Hollywood Highs, Family First with Tyler Lepley and Serayah
1h 6m 23s
Soraya and Tyler share a heartfelt, intimate conversation centered on motherhood, faith, identity, and personal growth. As Soraya reflects on becoming a mother and getting engaged, and Tyler shares his journey through parenting and career shifts, both emphasize how these experiences have reshaped their lives and values. They highlight the emotional challenges of postpartum life, including sleeplessness, parenting stress, and the struggle to maintain self through new responsibilities. The discussion delves into how their careers—especially Soraya’s role in *Empire* and Tyler’s work with Tyler Perry—have shaped their confidence and creative direction. A key theme is the role of faith as a guiding force, especially in times of uncertainty, with both expressing how daily prayers and family support have helped them through adversity. They also discuss the importance of authenticity in art, advocating for Black women to embrace all forms of expression without restriction. The conversation culminates in their excitement about the new Netflix film *Ruth and Boaz*, which they see as a powerful portrayal of genuine, non-transactional love rooted in faith and chosen family. Personal stories of vulnerability—such as discovering a romantic connection during filming—underscore how self-discovery and emotional honesty are vital in navigating life’s transitions. The episode blends personal insight with cultural reflection, affirming the strength of Black women’s experiences and the enduring power of community, faith, and resilience.
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pop on amazon music sit back and listen life love sex science covering it all especially
the bad cause money always involved no matter what it is we gonna make it make sense nothing
else to do but kick it with the homies and kids so grab you a drink and a snack you enjoy and
get into the vibe that only you know it's your baby this is this is kiki baby this is kiki palma
you
oh my gosh first of all i'm so glad that you guys are on the on the show tyler this is my
first time i feel like i've seen you around but this is my first time actually getting to sit
down and talk with you yeah saraya we done had drinks caviar late nights you're my girl so i'm
happy that you're on the show and we get to get into what you guys are doing i'm so excited for
this movie i mean first we have to do the pre-show pull-up i do this with all my guests just to get
into y'all's vibe and see what you guys are you know feeling today so i'm gonna start with you
saraya uh-oh
today i'm giving mother at work with the side of boss babe every day all day i mean it's so crazy
that you're a mom boo yeah it is crazy and i know you said the baby traveled with you he's here
yeah okay how's he been acting is this his first time flying it's like his second time okay um
was totally in a whole uproar before i left so i'm i'm still feeling like the tension yes i'm like
no i want to fix it and everything and yeah and i know it's with gg so he's good okay he's with
gg hey gg okay so mother at work boss babe 100 today's mood in one word i can attest to this you
are 100 serving here you always serve though do you when you i remember we were just at my album
listening party and i'm like the bangles the dress oh thank you even after being a mom like it was a
lot coming into your mind whenever you get dressed now is it the same feeling that you've always had
with fashion i feel like it's definitely changed i mean my body's different things feel different
have to lift things and you know squeezing you have something to lift listen my baby sucked it
all out okay i'm like damn who is she where am i who am what am i what's happening don't fit nothing
but it's cool because i feel like there's a new space that i want to go with fashion anyway so
yes yes i'm just i'm finding it yeah i think that is the cool thing well after my son was born my
body definitely did change and it changed i don't know it changed in a way that allowed me to show
a little bit more curves you know because it gives us a little bit more weight you know so i never
really had a lot of bamboo but after the baby i did so it definitely allowed me yeah you know so
it allows us to explore fashion in a different way so i'm living for it you're serving so you
was listening to my girl scissor on the way here yes is it the new project or you going old school
scissor girl actually it was the heat they were playing scissor okay come on the heat we like the
heat i would love the heat that's my girl okay last screenshot on your phone no deleting show me
show you have it yeah girl it's
literally my flight back home tomorrow literally i'm living two days from now three days from now
tomorrow damn this was supposed to be you know two days but tomorrow look period i got you in and out
huh she said what she said at the top mother at work boss babe okay what's your zodiac sign and
do you know your big three of course you know your big three your gemini aries and libra now
wait a minute which part is the i know your son's sign is gemini but
what's the libra to aries okay the aries is the moon oh that's the moon yeah the libra is the
rising oh do you feel which one do you feel most connected to oof i mean honestly all of them i
cannot lie like i get a little bit of fire sometimes and then sometimes i'm very much
my libra girly like i'm indecisive and you're so libra with the i mean libra's are known for
their aesthetics you always showing up looking bomb i feel like that's very libra i do feel the
aries because you have that fire i feel that fire but then that gemini is like i'm here i'm there i'm
nowhere y'all gotta care that's very yeah i'm very much not really here no i'm here i'm there
i'm nowhere i'm usually yes i'm not really here okay what's your love language cute oh quality
time yes and gifts yes yes gifts yes i used to be very humble about that and it was like towards
the end of my list that has changed over time i live with that so how do we get the guys to give
us the gifts because the girls are like yeah how how yeah do you just be like i want a gift or is it
just like i love or do you tell me i love gifts how do you think it's very much like oh i really
like this like just letting him know what you like and what you're into and hopefully he gets
you know he picks it up because i think that that's another testament to who you're with like
you got to pick up send the amazon card pick up the pieces i like all of these things okay and
what's the most unexpected thing on your talent?
girl my writer needs an update okay that's true because they keep giving me flaming hot cheetos in
mine that writer's from when i was 13. i like flaming hot cheetos but like i do need to update
mine because every time cheetos have been like every time it's crazy okay and i got your
autograph period love this now we're moving on to you tyler okay today i'm giving clean with two
exclamation points i love that my own hair you know i'm saying wait a minute yeah that's that's
your own hair come on yeah for sure how you learn how to do that?
uh you know what i had messed it up a bunch of times when i first started probably like i mean
i started out of necessity sure so i was um i was raised outside of philly so trying to find a barber
to cut my hair i was telling him guys this this right here this whole beard goatee situation that
gives philly down i feel like you've got to be from philly to have that yeah typically yeah that
look is like the uh the the big beard like the bald head but so i started because everybody was
always butchering my hair and then for the first few years i was butchering my own but then i
20 years later, I'm clean.
There's nothing better than being able to do your own hair, though.
It's nice, isn't it?
It's like you're never going to catch me slipping.
Now, you're getting clean with the side up.
Ain't afraid to get a little dirty to keep it that way.
Oh, you know what?
I honestly thought we was going to be discussing these together, like, outside of the camera.
Oh, like before the show.
Yeah, I thought it was an icebreaker.
We were just going to talk for a minute and come up in here.
I'm howling.
Now, what kind of dirty are we talking?
No.
The ladies want to know.
I just, well, you know, a good way to describe it is, I got sleeves on right now,
but I have a tattoo underneath my arm, and it is Archangel Michael.
Okay.
And he's one of the leaders of God's army.
And he just, he would go to war.
Matter of fact, can I show y'all?
You go ahead and take the jacket off.
It's going to be a little too much.
But he killing a serpent, but he, you know, he will get his hands dirty to fight for the right things.
Yes.
You know, so I feel like, you know, I'm very. I don't know, how would you say it?
But I think that this is important, because I think there was a time in my life where I was over-idealistic,
meaning like, you know, just doing good and being nice.
It always gets it done.
Now, sometimes you got to check.
Yeah.
You know what I mean?
You really do.
It's like sometimes you have to get a little dirty to get things clean.
So I get it.
And I just feel like I'm kind of right there, right now.
Yeah.
In that balance.
Yeah.
Okay, today's mood in one word, blessed.
I'm here with Kiki.
Hey!
Yeah, for sure.
I would just say, we were just saying,
before, I just feel like I done made it now.
You know what I'm saying?
Stop it!
Yes!
There's a few podcasts that I've always wanted to be a part of, and Kiki is at the top of the list.
Yes.
So, hey, we did something.
No, for real.
I just told you, Lisa, I was like, wait, when I seen Kiki pop up on the itinerary, I said,
oh my God.
Well, you know you my girl.
We going on a press run.
And I'm a fan of yours as well.
I appreciate you.
Come on, hat, hat, nods, all the way back to then.
So, it's really dope to have both of you guys on.
I respect you.
And, you know, this is what the show is made of.
I always appreciate it.
Okay, what did you listen to on your ride here?
Gunna, R&B, and Mob?
Oh, R&B, Foam Mob.
So, yeah.
Okay.
So, I've been listening to Gunna lately.
He just dropped the album.
Yeah.
I feel like he's always, you know, his pen game is nice.
You know, I like what he's bringing.
And then R&B, Foam Mob is an artist out of Texas.
He's making some waves and whatnot.
So, I listen to some things that are out in the public and also some things that are a
little underground, too.
Last screenshot on your phone.
No deleting.
Show me.
I'm seeing R&B.
Eyes to the side.
Uh-oh.
This must be something.
Probably because I don't know how to draw.
That's probably the wrong eyes I draw.
Is it a screenshot that, you know, is a little too much?
No, I probably just wrote them because you said you wanted to see them.
So, you don't like to see?
I ain't got my phone on.
But you know what?
Y'all know what that means.
I ain't even going to press them.
I always forget, like, quick information, like codes and whatnot.
So, it was something similar to what you had a screenshot of.
Sure it was.
She took it.
She took it.
It was yours.
It was a ticket.
Mine was, like, something else, yeah.
I'm just saying.
I'm just saying.
Okay, what's your Zodiac sign?
Do you know your big three?
You don't know your big three?
I'm an Aries, though.
I don't know my big three.
March 24th, yeah.
Oh, my dad's the 26th.
For real?
Now, wait a minute.
You not knowing your big three is crazy because I know you done met some girl that was like,
what time was you born?
Oh, yeah, for sure.
It goes in one ear, out the other.
I don't know.
You know what time you was born?
I do.
I asked my mom so I could find out my big three.
3.16 a.m.
3.02?
God so love, Kiki.
3.02.
Yeah, I'm not sure.
Your love language, physical touch, yeah.
Yeah, for sure.
Physical touch, yeah.
I'm that same way.
Even if I'm not being romantic, you just still, like, yeah, I'm like, no!
Stop!
And it's like, you're killing me.
me. I had to back up on that. I'd be squeezing the hell out of people's thighs. Okay. May
I have your autograph? Thank you so much. Keeping this autograph. Can't wait to sell
them on eBay. Now, let's get into why you guys are here. I'm so excited about the new
movie, Ruth and Boaz. This is Tyler Perry and Devon Franklin's project. But before we
get into it, first of all, congratulations. I know it comes out September 26th. Yes. Looking
forward to it, guys. This is a romance. It's going to be good, but with some faith to it,
which we always love. But what a summer, Soraya. You just had the baby. Oh my goodness. And
you just got engaged to Joey. How are you guys feeling? I mean, just what are the vibes?
How do you describe this year? And is it what you expected it to be? You also just turned
30. Oh my gosh. You see what I'm saying? Girl. It's so much going on. But you know what?
Just blessed, honestly. Rolling with the punches, with the vibes, and just blessed. Overwhelmed
with love. Yeah. And overwhelmed with just all the love. Yeah. And just overwhelmed with
all the goodness. That support. My family showed up. And it's just been a lot going
on. And I just, I think the word is blessed, for sure. Yeah. How did you celebrate the
milestone? Did you do a party, or did you keep it low-key? Because I know it was a lot
going on. I kept it low-key. So me and my son are literally like a couple days apart
from being just a month apart, our birthdays. Oh my gosh. So he was born. A month later,
I turned 30. That was like literally like four weeks. And so we did a little cute staycation
situation. Oh. And kept it low-key. But, yeah, we didn't do a big thing because I couldn't leave.
That's like my mom and I.
My mom is on the 24th of August and I'm on the 26th.
Really?
Yes.
So, I mean, I try to do it big for her, but she'd be trying to do it more big for me.
It's so funny when your birthday is close to your baby.
Also, Tyler, you got engaged last year.
Congratulations to Miracle Watts.
I mean, how has that been?
You guys also have a baby.
Yeah.
So how is all of this?
And this is her, I know you have two other kids, so this is her first kid.
How was it getting her through that first time?
You know, I think it was a lot of learning, you know what I mean?
Because as we were just talking about, you know, just the experience that y'all go through while you're pregnant, also the postpartum.
And with me being a fix, you know, most men want to pull up and fix the situation.
There's lots of things that are, you know, have a question mark on them.
So you got to really roll with the punches, like you said.
And I feel like it's been a whirlwind, but it's just been a, you know, it's funny, sometimes negative things will happen in life, then positive things will happen.
And I realize that, you know, the choice of what I'm choosing to pay attention to makes a big difference for me, at least.
Absolutely.
Without a doubt.
That was a word.
That's exactly what it is.
It's almost like, you know, we say it and it's a, sometimes we get old and we're like, oh, it's a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason.
Glass half full, glass half empty changes your entire life, the perspective of how you choose to approach things.
So, of course, it's been a whirlwind, but I just feel so blessed to be able to, you know, just expand in my love life, expand in my career, you know, meeting new people in the business and, you know, just getting a deeper connection with God.
I just feel like I'm focusing on the half full glass for sure.
Okay.
I'm feeling blessed.
And you guys definitely have a lot to be blessed about, so I love to hear that.
Gratitude is the greatest healer of anything.
Amen.
But since you guys are both engaged, it could be overwhelming, but have you been thinking about wedding plans?
Have you been thinking about what kind of groom you'll be?
What kind of bride you'll be?
Like, are we going big, low-key?
I know.
I don't know.
I'm just like, oh, my gosh.
I'm ready.
I'm ready.
I'm ready.
Wherever we going.
You know, I've always wanted, I feel like us women, we planned this way before it's even like.
Girl, yes.
We didn't even ask you nothing.
You don't even got a man.
But I always wanted a destination wedding, but I don't know.
I can see that.
Yeah.
I just, I don't know.
I do feel like I do want it to be, like, a little bit more on the intimate side.
But I'm like, how do we do that?
We have so much family.
And friends.
And friends.
If I'm just thinking about friends alone, it's 200 already.
That's what I'm saying.
But we'll be there.
Do you think you turn into a bridezilla?
Or do you think you'll be, like, a con bride?
I mean, we never know till the day comes.
You know what?
I am definitely probably the con bride.
Because I'm going to have somebody that's like, this is what I like, and plan it, please.
Yeah.
Because all of the details and all of the things, I get overwhelmed.
I told you, the Libra in me is like, cannot decide.
So I'm like, hey, this is what I want.
This is what I want it to look like.
Go ahead.
Period.
And what about you, D?
So we have, we've narrowed it down to next July.
So next summer.
Come on, the date is always a kid.
Come on, date.
We're going to do it in Mexico.
So it was, so it's difficult to try to figure it out.
like you said um i feel like y'all are a little bit worse than we are because you know she uh at
first she wanted this huge wedding and she has a huge family okay um so for our baby shower we did
it down in houston where she's from and there was like 300 people at the baby but these are all real
like real family members first cousins and whatnot so she got a huge family so at first she wanted
something big and then um she wanted to elope and do something uh you know really intimate just us
too and then we kind of uh we kind of settled in the middle ground and we have like a guest
count of like 40 45 so it's semi-intimate yeah for sure which is which is a lot too because
there's gonna be a lot of people that you know are a little are a little upset that they didn't
get a invitation but it's it's you know it is what it is it is what it is are you like an into.
She is a five-star chef.
If y'all have never looked at her baked lamb, steak, and baked lobster, it's giving hours and hours.
Lobster towers.
I'm like, that man, I'm surprised you fit like this still.
You see me covered up for a reason.
But, you know, really, I'm not super into the details, you know, whatever is going to make her happy, I'm cool with.
Yeah.
Now, you shared online that you're in the newborn trenches.
And you and I have talked about this personally, but we got to talk about it on the show, of how you're finding your balance back to your usual routine.
I mean, we see you dancing.
You're in the gym.
So, to us, it seems like you still maintain, but how are you able to make space for yourself in this new responsibility?
You know what?
I'm figuring it out.
Every day, every hour.
It's just I'm finding it.
And I feel like I want to start promoting that more.
Yeah.
Because it's not always just, oh, dang, she's still, you know, it's easy.
No.
I'm figuring it out.
I have made it to the gym maybe twice in the past few months.
Sure.
And I think that that's a milestone, right?
And I think that you just celebrate the little small pieces you get.
And I did say something the other day on my page was like, if you get five minutes or 45 minutes, take it.
Seriously.
And I think that that's just what I'm juggling right now.
Yeah.
I'm figuring it out.
How has it been with Joey?
Because I think his daughter, he has a seven-year-old daughter.
How helpful has he been being able to have the. The maturity of having experienced this before during this?
Oh, my gosh.
So helpful.
I know that.
He's very, very calm, cool, collected, you know, there for me when I'm having my little meltdown situations.
Because let's talk about that.
Okay.
Let's talk about the night sweats and the. Girl, everything.
He's not latching.
Ready to rip your damn nipple off.
Like, what's wrong with you, baby?
Right.
They said it was natural.
Went through that phase.
Now we're, you know, we're hungrier.
And we're all of the things.
So we're figuring it out.
But he's been a great support.
Yeah.
Honestly.
Was there anything in particular that surprised you most about becoming a parent?
Ooh.
Something that's very interesting is how the guys can just sleep.
Yeah.
You know?
Yeah, they can.
I can't sleep through it, for sure.
I can't.
Yeah, they can.
You know, we can't sleep through it.
I can't sleep through it.
And every guy says that.
Every guy says that.
And that's very interesting.
But I feel like. It's a very good detail.
Hello.
I think for us, again, I mean, we had an umbilical cord.
Yeah.
We created a whole organ.
I can hear the breath.
Like, I cannot sleep.
I can, like, my baby, I keep going in the room seeing if he's breathing.
Yes.
Those first few months, it can drive you crazy because you're just like, are they good?
Yes.
Exactly.
And the daddy just knocked.
But I think the other thing, too, I would say is kind of like, I was in a very, like,
denial space a little bit.
Sure.
I was like, whoa.
I couldn't believe that, like. About what?
That you had a baby.
That I had a baby.
Yeah, you were stunned.
You were shocked.
I was stunned.
I was shocked.
I think that was one of the most craziest parts for me, too.
I didn't know I would feel like that.
Yeah, the postpartum is huge.
Yeah.
And it hits everybody differently.
And I think the main thing that doesn't get talked about enough when we get into it is
that you don't know that what thoughts of yours are not your own.
So you think, like, postpartum, you're going to know it as if there's a blinking light
in your head that says, postpartum's beginning now.
But no, it's just like. Suddenly, but surely, everything's an emergency.
All of a sudden, you're stunned or you're shocked and you don't know how to process
things.
You don't really want to get out of bed.
You're trying to find yourself.
It's almost like a midlife crisis.
And then after it starts to dial down some, you start to realize, oh, those are postpartum
symptoms.
Right.
Because we don't know it.
To us, it sounds like it's ourself.
Yes.
When I'm saying, he's trying to kill my baby.
To me, it's real.
But it's like, girl, no, just let them hold the baby.
And so I think that's the. That's the big thing when it comes to postpartum, that I really try to, when I talk about it,
normalize the reality.
it just becomes a part of who you are right right it's not something that comes glaring at you
absolutely now essence featured you in their 2024 sexiest man alive issue and they literally said
tyler lepley doesn't get the credit he deserves for being one of the finest men in his next
generation of leading male actors his smile swag and the party yes i mean when you hear stuff like
that what goes through your mind is it like added pressure you know is it like a little humble grin
And, like, what do you feel?
Because that's a lot.
You know what I think?
That's a lot they put up on my man.
All right, woo!
I think for me, honestly, I just, it immediately takes me back to when I decided to do this.
And everybody that I spoke to about it just didn't have anything positive to say, let alone any type of support, you know.
So I just, yeah, I remember, like, you know, certain friends, certain family members even getting out here.
Other actors that were going through a rut.
You know, I checked everybody's temperature.
And everybody had the same thing to say.
Well, if you can't make a way for yourself in this small pond called Philadelphia, I mean, what makes you think you can go out to the middle of the abyss and do anything different?
You know, so then you fast forward a quick 15 years, and you see, you know, you see all the support coming in different mediums.
So that's what I really feel.
It's like, you know, whatever it is that you're choosing to tune in for, it's like I feel that support.
And that's dope because I came from the opposite.
Wow.
I hate to hear that, but I also love when I hear that because it's great for people that are going through that right now.
Correct.
People not supporting them.
Somebody not believing in their dreams, not knowing if they have an opportunity or a chance to make it.
But if you believe, and like you were saying at the top, seeing your glass half full and not empty, you'd be surprised at things that you can overcome.
Before we get into Ruth and Boaz, we got to get into some of the other projects that you guys have done because you both were a part of huge cultural moments where these shows became phenomenons.
I mean, obviously, I'm talking about you, Soraya, with Empire, and I'm talking about you, Tarla, with the Half Half Knots.
How did that change your life?
Like, what do you remember when those shows—
Which everyone wants to go first, when those shows hit.
And it was everywhere.
I mean, it was insane with Empire.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That was pretty crazy.
What was it like?
What was it like?
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I mean, it all came so fast.
I mean, I know before then, you were performing and stuff, but I know you were working at, was it for a record label or something like that.
I know before then, you were performing and stuff, but I know you were working at, was it for a record label or something like that.
Where were you working when you were H&M? No, girl, so, yeah, so, H&M! H&M, yes!
And just, you know, kind of maybe a low-key more vibe, but still working on your goals.
Yeah. So then you get, you become Tiana, and then. No, I mean literally from, you know, no place to live to. How did you hear about the audition? From H&M, right there. From H&M to. So, crazy, one of my friends from high school hit me up, his name is Dejon.
You gotta shout out Dejon. Okay, Dejon always gets a shout out from me. Hello!
And he was like, "Oh, his stepmom is Leah Daniels."
Okay, great. Never knew that before, though.
Just for those who's listening or watching don't know, Leah Daniels' sister, Leah Daniels, she's also a casting director.
Casting director, right. So they're looking for this character.
They had been, Tiana on Empire, they had been auditioning for months or whatever, and no, you know, studio liked him.
They didn't like him, you know. All this stuff going on.
So anyways, he hits me up, "Oh, are you still, you know, acting? Are you still, like, doing music and stuff?"
I'm like, "Yes." And then he's like, "Well, my mom has this, there's this new show they're doing, and, you know, they're auditioning for this role, and I think that you could be cool for. "
I don't care what it is, just send this to me. I don't have no auditions, no agent, no nothing.
I was just ready to do whatever.
Yes, girl!
So he sent it through. My mom over there, she's still right here.
We went over the lines all night. I auditioned. They sent that through. Then I had to come back and audition a second time.
And then it was like, "Okay, we're already shooting. We're filming. We need her in Chicago."
And then literally, I just, like, stumbled on set, and everybody there was already casted.
So Taraji, you know, Jessie, and they're like, "Oh, you're Tiana. Okay, we've been waiting to see who Tiana was."
I mean, what was it like meeting Taraji, being on the set with Taraji and Terrence Howard?
Especially this all coming so fast.
Girl, I was like this, "Hi."
That's it.
I was 19.
19.
Oh, my gosh. And where were you living before then?
The Valley. I was in the Valley.
Okay, you was in LA. So then now you're in Chicago. My city turned upside down.
Yeah. Now I come to your city, know nothing about nothing, staying at the Thompson, just going back and forth.
And just one thing led to another. I was a guest star for "Recurring," and I think I was a guest star until, like, season three.
Or something like that.
I mean, you were incredible, and you are incredible.
Thank you.
One thing I loved about that show that it gave people the opportunity, especially multi-hyphenates, is to show singing, dancing, and acting.
Yeah.
Because people be knowing you be singing, people be knowing you be acting, but you are also a great dancer.
I remember when you did the video, I forget which video it was with Chris Brown.
"Undecided."
Dancing your ass.
Thank you.
So I love that we got to see that with that show, and obviously we continue to see that as fans of yours.
But that was an iconic moment. We'll always remain in culture.
And you, Tyler, with "The Have and Have Nots."
I mean, what was that experience like? Where were you in your career when you got that opportunity?
I was a personal trainer at the time.
What?
Okay, that tracks.
I feel like I can see you being like, "All right, squat. Hold your back up. Spine straight."
Oh my goodness.
Yeah, Joyce.
Spine straight.
Spine straight.
You know they always say that. Like, what are y'all talking about? The spine can't bend.
It's obviously straight.
Man, I was on my last couple dollars.
Wow.
Yeah, yeah, for sure.
Okay.
I remember getting down to my last client seat.
So when we're chasing our dream, we always got to keep a couple dollars in the tank, obviously.
Yes, yes.
But then at some point, you can play both sides up until a certain point. You got to make a choice.
So for me, it was like I had my 10 clients, and I was going on auditions, cool, auditioning here and there.
Then I really liked it, and then I was going on a few more auditions and brought the client list down to five.
I thought I'm down to my last client.
Yeah.
And she's really just here.
You know, this client is helping me pay my rent and pay my car, and that's it, and my acting class, and this is what I'm doing now.
Yep.
So I'm probably like a year and a half into moving to LA.
And I remember I needed some more money to be able to go out to the final callback.
Yep.
He was having one of the callbacks out in Atlanta.
So you had to fly out.
Yeah, yeah.
And they flew us out and put us up.
But like when I say I'm down to my last dollar, like if everything's paid, like I don't got a couple dollars for a sandwich.
Yes.
Like if I'm broke, I'm broke for real.
Yeah, we're going into debt with a credit card now.
Yeah, we're going into debt now.
Right, right.
For sure.
So I remember, long story short, I had asked, can we do 20 sessions so I can get a little bit more upfront instead of our 10 sessions?
It's going to end up being the same amount of sessions anyway.
Long story short, the answer was no.
And she had her two cents, too.
She said this would—she was an English woman.
And she said, it would almost be like if my doctor was—pardon me for the butchered accent.
I'm like, is she Jamaican now?
she said
it would be like
my doctor telling me
he's gonna quit
to become a dancer
oh really
yeah so almost like
like who are you
you said you finna go
what be an actor
imagine if my doctor
told me he's gonna quit
and become a dancer
she thought she ate
she was trying to play
yeah she thought
she ate
she thought that was
a mic drop moment
she was cooking
anyway
anyway so that was
so I ended up doing it
anyway
just put the faith up
and you know
that was actually
the last call back
for the haves and have nots
and I switched them out
on the same day
how about that
what
oh my gosh
God is really a comedian
but um
yeah yeah
but I remember
diving into that
for the first time
going from zero pages
to a hundred pages a day
can you imagine
cause Tyler doesn't play
I mean you have to tell me
what was the experience
of being a
I mean I worked with Tyler
when I was a kid
but this was before
he had the empire he has now
like I did Medea's Film Reunion
then I did
oh my gosh
House of Pain
when he just started
building the studios
but now
Tyler is
you know
he damn near Walt Disney
yeah
you know
you know what I mean
like he really has
his own thing
so when you were
working with him
up close and seeing that
what kind of things
did you take from
he engineers his own
work
yes
I mean so what did you
learn in that process
cause it's a lot of
it's a lot of work
for all of you
yeah I would say
the main thing is just
what a real work ethic
looks like
you know this is
this is the billionaire
who's showing up
he's there before everybody
and he's the last one
to leave
he's out working
everybody here
you know what I mean
it's like
man it just puts it
into perspective
you know what it takes
to get there
a lot of people like
to look at it
and be like
oh yeah like billionaire
and all of a sudden
billionaires are popping up
left and right
it feels like it's attainable
to the outside
it's like but when you get
on the inside
you see what it really
takes to get there
yes
my man is a
is just a workaholic
and you know what
he just
all right my last thing
about Tyler Perry
sorry
I love Tyler Perry
he just man
it's just
it's amazing how he can
still stay so grounded
and he'll be
he'll be just like this
with you
kicking all the game
in the world there
for as long as you need
so I've taken that
at my worst
and been like
hey T
I just need a couple words
prayers
support
insane advice
so I couldn't agree
with you more
you know good people
is good people
and they're blessed
because of it
as an actress
and a musician
as we were talking about
how do you feel like
one side
feeds the other creatively
and I get this question
a lot where people
are like do you like
no I like them
all the same
but they do feed each other
and like I know
when I want to get
in one bag
over the other
like I feel like
lately obviously
you're getting ready
to do
this movie's getting
ready to come out
but I feel like
I have been seeing you
do a lot of music
on your page
I feel like you're
getting in your music bag
in this season a little bit
so how do you know
when you want to do what
you know what
it's very interesting
and I do get that
question a lot
that's probably the
number one question I get
but I think that
they definitely
feed each other
I think that it's just
it's different parts
of you creatively
right like I feel
music is like
me and my
authentic self
whatever I want
to talk about
and I also
always grew up
like journaling
and things like that
so it kind of
turns into that
type of like
release for me
whereas with film
and acting
I get to like
kind of tap into
like a different
side of me creatively
and like bring
different things out
and find out
what resonates
with myself
and my character
and different things
like that
it's like painting
I think
but it's like
canvases
and they're just
like slightly different
but it's still painting
right
yeah
I think people
are starting to come
around in our
generation
like when I was younger
it was very fragmented
what you were allowed
to do as an entertainer
it was just
you was an actor
you was a singer
you was a comedian
now I feel like
we're having the opportunity
to reintroduce
the concept
of just being an artist
and like you said
expressing yourself
in whatever medium
you see fit
if you want to paint
you know what I mean
if you want to dance
sing whatever
it's all a part of you
expressing yourself
as an artist
and so I love
when we're not
allowing those rules
to stop us
from being everything
we are
between Harlem
and Pea Valley
you're showing a lot
of different things
different sides
of yourself
which role
do people stop you
about most
in the street?
you know
overall
I don't know
if I'm in the south
I get a lot of Pea Valley
if I'm
I get a lot of Harlem too
but I can't lie
I get the most
have and have nots
yeah
for sure
what really?
yeah
that makes sense
even after all this time
yes
it's crazy
because I mean
how many seasons
was that?
I think it was
nine seasons
oh my goodness
you know Tyler Perry
just has his
like you said
he's like
he's the
he's like Walt Disney
yes and I mean
I mean that's a soap opera
like we don't get
like that was a clear
like that could have been
I could
if he wanted to
he could have made that
like Days of Our Lives
and it could have went on
25 seasons
you know
and his audience is just
but how long did it take you to shoot
because I know he shoots really fast
yeah yeah
it still took about
seven or eight years
but you know
you're shooting that whole
this is back when we were doing
22 episodes and what not
you know we were in and out
in three weeks
for 20 episodes
I promise you
no cap
it doesn't feel good
going to work sometimes
I mean you want a break too
yeah
but when you're on your breaks
don't y'all feel
like I feel like this all the time
whenever I'm working
I'm like
get me off of here
and as soon as I'm on break
get me back
when's the next time
I'm going to work again
it's so weird
because we always
people don't know
as entertainers
we out of a job
yeah
till we get a job
seriously
it's like independent contract
I'm like literally
jobless
literally
I'm jobless
till they hire me again
right
so they don't know
it's a free flowing job
okay now let's get into
what we're here to talk about
you guys are starring
in Ruth and Boaz
this is a new Netflix film
that reimagines
a classic biblical love story
now
what spoke to you
most about this
and I have to ask too
especially as like
I'm somebody that's nervous
whenever I get
whenever a romance
comes across my desk
unless it's like goofy
and stuff
I'm spooked
because I'm like
I'm going to have to kiss
and we're going to have
a love scene
so how did y'all feel
when this opportunity
came for this movie
that is
it's a romance
you know
but we have the faith to it
so what were you thinking
any apprehensions
any concerns
yeah I mean okay
so love
love story
right
but
um
Devon did kind of like
brief me on what it was
and um
Devon Franklin
Devon Franklin
the producer
and so
when I read the script
I was like
okay this is giving
wholesome black love
and so
fabulous
yes
and so I was
I was really here for it
I love a good love story
and I want to see us
in good love stories
more often
so
I think that was
something that
really rang to me
and it was always
on my vision board
I had Love Jones
on my vision board
and so
I'm like
I always tell you
who you look like
Robin Gibbons
oh yes
yeah
you do
I tell you that
every time I see you
so Boomerang remake
you need to be Robin
hello
can we do it
girl you give me that down
I live for her too
I don't know who don't live for her
but yes
I know
we love
we love Robin
yes we love her
um
but yeah so
that was something that was like
I was here for
because I was like
really excited
obviously Devon Franklin
Tyler Perry
never worked with Tyler Perry before
it's my first time
yeah
when I drove onto
the lot
and I got my little key card
I was like
yes
it just gives life
it does
driving up
it's beautiful
I mean
y'all at home
like it's beautiful
and I mean
so inspiring
but other than that
um
auditioning was awesome
you know we did
I was at
we were
okay
we were actually filming
a whole nother movie
we auditioned virtually
we were on the same movie
from like the same hotel
oh yeah
what was the other movie
because I know the cast
of that one too
what was
Goons
yes
it's a slasher horror movie
we're on the same movie
we're going to work
complete opposite
complete opposite
of what
going from art
to baby
complete opposite
we come down
how did it happen
I seen you in the lobby
and he was like
yeah I'm doing my audition
and you had me too
same thing yeah
and then we're here like
you know
doing
the chemistry read
via you know
virtually
it was crazy
chemistry read virtually
is nuts
it's crazy
isn't that defeating the
yes
crazy
chemistry through
the wifi
um
okay so what were you
thinking and feeling
T
I think
the first thing
I was feeling
was excited to do
something I have never
done before
I never did a
been a part of a love story
like specifically
even you know
when you get into Harlem
yeah it's romance
but it's comedy as well
it's like a rom-com
so I've never did anything
that you know
specifically gets to dive
into just a love story
so I was excited about that
obviously to piggyback
off of some of the things
you were talking about
Netflix
Tyler Perry
Devon Franklin
you know what I'm saying
Soraya
you know what I mean
so it's like
I was excited about that
as well
but then when I actually
like once I got the role
and then I was able
to read the script
I was just really excited
about us being able
to tell our version
of this
because as you mentioned
it's an older story
originated in the Bible
but then just
where we're at
with dating
you know we've talked
about this here and there
on you know
in certain interviews
it just feels like
everything is very
transactional
love is just
on the surface
it's transactional
I can't look at you
if you don't
pull up with stars
on the roof
it's just like
what's going on
am I working
the corners
or am I working
my heart
that's what I'm trying
to figure out
I mean I live for
you know look
you need to make sure
you're in an equal
relationship
where there's an equal
give and take
and that's important
and it's finances
is the top of your list
that's real
we live in a dying economy
so yeah
get it where you live it
but I do think
we are in a time
where because
we're in a dying economy
and because everything
is so rooted on survival
sometimes we're not
even creating any space
for genuine love
and connection
we're not getting
the opportunity
to meet people
from a place
of being completely
secure and full
and in return
it becomes very transactional
so
and I feel like
you know where
Boaz meets Ruth
it's not
you know she's definitely
not the finished product
she's you know
she's in
you know she's
perfect
no
no but you know
what I'm saying
you know what I'm saying
she's going through
you know she's getting
ran out of her old place
she finds a new job
she has a life going on
yeah and I just feel like
Uh, in the, in the real world, sometimes we make the mistake of feeling like we have to level
all the way up to be ready for love.
No, love can meet you right where you're at.
God is always working, you know?
That is everything.
Facts, facts, facts.
Because, by the way, who in their 30s is all the way leveled up?
Right, what are you talking about?
Right.
I got grades.
I don't know what I'm doing.
Yeah, like, what's going on?
Now, the film also features Felicia Rashad and some cameos from music legends
like, first of all, Jermaine Dupri and Babyface.
I mean, what was it like being on the set with all of these legends?
You got a chance to actually work with them a bit more.
Yeah, I did.
Felicia Rashad.
She's just everything.
The icon.
She's the icon.
She's the regal.
I just love talking to her and getting to know her.
And I found out we have a, our birthdays are a day apart.
Oh, my gosh.
She's a Gemini, too.
Yes, girl.
And so, that was awesome.
But Jermaine and, obviously, Babyface.
I mean, I was so nervous.
I was, it was epic.
I was so nervous.
You had a singer for everybody.
Yes.
You're going to record with Babyface in L.A.
We're going to fly you out.
And I was like, oh, chow.
I walked in and you see Whitney and you see, just everybody's on the.
When you think about Babyface's catalog, it gets kind of silly.
The Waiting to Exhale soundtrack.
Let's start and begin there.
So, I go in and he's so poised and he's so chill and laid back.
And he's like, yeah, we're going to do this.
Are you ready?
And I'm just like, okay, I want to flip out right now.
But, you know.
I mean, it was great.
He's awesome.
And Jermaine was super cool, too.
I love Jermaine.
He's still making, Babyface is still making hits.
I mean, Jermaine is still living with the money long.
Yes, he is.
But it was also cool to see them in our element as far as film and TV.
Yeah, that was pretty cool.
Because he was kind of like, wait, like, oh, wait, I did my line wrong.
And, you know, it was really cool to see, you know, that moment.
And him ask me questions.
I'm like, he's asking me.
Something.
So, it was really cool.
It was awesome.
How was it getting into the emotional romance bag?
Did you guys learn something about yourself?
Were there nerves?
Did you guys have sideline conversations?
Like, okay, this is a big scene.
You know, how are we going to support each other in this?
Or did you kind of go head first?
I just don't know how she got through this while she was pregnant.
I had no idea she was pregnant.
Baby, this is Kiki Palmer, yeah.
When I think about Church's Chicken, I'm taken back to those nights we try to figure out what we're picking up for dinner.
And my dad would say, Church's, I'm not going to lie, we had a little tradition of our own.
We'd always snag one of those fresh-baked honey butter biscuits for the car ride home.
Sorry, family, quality control purposes.
You know, that's what makes Church's so special.
It's fresh, hand-breaded chicken seasoned just right.
I still do the jalapeno squee just like my dad taught me.
It's part of the experience now.
And those honey butter biscuits I mentioned, baked from scratch daily.
And, yes, they're worth the potential family drama.
What I love is how Church's always comes through with portions that can feed everybody.
Even after our little quality control moments, everything's made with real care.
And you can taste it.
At the end of the day, Church's Chicken is more than just a meal.
It's family.
It's tradition.
It's home.
Find your next meal and deal at Church's.com.
How was you able to hide that?
Well, the first. Body snatch like that?
No, as soon as we started filming, literally, like, maybe that's. Maybe that week or. I don't even know.
I think it was right before production started and we were doing pre-production.
I found out.
Girl, I mean, it's like as soon as you pee on a stick. Joey said, you're going to do a romance with Tyler Lethley.
I know what to do.
I am so done.
I am so done with you.
Good job, Joey.
I found out and as soon as that happened, I was so sick.
So, to be honest, I don't even. I don't even. I don't understand how I. I was just jumping in.
Well, like we said at the time, I know how you did it.
You did it as a mother at work boss babe.
I mean, it's just in you.
It's not on you.
Yeah.
The movie is rooted in, like, faith and chosen family.
How have those principles shown up for you guys in your lives?
At the end of the day, when the ish really hits the fan and it's like it's just you and
yourself, the faith is all that you have.
Yeah.
I'm speaking for myself.
You know, so I'll follow faith into the dirt.
It just is what it is.
We're all going to go one day.
I feel like, you know, I feel like I know exactly what I'm here for.
I'm figuring it out more and more every day.
But, like, I have, like, an overall idea of what I'm here for.
And it's not just to, like, pay bills and pass away.
Yeah.
It's. So, I have faith in every aspect of my life with, you know, with what I'm doing with film
and TV, with what I'm doing with my. You know, with my fiance, my relationship with my parents.
You know, that's. It's been rocky at times.
Is your stepfather also white?
I know your mother is white.
So, yeah.
So, you grew up as the only black person in your family.
Yeah.
Yeah, for sure.
So, how was that experience?
Yeah, I mean, that's. Oh, shit.
Am I being microaggressed or do you love me?
No.
I mean, it can be hard if nobody understands your experience.
You know, it's. I can only imagine.
Yeah, yeah.
I'll say this.
You know, me and. Me and. Being one of the reps from Netflix, Julissa, we were talking about this recently.
And, you know, I'll say that it was very, very different, very difficult to be. To have to be able to figure everything out, you know, alone.
Now, my parents. The one thing my parents did just the best job in the world at was making sure I had
that foundation of love.
Yeah.
No matter what. No matter what I messed up on or with, I was always able to go home and my parents both
had my back, loved me to death, no matter what.
Yeah.
And I never felt that waver at all.
You know, and that was enough to give me the springboard to go figure out who I was.
Yeah.
You know, especially, you know, it's like, who am I?
You know, it's a lot.
Especially when you don't have, like, an OG or anybody in your family to teach you about
it.
I had to. In the nature versus nurture aspect, it was all nature in terms of, like, who I am, who
am I culturally and racially and stuff.
And what about in school?
I know you grew up in Philly, but, like, what kind of school did you go to?
Were there. Was it a diverse school?
Did you at least have some. All white.
Uh-uh.
Yeah.
Really?
My best friends.
Okay, so let me tell you. I didn't know why we were laughing at that.
It's not funny.
She said, it's not funny.
So I said, all right, cool, cool, cool.
So I did this story the other day, and it was 2D.
We're just going to keep this one light.
But it just helps shine a light on, like, what I went through and having to deal with
it alone.
Right.
With the love that I have for my parents.
So my best friend in the second grade, my best friend in third grade, he. I'm on the bus, and he says, do you know what a n***a is?
Oh, my gosh.
He was saying. Not just. How do I know?
Do you know what one is?
I said, before I could say no, he said, that's what you are.
It's you.
It's you.
Ooh.
Bus stop.
He got off the bus.
He said, all right, I'm going to holler at you tomorrow.
None of my. Just informing me.
Did he add the N after?
I'm going to holler at you tomorrow.
No, he didn't say that.
But I remember. I remember. My. My. No.
So I just remember processing that on the ride home.
I know.
And had you heard the word before?
No, but I knew.
I felt it.
You knew.
I knew something.
Oh, my gosh.
Yes.
So then I remember. I remember by the time. Charged.
By the time I got home, like, you know, then the waterworks start coming.
He's like, my parents were there for me.
They loved me.
And I remember even them marching down to Homeboy's crib.
And, you know, my dad stood on business to let them know we wasn't riding for that.
And all that was great.
But, like, you know. But it's still. When it's time to go home and, like, you know, I'm in my room alone.
I wake up the next morning.
And, you know, and the rest of the life, you know, after that is, like, this is something
that I had to really figure out for myself.
So to take it back, you know, the faith, the faith in that scenario works because
God is never going to steer me wrong.
And even in terms of, like, my parents.
Like, I put the faith everywhere.
Even in terms of my parents, at that time, I didn't know if they was going to be able
to show up for me.
And it's a hard thing to show up for.
But, you know, but 30, 37 years later, damn it, they're right there for me.
So it's like the faith is always, has always served me.
Yeah, I couldn't agree more.
I mean, I had similar experiences growing up, going to private school.
You know, both my parents are black, but they still. I still am going to be. I'm going to be, as a minority, you're going to be in situations where you are the minority.
I was the only black kid in my class.
They telling me my hair snapped, crackling, popping.
And I'm like, what's wrong with it?
You know, this is just, it's what it do.
I got gel in my hair.
It's a little hard, but it's cool.
You know, and so you go through these experiences and sometimes your parents, even as my parents
are black people, they were like, you got to go there and get your education and get
the education that we paid for you to get.
This is what it's about.
And you got to ignore these people.
You got to hold your head up high.
And they're teaching me how to navigate it without letting. And that's stuff that. Yes, that's stuff that I take with me to this day as a black woman in corporate America.
Like, everybody not going to like me.
And sometimes people might say something crazy to you and you cannot. Toni Morrison said, the greatest form of racism is a distraction.
It distracts you.
It stops you from being on your goal because you're worried about telling this person you
got value and teaching this person your worth.
I don't really care if you see it or not.
I'm focused on the prize.
And I couldn't agree with you more with that faith.
How has it showed up?
I just want to know from you too, how has it showed up for you and even especially in this
time in your life?
Going through these changes, what does it look like for you with your family and your
faith?
Oh, girls, everything.
Okay.
Faith every day, every moment, every hour.
Okay.
I mean, for me. And I never do that.
Wow.
That was very compelling.
But I think. We do our research.
Okay.
Okay.
No, but for me, I think it's in everything I do.
I have to.
I feel like I don't have anything without it.
Honestly, I grew up very faith-based.
and so it's it's embedded in me in that way as well but then on my own journey you know as I
became a big girl a grown adult you have to take that with you in every different situation and I
can tell you whatever prayers grandma and mom prayed over me has kept me in a lot of different
situations out of a lot of situations and took me through a lot of hard situations so I think that
when I am facing tough times I do lean on that I do have those conversations with with my God
you know what I'm saying and I think that that definitely just brings me through because I don't
know what I'm doing yes I think that's the big thing we gotta always talk about that don't know
what I'm doing I have no clue free-flowing you know what I mean just hey rocking with what I can
I love what you said about the prayer zoo and I think me and my friends often talk about that
when we look at the blessings in our lives that we feel
like we did like I feel like there's so much that's happened in my life that I did nothing
to get not saying that you deserve blessings things happen for you but like just my parents
you know whoever prayed for them that prayer came to me and whatever prayers that were said before
years back and back we are still reaping the benefit of those prayers and I think that's so
incredible you know when you look back and think about those that prayed for you yeah you guys both
talk openly about mental health as well I know that you have your deserving love foundation how did you
come to creating that and what what made you feel that it was an important thing to do actually
that's that's definitely my mom that she has always been cultivating deserving love it wasn't
always called deserving love but it's always been there as an idea you know and the identity of it
is is is up lifting women and and single parent moms and having this overall kind of like we we
meet up we see each other face to face we we talk about things um we have speakers come sometimes
it's just it's really about cultivating that community and sisterhood um and and that's kind
of like where we're starting and we want to do retreats and we want to we just want to really
push mental health to the front but then also having community because right now a lot of
things are virtual everything's online and i think we have to pull up for each other and we need to
be in each other's shoes and we need to be in each other's shoes and we need to be in each other's
face and hold each other's hands literally the energy we need it we need it back so and it's
it's it's truly honestly every time we do a sister we call it sister circle yeah every time we do
sister circle it's someone leaves feeling like oh my gosh i didn't know i needed this so much or
i could when's the next one or how can i help how can i be a part and we're growing
um and and i think the fact when i see people changing in real time and and it affecting people
in real time i'm like okay yeah and i love the name deserving love i remember i got into an
argument or just like a conversation with my friend who wasn't of the same background as me
about the word deserve with love and with god and i'm like it means so much different when you live
an experience as a black woman where you're often told what you don't deserve and you're actually
always entitled to it you're entitled to love you're entitled to god's love you're entitled
to feeling of value and worth and so it is important the way that we you know we're not
used language a lot of times it's different the way that other people use language some people
might think that means something else but no like i deserve it because i've been told that i didn't
right and so we have to rework that with those affirmations so i also love the title because
those that's important when it comes to language it's important to say i deserve things especially
when you've often been told you don't absolutely so thank you for doing that work and then how did
you find your way into men you know just caring about mental health now i know that sounds crazy
but i do feel like it's something that many of us are still waking up to is like it's okay to
sit on that lady couch yeah i mean go see that lady and quick you know so how did you realize
you needed to take a plop um i uh and i do also love that name by the way thank you um
so i actually got started with so long i've been with gary um i love we call him gary
yo g i haven't been there in a couple months but um maybe like it's been over 10 years
yeah so i would say i first got into it because i got i got into it uh for for work purposes yeah
you know so you you get there and whatever it is that they need they need it on action
you know what i'm saying so it's like i was having trouble getting right there yeah on action
so um you know one of my acting coaches was like here's a you know here's my roll decks of people
like go go talk to a few people and that's why i sat down with gary for a while um and then and
then i started i started seeing why i needed it in life you know so so
it did it did help so the first first you know couple months couple years or whatever
it worked i would go on set and i was i was noticing some improvement it was great but
then as i kept going i started noticing that i was having you know i was working on certain skill
sets in therapy that i was able to use you know when things got tricky and you know relationships
in real life friendships business colleagues whoever and i would say that uh i realized again
aries fire sign either i was blowing up if i was making a mess because y'all hold stuff in yes
very keen to that yeah because that's like one of the things i struggle with and because we're
holding in either when it comes out it's going to blow up and you're just making a mess which isn't
really uh feeling your anger by the way you're just making a mess yeah you're avoiding it yeah
so as soon as either that or then i was or i was going all the way in and i was having like uh like
a crippled loyalty it's like i would cripple myself to make sure that you're good which is
also not good oh my goodness yeah
it's also not good
because i'll be doing that too you know so the people pleasing thing yeah same idea committed
to everybody but you but yourself damn so i feel like it'll be a lifelong for real it'll be a
lifelong thing but um but i have noticed some um some positive changes from being able to go there
even just in terms of like perspective yeah and having a proper one i just like what you said
with lifelong thing because i think a lot of times we be thinking like you're only gonna fix our
lives and then our life is fixed no it's like it's a continuing fix every day you know every
day we're changing we're growing our mindsets are changing i cannot tell you how many conversations i've
had with my friends as we've entered our 30s as now no longer the gen z-ers of the world with the
millennials you know our time was great we were trendy and popping and now we've been kicked out
and gen z is gonna know how it fails when gen alpha comes after their ass okay okay okay because
they're ready to kick us out of everything anyway entering these 30s there's so many revelations so
now we're at a whole new whatever conversations and things we were feeling like we overcame in
our 20s it's like you're 30 now have you remember this
no for real girl recapping and you're like i thought i was healed and it's like there is no
heal there's continued healing and even beyond healing because that comes with the idea of being
broken it's really like it i always talk about this with self-esteem because people so and so
have low self-esteem there really is no low self-esteem no highest self-esteem there's
a continuing growth of esteem because you only can know what you know once you've experienced it
and so having that grace with ourselves and i think that's what i'm talking about
i think about this all the time as a i hate to bring signs into it but as a virgo that's always
trying to be perfect it's like things happen so you know not to make them happen again and so
grace is a big thing for me this season grace with myself grace with what i don't know what
i'm trying to undo um and then like embracing the unknown you know you guys have amazing chemistry i
see it right here yeah we had fun on set we did we did we had a lot of fun but now we're going to
get into this pairing off screen so i thought we'd play a little game called most likely to
to see how this aries and gemini pairing really goes what do you guys think let's do it so i have
these paddles and i'm going to play along with you guys i'm going to give you this one
there are no it's when the outfits are stiff it's fine yeah you can barely even get up i can't even
reach i am i am me too babe to the seat she's like i'm sewn in okay so i'm gonna ask you guys who's
i'm gonna ask you guys who's most likely to blah blah blah okay and you guys are gonna show me with
this and i'm gonna play along i might be wrong i might be right we'll see so who's most likely to
and this first one is because i know that you both are former athletes who's most likely to win in a
one uh one-on-one pickup basketball come on i am gonna see who's most likely to win in a one-on-one
i'm gonna say him i'm gonna say him too i know you were the head in your high school i did
okay i try to do a pickup game while my dad is always pulling me into pickup games first of all
my dad plays basketball he pulled me yesterday i haven't played basketball in years i've nails
and everything i've given him work listen i couldn't breathe let's talk about that i do
want to talk about let's talk about running and dribbling it's quite impressive it's quite
impressive because the hand-eye coordination and cardio that's going on guys the cardio i forgot
about that part i'm like oh yeah cool let's do it couldn't breathe couldn't breathe yeah okay be the
first to cry at their wedding he gives that he's gonna tear up yes you think you're gonna cry yeah
she is though she's a little sensitive too you guys both are sensitive but you guys don't show
too much that's why i feel like on the wedding day it's gonna be like
you guys y'all reading y'all vows and you are my rock
he's gonna say some deep
okay blast the better playlist in the trailer i feel like you got a mean
playlist because you'll be getting that hey i know and i've been in one of your
parties before what flavors do you want okay i like all the flavors all right um
Clap back the hardest if someone comes for them online.
This is tough for me because I feel like neither one of y'all clap back.
I had to clap back bad at somebody earlier this morning.
That's my thing.
Yeah, no, but I'm going to say her because she got that hair.
I'm going to say her because it's just that new mother in her.
I feel like she's going to be mama bear.
If somebody says something about that baby.
Somebody play around, I don't think she's going to play.
Somebody said my baby look like Ed Sheeran.
I would have been mad, but he did a little as a newborn.
It was a little bit, you know.
I was like, hey, Ed.
I got over it.
Knows everyone's business before lunch.
I'm only going to say you because you're the type of person that everybody would tell everything to.
This is true.
You have such a calm vibe of just like, she ain't going to ever tell my business.
She really don't care what she's hearing.
It's going one without the other.
So I feel like a lot of people vent to you because they know you don't.
You're never going to be like on it like that.
You know?
Why are you reading me?
You are reading it though.
God, I live for you.
Because it's not that I don't care.
I just don't care to share and keep going back and forth.
So, yeah, you can tell me.
That's why I'm telling you.
She don't care about my business.
Period.
Okay.
Has the hottest DMs right now.
Well, the only reason why I'm going to say you is because I feel like Joey will kill everyone.
Like, I feel like you.
I feel like.
My DMs are like Spongebob and Sandy.
I know them DMs was fire, sister.
Yes.
But I feel like you probably have.
Look, look, look.
No.
My girl.
Everybody wants it.
I'm so done with you.
Period.
Period, girl.
I am finished.
Get off.
But I know it's hard to get the girl.
What happens, actually, when you and Miracle go out?
This one.
I honestly.
Do they?
I feel like it's the same.
Y'all capping it up too much.
It's very dry.
It's very boring in the DMs.
I'm telling you.
It's going down in the DMs.
Yeah, I know.
Okay.
Hide snacks on set for between takes.
I'm saying you just because you was pregnant at the time.
Oh, my gosh.
For sure.
Definitely.
Even when I'm not pregnant, I snack.
Yeah, she just came back in here chewing on some type of candy.
What's your favorite snack?
I had a pineapple.
Like, are you a salty or a sweet is really the question.
Oh, girl, salty and sweet.
I like it all.
You know, I'm with the chocolate.
I want a fruit.
You know, I might want a bar.
Yeah.
I might want a chip.
Today, I might want a Dorito.
We got some good chips and salsa in the bag.
We do have snacks at Baby Disney.
Now, wait a minute.
The snacks here, the setup here is.
Yeah, setup was crazy.
Green room was nice.
We appreciate that.
I didn't get a good green room.
I mean, yes.
Y'all know I'm the hostess with the mostest.
I can't have y'all.
I'm crazy and hungry.
Okay.
Show up.
Show up late, but be the best dress every time, on every occasion.
I literally was late today.
She might be, like, a little late, but she gonna come through and show you why you was
late on the show.
Yeah, just came through, though.
You know.
Period.
Okay, last one.
Leave set with a little souvenir without asking.
You look like you might clap, though, a little something.
Oh.
Come on, Philly.
I mean.
They were my house shoes.
What did Denzel say?
I'm leaving with something.
I'm leaving here with something.
He leaving here with something.
I'm gonna tell you right now.
I always leave with something.
Jewelry.
The underwear, I already put them on.
No, yeah.
Who's giving that back?
Come on.
Shapewear.
I got a lot of free shapewear.
Girl, my whole draw is nude.
The best.
Yeah.
Nude, nude, nude.
Nude, nude.
And I love it.
Guys, you're amazing.
Thank you so much for coming to the show.
Ruth and Boaz coming out September 26th.
We're getting romance.
We're getting love.
Shout out to Devon Franklin and Tyler Perry.
God bless you guys.
Thank you, Kiki.
This has been an honor.
Absolutely.
Congratulations on everything.
Thank you, Ruth.
You are simply amazing.
Continuing to rise, continuing to show us the right example.
Baby, this is Kiki.
Baby, This is Kiki Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me, Kiki Palmer.
Lucas Siegel is our post producer.
Our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly Nestor.
Hilary Esty.
Nick Laughlin is our executive producer.
Production services provided by Evolution Media.
Our original theme song was written and performed by me, Kiki Palmer.
For Team Kiki, my producer is Sharon Palmer.
For Wondery, our managing producer is Olivia Fonte.
Senior managing producer is Nick Ryan.
And our executive producers are Emily Feldbrake, Aaron O'Flaherty, and Marshall Louis.
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Podcast Summary
Key Points:
Soraya and Tyler share personal experiences of motherhood, love, and faith, highlighting how these roles have transformed their identities and relationships.
Both reflect on the challenges of postpartum life, including emotional volatility, sleeplessness, and the unexpected reality of parenting, while emphasizing the importance of support systems.
The conversation explores the cultural impact of their careers, especially Soraya’s role in *Empire* and Tyler’s work with Tyler Perry, which shaped their creative confidence and professional growth.
A central theme is the balance between faith, self-worth, and resilience, with both guests expressing how faith has sustained them through life’s struggles and transitions.
The new Netflix film *Ruth and Boaz* is celebrated as a meaningful reimagining of a biblical love story that centers on authentic, non-transactional relationships and chosen family.
They discuss the importance of embracing all forms of artistic expression—music, film, and personal storytelling—as interconnected parts of a holistic identity.
Moments of vulnerability, such as discovering a romantic relationship during production or early parenting, reveal how personal growth and self-awareness unfold in real time.
The episode promotes inclusivity and cultural authenticity, acknowledging the experiences of Black women in predominantly white environments and the lasting impact of parental love and faith.
Summary:
Soraya and Tyler share a heartfelt, intimate conversation centered on motherhood, faith, identity, and personal growth. As Soraya reflects on becoming a mother and getting engaged, and Tyler shares his journey through parenting and career shifts, both emphasize how these experiences have reshaped their lives and values. They highlight the emotional challenges of postpartum life, including sleeplessness, parenting stress, and the struggle to maintain self through new responsibilities.
The discussion delves into how their careers—especially Soraya’s role in *Empire* and Tyler’s work with Tyler Perry—have shaped their confidence and creative direction. A key theme is the role of faith as a guiding force, especially in times of uncertainty, with both expressing how daily prayers and family support have helped them through adversity. They also discuss the importance of authenticity in art, advocating for Black women to embrace all forms of expression without restriction.
The conversation culminates in their excitement about the new Netflix film *Ruth and Boaz*, which they see as a powerful portrayal of genuine, non-transactional love rooted in faith and chosen family. Personal stories of vulnerability—such as discovering a romantic connection during filming—underscore how self-discovery and emotional honesty are vital in navigating life’s transitions. The episode blends personal insight with cultural reflection, affirming the strength of Black women’s experiences and the enduring power of community, faith, and resilience.
FAQs
It refers to balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with a strong, confident professional presence in the workplace.
Her body changed post-baby, allowing her to explore fashion in new ways, embracing curves and finding a more personal, authentic style.
It reflects a positive outlook on life that helps individuals focus on blessings and overcome challenges, especially during life transitions like parenting or marriage.
He was excited to participate in a faith-based romance story, as it aligned with his personal values and offered a meaningful, authentic narrative about love and connection.
She struggled with postpartum anxiety, sleeplessness, and emotional overwhelm, including moments of confusion and fear about her own mental state and parenting abilities.
Their journeys highlighted growth in self-awareness, faith, and emotional resilience, showing how personal challenges shaped their confidence and perspective on love and success.
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