Work in Progress: David Oyelowo

Podcast: Work in Progress with Sophia Bush
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: David Oyelowo
Release Date: July 3, 2025

1. Introduction to David Oyelowo and "Government Cheese"

Timestamp: [02:46]
Sophia Bush welcomes returning guest David Oyelowo, praising his exceptional artistry and the impact of his work. David discusses his new Apple series, Government Cheese, set in the San Fernando Valley in the late 1960s and early 1990s. The show centers on the Chambers family, highlighting the complexities that arise when a former burglar turned inventor returns from prison.

2. Personal Life and Parenthood

Timestamp: [06:16]
David delves into his experiences as a father witnessing his children embark on their own life journeys. He shares the emotional moment of dropping his son Caleb off at drama school in London, reflecting on his own similar experience and the profound impact it had on him.

David Oyelowo: "I was trying to be very brave... And my daughter was holding my hand and she went, 'Dad, are you okay?' And I was not okay." (06:18)

3. Representation in Media

Timestamp: [25:34]
The discussion shifts to the importance of diverse representation in media. David emphasizes how Government Cheese breaks stereotypes by portraying a Black family in a humorous and multifaceted light, moving beyond the usual narratives of trauma and struggle.

David Oyelowo: "If you're a Hispanic, you are just constantly subjected to the narcos kind of narrative... It's not the totality of that experience." (28:21)

4. Challenges in the Entertainment Industry

Timestamp: [35:18]
David reflects on the systemic biases within Hollywood, where representation often hinges on financial incentives and data-driven decisions from streaming platforms. He contrasts this with the historical underrepresentation and compartmentalization of minority stories.

David Oyelowo: "Streaming has afforded us more of these stories because... people like these shows, and not just Black people want to see Black stuff." (37:21)

5. Tenacity and Project Development

Timestamp: [39:21]
Sophia inquires about the genesis of Government Cheese and David shares the show's evolution from a short film script to a full-fledged series after presenting a proof of concept to Apple. He underscores the importance of tenacity in bringing meaningful projects to fruition.

David Oyelowo: "The projects that have been most meaningful to me have taken an average of 5 to 10 years to get off the ground." (42:32)

6. Balancing Personal Life and Career

Timestamp: [65:23]
The conversation turns to how David maintains balance between his demanding career and his personal life. He shares his "two-week rule" with his wife to ensure they remain connected despite busy schedules and international commitments.

David Oyelowo: "We have a two-week rule. We're never apart for more than two weeks." (66:23)

7. Systemic Oppression and Its Impact

Timestamp: [55:04]
David and Sophia explore the deep-seated issues of racial and patriarchal oppression in America. David speaks candidly about the historical foundations of systemic racism and its contemporary manifestations, emphasizing the need for societal repentance and acceptance to move forward.

David Oyelowo: "The foundations dictate what the building is, how strong it's gonna be... the building blocks of America are pretty gnarly." (58:17)

8. Embracing Joy and Gratitude

Timestamp: [65:57]
David shares his personal practices for maintaining joy and gratitude, highlighting the significance of family, faith, and appreciating life's blessings. He reflects on the transient nature of life's joys and the importance of embracing them fully.

David Oyelowo: "Counting my blessings. My faith is a huge component of my life personally." (65:57)
Sophia Bush: "Love is something you work at... The promise is so important." (68:30)

9. Being a Work in Progress

Timestamp: [71:29]
Concluding the episode, David emphasizes that personal growth and healing are ongoing processes. He acknowledges his own journey in grieving and self-forgiveness, reinforcing the concept that being a "work in progress" is intrinsic to the human experience.

David Oyelowo: "Being a work in progress is indicative that we're still here." (73:07)

Notable Quotes

• David Oyelowo:

  • "[...] it feels both very natural and also really unnatural all at the same time, which is a very discombobulating feeling." (06:18)
  • "If you're a Hispanic, you are just constantly subjected to the narcos kind of narrative... It's not the totality of that experience." (28:21)
  • "Streaming has afforded us more of these stories because... people like these shows, and not just Black people want to see Black stuff." (37:21)
  • "The projects that have been most meaningful to me have taken an average of 5 to 10 years to get off the ground." (42:32)
  • "We have a two-week rule. We're never apart for more than two weeks." (66:23)
  • "The foundations dictate what the building is, how strong it's gonna be... the building blocks of America are pretty gnarly." (58:17)
  • "Counting my blessings. My faith is a huge component of my life personally." (65:57)
  • "Being a work in progress is indicative that we're still here." (73:07)

• Sophia Bush:

  • "Love is something you work at... The promise is so important." (68:30)

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, David Oyelowo offers an intimate glimpse into his personal life, creative process, and the broader socio-cultural issues he passionately addresses through his work. From navigating parenthood and maintaining personal relationships to challenging systemic biases in the entertainment industry, David embodies the essence of being both a masterpiece and a work in progress. His insights not only highlight his multifaceted talents but also inspire listeners to reflect on their own journeys of growth and resilience.