Writing Episodes

Questlove sat down with director and composer John Carpenter in Hollywood to discuss Cathedral, a graphic novel and heavy metal album inspired by a single dream. Carpenter tells how a bongo lesson from his father led to the iconic Halloween theme. He also talks about casting Kurt Russell after their Elvis TV movie, why The Thing was his hardest shoot, and says The Exorcist remains the scariest movie ever made. Along the way, Carpenter turns the tables and interviews Questlove, sparking a lively debate about The Beatles and whether music has reached “creative diminished returns.” It’s a funny, engaging conversation between two directors who work in different worlds but share a love of making music.

The Questlove Show kicks off with Academy Award–winning filmmaker and legendary music journalist Cameron Crowe in a captivating conversation that spans decades of music, movies, and cultural change. Crowe reflects on his early Rolling Stone interviews, his transition to Hollywood with classics such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Say Anything, and what it takes to tell an artist’s story both in print and on screen. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of working with icons like Joni Mitchell and N...

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 one of the most requested episodes, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter sits down with Questlove Supreme. Tariq discusses how he approached penning his new memoir, The Upcycled Self. In the process, Ahmir and Tariq also open up about how they have separated brotherhood and business. Meanwhile, Team Supreme asks one of the greatest MCs all about beats, rhymes, and life.

Hannibal Buress and Questlove Supreme get together in Hollywood for a two-part episode that's honest, hilarious, and historic. In Part 1, Hannibal recalls his early days of comedy, his passion for rapping, and his formative years in Chicago.