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Ebs Burnough on Refusing To Be Confined, Resilience & The White House

The Pieces with Bimini

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 - 43 minutes

Ebs Burnough is best known the former White House Senior Advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama - but, having achieved so much, his career defies categorisation.

He's a filmmaker, writer, producer and communications executive with nearly two decades of leadership in politics and public policy. From working at the White House with President and Mrs. Obama, to serving as Chair of Sundance Film Festival, and directing projects that celebrate queer cultural icons like Dusty Springfield, Ebs has refused the false choice between academia and creativity.

A Black gay man with relentless drive and a gift for seeing the full dimensions of any challenge, Ebs approaches every mountain as an opportunity to grow, learn and create lasting impact.

On this episode of The Pieces, Bimini and Ebs dive into the formative moment that shaped his entire worldview, turning trauma into his greatest teacher and his commitment to never letting fear stop him from occupying space.

The conversation touches on being raised with the understanding that "much has been given to you, so how do you give back?", the confidence to never experience imposter syndrome while still being absolutely terrified, and the refusal to be confined to a single career path.

They also discuss his current work directing the Dusty Springfield film, launching Tea and Vodka podcast, and his upcoming projects at Sundance.

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