One of the first political guests to be featured since the program’s launch, the author, political consultant and 58th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives discussed the possibility of throwing his hat in the 2012 presidential race.

In a world where breaking news changes faster than the blink of an eye, “A Look Back” will offer a chance to revisit past Tavis Smiley conversations. As current events unfold, we will feature relevant guest interviews–straight from the vault.

Check out the sights and sounds from our studio as guests sit in the chair to have a conversation with Tavis.

Each week, we will bring you sights and sounds from our studio as guests sit in the chair to have a conversation with Tavis. Check out images of and quotes from Sean Penn, Etta James, Terrence Howard, Kathleen Turner and Seal.

Welcome to our 9th season on PBS. In addition to the season launch, we’ve got fresh digs, as our show is now housed in L.A.’s state-of-the-art Encompass Digital Media Studios, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Check it out.

The two-time Academy Award-winning actor was named ambassador at large to Haiti by Laurent Lamothe, the Haitian Minister of Foreign and Religious Affairs, in January 2012. Check out a selection of his performances and projects, and tune in Jan. 19 and 20, when he sits down with Tavis.

Each week this season, we will use the “Primer” to highlight the works of one or more of our upcoming guests, including their films, books, albums and television projects. We intend for the lists to be collaborative, so please add your favorites.

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni women’s rights activist Tawakkul Karma. Watch our past conversations with Gbowee and President Johnson Sirleaf and share your thoughts.

This companion e-book to the Tavis Smiley Reports primetime special picks up where the broadcast ends in examining an undeclared crisis in America.

Did somebody say something about Tavis getting some much-needed rest? Not so fast. During his annual production hiatus, he continued his Foundation’s annual Leadership Institute and is kicking off a national Poverty Tour to raise awareness about the plight of the poor. But, our Web site staff did manage to track him down for a few summer reading recommendations.