Comedian and talk show host and Sam Jay joins Jemele to discuss her groundbreaking HBO show, “Pause,” how she’s adapting to stardom, how losing her parents shaped her life and career, and why she chose to make her significant other a big part of her comedy act. Sam also discusses what it’s like writing for Saturday Night Live and Jemele gives her thoughts on DaBaby’s recent controversy.

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Patti Labelle joins Jemele to discuss her iconic career, her Verzuz battle with Gladys Knight, and if it was fair to label her a “diva.” She also shares stories about her friendship with Aretha Franklin, the obstacles she had to become as a black female performer and why she chose not to marry Otis Williams from the Temptations. Plus, Jemele responds to the people who took issue with her tweet about restrictions for the unvaccinated.

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Activist, organizer and author Tamika Mallory joins Jemele to discuss her book, “State of Emergency,” which details her history with activism and how organizing is critical to freedom movements. Tamika also shares the personal demons she’s had to overcome, and how she stays the course during the country’s most challenging moments. She also responds to those who have criticized her for lacking transparency.

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Actor Michael B. Jordan joins Jemele to discuss his starring role in “Without Remorse,” remaking the classic film, “The Thomas Crown Affair” and how he’s been able to succeed at playing roles that weren’t written for black characters. He also discusses what motivated him to start his own production company, and Jemele tries to pin him down about whether his notable character, Killmonger, will return in Black Panther 2. Plus, Jemele shares her thoughts on the race to space between billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos. 

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Jill Scott joins Jemele for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about her musical career, the fears she has a black woman raising a black son, and the aspirations she has beyond music and performing. Jill also reflects on her debut album “Who is Jill Scott?” turning 20 years old and how the pandemic has forced her to create more balance in her life. 

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In the premiere episode of Season 3, R&B icon Mary J. Blige joins Jemele to discuss her new documentary, “My Life,” which takes a deeply personal look at the singer’s signature album. Mary also discusses her upcoming acting roles, including her role as Dinah Washington in Aretha Franklin’s biopic, “Respect.” She also discusses how she dealt with insecurity and self esteem issues, and whether she’s open to being married again. Plus, Jemele debuts her new segment, “I Got A Story To Tell,” and offers her thoughts on the discord between Meg Thee Stallion and Da Baby.

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Jemele relives the best moments and interviews from Season 2 with the annual JHIUs (pronounced JOO-e). Jemele will give out awards for best story told on the podcast, realest moment, most memorable guest, and others. You’ll hear from some of the season’s best guests, including John Legend, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Questlove, Ellen Pompeo, Leslie Jones, Michael Smith and more.

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In this special episode in collaboration with More Than A Vote, Jemele explores the hesitancy in the African-American community to take the Covid-19 vaccine. She unpacks how the medical community’s historical and current mistreatment of African Americans has fueled vaccine reluctance, breaks down myths about the vaccine, and how the experts’ messaging can address the distrust. Jemele speaks with various medical experts, policy makers, and the Reverend Al Sharpton. Jemele also interviews her mother, who like many African Americans, is not on board with taking the vaccine.

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Filmmaker Barry Jenkins joins Jemele to discuss his groundbreaking new television series, The Underground Railroad, how the success of his Oscar-winning movie Moonlight changed his life, and what it’s been like seeing the careers of actors he’s worked with — such as Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight) — continue to ascend. Barry and Jemele also debate if Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and Jemele offers thoughts on whether men and women can be platonic friends.

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Questlove joins Jemele to discuss his evolution from front man of The Roots to author, curator and podcaster. He shares the origin story behind The Roots’ legendary jam sessions, and why he decided to play the drums. He also shares his memorable first encounter with Prince, who became a close friend. Plus, Jemele gives her thoughts on the Derek Chauvin verdict.

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