Friends Like Us

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

Like LeBron James - We Still Got It 08/05/2026

The Melody of History: Friends Talk With Emmy-Nominated Composer Kathryn Bostic 07/29/2026

The Melody of History: Friends Talk With Emmy-Nominated Composer Kathryn Bostic Host Marina Franklin chats with Emmy-nominated composer Kathryn Bostic & filmmaker Sharaé Nikai. Dive into their stories, career wisdom, and the power of community and vote for Kathryn for the World Soundtrack Awards. Kathryn Bostic - Award winning, Emmy nominated (The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat; Amy Tan-Unintended Memoir; Toni Morrison-The Pieces I Am) composer and singer-songwriter Kathryn Bostic is known for her original work on film,TV, Broadway and symphonic music. On Broadway, Bostic worked with iconic playwright August Wilson, creating the score for “Gem of the Ocean.” She also created the score for the Broadway production “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” featuring world renowned actor and comedian Robin Williams. She is a recipient of many awards and fellowships including the prestigious BMI “Streaming Media Award”; Hollywood Music in Media Award for “Best Score TV Streamed Movie”; Society of Composers and Lyricists “Outstanding Music for Independent Feature Film”; African American Film Critics Award for “Best Music in Film”; Sundance Time Warner Fellowship; Sundance Fellowship for Feature Film Scoring; and Sundance Documentary Film Scoring. Bostic served as Vice President for the Alliance of Women Film Composers. She is a member of Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, The Recording Academy, and Bostic is the first African American female composer in the Academy for Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Her end title song “High Above the Water” for the award winning film “Toni Morrison- The Pieces I Am” was Oscar shortlisted. Her work on Sarah’s Oil: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is up for the world sound track public choice award. You can vote for Kathryn at https://www.worldsoundtrackawards.com/. Sharaé Nikai - Against industry odds, Jersey City native Sharaé Nikai wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in her very first feature film, “The Other, Gold.” It is a heartfelt dramedy that follows a TV writer living in Little Tokyo as she navigates grief, isolation and the rekindling of a former BFF-ship. Out of 13,016 submissions, TOG was invited to world premiere as one of only 10 films in Tribeca’s US Narrative Competition. This acclaim led to Nikai being in consideration for the 2025 Oscars, Spirit Awards and Emmys in the Outstanding Television Movie, Directing & Lead Actress categories. It also makes her the first Black female quadruple threat (sole writer/producer, director & star) to qualify for the Academy Awards with no studio or major production company backing. As a producer, Sharaé secured an exclusive Mental Health Awareness partnership for “The Other, Gold” at FOX-owned Tubi and sponsorship for its launch by Women in Film (WIF) and The Entertainment Community Fund. In March 2026, “The Other, Gold” was released worldwide in celebration of Women’s History Month exclusively on Apple TV. In addition to TOG, Nikai appears in numerous ad campaigns, films and TV series including Grey’s Anatomy and opposite Alison Brie in Sundance’s “Horse Girl” (The DuPlass Bros/Netflix). Currently, she is the 2026 international voice of Nordstrom Rack all while developing her dramedy driven TV/film slate. In her spare time, Sharaé takes serious pride in the accent mark over her “e” and is the reigning (read: self-proclaimed) trap karaoke queen. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/42247655

Navigating Hormones And Awkward Vegetables 07/22/2026

Hot Topics For A Hot Summer 07/08/2026

Hot Topics For A Hot Summer On this Friends Like Us, laughter and real talk with Marina Franklin as she hosts the hilarious Vanessa Fraction and Kenice Mobley! From heated debates about spin class etiquette to the chaos of the Empire State Building climb, there's never a dull moment! Vanessa Fraction is a comedian, actress, writer, and host who brings big laughs, big energy, and a point of view you don’t forget. She’s known for turning real‑life chaos into comedy that lands every time. With a style rooted in honesty and delivered with undeniable presence, she’s built a reputation for humor that connects and performances that stand out on stage, on screen, and anywhere someone hands her a mic. Her on‑screen credits include Mann & Wife, Last Call, Barbershop 2, Praise This, and the recent romantic comedy You Me & Tuscany. As a writer, she’s contributed to nationally recognized comedy specials, TV projects, and live productions, shaping material with a voice that’s bold, clever, and built for the screen, proving her pen is just as strong as her punchlines. Vanessa stays rooted in stand‑up comedy, touring internationally and performing for audiences across the country and around the world. She also brings her comedic perspective to television and radio as both a host and guest host, adding humor and insight to news programs, entertainment shows, and cultural conversations. In addition to her on‑air work, she co‑hosts T‑Pain’s Nappy Boy Radio podcast, where her quick wit and commentary shine in every episode. Vanessa Fraction is the performer you call when you want humor with edge, presence with personality, and a voice that knows exactly how to command a room. She’s a talent with range, confidence, and a comedic instinct that elevates every project she touches. 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 Question, filmed at Union Hall in New York, was released in December 2022. Kenice worked on the BET Awards and By Us For Us, a sketch comedy series presented by Color of Change. She hosts Complexify on ViceNews, Love About Town, an interview and relationship podcast, and Make Yourself Cry, available on Planet Scum. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/42002130

Truth, Tunes, and Transformation 07/01/2026

Truth, Tunes, and Transformation This Friends Like Us! Host Marina Franklin welcomes back birthday girl Amanda Seales and burgeoning star Nonye Brown-West. What's the truth behind the tune? We chat with Amanda Seales about her latest album Truth Translator and much more! This episode is not to be missed! Amanda Seales is a multi-disciplined scholar and creative in the Black radical tradition. Her work travels the page, stage, screen, canvas and spaces in between, focused on disrupting systems of oppression, decolonizing the mind and body, and engaging imagination in resistance. A staunch advocate for human rights and the collective liberation of all living things she supports several movements and organizations with her efforts, income, and creative outlets. Realizing that Hollywood would not support her in living by and making work that was grounded in her values, in 2024 she divested from the entertainment business leaving behind an established career as a comedian/ actress/ tv/radio host to work independently committed to empowering the people through edutainment. Her new album Truth Translator will be available to stream on all major platforms with audiences encouraged to purchase at a rate of their choosing at AmandaDiva.bandcamp.com. 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. Go to NonyeComedy to see where she is performing 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 Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO’s ‘Divorce’ and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: ‘Crutch /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/41900500

It Takes A Village Of Funny Women 06/24/2026

From Knicks Fans To Honorary New Yorkers 06/17/2026

Toxic Positivity and Scandalous AI Talk with Ophira Eisenberg and Sami Beason 06/10/2026

From the Creators of 'The Other, Gold': A Deep Dive into Friendship 06/03/2026

From the Creators of 'The Other, Gold': A Deep Dive into Friendship A dive into the world of friendship with our latest "Friends Like Us" podcast episode! Marina Franklin host special guests Sharaé Nikai and David Lassiter as they talk about their incredible journey creating "The Other Gold" — a film about friendships' complexities. Watch it now on Apple TV and Tubi! Sharaé Nikai - Against industry odds, Jersey City native Sharaé Nikai wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in her very first feature film, “The Other, Gold.” It is a heartfelt dramedy that follows a TV writer living in Little Tokyo as she navigates grief, isolation and the rekindling of a former BFF-ship. Out of 13,016 submissions, TOG was invited to world premiere as one of only 10 films in Tribeca’s US Narrative Competition. This acclaim led to Nikai being in consideration for the 2025 Oscars, Spirit Awards and Emmys in the Outstanding Television Movie, Directing & Lead Actress categories. It also makes her the first Black female quadruple threat (sole writer/producer, director & star) to qualify for the Academy Awards with no studio or major production company backing. As a producer, Sharaé secured an exclusive Mental Health Awareness partnership for “The Other, Gold” at FOX-owned Tubi and sponsorship for its launch by Women in Film (WIF) and The Entertainment Community Fund. In March 2026, “The Other, Gold” was released worldwide in celebration of Women’s History Month exclusively on Apple TV. In addition to TOG, Nikai appears in numerous ad campaigns, films and TV series including Grey’s Anatomy and opposite Alison Brie in Sundance’s “Horse Girl” (The DuPlass Bros/Netflix). Currently, she is the 2026 international voice of Nordstrom Rack all while developing her dramedy driven TV/film slate. In her spare time, Sharaé takes serious pride in the accent mark over her “e” and is the reigning (read: self-proclaimed) trap karaoke queen. David Lassiter is an American filmmaker, actor, writer, and musician from Jersey City, New Jersey. He co-directed and appeared in the feature film The Other, Gold (2024), which premiered at the Tribeca Festival before streaming on Apple TV+ and Tubi. Before transitioning into filmmaking, Lassiter worked as a fashion model and was signed to Wilhelmina Models, appearing in campaigns and editorial work for brands and publications including Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Vogue, GQ, Banana Republic, Swatch, and Levi’s. He later studied acting in New York at HB Studio, Susan Batson Studio, and WB Workshops while appearing in national campaigns for Verizon, Macy’s, and American Eagle. Lassiter also collaborated with Viacom on street-interview segments featured on MTV and MTV2. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/41519415

A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb & Your Survival Guide to Healing with Dr. Kemi Doll 05/20/2026

A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb & Your Survival Guide to Healing with Dr. Kemi Doll Dive deep into the hidden crisis of women's health with Dr. Kemi Doll on "Friends Like Us," hosted by Marina Franklin and featuring Nonye Brown-West. Discover the truth about the Black womb and survival strategies. Listen now for eye-opening insights! #Podcast #WomensHealth #MaternalMentalHealthMonth Dr. Kemi Doll is a gynecologic oncologist, uterine cancer scientist, and author of the upcoming book, "A Terrible Strength: The Hidden Crisis of the Black Womb & Your Survival Guide to Healing. She is is a physician, surgeon, researcher, advocate, and coach working at the intersection of health justice, reproductive equity, and personal empowerment. She is a Professor at the University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Public Health, a double board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and OB/GYN, and the Founding Director of The Gynecologic Research and Cancer Equity (GRACE) Center. Her groundbreaking research on racial disparities in endometrial (uterine) cancer has been funded by the NIH, PCORI, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and featured in The New York Times, NPR, BET, and Good Morning America. A sought-after speaker and public voice, Dr. Doll co-founded the national nonprofit Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African Americans (ECANA) and built KD Coach LLC, a coaching company that has supported over 200 women of color faculty in securing millions of dollars in grant funding while reclaiming joy in their careers. Her podcast, Your Unapologetic Career, has over 200,000 downloads and continues to uplift and challenge listeners through honest, witty, and actionable conversations. Dr. Doll lives, writes, and works with deep purpose—and is unwavering in her mission to create a more just and joyful world. 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. Go to NonyeComedy to see where she is performing 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 Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO’s ‘Divorce’ and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: ‘Crutch /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/41355305

Time Of The Month For Laughter With Jackie Fabulous and Alexis Bradby 05/06/2026

Time Of The Month For Laughter With Jackie Fabulous and Alexis Bradby From Spirit Airlines' collapse to Megan Thee Stallion's breakup, Marina Franklin dives into all the drama with comedians Jackie Fabulous and Alexis Bradby. Plus, they chat with Jackie about her hilarious new comedy show featuring an all-female lineup at the new Brooklyn Improv. Don't miss out! 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. Tonight check out her new show featuring all women at the Brooklyn Improv : That Time Of The Month - ticket links go to brooklynimprov.com Originally from East Tennessee, Alexis Bradby started her stand-up journey after moving to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California. Since her start in 2015, she has become a beloved performer in both Los Angeles and New York City. Alexis is known for her contagious smile and youthful energy, which led to her being featured on Holey Moley (ABC), The Price is Right (CBS), and iCarly (Paramount+). In addition to stand-up, she writes for television and was the writers’ room assistant for hit shows such as iCarly and Tab Time. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/41171500

The Analog Generation: A Dive Into 90's Nostalgia 04/29/2026

Double the Laughter With Tata Sherise and Subhah Agarwal 04/22/2026

Double the Laughter With Tata Sherise and Subhah Agarwal Host Marina Franklin talks with the incredible rising star Tata Sherise and the hilarious Subhah Agarwal on this week's Friends Like Us! Dive into laughter, insights, and more. TaTa Sherise is a dynamic NYC based comedian, actress, and creator making waves in the comedy scene. She’s been hailed as “The Next Hottest Comedian to Come Out of Philly” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2024, she made history as the first Black woman to win Philly’s Phunniest. TaTa was named a 2023 & 2024 NY Comedy Fest Creator and Comic to Watch. Known for her high-energy performances, raw humor, and captivating stage presence, she brings real-life stories and unfiltered honesty to the stage. TaTa has appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, Facebook TV’s Mastery of Comedy, and recently Netflix. In addition to her solo work, she is the co-creator of Girls Got Giggles, a brand she launched with creative partner Andrea “Drizz” Lewis. Together, they produce a podcast, live shows, sketches and short films that bring humor, heart, creativity, and unfiltered thoughts. She stars in the hilarious comedy movie Rent A Bae on Tubi and can also be seen in other films on Tubi and Amazon Prime. TaTa’s comedy connects with audiences through her unique blend of charm, wit, trauma, and movement on stage. Subhah Agarwal has brought an honesty to her comedy that will leave you saying "I didn't need to know that." Subhah has written for Netflix’s “Arsenio Hall” limited series, the "Plan B" movie on Hulu," and The Jim Jefferies Show"on Comedy Central, amongst others. You can also catch her jokes live at stand up comedy clubs across the country. If you don't want to leave your couch, you can see her late night debut on NBC's "A Little Late With Lilly Singh." She's also appeared on season three of HBO's "Westworld", "General Hospital," TruTv's sketch comedy "Friends of the People", and as herself on MTV2, Comedy Central, and Gotham Comedy Live. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/40969795

The Junia Movement with Dr. Tamara Nall 04/15/2026

Advice No One Asked For With Jenny Hagel 04/08/2026

Rise And Resist: A Conversation On Equity and Justice with Janice Gassam Asare 03/27/2026

Financial Confidence with Clever Girl Finance CEO Bola Sokunbi 03/18/2026

Generational Shift: Upholding Truth and Challenging Untruths 03/11/2026

Tyra Banks' Hot Ice Cream, Winter Sports, and Single Happiness 03/04/2026

Tyra Banks' Hot Ice Cream, Winter Sports, and Single Happiness 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 Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barbershop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense. 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 's 2021 list of Comedians You Should and Will Know. Kenice's debut comedy album Follow Up Question, filmed at Union Hall in New York, was released in December 2022. Kenice worked on the BET Awards and By Us For Us, a sketch comedy series presented by Color of Change. She hosts Complexify on ViceNews, Love About Town, an interview and relationship podcast, and Make Yourself Cry, available on Planet Scum. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/40292055

Choreplay: Marriage-Saving Magic With Jordan Carlos 02/25/2026

Choreplay: Marriage-Saving Magic With Jordan Carlos 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 Larry Wilmore” (Comedy Central). He also appears in Black Mirror (Netflix), Nora From Queens (Comedy Central), Party Down (Starz) and the “Home Alone” reboot on Disney Plus. In addition, Jordan co-hosts the hit podcast “Adulting” on Exactly Right Media with Michelle Buteau. Other notable writing credits include “The White House Correspondents Dinner” (2016) as well as “The Not The White House Correspondents Dinner” with Samantha Bee (2017). Jordan also recently starred in the Emmy nominated episode of “The Conversation Project” on Hulu (Andscape Studios), and in Mary Dauterman’s debut feature, “Booger”. He also features in “After This Death” (Lucio Castro) opposite Lee Pace and Gwendoline Christie, as well as in the short film “Knead” by Timothy Michael Cooper (Indy Shorts, HollyShorts, Croatian International Film Festival). Jordan's debut comedy book, CHOREPLAY, for Hachette Book Group is available now. On top of this, Jordan hosts a new short-form series called “Elevated Moments” for AMC+ where he digs into insightful, entertaining conversations about iconic movies with his charismatic, also film-loving guests. 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 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 Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/40221965

A Fabulous New Comedy Special With Jackie Fabulous: “You Can Leave" 02/18/2026

A Fabulous New Comedy Special With Jackie Fabulous: “You Can Leave" 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 This on Peacock. Vanessa can also be seen guest hosting on the entertainment news show Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barbershop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/40145035

Swipe Right for Laughter: Dating Tales For Valentines Day 02/11/2026

Harriet Tubman's Legacy: A Way Out of No Way For Black History Month 02/04/2026

Fruits of Color and Fascinating Flaws with Zainab Johnson and Kenice Mobley 01/28/2026

Stand-Up and Stand Strong: A Health Conversation with Guy Torry 01/21/2026

Your Behavior Will Be Monitored with Justin Feinstein 01/14/2026

Your Behavior Will Be Monitored with Justin Feinstein 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, recorded, and taught music for ten years. More recently, Justin earned an MA in media studies from The New School. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, writer Julia Fierro, their two children, and two dogs. 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 ( 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/39724280

Laughter and Lessons for the Holidays with Vanessa Fraction and Hollie Harper 12/31/2025

Laughter and Lessons for the Holidays with Vanessa Fraction and Hollie Harper 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 Comedy and Stand Up Girls, two programs that empower young women by teaching them standup comedy. She was recently the talent coordinator and casting for “Blood Lassi” on Spotify, written by Pratima Mani, and moderated the panel for the Emmy Award winning, WOC editing team of Black Lady Sketch Show for The Black TV and Film Collective. She is also the Creative Consultant for the very successful Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest. 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 Dish Nation. As a stand-up comedian, Vanessa has performed on Def Comedy Jam , Laff Mobs Laff Tracks , and more. Her writing credits include Raven's Home , 106 & Park , and The Mo'Nique Show. Additionally, she has appeared in the film Barbershop 2 and television shows Last Call, Mann & Wife (BounceTV), Comedy KnockOuts (TruTV) and Tales (BET) Not only is Vanessa "Action" Fraction a talented entertainer, but she is also a certified self-defense instructor. She teaches her unique class called Kicks & Comedy, combining her love for humor with her passion for empowering others through self-defense. 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 /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/39567310

Marina Franklin's Holiday Reflections and Gratitude 12/24/2025

Navigating Life, Love, And Loss: A Real Conversation On Caregiver Roles 12/17/2025

The Journey to Wellness: Therapy, Trauma, and Triumph 12/10/2025

The Journey to Wellness: Therapy, Trauma, and Triumph 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 Healing in Silence: Navigating RacialTrauma and the Call for Culturally Responsive Care(March 31, 2026, Wiley), blends research, personal narrative, and clinical insight to challenge systemic inequities and inspire collective healing. It serves as an effective roadmap for culturally responsive mental health care that acknowledges, understands, and begins to heal the ways racial bias and stereotypes infiltrate counseling. Connect with Ashley further at 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 Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch /episode/index/show/friendslikeus/id/39348520

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