In the ring, if you’re not prepared, you won’t survive. Today’s guest, Michael Che, prepared himself on the streets of New York—selling t-shirts out of a duffle bag, grinding at open mics, and hustling his way into network television. What started as hustling t-shirts on Prince Street—where one day he’d make $40 and the next, $1,000—turned into a relentless pursuit of comedy. A chance encounter led him to SNL, where he quickly realized, “This is literally Harvard for comedy production.” Now, as the co-anchor of Weekend Update, Che is still in the fight, delivering knockout jokes every Saturday night.

CREDITS

Executive Producers: Dave Chappelle, Radio Rahim, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur, Elliot O’Dea

Music & Sound Design: SALT Audio

Creative Producer: Alex Casnoff

Head of Production: Liz LeMay

Head of Engineering: Jordan Galvan

Production Manager: Allie Strobel

Post Coordinator: Alice Bearn

Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik

Mixed by: SALT Audio

Additional Editing & Sound Design: Jasper van Dijk & Noah Kowalski

Til This Day is a Luminary Original Podcast in partnership with Pilot Boy Productions and SALT Audio.

[REPLAY] From hip-hop to Hollywood, Common has built a career defined by passion, purpose, and perseverance. In this episode, the Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist opens up about his journey—from being inspired by Muhammad Ali’s confidence and activism to navigating the challenges of breaking into both music and acting. He reflects on the power of communication, instilled in him by his mother, and the struggles that tested his commitment to his craft. Through it all, love remains at the heart of his message—whether in relationships, artistry, or the fight for something greater than himself.

CREDITS

Executive Producers: Dave Chappelle, Radio Rahim, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur, Elliot O’Dea

Music & Sound Design: Eric Raichelson

Creative Producer: Alex Casnoff

Head of Production: Liz LeMay

Head of Engineering: Jordan Galvan

Production Manager: Allie Strobel

Post Coordinator: Alice Bearn

Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik

Mixed by: Zack Djurich

Additional Editing & Sound Design: Jasper van Dijk & Noah Kowalski

Til This Day is a Luminary Original Podcast in partnership with Pilot Boy Productions and SALT Audio.

A hidden hand who has shaped Black culture on television for half a century (think: Def Comedy Jam, Martin, and multiple Dave Chappelle stand up specials and other tv series) he is the man who defined the term “just keep going." Meet prolific film and television producer and director Stan Lathan.

"I didn't even realize I was in the fight. And I was losing it, because it affected everything else in my life." "I didn't even realize I was in the fight. And I was losing it, because it affected everything else in my life." How Stan Lathan's perseverance in a personal battle is now felt by all whose work he continues to elevate with his eye, skill, and directorial finesse.

It's the scars of battle that shape the generals. And we follow in their footsteps because they've walked through fire.

CREDITS

Executive Producers: Dave Chappelle, Radio Rahim, Noah Gersh, Jamie Schefman, Nick Panama, Kenzi Wilbur, Elliot O’Dea

Music & Sound Design: Eric Raichelson

Creative Producer: Alex Casnoff

Head of Production: Liz LeMay

Head of Engineering: Jordan Galvan

Production Manager: Allie Strobel

Post Coordinator: Alice Bearn

Edited by: Geoffrey Mutchnik

Mixed by: Zack Djurich

Additional Editing & Sound Design: Jasper van Dijk & Noah Kowalski

Til This Day is a Luminary Original Podcast in partnership with Pilot Boy Productions and SALT Audio.