Coffee and Books

Marc and Todd Brewster discuss their book, Seen and Unseen Technology, Social Media, and the Fight for Racial Justice May 03, 2022

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with author, journalist, and film producer, Todd Brewster. The two discuss their book Seen and Unseen Technology, Social Media, and the Fight for Racial Justice. They explain why they decided to collaborate on this project, why this book is important, and Marc has some fun torturing Todd with Buy it, Borrow it, Burn it.

Marc and Jesse McCarthy discuss Jesse's book, Who Will Pay Reparations on My Soul? Jun 14, 2021

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with Assistant professor of English and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, Jesse McCarthy. The two discuss Jesse's book of essays Who Will Pay Reparations on My Soul? Jesse explains why he decided to introduce these essays that he has been working on since 2014, the role hip hop has in these essays, and Marc has some fun torturing Jesse with Buy it, Borrow it, Burn it.

Marc Talks with Incarcerated Writer and Journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal Jun 08, 2021

On this episode, Marc talks with internationally celebrated writer, radio journalist, organizer and inspiration for the prison lawyers movement, Mumia Abu-Jamal; who has been incarcerated for 40 years. Over a period of several months the two discussed the effects prison has on writing and being creative, the lack of access prisoners have to books and what role reading fiction has on the mind.

Marc and Anthea Butler discuss Anthea's book; White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America May 03, 2021

On this episode, Marc sits down with Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies, Anthea Butler to unpack her book White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America. The two dive into what it means to be an evangelical and the power and clout they have, writing about faith in public, and Marc has a little fun at Anthea's expense with Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It.

Marc and Mariame Kaba discuss Mariame's book; We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice Mar 15, 2021

On this episode Marc talks with organizer, educator, curator and NYT Best Selling Author Mariame Kaba sit down to discuss Mariame's new book; We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice. The two unpack abolition organizing, the origins of the penitentiary, the prison industrial complex and what justice reform truly means.

Marc Talks with Luvvie Ajayi Jones About Her New Book; "Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual" Mar 09, 2021

On this episode, Marc talks with New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host, Luvvie Ajayi Jones. The two unpack her new book, Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual; and discuss the ideas of "how to be" "firing yourself", and asking for what you deserve. Also, Marc puts Luvvie in the hot seat for Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It.

Marc and Dr. Regina Bradley discuss her book; "Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip Hop South" Feb 22, 2021

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with assistant professor of English and African diaspora, Dr. Regina Bradley. The two dive into her new book, "Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip Hop South" and unpack the cultural impact of southern rap, why one chapter in the book took years to finish; and Marc gives Regina some tough choices for Buy it, Borrow it, Burn it!

Marc discusses his new book "Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics" with his co-author Mitchell Plitnick. Feb 15, 2021

On this episode, Marc is joined by Israel-Palestine expert Mitchell Plitnick, the co-author of Marc's new book, Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics. The two discuss why it was important to write this book, and dive into policies and politics of Israel-Palestine.

Marc and Dr. Yaba Blay discuss Dr. Yaba's book; "One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race" Feb 08, 2021

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with scholar-activist, public speaker, and cultural consultant, Dr. Yaba Blay; discussing the rerelease of her book "One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race". The two unpack the origins of the "one drop" rule, why the first edition of the book was difficult to get published, and Marc tortures Dr. Blay in a game of "Buy it, Borrow it, Burn it."

Marc and Dr. Carl Hart discuss his book; "Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear" Feb 01, 2021

On this week's episode, Marc is in conversation with professor of neuroscience and psychology at Columbia University, Dr. Carl Hart; discussing his book "Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear". Dr. Hart discusses his views on drug use and liberty; and explains why they don't go hand and hand. He is transparent about his personal drug use, and shares his beliefs on why we should consider revising our view on illegal drug use in the US.

Marc and Salamishah Tillet discuss Salamishah's book; "In Search of The Color Purple: The Story of an American Masterpiece" Jan 25, 2021

Marc sits down with Rutgers professor and New York Times contributing critic at large, Salamishah Tillet to discuss her book; "In Search of The Color Purple: The Story of an American Masterpiece". The two discuss how she came to write about "The Color Purple", the cultural impact of the novel, and Salamishah lands in the hot seat for a game of "Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It."

Marc and Bevy Smith discuss Bevy's new book; "Bevelations" Jan 18, 2021

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with businesswoman and television personality, Bevy Smith. The two dive into her new book "Bevelations", discussing why and how she walked away from a six figure job to live the life she ultimately wanted, the importance of saying "no" when an opportunity looks good but isn't really for you, why you should be Beyonce instead of Destiny's Child, and Bevy discusses what 3 books helped shaped who she is today.

Marc and Nate Marshall discuss his book of poems "Finna" Dec 21, 2020

On this episode, Marc welcomed back Assistant Professor and poet, Nate Marshall to discuss Nate's book, "Finna" a collection of poems, a first for Coffee and Books. Marc and Nate explore the themes of "Finna, including masculinity, community and family, and the role of Black language. Also, Nate gives Marc some advice on how to write a "good" poem.

Marc and Dr. Lindo Bacon discuss Lindo's book; "Radical Belonging" Dec 14, 2020

In this episode, Marc is in conversation with intersectional body liberation advocate, author, speaker, and researcher, Dr. Lindo Bacon. The two discuss what it means to have a liberated body, how Lindo's language has changed around the term "body positivity, and having a marginalized gender identity.

Marc talks with Michael Eric Dyson about his new book; "Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America" Dec 07, 2020

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with New York Times Best Selling author, professor, and friend and mentor to Marc, Michael Eric Dyson. The two dive into Michael's new book; "Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America." They discuss what Michael's goal was in writing the book, cancel culture, and Marc challenges his mentor to a tough game of Buy it, Borrow it, Burn it!

Alicia Garza on "The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart" Nov 30, 2020

Alicia Garza and Marc discuss her book "The Purpose of Power" and her experiences in organizing, leading, and activism is general, and the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Nate Marshall and the Uncle Bobbie's team discuss former President Barack Obama's book "A Promised Land" Nov 23, 2020

On this episode, Marc is conversation with Assistant Professor and poet Nate Marshall, along with the Uncle Boobies team to discuss former President Barack Obama's new book; A Promised Land. They dive into the importance of this book to independent bookstores, why this memoir was necessary for Obama to write, and how this book stacks up against other presidential memoirs.

Kiese Laymon On His Book; “How To Slowly Kill Yourself And Others In America” Nov 16, 2020

Marc and Kiese discuss Kiese's decision to reissue his book How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America. Kiese reveals his motivation for reissuing the book with six new additional essays, how little he got paid for his first publishing deal, thinking he would never live to see people read his art, and how a popular book written by Toni Morrison taught him to "see".

Marc Lamont Hill and Special Host Mychal Denzel Smith discussing Marc's book; "We Still Here: Pandemic, Policing, Protest and Possibility" Nov 09, 2020

On this special episode of Coffee and Books, Marc dives into what motivated him to write his latest book; "We Still Here: Pandemic, Policing, Protest and Possibility." He is interviewed by his friend, and fellow New York Times Best selling Author, Mychal Denzel Smith. The two break down the book and the importance of why Marc wrote the book in this current climate. Also, Mychal gets a shot at revenge when the tables are turned on Marc for the tortuous Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It.

Marc discusses "Sexual Citizens" with Columbia University Professors Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan Nov 02, 2020

Marc unpacks the groundbreaking book Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus with Columbia University professors Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan, they discuss the widespread issue of sexual assault on college campuses.

Marc Lamont Hill and Zaheer Ali On The Impact Of "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" Oct 26, 2020

On this special episode of Coffee and Books, the 55th Anniversary of the release of The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Marc examines the cultural significance of this piece of literature with oral historian and educator, Zaheer Ali. The two unpack what impact the book has had on their personal lives, Alex Haley and Malcolm X's process for writing the book, and what the enduring legacy of the autobiography will be.

Bettina Love Discusses "We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom" Oct 19, 2020

On this episode of Coffee and Books, Marc talks with professor Bettina Love. The two discuss her book; We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom. Marc and Bettina discuss how comedy and fiction impact her nonfiction writing, what book changed everything for her, and why she identifies as a writer more than an author.

Brittney Cooper Dissecting Her New York Times Best Seller, "Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower" Oct 12, 2020

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with New York Times Best Selling author, Assistant Professor, activist and cultural critic, Brittney Cooper. The two discuss her book, Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower and dive into what the term "eloquent rage" means, and how she "owned her anger"; criticism of Beyoncè, what we book(s) we can expect from her next and a torturous, but oh so fun game of Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It.

Meet the Uncle Bobbie's Team Oct 05, 2020

This is a special episode of Coffee and Books with the Uncle Bobbie's team, which is the coffee shop and bookstore that Marc owns. The group discusses the impact Covid had on Uncle Bobbie's and how they were able to pivot, the most sought after books at the store that you should be reading, and they discuss highly anticipated upcoming book releases.

Mychal Denzel Smith breaks down his book; "Stakes Is High: Life After the American Dream" Sep 28, 2020

This week, Marc is in conversation with New York Times best selling author, Mychal Denzel Smith, dissecting his recent book; Stakes Is High: Life After the American Dream. The two examine the American identity...who we think we are versus who we actually are, when Mychal first identified as a writer, and also Marc puts Mychal through arguably the most difficult, but wildly fun "Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It" yet!

Fredrik Logevall discusses the pre-presidential years of JFK in his book; "JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956." Sep 21, 2020

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with historian and Harvard professor, Fredrik Logevall discussing his new book; JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956. Fredrik discusses why it was important to him to write this book on the early years of JFK prior to his presidency, Fredrik's impressive writing process, and for the first time we hear Marc's choices for Buy It, Borrow It, Burn It, in addition to Fredrik's choices!

Stuart Stevens discusses his book; "It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump" Sep 14, 2020

On this episode, Marc is in conversation with travel writer and political consultant, Stuart Stevens discussing his book, It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump. The two dive into why he calls race the original sin of the republican party, how he tried to get some republicans to run against Trump to take votes from Trump, and what "escape" he would choose if he ever found himself to be stranded on a deserted island.

Martha Jones & "Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote & Insisted on Equality for All" Sep 07, 2020

This week, Marc goes on a journey with historian, legal scholar and professor of history at Johns Hopkins University, Martha S. Jones. Martha discusses her new book, Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All. The two explore the importance of her book being released in the current times, her writing process, and why she would choose fact or fiction if she was stranded on a deserted island.

Fatima Bhutto On Her Book "The Runaways" Aug 31, 2020

This week, Marc is in conversation with author Fatima Bhutto, discussing her fiction novel “The Runaways”. Fatima reveals why she doesn’t write for a particular audience, her hopes for “disturbing” readers with her writing, and why her love for “The Great Gatsby” may not be what it used to be.

David Ritz Discusses His Impressive Ghostwriting Aug 24, 2020

On this episode, Marc discusses the prolific career of go-to ghostwriter, David Ritz. Marc and David dive into David’s career that has spanned over 45 years, and consists of over 60 books, ten of which have appeared on bestseller lists. David recounts ghostwriting for the likes of Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye, talks about his somewhat controversial book on Aretha Franklin, and also what hip hop artists he’d like to work with in the future.

Princeton Professor Imani Perry Discusses Her Recent Book, "Breathe: A Letter To My Sons" Aug 17, 2020

This week, Marc is in conversation with Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, Dr. Imani Perry. They discuss her journey as an author, why she feels she's still aspiring to be a writer even after writing 6 books, and also why it was important to write her current book to her boys, "Breathe: A Letter to My Sons."

Michele Harper And A Conversation About "The Beauty in Breaking" Aug 10, 2020

This week, Marc sat down with ER doctor turned New York Times Best Selling author, Dr. Michele Harper to discuss her new book, "The Beauty in Breaking." The two discuss how she was prepared to lose everyone in her life because of her commitment to truth telling in her memoir, being a self taught writer, and also have a laugh about a famous doctor's autobiography that may not hold the same weight that it used to.

Robin DiAngelo Talks "White Fragility," Her NYT Best-Selling Book Aug 03, 2020

Marc speaks with professor, lecturer and New York Times Best Selling author, Robin DiAngelo about her best selling book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism. The two discuss why the post racial narrative is a myth, dismantling racism and white supremacy, and also have some laughs discussing paranormal romance.

Jacob Soboroff Talks About "Separated: Inside an American Tragedy" Jul 27, 2020

This week Marc is in conversation with NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff, the author of the New York Times Best Selling book Separated: Inside an American Tragedy. The two examine the Trump's administration immigrant family separation policy, why Jacob didn't consider himself a writer prior to this book, and also have some fun with a game of Buy it, Borrow it, Burn it.

Mikki Kendall Discusses Her New Book, "Hood Feminism: Notes From The Women A Movement Forgot" Jul 20, 2020

This week, Marc is in conversation with New York Times Best Selling author, activist, and cultural critic, Mikki Kendall. The two break down her latest book Hood Feminism, and why she believes the feminist movement isn’t one size fits all.

Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Talks "Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons For Our Own" Jul 13, 2020

Marc sits down with New York Times Best Selling author Eddie S. Glaude Jr. to discuss Eddie’s latest book, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own. The two reflect on James Baldwin’s impact on culture, their own lives, and the parallels of his writing and today’s society.

Welcome to Coffee & Books! Jul 07, 2020

Coffee and Books is a podcast hosted by Marc Lamont Hill, a noted author, social commentator, professor, and owner of a coffee shop and bookstore in Philadelphia named Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books. In each episode he chats with authors and prominent public figures who share the backstory behind their latest book, the writer’s journey and of course their own taste in books.

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