Embracing Milestones: Von Decarlo and Ant Pruitt on Aging Gracefully
Release Date: 11/19/2025
Friends Like Us
Dive into financial empowerment with our latest episode! Join host Marina Franklin, Bola Sokunbi of Clever Girl Finance, and rising star Nonye Brown-West as they share insights on building wealth, resilience, and mindset. Don't miss it! Bola Sokunbi is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), investor, finance expert, speaker, podcaster, and bestselling author. She is the founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance, a platform launched in 2015 that has grown into one of the largest personal finance media and education platforms for women in the U.S. From the best selling author of Clever...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
This Friends Like Us, host Marina Franklin talks with funny ladies Chanel Ali and Hollie Harper about decline in city rats, comedy, and confronting uncomfortable truths! They share stories and laughs while addressing issues like family history and societal norms. Listen now! Hollie Harper is a South Jersey comedian/writer/actress. In 2021 she created and co-exec-produced Hella Late! with Hollie Harper on BRIC TV for which she was nominated for best actress at 2021's NYC Web Fest. She was a recent semi-finalist in the NBC Standup Competition, won Best Actress at 2024's Act One, One Act...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
Ready to spice up your relationship and learn how to be the ultimate partner? Join Friends Like Us as Jordan Carlos shares his dad wisdom from his new book: "Choreplay." Laugh along with the brilliant Nonye Brown-West and hosted by the one and only Marina Franklin! Jordan Carlos is a stand up comedian and actor based in New York. He recently starred in and wrote for the first season of Phoebe Robinson’s “Everything’s Trash” (Freeform). He has also written for “Divorce” (HBO), written and performed on “First Wives Club” (BET) and written/performed for “The Nightly Show With...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineFriends Like Us
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...
info_outlineThis 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 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