From “The Wood” to “The Mandalorian”: Rick Famuyiwa Proves Good Stories Are Universal

There are SO many different ideas out there about what it takes to make it in Hollywood. But our guest today, Rick Famuyiwa, is living proof that carving out your own lane is the move. You probably know him from his recent work, like the hit show “The Mandalorian,” or his 2015 indie smash “Dope” with Zoë Kravitz and A$AP Rocky. But today, we’re throwin’ it all the way back to where it started. Rick’s breaking down exactly how he paved his own way in the industry, the magic of telling stories that hit close to home, and y’all…he’s spilling some tea on how, at just 24 years old, three guys who would go on to become pretty big stars—Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx, and Usher (ever heard of them?)—auditioned for his first movie, “The Wood.”Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Y’all know there’s no shortage of films focused on the trauma of the Black experience, but today’s guest has a “no Black pain” rule for the films she chooses to do. You probably fell in love with Marsai Martin as Diane on “Black-ish,” or maybe you saw her killing it as the Woodpecker on “The Masked Singer.” But what you might not know is that she’s a boss—literally the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history. We’re talking all about her journey from child star to shot-caller, supporting the next generation of young stars, and how Hollywood just cannot figure out how to market Black entertainment.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s estimated that one in five Americans suffer from mental illness—but where does it come from and what can we do about it? Well, today we’ve got our man Da'Vinchi in the building, and he’s dropping some major gems on mental health. From his experience growing up with what he calls “straight monsters” to a recent stalker situation, he’s breaking down all the forces that have impacted him over the years. Then he shares some scorching hot takes on dating famous people and “pussy popping” in a game of “Here for It, or Nah.”Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a NEW YEAR, y’all, and we’re kicking things off by diving into one of the most iconic millennial TV trends: making yourself into a character on your own show. Who better to unpack this than the visionary behind the groundbreaking HBO series “Insecure”—Issa Rae! We chat about everything from her latest venture, her hot takes on reality TV , to producing Keke’s new film “One of Them Days.” And to top it all off, Issa reveals her true feelings on some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions in a hilarious round of “Here For It, or Nah.” Let’s start 2025 with some one-of-a-kind inspiration, laughter, and realness!Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cuddly as a cactus and charming as an eel, Whoville's favorite talk show host is back on the mic! The Grinch may hate the holidays, but he loves his new celebrity status as a chart-topping podcaster. With Cindy Lou and Max by his side, join The Grinch each week as he stubbornly refuses the joys of the season, cozies up to his celebrity guests — and investigates a brand-new mystery that puts him right at the center of another dastardly Christmas caper. All the children of Whoville's letters to Santa have gone missing, and Grinch is Suspect No. 1. Follow along at the end of each episode to help Grinch and his crew solve this WHO-dunnit in time for Christmas! Plus, tune into Wondery+ as Cindy Lou and Max take the case into their own hands! Starring SNL's James Austin Johnson as the iconic green grump, and featuring famous faces the whole family will love, 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast might just grow your heart three sizes this winter season.For even more cheer, subscribe to Wondery+ to join Cindy Lou and Max the Dog as they take the case of the missing letters into their own hands!Follow 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Unlock Cindy Lou and Max’s exclusive Christmas mystery investigation and listen to every episode ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by visiting Wondery.fm/Grinch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You probably already know that Keke and Sharon share the same sun sign—MAJOR Virgo vibes between those two. And sure, you might know a bit about your own sun sign, but how can astrology reveal our purpose in life and the unique bonds we share with loved ones? Chani Nicholas joins us to get into all that and more celestial secrets from her book “You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance.” She doesn’t hold back as she breaks down Keke’s full birth chart—love life advice included. Then, just when you thought things couldn’t get any more cosmic, Sharon joins in for a special astrological reading that unpacks the one-of-a-kind connection she and Keke share that goes way beyond their shared sun sign. Let’s just say, the stars are definitely aligned for this conversation.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re unwrapping a gift that keeps on giving—an encore of the holiday magic Ludacris brought us a couple of years ago. This episode is packed with all the festive vibes, from a strange story about Keke’s childhood Christmas play to Luda’s heartfelt reflections on the joys of being a proud “girl dad.” These moments are just the ornaments on this tree of an episode, but the real star on top? A round of “Sorry To This Man: Christmas Edition”—it’s pure holiday gold.It’s the most wonderful time of the year! So, why not spend it with Keke and Ludacris? On this week’s episode, we get into all things Christmas including the bizarre thing Keke did as a kid during her church’s Christmas play and our favorite memories from the holiday season. As a veteran father in the game, Ludacris talks about the responsibility that comes with being a girl dad. He also reveals the strange way he and Keke first met and drops a hint at what he’s bringing to the table in 2024…we’re living for this! You won’t want to miss Keke’s impression of Luda’s iconic rap style or their Christmas song sing-along! If this doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, we don’t know what will!Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Y’all, it feels like we’re at an all-time high of cynicism about love—whether it’s staying perpetually single or jumping from one relationship to the next without ever truly pausing to reflect. So how do we break the cycle and find something deeper and more fulfilling? Pastor Michael Todd is here to explore how we can build meaningful, lasting spiritual connections with our partners. He opens up about co-writing his new book, “A Cup of Love,” with his daughter, and how being single ultimately enabled him to find true love. Then he shares some hot takes on cheating, materialism, and what really matters in relationships.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Multi-talented singer, rapper, and flutist Lizzo burst onto the scene in 2019 with a series of genre-defying breakout hits like “Truth Hurts” and “Juice.” But as she closed out her 2023 worldwide tour, she found herself at the center of a scandal alleging sexual harassment, body shaming, and physical intimidation. Now, for the first time since the charges were brought against her, she’s ready to talk and tell her side of the story. She’s spilling all the tea in an exclusive conversation on body shaming, cancel culture, and what exactly happened at “Banana Bar” in Amsterdam.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many of us grow up wrestling with the feeling that we don’t quite fit into our families—but what happens when that feeling is rooted in a hidden truth? Kerry Washington joins us to talk about the deeply personal family secret that inspired her powerful memoir, “Thicker Than Water,” and how she’s managed to protect her privacy and set boundaries while writing such a candid story. She reflects on her most iconic roles from “Save the Last Dance” to “Scandal.” Recorded prior to the 2024 US presidential election, she also makes a strong case for why voting matters, and then we test her astrological intuition in a game of “Virgo or Aquarius?”Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.