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This episode, we’re getting into Keisha Lance Bottoms’ memoir The Rough Side of the Mountain and the family, struggles, and pressure that shaped her journey. Then, we debate student loan forgiveness. Who should really foot the bill? And in The Rant, Isaiah weighs in on Target’s controversial children’s Halloween costume and the backlash surrounding its resemblance to racist minstrel imagery. Three topics. Different perspectives. Plenty to talk about.

Kin broke our hearts, Georgia’s election debate has us talking, and young men deserve more support. This week, we unpack the emotional ending of Kin, get into Georgia’s push for paper ballots amid election fraud concerns, and Isaiah uses The Rant to give young men their flowers and talk about why encouragement, guidance, and support matter.

We sat down with author Robin Reed-Poindexter to talk about the inspiration behind her books, the stories that shaped them, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way. Get to know the heart behind the pages and the woman bringing these stories to life.

What do you do when you don't see yourself in the stories being told? You create your own. We talk with Hotep, creator of Black Lion and Cubs, about graphic novels, anime, entrepreneurship, and building a universe from the ground up.

This week, we’re talking The Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFadden and unpacking the themes of love, survival, identity, and generational pain that made this story unforgettable. We also get into redistricting, voter suppression, and the fight to protect the Black vote. Plus, Isaiah shares a rant about showing up as your full self and why shrinking yourself for others is never worth it.

We’re talking The Voice in My Head Is God by 2 Chainz, and yeah… we all didn’t love it. We get into what worked, what didn’t, and where we disagreed. Each of us also shares something y’all should be paying attention to right now. And Isaiah closes with a rant on the United Nations vote on slavery, and why the United States, being one of only three countries to vote against it matters.

In this episode, we unpack The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jenifer Lewis and her raw, unfiltered story of resilience, mental health, and making space for yourself in an industry that doesn’t always make room for you. We also react to the rising tensions surrounding the Iran war, what’s happening, what’s at stake, and why it matters beyond the headlines. And in The Rant, Isaiah celebrates extraordinary women, breaking down why giving women their flowers matters and what it really looks like to honor their impact.

This week, we unpack Black AF: The Unwhitewashed History of America and its bold, unfiltered take on the stories American textbooks leave out. We also react to the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein files, what’s new, what’s unsettling, and what it could mean moving forward. And in The Rant, Isaiah breaks down why honoring Black History Month still matters and what it should actually look like.

📚 Book Review: Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson We review Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson, unpacking its thriller twists, unreliable narration, and the ending that left us debating who deserves sympathy and accountability. 🔥 Hot Topic: ICE Murder: Renee Good We talk about the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, the national outrage, questions about use of force, and what this moment says about enforcement and accountability. 🎤 The Rant: Nicki Minaj United Nations Isaiah delivers a fiery rant questioning whether Nicki Minaj should have spoken at the United Nations and the implications of celebrity influence in global spaces.

📚 Book Review: Go Higher by Big SeanThis episode, we dig into Go Higher by Big Sean and talk through the themes of growth, discipline, and purpose. We reflect on what stood out, what challenged us, and how the message speaks to the season many of us are in. 🔥 Hot Topic: Holiday PlansWe shift into a more personal conversation about our holiday plans. From how we’re spending time to how we’re closing out the year, it’s an honest look at navigating the holidays as adults with full lives. 🎤 The Rant: Stop Waiting for the Perfect TimeIsaiah takes the mic for this week’s rant, speaking directly to the habit of waiting for ideal circumstances. He shares why progress often starts before things feel comfortable and why now is the right time to move.

📚 Book Review: 107 Days by Kamala HarrisWe break down Kamala Harris’ new book 107 Days and explore what she shares, what she sidesteps, and how her story connects to the political climate we’re living in right now. Honest reactions, key insights, and what this book means for voters heading into 2025.🔥 Hot Topic: Was the Government Shutdown Worth It?We take a deep look at the shutdown, the fallout, and the real impact on everyday Americans. From delayed checks to political posturing, we’re unpacking who actually paid the price and why the debate isn’t as simple as Washington makes it seem.🎤 The Rant: The Deal That Reopened the GovernmentThis week’s rant focuses on the messy agreement that reopened the government and why it might be one of the weakest compromises we’ve seen in years.Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast: INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook  FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   YouTube:    / @4friendsandabook   4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experiences, and a little bit of everything else in between. We have organic conversations which flow naturally from the book at hand, through the writer's journey, and of course, the impact it has on the culture. Our mission is to bring inspiration and reinforce the joys of literacy within our community.#KamalaHarris #107Days #GovernmentShutdown

📚 Book Review – Matriarch by Tina Knowles:A raw and inspiring look at Tina Knowles’ journey through family, faith, and finding her power beyond the spotlight.🔥 Hot Topic – Government Shutdown:As Washington stalls, everyday Americans are left paying the price for political power plays.🎤 The Rant – Honoring Assata Shakur:A bold tribute to Assata Shakur’s courage, resilience, and the unapologetic fight for freedom that still echoes today. Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook  FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599  YOUTUBE|  / @4friendsandabook  4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experiences, and a little bit of everything else in between. We have organic conversations which flow naturally from the book at hand, through the writer's journey, and of course, the impact it has on the culture. Our mission is to bring inspiration and reinforce the joys of literacy within our community.

We are back for Season 6 with your favorite 4 Friends. Join us as we catch up after our summer break and kick off the season with our reading list for season 6.THE RANT: Amanda Seals vs 20 Black ConservativesConnect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook  FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599  YOUTUBE |   / @4friendsandabook   #4friendsandabookpodcast #bookreviewers #2025reading #bookrecommendation #bookclubreads #booktok #bookpodcast #booktube #bookclubdiscussion 4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experiences, and a little bit of everything else in between. We have organic conversations which flow naturally from the book at hand, through the writer's journey, and of course, the impact it has on the culture. Our mission is to bring inspiration and reinforce the joys of literacy within our community.

Juanita provides a powerful reminder of God's love for us and his longing for our love in return. Hear more about her book and her journey of becoming a published author here on 4 Friends & A Book Podcast.Pick up the book: https://www.thegreatembracing.com/Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM |   / 4friendsandabook  FACEBOOK |   / 4-friends-a-book-104994371734599   YOUTUBE: ⁠   / @4friendsandabook   #4friendsandabookpodcast #bookreviewers #2025reading #bookrecommendation #bookclubreads #booktok #bookpodcast #booktube4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experiences, and a little bit of everything else in between. We have organic conversations which flow naturally from the book at hand, through the writer's journey, and of course, the impact it has on the culture. Our mission is to bring inspiration and reinforce the joys of literacy within our community.

We’re chatting with Paul M. Williams about crafting Bruce Edwards, a gripping story of crime, loyalty, and tough choices in Ohio’s underworld. Join us as we discuss this book and learn about Paul’s journey of writing this 5-book series.Pick up the book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...Connect with 4 Friends & A Book Podcast:INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/4friendsandabookFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/4-Friends-A-... YOUTUBE | ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHQu... #bookreviewers #indieauthor #bookrecommendation #blackauthors #bookpodcast #booktube4 Friends and A Book podcast centers discussions on books, life experiences, and a little bit of everything else in between. We have organic conversations which flow naturally from the book at hand, through the writer's journey, and of course, the impact it has on the culture. Our mission is to bring inspiration and reinforce the joys of literacy within our community.