Tavis Smiley . Daily Schedule | PBS

Friday, May 6, 2011 - Raphael Saadiq

Fri, 06 May 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with Grammy-winning neo-soul singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq, who also performs a track from his new CD, "Stone Rollin'."

Thursday, May 5, 2011 - Kenneth Branagh

Thu, 05 May 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with actor-director Kenneth Branagh about his latest project, Thor.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - Tom Selleck

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with Emmy-winning actor and Blue Bloods star Tom Selleck.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 - Bootsy Collins, Tim Flannery

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with scientist-conservationist and best-selling author Tim Flannery and funk icon Bootsy Collins.

Monday, May 2, 2011 - Loretta Devine

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with award-winning actress and one of the original "Dreamgirls" Loretta Devine.

Friday, April 29, 2011 - Robert Battle, Khalil Gibran Muhammad

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

In the final night of shows from NY, Tavis talks with celebrated dancer-choreographer and soon-to-be artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Robert Battle and with the new director of the city's famed Schomburg Center Khalil Gibran Muhammad.

Thursday, April 28, 2011 - Harvey Weinstein

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with award-winning movie mogul Harvey Weinstein about his latest film, the animated feature Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil, and his career as co-founder of both Miramax Films and The Weinstein Company.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - George Soros

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with billionaire financier and philanthropist George Soros, founder and chairman of Open Society Foundations, about his life, his career and the latest financial news.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - Katie Couric

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

In New York, Tavis talks with CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric about her broadcasting career, her advocacy work for cancer research and her new book, The Best Advice I Ever Got.

Monday, April 25, 2011 - Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

In the first of this week's shows from New York, Tavis talks with Mayor Michael Bloomberg about the challenges his city faces, including education, the economy and immigration.

Friday, April 22, 2011 - Larry Flynt, Robbie Robertson

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Rock icon Robbie Robertson explains why he's so transparent at this point in his life and describes his new CD, 'How to Become Clairvoyant"—one of the most talked about projects of the year. Controversial publisher Larry Flynt discusses his commitment to free speech and reveals some of what he learned in the research for his new book, One Nation Under Sex.

Thursday, April 21, 2011 - Dr. Augustus White

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Pioneering surgeon Dr. Augustus White, professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School, talks about his memoir, Seeing Patients, which chronicles his journey from Jim Crow-era Tennessee and also offers insight into how unconscious stereotyping influences doctor-patient interactions, diagnosis and treatment.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - Emmylou Harris

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Twelve-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris explains her passion for rescuing dogs, finding her own voice in music and the track about Emmett Till on her latest CD—her 21st studio album—"Hard Bargain."

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - Ashley Judd

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Actress Ashley Judd, author of All That Is Bitter and Sweet, reflects on the risk in combining her occupation with her activism and comments on whether she remains hopeful, given all that she's seen in her humanitarian work.

Monday, April 18, 2011 - William Cohan

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Award-winning investigative reporter and former investment banker William Cohan assesses the impact of Standard & Poor's downgrading its credit outlook for the U.S. and discusses Goldman Sachs, the subject of his new text, Money and Power.

Friday, April 15, 2011 - Peter Guber, Sarah Vowell

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Entertainment exec Peter Guber explains the concept of his book on success, Tell to Win. Sarah Vowell, author of Unfamiliar Fishes, discusses the annexations of Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam and explains why the summer of 1898 is when the U.S. really became a superpower.

Thursday, April 14, 2011 - Robin Wright, Rebecca Skloot

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, describes the reaction to her book, which remains on The New York Times best-seller list. Actress Robin Wright explains the backstory of the character she plays in the new film The Conspirator.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - Gov. Deval Patrick, Dana Delany

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick comments on President Obama's speech on his deficit reduction plan, explains how the budget battle is impacting the states and talks about his new memoir A Reason to Believe. Actress Dana Delany discusses her Desperate Housewives days and her starring character in the new ABC drama Body of Proof.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - Joseph Lelyveld

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Joseph Lelyveld discusses his controversial new biography Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India, and compares and contrasts Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, April 11, 2011 - Ray Lewis, Michio Kaku

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Internationally recognized physicist and best-selling author Michio Kaku talks about his new text, Physics of the Future, which offers a provocative vision for the coming century. NFL star Ray Lewis shares his thoughts on the league's labor dispute.

Friday, April 8, 2011 - Larry King

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Turnabout is fair play in part two of Tavis as "guest" on his own show, fielding questions from venerable talk-show host Larry King—his first time interviewing since stepping down from his namesake CNN program. Tonight, Tavis explains why he doesn't think anyone can be successful without experiencing failure and breaks down the chapters of his upcoming book Fail Up.

Thursday, April 7, 2011 - Larry King

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

In part 1 of a two-part conversation and a first for Tavis on his own show, legendary talk-show host Larry King turns the tables and conducts his first interview since retiring from CNN. Tavis tells King that failure has come to be a friend—a concept explained in the upcoming book Fail Up.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - Kim Cattrall, Rep. Chris Van Hollen

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the Ranking Member on the House Budget Committee, discusses the federal budget impasse and efforts to reach a compromise. Golden Globe-winning actress Kim Cattrall looks back on her SATC years and talks about her new star vehicle—the indie film Meet Monica Velour.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 - Michael Connelly, Doug Saunders

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

The Globe and Mail's European bureau chief Doug Saunders explains the concept of an "arrival city"—the title of his new book—and how it is reshaping the world. Best-selling mystery writer Michael Connelly, author of The Lincoln Lawyer and The Fifth Witness, tells Tavis why he fictionalizes real world events in his writing.

Monday, April 4, 2011 - Dr. Manning Marable Tribute, Stephen Farrell

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

New York Times reporter Stephen Farrell shares what he learned from his experience as a captive in Libya last month. Tavis also pays tribute to celebrated historian Dr. Manning Marable, who passed away on the eve of the release of what's been called his "crowning achievement"—the biography of Malcolm X.

Friday, April 1, 2011 - Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, Raphael Saadiq

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:00:03 PST

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, author of The Dressmaker of Khair Khana, discusses women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and explains why nothing changes the dynamic in a family like a woman earning an income. And, Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq gives a sneak preview performance of a track from his newest CD, "Stone Rollin'."

Thursday, March 31, 2011 - Bethany Hamilton; AnnaSophia Robb, Chris Cillizza

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Washington Post journalist and "The Fix" blogger Chris Cillizza goes inside the budget battle and discusses details of a potential government shutdown. Pro surfer Bethany Hamilton and actress AnnaSophia Robb—who portrays Hamilton in the inspirational new film Soul Surfer—discuss faith, sharks and overcoming fear.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Jeffrey Tambor, Rep. Ron Paul

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Texas Rep. Ron Paul explains why he thinks President Obama was wrong for bringing the U.S. into the Libyan conflict and talks about whether he'll make another bid to helm the 2012 GOP presidential ticket. Meeting Spencer star Jeffrey Tambor describes the painful childhood experience that drove him to become an actor and discusses becoming a father again, more than 30 years after having his first child.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 - Michelle Rhee

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of the DC school system, addresses the USA Today investigation that questions the integrity of standardized test scores at schools under her watch.

Monday, March 28, 2011 - Gov. Mitch Daniels, Ted Danson

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Second-term Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a potential GOP presidential candidate in the 2012 race, discusses the recent budget crisis and legislative walkout in his state. Emmy-winning actor and environmentalist Ted Danson, author of Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them, explains the backstory of his commitment to the conservation of oceans.

Friday, March 25, 2011 - T.C. Boyle, Anne Heche

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Celebrated writer T.C. Boyle discusses his latest novel, When the Killing's Done, and explains why he offers his creative writing class at the University of Southern California only on Friday afternoons. Award-winning actress Anne Heche, who can be seen on TV in HBO's Hung and in the new film Cedar Rapids, explains the type of character that's harder for her—comedic vs. dramatic.

Thursday, March 24, 2011 - Julian Schnabel, Richard Haass

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Council on Foreign Relations president Richard Haass describes why he believes the U.S. has made a mistake by escalating its goals in the Libyan conflict. Acclaimed artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel discusses the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict as it relates to his controversial new film, Miral, and explains why one can't separate a story from the way that it's told.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 - Biz Stone

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Biz Stone, co-founder and creative director for the überpopular microblogging site Twitter, discusses the monetary and social value of the site, which turns five this week, boasts 200 million accounts and employs 400 people.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - Eve Ensler, Hitoshi Abe

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Internationally acclaimed architect and educator Dr. Hitoshi Abe explains why one can't really prepare for the kind of devastation that his native Sendai, Japan encountered. Award-winning playwright and activist Eve Ensler discusses her cancer battle and explains why working with the women of Democratic Republic of Congo to create the "City of Joy" saved her life.

Monday, March 21, 2011 - Hisham Matar, Warren Christopher Tribute

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Hisham Matar, an outspoken Qaddafi critic, son of a Libyan political dissident and author of Anatomy of a Disappearance: A Novel, explains why the West's past embrace of Libya's leader constituted "diplomatic negligence." Tavis also pays tribute to former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

Friday, March 11, 2011 - Blair Underwood, David Brooks

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

David Brooks, New York Times columnist and author of The Social Animal, explains why the complex workings of our unconscious minds determine so much of who we are. Actor-producer-author Blair Underwood, who co-stars in TV's The Event and the film I Will Follow, shares what it's like to play a Black president and explains why Black artists need to create their own film projects.

Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Aaron Eckhart, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Actor Aaron Eckhart explains why his character in Battle: Los Angeles is the only one in his career that he's been sad to move on from. Harlem is Nowhere author Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts describes what it's like to live in a place with such a large myth and explains why the area can be described as a mecca for African Americans.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 - Lupe Fiasco

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco explains why it took three long years for the release of his latest album, "Lasers," and discusses the period of pain, depression and suicidal thoughts that eventually led him to create the much anticipated disc.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - Mark Richard

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Award-winning writer Mark Richard, author of the memoir House of Prayer No. 2, reflects on his spiritual journey and explains why he believes if we survive our childhood, we have a story to tell.

Monday, March 7, 2011 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mansour El-Kikhia

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Mansour El-Kikhia, an exiled Libyan dissident and University of Texas political science department chair, discusses what he calls the hypocrisy of U.S. presidents concerning Qaddafi and explains his sense that the West has continually turned a blind eye to atrocities in his native country. NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks about his latest project, On the Shoulders of Giants, and how his love of history has led to a new career.

Friday, March 4, 2011 - Susan Jacoby

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Susan Jacoby, author of Never Say Die: The Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age, discusses the plight of America's aging baby boomers and what that means for the U.S. as a whole.

Thursday, March 3, 2011 - Anthony Mackie, Sherry Turkle

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Sherry Turkle, founder and director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self and author of Alone Together, explains the consequences that people face in creating a culture of constant interruption. Anthony Mackie, who has several films in release, including The Adjustment Bureau, discusses the business side of filmmaking and explains why African Americans must create their own film projects.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - Bing West

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Bing West, former assistant secretary of defense in the Reagan administration and author of The Wrong War, explains why he feels the U.S. military should not be in the business of nation-building and describes the single biggest killer of U.S. forces who are fighting in Afghanistan.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - Smokey Robinson

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:00:03 PST

Motown legend Smokey Robinson—out with a new CD, "Now and Then"—shares why Beethoven is one of his favorite composers of all time, discusses his recovery from drug addiction and offers advice to his "little brother" El DeBarge, who recently returned to rehab for his own addiction.

Monday, February 28, 2011 - Charles Ferguson, Mary Bell

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Mary Bell, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, offers the latest details on the showdown between Gov. Walker and the public employee unions and explains why she feels the governor's plan goes too far. Oscar-winning director of Inside Job, Charles Ferguson, reflects on winning the award when the financial meltdown issues addressed by the documentary remain unresolved.

Friday, February 25, 2011 - Kem, Annette Gordon-Reed

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Annette Gordon-Reed, Harvard professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Andrew Johnson, explains why the Reconstruction-era commander in chief, over time, came to be viewed as a bad president. Singer-songwriter Kem reflects on his 20 years of sobriety, explains why he considers himself a songwriter first and describes how the acoustic piano impacted his new CD, "Intimacy."

Thursday, February 24, 2011 - Mike Huckabee, George Schlatter

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Mike Huckabee, former Arkansas governor and author of A Simple Government, explains why the best government is local and limited and addresses whether there's another presidential run in his future. Award-winning veteran TV producer George Schlatter shares his thoughts on why the comedy series Laugh-In was so revolutionary.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - Sen. Michael Bennet, Misty Copeland

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet discusses education and explores how to fix a system that he says, at times, produces "catastrophic" outcomes for children. Misty Copeland, the first African American female soloist at the American Ballet Theatre, offers her reflections on whether ballet is an elite art form and discusses the impact of the film Black Swan on the dance.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - Forest Whitaker, Dambisa Moyo

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Oscar and Emmy winner Forest Whitaker—who's exec-producing the Brick City reality series and starring in the new Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior—discusses his passion for stories that display connections between individuals. Economist and How the West Was Lost author Dambisa Moyo analyzes how the uprising in Libya will impact global oil prices and argues that the U.S. could become a socialist welfare state in a matter of decades.

Monday, February 21, 2011 - Academy Award Preview

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Tavis revisits highlights of conversations with several of this year's Oscar nominees, including Amy Adams, Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Tom Hooper, Melissa Leo, Randy Newman, Lucy Walker and others.

Friday, February 18, 2011 - Kenneth Cole, Esperanza Spalding

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Fashion designer and humanitarian Kenneth Cole talks about his passion for activism, including his dedication to the HIV/AIDS cause, and social media's impact on the fashion industry; and Esperanza Spalding demonstrates the skills that earned her this year's Best New Artist Grammy—a first for a jazz artist in the 53-year history of the Awards.

Thursday, February 17, 2011 - Jeff Henderson, Benjamin Barber

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

CivWorld at Demos president-director Benjamin Barber discusses what it will take to bring true democracy to Egypt. Chef Jeff Henderson explains why his America I AM: Pass It Down Cookbook is a document of history, as well as a collection of recipes.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Ne-Yo

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand analyzes the budgets of President Obama and the House Republicans and dissects what those budgets say about priorities. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo—out with a new CD, "Libra Scale"—discusses one of his idols, the late Michael Jackson, as well as his acting career and the new film Battle: Los Angeles.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 - Wynton Marsalis

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Jazz heavyweight and nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis discusses the long-term price Americans are paying for abandoning arts in education and analyzes their confusion of entertainment with arts.

Monday, February 14, 2011 - Phil Angelides, Tarek Masoud

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Middle East specialist Tarek Masoud assesses post-Mubarak Egypt and offers his thoughts on whether the military will actually hand over power to a civilian authority. Phil Angelides, chair of the bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, discusses the panel's report and the role that unregulated greed played in the economic crisis.

Friday, February 11, 2011 - Randy Newman, Maria Bello

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Oscar-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer-songwriter Randy Newman, who this year received his 20th Oscar nod, explains why he doesn't like writing. Actress Maria Bello, one of the stars of the new film The Company Men, talks about sexism in business and her ongoing work in Haiti, which pre-dated the 2010 quake.

Thursday, February 10, 2011 - Amy Chua, Amos Lee

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Yale Law professor Amy Chua clears up misconceptions surrounding her controversial new memoir on parenting: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. And, Amos Lee performs a track from his latest CD, "Mission Bell."

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 - John Legend, Gideon Rachman

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times, discusses his new book, Zero-Sum Future, and why what happens in Egypt matters throughout the rest of the world. Six-time Grammy winner—and self-described "political junkie"—John Legend explains why he wanted to team up with The Roots for his new CD, "Wake Up!"

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 - Clive Davis, Lawrence Goldstone

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Music executive legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Clive Davis explains how he discovered his talented "ear" although he never played an instrument and shares the key ingredient for discovering musical artists. Historian Lawrence Goldstone discusses his book, Inherently Unequal, and challenges the theory that the U.S. Supreme Court is an apolitical body.

Monday, February 7, 2011 - Jennifer Beals, Amb. Daniel Kurtzer

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Daniel Kurtzer, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and Egypt, outlines the fundamental issues topping the Egyptian protesters' list and assesses the U.S. role in the demonstrations thus far. Actress Jennifer Beals describes the experience of returning to her hometown to play the first female police superintendent in the new Fox TV series The Chicago Code.

Friday, February 4, 2011 - Melissa Leo, Vusi Mahlasela

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela discusses his new album "Say Africa" and explains the concept of Ubuntu. Melissa Leo, who's won a SAG Award and a Golden Globe for her work in The Fighter, explains why her character was a remarkable woman and shares her feelings on being nominated for an Oscar alongside co-star Amy Adams in the same category.

Thursday, February 3, 2011 - David Pogue, Gary Shapiro

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Award-winning personal tech writer David Pogue, host of NOVA's "Making Stuff," explains materials science and describes the current image crisis affecting science. Gary Shapiro, president-CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association and author of The Comeback, argues against overtaxing innovators and creating policies that discourage creative businesses from operating in the U.S.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 - Atul Gawande, Blythe Danner

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

Atul Gawande, surgeon and author of The Checklist Manifesto, explains how coping with complexity has become the biggest 21st-century struggle and offers tips on knowing if you've got a good checklist. Award-winning actress Blythe Danner, one of the stars of the Fockers film franchise, explains why she feels more like herself when she's acting.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 - Amos Lee, Rod Woodson

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:03 PST

NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson previews the Super Bowl, talks about the league's collective bargaining agreement and tackles the "Rooney Rule" and the lack of GMs and owners of color. Singer-songwriter Amos Lee discusses his fourth CD, "Mission Bell," and the painful experience that inspired the song "Jesus;" he also performs a track from the new project.

Monday, January 31, 2011 - Meghan Linsey; Joshua Scott Jones, Ed O'Neill

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Actor Ed O'Neill compares his success on ABC's Emmy-winning comedy Modern Family—winner of this year's SAG Award for best ensemble comedy cast—to that of his previous Fox hit, Married with Children. Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, the country music duo known as Steel Magnolia, discuss their debut self-titled CD and incorporating their romantic relationship with their music.

Friday, January 28, 2011 - Tom Hooper

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Filmmaker Tom Hooper, director of The King's Speech—this year's most Oscar-nominated movie, including best director and best picture—explores the film's theme and explains the role his mother played in bringing the story to him.

Thursday, January 27, 2011 - Sir Anthony Hopkins

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, who has two new film releases: the supernatural thriller The Rite and the upcoming action adventure Thor, discusses his acclaimed career and why he feels it's healthy to keep low expectations and to live in doubt.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - Paul Clemens, Charlie Crist

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Former Florida governor Charlie Crist shares his reaction to last night's State of the Union address and explains why he feels the speech was "Reagan-esque." Detroit native Paul Clemens talks about his new book Punching Out: One Year in a Closing Auto Plant, and blue collar decline in America.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 - Peter Bergen, Kim Edwards

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Peter Bergen, national security analyst and author of The Longest War, discusses the lack of fallout following the announcement that the U.S. will remain in Afghanistan through 2014. Writer Kim Edwards, author of the best seller The Memory Keeper's Daughter, discusses her new novel, The Lake of Dreams, and the mysterious process of writing.

Monday, January 24, 2011 - Bill Bradley, Douglas Brinkley

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley discusses civility in America and previews President Obama's State of the Union address. Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley discusses his latest text, The Quiet World, and describes the similarities between Presidents Obama and Reagan.

Friday, January 21, 2011 - Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Douglas Frantz

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and chief investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations committee Douglas Frantz discusses the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and explains why Pakistan is the world's most dangerous nation. Former boxing champ Rubin "Hurricane" Carter talks about his current work to help prisoners who have been falsely convicted.

Thursday, January 20, 2011 - America's Next Chapter

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

In the final part of a conversation on "America's Next Chapter," thought leaders discuss whether there's a brighter future for the next generation.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - America's Next Chapter

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

In Part 2 of a conversation on "America's Next Chapter," thought leaders tackle such issues as how the country rebuilds cities with empty homes and no jobs, and the question: When does economic recovery really happen?

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - America's Next Chapter

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

In Part 1 of a conversation on "America's Next Chapter," thought leaders wrestle with the issue of how the U.S. can return to its greatness.

Monday, January 17, 2011 - Stevie Wonder, Clarence B. Jones

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Clarence B. Jones, speechwriter for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and author of Behind the Dream, explains why Dr. King's "Dream" speech served as a beacon light that revealed who King was. Music icon Stevie Wonder talks about his passion for activism, including his advocacy of the successful campaign to make Dr. King's birthday a national holiday.

Friday, January 14, 2011 - David Duchovny, Graham Nash

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and accomplished photographer Graham Nash explains how he marries his love of music with his love of images. Golden Globe-winning actor David Duchovny, star of Showtime's Californication, reflects on entering the fourth season of the hit series and discusses his recent foray into stage acting.

Thursday, January 13, 2011 - Roseanne Barr, Siddhartha Mukherjee

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Emperor of All Maladies, dissects the history of cancer, which he calls "the defining disease of our generation." Emmy winner and best-selling author Roseanne Barr explains why she feels that the poor have essentially bailed out the rich in the U.S. and talks about her latest book, Roseannearchy.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - Javier Bardem, Elizabeth Warren

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Elizabeth Warren, who's launching the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, identifies the agency's to-do list before it goes online in July and its mandate once it receives statutory powers. Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem explains why it was a scary proposition when he learned that the director had only him in mind for the lead role in the new film Biutiful.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - Nichelle Nichols, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz discusses the condition of her friend, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and explains why she feels recent political rhetoric needs to be dialed back. Actress Nichelle Nichols talks about Duke Ellington's influence on her early career and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s advice to her on her groundbreaking role as one of the stars of the original Star Trek series.

Monday, January 10, 2011 - Jeff Bridges, Thoughts on Haiti

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:00:03 PST

Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges discusses his two hit films currently in release—the action/adventure sequel TRON: Legacy and the much-talked-about True Grit remake—as well as a cause that is close to his heart: ending child hunger in the U.S. by 2015. Tavis also offers his thoughts on the situation in Haiti, one year after the devastating earthquake.

Friday, December 24, 2010 - Lyle Lovett, Johnny Mathis

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and actor Lyle Lovett discusses his unique connection to Texas and what it's like to feel the energy of the audience during a performance. Traditional pop music's quintessential voice of romance and Grammy Hall of Famer Johnny Mathis explains why he made the decision to release a CD in the country music genre.

Thursday, December 23, 2010 - Isabel Wilkerson, Rebecca Skloot

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Science writer Rebecca Skloot discusses lessons learned from research for her book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson discusses the legacy of the Great Migration of African Americans—which she writes about in her book, The Warmth of Other Suns—and explains why it's so deeply embedded in American culture.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010 - El DeBarge, Wendell Potter

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Corporate watchdog and Deadly Spin author, Wendell Potter, discusses his struggle with his whistleblower status and describes the post-healthcare-reform industry spin. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter El DeBarge talks about his new CD, "Second Chance," his more than 20-year battle with drug addiction and how his comeback was possible.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - Patti Smith

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Singer, songwriter, visual artist, poet and rock icon Patti Smith discusses marrying her poetry with music and shares what people can learn from her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe, which she writes about in her critically acclaimed memoir about her early days in New York City, titled Just Kids.

Monday, December 20, 2010 - Robert Putnam, Nassim Taleb

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Harvard public policy professor and co-author of American Grace, Robert Putnam, discusses the changes in religious tolerance in the U.S. over the last 50 years. Former derivatives trader Nassim Taleb, author of The Bed of Procrustes, describes the benefits he gained from his 20-year media diet and explains why he wanted his latest text to serve as a diatribe against modernity.

Friday, December 17, 2010 - Stevie Wonder

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

In part two of a fascinating conversation, music icon Stevie Wonder reflects on getting his start at Motown, putting his life into his lyrical content and making a positive difference in the world.

Thursday, December 16, 2010 - Stevie Wonder

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

In the first of a two-part conversation, the legendary Stevie Wonder talks about advocating for people with disabilities and giving back—including his 15th Annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert—and shares a few backstories of the lyrics and titles of some of his hit songs.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - Amy Adams, Kevin Spacey

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Tavis talks with two 2011 Golden Globe nominees: Two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, nominated for his role in the feature Casino Jack, who discusses what it was like portraying lobbyist-turned-convicted felon Jack Abramoff, and actress Amy Adams, who talks about her role in The Fighter and what it was like working with co-star Mark Wahlberg. Tavis also pays tribute to diplomat Richard Holbrooke.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - Trent Reznor, Sally Hawkins

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Grammy-winning artist Trent Reznor talks about making the switch from touring with Nine Inch Nails to composing the 2011 Golden Globe-nominated film score for The Social Network. Golden Globe-winning actress Sally Hawkins discusses her newest project, Made in Dagenham, and explains why she was drawn to the story of the women strikers portrayed in the film.

Monday, December 13, 2010 - Gordon Brown, "Tavis Smiley Reports"

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, author of Beyond the Crash, explains how the world can get out of the economic malaise in which it finds itself. Tavis also previews the upcoming primetime special Tavis Smiley Reports "Dudamel: Conducting a Life" premiering December 29, 2010.

Friday, December 10, 2010 - Reza Aslan, Danny Boyle

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle, co-producer of 127 Hours, describes the challenge that he faced creating a film with one actor in one location. Comparative religions scholar Reza Aslan, author of Tablet & Pen, discusses U.S. relations with Iran and explains why—on the Iran question—President Obama has "played it perfectly."

Thursday, December 9, 2010 - Clarence B. Jones, Dick Cavett

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Clarence B. Jones, Dr. Martin Luther King's personal attorney, speechwriter and close friend, explains why he feels President Obama needs some tough love. Former TV show host and Talk Show author Dick Cavett, explains why, when he began his career, listening was the most difficult part of the job.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - Sen. Bernie Sanders, Edmund Morris

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Vermont's Sen. Bernie Sanders explains why he's in stark opposition to President Obama's extension of the Bush-era tax cuts. Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Edmund Morris discusses Colonel Roosevelt and reveals why he chose the title. Tavis also pays tribute to Elizabeth Edwards with an excerpt from their '04 conversation.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 - Keri Hilson, Noah Feldman

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Harvard law professor and Scorpions author Noah Feldman explains why it's important today to have Supreme Court justices who are risk-takers and may even have character flaws. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Keri Hilson discusses her second album, "No Boys Allowed," and how she's avoiding the sophomore curse.

Monday, December 6, 2010 - Tom Brokaw, Darren Aronofsky

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Veteran journalist Tom Brokaw, host of the USA Network documentary Bridging the Divide, discusses race relations in the U.S. today and describes the essence of American character. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, director of the new feature Black Swan, explains why, as a director, he's able to get actors to go above and beyond while researching their roles.

Friday, December 3, 2010 - Quincy Jones

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Music impresario—and 27-time Grammy winner—Quincy Jones talks about his new CD, "Q: Soul Bossa Nostra" and his new book, Q on Producing, and explains how music became the mother he never had.

Thursday, December 2, 2010 - Hilary Swank

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Hilary Swank, a two-time Oscar winner and star and exec producer of the new feature film Conviction, explains why her career has included so many real-life stories and shares which film roles have scared her the most.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - Gary Hart, Sen. Dick Durbin

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:00:03 PST

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, Majority Whip of the U.S. Senate, shares his thoughts on deficit reduction, unemployment benefits and tax cuts and weighs on the Dems losses in the midterm elections. Former Colorado senator and Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart discusses the need for Americans to work to improve the nation's future even if they don't reap the benefits in their lifetime.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - Natalie Cole

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:00:03 PST

Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole talks about her second memoir, Love Brought Me Back, and shares the story of how, when she was in need of a life-saving kidney transplant, she learned of a successful organ match while at her dying sister's bedside.

Monday, November 29, 2010 - Ron Isley, Josh Rogin

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:00:03 PST

Foreign Policy magazine's Josh Rogin discusses WikiLeaks' controversial release of classified U.S. diplomatic documents, as well as the growing tensions on the Korean peninsula. Veteran R&B singer-songwriter Ron Isley reveals the history of his cane and talks about his new, first-ever solo project, "Mr. I."