PODCAST · society
The Tight Rope
by SpkerBox Media
As we navigate the balance between hope and uncertainty, we invite you to join Dr. Cornel West & Professor Tricia Rose on The Tight Rope, a weekly program where we welcome listeners and guests as thought collaborators. The Tight Rope is rich in creative, unfiltered dialogue on topics ranging from culture, art, and music to the contours of systemic racism, philosophy, the power of Socratic self-examination, and the possibilities of a peaceful and just world. Our innovative and interactive format will highlight the professors’ combined expertise to encourage critical thinking, self-reflection, and human connection as we navigate The Tight Rope.
Episodes
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Legendary Saxophonist Sonny Rollins on Broken Record
We’re sharing an episode from our friends over at Broken Record. On Broken Record, acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, bestselling author Malcom Gladwell, and former New York Times editor Bruce Headlam talk with the musicians you love about their lives, inspiration, and craft. In honor of Black Music...
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Grammy Award Winning Artist PJ Morton On Broken Record
We’re sharing an episode from our friends over at Broken Record featuring one of our past guest on The Tight Rope, Grammy-award winning artist and Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton. On Broken Record, acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, bestselling author Malcom Gladwell, producer Justin Richmond, and...
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The Tight Rope Final Episode: Reflecting on a Year of Love, Wisdom, and Fortitude
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content until December 31, 2021! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! In the final episode of The Tight Rope, Cornel West and Tricia Rose...
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Purple Rain: Prince's Legacy Lives On (Re-Release)
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! As we prepare for our final episode of The Tight Rope next week, we wanted to take it back to...
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Marc Lamont Hill on Why He Debates Conservatives: Critical Race Theory, Bill Cosby, and More
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! Marc Lamont Hill, award-winning journalist and host of Black News Tonight, walks The Tight…
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Renee Montgomery On Opting Out of the WNBA, Social Justice, and Protesting the National Anthem
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! Why did 2x WNBA Champion Renee Montgomery opt out of the 2020 season? In this throwback…
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Philosophical Conversations with Cornel West, Tricia Rose, and Teodros Kiros
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Professor Teodros Kiros, leading authority on moral and...
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Cornel West and Tricia Rose: Love and Death
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! What is love? Is it the virtue we need the most right now? This week, the professors take on…
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Jane Fonda On Grace and Frankie, Activism, and the Fire That Keeps Her Going
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! Two-time Academy Award-winning actress, author, and activist Jane Fonda joins the professors…
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Kenneth Morris, Jr. On Celebrating Black Excellence with HITRECORD
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! In this exciting collaboration with Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and HITRECORD…
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Integrity, Humility, and the Death of Humanity
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! In the second installment of our series of virtues, Cornel West and Tricia Rose dive into the...
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Cornel West Responds to Dr. Gina Paige of African Ancestry: “I’m Not Giving You My DNA”
This week on The Tight Rope, the professors are joined by Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry. African Ancestry is the world leader in tracing lineages of African descent with a database of over 30,000 indigenous African DNA samples. Join us for a rich discussion on why Black people…
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Stokley Williams of Mint Condition on Solo Project Sankofa and Being a Sonic Healer
This week on The Tight Rope, Stokley Williams opens up about founding Mint Condition, his new solo project Sankofa, and why he considers himself a sonic healer. Tune in to learn Stokley’s favorite songs of his career and the influences that helped him develop his signature style. Stokley is a...
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Killer Mike Is Not ‘The Man’
Killer Mike walks The Tight Rope this week for an unfiltered conversation on knowing your worth and giving back to your community. Mike shares personal stories about the people who shaped him as an artist and inspired his activism. Tune in to hear why Mike dedicated his career to uplifting others...
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Roxane Gay Is Not Trying to Please You
To listen to the full episode with Roxane Gay, please visit our Patreon! This week, New York Times Bestselling author, professor, editor, and social commentator Roxane Gay walks The Tight Rope. Gay and the professors discuss the devastating attacks on Palestine and why so many public figures are...
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Roxane Gay Preview & The Murder of George Floyd One Year Later
Dr. West and Professor Rose push each other as they reflect on the murder of George Floyd and its sustained significance one year later. Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive full episodes! You can sign up at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod. Please share...
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Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa on the Legacy of Malcolm X
This week Professor and activist Dr. Maulana Karenga joins the professors to discuss his relationship with Malcolm X, his beliefs about what is necessary to develop a true sense of Black identity, and Kawaida-- his interpretation of ancient Egyptian ethical thought as a living tradition and a...
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Father Michael Pfleger: “Where Are Your Wounds?”
Recorded on December 17th, 2020, with the holiday spirit close at hand, Dr. West and Professor Rose welcome Father Michael Pfleger, long-time Senior Pastor of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina to reflect on the state of our democracy and his beliefs on the role of faith communities in the fight...
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Professor Jeff Stout: True Friends of Justice
This week Professor Jeffrey Stout, longtime friend and colleague of Dr. West joins us on The Tight Rope to talk about virtues and the political significance of friendships. Tune in to hear Dr. Stout recount his experiences teaching with Dr. West and how their intellectual pursuits led to their...
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Mitch Landrieu: Divided by Design
This week, former Mayor of New Orleans and self-proclaimed “white southerner,” Mitch Landrieu, sits down with the professors to discuss how his upbringing in the south was centered around building community with his Black neighbors, as opposed to building a sense of superiority. Landrieu…
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Haki Madhubuti Pt. 2: Liberation Narratives
In part 2 of their conversation, @HakiMadhubuti and the Professors continue their conversation answering the question “How can we best pass on the legacy of institution building?” Tune in for Professor Madhubuti’s answer as well as his reading of his poem “Liberation Narratives.” A leading poet…
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Cornel West & Tricia Rose Have an Announcement
Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod OR, Donate to the show here! Follow The Tight Rope on Social Media! Patreon | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Become a…
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Haki Madhubuti Pt. 1: Taught By Women
This week, @HakiMadhubuti joins the Professors for a conversation about his body of work and how he was, as one of his books is entitled, Taught By Women. Describing Gwendolyn Brooks as his “cultural mother,” Professor Madhubuti talks about the importance of the mentorship he received through his...
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Bob The Drag Queen: RuPaul's Drag Race Winner On 'Non-Conformity' in the Black Community
This week, Bob the Drag Queen joins the professors for a conversation about love-- love of self, love of community, and love of one’s fellow humans-- and all of the obstacles that arise in the process of giving or receiving this love when a person doesn’t fit within certain “norms.” Together…
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The Tight Rope Celebrates Women’s History Month
As Women’s History Month comes to a close and Black Women’s History Month begins, we revisit some of our favorite moments with the powerful women we’ve had on The Tight Rope. With this compilation, we hope to celebrate the strength and wisdom of women across generations and identities, join us in...
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Cornel West - Goodbye Harvard, Hello Union Theological
In a special edition of The Tight Rope, Dr. Cornel West provides closing thoughts on his “ridiculous situation at Harvard” with respect to his being denied tenure at the institution. Join Dr. West and Professor Tricia Rose as they discuss the finality of Dr. West’s decision to leave Harvard and...
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No Justice, No Peace: Rapsody on Art, Activism, and the Power of Music
The professors invite Rapsody to discuss the legacy of the Black music tradition and how it continually reiterates itself within “new genres” creating a cultural archive. Additionally, Rapsody discusses her journey ‘making it’ in the business without compromising her vision for her artistry and…
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Lorraine Hansberry & Gwendolyn Brooks: Darlings of the White Liberal Establishment?
On the 62nd anniversary of the Broadway premiere (March 11, 1959) of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Dr. West and Professor Rose reflect on the Black literary tradition as they focus on the legacy of both Lorraine Hansberry and Gwendolyn Brooks as revolutionaries and exemplars who are...
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Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum: The ABC's of Representation in Education
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum joins Dr. West and Professor Rose on The Tight Rope to talk about the critical importance of having curriculums, educators, and school communities that are dedicated to affirming and embracing students of color in general and Black students in particular. She explains the...
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Mayim Bialik - "S*** Got Deep with Me and Cornel West"
In this episode of The Tight Rope, the Professors welcome acclaimed actor Mayim Bialik to join them in conversation. Together they engage in a nuanced discussion of Mayim’s positionality as both a female in Hollywood and as a devout, proud member of the Jewish faith. Delving into the long history...
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Cornel West - “My Ridiculous Situation at Harvard”
In a special edition of The Tight Rope, Dr. Cornel West speaks freely about his “ridiculous situation at Harvard” with respect to his being denied tenure at the institution. Join Dr. West and Professor Tricia Rose for a conversation as they reveal some of the possible underlying reasons for the...
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Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Pt. 2) - The Black Church
In the second installment of a 2-part conversation, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. steps back on The Tight Rope to further explore his new documentary The Black Church - This is Our Story, This is Our Song. The series reveals the broad history and culture of the Black church and explores African...
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The Lucas Bros. & Lil Rel - Judas and the Black Messiah
Today's Tight Rope Special Edition features the Lucas Brothers -- co-writers for the new film JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH -- and actor Lil Rel Howery who had a powerful cameo in the film. JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH -- directed by Shaka King and produced by Ryan Coogler and Charles King -- tells...
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Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Pt. 1) - The Black Church
In the first installment of a 2-part conversation, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. begins by exploring his own lineage and African American history in general to draw connections to the community’s powerful connection to Christianity in his new documentary The Black Church - This is Our Story, This is...
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DeRay Mckesson - Policing is the Laziest Response
This week, civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson steps onto “The Tight Rope” with Dr. Cornel West and professor Tricia Rose to talk policing and pedagogy. DeRay highlights some alarming statistics about police violence, which continued unabated in 2020 despite nationwide protests and the outcry of…
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Charles Blow - The Devil You Know
In this episode, acclaimed journalist and op-ed columnist for the New York Times, Charles M. Blow, walks The Tight Rope with Dr. Cornel West and Professor Tricia Rose. The author of bestselling memoir Fire Shut Up in My Bones shares a grand geopolitical vision for Black America in his new book…
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Max Alvarez - The Tight Rope on The Real News
In this special episode, Dr. Cornel West and professor Tricia Rose walk “The Tight Rope” with Max Alvarez, editor-in-chief of The Real News Network. The Real News Network is a nonprofit, viewer-supported center for digital journalism dedicated to telling the stories that matter to movements...
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Frederick Joseph - "The Black Friend" Talks Marketing for Justice
This week, Dr. Cornel West & Professor Tricia Rose step out on The Tight Rope with Frederick Joseph: an award-winning marketing professional, media representation advocate, and author of the New York Times Bestseller, The Black Friend. Frederick is the sole creator of the largest GoFundMe…
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Rev. Barber (Pt.2) - Building on the Legacy of MLK
Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod. Learn more at https://www.thetightropepodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetightropepod Instagram…
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Rev. Barber (Pt.1) - "Why America May Go to Hell"
Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod. Learn more at https://www.thetightropepodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetightropepod Instagram…
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The Tight Rope - Courage
Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod. Learn more at https://www.thetightropepodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetightropepod Instagram…
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The Tight Rope: 2020 Reflections
Thank you for joining us for the launch of The Tight Rope! For those of you who are just now stepping out on The Tight Rope with us, here is a look back at some very powerful moments on the program. We hope that you enjoy! Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive...
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Common - A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1)
In the final conversation of 2020, Dr. Cornel West and Professor Tricia Rose invite award-winning recording artist, actor, and activist Common to step out on The Tight Rope to talk about his new album, A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1), and the power of allowing love to have the last word. Become a...
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Fred Hampton Assassination: A People's History with #BlackPantherParty Lawyer Flint Taylor
We commemorate the assassination of Black Panther Party leaders Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, 51 years ago this week, with one of their lawyers, Flint Taylor. He tells Tricia Rose and Cornel West how he successfully sued the F.B.I. for orchestrating the massacre on Chicago's west side as part of...
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Rashad Robinson from Color Of Change on Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Cancel Culture
Rashad Robinson, the fearless leader of Color Of Change, takes Tricia Rose and Cornel West inside his White House meeting with former President Barack Obama, reveals whether or not President-elect Joe Biden has thanked his organization for helping him win, and delivers a hopeful message for…
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Peppermint: I Live at the Intersection of Trans, Black, and Female #TDOR
To commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance, Peppermint takes us behind the scenes of her activism, "RuPaul's Drag Race", and how her maternal grandmother shaped her political identity. Plus, Tricia Rose and Cornel West ponder the Biden-Bernie paradox for Black voters in this week's Office...
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Office Hours XL: Healing is Not the Next Darn Step
For the first time since the #Election2020 Watch Party, Tricia Rose and Cornel West share their thoughts, feelings, and formulations on where we are, where we might be going, and where we should be going, in this special extended Office Hours episode featuring questions from our Patreon peeps.…
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Tracee Ellis Ross: I Don't Think I'm Funny, I'm Silly and Sewn to Joy and Light
Tracee Ellis Ross joins Tricia Rose and Cornel West on The Tight Rope for a deep dialogue about her experiences as a Black actress and the daughter of Diana Ross. Between a lot of laughter, Ms. Ross shares the sources of her inspirations as an entertainer and as the CEO and Founder of PATTERN, a...
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Don't Let Trump Steal This Election: Kshama Sawant and Connie Rice
Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant, a member of Socialist Alternative, and leading civil rights lawyer Connie Rice are organizing protests and sharpening their legal strategies, just in case President Donald Trump tries to steal this election rather than peacefully transferring power to former...
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Jacobin's Bhaskar Sunkara and Highlander Center's Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson
Socialism became a wedge issue on the campaign trail and may have helped President Donald Trump win Florida. But those who call themselves socialists will keep fighting, including Jacobin Magazine editor Bhaskar Sunkara and Highlander Center co-executive director Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson. They...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
As we navigate the balance between hope and uncertainty, we invite you to join Dr. Cornel West & Professor Tricia Rose on The Tight Rope, a weekly program where we welcome listeners and guests as thought collaborators. The Tight Rope is rich in creative, unfiltered dialogue on topics ranging from culture, art, and music to the contours of systemic racism, philosophy, the power of Socratic self-examination, and the possibilities of a peaceful and just world. Our innovative and interactive format will highlight the professors’ combined expertise to encourage critical thinking, self-reflection, and human connection as we navigate The Tight Rope.
HOSTED BY
SpkerBox Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Tight Rope have?
The Tight Rope currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Tight Rope about?
As we navigate the balance between hope and uncertainty, we invite you to join Dr. Cornel West & Professor Tricia Rose on The Tight Rope, a weekly program where we welcome listeners and guests as thought collaborators. The Tight Rope is rich in creative, unfiltered dialogue on topics ranging from...
How often does The Tight Rope release new episodes?
The Tight Rope has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Tight Rope?
You can listen to The Tight Rope on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Tight Rope?
The Tight Rope is created and hosted by SpkerBox Media.
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