The Unusual Suspects

The Unusual Suspects

Two curious minds. One rule: no small talk. Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell bypass the pleasantries and promotional banter to deliver raw, unfiltered conversations with some of the most extraordinary and influential people alive. Oscar-winning directors, Grammy-winning musicians, Fortune 500 CEOs, iconic artists, world-class athletes, and thinkers who are helping reshape how we see the world. Every conversation digs into the pivotal moments that defined each guest's path—the doubts, the turning points, and the questions they seek to answer. Barris, the award-winning writer, producer, and showrunner, and Gladwell, the New York Times bestselling journalist, don’t settle for the rehearsed answer – they stay until the real story breaks through. Pull back the curtain on the world's most fascinating figures one unusually honest conversation at a time.

Episodes

December 3, 2025 • 47 mins

Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris interview Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, serving as CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. They discuss Burns' journey from a New York City housing project to the top of corporate America, exploring her mother's influence, career challenges, and vision for creating change through giving back.

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Join Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell as they bypass pleasantries and promotional banter to deliver raw, unfiltered conversations with some of today’s most influential figures. Featuring titans across a spectrum of professions (from Olympic gold medalists to trailblazing Fortune 500 CEOs and everything in between), The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell pulls back the curtain to offer listeners unprecede...

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September 10, 2026 • 1 min

Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell bypass pleasantries and promotional banter to deliver raw, unfiltered conversations with some of today's most influential and fascinating figures. Featuring two seasons of titans spanning every corner of culture—from Oscar-winning directors and Grammy-winning musicians to trailblazing Fortune 500 CEOs and iconic artists—<i>The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris & Malcolm Gladw...

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Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris turn the tables on Jimmy Kimmel, putting America’s longest-running late-night TV host in the interview seat for this conversation. They explore Kimmel's impressive journey from a local radio personality to an Emmy Award -winning late night host, discussing his early career struggles, his approach to interviewing guests, and how he navigates comedy in the current climate. The conversation also...

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September 10, 2026 • 43 mins

Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with basketball legend Sue Bird to discuss her illustrious career and the evolution of women's sports. They explore Sue's journey from high school phenom to WNBA superstar, delving into the cultural significance of women's basketball and its recent surge in popularity.

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September 10, 2026 • 42 mins

Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with Wes Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland. They explore Moore's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a Rhodes Scholar, Army officer, successful author, and governor. The conversation touches on Moore's diverse career path, from finance to media to leading a large philanthropic organization, as well as his vision for Maryland. They also discuss the influence of Moore'...

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September 10, 2026 • 49 mins

Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with David Chang, renowned chef and founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. They explore Chang's journey from struggling culinary student to culinary innovator and restaurateur, discussing his battles with self-doubt, his approach to reimagining Asian cuisine, and how he navigates the worlds of food and media. The conversation also touches on Chang's experiences as a child of immigrants ...

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Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with acclaimed writer, director, and producer, Ava DuVernay. They explore DuVernay's journey from working in publicity executive to writing and directing groundbreaking films and TV shows, discussing her approach to filmmaking, experiences navigating Hollywood, and thoughts on representation in media. The conversation also touches on DuVernay's personal choices, perspective on relationship...

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Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with iconic rapper, producer, executive, and actor, Dr. Dre, at his Los Angeles home. They explore Dre's journey from DJ-ing in Compton to revolutionizing hip-hop production, discussing his creative process, approach to collaboration, and evolution from artist to business titan. The conversation touches on his commitment to perfectionism, thoughts on authenticity, and vision for education ...

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Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris skip the guest in this episode and dive deeper into each of their respective careers and paths to success — Gladwell as a bestselling author and journalist, Barris as a TV writer and producer— sharing how they first met and what led them to this collaboration. Reflecting on the topics they’ve explored with each of this season’s guests, the duo discuss everything from their i...

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Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with renowned researcher, bestselling author, and cultural force, Brené Brown, for a live conversation about vulnerability, shame, and leadership. They explore Brown's journey from researcher to global thought leader, discussing her approach to making complex ideas accessible and thoughts on navigating an increasingly volatile world. The conversation also touches on her perspectives on com...

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