TMC
06-17-2026, 07:32 PM
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Dropping Names...and other things | LeVar Burton
Welcome to a conversation decades in the making.
In this episode, LeVar Burton sits down to reflect on a journey that shaped generations, from the cultural impact of Roots, to opening minds and imaginations on Reading Rainbow, to boldly going into the future with Star Trek.
It’s a candid, thoughtful look at the moments, choices, and experiences that defined his path as an actor, storyteller, and cultural icon. We talk about legacy, responsibility, creativity, and what it really means to be part of stories that outlive you.
No scripts. No shortcuts. Just real conversation, honest reflection, and a few moments that remind you why his work mattered then...and still matters now.
Settle in. This one goes deep.
0:00 Intro - Pedicure before filming?!
0:53 “Let me ask you something…”
1:41 Mystery guest intro: Reading Rainbow
3:07 Why LeVar had to be the first guest
4:33 LeVar’s “expensive shoes” influence
5:33 The bell + “Dropping Names” rules
6:03 Steve McQueen + The Hunter stories
11:25 “Circling a role” (Hollywood talk)
13:46 Star Trek technobabble & no improv
17:00 Brutal baseball audition story
27:15 LeVar’s Vegas bachelor party begins
34:44 What people recognize LeVar for most
35:11 Roots → Trek → Reading Rainbow (legacy)
40:33 Game shows: Pyramid → Trivial Pursuit
44:22 Brent’s Sidney Poitier dinner story
48:32 Obama name drop
57:15 Picard S3 reunion + Enterprise-D bridge moment
1:00:21 The uniforms: why you couldn’t take them
1:03:27 Thanksgiving at LeVar’s (chef-level)
1:04:34 LeVar’s full name: “Levartis”
Featured in this episode is The LeVar from LA LOOP. Inspired Purpose. Lasting Impact. The LeVar necklace celebrates LeVar Burton’s lifelong passion for children’s literacy. Proceeds support Reading Is Fundamental, helping inspire a love of books and learning in young readers. A LOOP designed to spark imagination, curiosity, and change.
Dropping Names...and other things | LeVar Burton
Welcome to a conversation decades in the making.
In this episode, LeVar Burton sits down to reflect on a journey that shaped generations, from the cultural impact of Roots, to opening minds and imaginations on Reading Rainbow, to boldly going into the future with Star Trek.
It’s a candid, thoughtful look at the moments, choices, and experiences that defined his path as an actor, storyteller, and cultural icon. We talk about legacy, responsibility, creativity, and what it really means to be part of stories that outlive you.
No scripts. No shortcuts. Just real conversation, honest reflection, and a few moments that remind you why his work mattered then...and still matters now.
Settle in. This one goes deep.
0:00 Intro - Pedicure before filming?!
0:53 “Let me ask you something…”
1:41 Mystery guest intro: Reading Rainbow
3:07 Why LeVar had to be the first guest
4:33 LeVar’s “expensive shoes” influence
5:33 The bell + “Dropping Names” rules
6:03 Steve McQueen + The Hunter stories
11:25 “Circling a role” (Hollywood talk)
13:46 Star Trek technobabble & no improv
17:00 Brutal baseball audition story
27:15 LeVar’s Vegas bachelor party begins
34:44 What people recognize LeVar for most
35:11 Roots → Trek → Reading Rainbow (legacy)
40:33 Game shows: Pyramid → Trivial Pursuit
44:22 Brent’s Sidney Poitier dinner story
48:32 Obama name drop
57:15 Picard S3 reunion + Enterprise-D bridge moment
1:00:21 The uniforms: why you couldn’t take them
1:03:27 Thanksgiving at LeVar’s (chef-level)
1:04:34 LeVar’s full name: “Levartis”
Featured in this episode is The LeVar from LA LOOP. Inspired Purpose. Lasting Impact. The LeVar necklace celebrates LeVar Burton’s lifelong passion for children’s literacy. Proceeds support Reading Is Fundamental, helping inspire a love of books and learning in young readers. A LOOP designed to spark imagination, curiosity, and change.