Marina, this is one of your best shows! Please have Troy on again to discuss the state of American education and where it seems to be going. Tamara Payne is a gift, thank you! I am re-reading your book, it’s just SO good! Marina, thanks for bringing these great minds together for compelling content.

Friends Like Us is a warm hearted, funny, upbeat listen. Marine Franklin is the host. She gets wonderful, inspiring people, mostly from the entertainment and arts community to interview and discuss the topics of the day. There is also relevant discussions of culture pertaining to NYC, the comedy of big cities and NYC specifically. It is pleasant to hear a discussion that raises awareness and well-being.

I adore Marina Franklin as a stand-up comedian. I re-watch Marina Franklin’s amazing stand-up comedy special “Single Black Female” often!!! Comedians like her are superheroes to me because they literally make life better. Her humor is not only hilarious, topical, blunter-than-anyone and thought-provoking: Friends Like Us podcast reminds me of a mixture between all that is incredible about one of my favorite comedians of all-time (Marina Franklin) as well as reminds me of journalism and/or lectures because of the beautiful interviews of diverse guests, extremely informative and interesting, powerful!! Of all the many podcasts out there I believe this is the podcast is most worth listening to because the content is very rich with information and educational while simultaneously entertaining. Marina Franklin never ceases to amaze me and this podcast is a must-listen-to!!! Marina and Friends is also an incredible live podcast and the awesome people I have met through that sweet community as well as it got me introduced to Friends Like Us podcast!!!

Marina and her guests share interesting and insightful discussions that feel personal in the best sense, but are not navel-gazing (unlike many comedians, who seem to just want to talk about themselves without having much to say). Marina is a great host, providing her thoughtful, funny commentary while allowing for natural conversation.

From the moment you hit play on Friends Like Us, you're transported into a world of laughter, insight, and connection. Marina Franklin, the brilliant comedian, and host, brings together a diverse and talented group of people each week to discuss everything from current events to pop culture to personal stories. What sets Friends Like Us apart from other podcasts is the depth of conversation and the sense of community it fosters. Marina has a gift for bringing out the best in her guests, and the result is a series of hilarious and thought-provoking conversations. Whether they're sharing their experiences or riffing on the latest news, the guests of Friends Like Us are always engaging and entertaining. Marina and her guests come from all walks of life, and their perspectives are shaped by their unique backgrounds and experiences. This diversity of thought makes for some genuinely eye-opening discussions, and it's a testament to Marina's skill as a host that she's able to navigate these conversations with such critical awareness and profound grace. Pro-Tip: Listen to her fantastic YouTube live events and engage with the lovely co-hosts she has each week.

EVERY TIME I listen to Friends Like Us podcast I leave feeling nurtured, nourished, healed, enlightened, uplifted, encouraged, empowered…I could go on and on and on. So refreshing and real. Down to earth. Thank you Marina for sharing your friends with us!

This review is long overdue. Marina and her guests keep me informed and entertained. I have learned about so many comics. Marina hasn’t had a “Keisha” moment in awhile but her “Karen” moments are just as funny. This podcast is just a feel good podcast. Thanks Marina.

I agree with Zainab! I always learn new things and I really enjoy the show.

This is a light hearted , funny, show issues of the day I feel the love Marina always looks like she’s up to something

whenever i’m feeling low, i remember that i can always listen to friends like us and feel better. marina franklin is one of the funniest comics out there, and she always gets incredible guests. thanks, marina!!!!

Came across her standup on Amazon Prime. Found her on Twitter and she mentioned her podcast. Really informative and hilarious. Good stuff.

Marina is a world class host and comedian. Funny and serious, she does it all.

Great guests and I love that you are not afraid to be yourself. I also appreciate you providing multiple and diverse perspectives on this podcast!! —Anastasia (listener in NC) 😊

Friends Like Us is always funny and always truthful! This episode was especially thought provoking. Proof that reading is fundamental. Love Marina!

Marina Franklin always has an amazing range of panelists each week that discuss a fantastic array of topics. Thank you, ladies!!

So great. Listened a few times to this one Love her guests so much good content insights and laughter 👏👏👏👏👏👏

I highly recommend it. I both enjoy and gain greater understanding when listening to the different perspectives put forth by Marina and her weekly guests on a variety of subjects. I also really love the humor aspect of the show, as well.

I do not agree with what was said about blackness being a 1st generation American and parents being from Kenyan does not mean I am not considered an African American. So does that mean I have not had struggles of other African Americans here no I have base it on experiences not we’re our parents are from. So does that mean I am not maraginalized. Did not agree with home girls opinion plus you are also a descendant from someone who is not an ancestor sold into slavery just really did not agree with that opinion. It is almost saying I have privilege because my parents are from Africa. And sweetie I do not have any sort of privilege if anything it is a double edged sword. And what classifies someone as an African American. Just disappointed by that opinion. Would love to see a podcast of what you considered blackness 🤔 and bring her back cause I just have to hear this

100. 10/10. Would recommend. It is uncensored, so just a note, but listening to Marina Franklin and her thoughtful gathering of friends each week has been a reprieve and a highly important refuge for me this summer. As a white woman, working from home, in a pandemic, and mostly in communication with people who think and look like me, I feel invited to hear from Friends Like Us and to understand meaningful and thoughtful perspectives that are so important in our current season as a country. Not to mention, these Friends make me laugh and smile, being the entertainers that they are. Love it and so thankful for this podcast!! Keep producing amazing and magnificent work, Friends!

Great conversations and people on this podcast!

I’ve followed this show for years. It’s amazing to see a person evolve and that’s what happens with the host, Marina Franklin. She goes from dating white men exclusively (and doing their devil’s advocate stuff) to limiting herself to woke whites only. No matter politics, she is HILARIOUS!! My faves are when Pat Brown is there! Pat’s woke and hilarious! It’s nice to have a space led by a Black woman that’s inclusive of other WOC and occasional whites and men. It shows how when Black Lives Matter, life becomes beautiful for everyone!

Heard about you through Mara’s podcast and just thought I would say...I’m so happy I did. I’ve been talking to myself a lot more while listening but whatever 😂😂 Coronavirus! So informative, fun and funny! Thanks for having this pod

I like how real she is and brutally honest. Will continue to listen. I have had a rough time trying to lose and keep weight off. I know most is due to mindset. I believe it podcast will be a great motivator and help me deal with these issues.

I love this show! Marina is so smart and funny, and I really enjoy listening to her panel discussions with guests every week. It’s a much needed dose of reality and hilarity for me.

I have been recommending this show to friends and realized I hadn't even left a review! The hosts are fantastic and the guests are great. I always take away something to think about. Listen to this podcast!

I love this show. I can’t think of any woman in my life who can’t get something from it. The guests are always insightful. Love when Pat Brown is on.

Great Show!!!

I give your podcast five stars. I would like to ask that you find a way to not talk over each other. In listening to the Cancel Culture episode, there were 5 panelist, but primarily Sanders spoke loudly on the subject. I don’t know if the whose holding the apple talks would would work, but all of the intelligent guest should be heard and given time to finish their point. Thank you a new fan.

Very honest conversations! No holds bar! I love it! Each host and guest have plenty of knowledge to drop. I just Love the ladies. Listeners you will not be disappointed!

I love the news and women of color are not represented. These comedians bring intelligent dialogue and further a cultural narrative our generation needs. I’ve been making conscious decisions to support podcasts featuring women of color to help these voices be heard. Thanks for keeping it real!

Caught Marina doing stand-up in Vermont a few years ago, and fell in love with the pod and all the guests.

I listened to this podcast for a couple of years and enjoyed it, especially when Pat Brown was on the episode. However, it become exhausting listening to Marina talk about herself incessantly. The other guests will have something of value to contribute to the conversation taking place, but somehow, Marina deviates from that and adds some anecdote that has nothing to do with the discussion. I also notice that a bunch of her comments have something to do with someone of the opposite sex complementing, noticing or hitting on her. It makes her sound very narcissistic and shows a lack of self-awareness. Not only that but her “Keisha can’t read,” bit is problematic. Shoutout to Billy tho.

Dope. Pod. Real Talk. Nuff said.

I get that this isn’t a news show but sometimes I wish the host would do some research on some of the more complex topics so guests aren’t bumbling around trying to discuss topics intelligently when they clearly don’t know enough about the issues, such as immigration or racism. Or just stick to lighter topics.

I love listening to podcasts and Friends Like Us is my favorite. This week’s episode is powerful. An authentic conversation of intersectionality. A very timely and important conversation. I look forward to each episode. Love it when they go long. Marina, keep up the good work! Thank you! -“Harlem Chick”

Used to listen to this a while back but lost touch. Last episode was really good. You’re having the type of conversations that my wife and I have but wish We could have more often with others.

I love the podcast, would rate 5 stars but there’s too much background noise! Please fix!

Nothing but praise for this show. It’s the kind of podcast that causes you to want to make your commute a little longer so you can hear more of Marina and her friends.

I've been a listener for about a year and a half now and of all the podcasts I've subscribed to, this is my favorite. I was a little sad when Pat Brown left :( but I still enjoy the conversations discussed on the podcast. Some episodes are a little to 'blehh' for me.. some of the guests seem too narrow-minded in my opinion, but I just skip to the next episode when it gets too much for me. I have and will continue to recommend to this podcast.

I don't know what's happening, but I can't subcribe! I want your podcast to auto download, but I can't get it to work!! But other thatn that I love it! :) AJ

Ive been listening to Friends Like Us for a few years now and have not been disappointed. Marinas Comic style and interviews are on point. She’s been on the up and coming show the Power Hour on SiriusXm. Comedian Godfrey gives Marina shout outs sometimes because he knows a true tallent when he sees it. Keep up the good work Marina ill be listening.

I’ve been listening for a couple years and it’s one of my must listen pods that I listen to weekly without fail. It’s funny but it’s also serious. I love that because Black Women and Women of Color are not a monolith. We joke and we vote. As a listener I feel like I’m sitting around the table with a bunch of Cool Aunties and Sister Friends. This pod is a delight! Thanks Marina! 💜 #checkusout #withfriendslikeus

This show keeps me from feeling crazy and alone. Thank you!

This was my first Friends Like Us and I enjoyed it so much! The sensibilities of the host and guests were so familiar and fun and funny. I’m going to listen to back episodes right now! 👏🏾

I love the humor mixed in, especially since many subjects are about true experiences that aren't always positive. Always ends on a positive note.

My sister recommended this to me and I am so grateful. I am loving every post and am a better man for it. "With friends like us, some of us guys get it".

Thanks for all the great conversation! Love it.

This was one of the first podcasts I've ever listened to when I decided to try them out. I was looking for podcasts that had black people-especially black women, young, politics but also made it fun to listen to so humorous. Bonus was that it consisted of people that were from the lgbtq community, had multiple ethnicities, and were comedians. The women are not as young as I was looking for but they're young enough where the jokes don't go over my head and I didn't have a hard time relating to them.

Love this show

I subscribed sometime ago, but never listened. In an attempt to support women of color I added FriendsLikeUs to my podcast listening schedule and I just want to thank all of you for a wonderfully informative and entertaining podcast. I was hooked the first time and make it a point to listen whenever I can.