Good Words with Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin is joined by legendary comedian, author, and host extraordinaire, Steve Harvey, for a conversation about faith, perseverance, and of course, comedy. Learn where Steve’s signature style came from. Hear how he was shaped by his upbringing in Cleveland and his struggles early on in his career. Also, find out whether or not his raunchy stand-up routines ever conflicted with his religious background. Kirk also asks Uncle Steve about his transition from “Black famous” to “everybody famous”. The two get into the origins and cultural impact of the Original Kings of Comedy, as well as how they were affected by Bernie Mac’s death. Plus, Kirk gets Steve's advice on how to be uniquely yourself and not limit your dreams. It’s a season finale packed with wisdom and laughter. Maybe even a little singing. Click here or visit https://tapit.us/R9xmt6 to round up your change to support Food for the Hungry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by charismatic sports commentator Stephen A. Smith for a conversation about knowing your worth and staying true to yourself. Kirk asks Stephen A all about his journey from promising young basketball player, to aspiring journalist, to the highest paid talent in ESPN history. Learn about the impact Stephen’s hard-working mom had on his life. Find out whether or not he’s always had the gift of gab and if he considers himself an antagonist. And hear if he’s ever had to tone down his personality in his relationships or in the professional world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by actress and vegan sensation Tabitha Brown for a conversation about authenticity and having the faith to follow your dreams. Hear about all the peaks and valleys in Tabitha’s long journey pursuing an acting career, as well as how she feels about her rapid rise to stardom as a social media personality during the pandemic. Learn how Tabitha came to embrace her natural self and how going vegan helped save her life. Kirk and Tabitha also discuss dealing with delays, recovering from depression, and whether Black women’s long track record of saving the day is a gift or burden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey for a conversation about his colorful life and his new book Greenlights. Learn about Matthew's unique but loving upbringing, why his one goal has always been to be a dad, and life in Hollywood as a man of faith.  Kirk and Matthew also discuss the issue of inequality, why Matthew likes to go on adventures some might consider dangerous, and why he believes gratitude reciprocates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by current 11-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul for a conversation about hard work and the costs behind being successful. Learn about the influence CP3's parents had on him, his dual personality on and off the court, and what his momma thinks about his trash talking. Kirk also asks Chris about the death of Kobe Bryant and what it was like inside the NBA bubble during the summer of police brutality protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Plus, Chris proves himself as a Kirk Franklin superfan. Click here or visit https://tapit.us/R9xmt6 to round up your change to support Food for the Hungry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by the one and only Kelly Rowland for a conversation about her incredible journey from a Houston girl with dreams to Destiny’s Child to fully-realized solo artist and mom. Find out about the important women that helped shape Kelly’s life, why hair is a form of self expression she fights for, how the church reacted when Destiny’s Child started doing their thing, how the group navigated the various pressures of the music industry, and how faith has guided Kelly through it all. Hear Kirk and Kelly share their stories of reconnecting with their estranged fathers, discuss the fears that come with stepping out on your own, and give advice on balancing career and relationships. Plus, the two have some fun with a little game... If you want to join Kelly in her charity work helping fellow mothers get the support they need, you can find out more about Baby2Baby at https://baby2baby.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by author of Untamed, founder of Together Rising, Glennon Doyle. Together they have a candid conversation about how faith and family have helped her persevere through the struggles with addiction and depression in her life. Find out how Glennon got rid of the fear of embarrassment and why she doesn’t think we can (or should try to) save our children from life. Kirk and Glennon also discuss whether or not America can heal from its divisions, how we move forward from the sins of slavery and white supremacy, what the term “white privilege” really means, and how Glennon was moved to join the fight for racial justice. All on this episode of Good Words. If you’d like to support any of the good work being done by Glennon’s organization, Together Rising, you can find their website at https://togetherrising.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by Chicago rapper, activist, and all-around family man, Chance the Rapper, to talk about his faith, his upbringing, and his growth from a troubled high school student on his first mixtape to a loving husband on his latest album. Chance also goes into the issues ailing the Windy City and gives a firsthand account of what it was like out on the streets during the George Floyd protests. If you want to support any of the Chicago organizations Chance mentioned in this episode of Good Words, You can visit Assata's Daughters' official website at https://www.assatasdaughters.org/ As well as GoodKids MadCity's official website at https://www.gkmcenglewood.com/ You can also find out more about Chance's own non-profit organization, SocialWorks, by visiting https://www.socialworkschi.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by musical legend-in-the-making H.E.R. for a conversation about the vulnerability of putting honest art out into the world, staying true to yourself while having gratitude, and why she originally hid her identity. Kirk gets H.E.R. to talk musical influences, growing up with parents who supported her creative expression, and developing as an artist, all the way to the night she won two Grammys. Find out how H.E.R would grade the current state of music, what it’s like writing music during these turbulent times, and if she feels a responsibility to create music that uplifts. Kirk also presents H.E.R. with a little surprise… All on this episode of Good Words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kirk Franklin is joined by producer, artist, fashion mogul, and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams for a conversation about having the courage to experiment, using thankfulness as fuel, the spiritual energy of the Pentecostal church, and why he didn't go the gospel route. The two also talk about the gift of discernment, being different, embracing your truth, and how Pharrell maintains his youthful glow. Humanrace Skincare, Pharrell's collection of all-gender skincare products, is available at humanrace.com This episode of Good Words with Kirk Franklin is sponsored by Skillshare (www.skillshare.com/KIRK). Click here or visit https://bit.ly/3tcf1Sm to round up your change to support Food for the Hungry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices