This week, we’re bringing you an exciting conversation where Lupita Nyong’o joins Trevor Noah and Christiana Mbakwe Medina on their show What Now? to discuss Mind Your Own and its vibrant tales from the African diaspora. The trio dives into their multifaceted identities, Lupita’s inspiring stance on never expecting rejection, and an entertaining debate that attempts to crown the “best” African country.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your body is your smoke detector.

This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

STORIES

“It’s in His Kiss”: 18-year-old Lupita falls for Juan, a handsome family friend. Just when she thinks he couldn’t be more perfect, they share their first kiss.

Original score by Nyokabi Kariũki, with additional production from Clay Xavier and MR LU*.

“Love and Marriage”: When Sirry graduates from college in Buea, Cameroon, all eyes are on her. Why is she still single? To deflect attention, she decides to take extreme measures.

This story references violence and oppression of people in the LGBTQIA+ community. Please take care while listening.

Many thanks to Sirry Alang for sharing her story with Mind Your Own.

Produced by David Exumé with Sirry Alang. Original score by Niecy Blues. Additional music and production from Lauryn Newson.

Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. This episode also featured the song I Saw An Angel On The Roof & Wept by Somadina.

Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich
Managing Editor: Regina Bediako
Director of Production: Marisa Dodge
Series Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla Alabi
Music Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-Ndu
Story Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong’o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko Moche
Editors: Nancy López and Anna Sussman
Engineering: Miles Lassi
Operations Manager: Florene Wiley
Story Consultant: John Fecile
Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh
Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole
Special Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods

Episode transcripts can be found here.

Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong’o.

Snap Studios is home to the Snap Judgment and Spooked podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one rules forever on the throne of time.

This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

STORIES

“The Black Ties”: In high school, Lupita pushes back against an archaic rule with a secret weapon.

Original score by Cheflee.

“The Holy Holies”: Odinaka departs Atlanta for boarding school in Nigeria, where he clashes with the upperclassmen. Enter divine intervention in the form of “The Catholic Executives.”

Thank you Odinaka Ezeokoli for sharing your story, and Stuti Sharma for joining him in the studio!

Written by Odinaka Ezeokoli and produced by John Fecile. Original score by Ehiorobo.

Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. This episode also featured the song Blessed by Kiddo CSA ft. BlaqBonez.

Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich
Managing Editor: Regina Bediako
Director of Production: Marisa Dodge
Series Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla Alabi
Music Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-Ndu
Story Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong’o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko Moche
Editors: Nancy López and Anna Sussman
Engineering: Miles Lassi
Operations Manager: Florene Wiley
Story Consultant: John Fecile
Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh
Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole
Special Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods

Episode transcripts can be found here.

Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong’o.

Snap Studios is home to the Snap Judgment and Spooked podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.