Shows May 2009
Looking for a past show? You'll find Tavis' previous guests and special features below, with links to transcripts and complete audio versions of each program.
Looking for other months or guests? Use the index of Past Shows to search for shows by month or guest name.
Friday, May 1
One of the biggest-selling authors of all time, Mary Higgins Clark, describes how she draws upon her own life in her books and talks about honesty as a prerequisite for her storytelling.
Monday, May 4
Thomas Cahill recounts the story of Dominique Green, the subject of his new book, A Saint on Death Row. Multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ziggy Marley shares why he made an album aimed at children and families and talks about fulfilling his father's dream.
Tuesday, May 5
Sam Haskell, former worldwide head of television for the William Morris Agency, comments on the impact of his Mississippi upbringing and his relationship with his mother. Scrubs star Donald Faison explains how he was drawn to acting and the challenge in doing comedy.
Wednesday, May 6
Former baseball All Star Darryl Strawberry opens up about why he chose to tell all in his new memoir, Straw: Finding My Way, how he responds to people who doubt his faith journey and the part of his game for which the media has not given him enough credit.
Thursday, May 7
Author Patti Davis discusses family relationships, things everyday women can learn from stories of prominent women and how to find grounding in being the daughter of famous parents. Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, executive director of Morehouse College's Leadership Center, defines "ethical leadership" and explains ethics versus morality.
Friday, May 8
Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning director-writer-producer J.J. Abrams discusses the challenge of staying focused instead of doing what people pressure him to do, producing vs. directing and what's missing in his career.
Monday, May 11
Satirist Joe Queenan talks about his new memoir Closing Time and reflects on the influence of Catholicism and surrogate fathers on his surviving growing up in a tough neighborhood with tough parents. Broadcasting industry veteran and author William Baker explains why he's so focused on kindness and offers advice to Wall Street bosses and the president.
Tuesday, May 12
In a conversation about the feature documentary, Crips and Bloods, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa comments on accountability for investing more in young people and education. NBA All Star Baron Davis explains why he wanted to tell the film's story, and filmmaker Stacy Peralta describes his attempt to tell the story by featuring gang members who speak for themselves.
Wednesday, May 13
Political journalist John Harwood weighs in on changes in Washington in the Obama era. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Steve Earle explains how he found his way to sobriety and why his new CD is a tribute to his late friend and mentor, Townes Van Zandt.
Thursday, May 14
Michael Fauntroy, assistant professor at the George Mason School of Public Policy, weighs in on whether there's room for moderates in the GOP and the relationship between the party's leaders and the Black community. Neo-soul singer Maxwell explains his 8-year absence and his new CD trilogy and talks about touring.
Friday, May 15
Brendan Gleeson gives his take on Winston Churchill—the larger-than-life figure he plays in HBO's Into the Storm. Steve Zahn talks about the appeal of the script for his new film, Management, and the connection between longevity as an artist and telling the truth.
Monday, May 18
Foreign policy expert Richard Haass talks about his new book on the two Iraq wars and weighs in on the president's engagement in the peace process. Members of the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire reflect on their career and performing at the White House. They also discuss their upcoming tour.
Tuesday, May 19
Multitalented Emmy- and Grammy- winner Steve Martin talks about how he came to love the banjo and, using a selection from "The Crow," his first all-music CD, demonstrates two styles of playing. He also discusses his transition from stand-up to acting.
Wednesday, May 20
Religions scholar, Islam expert and award-winning writer Reza Aslan talks about Iran's missile launch test and explains his new book, How to Win a Cosmic War. Hip-hop artist-turned-actor Common describes his new music and talks about his desire to build a long career in acting.
Thursday, May 21
Legendary actor-activist Ed Asner reflects on playing controversial roles, discrimination and anti-Semitism, the roots of his outspokenness and the lessons to be learned from his new film, Up.
Friday, May 22
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell, author of the new memoir Red and Me, discusses his relationship with legendary coach Red Auerbach, which was far more than just coach and player.
Monday, May 25
Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning director-writer-producer J.J. Abrams discusses the challenge of staying focused instead of doing what people pressure him to do, producing vs. directing and what's missing in his career.
Tuesday, May 26
World-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black discusses the issues of healthcare for the poor and faith vs. science and explains some of the latest advances in his field. Hitmaking singer-songwriter-producer The-Dream talks about the difficulties he had growing up and adapting in school.
Wednesday, May 27
Two-time Oscar-winning actor and producer Kevin Spacey describes his experiences as an American living in the U.K., the importance of the arts and his new projects, including the Broadway production of The Norman Conquests.
Thursday, May 28
Former investigative reporter and investment banker William Cohan, author of House of Cards, examines what went wrong on Wall Street and comments on whether it will be the same again. My Name is Earl star, Emmy-winning actress Jaime Pressly, talks about being emancipated at age 15 and the importance of adults helping kids.
Friday, May 29
In a rare conversation, singer-songwriter Yusuf, better known to music fans as Cat Stevens, talks about finding new life, using culture to support moral values and his new single, "Boots and Sand."




















