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The Unusual Suspects

The Unusual Suspects

Audible 11 Episodes Sep 10, 2026

The Unusual Suspects pairs Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell for conversations that skip small talk and promotional banter. Each episode features in-depth interviews with influential guests such as Oscar-winning directors, Grammy-winning musicians, Fortune 500 CEOs, iconic artists, and world-class athletes. The hosts dig into pivotal moments, doubts, turning points, and the questions their guests are trying to answer. Barris and Gladwell push past rehearsed answers to uncover more honest, unfiltered stories.

Episodes

S1 E9 | Dr. Brené Brown, the renowned researcher, bestselling author, and cultural force
S1 E9 | Dr. Brené Brown, the renowned researcher, bestselling author, and cultural force Sep 10, 2026 00:43:29 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 conversa
S1 E8 | Kenya Barris, award-winning writer, producer, and showrunner and Malcolm Gladwell, New York Times bestselling journalist
S1 E8 | Kenya Barris, award-winning writer, producer, and showrunner and Malcolm Gladwell, New York Times bestselling journalist Sep 10, 2026 00:49:54 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 eve
S1 E7 | Dr. Dre, iconic rapper, producer, executive, and actor
S1 E7 | Dr. Dre, iconic rapper, producer, executive, and actor Sep 10, 2026 01:07:53 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, thought
S1 E6 | Ava DuVernay, acclaimed writer, director, and producer
S1 E6 | Ava DuVernay, acclaimed writer, director, and producer Sep 10, 2026 00:50:27 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 p
S1 E5 | David Chang
S1 E5 | David Chang Sep 10, 2026 00:49:04 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 C
S1 E4 | Wes Moore
S1 E4 | Wes Moore Sep 10, 2026 00:42:52 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 Marylan
S1 E3 | Sue Bird, WNBA superstar and legend
S1 E3 | Sue Bird, WNBA superstar and legend Sep 10, 2026 00:43:55 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a
Introducing: The Unusual Suspects Season 2
Introducing: The Unusual Suspects Season 2 Sep 10, 2026 00:01:03 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
S1 E2 | Jimmy Kimmel, longest-running late-night TV host
S1 E2 | Jimmy Kimmel, longest-running late-night TV host Sep 10, 2026 00:48:46 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
S1 E1 | Ursula Burns, first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company
S1 E1 | Ursula Burns, first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company Dec 3, 2025 00:47:27 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19
Introducing: The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell
Introducing: The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell Dec 3, 2025 00:02:03 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 th

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