Questlove

Questlove sits down with Open Mike Eagle in-studio for a candid mini-conversation about aging in Hip-Hop, grief, and learning to accept flowers without guilt. Ahmir opens up about losing collaborators (and friends), navigating therapy, and trying to define what The Roots should sound like in 2026 without their longtime mentor Richard Nichols. They break down the tension between survival and artistry in Black music, what it means to grow with a group for nearly 40 years, and why so many artists struggle to feel they “deserve” love and acclaim. Open Mike shares his own challenges working in a three-MC crew (Previous Industries) and maintaining friendships intact when the music does not always pay the bills. It’s a rare, vulnerable look at midlife, creativity, and the business of staying human while staying dope.

This mini-episode of The Questlove Show features Ahmir, Open Mike Eagle, and producer Cousin Jake reflecting on Mike’s 2025 long-form QLS conversation. Open Mike Eagle shares that he’s just finished a new album, talks about his listening habits (ranging from British bands to YouTube talk shows) and how being embedded in the industry pushes him away from rap in his leisure time. They dig into live performance philosophy—testing unreleased songs on tour, reading crowd energy without begging for participation, and the Roots’ continuous, no-song-ending show structure. The convo closes with Mike’s existing and upcoming podcasts (“What Had Happened Was,” “Past Due,” and a new, working-titled “The Album That Changed My Life”).

Nick Polowy is the Los Angeles–based artist behind The Questlove Show logo and many of the animations that have appeared throughout QLS episodes since 2022. While taping in Hollywood, Ahmir and Open Mike Eagle sat down with Nick for a special mini episode to talk about his creative process, the deep research that informs his work, and a career that spans everything from major television networks to haunted houses. Tune in to hear the story behind the visuals and the artist who brought them to li...

In this bonus mini episode of The Questlove Show, Ahmir takes listeners through over a dozen of his favorite Christmas songs. From personal holiday memories to beloved classics from legendary artists and music innovators—plus a few modern favorites—it’s a festive deep dive into seasonal sounds. Happy holidays from Ahmir and the team at The Questlove Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of the Questlove Supreme Reunion Finale is a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the evolution of Team Supreme. The cohosts reflect on a decade of conversations, chemistry, and collaboration. Suga Steve serenades the crew with a heartfelt karaoke tribute. Phonte opens up about stepping away from recent episodes. Laiya explains how her radio roots helped shape and inform QLS shortly after it launched. Unpaid Bill shares his journey from guest to cohost, and Questlove speaks candidly about the challenges of working closely with friends. This is a joyful farewell to an award-winning squad whose voices, stories, and laughs helped make QLS one of its era's most unique and enduring podcasts.

The five hosts of Questlove Supreme reunite in the studio for a special reason. Just days ago, Phonte, Laiya, Suga Steve, and Unpaid Bill joined Questlove to announce some significant changes. In Part 1 of this joyful trip down memory lane, the co-hosts become the guests, sharing musical memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and confirming the existence of a few long-lost, unreleased episodes from the QLS vault.