Courtney Kemp: From Getting Fired to Creating the Power Universe | SWAY’S UNIVERSE
Jun 29, 2026
Ever wondered what it takes to build a television empire like the Power Universe? Join us for an exclusive sit-down with the legendary Courtney Kemp as she reveals the secrets behind her storytelling and her journey from Connecticut to Hollywood. This is a must-watch for any fan of gritty drama and masterful character development.
In this deep-dive interview, Courtney discusses her transition from print magazines to becoming one of the most influential showrunners in the industry. She opens up about the lessons learned from getting fired early in her career, the advice from her father that fueled her fire, and the intricate process of creating complex characters like Ghost and Tommy. We also explore her new Netflix series, Nemesis, and why she continues to prioritize authentic representation for the community.
Courtney shares her experiences working with icons like Bernie Mac, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Method Man. She breaks down the psychology of why we root for the criminal and explains the importance of actions over words in her writing. Plus, she addresses the age-old question every Power fan wants to know: is Ghost really dead?
Chapters
0:00 Welcome Courtney Kemp to the show
2:45 From magazines to the Bernie Mac Show
5:15 Proving her father wrong and early sacrifice
8:00 The professionalism of Bernie Mac
10:45 The psychology of Ghost and reinvention
13:30 Raising Kanan and Joey Bada$$
16:15 Rappers as actors and Method Man
19:30 Courtney Kemp’s top five rappers
22:15 Is Ghost alive? Addressing the rumors
25:45 The talent of Makai Curtis
28:15 Instincts and being a woman boss
31:00 Creating Nemesis on Netflix
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