Ep 271. Dr. Richard Haass, a tribute to Garry Shandling

Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 271, titled "Dr. Richard Haass, a tribute to Garry Shandling," is a thought-provoking and insightful episode that focuses on two main topics. The first topic is an interview with Richard Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, who shares his expertise on current global issues and provides his insights on the role of the United States in the world. The second topic is a tribute to the late Garry Shandling, a beloved comedian and actor who passed away in 2016.

In the first segment of the show, Tavis Smiley interviews Dr. Richard Haass, a prominent expert on foreign policy and international relations. Haass is the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank based in New York City. During the interview, Haass discusses the current state of global affairs, including the rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, the growing influence of China in international relations, and the ongoing conflict in Syria. He also provides his insights on the role that the United States should play in international affairs, particularly in light of recent shifts in global power dynamics.

The second segment of the show is a tribute to Garry Shandling, a comedian and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the world of comedy. Shandling, who passed away in March of 2016, was known for his unique brand of meta-humor, as well as his groundbreaking work on shows like "It's Garry Shandling's Show" and "The Larry Sanders Show." In this segment, Tavis Smiley is joined by a panel of comedians and actors who pay tribute to Shandling's life and legacy, sharing their memories of working with him and discussing the impact that he had on the world of comedy.

Throughout the episode, Tavis Smiley maintains his signature style of engaging and thoughtful interviewing, asking his guests insightful questions and fostering a genuine dialogue that invites viewers to think critically about the topics at hand. Overall, "Dr. Richard Haass, a tribute to Garry Shandling" is an insightful and touching episode that combines two disparate yet fascinating topics and serves as a testament to the enduring power of both foreign policy and comedy to shape our understanding of the world around us.