Writing Black with Maiysha Kai

Tabitha Brown is loved by millions for her unapologetic approach to life, family, and food. The author and influencer joined Writing Black to dive into her latest book, "I Did a New Thing," which challenges readers to break out of their routines and try new things. Brown is honest about the struggles she faced following her own advice and gets vulnerable as she discusses health challenges, missing...

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. Con...

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...

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 v...

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...

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. 

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 t...

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...

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. 

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 Blac...

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 authentic...

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 w...

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...

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 o...

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 Twitt...

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....

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,...

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. 

Renowned poet, educator and author Clint Smith joins Writing Black to talk about his latest work "Above Ground." Smith discuses how his poems explore the intersections of family, race, social justice and personal identity. Maiysha and Clint have a candid conversation about his family and his fascination with Cicadas. Smith discusses his creative process and the challenges he faces when exploring t...

Maiysha brings on relationship expert and acclaimed writer, producer and creator of Hulu's new hit series "Unprisoned" which stars Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo. Tracy and Mayisha discuss how "Unprisoned" is based on Tracy's actual relationship with her father who was in prison for close to two decades. The two talk about what it takes to make it in Hollywood, relationships and what Tracy has...

Bachelorette star, author, and media personality Rachel Lindsay joins Writing Black to talk about her new fiction novel "Real Love," which she says is loosely based on her life. Maiysha and Rachel discuss Rachel's time on The Bachelorette, how she almost turned down the chance to be on the show, her numerous different ventures, what made her dive into the art of fiction writing, and a whole lot mo...

Acclaimed poet and author Tara M. Stringfellow joins Writing Black to give Writing Black listeners a glipse into her new book "Memphis," which is about 3 generations of a Black family in the city of Memphis and one little girl that realizes she has the power to change the trajectory of her family. Maiysha and Tara discuss her journey from being an attorney, to becoming an poet, to being motivated...