Friends Like Us

Friends Like Us

A podcast featuring women of color with different views on topics hosted by Marina Franklin.

Episodes

October 15, 2025 65 mins

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 ...

Mark as Played

 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 Edwar...

Mark as Played

 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. S...

Mark as Played

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-Preside...

Mark as Played

On this Friends Like Us, I talk with both Erica Switzer and Nnenna Freelon about the improvisation of grief.

Experience the powerful stories behind Nnenna Freelon's album "Beneath The Skin" and her upcoming book "Beneath The Skin Of Sorrow." Pre-order the book now and get the album today! Don't miss out on these soulful insights into art and grief. 

Nnenna Freelon is a celebrated jazz vocalist, composer, produc...

Mark as Played

This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with Hollie Harper and Chanel Ali about Chanel's new solo show 'Relative Stranger'! They dive deep into her story of triumph over adversity. Tune into today's podcast to hear her inspiring journey and get your tickets to see the show!

You know Chanel Ali from Netflix's Dash and Lily or her time on MTV's Girl Code. Originally from Philly, her storyteller-like style and co...

Mark as Played

We worked our tails off!" This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin is unpacking the power of black women in shaping democracy and communities with Mia Jackson & Dr. Christina Greer on. It's not just a conversation—it's a movement. 

Dr. Christina Greer is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University, Lincoln Center (Manhattan) c...

Mark as Played

Host Marina Franklin dives into a world of comedy, politics, and personal experiences with comedians Subhah Agarwal and Kaneez Surka. Get insights on egg freezing, political ebbs, Kaneez Surka's new comedy special on youtube and more. 

Kaneez Surka - Check out her new special on YouTube: I Found My People. Kaneez has produced and performed in Netflix Special, 'Ladies Up', Netflix's 'Comedy Premium League,' and Amazon P...

Mark as Played

Dive into a fun thought-provoking discussions on race, gender, and the evolving comedy scene with the latest episode of Friends Like Us. Join Marina Franklin, Vanessa Fraction, and Pete Dominick for laughs and insights!

Pete Dominick -For almost 12 years, Pete was the host of a daily three-hour live radio show on SIRIUSXM, “Stand Up with Pete Dominick”. The show welcomed 3-4 expert guests on a broad range of issues and...

Mark as Played

Host Marina Franklin has an insightful conversation with Professor Tracie Canada and Ashima Franklin on the experiences of black college football players and their moms. Listen to our latest episode to understand the untold stories behind the sport. 

Tracie Canada: Tracie Canada is the Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University. She is the author of Tackling the Everyday: Race and ...

Mark as Played

Curious about what every woman needs to know before making health decisions? Check out your host, Marina Franklin's discussion with Dr. Kameelah Phillips on her book "The Empowered Hysterectomy" and Nonye Brown-West as we explore comprehensive health advocacy on Friends Like Us! 

Dr. Kameelah Phillips: is a Board-Certified OB-Gyn with years of experience in Women’s Health and patient advocacy. In all her work, she embodies the inte...

Mark as Played

This week: From comedy to the world of dating apps—join your amazing host Marina Franklin and comedian Akeem Woods on 'Friends Like Us' as they discuss the ins and outs of Grindr and more! It's a fun one! 

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 ...

Mark as Played

On this Friends Like Us... Ever wondered about the impact of AI on media or the hidden history of our college institutions?  Listen to my conversation with Kenice Mobley and Kimberly Clark, as we tackle topics and give our guests their flowers!  Give it a listen and spread the word!  

Kimberly ...

Mark as Played

On this Friends Like Us, Marina Franklin talks with Hollie Harper and Von Decarlo about empowering young girls through stand-up comedy.  They take a deep dive into how humor can be a tool for confidence and self-expression. 

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...

Mark as Played

On this Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin chats with talented comedians Chanel Ali and Brandon Collins! They talk about comedy, the Drunk Black History tour, and the significance of Juneteenth. Tune in for a dose of humor and education!

Brandon Collins is a versatile screenwriter, comedian and podcaster who has performed at the SXSW and New York Comedy Festival, and has had appearances in various MTV, VH1, and Max ...

Mark as Played

Ready to break through mental barriers? Tune into our latest episode with Courtney A. Seard as we dive into mindset shifts, empowerment, and beating the odds! Featuring funny friend Nonye Brown-West.

Courtney A. Seard : With over 20 years of experience in the most innovative mind sciences and a firsthand story of resilience after a near-fatal accident, Courtney has worked with the world’s leading startups and Fortune 500 companies ...

Mark as Played

This Friends Like Us, Host Marina Franklin and Vanessa Fraction talk with Damon Young, Author of his new book: That's How They Get You" . It sparks a thoughtful conversation on teeth, black comedy, and the power of humor.

Pittsburgh writer DAMON YOUNG’s debut memoir, What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays (Ecco), won the Thurber Prize for American Humor. A founder of the culture blog Very Smart Brothas and crea...

Mark as Played

On Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin dives deep into critical discussions on black maternal health with the incredible Dr. Wylin D. Wilson and comedian Ashima Franklin. Empower yourself with knowledge, laughter, and inspiration! 

Wylin D. Wilson is Associate Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke Divinity School where she teaches Womanist Bioethics within the Theology Medicine and Culture program. She...

Mark as Played

Friends Like Us celebrates Malcolm X's  100th birthday! Join host Marina Franklin as she talks with Tamara Payne and Troy LaRaviere as they discuss the impact of his teachings and how they resonate today. Tune in and be inspired!  Tamara Payne sheds light on her father Les Payne's groundbreakin...

Mark as Played

 This Friends Like Us, Marina Franklin and Hollie Harper chat with the incredible Sumer Strawbree, a 15-year-old CEO inspiring young girls with her empowering coloring books and confidence-building affirmations! 

Sumer Strawbree, is a 15 year old speaker, author and affirmations authority. She helps girls unleash the power of positive "I Am" affirmat...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.