*Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell are teaming up for “The Unusual Suspects,” an exclusive new Audible Original interview series premiering January 30, 2025. Produced by Audible Inc. and Khalabo Ink Society, the series will feature raw, candid conversations with some of the world’s most extraordinary individuals.
Barris, an award-winning writer and producer, and Gladwell, a bestselling author and journalist, will explore the unique and unconventional paths their guests took to achieve success in fields like entertainment, sports, business, and politics.
According to the news release, the lineup includes WNBA legend Sue Bird, former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns, renowned chef David Chang, acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay, comedian and host Jimmy Kimmel, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. By focusing on unfiltered storytelling, Barris and Gladwell aim to offer listeners an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that define exceptional careers.
“The Unusual Suspects is about peeling back the layers and getting to the heart of what drives the most influential figures of our time,” said Barris. “Malcolm and I wanted to create a space where these icons could share the raw, unfiltered stories behind their success—the moments of doubt, resilience, and triumph that often go unheard. It’s a journey that goes beyond the surface to reveal the human side of greatness.”
“Kenya and I have relished this opportunity to delve into the minds of truly extraordinary individuals. Their stories offer an unvarnished look at the nature of achievement,” Gladwell added. “Rather than rehashing well-known success narratives, these discussions illuminate how universal qualities—persistence, adaptability, and even serendipity—can profoundly shape our individual journeys.”
From Olympic gold medalists to Fortune 500 CEOs, ‘The Unusual Suspects’ with Kenya Barris and Malcolm @Gladwell will give listeners a look into the minds and journeys of extraordinary individuals. Coming to Audible on 1/30/25: https://t.co/2hxNpn7LHt https://t.co/VNJy76Fenc
— Audible (@audible_com) December 9, 2024
“The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell” episode descriptions:
- Ursula Burns – 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.
- Jimmy Kimmel – 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 touches on the personal experiences that have inspired him to be more vulnerable in his professional persona and fueled his personal advocacy work.
- Sue Bird – 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.
- Wes Moore – 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’s Jamaican heritage and his mother’s sacrifices on his trajectory.
- David Chang – 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 and how that lens has shaped his philosophy and business.
- Ava DuVernay – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with acclaimed writer, director, and producer, Ava DuVernay. They explore DuVernay’s journey from working as a 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 relationships, and vision for creating change through her work.
- Kenya Barris & Malcolm Gladwell – 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 individual upbringings and perspectives on creativity, to the impact and responsibility of achieving greatness.
The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell joins an expansive collection of Audible Originals from Black creators and performers in Audible’s Listen. Black. 365. collection, which can be found here.
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