Karen Hunter Is Awesome!
Society & Culture
About
Some things just shouldn't be discussed on the radio. "This is my space to explore those topics," said Karen. Host of “The Hottest Show in the Galaxy” on SiriusXM (Ch. 126, M-F, 3-6 p.m. ET), Karen dives deep into everything from Bible prophesy to the purpose of race to what TV shows and movies we should be watching. This podcast also includes some of the most compelling interviews with some of the most awesome people of our time.
Episodes
- Are You “Invincible”? A Discussion of the TV Series
Karen Hunter and Roderick Morrow discuss the animated series Invincible, praising its storytelling, diverse cast, and its exploration of responsibility and the consequences of violence.
- Roderick Morrow’s “Nerd” Origin Story
Roderick Morrow shares his origin story, detailing how a childhood love for comics such as The X-Men and Spider-Man grew into a passion for meaningful stories centered on Black heroes.
- Are You Lonely? Dr. Sunyatta Amen Breaks Down the Health Implications
Dr. Sunyatta Amen joins Karen Hunter to discuss the "loneliness epidemic" and its serious physical health risks. They explore why fostering intergenerational community is essential for holistic wellness.
- Use Your Imagination!
Karen Hunter and Tremell McKenzie discuss shifting one's perspective on money from a simple means of survival to a tool for strategic investment and personal freedom. They draw on lessons from a Stanford entrepreneurship exercise and the b…
- May the Fourth Be With You! (A Fourth, 40-Day Update)
Karen Hunter provides an update on her 40-Day Year. This episode details her progress in the ongoing 40-day period.
- Black Out Loud! My Interview with Author Geoff Bennett
Karen Hunter interviews author Geoff Bennett about his book, "Black Out Loud." They discuss the "Golden Age" of Black sitcoms in the 1990s, the business decisions behind their success, and the challenges that led to the displacement of Bla…
- Professor Justin McDaniel's Journey...Is This For Everyone? (Part 4)
In this episode, Karen Hunter and Professor Justin McDaniel discuss intentional silence, extreme experiences, and the human connection fostered by reading novels in the classroom.
- Professor Justin McDaniel Was A Monk!? (Part 3)
In part three of a series, host Karen Hunter speaks with Professor Justin McDaniel about his experiences as a monk and the lasting impact of that period in his life.
- Getting to Know Professor Justin McDaniel (Part 2)
Karen Hunter continues her series with Professor Justin McDaniel, starting a deep dive into his life story in this episode.
- Meeting Justin McDaniel - The Innovative Professor Helping Students Read More (Part 1)
Karen Hunter's series begins with Professor Justin McDaniel, discussing his ingenious classroom strategies designed to increase student reading.
- Celebrating Ourselves? Amber Cabral’s Powerful Message
On her birthday, host Karen Hunter discusses how Amber Cabral uses her birthday as a time for self-celebration. This episode highlights Cabral's unique approach to marking the occasion.
- I Always Love My Mama!
Karen Hunter celebrates her 60th birthday week by honoring her mother.
- Celebrating Earth Day with Master Farmer Leah Penniman
Karen Hunter interviews Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm about food sovereignty, racial justice, and the ancestral healing power of the land in celebration of Earth Day.
- Celebrate Yourself at EVERY Age!
Karen Hunter hosts an inspiring discussion on celebrating yourself at every age, as she approaches her 60th birthday.
- Life Lesson: Wendy Williams Told Me “Travel Alone, Travel Far” - Why I Disagree
Karen Hunter discusses Wendy Williams' advice to travel alone and far, disagreeing with the notion. She argues that traveling extensively is pointless without one's community and common sense.
- L. Michelle Smith on Scaling Black Church Wisdom into Corporate Mastery
In this episode, Karen Hunter interviews L. Michelle Smith about applying the 'call and response' dynamic of the Black church to achieve corporate leadership mastery. Smith argues that ancestral lessons from the sanctuary form sophisticate…
- Seasonal Allergies…Why and How to Combat Them with Dr. Sunyatta Amen
Karen Hunter and Rene Syler join Dr. Sunyatta Amen to discuss the causes of seasonal allergies and explore holistic, nature-based strategies for managing symptoms.
- What Do You Value? Howard French Looks Through History and Africa for the Answers
Howard French examines how African innovation and labor contributed to the modern world, prompting a re-evaluation of value in the global narrative.
- “There’s a War on People!” - Howard French Discusses How We Got Here
Acclaimed journalist Howard French joins Karen to discuss the historical erasure of Africa’s role in global prosperity and explain how past exploitations fuel modern systemic crises.
- Life Lesson: When Headed For a Wall, Steer Into The Crash!
Karen Hunter discusses the life lesson of steering into a crash when headed for a wall, suggesting that intentionally embracing potential failure can lead to regaining control and discovering breakthroughs.
- Streaming the Culture: David Oyelowo’s Quest for Narrative Freedom
Karen Hunter hosts David Oyelowo to discuss his psychological thriller 'Newborn' and his streaming platform Mansa, designed to support global Black stories and filmmakers outside traditional Hollywood structures.
- Dr. Christian Gregory on The Cost of His Father's Activism (Part 2)
In the conclusion of their conversation, Karen Hunter and Dr. Christian Gregory discuss the physical cost of Dick Gregory's activism, detailing how decades of hunger strikes transformed his body into a sacrifice for justice.
- Dr. Christian Gregory on Sharing His Father's Legacy for New Generation (Part 1)
Dr. Christian Gregory joins Karen Hunter to discuss his father's legacy and a new children's book aimed at introducing this legacy to a younger generation.
- Rachel Swarns Reminds Us That They Prayed Over Slave Ships!
Karen Hunter speaks with Rachel Swarns about the historical intersections of faith and the slave trade. The discussion explores religious institutions that blessed slave ships used for human trafficking.
- Christians Against Christianity?
Karen Hunter hosts a dialogue with Dr. Anthea Butler and Dr. Obery Hendricks about modern believers who oppose traditional Christian values due to ideological shifts and political contradictions.
- “Christianity Be Like…” (Karen Explores Her Faith)
Karen Hunter delves into her personal spirituality in the episode “Christianity Be Like…”, coinciding with the Easter season.
- Aja Raden Busts the Myth of Diamonds!
Jewelry designer and historian Aja Raden, with Seena Ghaznavi, discusses the historical, scientific, and psychological roots of our fascination with shiny objects and their impact on civilization with host Karen Hunter.
- The Sun Does NOT Rise: A Discussion On Perspective
In 'The Sun Does NOT Rise: A Discussion On Perspective,' host Karen Hunter offers inspirational words, challenging listeners to question their own viewpoints and not be deceived by their perspective.
- Barbara Jordan: The Inquisitor! (What Would She Think About Her Country Today?)
This episode of Karen Hunter Is Awesome! explores Barbara Jordan's legacy and political strategies as seen in the 2025 documentary The Inquisitor. Host Karen Hunter examines Jordan's compromises and efforts to protect the Constitution.
- Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee: The First But Not The Last!
Karen Hunter speaks with Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, the first African American woman to serve as the dean of a medical school in the United States. They discuss her pioneering career and contributions to health equity.
- Trailblazing On The Court: A Conversation with Gail Marquis
Olympic silver medalist Gail Marquis joins Karen Hunter and Kevin Powell to discuss her basketball career and commitment to advocacy and leadership.
- Life Lesson: Steer Towards the Crash
In this episode, Karen Hunter discusses the unexpected strength found in directly confronting life's difficulties. She uses a personal anecdote to illustrate how embracing fear and uncertainty can ultimately empower individuals to take con…
- That Time I Interviewed...Viola Liuzzo's Son
Anthony Liuzzo discusses the legacy of his mother, Viola Liuzzo, a civil rights activist who sacrificed her life for the voting rights movement following the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches.
- In a World Full of Horribleness, Be a Viola Liuzzo
Karen Hunter discusses the life and sacrifice of Viola Liuzzo, a civil rights activist whose actions were instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- 40-Day Year Update: Staying Productive & Making Plans!
Karen Hunter provides an update on her 40-day goal-setting journey, discussing collaborations with celebrities on book projects and her plans for a nationwide tour.
- Viola Davis’s Speech For the Ages!
Karen Hunter discusses Viola Davis's speech at the NAACP Image Awards, where Davis received the Chairman's Award for Excellence, Impact & Advocacy.
- Dr. Rosemari Mealy’s Lessons From Her Black Panther Days
Dr. Rosemari Mealy shares insights from her Black Panther Party activism, connecting lessons in community organizing and resistance to contemporary social justice struggles.
- The Farmasis, Bonita Clemons - Helping Women Connect to the Land
Bonita D. Clemons from "The Farmasis" speaks with hosts Karen Hunter and Rene Syler about initiatives to connect Black Americans with their agricultural ancestry.
- Life Lessons: Iyanla Vanzant Shares Hers
In the second part of her conversation with Karen Hunter, Iyanla Vanzant imparts her most significant life lesson to the audience.
- Iyanla Vanzant Shares Her Rites of Passage
Iyanla Vanzant joins Karen Hunter to discuss her personal Rites of Passage experience.
- One Battle After Another: 20 Years in the Making For This Moment
Karen Hunter and Roderick Morrow discuss the Oscar-nominated film 'One Battle After Another,' a project 20 years in the making that resonates with contemporary issues.
- Delroy Lindo Breaks Down with Lurie and Karen
Delroy Lindo, nominated for an Academy Award, joins Karen Hunter and Lurie Daniel Favors to talk about his impactful role in the film 'Sinners.'
- Jameela Jamil on the Impact of Patriarchy on Men
Karen Hunter reacts to Jameela Jamil discussing the impact of patriarchal societies on men. This episode focuses on the less-discussed effects on men.
- Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee on Feminism and 'Rise, Girl, Rise!'
Karen Hunter's conversation with feminist icon Gloria Steinem and Nobel Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee focused on feminism and their work. The episode touches upon their book, 'Rise, Girl, Rise!'.
- What Is Feminism to Us Today?
Karen Hunter discusses her personal understanding of feminism and her challenges with the movement, referencing a prior conversation with Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee.
- Owning the Room: Nia DaCosta Is In Charge!
Karen Hunter features director Nia DaCosta in an episode discussing the responsibilities and complexities of leadership.
- Michelle Wolf is a Real One!
Karen Hunter Is Awesome! features an interview with comedian Michelle Wolf, discussing their late 2025 interview. The episode is hosted by Simplecast.
- Olivia A. Cole Has Something to Say
Author Olivia A. Cole shared details about her wellness journey and her continuous desire to learn in a discussion with Karen Hunter.
- There’s No Madame CJ Walker Without Annie Malone
Karen Hunter discusses the foundational role of Annie Malone, exploring mentorship and industry rivalry, and how Malone's pioneering success ultimately paved the way for Madame C.J. Walker's empire.
- A Life Lesson For Women: Don't Let The Old Gal In!
Karen Hunter shares practical and humorous tips for women