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- [00:06]
A
Y', all, I am so honored to sit down with two time Olympian, world champion and all around force of nature, Jordan Chiles. This conversation right here, it is about what it takes to fight for your place and your peace. We're talking about everything. What it felt like to have an Olympic gold medal given and then taken. The racist backlash she survived and how she found her voice again in her memoir. I. I'm that girl. Jordan doesn't hold back. This is bigger than gymnastics. It's about the emotional toil of injustice, the power of sisterhood, the courage to keep showing up, and the beauty of family saying I'm enough. Through joy, grief, love and legacy, Jordan is teaching us it all. Strength doesn't always look like gold. No matter what we doin in the car. Just chillin pop on Amazon music. Sit back and listen. Life, love, sex, science, hovering it all. Especially the bad. Cause money always evolved. No matter what it is, we gonna.
- [00:58]
B
Make it make sense.
- [00:59]
A
Nothing else will do but kick it with the homies and kings to grab you a drink and a snack you enjoy and get into the vibe that.
- [01:04]
B
Only one you know it's your girl baby, this is. This is Kiki, baby. This is Kiki Palma. Yeah.
- [01:16]
A
Before the holiday rush kicks in, I'm partnering with Airbnb to help you plan that perfect autumn escape from dreamy mountain retreats to spacious homes. Perfect for gathering with friends and family. Airbnb has amazing spaces for every kind of getaway. Now let's get into it, girl. What's up?
- [01:36]
B
Hello.
- [01:36]
A
It's so good to be with you. Because I feel like I know you. I see you everywhere, online, in the media. You're so talented, amazing, doing your thing. How are you? I mean, you just did a huge Nike super bowl ad. I mean, Time Woman of the Year, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. You're just killing it. How do you feel in this moment?
- [01:55]
B
I feel actually really good. Um, I definitely can say it's been a whirlwind since after Paris, and I've just been enjoying the time, the presence, you know. Definitely didn't think I would have two covers in one year. Not something I thought. You know, I thought one cover was like gonna be, you know, the. The golden. But I'm just been being me and just having fun. Really. I feel like this time of era, being 24, is just having fun. Finding your identity, finding who you are and just enjoying life.
- [02:23]
A
Yeah. And really getting your brand out there. I mean, I know you were in Cannes as well, doing stuff. How was that experience? You know, being so Front facing.
- [02:31]
B
It was really fun. I mean, a lot of the things that I did in Cannes, obviously, were like speaking panels about sports and marketing and, you know, brands and how as athletes, we see, you know, brands and how brands see us as athletes. So, yeah, it was really cool. It was fun, you know, meeting CMOs, CEOs, different marketers, and just really get to dive deep into how they build their brand and how they could help us and how we can help them, especially women in sports. That's a huge thing right now. So.
- [02:55]
A
Yeah, absolutely. And I love to see it climb. Honestly, I feel like when I was a kid, we didn't get to see enough of it. We knew a couple of folds. Lisa, Leslie, she's doing her thing. But it's so good to see more of you in all these different fields doing y' all thing. Now, I know you don't know your big three. Cause I asked you before you got started in the interview, but you are an Aries.
- [03:13]
B
Yes.
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A
And you said you're on the tour. You're like Taurus Cusp.
- [03:15]
B
Yeah.
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A
How do you feel the Aries energy showing up in your life and in your sport or not? Because, I mean, you're a leader. I mean, Aries are known to take charge.
- [03:24]
B
We are, we are. I mean, there are some moments where I'd be like, oh, that was an Aries move. But I think being able to have like that leadership role and standing on it makes it even better. But when it does come to relationships, friendships, I can see where people are like, y' all Aries or something else. But I am very. A lot. You know, I'm kind hearted, I'm gift.
- [03:45]
A
But y' all are so loyal.
- [03:46]
B
We are.
- [03:47]
A
To the most ridiculous point where it's like, y' all need to stop being. Yes. I love that about my Aries friends.
- [03:52]
B
I've gotten told that a bunch of times where it's like, we like to help others before we help ourselves. And, you know, I feel like I've understood that as I've gotten older, but when I was younger, man, I'd be the. You know, I'd be in high school being the first. The first person to be like, okay, so guys, like, how are you doing? What's going on? You know, so.
- [04:10]
A
But also just getting into this look, your nails, your cute. I do feel the Taurus energy because Tauruses are so cute. Thank you. They always give you a little flirty vibe. You know, I feel the energy. So I see a little of that Taurus Cusp. Okay. I have to ask, because I know you're always in the gym. What is on your playlist? And I see you be dancing on TikTok. So, like, what. What do you be listening to, Jordyn?
- [04:30]
B
I listen. Well, I'm a girl's girl, period. So I'm very much. You know, I have Megan, I have Beyonce. Recently, I've been playing Texas Kehlani's folded song.
- [04:42]
A
Yes. Everybody's been playing that.
- [04:43]
B
It's stuck in my head, like it's been repeat. So I have her. Sometimes I do go, you know, men. Don't. Don't. Don't go there. I know. To all the men. Yes, I do listen to you guys. I. But I really just kind of, you know, justice.
- [05:00]
A
And it feels kind of like R B. Yeah. Hip hop.
- [05:03]
B
That's my. My play. You open up my phone, and you're gonna see mostly R and B on there, period.
- [05:07]
A
So you need to get into that new Just Kiki album. Gotta drop a little tracks for you on that playlist, period.
- [05:13]
B
Okay. Period.
- [05:14]
A
Okay, So I want to talk about pairs. I don't want to go into a. A negative space, but I really want to understand this more as much as you can, because I know there's still a legal investigation going on with you being stripped of your metal, which is horrible. I'm so sorry that you had to experience that. So with that being said, I want to understand, especially for those that maybe don't get the intricacies of the Olympics and how they do these kinds of judgings, what exactly happened that led to you getting your metal stripped?
- [05:41]
B
So on the day, I found out that my coaches had put in an inquiry, and that's normal. It's a common thing. There were two other athletes that put in inquiries before me. Simone and on Rebecca, Andrea, Jay, and theirs got denied. So I found out that it was kind of a quick second I was, you know, interacting with my teammate, and all of a sudden I hear I put an inquiry. And I was like, okay, inquiries, they can go up, they can go down, or they can stay the same. So there's three different ways that your score can, you know, do its thing. And I found out that my score went up, and obviously, you know, you saw the uproar. Everybody was excited. Everybody was.
- [06:22]
A
It was a huge deal.
- [06:23]
B
Yeah, it was a really, you know, cool experience. And then afterwards, I, you know, found out that they wanted to reevaluate what was happening. And my coaches had 60 seconds to put in an inquiry. And 60 seconds isn't, you know, it's Not a long time after my Florentine. And basically there's a person that we have to go to to be like, hey, we want to put an inquiry. And that person didn't stop the clock for fast enough.
- [06:52]
A
So it was a human error that caused it, actually. Exactly. Not really what happened in real time.
- [06:56]
B
Exactly. And so that's why there was, you know, a whole thing that was happening where it was four seconds and, you know, there's video proof and all this stuff. So it was a devastating time and.
- [07:08]
A
Then became such a huge. I mean, they just made everything so intense. I feel like the only time I heard about somebody getting a metal strip was because they was doping.
- [07:16]
B
Yep. There. That's. That's another thing that I was just like, I'm confused. I'm confused. All I did was my, you know, my job, the biggest stage of your life, and you want to, you know, have fun. And like you were saying, the only other time I've heard people get their metal stripped is because of doping or is because, you know, whereabouts or something crazy. So I was just in awe. And I did go to a deep, deep, deep, deep down under.
- [07:41]
A
And then, I mean, the thing is, I think anytime you, as a black person living in this world, you're thinking to yourself, I'm not. I don't want to always make myself feel low and think everything's against me. Like, a part of being able to excel in life as a minority is you trying not to think about all the odds that can be against you. You're kind of always thinking about, I'm moving forward. I'm gonna do my thing. Hey, whatever. You like me. You don't. But this is an instance where the whole world was saying, we just saw you experience racism. Did you take that? Did you accept that? Were you kind of like, did you find yourself trying, like, no, no, no. Maybe it's, you know, the rule books or, like, how did you deal with that?
- [08:19]
B
I honestly, at first, I didn't think of it in that way. And so I started almost literally getting racist comments and saying this and saying that and basically telling, like, people are telling me to kill myself. And it got to a really, really tough point. I had to get off of social media for a while for you, because it was, you know, it was really hard to even see that as an athlete, like, let alone an athlete. I'm up there. Yes, it's an all black podium, which is very rare. It's obviously something that people just don't like because we are dominating in areas that you Know, systemically, we've been removed from exactly.
- [08:57]
A
Even the sport alone is expensive to do.
- [08:59]
B
Exactly. And as being a woman of color, I was just, you know, I started seeing it more. They didn't want to see that. They didn't want to see three beautiful black women standing on that podium. They didn't want to see the fact that we were just dominating. And I really took that to heart. And again, I just went deeper into what already had happened.
- [09:19]
A
It's deep what you're saying, too, because it makes me think about the crabs in the barrel concept. Because what you're saying leads me to the fact of there can only be one. You know, so it's like, y' all can't handle the two aisles. Y' all can't handle the child and the piles. Y' all need only one. That really is interesting because I'm thinking about it. Yes. It's the collection of. As opposed to only one gets in. And that creates not just something in terms of black and white racism, but also inter. Intercultural stuff where it's like we're always fighting for more than one position. I also remember you had spoken something because you're biracial, right. You're Latinx. And I don't know exactly what black and what. You're Latin. Okay. Yes. And, you know, you said you were accused of not being black enough sometimes and dealing with that. So, I mean, when you experience this, but then also have that. That experience, how do you grapple with that?
- [10:12]
B
I honestly just look at it as well, it's my life. I'm writing my own narrative. I'm writing my own book. I'm writing, you know, things that. Not. I get it, why people say those things. Because how I see is every single time I get some type of comment or something, it's some. I look back and be like, you know what? This person is probably going through a tough time and they don't like something about themselves.
- [10:35]
A
That's a powerful and important way to look at it. Because it's true.
- [10:37]
B
Because it's like, okay, you can, you know, obviously what you don't like about yourself, you're going to go to someone else and be like, I'm just going to ruin their day because I don't like something about me and I'm just going to move on with my, you know, my life.
- [10:49]
A
Yeah.
- [10:49]
B
And so with things like that, I had to deal with it at a young age. Actually. It's actually in my book. My coach didn't believe my mom was my mom because I was black, but my mom's Latin. So it's like when she came and picked me up or something, my coach was like, that's not your mom. Why can't that be my mom? Like, I'm my mix. Like, my mama is she. Like, I have no other mom, right? Like, what else do you want me to say? So I had to deal with it at a young age. But then I started to realize my identity is something that I am still finding and I'm getting to choose and I get to explore and I get to, you know, embrace. I just started embracing my Latin side even more because I was like, yes, people only see me as black. But then it's like, if I tell them I'm Latin, they don't. They only see me as Latin. I'm just like, okay, y' all gotta pick and choose. Like, I'm both like. So I think having the, the understanding of being Afro Latina, I really enjoy it. I really like to, you know, discover both cultures and just really find that diversity and just, you know, be me.
- [11:50]
A
Yeah. And there's also so much going on as well within the Latin community right now. A lot of horrible atrocities being done. It literally is.
- [11:57]
B
It's devastating.
- [11:58]
A
Devastating. So then you have, you know, your communities, your two communities that you're speaking out for. What do you say to the young woman like you that is dealing with seeing that on a day to day basis and maybe doesn't have any medals to even be taken from them like they have. They're still working to find that thing and achieve something and know that the odds won't be against them. Because when you do see stuff like this, it can make you say, it can make the people watching us say, well, why should I even try if I, you know, Jordyn, been doing it since she was 7. She got there and then what do we tell them to make them have faith that it's worth fighting for?
- [12:33]
B
I mean, every single day we're fighting for our lives. I don't think, you know, there's one day you're gonna wake up and be like, oh, this is, you know, this is gonna be a normal day. I. How I see is if that was the case, we'd all be living in a utopia.
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A
Okay?
- [12:45]
B
Drinking coffee the same, right? Driving the same car, like it just come on coffee. Like, it doesn't work like that. Like, no. And I don't think people want to see yourself. You don't want to see your own identity in somebody else because you're gonna want to change Something. So I always tell even, you know, little girls who do a sport, don't do a sport is, you know, always believe in the power of your dreams. Your dreams can take years, they can take months, they can take the next day. But it honestly has something to do with your own personality, your own, you know, you being authentic to who you are. Yeah, I continue to fight for what I do every single day because I understand my why. What is my why?
- [13:23]
A
What is your why?
- [13:24]
B
My why is always understanding that I didn't wake up to sprint for the younger generation for no reason. I didn't wake up to, you know, talk about what I'm going through for no reason. I didn't write a book for them to read for no reason. So they get the ability just to wake up, look at themselves in the mirror, and no pun intended, and say, I'm that girl, right?
- [13:45]
A
You 100% that girl. I'm really living for everything coming out your mouth. Okay? You are giving it everything. You saying, I didn't do it for no reason.
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B
No reason.
- [13:57]
A
And it's about the belief that your life is worth it. Why else am I here?
- [14:00]
B
God didn't create me just to walk on the earth. He didn't create me just for me to have this resilient dom. Like, just for me to be in my bed and be all pretty. No, that's not how it works. Like, it doesn't work.
- [14:13]
A
Like, that builds this kind of spirit, this spirit that you have, there's this tenacity. Even just sitting in a room with you, I feel it. This. There's this discipline, this confidence and this. This knowing. What do you think helped you cultivate that?
- [14:26]
B
Definitely. Well, one. The discipline part came from my sport. At the age of 12, I was traveling to Italy. Like, who does that? I don't think I can ask any other.
- [14:35]
A
You want Celine Dion? We love Celine.
- [14:42]
B
So I think really it was. You know, my parents. My parents taught me how to be very humble and how to understand that if you want to create a life for yourself, then you have to work. You have to be dedicated and strive and, you know, conquer. I didn't grow up in a family of quitters. I know that's probably crazy to say, but that's. We don't quit in things, you know, failing, yes, we can fail 100. That's. That's how life goes. But quitting, no. So I continue to, you know, understand myself each day. We learn something new about ourselves each year, you know, it's our birthday. That's not going to Be the same year that I was 23. It's not gonna be the same with me being 24. So I think constantly understanding that I'm growing and I'm understanding myself, and I'm always authentic. I'm gonna be straightforward. I am a blunt person. I will tell you the truth. If you walk out the house with two socks on, I will tell you to go back in the house and change your socks, because you're not doing that. No, no polka dots and stripes. No, it does not work. Like, that's just how I am. I'm gonna just, you know, put my. My feet in front of each other and continue to walk. I, you know, walk by faith, literally. That's kind of how I did. Let God create something for me.
- [15:53]
A
Another thing I want to mention, because I think it's important, especially when that point that you made about seeing all of these minorities, specifically black people up here, dominating spaces that you wouldn't expect, that can create intercultural, you know, competition. But you uphold a sisterhood with Simone Biles. She's one of the main people that came out and supported you. I mean, what do you think the importance is of us to see that as well? And how did it impact you during this typical time?
- [16:18]
B
It. It was kind of like a swap in Tokyo. You know, I helped. I stepped in for her, and I think that was when I first was like, wow, you know, I'm actually being seen. I actually feel something. You know, that confidence came in. And so her being able to support me in this situation and giving me, you know, tactics and being like, look, I'm here for you. I understand what's happening. We're gonna do everything we can to make sure, and we're gonna continue to fight. So seeing that, I think having that sisterhood is definitely a huge thing, because not everybody gets that. Not everybody has that friend that is also your teammate.
- [16:53]
A
That get. Yes. That they give it.
- [16:55]
B
That gets it. Exactly.
- [16:57]
A
Sure.
- [16:57]
B
So it's been a. It's been pretty cool to see that she's, you know, been there for me and that I can, you know, do the same for her, support her, do whatever I need to do to make sure she's doing good. Because when you have that relationship, you can kind of, you know, feel like, okay, we're both going in the same direction, and we can conquer in both.
- [17:15]
A
Spaces and healthy competition. And when you rise, I rise. So I'm really proud of you guys for that and for showing that.
- [17:21]
B
Thank you.
- [17:21]
A
Now, we do got to talk about this book. I'm that girl. I mean, did you see yourself writing a book, or did you just know? Yeah, okay, I did.
- [17:30]
B
Yes, I did.
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A
When I was younger. Oh, my gosh. I love that. I live for the dreams coming true.
- [17:36]
B
Yes, I did. It was something as a little kid, how I see is right. We have these imaginations. You have your little imagination friends, right? And you're like, one day, I'm gonna have for real friends.
- [17:46]
A
Right.
- [17:47]
B
So that's how it was with this book. I, you know, understood my story was crazy. I'm a rainbow baby and a miracle child.
- [17:53]
A
Oh, wow.
- [17:54]
B
And I'm named after Michael Jordan. So put all three things together.
- [17:57]
A
Your parents said we got high hopes, and they was right, though.
- [18:01]
B
Yeah. Talk about manifestation. Exactly. So I kind of really took that and made my story and being like, okay, you know, I've had the flu game. I know that's pretty crazy to say, but I've had the flu game. I've, you know, kind of been able to understand failing is a thing in life, and you have to learn from them. So, you know, writing this book was really just something that I wanted to tell my story. People have narratives, Right. You can go on Twitter and they can say this and the other. I've gone through a lot of crazy things within my life, which, you know, I can say, thank you. But at the same time, why. Why me, guy?
- [18:37]
A
Why am I strongest?
- [18:38]
B
Right. Like, I appreciate it, but you shouldn't have to put me through that. So knowing that I was able to finally lay everything out.
- [18:47]
A
Yeah.
- [18:47]
B
I didn't realize within the time of me writing my book, that trauma that I went through, whatever, Whether it was me getting smoked out in a car, whether it was me getting my braids cut off, whether it was me getting told I look like an Oompa Loompa. And keep in mind, I was, like, this big. Yeah. So there was a lot of trauma that I was. Had to retell.
- [19:07]
A
I just want to talk about this hair chopped off really quick. Yeah. So this is what you wrote in your book about one of your coaches.
- [19:13]
B
Yes. Coach X.
- [19:14]
A
Coach X chopped off your hair.
- [19:17]
B
Yeah.
- [19:18]
A
What did your mom do? What did your parents do? What did happen and what was the reason? I mean, there's no reason for me knowing it.
- [19:24]
B
To her, there was. So in gymnastics, obviously, there's a typical. Well, not anymore. I've kind of changed the culture of that, you know, with my tattoos, my nails, all this.
- [19:33]
A
Come on. Allen Iverson Jr.
- [19:37]
B
So.
- [19:40]
A
Why would I say that? The stuff I say. I'm tired of myself because What? But y' all know he changed the game with. Anyways, you know how the holidays get. Everyone's schedule gets crazy and suddenly it's impossible to coordinate quality time with friends. That's exactly why I've been searching on Airbnb for the perfect pre holiday getaway. Because before all the festivities kick in, I need that special weekend with my closest friends. I found this incredible cabin with the guest favorite badge, which means it's one of the most loved homes on Airbnb. Picture a gorgeous open concept space with the chef's kitchen, the coziest living room, and these huge windows that frame the most stunning fall views. What I love most about booking on Airbnb is how you can really make it feel like home. Sipping morning coffee on the deck, cozied up in blankets, cooking up some delicious comfort food together in the kitchen. I mean, game nights by the fireplace. It's those little moments that make the best memories. That's the magic of finding the right space. Sometimes you need more than just a place to crash. You need somewhere that feels special, where everyone can spread out and truly unwind before the holiday chaos. Check out Airbnb for your pre holiday escape. Trust me, they've got exactly what you're looking for to make unforgettable memories with your friends. This message is brought to you by Apple Pay. The winter shopping experience is giving polar expedition, and I'm not even being dramatic. Between the layers of sweaters, scarves, coats and gloves, just trying to access your wallet feels like an Olympic sport. But here's the thing. Apple Pay turned my iPhone into the only wallet I need, letting me stay toasty while checking off my winter shopping lists. Remember those old winter shopping scenes? You're bundled up like a toddler on a snow day, finally making it to the register, and then have to perform a whole excavation project just to find your wallet. Taking off your gloves, unzipping your coat, digging. Meanwhile, the store's heating system is fighting a losing battle against that cold draft from the door. But that's not my story anymore. Okay? These days, when I spot the contactless symbol at checkout, I know I can keep my cozy situation intact. Apple Pay is designed to be secure with face ID built right into my iPhone. And trust me, that staying snug in my pocket, just a quick double click, a glance at my iPhone tap. Done. Faster and easier than fumbling with cards or cash, Apple Pay is accepted at millions of places worldwide. Whether I'm ducking into a coffee shop for some hot chocolate, grabbing winter weather essentials or doing some serious shopping. That contactless symbol lets me know I'm in the right place. I'm still earning all my credit and debit card rewards on every purchase. And Apple Pay keeps my transactions private by not keeping transaction information that can be tied back to me. Shopping online becomes a cozy experience, too. From my warm spot on the couch, Apple Pay works seamlessly across my devices, iPhone, Apple Watch, or Mac. When I see that Apple Pay button at checkout, I know I'm in for a smooth, secure transaction without having to enter any card numbers. Winter shopping doesn't have to be a battle between staying warm and getting things done. With Apple Pay, you can keep your gloves on, your layers intact, and your shopping smooth. It works in stores, online, and in apps. Say goodbye to physical cards and cash. Pay the Apple way and stay cozy. This winter season, terms apply.
- [23:34]
B
Okay, we're back. So there's a typical. There was a typical way of how gymnasts were supposed to be, and it was, you know, skinny girls, white, blonde, ponytails. Yeah. And so it just. To her, I guess it didn't look like professional.
- [23:53]
A
So yet again, another form of racism. Like that aggressive, subtle. This is why we have the Crown act. This is how we, you know, it's so crazy to imagine. Again, that's why I say so much. Things need to be updated systemically that allow us to exist in our fullness. Because so much of it. I mean, even today, nowadays, I still go to Atlanta, I go to a restaurant. They literally say everything, but black skin can't come in. I mean, it's like, no hat, no anything that you would imagine a black person be wearing. They got up on that list. I'm like, just say you don't want nobody black. No Air Force One, specifically.
- [24:24]
B
Like what?
- [24:25]
A
Like what? Like, it's everything. No gold chain, right? Like, it's so crazy.
- [24:32]
B
So anyway, yeah, so basically, when I wrote the book and I was finally able to close it, I was like, all that trauma, I finally can let go. Like, I don't have to deal with it anymore. I. People ask me about, go read the book. You want to really know. You can go read the book. Like, you know, oh, my God.
- [24:52]
A
And.
- [24:52]
B
But what's also so cool is, like, when I close my book and you like, I'm that girl. Obviously, it came from the song from the Renaissance, Beyonce. And. And so basically, I got to, you know, that was my model all of 2024. So when I get to close my book and I get to look at and understand all that trauma is inside. But when you look at the front cover, I get to say, you know, I was. I am that girl. I am that person that went through all of that. But I get to still be, you know, it's not about the pearls. It's not about, you know, change. It's not about the money. It's not about any of those things, but it's about who I am and that resilient, independent woman that I get to carry around and, you know, let people. People see. So it was a fun process.
- [25:37]
A
How has it been seeing the reception of that and people getting. Because one other thing I really like that you talked about in your book was the body image stuff and some of the eating disorders and things like that, which I think my best friend and I were talking about how in this world, eating food inherently can become an eating disorder because we don't know if we should be more, we don't know if we should be less. We don't know based off our goals or what this. You know, it becomes so confusing. So I love that you spoke about it, because I think we need to really talk about it a little bit more. And how did you find balance, you think, with that?
- [26:11]
B
It took me a while to find balance with food at first, obviously, because.
- [26:16]
A
It'S also attached to your career.
- [26:17]
B
Exactly. But as gymnasts, it's a little different. We don't like drinking too much water because we can feel it when we flip. I know that's weird. We can feel it in our stomach. So even water was kind of.
- [26:29]
A
She said nothing, but even water.
- [26:31]
B
We were like, okay. During competitions, we. We would be like, okay, I'm. I'm parched, but, like, let me just take a little sip because I don't want to feel it. So it was something that I had to get used to as a little kid. My mom actually realized I did not know how to function without food. Like, it was. It would be the weird. Like, I'd have more injuries, and it would be like, I. They'd give me normal portions. Right, right. But it was like healthy food, like, couldn't function, couldn't do it. But the moment you gave me a cookie or, like a honey bun or something, it was like, give it to me.
- [27:03]
A
Wow.
- [27:03]
B
Like, she's perfectly good. I can do anything. So, like, I had to figure out, yes, me and food were not friends. It came to a point to where I found out I was lactose intolerant, which I still am. But, you know, ice cream on the days can, you know, let me live a little. Right. I Found I was gluten free. At one point in my life, I couldn't eat certain foods. I found I was allergic to lemongrass. Like, there was a lot of things. And I would get, like, really, really sick. So it was like, what is going on? The moment my mom realized that things weren't going, I would get cramps out of the blue, like, it was bad. So then she was like, okay, let's see what happens. You just go eat whatever you want. So what did I do? Oh, I went to Red Lobster. Red rub it.
- [27:48]
A
The manager of Red Lobster done added bags of. I just seen it on the news. Girl, they about to update the damn menu. What? Yeah, they is at Red Lobster. They about to give you whole dump bags of seabit food.
- [28:01]
B
No way.
- [28:01]
A
That man came in there swinging. I know that's right. Anyway, back to it. I started thinking about the new menu.
- [28:07]
B
Seafood Broil menu at Seafood Broil at Red Lobster.
- [28:11]
A
And I know they better pay us both for real today.
- [28:14]
B
Let's go clock it. Anyways, if you see me and Kiki at Red Lobster, don't worry about it. Don't worry.
- [28:24]
A
Anyways.
- [28:26]
B
So, yeah, I had to. I. Mine went the opposite. A lot of athletes, you asked, do you have a diet? Do you have this? And it's like, yeah, I do. But for me, I don't have no diet.
- [28:35]
A
Yes.
- [28:35]
B
I don't do any of that.
- [28:37]
A
Well, you found what's best for you.
- [28:38]
B
Exactly.
- [28:39]
A
And I think that's like, that's the really key piece for any one of us. Sometimes you can look online, you see, I love watching what I eat in a day, but it's like, I can't really eat what you can eat today. Or you can't really eat what I can eat a day.
- [28:49]
B
And those portion sizes we are fist. And that makes no sense to me because it's like, not everybody's hands are the same size.
- [29:00]
A
Okay.
- [29:01]
B
So it's like, how does that work?
- [29:02]
A
And if your hand bigger than mine, I'm using yours.
- [29:05]
B
Right?
- [29:06]
A
Pick up, pick up this for me. That's how much I'm eating. Can you.
- [29:09]
B
Can you give me a fist real quick? Literally Appreciate it. That that's what I'm eating today. But, yeah, it was, you know, love, love, hate relationship.
- [29:18]
A
Yeah.
- [29:18]
B
Now, I always do say this, though, because people, you know, they always ask me, with your body, what do you like? Body positivity imposter syndrome. That. We're women. It's gonna happen. It's just. That's just life. Seriously, like, we're just Gonna wake up one day and feel really skinny. And the next day we're like, what happened?
- [29:35]
A
No, seriously, it just happened.
- [29:37]
B
So I always tell people, you know, create your mind to understand that your body is always going to change the older you get it, and it will get to its form when it's needed. And so I think that's what I created in my mind is like, yeah, I have days where I'm like, I feel like this. But then I'm like, you know what, girl? Slay today. You're gonna put these shoes on, you're gonna feel like this, and you're gonna walk out the house, put some makeup on, and let's go. Yeah. Like, you know, and it's just a.
- [30:04]
A
Part of it, embracing those moments just as much as we embrace the good moments.
- [30:08]
B
Exactly.
- [30:08]
A
Now, you speak a lot about your. Your family, your parents, your sister. I mean, they've been vocal and visible, and I know because my family is the same way, girl. So what role have they played, you think, in helping you build not just your career, but who you are as a person?
- [30:24]
B
They've played a huge role. My family had sacrificed a lot, especially my sisters. At a young age, they literally would have to take me to practice, do all these things. Like, they hated it, though.
- [30:34]
A
Yeah. My sister was tired, too.
- [30:35]
B
I was tired of it. Like, why I gotta take you to this place. I wanna go hang out with my friends. I'm like, I'm sorry. Like. Like, I. I gotta go to practice or mom's gonna kill us both. Like, it doesn't work like that. So they played a huge role, obviously, my older sister. Both my sisters actually work for me, which is pretty cool.
- [30:51]
A
Wow.
- [30:52]
B
My older sister, she's my hmu. She. Yeah. She does my hair and makeup for a lot of.
- [30:57]
A
And you look so good.
- [30:59]
B
Thank you.
- [30:59]
A
Thank you.
- [31:01]
B
And then my other sister, she's my personal assistant, which is also cool because it's like, hey, you. Excuse me. I need this. That the other, like, so having them both with me, especially because our relationships weren't too, like, close when I was younger.
- [31:17]
A
Yeah.
- [31:18]
B
Knowing that now I have them within my life and we kind of can, you know, dominate how I'm always. Love giving back.
- [31:24]
A
Yep.
- [31:25]
B
My family is something that I want to give back because they had to sacrifice. So the first thing I did, which is pretty crazy to say, I didn't even buy my own self a house. I bought my parents a house. Like, it was period. It was something that I felt so proud of because it was like, you should. I was Able to live in your house for 18 years, and you sacrificed everything. Work, this, that.
- [31:46]
A
And I really want to talk about this and take a moment because I feel like very related to athletes. Even though I didn't start doing a.
- [31:53]
B
Sport, I feel like I related to you.
- [31:55]
A
You know what I mean? Because, like, starting young, it becomes a family business. Everybody got to support you. Everybody got to put something on hold. And then, you know, you're doing your thing and a lot of people are just looking at you, but you're like, at the end of the day, it's my support system that's making it happen for me. So being kind of like the one in your family, it seems like something that you. And then this is how I feel, especially as I got older, really take responsibility for and feel proud of, not burdened by. When you were younger, did you always see it that way or did you grow into that perspective of like, no, this is my role and I'm proud of it.
- [32:27]
B
It took me. I didn't like it at first because I was like, I feel bad. Like, I feel bad. Yeah. I was like, we can't go on vacations because I have a competition. Like, my sister's birthday is in August, and typically that's when our vacations were, and that was her birthday. And I just always felt like it was something we couldn't really celebrate because I had competitions like that. But then I started to realize, well, maybe the role that I've given is because when her birthday comes, I can go get her a Louis Vuitton bag. Okay, I could go do this for her, you know, like, all those things. So I did, like, as I got older, started to realize, okay, I am in this position for a reason.
- [33:03]
A
Yes.
- [33:03]
B
And not only am I in this position, I'm going to be able to help everybody around me.
- [33:08]
A
And that's why I'm so glad we talked about. Because I think so many people out there, whether they are in our fields or something else, especially when you think about minorities, like, a lot of times for us, like, that generational lineage of wealth isn't there. So whoever decides to build it or who finds a way to build it, it's like, don't feel guilty for that. Don't feel burdened by that. Yes, it's tough, but what do they say? Heavy is the crown that they made you wear. You know what I'm talking about, y'?
- [33:29]
B
All. So it's important to figure it out.
- [33:31]
A
Uplift that person. You know, the Terry's in the family, you know, soul food So, I mean, you're also a student at ucla, girl.
- [33:41]
B
That'S senior year coming.
- [33:42]
A
Congratulations, boo. Thank you. You're building a brand. I mean, and you're essentially redefining what an athlete, entrepreneur looks like. How did you find the language for that? Right? Because we're always trying to figure out, like, how. How do I articulate? I know who I am, but how I articulate who I am to y', all. How has it been discovering that and then sharing it with the world?
- [34:00]
B
It's been fun. First off, at the age of 16, 17 years old, I understood what a WTU was and a W4 and a 1099. All those taxes thingies, I understood those because business, it runs in my family. My mom used to own property, period. Crazy places. She just enjoyed business. That's just what she did. So I understood. I would go in her office. I remember I'd go in her office and be like, okay, so what are we doing today? Like, she's like, well, I'm feeling this out because there's a tenant. And then I was like, okay, Like, I would retain that. So a lot of the business things that I know now and that I get to, you know, explore and let the younger generation understand. Yeah, it's fun because now I get to mentor. I actually have this new athlete initiative that's coming out.
- [34:48]
A
Wait a minute.
- [34:48]
B
It's called Shiro. I'm mentoring two athletes who get to not only understand themselves in the sport, but area, but also their life. I have this. One of the athletes, she likes nails. So I'm like, okay, well, what can we do with that? Do you want to, you know, come a nail tech, you know, all those things and teach them ways before they get into college of understanding that, yes, college is going to be hard. It's hard for everybody. Don't worry about it. We live life right. But you'll be able to retain more information because I was able to mentor you and that you can kind of guide yourself a little better than most college students. So basically, she wrote, basically, I can give you a little background on Shiro. Basically, Shiro, my aunt passed away, who was really dear and close to me, is on my dad's side. And she always told me I was her hero, but she didn't. She was like, that's a man in her eyes. She was like, that's a man. So she was like, but you're, you know, my woman hero. So that's where Shiro came into play. And it's basically just something that she felt I was, you know, dominant in things that, that she understood I was going to be able to conquer. And she actually told me that before even Paris was even a thought in my head that I would go to a second Olympics and a year before she passed away. And it was. It was, you know, everything that I did all of 24 was really. It was for her.
- [36:08]
A
Oh, my goodness.
- [36:09]
B
And my grandpa. My grandpa and my. They passed away a year apart.
- [36:13]
A
Shout out to grandpa. Shout out to your auntie as well. I don't know her name, but rest in peace. I'm sure they're really so proud of you.
- [36:19]
B
Yeah, they are. They are.
- [36:21]
A
Seriously.
- [36:21]
B
But, yeah, that's where Shiro came from, so I'm excited.
- [36:23]
A
So, Shiro, this is gonna be huge. And then also, I mean, I just want to get into a little bit of tea with you. Are you dating in college?
- [36:28]
B
Oh, baby. This is Icy Palma. Yeah.
- [36:35]
A
Y' all know your girl is busy hosting my podcast, memorizing my scripts, and running after my little one. Breaking through this busy season requires equipment that's working as smart as I am. And that's why I'm obsessed with the new Peloton Cross Training Tread plus. It's cross training reimagined with features designed to help you reach your goals effortlessly giving personal trainer meets tech genius meets motivation station. Listen, this thing is so smart. Peloton IQ provides intelligent strength coaching. Watching my every move in the best way possible. The movement tracking camera counts my rep, corrects my form, and suggests weights that'll challenge me at the exact right moment, helping me achieve more in less time. And don't even get me started about the swivel screen situation, because it's everything. One minute, I'm conquering a 45 minute run. Then with one smooth spin, I'm flowing into a five minute stretch. The personalized plans, though, that's the real showstopper. Peloton IQ creates these custom workout plans that have me feeling like the main character in my own fitness journey. Matching you with instructors who get your whole vibe. Whether you need that extra push or just some real talk motivation, let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go explore the new peloton cross training tread +@1peloton.com.
- [38:04]
B
KIKI no, I'm not.
- [38:06]
A
Yo, these are the questions that the girls want to know.
- [38:08]
B
No, I'm single, everybody. I am a single.
- [38:11]
A
Do you feel like you get to date a lot with your schedule? People ask me this too, all the time. Because it's like, yes, I'm busy.
- [38:19]
B
Dating, dating, schmating, I mean, okay, I was in a relationship, I can tell you that. A lot of people were like, how long? It was for two years. It's a long relationship, but it was like on and off. So I don't even know if that was. It's two years, but two years, on and off.
- [38:33]
A
Yeah. It's still valid.
- [38:35]
B
Yeah, I guess so. So since then, we, you know, it was a communication thing for me. Yeah, I'm a very. I'm an Aries. You still. Just because I'm all lovey dovey and Q and you know, you gotta communicate. I need to know that you're okay. I don't care if it's just a good morning. You gotta communicate. Yeah. So it was just something that, you know, he played overseas and that was. Yeah, yeah. It was getting harder and harder. So kind of just, you know, it's like we can go our separate ways. So right now I've just been living life. I'm single, though.
- [39:07]
A
Do you like dating people in your field? Because I really like it. Sometimes it could feel too much. I mean, obviously he can be athlete but play a totally different sport. So there's maybe differences there sport wise.
- [39:18]
B
I mean, I don't mind now in gymnastics, I don't think I would date another gymnast. Yeah, like I could be an NBA wife. I could be. Yeah, I can be an NFL wife. You know, all those things. So might as well period. Pop off.
- [39:34]
A
Okay, we'll see how those DMs are about to get popping off.
- [39:38]
B
Right? It happens every time. Every time.
- [39:42]
A
I live, girl. I just live. Okay, Are you ready to play a game?
- [39:47]
B
I am.
- [39:48]
A
I play a game always with my guests. And I really, like, wanted to make sure this one felt very. You like.
- [39:52]
B
Oh, Jesus.
- [39:52]
A
So it's called Spill the Beams. We're gonna stand on like these little kid balance beams while playing a game of Truth or dare.
- [40:00]
B
And can you balance?
- [40:02]
A
I mean, if I can, you gonna teach me, right?
- [40:04]
B
I got you.
- [40:05]
A
Yes. Flip a girl.
- [40:06]
B
You gonna make sure I'm good.
- [40:12]
A
Okay, either truth, dare or wild card. Which first?
- [40:20]
B
I'll do truth.
- [40:22]
A
Okay, truth. What is something petty you're still holding onto and would absolutely do again?
- [40:33]
B
Something petty. Oh, what did I do that was petty? I think I would probably ignore one specific person again just because they probably took. Oh, I stopped eating my food because somebody stole a fry from my plate without asking.
- [40:53]
A
Ooh, that is stubborn. That is that Cusp stuff going on. Because that is some tourist type to do. Okay, my turn.
- [41:03]
B
Uh, truth.
- [41:05]
A
Truth or dare? Oh, I wanna dare.
- [41:07]
B
Dare.
- [41:09]
A
Oh, now you have to spill. Actually, no. Let me get my spill things. Okay. Walk the beam like it's love and hip hop. Reunion stage. Ugh.
- [41:20]
B
Reunion stage. Wait, what even happened? What?
- [41:25]
A
They be swinging them wagons around. Okay. That's what they be doing.
- [41:35]
B
Yes.
- [41:39]
A
Yes. Okay. Jordan, you a too funny girl. She talking about something.
- [41:50]
B
Okay, there's some crazy.
- [41:53]
A
You can ask me any of them.
- [41:55]
B
Recite a toxic text you would absolutely still fall for.
- [42:01]
A
Look, it's been a long time. Only thing I want is just to see you and talk. You don't even gotta say nothing. Okay. I'm on the way. From the right person that'll hit. From the right person that'll hit. Done. And you'll be like, he just want to talk.
- [42:22]
B
He just want to talk. That's all you do.
- [42:24]
A
I didn't even get out the car. No, he said he want to talk. That's it. I'mma go. I'm a go. Okay, okay. Truth or dare?
- [42:34]
B
Dare.
- [42:35]
A
Dare.
- [42:36]
B
Yeah.
- [42:37]
A
Okay. Do a beam strut while saying your favorite made up excuse to cancel plans.
- [42:44]
B
Mm, my favorite one. I use it all the time.
- [42:48]
A
I know. Mine too.
- [42:50]
B
I always do this. So basically what had happened was there was this one dude who really couldn't even pick up the phone, and I just had to stay home because he told me he was pulling up in like three seconds.
- [43:06]
A
Now that's a good ass one. That's a unique one because every girl is gonna be like, oh, get your man like that. Like, oh, wait. Oh, let me. I already get it, girl.
- [43:16]
B
Yep.
- [43:17]
A
Let me know. That's a good one. I do the same typical one that every mom does. Oh, my gosh. The baby girl. The baby. Just the baby.
- [43:25]
B
I get that one.
- [43:26]
A
Literally. Just the baby.
- [43:27]
B
I get that one. I got.
- [43:29]
A
It works like a charm. And if I sent it to you, girl, it really was the baby.
- [43:34]
B
Okay, truth or dare?
- [43:35]
A
Okay, truth or dare? I feel like the dares are really fun, so hit me with. Oh, truth. Truth. I'm doing the truth. I'm doing the truth.
- [43:42]
B
Boom.
- [43:42]
A
I'm doing the truth.
- [43:44]
B
What's one song you performed that you now wish you passed on?
- [43:49]
A
That I now wish I passed on the one song I performed that I wish I passed on. So this is about to. This is about to be crazy to some people. Um, I don't necessarily wish I passed on it, but I can be honest that it's like one of my popular songs that, like, I didn't really want to do was keep it moving. I know. Isn't that crazy. I didn't want to do. Keep it moving. I actually didn't want to do. And it's really like, the main jam.
- [44:19]
B
People be like, keep. Your show's over.
- [44:22]
A
Thank you.
- [44:22]
B
Have a nice day.
- [44:25]
A
And I feel like this is every artist's storyline. Like, I feel like every artist be like, oh, you know, the one song I hated was Ring the Alarm, and it's like, huh. So, yeah, I guess. Yeah.
- [44:36]
B
Well, that's why you're talented.
- [44:39]
A
Okay. Truth or dare? Truth. Okay. What's a red flag that you completely ignored multiple times?
- [44:50]
B
Attachment issues to my parents.
- [44:56]
A
Yours. Your attachment issues to your parents.
- [44:59]
B
Like my own red flag? Yes. Or someone else.
- [45:01]
A
Somebody else's. Somebody else's.
- [45:02]
B
Somebody else's red flag.
- [45:03]
A
I'm also attached to my parents, so same.
- [45:07]
B
I'm not laughing.
- [45:09]
A
Don't abandon me, please.
- [45:11]
B
Somebody else's red flags that I noticed would probably be them saying the same thing over and over again, but trying to reword it.
- [45:22]
A
Yeah. At that point, your head gets so tired that you just agree.
- [45:26]
B
Cause then I start saying the same motivational thing over and over again.
- [45:31]
A
And at this point, y' all got a script of the same. It's almost like, we like the rollercoaster. We like the ride.
- [45:39]
B
We like to go up and down.
- [45:41]
A
And then when somebody changes, you be like, wait a minute.
- [45:44]
B
Yeah, this is the part where. Anyway, okay. Strike three poses you do at the Met gala on the steps. Okay. Right here.
- [45:55]
A
Okay.
- [45:58]
B
Okay. One, two. I'm just like.
- [46:03]
A
I'm not.
- [46:06]
B
Okay. Period.
- [46:07]
A
Period. Period. Okay, let me do you now. Wow. Perform your. I just saw my ex in public, but I look good straight. Yes.
- [46:20]
B
Jordan, I know you see me.
- [46:24]
A
Oh, come on. Lizzie McGuire Fall. Jordan, you're absolutely amazing. I had so much fun with you on the podcast. You're too fun. Well, to many more beamings.
- [46:40]
B
To many more beamings. That's not a word, but it's okay. We make one today.
- [46:43]
A
Umbrella.
- [46:44]
B
Yeah. If you see us there, you know.
- [46:47]
A
Yep. C4, Boyle, let's go. Bye. Jordan Childs ain't just telling her story. She's taking the pen and writing the whole book herself. With honesty, boldness, and grace, she is confronting the systems that tried to break her and reclaiming her power through visibility, vulnerability, and truth. Whether she's flipping across the mat, modeling in her own image, or mentoring the next generation, Jordyn is showing us that strength is layered, legacy is personal, and healing is revolutionary. She is that girl. Not because anyone else said so, but because she knows it for herself. See y' all next week for more cause, baby, this is keke palmer.
- [47:28]
B
Baby, this is this is kiki. Baby, this is kiki palmer.
- [47:36]
A
Yeah, baby, this is keke 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 mclaughlin is our executive producer. Production services provided by evolution media. Our original theme song was written and performed by me, kiki palmer for team keke. My producer is Sharon palmer for wondery. Our managing producer is Olivia fonti. Senior managing producer is Nick ryan. And our executive the executive producers are Emily feldbrake, Erin o' flaherty and Marshall louie.