Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell launch new Audible Interview series "The Unusual Suspects."

Newark, NJ – December 2, 2024 – Audible Inc., the leading creator and provider of audio storytelling, and Khalabo Ink Society today announced The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell, an intimate and illuminating Audible Original that will offer listeners unprecedented access to the minds of the world’s most extraordinary individuals and their distinct paths to success. In this eight-episode interview series premiering January 30, exclusively from Audible, award-winning writer, producer, and director Kenya Barris and The New York Times bestselling author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell will impart their own expertise and experiences during candid conversations about reaching the pinnacle of success with icons from entertainment, sports, business, politics and beyond.

Barris and Gladwell will bypass pleasantries and promotional banter to deliver raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s most influential figures. Guests will reveal their unique and often non-linear journeys to the upper echelons of their craft and careers. The series will feature in-depth interviews with WNBA superstar and legend Sue Bird; Ursula Burns, former Xerox CEO and the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company; renowned chef and founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, David Chang; iconic rapper, producer, executive and actor Dr. Dre; acclaimed writer, director and producer Ava DuVernay; Jimmy Kimmel, comedian, writer, producer, and host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!; and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the state’s first Black governor.

"The Unusual Suspects is about peeling back the layers and getting to the heart of what drives the most influential figures of our time," said Kenya Barris. "Malcolm and I wanted to create a space where these icons could share the raw, unfiltered stories behind their success—the moments of doubt, resilience, and triumph that often go unheard. It's a journey that goes beyond the surface to reveal the human side of greatness."

"Kenya and I have relished this opportunity to delve into the minds of truly extraordinary individuals. Their stories offer an unvarnished look at the nature of achievement," said Malcolm Gladwell. "Rather than rehashing well-known success narratives, these discussions illuminate how universal qualities—persistence, adaptability, and even serendipity—can profoundly shape our individual journeys."

The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell episode descriptions:

• Episode 1 | Ursula Burns – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris interview Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, serving as CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. They discuss Burns' journey from a New York City housing project to the top of corporate America, exploring her mother's influence, career challenges, and vision for creating change through giving back.

• Episode 2 | Jimmy Kimmel – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris turn the tables on Jimmy Kimmel, putting America’s longest-running late-night TV host in the interview seat for this conversation. They explore Kimmel's impressive journey from a local radio personality to an Emmy Award -winning late night host, discussing his early career struggles, his approach to interviewing guests, and how he navigates comedy in the current climate. The conversation also touches on the personal experiences that have inspired him to be more vulnerable in his professional persona and fueled his personal advocacy work.

• Episode 3 | Sue Bird – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with basketball legend Sue Bird to discuss her illustrious career and the evolution of women's sports. They explore Sue's journey from high school phenom to WNBA superstar, delving into the cultural significance of women's basketball and its recent surge in popularity.

• Episode 4 | Wes Moore – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with Wes Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland. They explore Moore's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a Rhodes Scholar, Army officer, successful author, and governor. The conversation touches on Moore's diverse career path, from finance to media to leading a large philanthropic organization, as well as his vision for Maryland. They also discuss the influence of Moore's Jamaican heritage and his mother's sacrifices on his trajectory.

• Episode 5 | David Chang – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with David Chang, renowned chef and founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. They explore Chang's journey from struggling culinary student to culinary innovator and restaurateur, discussing his battles with self-doubt, his approach to reimagining Asian cuisine, and how he navigates the worlds of food and media. The conversation also touches on Chang's experiences as a child of immigrants and how that lens has shaped his philosophy and business.

• Episode 6 | Ava DuVernay – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with acclaimed writer, director, and producer, Ava DuVernay. They explore DuVernay's journey from working as a publicity executive to writing and directing groundbreaking films and TV shows, discussing her approach to filmmaking, experiences navigating Hollywood, and thoughts on representation in media. The conversation also touches on DuVernay's personal choices, perspective on relationships, and vision for creating change through her work.

• Episode 7 | Dr. Dre – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris sit down with Dr. Dre to explore his extraordinary journey from growing up in Compton to becoming a music and business mogul. They discuss how his unique ability to hear what others don't led him to revolutionize both hip-hop production and consumer audio. The conversation provides insights into his time working with Tupac, his approach to discovering and developing generational talents, and West Coast music today.

• Episode 8 | Kenya Barris & Malcolm Gladwell – Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris skip the guest in this episode and dive deeper into each of their respective careers and paths to success — Gladwell as a bestselling author and journalist, Barris as a TV writer and producer— sharing how they first met and what led them to this collaboration. Reflecting on the topics they’ve explored with each of this season’s guests, the duo discuss everything from their individual upbringings and perspectives on creativity, to the impact and responsibility of achieving greatness.

The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell comes from Audible’s exclusive worldwide multi-project development deal with multi-hyphenate Kenya Barris and his production company, Khalabo Ink Society. The all-new series also joins the hosts’ library of content available on Audible, including Gladwell’s roster of acclaimed books such asThe Tipping Point,Blink,Outliers,What the Dog Saw and his podcastRevisionist History, as well asDJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz Podcast, a captivating Audible Original presented by Khalabo Ink Society.

The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell joins an expansive collection of Audible Originals from Black creators and performers including The Wonder of Stevie from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, co-created by Questlove and hosted by Wesley Morris, Michael Elliot’s romantic comedy Technically Speaking starring Coco Jones, Keith Powers, and Queen Latifah, audio documentary MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy narrated and Executive Produced by Tariq Trotter, the deeply imaginative Wild With Happy from Colman Domingo starring Oprah Winfrey, Alex Newell, Sharon Washington, and Tyler James Williams, Banna Desta’s The Abyssinians starring Danielle Deadwyler, and many others, with new listening experience releasing regularly to delight and inspire audiences all year long. Additional audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals in Audible’s Listen. Black. 365. collection can be found here.