Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong’o knows what home feels like. But where exactly is it? In Mexico, where she was born? Kenya, where she grew up? Or the States, where she’s spent the past 20 years? Like Lupita, millions of Africans are spread out across the globe following family, searching for love, building futures and creating stories. It's these stories – wild and messy, intimate and joyous – that she wants to hear. Welcome to Mind Your Own, a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong, all from the African perspective. Join Lupita as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. Production by Snap Studios at KQED, ad sales and distribution by Lemonada Media.

Episodes

Listen Now: What’s In An Accent with Lupita Nyong’o

December 17, 2024 • 64 mins

This week, we’re bringing you an exciting conversation where Lupita Nyong’o joins Trevor Noah and Christiana Mbakwe Medina on their show What Now? to discuss Mind Your Own and its vibrant tales from the African diaspora. The trio dives into their multifaceted identities, Lupita’s inspiring stance on never expecting rejection, and an entertaining debate that attempts to crown the “best&rdq...

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I Lied to Me O

November 14, 2024 • 58 mins

Your body is your smoke detector. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “It’s in His Kiss”: 18-year-old Lupita falls for Juan, a handsome family friend. Just when she thinks he couldn’t be more perfect, they share their first kiss. Original score by Nyokabi Kariũki, with additional production from Clay Xavier and MR LU*. “Love an...

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School Daze

November 7, 2024 • 30 mins

No one rules forever on the throne of time. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “The Black Ties”: In high school, Lupita pushes back against an archaic rule with a secret weapon. Original score by Cheflee. “The Holy Holies”: Odinaka departs Atlanta for boarding school in Nigeria, where he clashes with the upperclassmen. Enter di...

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Safe Passage

October 31, 2024 • 43 mins

Wherever you go, there you are. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “A Christmas Misadventure”: ¡Feliz Navidad! Lupita is in Mexico for Christmas when a friend invites her to join him and his relatives for the holiday. Original score by Parker Halliwell, Jr. AKA Dakim. “TikTok Ticket”: Phoebe didn’t grow up with much else besid...

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Potential Energy

October 24, 2024 • 43 mins

You can’t spot a red flag while wearing rose-colored glasses. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “The Mission”: Garrett is infamous on campus for having problematic views on race. Lupita wants to school him into making better choices. Original score by Sandra Lawson-Ndu and Olukemi Lijadu. “Red Foxes”: Ansa is living in Washin...

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Chain of Possession

October 17, 2024 • 45 mins

The kola nut stays longer in the mouth of those who value it. STORIES “The Pearl Dress”: Lupita tells the story of an Oscars controversy that places her at the center of a media circus. Original score by Lauryn Newson, with additional music from Niecy Blues. “The Lost Tome”: Ayanawo, an Ethiopian-Israeli living near Tel Aviv, receives an urgent call about a mysterious book. Ayanawo Ferada Se...

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Freedom Fathers

October 10, 2024 • 36 mins

When elephants fight, the grass suffers. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “Disappeared”: Being the child of a changemaker can be an isolating experience. For Lupita and her family, it feels like everything is at stake all the time. Original score by Khari Lucas. “The Lions’ Den”: Portia is the daughter of a household name in...

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For You, Anything

October 3, 2024 • 29 mins

Love is sweeter than reason. STORIES “Sister Trouble”: Lupita, her sister Fiona, and cousins Kitt, Tawi, and Mich get together to recount a legendary nursing mishap. Produced by David Exumé, with assistance from Fiona Nyong’o. Original score by Clay Xavier. “Oha Soup”: Joan, a Nigerian barrister, pours all her love into her signature dish just so she can hand-deliver it for her daughter’s gra...

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Guilt Trips

September 26, 2024 • 39 mins

The longest journey is from daughter to mother. STORIES “Up in the Air”: Lupita and her mom enter a tense standoff on top of a seaside wall in Puerto Rico. Original score by Lauryn Newson. “Who's Bad?”: In Toronto, young Evelyn is proving to be quite the handful for her disapproving mom — skipping class, throwing parties, ignoring curfew. But her parents have an old-school trick of their own up the...

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The Shadow Side

September 20, 2024 • 45 mins

The dead man does not know the value of his coffin. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “Comeuppance”: 12-year-old Lupita’s split-second playground decision haunts her for years. Original score by Clay Xavier. “Graveyard Shift”: John Kibera has found the hustle to end all hustles in Nairobi. The shillings pour in. But one day, ...

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The Sound of Home

September 19, 2024 • 39 mins

Sound travels in all directions, but your feet can only follow in one. STORIES “Losing My Accent”: Lupita takes on an American accent when she becomes an actor-in-training at Yale. Original score by Ian Hughes Pelton AKA Tofu Jack. “Obaa Sima”: How long can a song stay in your heart? A musical journey from Ghana to Germany to Canada transports Yaw Atta-Owusu from the toy store to the dance floor. Big th...

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Mind Your Own Trailer

September 3, 2024 • 2 mins

Welcome to Mind Your Own, a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong, all from the African perspective. Join Lupita Nyong’o as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. This ten episode series is coming your way September 19. Episodes drop weekly, wherever you get your podcasts.Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sa...

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