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    <title>The LZ Granderson Show</title>
    <description>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
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    <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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    <itunes:summary>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:summary>
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      <title>Nathan Kamp on Modeling, Parenthood, Faith, and the Realities of Modern Masculinity | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Actor, model, and parent Nathan Kamp joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about identity, faith, and the evolution of masculinity in entertainment. From his early modeling days with Bruce Weber and Abercrombie & Fitch to fatherhood and the economics of NIL as a parent of student athletes.<br /><br />0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!<br />2:45 LZ's LA TImes Essay on Parenting</p><p>6:08 Nathan Kamp joins LZ</p><p>6:48 How pickup basketball is an indicator of personality</p><p>10:00 Nathan's Athletic Background</p><p>12:05 How's pickup hoops changed over the years?</p><p>15:40 The economics of NIL from a parents perspective</p><p>20:10 Nathan's Faithwalk</p><p>22:30 Criticism of masculinity within the entertainment industry</p><p>29:45 How Nathan was recruited into modeling</p><p>34:00 Working with Bruce Weber</p><p>34:40 Modeling Career After Abercrombie & Fitch</p><p>36:08 Aging Within The Modeling Industry</p><p>39:00 Toughest Part of Staying In Shape</p><p>41:00 Nathan's Skincare Routine</p><p>43:15 Parenthood Through NIL<br /> </p><p>The LZ Granderson Show explores the intersection of culture, character, and conviction — with the people redefining what it means to live authentically.<br /><br />#NathanKamp  #Modeling #Masculinity #Faith #NIL #Parenting #BruceWeber #Abercrombie</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/nathan-kamp-on-modeling-parenthood-faith-and-the-realities-of-modern-masculinity-lz-granderson-show-b7PVOWq_</link>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Actor, model, and parent Nathan Kamp joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about identity, faith, and the evolution of masculinity in entertainment. From his early modeling days with Bruce Weber and Abercrombie & Fitch to fatherhood and the economics of NIL as a parent of student athletes.<br /><br />0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!<br />2:45 LZ's LA TImes Essay on Parenting</p><p>6:08 Nathan Kamp joins LZ</p><p>6:48 How pickup basketball is an indicator of personality</p><p>10:00 Nathan's Athletic Background</p><p>12:05 How's pickup hoops changed over the years?</p><p>15:40 The economics of NIL from a parents perspective</p><p>20:10 Nathan's Faithwalk</p><p>22:30 Criticism of masculinity within the entertainment industry</p><p>29:45 How Nathan was recruited into modeling</p><p>34:00 Working with Bruce Weber</p><p>34:40 Modeling Career After Abercrombie & Fitch</p><p>36:08 Aging Within The Modeling Industry</p><p>39:00 Toughest Part of Staying In Shape</p><p>41:00 Nathan's Skincare Routine</p><p>43:15 Parenthood Through NIL<br /> </p><p>The LZ Granderson Show explores the intersection of culture, character, and conviction — with the people redefining what it means to live authentically.<br /><br />#NathanKamp  #Modeling #Masculinity #Faith #NIL #Parenting #BruceWeber #Abercrombie</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Nathan Kamp on Modeling, Parenthood, Faith, and the Realities of Modern Masculinity | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
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      <itunes:summary>Actor, model, and parent Nathan Kamp joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about identity, faith, and the evolution of masculinity in entertainment. From his early modeling days with Bruce Weber and Abercrombie &amp; Fitch to fatherhood and the economics of NIL as a parent of student athletes.

0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!
2:45 LZ&apos;s LA TImes Essay on Parenting
6:08 Nathan Kamp joins LZ
6:48 How pickup basketball is an indicator of personality
10:00 Nathan&apos;s Athletic Background
12:05 How&apos;s pickup hoops changed over the years?
15:40 The economics of NIL from a parents perspective
20:10 Nathan&apos;s Faithwalk
22:30 Criticism of masculinity within the entertainment industry
29:45 How Nathan was recruited into modeling
34:00 Working with Bruce Weber
34:40 Modeling Career After Abercrombie &amp; Fitch
36:08 Aging Within The Modeling Industry
39:00 Toughest Part of Staying In Shape
41:00 Nathan&apos;s Skincare Routine
43:15 Parenthood Through NIL

🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show explores the intersection of culture, character, and conviction — with the people redefining what it means to live authentically.

#NathanKamp  #Modeling #Masculinity #Faith #NIL #Parenting #BruceWeber #Abercrombie</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Actor, model, and parent Nathan Kamp joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about identity, faith, and the evolution of masculinity in entertainment. From his early modeling days with Bruce Weber and Abercrombie &amp; Fitch to fatherhood and the economics of NIL as a parent of student athletes.

0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!
2:45 LZ&apos;s LA TImes Essay on Parenting
6:08 Nathan Kamp joins LZ
6:48 How pickup basketball is an indicator of personality
10:00 Nathan&apos;s Athletic Background
12:05 How&apos;s pickup hoops changed over the years?
15:40 The economics of NIL from a parents perspective
20:10 Nathan&apos;s Faithwalk
22:30 Criticism of masculinity within the entertainment industry
29:45 How Nathan was recruited into modeling
34:00 Working with Bruce Weber
34:40 Modeling Career After Abercrombie &amp; Fitch
36:08 Aging Within The Modeling Industry
39:00 Toughest Part of Staying In Shape
41:00 Nathan&apos;s Skincare Routine
43:15 Parenthood Through NIL

🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show explores the intersection of culture, character, and conviction — with the people redefining what it means to live authentically.

#NathanKamp  #Modeling #Masculinity #Faith #NIL #Parenting #BruceWeber #Abercrombie</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Leslie Jones on SNL, the WNBA vs NBA Debate, and Why Voting Still Matters | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Comedian, actress, and Sports Emmy winner <strong>Leslie Jones</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for a hilarious, unfiltered, and deep conversation about comedy, sports, and culture. From <i>Saturday Night Live</i> memories to live-tweeting the Olympics and calling out double standards in entertainment, Leslie brings her trademark honesty and humor to every topic.</p><p>They talk about:</p><p>Winning a <strong>Sports Emmy</strong> and what it meant to her</p><p>Experiences from her time on <strong>SNL</strong></p><p>Why she started <strong>live-tweeting the Olympics</strong> — and how it changed her career</p><p>Her take: <i>Is the WNBA better than the NBA?</i></p><p>How she got into <strong>stand-up comedy</strong> and how her voice has evolved over time</p><p>Whether comedy is harder to find in today’s climate</p><p>Her thoughts on <strong>social media literacy</strong></p><p>Why <strong>voting</strong> is crucial and her biggest <strong>cultural wish</strong> for America</p><p>What’s next for Leslie — plus a few thoughts on her beloved <strong>New York Knicks</strong></p><p><br /><strong>The LZ Granderson Show</strong> brings honest, funny, and fearless conversations with the voices shaping culture today.</p><p>#LeslieJones #SNL #Comedy #WNBA #NBA #SportsEmmys #StandUpComedy #Olympics #Podcast #Knicks #VotingMatters</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 6 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/leslie-jones-on-snl-the-wnba-vs-nba-debate-and-why-voting-still-matters-lz-granderson-show-MYtrWiKq</link>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Comedian, actress, and Sports Emmy winner <strong>Leslie Jones</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for a hilarious, unfiltered, and deep conversation about comedy, sports, and culture. From <i>Saturday Night Live</i> memories to live-tweeting the Olympics and calling out double standards in entertainment, Leslie brings her trademark honesty and humor to every topic.</p><p>They talk about:</p><p>Winning a <strong>Sports Emmy</strong> and what it meant to her</p><p>Experiences from her time on <strong>SNL</strong></p><p>Why she started <strong>live-tweeting the Olympics</strong> — and how it changed her career</p><p>Her take: <i>Is the WNBA better than the NBA?</i></p><p>How she got into <strong>stand-up comedy</strong> and how her voice has evolved over time</p><p>Whether comedy is harder to find in today’s climate</p><p>Her thoughts on <strong>social media literacy</strong></p><p>Why <strong>voting</strong> is crucial and her biggest <strong>cultural wish</strong> for America</p><p>What’s next for Leslie — plus a few thoughts on her beloved <strong>New York Knicks</strong></p><p><br /><strong>The LZ Granderson Show</strong> brings honest, funny, and fearless conversations with the voices shaping culture today.</p><p>#LeslieJones #SNL #Comedy #WNBA #NBA #SportsEmmys #StandUpComedy #Olympics #Podcast #Knicks #VotingMatters</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Leslie Jones on SNL, the WNBA vs NBA Debate, and Why Voting Still Matters | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
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      <itunes:duration>00:58:27</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Comedian, actress, and Sports Emmy winner Leslie Jones joins LZ Granderson for a hilarious, unfiltered, and deep conversation about comedy, sports, and culture. From Saturday Night Live memories to live-tweeting the Olympics and calling out double standards in entertainment, Leslie brings her trademark honesty and humor to every topic.

They talk about:
Winning a Sports Emmy and what it meant to her
Experiences from her time on SNL
Why she started live-tweeting the Olympics — and how it changed her career
Her take: Is the WNBA better than the NBA?
How she got into stand-up comedy and how her voice has evolved over time
Whether comedy is harder to find in today’s climate
Her thoughts on social media literacy
Why voting is crucial and her biggest cultural wish for America
What’s next for Leslie — plus a few thoughts on her beloved New York Knicks
The LZ Granderson Show brings honest, funny, and fearless conversations with the voices shaping culture today.

#LeslieJones #SNL #Comedy #WNBA #NBA #SportsEmmys #StandUpComedy #Olympics #Podcast #Knicks #VotingMatters</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Comedian, actress, and Sports Emmy winner Leslie Jones joins LZ Granderson for a hilarious, unfiltered, and deep conversation about comedy, sports, and culture. From Saturday Night Live memories to live-tweeting the Olympics and calling out double standards in entertainment, Leslie brings her trademark honesty and humor to every topic.

They talk about:
Winning a Sports Emmy and what it meant to her
Experiences from her time on SNL
Why she started live-tweeting the Olympics — and how it changed her career
Her take: Is the WNBA better than the NBA?
How she got into stand-up comedy and how her voice has evolved over time
Whether comedy is harder to find in today’s climate
Her thoughts on social media literacy
Why voting is crucial and her biggest cultural wish for America
What’s next for Leslie — plus a few thoughts on her beloved New York Knicks
The LZ Granderson Show brings honest, funny, and fearless conversations with the voices shaping culture today.

#LeslieJones #SNL #Comedy #WNBA #NBA #SportsEmmys #StandUpComedy #Olympics #Podcast #Knicks #VotingMatters</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Murray Bartlett on The Last of Us, White Lotus, and Life Beyond Hollywood | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Emmy-winning actor <strong>Murray Bartlett</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From his breakout roles in <i>Looking</i> and <i>The White Lotus</i> to his unforgettable performance in <i>The Last of Us</i>, Bartlett opens up about the choices that shaped his career — and how he’s finding balance away from the spotlight.<br /> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>1:12 LZ on the definition of Masculinity<br />6:05 Murray Bartlett Joins The Show</p><p>7:00 Murray's Character on "Looking"</p><p>11:45 Murray's Iconic Performance in 'The Last of Us'</p><p>13:45 Working with Nick Offerman</p><p>15:23 Portraying Complex Characters</p><p>16:20 Auditioning for White Lotus</p><p>18:15 The Difficulty in Choosing Characters</p><p>20:00 Murray's Acting Career Development</p><p>23:00 Moving Out of the City and into Nature</p><p>30:40 Australian Fandom</p><p>33:30 Developing An American Accent</p><p>37:25 Working with Nicole Kidman</p><p>39:10 Australian Culture</p><p>41:50 Murray's Hobbies</p><p>50:10 Next Project's </p><p>54:45 Bucket List Creatives</p><p>59:30 What's Your Legacy Role?</p><p><strong>The LZ Granderson Show</strong> dives into the intersection of art, culture, and purpose — with the creators defining this generation of storytelling.</p><p>#MurrayBartlett #TheLastOfUs #WhiteLotus #HBO #NickOfferman #NicoleKidman #LZGranderson </p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/murray-bartlett-on-the-last-of-us-white-lotus-and-life-beyond-hollywood-lz-granderson-show-9qozHPEu</link>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Emmy-winning actor <strong>Murray Bartlett</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From his breakout roles in <i>Looking</i> and <i>The White Lotus</i> to his unforgettable performance in <i>The Last of Us</i>, Bartlett opens up about the choices that shaped his career — and how he’s finding balance away from the spotlight.<br /> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>1:12 LZ on the definition of Masculinity<br />6:05 Murray Bartlett Joins The Show</p><p>7:00 Murray's Character on "Looking"</p><p>11:45 Murray's Iconic Performance in 'The Last of Us'</p><p>13:45 Working with Nick Offerman</p><p>15:23 Portraying Complex Characters</p><p>16:20 Auditioning for White Lotus</p><p>18:15 The Difficulty in Choosing Characters</p><p>20:00 Murray's Acting Career Development</p><p>23:00 Moving Out of the City and into Nature</p><p>30:40 Australian Fandom</p><p>33:30 Developing An American Accent</p><p>37:25 Working with Nicole Kidman</p><p>39:10 Australian Culture</p><p>41:50 Murray's Hobbies</p><p>50:10 Next Project's </p><p>54:45 Bucket List Creatives</p><p>59:30 What's Your Legacy Role?</p><p><strong>The LZ Granderson Show</strong> dives into the intersection of art, culture, and purpose — with the creators defining this generation of storytelling.</p><p>#MurrayBartlett #TheLastOfUs #WhiteLotus #HBO #NickOfferman #NicoleKidman #LZGranderson </p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="62465904" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/88d31581-2fca-4a5b-b05d-d2fba5cd4037/audio/bb1f9a9a-28d0-4f42-98c9-2b17eda8916e/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Murray Bartlett on The Last of Us, White Lotus, and Life Beyond Hollywood | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>01:03:55</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Emmy-winning actor Murray Bartlett joins LZ Granderson for an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From his breakout roles in Looking and The White Lotus to his unforgettable performance in The Last of Us, Bartlett opens up about the choices that shaped his career — and how he’s finding balance away from the spotlight.


0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
1:12 LZ on the definition of Masculinity
6:05 Murray Bartlett Joins The Show
7:00 Murray&apos;s Character on &quot;Looking&quot;
11:45 Murray&apos;s Iconic Performance in &apos;The Last of Us&apos;
13:45 Working with Nick Offerman
15:23 Portraying Complex Characters
16:20 Auditioning for White Lotus
18:15 The Difficulty in Choosing Characters
20:00 Murray&apos;s Acting Career Development
23:00 Moving Out of the City and into Nature
30:40 Australian Fandom
33:30 Developing An American Accent
37:25 Working with Nicole Kidman
39:10 Australian Culture
41:50 Murray&apos;s Hobbies
50:10 Next Project&apos;s 
54:45 Bucket List Creatives
59:30 What&apos;s Your Legacy Role?
🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show dives into the intersection of art, culture, and purpose — with the creators defining this generation of storytelling.

#MurrayBartlett #TheLastOfUs #WhiteLotus #HBO #NickOfferman #NicoleKidman #LZGranderson </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Emmy-winning actor Murray Bartlett joins LZ Granderson for an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, identity, and the power of storytelling. From his breakout roles in Looking and The White Lotus to his unforgettable performance in The Last of Us, Bartlett opens up about the choices that shaped his career — and how he’s finding balance away from the spotlight.


0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
1:12 LZ on the definition of Masculinity
6:05 Murray Bartlett Joins The Show
7:00 Murray&apos;s Character on &quot;Looking&quot;
11:45 Murray&apos;s Iconic Performance in &apos;The Last of Us&apos;
13:45 Working with Nick Offerman
15:23 Portraying Complex Characters
16:20 Auditioning for White Lotus
18:15 The Difficulty in Choosing Characters
20:00 Murray&apos;s Acting Career Development
23:00 Moving Out of the City and into Nature
30:40 Australian Fandom
33:30 Developing An American Accent
37:25 Working with Nicole Kidman
39:10 Australian Culture
41:50 Murray&apos;s Hobbies
50:10 Next Project&apos;s 
54:45 Bucket List Creatives
59:30 What&apos;s Your Legacy Role?
🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show dives into the intersection of art, culture, and purpose — with the creators defining this generation of storytelling.

#MurrayBartlett #TheLastOfUs #WhiteLotus #HBO #NickOfferman #NicoleKidman #LZGranderson </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
    </item>
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      <title>Eric Church on AI in Country Music, “Evangeline vs. the Machine,” and Why Grammys Don’t Matter | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Country icon Eric Church sits down with LZ Granderson for a wide-ranging conversation about music, meaning, and the state of modern country. From the creation of his new album Evangeline vs. the Machine to his unfiltered take on AI-generated music and the Grammys, Church opens up like never before.</p><p> </p><p>They dive into:</p><p>The biggest problems with AI-generated music (1:12)</p><p>The rollout and vision behind Evangeline vs. the Machine (5:15)</p><p>How Eric approaches songwriting and lyrical ambiguity (14:45)</p><p>Revisiting “Springsteen” and his all-time favorite record (13:30)</p><p>Whether Grammy nominations still matter in today’s industry (23:53)</p><p>What he’s listening to right now (27:21)</p><p>Collaborating with Ledisi (29:20)</p><p>His thoughts on AI in Country Music and what comes next (32:20)</p><p>Reflections on the Hurricane Helene aftermath and rebuilding communities (38:45)</p><p>The single most important thing to fix in local communities (44:25)</p><p> </p><p>🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show brings honest conversations at the intersection of music, culture, and character — with the artists shaping today’s stories.</p><p> </p><p>#EricChurch #LZGranderson #CountryMusic #EvangelineVsTheMachine #AIinMusic #Springsteen #Ledisi #Grammys #Podcast #MusicIndustry</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/eric-church-on-ai-in-country-music-evangeline-vs-the-machine-and-why-grammys-dont-matter-lz-granderson-show-_57jW1Oe</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/859a1393-51ff-4afc-bcca-2bc1badc6653/trailer-20thumbnail.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Country icon Eric Church sits down with LZ Granderson for a wide-ranging conversation about music, meaning, and the state of modern country. From the creation of his new album Evangeline vs. the Machine to his unfiltered take on AI-generated music and the Grammys, Church opens up like never before.</p><p> </p><p>They dive into:</p><p>The biggest problems with AI-generated music (1:12)</p><p>The rollout and vision behind Evangeline vs. the Machine (5:15)</p><p>How Eric approaches songwriting and lyrical ambiguity (14:45)</p><p>Revisiting “Springsteen” and his all-time favorite record (13:30)</p><p>Whether Grammy nominations still matter in today’s industry (23:53)</p><p>What he’s listening to right now (27:21)</p><p>Collaborating with Ledisi (29:20)</p><p>His thoughts on AI in Country Music and what comes next (32:20)</p><p>Reflections on the Hurricane Helene aftermath and rebuilding communities (38:45)</p><p>The single most important thing to fix in local communities (44:25)</p><p> </p><p>🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show brings honest conversations at the intersection of music, culture, and character — with the artists shaping today’s stories.</p><p> </p><p>#EricChurch #LZGranderson #CountryMusic #EvangelineVsTheMachine #AIinMusic #Springsteen #Ledisi #Grammys #Podcast #MusicIndustry</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="47665922" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/b4b3f970-3057-4222-a3c4-d56a82b65b5d/audio/866a86db-189a-4ff3-86a3-34a549b3d28d/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Eric Church on AI in Country Music, “Evangeline vs. the Machine,” and Why Grammys Don’t Matter | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:49:29</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Country icon Eric Church sits down with LZ Granderson for a wide-ranging conversation about music, meaning, and the state of modern country. From the creation of his new album Evangeline vs. the Machine to his unfiltered take on AI-generated music and the Grammys, Church opens up like never before.

They dive into:
The biggest problems with AI-generated music (1:12)
The rollout and vision behind Evangeline vs. the Machine (5:15)
How Eric approaches songwriting and lyrical ambiguity (14:45)
Revisiting “Springsteen” and his all-time favorite record (13:30)
Whether Grammy nominations still matter in today’s industry (23:53)
What he’s listening to right now (27:21)
Collaborating with Ledisi (29:20)
His thoughts on AI in Country Music and what comes next (32:20)
Reflections on the Hurricane Helene aftermath and rebuilding communities (38:45)
The single most important thing to fix in local communities (44:25)

🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show brings honest conversations at the intersection of music, culture, and character — with the artists shaping today’s stories.

#EricChurch #LZGranderson #CountryMusic #EvangelineVsTheMachine #AIinMusic #Springsteen #Ledisi #Grammys #Podcast #MusicIndustry</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Country icon Eric Church sits down with LZ Granderson for a wide-ranging conversation about music, meaning, and the state of modern country. From the creation of his new album Evangeline vs. the Machine to his unfiltered take on AI-generated music and the Grammys, Church opens up like never before.

They dive into:
The biggest problems with AI-generated music (1:12)
The rollout and vision behind Evangeline vs. the Machine (5:15)
How Eric approaches songwriting and lyrical ambiguity (14:45)
Revisiting “Springsteen” and his all-time favorite record (13:30)
Whether Grammy nominations still matter in today’s industry (23:53)
What he’s listening to right now (27:21)
Collaborating with Ledisi (29:20)
His thoughts on AI in Country Music and what comes next (32:20)
Reflections on the Hurricane Helene aftermath and rebuilding communities (38:45)
The single most important thing to fix in local communities (44:25)

🎙️ The LZ Granderson Show brings honest conversations at the intersection of music, culture, and character — with the artists shaping today’s stories.

#EricChurch #LZGranderson #CountryMusic #EvangelineVsTheMachine #AIinMusic #Springsteen #Ledisi #Grammys #Podcast #MusicIndustry</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Antonio Villaraigosa: “Uncontested Elections Are a Threat to Democracy” | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Former Los Angeles Mayor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate <strong>Antonio Villaraigosa</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for a candid conversation about power, leadership, and the future of American democracy. From his first run for office to lessons learned in defeat, Villaraigosa reflects on what politics taught him — and why so few people challenge incumbents today.</p><p>They dive into:</p><p>Why Antonio Villaraigosa first ran for office (4:43)</p><p>How he handled both victory and loss (11:58)</p><p>Whether too many <i>older politicians</i> still dominate government (20:58)</p><p>His reaction to Prop 50 and what it reveals about modern politics (30:32)</p><p>Why uncontested elections weaken civic engagement (32:52)</p><p>The “three tiers” of American voters — and why most people fall into the wrong one (35:30)</p><p>🎙️ Plus: Villaraigosa discusses his <strong>upcoming run for Governor of California in 2026</strong>, what’s driving him to go for the state’s highest office, and what the people of California should expect from his campaign.</p><p>#AntonioVillaraigosa #LZGranderson #CaliforniaPolitics #Democracy #Governorship #Elections #Podcast #Leadership</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 8 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/antonio-villaraigosa-uncontested-elections-are-a-threat-to-democracy-lz-granderson-show-BhrjccOU</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/eb342dfd-035c-473c-b867-0675ddfe98fb/lzg-20thumbnail-20av.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Former Los Angeles Mayor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate <strong>Antonio Villaraigosa</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for a candid conversation about power, leadership, and the future of American democracy. From his first run for office to lessons learned in defeat, Villaraigosa reflects on what politics taught him — and why so few people challenge incumbents today.</p><p>They dive into:</p><p>Why Antonio Villaraigosa first ran for office (4:43)</p><p>How he handled both victory and loss (11:58)</p><p>Whether too many <i>older politicians</i> still dominate government (20:58)</p><p>His reaction to Prop 50 and what it reveals about modern politics (30:32)</p><p>Why uncontested elections weaken civic engagement (32:52)</p><p>The “three tiers” of American voters — and why most people fall into the wrong one (35:30)</p><p>🎙️ Plus: Villaraigosa discusses his <strong>upcoming run for Governor of California in 2026</strong>, what’s driving him to go for the state’s highest office, and what the people of California should expect from his campaign.</p><p>#AntonioVillaraigosa #LZGranderson #CaliforniaPolitics #Democracy #Governorship #Elections #Podcast #Leadership</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="37927911" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/d3aa5b4f-f7cc-47fc-b14b-79194c3451de/audio/7f00e63a-f4a2-4bf6-9ab8-b38ad7b64d76/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Antonio Villaraigosa: “Uncontested Elections Are a Threat to Democracy” | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:39:20</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Former Los Angeles Mayor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about power, leadership, and the future of American democracy. From his first run for office to lessons learned in defeat, Villaraigosa reflects on what politics taught him — and why so few people challenge incumbents today.

They dive into:

Why Antonio Villaraigosa first ran for office (4:43)

How he handled both victory and loss (11:58)

Whether too many older politicians still dominate government (20:58)

His reaction to Prop 50 and what it reveals about modern politics (30:32)

Why uncontested elections weaken civic engagement (32:52)

The “three tiers” of American voters — and why most people fall into the wrong one (35:30)

🎙️ Plus: Villaraigosa discusses his upcoming run for Governor of California in 2026, what’s driving him to go for the state’s highest office, and what the people of California should expect from his campaign. 

#AntonioVillaraigosa #LZGranderson #CaliforniaPolitics #Democracy #Governorship #Elections #Podcast #Leadership</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Former Los Angeles Mayor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation about power, leadership, and the future of American democracy. From his first run for office to lessons learned in defeat, Villaraigosa reflects on what politics taught him — and why so few people challenge incumbents today.

They dive into:

Why Antonio Villaraigosa first ran for office (4:43)

How he handled both victory and loss (11:58)

Whether too many older politicians still dominate government (20:58)

His reaction to Prop 50 and what it reveals about modern politics (30:32)

Why uncontested elections weaken civic engagement (32:52)

The “three tiers” of American voters — and why most people fall into the wrong one (35:30)

🎙️ Plus: Villaraigosa discusses his upcoming run for Governor of California in 2026, what’s driving him to go for the state’s highest office, and what the people of California should expect from his campaign. 

#AntonioVillaraigosa #LZGranderson #CaliforniaPolitics #Democracy #Governorship #Elections #Podcast #Leadership</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Matt Barnes on Kobe, Media Hot Takes &amp; What Sports Journalism Gets Wrong | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Former NBA champion and <i>All The Smoke</i> co-host <strong>Matt Barnes</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for a raw and unfiltered conversation about life after basketball, the realities of sports media, and the state of modern discourse around athletes.</p><p>Matt opens up about his <strong>transition from the NBA to media</strong>, why so many sports journalists <strong>misrepresent athletes</strong>, and how he’s learned to <strong>stay authentic</strong> in an industry obsessed with hot takes. The two also go deep on the <strong>disrespectful Kobe Bryant discourse</strong>, the mysterious world of <strong>brand “top 10” lists</strong>, and why <strong>college may or may not still be worth it</strong> in today’s world.</p><p>🎧 <strong>Timestamps:</strong><br />0:00 – Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show<br />3:05 – Matt Barnes Joins LZ<br />4:20 – Transitioning from the NBA to Media<br />10:35 – What Sports Journalism Gets Wrong About Athletes<br />16:25 – Staying True to Yourself in Media<br />18:35 – Addressing The Disrespectful Kobe Discourse<br />21:50 – Who Creates Lists At Major Brands?!<br />25:05 – Pressure on Athletes to Make Hot Takes?<br />27:10 – Biggest NBA What If’s<br />36:30 – Is College Still Worth It?<br />38:52 – UCLA’s Impact on Matt’s Career<br />40:50 – What’s Matt’s Legacy?</p><p>👉 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that go beyond the headlines.</p><p>#LZGranderson #MattBarnes #NBA #SportsMedia #KobeBryant #AllTheSmoke #ESPN #Athletes #SportsJournalism</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/matt-barnes-on-kobe-media-hot-takes-what-sports-journalism-gets-wrong-the-lz-granderson-show-azjKZ09S</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/390c4169-e181-4e33-8b1d-02be7b149fa3/lzg-201030-20matt-20barnes.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Former NBA champion and <i>All The Smoke</i> co-host <strong>Matt Barnes</strong> joins <strong>LZ Granderson</strong> for a raw and unfiltered conversation about life after basketball, the realities of sports media, and the state of modern discourse around athletes.</p><p>Matt opens up about his <strong>transition from the NBA to media</strong>, why so many sports journalists <strong>misrepresent athletes</strong>, and how he’s learned to <strong>stay authentic</strong> in an industry obsessed with hot takes. The two also go deep on the <strong>disrespectful Kobe Bryant discourse</strong>, the mysterious world of <strong>brand “top 10” lists</strong>, and why <strong>college may or may not still be worth it</strong> in today’s world.</p><p>🎧 <strong>Timestamps:</strong><br />0:00 – Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show<br />3:05 – Matt Barnes Joins LZ<br />4:20 – Transitioning from the NBA to Media<br />10:35 – What Sports Journalism Gets Wrong About Athletes<br />16:25 – Staying True to Yourself in Media<br />18:35 – Addressing The Disrespectful Kobe Discourse<br />21:50 – Who Creates Lists At Major Brands?!<br />25:05 – Pressure on Athletes to Make Hot Takes?<br />27:10 – Biggest NBA What If’s<br />36:30 – Is College Still Worth It?<br />38:52 – UCLA’s Impact on Matt’s Career<br />40:50 – What’s Matt’s Legacy?</p><p>👉 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that go beyond the headlines.</p><p>#LZGranderson #MattBarnes #NBA #SportsMedia #KobeBryant #AllTheSmoke #ESPN #Athletes #SportsJournalism</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Matt Barnes on Kobe, Media Hot Takes &amp; What Sports Journalism Gets Wrong | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:43:16</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Former NBA champion and All The Smoke co-host Matt Barnes joins LZ Granderson for a raw and unfiltered conversation about life after basketball, the realities of sports media, and the state of modern discourse around athletes.

Matt opens up about his transition from the NBA to media, why so many sports journalists misrepresent athletes, and how he’s learned to stay authentic in an industry obsessed with hot takes. The two also go deep on the disrespectful Kobe Bryant discourse, the mysterious world of brand “top 10” lists, and why college may or may not still be worth it in today’s world.

🎧 Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
3:05 – Matt Barnes Joins LZ
4:20 – Transitioning from the NBA to Media
10:35 – What Sports Journalism Gets Wrong About Athletes
16:25 – Staying True to Yourself in Media
18:35 – Addressing The Disrespectful Kobe Discourse
21:50 – Who Creates Lists At Major Brands?!
25:05 – Pressure on Athletes to Make Hot Takes?
27:10 – Biggest NBA What If’s
36:30 – Is College Still Worth It?
38:52 – UCLA’s Impact on Matt’s Career
40:50 – What’s Matt’s Legacy?

👉 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that go beyond the headlines.

#LZGranderson #MattBarnes #NBA #SportsMedia #KobeBryant #AllTheSmoke #ESPN #Athletes #SportsJournalism</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Former NBA champion and All The Smoke co-host Matt Barnes joins LZ Granderson for a raw and unfiltered conversation about life after basketball, the realities of sports media, and the state of modern discourse around athletes.

Matt opens up about his transition from the NBA to media, why so many sports journalists misrepresent athletes, and how he’s learned to stay authentic in an industry obsessed with hot takes. The two also go deep on the disrespectful Kobe Bryant discourse, the mysterious world of brand “top 10” lists, and why college may or may not still be worth it in today’s world.

🎧 Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
3:05 – Matt Barnes Joins LZ
4:20 – Transitioning from the NBA to Media
10:35 – What Sports Journalism Gets Wrong About Athletes
16:25 – Staying True to Yourself in Media
18:35 – Addressing The Disrespectful Kobe Discourse
21:50 – Who Creates Lists At Major Brands?!
25:05 – Pressure on Athletes to Make Hot Takes?
27:10 – Biggest NBA What If’s
36:30 – Is College Still Worth It?
38:52 – UCLA’s Impact on Matt’s Career
40:50 – What’s Matt’s Legacy?

👉 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that go beyond the headlines.

#LZGranderson #MattBarnes #NBA #SportsMedia #KobeBryant #AllTheSmoke #ESPN #Athletes #SportsJournalism</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>NBA Preview: 30 Teams &amp; 30 Questions with Jemele Hill and Will Leitch | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>LZ Granderson, Jemele Hill, and Will Leitch discuss the latest in Sports, Culture and Politics as they preview the 2025 NBA season by asking one big question for every team!</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/nba-preview-30-teams-30-questions-with-jemele-hill-and-will-leitch-the-lz-granderson-show-EfTVf7Cn</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/6b028e51-4c88-4a33-be33-5a09f0a9f4a8/thumbnail-20promo-20livestream-20jemele-20and-20will.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>LZ Granderson, Jemele Hill, and Will Leitch discuss the latest in Sports, Culture and Politics as they preview the 2025 NBA season by asking one big question for every team!</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>NBA Preview: 30 Teams &amp; 30 Questions with Jemele Hill and Will Leitch | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>01:23:35</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>LZ Granderson, Jemele Hill, and Will Leitch discuss the latest in Sports, Culture and Politics as they preview the 2025 NBA season by asking one big question for every team!</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>LZ Granderson, Jemele Hill, and Will Leitch discuss the latest in Sports, Culture and Politics as they preview the 2025 NBA season by asking one big question for every team!</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Russ Kavalhuna: The Future of College, NIL, and Leadership in Higher Education | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, President of Western Michigan University, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.</p><p> </p><p>From his personal journey as a WMU student to his role leading the university, President Kavalhuna shares insights on how colleges must adapt in an era of rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting student needs. They dive into issues ranging from AI in the classroom to investing in leadership development, as well as the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on collegiate sports.</p><p> </p><p>The conversation also explores the importance of media literacy, building trust in institutions, and what legacy President Kavalhuna hopes to leave at WMU.</p><p> </p><p>⏱️ Timestamps:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>4:38 Russ Kavalhuna Joins The Show</p><p>7:55 President Kavalhuna's Experience as WMU Student</p><p>10:48 Returning to WMU</p><p>20:00 The Role of WMU's President</p><p>23:05 Concerns of Educators in Today's Society</p><p>27:55 Students’ Evolving Behavior with Technology & AI</p><p>30:15 Developing Leadership Skills</p><p>33:25 Why Is College Getting More Expensive?</p><p>37:10 Relationship with Higher Education</p><p>44:10 Keeping Champion Coaches</p><p>50:20 NIL’s Impact on Collegiate Sports</p><p>54:15 Enrollment & Professional Industry Changes</p><p>1:00:55 Media Literacy & Trusting Sources</p><p>1:06:28 President Kavalhuna’s Legacy Goal</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/russ-kavalhuna-the-future-of-college-nil-and-leadership-in-higher-education-lz-granderson-show-piuyXl2z</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/859a1393-51ff-4afc-bcca-2bc1badc6653/trailer-20thumbnail.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, President of Western Michigan University, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.</p><p> </p><p>From his personal journey as a WMU student to his role leading the university, President Kavalhuna shares insights on how colleges must adapt in an era of rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting student needs. They dive into issues ranging from AI in the classroom to investing in leadership development, as well as the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on collegiate sports.</p><p> </p><p>The conversation also explores the importance of media literacy, building trust in institutions, and what legacy President Kavalhuna hopes to leave at WMU.</p><p> </p><p>⏱️ Timestamps:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>4:38 Russ Kavalhuna Joins The Show</p><p>7:55 President Kavalhuna's Experience as WMU Student</p><p>10:48 Returning to WMU</p><p>20:00 The Role of WMU's President</p><p>23:05 Concerns of Educators in Today's Society</p><p>27:55 Students’ Evolving Behavior with Technology & AI</p><p>30:15 Developing Leadership Skills</p><p>33:25 Why Is College Getting More Expensive?</p><p>37:10 Relationship with Higher Education</p><p>44:10 Keeping Champion Coaches</p><p>50:20 NIL’s Impact on Collegiate Sports</p><p>54:15 Enrollment & Professional Industry Changes</p><p>1:00:55 Media Literacy & Trusting Sources</p><p>1:06:28 President Kavalhuna’s Legacy Goal</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Russ Kavalhuna: The Future of College, NIL, and Leadership in Higher Education | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>01:10:51</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, President of Western Michigan University, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.

From his personal journey as a WMU student to his role leading the university, President Kavalhuna shares insights on how colleges must adapt in an era of rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting student needs. They dive into issues ranging from AI in the classroom to investing in leadership development, as well as the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on collegiate sports.

The conversation also explores the importance of media literacy, building trust in institutions, and what legacy President Kavalhuna hopes to leave at WMU.

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
4:38 Russ Kavalhuna Joins The Show
7:55 President Kavalhuna&apos;s Experience as WMU Student
10:48 Returning to WMU
20:00 The Role of WMU&apos;s President
23:05 Concerns of Educators in Today&apos;s Society
27:55 Students’ Evolving Behavior with Technology &amp; AI
30:15 Developing Leadership Skills
33:25 Why Is College Getting More Expensive?
37:10 Relationship with Higher Education
44:10 Keeping Champion Coaches
50:20 NIL’s Impact on Collegiate Sports
54:15 Enrollment &amp; Professional Industry Changes
1:00:55 Media Literacy &amp; Trusting Sources
1:06:28 President Kavalhuna’s Legacy Goal</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, President of Western Michigan University, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.

From his personal journey as a WMU student to his role leading the university, President Kavalhuna shares insights on how colleges must adapt in an era of rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting student needs. They dive into issues ranging from AI in the classroom to investing in leadership development, as well as the growing impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals on collegiate sports.

The conversation also explores the importance of media literacy, building trust in institutions, and what legacy President Kavalhuna hopes to leave at WMU.

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
4:38 Russ Kavalhuna Joins The Show
7:55 President Kavalhuna&apos;s Experience as WMU Student
10:48 Returning to WMU
20:00 The Role of WMU&apos;s President
23:05 Concerns of Educators in Today&apos;s Society
27:55 Students’ Evolving Behavior with Technology &amp; AI
30:15 Developing Leadership Skills
33:25 Why Is College Getting More Expensive?
37:10 Relationship with Higher Education
44:10 Keeping Champion Coaches
50:20 NIL’s Impact on Collegiate Sports
54:15 Enrollment &amp; Professional Industry Changes
1:00:55 Media Literacy &amp; Trusting Sources
1:06:28 President Kavalhuna’s Legacy Goal</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Patrick Mouratoglou on Coaching Serena Williams, Coco Gauff &amp; The Future of Tennis | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with legendary tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou for a deep conversation on the game, life, and legacy.</p><p>From coaching Serena Williams to mentoring Coco Gauff, Patrick opens up about his journey, the meaning of masculinity, the power of communication, and why U.S. men’s tennis has struggled to produce stars. LZ and Patrick also look ahead to the U.S. Open, debate Novak Djokovic’s legacy, discuss parity in women’s tennis, and reflect on Patrick’s own Hall of Fame worthiness.</p><p>⏱️ Chapters:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>5:40 Patrick Mouratoglou Joins LZ</p><p>6:35 Patrick's Start in Tennis</p><p>18:00 What Does Masculinity Mean to You?</p><p>21:18 The Importance of Communication</p><p>25:55 Coaching Serena Williams</p><p>36:35 Why Aren't There Any US Men's Tennis Stars?</p><p>44:00 Working with Coco Gauff</p><p>47:15 Is Parity Good for Women's Tennis?</p><p>50:15 US Open Preview</p><p>51:50 How Will Novak Djokovic Be Remembered?</p><p>54:35 Does Patrick Deserve to Be in the Tennis Hall of Fame?</p><p>59:45 Relationship with Richard Williams</p><p>1:03:02 How Patrick Became Serena's Coach</p><p>If you love tennis, sports culture, and conversations that go deeper than the headlines—this episode is for you.</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/patrick-m-3R1_pPUY</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/859a1393-51ff-4afc-bcca-2bc1badc6653/trailer-20thumbnail.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with legendary tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou for a deep conversation on the game, life, and legacy.</p><p>From coaching Serena Williams to mentoring Coco Gauff, Patrick opens up about his journey, the meaning of masculinity, the power of communication, and why U.S. men’s tennis has struggled to produce stars. LZ and Patrick also look ahead to the U.S. Open, debate Novak Djokovic’s legacy, discuss parity in women’s tennis, and reflect on Patrick’s own Hall of Fame worthiness.</p><p>⏱️ Chapters:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>5:40 Patrick Mouratoglou Joins LZ</p><p>6:35 Patrick's Start in Tennis</p><p>18:00 What Does Masculinity Mean to You?</p><p>21:18 The Importance of Communication</p><p>25:55 Coaching Serena Williams</p><p>36:35 Why Aren't There Any US Men's Tennis Stars?</p><p>44:00 Working with Coco Gauff</p><p>47:15 Is Parity Good for Women's Tennis?</p><p>50:15 US Open Preview</p><p>51:50 How Will Novak Djokovic Be Remembered?</p><p>54:35 Does Patrick Deserve to Be in the Tennis Hall of Fame?</p><p>59:45 Relationship with Richard Williams</p><p>1:03:02 How Patrick Became Serena's Coach</p><p>If you love tennis, sports culture, and conversations that go deeper than the headlines—this episode is for you.</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="69607075" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/76f55999-98f2-4e78-8456-891fc3676797/audio/dc403154-fdea-46c5-9561-386f243a8393/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Patrick Mouratoglou on Coaching Serena Williams, Coco Gauff &amp; The Future of Tennis | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>01:11:33</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with legendary tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou for a deep conversation on the game, life, and legacy.

From coaching Serena Williams to mentoring Coco Gauff, Patrick opens up about his journey, the meaning of masculinity, the power of communication, and why U.S. men’s tennis has struggled to produce stars. LZ and Patrick also look ahead to the U.S. Open, debate Novak Djokovic’s legacy, discuss parity in women’s tennis, and reflect on Patrick’s own Hall of Fame worthiness.

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
5:40 Patrick Mouratoglou Joins LZ
6:35 Patrick&apos;s Start in Tennis
18:00 What Does Masculinity Mean to You?
21:18 The Importance of Communication
25:55 Coaching Serena Williams
36:35 Why Aren&apos;t There Any US Men&apos;s Tennis Stars?
44:00 Working with Coco Gauff
47:15 Is Parity Good for Women&apos;s Tennis?
50:15 US Open Preview
51:50 How Will Novak Djokovic Be Remembered?
54:35 Does Patrick Deserve to Be in the Tennis Hall of Fame?
59:45 Relationship with Richard Williams
1:03:02 How Patrick Became Serena&apos;s Coach

If you love tennis, sports culture, and conversations that go deeper than the headlines—this episode is for you.</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with legendary tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou for a deep conversation on the game, life, and legacy.

From coaching Serena Williams to mentoring Coco Gauff, Patrick opens up about his journey, the meaning of masculinity, the power of communication, and why U.S. men’s tennis has struggled to produce stars. LZ and Patrick also look ahead to the U.S. Open, debate Novak Djokovic’s legacy, discuss parity in women’s tennis, and reflect on Patrick’s own Hall of Fame worthiness.

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
5:40 Patrick Mouratoglou Joins LZ
6:35 Patrick&apos;s Start in Tennis
18:00 What Does Masculinity Mean to You?
21:18 The Importance of Communication
25:55 Coaching Serena Williams
36:35 Why Aren&apos;t There Any US Men&apos;s Tennis Stars?
44:00 Working with Coco Gauff
47:15 Is Parity Good for Women&apos;s Tennis?
50:15 US Open Preview
51:50 How Will Novak Djokovic Be Remembered?
54:35 Does Patrick Deserve to Be in the Tennis Hall of Fame?
59:45 Relationship with Richard Williams
1:03:02 How Patrick Became Serena&apos;s Coach

If you love tennis, sports culture, and conversations that go deeper than the headlines—this episode is for you.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
    </item>
    <item>
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      <title>Adam Kinzinger on January 6th, Trump, and the Fight for Democracy | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation on politics, faith, masculinity, and the state of American democracy. From his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump to his role on the January 6th Committee, Kinzinger reflects on the personal and political costs of standing against his party—and why he believes history will vindicate the truth.</p><p>In this episode:</p><p>The dangers of division and the erosion of democratic “rules of the game”</p><p>How January 6th reshaped his relationships, faith, and public life</p><p>Why Trump became a “messiah figure” for parts of the GOP</p><p>Media’s role in fueling anger and polarization</p><p>The future of Christianity, separation of church and state, and Christian nationalism</p><p>Redefining masculinity and the crisis facing young men today</p><p>Why he refuses to regret speaking out—even at great personal cost</p><p> </p><p>This is a raw, wide-ranging discussion about politics, culture, and conscience in America.</p><p>👉 Watch, share, and join the conversation.</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>6:00 Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger Joins LZ</p><p>6:45 Daily News Consumption Habits</p><p>12:10 How Sports Transcends Cultures</p><p>18:05 The Current State of Democracy</p><p>21:30 Where did the media go wrong?</p><p>28:45 Adam's Splintering with the Republican party</p><p>32:00 Potential Christian Movement</p><p>36:15 Communicating Faith to Children</p><p>38:40 Is there still a separation of Church and State?</p><p>42:30 The Future of Same Sex Marriages</p><p>45:15 Epstein Files</p><p>51:15 Defining Masculinity</p><p>59:00 Biggest Failure to young men in today's society</p><p>1:07:00 Is it still worth it to go to College?</p><p>1:10:45 Being a Part of the January 6th Committee</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/adam-kinzinger-on-january-6th-trump-and-the-fight-for-democracy-the-lz-granderson-show-xYQKSoI6</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/3db41d64-770b-41ae-9719-866ad8bede37/lzg-20kinzinger-20082025-20thumb.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation on politics, faith, masculinity, and the state of American democracy. From his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump to his role on the January 6th Committee, Kinzinger reflects on the personal and political costs of standing against his party—and why he believes history will vindicate the truth.</p><p>In this episode:</p><p>The dangers of division and the erosion of democratic “rules of the game”</p><p>How January 6th reshaped his relationships, faith, and public life</p><p>Why Trump became a “messiah figure” for parts of the GOP</p><p>Media’s role in fueling anger and polarization</p><p>The future of Christianity, separation of church and state, and Christian nationalism</p><p>Redefining masculinity and the crisis facing young men today</p><p>Why he refuses to regret speaking out—even at great personal cost</p><p> </p><p>This is a raw, wide-ranging discussion about politics, culture, and conscience in America.</p><p>👉 Watch, share, and join the conversation.</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>6:00 Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger Joins LZ</p><p>6:45 Daily News Consumption Habits</p><p>12:10 How Sports Transcends Cultures</p><p>18:05 The Current State of Democracy</p><p>21:30 Where did the media go wrong?</p><p>28:45 Adam's Splintering with the Republican party</p><p>32:00 Potential Christian Movement</p><p>36:15 Communicating Faith to Children</p><p>38:40 Is there still a separation of Church and State?</p><p>42:30 The Future of Same Sex Marriages</p><p>45:15 Epstein Files</p><p>51:15 Defining Masculinity</p><p>59:00 Biggest Failure to young men in today's society</p><p>1:07:00 Is it still worth it to go to College?</p><p>1:10:45 Being a Part of the January 6th Committee</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="73132686" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/9015fede-4725-4e62-aaa6-705228e639b6/audio/dcf0ef6b-e834-4778-b723-84192840e0b2/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Adam Kinzinger on January 6th, Trump, and the Fight for Democracy | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>01:15:15</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation on politics, faith, masculinity, and the state of American democracy. From his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump to his role on the January 6th Committee, Kinzinger reflects on the personal and political costs of standing against his party—and why he believes history will vindicate the truth.

In this episode:
The dangers of division and the erosion of democratic “rules of the game”
How January 6th reshaped his relationships, faith, and public life
Why Trump became a “messiah figure” for parts of the GOP
Media’s role in fueling anger and polarization
The future of Christianity, separation of church and state, and Christian nationalism
Redefining masculinity and the crisis facing young men today
Why he refuses to regret speaking out—even at great personal cost

This is a raw, wide-ranging discussion about politics, culture, and conscience in America.

👉 Watch, share, and join the conversation.

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
6:00 Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger Joins LZ
6:45 Daily News Consumption Habits
12:10 How Sports Transcends Cultures
18:05 The Current State of Democracy
21:30 Where did the media go wrong? 
28:45 Adam&apos;s Splintering with the Republican party
32:00 Potential Christian Movement
36:15 Communicating Faith to Children
38:40 Is there still a separation of Church and State?
42:30 The Future of Same Sex Marriages
45:15 Epstein Files
51:15 Defining Masculinity
59:00 Biggest Failure to young men in today&apos;s society
1:07:00 Is it still worth it to go to College?
1:10:45 Being a Part of the January 6th Committee</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins LZ Granderson for a candid conversation on politics, faith, masculinity, and the state of American democracy. From his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump to his role on the January 6th Committee, Kinzinger reflects on the personal and political costs of standing against his party—and why he believes history will vindicate the truth.

In this episode:
The dangers of division and the erosion of democratic “rules of the game”
How January 6th reshaped his relationships, faith, and public life
Why Trump became a “messiah figure” for parts of the GOP
Media’s role in fueling anger and polarization
The future of Christianity, separation of church and state, and Christian nationalism
Redefining masculinity and the crisis facing young men today
Why he refuses to regret speaking out—even at great personal cost

This is a raw, wide-ranging discussion about politics, culture, and conscience in America.

👉 Watch, share, and join the conversation.

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
6:00 Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger Joins LZ
6:45 Daily News Consumption Habits
12:10 How Sports Transcends Cultures
18:05 The Current State of Democracy
21:30 Where did the media go wrong? 
28:45 Adam&apos;s Splintering with the Republican party
32:00 Potential Christian Movement
36:15 Communicating Faith to Children
38:40 Is there still a separation of Church and State?
42:30 The Future of Same Sex Marriages
45:15 Epstein Files
51:15 Defining Masculinity
59:00 Biggest Failure to young men in today&apos;s society
1:07:00 Is it still worth it to go to College?
1:10:45 Being a Part of the January 6th Committee</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
    </item>
    <item>
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      <title>Councilman Chi Ossé on NYC Politics, Activism, and Queer Rights | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, LZ Granderson sits down with NYC Councilman Chi Ossé for a candid and compelling conversation about power, purpose, and politics in New York City.</p><p>They trace Ossé’s journey from outspoken activist to elected official, and unpack the personal and political evolution that came with the shift. The two discuss the real estate lobby’s grip on city policy, the pressures of navigating a relationship with Mayor Eric Adams, and the lingering shadow of Andrew Cuomo on New York politics.</p><p>Ossé also reflects on working with Comptroller Brad Lander, his dynamic with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and responds to Mamdani’s recent lack of condemnation. Plus, LZ asks about the growing list of political contenders, the most urgent issue still facing New Yorkers today, and where the fight for queer rights stands in the city.</p><p>🔥 Don’t miss this wide-ranging conversation from inside the halls of power.</p><p>0:00 Intro</p><p>5:48 NYC Councilman Chi Ossé Joins The Show</p><p>6:00 From Protest to Policy: Chi Ossé's Path to City Council</p><p>10:55 What’s Harder—Being an Activist or a Councilman?</p><p>11:50 NYC's Real Estate Lobby: Who’s Really in Charge?</p><p>14:40 Navigating Politics with Mayor Adams</p><p>17:28 Cuomo’s Legacy & Its Impact on City Leadership</p><p>19:42 Brad Lander’s Role as NYC Comptroller</p><p>22:50 The Zohran Mamdani Dynamic</p><p>27:05 Addressing Zohran’s Lack of Public Condemnation</p><p>31:25 The Biggest Unresolved Issue in NYC</p><p>32:51 Chi Ossé on the Fight for Queer Rights</p><p>38:10 Zohran's Potential Impact on The Democratic Party</p><p>40:30 Is It Still Worth It To Go To College?</p><p> </p><p>👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the headlines.</p><p>#ChiOsse #LZGrandersonShow #NYCPolitics #QueerRights #NYCCouncil #Activism #EricAdams #ZohranMamdani #BradLander #NYC2025</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 7 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/councilman-chi-osse-on-nyc-politics-activism-and-queer-rights-the-lz-granderson-show-hAiyNtMp</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/15b3f490-a614-47ae-9fe0-8d877f84d2f5/lzg-20chi-20osse-20thumbnail-20yt.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, LZ Granderson sits down with NYC Councilman Chi Ossé for a candid and compelling conversation about power, purpose, and politics in New York City.</p><p>They trace Ossé’s journey from outspoken activist to elected official, and unpack the personal and political evolution that came with the shift. The two discuss the real estate lobby’s grip on city policy, the pressures of navigating a relationship with Mayor Eric Adams, and the lingering shadow of Andrew Cuomo on New York politics.</p><p>Ossé also reflects on working with Comptroller Brad Lander, his dynamic with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and responds to Mamdani’s recent lack of condemnation. Plus, LZ asks about the growing list of political contenders, the most urgent issue still facing New Yorkers today, and where the fight for queer rights stands in the city.</p><p>🔥 Don’t miss this wide-ranging conversation from inside the halls of power.</p><p>0:00 Intro</p><p>5:48 NYC Councilman Chi Ossé Joins The Show</p><p>6:00 From Protest to Policy: Chi Ossé's Path to City Council</p><p>10:55 What’s Harder—Being an Activist or a Councilman?</p><p>11:50 NYC's Real Estate Lobby: Who’s Really in Charge?</p><p>14:40 Navigating Politics with Mayor Adams</p><p>17:28 Cuomo’s Legacy & Its Impact on City Leadership</p><p>19:42 Brad Lander’s Role as NYC Comptroller</p><p>22:50 The Zohran Mamdani Dynamic</p><p>27:05 Addressing Zohran’s Lack of Public Condemnation</p><p>31:25 The Biggest Unresolved Issue in NYC</p><p>32:51 Chi Ossé on the Fight for Queer Rights</p><p>38:10 Zohran's Potential Impact on The Democratic Party</p><p>40:30 Is It Still Worth It To Go To College?</p><p> </p><p>👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the headlines.</p><p>#ChiOsse #LZGrandersonShow #NYCPolitics #QueerRights #NYCCouncil #Activism #EricAdams #ZohranMamdani #BradLander #NYC2025</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Councilman Chi Ossé on NYC Politics, Activism, and Queer Rights | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:44:05</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, LZ Granderson sits down with NYC Councilman Chi Ossé for a candid and compelling conversation about power, purpose, and politics in New York City.

They trace Ossé’s journey from outspoken activist to elected official, and unpack the personal and political evolution that came with the shift. The two discuss the real estate lobby’s grip on city policy, the pressures of navigating a relationship with Mayor Eric Adams, and the lingering shadow of Andrew Cuomo on New York politics.

Ossé also reflects on working with Comptroller Brad Lander, his dynamic with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and responds to Mamdani’s recent lack of condemnation. Plus, LZ asks about the growing list of political contenders, the most urgent issue still facing New Yorkers today, and where the fight for queer rights stands in the city.

🔥 Don’t miss this wide-ranging conversation from inside the halls of power.

0:00 Intro
5:48 NYC Councilman Chi Ossé Joins The Show
6:00 From Protest to Policy: Chi Ossé&apos;s Path to City Council
10:55 What’s Harder—Being an Activist or a Councilman?
11:50 NYC&apos;s Real Estate Lobby: Who’s Really in Charge?
14:40 Navigating Politics with Mayor Adams
17:28 Cuomo’s Legacy &amp; Its Impact on City Leadership
19:42 Brad Lander’s Role as NYC Comptroller
22:50 The Zohran Mamdani Dynamic
27:05 Addressing Zohran’s Lack of Public Condemnation
31:25 The Biggest Unresolved Issue in NYC
32:51 Chi Ossé on the Fight for Queer Rights
38:10 Zohran&apos;s Potential Impact on The Democratic Party
40:30 Is It Still Worth It To Go To College?

👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the headlines.

#ChiOsse #LZGrandersonShow #NYCPolitics #QueerRights #NYCCouncil #Activism #EricAdams #ZohranMamdani #BradLander #NYC2025</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, LZ Granderson sits down with NYC Councilman Chi Ossé for a candid and compelling conversation about power, purpose, and politics in New York City.

They trace Ossé’s journey from outspoken activist to elected official, and unpack the personal and political evolution that came with the shift. The two discuss the real estate lobby’s grip on city policy, the pressures of navigating a relationship with Mayor Eric Adams, and the lingering shadow of Andrew Cuomo on New York politics.

Ossé also reflects on working with Comptroller Brad Lander, his dynamic with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and responds to Mamdani’s recent lack of condemnation. Plus, LZ asks about the growing list of political contenders, the most urgent issue still facing New Yorkers today, and where the fight for queer rights stands in the city.

🔥 Don’t miss this wide-ranging conversation from inside the halls of power.

0:00 Intro
5:48 NYC Councilman Chi Ossé Joins The Show
6:00 From Protest to Policy: Chi Ossé&apos;s Path to City Council
10:55 What’s Harder—Being an Activist or a Councilman?
11:50 NYC&apos;s Real Estate Lobby: Who’s Really in Charge?
14:40 Navigating Politics with Mayor Adams
17:28 Cuomo’s Legacy &amp; Its Impact on City Leadership
19:42 Brad Lander’s Role as NYC Comptroller
22:50 The Zohran Mamdani Dynamic
27:05 Addressing Zohran’s Lack of Public Condemnation
31:25 The Biggest Unresolved Issue in NYC
32:51 Chi Ossé on the Fight for Queer Rights
38:10 Zohran&apos;s Potential Impact on The Democratic Party
40:30 Is It Still Worth It To Go To College?

👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the headlines.

#ChiOsse #LZGrandersonShow #NYCPolitics #QueerRights #NYCCouncil #Activism #EricAdams #ZohranMamdani #BradLander #NYC2025</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Craig King: The BoykinZ, Ray Charles, and Breaking Music Industry Formulas | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, legendary producer and music executive Craig King sits down with LZ for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation about the state of the music industry, the rise of The BoykinZ, and what it really takes to build a lasting career today.</p><p>🎤 Topics Covered:</p><p>How Craig King got involved with rising stars The BoykinZ and his approach to managing their explosive trajectory</p><p>His unforgettable story involving Waylon Jennings</p><p>The crucial distinction between being an artist vs. an influencer in today’s landscape</p><p>Craig’s personal formula for success in the music business — from legacy acts to viral stars</p><p>The growing influence of the algorithm, gatekeeping, and how platforms are changing music discovery</p><p>The corporate trap many artists fall into — and how to avoid it</p><p>The launch of Rap Plug Academy and why education is changing in the industry</p><p>The eternal question: Is college still worth it for creatives?</p><p>Craig’s breakout moment working with the legendary Ray Charles</p><p>And what’s next for The BoykinZ, including their latest single "Step Right Up"</p><p>🔥 Whether you're an aspiring artist, seasoned industry vet, or just love a good story — this is a must-watch.</p><p>📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into culture, creativity, and power.</p><p>#TheLZGrandersonShow #CraigKing #TheBoykinZ #RapPlugAcademy #RayCharles #StepRightUp #WaylonJennings #BlackCountryMusic</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/craig-king-the-boykinz-ray-charles-and-breaking-music-industry-formulas-the-lz-granderson-show-SD5x8mDU</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/17f14a57-7e4e-410b-82b7-0c26ec7bf051/lzg-20thumbnail-20craig-20king-20yt.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, legendary producer and music executive Craig King sits down with LZ for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation about the state of the music industry, the rise of The BoykinZ, and what it really takes to build a lasting career today.</p><p>🎤 Topics Covered:</p><p>How Craig King got involved with rising stars The BoykinZ and his approach to managing their explosive trajectory</p><p>His unforgettable story involving Waylon Jennings</p><p>The crucial distinction between being an artist vs. an influencer in today’s landscape</p><p>Craig’s personal formula for success in the music business — from legacy acts to viral stars</p><p>The growing influence of the algorithm, gatekeeping, and how platforms are changing music discovery</p><p>The corporate trap many artists fall into — and how to avoid it</p><p>The launch of Rap Plug Academy and why education is changing in the industry</p><p>The eternal question: Is college still worth it for creatives?</p><p>Craig’s breakout moment working with the legendary Ray Charles</p><p>And what’s next for The BoykinZ, including their latest single "Step Right Up"</p><p>🔥 Whether you're an aspiring artist, seasoned industry vet, or just love a good story — this is a must-watch.</p><p>📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into culture, creativity, and power.</p><p>#TheLZGrandersonShow #CraigKing #TheBoykinZ #RapPlugAcademy #RayCharles #StepRightUp #WaylonJennings #BlackCountryMusic</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="45009230" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/3a4ba182-4173-43f7-9c50-6a5ad7922516/audio/cf596a67-f100-4492-9b1b-9bd06e9af8ad/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Craig King: The BoykinZ, Ray Charles, and Breaking Music Industry Formulas | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:46:03</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, legendary producer and music executive Craig King sits down with LZ for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation about the state of the music industry, the rise of The BoykinZ, and what it really takes to build a lasting career today.

🎤 Topics Covered:

How Craig King got involved with rising stars The BoykinZ and his approach to managing their explosive trajectory

His unforgettable story involving Waylon Jennings

The crucial distinction between being an artist vs. an influencer in today’s landscape

Craig’s personal formula for success in the music business — from legacy acts to viral stars

The growing influence of the algorithm, gatekeeping, and how platforms are changing music discovery

The corporate trap many artists fall into — and how to avoid it

The launch of Rap Plug Academy and why education is changing in the industry

The eternal question: Is college still worth it for creatives?

Craig’s breakout moment working with the legendary Ray Charles

And what’s next for The BoykinZ, including their latest single &quot;Step Right Up&quot;

🔥 Whether you&apos;re an aspiring artist, seasoned industry vet, or just love a good story — this is a must-watch.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into culture, creativity, and power.

#TheLZGrandersonShow #CraigKing #TheBoykinZ #RapPlugAcademy #RayCharles #StepRightUp #WaylonJennings #BlackCountryMusic</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode of The LZ Granderson Show, legendary producer and music executive Craig King sits down with LZ for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation about the state of the music industry, the rise of The BoykinZ, and what it really takes to build a lasting career today.

🎤 Topics Covered:

How Craig King got involved with rising stars The BoykinZ and his approach to managing their explosive trajectory

His unforgettable story involving Waylon Jennings

The crucial distinction between being an artist vs. an influencer in today’s landscape

Craig’s personal formula for success in the music business — from legacy acts to viral stars

The growing influence of the algorithm, gatekeeping, and how platforms are changing music discovery

The corporate trap many artists fall into — and how to avoid it

The launch of Rap Plug Academy and why education is changing in the industry

The eternal question: Is college still worth it for creatives?

Craig’s breakout moment working with the legendary Ray Charles

And what’s next for The BoykinZ, including their latest single &quot;Step Right Up&quot;

🔥 Whether you&apos;re an aspiring artist, seasoned industry vet, or just love a good story — this is a must-watch.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into culture, creativity, and power.

#TheLZGrandersonShow #CraigKing #TheBoykinZ #RapPlugAcademy #RayCharles #StepRightUp #WaylonJennings #BlackCountryMusic</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
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      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Inside the NFLPA: George Atallah on Scandal, Power Struggles &amp; Player Advocacy | LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>LZ Granderson sits down with George Atallah — former NFLPA Assistant Executive Director and founder of SOMEBODY Advisors — for a no-holds-barred conversation on his 15+ years fighting for NFL players' rights. From his work behind the scenes to his thoughts on the Lloyd Howell scandal, owner collusion, Colin Kaepernick's settlement, and Michael Sam’s NFL journey — Atallah gives a rare, insider look at the power dynamics shaping professional football.</p><p>They also cover:</p><p>How Atallah joined the NFLPA (3:30)</p><p>Accomplishments & red flags during his tenure (6:20, 9:55)</p><p>The controversial hiring process for the NFLPA Director (16:35)</p><p>How much power players <i>really</i> have (38:00)</p><p>Why the 18th game debate matters (47:40)</p><p>His Super Bowl LX pick and high hopes for the Lions (43:20)</p><p>Subscribe now for more powerful conversations on sports, politics, and culture from <strong>The LZ Granderson Show</strong>.</p><p>#NFL #NFLPA #GeorgeAtallah #LZGranderson #PlayerAdvocacy #Kaepernick #MichaelSam #Lions #SuperBowlLX</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/inside-the-nflpa-george-atallah-on-scandal-power-struggles-player-advocacy-lz-granderson-show-325egdb3</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/baae711c-279e-4b38-b94d-785d7004633b/lzg-20george-20atallah-20thumbnail-20yt.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>LZ Granderson sits down with George Atallah — former NFLPA Assistant Executive Director and founder of SOMEBODY Advisors — for a no-holds-barred conversation on his 15+ years fighting for NFL players' rights. From his work behind the scenes to his thoughts on the Lloyd Howell scandal, owner collusion, Colin Kaepernick's settlement, and Michael Sam’s NFL journey — Atallah gives a rare, insider look at the power dynamics shaping professional football.</p><p>They also cover:</p><p>How Atallah joined the NFLPA (3:30)</p><p>Accomplishments & red flags during his tenure (6:20, 9:55)</p><p>The controversial hiring process for the NFLPA Director (16:35)</p><p>How much power players <i>really</i> have (38:00)</p><p>Why the 18th game debate matters (47:40)</p><p>His Super Bowl LX pick and high hopes for the Lions (43:20)</p><p>Subscribe now for more powerful conversations on sports, politics, and culture from <strong>The LZ Granderson Show</strong>.</p><p>#NFL #NFLPA #GeorgeAtallah #LZGranderson #PlayerAdvocacy #Kaepernick #MichaelSam #Lions #SuperBowlLX</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Inside the NFLPA: George Atallah on Scandal, Power Struggles &amp; Player Advocacy | LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:52:30</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>LZ Granderson sits down with George Atallah — former NFLPA Assistant Executive Director and founder of SOMEBODY Advisors — for a no-holds-barred conversation on his 15+ years fighting for NFL players&apos; rights. From his work behind the scenes to his thoughts on the Lloyd Howell scandal, owner collusion, Colin Kaepernick&apos;s settlement, and Michael Sam’s NFL journey — Atallah gives a rare, insider look at the power dynamics shaping professional football.

They also cover:

How Atallah joined the NFLPA (3:30)
Accomplishments &amp; red flags during his tenure (6:20, 9:55)
The controversial hiring process for the NFLPA Director (16:35)
How much power players really have (38:00)
Why the 18th game debate matters (47:40)
His Super Bowl LX pick and high hopes for the Lions (43:20)

Subscribe now for more powerful conversations on sports, politics, and culture from The LZ Granderson Show.

#NFL #NFLPA #GeorgeAtallah #LZGranderson #PlayerAdvocacy #Kaepernick #MichaelSam #Lions #SuperBowlLX</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>LZ Granderson sits down with George Atallah — former NFLPA Assistant Executive Director and founder of SOMEBODY Advisors — for a no-holds-barred conversation on his 15+ years fighting for NFL players&apos; rights. From his work behind the scenes to his thoughts on the Lloyd Howell scandal, owner collusion, Colin Kaepernick&apos;s settlement, and Michael Sam’s NFL journey — Atallah gives a rare, insider look at the power dynamics shaping professional football.

They also cover:

How Atallah joined the NFLPA (3:30)
Accomplishments &amp; red flags during his tenure (6:20, 9:55)
The controversial hiring process for the NFLPA Director (16:35)
How much power players really have (38:00)
Why the 18th game debate matters (47:40)
His Super Bowl LX pick and high hopes for the Lions (43:20)

Subscribe now for more powerful conversations on sports, politics, and culture from The LZ Granderson Show.

#NFL #NFLPA #GeorgeAtallah #LZGranderson #PlayerAdvocacy #Kaepernick #MichaelSam #Lions #SuperBowlLX</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
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      <title>KevOnStage on Comedy, Church, Masculinity &amp; Making a Way | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>KevOnStage joins LZ for an unforgettable, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about faith, family, failure, and finding the funny in everyday life. He reflects on his journey from church kid to comedy king, why being "aggressively genuine" is his superpower, and how he navigated stand-up during the pandemic with his groundbreaking “Keep Your Distance” shows.</p><p>Kev breaks down:</p><p>Why Bernie Mac is his GOAT</p><p>Growing up clean in a dirty comedy world</p><p>Comedy in the Black church</p><p>Masculinity, anime, and the Sopranos</p><p>The real cost of chasing your dream in Hollywood</p><p>His new memoir: Successful Failure</p><p>Plus, an absolutely wild story about his first experience at Freaknik at age 13.</p><p>(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>(1:12) RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner</p><p>(5:15) KevOnStage Joins LZ</p><p>(6:45) Developing "anti-ratchet comedy"</p><p>(9:20) Funny stories from the bible/scripture</p><p>(12:55) "Back in my heterosexual days..."</p><p>(15:05) Kev's Comedic Journey</p><p>(22:15) Where are you finding material now?</p><p>(33:25) How has Comedy changed around the idea of masculinity?</p><p>(40:09) Creating "Keep your Distance" comedy shows during Covid</p><p>(47:22) Comedy in today's political climate</p><p>(49:30) Checkout Kev's Book: Successful Failure</p><p>(52:40) Freaknik</p><p>🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more smart, funny, and brutally honest conversations every week.</p><p>#KevOnStage #Comedy #LZGranderson #BlackChurch #Masculinity #KeepYourDistance #SuccessfulFailure</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/kevonstage-on-comedy-church-masculinity-making-a-way-the-lz-granderson-show-gKn4c7Po</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/a891ca70-de42-4b9d-a5b4-a08a5bf079b2/thumbnail-20008-20kevonstage-20072425-20yt.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>KevOnStage joins LZ for an unforgettable, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about faith, family, failure, and finding the funny in everyday life. He reflects on his journey from church kid to comedy king, why being "aggressively genuine" is his superpower, and how he navigated stand-up during the pandemic with his groundbreaking “Keep Your Distance” shows.</p><p>Kev breaks down:</p><p>Why Bernie Mac is his GOAT</p><p>Growing up clean in a dirty comedy world</p><p>Comedy in the Black church</p><p>Masculinity, anime, and the Sopranos</p><p>The real cost of chasing your dream in Hollywood</p><p>His new memoir: Successful Failure</p><p>Plus, an absolutely wild story about his first experience at Freaknik at age 13.</p><p>(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>(1:12) RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner</p><p>(5:15) KevOnStage Joins LZ</p><p>(6:45) Developing "anti-ratchet comedy"</p><p>(9:20) Funny stories from the bible/scripture</p><p>(12:55) "Back in my heterosexual days..."</p><p>(15:05) Kev's Comedic Journey</p><p>(22:15) Where are you finding material now?</p><p>(33:25) How has Comedy changed around the idea of masculinity?</p><p>(40:09) Creating "Keep your Distance" comedy shows during Covid</p><p>(47:22) Comedy in today's political climate</p><p>(49:30) Checkout Kev's Book: Successful Failure</p><p>(52:40) Freaknik</p><p>🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more smart, funny, and brutally honest conversations every week.</p><p>#KevOnStage #Comedy #LZGranderson #BlackChurch #Masculinity #KeepYourDistance #SuccessfulFailure</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="55608236" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/f42bf657-c94a-44b0-acbe-982383ae1724/audio/efd69c86-c1af-46ee-ac18-c6cdd5b157a7/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>KevOnStage on Comedy, Church, Masculinity &amp; Making a Way | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:57:07</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>KevOnStage joins LZ for an unforgettable, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about faith, family, failure, and finding the funny in everyday life. He reflects on his journey from church kid to comedy king, why being &quot;aggressively genuine&quot; is his superpower, and how he navigated stand-up during the pandemic with his groundbreaking “Keep Your Distance” shows.

Kev breaks down:

Why Bernie Mac is his GOAT
Growing up clean in a dirty comedy world
Comedy in the Black church
Masculinity, anime, and the Sopranos
The real cost of chasing your dream in Hollywood
His new memoir: Successful Failure
Plus, an absolutely wild story about his first experience at Freaknik at age 13.

(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
(1:12) RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner
(5:15) KevOnStage Joins LZ
(6:45) Developing &quot;anti-ratchet comedy&quot;
(9:20) Funny stories from the bible/scripture
(12:55) &quot;Back in my heterosexual days...&quot;
(15:05) Kev&apos;s Comedic Journey
(22:15) Where are you finding material now?
(33:25) How has Comedy changed around the idea of masculinity?
(40:09) Creating &quot;Keep your Distance&quot; comedy shows during Covid
(47:22) Comedy in today&apos;s political climate
(49:30) Checkout Kev&apos;s Book: Successful Failure
(52:40) Freaknik

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more smart, funny, and brutally honest conversations every week.

#KevOnStage #Comedy #LZGranderson #BlackChurch #Masculinity #KeepYourDistance #SuccessfulFailure</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>KevOnStage joins LZ for an unforgettable, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about faith, family, failure, and finding the funny in everyday life. He reflects on his journey from church kid to comedy king, why being &quot;aggressively genuine&quot; is his superpower, and how he navigated stand-up during the pandemic with his groundbreaking “Keep Your Distance” shows.

Kev breaks down:

Why Bernie Mac is his GOAT
Growing up clean in a dirty comedy world
Comedy in the Black church
Masculinity, anime, and the Sopranos
The real cost of chasing your dream in Hollywood
His new memoir: Successful Failure
Plus, an absolutely wild story about his first experience at Freaknik at age 13.

(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
(1:12) RIP Malcolm-Jamal Warner
(5:15) KevOnStage Joins LZ
(6:45) Developing &quot;anti-ratchet comedy&quot;
(9:20) Funny stories from the bible/scripture
(12:55) &quot;Back in my heterosexual days...&quot;
(15:05) Kev&apos;s Comedic Journey
(22:15) Where are you finding material now?
(33:25) How has Comedy changed around the idea of masculinity?
(40:09) Creating &quot;Keep your Distance&quot; comedy shows during Covid
(47:22) Comedy in today&apos;s political climate
(49:30) Checkout Kev&apos;s Book: Successful Failure
(52:40) Freaknik

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more smart, funny, and brutally honest conversations every week.

#KevOnStage #Comedy #LZGranderson #BlackChurch #Masculinity #KeepYourDistance #SuccessfulFailure</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Noah Reid on Schitt’s Creek, Songwriting, and Fatherhood | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this thoughtful and revealing episode, LZ Granderson sits down with Schitt’s Creek star and acclaimed singer-songwriter Noah Reid. From navigating fame and fatherhood to reflecting on identity, artistic integrity, and what it means to create during turbulent times, Noah opens up about his evolution as an artist and a man. The two also share personal stories about being dads, their creative rituals, and the complexity of balancing public life with private authenticity.<br /><br />Topics Covered:<br /><br />The divide between public persona and personal identity<br /><br />Noah’s music and creative process<br /><br />Touring in America as a Canadian artist<br /><br /> </p><p>Lessons from fatherhood<br /><br />The future of journalism and artistic expression<br /><br />Schitt’s Creek memories and what comes next for Noah<br /> </p><p>Plus, Noah talks about his latest tour, future projects, and the real story behind “T is for Tillerson.”<br /><br /> </p><p>(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>(1:12) The Epstein Files, NBA, and Noah Reid</p><p>(3:05) Noah Reid Joins The Show<br />(6:35) Being a Canadian touring in America<br />(12:55) Creating Right Now as a Singer/Songwriter</p><p>(21:10) Parenthood</p><p>(25:35) Favorite Parts of Being a Dad</p><p>(28:45) Reflecting on Schitt's Creek</p><p>(41:30) Being A Queer Fan Favorite</p><p>(43:10) Family Roles and Balance</p><p>(48:40) How Noah Met His Wife</p><p>(51:05) Future Character That Noah Would Like To Play</p><p>(54:55) Broadway In The Future?</p><p>(56:30) Future Projects for Noah</p><p><br />Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more deep conversations every week.<br /><br />#NoahReid #SchittsCreek #LZGranderson #TheLZGrandersonShow #Fatherhood #Songwriting #CanadianArtists #LGBTQ</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/noah-reid-on-schitts-creek-songwriting-and-fatherhood-the-lz-granderson-show-jkkQiL5E</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/e83770e0-b99b-4621-8f48-184113c8e984/lzg-20noah-20reid-20thumbnail-20071725.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this thoughtful and revealing episode, LZ Granderson sits down with Schitt’s Creek star and acclaimed singer-songwriter Noah Reid. From navigating fame and fatherhood to reflecting on identity, artistic integrity, and what it means to create during turbulent times, Noah opens up about his evolution as an artist and a man. The two also share personal stories about being dads, their creative rituals, and the complexity of balancing public life with private authenticity.<br /><br />Topics Covered:<br /><br />The divide between public persona and personal identity<br /><br />Noah’s music and creative process<br /><br />Touring in America as a Canadian artist<br /><br /> </p><p>Lessons from fatherhood<br /><br />The future of journalism and artistic expression<br /><br />Schitt’s Creek memories and what comes next for Noah<br /> </p><p>Plus, Noah talks about his latest tour, future projects, and the real story behind “T is for Tillerson.”<br /><br /> </p><p>(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>(1:12) The Epstein Files, NBA, and Noah Reid</p><p>(3:05) Noah Reid Joins The Show<br />(6:35) Being a Canadian touring in America<br />(12:55) Creating Right Now as a Singer/Songwriter</p><p>(21:10) Parenthood</p><p>(25:35) Favorite Parts of Being a Dad</p><p>(28:45) Reflecting on Schitt's Creek</p><p>(41:30) Being A Queer Fan Favorite</p><p>(43:10) Family Roles and Balance</p><p>(48:40) How Noah Met His Wife</p><p>(51:05) Future Character That Noah Would Like To Play</p><p>(54:55) Broadway In The Future?</p><p>(56:30) Future Projects for Noah</p><p><br />Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more deep conversations every week.<br /><br />#NoahReid #SchittsCreek #LZGranderson #TheLZGrandersonShow #Fatherhood #Songwriting #CanadianArtists #LGBTQ</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
      <enclosure length="56619223" type="audio/mpeg" url="https://cdn.simplecast.com/audio/4ab343d8-b7bb-42bc-b5a3-74e8714b6c50/episodes/f67fc885-651b-4c5b-9ad3-4f21fd63e09d/audio/384592c2-01b4-4763-918d-bacce254f110/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&amp;feed=e04Ay15A"/>
      <itunes:title>Noah Reid on Schitt’s Creek, Songwriting, and Fatherhood | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:57:43</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this thoughtful and revealing episode, LZ Granderson sits down with Schitt’s Creek star and acclaimed singer-songwriter Noah Reid. From navigating fame and fatherhood to reflecting on identity, artistic integrity, and what it means to create during turbulent times, Noah opens up about his evolution as an artist and a man. The two also share personal stories about being dads, their creative rituals, and the complexity of balancing public life with private authenticity.

Topics Covered:

The divide between public persona and personal identity

Noah’s music and creative process

Touring in America as a Canadian artist

Lessons from fatherhood

The future of journalism and artistic expression

Schitt’s Creek memories and what comes next for Noah

🎵 Plus, Noah talks about his latest tour, future projects, and the real story behind “T is for Tillerson.”

(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
(1:12) The Epstein Files, NBA, and Noah Reid
(3:05) Noah Reid Joins The Show
(6:35) Being a Canadian touring in America
(12:55) Creating Right Now as a Singer/Songwriter
(21:10) Parenthood
(25:35) Favorite Parts of Being a Dad
(28:45) Reflecting on Schitt&apos;s Creek
(41:30) Being A Queer Fan Favorite
(43:10) Family Roles and Balance
(48:40) How Noah Met His Wife
(51:05) Future Character That Noah Would Like To Play
(54:55) Broadway In The Future?
(56:30) Future Projects for Noah

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more deep conversations every week.

#NoahReid #SchittsCreek #LZGranderson #TheLZGrandersonShow #Fatherhood #Songwriting #CanadianArtists #LGBTQ</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this thoughtful and revealing episode, LZ Granderson sits down with Schitt’s Creek star and acclaimed singer-songwriter Noah Reid. From navigating fame and fatherhood to reflecting on identity, artistic integrity, and what it means to create during turbulent times, Noah opens up about his evolution as an artist and a man. The two also share personal stories about being dads, their creative rituals, and the complexity of balancing public life with private authenticity.

Topics Covered:

The divide between public persona and personal identity

Noah’s music and creative process

Touring in America as a Canadian artist

Lessons from fatherhood

The future of journalism and artistic expression

Schitt’s Creek memories and what comes next for Noah

🎵 Plus, Noah talks about his latest tour, future projects, and the real story behind “T is for Tillerson.”

(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
(1:12) The Epstein Files, NBA, and Noah Reid
(3:05) Noah Reid Joins The Show
(6:35) Being a Canadian touring in America
(12:55) Creating Right Now as a Singer/Songwriter
(21:10) Parenthood
(25:35) Favorite Parts of Being a Dad
(28:45) Reflecting on Schitt&apos;s Creek
(41:30) Being A Queer Fan Favorite
(43:10) Family Roles and Balance
(48:40) How Noah Met His Wife
(51:05) Future Character That Noah Would Like To Play
(54:55) Broadway In The Future?
(56:30) Future Projects for Noah

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more deep conversations every week.

#NoahReid #SchittsCreek #LZGranderson #TheLZGrandersonShow #Fatherhood #Songwriting #CanadianArtists #LGBTQ</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
    </item>
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      <title>Roy Wood Jr.: Comedy, Culture &amp; Legacy | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Comedian, writer, and Daily Show favorite Roy Wood Jr. joins LZ Granderson for a powerful, no-preamble-needed conversation about comedy, cultural responsibility, fatherhood, and fighting the system.</p><p>In this wide-ranging episode, Roy opens up about his evolution as a political satirist, the pressure on Black creatives to “meet the moment,” and the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book. LZ and Roy also reflect on legacy, journalism, and the weight of fatherhood—plus the story of how Roy helped fellow comedians during COVID.</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>1:12 Lakers, Jewel Thais-Williams, Roy Wood Jr.</p><p>4:45 Roy Wood Jr. Joins the show</p><p>6:05 Working Together at ESPN LA</p><p>9:18 Finding unique angles around news/stories</p><p>14:10 Creating Social/political commentary and comedy</p><p>21:15 How to create content right now in America</p><p>28:00 Why Great Comedians Are Political</p><p>34:40 Finding the right chemistry and content in today's environment</p><p>42:58 Checkout Roy's book: "The man of many fathers"</p><p>Topics Covered: Satire vs. social commentary in modern comedy, Why certain comedians endure while others fade, What legacy means for Black fathers, The media’s trust crisis—and how to fix it.</p><p>This episode is packed with heart, humor, and hard truths. Don’t miss it.</p><p>Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with cultural icons.</p><p>#RoyWoodJr #LZGranderson #BlackCreatives #TheDailyShow #PoliticalComedy #Fatherhood #MediaTrust #ComedyAndCulture #TheLZGrandersonShow</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/roy-wood-jr-comedy-culture-legacy-the-lz-granderson-show-nfASC5tY</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/20bb05de-4c16-42ef-9d44-9df77c7b914a/thumbnail-20071025-20roy-20wood-20jr.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Comedian, writer, and Daily Show favorite Roy Wood Jr. joins LZ Granderson for a powerful, no-preamble-needed conversation about comedy, cultural responsibility, fatherhood, and fighting the system.</p><p>In this wide-ranging episode, Roy opens up about his evolution as a political satirist, the pressure on Black creatives to “meet the moment,” and the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book. LZ and Roy also reflect on legacy, journalism, and the weight of fatherhood—plus the story of how Roy helped fellow comedians during COVID.</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>1:12 Lakers, Jewel Thais-Williams, Roy Wood Jr.</p><p>4:45 Roy Wood Jr. Joins the show</p><p>6:05 Working Together at ESPN LA</p><p>9:18 Finding unique angles around news/stories</p><p>14:10 Creating Social/political commentary and comedy</p><p>21:15 How to create content right now in America</p><p>28:00 Why Great Comedians Are Political</p><p>34:40 Finding the right chemistry and content in today's environment</p><p>42:58 Checkout Roy's book: "The man of many fathers"</p><p>Topics Covered: Satire vs. social commentary in modern comedy, Why certain comedians endure while others fade, What legacy means for Black fathers, The media’s trust crisis—and how to fix it.</p><p>This episode is packed with heart, humor, and hard truths. Don’t miss it.</p><p>Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with cultural icons.</p><p>#RoyWoodJr #LZGranderson #BlackCreatives #TheDailyShow #PoliticalComedy #Fatherhood #MediaTrust #ComedyAndCulture #TheLZGrandersonShow</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Roy Wood Jr.: Comedy, Culture &amp; Legacy | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:54:47</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>Comedian, writer, and Daily Show favorite Roy Wood Jr. joins LZ Granderson for a powerful, no-preamble-needed conversation about comedy, cultural responsibility, fatherhood, and fighting the system.

In this wide-ranging episode, Roy opens up about his evolution as a political satirist, the pressure on Black creatives to “meet the moment,” and the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book. LZ and Roy also reflect on legacy, journalism, and the weight of fatherhood—plus the story of how Roy helped fellow comedians during COVID.

0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!
1:12 Lakers, Jewel Thais-Williams, Roy Wood Jr.
4:45 Roy Wood Jr. Joins the show
6:05 Working Together at ESPN LA
9:18 Finding unique angles around news/stories
14:10 Creating Social/political commentary and comedy
21:15 How to create content right now in America
28:00 Why Great Comedians Are Political
34:40 Finding the right chemistry and content in today&apos;s environment
42:58 Checkout Roy&apos;s book: &quot;The man of many fathers&quot;

Topics Covered: Satire vs. social commentary in modern comedy, Why certain comedians endure while others fade, What legacy means for Black fathers, The media’s trust crisis—and how to fix it. 

This episode is packed with heart, humor, and hard truths. Don’t miss it.

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with cultural icons.

#RoyWoodJr #LZGranderson #BlackCreatives #TheDailyShow #PoliticalComedy #Fatherhood #MediaTrust #ComedyAndCulture #TheLZGrandersonShow</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>Comedian, writer, and Daily Show favorite Roy Wood Jr. joins LZ Granderson for a powerful, no-preamble-needed conversation about comedy, cultural responsibility, fatherhood, and fighting the system.

In this wide-ranging episode, Roy opens up about his evolution as a political satirist, the pressure on Black creatives to “meet the moment,” and the emotional journey of writing his upcoming book. LZ and Roy also reflect on legacy, journalism, and the weight of fatherhood—plus the story of how Roy helped fellow comedians during COVID.

0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show!
1:12 Lakers, Jewel Thais-Williams, Roy Wood Jr.
4:45 Roy Wood Jr. Joins the show
6:05 Working Together at ESPN LA
9:18 Finding unique angles around news/stories
14:10 Creating Social/political commentary and comedy
21:15 How to create content right now in America
28:00 Why Great Comedians Are Political
34:40 Finding the right chemistry and content in today&apos;s environment
42:58 Checkout Roy&apos;s book: &quot;The man of many fathers&quot;

Topics Covered: Satire vs. social commentary in modern comedy, Why certain comedians endure while others fade, What legacy means for Black fathers, The media’s trust crisis—and how to fix it. 

This episode is packed with heart, humor, and hard truths. Don’t miss it.

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with cultural icons.

#RoyWoodJr #LZGranderson #BlackCreatives #TheDailyShow #PoliticalComedy #Fatherhood #MediaTrust #ComedyAndCulture #TheLZGrandersonShow</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit>
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      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Big Sean: Detroit, Cass Tech, Vulnerability, and His Next Album | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this powerful episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Grammy-nominated artist and fellow Cass Tech alum Big Sean for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. They reflect on their shared Detroit roots, the cultural legacy of Cass Tech, and the powerful influence of artists like Marvin Gaye and Motown. Big Sean opens up about fatherhood, faith, mental health, and how he's navigating vulnerability in a genre dominated by hypermasculinity.</p><p> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>1:12 Three Things: Lakers, Diddy, and Big Sean</p><p>3:18 Big Sean Joins LZ</p><p>4:30 Creating art in today's culture</p><p>5:45 Being a father in this moment</p><p>9:05 Detroit artists involvement with civil rights historically</p><p>13:00 Big Sean's Icons of Strength and Perseverance</p><p>14:20 "It's now an advantage to be black"</p><p>18:35 Being vulnerable through music</p><p>21:30 Approach to writing</p><p>24:20 New song about "not recognizing myself anymore"</p><p>27:00 Reaction to Kendrick's Juneteenth Popout</p><p>29:05 James Brown's Influence on Big Sean</p><p>29:55 Detroit's Impact</p><p>31:45 Lessons from Cass Tech High School</p><p>32:50 Jay-Z Performing at Cass Tech while Big Sean was in high school</p><p>34:20 Having dinner with Jay-Z and Beyonce</p><p>35:45 Building the music studio as Cass Tech</p><p>37:00 What's the next project for Big Sean?</p><p> </p><p>🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that blend culture, creativity, and conscience.</p><p> </p><p>#BigSean #LZGranderson #Detroit #HipHop #MentalHealth #Faith #CassTech #Juneteenth #Motown #TheLZGrandersonShow #Podcast #MusicIndustry</p><p> </p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p> </p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p> </p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 3 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/big-sean-detroit-cass-tech-vulnerability-and-his-next-album-the-lz-granderson-show-kwSxTEGG</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/30cc2b12-cb88-4e4b-b651-a544ef66e051/thumbnail-20070325-20big-20sean.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this powerful episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Grammy-nominated artist and fellow Cass Tech alum Big Sean for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. They reflect on their shared Detroit roots, the cultural legacy of Cass Tech, and the powerful influence of artists like Marvin Gaye and Motown. Big Sean opens up about fatherhood, faith, mental health, and how he's navigating vulnerability in a genre dominated by hypermasculinity.</p><p> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>1:12 Three Things: Lakers, Diddy, and Big Sean</p><p>3:18 Big Sean Joins LZ</p><p>4:30 Creating art in today's culture</p><p>5:45 Being a father in this moment</p><p>9:05 Detroit artists involvement with civil rights historically</p><p>13:00 Big Sean's Icons of Strength and Perseverance</p><p>14:20 "It's now an advantage to be black"</p><p>18:35 Being vulnerable through music</p><p>21:30 Approach to writing</p><p>24:20 New song about "not recognizing myself anymore"</p><p>27:00 Reaction to Kendrick's Juneteenth Popout</p><p>29:05 James Brown's Influence on Big Sean</p><p>29:55 Detroit's Impact</p><p>31:45 Lessons from Cass Tech High School</p><p>32:50 Jay-Z Performing at Cass Tech while Big Sean was in high school</p><p>34:20 Having dinner with Jay-Z and Beyonce</p><p>35:45 Building the music studio as Cass Tech</p><p>37:00 What's the next project for Big Sean?</p><p> </p><p>🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that blend culture, creativity, and conscience.</p><p> </p><p>#BigSean #LZGranderson #Detroit #HipHop #MentalHealth #Faith #CassTech #Juneteenth #Motown #TheLZGrandersonShow #Podcast #MusicIndustry</p><p> </p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p> </p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p> </p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Big Sean: Detroit, Cass Tech, Vulnerability, and His Next Album | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:39:45</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this powerful episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Grammy-nominated artist and fellow Cass Tech alum Big Sean for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. They reflect on their shared Detroit roots, the cultural legacy of Cass Tech, and the powerful influence of artists like Marvin Gaye and Motown. Big Sean opens up about fatherhood, faith, mental health, and how he&apos;s navigating vulnerability in a genre dominated by hypermasculinity.

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
1:12 Three Things: Lakers, Diddy, and Big Sean
3:18 Big Sean Joins LZ
4:30 Creating art in today&apos;s culture
5:45 Being a father in this moment
9:05 Detroit artists involvement with civil rights historically
13:00 Big Sean&apos;s Icons of Strength and Perseverance
14:20 &quot;It&apos;s now an advantage to be black&quot;
18:35 Being vulnerable through music
21:30 Approach to writing
24:20 New song about &quot;not recognizing myself anymore&quot;
27:00 Reaction to Kendrick&apos;s Juneteenth Popout
29:05 James Brown&apos;s Influence on Big Sean
29:55 Detroit&apos;s Impact
31:45 Lessons from Cass Tech High School
32:50 Jay-Z Performing at Cass Tech while Big Sean was in high school
34:20 Having dinner with Jay-Z and Beyonce
35:45 Building the music studio as Cass Tech
37:00 What&apos;s the next project for Big Sean?

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that blend culture, creativity, and conscience.

#BigSean #LZGranderson #Detroit #HipHop #MentalHealth #Faith #CassTech #Juneteenth #Motown #TheLZGrandersonShow #Podcast #MusicIndustry

From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this powerful episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Grammy-nominated artist and fellow Cass Tech alum Big Sean for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. They reflect on their shared Detroit roots, the cultural legacy of Cass Tech, and the powerful influence of artists like Marvin Gaye and Motown. Big Sean opens up about fatherhood, faith, mental health, and how he&apos;s navigating vulnerability in a genre dominated by hypermasculinity.

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
1:12 Three Things: Lakers, Diddy, and Big Sean
3:18 Big Sean Joins LZ
4:30 Creating art in today&apos;s culture
5:45 Being a father in this moment
9:05 Detroit artists involvement with civil rights historically
13:00 Big Sean&apos;s Icons of Strength and Perseverance
14:20 &quot;It&apos;s now an advantage to be black&quot;
18:35 Being vulnerable through music
21:30 Approach to writing
24:20 New song about &quot;not recognizing myself anymore&quot;
27:00 Reaction to Kendrick&apos;s Juneteenth Popout
29:05 James Brown&apos;s Influence on Big Sean
29:55 Detroit&apos;s Impact
31:45 Lessons from Cass Tech High School
32:50 Jay-Z Performing at Cass Tech while Big Sean was in high school
34:20 Having dinner with Jay-Z and Beyonce
35:45 Building the music studio as Cass Tech
37:00 What&apos;s the next project for Big Sean?

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that blend culture, creativity, and conscience.

#BigSean #LZGranderson #Detroit #HipHop #MentalHealth #Faith #CassTech #Juneteenth #Motown #TheLZGrandersonShow #Podcast #MusicIndustry

From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Jorge Sedano: NBA Draft Recap, Lakers Needs + Free Agency Preview | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>ESPN's Jorge Sedano joins LZ to unpack one of the most unpredictable NBA offseason's in recent memory. From Luka’s midseason trade to the Dallas Mavericks' bold draft moves, to whether Jokic might actually be on the block— no team is off limits.</p><p>They debate the Lakers' outlook, the Clippers' collapse, and whether OKC’s rise is built to last. Plus, a candid discussion about how analytics are changing the soul of the game, what role luck really plays in championships, and the rising tension between ballooning NBA salaries and declining viewership.</p><p>Bonus: The duo gets real about rom-coms, Dwight Howard’s knees, time zones, and why Austin Reaves might be the most un-tradable man in the league.</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>1:05 Jorge Sedano Joins the Show</p><p>2:28 Would The Nuggets Actually Consider Trading Nikola Jokic?!</p><p>6:40 Mavericks Draft Cooper Flagg, What's Next?</p><p>12:10 Analyzing the Lakers Roster and Needs</p><p>19:15 Which Teams are Desperate for Free Agents?</p><p>27:35 Analytics vs. Luck in Sports</p><p>30:05 What's the best Rom-Com of all time?</p><p>32:52 Current Economic State of the NBA</p><p>44:08 Most Intriguing Teams Next Season?</p><p>48:42 Who's The 2025-26 NBA Champion?</p><p>51:12 Thanks for watching!</p><p> </p><p>Like, subscribe, and drop your NBA hot take in the comments.</p><p> </p><p>#nbadraft #cooperflagg #lukadoncic #nikolajokic #lebronjames #lakers #mavericks #clippers #nuggets #nba #lzgranderson #jorgesedano</p><p> </p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p> </p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p> </p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/jorge-sedano-nba-draft-recap-lakers-needs-free-agency-preview-the-lz-granderson-show-Pl0lV9rc</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/a1990db3-abf4-4317-b3c2-24326459950c/thumbnail-20062725-20sedano-20yt.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>ESPN's Jorge Sedano joins LZ to unpack one of the most unpredictable NBA offseason's in recent memory. From Luka’s midseason trade to the Dallas Mavericks' bold draft moves, to whether Jokic might actually be on the block— no team is off limits.</p><p>They debate the Lakers' outlook, the Clippers' collapse, and whether OKC’s rise is built to last. Plus, a candid discussion about how analytics are changing the soul of the game, what role luck really plays in championships, and the rising tension between ballooning NBA salaries and declining viewership.</p><p>Bonus: The duo gets real about rom-coms, Dwight Howard’s knees, time zones, and why Austin Reaves might be the most un-tradable man in the league.</p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!</p><p>1:05 Jorge Sedano Joins the Show</p><p>2:28 Would The Nuggets Actually Consider Trading Nikola Jokic?!</p><p>6:40 Mavericks Draft Cooper Flagg, What's Next?</p><p>12:10 Analyzing the Lakers Roster and Needs</p><p>19:15 Which Teams are Desperate for Free Agents?</p><p>27:35 Analytics vs. Luck in Sports</p><p>30:05 What's the best Rom-Com of all time?</p><p>32:52 Current Economic State of the NBA</p><p>44:08 Most Intriguing Teams Next Season?</p><p>48:42 Who's The 2025-26 NBA Champion?</p><p>51:12 Thanks for watching!</p><p> </p><p>Like, subscribe, and drop your NBA hot take in the comments.</p><p> </p><p>#nbadraft #cooperflagg #lukadoncic #nikolajokic #lebronjames #lakers #mavericks #clippers #nuggets #nba #lzgranderson #jorgesedano</p><p> </p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p> </p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p> </p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Jorge Sedano: NBA Draft Recap, Lakers Needs + Free Agency Preview | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:51:53</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>ESPN&apos;s Jorge Sedano joins LZ to unpack one of the most unpredictable NBA offseason&apos;s in recent memory. From Luka’s midseason trade to the Dallas Mavericks&apos; bold draft moves, to whether Jokic might actually be on the block— no team is off limits.

They debate the Lakers&apos; outlook, the Clippers&apos; collapse, and whether OKC’s rise is built to last. Plus, a candid discussion about how analytics are changing the soul of the game, what role luck really plays in championships, and the rising tension between ballooning NBA salaries and declining viewership.

Bonus: The duo gets real about rom-coms, Dwight Howard’s knees, time zones, and why Austin Reaves might be the most un-tradable man in the league.

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
1:05 Jorge Sedano Joins the Show
2:28 Would The Nuggets Actually Consider Trading Nikola Jokic?!
6:40 Mavericks Draft Cooper Flagg, What&apos;s Next?
12:10 Analyzing the Lakers Roster and Needs
19:15 Which Teams are Desperate for Free Agents?
27:35 Analytics vs. Luck in Sports
30:05 What&apos;s the best Rom-Com of all time?
32:52 Current Economic State of the NBA
44:08 Most Intriguing Teams Next Season?
48:42 Who&apos;s The 2025-26 NBA Champion?
51:12 Thanks for watching!

Like, subscribe, and drop your NBA hot take in the comments.

#nbadraft #cooperflagg #lukadoncic #nikolajokic #lebronjames #lakers #mavericks #clippers #nuggets #nba #lzgranderson #jorgesedano

From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>ESPN&apos;s Jorge Sedano joins LZ to unpack one of the most unpredictable NBA offseason&apos;s in recent memory. From Luka’s midseason trade to the Dallas Mavericks&apos; bold draft moves, to whether Jokic might actually be on the block— no team is off limits.

They debate the Lakers&apos; outlook, the Clippers&apos; collapse, and whether OKC’s rise is built to last. Plus, a candid discussion about how analytics are changing the soul of the game, what role luck really plays in championships, and the rising tension between ballooning NBA salaries and declining viewership.

Bonus: The duo gets real about rom-coms, Dwight Howard’s knees, time zones, and why Austin Reaves might be the most un-tradable man in the league.

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show!
1:05 Jorge Sedano Joins the Show
2:28 Would The Nuggets Actually Consider Trading Nikola Jokic?!
6:40 Mavericks Draft Cooper Flagg, What&apos;s Next?
12:10 Analyzing the Lakers Roster and Needs
19:15 Which Teams are Desperate for Free Agents?
27:35 Analytics vs. Luck in Sports
30:05 What&apos;s the best Rom-Com of all time?
32:52 Current Economic State of the NBA
44:08 Most Intriguing Teams Next Season?
48:42 Who&apos;s The 2025-26 NBA Champion?
51:12 Thanks for watching!

Like, subscribe, and drop your NBA hot take in the comments.

#nbadraft #cooperflagg #lukadoncic #nikolajokic #lebronjames #lakers #mavericks #clippers #nuggets #nba #lzgranderson #jorgesedano

From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Ben Watkins: Black Masculinity, Hollywood Politics &amp; the Power of “Cross” | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>NAACP Image Award-winning writer Ben Watkins joins LZ Granderson for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about the hit series Cross, redefining Black masculinity, and navigating Hollywood as a Black creative in 2025.</p><p>LZ opens up about discovering Cross during a low point in his life—and how the show spoke to him in ways few pieces of art ever have. Ben shares the behind-the-scenes battles to get the show made, the cultural pushback, and the intention behind portraying powerful, emotional Black male friendships rarely seen on screen.</p><p>From real talk about representation and masculinity, to the current politics of Hollywood, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about storytelling, impact, and authenticity.</p><p> </p><p>👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.</p><p>🔔 Hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop!</p><p> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>0:15 Los Angeles Voters, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Our Conversation with "Cross" Creator Ben Watkins</p><p>1:53 Ben Watkins Joins the Show</p><p>3:10 How "Cross" Was Green lit</p><p>14:20 Breaking down the False narrative of black content not being viable</p><p>21:05 Developing the Script for "Cross"</p><p>25:50 How Can Black Artists Reflect What They Want?</p><p>32:45 Season 2 Expectations for "Cross"</p><p>46:30 "Cross'" Season 1 Nod to Jerry McGuire</p><p>50:45 Creating a Black Character like Alex Cross</p><p>54:34 Being a Black Creative in 2025</p><p>57:45 Thanks for watching!</p><p> </p><p>#BenWatkins #CrossSeries #BlackMasculinity #LZGranderson #Hollywood #BlackCreators #PodcastInterview</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/ben-watkins-black-masculinity-hollywood-politics-the-power-of-cross-the-lz-granderson-show-TMjvI38y</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/d6638aea-3d86-4e11-a4b6-185b9a18db8e/lzg-20003-20062625-20watkins-20thhumb.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>NAACP Image Award-winning writer Ben Watkins joins LZ Granderson for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about the hit series Cross, redefining Black masculinity, and navigating Hollywood as a Black creative in 2025.</p><p>LZ opens up about discovering Cross during a low point in his life—and how the show spoke to him in ways few pieces of art ever have. Ben shares the behind-the-scenes battles to get the show made, the cultural pushback, and the intention behind portraying powerful, emotional Black male friendships rarely seen on screen.</p><p>From real talk about representation and masculinity, to the current politics of Hollywood, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about storytelling, impact, and authenticity.</p><p> </p><p>👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.</p><p>🔔 Hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop!</p><p> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show</p><p>0:15 Los Angeles Voters, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Our Conversation with "Cross" Creator Ben Watkins</p><p>1:53 Ben Watkins Joins the Show</p><p>3:10 How "Cross" Was Green lit</p><p>14:20 Breaking down the False narrative of black content not being viable</p><p>21:05 Developing the Script for "Cross"</p><p>25:50 How Can Black Artists Reflect What They Want?</p><p>32:45 Season 2 Expectations for "Cross"</p><p>46:30 "Cross'" Season 1 Nod to Jerry McGuire</p><p>50:45 Creating a Black Character like Alex Cross</p><p>54:34 Being a Black Creative in 2025</p><p>57:45 Thanks for watching!</p><p> </p><p>#BenWatkins #CrossSeries #BlackMasculinity #LZGranderson #Hollywood #BlackCreators #PodcastInterview</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Ben Watkins: Black Masculinity, Hollywood Politics &amp; the Power of “Cross” | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:58:18</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>NAACP Image Award-winning writer Ben Watkins joins LZ Granderson for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about the hit series Cross, redefining Black masculinity, and navigating Hollywood as a Black creative in 2025.

LZ opens up about discovering Cross during a low point in his life—and how the show spoke to him in ways few pieces of art ever have. Ben shares the behind-the-scenes battles to get the show made, the cultural pushback, and the intention behind portraying powerful, emotional Black male friendships rarely seen on screen.

From real talk about representation and masculinity, to the current politics of Hollywood, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about storytelling, impact, and authenticity.

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.
🔔 Hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop!

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
0:15 Los Angeles Voters, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Our Conversation with &quot;Cross&quot; Creator Ben Watkins
1:53 Ben Watkins Joins the Show
3:10 How &quot;Cross&quot; Was Green lit
14:20 Breaking down the False narrative of black content not being viable
21:05 Developing the Script for &quot;Cross&quot;
25:50 How Can Black Artists Reflect What They Want?
32:45 Season 2 Expectations for &quot;Cross&quot;
46:30 &quot;Cross&apos;&quot; Season 1 Nod to Jerry McGuire
50:45 Creating a Black Character like Alex Cross
54:34 Being a Black Creative in 2025
57:45 Thanks for watching!

#BenWatkins #CrossSeries #BlackMasculinity #LZGranderson #Hollywood #BlackCreators #PodcastInterview</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>NAACP Image Award-winning writer Ben Watkins joins LZ Granderson for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered conversation about the hit series Cross, redefining Black masculinity, and navigating Hollywood as a Black creative in 2025.

LZ opens up about discovering Cross during a low point in his life—and how the show spoke to him in ways few pieces of art ever have. Ben shares the behind-the-scenes battles to get the show made, the cultural pushback, and the intention behind portraying powerful, emotional Black male friendships rarely seen on screen.

From real talk about representation and masculinity, to the current politics of Hollywood, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about storytelling, impact, and authenticity.

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations.
🔔 Hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop!

0:00 Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
0:15 Los Angeles Voters, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Our Conversation with &quot;Cross&quot; Creator Ben Watkins
1:53 Ben Watkins Joins the Show
3:10 How &quot;Cross&quot; Was Green lit
14:20 Breaking down the False narrative of black content not being viable
21:05 Developing the Script for &quot;Cross&quot;
25:50 How Can Black Artists Reflect What They Want?
32:45 Season 2 Expectations for &quot;Cross&quot;
46:30 &quot;Cross&apos;&quot; Season 1 Nod to Jerry McGuire
50:45 Creating a Black Character like Alex Cross
54:34 Being a Black Creative in 2025
57:45 Thanks for watching!

#BenWatkins #CrossSeries #BlackMasculinity #LZGranderson #Hollywood #BlackCreators #PodcastInterview</itunes:subtitle>
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      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
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      <title>Nick Valencia: ICE Protest Coverage, Colorism in Politics &amp; Immigration | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this raw and powerful episode, Emmy-winning journalist LZ Granderson is joined by former CNN correspondent Nick Valencia for an unfiltered conversation about life as an independent journalist, covering the ICE Protests around Los Angeles, and the uncomfortable truths surrounding immigration, racism, and colorism in America.</p><p> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show</p><p>0:15 Today's Show: 1. Gas Prices 2. NY Primary 3. Immigrants</p><p>3:18 Nick Valencia Joins the Show</p><p>5:08 Covering ICE Protests as an Independent Journalist</p><p>8:15 Why Nick Now Travels with His Birth Certificate</p><p>12:53 The Three types of groups who protest</p><p>16:53 How to fix immigration issues</p><p>19:42 Racism and colorism within the hispanic community</p><p>24:57 Democratic party organizational issues from 2024</p><p>26:55 Too much money is being made to stop the immigration issue</p><p>32:05 What it's actually like on the border</p><p>34:34 Economic pull for immigration</p><p>38:28 What are the resources that we can provide?</p><p>41:25 Trump's Ability to Manipulate the Media</p><p>45:00 Fairness instead of objectivity</p><p>50:58 Reaction to Senator Padilla's Incident</p><p>56:20 How to Handle Our Mental Health</p><p> </p><p>This is more than a political conversation—it's a deep dive into identity, purpose, and healing. Don’t miss it.</p><p> </p><p>👇 Drop a comment, like the video, and subscribe for more real conversations.</p><p> </p><p>#Immigration #Journalism #Colorism #LZGranderson #NickValencia #Politics #MentalHealth #ProgressivePolitics #ice #losangeles</p><p> </p><p>Checkout Nick's Substack: https://substack.com/@nickvalencianews</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/nick-valencia-ice-protest-coverage-colorism-in-politics-immigration-the-lz-granderson-show-fInQoENV</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/859a1393-51ff-4afc-bcca-2bc1badc6653/trailer-20thumbnail.jpg" width="1280"/>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this raw and powerful episode, Emmy-winning journalist LZ Granderson is joined by former CNN correspondent Nick Valencia for an unfiltered conversation about life as an independent journalist, covering the ICE Protests around Los Angeles, and the uncomfortable truths surrounding immigration, racism, and colorism in America.</p><p> </p><p>0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show</p><p>0:15 Today's Show: 1. Gas Prices 2. NY Primary 3. Immigrants</p><p>3:18 Nick Valencia Joins the Show</p><p>5:08 Covering ICE Protests as an Independent Journalist</p><p>8:15 Why Nick Now Travels with His Birth Certificate</p><p>12:53 The Three types of groups who protest</p><p>16:53 How to fix immigration issues</p><p>19:42 Racism and colorism within the hispanic community</p><p>24:57 Democratic party organizational issues from 2024</p><p>26:55 Too much money is being made to stop the immigration issue</p><p>32:05 What it's actually like on the border</p><p>34:34 Economic pull for immigration</p><p>38:28 What are the resources that we can provide?</p><p>41:25 Trump's Ability to Manipulate the Media</p><p>45:00 Fairness instead of objectivity</p><p>50:58 Reaction to Senator Padilla's Incident</p><p>56:20 How to Handle Our Mental Health</p><p> </p><p>This is more than a political conversation—it's a deep dive into identity, purpose, and healing. Don’t miss it.</p><p> </p><p>👇 Drop a comment, like the video, and subscribe for more real conversations.</p><p> </p><p>#Immigration #Journalism #Colorism #LZGranderson #NickValencia #Politics #MentalHealth #ProgressivePolitics #ice #losangeles</p><p> </p><p>Checkout Nick's Substack: https://substack.com/@nickvalencianews</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Nick Valencia: ICE Protest Coverage, Colorism in Politics &amp; Immigration | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>01:00:15</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>In this raw and powerful episode, Emmy-winning journalist LZ Granderson is joined by former CNN correspondent Nick Valencia for an unfiltered conversation about life as an independent journalist, covering the ICE Protests around Los Angeles, and the uncomfortable truths surrounding immigration, racism, and colorism in America.

0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show
0:15 Today&apos;s Show: 1. Gas Prices 2. NY Primary 3. Immigrants 
3:18 Nick Valencia Joins the Show
5:08 Covering ICE Protests as an Independent Journalist
8:15 Why Nick Now Travels with His Birth Certificate
12:53 The Three types of groups who protest
16:53 How to fix immigration issues
19:42 Racism and colorism within the hispanic community
24:57 Democratic party organizational issues from 2024 
26:55 Too much money is being made to stop the immigration issue
32:05 What it&apos;s actually like on the border
34:34 Economic pull for immigration 
38:28 What are the resources that we can provide?
41:25 Trump&apos;s Ability to Manipulate the Media
45:00 Fairness instead of objectivity
50:58 Reaction to Senator Padilla&apos;s Incident
56:20 How to Handle Our Mental Health

This is more than a political conversation—it&apos;s a deep dive into identity, purpose, and healing. Don’t miss it.

👇 Drop a comment, like the video, and subscribe for more real conversations.

#Immigration #Journalism #Colorism #LZGranderson #NickValencia #Politics #MentalHealth #ProgressivePolitics #ice #losangeles 

Checkout Nick&apos;s Substack: https://substack.com/@nickvalencianews</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this raw and powerful episode, Emmy-winning journalist LZ Granderson is joined by former CNN correspondent Nick Valencia for an unfiltered conversation about life as an independent journalist, covering the ICE Protests around Los Angeles, and the uncomfortable truths surrounding immigration, racism, and colorism in America.

0:00 Welcome to the LZ Granderson Show
0:15 Today&apos;s Show: 1. Gas Prices 2. NY Primary 3. Immigrants 
3:18 Nick Valencia Joins the Show
5:08 Covering ICE Protests as an Independent Journalist
8:15 Why Nick Now Travels with His Birth Certificate
12:53 The Three types of groups who protest
16:53 How to fix immigration issues
19:42 Racism and colorism within the hispanic community
24:57 Democratic party organizational issues from 2024 
26:55 Too much money is being made to stop the immigration issue
32:05 What it&apos;s actually like on the border
34:34 Economic pull for immigration 
38:28 What are the resources that we can provide?
41:25 Trump&apos;s Ability to Manipulate the Media
45:00 Fairness instead of objectivity
50:58 Reaction to Senator Padilla&apos;s Incident
56:20 How to Handle Our Mental Health

This is more than a political conversation—it&apos;s a deep dive into identity, purpose, and healing. Don’t miss it.

👇 Drop a comment, like the video, and subscribe for more real conversations.

#Immigration #Journalism #Colorism #LZGranderson #NickValencia #Politics #MentalHealth #ProgressivePolitics #ice #losangeles 

Checkout Nick&apos;s Substack: https://substack.com/@nickvalencianews</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Ledisi: Voice, Vision, and the Power of Art in Chaos | The LZ Granderson Show</title>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LZGrandersonShow</p><p><br />For more about LZ Granderson and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/<br /> </p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/ledisi-voice-vision-and-the-power-of-art-in-chaos-the-lz-granderson-show-MrqKjxl9</link>
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      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LZGrandersonShow</p><p><br />For more about LZ Granderson and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/<br /> </p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p>
<p><p>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Connect on Social Media</p><p>Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en</p><p>Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</p></p>]]></content:encoded>
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      <itunes:title>Ledisi: Voice, Vision, and the Power of Art in Chaos | The LZ Granderson Show</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
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      <itunes:duration>01:04:38</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>On the premiere episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural force Ledisi — the very person who pushed him to launch this podcast in the first place. Their candid, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation covers everything from the meaning behind her powerful anthem “BLKWMN” to the creative process behind The Crown, her deeply spiritual and intentional album.

Ledisi opens up about performing the Black National Anthem at the Super Bowl, the cultural weight of that moment, and the courage it took to speak truth through art in a politically charged time. The two explore the role of artists in moments of societal upheaval, the intersections of journalism and creativity, and the spiritual bridge music can offer in turbulent times.
Whether you&apos;re a fan of her voice, her message, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is a powerful reminder of why art still matters — and how one phone call can change everything.

(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
(4:45) Ledisi Joins LZ
(7:05) Discussing Juneteenth’s Impact and Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” Popout
(8:14) Creating Ledisi’s Hit “BLKWMN”
(15:30) LZ and Ledisi’s Relationship 
(23:55) Creating Music with Her Own Record Label
(27:18) What’s it like to be a Black Creator Right Now?
(30:15) Developing “The Crown”
(44:12) Performing ”Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LIV
(50:40) Witnessing Kendrick’s Halftime Performance
(53:55) What are the responsibilities of artists right now?
(58:40) What&apos;s Next for Ledisi?
(1:04:10) Thanks for Watching!

#ledisi  #LZGranderson #blackmusicmonth #juneteenth #podcast #thecrown #BLKWMN #superbowl #culture #activism #TheLZGrandersonShow</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>On the premiere episode of The LZ Granderson Show, LZ sits down with Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural force Ledisi — the very person who pushed him to launch this podcast in the first place. Their candid, vulnerable, and thought-provoking conversation covers everything from the meaning behind her powerful anthem “BLKWMN” to the creative process behind The Crown, her deeply spiritual and intentional album.

Ledisi opens up about performing the Black National Anthem at the Super Bowl, the cultural weight of that moment, and the courage it took to speak truth through art in a politically charged time. The two explore the role of artists in moments of societal upheaval, the intersections of journalism and creativity, and the spiritual bridge music can offer in turbulent times.
Whether you&apos;re a fan of her voice, her message, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is a powerful reminder of why art still matters — and how one phone call can change everything.

(0:00) Welcome to The LZ Granderson Show
(4:45) Ledisi Joins LZ
(7:05) Discussing Juneteenth’s Impact and Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” Popout
(8:14) Creating Ledisi’s Hit “BLKWMN”
(15:30) LZ and Ledisi’s Relationship 
(23:55) Creating Music with Her Own Record Label
(27:18) What’s it like to be a Black Creator Right Now?
(30:15) Developing “The Crown”
(44:12) Performing ”Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LIV
(50:40) Witnessing Kendrick’s Halftime Performance
(53:55) What are the responsibilities of artists right now?
(58:40) What&apos;s Next for Ledisi?
(1:04:10) Thanks for Watching!

#ledisi  #LZGranderson #blackmusicmonth #juneteenth #podcast #thecrown #BLKWMN #superbowl #culture #activism #TheLZGrandersonShow</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Welcome To The LZ Granderson Show!</title>
      <description><![CDATA[From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/ From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold
conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop
culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling
guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered,
thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy
award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is
insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture
gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

 

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

 

Connect on Social Media

Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:24:42 +0000</pubDate>
      <author>tucker@yosemiteproductions.com (LZ Granderson)</author>
      <link>https://the-lz-granderson-show.simplecast.com/episodes/welcome-to-the-lz-granderson-show-0jIlH_Uz</link>
      <media:thumbnail height="720" url="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/e48ec819-2a19-4ca5-a8a6-1f6770fcf1bd/trailer-20thumbnail.jpg" width="1280"/>
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      <itunes:title>Welcome To The LZ Granderson Show!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:author>LZ Granderson</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/f431376d-727e-404f-8af2-5a8b80fdea85/571ca9c7-ef15-4a49-bf76-4288825225a4/3000x3000/lzg-20show-20artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed"/>
      <itunes:duration>00:02:45</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:summary>
      <itunes:subtitle>From ESPN and CNN to ABC.and The L.A. Times, LZ Granderson hosts bold conversations that meet the beating pulse of entertainment, sports, pop culture, and beyond. Each week, LZ sits down with a compelling guest—from athletes and artists to activists and icons—for unfiltered, thought-provoking dialogue about the stories shaping our world. Emmy award-winning journalist and cultural commentator LZ Granderson is insightful, witty, and always real. This is the podcast where culture gets a conscience and nothing is off-limits.

For more about LZ and his work check out: http://lzgrandersonshow.org/

Connect on Social Media
Twitter/X: https://x.com/lzgranderson?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzgranderson/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lzgranderson?invite=4
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1lzgranderson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/LZ-Granderson-100057700284324/</itunes:subtitle>
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