logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
55m 45s

Quinta Brunson: ‘Abbott Elementary’ is B...

LEMONADA MEDIA
About this episode

Today, we return to our conversation with “Abbott Elementary” creator and star, Quinta Brunson!

On the heels of her historic Emmy wins, we discuss the guiding principles behind the series (6:02), its incomparable cast (9:41), and the show’s personal connection to Quinta’s upbringing in West Philadelphia (14:49). Then, we unpack her earliest comedic influences (19:21), performing in improv in college (26:31), and the solace she found in Second City Chicago (29:09).

On the back-half, Quinta reflects on moving to Los Angeles at twenty-three (33:27), the feelings of alienation that followed (35:02), and the Comedy Store performance that irrevocably altered her course (36:55) and brought her to Abbott Elementary (46:56). To close, she shares her hopes for the years to come (51:00).

For questions, comments, or to join our mailing list, reach me at sf@talkeasypod.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Oct 12
Actor Rose Byrne: A Woman on the Verge
Rose Byrne has taken many forms on-screen. In Mary Bronstein’s new film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, she delivers a career-defining performance as a Long Island therapist and mother slowly unraveling under the weight of her child’s mysterious illness. We begin by discussing the ma ... Show More
51m 7s
Oct 8
A Cup of Coffee with Director Benny Safdie (‘The Smashing Machine’)
Director, writer, and actor Benny Safdie stops by Sam’s home this week to discuss his new film, The Smashing Machine (1:30)—an unflinching portrait of mixed martial arts icon Mark Kerr (7:00), played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (9:00). In the second half, we revisit our conversa ... Show More
1h 41m
Oct 5
Ta-Nehisi Coates Has a Message to Deliver. Can We Hear It?
Few writers have examined the tension between history and morality more urgently than Ta-Nehisi Coates. Last fall, on the heels of his new book The Message, Coates joined Sam for a conversation live in Los Angeles. At the top, they discuss how his Atlantic piece The Case for Repa ... Show More
1h 1m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Episode 1382 - Quinta Brunson
Quinta Brunson didn’t pave the traditional path to a hit network sitcom. In fact, she paved a path that didn’t really exist. Quinta and Marc talk about how she was one of the first people on Instagram to hit it big with the comedy she was making on there, which led to jobs at Buz ... Show More
1h 31m
Jan 2023
Quinta Brunson
Emmy Award-winning writer and actor Quinta Brunson tells Stephen she was a good student when growing up in Philadelphia, but she gained her love for film when staying home to watch movies. Catch her show, “Abbott Elementary,” airing Wednesdays on ABC. Learn more about your ad cho ... Show More
12m 2s
Feb 2018
Allison Janney Returns!
She’s back! This week, the brilliant Allison Janney (I, TONYA, MOM) returns to Unqualified for an unforgettable episode. First, Anna and Allison reminisce on the time they photo-bombed a group portrait celebrating TV writer Chuck Lorre (4:38). Then, Allison reveals the most stres ... Show More
1h 18m
Dec 2022
Susie Evans on Life After ‘The Bachelor,’ Passion Projects, and Other Reality TV Possibilities
Juliet is joined by former ‘Bachelor’ contestant Susie Evans to discuss life after the show. They begin by discussing the behind the scenes from Clayton’s season of the ‘The Bachelor’ and the relationships between the women (4:06), touch on her career as a videographer and her pa ... Show More
47m 20s
Sep 2023
Season 5 Finale Reactions – Miraculous Ladybug
“She had the baby!” “Hot Tikki theory confirmed??” Find out in our expansive podcast on the huge Miraculous Ladybug Season 5 finale, “Conformation (The Final Day – Part 1)” & “Re-creation (The Final Day – Part 2)”! Hosts this week: […] 
2h 37m
Mar 2024
Gilmore Girls x Normporn with Karen Tongson
For this episode, we're joined by the incredible Karen Tongson, Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies, English, and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. She is the author of Why Karen Carpenter Matters and Relocations: Queer Suburban Imaginarie ... Show More
1h 7m
Mar 2018
Heather Graham
The incredible actress, writer and director Heather Graham is on this week’s episode of Unqualified! In this episode, Heather talks about the rewarding experience of directing her first film (6:10) and the group gets into a powerful conversation on sexism in the entertainment ind ... Show More
1 h
Jan 2023
Quinta Brunson Abbott Elementary
Oprah speaks with Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writer, producer and actress Quinta Brunson to discuss her mega hit comedy series, Abbott Elementary. Brunson shares reflections about her childhood, her greatest mentors and the pivotal moments of her career. 
35m 15s
May 2024
Sabrina Carpenter Has Swifties Conflicted + Beat Ria & Fran Game 123
Kendrick Lamar vs Drake (00:00-18:38). ‘It Ends with Us’ movie first look + Colleen Hoover’s book ‘Verity’ being made into movie (20:01-27:31). Mauricio moves out of home with Kyle Richards (27:32-31:33). Sabrina Carpenter announced as musical guest on SNL episode hosted by Jake ... Show More
1h 22m
Oct 2021
Exclusive: Pieper Shares Her Side of the Story
In an exclusive interview with “Bachelor Happy Hour,” Pieper James discusses the heavily publicized drama stemming from her time on “Bachelor in Paradise.” Pieper explains everything, including what her relationship was with Brendan before arriving in “Paradise,” whether or not s ... Show More
49m 18s