Tavis Talks

Tavis Talks: Christopher Martin: "Play," from the famous comedy/hip hop duo "Kid N Play" tells Tavis Smiley about the new course he's about to teach at Delaware State University on the hip hop business. He's also produced a new documentary titled "Can Hip Hop Go To School?" The film debuts on November 9th at the Schomburg Center in New York.

Tavis Talks: Ann Lamott. Tavis Smiley has a warm conversation with old friend Ann Lamott, whose new book, "Stitches" is just out. It was written in response to the Newtown shootings and aims to help people comprehend such tragedies

Tavis Talks: The Wiley College Debate Team. Tavis Smiley interviews members members of the Wiley College  debate team, who were portrayed in the Denzel Washington movie "The Great Debaters." They were in Los Angeles recently for a rematch against their rivals, USC.

Tavis Talks: M Night Shyamalan. Tavis Smiley talks with the famed film director and screenwriter about his new book, "I Got Schooled." It's his first non fiction work, which outlines his ideas on improving the education system in the U.S.

In this week's Best of Tavis, hear how author L.A. Times music critic Robert Hilburn discovered more than he had bargained for when researching his new book on Johnny Cash. He also catches up with fellow Tavis Smiley Network host Kenneth Braswell about his trip to Ghana to promote literacy. Plus, Tavis chats to Ann Hampton Galloway about the importance of great TV theme tunes.

Tavis Talks: Kenneth Braswell. Tavis Smiley talks with fellow TSN host Kenneth Braswell about his recent trip to Ghana.

Tavis Talks:  Robert Hilburn. The longtime Los Angeles Times music critic and editor stops by Tavis's studio to discuss his new book, "Johnny Cash: The Life."

Tavis Talks: Kwam-Kwei Armah. Tavis Smiley in conversation with the writer of "Beneatha's Place," a sequel to Lorraine Hansberry's groundbreaking play "A Raisin In The Sun." A documentary on the play is airing on PBS.

Tavis Talks: Ann Hampton Callaway. From saloon singer to playing before the President, Tavis Smiley celebrates the career of this talented singer. Ann also tells Tavis about her latest project, a concert tour saluting Barbra Streisand.

This week Tavis launched his "Ending Poverty: America's Silent Spaces" campaign, and talks to Ginia Bellafante, the New York Times writer about food stamps and poverty in the city. Tavis also spoke with musician Christian McBride about an event being held at the Appollo Theatre in Harlem to honor James Brown.

Tavis Talks: David R. Jones. Tavis Smiley focuses on poverty in America, and his new initiative, titled "Ending Poverty: America's Silent Spaces" by interviewing David R. Jones, President of the Community Service Society of New York.

Tavis Talks: Chris Hill. Tavis Smiley continues his look at poverty in America by interviewing Chris Hill, Director of the Education and Law Project at the North Carolina Justice Center.

Tavis Talks: Ginia Bellafante. Tavis Smiley kicks off his new poverty initiative, titled "Ending Poverty: America's Silent Spaces" with an interview with New York Times writer Ginia Bellafante, who has written several scathing stories about poverty in New York City.

Tavis Talks: Christian McBride. Virtuoso bassist Christian McBride tells Tavis Smiley about the round table discussion he's moderating on the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.   Quote from McBride- "James Brown called me and said, "Mr. McBride, we got a problem." Christian McBride, on the time James Brown threatened to sue him.  

In this week's Best of Tavis Talks we hear from Vincent Bugliosi about the conspiracy theories behind the assassination of JFK almost 50 years ago.   Plus, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher discusses one of this country's biggest health concerns; gun violence.