Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 157 John Burns, Laura Lippman

In the season 7 episode 157 of Tavis Smiley, viewers are treated to two interviews with prominent figures in the literary world: John Burns and Laura Lippman.

First up is John Burns, a veteran journalist and current London bureau chief for The New York Times. Smiley and Burns discuss Burns' experiences covering wars and revolutions around the world, including his time reporting on the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s and the Arab Spring in 2011. Burns shares some of his insights on how the media landscape has changed over the years and how journalists can continue to provide accurate and important coverage in an age of "fake news" and disinformation. The two also touch on Burns' observations about the current political climate in the UK and Europe, particularly the rise of populist movements and the ongoing Brexit saga.

In the second interview, Smiley talks to Laura Lippman, a bestselling author of mystery and crime novels. Lippman has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Edgar Award, and has also worked as a journalist and newspaper reporter. Smiley asks Lippman about her approach to writing and how she crafts engaging plots and characters. Lippman shares some of the challenges she has faced in her career, including overcoming rejection and dealing with personal setbacks. They also discuss Lippman's latest novel, Sunburn, which explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge in a small town in Delaware.

Overall, this episode of Tavis Smiley offers thought-provoking conversations with two accomplished individuals who have made their mark in the fields of journalism and literature. Viewers will come away with a greater appreciation for the role that storytelling plays in our society, as well as the importance of staying informed and engaged in the world around us.