On this episode of Author Talks Podcast, PBS NewsHour’s Geoff Bennett breaks down the golden age of Black comedy and its impact on American culture.

We explore iconic shows like:

• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
• Living Single
• Martin
• A Different World
• In Living Color
• Sanford and Son

…and legendary comedians including Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Moms Mabley, and Redd Foxx. Geoff shares insights on:

• How comedians became truth tellers and cultural critics
• The evolution from minstrel shows and the Chitlin’ Circuit to mainstream success
• Iconic 90s sitcom moments and their lasting impact on Black TV culture
• Behind-the-scenes influence of Quincy Jones, Barry Diller, and FOX
• What makes a great comedic bit and the essentials for a writer’s or comedian’s toolkit

Whether you grew up laughing at Carlton’s dance, Will’s antics, or watching Chappelle push the limits of comedy, this episode is packed with insights on why the 90s changed TV forever.

Timestamps

00:58 - Top 5 Comedians
2:11 - Comedians are Truth Tellers
4:32 - TOBA & Minstrel Shows
5:20 - Billy Kersands
6:33 - Hattie McDaniels
7:31 - Comedy Styles (Bill Cosby & Richard Pryor)
9:01 - The Cosby Show
10:15 - The Art vs The Artist (Bill Cosby)
10:58 - A Different World
12:20 - Living Single
13:08 - A Different World Impact on HBCUs
13:44 - In Living Color
14:34 - Unreleased Pilot of In Living Color
15:37 - In Living Color – The Super Bowl
16:52 - Quincy Jones Impact on TV Sitcoms
17:46 - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
18:22 - Barry Diller & FOX
19:42 - Living Single Impact on TV
20:55 - Chappelle Show
21:18 - Who is the Joke for?
22:35 - 90s Impact on Culture
23:33 - Writing Process & Perfect Day of Writing
25:10 - Were the 90s the Best Decade?
28:18 - What Makes a Great Comedic Bit?
29:04 - What Should Be in a Writer’s Toolkit?
30:05 - What Should Be in a Comedian’s Toolkit?

📚 Geoff Bennett’s Book

Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to ’90s Sitcoms
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/black-out-loud-geoff-bennett

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Join us on the Author Talks Podcast with New York Times Bestselling Author Keith O’Brien as we dive into the untold story of Larry Bird. From his small-town beginnings in French Lick to becoming a national icon at Indiana State.

We cover everything: recruiting drama, legendary teammates, international basketball, the 33–1 season, and the moments that made Bird a basketball legend.

Grab Keith O’Brien’s new book Heartland
to get the full story.

Download the Bookum app for exclusive book content, podcasts, and notes: https://www.bookumapp.com

Timestamps:

1:02 - March Madness Predictions
2:06 - Jim Jones Coaching Larry Bird
4:50 - Larry Bird Senior Year in HS
6:30 - Bob Knight and Larry Bird
7:18 - Why Bob Knight Didn't Try to Bring Larry Bird Back to Indiana University?
10:02 - How Bill Hodges Got Larry Bird to Indiana State?
13:13 - Carl Nicks and Building the Team Around Bird
14:11 - Larry Bird's Dad's Role in His Life
17:43 - Harry and Larry Show at Indiana State
19:34 - Larry Bird International and European Basketball
22:12 - Larry Bird Fighting and Competitiveness
24:51 - Larry Bird as the Great White Hope
27:45 - Becoming a National Face
30:02 - Larry Bird vs Magic Johnson National Basketball Championship
33:50 - The Price of Fame on Larry Bird
35:24 - Writing Process and Perfect Day of Writing
38:10 - Advice on Journalism

This Podcast is to brought you by Bookum - The book communities NEW and BEST way to host dynamic online book clubs.

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Join us on the Bookum Creators Talk Podcast as we sit down with Amber Burns, a BookTube creator, vlogger, and content creator, to discuss her creative process, day-to-day life, and love for books. From starting her first blog to going in front of the camera, handling burnout, and building community, Amber shares the honest truth about life as a content creator.

Whether you are a reader, aspiring creator, or just curious about what it is like behind the camera, this conversation is packed with insights, storytelling tips, and inspiration for your own creative journey.

Episode Timestamps:

1:11 - Thank You For Asking
1:31 - Birthday Month and Plans
2:23 - Favorite Books Growing Up
4:14 - Getting Into Content Creation
5:32 - Building First Blog
6:33 - Getting in Front of the Camera (Vlog)
8:33 - Content Creation Process
10:20 - The Storytelling Through Vlogging
11:54 - Getting B-Roll for Vlogs
13:22 - Themes Setting vs Goals Setting
16:01 - Consistency as a Creator
17:10 - Staying Authentic as a Content Creator
19:02 - The Solitude of Content Creation
20:33 - Handling Burnout as a Content Creator
20:55 - Setting Boundaries as a Content Creator
23:33 - On Community
25:33 - Importance of Journaling
26:56 - Morning Pages (The Artist’s Way)
27:20 - The Artist’s Way
28:51 - Journaling for Beginners (It’s Not Intimidating)
30:02 - Journaling Helping with Writing
30:45 - Organization and Planners
32:55 - Going Back to Analog
34:12 - Last, Now, Next Books
36:03 - How You Find Your Next Book?
38:33 - Writing a Romance Novel
39:44 - Rapid Fire Book Questions
42:44 - What Would You Like To See More of in the Book World?
43:12 - What Would You Like To See Less of in the Book World?

Follow Amber Burns:

Instagram: @byamberburns

YouTube: Amber Burns

TikTok: @byamberburns

Join the Bookum Community:

Download our social book club app to track your reading, connect with creators, and join conversations: www.bookumapp.com

This Podcast is to brought you by Bookum - The book communities NEW and BEST way to host dynamic online book clubs.

Download the App and Start your Book club today at www.bookumapp.com

Catch all of conversations live on the Bookum App Nooks!