Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 16 hours ago
Thundercat joins Questlove for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that traces his journey from Compton and church gigs to global stages with Flying Lotus, Mac Miller, and beyond. He breaks down the spiritual impact of MF DOOM, how mentors like Dazz Band affiliate Reggie Andrews and his musician parents shaped his ear. Thundercat reflects on surviving LA’s realities, finding creative family with Kamasi Washington and crew, and the role comics, anime, and Disneyland played in building his singular universe. He and Questlove compare Jazz upbringings, talk bass gods (Stanley vs. Jaco), grief and growth after losing collaborators, and the daily work of staying present in a chaotic world. Thundercat's newest album, Distracted [thundercat.lnk.to/distracted?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnBl7vlwzb-SkhPTj6L2vbmkDUvUEfWSAHMaQaD7nvMUdPUz26X_a_ID1DGNY_aem_3LU8AfrAG7zohBJeEXg75g], is out now.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #Thundercat
Thundercat joins Questlove for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that traces his journey from Compton and church gigs to global stages with Flying Lotus, Mac Miller, and beyond. He breaks down the spiritual impact of MF DOOM, how mentors like Dazz Band affiliate Reggie Andrews and his musician parents shaped his ear. Thundercat reflects on surviving LA’s realities, finding creative family with Kamasi Washington and crew, and the role comics, anime, and Disneyland played in building his singular universe. He and Questlove compare Jazz upbringings, talk bass gods (Stanley vs. Jaco), grief and growth after losing collaborators, and the daily work of staying present in a chaotic world. Thundercat's newest album, Distracted [thundercat.lnk.to/distracted?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnBl7vlwzb-SkhPTj6L2vbmkDUvUEfWSAHMaQaD7nvMUdPUz26X_a_ID1DGNY_aem_3LU8AfrAG7zohBJeEXg75g], is out now.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #Thundercat
![Captain Beefheart Made Kurt Loder Move Differently | Questlove Show #shorts
Legendary music journalist and MTV News icon Kurt Loder [https://x.com/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 days covering Janis Joplin and Captain Beefheart to his era-defining work at Rolling Stone and MTV News, sharing firsthand memories of punk at CBGB, Prince, and the rise of Hip-Hop into the mainstream.
Kurt opens up about writing Rolling Stones first major Rap review, chronicling Tina Turners life and remarkable comeback in book form, and navigating the ethics, responsibility, and influence of the critics pen. Questlove and Loder also unpack the line between fandom and objectivity, the danger of snap judgments, and how artists like Prince, James Brown, and Joni Mitchell redefined the possibilities of pop music.
This episode is a masterclass in music history, criticism, and culture, told by one of the most trusted voices ever to cover it.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #KurtLoder Captain Beefheart Made Kurt Loder Move Differently | Questlove Show #shorts](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PFa2GjYJYuk/mqdefault.jpg)
![Angela Nissel & Questlove Recall the Purchase That Helped Build Okayplayer | Questlove Show
Angela Nissel and Questlove co-founded Okayplayer, the online community that helped redefine how music fans, artists, and creatives connected. In a rabbit-hole chat from The Questlove Show [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0322WeX0B14], the longtime friends look back on the unlikely chain of events that sparked it all: a royalty check, a much-needed wake-up call, and a trip to a big-box electronics store that led to a purchase with far-reaching consequences.
Angela Nissels newly published memoir, Good Grief, Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/good-grief-pass-the-bread-mom-is-dead-angela-nissel?variant=43993025413154] is available now. Angela Nissel & Questlove Recall the Purchase That Helped Build Okayplayer | Questlove Show](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PcGBV1uEXvc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Ralph Johnson on Starting a Band | Questlove Show
Earth, Wind & Fires 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 as a kid and witnessing a transformative James Brown concert in 1966 to navigating Los Angeles during The Watts Riots, Ralph reflects on the experiences that set him on the path to becoming Earth, Wind & Fires legendary drummer. He also shares stories from the bands early hustle—playing legendary clubs, piling into station wagons, and chasing every opportunity—through their breakthrough audition for Clive Davis and the evolution into a groundbreaking live act known for its unforgettable blend of music, magic, choreography, and spectacle.
Along the way, Ralph discusses the artists who inspired him, his work producing noteworthy tracks outside of Earth, Wind & Fire, and Maurice Whites vision, spirituality, and enduring influence on the bands sound and philosophy. He also opens up about the groups 1983 breakup, the enduring legacy of songs like September, and what led him to write his memoir, Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Rhythm-Fire/Ralph-Johnson/9798895151433]. The conversation, which also celebrates Quests latest documentary, Earth, Wind & Fire: To Be Celestial vs. Thats The Weight of the World, closes with Ralph reflecting on why now felt like the right time to tell his story, as well as the passions—from cooking to art collecting—that continue to fuel his creativity today.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #RalphJohnson Ralph Johnson on Starting a Band | Questlove Show](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QuyyiYfE4zc/mqdefault.jpg)

![Christopher Cross on his Texas Roots | Questlove Show #shorts
Christopher Cross joins Questlove in Hollywood for a deep musician-to-musician conversation about songwriting, studio craftsmanship, and surviving meteoric success. Cross reveals the true origin of Arthurs Theme (Best That You Can Do)and the outlaw mythology behind Ride Like the Wind, while recalling experiences like seeing Jimi Hendrix live, opening for Led Zeppelin, and singing background vocals with Carl Wilson. He breaks down the making of his classic debut album, his obsession with Steely Dan–level precision, and why his later records still matter deeply to him and his core fans. Along the way, Cross shares rare stories about Brian Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Michael McDonald, and Jimmy Page — plus the unforgettable Ginger Baker milk-and-ulcers story. Christopher Cross is currently on tour [https://www.christophercross.com/]
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #ChristopherCross Christopher Cross on his Texas Roots | Questlove Show #shorts](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RI0yuHYd8ys/mqdefault.jpg)
![Mickey Guyton Reflects On Time In 3LW & Lesson On Timing | Questlove Show
Mickey Guyton offers a candid perspective on the “Cowboy Carter moment” and how the country music industry has responded differently to Beyoncé, Post Malone, Shaboozey, and Lil Nas X. In her conversation with the Questlove Show [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhyYhUsVIy0], she also draws a connection between the treatment of Black women in country music and broader American politics.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #MickeyGuyton Mickey Guyton Reflects On Time In 3LW & Lesson On Timing | Questlove Show](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RiA6K7qq6mQ/mqdefault.jpg)

![How Barry Manilow knows when he has the perfect Jingle | Questlove Show #shorts
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 victory over cancer. Ahmir and Barry trace his path from CBS mailroom kid to music director, arranger, and reluctant frontman who never saw himself as a singer. Manilow breaks down the craft of writing immortal ad hooks, the no-glam reality of the legendary Continental Baths, and why hell only write songs as a job now. Barry, who released his first album in 15 years, What A Time last month, also opens up about imposter syndrome and working with Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and Ron Dante. This episode was taped in April 2026, before the passing of Clive Davis, Barry Manilows longtime collaborator, who is mentioned throughout the conversation. Manilow is on tour now [https://barrymanilow.com/], performing in arenas across the US and continuing his record-setting Las Vegas residency.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #BarryManilow How Barry Manilow knows when he has the perfect Jingle | Questlove Show #shorts](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RpCbxumltRw/mqdefault.jpg)

![Joe Kay on Tailoring DJ Sets to the Crowd | Questlove Show
Questlove sits down with Soulection [https://www.soulection.com/] 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 worldwide community. Joe reflects on his earliest musical memories—from family deep cuts and white-label promos to discovering J Dilla—and how those influences helped shape the unmistakable Soulection sound.
He and Questlove dig into the craft of DJing, from set architecture and “go-to” records to reading the room and balancing nostalgia with discovery. Joe also explains why he left Los Angeles for Miami in search of a new international energy. Along the way, they explore the role of curators as culture-shapers, the artists Soulection helped amplify—from Brent Faiyaz to Kaytranada—and what it takes to build a movement that still feels fresh 15 years in.
#TheQuestloveShow #Questlove #TheQuestloveShowPodcast #QuestloveShow #QuestloveSupreme #iHeartPodcasts #iHeart #Podcast #Podcasttolisten #Joe #JoeKay Joe Kay on Tailoring DJ Sets to the Crowd | Questlove Show](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SM6pUOBMdsg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Inside The Remaking of Earth, Wind & Fire: Auditions, Chemistry & Clive Davis | Questlove Show
Ralph Johnson walks through the exact moment he became Earth, Wind & Fire’s drummer, from jamming with Verdine White and Michael Beal at his “audition” to getting the call. He explains how the band tested musical chemistry—who locked, who didn’t—and why great players don’t always make a great band. Ralph then details the real story of their showcase for Clive Davis, debunking myths about “auditioning” onstage and describing the perfect storm of the right band, label, president, and timing that launched EWF’s classic era.
Ralphs memoir, Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire [https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...] is out now. Inside The Remaking of Earth, Wind & Fire: Auditions, Chemistry & Clive Davis | Questlove Show](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SdgTkfL8WgY/mqdefault.jpg)