A milestone episode this week -- Lena welcomes her first male guest in the history of Legacy Talk! And it's a fitting one, as Robert Townsend has worked with just about everyone in Black Hollywood. As a comedian, actor, writer, and director, known for projects from The Parent 'Hood to The Five Heartbeats, his work is kind, hopeful, and even "fatherly," by Lena's description -- but also so significant. Lena and Robert discuss a lot in this special conversation -- everything from casting overqualified people for roles, to how Eddie Murphy created his own genre of comedy, and how Robert has always been a little bit ahead of his time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Ava DuVernay
In this supersized episode, Lena reunites with someone who has known her and watched her grow for a long time -- the incredible, inspirational director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, known for films from Selma to Middle of Nowhere to 13th. The two old friends have a lot to catch up on, from how Ava learned to work magic on a shoestring budget, Lena's memories of seeing the world premiere of Selma (and how that film changed Ava's life), the power of reaching a global audience, and how Ava discovered the privilege of learning and evolving her perspective on the world while making documentaries. Throughout the conversation, it's clear that both Lena and Ava share a deep reverence for history -- and the stories we can find to tell from our pasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Yvette Lee Bowser
This week, Lena welcomes pioneering writer and producer Yvette Lee Bowser– the creative force behind Living Single, For Your Love, and Half and Half. Yvette shares how a bold phone call to an old acquaintance changed her career trajectory from aspiring lawyer to one of television’s most influential storytellers. They discuss her early days writing for A Different World, the real life inspiration behind the character Maxine Shaw, collaborating with Kenya Barris on Black-ish and Justin Simien on Dear White People, and what it truly takes to be a great television writer. Yvette reflects on fighting to get your stories told and inspiring others to claim their place on the screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Taraji P. Henson
This week, Lena sits down with one of culture's most beloved: Taraji P. Henson – the genuis behind classic roles such as Cookie Lyon, Katherine Johnson, or Yvette from Baby Boy. In this episode, Taraji reflects on a career defined by vulnerability, authenticity, and a refusal to let fear lead. Listen as the two of them discuss the lasting legacy of Hustle & Flow, the cultural impact of her roles in Empire and Hidden Figures, and stepping into the shoes of Shug Avery in The Color Purple. Taraji reminds us what it means to lead with grace, not judgment — and through each role, she reminds us of our own strength, our own greatness, and that we, too, can weather anything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Building a Legacy with Tisha Campbell
Legacy Talk is back for season 2, with an all-new lineup of Black Hollywood legends sitting down with Lena Waithe. Kicking it off is actress and singer Tisha Campbell, who is best known for her work on Martin, but has a full body of work that spans decades. Tisha and Lena delve into how Tisha almost quit acting before her first big break, her longtime friendship with Tichina Arnold, Lena's abiding love for the show Blossom, and of course, the Martin Lawrence of it all. Bring in the tissues -- there are some tears ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe is a love letter to Black storytellers in entertainment. Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, and producer Lena Waithe sits down with trailblazers like Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Ava DuVernay and more to discuss their creative process, their journey, and how they became the incredible people they are today. Legacy Talk is more than just a series of interviews; it’s a documentation of the stories and experiences of artists who shifted narratives, broken barriers, and inspired a generation.Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe, from Hillman Grad and Lemonada Media, is available on all platforms. And if you want to see all the magic unfold, catch the full episodes on YouTube.
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