Inside Showbiz | mpt/Maryland Public Television Video

In Performance at The White House | Exclusive Paul McCartney Interview

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:10:15 -0700

Watch this exclusive interview with Paul McCartney, who received the The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on June 2. You can see that ceremony on PBS Wednesday night, July 28th at 8PM ET, check your local listings.

Tavis Smiley | LeVar Burton: Wednesday, 7/14/10

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:51:23 -0700

Actor-director LeVar Burton, former "Roots" and "Star Trek" star, discusses NBC's "The Jensen Project."

Tavis Smiley | Oliver Stone: Friday, 7/2/10

Sat, 3 Jul 2010 12:26:55 -0700

Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone explains why he made the controversial new documentary "South of the Border."

Tavis Smiley | Molly Shannon: Wednesday, 6/30/10

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 08:08:55 -0700

Former SNL star, actress-comedienne Molly Shannon, shares the challenges of working on her new animated series, TBS' "Neighbors from Hell."

Tavis Smiley | Louis Gossett, Jr.: Wednesday, 6/23/10

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:20:06 -0700

Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. explains his reverse Cinderella story and the challenges for African American actors; he also talks about his new memoir, "An Actor and a Gentleman."

Need To Know | K'naan: "Soobax"

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:55:17 -0700

This is the music video for K'naan's first single, "Soobax." It was written about living in Somalia at the mercy of violent rival warlords, and was an anthem to lift the spirits of his fellow Somalis.

Need To Know | K'naan: "Take a Minute"

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:53:05 -0700

K'naan told Need to Know that the song "Take a Minute" is one of those songs that people always react to when he performs live.

Tavis Smiley | Michael Douglas: Friday, 5/21/10

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:57:04 -0700

Oscar-winning actor-producer Michael Douglas talks about getting older in Hollywood, whether there's an advantage to being a second generation star, his new films, "Solitary Man"d and "Money Never Sleeps", and weighs in on the state of the union.

Tavis Smiley | Garry Shandling: Thursday, 5/20/10

Fri, 21 May 2010 09:08:28 -0700

Actor-comedian Garry Shandling discusses his first writing job, switching to stand-up and his role in the blockbuster film, "Iron Man 2."

Tavis Smiley | Damon Wayans: Monday, 5/17/10

Tue, 18 May 2010 11:19:43 -0700

Actor-comedian Damon Wayans describes how he pulled himself out of his midlife crisis and talks about the 20th anniversary of In "Living Color."

Tavis Smiley | Carol Burnett: Friday, 4/30/10

Sat, 1 May 2010 08:21:05 -0700

One of the first ladies of comedy, Carol Burnett, explains her success at sketch comedy and shares a humorous story about her Tarzan yell; she also talks about writing her new memoir, "This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection."

Tavis Smiley | Lisa Kudrow: Wednesday, 4/21/10

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:35:39 -0700

Actress Lisa Kudrow discusses what's surprised her about her new series, "Who Do You Think You Are?", and talks about her latest film project, "Paper Man."

Tavis Smiley | Raquel Welch: Monday, 4/19/10

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:19:25 -0700

Actress Raquel Welch explains the title of her new book, "Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage and offers advice for preventative aging."

Tavis Smiley | Chris Rock: Thursday, 4/15/10

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:38:08 -0700

Multi-talented Chris Rock reflects on his influences, navigating his career and dealing with adulation; he also discusses his new film, "Death at a Funeral."

Tavis Smiley | Mark Harmon: Friday, 4/9/10

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:23:45 -0700

Actor Mark Harmon talks about how his hit show, "NCIS," stands out against other procedural dramas.

Tavis Smiley | Holly Hunter: Thursday, 3/25/2010

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:05:19 -0700

Oscar-winning actress Holly Hunter shares her plans following this last season of her star vehicle, TNT's "Saving Grace."

Tavis Smiley | Queen Latifah: Thursday, 3/18/10

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:48:35 -0700

Actress Queen Latifah discusses how and why she became the Milton Hershey School's Centennial Ambassador.

Tavis Smiley | Wesley Snipes & Antoine Fuqua: 3/5/10

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 13:42:09 -0800

"Brooklyn's Finest" star Wesley Snipes talks about his return to acting and the film's director Antoine Fuqua comments on the movie's message.

Tavis Smiley | Ethan Hawke: Wednesday, 3/3/10

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:58:32 -0800

Ethan Hawke reflects on lessons learned from his visits to Haiti when he was younger and talks about his role in the new film, "Brooklyn's Finest."

Tavis Smiley | Wyclef Jean: Tuesday, 2/2/10

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:29:29 -0800

Singer-producer-activist Wyclef Jean explains his sense of the situation in his native Haiti following the devastating earthquake.

Tavis Smiley | Trey Songz: Tuesday, 2/2/10

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:36:57 -0800

R&B singer Trey Songz discusses his response to the pressure from social media.

Tavis Smiley | Peter Fonda: Tuesday, 1/26/10

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:36:47 -0800

Co-writer, producer and star Peter Fonda reflects on the success of the classic film, "Easy Rider".

Tavis Smiley | Keri Russell: Friday, 1/22/10

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:00:22 -0800

Actress Keri Russell shares the true story behind her latest film, "Extraordinary Measures".

Tavis Smiley | Harry Belafonte: Monday, 1/18/10

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:02:11 -0800

Legendary entertainer Harry Belafonte reflects on how he met Dr. King and offers his thoughts on what he made of King on a personal level.

Tavis Smiley | Bob Newhart: Friday, 1/15/10

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:45:02 -0800

Comedy legend Bob Newhart reflects on his 50 years in show business, including his albums, stand-up and his audiences.

Tavis Smiley | Rosanne Cash: Thursday, 1/14/10

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:16:23 -0800

Grammy-winning country music superstar Rosanne Cash talks about navigating being the daughter of an icon and finding her own voice.

Tavis Smiley | Sandra Bullock: Tuesday, 1/12/2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:31:02 -0800

Oscar-nominated actress Sandra Bullock talks about pulling off two quality rolls in one year.

Tavis Smiley | Alan Alda: Monday, 1/11/10

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:41:18 -0800

Emmy-winning actor-writer Alan Alda explains his passion for science and what he wants viewers to take away from his new PBS series.

Tavis Smiley | Tobey Maguire: Monday, 1/11/10

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:51:43 -0800

Actor Tobey Maguire discusses his Golden Globe-nominated performance in the film "Brothers" and how the role affected his personal life.

Tavis Smiley | Mary J. Blige: Monday, 12/21/09

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:47 -0800

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige emphasizes the need to pick yourself up and talks about her new release, "Stronger with Each Tear."

Tavis Smiley | James Cameron: Friday, 12/17/09

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:28:18 -0800

Oscar-winning director James Cameron about his much anticipated new film, "Avatar" and discusses the various themes it touches on.

Tavis Smiley | Boyz II Men: Tuesday, 12/15/09

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:26:59 -0800

Mega-selling R&B group Boys II Men discuss their new CD release, "Love."

Tavis Smiley | Jeff Bridges & Maggie Gyllenhaal: Monday, 12/14/09

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:19:50 -0800

Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal talk about their history and their moving scenes in the new romantic drama "Crazy Heart."

Tavis Smiley | Morgan Freeman: Thursday, 12/10/09

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:39:02 -0800

Actor Morgan Freeman talks about achieving success late in life and how he came to portray Nelson Mandela in the new acclaimed film, "Invictus."

Tavis Smiley | Yo-Yo Ma: Tuesday, 12/8/09

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 20:06:24 -0800

Grammy-winning classical music artist Yo-Yo Ma reflects on discovering the cello and how he engages with young people.

Bill Moyers | The Journal: Oliver Stone

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 23:16:34 -0800

Oliver Stone came back from Vietnam a changed man, and his experiences of war have influenced his filmmaking. He talks with Bill Moyers about how being a veteran has affected his life, his work and his vision of the world.

Tavis Smiley | Harry Connick, Jr.: Tuesday, 11/17/09

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:53:30 -0800

Singer-actor Harry Connick, Jr. reflects on people who have influenced him and discusses whether a musical tradition can be preserved.

Tavis Smiley | Tony Shalhoub: Wednesday, 11/11/09

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:48:20 -0800

Emmy-winning actor Tony Shalhoub describes the audience appeal of his show and assesses cable versus network TV.

Tavis Smiley | Robert Wagner: Wednessday, 11/4/09

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:26:09 -0800

Emmy-nominated actor Robert Wagner talks about his newly released memoir, "Pieces of My Heart".

Tavis Smiley | Kris Kristofferson: Monday, 11/2/09

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:47:06 -0800

Singer-songwriter-actor Kris Kristofferson talks about being musically challenged and his friendships with icons like Muhammad Ali and Johnny Cash.

Tavis Smiley | Edward Norton: Friday, 10/30/09

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:40:37 -0700

Oscar-nominated actor Edward Norton shares the backstory of his new documentary, By the People, and talks about training for the New York Marathon.

Tavis Smiley | Andy Williams: Friday, 10/23

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:06:10 -0700

Legendary entertainer Andy Williams shares stories about being raised during the Depression and reflects on highlights of his career.

Tavis Smiley | RZA: Thursday, 10/22

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:37:02 -0700

Wu-Tang Clan founder The RZA explains the title of his new memoir, "The Tao of Wu." He also explains the story behind his name.

Tavis Smiley | Anthony Edwards: Thursday, 10/22

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:42:31 -0700

Actor-director-activist Anthony Edwards describes his efforts to build the first public children's hospital in Kenya.

Tavis Smiley | Michelle Monaghan: Tuesday, 10/20

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:32:02 -0700

Michelle Monaghan explains the excitement of playing a strong independent female character in the film "Truckers".

Tavis Smiley | Joshua Bell: Friday, 10/16

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:50:29 -0700

Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell responds to purist critics and discusses the collaborations involved in his new CD, "At Home with Friends."

Tavis Smiley | Sheila E. and Pete Escovedo: 10/15

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:05:24 -0700

Father-daughter musicians Pete Escovedo and Sheila E. discuss playing together as a family, music in schools and the Elevate Hope foundation.

Tavis Smiley | Michael Sheen: Monday, 10/12

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:17:51 -0700

Actor Michael Sheen explains is critical success in "Frost Nixon" and previews the storyline of his new film, "Damned United".

Tavis Smiley | Richard Belzer: Wednesday, 10/7

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 09:13:43 -0700

Comedian-actor Richard Belzer shares his experiences with the late George Carlin and offers his take on the David Letterman scandal.

Tavis Smiley | George Benson: Tuesday, 10/6

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:15:19 -0700

Jazz guitarist-singer George Benson describes how the process of making music has changed over the span of his long and award-winning career.

Tavis Smiley | Michael C. Hall: Monday, 10/5

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 22:58:47 -0700

Actor Michael C. Hall compares his Dexter and Six Feet Under characters.

Tavis Smiley | BeBe and CeCe Winans: Friday, 10/2

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 04:50:02 -0700

Gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans describe their faith journey over the past 15 years.

Tavis Smiley | Rodrigo y Gabriela: Thursday, 10/1

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:49:27 -0700

Music duo describe the challenge of getting non Spanish speaking people to appreciate their music.

Tavis Smiley | Adam Arkin: Wednesday, 9/30

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:16:10 -0700

Emmy-winning actor-director Adam Arkin reflects on finding success alongside his dad and talks about his latest TV and film projects.

Tavis Smiley | Michael Strahan & Daryl Mitchell: 9/24

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:49:41 -0700

Former NFL star Michael Strahan and actor Daryl "Chill" Mitchell discuss their childhoods, how they met and their chemistry.

American Masters | Outtakes from Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:53:30 -0700

Watch fourteen outtakes from "How Sweet the Sound," including interviews, performances, and special guests.

Tavis Smiley | David Duchovny: Wednesday, 9/23

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:37:43 -0700

Actor David Duchovny talks about his Showtime series, "Californication".

Tavis Smiley | Herb Alpert & Lani Hall: Tuesday, 9/22

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:27:52 -0700

Grammy-winning husband-and-wife musicians Herb Alpert and Lani Hall each give their versions of how they met and fell in love.

Tavis Smiley | Forest Whitaker: Monday, 9/21

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:32:27 -0700

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker explains why he exec produced "Brick City" and discusses the issues addressed in the documentary.

Tavis Smiley | Jenna Elfman: Friday, 9/18

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:36:22 -0700

Golden Globe-winning actress Jenna Elfman explains why she's attracted to comedy and talks about growing up in L.A.

Tavis Smiley | Ken Burns: Tuesday, 9/15

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:43:40 -0700

Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his latest project, the six-part documentary "The National Parks: America's Best Idea".

Tavis Smiley | Dave Matthews: Monday, 9/14

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:36:33 -0700

Frontman for the Dave Matthews Band reflects on the passing of band-mate and discusses the style of his music.

Tavis Smiley | Ledisi: Wednesday, 9/2

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 20:29:21 -0700

Singer Ledisi reflects on the risks she's taken, working in different genres and becoming a top artist without getting major radio play.

Tavis Smiley | Mekhi Phifer: Tuesday, 9/1

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:47:31 -0700

Actor Mekhi Phifer discusses finding roles that show African Americans in a multi-faceted light.

Tavis Smiley | Josh Charles - Healing Time: 8/28

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:50:06 -0700

Singer-pianist performs "Healing Time".

Tavis Smiley | Reba McEntire: Tuesday, 8/25

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:01:17 -0700

Grammy-winning country artist Reba McEntire reflects on her success and comments on the impact divine intervention has had on her various ventures.

Tavis Smiley | Quentin Tarantino: Monday, 8/24

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:32:05 -0700

Oscar-winning filmmaker reflects on how he sees movies and getting through periods when his films don't do as well.

Tavis Smiley | Alexis Bledel: Friday, 8/21

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:22:29 -0700

Actress Alexis Bledel reflects on her transition from modeling to acting and discusses her new film, "Post Grad."

Tavis Smiley | Smokey Robinson: Monday, 8/18

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:02:45 -0700

Prolific singer-songwriter reflects on his relationships with label founder Berry Gordy and superstar Michael Jackson.

Tavis Smiley | Dylan McDermott: Monday, 8/17

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:49:12 -0700

Golden Globe-winning actor Dylan McDermott shares the vision he has for his career and talks about his role as star of the TNT series, "Dark Blue".

Tavis Smiley | Gloria Reuben: Thursday, 8/13

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:27:43 -0700

Emmy-nominated actress Gloria Reuben says divine intervention plays a big role in her life.

Tavis Smiley | Corneille: Wednesday, 8/12

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:47:55 -0700

Singer-songwriter Corneille recounts his firsthand experience with the Rwandan genocide.

Tavis Smiley | Jay Leno (Part 2): Tuesday, 8/11

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:00:29 -0700

Jay Leno talks about his youth in New England, the perceived rivalry with Letterman and why his show looks like America.

Julia Child | Meryl Streep's Julia Child Inspiration

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 15:31:12 -0700

Actress Meryl Streep talks about the role Julia Child played in her life and why she wanted to play the culinary legend in the film Julie & Julia.

Tavis Smiley | Jay Leno: Monday, 8/10

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:52:09 -0700

Comedian-talk show host Jay Leno talks about whether his move to primetime will revolutionize late night TV and why he's taking the risk.

Tavis Smiley | Maxwell: Wednesday, 8/5

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 22:08:57 -0700

Neo-soul singer Maxwell explains his 8-year absence and his new CD trilogy and talks about touring.

Tavis Smiley | Timothy Hutton: Wednesday, 8/5

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 22:10:29 -0700

Oscar-winning actor tells the story behind the character he plays in TNT's series, "Leverage".

Tavis Smiley | Raphael Saadiq: Friday, 7/31

Sat, 1 Aug 2009 15:45:52 -0700

Neo-soul singer-songwriter performs a track from his Grammy-nominated CD, "The Way I See It."

Tavis Smiley | Lamont Dozier: Friday, 7/31

Sat, 1 Aug 2009 01:52:17 -0700

Grammy-winning songwriter-producer reflects on the 50th anniversary of Motown.

Tavis Smiley | Ashford and Simpson: Thursday, 7/30

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:20:35 -0700

Legendary singing and songwriting duo tell the stories of how they met and the first time they pitched to Motown record producer Berry Gordy.

Tavis Smiley | Lionel Richie: Wednesday, 7/29

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:42:57 -0700

Prolific singer-songwriter discusses the early days of Motown and the role he played on Obama's compilation CD.

Tavis Smiley | Berry Gordy (Part 2): Monday, 7/28

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:53:33 -0700

Motown Records founder reflects on working with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder when they were both children.

Tavis Smiley | Berry Gordy (Part 1): Monday, 7/27

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:25:59 -0700

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy recounts building life around Hitsville U.S.A.

Tavis Smiley | Joan Baez: Friday, 7/24

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:25:44 -0700

Iconic folk artist shares how she got into music and humanitarian advocacy and tells the story of discovering Bob Dylan.

Tavis Smiley | Spinal Tap Members (r): Thursday, 7/23

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:05:00 -0700

Spinal Tap members - Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean - explain how they came together 25 years ago for their "mockumentary."

Tavis Smiley | Carlos Santana (r): Wednesday, 7/22

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:14:51 -0700

Music icon Carlos Santana talks about being the first rock act to take up residency in Las Vegas.

Tavis Smiley | Prince Part 2: Tuesday, 7/21

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:10:24 -0700

In part 2 of his exclusive conversation with Tavis, Prince explains the genesis of several of the tracks on his new project.

Tavis Smiley | Bria Valente: Tuesday, 7/21

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:25:30 -0700

Singer Bria Valente shares how she responded to the challenge of creating something that's not being done today in music.

Tavis Smiley | Prince: Monday, 7/20

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:46:05 -0700

In Part 1 of an exclusive conversation, music icon Prince talks about his childhood epilepsy and the relationship with his father.

Tavis Smiley | Tracey Ullman (r): Friday, 7/17

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:07:13 -0700

Actress-comedienne Tracey Ullman comments on being a news junkie, becoming a U.S. citizen and finding humor in different situations.

Tavis Smiley | Steve Martin (r): Monday, 7/13

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:02:08 -0700

Steve Martin talks about how he came to love the banjo and demonstrates two styles of playing.

Tavis Smiley | Diahann Carroll & Jessica Queller: Friday, 7/10

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:27:31 -0700

Breast cancer survivors Diahann Carroll and Jessica Queller share their experiences.

Tavis Smiley | Lisa Kudrow: Wednesday, 7/8

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 06:33:18 -0700

Actress discusses the freedom of Internet media and her web series, "Web Therapy."

Tavis Smiley | The Homemade Jamz Blues Band: Monday, 7/7

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 10:06:39 -0700

Tavis talks with The Homemade Jamz Blues Band, who also perform.

Tavis Smiley | Berry Gordy: Tuesday, 7/7

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 10:06:39 -0700

Tavis revisits his conversation with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and shows highlights from the Michael Jackson memorial service at Staples Center.

Tavis Smiley | Berry Gordy: Monday 6/29

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:44:37 -0700

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy reflects on his relationship with Michael Jackson before he became an international music superstar.

Tavis Smiley | Paul Giamatti: Friday, 6/26

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:06:46 -0700

Paul Giamatti talks about playing quirky characters and his new feature, "Cold Souls."

Tavis Smiley | Katty Kay: Friday, 6/26

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:06:45 -0700

Katty Kay discusses the choice between career and family and the difference between balance and settling.

Tavis Smiley | Mary Mary: Thursday, 6/25

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:39:21 -0700

Tina Campbell of Mary Mary talks about how they test their music with sample audiences before releasing it.

Tavis Smiley | Francis Ford Coppola (Part 2): Wednesday, 6/24

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:04:26 -0700

Tavis continues his conversation with celebrated filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.

Tavis Smiley | Francis Ford Coppolla (Part 1): Tuesday, 6/23

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:10:33 -0700

Francis Ford Coppola looks back at The Godfather films and Apocalypse Now and talks about his childhood bout with polio.

Tavis Smiley | Roseanne Barr: Thursday, 6/18

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:54:58 -0700

Roseanne Barr reflects on her journey to Hollywood - the years of struggle, when people didn't want her working in their comedy clubs, the quick success - and the politics of the day that made her namesake show so popular.

Tavis Smiley | Chris Noth: Wednesday, 6/17

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:28:46 -0700

TV, stage and film actor talks about his play and being perpetually identified as Mr. Big from "Sex and the City," one of the two roles for which he is best known.

Tavis Smiley | Mary McCormack: Monday, 6/15

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:33:16 -0700

Actress Mary McCormack talks about the premise of her new USA Network original series, In Plain Sight.

Tavis Smiley | Della Reese: Friday, 6/12

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:57:16 -0700

Actress-singer-minister Della Reese talks about her historic guest-hosting for Johnny Carson and how she navigates her career.

Tavis Smiley | Larry King: Thursday, 6/11

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:47:27 -0700

Talk show host Larry King comments on his childhood and what he learned from being poor and what news stories over the years have most surprised him.

Tavis Smiley | Sharon Jones: Wednesday, 6/10

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:20:42 -0700

Soul singer talks about meeting James Brown and reflects on the obstacles she faced at the beginning of her career.

Tavis Smiley | Nanci Griffith: Tuesday, 6/9

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:51:27 -0700

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith talks about courting controversy in her songwriting, and also performs.

Tavis Smiley | Kevin Bacon: Monday, 6/8

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 06:32:52 -0700

Actor Kevin Bacon talks about connecting to his role in HBO's critically acclaimed film on the war in Iraq, "Taking Chance", and whether there'll be a remake of "Footloose".

Tavis Smiley | Nia Vardalos: Friday, 6/5

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:06:43 -0700

Writer-actress Nia Vardalos, star the new film "My Life in Ruins" discusses her writing process.

Tavis Smiley | Edie Falco: Wednesday, 6/3

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 05:50:06 -0700

Emmy-winning actress Edie Falco talks about navigating celebrity life.

Tavis Smiley | Norman Lear: Tuesday, 6/2

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 05:57:53 -0700

Tavis talks with groundbreaking television producer-writer and activist Norman Lear.

Tavis Smiley | Mandy Moore: Monday, 6/1

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:37:58 -0700

Singer-actress Mandy Moore discusses the evolution of her music and the impact of her recent marriage on choices she makes in the future. She also performs.

Bill Moyers | The Journal: Jon Stewart & Josh Marshall

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:19:58 -0700

Jon Stewart, the anchor of the award-winning The Daily Show for eight years, about why so many get their news and analysis from his fake news show. Also on the program: Josh Marshall, blogger and publisher of the influential talkingpointsmemo.com, gives his perspective on role of politics in the recent firings of federal prosecutors. And Bill Moyers remembers David Halberstam.

Bill Moyers | The Journal: THE WIRE's David Simon

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:53:36 -0700

From crime beat reporter for the BALTIMORE SUN to award-winning screenwriter of HBO's critically-acclaimed THE WIRE, David Simon talks with Bill Moyers about inner-city crime and politics, storytelling and the future of journalism today.

Bill Moyers | The Journal: John Lithgow

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:53:36 -0700

He's played heroes, villains, saints, sinners, a ballet-dancing elephant, and a space alien, now actor and children's author John Lithgow - best known as Dick Solomon from 3rd Rock from the Sun - reveals a new side of himself: poetry lover. The award-winning stage and screen star Lithgow shares his favorite poems, insights into acting and thoughts on art.

Make Em Laugh | Teh Internets

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:02:43 -0700

Hosted by Amy Sedaris and featuring over 20 comedians working online today, this half hour long program seeks to academically understand the popularity of different comedy online, identifying common themes such as absurdist humor, cuteness, and a dada-esque ability to recontextualize traditional media for comedy's sake.