Podcasts · Music · Society & Culture

The Questlove Show

iHeartPodcasts

300 episodes

The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. The Womack Sisters

    · 1 h 14 min · S7 E22

    The Questlove Show breaks from its usual one-on-one format to welcome Zeimani, Kucha, and BG—The Womack Sisters. Granddaughters of Sam Cooke and daughters of soul duo Womack & Womack, they released a self-titled album…

  2. QLS Classic: Dr. Mathew Knowles

    · 2 h 04 min

    In last month’s QLS Reunion Finale, Questlove named the 2021 conversation with Dr. Mathew Knowles as one of the podcast’s most meaningful. So let's revisit it. You may think you know the story of this Alabama native…

  3. Corinne Bailey Rae Backstage At The Roots Picnic

    · 17 min · Bonus

    Questlove catches up with the one and only Corinne Bailey Rae backstage at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philly for a quick, casual bonus beat episode. Corinne—who guested on Questlove Supreme in 2024—talks about going back…

  4. John Carpenter

    · 50 min · S7 E21

    Questlove sat down with director and composer John Carpenter in Hollywood to discuss Cathedral, a graphic novel and heavy metal album inspired by a single dream. Carpenter tells how a bongo lesson from his father led…

  5. QLS Classic: Deniece Williams

    · 1 h 45 min

    In early 2022, Questlove and Team Supreme spoke to one of the most beautiful voices in all of music — Deniece Williams. She recalls her working with Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind & Fire, before breaking out into a…

  6. A Quick Salute To 30 Years Of DJ Shadow's Endtroducing

    · 21 min · Bonus

    The Questlove Show hoped to record an episode with DJ Shadow while he was on the East Coast for the 30th-anniversary tour of Endtroducing….., but scheduling didn’t work out this time. Instead, Open Mike Eagle—who is…

  7. E-40

    · 1 h 16 min · S7 E20

    A real tycoon is in the building. Questlove sits down with Vallejo’s own E-40, the Yay Area legend who was selling records out of his trunk back when getting a major-label deal felt impossible. He built his own label,…

  8. QLS Classic : Joan Jett

    · 1 h 01 min

    In this classic episode of Questlove Supreme from 2022, Joan Jett spoke about growing up moving between Pennsylvania, Maryland and Los Angeles, and how songs like T. Rex's "Bang a Gong" made her want to chase her…

  9. QLS Mini: Stanley Clarke on His New Album, Book, Electric Lady & More

    · 20 min · Bonus

    On this exclusive Questlove Show mini episode, Questlove talks with bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke about Last Train To Sanity, a recent 15-track album he funded himself and is selling only through his own website, with…

  10. Kevin Parker of Tame Impala

    · 56 min · S7 E19

    Questlove sits down with Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, the multi-instrumentalist from Perth—one of the most isolated cities on Earth—who spent years letting the world believe his one-man project was a band. Parker talks…

  11. QLS Classic: The Family Stand Part 2

    · 1 h 20 min

    Recorded in early 2020, this classic episode of Questlove Supreme is Part 2 of the Family Stand conversation. Sandra St. Victor recounts leaving Atlantic for Elektra Records, and her alleges that Sylvia Rhone shelved…

  12. Arthur Baker Part 2

    · 1 h 35 min · S7 E18

    We said we’d come back for Part 2—and we did. Arthur Baker, the architect behind “Planet Rock,” “Confusion,” and so much of the ’80s dance-floor sound, returns to The Questlove Show to finish what we started nearly a…

  13. QLS Classic: The Family Stand Part 1

    · 1 h 21 min

    This early-2020 episode of QLS is among Questlove’s absolute favorites. The incredible trio of Sandra St. Victor, Peter Lord, and V. Jeffrey Smith joined Ahmir, Laiya, Boss Bill, and Suga Steve for a comprehensive and…

  14. Wallo267 Part 2

    · 47 min · S7 E17

    In part two of Questlove’s conversation with Wallo267, the tables turn. Wallo takes over, pushing Ahmir to make some changes. They trade questions about the albums that changed their lives, ’80s jackets, Soul Train…

  15. QLS Classic: Danyel Smith

    · 1 h 46 min

    In 2022, while promoting her latest book Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop, acclaimed music journalist and author Danyel Smith joined Questlove Supreme for an episode. She spoke with Questlove…

  16. A Reaction To The Joe Kay / Soulection Episode Of The Questlove Show

    · 22 min · S7 E14 · Bonus

    Following the Roots Picnic backstage conversation between Soulection founder Joe Kay and Questlove, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpack the discussion and its broader significance. They trace L.A.’s beat scene from…

  17. Wallo267 Part 1

    · 53 min · S7 E16

    Wallo267 visited The Questlove Show to discuss his latest book, Yes To You, No To Them. Instead, he ended up disrupting Ahmir’s day—in the best possible way—with an experiential pep talk that captures why so many…

  18. QLS Classic: Bob James

    · 2 h 05 min · S4 E12

    One of our most-played and most-beloved episodes of 2023. For Jazz Appreciation Month, Questlove and Team Supreme sat down with a living legend of the genre. Bob James recalls his incredible journey and his…

  19. A Reaction To The Maseo Episode Of The Questlove Show

    · 25 min · S7 E12 · Bonus

    Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake reflect on Questlove’s deep conversation with Maseo of De La Soul, pulling out its funniest reveals and heaviest emotional moments. This touches on nuggets from Gorillaz’ "Feel Good…

  20. Vince Staples

    · 1 h 38 min · S7 E15

    Vince Staples sits down with Questlove for a rare, unflinching conversation about community, survival, and growing as an artist without losing yourself. Speaking about his latest album, Crybaby, Vince shares…

  21. QLS Classic: Jean Carne

    · 1 h 58 min · S4 E14

    As part of 2023's Jazz Appreciation Month, the incomparable Jean Carne joined Questlove Supreme. She reflected on her Atlanta upbringing and growing up around figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as…

  22. Philly Cheesesteaks & Escape Rooms — A Rabbit-Hole Mailbag Edition

    · 28 min · Bonus

    Questlove and Cousin Jake field some deceptively simple mailbag questions about cheesesteaks and cereal. Ahmir breaks down his fiercely loyal cheesesteak habits, giving way to tempting side quests about ketchup…

  23. Joe Kay of Soulection

    · 55 min · S7 E14

    Questlove sits down with Soulection founder Joe Kay live backstage at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. The conversation traces the origins of a global movement that grew from zip files and SoundCloud posts into a…

  24. QLS Classic: Carlos Santana

    · 1 h 45 min

    Questlove and Team Supreme sat down with the legendary Carlos Santana in late 2021 for a wide‑ranging conversation on spirituality, music, and a lifetime of artistic risk-taking. Santana breaks down his morning…

  25. A Reaction To The Kurt Loder Episode Of The Questlove Show

    · 25 min · S7 E10 · Bonus

    In this QLS Mini, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake briefly unpack their stress soundtracks, from comfort spins like XTC and R.E.M. to the way MTV and MTV News quietly raised a generation. Using their recent Kurt Loder…

  26. JoJo

    · 1 h 44 min · S7 E13

    Questlove and JoJo are NOT close friends. They aren’t—or at least, that’s how they approached this conversation: two pals from different genres and generations who have bonded in recent years, sitting down to see what…

  27. QLS Classic: Bruce Hornsby

    · 1 h 33 min

    Bruce Hornsby joined Questlove Supreme in 2020 for a deep-dive that went way beyond “The Way It Is,” tracing his late-blooming journey from Virginia jock to conservatory-trained improviser to unlikely pop star. Bruce…

  28. A Reaction To The DJ Muggs Episode Of The Questlove Show

    · 24 min · S7 E9 · Bonus

    In this Questlove Show mini episode, Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpack their recent sit-down with legendary producer DJ Muggs. They explore Muggs’ evolution from boom-bap architect to self-mastered, independent…

  29. Maseo of De La Soul

    · 2 h 14 min · S7 E12

    De La Soul’s Maseo sits down with Questlove for an unfiltered deep dive into his Hip-Hop journey, his approach to deejaying, and the making of a true original. From volatile days in Brooklyn and Long Island to early…

  30. QLS Classic: Seth Rogen

    · 1 h 37 min

    Back in late 2019, Seth Rogen joined Questlove Supreme in-studio to trace his journey from Vancouver teen comic and Superbad writer to Hollywood multi-hyphenate, unpacking weed culture, comedy craft, and the struggles…

  31. DJ Cash Money Backstage At The Roots Picnic

    · 27 min · Bonus

    The LEGENDARY DJ Cash Money joins Questlove live from the 2026 Roots Picnic at Philadelphia’s historic Belmont Plateau for a mini masterclass on the city’s turntablism legacy. A renowned turntable wizard, collector,…

  32. Eric Benét

    · 1 h 57 min · S7 E11

    Questlove sits down with R&B icon Eric Benét for a deeply human, wildly musical conversation tracing the singer’s journey from Milwaukee family harmonies to gold plaques and Grammy nominations. Benét opens up about…

  33. QLS Classic: The Avalanches

    · 1 h 30 min

    According to our Questlove, Australian powerhouse The Avalanches—Robbie Chater and Tony Di Blasi—single-handedly changed his perspective on how music could be made and delivered. Their acclaimed album, Since I Left…

  34. Questlove Reaches Into The Mailbag & Answers - August 6

    · 21 min · Bonus

    Questlove is back to answer another batch of listener questions. This mailbag edition with Ahmir and Cousin Jake dives into recent episodes while revisiting classic Roots and Dilla history. Quest' clarifies a detail…

  35. Kurt Loder

    · 1 h 09 min · S7 E10

    Legendary music journalist and MTV News icon Kurt Loder joins Questlove in the studio for a deep dive into the evolution of rock criticism, music journalism, and pop culture. Loder traces his journey from his early…

  36. QLS Classic: John Densmore

    · 1 h 16 min

    In early 2021, Questlove and Team Supreme sat down with The Doors' John Densmore for a revealing, fun, and spirited conversation. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer reflects on the 1960s Los Angeles scene that gave…

  37. Questlove & Open Mike Eagle Talk About Soundtracks

    · 21 min · Bonus

    In this mini-episode, Questlove and Open Mike Eagle dig into the real economics behind movie soundtracks and sync licensing. Sparked by a listener question about Saturday Night Fever and Rick Dees’ “Disco Duck,” they…

  38. DJ Muggs

    · 1 h 17 min · S7 E9

    DJ Muggs and Questlove link up in Hollywood, California for a deep dive into the creative vision that made Cypress Hill one of Hip-Hop's most groundbreaking acts. From SP-1200 grit and Psychedelic textures to…

  39. QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 2

    · 58 min · S3 E45

    In Part 2 of DJ Drama's classic Questlove Supreme interview from late 2022, the Grammy Award-winning DJ, producer, and music executive reflects on the 2007 FBI raid that sought to shut down his groundbreaking mixtape…

  40. Setting The Record Straight: A Convo With The Creator of MF DOOM's Mask

    · 32 min · S7 E4 · Bonus

    During the recent Thundercat episode of The Questlove Show, the creation of MF DOOM's iconic mask was misattributed. After QLS past guests (shout out to Dante Ross), friends of the show, and our legions of dedicated…

  41. Barry Manilow

    · 39 min · S7 E8

    Barry Manilow pulls up to The Questlove Show for a rare, career-spanning conversation that begins with humble reflections on Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and ends with Hall of Fame accolades, classic jingles, and a recent…

  42. QLS Classic: DJ Drama Part 1

    · 1 h 03 min · S3 E44

    Back in 2022, Questlove and Team Supreme hit Atlanta, where they checked in with old pal DJ Drama. Fittingly, in Part 1, Drama revisits his Philly roots and shares some overlapping histories with several of the QLS…

  43. A Reaction To The Riz Ahmed Episode Of The Questlove Show

    · 20 min · S7 E7 · Bonus

    The mini-episode features Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake unpacking the recently released Questlove Show interview with Riz Ahmed. Beginning with a behind-the-scenes look at how the virtual conversation came…

  44. Riz Ahmed

    · 51 min · S7 E7

    Oscar and Emmy winner Riz Ahmed sits down with Questlove for a personal conversation that spans music, art, identity, and purpose. Bonding over a lifelong love of music (especially Hip-Hop), the two reflect on the…

  45. QLS Classic: Terri Lyne Carrington

    · 1 h 22 min

    In honor of Women's History Month, travel back to a 2022 conversation with the legendary prodigy drummer and visionary Terri Lyne Carrington, as she shares her stories of being a confident child amongst the greats. She…

  46. Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire

    · 1 h 31 min · S7 E6

    Earth, Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson sits down with Questlove for a wide-ranging conversation about the music, moments, and mindset that shaped one of the greatest bands of all time. From spinning Benny Goodman records…

  47. QLS Classic: Top Shelf 1988

    · 1 h 17 min

    Listen back as the masterminds behind Top Shelf 1988 join Team Supreme to discuss the most transformative year in Hip-Hop history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  48. A Reaction To The Chuck D Episode Of The Questlove Show

    · 25 min · S7 E5 · Bonus

    Open Mike Eagle and Cousin Jake link for a mini-episode to unpack Questlove's long-awaited conversation with Chuck D. Along the way, they discuss the disappearance of Hip-Hop's "middle class," the vital role…

  49. QLS Classic: Howard Hewett

    · 2 h 30 min

    Closing the Black Music Month run of classics, Howard Hewett joined Questlove Supreme back in 2021 for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about one of the most remarkable voices in R&B. From his formative years in…

  50. Chuck D

    · 1 h 23 min · S7 E5

    In one of the most requested and long-awaited conversations in this show’s history, Chuck D finally joins Questlove in the studio. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about the art, science, and spirit behind…

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