The Questlove Show - podcast cover

The Questlove Show

iHeartPodcastswww.iheart.com

The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

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Episodes

QLS Classic: Robin Thede

Writer, comedian and late-night host Robin Thede talks about her life in front of and behind the camera, how Wyatt Cenac owes his puppetry skills to her and everything you need to know about her show: The Rundown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 07, 20251 hr 34 min

QLS Classic: Bernard Purdie & Chuck Rainey

Questlove sits down with legendary musicians Chuck Rainey and Bernard Purdie to talk through how they influenced and, in some cases, invented the ubiquitous groove that’s become the music of our lives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 29, 20251 hr 29 min

QLS Classic: "Weird" Al Yankovic

Grammy winning singer-songwriter & satirist "Weird" Al Yankovic talks about the hilarious songs Prince wouldn't let him parody, why he turned down an opening slot on Michael Jackson's '88 Europe Tour and how he got the okay to poke fun at Kurt Cobain, Coolio, Iggy Izalea and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 22, 20251 hr 27 min

QLS Classic: Linda Perry

Singer-songwriter Linda Perry talks about her musical beginnings with 4 Non Blondes and how she creates chart-topping hits for stars like Adele and Pink. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 08, 20251 hr 43 min

QLS Classic: Mike Birbiglia

Comedian, writer and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia talks about real-life sleepwalking, his movie "Don't Think Twice" and the insatiable nature of success. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 01, 20252 hr 30 min

QLS Classic: Top Shelf 1988

The masterminds behind Top Shelf 1988 join Team Supreme to discuss the most transformative year in hip-hop history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 25, 20251 hr 17 min

QLS Classic: Ray Parker Jr.

Musician and songwriter Ray Parker Jr. talks about finding his voice, working in Motown and Stevie Wonder's surprising driving skills. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 18, 20252 hr 46 min

QLS Classic: Peanut Butter Wolf

Indie record label founder, Producer and DJ, Peanut Butter Wolf, talks growing up in the Bay Area and how Stones Throw Records became the authoritative underground hip hop label it is today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 11, 20251 hr 37 min

QLS Classic: Jon Batiste

Musician Jon Batiste joins Team Supreme to rehash his journey from small-town Louisiana to Musical Director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 04, 20251 hr 56 min

QLS Classic: DJ Premier

Houston's very own DJ Premier talks about how he got his name, what it was like to leave Texas to make it in NYC and how he found musical enlightenment. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 28, 20252 hr 55 min

QLS Classic: Joi

Singer, songwriter and producer Joi talks about how her debut album changed the direction of Madonna's Bedtime Stories, working with Fishbone, her spot in the Dungeon Family tree and so much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 14, 20251 hr 55 min

QLS Classic: Lalah Hathaway

Grammy winning singer Lalah Hathaway talks about carrying on her father Donny's legacy, working with Prince, singing overtones like it's no big deal and her deep love of video games (plus, loads of Words of Wisdom with Suga Steve). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 07, 20252 hr 7 min

QLS Classic: Ty Dolla $ign

Singer, songwriter and producer Ty Dolla $ign shares some of his words of wisdom and talks growing up in the L.A. music scene, his creative process and working with everyone from Babyface and Skrillex to up-and-comer Tish Hyman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 20251 hr 34 min

QLS Classic: Kathryn Bigelow

Powerhouse director, producer and writer Kathryn Bigelow talks about the craft of filmmaking, treading tense racial waters Detroit, and what it was like to be the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 21, 20251 hr 41 min

QLS Classic: Marsha Ambrosius

Singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius stops by to talk about everything from working with Michael Jackson and Dr Dre to how we've been pronouncing her name wrong all of these years! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 15, 20251 hr 51 min

QLS Classic: Maya Rudolph

Actress, musician and comedian Maya Rudolph shares some revealing stories about her famous parents, her musical ambitions, her time on SNL and much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 02, 20252 hr 1 min

Questlove Supreme Presents: May Flowers Part 2

Questlove Supreme has always been committed to giving flowers to the artists who inspire us — whether they’re household names or unsung innovators shaping culture behind the scenes. Following last week’s Part 1 compilation, a two-hour Part 2 continues the celebration, this time with a focus on some of our favorites, with a special emphasis on Hip-Hop innovators. These moments highlight the voices and visionaries who’ve changed the game — and who deserve to hear their impact while they can still ...

May 28, 20252 hr 3 minSeason 6Ep. 12

QLS Classic: Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter

As we approach the 2025 Roots Picnic, look back at one of the most requested episodes, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter sat down in a New York City studio with Questlove Supreme at the end of 2023. Tariq discussed how he approached penning his new memoir, The Upcycled Self. In the process, Ahmir and Tariq also opened up about how they have separated brotherhood and business. Meanwhile, Team Supreme asked one of the greatest MCs all about beats, rhymes, and life. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

May 26, 20251 hr 42 minSeason 4Ep. 47

Questlove Supreme Presents: May Flowers Part 1

From the start, Questlove Supreme has been about giving legends their flowers and celebrating their impact. This podcast has always leaned more “thank ya” than “gotcha!” Questlove looks back through the archives to spotlight some of the most memorable moments where we gave some thoughtful and unique flowers to those who deserve them—at times while they can still smell them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 21, 202558 minSeason 6Ep. 11

QLS Classic: Musiq Soulchild

On May 31, Musiq Soulchild is celebrating 25 years of Aijuswanaseing at the 2025 Roots Picnic in his hometown of Philadelphia. Use this reason to look back at Musiq's 2020 interview with Questlove Supreme. This conversation was real, raw, and soulful — just like the guest. This is not an episode to miss. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 19, 20252 hr 4 min

QLS Classic: Ben Vereen

In 2024, Ben Vereen joined Questlove Supreme with his daughter Kabara. Quest' recently called this one of the most powerful QLS episodes in the show's history. What began as a conversation about a legendary, award-winning career in theater, film, and television organically went someplace much deeper. Ben Vereen shared discoveries about his identity and traces his knowledge of self while speaking about Roots, Sweet Charity, and his unforgettable appearance on The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. This QLS...

May 12, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 5Ep. 44

QLS Classic: Dr. Mathew Knowles

In last month’s QLS Reunion Finale, Questlove named the 2021 conversation with Dr. Mathew Knowles as one of the podcast’s most meaningful. So let's revisit it. You may think you know the story of this Alabama native who rose above segregation to thrive in corporate America and later as a powerhouse music executive—but there’s so much more. Listen in for an honest, insightful conversation on the evolution of Dr. Mathew Knowles. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork....

May 05, 20252 hr 4 min

The Questlove Supreme Reunion Finale Part 2

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 abou...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 6Ep. 10

QLS Classic: Cree Summer

Actress and singer Cree Summer talks about her time on A Different World, the Kravitz family contributions to her music career and being the voice of Penny from Inspector Gadget, a Tiny Toon and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 28, 20251 hr 44 min

The Questlove Supreme Reunion Finale Part 1

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 23, 20251 hr 14 minSeason 6Ep. 9

QLS Classic: Sam Pollard

This week's Questlove Supreme guest is known for producing, editing and directing some of the most impactful movies of our time both scripted and unscripted. From Eyes on the Prize to Style Wars , several Spike Lee movies in between, numerous documentaries including his current project, MLK/FBI and most importantly to this podcast Hookers at the Point, Sam has touched it all. Listen as Quest and Team Supreme dive into the life and times of Sam Pollard. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 14 min

QLS Classic: Little Brother

This Questlove Supreme Classic episode with Little Brother aired back in May 2020. Team Supreme's Phonte Coleman is in the guest seat as he and partner Rapper Big Pooh discuss the evolution of their group, and reuniting personally and creatively for May The Lord Watch in 2019. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 14, 20251 hr 39 min

A Quick Update From QLS

Stay tuned for new episodes of Questlove Supreme dropping this month...like, very soon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 09, 202519 sec

QLS Classic: Michael Che

SNL royalty and stand-up comedian Michael Che joins Team Supreme to discuss his anecdotes and accolades. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 07, 20251 hr 54 min

Introducing: Spout Podcast - Akon

You know them for their songs, videos, and epic performances, but there is always something even their super fans don't know until now. This is the Spout Podcast, a weekly episodic video and audio podcast where famous people spout about more than they're famous for. Check out the full episode: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spout-podcast-79518224/episode/akon-237396560/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 04, 20251 min
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