The Call with Erica Williams Simon

This week I sat down with Amanda Nguyen, activist, future astronaut and founder of Rise, a national civil rights nonprofit that helps survivors of sexual assault. After being raped in college, Amanda discovered just how few rights victims of sexual assault actually had within the criminal justice system. Thanks to Amanda and the work of many others, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act was unanimously passed in Congress in 2016. In our conversation, we talk about Rise, why no one should ever be pressured to tell their story, and why she still has every intention of becoming an astronaut. It's enough to help even the most cynical cynic believe that anything is possible -- and to always reach for the stars.

On this week's episode of The Call, Erica sits down with Nina Jacobson, the powerhouse Hollywood executive and producer responsible for The Hunger Games to Princess Diaries to American Crime Story: The People v. OJ Simpson. As one of a handful of female heads of studios, she's changing the way that the industry responds to and engages with women in power. This week, we talk about how she seeks to tell iconic stories that tackle gender, power and race; we talk inspiration, mistakes, and what she thinks of this pivotal moment in the entertainment industry. Enjoy.

In this episode of The Call, Erica Williams Simon speaks with award-winning radio show host Krista Tippett about the difference between religion and spirituality, why we should all be kinder to ourselves and what she would say to Donald Trump if she had the chance.

Despite garnering attention for organizing a city-wide protest to fight Trump's proposed Muslim ban, 17-year-old activist Hebh Jamal isn't interested in being a "famous activist." She thinks the focus on her is a distraction from the issues at hand. So when we sat down to talk for this week's episode on her day off from class, we made sure to talk about the issues that matter to her: diversity in education, what it means to be a feminist and how answering a call to activism absolutely requires some risk -- no matter how old you are.

In this episode of The Call, Erica sits down with Latham Thomas, wellness expert, doula and author of “Own Your Glow: A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowning the Queen Within." They talk about birthing dreams, how to lean into the louder, less "socially acceptable" parts of ourselves and discuss what would happen if our work lives respected our menstrual cycles. It's a good one. Enjoy.

This week's episode of The Call features trans activist Ashlee Marie Preston, who was thrust her onto the national stage after a video of her went viral. In it, she confronts Caitlyn Jenner for her public support of Donald Trump despite his administration's continued attacks on the LGBTQ community. We talk about this event and more, including life growing up as a black boy in Kentucky to Preston's battle with addiction later in life. Ashlee Marie Preston has a lot to teach us about answering our call to be our full selves. Take a listen and take notes.

Behold, the first episode of The Call, Season 2. Host Erica Williams Simon speaks with designer Melody Ehsani about her mystical “call” moment, how her former fear of being single forever used to stop her growth, and what Ehsani named the self-doubting voice in her head.

Behold! A sneak peak into Season 2 of The Call. You'll hear about what our Season 1 guests have been up to, who you can look forward to this season (like designer Melody Ehsani and Latham Thomas, the doula who delivered DJ Khaled's Instagram-famous baby, Ashad). And you'll find out about the one pressing question that Erica wants this season to answer. Headphones in and enjoy!

We turn the tables on host Erica Williams Simon in this special episode of 'The Call.' Listen as MR President Kate Barnett interviews Erica about her life and career changes. This episode of The Call was produced and edited by Kate Barnett.

On this week's episode, Erica sits down with bold, vivacious media personality Bevy Smith to talk about reinventing your life and the business advice she wishes she'd received 20 years ago. The Call is produced and edited by Samara Breger and Kate Barnett.

Designer Mara Hoffman discusses how she got her start, the moment she decided to radically shift her business to be more environmentally sustainable and more. The Call is produced and edited by Samara Breger and Kate Barnett.

Actress and comedian Yvonne Orji has received accolades for her role as Molly on the hit HBO show Insecure. This week, Erica sits down with Yvonne to discuss the power of humor and #blackgirlmagic. The Call is produced and edited by Samara Breger.

What makes a woman "difficult"? This week, Erica sits down with fabulous writer Roxane Gay to discuss her new book, 'Difficult Women,' and life post-election. The Call is produced and edited by Samara Breger.

Erica sits down with writer, producer and actor Lena Waithe whose original, hour-long drama, 'The Chi', is being executive produced by Common and was just greenlit by Showtime. You may have already seen her as the breakout star on Aziz Ansari’s 'Master of None', where she played Dev’s cool best friend, Denise. The Call is produced and edited by Samara Breger.

Erica sits down with filmmaker, activist and your favorite rapper’s favorite writer dream hampton to talk about the cost of telling the truth, never being too afraid to fight and that one time she was cursed out by Nina Simone. The Call is produced and edited by Samara Breger.