Advertise on podcast: Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy

For the final episode of Nola Haynes Is Not a Spy, Nola looks back on what she's learned from building a show that was smart, funny, nerdy, political and unapologetically her, even when it didn't reach the audience she'd hoped it would. Actress and filmmaker Malynda Hale joins Nola for an intimate conversation about visibility, ambition and the difference between getting a seat at the table and actually breaking through. Malynda opens up about starring in Bull Street alongside Loretta Devine and Amy Madigan and what it felt like to watch her own name disappear from much of the film's promotion despite being its lead. Together, they unpack the particular experience of Black women being good enough to get into the room, but still having to fight to be seen once they're there.  Then Pat Lee and Chad Deshawn return for one final Debrief but this time, they turn the tables on Nola. What follows is Black movies, Living Single, Denzel vs. Samuel L. Jackson, Richard Pryor, questionable behavior and a glimpse at what might be coming next. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for a deeply personal conversation about fighting for her constituents while facing a federal prosecution stemming from an ICE detention center oversight visit. McIver discusses what she witnessed inside detention facilities, why she believes the charges against her are politically motivated, and how she's navigating the legal battle while pregnant, serving in Congress, and refusing to let the fight steal her joy.  McIver also gets candid about the affordability crisis in New Jersey's 10th District, the economic pressures facing Black women, and why Democrats need to move with greater urgency if they regain control of the House. Plus, she explains why the Congressional Community Safety Caucus is pushing to treat violence as a public health issue, and how Newark's experience shaped her approach to keeping communities safe. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, to discuss why affordability has become the defining issue of the election, what Democrats are doing to win back the House, and why there are no "cookie-cutter" candidates in the fight for Congress. Together, they explore the expanded Child Tax Credit, lowering health care costs, supporting caregivers, the importance of Black voter engagement following changes to the Voting Rights Act, and why DelBene believes winning swing districts requires candidates who reflect the communities they serve. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with Pat Lee and Chad Deshawn, hosts of Unconscious Flyness, for a conversation about accountability, community, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform. Together, they discuss the online reaction to the Nolan Wells death investigation, why social media often rewards speculation over truth, and what it means to care for a community without contributing to its pain. The conversation also explores Boosie's failed attempt to secure a presidential pardon, Jay-Z's recent comments about Colin Kaepernick and the Target boycott, the role of celebrity activism, and whether Black culture needs more gatekeeping in an era driven by algorithms, outrage, and misinformation. Along the way, Pat and Chad share the story behind their friendship and explain why Unconscious Flyness was created to model healthy masculinity, emotional intelligence, and honest conversations among Black men. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with Senator Chris Van Hollen for a conversation that goes beyond Washington politics. As the son of a U.S. Foreign Service officer, Van Hollen grew up overseas, giving him a unique perspective on America's role in the world—and the challenges facing working families here at home. Together, they discuss affordability, the Working Americans' Tax Cut Act, and the lessons Maryland offers about governing. They also explore how global experiences shape public service, the music that reminds him of home, and what Washington can learn from policies that promise big change but fall short. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with one of the country's foremost national security experts, Dr. Erroll Southers, former FBI Special Agent, counterterrorism authority, USC professor, and author of Inside the Castle Walls. Dr. Southers shares the remarkable story of walking away from medical school, becoming an FBI agent by chance, and the advice from his father that changed the course of his life forever. Together, they explore the growing threats facing the United States, from domestic extremism and artificial intelligence to the erosion of public trust in institutions.  Plus, they talk about what Hollywood gets wrong about the FBI, Arnold Schwarzenegger's surprising role in Dr. Southers' career, and the one song that gets him ready for the toughest days.   We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a conversation that goes far beyond politics. Before discussing Congress, Iran, and the midterms, Jeffries reflects on growing up in Crown Heights during hip-hop's golden era, the lessons he learned from The Notorious B.I.G., and why Brooklyn continues to shape the leader he is today. They dive into the political consequences of America's involvement in Iran, why affordability has become the defining issue for voters, the future of the Democratic coalition following recent political shifts in New York, and what priorities would define a Jeffries speakership. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with political strategist, former presidential campaign advisor, and The Real Ones author Maya Rupert for one of the most personal conversations we've had on the show. Together, they unpack why Black women are often expected to perform authenticity while simultaneously navigating respectability politics, code-switching, racism, and impossible double standards. They explore Kamala Harris, Jasmine Crockett, the politics of electability, the Democratic Party's future, and why voters are craving bold ideas instead of endless ideological labels. Plus: a surprisingly deep conversation about Saved by the Bell, Hollywood stereotypes, and why "realness" may be a better goal than authenticity. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for a conversation about the human side of foreign policy. Growing up in El Paso shaped how Rep. Escobar sees borders, not just as lines on a map, but as places where families, cultures, and communities intersect. Together, they explore why humanitarian values should remain central to American leadership, the role of foreign aid in advancing U.S. interests, and how compassion and national security can work hand in hand. They also discuss Texas politics heading into the midterms, the changing political landscape of the Lone Star State, and why understanding people is essential to effective leadership. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

Some stories don't go away. As questions continue to swirl around the Epstein files, government transparency, and who gets held accountable in America, we're revisiting one of our most talked-about conversations. Congresswoman Summer Lee joins Dr. Nola Haynes to discuss her push for greater transparency around the Epstein files, what real accountability looks like when power protects itself, and why public trust in institutions continues to erode. They also explore the challenges facing progressives inside the Democratic Party, the growing frustration among voters, and the difference between demanding accountability and actually achieving it. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola sits down with SiriusXM host Reecie Colbert and Chad Thompson, founder of BLXCKMRKT, for a Juneteenth conversation about the State of the Black Union. From diaspora wars and online division to voter turnout, Black political influence, and the future of Democratic politics, they unpack the forces shaping Black America at a moment when the stakes couldn't be higher. They discuss the Cori Bush and Jasmine Crockett debate, third-party voting, Amanda Seales and Marc Lamont Hill's critiques of the Democratic Party, misinformation in Black media spaces, and why so many voters feel politically exhausted. Along the way, they ask a bigger question: Who gets to speak for Black America and are they actually delivering results? We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola sits down with political strategist Ameshia Cross and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin for a conversation that spans foreign policy, race, media, misinformation, and the future of American leadership. Together they unpack the gap between political slogans and geopolitical reality, the consequences of "America First" foreign policy, the growing influence of disinformation, and why America's adversaries may understand our divisions better than we do. They also discuss mental health, the long-term impact of the pandemic on young people, the role of Black voices in national security, and what comes after the Trump era. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

Former Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer joins Dr. Nola Haynes for a wide-ranging conversation about America's future role in the world. From growing up in rural Vermont to helping shape U.S. foreign policy during some of the most consequential global crises of the last decade, Finer reflects on leadership, diplomacy, media, and the growing challenges facing American power. Together, they discuss what comes after Trump, how allies and adversaries now view the United States, the rise of China, the future of Iran, misinformation, and why countries around the world are beginning to rethink their reliance on America. Plus, Finer shares the foreign policy issues he believes deserve far more attention, and the surprising soundtrack he turned to after long days in the White House. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

Recorded live from the Foreign Policy for America Summit, Dr. Nola Haynes sits down with some of the most influential voices shaping America's role in the world; from Capitol Hill to the State Department. Senator Chris Van Hollen explains why he believes America's Cuba policy is failing and where he still finds hope in a turbulent political moment. Former Special Representative Desiree Cormier Smith reflects on being the first person to hold her groundbreaking role at the State Department, the global fight for racial justice, and why faith remains central to her work. Former Under Secretary, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins breaks down arms control, China's growing influence, AI, nuclear security, and what America risks when it steps back from global leadership. Plus, former Assistant Secretary Mallory Stewart joins Nola for a candid conversation about diplomacy, Iran, space security, existential risk, and why expertise still matters. Along the way, there are conversations about Prince, 90 Day Fiancé, New Orleans, parenthood, hope, and the very human stories behind some of the world's biggest decisions. We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout

This week on Nola Haynes Is Not A Spy, Dr. Nola sits down with Malynda Hale and Dr. Tamice Spencer-Helms for one of the most vulnerable and thought-provoking conversations of the season. Together, they unpack the state of Christianity in America, growing up in faith spaces, activism in entertainment, queerness, Blackness, church culture, and what it means to follow Jesus outside the confines of institutional religion. They discuss: White Christian nationalism and the “branding crisis” of Christianity Why performative activism often replaces real change Hollywood, politics, and the pressure to stay silent Cult dynamics, charisma, and why people follow powerful figures Black identity, queerness, and reclaiming spirituality on your own terms We’re always looking for new opportunities to partner with creators, companies, politicians, and organizations that share our mission. If you’re interested in partnering with us to help reshape the national conversation — get in touch! @wearefindout