Spolitics

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Latest Episodes:

BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Charlie Kirk Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

In this special bonus episode, Jemele addresses the murder of right influencer Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed while speaking to students at Utah Valley State University. Jemele shares what makes Kirk’s legacy so complicated, and what the response has been by different communities regarding his death.

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Ep 45: The Politics of Adjustment - Featuring Donte’ Stallworth Sep 04, 2025

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On this week's filibuster, Jemele wraps up the first season of Spolitics by discussing the many ways in which sports + politics have proven to be important. Jemele is then joined by Donte Stallworth, the former NFL player who has made a name for himself as a political pundit. Donte shares how and why he got into covering politics, and his recollection of hurricane Katrina as someone who played for New Orleans Saints when the hurricane struck 20 years ago. He also discusses what he shares with other football prospects about the impact of his conviction for DUI manslaughter, and how that influenced his playing career.

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Ep 44: The Politics of Being Unpopular - Featuring Brandon Johnson Aug 28, 2025

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On this week's filibuster, Jemele fires back at right wing critics who are outraged over Cracker Barrel changing its logo. Jemele is then joined by Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson, who has faced and met many challenges since being elected two years ago. Among them, Mayor Johnson discusses what it will take to keep the Chicago Bears in Chicago, as the Bears are also considering a new stadium home outside of Chicago. The mayor also shares how he is navigating Donald Trump’s attacks on Chicago, the rising tension between Chicago residents and migrants, and what he has done to lower the number of homicides in Chicago. And finally, Jemele has a special message for the newly-engaged couple, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

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Ep 43: The Politics of Filmmaking - Featuring Spike Lee Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

On this week's filibuster, Jemele takes aim at the fake outrage over male NFL cheerleaders. Jemele is then joined by award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee, who discusses his new film, Highest to Lowest, his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington. Spike reveals what makes his chemistry and collaboration with Washington special, and whether or not this could be their last film together. Spike also shares what he thought of the Knicks firing coach Tom Thibodeau, and whether he’d like to see LeBron James as a Knick before he retires. And finally, Jemele shares a response to Jillian Michaels, the fitness personality who sparked controversy by minimizing the impact of slavery.

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BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Survivor’s Remorse Part II - Featuring Amin Elhassan Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

This is the second part of Jemele’s interview with sports media personality, Amin Elhassan, who went from having a successful NBA career to becoming a key voice in sports media. Amin shares how he got into the NBA, landed with the Phoenix Suns and eventually left them under difficult circumstances. Amin discusses his experience working with former Suns owner Robert Sarver, who was eventually forced to sell the team after an investigation found he engaged in racist behavior and sexual misconduct in the workplace. Amin also details how he latched on at ESPN, and gives his thoughts on the new-look Lakers with Luka Doncic.

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Ep 42: The Politics of Survivor’s Remorse - Featuring Amin Elhassan Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

On this week's filibuster, Jemele issues a strong rebuke of the clowns who have been throwing dildos on the court at WNBA games. Jemele is then joined by sports media personality Amin Elhassan, who transitioned from the NBA front office into an analyst and commentator. In the first of a two-part interview, Amin discusses what it was like growing up in both Sudan and the United States, how is family reacted when he told them he wanted to forgo an engineering career to get involved in the NBA, and what he misses about being in the NBA front office.

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Ep 41: The Politics of Turf Wars - Featuring DeMaurice Smith Aug 07, 2025

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On this week's filibuster, Jemele gives her thoughts on basketball analyst Candace Parker receiving blowback because of her WNBA player rankings. Jemele is then joined by DeMaurice Smith, the former executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). DeMaurice discusses his new book Turf Wars, which takes fans inside of the complicated dynamics between NFL owners, players and their union. DeMaurice shares his thoughts on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, owners Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft, and how the league handled various crises, including Deflategate, Colin Kaepernick’s protest, and Ray Rice’s domestic violence incident. DeMaurice also reacts to the turmoil surrounding NFLPA leadership.

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BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of Forgiveness - Featuring Jason Wilson Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

More from Jemele’s conversation with Jason Wilson, author, educator and founder of the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy, which uses martial arts to teach at-risk boys emotional discipline, leadership and character development. Jemele gets candid with Jason about her fractured relationship with her father as he shares his own experiences about forgiving his father as an adult. Jason also offers his advice for mending relationships when there is a lack of accountability.

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Ep 40: The Politics of The Comprehensive Man - Featuring Jason Wilson Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

On this week's filibuster, Jemele shares her thoughts on two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper confronting MLB commissioner Rob Manfred when Manfred surfaced the possibility of a salary cap in baseball. Jemele is then joined by author Jason Wilson, who has gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking, Detroit-based transformational training academy, which uses martial arts to teach at-risk boys healthy emotional expression and regulation. In this candid, wide-ranging discussion, Jason explains some of the mental health issues he’s counseled athletes about, how many boys and men live in a state of emotional incarceration, and his thoughts on whether there is a male loneliness epidemic.

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BONUS EPISODE: Q & A with Chris Paul Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

On this special episode, Jemele shares more of her conversation with future NBA Hall of Famer Chris Paul at the American Black Film Festival. Audience members were granted the opportunity to ask Chris Paul about his life, career and passion for filmmaking, and Chris candidly shares some of his experiences and gives some critical advice for young hoopers who have dreams of making it to the NBA.

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