A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai Quartey

A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai Quartey

Hosted by journalist, educator, and KBLA Talk 1580 Chief National Affairs analyst, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, “A More Perfect Union” promises to deliver national news of consequence, informed opinion, and analysis beyond the headlines. Every Sunday you can expect compelling content carefully curated by Dr. Nii-Quartelai, an “Oprah” show alumni and Washington D.C. insider with L.A. street credibility as an advocate, organizer, and changemaker.

Episodes

Talking U.S. Politics with Author of "Don't Talk About Politics"

August 13, 2025 • 41 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Don't Talk About Politics' Author Sarah Stein Lubrano about what she calls a democracy in crisis becuase we're clinging to the myth that talking about politics changes people's minds. Listen to her research insights and argument for an altertnative way to effect the political landscape. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to n...
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MVAAFF Exclusive: Actor Courtney B. Vance & Bassett Vance Productions' President

August 12, 2025 • 44 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Bassett Vance Productions President Lynnette Ramirez ahead of their much anticipated Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival panel titled "The Business of Storytelling: Producing and Directing for Multiple Platforms." Later, Dr. Quartey is joined by Actor Courtney B. Vance to talk pour into this conversation as a celebrated artist and producer. Plus listen to him talk about the conversation h...
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"Lawless" Author and Courageous Texas Lawmaker Cautions the Nation

August 1, 2025 • 41 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Leah Litman, Author of "Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes." Listen to her take on the Trump Administration's relentless assault on federal agencies, more than 150,000 federal workers who have accepted Trump's resignation incentives, and why every American should care. Later we tap into our conversation with Texas State Representative Christia...
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Tony Award Winning Actor Wendell Pierce on What’s New, Now, Next

July 31, 2025 • 42 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Tony Award Winning Actor Wendell Pierce to talk about why he thinks “The Wire” shouldn’t come back, how his ownership of WBOK-AM in New Orleans helped him prepare for his role in the new “Superman” blockbuster film, plus listen to him offer his take on the politics shaping the state of the media industry and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast pow...
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Not Your Typical Martha's Vineyard Story: A Native American Perspective

July 30, 2025 • 51 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Nothing More of This Land" Author Joseph Lee to talk about his sweeping exploration of Indigenous identity, weaving in the story of his own family from the beaches of Martha's Vineyard to Alaska to Northern California, the halls of the United Nations and beyond. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Ca...
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"The Life Coach," Healing, and Black Masculinity

July 29, 2025 • 41 mins
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "The Life Coach" Writer, Director, Producer Patricia Bebia to talk about relationship between Black masculinity, leadership, what inspired her directorial debut, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk ab...
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Immigration Expert on Dropped Cases Against L.A. Protestors & More

July 29, 2025 • 40 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Immigration Lawyer Allen Orr, Founder of Orr Immigration Law to talk about dropped cases against L.A. Protestors, what it says about competence of federal prosecutors, and impact of ICE raids on L.A. Workers. Listen to his take on Black Americans moving abroad and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an epi...
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Why NYC Sanctuary City Policy, SCOTUS Voting Rights Pause & Open WI Gov. Race Matters

July 25, 2025 • 36 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Social Change Executive Director and Civil Rights Attorney Todd Belcore to separate the fact from fiction on new Trump lawsuit challenging NYC sanctuary city policy and SCOTUS emergency decision on voting rights. Later listen to us talk about why Gov. Tony Evers decision to not run for a third term matters and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast p...
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America's Public Safety & Defund Public Education Revolution Hits Youngstown, Ohio

July 24, 2025 • 42 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Mayor Tito Brown of Youngstown, Ohio to talk separate fact from fiction on-on-the-ground when it comes to national public safety trends. Listen to his take on impacts to public education in Ohio and beyond if veto override by Ohio Republicans seeking to provide property tax relief is successful. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1...
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Remembering Theo Huxtable + Unforgettable Hunter Biden Interview

July 23, 2025 • 40 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by AMPU Political Contributor & Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University Dr. Jonathan Collins. Together they remember the enduring legacy of Malcolm Jamal-Warner and the politics of his timeless character Theo Huxtable. Later listen to them react to Hunter Biden unload on Democratic Party elite and share his true feelings about Kamala Harris. Download the KBLA app to listen live an...
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CLINT: THE MAN AND THE MOVIES

July 18, 2025 • 39 mins
In our first hour, author and cultural historian Shawn Levy sits down with Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey to talk about his new book, CLINT: THE MAN AND THE MOVIES, an honest look at the life and legacy of Clint Eastwood, who just turned 95. Known for his powerful biographies of Paul Newman, Jerry Lewis, and Robert De Niro, Levy shares what it takes to really understand a Hollywood legend.
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Setting the Stage: Why Governor Wes Moore Matters

July 10, 2025 • 41 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by AMPU Political Contributor & Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University Dr. Jonathan Collins. Together they discuss the politics of some of the days biggest headlines and talk about why Maryland Governor Wes Moore Matters as America’s only sitting Black Governor while Black America endures a cascade of attacks by a hostile Administration. Dr. Quartey even answers some of Dr. Colli...
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A Powerful Voice Reshaping Black Masculinity

July 1, 2025 • 39 mins
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by the Founder & Executive Director of the Black Emotional and Mental (BEAM) Health Collective, Yolo Akili Robinson. Learn about how this award-winning leader is building a national network of care in collaboration with grassroots organizations on the frontlines. He is a powerful voice reshaping how Black men think about care, healing, masculinity, and more. Download the KBLA app t...
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Iran Cease-Fire: Separating Facts from the Fictions

June 26, 2025 • 38 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Democratic Strategist & Former South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Isaac Wilson and Former White House Fellow William Godwin to glean latest analysis on US airstrikes in Iran, White House handling of the political fallout, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners...
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Former U.S. State Dept. Aide on Trump's Africa Strategy & Iran

June 21, 2025 • 38 mins
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice and Co-Founder of The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice, Desiree Cormier Smith. Listen to her take on President Trump's emerging Africa strategy, potential U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran conflict, and Former U.N. Ambassador's "Dolly Parton Approach." Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Per...
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Actor Ed Begley, Jr. on "Don't Tell Larry" Film & Remembering Mother Emanuel

June 20, 2025 • 44 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actor Ed Begley, Jr. to talk about his new film "Don't Tell Larry" coming out on Amazon and Apple on June 20th. Plus listen to his vision for a more perfect union. Later we remember the lives of the Mother Emanuel families and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and...
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Immigration Law Expert on ICE Raids & Knowing Your Rights

June 18, 2025 • 42 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Immigration Lawyer Allen Orr to react to latest news on ICE raids and President Trump's latest additions to travel ban (spoiler alert 25 African countries are at risk). Listen to guidance from Allen to know your rights. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners -...
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Homelessness: How ICE Raids & Mass Deportation Make Matters Worse

June 16, 2025 • 47 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Author and Founder of the National Homelessness Law Center Maria Foscarinis to talk about her new book "And Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America." But first we get her reaction to the ICE raids in Los Angeles and other cities across America. Listen to her take on how these raids make addressing homelessness more complicated and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscr...
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Deploying L.A. School Police, Can Only Mean Kids Are Not Alright

June 10, 2025 • 43 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by KBLA Political Analyst & Columbia University Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Jonathan Collins. Listen to Professor Collins weigh-in on Los Angeles School Superintendent's decision to deploy school police to set up safe zones around campuses and graduations amid ICE raids, what L.A. Mayor Karen Bass told me about the matter, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "...
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Father of Famed Internet Twins on Fight for Custody

June 9, 2025 • 41 mins
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Jerron Hurtts, Sr. to talk about his continued fight for custody of his twin boys who became internet famous when he posted family videos that went viral. The court said his viral social media post amounted to child exploitation. He says the Court has it wrong as it does for many fathers fighting for their parental rights. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" po...
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