Best Rapsody Podcasts (2025)

1
Anousheh Ansari on Exploring Space, Cultivating Curiosity, and Igniting Imagination 45:09

1d ago45:09

45:09

🚀 Visionaries, Space Dreamers, and Changemakers—This Episode Is for You. This week on The Optimist Project, I had the privilege of sitting down with Anousheh Ansari—engineer, explorer, entrepreneur, and the first female private space traveler. From gazing at the stars as a curious child in Iran to launching into orbit and later into impact-driven i…

1
junclassic & SQ (Episode 98, S8) 59:09

3d ago59:09

59:09

On this week's programme, we talked to junclassic and SQ about the influence and impact that film has had on their new album and its narrative. They also discussed their love for Queensbridge hip-hop, and their process of making "Ante Meridiem Cats", citing SQ's recent 30 for 30 Instagram series as a key factor in its beat selection.Produced by: D.…

1
Lena Waithe Breaks Down the Modern Hollywood Playbook 42:02

8d ago42:02

42:02

In 1991 a 7-year-old girl on Chicago’s South Side had an idea.Inspired by the stories she heard from her grandmother and mother, Lena Waithe decided she wanted to see the lives of herself and her family and neighbors depicted on television.Moving to Los Angeles in her early twenties, Waithe worked her way up through the television business, eventua…

1
Episode 340 - TNG - Bloodlines

15d ago

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Does Captain Picard have a son?! Rachel and Chris will find out!This is our free episode for April; please consider subscribing for hundreds of episodes of extra content!By Rachel Watches Star Trek

1
Ant (Episode 97, S8) 57:53

17d ago57:53

57:53

This week, we're joined for a conversation with returning guest Anthony "Ant" Davis (Atmosphere), to discuss and unpack the fourth and final volume in his eclectic instrumental series, "Collection of Sounds".Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity MediaArt direction: Mango SharkAbout: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is …

1
Jae Tips Had a Sneaker of the Year at ComplexCon—So Why’d He Storm Out in Protest? 45:37

23d ago45:37

45:37

In 2020, a 30-year-old father of two in the Bronx had an idea. While struggling to establish a music career, John Jaequan Cotton, better known as Jae Tips, took inspiration from the streetwear brands he loved and committed fully to a vision for a personal brand focused on apparel and merch.After building an organic following for his designs, Jae st…

1
Ben Pedroche (Episode 96, S8) 50:54

28d ago50:54

50:54

This week we're joined for a conversation with Ben Pedroche, esteemed author of the definitive and deeply passionate "Independent As F***": Underground Hip-Hop 1995-2005". Take a trip down memory lane as we reflect on indie rap's golden era and everything between!Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity MediaArt direction: Mango SharkAb…

1
PremRock (Episode 95, S8) 1:12:03

1M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

This week we're joined by lyricist extraordinaire PremRock —perhaps best known as 1/2 of the rap duo Shrapknel , to talk about his latest offering, "Did You Enjoy Your Time Here…?"Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity MediaArt direction: Mango SharkAbout: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podcast featuring t…

1
On Break : More Optimism to Come! 16:26

2M ago16:26

16:26

💆‍♀️💆‍♂️Taking a break but we’ll be back! What an amazing journey it’s been, diving into the power of optimism and creating space for the big ideas that keep us inspired! With that same spirit, we’re taking a little time to recharge. That’s right—The Optimist Project is hitting pause for a short hiatus… but don’t worry, we’ll be back before you kno…

1
KidSuper on Taking Optimistic Risks 57:59

2M ago57:59

57:59

🎨 Creative Souls and Dreamers, This One’s for You! This week on The Optimist Project, I sat down with the wildly inventive fashion designer Colm Dillane — aka KidSuper. Known for his unforgettable Paris Fashion Week shows and his vibrant live-work studio space, Colm is a fearless, creative force. We explore the magic of blending optimism with fearl…

1
Queen Herawin (Episode 94, S8) 1:09:08

2M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Artist, educator, curator, and cultural ambassador Queen Herawin (Juggaknots) is this week's guest on the podcast. Take a peek behind the curtain and go into the making of her latest project "Awaken The Sleeping Giant" in this expansive and insightful conversation.Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity MediaArt direction: Mango SharkA…

1
Dr. Becky Yang Hsu Breaks Down How Culture Defines Happiness 43:45

3M ago43:45

43:45

✨What is happiness, really? And are we looking for it in all the wrong places? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits down with sociologist Dr. Becky Yang Hsu to explore how different cultures define happiness—and why the solo pursuit of it might be too limiting. Dr. Hsu unpacks the surprising ways deep connections, community, and rel…

1
Library Rap: Brother Ali, Satisfied Soul Interview 44:46

3M ago44:46

44:46

On this episode of Library Rap, Brother Ali discusses his latest album Satisfied Soul and his creative journey. He reflects on his long-timecollaboration with producer Ant, whose unique sound has shaped his music. Brother Ali shares why he chose to release this album throughMello Music Group while explaining the significance behind its title, and h…

1
Bisa Butler's Threads of Optimism using Art, Teaching, and Legacy 55:27

3M ago55:27

55:27

🎙 The Optimist Project Podcast: Bisa Butler – Giving Our Past a New Life Through Art Today, I’m in conversation with the extraordinary Bisa Butler—artist, educator, visual historian, and creative futurist. Through her breathtaking quilted portraits, Bisa weaves history, identity, and resilience into fabric, redefining how we see the past and imagin…

1
NAHreally (Episode 93, S8) 52:03

3M ago52:03

52:03

Coming off last year's critically acclaimed "Blip" with The Expert, NAHreally joins us for a conversation about his latest project "Secret Pancake" and breaks down his recipe for making bangers. Produced by: D. Lewis and L. Bailey for Fly Fidelity MediaArt direction: Mango SharkAbout: Hosted by Luke Bailey, The Fly Fidelity Podcast is a weekly podc…

1
Dr. Vee Kativhu: Igniting Optimism by Chasing her Dreams & Changing Lives 1:01:27

3M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Ready for a dose of inspiration? This week on The Optimist Project, Yara Shahidi sits in conversation with Gen Z global phenom, educator, author, and activist, Dr. Vee Kativhu, about chasing dreams, facing challenges, and lifting others as you rise. Dr. Vee gets real about how self-care can be the perfect shield against criticism, the importance an…

1
Library Rap: Errol Eats Everything 30:40

3M ago30:40

30:40

"This is bigger than Hip Hop" Errol Eats Everything tells Tim this Week on Library Rap: The Hip Hop Interviews with Tim Einenkel.Tim sits down with Errol to discuss his new self-titled album Errol Eats Everything.He talks about why Chubb Rock and Slick Rick are two of the best hip hop artists, writing songs about Black Empowerment with no apologies…

1
Demetrius Harmon: Embracing your Unique Journey: The Strength to Lean into Vulnerability, Discover more about yourself & Honor your Purpose 48:54

3M ago48:54

48:54

This week’s episode of The Optimist Project is for my Gen Z peers and all those who love and support us. 💫 So many of us are battling self-doubt and navigating the complexities of mental health—a double whammy that can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: we're not alone. In this empowering conversation, we’re joined by the incredible Demetrius…

1
Rapsody (Episode 92, S8) 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

Four albums (and over ten projects) into her career, Rapsody is at the peak of her powers. In the week since she spoke to us for this episode, Rapsody has officially secured her first win for Best Melodic Rap Performance (“3:AM” feat. Erykah Badu) at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards   On this week's episode, Rapsody joins us to peel back the curtain o…

1
Rapsody reminds us to 'stay in the light' 56:07

4M ago56:07

56:07

Grammy award-winning rapper Rapsody shares how optimism allows her to "stay in the light," the power of learning when to say 'no' and how to create purpose driven art. Also, she shares how her community is pivotal in shaping her pride in black culture, creative flow and living in alignment with her calling. We’d love to hear how you're staying opti…

1
Jaylen Brown on Finding Optimism in Meditation and Discipline 53:53

4M ago53:53

53:53

Jaylen Brown – 2024 NBA Finals MVP, philanthropist and entrepreneur – shares how he maintains his spiritual hygiene through mediation, sound frequencies and stoicism. Plus, he reveals the defining moment that made him choose UC Berkeley before being drafted into the Boston Celtics. We’d love to hear how you're staying optimistic during this time. L…

1
Prentice Penny on the Optimism in Taking An "L" 46:50

4M ago46:50

46:50

Prentice Penny joins the Optimist Project sharing the important lessons he’s learned from the many “L’s” he’s experienced throughout his life and his writing, directing and producing career. Plus, I invite you to plan a social activity to help build community around you. Bolstering human connection is key to our well-being. Also, our hearts go out …

1
Christine Platt on Healing, Giving, and Finding Balance with Afro-minimalism 52:27

4M ago52:27

52:27

Christine Platt. author of The Afro-minimalist's Guide to Living With Less, explains how we can all rethink our living spaces, which helps to declutter our minds. She lets us in on the inspiring twists and turns with her career, and how a spur-of-the-moment decision to write a book changed her life. Also, our hearts go out to those affected by the …

1
Preparing for Life's Lemons with Courtney B. Vance 54:24

4M ago54:24

54:24

I'm in conversation this week with actor Courtney B. Vance, who shares how life's ups and downs have conditioned him to lean into optimism. He opens up about how grief and a mother's prodding nudged him into therapy, and why he advocates for others to do the work of dealing with themselves. We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas. Leav…

1
Top 10 Best Female Rappers of 2024: Year end wrap up! 45:06

5M ago45:06

45:06

Jazzie Belle gives us her pick of the top 10 Best Female Rappers of 2024. Based on: new music, consistency, skills, relevancy & authenticity. Listen as Jazzie breakdown why she picked each artist and what she has to say about their albums. See you guys in 2025!!By REVOLT

1
Dr. Allycin Powell - Hicks on Preserving our Peace 49:02

5M ago49:02

49:02

Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, who comes from a long line of physicians, still had to find her own way in the health arena. These days, she mixes her medical and media backgrounds into her own business. She shares the way she counsels people about how to practice optimism as part of mental health. And she encourages us to try a new way to meditate -- wi…

1
Ego Nwodim on finding Purpose, Laughter, and Faith 48:57

5M ago48:57

48:57

Ego Nwodim, Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian, and actress, joins me for an inspiring conversation on the power of optimism. Ego opens up about how embracing a positive mindset has transformed her well-being and why it’s a gift to both mind and body. We talk about the pressures of work, how Ego stays grounded in the chaos, and her journey t…

1
Dr. Laurie Santos Explains the Psychology of Optimism 47:34

5M ago47:34

47:34

Dr. Laurie Santos—THE Yale psychology professor who’s revolutionized how we think about happiness helps us tap into the literal science of well-being. As the creator of Yale’s most popular course EVER, The Science of Well-Being, and host of the hit podcast The Happiness Lab, Dr. Santos breaks down the psychology of optimism and introduces us to the…

1
Ari Shapiro on Finding Seeds of Optimism in Storytelling 41:43

5M ago41:43

41:43

Ari Shapiro, host of NPR's All Things Considered, has actively rooted his life’s work and his experiences in the belief that optimism isn’t about avoiding struggle, but about our collective ability to navigate struggle with hope, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you listen to Ari’s nightly newscast, are new to his work, or simply believe in the t…

1
Keke Palmer on Mastering Self-Esteem and Empowerment 40:19

6M ago40:19

40:19

Keke Palmer has made her way into our hearts, beginning as a young actor with a resume as long as my arm - and continues to blossom into an entrepreneurially inspired actor, author, mother, host and so much more. Join the Optimist Project as Keke shares insights from her journey - how family and community shape her, and how in moments of doubt, her…

1
Faith, Fatherhood and Finding Optimism with Hasan Minhaj 49:01

6M ago49:01

49:01

This week, comedian and social commentator Hasan Minhaj joins us for a moving conversation about how his faith has been foundational in shaping his sense of optimism. We explore how Hasan's ever-deepening belief system influences his approach to life as a father, brother, caregiver, and partner to his brilliant wife—each role guiding his broader pe…

1
Janelle Monáe on Cultivating Optimism Through Art and Identity 50:04

6M ago50:04

50:04

Janelle Monáe shares her personal take on optimism, the pure potentiality of believing in yourself and her must-have items that support her emotional health and boundless creativity while on tour and at home. The Optimist Project always LOVES hearing from our OP community! Share your Journey with us- You can leave a message at (323) 761-0837 or - e…

1
Common and Pete Rock | Episode 003 | Elliott Wilson Experience 1:03:53

7M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

While Elliott was making a trip home to NYC, he caught up with the legendary but still potent Common & Pete Rock who just dropped a collab album called, The Auditorium, Vol. 1. Elliott gets to get in his Hip-Hop fandom bag as he celebrates his first Pete Rock interview while praising the duo for delivering a masterpiece. He talks to Common about hi…

1
Cash Cobain | Episode 001 | Elliott Wilson Experience 26:33

7M ago26:33

26:33

On the eve of the release of his album, Play Cash Cobain, Elliott pulls up on the Bronx-bred artist. From Summer Jam to getting the coveted J. Cole feature, Cash talks about his recording process, how he got started as a producer, and what made him eventually step out to make his own music as a rapper. His mom and the women in his life heavily infl…

1
Gabe P | 005 | Elliott Wilson Experience 42:38

7M ago42:38

42:38

Elliott keeps his New York tour going with a pit stop to see Mr. On The Radar himself, Gabe P. They talk about a topic near and dear to them both, being snubbed on “lists”, and ultimately what it takes to build a platform in this climate. Elliott asks about some of On The Radar’s biggest guest appearances, and how they came about, and you’d be shoc…

1
Lyrical Lemonade: Summer Smash| 004 |Elliott Wilson Experience 32:22

7M ago32:22

32:22

Welcome to Chicago and get a front-row view of one of the best summer music festivals right now, Summer Smash, founded by Cole Bennett. Elliott takes you with him to parts of a music festival very few people get access to as he talks to Chance The Rapper on the side of the stage, Bia as she’s heading to the stage, Waka Flocka Flame, DJ Whoo Kid, an…

1
Jason Martin + Jay Worthy "Not a Problem" | 007|Elliott Wilson Experience 57:33

7M ago57:33

57:33

Back on the west coast, Elliott pulls up on two of the best on the West, Jason Martin (formerly known as Problem) and Jay Worthy to discuss this next season of West Coast Hip-Hop. Still riding a high off the Kendrick win, it was a great conversation about the history of their sections, where they sit now, and how the rebrands factor in to what we'l…

1
Ian Schwartzman | 006 | Elliott Wilson Experience 41:25

7M ago41:25

41:25

If you want to know how to build your podcast into a business in 2024, look no further to Ian Schwartzman, the second half of the Joe Budden Podcast Network empire. Ian, first and foremost was Joe's manager. After building a managing company representing great artists like Papoose, DJ Premier, and Royce Da 5'9, Ian would become full-time manager fo…

1
Mach-Hommy | 010 | Elliott Wilson Experience 46:01

7M ago46:01

46:01

The most mysterious rapper in the game right now, Mach-Hommy, invited Elliott to a covert location to discuss how he's been able to move how he has as he's slowly becoming a star in this game. They also talk about what's most important to him, how he approaches producing his own records, Black Thought proving to be just as real as his skillset, and…

1
Mustard | 008 | Elliott Wilson Experience 43:45

7M ago43:45

43:45

With the biggest record of the year, Mustard is having another moment. The "Not Like Us" producer, breathes new life into an already legendary career, and he and Elliott had to do their 10-year check-in. Live from the tennis court at Mustard's house, they discuss the impact of "Not Like Us", the history of West Coast Hip-Hop, Mustard's great partne…

1
Havoc | 009 | Elliott Wilson Experience 31:54

7M ago31:54

31:54

Queens will always be infamous, so it only makes sense for Elliott to go see Havoc during his New York trip. Havoc recently announced that he and Alchemist will be releasing a final Mobb Deep album, with blessings from Prodigy's family. Elliott talked with Havoc about the great history of Mobb Deep, how Alchemist came into the fold, how he's still …

1
Rapsody| Episode 002 | Elliott Wilson Experience 40:16

7M ago40:16

40:16

My next stop is Rapsody. The greatest underrated MC, Marlanna is always a pleasure to hear from on any microphone but I wanted to have a conversation with her before she left the country for her international tour. With the release of her latest project, Please Don’t Cry, we saw a more active Rapsody during the rollout to promote her most vulnerabl…

1
The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi | Coming November 20th! 1:29

7M ago1:29

1:29

On this podcast, we’ll discover: what gives you hope? Join Yara Shahidi as she sits down with some of the best thought leaders of our time - artists, comedians, scientists, and more - to find out how optimism plays a role in their lives. Together, we’ll unpack how to access resilience and joy in our everyday lives. Join us every Wednesday starting …

1
Episode 317 - TNG - Descent - Part 1

7M ago

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By Rachel Watches Star Trek

1
This Show Will Keep You Lifted 0:53

8M ago0:53

0:53

Welcome to the Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi, a show that asks: what gives you hope? You’ll hear from some of the best thought leaders of our era — artists, comedians, scientists, musicians and more. Together, we’ll unpack how to access resilience and joy in our everyday lives. Meet us back here November 20th for your weekly optimism drop!…

1
Ant (Episode 91, S8) 1:06:01

8M ago1:06:01

1:06:01

This week –we're joined for a free-wheeling and fascinating conversation with renowned Rhymesayers DJ/producer Anthony Davis, better known as Ant, one half of the legendary duo Atmosphere. Known for his signature soulful discography including albums such as "Lucy Ford", "You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having", "When Life Gives You Lemons You …