Ep 119. Peniel Joseph, Tatiana Maslany

Peniel Joseph, Tatiana Maslany and Tavis Smiley come together to deliver a thought-provoking episode that delves into the recent political and social issues affecting America and the world at large. First up is Peniel Joseph, a prominent author, and academician, who specializes in post-Civil Rights African American history, culture and politics. He talks about his latest book, "The Sword and The Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.", and sheds light on the complexities and similarities of the two iconic civil rights leaders, who have often been pitted against each other.

Joseph explains how both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were heavily influenced by their experiences of the racism and segregation that Black people faced in the United States, and how they both shared a passion for justice and equality. He also delves into the differences in their approach to achieving these goals, with Martin Luther King Jr. opting for non-violent civil disobedience and Malcolm X calling for more radical and militant forms of protest.

Tatiana Maslany, the Emmy-winning actress of "Orphan Black" fame, joins Tavis Smiley for the second half of the show. She talks about her latest project, a revival of the classic play, "Network" by Paddy Chayefsky. Maslany plays the role of Diana Christensen, a ruthless television executive, who exploits the madness and desperation of the anchorman Howard Beale, played by Bryan Cranston, for ratings.

Maslany talks about the relevance of the play in today's world, where sensationalism and the constant need for attention often trump journalistic integrity, and how it has resonated with audiences so far. She also talks about her experience working with Bryan Cranston, and how they both pushed each other to dig deeper into their characters and their motives.

Throughout the show, Tavis Smiley brings his own insights and observations to the table, making this episode a must-watch for those interested in current events and issues affecting society and culture.