A Strange Loop, making it in Hollywood, getting to Broadway, Billie Holiday. What is the story behind culture firsts that break down barriers, push back against invisibility and refute stereotypes? How does the creation impact the creator? Why are we still fighting to get these firsts made?

Featured in this episode: Lee Daniels (Writer, Director & Producer), Jordan E. Cooper (Writer & Actor), Michael R. Jackson (Playwright), and Wesley Morris (NYT Culture Critic). Original artwork for this episode created by Olivia Fields and photography provided by Gioncarlo Valentine.