Best Nikki M James Podcasts (2024)

1
Being Real as Real Can Be - Nikki M. James: Episode 118 1:01:49

3h ago1:01:49

1:01:49

This week we welcome Tony winner Nikki M. James! We discuss the beautiful breadth of Black women she has played in her career—from The Book of Mormon’s Nabulungi (which earned her a 2011 Tony Award) to The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin’s Viveca to real-life investigative journalist Ida B. Wells in Suffs, her current role that earned he…

1
Nikki M. James On Her roles as an Actress, Director and Mom 27:00

12d ago27:00

27:00

Tony Award-winning actress Nikki M. James delivers a powerful performance as Ida B. Wells in Shaina Taub's "Suffs," a musical that explores the 1913 Women's Movement.

1
Taking a Look Back at Season 9 25:58

1d ago25:58

25:58

In this episode of Black America, we revisit Season 9 and highlight key moments and conversations that challenged our perspectives.

1
Listening to Your Life - York Walker: Episode 117 1:15:17

4d ago1:15:17

1:15:17

This week we talk with the inaugural recipient of Vineyard Theatre’s Colman Domingo Award and the inaugural recipient of the John Singleton Screenwriter Award, playwright and screenwriter York Walker. We talk about the Disney kid to Broadway fan pipeline, his artistic philosophy as a playwright, and what he learned from working on his first profess…

1
Making Memories Through Merchandise - Brooklyn McLain: Episode 116 55:36

11d ago55:36

55:36

This week we talk with Brooklyn McLain, the co-founder and COO of the first Black-owned Broadway merchandise company, “merch.” We chat about the musical that made him a self-described “theatre enthusiast,” why merchandising is so important to a show’s branding, and what it was like introducing the first durag to Broadway.…

1
Doing Everything and Anything - Thaïs Bass-Moore: Episode 115 54:14

20d ago54:14

54:14

This week we chat with Thaïs Bass-Moore, who both as a kid and a theatremaker has done “everything and anything!” She is an actor, director, writer, mommy, wifey, Co-Founder and Director of University of Texas’ Fearless Leadership Institute, and author of A Syllabus for Black Women: 110 Life Lessons for Sistahs in College. We dive into the moment t…

1
Standing Strong and Tall in The “Why” - Allen René Louis: Episode 114 58:45

25d ago58:45

58:45

This week, we talk with Broadway Inspirational Voices’ Artistic Director Allen René Louis, who also works as a music director, arranger, composer, lyricist, vocalist, instrumentalist, vocalist, actor, creative director, and producer. We dive into how his Haitian roots influence his musical approach, why he embraces imposter syndrome, and the artist…

1
I Just Keep Talking with Nell I. Painter 26:03

1M ago26:03

26:03

Historian and New York Times bestselling author Nell I. Painter explores her latest book, "I Just Keep Talking: A Life in Essays," delving into decades of her historical research with original sketches and more.

1
Writing Plays as Heart Work - C.A. Johnson: Episode 113 1:05:54

1M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

This week we welcome playwright, screenwriter, and former President of the Library Club, C.A. Johnson! We chat about the differences between collaboration for theatre versus television, how capitalism influences theatremaking, and what it was like seeing her play All The Natalie Portmans go from page to stage.…

1
Spreading The Good Word About Theatre - Nate Shelton: Episode 112 1:01:31

1M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

This week we chat with Nate Shelton, a self-described “general theatre person.” He’s worn many hats in the theatre space—from actor to company manager to TKTS employee to Actors’ Equity Association Contractual Business Representative. Throughout all of them, his joy and enthusiasm for the theatre has never wavered. We dive into how he joined the th…

1
To Thine Self Be True with Renée Watson 28:01

1M ago28:01

28:01

New York Times bestselling and award winning author, Renée Watson joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her novel, "Skin & Bones".

1
Chasing the Potential - Maya Boyd: Episode 111 53:41

2M ago53:41

53:41

You’re gonna hear her roar! This week, we chat with Maya Boyd, the current star of &Juliet on Broadway! We discuss her experience of training in Russian ballet as a kid, how auditions helped her musical theater imposter syndrome, and what it was like making her Broadway debut in Merrily We Roll Along while she was still a senior at the University o…

1
The Oral History of Holler If Ya Hear Me: Episode 110 1:15:28

2M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Happy 10th anniversary, Holler If Ya Hear Me! A decade ago, today, a musical featuring a score from one of history's most influential rappers, Tupac Shakur, opened at Broadway's Palace Theatre and we are celebrating with a special episode. Though the production only lasted 17 previews and 38 performances, it impacted the Broadway landscape through …

1
Owning Spaces Unapologetically - Jacie Scott: Episode 109 1:11:57

2M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Get stretching because this week we are going behind the scenes of America’s most famous kicklines! Formerly a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and a Radio City Rockette, dancer Jacie Scott knows a thing or two about high-kicks. We dive into the similarities and differences of the two groups—from auditions to misconceptions to her experience as a Black w…

1
Cosplaying for the Culture - Lillian Hope: Episode 108 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

And I say, “Hey! What a wonderful kind of day!” as we chat with actor, cosplayer, and content creator Lillian Hope! We talk about why she got into cosplay content creation, why the Millennial generation is so nostalgic, and why Black Nerds Matter.

1
Behind the Success of Many Celebrities is a Great Publicist 25:47

2M ago25:47

25:47

Gilda N. Squire, Founder of Squire Media & Management Inc. Gilda is one of the few Black women who has reached to upper echelons of public relations. Her professional network has pushed the careers of many celebrities, history makers, authors and more.

1
Gifting The Language - Kelundra Smith: Episode 107 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

This week, we talk with Kelundra Smith about the many writing hats she wears as a culture and theater critic, playwright, arts and culture journalist, and Managing Editor of American Theatre Magazine. We dive into what inspired her to write The Wash and Younger (a prequel to Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun), how her Southern perspective in…

1
Exchanging Energy Through Dance - Criscia Long: Episode 106 59:48

3M ago59:48

59:48

The 2024 WNBA season tipped off just last week, and we are celebrating with Criscia Long! She is the Senior Director of Entertainment for NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, the Long Island Nets, and WNBA’s New York Liberty. We dive into how she embraces commercial and concert dance, what she learned during her time as a pro NBA dancer, and what it was like orche…

1
Following the steps of Bronx dance guru Maleek Washington 22:27

3M ago22:27

22:27

Maleek Washington is a performer, choreographer and teaching artist whose creative footprint extends from the stages of Broadway to off-Broadway productions like "Soul Train: The Hippest Trip", "Hell's Kitchen" and "For Colored Girls."

1
Catching Up With Call and Response Alums - Season Six Premiere: Episode 105 35:41

3M ago35:41

35:41

We are BACK IN THE HABIT, y’all! After three years away, we are kicking off season six with a catch-up episode. We highlight some of the incredible accomplishments of some podcast alums, as well as hear from four previous guests about how their lives have changed since their podcast episode aired. We chat with Marc J. Franklin (Episode 12), Vincent…

1
Champion of Change Who Helps Formerly Imprisoned of New York 27:25

3M ago27:25

27:25

For many years, Rikers Island has remained at the epicenter of human rights violations. In this episode, Stanley Richards, President/CEO of The Fortune Society shares his experience working on his mission to reintegrate formerly imprisoned into society.

1
The National Urban League: It's Impact and Influence 27:19

4M ago27:19

27:19

Marc Morial, President and CEO of The National Urban League discusses their "State of Black America" Report, home ownership, wealth gap, moving to Harlem, and other important topics with host Carol Jenkins.

1
Celebrating 30 Years of Beauty and the Beast with Three Belles: Episode 104 28:17

4M ago28:17

28:17

Happy 30th Anniversary to Beauty and the Beast! 30 years ago today, Disney’s first musical premiered on Broadway and we are celebrating with a special episode. In honor of the milestone, we chatted with three Black actors who have played Belle: Briana Brooks from ZACH Theatre’s 2018 production (Austin, TX), Jade Jones from Olney Theatre Center’s 20…

1
What's at Stake for the Black Vote in the 2024 Election? 27:12

4M ago27:12

27:12

Join us for the 2nd half as we dive into the importance of the Black vote and what it means for voting rights, the Supreme Court, IVF, and other key issues with three political experts.

1
Where Does The Black Vote Stand in the 2024 Election? 26:43

4M ago26:43

26:43

As the 2024 election approaches, we dive into the importance of the Black vote and what it means for voting rights, the Supreme Court, IVF, and other key issues with three political experts, Dr. Basil Smikle, Errol Louis and Dr. Christina Greer.

1
Inspiring Black Women's Speeches with Janet Dewart Bell 27:46

5M ago27:46

27:46

Janet Dewart Bell shares her collection of speeches by Black women in her latest work, "Blackbirds Singing: Inspiring Black Women's Speeches from the Civil War to the Twenty-first Century".

1
Creating a Brighter Future for CUNY's BMI Program 25:41

5M ago25:41

25:41

Our host, Carol Jenkins sits with Dr. Jonathan Quash, Director of CUNY's Black Male Initiative (BMI), and James Viafara, a student at Medgar Evers College to discuss the program's significance, its historical roots, and its broader impact beyond people of color.

1
Black Doctors and Patients Still Battling Racism in Medicine 27:35

6M ago27:35

27:35

Dr. Uché Blackstock discusses the devastating cycle of racism in our health care system in her memoir, "Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine".

1
Is Academia Failing Black Faculty? 26:52

6M ago26:52

26:52

Taking a look at Black academia and what it looks like for Black Faculty with host Carol Jenkins. Joined by June Cross, Errol Olton Dr. Marcus D. Allen

1
From Politics to Reproductive Rights 26:27

6M ago26:27

26:27

Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Co-Founder of Higher Heights discusses Black women in politics and her new role as the Chair of Reproductive Freedom for All; formerly known as NARAL.

1
Marquita Pool-Eckert, a Trailblazer for Black Women in TV 28:15

7M ago28:15

28:15

Award-winning journalist and senior television producer, Marquita Pool-Eckert shares her journey in television as a woman of color who has worked in 15 countries, breaking major news events and Sr. Producer of Sunday Morning at CBS News for 30 years.

1
Marlon Taylor-Wiles: When Creativity Creates An Experience 27:00

8M ago27:00

27:00

Marlon Taylor-Wiles, Experiential Designer & Founder of "Flying Under the Radar" (FUTR) discusses how he combines his love for fashion, dance and art through his work.

1
Jazzing Up The Nutcracker - Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker: Episode 103 16:06

8M ago16:06

16:06

After a long hiatus, we are BACK for a special holiday episode! We take you inside the creation of Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker, the jazz-steeped reimagining of the classic ballet that runs at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre this month. We talk with producers Ron Simons and Valencia Yearwood, conductor and pianist Harold O'Neal, and …

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