The Breakfast Club - Charlamagne Tha God X Quinta Brunson

Episode Date: July 7, 2022

Throwing it back to Charlamagne's interview with Abbott Elementary Creator+Star, Quinta BrunsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Had enough of this country? Ever dreamt about starting your own? I planted the flag. This is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. 55 gallons of water, 500 pounds of concrete. Or maybe not. No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh my God.

What is that? Bullets. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. We need help! That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey guys, I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast

Post Run High is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay.

Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best. And you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's Teresa, your resident ghost host. And do I have a treat for you. Haunting is crawling out from the shadows, and it's going to be devilishly good. We've got chills, thrills, and stories that'll make you wish the lights stayed on. So join me, won't you?

Let's dive into the eerie unknown together. Sleep tight, if you can. Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? This is Ramses Jha. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show Civic Cipher. That's right. We discuss social issues, especially those that affect black and brown people, but in a way that informs and empowers all people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence. And we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace and social circle.

We're going to learn how to become better allies to each other. So join us each Saturday for Civic Cipher on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast. Hollywood is being rebuilt by artists not afraid to disrupt the status quo. Telling fresh stories and bringing to life characters who until now have been confined to the margins. This is Emerging Hollywood. And today I'm here with writer, actor, comedian, and executive producer of one of my favorite shows, the hit comedy, Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson is here. Hey. How you feeling?

I'm feeling good. I am really happy to have this conversation because I am a real big fan of Abbott Elementary. I'm glad that we finally get to talk. Now, you're the youngest of five. Yeah. What was life like growing up in you know, in West Philadelphia? Born and raised. I'm sorry.

You had to. I know. It's okay. I let people get it out of their system. You know, it was great. I loved growing up in Philly. It's a beautiful city with a ton of culture. It was a nice environment to grow up in.

And being the youngest of five, I just kind of took so much from my siblings. They were older. They were experiencing comedy in their own ways. Their favorite things ranged from Kings of Comedy to, I don't know, like Conan, to my mom and dad liked really old shows like the Bob Newhart show and the Jeffersons and stuff. So I feel like all that funneled into me. And my brother who's closest to me liked Ace Ventura, so I got the stupid stuff too. It all just funneled down, so it was nice.

Being the youngest of five, did you get away with a lot? I had more eyes on me, for sure. My parents were very overprotective. Really? By the time they get to the youngest ones, they kinda like, they don't raise the youngest like they do the oldest. Not in my case, they were very overprotective.

You said that when you could make your siblings laugh, you knew you were doing something right. So how would you make them laugh? One of the big things was them putting me in a car seat and making me do impressions of Wanda from In Living Color. They made me redo Martin episodes, like from beginning to end. You can remember whole episodes of Martin?

When I was younger, yeah. Okay, okay, okay. Maybe I still can. There's a lot of Fresh Prince episodes I can remember from beginning to end, like, you know, almost quotes. So stuff like that, it was kind of knowing these shows like the back of my hand to be able to say the lines to them later. That was the way to connect to them.

I was also so far away from them. My closest sibling is eight years older than me. And my other siblings, it's, you know, 10 years, 15 years, and then 20 years. As a kid, I couldn't really relate to them, but making them laugh was how I got to hang out with them. And our whole family, like my mom and dad too, we all really came together over comedies. It was like the one thing that we could all agree on was a good sitcom at the end of the day.

Now, you were raised Jehovah Witness. So was I. You were? Absolutely. I did not know that. My mom still goes to the Kingdom Hall to this day. Wait, what? I did not know that.

Yes, yes. So does mine. So how strict was your upbringing? Very. Yeah, because you was named by your- Well, I'm saying overprotective. I can just use the, now you know what I'm talking about. Like, they were very strict.

Also, I was the only kid that was born and raised in it you know what I mean wait that's not true me and my young my brother closest to me the rest of them weren't like raised Jehovah's Witnesses oh no I was very whole family what oh yeah I had the whole righteous ratchets mom and dad so my dad ended up getting this fellowship because he got baptized no no business getting baptized I cannot believe this conversation right now absolutely I should be disfellowshipped. I'm on the run. You'll never get me. I never got baptized.

Oh, that's why. That's why, yeah. Because I knew that was too much pressure. I did, because I was so ambitious. I was such an ambitious 13-year-old. Oh, my god. You got baptized at 13? Yeah, because I was like, I love God.

I did too, but that's too much pressure. I know. Well, you had enough foresight. Have you held on to any of those traditions or habits? You go to memorial service still? Memorial's the one thing I'll try really hard to go to. And it gets harder for me every single year. There's always a new obstacle.

Last year I tried to go, I show up, it's a Korean hall. I was like, what the hell? Like, why can't I? I was like, I cannot win. So I'm just sitting there dressed like a slut in comparison to everybody else. Cause I was also trying to go to this party after. So I was like, I'm just sitting there dressed like a slut in comparison to everybody else. Cause I was also trying to go to this party after. So I was like, I'm just wearing this dress.

It was a little short, but I was like, it's cool. I'm sitting in the back. They're just like appalled at what I'm wearing. And I'm like, calm down. I was going to sit in the back if I could get in. Anyway, the brothers are just like looking at me. All you want to do is pass some bread and wine. That's it.

I'm like, it gets harder and harder every single year, but I keep trying to show up. Yeah, there was a lot of reasons why it wasn't for me, but I don't think it's bad. And I think if it weren't for that, I'm not sure that me and my siblings would have survived Philadelphia at the time. Really?

Yeah, because that kind of structure, I guess, and faith, it kind of keeps you out of trouble, which is why people hold on dear to religion, period. You know, it keeps you on a good path. So I'm grateful. What about holidays? How do you feel about those now? Because you know we didn't get those as kids.

We didn't. There was one year I just wanted to see what it feels like. So I went to Rite Aid and got, like, a plastic Christmas tree. And I just put it in my apartment apartment and I just looked at it. And I left it there for like maybe one night and then I took it and threw it in the trash. But I just wanted to see what it felt like. You never just wanted to see?

I mean, I do it now, cause I got a whole family. So it's like my wife didn't grow up. So you be out here celebrating Christmas. I enjoy it though, but not because of the- I'ma tell your mother. Yo, that's so awkward when she's there for the holidays. You're celebrating Christmas.

Oh man. Did you have any insecurities growing up? There was a point where I thought if I had a big butt and I could sing, then my life would be different. And that was an insecurity for a while. I remember like stuffing my pants. Like I wore like three pairs of tights to school one day cause I wanted to have a bigger butt.

And that was before BBLs and everything else? I know! I don't know what the girls are gonna do now. How'd you get over that? I had a really bad breakup in college. High school, boyfriend, and then college we broke up and it was so bad. It was so bad that I had no choice

but to put myself back together. Wow. And when you get your heart broken that bad and everything falls apart and you put yourself back together, you didn't become invincible. And then like all that kind of stuff doesn't matter anymore. Like I just don't care about it anymore. What helped you put things back together?

You said everything fell apart after the breakup. Like did you start going to see a therapist or? No. Therapy wasn't, it wasn't the conversation that it is now. Do you know what I mean at the time? I think I probably should have back then because I was like depressed, but I barely had the language to identify it as depression. Did you drink heavily?

Smoked? No, I wish. No, that probably would have helped me get through it better. No, I was such a noob at the time. I didn't really drink. I had many days that were, I dropped, I pretty much dropped out of school because of that, which was crazy. I never, I don't talk about that a lot,

but I did pretty much drop out because I just could not peel myself out of the bed. And, um. That's depression. It was depression. And I just didn't identify it as such. And I watched the same DVD of Bruce Almighty on repeat every day.

I couldn't pick up the remote to change the the DVD I couldn't even peel myself out of bed to take the DVD out of the DVD player So I watched it over and over I sought out like help from friends, you know, like friends helped me out big-time I had one friend Brandi who like gave me a list of affirmations to say in the window Sorry in the window in the mirror and that I remember that being a specific thing that helped me I remember thinking was very stupid But then I would say the affirmation to myself in the mirror every single day. And after a year, it felt like they had worked. It's crazy, those little things like that. I picked

myself back up eventually and started making plans to work, to go to L.A. It was really making plans that helped pull me out of that, I think. Because even when I came to L.A., I was still dealing with it. And I just, I don't know. I worked my way out of it. Did it fuel you in some way? Like, I always think about that, I think, what was it, that Mark Zuckerberg movie, and at the end he kept hitting this,

he created Facebook basically because of this young lady. Did it fuel you like that? Yeah. I mean, when that boyfriend broke up with me, I was like, I don't know how, but you're going to see my face everywhere. And then I did not know how. And then, you know, like, then I had gone viral on Instagram and stuff like that.

So I think it definitely did. But now that's all going away. I, like, did that. And we're friends now. And yeah, but it definitely fueled me at the time. Wow. Yeah, for sure. Did you ever start your own journey, going to therapy? and we're friends now and yeah, but it definitely fueled me at the time. Wow. Yeah, for sure.

Did you ever start your own journey? Going to therapy, things like that? Like how does Quinta heal? I haven't gone to therapy. I do have a journey though. Like there are things that I do to take care of my mental health. Sometimes that's just resting.

Sometimes that's just being with friends and family when I need to. Sometimes it's checking in with myself, making sure I'm not doing harmful things to my, for my mental health, like comparisons. I think that's a small thing that people don't think about that really messes with your mental health. You know, comparing, and I always have to check in, especially as I'm, you know, having this moment with Abbott, I always have to check in and ground myself So I try to be very active doing that. I feel like my mental health is in a really good place, but if it ever Weren't I would tap in and not ignore it. I think

Now who had more influence on your career your sixth grade teacher miss Abbott, mm-hmm I heard you ran into Paul Rudd at a movie theater in Philly. Yeah. That little gem that Paul Rudd dropped on me that he barely remembers, it was just one of those little sparks that makes you believe something is possible. But my teacher, Miss Abbott, and my mother, really, who's the inspiration behind Abbott, your teachers are, to me, ultimately responsible for your ability to read, articulate, present yourself.

They turn you into a human. So I was really fortunate enough to have really good teachers that I loved. It always bugs me out when people talk about having a teacher they hated. I just never had that experience. So not only did it inspire me to make Abbott clearly influential for that reason, but they were good at making people. Like turning kids into good people, citizens, creators, etc. So was Abbott a real school in Philly or did you name the school after the teacher? I named the school after the teacher, yeah.

Wow. How did she feel about that? She loved it. She didn't even realize it until she saw me talk about it on the news. And that's how humble she is. I was like, you didn't see the name Abbott and think it was about you? And it's just so humble that it didn't even cross her mind at first. I think that's so funny. But, yeah, she loves it.

Abbott Elementary is a hit. Like, a hit hit. Like, a big hit. Like, how does it feel to receive so much praise for the show? It's so crazy. I, you know, I keep saying when we made the show, when we sold it, we felt like this is good. When I wrote the pilot, I was like, this is good.

We got the writers and I was like, oh my God, we're making good stuff here, right? And then you get on set and everyone's like, we feel like we're making a good show. Like from everybody from, you know, hair and makeup to directors to the COVID crew, everyone's like, this feels good. And so we knew we were making something good,

but for it to go out into the world and people feel the same way and to come to the show so soon, I was expecting it to be like, I don't know. I was like, all right, it's airing weekly on ABC. Like it's not going to catch on until it's full season on streaming. I did not imagine this energy so fast. And I'm just like in awe of it, very humbled by it. I'm so happy that people are seeking out something like this to watch.

Do you know what I mean? There were times I wondered if it was too, I knew it was good, but I was like, oh man, I wonder if people don't want heartwarming. I don't know where people are these days, but I knew that there was a market there for it because people keep re-watching old sitcoms on Netflix. My niece is 14 and she's just now discovering like, you know, Friends and The Office and she, she loves it. She loves the feel of it, you know? And I was like, so that feeling, there will always be room for that. I guess I just expected people to ignore it for a while

and the fact that they hadn't, I mean, thank you. Thanks to everyone for watching, because, you know. I feel like Avid is what happens when these networks give black creatives real budgets and don't get in their way. Yeah. When it comes to notes and stuff like that. I have to agree with that.

ABC was definitely the place. I felt they were going to let me they believed in me like you said the budget was there up front you know it wasn't a fight for because it's surprising how much you know we still have to fight for pennies sometimes absolutely yeah i mean it's clear you have a lot of respect for teachers and you know i love that because my mom is a public school yeah so did you set out to make to make commentary on underfunded schools was that the the goal not necessarily I think a good show begins with a grounded topic right like we may not think of it that way but like the office was about um you know the the work crisis at the time, you know, we were coming out of a recession, you know what I mean?

And when you build something from that place, it automatically yields good fruit most of the time. So my idea was to begin from that place. We have this, I've seen it firsthand what teachers go through from day to day. But I wasn't necessarily setting out to change anything or like beat people over the head with a message. I just knew that if we started in a real place with the state of where we are right now, that that's the best way to start a comedy. I think that's dope because a lot of people just like to be funny first. And that's what these networks do.

Just be funny. Just be funny. But it's like, no, can I create a story? Can I start from something real first? And funny will come. It's weird, because people look at it, the jokes are really like the easy part. You can, you know, whatever,

but you have to have a soul of a show first. When a show doesn't have a soul, then, you know what I mean, like the jokes don't matter. And anyone can say them. Like the soul of the show creates the humor of the show. There are things that people find funny in the show that aren't even jokes, but it's because you know the soul of the show creates the humor of the show. There are things that people find funny in the show that aren't even jokes, but it's because you know the soul of the show.

And I think that also is a marker of a good comedy. Like in Seinfeld, like no soup for you, like means nothing if you haven't seen Seinfeld. But if you have seen Seinfeld, that can make you cry laughing. And that's because of the soul of the comedy, you know, like that kind of stuff matters. I think you're making a good show.

I think I read somewhere that you don't like tackling issues in your work. I don't, no. Really? If the issue gets tackled, then so be it. But I'm not trying to, like, that's so much pressure. And why do we always have to tackle issues? How come I can't make some dumb shit?

Like, you know, like. That's a great point. I think it's only because black people feel like we're not being represented. So we kind of want to show the world what's going on, a lot of times. But is it still not representation if not? That's true.

You know what I'm saying? I really don't like, I said that in an interview and I felt like that came out wrong. But I'm just saying, like, I don't want to start from that point because that's not funny to me. That's not where I operate best. Like I said, the issue gets tackled and so be it. Similar like what's happening with Abbott, but those were naturally the places we were

going to go in talking about what happens in a school, what happens with the school district. But starting there just feels so, you know what I mean? How do you feel when you think about, you know, the fact that people might see themselves in the character of Janine Teague? I love that. That makes me happy. I actually love when girls will tweet and say, oh my God, I think I'm Janine.

Like, it's the worst revelation because, you know, Janine's kind of annoying and peppy, but she's earnest. And I think it's beautiful that people can see themselves be all of that. You know, one of the big things for me with Janine was clearly she has a big heart, but to a fault, you know? And she's wrong a lot and right a lot. And I think it's really cool that young women

and especially young black women can see themselves in this poorly dressed, like, always making mistakes girl, I think that's actually special for us. To me, that feels like a new version of representation, like, to identify with someone who is not together yet. I think that's fun, you know, so. At some point she has to break up with the aspiring rapper though okay what is why are people so mad people like like because you can do better people's

parents call me we got to lose tariq i'd be like what like i was at like a jewish wedding and this jewish grandmother grabbed my face and was like you need to leave the boyfriend i'm like this it's just a show and she's like i don't like it. Like, people felt very strongly. If he makes it, is he going to get a deal? You going to sign with Dream Chasers or something? I don't know. Is he going to get a deal? Look, people hated him in episode two.

Now they're sad. Now they don't want to see him go after his fade performance. They're like, they're all about him. You said Abbott is the first time since high school that your mom says she's proud of you. Wow. How does that make you feel? That was a moment.

I almost cried when she said that. And she didn't even know why. I was like, you have not said that to me. And I don't know how long. Cuz everything else I was doing, you know, with Witnesses, she found blasphemous. Like Black Lady Sketchup, she was like, HBO? The nudity network? And I was like, yeah.

So she didn't like that. I would tell her, we're in this place called BuzzFeed. And she would like, tell me the truth. Are you stripping? And it'd be like, she really could not. I'm so serious. She could not understand what, but it made no sense to her. And I showed her the website and she's like, this is nothing.

This is a website. And I would show her videos and she's like, still not. Well, how are you making money from this? But now, you know, ABC, she can understand. Ah, TV show, that made sense to her. So she gets it now and she loves it. She's such a sitcom watcher that if she didn't like it, she would like say it.

Like her comedy opinion means a lot to me. She told me two weeks ago, she was like, I'll watch this even if, you know, it wasn't your show. Like, I love this show. That means a lot to me, for sure. I don't think parents realize how much those, I love you and I'm proud of you, how far they go for all of us.

Even when we become adults, that inner child still wants to hear that. I know, and she probably won't tell me again for like 10 years, but I'ma hold on to that one because it meant a lot. And she didn't say it to make me feel good or anything. She genuinely meant it. And I was like, dang, that's crazy.

You're star of Abbott, executive producer, head writer as well? Yes. Okay, that's a lot of responsibility. Yeah. It's gotta be at least 200 people. Yeah. Right? Yep.

It's a lot of pressure. Mm-hmm. Does that weigh on you mentally? Only sometimes when I feel I, like even right now, I'm like I have to, I am speaking for myself, but I do feel like I need to represent an entire group of people. I want people to be able to have jobs next year on Abbott.

I want to make sure the show keeps going. So I want to try to present myself on behalf of the entire production. And besides that, no, because everybody else is so good at their jobs that it made my life so much easier. It made it easier to delegate, to communicate, because everyone else was so fantastic. Yes, it's a lot of work and a lot of pressure, but I don't feel it because everyone rose to the occasion. What do you do to stay grounded? I play video games.

Really? Yep, I go bowling. I see my family as much as I can. I talk to my family constantly, because my family is, they're not like, my sisters still just like, will make fun of me, and I think I need that, do you know what I mean? And they keep me very grounded.

Just staying connected to them and honestly even staying connected to Philly, like working with Philly organizations. There's an organization called Yeah Philly that I've been working with since 2019 and they work with youth in the area. It's like an anti-gun violence initiative ran by Philly kids. It's incredible. And just staying tapped in with the city and my family, I think, really keeps me, keeps my feet on the ground. Do you feel success yet?

I feel it in small ways, like when I was like, I'm going to buy a cappuccino maker. I know that seems small to some people. Okay, balling. I like it. But like little ways where I'm like, ooh, and then I call my business manager, and they're like, leave us alone. Buy the cappuccino maker. And I just was like, oh, okay, I thought...

So little ways like that where I want to buy something. But I'm so used to being... I used to be broke for a long time. So I don't know. Those things seem big to me. This? I wasn't doing this last year. I was afraid to talk to you, actually. I was, like, afraid. Why? Because of your show sometimes. You're like, yeah, and I was like, oh, my God I was afraid to talk to you, actually. I was, like, afraid.

Why? Because your show, sometimes, you're like, yeah. And I was like, oh, my God. I have to talk to Charlamagne. And I was like, but that's also a good sign of doing something. I don't want that reputation, by the way. No positive affirmations for me, huh? This has been nice.

This has been lovely. This is positive, right? This has been lovely. I have had such a good time. Yeah. Final question. What does Quinta ultimately want to do? What do you want out of all of this? I hope that after, you know, the show finishes airing, it will have. It will have made something in the world just a little bit better. And I don't want to do that by putting something in the world just a little bit better.

And I don't want to do that by putting it in the show. I just want people to have a good time watching it. I want them to leave thinking about the human condition a little bit more. As you can see, we've started doing our part with helping with schools, and so we've got that covered. But if other people are inspired to go, you know, help in any way they helping with schools and so we've got that covered but if other people are inspired to go you know help in any way they came with schools that's incredible I love when people like just tell me hey I made a donation today or hey I checked into a meeting a local meeting about because anyone can go to

these meetings for schools at you know government meetings or whatever all that makes me really happy and other than, I'd like a farm eventually. Oh. So I'm working toward that. Nice farm. I'll live in L.A. and I'll live in the city and stuff. But one day I'm going to retire and you will never see me again. Why a farm? Why not a farm? Everything's going to shit. I want to grow my own food. I want to have a compound and, you know, have some animals. And so that's my plan.

All right. Well, Quinta, it was a pleasure. And I just want to continue to see you grow and evolve. Thank you. This was lovely. I hope so. It was! I'm like, this was a wonderful experience. This alone changed your perception of me. You hated me? I didn't know. What did you think of me, Quinta?

Matter of fact, don't answer that. I don't want to know. You know what? I don't want to know for my own confidence sake. Okay? Yes. Thank you, Quinta. Matter of fact, don't answer that. I don't want to know. You know what? I don't want to know for my own confidence sake. Okay? Yes. Thank you, Quinta. Thank you.

Had enough of this country? Ever dreamt about starting your own? I planted the flag. This is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. There are 55 gallons of water and 500 pounds of concrete. Or maybe not.

No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh my God. What is that? Bullets. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey guys, I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast, Post Run High, is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. Listen to Post Run High

on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Have grace for yourself. You're trying your best. And you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing.

Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. shadows, and it's going to be devilishly good. We've got chills, thrills, and stories that'll make you wish the lights stayed on. So join me, won't you? Let's dive into the eerie unknown together. Sleep tight, if you can. Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? This is Ramses Jha. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show up? This is Ramses Jha. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show, Civic Cipher.

That's right. We discuss social issues, especially those that affect Black and brown people, but in a way that informs and empowers all people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence, and we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace, and social circle. We're going to learn how to become better allies to each other. So join us each Saturday for Civic Cipher on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.