Get ready, because this week in The Coop, we’ve got the one-and-only—Uzo Aduba. You know her as the unforgettable Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren from Orange is the New Black, but Uzo’s story is so much bigger than her iconic characters. Her new book, The Road is Good, dives into a life filled with resilience, joy, and the unstoppable strength and spunk she inherited from her mother.
Growing up as a Nigerian-American in a Boston suburb, Uzo faced challenges fitting in but learned to embrace her identity (and gorgeous tooth gap), thanks to her mother's wisdom and love. Her mom’s lessons—like insisting people learn her name instead of changing it—taught Uzo about self-worth and pride. Uzo nearly walked away from acting, but on the very day she quit, she got the call for Orange is the New Black and life’s trajectory took a powerful, joyful turn.
Oh, and did we mention Uzo is a classically trained opera singer, former figure skater, AND a track star? Holy talent, people.
This episode is packed with joy, grit, and laughs as we explore staying true to your roots, and your Mama. So, trust the stage—let the universe do its thing—and join us in The Coop for this unforgettable and heartfelt conversation with Uzo Aduba.
--
This episode was produced by Kit Hoover and Harper McDonald. Business Development by Casey Ladd.
--
To learn more about our sponsors:
OluKai
Live the Ohana Life with OluKai.
Incredible lifestyle shoes and sandals for everyday comfort and style.
Check out their new pickleball and golf shoes!
https://olukai.com
Use code COOP for Free EXPEDITED Shipping.
Erin Gray
The perfect white Tshirt has been found.
The softest Pima cotton from Peru.
Pre shrunk and pre washed and no tags.
https://eringraydesign.com
Use code COOP20 for 20% off your next order.
Better Help
Give online therapy a try and be on your way to your best self.
Professional therapy that is accessible and affordable.
Get matched with the best licensed therapist for you.
10% off your first month. Go to get started or betterhelp.com/THECOOP
Blue Delta Jeans
There is nothing like custom-fit jeans.
Once you try them, you will never go back.
Easy measuring system to your best-fitting jeans ever.
bluedeltajeans.com
Use code COOP20 for 20% off your next order
Follow The Coop with Kit on Instagram @kithoover and @thecoopwithkithoover
Popular Podcasts
Boysober
Have you ever wondered what life might be like if you stopped worrying about being wanted, and focused on understanding what you actually want? That was the question Hope Woodard asked herself after a string of situationships inspired her to take a break from sex and dating. She went "boysober," a personal concept that sparked a global movement among women looking to prioritize themselves over men. Now, Hope is looking to expand the ways we explore our relationship to relationships. Taking a bold, unfiltered look into modern love, romance, and self-discovery, Boysober will dive into messy stories about dating, sex, love, friendship, and breaking generational patterns—all with humor, vulnerability, and a fresh perspective.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com