The latest season of Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson, ABC Audio’s award-winning, LGBTQ-themed podcast, is all about family and parenting, and kicks off with a conversation between LZ and his son.
The show’s host, ABC News contributor and Emmy Award-winning journalist LZ Granderson, draws on his own lived experiences as a gay, Black father to discuss adoption, surrogacy, biracial parenting, and more with a range of guests.
“The first two seasons were about getting our stories out there and getting information out there,” Granderson said in a press release. “Season three is about showing our hearts, and what better way to do that than to talk about our families? The conversations are still informative, but this season there’s more vulnerability because we’re trying to show more of the community’s heart.”
The first episode features a candid and personal discussion between Granderson and his grown son, LZ “LZed” Granderson. They discuss their family dynamic and LZed’s thoughts on growing up with a queer father. Granderson also shares what it was like for him to come out and get divorced. It’s an open and heartfelt conversation that makes great listening whether any or all characteristics of your family overlap with theirs or not—you’ll get insights out of it either way.
“This season of Life Out Loud shows how family takes all forms,” says ABC Audio executive producer Laura Mayer. “Whether a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally, listeners will feel seen by this heartfelt season’s focus on every type of family—families of origin or of one’s own creation.”
Earlier this month, the show received the Signal Award for best LGBTQ+ series. It has been recognized with Special Honors by GLAAD and was called a Best New Podcast by Spotify after its first season. It is also a nominee for “Outstanding Podcast” in the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
New episodes will post every Thursday and feature interviews with interior designer and TV personality Vern Yip (Trading Spaces, Design Star), drag queen and TV personality Eureka O’Hara (We’re Here), journalist and author Jemele Hill (Uphill: A Memoir) and BET executive Tiyale Hayes, among others.
One of the most powerful ways we LGBTQ folks can support and sustain each other and create change in the world at large is by sharing our stories. Thanks to LZ and the ABC Audio team for continuing to help this happen.
Listen to the first episode below, and catch the rest on the Life Out Loud website or wherever you get your podcasts.