LZ Granderson

LZ Granderson is the host of ABC News’ Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson. Follow him on Twitter here.

What has making the show taught you about yourself?
That I prefer working where I am valued as opposed to where I am tolerated. Being out in certain media spaces, tolerated was the best I could hope for and even that was a struggle at times. But ABC in general, and ABC Audio specifically, value my experiences, talents and vision. It’s been wonderfully foreign to me. My wish is that everyone who feels tolerated at work has an opportunity to experience being valued. It’s quite lovely.

What's a moment from what you've recorded so far that will stick with you forever?
Daniel Newman was the first person I interviewed and thus the first person I asked a question. And on the very first question of the very first interview, this tremendous thunderclap interrupts Daniel before he could answer it. I still don’t know if God was blessing it or telling us to stop. I went with the former.

Fill in the blank: You will like Life Out Loud if you like _______.
Honesty. That defines almost everything I do – being as honest as possible.

If you were going to start a new podcast about something weird or niche that you love, don't worry about the logistics or about whether or not anyone would like it, what would it be?
Background singers dishing on who can and can’t really sing as well as what it’s like to work with the best.

Who do you wish had a podcast?
God… so folks can stop using His name to give cover for their prejudices.

What's the secret to giving a good interview?
Listening, preparation, listening, empathy, listening.

Thanks, LZ!