inspired Mark to write the book and detailing Malcolm X’s Shakespearean life journey from harrowing childhood to celebrated civil rights icon. This leads to a conversation about why both progressives and the modern black conservative movement have championed Malcolm’s teachings, and a breakdown of X’s relationship with Muhammad Ali (14:47). After the break, Larry and Mark discuss how Alex Haley’s posthumous autobiography of Malcolm X came together and examine the role its played in preserving Malcolm's historical significance (32:06). Finally, they end the pod by taking a hard look at the events surrounding Malcolm X’s assassination and shining a light on the strength of his cultural legacy against Martin Luther King's (45:02). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Mark WhitakerProducers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 11m
MAY 10

Larry Wilmore on the Trump Administration, Pope Leo XIV, the State of Hollywood, and More

Larry starts off a special listener mailbag episode by sharing some of his biggest concerns with Donald Trump’s second term so far and his administration’s attack on government agencies and the Constitution. Next, he talks about the brand-new Pope Leo XIV and the role of religion in modern society (22:23). After the break, Larry discusses the future of his L.A. Lakers and breaks down the fundamental changes Hollywood filmmakers are feeling in today's political climate (35:38). He ends the pod by answering questions sent in from aspiring TV writers and reflecting on some of the experiences that shaped his path as he was coming up through the industry (40:52). Host: Larry WilmoreProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 5m
MAY 3

Leah Litman on ‘Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes’

Larry is joined by professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School and co-host of the podcast ‘Strict Scrutiny’, Leah Litman, to discuss her forthcoming book ‘Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes’, publishing on May 13th. They begin their conversation by talking about how the politicization of modern Supreme Court operations inspired her book, and shining a light on the history of the conservative right’s use of Roe v. Wade as a stepping stone to further their patriarchal influence on the U.S’s civil rights policies. This leads to a discussion about about voters who agree with this antiquated agenda and the individual Supreme Court justices who are motivated to implement it (24:24). After the break, Larry and Leah take a look at LGBTQ-rights issues in relation to the Supreme Court and how the current administration is using grievance policies to dismantle the 14th Amendment (33:18). They end the pod by talking about the ultimate governmental goals of the MAGA movement, and how Democrats can fight against those initiatives going forward (50:43). Host: Larry WilmoreGuest: Leah LitmanProducers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 3m
APR 19

Daniel Lubetzky on the Builders Movement, ‘Shark Tank,’ Kind LLC, and More

Larry is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ costar Daniel Lubetzky, and they begin their conversation by analyzing the importance of independent thought in today’s political climate. They then focus on the objectives of the Builders Movement and Daniel's efforts to curb political extremism and heal divisions within the business community (9:17). After the break, Daniel shares how the story of his father surviving the Holocaust has inspired his unifying world view and discusses the damaging effects antisemitism has had historically on different societies around the world (25:46). Daniel and Larry end the pod by shining a light on ‘Shark Tank,’ relaying advice for young entrepreneurs, and breaking down the success of Kind LLC (52:01). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Daniel Lubetzky Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 8m
APR 5

Tara Palmeri on ‘Somebody’s Gotta Win’ and ‘The Red Letter’

Larry is joined by political journalist Tara Palmeri, writer of ‘The Red Letter’ Substack and host of The Ringer podcast ‘Somebody’s Gotta Win’, to discuss all of the latest buzz shaking up Washington D.C. They begin their conversation by analyzing the possible political repercussions of Trump’s new tariffs. This leads into a talk about the viability of a third Trump term and a detailing of the apparent unseriousness of the president’s current cabinet officials (13:13). After the break, Larry and Tara turn their eyes left toward new reporting on the covering up of Joe Biden’s mental state during the final stretch of his presidency, and the coordinated efforts to keep Biden from debating and ultimately running for a second term (24:54). They end the pod by shining a light on ways Kamala Harris’s team failed her during the 2024 campaign, and speculating on the length of Elon Musk’s tenure within the White House orbit (31:31). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Tara Palmeri Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 1m
MAR 29

Alex Isenstadt on ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power’

Larry is joined by Axios Senior Political Reporter Alex Isenstadt to talk about his new book ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power’. They begin their conversation by discussing Alex’s approach to writing the book and the environment surrounding Trump when he decided to run for president a second time. They then analyze the personality differences between Trump’s first and second administration, particularly the bevy of influential allies currently in his cabinet, like White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (10:25). This leads to an examination of Trump as an indomitable political athlete, whose mystique has kept a solid base of followers even through his most politically devastating moments (15:40). After the break, Larry and Alex shine a light on Trump’s mercurial relationship with Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, and Tucker Carlson, while highlighting the behind-the-scenes machinations that led to JD Vance’s ascendancy to vice president (28:13). Finally, Larry and Alex analyze the viability of Elon Musk’s partnership with Team Trump and talk about the future of both the Democratic and Republican Parties (45:36). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Alex Isenstadt Producers: Brandy LaPlante and Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

59 min
MAR 22

Krys Marshall on ‘Paradise’

Larry is joined by actress Krys Marshall to talk about the Season 2 release of her Hulu show ‘Paradise’. They begin their conversation by examining Marshall’s upbringing and the many factors that inspired her to become an actor. This leads to a conversation about the mental, interpersonal, and familial hurdles Krys overcame to reach her personal goals within the industry (9:03). Next, Krys details the synopsis of ‘Paradise’ and describes how the cast, crew, and writers created an ideal and enriching acting environment (22:47). After the break, they shine a light on the importance of representation in modern television and how Marshall’s Apple TV show ‘For All Mankind’ has provided a safe space for Black nerds (39:28). Larry and Krys end the pod by discussing the projects they hope to work on in the future and sharing stories of manifesting their own success (54:54). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Krys Marshall Producers: Chris Sutton and Brandy LaPlante Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1h 14m

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Larry Wilmore

Host

4.7

out of 5

3,581 Ratings

Hello Larry!

May 13

Cindyjoy68

You rock- Funny, thoughtful, and intelligent.
No joy in Joy Reid

2d ago

Integrity In the Media Now

Just finished listening to the Joy Reid interview. While I’d been looking forward to her new show’s debut, this is no longer the case. Not once during the hour-long interview did Ms. Reid blame her own profession’s complicity in contributing to the disastrous 2024 election results, reserving all her shade for the Democrats. With such an abysmal lack of self-awareness she’d do far better on a traditional outlet. I, for one, won’t be wasting my time listening to a traditionalist, cloaked in a veneer of “independence,” who won’t own up to American journalists blatant neglect in reporting the news accurately. Not a tall order, since that is journalism’s defined role. The day Ms. Reid places her profession on trial is the day she’ll truly be an “independent” media entity. It’ll be on that day that I’ll tune in. The public desires accountability. Will Ms. Reid be brave/ independent enough to deliver?
Long time listener.

May 13

Esme709

Would love to hear you have a conversation with Dr. Carla Hayden and Alondra Nelson, who just wrote a powerful essay about her resignations from the NSF and the Library of Congress Scholars council.
Love the show and your continual evolution

May 12

Amistad26

I just finished watching your latest episode or should I say listening to your latest episode because I had your last comments top of mine. I definitely would enjoy more video commentary directly from you on the state of affairs. Maybe a lead in before every interview or episode. I would also love if you found a way to bring back your Round table panel interview approach on your old show. That would be really cool as well. Either way, brother, as a fellow podcaster or who is also trying to tap into his community, keep up the great work! I absolutely love the show.

Emmy Award—winning producer, actor, and comedian Larry Wilmore is back on the air, hosting a podcast where he weighs in on the issues of the week and interviews guests in the worlds of politics, entertainment, culture, sports, and beyond.