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Mahershala Ali: Everyone Should Take Acting Classes To Learn Empathy

November 12, 2026 · 1 h 2 min

Show notes

Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali gets lighter and more open than you’ve seen him, telling Angie Martinez about why he plays to balance out heavy roles and why he thinks acting teaches empathy.

He tells the story of his father, a Soul Train dance contest winner, and the “still trying to be that leading man” postcard he found years later, when he was chasing leading roles himself.

He also talks about converting to Islam, the meaning behind his latest movie Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother, what makes a good husband and father, and why he cares more about peace than happiness.

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