Writing Black with Maiysha Kai

Fans of The Roots are getting an intimate look into the early life of the group's co-founder, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, in his memoir "The Upcycled Self." The Philadelphia native joins Writing Black to talk about the love stories he says have shaped him into one of hip-hop's most treasured MCs. Black Thought also shares why now was the time to reveal his most vulnerable side to the world.

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Grammy Award-Winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has always been vocal about Black people's pivotal role in the origins of country music. The conversation surrounding those contributions has reignited as Beyoncé's new music debuted at the top of the country charts. Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's track "Texas Hold 'Em," and during her conversation with Writing Black hosty Maiysha Kai, Giddens shares that the instrument's history is "Blackity Black". The pair also discuss Gidden's projects, including an opera about an enslaved man and her first children's book. This conversation was originally recorded in October of 2022. 

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The complexity of being multiethnic is explored in this powerful conversation between host Maiysha Kai and theGrio's Natasha Alford. "American Negra" is part memoir, part cultural analysis, and all truth as Alford shares her experience navigating two worlds. Not just culturally but also economically. Alford talks life after Harvard and the immense pressure she felt post-graduation; she also gets vulnerable about her recent health struggles.  This Grio crossover is full of Black girl magic. 

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The restaurant chain Slutty Vegan has become an empire because its founder Pinky Cole refused to give up when life continued to tell her "no." Cole is now on a mission to share her struggles, hoping it will inspire people to pivot when they hit a roadblock. Her book, "I Hope You Fail," is an unfiltered how-to-guide that will keep your attention and leave you feeling motivated. Maiysha Kia and Cole talk her writing process, and dig into the dark times that eventually led to success.

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Books make great gifts, and Maiysha Kai is here to help make your holiday shopping easier. She's curated a list of nearly 70 different titles that will work for kids, teens, and people interested in history, cooking, fiction, and more. The Writing Black Holiday Book Gift Guide is just what you need to share the love of reading with someone special. 

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NBA All-Star and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Paul joins Writing Black to discuss the vulnerability it took to write his book "Sixty-One." The book centers on the impact Paul's grandfather had on him. Affectionately known as "Papa," he was tragically murdered at the age of 61, the day after Paul signed his letter of intent to play college basketball at Wake Forest. Paul talks about writing the book during the pandemic as the country was going through racial turmoil following the death of George Floyd. He also touches on his commitment to criminal justice reform and the impact mass incarceration has had on Black Americans. 

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With an impressive Hollywood career spanning decades, Jada Pinkett Smith reminds the world that she's much more than salacious rumors and speculation about her marriage. Jada joins Maiysha Kai to dive into her memoir "Worthy," which is an honest and deeply personal look at her upbringing, the family she's created, and her journey to self-worth. Jada doesn't hold back as she discusses the infamous Oscar slap, the dehumanization of Black women, and her undeniable bond with Tupac Shakur.

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theGrio Black Podcast Network is proud to announce that two of our original podcasts, Being Black: The '80s and theGrio Daily, have received nominations from The Lovie Awards for their outstanding work. Click here to vote for Touré and here to vote for Michael Harriot and spread the word! Let's show the world we value Black storytelling. 

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Brace yourselves for a raw and unfiltered conversation with the iconic and world-famous Wypipologist and theGrio Daily host Michael Harriot, famed for his Black Twitter presence and unfiltered takes. Maiysha and Michael dive deep into his book "Black AF History," where he doesn't hold back in addressing vital issues within the Black community, his upbringing, and his love for Black people and Black history. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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." 

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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

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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 

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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.  

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Maiysha brings on NYT Best selling author Nedra Glover Tawwab, a family therapist who just released her new book Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships. Maiysha and Nedra discuss the importance of setting boundaries in all your relationships which includes family, personal and work. They also delved into the importance of mental health, especially in the Black community. 

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