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        <title>The Root Podcasts</title>
        <description>Weekly conversations with writers and editors of TheRoot.com, an online magazine from the Slate Group.</description>
        <link>http://theroot.com/multimedia/podcast</link>
        <copyright>©2010 WashingtonPost.Newsweek Interactive</copyright>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:16:55 -0500</pubDate>
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        <itunes:subtitle>Weekly conversations with writers and editors of TheRoot.com, an online magazine from the Slate Group.</itunes:subtitle>
        <itunes:summary>Weekly conversations with writers and editors of TheRoot.com, an online magazine from the Slate Group.</itunes:summary>
        <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
        <itunes:owner>
            <itunes:name>Slate Podmaster</itunes:name>
            <itunes:email>podmaster@slate.com</itunes:email>
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        <itunes:category text="News &amp; Politics"/>
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            <title>The Root Podcasts</title>
            <link>http://theroot.com/multimedia/podcast</link>
            <description>Weekly conversations with writers and editors of TheRoot.com, an online magazine from the Slate Group.</description>
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            <title>The Confab -- Dec. 12, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on The Confab: Join Associate Editor Brett Johnson as he chats with Staff Writer/White House Correspondent Jenée Desmond-Harris, contributor Gene Demby and PR exec Rachel Noerdlinger about CNN&apos;s special on colorism in the black community.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-12-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:52:37 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on The Confab: Join Associate Editor Brett Johnson as he chats with Staff Writer/White House Correspondent Jenée Desmond-Harris, contributor Gene Demby and PR exec Rachel Noerdlinger about CNN&apos;s special on colorism in the black community.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on The Confab: Join Associate Editor Brett Johnson as he chats with Staff Writer/White House Correspondent Jenée Desmond-Harris, contributor Gene Demby and PR exec Rachel Noerdlinger about CNN&apos;s special on colorism in the black community.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>32:36</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, obama,  twitter, brett johnson, gene demby, pr exec rachel noerdlinger, cnn on race, colorism</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Nov. 28, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Jenee Desmond-Harris, with editors Akoto Ofori-Atta, Edward Wyckoff Williams and Hillary Crosley about allegations that coverage of Chris Brown’s latest twitter brawl was racially tinged. Plus:  President Obama&apos;s responsibility to blacks. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-28-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:56:25 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Jenee Desmond-Harris, with editors Akoto Ofori-Atta, Edward Wyckoff Williams and Hillary Crosley about allegations that coverage of Chris Brown’s latest twitter brawl was racially tinged. Plus:  President Obama&apos;s responsibility to blacks.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Jenee Desmond-Harris, with editors Akoto Ofori-Atta, Edward Wyckoff Williams and Hillary Crosley about allegations that coverage of Chris Brown’s latest twitter brawl was racially tinged. Plus:  President Obama&apos;s responsibility to blacks. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>25:09</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, obama,  akoto ofori-atta, twitter, chris brown, edward wyckoff williams, hillary crosley, black agenda</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Nov. 21, 2012</title>
            <description>The Confab: Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris, associate editor Brett Johnson and contributor Gene Demby as they chat about Mitt Romney’s diversity handicap, black Twitter slang, Rihanna’s failing 777 tour and more. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-21-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:39:58 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>The Confab: Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris, associate editor Brett Johnson and contributor Gene Demby as they chat about Mitt Romney’s diversity handicap, black Twitter slang, Rihanna’s failing 777 tour and more.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>The Confab: Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris, associate editor Brett Johnson and contributor Gene Demby as they chat about Mitt Romney’s diversity handicap, black Twitter slang, Rihanna’s failing 777 tour and more.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>25:51</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, brett johnson, obama,  akoto ofori-atta, gene demby, mitt romney diversity handicap, black twitter slang, rihanna 777</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 24, 2012</title>
            <description>This week: Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, associate editor Brett Johnson and staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as they chat with Root 100 honoree Tamron Hall about getting answers from guests and why she loves ‘Honey Boo Boo.’

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-24-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:57:46 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, associate editor Brett Johnson and staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as they chat with Root 100 honoree Tamron Hall about getting answers from guests and why she loves ‘Honey Boo Boo.’</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, associate editor Brett Johnson and staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as they chat with Root 100 honoree Tamron Hall about getting answers from guests and why she loves ‘Honey Boo Boo.’

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:01</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, brett johnson, obama, root 100, akoto ofori-atta, tamron hall, msnbc, honey boo boo</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 17, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Associate Editor Brett Johnson as they as they chat with Root 100 honoree Danielle Moodie-Mills about how the mission to expand what it means to be black links her environmental and LGBT advocacy.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-17-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12101701-danielle-moodie-mills.mp3" length="7962058" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 01:02:41 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Associate Editor Brett Johnson as they as they chat with Root 100 honoree Danielle Moodie-Mills about how the mission to expand what it means to be black links her environmental and LGBT advocacy.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Associate Editor Brett Johnson as they as they chat with Root 100 honoree Danielle Moodie-Mills about how the mission to expand what it means to be black links her environmental and LGBT advocacy.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>16:22</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, brett johnson, root podcast, obama, jay-z, danielle moodie-mills, root 100, lgtb</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 10, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on The Confab: Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta as they chat with Professor Jelani Cobb about things some people just don&apos;t get about Obama&apos;s cultural significance. Plus: The worst habits of rappers.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-10-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12101001-obamaparadox.mp3" length="10459810" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 9 Oct 2012 23:22:56 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on The Confab: Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta as they chat with Professor Jelani Cobb about things some people just don&apos;t get about Obama&apos;s cultural significance. Plus: The worst habits of rappers.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on The Confab: Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta as they chat with Professor Jelani Cobb about things some people just don&apos;t get about Obama&apos;s cultural significance. Plus: The worst habits of rappers.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:34</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, akoto ofori-atta, root podcast, the president, professor jelani cobb, obama, rappers, stars</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 3, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on The Confab: Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta as they chat with The Root 100 honoree Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed about political predictions and personal insights.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-3-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12100301-mayorreed100%20.mp3" length="6549101" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-3-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 2 Oct 2012 19:41:42 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on The Confab: Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta as they chat with The Root 100 honoree Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed about political predictions and personal insights.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on The Confab: Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta as they chat with The Root 100 honoree Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed about political predictions and personal insights.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>13:25</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, akoto ofori-atta, root 100, presidential debate, mayor kasim reed, atlanta, root podcast, mitt romney</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 26, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on The Confab:  Join The Root&apos;s staff writer, Jenée Desmond-Harris and assistant editor, Akoto Ofori-Atta, as they chat with The Root 100 honoree, writer Jamelle Bouie, about topics both political and personal.  

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-26-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12092601-jamellebouie100.mp3" length="8789166" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-26-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:13:45 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on The Confab:  Join The Root&apos;s staff writer, Jenée Desmond-Harris and assistant editor, Akoto Ofori-Atta, as they chat with The Root 100 honoree, writer Jamelle Bouie, about topics both political and personal.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on The Confab:  Join The Root&apos;s staff writer, Jenée Desmond-Harris and assistant editor, Akoto Ofori-Atta, as they chat with The Root 100 honoree, writer Jamelle Bouie, about topics both political and personal.  

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:05</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, convention recap, akoto ofori-atta, root 100, the nation, american prospect, jamelle bouie</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 13, 2012</title>
            <description>Assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta chats with associate editor Brett Johnson, staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and contributing editor Genetta Adams about what&apos;s stopping politicians from talking about poverty. Plus: Fall&apos;s cast of black TV characters.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-13-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12091301-falltv.mp3" length="7235253" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-13-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:47:56 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta chats with associate editor Brett Johnson, staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and contributing editor Genetta Adams about what&apos;s stopping politicians from talking about poverty. Plus: Fall&apos;s cast of black TV characters.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta chats with associate editor Brett Johnson, staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and contributing editor Genetta Adams about what&apos;s stopping politicians from talking about poverty. Plus: Fall&apos;s cast of black TV characters.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>14:51</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, convention recap, akoto ofori-atta, fall tv, brett johnson, genetta adams</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Aug. 29, 2012</title>
            <description>Staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris, political correspondent Keli Goff, contributing editor David Swerdlick, and assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta discuss Paul Ryan&apos;s black ex girlfriend, Chris Mathews&apos; race-baiting smackdown, and a dispatch from the RNC.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-29-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12082901-gopconvention.mp3" length="6143128" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-29-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:57:36 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris, political correspondent Keli Goff, contributing editor David Swerdlick, and assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta discuss Paul Ryan&apos;s black ex girlfriend, Chris Mathews&apos; race-baiting smackdown, and a dispatch from the RNC.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris, political correspondent Keli Goff, contributing editor David Swerdlick, and assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta discuss Paul Ryan&apos;s black ex girlfriend, Chris Mathews&apos; race-baiting smackdown, and a dispatch from the RNC.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>12:35</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, republican convention, paul ryan black ex girlfriend, keli goff, david swerdlick, akoto ofori-atta, chris mathews msnbc</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Aug. 15, 2012</title>
            <description>Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris chats with Political Correspondent Keli Goff and contributor Genetta Adams about the Republican VP hopeful&apos;s views on black people, politicians and their athletic counterparts and a wrap-up of Olympic controversies.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-15-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12081501-gopvp.mp3" length="8800296" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-15-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:48:26 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris chats with Political Correspondent Keli Goff and contributor Genetta Adams about the Republican VP hopeful&apos;s views on black people, politicians and their athletic counterparts and a wrap-up of Olympic controversies.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris chats with Political Correspondent Keli Goff and contributor Genetta Adams about the Republican VP hopeful&apos;s views on black people, politicians and their athletic counterparts and a wrap-up of Olympic controversies.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:07</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, olympics, republican vp paul ryan, keli goff, genetta adams, gabby douglas, lolo jones</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Aug. 1, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with Root Editors Brett Johnson and  Akoto Ofori-Atta about Olympic highlights, John Carols’ black power salute at the 1968 Games, and the Mississippi church that wouldn&apos;t marry an African-American couple. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-1-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12080101-cynthiasgone.mp3" length="6100898" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-1-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:56:52 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with Root Editors Brett Johnson and  Akoto Ofori-Atta about Olympic highlights, John Carols’ black power salute at the 1968 Games, and the Mississippi church that wouldn&apos;t marry an African-American couple.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with Root Editors Brett Johnson and  Akoto Ofori-Atta about Olympic highlights, John Carols’ black power salute at the 1968 Games, and the Mississippi church that wouldn&apos;t marry an African-American couple. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>12:29</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, jenée desmond-harris, brett johnson, akoto ofori-atta, olympics, john carols’ black power salute 1968, mississippi church refused to marry African-American couple</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 18, 2012</title>
            <description>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy as she chats with associate editor Brett Johnson and contributing editor Helena Andrews about Mitt Romney’s tax returns, Frank Ocean’s revelation and why you should be careful on Facebook.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-18-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12071801-frankocean.mp3" length="10526222" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:56:30 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy as she chats with associate editor Brett Johnson and contributing editor Helena Andrews about Mitt Romney’s tax returns, Frank Ocean’s revelation and why you should be careful on Facebook.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy as she chats with associate editor Brett Johnson and contributing editor Helena Andrews about Mitt Romney’s tax returns, Frank Ocean’s revelation and why you should be careful on Facebook.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:43</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, confab, black music, cynthia gordy, gay singer, frank ocean, mitt romney, helena andrews, brett johnson, facebook</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 4, 2012</title>
            <description>Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, contributor Scott T. Sterling, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and senior political correspondent Cynthia Gordy about the Supreme Court’s Affordable Care Act decision and the 2012 BET Awards.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-4-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12070401affordablecare.mp3" length="7663832" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-4-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 3 Jul 2012 22:03:23 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, contributor Scott T. Sterling, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and senior political correspondent Cynthia Gordy about the Supreme Court’s Affordable Care Act decision and the 2012 BET Awards.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, contributor Scott T. Sterling, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and senior political correspondent Cynthia Gordy about the Supreme Court’s Affordable Care Act decision and the 2012 BET Awards.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>15:45</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, akoto ofori-atta, confab, black music, jenée desmond-harris, cynthia gordy, scott t. sterling, affordable care, supreme court, bet awards</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- June 20, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with contributor Sylvester Monroe, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, and Associate Editor Brett Johnson about Rodney King&apos;s legacy, Michelle Obama&apos;s white relatives, and 1977&apos;s black music highlights.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-20-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12062001-rodneyking.mp3" length="8912944" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-20-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:39:19 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with contributor Sylvester Monroe, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, and Associate Editor Brett Johnson about Rodney King&apos;s legacy, Michelle Obama&apos;s white relatives, and 1977&apos;s black music highlights.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with contributor Sylvester Monroe, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, and Associate Editor Brett Johnson about Rodney King&apos;s legacy, Michelle Obama&apos;s white relatives, and 1977&apos;s black music highlights.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:21</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, akoto ofori-atta, confab, black music month, brett johnson, rodney king legacy, michelle obama&apos;s white relatives, 1977&apos;s black music highlights. jenée desmond-harris, sylvester monroe</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- June 8, 2012</title>
            <description>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor David Swerdlick about what Obama’s done for black people, a shaky study about black girls and exercise, and black music memories.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-8-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12060801-reelectobama.mp3" length="9813202" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-8-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 7 Jun 2012 22:47:54 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor David Swerdlick about what Obama’s done for black people, a shaky study about black girls and exercise, and black music memories.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor David Swerdlick about what Obama’s done for black people, a shaky study about black girls and exercise, and black music memories.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:13</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, akoto ofori-atta, confab, election 2012, cynthia gordy, david swerdlick, black music month, weight loss for black girls, what has obama done</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- May 25, 2012</title>
            <description>Assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta chats with staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the GOP’s race-baiting, the NAACP’s stance on same-sex marriage, and rumors about Raven-Symoné&apos;s sexuality.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-25-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12052501-gopupdate.mp3" length="10191648" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-25-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 21:35:01 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta chats with staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the GOP’s race-baiting, the NAACP’s stance on same-sex marriage, and rumors about Raven-Symoné&apos;s sexuality.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta chats with staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the GOP’s race-baiting, the NAACP’s stance on same-sex marriage, and rumors about Raven-Symoné&apos;s sexuality.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:01</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, akoto ofori-atta, jenee desmond harris, confab, edward wyckoff williams, election 2012, gay rights, same sex marriage, gop race baiting</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- May 11, 2012</title>
            <description>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and contributing editor Demetria Lucas about the political risk in Obama’s same-sex marriage endorsement, and the lesser-hyped factors behind obesity in the black community.  

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-11-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12051101-fatwomenornot.mp3" length="8738237" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-11-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 21:46:36 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and contributing editor Demetria Lucas about the political risk in Obama’s same-sex marriage endorsement, and the lesser-hyped factors behind obesity in the black community.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join political correspondent Cynthia Gordy, staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and contributing editor Demetria Lucas about the political risk in Obama’s same-sex marriage endorsement, and the lesser-hyped factors behind obesity in the black community.  

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>17:59</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, jenee desmond harris, confab, cynthia gordy, black obessity, election 2012, demetria lucas, gay rights, same sex marriage,</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 27, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Senior Political Correspondent Cynthia Gordy about our black obesity series, Brian McKnight&apos;s new X-rated song, and more.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-27-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12042701-electionmode.mp3" length="9144001" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-27-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:32:19 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Senior Political Correspondent Cynthia Gordy about our black obesity series, Brian McKnight&apos;s new X-rated song, and more.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Staff Writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Senior Political Correspondent Cynthia Gordy about our black obesity series, Brian McKnight&apos;s new X-rated song, and more.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:50</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, jenee desmond harris, confab, akoto ofori-atta, cynthia gordy, black obesity, brian mcKnight&apos;s x-rated song, music, student loan debt, election 2012</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 13, 2012</title>
            <description>On the Confab: Staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the Trayvon Martin case, myths about black-on-black crime, and the suspension of Rick Santorum&apos;s campaign.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-13-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12041301-trayvonmartin2.mp3" length="9660241" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-13-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:47:05 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>On the Confab: Staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the Trayvon Martin case, myths about black-on-black crime, and the suspension of Rick Santorum&apos;s campaign.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>On the Confab: Staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the Trayvon Martin case, myths about black-on-black crime, and the suspension of Rick Santorum&apos;s campaign.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>19:54</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, jenee desmond harris, confab, akoto ofori-atta, stand your ground, trayvon martin, racial profiling, zimmerman, edward wyckoff williams, black on black crime</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Mar. 30, 2012</title>
            <description>Join staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor E.R. Shipp about how Florida&apos;s &quot;Stand Your Ground&quot; law is playing out in the Trayvon Martin case, the smear campaign against the slain teen.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-mar-30-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12033001-trayvonmartin.mp3" length="10329757" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-mar-30-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:52:03 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor E.R. Shipp about how Florida&apos;s &quot;Stand Your Ground&quot; law is playing out in the Trayvon Martin case, the smear campaign against the slain teen.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join staff writer Jenée Desmond-Harris as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor E.R. Shipp about how Florida&apos;s &quot;Stand Your Ground&quot; law is playing out in the Trayvon Martin case, the smear campaign against the slain teen.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:18</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, race, jenee desmond harris, confab, akoto ofori-atta, e. r shipp, stand your ground, trayvon martin, racial profiling, zimmerman, hoodies</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Mar. 16, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and contributor Hillary Crosley about Santorum’s Southern sweep, the debate over Homeless Hotspots and ‘90s nostalgia on the 15th anniversary of Love Jones.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-mar-16-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12031601-lovejones.mp3" length="9195894" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-mar-16-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:49:42 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and contributor Hillary Crosley about Santorum’s Southern sweep, the debate over Homeless Hotspots and ‘90s nostalgia on the 15th anniversary of Love Jones.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with staff writer Jenee Desmond-Harris and contributor Hillary Crosley about Santorum’s Southern sweep, the debate over Homeless Hotspots and ‘90s nostalgia on the 15th anniversary of Love Jones.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:56</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, santorum, race, election 2012, hillary crosley, jenee desmond harris, cynthia gordy, confab, love jones, black movie nostalgia, chicago</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Mar. 2, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Editor-at-Large Nsenga Burton about the Oscars, Santorum’s snob comment and black women’s body image. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-mar-2-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12030201-oscars.mp3" length="8155322" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-mar-2-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 1 Mar 2012 21:25:40 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Editor-at-Large Nsenga Burton about the Oscars, Santorum’s snob comment and black women’s body image.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Editor-at-Large Nsenga Burton about the Oscars, Santorum’s snob comment and black women’s body image. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>16:46</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, akoto, oscars, santorum, race, election 2012, nsenga burton, black women’s body image</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Feb. 24, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributing editor Natalie Hopkinson about the GOP’s culture war, Rihanna and Chris Brown’s reunion, and what drives success for black men in college.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-feb-24-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12022401-birthdaycakermx.mp3" length="8981684" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-feb-24-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:53:07 -0200</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributing editor Natalie Hopkinson about the GOP’s culture war, Rihanna and Chris Brown’s reunion, and what drives success for black men in college.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributing editor Natalie Hopkinson about the GOP’s culture war, Rihanna and Chris Brown’s reunion, and what drives success for black men in college.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:30</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, akoto, music, cynthia gordy, chris brown, santorum, birthday cake, black men in college, race, election 2012, rhianna</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Feb. 17, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Clay Cane about all things Whitney Houston. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-feb-17-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12021701-whitneyhoustonobit.mp3" length="8399182" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-feb-17-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:53:43 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Clay Cane about all things Whitney Houston.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Clay Cane about all things Whitney Houston. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>17:16</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, lauren williams, akoto, clay cane, whitney houston, music, legend</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Feb. 10, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and ‘How to be Black’ Author Baratunde Thurston about the black best friend, Rick Santorum’s chances and Roland Martin’s tweet scandal.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-feb-10-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12021001-funnyguy.mp3" length="10301814" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-feb-10-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 9 Feb 2012 21:58:23 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and ‘How to be Black’ Author Baratunde Thurston about the black best friend, Rick Santorum’s chances and Roland Martin’s tweet scandal.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and ‘How to be Black’ Author Baratunde Thurston about the black best friend, Rick Santorum’s chances and Roland Martin’s tweet scandal.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:15</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, republican, cynthia gordy, lauren williams, baratunde, santorum, roland martin, books, twitter, cnn</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Jan. 27, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Jozen Cummings about Obama’s State of the Union address, the race-specific Red Tails marketing campaign, and black love on reality television.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-27-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12012701-stateofu.mp3" length="9535068" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-27-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:05:43 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Jozen Cummings about Obama’s State of the Union address, the race-specific Red Tails marketing campaign, and black love on reality television.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Jozen Cummings about Obama’s State of the Union address, the race-specific Red Tails marketing campaign, and black love on reality television.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>19:39</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, democrat, akoto, jozen cummings, cynthia gordy, love, hip hop, red tails, lucas</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Jan. 20, 2012</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Genetta M. Adams about the Golden Globes, Jay-Z and the b-word, and the GOP&apos;s &quot;black problem.&quot;

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-20-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12012001-blueivy.mp3" length="10115331" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-20-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:14:10 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Genetta M. Adams about the Golden Globes, Jay-Z and the b-word, and the GOP&apos;s &quot;black problem.&quot;</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Genetta M. Adams about the Golden Globes, Jay-Z and the b-word, and the GOP&apos;s &quot;black problem.&quot;

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:51</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, republican, akoto, newt, santorum, lauren williams, herman cain, golden globes, jay-z</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Jan. 13, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the real face of welfare, the first lady’s portrayal in a new book and the worst math lesson ever.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-13-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12011301-slavemath.mp3" length="7101890" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-13-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:42:30 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the real face of welfare, the first lady’s portrayal in a new book and the worst math lesson ever.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about the real face of welfare, the first lady’s portrayal in a new book and the worst math lesson ever.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>14:35</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, republican, cynthia gordy, gop, akoto ofori-atta, edward wyckoff, newt, welfare, michelle obama, santorum</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Jan. 6, 2012</title>
            <description>Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Jack White about the state of the race of the GOP presidential nomination and what to look forward to in 2012.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-6-2012</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC12010601-newyear.mp3" length="9536240" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-jan-6-2012</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 5 Jan 2012 21:36:33 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Jack White about the state of the race of the GOP presidential nomination and what to look forward to in 2012.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Jack White about the state of the race of the GOP presidential nomination and what to look forward to in 2012.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>19:39</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, republican, lauren williams, republicans, new year, cynthia gordy, jack white, gop, romney, herman cain</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Dec. 23, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Sheryl Salomon, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Jozen Cummings about the biggest stories of 2011 and the best black Christmas songs.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-23-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11122301-christmas.mp3" length="9982626" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-23-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:30:27 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Sheryl Salomon, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Jozen Cummings about the biggest stories of 2011 and the best black Christmas songs.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Sheryl Salomon, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Jozen Cummings about the biggest stories of 2011 and the best black Christmas songs.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:35</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, republican, lauren williams, republicans, black christmas songs, soul music, akoto ofori-atta, jozen cummings, sheryl salomon, #ows</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Dec. 16, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Elon James White about the war on poor black kids, the state of the Obama campaign, and the year of the protester.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-16-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11121601-poorblackkidmonth.mp3" length="9244324" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-16-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:44:23 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Elon James White about the war on poor black kids, the state of the Obama campaign, and the year of the protester.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Deputy Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Elon James White about the war on poor black kids, the state of the Obama campaign, and the year of the protester.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>19:02</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, cynthia gordy, republican, lauren williams, elon james white, black kids, newt gingrich, republicans</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Dec. 9, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Deputy Editor Lauren Williams and contributor Michael Arceneaux about whether political correctness has a place in comedy, and new laws that might make it harder to vote in 2012.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-9-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11120901-titoglad.mp3" length="9921202" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-9-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 8 Dec 2011 21:47:07 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Deputy Editor Lauren Williams and contributor Michael Arceneaux about whether political correctness has a place in comedy, and new laws that might make it harder to vote in 2012.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Deputy Editor Lauren Williams and contributor Michael Arceneaux about whether political correctness has a place in comedy, and new laws that might make it harder to vote in 2012.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:27</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, cynthia gordy, republican, lauren williams, michael arceneaux, voting, t. i., gays, homophobia, comedians</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Dec. 1, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Elon James White and Jack White about black, Occupy Wall Street and who’s viable in the GOP race. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-1-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11120101-occupyblackfolks.mp3" length="11157706" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-dec-1-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:11:01 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Elon James White and Jack White about black, Occupy Wall Street and who’s viable in the GOP race.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Elon James White and Jack White about black, Occupy Wall Street and who’s viable in the GOP race. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>23:02</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, herman cain, cynthia gordy, sex scandal, black republican, lauren williams, occupy wall street, elon james white, jack white, #ows</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Nov. 18, 2011</title>
            <description>Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss chats with reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Madison Gray and Helena Andrews about Herman Cain’s influence on the image of black conservatives, Mike Tyson the comedian and the newest child abuse case in the sports world.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-18-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11111801-miketyson.mp3" length="8709821" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-18-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:34:43 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss chats with reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Madison Gray and Helena Andrews about Herman Cain’s influence on the image of black conservatives, Mike Tyson the comedian and the newest child abuse case in the sports world</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss chats with reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Madison Gray and Helena Andrews about Herman Cain’s influence on the image of black conservatives, Mike Tyson the comedian and the newest child abuse case in the sports world.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>17:56</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, penn state, herman cain, helena andrews, joel dreyfuss, cynthia gordy, sex scandal, black republican, mike tyson, madison gray</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Nov. 11, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab. Join associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributors Deron Snyder and Alvin Blanco about the Penn State scandal, Heavy D&apos;s death and the latest on Herman Cain.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-11-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11111101-ripheavyd.mp3" length="8361172" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-11-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:11:26 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab. Join associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributors Deron Snyder and Alvin Blanco about the Penn State scandal, Heavy D&apos;s death and the latest on Herman Cain.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab. Join associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with assistant editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributors Deron Snyder and Alvin Blanco about the Penn State scandal, Heavy D&apos;s death and the latest on Herman Cain.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>17:12</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, penn state, herman cain, deron snyder, alvin blanco, joe paterno, lauren williams, heavy d, sex scandal, republican</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Nov. 4, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Genetta M. Adams about rappers’ blueprint for success and Herman Cain’s sexual harassment scandal. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-4-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11110401-thehermanator.mp3" length="6791914" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-nov-4-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 3 Nov 2011 21:44:27 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Genetta M. Adams about rappers’ blueprint for success and Herman Cain’s sexual harassment scandal.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Genetta M. Adams about rappers’ blueprint for success and Herman Cain’s sexual harassment scandal. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>13:56</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, race, herman cain, cynthia gordy, lauren williams, genetta adams, rap, sex scandal, republican</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 28, 2011</title>
            <description>Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Mary Curtis about Jet magazine’s 60th anniversary, Pat Buchanan’s racist rants and Rep. James Clyburn belief that President Obama will win the 2012 election. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-28-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11102801-jet60.mp3" length="7903773" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-28-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:46:25 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Mary Curtis about Jet magazine’s 60th anniversary, Pat Buchanan’s racist rants and Rep. James Clyburn belief that President Obama will win the 2012 election.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Mary Curtis about Jet magazine’s 60th anniversary, Pat Buchanan’s racist rants and Rep. James Clyburn belief that President Obama will win the 2012 election. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>16:15</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, race, herman cain, akoto ofori-atta, joel dreyfuss, mary curtis about Jet magazine 60, pat buchanan, james clyburn</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 14, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with contributor Julie Walker and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta about being on the scene at Occupy Wall Street and the next ‘Cosby Show’.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-14-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11101401-99ers.mp3" length="6191752" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-14-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:36:44 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with contributor Julie Walker and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta about being on the scene at Occupy Wall Street and the next ‘Cosby Show’.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with contributor Julie Walker and Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta about being on the scene at Occupy Wall Street and the next ‘Cosby Show’.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>12:41</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, race, lauren williams, herman cain, julie walker, akoto ofori-atta, occupy wall street, cosby show, 99ers</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Oct. 7, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, contributor Mary Curtis, and Mother Jones reporter Adam Serwer about politics and race in the New South, Herman Cain and The Root 100 for 2011. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-7-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11100701-root100.mp3" length="10003536" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-oct-7-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 6 Oct 2011 23:17:09 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, contributor Mary Curtis, and Mother Jones reporter Adam Serwer about politics and race in the New South, Herman Cain and The Root 100 for 2011.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, contributor Mary Curtis, and Mother Jones reporter Adam Serwer about politics and race in the New South, Herman Cain and The Root 100 for 2011. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:37</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, race, lauren williams, black people, herman cain,  republicans, joel dreyfuss, mary curtis, adam serwer</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 30, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Cynthia Gordy, The Root’s Washington reporter, and contributor Wilmer Leon about whether not Barack Obama’s black critics are justified and what was up with that CBC speech. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-30-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11093001-thebigobama.mp3" length="10732324" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-30-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:46:14 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Cynthia Gordy, The Root’s Washington reporter, and contributor Wilmer Leon about whether not Barack Obama’s black critics are justified and what was up with that CBC speech.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Cynthia Gordy, The Root’s Washington reporter, and contributor Wilmer Leon about whether not Barack Obama’s black critics are justified and what was up with that CBC speech. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>22:08</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, race, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, wilmer leon, tavis smiley, tom joyner, cbc, black people</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 23, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Lauren Williams, associate editor, as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Helena Andrews talk about the execution of Troy Davis and the Twitter trending topic conspiracy. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-23-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11092301-troydavis.mp3" length="6403026" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-23-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:52:42 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Lauren Williams, associate editor, as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Helena Andrews talk about the execution of Troy Davis and the Twitter trending topic conspiracy.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Lauren Williams, associate editor, as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Helena Andrews talk about the execution of Troy Davis and the Twitter trending topic conspiracy. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>13:07</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, race, lauren williams, helena andrews, akoto ofori-atta, troy davis, death penalty, lethal injection, twitter conspiracy</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 16, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab, join Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss as he chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and Contributing Editor Jenee Desmond-Harris about America’s schools, Tupac, and Serena Williams.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-16-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11091601-tupac.mp3" length="7737134" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-16-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:38:33 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab, join Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss as he chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and Contributing Editor Jenee Desmond-Harris about America’s schools, Tupac, and Serena Williams.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab, join Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss as he chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and Contributing Editor Jenee Desmond-Harris about America’s schools, Tupac, and Serena Williams.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>15:54</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, cynthia gordy, joel dreyfuss, republican, race, jenee desmond-harris, serena williams, tupac, music</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 9, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and Contributing Editor John McWhorter about the effectiveness of race conversations and the GOP debate. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-9-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11090901-themoderates.mp3" length="11014183" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-9-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 8 Sep 2011 21:53:59 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and Contributing Editor John McWhorter about the effectiveness of race conversations and the GOP debate.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and Contributing Editor John McWhorter about the effectiveness of race conversations and the GOP debate. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>22:44</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, john mcwhorter, joel dreyfuss, republican, race</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Sept. 2, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Contributing Editor Natalie Hopkinson about the black middle class, saggy pants and redemption for Chris Brown and Michael Vick. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-2-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11090201-problems.mp3" length="10065804" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-sept-2-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 1 Sep 2011 21:39:49 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Contributing Editor Natalie Hopkinson about the black middle class, saggy pants and redemption for Chris Brown and Michael Vick.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Contributing Editor Natalie Hopkinson about the black middle class, saggy pants and redemption for Chris Brown and Michael Vick. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:45</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, confab, politics, obama, akoto ofori-atta, natalie hopkinson, dc, black middle class, chris brown, michael vick, lauren williams</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Aug. 19, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Michael Arceneaux about overly emotional attachments to President Obama, the president’s jobs plan, and his controversial vacation.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-19-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11081901-boyfriend.mp3" length="10197093" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-19-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:52:02 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Michael Arceneaux about overly emotional attachments to President Obama, the president’s jobs plan, and his controversial vacation.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy as she chats with Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and contributor Michael Arceneaux about overly emotional attachments to President Obama, the president’s jobs plan, and his controversial vacation.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:01</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, cynthia gordy, confab, politics, obama, michael arceneaux, jobs, vacation</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Aug. 12, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab, join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and Senior Editor Teresa Wiltz about the nation’s credit rating, The Help and Tyler Perry’s latest venture.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-12-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11081201-skyisfalling.mp3" length="9761757" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-12-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:52:06 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab, join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and Senior Editor Teresa Wiltz about the nation’s credit rating, The Help and Tyler Perry’s latest venture.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab, join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and Senior Editor Teresa Wiltz about the nation’s credit rating, The Help and Tyler Perry’s latest venture.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:07</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, cynthia gordy, lauren williams, confab, politics, obama, teresa wiltz, tyler perry, movies, the help, credit</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Aug. 5, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, and frequent contributor David Swerdlick about Obama’s birthday, his reelection chances, and R&amp;B groups of the past. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-5-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11080501-happybdayo.mp3" length="10538785" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-aug-5-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 4 Aug 2011 21:57:41 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, and frequent contributor David Swerdlick about Obama’s birthday, his reelection chances, and R&amp;B groups of the past.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta, and frequent contributor David Swerdlick about Obama’s birthday, his reelection chances, and R&amp;B groups of the past. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:44</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, cynthia gordy, lauren williams, confab, politics, obama, akoto ofori-atta, david swerdlick, music</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 29, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Senior Editor Teresa Wiltz chats with D.C. Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Intern Dara Sharif and contributor Clay Cane about blacks and tipping, the life and death of Amy Winehouse, Cornel West’s issues with the president, and the debt limit crisis.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-29-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11072901-nomoredebt.mp3" length="12661091" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-29-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:52:30 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Senior Editor Teresa Wiltz chats with D.C. Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Intern Dara Sharif and contributor Clay Cane about blacks and tipping, the life and death of Amy Winehouse, Cornel West’s issues with the president, and the debt limit crisis.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Senior Editor Teresa Wiltz chats with D.C. Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Intern Dara Sharif and contributor Clay Cane about blacks and tipping, the life and death of Amy Winehouse, Cornel West’s issues with the president, and the debt limit crisis.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>26:10</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, racism, teresa wiltz, cynthia gordy, dara sharif, clay cane, amy winehouse, cornel west, confab, politics, obama</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 22, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Associate Editor Lauren Williams chats with Deputy Editor Sheryl Salomon, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Contributing Editor Jenee Desmond-Harris about The Root’s new redesign, Google Plus, and what is up with black republicans.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-22-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11072201-meanrepublicans.mp3" length="9057239" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-22-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:30:29 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Associate Editor Lauren Williams chats with Deputy Editor Sheryl Salomon, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Contributing Editor Jenee Desmond-Harris about The Root’s new redesign, Google Plus, and what is up with black republicans.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Associate Editor Lauren Williams chats with Deputy Editor Sheryl Salomon, Assistant Editor Akoto Ofori-Atta and Contributing Editor Jenee Desmond-Harris about The Root’s new redesign, Google Plus, and what is up with black republicans.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:39</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, racism, sheryl salomon, akoto ofori atta jenee desmond-harris, black republicans, google plus</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 15, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Associate Editor Lauren Williams chats with Cynthia Gordy, Dara Sharif and Saba Bireda about Atlanta’s school cheating scandal, the related impact of No Child Left Behind, and Oprah hairstylist Andre Walker’s limited views on kinky hair. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-15-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC110715801-naturalhair.mp3" length="9806745" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-15-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:49:34 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Associate Editor Lauren Williams chats with Cynthia Gordy, Dara Sharif and Saba Bireda about Atlanta’s school cheating scandal, the related impact of No Child Left Behind, and Oprah hairstylist Andre Walker’s limited views on kinky hair.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Associate Editor Lauren Williams chats with Cynthia Gordy, Dara Sharif and Saba Bireda about Atlanta’s school cheating scandal, the related impact of No Child Left Behind, and Oprah hairstylist Andre Walker’s limited views on kinky hair. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>20:13</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, dara sharif, saba bireda, black hair, oprah</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 8, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with reporter Cynthia Gordy, intern Dara Sharif and contributor Topher Sanders about how skin color affects jail terms, crack prison sentencing guidelines, and the Casey Anthony verdict.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-8-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11070801-laurenlovestwitter.mp3" length="10298008" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-8-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 7 Jul 2011 21:52:09 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with reporter Cynthia Gordy, intern Dara Sharif and contributor Topher Sanders about how skin color affects jail terms, crack prison sentencing guidelines, and the Casey Anthony verdict.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with reporter Cynthia Gordy, intern Dara Sharif and contributor Topher Sanders about how skin color affects jail terms, crack prison sentencing guidelines, and the Casey Anthony verdict.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:14</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, topher sanders, prison sentencing, casey anthony verdict</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- July 1, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she talks to Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about Van Jones’ new political movement, blacks and marriage equality, and black music month.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-1-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11070101-readitontheroot.mp3" length="10358652" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-july-1-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:06:26 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she talks to Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about Van Jones’ new political movement, blacks and marriage equality, and black music month.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she talks to Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Edward Wyckoff Williams about Van Jones’ new political movement, blacks and marriage equality, and black music month. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:22</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, homophobia edward wyckoff williams, black music</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- June 24, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Join host Lauren Williams, as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Root staffer Akoto Ofori-Atta, and contributor Clay Cane about the First Lady’s Africa trip, blacks and homophobia, and our favorite one-hit wonders.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-24-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11062401-onehitwonder.mp3" length="12519905" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:56:34 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Join host Lauren Williams, as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Root staffer Akoto Ofori-Atta, and contributor Clay Cane about the First Lady’s Africa trip, blacks and homophobia, and our favorite one-hit wonders.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Join host Lauren Williams, as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Root staffer Akoto Ofori-Atta, and contributor Clay Cane about the First Lady’s Africa trip, blacks and homophobia, and our favorite one-hit wonders.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>25:52</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, clay cane, akoto ofori atta, michelle obama, homophobia</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- June 17, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Join senior editor Teresa Wiltz, as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Jenee Desmond-Harris and Mason Jamal about dispelling myths about black fathers, Weiner-gate, and interracial dating on the show Hawthorne.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-17-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11061701-blackwomendate.mp3" length="13581438" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-17-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:49:15 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Join senior editor Teresa Wiltz, as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Jenee Desmond-Harris and Mason Jamal about dispelling myths about black fathers, Weiner-gate, and interracial dating on the show Hawthorne.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Join senior editor Teresa Wiltz, as she chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributors Jenee Desmond-Harris and Mason Jamal about dispelling myths about black fathers, Weiner-gate, and interracial dating on the show Hawthorne.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>28:05</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, teresa wiltz, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, eddie long, jenee desmond harris, mason jamal, interracial dating, weiner-gate, hawthorne</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- June 10, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: host Lauren Williams, associate editor of The Root, chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Michael Arceneaux about funding for HIV drugs, Eddie Long and homophobia in the black church, racial income disparity and more.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-10-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11061001-aidsanniversary.mp3" length="13432496" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-10-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 9 Jun 2011 21:48:32 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: host Lauren Williams, associate editor of The Root, chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Michael Arceneaux about funding for HIV drugs, Eddie Long and homophobia in the black church, racial income disparity and more.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: host Lauren Williams, associate editor of The Root, chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Michael Arceneaux about funding for HIV drugs, Eddie Long and homophobia in the black church, racial income disparity and more.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>27:46</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, michael arceneaux, hiv, aids, eddie long, rhianna,</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Ellis Cose and the Black Generation Gap: Part One</title>
            <description>Author Ellis Cose, who wrote the new book The End of Anger, about the generation gap among blacks when it comes to attitudes about racism, addresses an audience about his findings at June 6, 2011, event sponsored by The Root.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/views/black-generation-gap</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RBC11060901-elliscose.mp3" length="10566939" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">57AF5B23-F3E8-4120-AEFE-24789752B017</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 8 Jun 2011 21:51:10 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Author Ellis Cose, who wrote the new book The End of Anger, about the generation gap among blacks when it comes to attitudes about racism, addresses an audience about his findings at June 6, 2011, event sponsored by The Root.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Author Ellis Cose, who wrote the new book The End of Anger, about the generation gap among blacks when it comes to attitudes about racism, addresses an audience about his findings at June 6, 2011, event sponsored by The Root.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>21:48</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, generation gap, ellis cose, end of anger, joel dreyfuss</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Ellis Cose and the Black Generation Gap: Part Two</title>
            <description>The Root Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss moderates a panel discussion, featuring Ellis Cose, Cheryl Contee, Erica L. Williams, the Washington Post’s Eugene Robinson, and Jamal Simmons, about how blacks from different generations view racism.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/black-generation-gap-event-scene-evening</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RBC11060902-thepanelists.mp3" length="15636834" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/black-generation-gap-event-scene-evening</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 8 Jun 2011 21:46:37 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>The Root Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss moderates a panel discussion, featuring Ellis Cose, Cheryl Contee, Erica L. Williams, the Washington Post’s Eugene Robinson, and Jamal Simmons, about how blacks from different generations view racism.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>The Root Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss moderates a panel discussion, featuring Ellis Cose, Cheryl Contee, Erica L. Williams, the Washington Post’s Eugene Robinson, and Jamal Simmons, about how blacks from different generations view racism.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>32:21</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, obama, racism, generation gap, ellis cose, end of anger, joel dreyfuss, erica williams, eugene robinson, cheryl contee, jamal simmons</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- June 3, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Martin Johnson about Gil Scott-Heron’s legacy and the black generation gap. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-3-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11060301-gilscottdead.mp3" length="8805854" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-june-3-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 2 Jun 2011 23:04:38 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Martin Johnson about Gil Scott-Heron’s legacy and the black generation gap.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Martin Johnson about Gil Scott-Heron’s legacy and the black generation gap. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:08</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, black women, racism, gil scott-heron, martin johnson, generation gap</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- May 27, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Jenee Desmond-Harris about where blacks fit into the immigration debate, anti-white bias and Oprah Winfrey’s legacy. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-27-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11052701-oprahshow.mp3" length="9238474" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-27-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 21:29:54 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Jenee Desmond-Harris about where blacks fit into the immigration debate, anti-white bias and Oprah Winfrey’s legacy.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Jenee Desmond-Harris about where blacks fit into the immigration debate, anti-white bias and Oprah Winfrey’s legacy. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>19:02</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, black women, jenee desmond-harris, oprah, black immigration, racism</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- May 20, 2011</title>
            <description>This week:  Senior editor Teresa Wiltz talks with associate editor Lauren Williams and contributor Lewis Beale about the anniversary of the freedom rides, the scandalous Psychology Today study and Cornel West’s inflammatory comments about Barack Obama.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-20-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11052001-beautifulblackwomen.mp3" length="9036657" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-20-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 21:50:17 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week:  Senior editor Teresa Wiltz talks with associate editor Lauren Williams and contributor Lewis Beale about the anniversary of the freedom rides, the scandalous Psychology Today study and Cornel West’s inflammatory comments about Barack Obama.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week:  Senior editor Teresa Wiltz talks with associate editor Lauren Williams and contributor Lewis Beale about the anniversary of the freedom rides, the scandalous Psychology Today study and Cornel West’s inflammatory comments about Barack Obama.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>18:36</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, teresa wiltz, lewis beale, cornel west, black women</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- May 13, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Lauren Williams chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Editor-at-Large Nsenga Burton and contributor Winston Stone Ford about the anniversary of Bob Marley’s death, the Bossip controversy and teens who age out of foster care.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-13-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11051301-bobmarley.mp3" length="7600118" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-13-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 21:55:48 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Lauren Williams chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Editor-at-Large Nsenga Burton and contributor Winston Stone Ford about the anniversary of Bob Marley’s death, the Bossip controversy and teens who age out of foster care.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Lauren Williams chats with Washington Reporter Cynthia Gordy, Editor-at-Large Nsenga Burton and contributor Winston Stone Ford about the anniversary of Bob Marley’s death, the Bossip controversy and teens who age out of foster care.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>15:37</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, nsenga burton, winston stone ford, bossip, bob marley, foster care</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- May 6, 2011</title>
            <description>Join The Root’s associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor David Swerdlick about all things bin Laden, the GOP’s Voter ID laws, and Michelle Obama’s dance moves.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-6-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11050601-obamabinladen.mp3" length="11552323" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-may-6-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 5 May 2011 21:56:11 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join The Root’s associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor David Swerdlick about all things bin Laden, the GOP’s Voter ID laws, and Michelle Obama’s dance moves.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join The Root’s associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor David Swerdlick about all things bin Laden, the GOP’s Voter ID laws, and Michelle Obama’s dance moves.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>24:00</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, cynthia gordy, david swerdlick, bin laden, michelle obama, voter id law</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 29, 2011</title>
            <description>This week: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and editorial office manager Akoto Ofori-Atta about Obama’s birth certificate, blacks and bulimia and Phoebe Snow.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-29-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11042901-birthcertificate.mp3" length="10599430" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-29-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:06:45 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and editorial office manager Akoto Ofori-Atta about Obama’s birth certificate, blacks and bulimia and Phoebe Snow.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Join Associate Editor Lauren Williams as she chats with Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss, Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and editorial office manager Akoto Ofori-Atta about Obama’s birth certificate, blacks and bulimia and Phoebe Snow.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>22:01</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, lauren williams, joel dreyfuss, cynthia gordy, akoto ofori-atta, bulimia, phoebe snow</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 22, 2011</title>
            <description>Join Associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with White House correspondent Cynthia Gordy and contributor Lynette Holloway about the first anniversary of the BP oil spill, Russlyn Ali and Tyler Perry&apos;s Spike Lee outburst.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-22-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11042201-spiketyler.mp3" length="9598356" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-22-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:23:11 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Join Associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with White House correspondent Cynthia Gordy and contributor Lynette Holloway about the first anniversary of the BP oil spill, Russlyn Ali and Tyler Perry&apos;s Spike Lee outburst.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>Join Associate editor Lauren Williams as she chats with White House correspondent Cynthia Gordy and contributor Lynette Holloway about the first anniversary of the BP oil spill, Russlyn Ali and Tyler Perry&apos;s Spike Lee outburst.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>19:56</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, cynthia gordy, spike lee, tyler perry, lynette holloway, bp oil spill, russlyn ali</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 15, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor David Swerdlick about the long-term unemployed, the Al Sharpton and Cornel West beef and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. 

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-15-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11041501-99problems.mp3" length="11558191" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-15-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:38:53 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor David Swerdlick about the long-term unemployed, the Al Sharpton and Cornel West beef and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Associate Editor Lauren as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor David Swerdlick about the long-term unemployed, the Al Sharpton and Cornel West beef and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>24:01</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, cynthia gordy, lybia, black, david swerdlick, al sharpton, civil war</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 8, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join senior editor Teresa Wiltz as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Cord Jefferson about black folks and anger management, Barack Obama’s campaign video and other news of the day.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-8-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11040801-cordsangryagain.mp3" length="10744326" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-8-2011</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 7 Apr 2011 22:07:03 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join senior editor Teresa Wiltz as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Cord Jefferson about black folks and anger management, Barack Obama’s campaign video and other news of the day.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join senior editor Teresa Wiltz as she chats with Washington reporter Cynthia Gordy and contributor Cord Jefferson about black folks and anger management, Barack Obama’s campaign video and other news of the day.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>22:23</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, cynthia gordy, lybia,  teresa wiltz,  black, cord jefferson, anger mangement</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The Confab -- Apr. 1, 2011</title>
            <description>This week on the Confab: Join Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss as he chats with Cynthia Gordy, The Root&apos;s Washington reporter, and contributor Jack White about Obama&apos;s Libya speech, redemption for Recy Taylor, and other hot topics.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/confab-apr-1-2011</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/RC11040101-recytaylor.mp3" length="11609159" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:47:35 -0400</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>This week on the Confab: Join Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss as he chats with Cynthia Gordy, The Root&apos;s Washington reporter, and contributor Jack White about Obama&apos;s Libya speech, redemption for Recy Taylor, and other hot topics.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week on the Confab: Join Managing Editor Joel Dreyfuss as he chats with Cynthia Gordy, The Root&apos;s Washington reporter, and contributor Jack White about Obama&apos;s Libya speech, redemption for Recy Taylor, and other hot topics.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>24:07</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>confab, african american, obama, cynthia gordy, lybia,  teresa wiltz,  black, joel dreyfuss, jack white</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
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        <item>
            <title>Books on The Root -- Aug. 7, 2009</title>
            <description>This week: Author Victor LaValle joins Books on The Root contributor, Felicia Pride to talk about his latest novel Big Machine. LaValle explores the weird spaces his work has taken him, addresses his fascination with mental illness and explains why writers must first embrace being a reader.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</description>
            <link>http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/books-root-aug-7-2009</link>
            <comments>http://theroot.com/user/login?destination=comment/reply/7164%2523comment-form</comments>
            <enclosure url="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/podcasts.theroot.com/rootmedia/castaugust7mp3.mp3" length="23970330" type="audio/mpeg"/>
            <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/books-root-aug-7-2009</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 7 Aug 2009 21:57:43 -0500</pubDate>
            <itunes:subtitle>Author Victor LaValle joins Books on The Root contributor, Felicia Pride to talk about his latest novel Big Machine. LaValle addresses his fascination with mental illness and explains why writers must first embrace being a reader.</itunes:subtitle>
            <itunes:summary>This week: Author Victor LaValle joins Books on The Root contributor, Felicia Pride to talk about his latest novel Big Machine. LaValle explores the weird spaces his work has taken him, addresses his fascination with mental illness and explains why writers must first embrace being a reader.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.</itunes:summary>
            <itunes:duration>25:01</itunes:duration>
            <itunes:author>Slate Magazine</itunes:author>
            <itunes:keywords>african american, politics, obama, books, victor lavalle, felicia pride, big machine, novel, mental illness</itunes:keywords>
            <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
            <itunes:block>no</itunes:block>
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