Friendslikeus

This week on Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with comedic powerhouse Jackie Fabulous! Very funny lady Vanessa Fraction and I talk about her new special, "You Can Leave," now streaming on Hulu. Don't miss these laughs!  Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, actress and writer who's been featured four times on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON and has appeared on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT ALL-STARS. Jackie was named one of Variety's TOP 10 TO WATCH in 2024. Jackie also received the honor of having her name added to the wall of legends at The Comedy Store in 2024. In addition to her television appearances Jackie's hilarious and affable stand-up can be seen across the country as well as internationally. Her special YOU CAN LEAVE is available on HULU now. 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 T

Marina Franklin host a brand new Friends Like Us with Jenny Saldaña and Kimberly Clark!  We spill hilarious and heartfelt dating stories, just in time for Valentine's Day! Jenny Saldaña is a writer, actress, and stand-up comedian and a Breast Cancer Rock STAR and all around hotness. She wrote, produced and starred in Happy Cancer Chick, a web series inspired by her own battle with breast cancer. She recently appeared in HBO's High Maintenance. Her video series, The Little Brown Girl Show can be found on Youtube and Facebook Live. She will be appearing as part of the Black Women In Comedy Laff Festival  live show at the Grisly Pear, Desperate Digital Dating Diary Kimberly Clark: Originally from Syracuse, NY. She's been seen on Netflix's Tiffany Haddish presents: They Ready, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Last Comic Standing. She was named one of Time Out L.A.'s Comics To Watch. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last

This week, host Marina Franklin has a powerful conversation with Janus Adams and Sami Beason on Friends Like Us as we explore Harriet Tubman's entrepreneurial spirit and how it can guide us today. An episode you can't miss for Black History Month! Janus Adams: The creator of Harriet Tubman's "A Way Out of No Way" Day, Dr. Adams is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, historian, and the author of eleven books including Sister Days: 365 Inspired Moments in African American Women's History. Her work focuses on history, race, and courage; stories that heal and empower. She hosts public radio's The Janus Adams Show and podcast. Go to: https://www.wayoutofnoway.info/ Sami Beason is a rising comedy talent from Denver, celebrated for their quick wit, authentic storytelling, and constant giggle. In 2024, they took home the Best of Fest award at the Colorado Springs Festival and now has a special on YouTube called "First Gen" through open bar. Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female

Wondering how dating apps compare to thrift shopping? So did we! Host Marina Franklin talks with Zainab Johnson and Kenice Mobley on our latest episode of Friends Like Us as we navigate the amusing world of dating, autism awareness, and everything in between. Listen now for your daily dose of laughter!  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. Kenice Mobley performs stand up comedy around the world and recently made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She appears regularly on SiriusXM and is a Finalist in the StandUp NBC Competition. She was named to Vulture's 2021 list of Comedians You Should and Will Know. Kenice's debut comedy album Follow Up

Tune in for an insightful episode where Marina Franklin discusses black men's health, comedy, and the power of community with guests Guy Torry and Nonye Brown-West. Guy Torry is an actor and comedian known for his role in the film American History X and as the creator of the acclaimed docuseries Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy.  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 Michell

Host Marina Franklin takes a deep dive into the future of AI with Justin Feinstein's new book, "Your Behavior Will Be Monitored," and the hilarious Sami Beason! Tune in to our latest episode for laughs, insights, and more. Justin Feinstein is a writer and storyteller across multiple media. Available now for pre-order: "Your Behavior Will Be Monitored" is Justin's debut specu-lative novel about a reckless AI company racing towards a launch, published by Tachyon Publications. The official release is in April 2026. Justin is also an essayist and culture writer and has written about jazz for the Associated Press, about the UFC for VICE, and about being a celebrity doppelgänger for Salon. His work as an advertising copywriter and creative director has received accolades from the New York Times, Adweek, and BuzzFeed. Justin works as an editor and writing coach and is an instructor for the Sackett Street Writers' Workshop. He was a Berklee-trained profes-sional hand percussionist in a past life and performed, record

How do you handle winter blues? Join host Marina Franklin, Vanessa Fraction and Holie Harper as we talk holiday cheer, money-saving hacks, and controversial documentaries that will keep you talking. 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 Comed

Marina Franklin reflects on a year full of incredible guests, heartfelt discussions, and important advocacy work. Whether you're a longtime listener or new, there's something here for everyone. Happy Holidays, and here's to a bright 2026! 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. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch

Dive into a compelling discussion on embracing vulnerability, caregiving, and the complex relationships we have with our mothers. Join Marina Franklin and her incredible guests, Angela Nissel and Charla Lauriston, for a powerful episode.  Angela Nissel is an author and television writer-producer best known for her comedic memoirs *The Broke Diaries* and *Mixed*, as well as her work on TV shows like *Scrubs* and *Mixed-ish*. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania before co-founding the music site Okayplayer with Questlove. After the success of her books, The Broke Diaries: The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a Good Girl Gone Broke and Mixed: My Life in Black and White, she became a prominent writer and producer. She has a new memoir, *Good Grief, Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead*, focusing on caring for her terminally ill mother and the humor and heartbreak of grief. Pre-order sales available now. Charla Lauriston is a comedian, TV writer (Grand Crew, Unbre

Friends have a powerful conversation about "The Cost Of Healing In Silence" with Marina Franklin and guests Ashley McGirt and Nonye Brown-West on the latest episode. Ashley McGirt is a psychotherapist,TEDxinternational speaker, author, and the founder and CEO of theTherapy Fund Foundation, a nonprofit focused on eliminating barriers to mental health care in Black and historically excluded communities. She specializes in trauma, racial trauma, leadership, healthequity, mental health, and self-care. Ashley holds a Master of Social Work from the University ofWashington and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology,operating a private practice where she addresses racial trauma, depression, and anxiety. Featured in Forbes, MSNBC, and HuffPost, Ashley also serves as the NAACP State Area Conference Health Chair. Through her speeches, workshops, and consultations,she empowers individuals and organizations to unpack emotional burdens, prioritize self-care, and foster healing and equity. Her forthcoming book, The Cost of Hea

This Friends Like Us Podcast, Host Marina Franklin talks with Leeanet Noble  and Lauretta Noble about rich narratives and legacy embedded in their new book:  'BLACK, WHITE, COLORED: The Hidden History of an Insurrection, a Southern Town, and Identity in America.' Join me in conversation with its passionate authors. Lauretta Malloy Noble is a critically acclaimed performer, writer, vocalist, musician, and producer. She studied psychology, music and liberal arts extensively at Howard University and holds a BSc degree. She is certified in Genealogy Research from the University of Strathclyde and in film making and script writing from The National Film and Television School. BLACK, WHITE, COLORED: The Hidden History of an Insurrection, a Southern Town, and Identity in America (on sale November 18, 2025; Amistad) is an absorbing investigation into a little-known historical tragedy—an insurrection at the turn of the twentieth century which upended post-Reconstruction gains made by Black residents in a small North C

This week, host Marina Franklin is joined by Von Decarlo and Ant Pruitt, and we discuss life, faith and finding purpose at every age. Von's new book, 'Fine Over Fifty' is not just a book title; it's a vibe!  Von Decarlo is an introspective stand-up comedian and entertainment professional who has transformed a life of hardship into purpose. From Clairton, Pennsylvania, to a thriving career in New York City, she is known for her bold humor and unshakable authenticity. A graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Von uses her platform to inspire inner strength—often declaring that even in the hardest times, with faith, you will be fine.  With her new book Fine Over Fifty, she aims to reshape the narrative around aging from one of fear and shame to power and purpose. Ant Pruitt Ant Former IT guy from back in the day. Now a freelance photographer and content creator that has more recently spent more time in front of the camera as a model and commercial actor. antpruitt.com Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One

This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks to Nourbese Flint and Leighann Lord about the battle for reproductive justice and community building.  Nourbese Flint  is President of All* Above All and All* In All Action Fund, leading All* Above All's work to achieve abortion justice and build the political power of voters of color.  She previously served as Vice President of Strategy. Prior to coming to All* Above All, she was the Senior Director of Black Engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she worked on the strategic partnership to strengthen Planned Parenthood's relationships within existing racial justice, reproductive justice, Black serving and civil rights organizations. Before coming east, Nourbese served as the founding Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness Action Project, the first Black women's reproductive justice 501c4 organization in the country, and successfully led campaign efforts to get progressive candidates into office. She also served as policy director

Host Marina Franklin and young star Nonye Brown-West talk with Allie Redhorse Young as they celebrate Native American Heritage Month. They discuss the siginficance of preserving cultural narratives like cowgirl culture!   Allie Redhorse Young is a powerhouse Diné organizer, storyteller, and founder of Protect the Sacred, where she's educating and empowering the next generation of Native youth and allies to lead with courage and sovereignty. Through Protect the Sacred, she's registered thousands of Native voters, mobilized young people to the polls on horseback and skateboards, and turned grassroots action into national movements with the backing of cultural icons. Her work shines a light on the ways Indigenous communities carry democracy and cultural survival when federal systems fall short. As both a storyteller and organizer, Allie is building Native power and representation that will last for the next seven generations. Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has bee

October, we're spotlighting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with powerful stories of resilience and advocacy. Tune in to hear from Marina Franklin's incredible friends Jenny Saldana and Christina Bernard as we discuss survival, hope, and healthcare challenges. Christina Bernard, a stage 4 cancer thriver, chaplain, and motivational speaker, utilizes her global platform to convert pain into purpose and empowerment. She enables women to overcome adversity by embracing resilience, faith, and the healing power of love, advocating for emotional wellness, spiritual growth, and hope during life's most trying moments. Christina's life journey extends beyond survival, and she inspires others to thrive with purpose. Her book/journal, Conversations as We Pray for Your Healing, available on Amazon, features profound conversations and biblical principles to guide individuals through challenging times. Jenny Saldaña is a writer, actress, and stand-up comedian and a Breast Cancer Rock STAR and all around hotness. She wrote, pr

Join Marina Franklin on the latest Friends Like Us podcast with special guests Jon Laster & Marlon Nichols as they dive into the world of venture capital, diversity in tech, and the untapped potential in Africa. Don't miss this insightful episode!  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. Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and managing general partner of MaC Venture Capital, a leading seed-stage firm renowned for backing visionary founders who redefine industries. Under his leadership, MaC has grown into one of North America’s largest seed-stage venture firms, surpassing $600 million in assets under management (AUM). In October 2024, the firm announced the closing of its third fund ($150 million), further solidifying its influence in the earl

This Friends Like Us, join your host Marina Franklin, Shang Forbes, and Hollie Harper. They weave humor into today’s most pressing topics - Like, is Marjorie Taylor Green not so Maga anymore? Tune in now for laughs and insights. SHANG, a transplanted New Yorker whose carefully nurtured evolution from stand-up comedy to socio-political satire gives heavy flight to the spoken and outspoken word. SHANG has been seen on CBS’S The Late Late Show 2X BET's Comic View Grand Stand Winner HBO 's Def Jam & Def Poetry, Gotham LIVE, STARZ 1st Amendment, Si TV, Mun2 Comics Unleashed, Comedy Central’s Jamie Foxx Laffapaloolza ,Premium Blend &  Gotham Comedy LIVE. Shang Also Has Guest Starred On NBC’S “Heroes”, CBS’S “CSI” & NCIS & Shang recently Co-starred for Honda their Commercial Campaign & the Movie “Devine Intervention” & “Trunked!” Check out his Amazon Prime comedy special, 'SHANG is SHANGRY! LIVE IN NEW YORK'. It's the comedian That if you don't know, Now you know. Shang is not angry he’s SHAN

 Dive into comedic genius with Keith Robinson and Ian Edwards on the latest episode of "Friends Like Us." Don't miss their hilarious takes and Ian's new comedy special "Untitled" on YouTube! Keep those laughs coming!  Ian Edwards is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, recognized for his sharp wit, dark humor, and provocative content. His new special “Untitled” is available on YouTube. Untitled” is Ian Edwards at his sharpest — taking on everything from gender reveals and Michael Jackson to racism in tech, missing submarines, and why hotels will never be sh*t. Filmed with raw honesty and amazing timing, this special proves why Ian has been one of the most respected voices in stand-up for decades. Ian released a stand-up special titled IanTalk: Ideas Not Worth Spreading on Comedy Central, produced by Bill Burr. His television appearances include multiple spots on Conan, Bill Burr’s Friends Who Kill on Netflix, and Friends From College on Netflix. Keith Robinson: Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Keith

 This week on Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with Memo Salazar and Lorre Fisher.  We dive into the new, reimagined Hamilton! Discover the untold stories and truths behind the legendary figure through a powerful hip-hop lens. Tune in for insightful discussions and revolutionary perspectives!  Lorre Fisher is a Jamaican-born NY resident. She is an aspiring creative and community builder. She is excited to play the role of James Madison in this production.  She was a part of the October 2022 cast of A Sketch of New York as well as a cast member in a local production of The Vagina Monologues in 2019.  As an admitted attorney, she seeks ways to integrate her love of art with her penchant for human rights and liberation. Memo Salazar is a Mexican-born DGA director, writer, and activist… and a longtime resident of Queens, New York. As a director, his work ranges from Public Enemy music videos to Elmo tackling homelessness on Sesame Street. He has collaborated with theoretical physicist Brian Greene on a

Dive into laughter as host Marina Franklin talks with Keisha "TK" Dutes and Kimberly Clark ! From game show antics to serious social talks, this episode brings both heart and humor.   Keisha “TK” Dutes is a multidisciplinary creative, audio veteran, and community builder. She is the founder of Philo’s Future Media, where she helps producers bring stories to life with intention and authenticity, and serves as co-President of the board of the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR). A passionate educator and advocate for creative expression, TK’s work centers on healing, truth-telling, and expanding the possibilities of what audio can be. Beyond the mic, she’s an extreme hobbyist and visual artist—immersed in playful, ever-evolving creative pursuits that keep her rooted in joy. Her current project is The Secret Life Of TK Dutes Podcast.  Learn more at tastykeish.com  Kimberly Clark - Originally from Syracuse, NY. She's been seen on Netflix's Tiffany Haddish presents: They Ready, The Late Late Show with James