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, liberal dominance in Hollywood, exemplified by Zachary Levi's support for Trump and the backlash he received, and voter fraud claims involving nuns.

Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barber Shop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

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 in elections. The hosts also cover the advantages and potential downsides of evolving technology, such as Apple’s noise-canceling earbuds and Meta's new glasses. Tune in for a mix of humor, personal stories, and insightful political commentary. 

Kenice Mobley - Kenice performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She’s been featured as one of Vulture’s Comedians You Should and WiIll Know, performed at the Netflix is A Joke Festival as part of the taped show “Introducing….”, and premiered her solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Kenice worked on the BET Awards, By Us For Us (Color of Change),  and the Creators Program at Comedy Central.  She hosted Complexify on ViceNews, the Love About Town podcast, and Make Yourself Cry.

Von Decarlo is a New York-bred stand-up comedian, producer, writer, and actress who has appeared in worldwide ad campaigns and national commercials for Disney, GNC, Match, and Carnival Cruise lines. She performed in Montreal for Kevin Hart's LOL Network as well as the Lil' Rel and Friends show at the Just For Laughs comedy festival, and most recently in Australia for the Human Kind Festival. Additional appearances include HBO's Pause with Sam Jay, Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks on Tru TV and HBO Max, CNN's year-end wrap-up special, The Jerry O'Connell Show on FOX, BET, BuzzFeed, The Breakfast Club, Angela Yee's Lip Service, Sirius XM’s Urban View and NBA channel, In Godfrey We Trust Podcast, and more. Von Decarlo is the Executive Producer of the documentary Killing Is Easy on Comedy Central as well as the producer of three posthumous comedy albums, Mr. P, Unreleased, and The Lost Files. Her debut comedy album, A Draggable Offense, is available on all major platforms, and can be heard on the She So Funny and Laugh Out Loud radio stations on Sirius XM. Look out for Von Decarlo in the upcoming RomCom, Switch Up, and in the indie film, Salesman, currently on Amazon Prime.  

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

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 Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live.

Kaneez Surka has produced and performed in her Netflix Special, 'Ladies Up', Netflix's 'Comedy Premium League,' and Amazon Prime Video's Improv specials, 'Something From Nothing' and 'Improv All Stars - Games Night.' Kaneez is also known for her comedic acting. Her short film, 'The Shaila(s)' was selected for the Voot Select Film Festival.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

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's Creative Loafing named her the Critic's Choice Best Stand-Up in the city. She has toured nationally with Amy Schumer and is a featured comic at festivals and clubs across the country. Her first stand up special aired in October 2018 as part of Unprotected Sets on EPIX. Mia has appeared on NickMom's Night Out, Viceland, Comedy Central's This Week at the Comedy Cellar and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Her Comedy Central half hour special debuted in November 2019.

Akeem Woods is the funny little brother you always (never) wanted — his comedy style will have you on the edge of your seat reeling from laughter! No topic is safe from discussion, whether it be the KKK or the hardships of growing up poor. Akeem is a regular at the Comedy Cellar in NYC, was a semi-finalist on Stand Up NBC, has been seen on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, and just recently made his television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden! Currently, you can find Akeem working on a new show for BET and at clubs and colleges all over the country.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

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, disparities in healthcare, and a shocking revelation about music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs' criminal activities. The discussion concludes with anecdotes about childhood curiosity, discipline, and the importance of autonomy from an early age. Always hosted by Marina Franklin.

Abbi Crutchfield has been seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on TBS, Broad City on Comedy Central, and she hosted You Can Do Better on TruTV. Her jokes on Twitter are consistently featured on best of lists by publications such as Paste Magazine and The Huffington Post. She has trained at the renowned Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre, taught at the People’s Improv Theater, and she tours nationally with her stand-up.

 Jenny Saldaña is an award winning playwright, actor and comedian. She is also a 17 year breast cancer survivor and advocate. 

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

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 to shed light on the broader history of race and conservative philanthropy while examining current racial and educational policies.

Dr. Donna J. Nicol Dr. Donna J. Nicol, Associate Dean of Personnel and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and professor of history at California State University Long Beach, brings her extensive background in educational studies and African American studies to her roles. Her research delves into race, conservative philanthropy, U.S. higher education, and the history of African American women’s educational activism, with published works in notable journals and contributions to documentaries, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and social awareness. Dr. Donna J. Nicol’s new book and biography  : Black Woman on Board sheds light on the remarkable achievements of Dr. Claudia H. Hampton. And chronicles the life of Hampton, the California State University (CSU) system's inaugural Black woman trustee, who later became the board's first female chair. Over two decades (1974–1994), Hampton spearheaded a relentless campaign to establish and protect affirmative action policies within California's public higher education system. More than a biography, this book gives readers a number of practical strategies for how to enact sly civility in the workplace and beyond. 

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

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, Writer, radio personality, Keith Price is a dynamic and diverse comic energy who brings every aspect of himself to the stage for the purpose of laughter and understanding.   He was the first out, African-American personality on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.  He produces and performs in comedy shows in and outside of New York City.  He also is the host and executive producer of his own podcast, Keith Price’s Curtain Call available on Broadway World,  ITunes, Google Play Music, as well as, MOCHAA with Bobby Rivers   Being the first generation American son of Honduran immigrants, growing up gay in Texas, and seeking comedic glory in NYC is enough for any sitcom.  His first one man show, EBONY CHUNKY LOVE: Bitch Can’t Get a Date!” is the subject of an award winning documentary of the same name.  His follow up second show, Heartaches and Hardons, was a circuit hit, and he is currently working on the 3rd installment of Ebony Chunky Love. 

Vanessa Fraction is a talented and hilarious comedian, actress, and writer who has made her mark in various forms of entertainment. She can currently be heard as a co-host on the Nappy Boy Radio Podcast hosted by Tpain and seen in the movie Praise This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barber Shop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

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 and Daisy promoting her book tour, leaving you inspired to drive change and stay hopeful.

Daisy Auger-Domínguez is a global leader, speaker, author, and workplace strategist. With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out. Described as a calming and invigorating voice, Daisy prioritizes people and culture as a winning strategy.

Her advisory firm, Auger-Domínguez Ventures, bridges the gap between how organizations should work and how they actually work through fractional CPO engagements, coaching, virtual and in-person keynotes, and interactive workshops. She also advises startup and venture technology companies that are building a better future of work, helping founders create impactful and lasting solutions. Her books, Inclusion Revolution and the forthcoming Burnt Out to Lit Up * offer actionable strategies for building inclusive workplaces and revitalizing leadership practices.

A dynamic storyteller, Daisy's insights have been featured at TEDx and in publications, including the Harvard Business Review and Forbes. Her contributions have earned her accolades, such as being named one of Hispanic Executive's Top 10 Leaders and one of People en Español's 25 Most Powerful Women. Daisy actively shapes the future from her position on the Board of Trustees at Bucknell University and is based in Brooklyn, NY.

Zainab Johnson  is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer quickly being propelled as one of the most unique and engaging performers on stage and screen.  Zainab is currently a series regular on the Amazon Original hit series titled "Upload" from Greg Daniels and stars in her very first One Hour Comedy Special "Hijabs Off" premiering worldwide October 24th only on Amazon Prime video.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

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 Award, and NAACP Image Award.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch, as well as in NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning, and the New York Comedy Festival. Nonye made her acting debut in The Sympathy Card, now available for streaming on Vudu, Apple, Amazon, and Google Play

Troy A. LaRaviere is an American school administrator, educator and current President of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association. Prior to assuming his role as president, LaRaviere served as a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) principal. He began his teacher career at CPS in 1997. LaRaviere received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Illinois. LaRaviere served in the United States Navy in the late 80's. LaRaviere advocates for Progressivism, and has appeared in ads for Bernie Sanders and was a candidate for the 2019 Chicago mayoral election.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf

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 recently in the 2021 NYC Web Fest where she was nominated as Best Actress. Hollie was a semi-finalist in the 2019 NBC Standup Competition and has been featured on NY1, and in Black Enterprise Magazine, Thrive Global, Confessional Magazine and Black San Diego Magazine. Her popular sketch comedy show AMERICAN CANDY has played the Comic Strip, Gotham Comedy Club, BAM Café as well as the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Time Out Chicago named them one of the five groups to watch. Hollie is a regular host for West Side Comedy Club in NYC and works with Gold Comedy and Stand Up Girls, two programs that empower young women by teaching them standup comedy. She was recently the talent coordinator and casting for “Blood Lassi” on Spotify, written by Pratima Mani, and moderated the panel for the Emmy Award winning, WOC editing team of Black Lady Sketch Show for The Black TV and Film Collective. She is also the Creative Consultant for the very successful Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.

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 conducted teacher trainings in the U.S., Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa, Bahrain, and Egypt. Dr. Mawhinney is Professor of Urban Education and Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Academic Initiatives at Rutgers University-Newark. As a secret artist, she applies her craft of visual-based approaches to her research and scholarship on the recruitment and retention of teachers of Color.

Michele Thompkins - Michele, the host, was driven to start the podcast, 'Talk To Me Michele Podcast', by her passion for great conversations and laughter. As a comedy junkie and lover of great conversations, she sought to create a platform where she could share her interests and connect with others on a deeper level. Her experiences as an autism mom further fueled her desire to foster a supportive and engaging community.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.