Director of Audio

Sophie Bearman

How actress Pepi Sonuga keeps the faith — even when Hollywood says, ‘We don’t need you’

Life in Seven Songs

Culture

The up-and-coming Nigerian actress believes that performing runs in her DNA. That doesn’t mean showbiz has come easy.

Before becoming a drag icon, Peppermint found inspiration in Prince

The drag queen and trans rights activist opens up about finding joy even when there are “no tears left to cry” (Ariana Grande, anyone?).

Before Sam Sanders became an American culture guru, pop music was ‘forbidden fruit’

Raised Pentecostal in Texas, Sam Sanders wasn’t allowed pop music. He smuggled CDs home in his underwear and tells the story on The Standard’s music podcast.

From the South Bronx to Sesame Street: How Sonia Manzano made Maria a Latina icon

As Maria on “Sesame Street,” Sonia Manzano became the role model she never had—and changed children’s TV forever.

Misty Copeland broke ballet’s color barrier. These songs carried her through

From growing up homeless to becoming the first Black female principal at American Ballet Theatre, she shares her soundtrack on our podcast “Life in Seven Songs.”