May 2009   
SMTWTFS
 27

In Part 1 of an exclusive conversation, music icon Prince talks about his childhood epilepsy—something he's never before shared publicly—the relationship with his father, how he maintains friendships and learning from constructive criticism.

Watch Part 2 >>

28

In part 2 of his exclusive conversation with Tavis, Prince explains the genesis of several of the tracks on his new project, how it has been successful without radio airplay and describes his ideal radio station. The superstar's protégé, singer Bria Valente, shares how she responded to the challenge of creating something that's not being done today in music.

<< Watch Part 1

29

Roger Wilkins, publisher of the NAACP's Crisis magazine, weighs in on the focus on the first 100 days of the presidency. Tony-winning Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth explains why she reads what critics write.

30

Former journalist turned strategic consultant Joshua Cooper Ramo talks about spending time in the Middle East and says the U.S. needs to recalibrate its instincts. Mike Krzyzewski, head of the Duke University men's basketball program, describes his coaching style and speculates on what can be expected from his team.

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.

2
34

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

9
1011

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

16
1718

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

23
2425

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

30
311

Cesar Perales, president of LatinoJustice PRLDEF—on whose board Judge Sonia Sotomayor served for 12 years—weighs in on her selection as a Supreme Court nominee. Singer-actress Mandy Moore discusses the evolution of her music and the impact of her recent marriage on choices she makes in the future and performs a song from her new CD, "Amanda Leigh."

2

Emmy-winning television producer-writer and longtime social activist Norman Lear discloses his views on his groundbreaking body of work and why it was important for him to own one of the first published copies of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

3

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former Detroit bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal Paul Ingrassia offers his take on how GM lost its way. Three-time Emmy-winning actress Edie Falco, star of the new Showtime series Nurse Jackie, talks about navigating celebrity life.

4

Civil rights activist, lawyer and political advisor Vernon Jordan discusses the future of capitalism, how President Obama is doing and the GOP strategy to oppose Judge Sotomayor's Supreme Court nomination. In a Web exclusive, he also talks about Dr. John Hope Franklin and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

5

Journalist Azadeh Moaveni, author of Lipstick Jihad and Honeymoon in Tehran, discusses how relations with the West factor into the upcoming election in Iran. Writer-actress Nia Vardalos compares screenwriting to acting and talks about her new film My Life in Ruins.

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.


image from Friday, May 1

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.


image from Monday, May 4

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.


image from Tuesday, May 5

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.


image from Wednesday, May 6

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.


image from Thursday, May 7

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.


image from Friday, May 8

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.


image from Monday, May 11

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.


image from Tuesday, May 12

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.


image from Wednesday, May 13

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.


image from Thursday, May 14

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.


image from Friday, May 15

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.


image from Monday, May 18

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.


image from Tuesday, May 19

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.


image from Wednesday, May 20

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.


image from Thursday, May 21

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.


image from Friday, May 22

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.


image from Monday, May 25

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.


image from Tuesday, May 26

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.


image from Wednesday, May 27

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.


image from Thursday, May 28

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.


image from Friday, May 29

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."