In this deeply honest episode, Jennifer Esposito, celebrated actress and the first female writer-director to step into the mafia genre, opens up about her 20-year battle against Hollywood stereotypes and systemic misogyny to bring her passion project Fresh Kills to life. From growing up in Brooklyn to being told she wasn't "the girl next door," Jennifer shares how resilience, rage, and relentless ambition shaped her career—and her personal revolution. Tune in as Jennifer shares:
The emotional and financial sacrifices she made, including mortgaging her house, to create Fresh Kills.
The deeply personal inspiration behind the film, drawn from her upbringing and industry struggles.
Navigating Hollywood's sexism and rejection, from being typecast to fighting against unfair industry norms.
The power of female rage in storytelling and how anger becomes a catalyst for change.
Why she believes "getting used to the wins" is her next great challenge.
Iconic collaborations with Spike Lee, John Singleton, and more—and the lessons learned along the way.
How Fresh Kills became a rallying cry for women finding their voice in a world that wants them silent.

Book Reccomendation: Long Walk to Freedom: the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Stream Fresh Kills now on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu!

Follow Jennifer on Instagram 

In this deeply honest episode, Jennifer Esposito, celebrated actress and the first female writer-director to step into the mafia genre, opens up about her 20-year battle against Hollywood stereotypes and systemic misogyny to bring her passion project Fresh Kills to life. From growing up in Brooklyn to being told she wasn't "the girl next door," Jennifer shares how resilience, rage, and relentless ambition shaped her career—and her personal revolution. Tune in as Jennifer shares: <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li2">The emotional and financial sacrifices she made, including mortgaging her house, to create Fresh Kills.</li> <li class="li2">The deeply personal inspiration behind the film, drawn from her upbringing and industry struggles.</li> <li class="li2">Navigating Hollywood's sexism and rejection, from being typecast to fighting against unfair industry norms.</li> <li class="li2">The power of female rage in storytelling and how anger becomes a catalyst for change.</li> <li class="li2">Why she believes "getting used to the wins" is her next great challenge.</li> <li class="li2">Iconic collaborations with Spike Lee, John Singleton, and more—and the lessons learned along the way.</li> <li class="li3">How Fresh Kills became a rallying cry for women finding their voice in a world that wants them silent.</li> </ul> Book Reccomendation: Long Walk to Freedom: the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela Stream Fresh Kills now on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu! Follow Jennifer on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesposito/">Instagram </a>

Behind every headline is a person + a deeper story. Question Everything with journalist Danielle Robay cuts through social media buzz to uncover the voices, ideas, and cultural moments that shape how we see the world. Each week, she asks bold questions that challenge assumptions and reveal the nuance behind the narratives, inviting you to look closer at the world, and at yourself. Because there's always more to the story.
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Danielle is also the creator of the bestselling QUESTION EVERYTHING card game series, which has sparked connection and conversation in thousands of living rooms around the world. She's also the co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) and host of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. With her signature curiosity—dubbed "The Queen of Questions"—and a background in political science, Danielle brings both heart and rigor to every conversation. A Gloria Steinem Fellow and mentee of Larry King, she's carried forward a legacy of curiosity and connection, interviewing icons from Taylor Swift to Malala Yousafzai in more than 8,000 hours of elevated conversation.

QUESTION EVERYTHING

Breaking Free: Jennifer Esposito's Journey From Hollywood's Boxes to Authentic Storytelling

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ad26bc94-eee2-4084-aa41-b38a01394f53/transcript