As host and producer of “The Laverne Cox Show,” the actress and Emmy-winning producer deepens her relationship with Shondaland as she stars in the upcoming “Inventing Anna” series

Los Angeles, CA - Nov 21, 2020 - Today, Shondaland Audio, a growing podcast network of original inclusive and informative podcasts, with partner iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, announced that “The Laverne Cox Show” (working title), a weekly podcast series hosted by the Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer, and equal rights activist Laverne Cox will debut in February 2021.

Each week, The Laverne Cox Show (wt) will feature intimate conversations with guests who provoke thought and potentially new outlooks. The show was created in hopes that it may foster perspectives that might inspire new behavior in each of us, to in turn get us closer to becoming the very best versions of ourselves, all the while inviting Laverne, guests, and listeners to undergo a spiritual makeover together.

Cox says, "I'm thrilled to be continuing and expanding my relationship with Shondaland by doing my first podcast with Shonda's amazing team along with iHeartRadio. I can't wait for everyone to hear the incredibly interesting conversations I have had with my guests.”

“Laverne Cox is a one-of-a-kind talent and we are so excited that our Shondaland Audio division provides us the opportunity to continue our relationship with her,” says Sandie Bailey, Shondaland Chief Design and Digital Media Officer. “We all know her onscreen talents and her role as a producer, but this show affords Laverne the opportunity to produce something very personal. She's clearly interested in engaging her listeners and herself in ways she hasn't before. And we’re committed to supporting her in doing just that.”

Co-produced with iHeartRadio, “The Laverne Cox Show” (wt) joins a lineup of other podcasts under the Shondaland Audio slate, further expanding Shondaland’s mission of storytelling across formats, genres, and mediums. The upcoming podcast is Cox’s second project with Shondaland, with the first being “Inventing Anna,” the upcoming Shonda Rhimes-created limited series for Netflix about the Instagram-legendary German heiress, Anna Delvey who stole the hearts of New York’s social scene, which is currently in production and slated for release next year.

Early next year, Shondaland Audio and iHeartMedia will also premiere a companion podcast to Shondaland’s highly-anticipated regency era series “Bridgerton,” debuting on Netflix on Christmas Day. The upcoming behind the scenes Bridgerton podcast, like “The Laverne Cox Show” (wt) marks Shondaland’s focus on the creation of synergistic opportunities to connect its various content divisions, Shondaland Audio, Shondaland.com and its streaming partnership with Netflix.

In August, Shondaland Audio and iHeartMedia launched three new iHeartRadio Original Podcasts; “You Down? with Obama’s Other Daughters” hosted by the Black female comedy troupe of the same name, “Go Ask Ali” hosted by actress and author Ali Wentworth, and “Criminalia,” a historical true-crime podcast with a playful take on the genre, hosted by veteran podcaster Holly Frey and co-host Maria Trimarchi. Next year, a podcast from producer dream hampton, “#Matter,” and “American Coup” will also debut, with the latter two as Shondaland Audio’s first foray into scripted podcasts. Shondaland Audio’s first podcast, “Katie’s Crib,” hosted by “Scandal” and “Waitress” actress Katie Lowes is currently in its third season.

“The Laverne Cox Show” (wt) and the slate of Shondaland Audio podcasts are distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.

Laverne Cox

With various “firsts” in her already impressive career, Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer and a prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker. Cox is best known for her groundbreaking role of Sophia Burset in the critically-acclaimed Netflix original series "Orange is The New Black.” This role helped Cox become the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime acting Emmy and made her the first Trans woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television series. Cox can next be seen in Focus Features’ “Promising Young Woman” and Shonda Rhimes’ limited series “Inventing Anna.” She is also the Executive Producer of Disclosure, currently streaming on Netflix. The documentary gives an unprecedented, groundbreaking look at the depiction of transgender characters throughout the history of film and TV.

About Shondaland Audio

Shondaland Audio is the home for entertaining, inclusive and informative podcasts. In partnership with iHeartRadio, Shondaland Audio was created as an outlet to tell new stories and foster discussions that allow the audience to feel seen no matter who they are. Comprised of both scripted and unscripted podcasts, these series encourage our storytellers to bring their unique voice and perspective to a wide array of topics and conversations.