Hollywood Episodes

Angela Nissel joins Questlove for a deeply funny and moving conversation about growing up in Southwest Philly, breaking into television, and navigating grief after losing her mother—the subject of her new memoir, Good Grief, Pass The Bread, Mom Is Dead. The longtime friends revisit their wild early days together, from telemarketing gigs and busted cars to building Okayplayer and discovering the early internet, while unpacking people-pleasing, therapy, and late-in-life self-discovery. Angela opens up about caregiving, moving her mother to Los Angeles, surviving Hollywood burnout, and rediscovering who she is beyond work—all with the sharp wit that helped shape shows like Scrubs and The Boondocks.

Jamie Lee Curtis sits down with Questlove for an intimate, funny, and deeply motivating conversation about unlocking your greatness. With her signature candor, Jamie reflects on learning to stop shrinking herself and fully embrace her power—and how a recent connection with Quest helped her see that vision more clearly. In this wide-ranging chat, Jamie shares how she likes to be coached, the surprising lessons she’s learned from her dog, and why she refuses to dwell on the comments. As she prepares for her latest endeavor, Scarpetta, Jamie also opens up about the creative freedom behind projects like Everything Everywhere All at Once, True Lies, A Fish Called Wanda, and The Bear—and what those experiences taught her about trusting the process and owning your voice.

Erika Alexander continues her incredible QLS interview with a candid conversation about how executives treated Living Single as compared to other popular 1990s sitcoms. Erika also speaks about her astonishing recent run, including a dazzling role in American Fiction and memorable performances in Get Out and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. This conversation is pure joy.

Here is part 2 from one of the greatest Questlove Supreme conversations ever. Robert Townsend speaks about the passion and purpose that went into making The Five Heartbeats. He details directing Eddie Murphy Raw and nearly getting an X-rating. Robert also discusses why the world needed Meteor Man and recalls coaching a shy Beyoncé for Carmen: A Hip Hop Opera. This interview runs deep with love, wisdom, and comedy.

For 2024 Black History Month, QLS has some special programming. "This is the greatest episode ever," Questlove says during this two-part discussion with Hollywood revolutionary Robert Townsend. Part 1 includes his Chicago upbringing, gift for impersonations, and pursuit to become a working actor in New York. Robert touches on his ascent from minor roles in Cooley High and The Warriors to nearly becoming an SNL cast member. A focal point of Part 1 is Robert detailing how Townsend financed Hollywood Shuffle with a credit card and his word. This conversation with a true visionary is both funny and impactful.

In Part 2 of this in-person QLS episode, Hannibal Buress revisits his time as a writer for SNL and 30 Rock. The multi-threat speaks about his rap career and the music he's released as Eshu Tune. Buress also shares his plans to restore a crucial NYC entertainment venue.