Owning Your Power with Danielle Brooks

Straight out of college and into Orange Is The New Black, Danielle Brooks didn't just land a breakout role, she helped change the game in streaming as Tasty. Since then, she's racked up Oscar, Golden Globe, and Tony nominations for bringing the color purple Sophia to life. This woman don't miss when it comes to meeting her husband, picking projects that help her feel powerful or making the Oprah laugh. Now she's got some advice for us. So settle in because baby, this is Kiki Palmer. As the nights get cooler and the leaves start to change, I'm partnering with Airbnb to help you find your perfect autumn escape. From mountain cabins to charming cottages with fireplaces, Airbnb has got you covered. Now, let's get into it. Danielle. Kiki. Girl, I feel like I always see you around at a party, and we haven't gotten a chance to sit down for a proper conversation. I know. Finally, the day has come. Yes. The Danielle Brooks is here on Baby, This is Kiki Palmer. Yes. Thank you for coming in. I like how you said that. The Danielle Brooks. Period. I love that. Yes. Period. The Danielle Brooks is in the house. In the house. I mean, you did the pre-show pull-up questionnaire, so I'm excited to see what type of energy you're bringing today. Okay. Okay. So today I'm giving chicken with my head cut off with a side of woosah. Okay. You were telling me before we got into it, what was going on with your daughter, Freya, this morning, child? Girl, my daughter went to her first premiere yesterday of Bad Guys 2 movie. Oh, my gosh. Congratulations, by the way. Thank you. So much fun getting to take her. But she got drunk off of Sprite and lemonade. Period. We love a good time. And Miss Thing had a blast, was running the room. And next thing you know, this morning, she is just throwing up everywhere, coming out the both ends. Oh, my God. And so your girl didn't get much sleep, but I know you know this life. Yes. This life can be crazy, but it's so rewarding, especially when they get to the calm down and they're cuddled up on you. Yeah. Because the cuddles are hard to come by. For me, now, with Leo being two, he can be stingy with them. I don't know about Freya, but -- Freya is not stingy. I'm stingy. She was like, "Will you get in the bed?" I'm thinking, "No, girl. I don't know if you're going to poop in this bed." But I was like, "Yes, I'll get in the bed. I'll get in the bed with my two hours of sleep, yeah." Oh, my gosh. That is so cute. Yeah. You got to cherish them, for sure. Yeah. Today's mood in one word, hype. Period. Always. Because I'm here with Kiki. Oh, and I'm here with Aya. I wish I could do the dance and hype me up. There's going to be so many dances online, I can't keep up. It's like, this one, I remember, we kept doing that. Yeah, you did that one. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We kept doing that. And what do we even call it? But it's this new one that they're doing with the feet, with the, ah, ah. No, it's this one. Uh, uh, uh, uh. Well, now we got to do it. You know what I'm saying? Now that you said it, we got to do it. You got to teach me, because I ain't quite got it. Okay. What did you listen to on the ride here? Touch on me. October London. You know, I got put onto October London at the Soul Train Awards last year. It is so a vibe. Very talented. Very talented. He has this new song that's going viral on the Tick-a-Tock. I call it the Tick-a-Tock. I live for Tick-a-Tock. I got to stay a little old. The Tick-a-Tock. And girl, it's just this sexy groove that he does. Ooh. Got to touch on me, man. Ooh, it just make you want to, ah. I was like, maybe Kiki will do it with me. I don't know. Oh my gosh, I would absolutely do it with you. That's there for the soulful vibes. Me too. That's bringing these soulful tunes back to the forefront. Yes. One thing that instantly makes you laugh, my bestie, nothing beats a IG post. You're like, what the heck are you talking about? It's half and half, because you're a meme girl is what I'm getting for this. So, you know they have that new one, nothing beats a Yes, a jet to life or a jet for life. I want to know where that one came from, a jet to holiday. I don't know, but it's a Yeah, what is a jet to holiday? It's hilarious. They put it for everything and people be fighting in the street, nothing beats a jet to holiday. It's hilarious. What does this mean? It's living for them. They make me laugh. IG is ruthless. Girl, IG is so ruthless, and I know you've been memed a few times. Yes, just a few. Yes, you've been memed a hell of a lot of times. It's so crazy because it's always out of context, but that's what we're living for. Yeah, I love it. Okay, last screenshot on your phone, no deleting. Me, honey. Where, was this at an event, at a premiere? This was, okay, right before we left the premiere, you know you have to get your professional pictures. Girl, and you can never trust me. You can never trust Getty. And honey, you can never trust none of Getty. Girl, they are so scary. It is. Yeah. But Getty was right this time. We was good this time. Very good. Fashion bomb, we hit your girl level. All right, thank you. But yes, I had my professional pictures. They pretty bomb. I love that. That's what it was yesterday. Well, I mean, I'm happy because I got another Virgo in the house. Yes, we are here, even though you're August. I was about to say, I was just about to say how you got on me about the September to August Virgos. Yeah. Because people have to have beef in the Virgo building. I know. I started the beef and I apologize, but I'm not sorry at the same time. That's how I feel about it because you have to hold the category down by yourself pretty much when it comes to the celebrities in this category. Okay. I mean, I know you guys have Beyonce. We got Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, we got Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, we got Zendaya. Don't forget about the Danielle Brooks. I'm just saying. Well, wait a damn minute because we've got Michael Jackson. Dead. Kobe Bryant. Dead. Dave Chappelle. Alive. Alive. Y'all holding Danielle Brooks. So they going just because they're to the other side? No. They spirit is in the room. Exactly. They kept it. We even got Mother Teresa. We got a whole saint on our side. That ain't, uh-uh, sister. Now get into that. That ain't fooling it. You make it sound good, but that ain't fooling it. Okay, wait a minute. So what is the most Virgo thing about you? Like, do you really associate? I don't know. You know the Zodiac stuff now. I'm not that crazy. I don't know all the things. If you ask me anybody else's Zodiac, I don't know nothing. Yeah. People ask me my daughter's, and I'm like, I think she a Scorpio. But for me, it's bad. I'm organized to an extent. Yeah. Yeah. But I'm organized when it comes to, like, my business and work and stuff like that. I do have that. Period. But I think that's it. Yeah. I mean, you tell me. Yeah. Yeah. Period. I do have that. Yeah. You tell me. I don't remember all of the. I mean, you feel very Virgo to me, but I agree with you. It's kind of, you know, you got to get into all the stuff to really know for sure. Like, what's your rising? What's your moon? Oh, Lord. You know what I mean? But I do feel the Virgo energy strong. Okay. Yes. So, yes to the two Virgos being in the house. Two Virgos. And you became an honorary Delta with Queen Latifah. Yes! Queen Latifah's one of my favorite people. And so, when I see you came in today, I'm like, oh, she's ready. I'm ready. Because these are the colors. I'm ready. So, how was that experience and had you ever wanted to be in a sorority before? Girl, I wanted to be a Delta my entire life. I was in Delteens, Delta Gems. Really? This is basically, they kind of groom you to be Deltas and you do community service and high school and all that stuff, but then I went to Juilliard and I have to tell this quick story so people really understand. So, when I was younger, I had a godmother. I was five. She was an elderly lady and we just bonded. We were stuck at the hip all the time. Right? And she unfortunately passed away when I was 15 and what I didn't know was that she left $20,000 in her will for me to go to college, which is what I needed for my first semester to go to Juilliard. And so, what people don't know was that she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta. And so, I don't even know, like obviously, I know where my help comes from, God, number one, my source. That's right. Amen. But I don't know if I would have gotten to where I am without a Delta. So, she means everything to me. I've always wanted to be a part of sorority and to finally be an honorary husband, everything. So, did you get a chance to have that conversation with any of the Deltas when you were there? Somewhat. I can't share everything now. Oh, wait a minute. She said it's sisterhood. I can't share everything. I know. That's right. But yes. That is such a special story. Thank you. Have you ever wanted to? Yes. I've always wanted to be. So, my dad's an Alpha. My dad's an Alpha, too. Girl, all my uncles are Alpha. Yeah. All my uncles are Alphas. My sister became an AKA. Okay. I didn't get a chance to actually go to college. And no one has made me an honorary anything yet. Yes. But you know, I'm open. Okay. You know, I'm available. Is there any colors that you are leaning towards? Okay. So, historically, it was always AKA because that's my family. I'm following the family's order. But vibe, you know, I always did see myself as a Delta. You know, I did. That's what, my ears, they feel, that sounds right to the ear. That sounds right to the ear. That's all I'm going to say. I'm not howling. Well, you don't make a call. I'm not out to. You know, we just going to be easy with it. I think they listen. I know what a sister's listening for. They need to listen. Now, take us back to the beginning, right? You said you're from Simpsonville, South Carolina. You're the first person to be specific about where I'm actually from. And I appreciate it. Because when I heard Simpsonville, I said, "Yes, Simpsons." Simpsonville. Yes. I'm from Simpsonville. Very small town. What was it like growing up there? Do you have siblings? I do. I have one brother. Okay. He's 30. And we didn't actually grow up together that much because I left the house at 15 to go to private school. So I lived on campus. Wow. You have to tell me about that experience because I think we all watched TV shows. shows like that growing up was it fun was it crazy like I had a blast we acted like we were in college without the liquor like it was giving Zoe one-on-one oh my god we would sneak over to the boy's side we literally had to go down this hill like run down a hill try not to get caught by the cameras go around the like fence or something jump the fence go sneak up into somebody's window and we wasn't doing nothing but watching movies I swear to you but it was so much fun to like act like we were bad how did you get into it like what made your parents say hey you know we're gonna have you go to this school like my mother same like yours just so involved and invested in me finding something that I loved and she found this school and it really was like a mini Juilliard and so I give a lot of credit to my mom for finding this place yeah and so I know you grew up in the church singing and the same as me my dad's a deacon your dad's a deacon your mom is a minister yes so how do you feel those early years helped you to develop or even to realize that music and performance was something you want to do oh girl because they're so and you know this they're so interconnected they really are they both the goal is to move people and change people's lives and so the only the thing that I love about it is they're both very theatrical yeah I mean you know they'd be hamming it up in church come on you know like why is it so like this is the best place to learn I mean a pastor whooping and hollering you're going to learn how to steal the show and the ladies in the front I mean you got you touch somebody today all of it you got the ensemble the choir you programs like a playbill everything it's just laid out for you and so it just made sense I was in church plays growing up I wasn't a child star like yourself oh my god but I was a child star in Simpsonville I know that's right no because also the church will make you a star you definitely applaud on your way up to that pulpit yes they're gone now you better sing that solo yes I'm gonna sing that solo I was really scared of singing growing up like I my dad always jokes that I was not good singing unless there was a mic he was like there's something about the mic that makes you sound good because when you in the house I'm like god that ain't daddy I'm hollering but dads love doing that to me my dad always do that to me too so when was the point where you were like I want to take this serious like was it at 15 or was it even before then acting or singing acting and performing yeah performing um I always knew I wanted to do it didn't know how to get there yeah you know and so the the high school helped me to get to Juilliard but I didn't even know what Juilliard was until I was at that high school and I just knew all the black girls because it was a really small um group of us like in my theater class at that high school was only like 12 of us and I graduated in a school of 99 really really tiny but all the black girls were getting into Juilliard so that was me hell of a good high school for training rounds it was we were getting in so I said let me go and try this place out so I auditioned and got in at 17 and I feel like it wasn't until my third year of college that I realized oh I got to pay rent doing this yeah like I actually had to make a living doing this and it's not just the fun play thing that it makes my heart happy it's more than that and so that's when I was like okay we got to buckle down and figure out how we gonna pay our rent with the thing we love on Instagram you shared something that I really related to because I feel like we've both been very blessed with parents that have supported us but that your dad refinanced y'all's home yes he did to help you afford Juilliard tell me a little bit about that experience and how that may be encouraged but I'm sure also was pressureful for you doing that time of wanting to succeed yeah especially being the first child the first born you know and feeling like okay your parents are sacrificing for you to do this thing and also like I feel like I'm like at bringing up you know Miss Edge my godmother like she sacrificed you know parts of her life to give me that twenty thousand dollars it's like you got to really bring it and so I definitely felt that pressure but I'm so grateful for them for doing that you know and really doing the best they could do yeah yeah a shout out to godmothers and I do think that growing up in the church too the community is everything because my godmother Nona and the Hudson family they helped pay for me to go to private school so just when I'm hearing that it reminds me just so much of that community of that growing up in church and having people that's looking out for you and I should bring that up too because my church did have a big hand in that like they did fundraisers for me to go to college like they really had a huge hand in that so thank you for bringing it yeah that sense of community is everything well now we got to get into Juilliard because I'm so Juilliard girl we hear so much about that you should get an honorary from Juilliard girl that would be crazy like I mean the school you know what I'm saying so what was it at first maybe it was a good thing that you didn't really know all that going in I think it was you know and so when you got there what was it like like are they chilling and kicking back or is everything serious in Juilliard what is the girl we try to act like we are a sorority because there ain't many of us there so I mean it is very intense you know for me being in the drama division there's only 18 students that get invited every year and I'm there it ranges so I'm not going to be the only one that's going to be there so I was the youngest I came in at 17 but the oldest in my class was 35 okay yeah so imagine trying to figure out who you are with people who kind of already have a sense of who they are and so yeah it was intense days I mean the days started from probably 7 8 in the morning until 10 p.m at night yeah but that was good training because now we have these lives you know that can make you be a chicken with your head cut off you know what I mean yeah you know how to manage everything you know how to manage everything are there any familiar faces that were in your year please tell me who you was in school with Hoppo who this woman Hoppo Corey Hawkins oh my gosh we were in the same class together yes we're in the same class I have to tell you the story well go ahead and spill them up on here we're gonna have to tell these stories what happened oh my gosh oh yeah we got stories um Corey Hawkins Samira Wiley yep um there's some theater people Jaquina Calacango she's the Tony winner um she was in my class uh Aaron Moten y'all gotta look him up shout out to him Samira Wiley and y'all were in Origins of New Black yes we are she played Poussey yeah Poussey um yeah Charlie she has me crying on Handmaid's Tale I had to turn that off I know she's so good girl why y'all don't get up out of this it says that starts to get crazy I think all of the fans were like cut it off now let them be free it gets to a point like good great yeah I know she's great she's great but there's a lot of us floating around okay so you spoke about like okay working during that time were there any what kind of jobs were you doing I'm just curious what Danielle Brooks was doing before hitting Oranges in New Black oh my god first of all I have to tell this funny story because I thought like I had this struggling life as an actor and I was I feel like it was Niecy Nash I'm not sure if it was I feel like it was Niecy I was talking I love her too hey cuz because you know she's my cousin in real time in real time oh my gosh I didn't know that her and Sterling K Brown girl yes are you what do they call it today's day a plant no what is that you know whenever you're like industry plant I don't know this girl it's a joke but you know I be in Atlanta child girl it's a long story you're not okay okay no no you just happen to have connections well well I did Henry Louis Gates and that's how I found out they was my cousin girl I want to do that man you have to do that man I seen knives up on they found out who the slave owner was wow that'll get you mad that'll piss you out but then he said something cool because he was like what was the land and they were like he wants to go by he better go and I thought that was incredible yeah why I want to know who my cousin is what if we're cousins we could be cousins girl that would be fun anyway go ahead sorry I forgot you were talking you were talking to uh Nisi Nash oh yeah and you were like I had such a hard life yes I think it was Nisi and I was like I have just you know she was like tell me your story this is before we found out who's cousin tell me a story I was like you know I struggled for a year right out of Juilliard and I he was a dog walker and I you know worked at restaurants and I was a typist for elderly elderly and braided hair for shows I just want and she said hold on you said a year I said yes she said girl we've been out here struggling for 10 20 years what you talking about a year so I've shut it down I was like girl you have not been through the ringer you know what I mean now there have been sacrifices along the way let's not sleep on that but I had to say you know you know I've been very blessed in this industry I mean straight out of college is when you landed Orange is the New Black pretty much yeah I mean you're out that's it don't count for nothing nope yep yep you straight out of college yep and I was just when I was preparing for this I was literally like going back to that era of when Orange is the New Black first hit and it changed TV it turns the way we were looking at characters the way that we were looking at this prison system I think it also changed how we looked at black women in this industry to know that there's not just room for one it's room for a lot of us because you had a lot of women of color pop on that show yes I mean it was incredible and now we know because it set the standard but going back to the beginning of it I was wondering what it was like for you guys. I mean, you're entering, like you said, a year out of college, surrounded by a great cast. Nothing. Wow. I was out here like a chicken with my head cut out, for real. I guess that's the theme of the show today. It was. You know, we were so green. But it was wonderful to have some women that were very seasoned, like Kate McGrew or Natasha Lyonne, Laura Prepon. They've been doing this for a while. And then you had myself, Uzo, Adrienne, Samira, Laverne. We all got to come and talk to one another and be like, you going through that thing? Did that happen to you? Because we also became famous in 13 Hours. Girl, it was like, I mean, the show was, it reminded me of back in the day when Desperate Housewives first came on. And everybody was like, this is the best. It was the same kind of thing where it just broke the internet or broke TV, where you guys were overnight sensations rightfully so. Literally 13 Hours. And then we found out about. We found out about everybody's background, where it's like, she went to jewelry. Yeah, yeah. And it was like, these persons from theater. So we got to see all these great actors with this great background. Yeah, I think people thought that they found us on the street, some of us. Like, who are these kids? Like, it's weird. So who was cutting up the most on set? Were you guys all being serious? Or was it like, what was the vibe like? All of us. I mean, all of us. I remember us doing some step routines during the middle of takes. But we all were professional. But we were the ones that would be, like, rapping in the middle of the cafeteria, you know, spitting or whatever you want to call it. And as soon as they were, like, action, dropping tears. Yeah. Like, we knew how to bring what needed to be brought, you know. So that was, it was so much fun, Kiki. Oh, my gosh. Was there a moment playing Tasty where you knew, or a monologue, I should say, you know, in the show with your character that let you know, I'm doing the work I was meant to do. Where it kind of hit you from, yeah, coming in that year out of college. To, you know, defining the kind of work you want to do. To realizing your direction. For sure. And I think, I don't know if a lot of people got to see it. Because it was later in the seasons. Like, season five when we had a riot. Tasty starts a riot. And she gives this big speech about brown people and black people not being taken as human. You know, we just kind of feel disposable. And how real that moment felt. I just, I could feel a shift. That was a shift moment for me. As an actor. But also just like in what we're doing. The work that we do just, as you know, goes beyond ourselves. And that moment just felt so real. Yeah, I definitely do think for me growing up when coming into industry, similar to you. It's like I know I have my talent and I love to do what I do. But you listen to your parents and you think about your community. And you're trying to shape like what your art is meant to say. And as I got older, I realized the same thing of like, okay, what is the meaning of the stories I'm telling? That's right. If I'm representing someone, if I'm representing my community, how am I showing that pride even in a nuanced character that may not be seen as good or bad or whatever? So it is interesting how we evolve. It continues to inform our work. For sure. In an interview with CNBC, you were talking about how you're also struggling financially, even though working on one of the biggest hit shows. And I want to bring that up because I feel like people often think, hey, you know, everybody is rich that's on TV. And it doesn't mean that you're not, that you can't pay your bills, but it's like, I'm not immediately rich. Like we all got jobs, but sometimes the income is not working with what I got to output. So anyway, I just wanted to talk to you about, yeah, talk to you about how you feel about that misconception in our industry. I always say do not count people's pockets and especially actors' pockets. And I know you've probably broke it down a hundred times for people, the percentage of giving to the agent, the lawyer, the manager. The business manager, the hair, makeup, styling. When you break it down and then your taxes, you're really getting probably 20 percent, you know what I'm saying, out of your check. And that's crazy. Yeah. It is crazy. And so when I was first coming out, Orange did not pay much. You know, I probably got them first few episodes, 5,000 an episode. And now take the 40 percent for taxes. Yeah. Agent, manager, business manager. Your girl was out here broke, broke, broke, five broke. Okay. For real, for real. Now that changed over the seasons. Of course. Don't think your girl left it there. But when we all start out, that is the case. And you even talked also about going, thinking to yourself later on in the season, should I have asked more? Oh, for sure. What was also that process? Because I remember one of the people that helped me change my rate first was Queen Latifah. Really? Because, you know, back in the day, they were. They would compare it to whatever you were last. Now they've since changed that. But it's like, yeah. So what was that step that you took to being like, hey, that those are the old numbers. Yeah. These are the new numbers. And that's the thing. See, Kiki, I want to hear your thought on this, too. I feel like you continue to grow. And for me, my growth became now I'm Emmy nominated. Now I'm Tony nominated. Now I have a Grammy. All of these things. Oscar nominated. But during the build of that. People keep making you feel like, but you don't have it yet. So maybe not. Maybe you can't get that rate because you haven't hit this number yet. Or you haven't hit that, you know, got that award yet. And so I kind of had to finally be like, I don't care if I got the award. I don't have the award. You know, it don't matter. My talent is there. Yeah. So. I do it based off of what I'm willing to do the job for. You know, period. Like how long. Like how long is the job. Yes. Is this going to cover what I need? Do I really love it? Who are the people involved? Can this piggyback and become something else? Like, I totally agree with you. Like, it's definitely not tied to no damn award. That's right. Like, get a grip. You know, it needs to be tied to what the accolades are. That's right. If you want me and if I want you. That's right. Come on. If I want you. Because we got to agree. We got to come in an agreement. I'm with you. I've always said that now. It's the three things that I hold dear. The money. Yeah. Who I'm working with. That's you. And the artistry of it. The story. If those three things don't align, then I'm just not. Because, and when I say money, it's really going off what you're saying. It has to be worth doing. I mean, you have a family. That's right. We're all living in this world. We have things that we have to take care of. That's not the only thing, but it's a big part of being able to do what we need to do. And we got to do the hair and the makeup and do the glam. Those things cost. Because the press part is a big part of the work, too. Girl. Huge. It's another part of the narrative of the narrative that we're selling. Yes. So you got to. Like, still don't know what I mean. You got to take that into consideration, too, when it comes to. It's so true. I do want to talk about The Color Purple because it kind of has this thread. Special to me. And it, yes, because it's the first show you saw on Broadway at 15. Yes. You made your Broadway debut as Sophia in 2015. Tony nominated and earned a Grammy. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Then you got your Oscar nomination for your portrayal of Sophia in the movie in 2022. Can I just say, look at God. I mean, isn't that. God is the best writer. By the color purple. By the way, the color purple. Yes. We didn't do that on purpose. It just went like that. Yes. But what does it mean to you now? I mean, I messed up with you in the beginning, but now seeing how it's kind of has this thread in your life. What does that story mean to you? God's promise over my life is real. That's what it is. It's like. It's just because like you were saying, is the story is already written. It's your story is already mine is already written. All you got to do is step into and be ready to receive. That's really it. And so I feel like being in the color purple has reminded me of that. And when you listen to all of the lyrics in all of those songs, I'm beautiful, you know, look what God has done or like, you know, all of those little things getting to live with that, you know, because you don't Broadway doing a year of that on Broadway, eight shows a week, getting to hear those lyrics. It is a part of the fabric of my blood now. It's a part of me getting to say, hell, no, is a part of me when you talk about those jobs, getting to say, oh, no, I'm not receiving that. I'm not taking that in my life, whether that's business or personal. And so I'm just so grateful for it. It has been so like. Full circle. I mean, I feel like this is one of those things like is what's meant for you is for you in this journey with the color purple was totally meant for me. And I just love what you said, because this is also the importance of what we choose and what we do and what our work means to us and making sure that it has meaning, because we do take something from these characters when they leave us. We do. And you want to make sure it's something that I'm learning and I'm carrying with pride. You said. On Today.com, when I played Sophia in 2015, it was about learning my power. And this time it's been about owning my power. And that stuck with me because it's like, yeah, like that's the transition of the story. That's the transition of your experience with the character. You better do your research, KK. It's all in the team. You know, we all work together. The facts are facts, though. They're not like you have facts. You know, you do this. Sometimes people will say stuff about you like, girl, that ain't. I don't love it. But OK, I guess you got it somewhere. Child, I know exactly what you mean. We try to be, you know, we knew you were coming, so we had to come correct. So in your life today, and you said a little bit of it, but how are you living power? What does that look like for you now? Oh, man, I think it's trusting, trusting God. And I say that because I think if I wasn't doing that, when you talk about like living in your power, I would be frantic right now. Yes, without faith. Without faith. I would be like, oh, my gosh, what's the next job? Am I getting paid enough? Should I be keeping up with that person? And I'm in this space of trusting that what is for me will come and what is not for me. And you said that in that Jay Hood interview. Yes. You know, you were talking about that, of like they releasing it, you know, you released it. Because I think a lot of times we put our value outside of us and it's a human thing to do because we're looking for markers. We're looking for mirrors. But the world can't really reflect, you know, it can't really reflect you in the truest form. It just doesn't have the capability to. So it has to come from you saying to yourself, oh, no, no, no. If that didn't happen for me, that doesn't mean that I'm not a value. It means that that's not valuable enough for me. And you don't know how God is redirecting you because that's what I've learned with The Color Purple on Broadway. You know how many Broadway shows I auditioned for? Wow. Do you know? And I mean having a name and not having a name. I have auditioned for Broadway shows and I got close, sometimes having seven callbacks. And the guy said, no, boo-boo. I got something around the corner. Child, that's how it was for me with Snow White. Snow White. They had me auditioning frontwards, backwards, sidewards. I mean, I was in there singing down all while I was trying, filming and getting ready for Nope. And I'm like, OK, we're going to get this part. And child, what God has for you is for you and what it ain't. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. So moving into Oprah. Y'all, I have been scrolling through Airbnb looking at the most gorgeous Victorian mansions in the Catskills. And let me tell you, your girl is ready for a fall moment. I'm talking spiral staircases, tower rooms with panoramic forest views, the whole vibe. Like, imagine me and my friends making apple cider in a vintage kitchen, telling stories by the fireplace and watching those fall leaves change. From a wraparound porch. And the best part, I always look for the guest's favorite badge, which means it's one of the most loved homes on Airbnb. Because listen, when I travel with my friends, we need more than just a basic room. We need space to really sink into the experience, to make memories. And trust me, hotels just don't give you that this place has a story feeling. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cabin in the woods, a desert hideaway like my favorite spot in Jacksonville, or just a little bit of a wash of a tree, or, yes, maybe even a slightly spooky mansion for fall, Airbnb has exactly what you're looking for. This message is brought to you by Apple Pay. When the temperature drops below 65, you'll find me in my natural habitat. Cocooned in my favorite blanket, watching my shows, and no, I'm not moving, why should I? I love that Apple Pay lets me live my best hibernation life. I'm ordering dinner, booking my autumn cabin getaway, and shopping online for more books. blankets and all from my cozy command center. I absolutely live for how seamless it is. From my iPhone, I just tap the Apple Pay button at the online checkout, a quick face ID scan, and ding, transaction complete. No need to unwrap myself from this blanket burrito to grab my wallet from the other room. What I appreciate most is how Apple Pay lets me skip all those never-ending online checkout forms. The way I see it, less time filling out payment info means more time to getting back to my shows, and that's the kind of multitasking I live for. Next time you're online shopping or in-app, just look for that Apple Pay button at checkout. Trust me, it's giving work smarter, not harder, and that's exactly the energy we need. Pay the Apple way. Terms apply. Who don't love Oprah? I've never gotten a chance to really spend a lot of time with Oprah, but you did with the color purple, and obviously, I mean, you guys share a character. So tell me about that experience with her, you know, this, doing this movie, like, just the Oprah. Yeah, it was so special to be in her orbit so intimately, like, to be on her PJ, you know what I mean? Now, come on, PJ. The own PJ. The own PJ. She's just so great. Is she funny? She's an Aquarius. She's funny. I don't think I'm funnier. So you had Oprah cackling. Okay, boom. I think it was more me having her cackling. Good. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, but she's a real one, though, you know, and I thank God that a relationship happened how it did, because I feel like the first time I did Color Purple, we didn't connect like that, but this time, I really got to connect with her and just hear her wisdom and, you know, all of the things and still get to continue a relationship with her that's natural, you know, it's not forced. So I'm really blessed to be able to call her auntie. Period. For sure. Yeah, I love that. I love that, and I do feel like she's, you know, she's done a lot, so it was cool to see this version of the Color Purple, because I think it also put a little bit more joy in the story that when I was a kid watching the Color Purple, sometimes it would be like, turn it off, you know, but you can't look away, but I think this one, you know, seeing this version, it has so much light, glamour, and I think it just showed a different face of it, which is a good thing. Now, let's talk about the Oscars. Was the first Oscars you went to the one that you also nominated? Yes. Oh, my gosh. Yes. I mean, that's insane. The first time I'm going to the Oscars, I'm nominated. Get into it. Thank you, girl. It's giving life. What were you thinking? And I'm here. I mean, I was just like, yes, I was so happy. Like, nothing could steal my joy that day. And I know you probably had been doing a lot of stuff, too, right? Girl, Minecraft. I was shooting Minecraft in New Zealand at the same time, so it was crazy. Oh, my gosh. Crazy town. A lot of travels. And New Zealand is 14 hours away, so that was insane. But to get to share that with the people who made me, my mom, my dad, my husband right by my side, it just was like, I'm here. Yes. Like, Regina King is talking about me and my work. Oh, my gosh. And I love Regina King. I love me some Regina King. Was there anything that surprised you about it being in that room? Like, was it surprisingly very calm? Were people being talkative? Oh, seeing, Coleman, I think this was the time, because we went to so many events. But seeing Coleman Domingo get on the stage and start dancing, I was like, this man, like, he got everybody hyped. No. I was like, of course. Of course. No, he literally has that vibe. Anytime I've been around him, it's something about that man's energy. Yeah, he's amazing. And I've known Coleman for a very, very, very long time from the theater scene. Wow. So, yeah, he's always been like a big uncle to me and brother, really, to me. Yeah. Shout out to him. Yeah. Shout out to Coleman Domingo. You said something that is so Virgo that I completely agree with. Oh, my God. What did I say? I really believe in not taking everyone's advice. And I live for those. Those are words to live by, because who are you and what are the credentials? Okay. People love telling you what to do with your life and the whole life in shambles. Come on. Especially when you become a mother. Girl. Like, you're like, and even in acting, it's like, people back in sense of it. I love y'all. But you're like, you don't know nothing about what I'm doing, but you want to tell me what to do. And I'm like, I'm going to tell you what to do. And I'm like, I'm going to tell me how to do it. It's like. So whose advice do you find yourself taking or listening to? It would be your parents. I was called a therapist. Okay. She said, I need you to have real credentials. A PhD. Seriously. A doctorate. No, but I do take advice from my dad and my husband. Yeah. And I got some really. Shout out Dennis. Shout out Dennis, who's probably here now. But anyway, I also have a few girlfriends, very select few girlfriends. Yeah. But they also know the rule. Don't give advice unless I ask for it. And Virgos never ask. We really don't, unless we are desperate for an answer. Literally. Literally. Do you not ask? Because I know you got some girlfriends. I feel the exact same way that you do. I have like three girlfriends. I ask them when I really need it. I definitely talk to my mom a lot. You know, and that's, and that's the main thing. Like, that's it. It's like my mom, my main three girlfriends, but I'm ruminating and ruminating and ruminating. Before I get to the point of being like, so what do you think? So it's mostly like all, most decisions made, if not all, are coming from you, not from like. A team. Well, when I'm with my job, my work. Yes. Well, I think. But I'm talking personal. I'm like, personally, do you be like, oh, because I ruminate, ruminate too, but I want to ruminate with like hearing people in my ear and I'm like, I don't like that. No, I don't like, yeah, I like that. And then make my decision. Yes. That's kind of how I am as well. I mean, every now and then, will I, will I talk to chat? Yeah, what's good, GPT? Because at the end of the day. Wait, what are you talking to chat GPT about? You need to, gotta ask them. Should I leave this? Like, is that what you're talking to chat GPT about? You need to, yes, girl, you gotta ask them to stop. Hey. Okay. So, should I pop this boil or what? What? You gotta ask. Okay, should I pop, well, I got a toenail. I'm struggling with it. Like, what should I do? It's broke. So, every now and then, chat might find its way into the group chat. Okay. - Okay, okay, okay, okay, chat GPT. - So, you know, but yeah, much so like to think about things and in conversation conversation hearing the things over and over and over again verticals are we're just too much do you like learning from your mistakes or learning from other people's mistakes because i like learning from other people's and not making them are you like uh i'll just find out on the road i'm on it's both and some people will say that i'm hard-headed but i just have to know you know what i mean like we're different i don't know if it's the moon's rising or sinking but we different no because it is true i really i really will like learn from other people but then it's kind of like well i go through the experience similarly and i was like well i guess i had to live it to really know it you know it's like because wisdom sometimes is coming from other people as opposed to your lived experience and i think i'm always trying to make sure that i'm experiencing it and not just taking everybody's word for it but sometimes you do need to take people's words i'm a wisdom girl i'm like give me an old time religion i want to hear what they got to say so i don't have to be like oh my god i'm a wisdom girl i'm like give me an old time religion i don't have to be like oh my god i'm a wisdom girl i'm like give me an old time religion i have to waste no money i don't want to waste no time like i'm that but you do have to learn on your own but i think that's i think that's the preferred route it is i even say it as somebody that does the other that is the preferred route um okay let's talk about grossing over 300 million with minecraft oh my gosh that's next girl we're almost at a billion we're almost at a billion it's so hard to get people to go to the movie theaters yes you know and watch anything especially after obviously covet and all that just everything that happened it was horrible so people don't really want to get out you know what i mean success looks different these days for the theaters but this that's undeniable like success yes it is you know what i'm saying how's that experience been i mean this is also something that you could see with i mean you this is freer could watch this right she did this with freer like what is this like being a part of the family friendly world it's been great to get to share it with more people because being in certain shows like orange is new black or peacemaker everybody can't watch that even me sometimes i'm like jesus help me um but to be in something that is so family friendly like just now i had an interview for la times and it was at a restaurant and these three young girls came up to me and i was like oh my god the babies and it's pretty cool because i'm excited to see how that translates later in my career yeah like how people are like oh that's the old lady from like i'm just curious on like how that will translate because then they'll tell their kids about you know my work and so but yeah to be a part of minecraft has been amazing and you guys filmed it in new zealand we filmed it in new zealand while i was in the midst of the oscar campaigning so it was and being a mom and a wife and all the things um but that's the life i've always wanted so i ain't complaining that's what um period now are you gonna let us know if we the rumors are true are we getting a minecraft too like can you drop that it's in the works from what i heard now until it got my butt on the plane and i'm in front of a green screen i don't believe it till i see i know that's right i need the dotted line i'm very serious on that too i am so until that happens now what's with the whole chicken jockey thing i was wondering if there was like a trigger word for the people that played the game you know i didn't know it's a good thing it's like these kids are making it a game i live girl i went because my baby's going to k5 and we went to visit the school yeah and the kids outside and they playing chicken jockey and i'm like they are literally saying chicken jockey chicken i'm like what is going on i'm clueless i'm in the movie and i'm clueless i don't know what's happening but i'm here for it i know it's so cool when people make stuff their own have you been in that before you like i'm in this movie y'all love this movie y'all love this movie y'all love this movie y'all hyping this up but i don't know what the main time that that happened to me was with sorry to this man i was like what i love that i was just like all the time and i was just like guys what was the big idea you know what i mean i was just sorry to the damn man but everybody you know that was when it happened to me what i just you know sometimes stuff just tickles the funny bone or just get you know so well like you are the queen of getting the like what you say funny funny bone you are the queen of that oh my gosh i really received that and i really think you are i love making people laugh it's a skill that is a skill oh my gosh thank you yeah that's awesome i can't wait till we do something together i would love to mess something up with you girl just drop in yeah you know what i'm saying give it to the kids i don't know if they'd be ready give it to the kids you know maybe you and scissor need to add a third wheel i'm just saying now when we call you make sure that check right because i know look y'all numbers high too y'all netflix number one and then stuff when i tell you we went up to sony we're like now it's time cut the check yeah the real one because that last one that you gave us filming this movie in 21 days what the hell was y'all doing yes girl yes and also you got bad guys too bad guys bad guys too and guess what what your girl played a villain i was bad oh my god she's a bad was that so much fun i've never played a villain like i've played likable characters my entire career so to finally be bad was so much fun like my friends and family did it we did a screening and they were shocked they were like oh my god you were the bad one oh my gosh now have you got a chance to hang out with anybody because you know how usually with the sounds you don't get to do it yeah we actually did i spent some time with sam rockwell who plays the wolf the main character okay so we're talking about peacemakers you mentioned as well with john cena now i worked with john cena once when i was a teenager true jackson vp he came on the episode this is back in his wwe yes days when he was a you can't see me so how is it working on that show i love it i love doing action i like being like harnessed up and stuff like i enjoy that action world is so cool it's so much fun i'm just waiting for them to do this spinoff like we've been talking about it waller spinoff because amanda waller is my mom and that's played by the viola davis and so if we could get that on the screen and see more people of color in this comic book world james gunn come on and you know i love you some james gunn and by the way it's so awesome she seems great to work with i love her instagram like i love her social media like she's funny as heck up on there she's awesome love her so let's talk about your family life because like you said you're doing all this stuff but then you have dennis your incredible husband oh my gosh now where is he from is he a southern guy brooklyn oh you met him in new york yes he's a southern guy yes i did yes honey that's a story for you well go ahead the new peloton cross-training tread plus is transforming my fitness game and when i tell you i'm obsessed i mean i'm writing love letters obsessed as a busy mom who's usually choosing between a workout or nap and spoiler alert the nap usually wins i'm obsessed with my fitness game i need equipment that works over time like it's trying to make partner at a law firm enter peloton iq basically your personal fitness bestie built right into the machine it tracks progress counts reps and corrects your form in real time it's giving supportive friend who won't let you post unflattering angles on instagram energy and i live for it this swivel screen situation pure genius one minute i'm running like i'm being chased by my deadlines the next i've spun that screen around for a stretch of time and i'm like oh my god i'm going to have a strength session or pilates flow my living room is serving boutique fitness studio realness without the judgmental looks from the one instructor you you know the one instructor the personalization is next level two peloton iq creates your personal workout roadmap with weekly recommendations while our incredible instructor lineup means there's always someone to match whatever energy you're bringing that day together they keep you moving toward your next breakthrough whether that's crushing your first 5k or finally mastering those perfect planks it's like having a fitness matchmaker who actually understands the assignment let yourself run lift sculpt push and go explore the new peloton cross-training tread plus at onepeloton.com time to level up your fitness journey from trying my best to looking like that well you know i bring all the boys to the yard and they're like it's better than you so i basically did bring them to the yard i had a game night at my house oh my god and i told my girlfriends like bring over guys that you think are worthy of being in my house if they you know if you think they cool then come on over so he was there like the last one to come over girl and i had like cut my finger and i was like playing damsel in distress and he did the right thing he was my knight in shining armor i was like can i wrap that for you i was like you're like yeah go ahead and wrap it for me and so he wraps it for me we get to talking or whatever right and then he's like you mind if i take out your trash ah and you know people will come to your house eat your food and drink your drink and don't do nothing he said you mind if i take out your trash i literally said do you have a job he said yes i said you have children he said no i said are you married he said no i said here you go here and i gave him my phone and he said no i said here you And we talked that night. I don't know what. time. And the next day, Kiki, the next day, this man delivered flowers to my house. No, he didn't. Yes, he did. And I said, if this bouquet of flowers is from that man, that is my husband. You know, I opened that card, and it said from Dennis. And I got them butterflies in my stomach. I got them, too. And I said, this is my husband. This is my husband. I'm getting married. I was married now. Girl, I got to say, I'm married, man. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Because I play those games with myself, too. Like, if X, Y, and Z happens, then he's the one. It never happens for me. But it was right for you. It was right for me. And I'm thrilled. Girl, yes to Dennis. And now you guys have Freya. We have Freya. Oh, my gosh, babe. This is incredible. Thank you. So, tell me about Freya. I mean, I know she, other than her getting lemonade drunk, you know, she's, what's her person personality like? And how has she impacted you? Girl, that girl's got more personality than both of us put together. Period. She is one of one. Okay? Super smart. Super talented. She plays electric guitar. She's in gymnastics and dance. Oh, my gosh. So, just like her mama. I'm structuring this. I'm making sure that she has options when she gets older. Period. But she's just really, really awesome. Does she have Dennis wrapped around her finger? Does she have you wrapped around? Like, what are y'all, who's the good cop? Who's the bad cop? I'm good cop. He's bad cop. Because I don't know. I'm learning how to be a bad cop. Do you? Because I'm like, just let the kid do what they do. I'm 1,000% bad cop. Oh. You like, uh-uh, don't you touch that. I'm like both. Because it's like, I'm like bad cop and I'm the person that he calls when he wants me to get somebody else. He always wants me to cuss somebody out. Oh, no. He's like, mama, mama, get. Oh. And I'm like, what's up? Oh. That's when he calls me. And when he, you know, he's in trouble, then I'm like, you need to get. No. That's how y'all running it over there. Girl, yeah. My husband is the you need to get. And I'm trying to be like, but I remember when Freya was about your baby's age, and I tried to do that mean mama face. She laughed in my face. Leo has laughed at me, too. Isn't that the worst? Yeah, he has. He has. And you gotta turn your back like. Because I'm laughing, too, now. That's what it is. Yeah. It happens. But after a while, you just gotta, I raise the tempo. Okay. I learned the base. Yeah, I was like, yeah. Yeah, base. He switched it up. Yeah, yeah. You know, but he's, you know, these little boys, child. Now, this is interesting, because on the Today Show, you talked about wanting to protect Freya's childlike spirit in a world that can dim light, especially for young black girls. And I think it's probably the same for you. Like, it makes me think back on my parents now, being a mom. Raising my son. And I'm thinking, damn, these are all the things that they were thinking about. Yeah, so, like, do you talk to them about it? You know, how do you handle, like, figuring out how to, like, make them aware, you know, Freya, or for me, Leotis, without you know, dampering their spirits? I mean, they're just kids. Yeah, they are just kids. And I think for me, first of all, like, I go back to how I was raised. And that's one partial reason why we named her Freya. My husband came up with the name, but I was like, yes, yes, yes, because I didn't really get a lot of freedom growing up. My parents were very restrictive of me, and Beautiful name. Thank you. For good reason, they were. But I know it was because they were trying to, they didn't have control when they were growing up with things that they saw in the household. And so, my parents was like, when we have kids, we gonna make sure y'all in line. But that stopped us from doing a lot. Yeah. And so, now that I have her, I want her to have the freedom that I didn't have, still understand structure, still have morals, but allow her to really get to live, you know, make mistakes. I think it's safe and good to do that. So, I'm trying to make sure that I raise her that way, and giving her the name. Now, it has backfired on me now. She's like, I'm Freya. You cannot name your child Freya, and I think she's not gonna be free. She is very free. So, that has been hard to be like, sit down, you know. But, I think we're doing a good job. That's a beautiful thing. I think that's so big, the ability to make mistakes. Because I think, especially for when we're talking about our upbringing and just all the sacrifices, sometimes, like, it's a great thing to become and want to be undeniable, but it's also hard. Because it's like, damn, sometimes you just want to be able to just maybe not be great all the time. But it becomes a birthright when we're trying, we're up against so much in generational, you know, structures where it's like, I gotta be great. So, it is awesome to create that space for our kids where it's like, just be who you is. And let that be enough. You know, and when you feel like being great, be great. And when you feel like playing it cool, play it cool. You know. You also said something awesome in Elle about, and I relate to this as well, not seeing a lot of people like yourself in Hollywood. Oh, for sure. Which is, I mean, true. Whether it's being black or different sizes. I mean, the list goes on when there's a lack of nuance with women of color. But how did you learn to become what you wanted to see? Because sometimes we get to these positions and a lot of people are like, well, now it's time to change. Obviously, growth is real. You can evolve. But, like, how did you know, like, I can, I'm successful and I'm going to remain successful being who I am. Orange is the new black. Hands down. Wow. Because when we were on that show, we had no makeup on, natural hair, no Spanx and heels to be cute. None of that. We were ourselves and people fell in love with who we were. And that was our first introduction to the industry. So that alone showed me I'm enough. So that's how I wanted to go throughout the rest of my career. Being enough. Being me. Now, will I change up now? I can get a little sexy on you now. Okay. Because clearly. Clearly, you know, I'll put a little something on him, you know what I'm saying? But even in that, making sure that I remain myself and not trying to, you know, have some drastic weight loss or, you know, I damn sure ain't going to bleach my skin. So, I have to be happy with the person I am. And I am happy with the person that I am. I love that. I love that. I feel that. And I appreciate you for being that. Thank you. Yeah, seriously. Now, I want to play a little game called One for the Brooks. Ooh, I like games. You know, a little play on One for the Brooks. Well, you know her from The Color Purple. You know her from Orange is the New Black. It is the Danielle Brooks. And I want to play a game with you, taking us back to your theater roots. Well, we're going to take a couple of odd scenarios and perform them with that fervor, with that drama, with everything we need for the stage. Yes, ma'am. So, this is going back to your theater roots. Okay. I'm going to give you a scenario. I'm going to give you a phrase. And you've got to say it with drama, okay? So, for instance. Do I look in the camera or do I just say it to you? Perform it out. However I want. Yeah, perform it out. Okay, now I don't know how much more room I got here. Give me the structures. So, the first phrase is, I have to go feed my dog. However, I want you to say it like you're leaving a toxic relationship. The line is, I have to go feed my dog. Ready, set, cameras rolling, and action. I have to go feed my dog. That is good! Girl! I know how. Now, this is why directors have to cast the right people. Because I didn't even do anything. Girl, give me my next job. Let's go. When a director has the right actor, all you got to do is say, yeah, and give me a little sass, or give me a little hype, or give me a little. You are immediate. Thank you, girl. Oh, my gosh. Okay, your turn. Here we go. Okay, so I just choose whichever one. Yep. Yeah, that you feel. Hmm. Take a super boring line and perform it like it's the climax of a Broadway musical. Oh, s***. This Uber is six minutes away and I can't survive. This Uber is six minutes away and I can't survive it. Yes! That was giving the 11 o'clock number, my friend. My friend. Yes! Yes! I can't survive! What? S***! Yes! You better round that note out. Now, you gave it a proper ending. Yes! That's when that curtain goes down. Okay. Okay. And then when they go to the concession stand, we getting ready for act two. Yes. Okay. Take a basic grocery store receipt. Okay. Oh, God, what is this about to be? About to be in the big comfy couch. You remember that show? Y'all know. Did I smash it? Oh, I sat on it. Guess what? They said they need a receipt. I got one. Oh, right. I'll let you choose. Okay. You can read it either like a regretful ballad. Okay. Or you can do it like a spoken word breakdown, a la For Colored Girls. Both are so specific. They are. Okay. Bev Mo. 1775 North Victory Place, Burbank, California. Cash register, cash register, cash register, cashier. Kaylee. I bought on this beautiful day at store 88. I don't see nothing on this receipt that, oh, I do. Okay. I bought Tito's Vodka Modelo Especial for $31.99. $31.99. my soul felt that I needed some spirits to get me through and all I had on me was $58.76 but that's all I needed to get my vodka espial modelo that I clearly don't know how to say I'm saying it all wrong girl you I hate that I missed you on Broadway oh because when I'm telling you that I'm entranced it's enchanting to watch you live that gave me everything that's a damn receipt and you made that feel like a stage your ass is good thank you girl okay that's all I got okay now I got one for you okay okay oh oh boy okay okay color purple remastered mix take an iconic line maybe like all my life I had to fight and change it to the style of a Disney princess song or if you want you could do a dramatic soap opera monologue with all my life I've had to fight I mean if it's a Disney princess it could be as simple as all my life I had to fight you know but if we went the other way oh no we need to lean into that I never knew what this would be like yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah all my life I knew my worth but never did I know what it would cost me all my life I had to fight fight all my life I had to fight fight all my life I've had to fight fight yeah that was so good the next adaptation you have to play Sophia you have to when I tell you this was so much fun this was so much fun I so appreciate you for coming to the show today thank you for having me on your show I'm honored so honored thank you thank you thank you thank you Danielle's journey is full of powerful through lines from the way her community lifted her all the way to Juilliard to stepping into her strength and the color purple to giving her daughter the kind of freedom she didn't always have we've all had those moments that stretch us before we feel ready the key is to lean in and just leap and Danielle did and I'm rooting for her as always baby this is Kiki Pong baby this is this is Kiki yeah baby this is Kiki Palmer yeah baby this is Kiki Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me Kiki Palmer Lucas Siegel is our post producer our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly Nestor Hilary Esty McLaughlin is our executive producer production services provided by Evolution Media our original theme song was written and performed by me Kiki Palmer for Team Kiki my producer is Sharon Palmer for Wondery our managing producer is Olivia Fonte senior managing producer is Nick Ryan and our executive producers are Emily Feldbrake Aaron O'Flaherty and Marshall Louie hi I'm Kenya Barris and I'm Malcolm Gladwell we're back for season two of our Audible original podcast The Unusual Suspects we're bringing you fresh new conversations from guests like Anderson Potts David Sedaris Ron Howard Rich Roll Amy Sherald and many more sign up for a free podcast next week trial to Audible to listen to season two in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts hi I'm Kenya Barris and I'm Malcolm Gladwell we're back for season two of our Audible original podcast The Unusual Suspects we'll sit down with extraordinary guests from the worlds of art film literature comedy and wellness to hear from their unexpected stories of success and who do we have this season well we'll talk with Grammy winning artist Anderson Pack athlete Rich Roll portrait artist Amy Sherald Oscar winning director Ron Howard legendary writer David Sedaris and many more these conversations are more intimate than last season wouldn't you say I would listen to season one of The Unusual Suspects wherever you get your podcasts and sign up for a free trial of Audible to listen to season two in the Audible app or by subscribing to Apple Podcasts