Daveed Diggs on Creating with Energy Up, Expectations Down

W. Kamau Bell and Daveed Diggs sit down to discuss Daveed's hip-hop career, parenthood, Hamilton, acting, and pursuing creative projects with friends.

Kamau gives Daveed his flowers for being intentional with the work he selects. From his rap group 'clipping.' to his role in the final season of The Boys, to his new film Magic Hour, Daveed busts his ass with projects he believes in.

They discuss how the Bay Area fosters the arts and his need and love of the creative process and collaboration. The conversation turns to Daveed’s mainstream breakout in the smash hit musical Hamilton, how he got the opportunity that changed his life, and the epic jump Daveed executed during a performance at the Tonys, which prompted many friends to check on his physical well-being.

They discuss Daveed’s relationship with his best friend and collaborator, Rafael Casal, and how fame has changed things over the years. Daveed loves being the father of a young son and laments the things that pull him away from spending time with his child, as well as the anxiety that comes with being a new father.

Donate to Cool Hand Series at to support bringing the arts into the prison systems. Chapters: 00:00:00 Daveed Gets His Flowers 00:05:16:00 The Bay Area and The Creative Pursuit 00:11:32 Hamilton and Its Impact 00:23:04 Daveed’s Friendship with Rafa 00:33:03 Being a Dad 00:44:01 Oakland and the Bay Area 01:00:11 Shouting Out Causes Who's With Me is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions.

Music by Chris Dowd. Part of the Pushkin Network.

See for privacy information.