Reimagining Hamilton: A Journey Through Art, Activism, and Community
Release Date: 09/24/2025
Friends Like Us
Host Marina Franklin talks with new friend Jenny Hagel and Nonye Brown-West as they talk about Jenny's new book, "Advice No One Asked For." It's a fun episode for these stressful times. Don't miss it! Jenny Hagel is an Emmy-nominated TV writer and comedy performer in New York. She is a writer/performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, where she created the recurring segment Jokes Seth Can't Tell – which New York Magazine called “the best segment in late night.” Jenny also served as Head Writer/Executive Producer of The Amber Ruffin Show. Other writing credits include the Golden...
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Apologize for Previous audio- We have updated and corrected so you can enjoy! This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with the insightful Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, discussing her new book “Rise and Resist”—a revolutionary take on workplace tactics! Plus, don’t miss the dynamic energy of young comedian Sami Beason. Dr. Janice Z. Gassam Asare is a PhD-trained organizational psychologist, LinkedIn #1 Top Voice, award-winning Forbes senior contributing writer with 500+ articles, and 2x TEDx speaker, she equips workplaces with the tools and strategies to advance equity...
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In this episode of Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley on everything from winter sports to the wild world of reality TV. It's a lively discussion filled with humor, insight, and all the laughs you need! 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...
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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...
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info_outlineThis 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 Ted Talk, won 3 Emmy awards, and produced an animated series for Rohingya refugee children exiled from their home country of Burma. As an activist, he is a recipient of Arena’s Five Borough Future fellowship and the 2019 Queens Latinx leadership award for his community work. He is also the current co-chair of Western Queens CLT, which brings truly affordable housing and community-owned land to New York City..
Tickets to see Hamilton Oct. 22nd
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'.