Chris Rock is back on tour, days after Will Smith struck him and won his first Oscar in the same night. While the Academy strongly condemned Smith, several Black stars and writers have publicly defended him, or even applauded him for standing up for his wife. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson talks with entertainment journalist Chris Witherspoon ab ... Show More
Today
What Next | Why You Can't Avoid Wicked
With the release of Wicked: For Good, spectacle is back in theaters and back on the press circuit: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are again “holding space” along with each other’s individual fingers and other quirks they picked up along the way. This is, apparently, how movies a ... Show More
29m 14s
Yesterday
What Next | Could We Get Peace In Ukraine?
The Trump administration has announced a 28-point plan to end the war in Ukraine that involves ceding territory, giving up on joining NATO and reducing its military—in essence an extremely, even suspiciously, friendly deal for Russia and Russian demands.
How does Ukraine play th ... Show More
24m 40s
Yesterday
Slate Money | Money Talks: Chicken and a Cold Drink
In this Money Talks: The Wall Street Journal’s Heather Haddon joins Emily Peck to unpack her recent reporting on the fast food industry, including the reason we’re seeing the “Value Wars” play out at places like McDonalds and Chili’s, Starbuck’s strategies to revive sales, and th ... Show More
38m 11s
Apr 2022
Let’s Talk the Will Smith Slap: Is A 10 Year Ban from the Academy Excessive? Chris Rock + Oscars
What’s up legendaries, it’s Ameenha Lee. It is time to discuss the Will Smith slap that literally took the world by storm. With millions of memes, the world watched Will Smith slap Chris Rock to “defend” his wife Jada Smith. On the other hand, this action came with major conseque ... Show More
7m 59s
Dec 2021
Black Christmas Movie Bonanza
It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to press play on your favorite Christmas movies. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by essayist and pop culture critic Rebecca Theodore-Vachon to talk about what really makes a Black Christmas movie, and which clas ... Show More
22m 22s
Sep 2023
Russell Brand Tour postponed, more stories and accusations! PLUS Leslie Jones says Chris Rock hit therapy after Oscars
First some other topics, then a big chunk about Russell Brand who did perform Saturday night to 2000 fans...then his tour got postponed, his book publisher bailed, and a few new stories came out, and a few more famus people commented about what may have been an Open Secret.<br /> ... Show More
13m 31s
Apr 2022
Black Lives Matter: More Money, More Problems?
The Black Lives Matter movement has emerged as a major political force. Now, questionable spending by the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation has sparked questions about whether key movement leaders have lost their way. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is join ... Show More
35m 51s