Fighting Words with George M. Johnson

About Fighting Words with George M. Johnson

George M. Johnson knows how to counterpunch the culture wars. ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE, their memoir of growing up Black and Queer in America, is currently the second-most banned book in America. And that distinction has pushed George to the frontlines of the fight for freedom of expression. “Fighting Words” is George’s chance to bring listeners into the ring with some of today’s most talented, outspoken and courageous creative people, people ready, willing and able to use their words to fight back against intolerance, fear, censorship and marginalization. Each week George talks to someone about their work making culture that takes on the topics some people seem afraid to talk about. It’s a conversation that goes deep but stays light – fleet, fast and fearless. And each episode gives George a chance to shine a light on new music, timeless wisdom and some of today’s rising stars.

Publisher

iHeartPodcasts

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Jan 2025

Latest episode

13 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

51 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jan 2026

   "Greatest Hits" Part 2

   For the show's last episode, George looks back at some of their favorite conversations, with a special focus on global solidarity. This episode features Gabrielle Union, Imani Bashir, Elias Jahshan and Bishop Joseph W. Tolton. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

2. 

   6 Jan 2026

   "Divest from Conditional Belonging" (w/ Mariah Moore)

   George M. Johnson interviews Mariah Moore, who shares her journey into activism following the tragic loss of trans women in New Orleans and discusses strategies for advancing trans rights.

3. 

   30 Dec 2025

   Holiday Re-Run: "There's Always Next Year" My New Book (w/ Leah Johnson)

   Author Leah Johnson discusses her new book "There's Always Next Year" with George M. Johnson, exploring themes of second chances and community in this holiday romcom interview.

Who has been a guest on Fighting Words with George M. Johnson

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Mariah Moore
• Leah Johnson
• Darnell Moore
• Sapphire
• Emil Wilbekin

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

419,108,275

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.2 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

74

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

50