Lupita Nyong’o Launches New Podcast ‘Mind Your Own’ to Highlight African Diaspora Stories

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is expanding her storytelling prowess into the world of podcasting with the launch of Mind Your Own With Lupita Nyong’o, a ten-part series centered on narratives from the African diaspora.

The podcast, produced by KQED’s Snap Studios and distributed by Lemonada Media, will explore themes of belonging and identity, told through an authentic African perspective.

Nyong’o, who was born in Mexico, raised in Kenya, and has lived in the U.S. for the past two decades, will draw on personal stories while inviting listeners to hear intimate accounts from cities like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Toronto, and Kampala.

The podcast will showcase diverse African cultures, featuring six African languages and music from 15 composers.

“It is deeply important to me that honest and authentic stories about the African experience are made widely available to all,” Nyong’o told Deadline. “This podcast is close to my heart, reflecting both my personal connection to these narratives and the work of the talented team of African voices, composers, and editors who brought them to life.”

The podcast’s first two episodes will premiere on September 19, with new episodes released weekly. The series trailer has already launched across major podcast platforms.

Lemonada Media’s CEO and co-founder, Jessica Cordova Kramer, expressed excitement about the project, praising the creative collaboration between Nyong’o and Snap Studios:

“Lupita brings her whole self to this project, and the Snap Studios team created a work of art. We are grateful to bring it into the world this fall.”

Nyong’o, known for her award-winning role in 12 Years a Slave and her performances in Black Panther and Us, continues to expand her creative reach. In addition to the podcast, she is set to star in the Dreamworks Animation feature The Wild Robot, debuting on September 27.

This latest venture into podcasting not only reflects Nyong’o’s deep connection to African storytelling but also highlights the power of audio to bridge cultural gaps and share underrepresented voices on a global stage.