Charles M. Blow

You might recognize this week’s DREAMLEAPERS® guest from The New York Times, MSNBC, CNN, PBS, or HBO. He’s a celebrated American icon and a trusted voice in the ongoing dialogue about our culture, politics, and power.

This week, Harriette Cole welcomes Charles M. Blow, a nationally respected cultural commentator and political thought leader, for an insightful conversation that promises to inform, challenge, and inspire.

Charles Blow brings more than opinions—he brings receipts. With a command of national statistics and historical context, he weaves together personal growth, community healing, and a bold vision for the future. From building strongholds within our communities to identifying real paths to political empowerment, Charles speaks to both the urgency and the possibility of change.

In addition to his work as a columnist, Charles has authored two New York Times bestsellers that have shaped critical conversations nationwide.
His memoir, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, is a raw and moving account of overcoming hardship, abuse, and personal transformation. During the episode, Charles opens up about the value of emotional relief in the face of life’s heavy burdens—whether they’re personal or political.

We’ll also explore his powerful call to action in The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto—a strategic proposal for reclaiming collective strength and agency, particularly for Black Americans in the South. Charles will break down the numbers, the vision, and what it means to move with purpose.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a blueprint for collective healing, accountability, and transformation. Tune in to hear what it means to stand in truth, live with courage, and build a future with intention.

Watch the video premiere here and join the movement.