The deep talk show you need: ‘Red Table Talk’

I’m always on the lookout for positive podcasts and talk shows, and the “Red Table Talk” is one of my favorite discoveries. The Facebook Watch show features three generations of Smiths: Jada Pinkett Smith, her mother Adrienne Banfield-Jones (Gammy) and her daughter Willow Smith. Each episode tackles a different topic including body image, racism, addiction, parenting and loss. 

With three seasons of bomb-dropping revelations, Jada has pulled the gossip column and news towards her talk show several times. The first time was after Triston Thompson cheated on Khloe Kardashian with her sister’s best friend, Jordyn Woods. In the episode, “Jordyn Woods Shares The Truth,” Jada interviews Woods and discusses the scandal using a lie detector test. 

Jada also brought “Red Table Talk” into the public eye when she addressed the allegations that she had an “entanglement” with August Alsina during a time when she and Will Smith were on a break. In the episode “Jada Brings Herself to the Table,” both Jada and Will Smith unpack the details of her affair with August in a respectful and mature way. Although the talk show has dealt with scandalous, newsworthy issues, it has also been a strong force of empowerment and strength in dealing with societal conundrums and human relationships. 

I’m a sucker for deep talks about relationships, and now I’m partial to every “Red Table Talk” episode with Will Smith in it. “Jada and Will: Their first one-on-one conversation” and “Becoming Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (parts one and two) are my all-time favorite episodes. It is fascinating to watch both Will and Jada talk to each other not only about their relationship but about parenting, growth and emotional struggles. They openly discuss their different experiences growing up and the work it has taken for them to stay together in a “life partnership.” I soak in every piece of wisdom that comes from the red table conversations. 

I can’t help but love how “Red Table Talk” includes three generations of the family. It brings new perspectives to the table, shutting the door to closed-mindedness.

Gammy, who has had several marriages and divorces, brings a more old fashioned perspective to the issues we deal with today (and have dealt with forever). Her experience in life and each of her relationships provides a knowledge that no one else at the table has. 

Willow, who has grown up in the spotlight, brings a fresh and wise perspective to the table. Although younger, she understands and grasps nearly everything discussed at the red table, always leading with emotional power and wisdom. Her empathy always shines through. 

Jada is a power house. She embraces the struggle that comes with tackling deep societal issues and has the most powerful revelations. She is always supportive and praises people who engage in deep conversation at the table. 

Together, Gammy, Willow and Jada are the perfect combination of wisdom, love and support for a talk show. The “Red Table Talk” leaves me quaking every time. If you need guidance, a reset button, happy tears or an awakening, tune into the “Red Table Talk” on Apple Podcasts or Facebook Watch. You won’t be disappointed. 

Emily White is a junior studying English and broadcast journalism. She is currently serving as the senior writer for the Lifestyles section of the Statesman.

—emily.white@usu.edu