The Questlove Show
iHeartPodcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 9, 2026 • 1h 10min
Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann, filmmaker known for music-forward films like Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, shares his creative method and love of fusing modern music with classic stories. He discusses sourcing and restoring lost Elvis rehearsal footage for his concert film EPIC. Conversations span casting, vibe tapes, cross-genre collaborations, and building immersive, music-driven worlds.
Mar 8, 2026 • 1h 33min
QLS Classic: Michael Brauer
Grammy winning mix engineer Michael Brauer talks about the art of engineering, his studio secrets and what it was like working with artists such as Coldplay, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Grace Jones and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 7, 2026 • 18min
Questlove Reaches Into The Mailbag & Answers - March 7
Questlove answers Questlove Show listener letters in a candid mini-episode that spans grief, legacy, and the weight of influence. Responding to a fan whose “musical Mount Rushmore” includes several late legends in Ahmir's orbit, he reflects on losing collaborators. Quest also revisits the rise and evolution of Okayplayer, teases liner notes and treats for the next Roots projects, and addresses the fate of his lockdown DJ sets and whether they might return online. Please send your questions by the contact us page on QuestloveSupreme.com or DM'ing the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 5, 2026 • 18min
Questlove Reaches Into The Mailbag & Answers - March 5
Listener mailbag tackles The Goats and their role in Philly hip-hop. A behind-the-scenes look at crafting the SNL 50 opening montage and the year-long hunt for the right tracks. Technical talk on key-matching, rhythmic flow, and clearing tricky music rights. A deep-dive on 'This Place Hotel' and why Michael Jackson's themes echo early gangsta rap.
Mar 2, 2026 • 1h 7min
MonoNeon
MonoNeon, electric-bass visionary from Memphis known for flipped right-handed technique and work with Prince, George Clinton, and Mac Miller. He talks about his neon persona and Dada-inspired art. He explains viral speech-to-music clips, embracing mistakes as creative fuel, his Paisley Park lessons, and how church, family, and improvisation shaped his musical freedom.
Mar 1, 2026 • 48min
QLS Classic: Ilana Glazer
This week Questlove and Team Supreme catch up with Ilana Glazer, the hilarious actress and writer known for co-creating and starring in Comedy Central's Broad City. She gives her take on life mid Rona in Brooklyn and everything she's learned in this process. Yup this is a funny episode not to be missed! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 25, 2026 • 26min
Colin Kaepernick
Colin Kaepernick, former NFL quarterback turned civil rights activist and founder of Know Your Rights Camp and Lumi. He shares his morning training discipline and how childhood imagination shaped his purpose. He discusses sources of courage, influences like Malcolm X and Ali, urgent work of KYRC, and Lumi’s push for AI literacy and youth engagement.
Feb 22, 2026 • 1h 33min
QLS Classic: Lena Waithe
Guest Lena Waithe, known for her work on shows like Master of None and The Chi, discusses the state of black television, the lifecycle of a script, and working on shows like Master of None and The Chi.
Feb 21, 2026 • 9min
BONUS: James Alexander on The Bar-Kays' Rivalry With Cameo
James Alexander, longtime bassist and surviving member of The Bar-Kays, shares firsthand memories from the 1960s music scene. He recounts electrifying onstage battles, the culture of 'cutting heads,' tensions with Cameo over pay and showmanship, and how those rivalries shaped the band’s comeback and legacy.
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 1min
James Alexander of The Bar-Kays Part 2
James Alexander, longtime leader and bassist of The Bar-Kays, recounts rebuilding the band after tragedy and forging a louder funk-rock identity. He shares stories of studio session life, wild 1970s touring antics, the making and rise of “Holy Ghost,” and the group’s reinventions through the 1980s. Energetic anecdotes highlight legacy, stage theatrics, and behind-the-scenes music business moments.
