**Kerry Washington Transforms ‘Street You Grew Up On’ Into Weekly Podcast**
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Kerry Washington, the acclaimed actress and producer, has taken her passion project ‘Street You Grew Up On’ and turned it into a vibrant weekly podcast. This initiative has evolved from its humble beginnings as a series of casual phone calls with friends and acquaintances to now feature an array of high-profile guests. In a recent conversation with *PEOPLE*, Washington shared her journey from a COVID-19 hobby to a fully-fledged audio and video series.
The impetus for the podcast came during the pandemic when Washington, like many others, was seeking activities to fill the time while people remained confined to their homes. Initially, she launched ‘Street You Grew Up On’ as a digital interview series in 2021, asking guests to reflect on their formative years and the environments that shaped them prior to finding fame.
“I started by interviewing friends and individuals I admire about the streets they grew up on,” Washington explained. Some of her early guests included renowned figures such as Eva Longoria and former First Lady Michelle Obama. This simple yet profound question allowed her guests to engage in meaningful dialogue about their backgrounds.
What began as a few phone calls has blossomed into a dedicated podcast space, marking a significant evolution in Washington’s vision. The new format enables her to spend ample time exploring the intricate stories behind each guest’s journey, delving into the memories and relationships tied to their upbringing.
The inaugural episode of this latest season, which launched on September 30, featured none other than Ben Affleck, Washington’s co-star in the upcoming Netflix film *Animals*. Following Affleck, listeners can anticipate conversations with a star-studded lineup, including the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Demi Lovato, Colin Kaepernick, and Chelsea Handler. Previous seasons boasted a host of illustrious guests, such as Jane Fonda, Queen Latifah, John Legend, and Issa Rae.
Washington shared an emotional connection to the podcast’s theme, citing that her production company, Simpson Street, is named after the street in the Bronx where her mother grew up. She expressed her ongoing curiosity about how our origins shape our identities. “I’ve always wondered how our origin stories impact who we become,” she stated in a statement to *Variety*.
The podcast offers a refreshing perspective, focusing not solely on the accomplishments of its guests but rather on the significant influences of their backgrounds. “Street You Grew Up On allows me to explore this concept further by engaging with individuals whose journeys captivate us all,” Washington said. This intent is reflected in the discussions, where the emphasis lies in reflecting on the people and places that have moulded their lives.
As Washington continues to develop her podcasting skills, she expressed her enjoyment of the process while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it. “I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning a lot. It’s not as easy as I thought it might be,” she confided, highlighting the dedication required to create a compelling series.
In conclusion, ‘Street You Grew Up On’ has transcended its origins as a private series of interviews into a well-produced podcast that resonates with listeners. Washington’s ability to connect with her guests on a personal level, combined with her desire to uncover the significant influences that shape individuals, promises to make this podcast a substantial addition to the world of audio storytelling.
As anticipation builds for the forthcoming episodes, fans of Washington’s work can also look forward to streaming *Animals* on Netflix from October 9, showcasing her continued evolution as a multifaceted artist in the entertainment industry.