Writing Black with Maiysha Kai

Maiysha Kai sits down with iconic model and activist Bethann Hardison. Discover the transformative power of Hardison's documentary, "Invisible Beauty," and hear firsthand accounts of her journey through the fashion industry as a Black woman. The two discuss reshaping beauty standards, the importance of fostering diversity, and the road ahead for the industry. 

Maiysha Kai sits down with the talented singer/rapper/songwriter/producer Jidenna as he sheds light on the importance of challenging stereotypes surrounding Black men and Black male vulnerability, the need for musicians like himself to unionize, his support for the writers and actors’ strike and his unwavering love for hip-hop—Peek behind the curtain of his songwriting process, where authenticity and openness shine. Join us for this great conversation that unites, inspires vulnerability, and reveals the true essence of storytelling through music.

CBS National Correspondent Michelle Miller stops by Writing Black to speak with Maiysha Kai about her new memoir "Belonging." In this thought-provoking and deeply personal conversation, Michelle unveils the compelling narrative of her life and reflects on the intricate intersection of race, family, and identity. Michelle takes us through her biracial experience, as she embraced her Black culture while her mother hid her from her Mexican side of the family because she was ashamed that she was Black. Michelle also tells the story of how she found out her father was one of the doctors that attended to Robert F. Kennedy when he was assassinated.

We celebrate Comedy Month on Writing Black with the hilarious KevonStage and his better half, Mrs. KevonStage. The two sit down with Maiysha to discuss the unique dynamics of being both life partners and comedic collaborators. KevOnStage, known for his razor-sharp wit and infectious charm, has taken the comedy world by storm, with his hilarious observations and relatable anecdotes resonating with audiences across the globe. Mrs. KevOnStage, his extraordinary better half, has been an integral part of his journey, adding her own comedic prowess to the mix. This is an episode you do not want to miss. 

It is Comedy Month, and we bring you the hilarious comedian Sam Jay. Sam Jay sits down with Maiysha Kai to speak about her journey through Hollywood, going from being a Saturday Night Live writer to writing and producing her own shows, creating space in Hollywood for other LGBTQ Black entertainers, and not taking herself too seriously. 

Writing Black host Maiysha Kai was invited to the LA Times Festival of Books to host a panel of brilliant and talented Black authors. The panel consisted of Clarkisha Kent, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, and Beyonce's former stylist Ty Hunter, who all took time to speak about their craft of writing, how their identity plays a role in their writing and what is next for them. You do not want to miss out on this excellent panel and conversation. 

We continue our Pride Month Celebration with political commentator and author Keith Boykin. Maiysha has a candid conversation with Keith about bringing his identity into politics, why you shouldn't be afraid to quit your job, how he is able to write so many books and what made him write his newest book "Quitting." 

We continue our celebration of Pride Month with best selling author Robert Jones, Jr. Jones sat down with Maiysha Kai to talk about his New York Times best selling novel "The Prophets," which is about a Black Queer enslaved couple navigating their love through the atrocities of slavery. Jones and Maiysha talk about their love for music and why Jones decided to step away from the very popular Twitter page and website "The Son of Baldwin." 

Original Air Date: 8/28/22

We are celebrating pride this whole month and we wanted to highlight a great conversation we had with Tony Award Winner Michael R. Jackson, the writer of the broadway play, "A Strange Loop." Jackson talks with Maiysha about how it took decades for him to write his musical and the meaning behind write a musical about a queer gay man that is writing a musical about a queer gay man writing a musical. 

Original airdate 10/23/22 

In celebration of Black Music Month Maiysha sits down with music executive Danyel Smith about her music memoir Shine Bright which is a personal memoir of Danyel Smith as well as a history lesson about Black women in Pop. Danyel was the first Black woman editor of Billboard. The two discuss Danyel's turbulent and at times abusive upbringing, the Black women in music such as Whitney Houston, Lizzo, Beyonce and Ella Fitzgerald who deserve flowers and how women in the music industry still have to navigate a male dominated industry.