About this episodeSanaa Lathan discusses her role in the Netflix series 'Hit and Run' and her transition into directing with her…AI summary
Sanaa Lathan discusses her role in the Netflix series 'Hit and Run' and her transition into directing with her feature debut 'On the Come Up,' based on Angie Thomas's novel. She emphasizes the importance of solitude and self-discovery in relationships, advocating for 'dating yourself' to ensure authenticity. Lathan also highlights the critical need for mental health support and destigmatization, particularly for Black women in high-pressure industries.
Key takeaways 6
Self-Discovery in Relationships: Lathan argues that many relationship issues stem from a lack of self-knowledge. She advises individuals to 'date yourself' and spend time in solitude to identify their authentic desires, rather than conforming to societal expectations or 'going with the program.'
Career Selection Criteria: Lathan selects projects based on an emotional gut reaction rather than specific themes or identity markers. Her primary test is whether she can read a script cover-to-cover without distraction and feel a genuine emotional connection.
Mental Health Advocacy: Drawing parallels to Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, Lathan stresses that mental health care is as essential as physical health. She notes the unique 'psychic burden' faced by Black women and advocates for destigmatizing therapy and spiritual mentorship.
Directing Advice from Family: Her father, Stan Lathan, advised her that directing is energetically demanding, requiring her to be 'on point' because she is responsible for the well-being and focus of the entire production.
Project Details - 'Hit and Run': Lathan plays Naomi, a frustrated investigative journalist at New York Magazine who hits a glass ceiling. She agrees to help an ex-boyfriend solve a family tragedy, which reinvigorates her career and challenges her stagnant marriage.
Project Details - 'On the Come Up': Lathan is directing her feature debut based on Angie Thomas's novel about a 16-year-old freestyle rapper finding her authentic voice. The film is set to shoot later in the year.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Sometimes you just have to date yourself... it's not always about being in a relationship when you're growing up sometimes you gotta just in solitude sit with yourself get to who you are.”
▶ 2:21Lathan explains the necessity of self-discovery before entering or maintaining healthy relationships.
“If you're in a relationship with another and you don't know yourself how can you give anything that's true and authentic to that other person?”
▶ 2:53Lathan articulates the core reason why self-knowledge is a prerequisite for authentic connection with others.
“It's cool to go to the gym... but we really need to get the mind if you don't have your mind you don't have anything.”
▶ 17:16Lathan emphasizes the equal importance of mental health maintenance compared to physical health.
“For me it's can I sit down and read a script cover to cover without getting up without going on social media without getting on a phone call does it make me feel something?”
▶ 14:31Lathan describes her specific, practical method for evaluating whether a project is worth pursuing.
“You got to take care of yourself because it is going to be... people don't realize how demanding directing is... you're holding it down for a lot of people.”
▶ 11:36Stan Lathan's advice to Sanaa regarding the intense energy requirements of directing.
Chapters & Sections (47)▼
0:00Celebrity Interview with Sonali and Swaychapter3
0:00Celebrity Discussion on Relationships and Career
0:35Celebrity Guest on Hit and Run Series
1:18Disagreement with Sway's Voice Change
1:56Self-Discovery in Relationships and Personal Growthchapter2
1:56Dating Oneself for Personal Growth
2:41Self Awareness in Relationships
3:16Importance of Solitude in Self-Discoverychapter2
3:16Importance of Solitude in Self-Discovery
3:55Discussing Authenticity and Project Choices
4:37Netflix Series Premise and Character Developmentchapter4
4:37Ex-Boyfriend Seeks Help After Family Tragedy
5:08Naomi's Career and Marriage Struggles
5:44Investigative Journalist Takes on Murder Case
6:14Marriage Struggles and Career Priorities
6:44Actress Discusses Career and Upcoming Film Projectchapter2
6:44Discussion of Acting Career and Film Production
7:48Director Announces Feature Debut Film On The Come Up
8:24Career Transition and Personal Life Updatechapter4
8:24Career Transition and Personal Growth
9:06Celebrity Interview with George Tillman Jr.
9:33Conversation about DJ and Pandemic
10:05Family Bonding and Shared Memories
10:44Director's Advice on Hip-Hop Film Debutchapter2
10:44Interview with Hip-Hop Film Director
11:23Advice on Directing from a Mentor
12:08Celebrating African Roots and Identity in Filmchapter4
12:08Rediscovering African Roots and Cultural Identity
13:03Celebrating Identity in Film Projects
13:49Celebrating Holidays on an Individual Level
14:18Faith and Focus in Creative Process
14:48Actors Mental Health and Industry Pressureschapter3
14:48Appreciation for Compliment on Acting Role
15:26Actors and Mental Health Criticism
15:52Prioritizing Mental Health in High Pressure Careers
16:29Mental Health Support for Black Womenchapter4
16:29Importance of Mental Health in Black Community
17:13Importance of Mental Health and Self Care
17:55Phone Call with Dontrell on the Line
18:22Man Expresses Celebrity Crush on Radio Host
19:06Morning Radio Show Discussion and Interviewchapter3
19:06Morning Conversation and Comedic Exchange
19:48Fan Appreciation and Support for Actress
20:31Interview with Hip-Hop Artist and Netflix Star
20:58Celebrity Interview and Promotion Discussionchapter2
20:58Discussion about Potential Movie Role and Promotion
1h 19m
49m
58m
43m
39m
54m
39m
46m
36m
36m⏭ 1
30m
29m
1h 20m
2h 54m⏭ 3
2h 12m
1h 53m
1h 49m⏭ 2
1h 2m⏭ 3
1h 1m⏭ 1
1h 42m
1h 28m⏭ 2
59m
29m⏭ 1
1h 36m⏭ 2
1h 0m⏭ 1
33m
3h 54m⏭ 7
54m⏭ 1
3h 59m⏭ 5
54m⏭ 2
46m
6h 26m
9h 11m
1h 13m
1h 16m⏭ 2
1h 26m