The Root Presents: It's Lit!
The Root
Here at The Root we’ve always loved, praised, and centered Black literature in the broader conversation. Each week host Maiysha Kai sits down with an author we love to talk about their work, what inspires them, and what they hope to contribute to the culture at large. Guests so far include Nikole Hannah Jones, Brittney Cooper, Stacey Abrams, Ibram X. Kendi, Ijeoma Oluo, Morgan Jerkins, and Claudia Rankine.
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 The Root Presents: It's Lit! Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Root Presents: It's Lit! episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Root Presents: It's Lit! for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Root Presents: It's Lit! episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
59. Solving Black Nerd Problems, With William Evans and Omar Holmon
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
12/02/21 • 37 min
This week we're talking with the co-founders of Black Nerd Problems, Omar Holmon and William Evans, about their aptly named new book, Black Nerd Problems. Listen to hear the talented poets and writers talk about how their new collection of essays came to be, their opinions on everything from X-Men's Storm to Candyman, and why it's so important to embrace nerd-dom.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
56. Writing Cack-Handed, With Gina Yashere
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
11/11/21 • 37 min
This week we have the pleasure of being joined by the very funny and talented Gina Yashere. Gina is a standup comedian, TV writer, and actress. She has three self-produced comedy specials, is well known as the British Correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and is also known for writing and performing on CBS’s sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola. Now, Gina has a memoir out titled Cack-Handed, which details her Nigerian British upbringing, and her hard-won career success.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
55. Dr. Keisha N. Blain on Reviving the Story of Fannie Lou Hamer
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
11/04/21 • 32 min
This week we're talking with award-winning historian Dr. Keisha N. Blain about her latest book, Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America. Listen to hear Dr. Blain talk about why she felt compelled to tell the story of Fannie Lou Hamer, and what most people don't realize about the significance of the complicated activist's legacy.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
54. Creating Worlds, With Namina Forna
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
10/28/21 • 36 min
This week we're talking with the talented fantasy author, Namina Forna, about her debut YA novel The Gilded Ones, which was an instant New York Times bestseller. Listen to hear Namina talk about why she's so passionate about writing for the fantasy and YA genres, and how her upbringing in Sierra Leone and Georgia influenced the stunning first book in her upcoming trilogy, which has already been optioned for a film adaptation.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
53. The Joy of Bamboozling, With Yvonne Orji
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
10/21/21 • 32 min
This week we're talking to the talented and hilarious Yvonne Orji on the show. Many people know Yvonne best for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Molly Carter on HBO's Insecure, but Yvonne also happens to be a stand-up comedian and now author as well. Listen to hear Yvonne talk about writing her new memoir, Bamboozled By Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams, as well as how her faith has carried her throughout her career.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
40. Kiley Reid Takes Us Through ‘Such A Fun Age’
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
06/24/21 • 26 min
This week we sit down with Kiley Reid, author of Such a Fun Age. Kiley's debut novel took 2020 by storm—not only was it an instant New York Times bestseller, but it was also named Best Book of the Year by outlets like NPR, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Slate, Elle, and the Chicago Tribune. Listen to hear Kiley talk about how she first found inspiration for the book, her writing process, and who she thinks is the real villain of Such a Fun Age.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jason Reynolds On Why Kids Are The Best Audience To Write For (RECAST)
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
08/26/21 • 40 min
This week we're talking with award-winning and New York Times bestselling author, Jason Reynolds. Best known as a prolific YA writer, Jason is the author of numerous books including Ghost, Long Way Down, Look Both Ways, and As Brave As You, and he is also the 2020–2021 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Jason's latest book is an adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped From the Beginning called Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. Listen to hear Jason speak with Danielle and Maiysha about why he loves writing for middle-grade audiences, the arduous process of adapting an award-winning piece of literature, and the unique magnificence of Black children.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
52. Keith Boykin on the Race Against Time
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
10/14/21 • 32 min
This week we have the brilliant author and political commentator Keith Boykin on the show to talk about his 5th and latest book, Race Against Time: The Politics of a Darkening America. Listen to hear Keith talk about what motivated him to write this particular book at this particular point in history, and why it's more important now than ever for both sides of the aisle to take the Black vote more seriously. Keith is CNN political commentator, an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author, and the co-founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
51. Why Fantasy is the Next Frontier, With Ayana Gray
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
10/07/21 • 38 min
This week we have Beasts of Prey author Ayana Gray on the show. Ayana's debut novel has already generated a ton of buzz, including from the esteemed O Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, and Netflix—which is already working on the film adaptation. Listen to hear Ayana talk about what inspired the sweeping Pan-African-inspired fantasy, how she feels the YA genre has evolved over the past 15 years, and how she finds the discipline to finish these epic novels.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Message For Our Listeners
The Root Presents: It's Lit!
12/09/21 • 0 min
We're taking a brief break, but please don't leave us. We'll be back soon!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Root Presents: It's Lit! have?
The Root Presents: It's Lit! currently has 65 episodes available.
What topics does The Root Presents: It's Lit! cover?
The podcast is about News, Literature, Society & Culture, Writing, Podcasts, Books, Black Culture, Arts and Politics.
What is the most popular episode on The Root Presents: It's Lit!?
The episode title '59. Solving Black Nerd Problems, With William Evans and Omar Holmon' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Root Presents: It's Lit!?
The average episode length on The Root Presents: It's Lit! is 34 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Root Presents: It's Lit! released?
Episodes of The Root Presents: It's Lit! are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Root Presents: It's Lit!?
The first episode of The Root Presents: It's Lit! was released on Sep 14, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ