Hollywood Highs, Family First with Tyler Lepley and Serayah

Summary

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Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Episode: Hollywood Highs, Family First with Tyler Lepley and Serayah
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Keke Palmer
Guests: Tyler Lepley, Serayah
Topic: Navigating Hollywood milestones, family, faith, and their new Netflix film Ruth and Boaz.

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Episode Overview

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode, Keke Palmer sits down with actors Tyler Lepley and Serayah to explore their transformative life moments—parenthood, recent engagements, and landing star roles in the upcoming Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin Netflix romance film, Ruth and Boaz. The conversation blends laughter, candid stories about motherhood and new fatherhood, career pivots, the daunting highs and lows of Hollywood, mental health, and the grounding power of faith and family.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pre-Show "Pull Up" Icebreakers (01:02–05:47)

• Vibe Check & Personal Updates

  • Serayah: “Today I’m giving mother at work with a side of boss babe.”
  • She discusses the reality of traveling with her infant, adjusting to post-baby body, and evolving her relationship with fashion.
  • Keke and Serayah bond over how motherhood changed their bodies and confidence in fashion:
    • “It changed in a way that allowed me to show a little bit more... it allows us to explore fashion in a different way.” (02:27)
  • Serayah’s current playlist includes SZA; last screenshot? Her flight itinerary.

• Astrology & Love Languages

  • Serayah’s “Big Three”: Gemini Sun, Aries Moon, Libra Rising (03:28). She connects with all her signs:
    • “I get a little bit of fire sometimes, and sometimes I’m very much my Libra girly... And also, that Gemini like, ‘I’m here, I’m there, I’m nowhere.’” (03:48)
  • Love languages: Quality Time and Gifts (04:13). She admits she’s embraced her love of receiving gifts and shares her approach:
    • “It’s like, oh, I really like this... hopefully he picks up... that’s another testament to who you’re with.” (04:47)

• Tyler’s Turn

  • Mood: “Clean!”—cuts his own hair after years of learning out of necessity (05:34).
    • “20 years later, I’m clean!” (06:07)
  • Today’s mood: “Blessed... I just feel like I done made it now, you know what I’m saying?” (07:31)
  • Music on the way: Gunna and Army FOMOB (08:05)
  • Aries Sun (doesn’t know his full “big three”): “March 24th.” (09:08)
  • Love language: Physical touch (09:32)

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2. Navigating Major Life Changes (10:08–15:36)

• Summer Milestones

  • Serayah recaps a year of huge transitions: having a baby, turning 30, and her engagement to Joey.
    • “Honestly... rolling with the punches with the vibes and just blessed. Overwhelmed with love and overwhelmed with... goodness.” (10:27)
  • Celebrating low-key: a “cute staycation... dinner and all the things.” (10:55)

• Tyler on Engagement & Fatherhood

  • Recently engaged to Miracle Watts; navigating her first pregnancy and postpartum as a partner.
    • “Most men want to pull up and fix the situation... but you gotta really roll with the punches.” (11:57)
  • Choosing what to focus on—“Glass half full versus empty”—shapes his experience:
    • “Choice of what I’m choosing to pay attention to makes a big difference for me.” (12:05)

• Wedding Plans & “Bridezilla” Potential

  • Serayah dreams of a destination wedding but feels overwhelmed; wants intimacy but has a huge family (13:13).
    • “Probably the calm bride, because I’m gonna have somebody be like: this is what I want, please plan it!” (13:51)
  • Tyler: Wedding set for next July in Mexico, settling on a 40-45 person guest list to balance intimacy and their giant extended families (14:21).

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3. Parenting, Balance, and the Realities of Motherhood (16:08–19:47)

• Finding Balance Postpartum

  • Serayah is transparent:
    • “I’ve made it to the gym maybe twice in the past few months… Celebrate the little small pieces you get.” (16:46)
  • Her fiancé Joey’s presence as a supportive, experienced parent (their blended family):
    • “Very calm, cool, collected... there for me when I’m having my little meltdown situations.” (17:13)
  • Surprise at partners’ ability to sleep through baby chaos:
    • “Something that’s very interesting is how the guys can just sleep... we can’t sleep through it.” (17:50)

• Postpartum Mental Health & Stigma

  • Keke underscores the insidiousness of postpartum emotions:
    • “You don’t know that what thoughts of yours are not your own... It just becomes a part of who you are.” (18:52)

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4. Hollywood Journeys—Breakouts, Challenges, and the Power of Perseverance (21:03–32:21)

• Public Perception & Pressure
  • Tyler Lepley on being labeled a heartthrob (“Essence Sexiest Men Alive”):
    • “It immediately takes me back to when I decided to do this... everybody that I spoke to about it just didn’t have anything positive to say.” (20:17)
    • The importance of “choosing your focus” and perseverance.

Career-break moments:

• Serayah – Empire Origin Story

  • Cast as Tiana after an unexpected connection and last-minute audition; went from H&M sales to major TV break.
    • “No place to live... to on TV from H&M.” (24:51)
    • “I was just ready to do whatever.” (26:03)
  • On meeting Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard:
    • “Girl, I was like this. Hi. I was 19.” (26:41)

• Tyler – The Haves and the Have Nots

  • Left personal training, risked his last dollars, and faced skepticism:
    • “You can play both sides up to a certain point... at some point, you gotta make a choice.” (28:09)
    • Humbling experience: “Down to my last client paying my rent.”
    • His client’s “mic drop moment”:
      • “It would be like my doctor telling me he’s gonna quit to become a dancer.” (29:51)
    • On Tyler Perry’s legendary work ethic:
      • “He’s there before everybody, and the last one to leave. He’s outworking everybody.” (30:53)

Creative Expression:

• Serayah on being a “multi-hyphenate” singer/actor/dancer—letting the artistic sides feed each other:
  • “Music is me and my authentic self... with film and acting, I get to tap into a different side creatively.” (32:21)
• Tyler on fans still connecting most with his Have and Have Nots role despite other hits like Harlem and P-Valley:
  • “Even after all this time... that makes sense... Tyler Perry just has his... he’s like Walt Disney.” (33:59, 34:13)

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5. Ruth and Boaz: New Film, Classic Love Story (35:01–41:47)

• On Accepting Roles in a Faith-Based Romance

  • Both were excited (though slightly apprehensive) to explore a “wholesome Black love story”; Serayah always wanted to do a romance in the spirit of “Love Jones.” (35:55)
    • “I want to see us in good love stories more often.” (35:55)
  • On working with Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin:
    • Serayah’s awe at being on Tyler Perry’s lot for the first time:
      • “Driving up... it’s beautiful, y’all... so inspiring.” (36:46)
  • Casting chemistry: Had to do chemistry reads virtually while filming a slasher horror together! (37:22)

• Genuine Love in a Transactional Era

  • Tyler:
    • “Everything is very transactional... love is just on the surface... in a dying economy, sometimes we’re not even creating space for genuine love and connection.” (38:42)
    • The film’s take: “Where Boaz meets Ruth, she’s not the finished product... love can meet you right where you’re at.” (39:21)

Working with Legends:

• Phylicia Rashad, Jermaine Dupri, and Babyface on set

  • Serayah on Rashad:
    • “She’s the icon, the regal. I just love talking to her.” (40:21)
  • Studio session with Babyface:
    • “He’s so poised, so chill and laid back... I wanted to flip out right now!” (41:02)

• On emotional scenes and Serayah filming while newly pregnant (42:04)

  • “I don’t even understand how I... I was just jumping in.” (43:23)

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6. Family, Faith, and Chosen Community (44:03–50:25)

• The Role of Faith

  • Tyler: “At the end of the day, when the ish really hits the fan... faith is all that you have. I’ll follow faith into the dirt.” (44:03)

  • Opens up about being the only Black child in a white family; finding identity and strength through parental love and self-determination:

    • “My parents did… the best job… making sure I had that foundation of love… that was enough to give me the springboard to go figure out who I was.” (45:08, 46:04)
    • Shares childhood microaggressions and racism:
      • "My best friend... says, 'Do you know what a [slur] is? Before I could say no, he says, 'That's what you are.'" (46:43)

  • Keke echoes her own childhood experiences and the importance of resilience and focus, especially for Black children in predominantly white environments (48:04).

• Serayah on Faith and Family

  • Faith is an anchor, passed down generationally:
    • “Whatever prayers Grandma and ma prayed over me has kept me in a lot of different situations, out of a lot... and took me through a lot of hard situations.” (49:29)
  • Realness about "free flowing" through adulthood—no one has it all figured out, faith bridges the uncertainty (50:25)

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7. Mental Health & Community Uplift (51:15–55:55)

• Deserving Love Foundation (Serayah)

  • Created by her mom; focuses on uplifting women—especially single mothers—by providing community and face-to-face support ("sister circles"):
    • “Every time we do sister circle, someone leaves feeling like, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t know I needed this so much.’” (52:20)
  • The importance of normalizing deserving love and affirming value, especially in Black women’s lived experience. (53:16)

• Tyler on Therapy

  • Attends therapy ("been with Gary... over 10 years"):
    • “I first got into it for work purposes... but then I started seeing why I needed it in life.” (54:16)
    • Aries tendencies: holding things in or over-committing to others. Therapy helps modulate emotional expression and self-care.

• Keke: Continual Growth

  • Self-compassion, "there is no healed, only continued healing."
    • “I thought I was healed. And it’s like, there is no healed. There’s continued healing.” (56:41)

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8. Fun and Chemistry: Most Likely To Game (57:36–62:05)

A playful segment where Keke tests the dynamic between Tyler and Serayah, including:

• Most likely to win a basketball game? Tyler (58:26)
• First to cry at their wedding? Serayah (“Definitely me.”) (59:11)
• Hardest musical playlist? Tyler, but Keke notes both have range (59:29)
• Hardest clap-backer? Serayah admits new-mom energy could have her out for blood (59:50)
• Hiding snacks on set? Serayah, especially while pregnant (61:35)
• Showing up late but always best-dressed? Serayah (62:16)
• Leaving set with a souvenir? Tyler: “I’m leaving here with something.” (62:35)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Motherhood & Fashion:

• Serayah: “After being a mom, like, was it a lot coming into your mind whenever you get dressed now or is it the same feeling that you've always had with fashion?” (01:58)

On Perseverance:

• Tyler: “If you can’t make a way for yourself in this small pond called Philadelphia, what makes you think you can go out to the middle of the abyss and do anything different?... You fast-forward 15 years, and you see all this support coming in.” (20:17)

On New Love in an Old World:

• Tyler: “Where Boaz meets Ruth, she's definitely not the finished product... Love can meet you right where you're at.” (39:21)
• Keke: “Faith is the greatest healer... there is no healed, there's continued healing.” (56:41)

On Hollywood Legacy:

• On Tyler Perry’s work ethic:
  • Tyler: “The billionaire who's showing up... outworking everybody here.” (30:53)

On Community and Uplift:

• Serayah: “We have to pull up for each other and we need to be in each other’s face and hold each other’s hands.” (52:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:02 – Pre-show “pull up” icebreakers & fashion talk
• 03:28 – Astrology & love languages
• 05:28 – Tyler’s turn: “Clean,” barber talk, and being “blessed”
• 10:08 – Life-changing events: motherhood, engagements, turning 30
• 11:45 – Tyler on fatherhood, engagement, and shifting priorities
• 13:09 – Wedding planning: fantasy vs. reality
• 16:08 – Balancing self-care & parenting postpartum; partner support
• 18:52 – Postpartum struggles, mental health, and motherhood
• 20:13 – Tyler on public image and roots
• 24:40 – Serayah’s journey from H&M to “Empire”
• 27:45 – Tyler’s trek from broke to “The Haves and the Have Nots”
• 32:21 – Music vs. acting: multi-hyphenate artist perspectives
• 35:01 – Ruth & Boaz: landing the role, chemistry, and Black love
• 40:14 – Legends on set (Phylicia Rashad, Babyface, Jermaine Dupri)
• 44:03 – Faith and family: personal and cultural journeys
• 51:15 – Community, “Deserving Love,” and mental health foundations
• 57:36 – “Most Likely To” game
• 62:05 – Wrap up

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Episode Summary

This episode is a candid, uplifting conversation celebrating growth, resilience, and the messy, beautiful realities of juggling Hollywood with family and faith. Serayah and Tyler Lepley each reflect on breakthrough moments, vulnerabilities of new parenthood, the essential role of chosen community, and the value of mental wellness in a demanding industry. Their rapport with Keke Palmer shines—full of empathy, mutual hype, and infectious laughter.

From the struggles of postpartum adjustment to the power of legacy and representation in their new film, Ruth and Boaz, the episode highlights how love—romantic, familial, and self—anchors these artists through life's unpredictable chapters.

Ruth and Boaz drops September 26 on Netflix, promising romance, faith, and Black love at the center of its story.

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Memorable Closer:
Tyler: "I'm leaving here with something." (62:40)
Keke (on faith and parenthood): "We are still reaping the benefit of those prayers." (50:32)

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Transcript

[A]

This episode is presented in partnership with Airbnb, where the best end of summer memories are made with your closest friends. Now let's get on with the show. No matter what we doing in the car. Just chilling, pop on Amazon music, sit back and listen. Life, love, sex, science, covering it all, especially the bad. Cause money always evolved. No matter what it is, we gonna make it make sense. Nothing else to do but kick it with the homies and kings. So grab you a drink and a snack, you enjoy.

[B]

Get into the vibe that only you.

[A]

Know it's your girl. This is Kiki, baby. This is Kiki Palma. Yeah. 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 seen you around, but this is my first time actually getting to sit down and talk with you. 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.

[C]

Me too.

[A]

I mean, first we have to do pre show pull up. I do this with all my guests just to get into yalls vibe and see what you guys are, you know, feeling today. So I'm going to start with you, Sera.

[B]

Uhoh.

[A]

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.

[B]

Yeah, it is crazy.

[A]

And I know you said the baby travel with you.

[B]

He's here. Yeah. Okay.

[A]

How's he been acting? Is this his first time flying?

[B]

It's like his second time.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Was totally in a whole uproar before I left. So I'm still feeling like the tension.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I'm like, no, I want to fix it and everything. Yeah.

[A]

And I know it never.

[B]

He's with Gigi. So he's good.

[A]

Okay. He's with Gigi. Hey, Gigi. Okay, so mother at work, boss babe. 100% today's mood, in one word, I can attest to this. You are 100% serving period. You always serve though. Do you? I remember we were just at my album listening party and I'm like, the Bangles, the dress.

[B]

Oh, thank you.

[A]

Even after being a mom, like, was it a lot coming into your mind whenever you get dressed now or is it the same feeling that you've always had with fashion?

[B]

I feel like it's definitely changed. I mean, my body's different. Things feel different. Have to lift things, and, girl, you know, squeeze into it, but you have something to lift. Listen, my man sucked it all out, okay?

[A]

I'm like, damn, who is she? Who am I? Who am I? What am I?

[B]

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.

[A]

Yes, yes.

[B]

I'm just. I'm finding it.

[A]

Yeah. I think that is the cool thing. After my son was born, my body definitely did change. And it changed. It changed in a way that allowed me to show a little bit more.

[B]

Curves, you know, because it gives us.

[A]

A little bit more weight, you know, Say, I never really had a lot of bamboo, but after the baby, I did. So it definitely allowed me same. 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 SZA on the way here? Yeah. Is it the new project or you going old school?

[B]

Sza, girl. Actually, it was the heat. They were playing sza.

[A]

Ooh. Okay. Come on. The Heat.

[B]

We like the heat. I would love the heat.

[A]

I love sza. That's my girl. Okay, last screenshot on your phone. No deleting. Show me.

[C]

Show me if you have it.

[B]

Yeah, girl. It's literally my flight back home tomorrow.

[A]

Literally. I love living two days from now, three days from now.

[B]

Tomorrow.

[A]

Damn this.

[B]

It was supposed to be, you know, two days, but tomorrow, look, period.

[C]

I got you in and out, huh?

[A]

She said what she said at the top. Mother at work. Boss babe.

[C]

That's the boss, babe.

[A]

Screenshot. Okay, what's your zodiac sign? And do you know your big three? Of course you know your big three. You're Gemini, Aries, and Libra. Now, wait a minute. Which part is the. I know your sun sign is Gemini, but what's the Libra to Aries?

[B]

Okay, the Aries is the moon.

[A]

Oh, that's the moon?

[B]

Yeah. The Libra is the rising. Ooh.

[A]

Do you feel. Which one do you feel most connected to? Oof.

[B]

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.

[A]

I mean, Libras are known for their aesthetics. You always showing up looking bomb. I feel like that's very Libra. I do feel the Aries. Cause you have that fire.

[B]

I feel that fire.

[A]

But then that Gemini Is like, I'm here, I'm there, I'm nowhere. Y' all gotta catch. That's very real.

[B]

Yeah, I'm very much not really here.

[C]

No, from here, I'm there, I'm nowhere. I'm using.

[A]

Yes. I'm not really here. Okay, what's your love language? Cute. Oh, quality time. And gifts.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

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 it.

[A]

So how do we get the guys to give us the gifts? Because the girls are like, yeah, child.

[B]

How?

[A]

Yeah. Do you just be like, I want a gift? Or is it just like, I love? Or do you tell them like, I love gifts? How do you let him know it's your level?

[B]

It's 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. Cause I think that that's another testament to who you're with. Like, you gotta pick up.

[A]

Send the Amazon cart. Gotta pick up the pizza. I like all of these things.

[C]

Right, right.

[A]

Okay. And what's the most unexpected thing on your talent, Writer girl? My writer needs an update. Okay, that's true. Because they keep giving me Flamin Hot Cheetos in mind. That writer's from when I was 13. I like Flamin Hot Cheetos, but, like, I do need to update mine. Cause 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.

[C]

Clean, clean.

[A]

I love that.

[C]

Cut my own hair. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Wait a minute.

[B]

Yeah, that's. That's.

[A]

You cut your own hair?

[C]

Cut my own hair. Yeah, for sure.

[A]

How you learned how to do that?

[C]

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.

[A]

Sure.

[C]

So I was raised outside of Philly, so trying to find a barber to cut my hair.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I was telling him, guys, this right here, this whole beard, goatee situation that gives Philly down. I feel like you gotta be from Philly down.

[C]

Yeah. Typically. Yeah. That look is like the big beard and, 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 started to get the swing of it and, you know, 20 years later, I'm clean.

[A]

There's nothing better than being able to do your own hair.

[C]

It's nice, isn't it?

[A]

It's like, you're never gonna catch me slipping. Now you're giving clean with the side of ain't afraid to get a little dirty to keep it that way.

[C]

Oh, you know what? I honestly thought we was gonna be discussing these together, like, not like, outside of the camera.

[B]

Oh, like before, like.

[C]

Yeah, I thought it was an icebreaker. We were just gonna talk some and come up in here howling.

[A]

Now, what kind of dirty are we talking? No, well, the ladies wanna know.

[C]

I just. 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. And it is Archangel Michael, and he's one of the leaders of God's army, and he just. He would go to war. He's. Matter of fact. Can I show y'?

[A]

All?

[C]

It'll be a little too much, but he. He. He killing a serpent. But he, you know, he. He will get his hands dirty to fight for the right things.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

You know, so I feel like, you know, I'm very. I don't know how would you say.

[A]

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 gotta check a mother. 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.

[C]

And I just feel like I'm kind of right there right now in that balance, you know what I'm saying?

[A]

Okay, today's mood, in one word, blessed. I'm here with Keke.

[C]

Yeah, for sure. We were just saying before, I just feel like I done made it now. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Stop it.

[C]

There's a few podcasts that I've always wanted to be a part of, and Keke is at the top. Hey, we did something.

[B]

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.

[A]

Well, you know, you.

[B]

We going on a press run, and.

[A]

I'm a fan of yours as well.

[C]

Come on.

[A]

Have to have nots 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. Trust me.

[C]

We appreciate It.

[A]

Okay. What did you listen to on your ride here? Ghana. R and B and Mops.

[C]

Oh, R and B. Fomops. So, yeah, so I've been listening to Gunna lately. He just dropped the album and whatnot. I feel like he's always. You know, his pen game is nice. You know, I like. I like what he's bringing. And then Army FOMOB is a artist out of Texas. He's. He's making some waves and whatnot. So, yeah, I listen to some things that are out in the. You know, out in the public, and also some things that are a little underground, too.

[A]

Last screenshot on your phone. No deleting. Show me. I'm seeing eyes to the side.

[B]

Uh.

[C]

Oh, this must be probably because I don't know how to. I don't know how to draw. That's probably the wrong eyes. I do.

[A]

Is it a bad. Is it a screenshot that, you know, is a little.

[C]

Nah, I probably just wrote him. Cause you said you wanted to see him.

[B]

So you gonna, like, see.

[C]

I ain't got my phone on him. But you know what it was?

[A]

Y' all know what that means?

[C]

I think it was.

[A]

I ain't even gonna press him.

[C]

I always forget, like, quick information, like codes and whatnot. So it was something similar to what you had a screenshot of?

[A]

Sure it was.

[C]

She took. She took. Yours was a ticket. Mine was like something else.

[B]

Yeah, I'm just saying.

[A]

I'm just playing.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

What's your zodiac sign? Do you know your. You don't know your big three?

[C]

I'm an Aries, though. I don't know.

[A]

Big three.

[C]

March 24th. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my dad's the 26th. 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?

[C]

Oh, yeah, for sure. It goes in one out the other.

[A]

I don't know.

[C]

You know what time you was born?

[B]

I do. I asked my mom so I could find out. My dad. 3:16am 3:02.

[A]

God so loved Kiki 302.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm not sure your love language. Physical touch. Yeah. Physical touch. Yeah. I'm that same way. Even if I'm not being romantic.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Even holding hands like, girl.

[A]

And it's like, you're killing me. I had to back up on that. I'll 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.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Looking forward to it, guys. This is a romance. It's gonna be good, but with some faith to it, which we always love, but what a summer. Saraya, you just had the baby.

[B]

Oh, my goodness.

[A]

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.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. You see what I'm saying, girl? So much going on. But you know what? Just blessed, honestly. Rolling with the punches with the vibes and just blessed. Overwhelmed with love and overwhelmed with just all the goodness that support. My family showed up. And it's just been a lot going on. And I just. I think the. The word is blessed for sure.

[A]

Yeah. How would. 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.

[B]

I kept it low key. So me and my son are literally a couple days apart from being just a month apart. Our birthdays.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

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 and kept it low key and dinner and all the things. But, yeah, we didn't do a big thing. Cause I was. I couldn't. I couldn't leave.

[A]

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 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. Tamiracle Watts. I mean, how has that been? You guys also have a baby. 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?

[C]

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.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

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.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

So you gotta 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. I realize that, you know, the choice of what I'm choosing to pay attention to makes a big difference for me at least.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

Without.

[B]

That was the word. That's exactly.

[A]

It's almost like, you know, we say it and it's. It's a. Sometimes we get older, 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.

[C]

So of course it's been a whirlwind, but I just feel. 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. The half full glass for sure.

[B]

Ok.

[C]

I'm feeling blessed.

[A]

And you guys definitely have a lot to be blessed about. So. I love to hear that. Gratitude is the greatest healer of anything.

[C]

Amen.

[A]

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?

[B]

I know I.

[C]

I'm gonna, I don't.

[B]

Know, about to be at your wedding just like, oh, my gosh. So I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready. Wherever we going, you know, I've always wanted. I feel like us women, we plan this way before it's even like, girl, ain't nobody nothing, right? You don't even got a man. But I always wanted a destination wedding. But I don't know, I feel like. 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.

[A]

And friends. If I'm just thinking about 200 already.

[B]

That'S what I'm saying.

[A]

But we'll be there. Do you think you turn into a bridezilla or do you think you'll be like a calm bride? I mean, we never know till the day comes.

[B]

You know what? I am definitely probably the calm bride because I'm gonna have somebody that's like, this is what I like. And plan it, please, 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.

[A]

And what about you, D?

[C]

So we have. We've narrowed it down to next July. So next summer.

[A]

Come on today.

[B]

Come on, date. Come on date.

[C]

We're gonna do it in Mexico. So it was. So it was difficult to try to figure it out, like you said. I feel like y' all are a little bit worse than we are because, you know, at first, she wanted this huge wedding, and she has a huge family.

[B]

Okay?

[C]

So for our baby shower, we did it down in Houston, where she's from, and there was like, 300 people at the baby shower. 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 she wanted to elope and do something, you know, really intimate. Just us, too. And then we kind of. 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 going to be a lot of people that, you know, are a little upset that they didn't get a invitation. But it's, you know, it is what it is. It is what it is.

[A]

Are you, like, an into the details type of groom? Like, are you like. Or you like, baby, just tell me, and I'm cool with it.

[C]

Yeah, I think as long as. As long as, hey, listen, you know, me being able to wake up, my family's good, you know, I'm living out my life's purpose. I have the woman of my dreams. I'm in love. You know, life is good, so.

[A]

And you're fed. I just have to say that real quick because one of the main things I do at night is go and look at what miracle be cooking.

[C]

Oh, no. And I'm fed, so I'm good all the way.

[A]

Five star channel. If y' all have never looked at her baby lamb, house steak and baked lobster, it's giving hours and hours lobster towers.

[C]

Hey, babe, you heard this?

[A]

Like that, man. I'm surprised you fit like this still.

[C]

And, hey, you see me covered up for a reason. But, you know, really, I'm not super into the details. You know, whatever. Whatever's gonna make. Make her happy. I'm cool with yeah.

[A]

Now, you shared online that you're in the newborn trenches. And you and I have talked about this personally, but we gotta talk about 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 and this new responsibility?

[B]

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.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

And I think that that is a. That's a milestone. Right. And I think that you just celebrate the little small pieces you get. And I did, I did say something the other day on my page was like, if you get five minutes or 45 minutes, take it, you know? And I think that that's just what I'm juggling right now and figuring it out.

[A]

How's it been with Joey? Because I know he's. He. I think his daughter is seven. He has a seven year old daughter. How has helpful. Has he been being able to have the maturity of having experienced this before, during this.

[B]

Oh, my gosh, so helpful.

[A]

I know that.

[B]

Very, very calm, cool, collected, you know, there for me when I'm having my little meltdown situations. Because. Let's talk about that.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Let's talk about the sweats and the girl. Everything.

[A]

He's not latching. Ready to rip your damn nipple off. Like, what's wrong with you, baby?

[B]

Right.

[A]

It was natural.

[B]

Went through that phase now, 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, honestly.

[A]

Was there anything in particular that surprised you most about becoming a parent?

[B]

Ooh, something that's very interesting is how the guys can just sleep.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know?

[A]

Yeah, they can.

[C]

They can't sleep through it. For sure.

[B]

I can. Yeah, they can't. You know, we can't sleep through it.

[A]

I can sleep through it.

[B]

And every guy says that. Every guy says that. You know what I mean? And that's very interesting. But I feel like it's a very.

[A]

Good detail, I think, for us again, I mean, we had an umbilical cord.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We created a whole organ.

[B]

I can hear the breath. Like, I cannot sleep.

[A]

I can like my baby, I keep going in the room, seeing if. If he's breathing.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Those first few months, it can drive you crazy because you was like, are they good?

[B]

Yes, exactly.

[A]

And the daddy just knocked.

[B]

But I think the other thing, too, I would say is kind of like, I was in a. I was in a very, like, denial space a little bit.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

I was like, whoa.

[A]

I couldn't believe that, like, that you had a baby. I had a baby, yeah. You were stunned.

[B]

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.

[A]

Yeah. The postpartum is huge, 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 gonna 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 wanna get out of bed. You're trying to find yourself. It's almost like a midlife cr. Then after it starts to dial down some, you start to realize, oh, those were postpartum symptoms.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because we don't know it. To us, it sounds like it's ourself. 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. You know what I mean? And so I think that's the big thing when it comes to postpartum that I really try to, when I talk about it, normalize the reality that it just becomes a part of who you are.

[B]

Right, right.

[A]

It's not something that comes glaring at you.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

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 this 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? Like, what do you feel? Cause that's a lot.

[C]

Yeah, you know, I think that's a.

[A]

Lot they put up on my man.

[C]

I think for me, honestly, I just. It immediately takes me back to when I decided. 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, yeah, I remember, like, you know, certain friends, certain family members even getting out here, other. Other actors that were going through. Through a rut. You know, I checked everybody's temperature and everybody had the same thing to say, well, if you can't. 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 this support coming in different, in different mediums. Cause 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.

[A]

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. 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 gotta 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, Saraya, with Empire, and I'm talking about you, Tyler with the have Half Nots. How did that change your life? Like, what do you remember when those shoes. Whichever one wants to go first. When those shows hit, and it was everywhere. I mean, it was insane with Empire.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, that was. That was pretty crazy.

[C]

What was it like?

[B]

What was it like?

[A]

Baby, this is Icy Palma. Yeah, honey, I don't care what the pumpkin spice industry says. Summer ain't over just yet. And let me tell you, I had the vision of the perfect late summer getaway that would make Earth, Wind and Fire proud. I can already see it now, and I'm dancing in a spacious airbnb living room, surrounded by my crew, belching out. Now do you remember? Because trust me, this is a memory in the making. With all the back to school chaos, sometimes you need a breather. Last year, I booked a guest favorite for A quick family escape. We had bedrooms for days, a kitchen big enough for our Chopped Leftover Edition competitions, and the kids could do their schoolwork without feeling like they were in detention. If you're looking for that last taste of summer or a cozy fall retreat, check out Airbnb guest favorites. I mean, seriously, these are the cream of the crop, y'.

[B]

All.

[A]

Perfect for family trips or friend getaways. You get more space, privacy, and locations that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. Whether you're chasing the last rays of summer or embracing the pumpkin, everything Airbnb has a spot for you. Ah, baby, I just had the wildest ride with The Prophecy Season 2 on Audible and Kerry Washington. She's taking supernatural thriller to a whole new level. Dr. Virginia Edwards really thought she could finally breathe easy. But the universe said, not today. Just as she's setting in with her family, the power hungry billionaire cult leader shows up, threatening everything she's protected. On top of that, she's being hit with these intense visions. Cryptic, otherworldly, and impossible to ignore. Now she's racing against time with just one month to decode them before the world falls apart. And where do these visions lead her? Straight into the Deep south on a relentless run. Giancarlo Esposito is locked in as the villain, and he's hot on her heels and coming with full force. But good thing Virginia's got her trusted ally Moses, played by Dulay Hill, riding shotgun. He and Kerry Washington go way back to psych. But this time, their characters are trying to stop a plan that could change the world forever. The performances will grab you and the sound design, it'll pull you so deep into Virginia's world, you'll be looking over your shoulder at every strange noise. Whether you caught the first season or you're diving in fresh, The Prophecy Season 2 serves up thrills, chills, and some serious what would I do Moments. Ready to test your faith and face your fears? Listen to The Prophecy, Season 2 now on Audible. Head to audible.com prophecy2 for your free trial. Trust me, this is one prophecy you want to hear. 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 forever 20? What were you working.

[B]

No. H and M. Yeah. So H and M. H and M.

[A]

Yeah, Just, you know, kind of maybe a low key more vibe, but still working on your goals. So then you get. You become Tiana. And then.

[B]

No, I mean literally from. From, you know, no. No place to live, to how did.

[C]

You Hear me on TV from HM.

[B]

H&M to so crazy. One of my friends from high school hit me up. His name is DeJean.

[A]

You gotta shout out Daejeon.

[B]

Okay? Dajon always gets a shout out from me. Hello. And he was like, oh, his. His stepmom is Leah Daniels.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Never knew that before.

[A]

Just for those who's listening or watching, don't know. Lee Daniels sister, Leah Daniels. She's also a cast casting director.

[B]

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, 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 him. I don't care what it is. Just send it to me. I don't have no auditions, no agent, no nothing. I was just ready to do whatever.

[A]

Yes, girl.

[B]

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, Jussie. And they're like, oh, you're Teyana. Okay. We've been waiting to see who Teyana was.

[A]

I mean, what was it like meeting Taraji, being on the set with Taraji and Terrence Howard, especially. This all coming so fast.

[B]

Girl, I was like this.

[A]

Hi.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

I was 19. 19.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. And where were you living before then?

[B]

The Valley.

[A]

Okay, you was in la, so then now you're in Chicago. My city turned upside down.

[B]

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 reoccurring. Um, and I think it was a guest star until, like, season three or something like that.

[A]

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, 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.

[B]

Just undecided.

[A]

Dancing your ass. I'm like, so I love that we got to see that with that show. And obviously you continue to see that as fans of yours. But. 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?

[C]

I was a personal trainer at the time. Okay, that tracks.

[A]

I feel like I could see you being like, I never knew that. Hold your back up.

[C]

Hold your back up.

[A]

Spine straight.

[B]

Oh, my goodness.

[A]

You know, they always say that, like, what are y' all talking about? The spine can't bend, obviously.

[B]

Straight.

[C]

I was. I was. Man, I was on my last couple dollars, too.

[A]

Wow.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, for sure. I remember getting to down to, like, my last client. See, so when we're chasing our dream, like, we always got to keep a couple dollars, you know, in the tank, obviously. But then, you know, at some point, you know, it gets like, you can play both sides up until, like, a certain point, you got to make a choice. So for me, it was like, you know, I had, you know, my 10 clients, and I was going on auditions. Cool. Like, audition 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, like, five. And all of a sudden, I'm down my last client.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And she's really just here. You know, this. This client is helping me pay my rent and pay my car, and that's it. In my. In my acting class. And this. This is what I'm doing now.

[A]

Yep.

[C]

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. He was having one of the callbacks out in Atlanta.

[A]

So you had to fly out.

[C]

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. You know what I mean? Like, if I'm broke, I'm broke for real.

[A]

Yeah. We're going into debt.

[C]

Yeah, we're going into debt now.

[B]

Right, Right, Sure.

[C]

So I remember, long story short, I had asked, can we do 20 sessions so I can get a little bit more up front? Instead of our 10 sessions, it's gonna 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.

[A]

Yeah. I'm like, is she Jamaican now?

[C]

She said it would be like my doctor telling me he's gonna quit to become a dancer.

[A]

Oh, really?

[C]

Yeah. So almost like, who are you? You said you finna go, what, be an actor? Imagine if my doctor told me he gonna quit and become a dancer.

[A]

She thought she was.

[C]

She was trying to play. Yeah, she thought.

[B]

She hated that.

[C]

She thought that was a mic drop moment. Anyway, anyway, so that was the. So I ended up doing it anyway. Just put the faith up and, you know, that was actually the last callback for the haves and the have nots. And I switched them out on the. Switched them out on the same day. How about that?

[B]

What?

[A]

Oh, my gosh. God is really a comedian.

[C]

But I remember diving into that for the first time, going from 0 pages to 100 pages a day. Can you imagine?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Cause Tyler is in play. I mean, you have to tell me, what was the experience of being a part. I mean, I worked with Tyler when I was a kid, but this is before he had the empire he has now. Like, I did Madea's film Reunion. Then I did, oh, my Gosh, House of Pain when he just started building the stuff.

[C]

Yeah, I remember that.

[A]

But now Tyler is, you know, he damn near Walt Disney. You know what I mean? Like, he really has his own thing. So when you are working with him up close and seeing that, what kind of things did you take from. He engineers his own work.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

I mean, so what did you learn in that process? Because it's a lot of. It's a lot of work for all of you.

[C]

Yeah. I would say the main thing is just what. What. What a real work ethic looks like. You know, this is. This is the billionaire who's showing up. He's. He's there before everybody, and he's the last one to leave. He's. He's out working everybody here. You know what I mean? It's like. 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. My man is just a workaholic. And you know what? He just. All right, my last thing about Tyler Perry. Sorry.

[A]

I love that.

[C]

He just. Man, it's amazing how he can still stay so grounded. And 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 from him.

[A]

I've been 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 that, 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 more? 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, 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. Getting in your music bag in this season a little bit. So how do you know when you want to do what?

[B]

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. And find out what resonates with myself and my character and different things like that. It's. It's. It's like painting, I think, but it's like canvases, and they're just, like, slightly different. But it's still painting, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

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 or you was a singer, you was a comedian. Right now, I feel like we are 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. Dancing, 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 P Valley, you're showing a lot of different sides of yourself. Which role do people stop you about most in the street?

[C]

You know, overall, I don't know if I'm in the South, I get a lot of P. Valley. I get a lot of Harlem too. But I can't lie. I get the most haves and have nots.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

Really?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[C]

Even after all this time?

[A]

Yes.

[C]

It was crazy. Yeah.

[A]

Cause I mean, how many seasons was that?

[C]

I think it was nine seasons.

[B]

Oh, my goodness.

[C]

And you know, Tyler Perry just has his. Like you said, he's like. He's the. He's like Walt Disney.

[A]

Yes. And I mean, that's a soap opera. Like, we don't get like, that was a clear. Like, that could have been. If he wanted to, he could have made that like Days of Our Lives. And he could have went on 25.

[C]

Seasons, you know, and his audience is just.

[B]

But how long did it take you to shoot? Cause I know he shoots really fast.

[C]

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 whatnot. You know, we were in and out in three weeks for 20 episodes. I promise you, no, Cap, it doesn't.

[A]

Feel good going to work sometimes. I mean, you want a break too, but when you on your breaks, don't y' all feel like. I feel like this all the time. Whenever I'm working, I'm like, ugh, get me off of here. And as soon as I'm on break, get me back. When's the next time I'm gonna work again? It's so weird. Cause we always. People don't know as entertainers we out of a job till we get a job.

[B]

Seriously.

[C]

It's like independent contracting.

[B]

I'm like literally jobless, jobless till they.

[C]

Hire me again, right?

[A]

Yeah. 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, is 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 gonna have to kiss, and we gonna have a love scene. So how did y' all feel when this opportunity came for this movie that is. Is. It's a romance, you know, but we have the faith to it. So what were you thinking? Any apprehensions? Any concerns?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, okay, so love. Love story. Right. But Devon did kind of, like, brief me on what it was. And when I. Franklin. Devon Franklin, the producer. And so when I read the script, I was like, okay, this is giving wholesome black love. And so.

[A]

Fabulous.

[B]

Yes. And so I was. I was really. 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.

[A]

You who you look like. Who? Robin Givens.

[B]

Oh, yes. Yes. You just look like.

[A]

I tell you that every time I see you. So boomerang remake. You need to be Robin.

[B]

Hello. Can we do it?

[A]

Girl, you give me that down. I live for her, too. I don't know who don't live for.

[B]

Her, but I know. We love. We love Robin. Yes, we love her, but. Yeah, so that was something that was, like, I was here for. Cause I was, like, really excited. Obviously, Devon Franklin. Tyler Perry. Never worked with Tyler Perry before. This is my first time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

When I drove onto the lot and I got my little key card, I was like.

[A]

It does.

[B]

It does. Driving up. It's beautiful, y' all. At home, like, it's beautiful. And I mean, so inspiring. But other than that, 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.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

What was the other. Because I know the cast of that one, too.

[B]

It's a slasher horror movie. We're on the same movie. We're going to work. Complete opposite of what?

[A]

Going from odds, baby.

[B]

Opposite. We come down.

[A]

I don't.

[B]

How did it happen? I seen you in the lobby, and you was like, yeah, I'm doing my audition. And, yeah, I got the same thing.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And then we're here, like, you know, doing the chemistry read via, you know, virtually. It was crazy.

[A]

Chemistry virtually is nuts.

[B]

Cause it's crazy.

[A]

Isn't that defeating the.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Crazy chemistry through the WI fi. Okay, so what were you thinking and feeling tired?

[C]

I think the first thing I was feeling was excited to do something I have never done before. I never 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 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, Saraya? 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. Cause as you had mentioned, it's in the, you know, it's an older story in the Bible. 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, certain. 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?

[A]

Am I working the corners, right? Or am I working my heart? That's what I'm trying to figure out. I mean, I. I live for, you know, look, you need to make sure you're in an equal relationship where you're. There's an equal gift, and that's important. And as finances is the top of your list, that's real. We living 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.

[C]

And I feel like, you know, where. Where Boaz meets Ruth, it's not, you know, she's definitely not the finished product. She's, you know, she's, you know, she's perfect.

[B]

No, no, but you know what I'm saying.

[A]

You know what I'm saying?

[B]

She's going through.

[C]

She's getting ran out of her old place. She finds it.

[B]

There's A lot going on.

[C]

Yeah. And I just feel like in the real world, sometimes we make the mistake of feeling like we have to level all the way up to be.

[B]

To be ready.

[C]

To be ready for love. No, love can meet you right where you're at.

[A]

God is always working, you know, that is everything. Facts, facts, facts. Because, by the way, who in their 30s is all the way level, right?

[C]

What are you talking about? Right. I got grades. I don't know what I'm doing.

[B]

Yeah, that doesn't even. Yeah.

[A]

Like, what's going on now? The film also features Phylicia 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?

[C]

You got a chance to actually work with them a bit more.

[B]

Yeah, I did. Phylicia Rashad, she's just everything.

[A]

The icon.

[B]

She's the icon, she's the regal. She's just everything. I just love talking to her and getting to know her through. And I find out we have a. Our birthdays are a day apart.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. She's a Gemini, too. Yes, girl.

[B]

And so that was awesome. But. But Jermaine and obviously Baby. I mean, I was so nervous. I was. It was epic.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm so nervous. Yes. You're gonna record with Babyface in la and we're fly you out. And I was like, oh, child. I walked in, you see Whitney, and you see. Just everybody's on the.

[A]

On the. When you think about Babyface's catalog, it's just like, silly. The Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. Let's start and begin there. You know what I mean?

[B]

You know what I'm saying? So I go in, and he's so poison. He's so chill and laid back, and he's like, yeah, we're going to do this, and are you ready? And I'm just like, okay, I want to flip out right now, but you know what I mean? I mean, it. It was great. He's awesome. And Jermaine was super cool, too. It was.

[A]

It was really cool. Still making hits.

[B]

I mean, he really is.

[A]

With the money loan.

[B]

Yes, he is. It was also cool to see them in our element as far as film and tv.

[C]

Yeah, that was pretty cool.

[B]

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.

[A]

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 gonna support each other in this? Or did you kinda go head first?

[C]

I just don't know how she got through this while she was pregnant. I had no idea she was pregnant.

[A]

Baby. This is Icky Palma. Yeah. When I think about Church's chicken I'm taking back to those nights we'd try to figure out what we were picking up for dinner and my dad would say, church's. I'm not gonna lie. We had a little tradition of our own. We'd always snag one of those fresh bacon honey butter biscuits for the car ride home. Sorry. Family quality control purposes. You know, that's what makes churches so special. It's fresh hand breaded chicken seasoned just right. I still do the jalapeno squeeze, 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 [e-mail]. how was you able to have a big day?

[B]

So the first. So. Well, the first body snatch like that. No, as soon as we started filming, literally like 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 peel.

[A]

Joey said you're going to do a romance with Tyler Leslie. I know what to do.

[B]

I am so done. I am exactly what I did 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 understand how I. I was. I was just jumping in.

[A]

Well, like we said, 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?

[C]

At the end of the day when the ish really hits the fans and it's like it's just you and yourself, the faith is all that you have. I'm speaking for myself, you know, so I'll follow faith into the dirt. You know what I mean? It just is what it is. We're all gonna 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. You know what I mean? 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 fiance, my relationship with my parents, you know, that's. It's been rocky at times.

[A]

Is your stepfather also white? I know your mother is white, so. Yes. So you grew up as the only black person in your family?

[C]

Yeah, for sure.

[A]

So how was that experience? Yeah, I mean, am I being microaggressed, or do you love me? I mean, it can be hard if nobody understands your experience, you know, it's. I can only imagine. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah. I'll say this, you know, me and. Me and 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 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 Washington, making sure I had that foundation of love. No matter what I messed up on or with, I was always able to go home, and my parents both had my back, love me to death, no matter what. And I never felt that waiver at all, you know, and that was enough to give me the springboard to go figure out who I was, you know, especially, you know, like, who. Who am I? You know, it's just a lot. Especially when you don't have, like, a OG or anybody in your family to teach you about it. You know what I mean? 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.

[A]

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.

[B]

All white, uh, really best friends?

[C]

Okay, so why are we laughing at that? It's not funny.

[B]

She said, it's not funny.

[C]

So he said, all right, cool, cool. So I did This. I did this story the other day, and it was too d. We just gonna keep this one light. But it just. It just helps shine a light on, like, what I went through and having to deal with it. Al right. With the love that I have for my parents. So my best friend, I'm in second grade. My best friend, third grade, he. I'm on the bus and he says, do you know what a is?

[A]

Oh, gosh. He was saying, not, do I know?

[C]

Do you know what one is? I said before I could say no, he said, that's what you are.

[B]

It's you. It's you. Yeah.

[C]

Ooh, bus stopped. He got off the bus. He said, all right, I'm gonna holler at you tomorrow. Nah, nah, just informing me.

[A]

I'm gonna holler you tomorrow.

[C]

Nah, he didn't say that. But I remember. I remember. So I just remember processing that on the ride home. Like, I know.

[A]

And had you heard the word before?

[C]

No, but I knew. I felt it.

[B]

You knew something. That word is very.

[C]

So then I remember, by the time I got home, like, you know, then 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 him know we wasn't riding for that man. All that was green. But, like, you know, 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 then. 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 in that scenario works because God is never gonna 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 gonna be able to show up for you. Show up for me.

[A]

And it's a hard thing to show up for.

[C]

Yeah, but, you know, but 30, 37 years later, damn it, they right there for me. You see what I'm saying? So it's like the faith is always. Has always served me.

[A]

Yeah, I couldn't agree more. I mean, I've had similar experiences growing up, going to private school. You know, both my parents are black, but they still. I still am gonna be as a minority. You're gonna be in situations where you are the minority. I was the only black kid in my class. They telling me my hair snap, crackling popping. And I'm like, what's wrong with it? You know, this is just what it do. I got gel in my hair. It's. But it's cool, you know? And so you go through these experiences, and sometimes your parents, even as my parents, as black people, they were like, you gotta 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 gotta ignore these people. You gotta hold your head up high. And they're teaching me how to navigate it without letting go. 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 gonna like me. And sometimes people might say something crazy to you and you can't. Toni Morrison said, the greatest form of racism is a distraction. It distracts you. It stops you from being on your goal because you 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 want to know from you too. How has it showed up for you? And even. Especially in this time of your life, going through these changes, what does it look like for you with your family and your family? Faith.

[B]

Oh, girls. Everything okay? Faith. Every day, every moment, every hour. Okay. I mean, for me, and I never knew that. Wow, that was very compelling. But I think.

[A]

Do our research.

[B]

Yeah. You okay? Okay. No, but for me, I think, you know, it's. 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 embedded in me in that way as well. But then on my own journey, 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 ma 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. That when I am facing tough times, I do lean on that. I do have those conversations 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.

[A]

Yes, I think that's the big thing. We gotta always.

[B]

Can we talk about that?

[A]

Don't know what I'm doing.

[B]

Living with me.

[C]

No clue.

[A]

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 felt 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. 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 made you feel that it was an important thing to do do?

[B]

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, we have speakers come sometimes it's just, it's really that community and sisterhood 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 face and I hold each other's hands.

[A]

Can we come outside?

[B]

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.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

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 wins the next one or how can I help? How can I be a part? And we're growing. And I think the fact when I see people changing in real time and it affecting people in real time, I'm like, okay, yeah.

[A]

And I love the name deserving Love. I remember I got into an argument or just like, 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 use 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.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And so we have to rework that with those affirmations. So I also love the title because those are. 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.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

So thank you for doing that work. And then how did you find your way into me? 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.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

Go for real. Go see that lady and quick. You know? So how did you realize you needed to take a plop?

[C]

And I do also love that name, by the way.

[B]

Deserving that. Thank you.

[C]

Thank you. So I actually got started with. So how long have I been with Gary?

[A]

I love with.

[B]

Come on, Gary.

[C]

Gary. Yeah.

[A]

But Gene.

[C]

Yo, Gene. I haven't been there in a couple months, but maybe, like, it's been over 10 years.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So I would say I first got into it because I got. I got into it for work purposes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, so 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 on action. So, you know, one of my acting coaches was like, here's my role. Decks of people. Like, go, go talk to a few people. People. And so I sat down with Gary for a while, 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 couple months, couple years or whatever, it worked. I would go on set, and I was. I was noticing some improvement, and 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 I realized again, Aries fire sign. Either I was blowing up, either I was making a mess.

[A]

Cause y' all are holding stuff in.

[C]

Yes, exactly. That's something I'm very keen to that. Yeah. Cause that's like one of the things I struggle with. Because we're holding in either when it comes out, it's gonna blow up and you're just making a mess. Which isn't really feeling your anger by the way. You're just making a mess.

[A]

Yeah, right, right, right. You're avoiding it.

[C]

Yeah. So it was either that or then I was. Or I was going all the way in and I was having like a crippled loyalty. It's like I would cripple myself to make sure that you're good. Which is also not good.

[A]

I need to. Cause I'd be doing that too. People pleasing thing.

[C]

Yeah, same idea.

[A]

Committed to everybody but you but yourself. Yeah. Damn.

[C]

So I feel like it'll be a lifelong.

[B]

For real.

[C]

It'll be a lifelong thing. But I have noticed some positive changes from being able to go there even just in terms of like perspective and having a property one.

[A]

I just like what you said with lifelong thing. Cuz I think a lot of times we be thinking like Ayan, going to fix our lives and then our life is fixed. No, it's like it's a continuing fix thing. 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 Zers of the world. We're the millennials. You know, our time was great. We were trendy and popping and now and Gen Z is going to know how it feels. And then Alpha comes after their ass.

[B]

Okay, okay, okay, okay.

[A]

Because they 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 remembered this?

[B]

Remember for real girl recapping.

[A]

And you're like, I thought I was healed. And it's like there is no healed. There's continued healing. And even beyond on 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 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 is 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. And then, like, embracing the unknown, you know? You guys have amazing chemistry. I see it right here.

[C]

Yeah, we had fun on set.

[B]

We did. We did.

[A]

We had a lot of fun. But now I want 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 wearing really goes. What do you guys think?

[C]

Let's do it.

[A]

So I have these paddles, and I'm gonna play along with you guys. I'm gonna give you this one. They're no different. It's when the outfits are stiff. It's like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Barely even get up.

[B]

I can't even reach. I am. I am.

[A]

Me too, babe.

[B]

To the seat.

[A]

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. 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. One on one pickup basketball?

[C]

Stop it. Come on now.

[A]

I am gonna say him.

[B]

I'm gonna say him.

[A]

I know you were the head in your high school.

[B]

I did.

[C]

Oh, for real.

[A]

All right.

[B]

I changed a long time ago, Okay?

[A]

I tried legs.

[B]

I tried to ask people. Listen, I try to do a pickup game.

[A]

Why?

[B]

My dad is always pulling me in to pick up games. First of all, my dad plays basketball.

[A]

He pulled me.

[B]

I said, dad, I haven't played basketball in years. I've never.

[A]

And everything started giving him work.

[B]

Listen, I couldn't breathe. Let's talk about that.

[A]

I do want to talk about running. And dribbling is quite impressive. It's quite impressive because the hand, eye coordination and cardio that's going on, guys.

[B]

The cardio. I forgot about that part.

[A]

I'm like, oh, yeah, cool.

[B]

Let's do it. Couldn't breathe. Couldn't breathe. Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Be the first to cry at their wedge. He gives that, he's gonna tear up.

[B]

Yeah, definitely me.

[C]

You think you're gonna cry? I think. Yeah. She is, though. She a little sensitive, too, though.

[A]

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 had y' all reading y' all vows, and you are my rock. He gonna say some deep.

[B]

I already know.

[A]

Okay. Blast the better playlist in the trailer. I feel like you got a mean playlist.

[C]

I feel like you got a last one. Yeah, for sure.

[A]

Cause you be getting. Hey, I know. And I've been to one of your.

[B]

Parties before, but what flavors do you want?

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I like all the flavors.

[A]

All right. Clap back the hardest. If someone comes for them online. This is tough for me. Cause I feel like neither one of y' all clap back.

[C]

I had to clap back bad at somebody earlier this morning.

[B]

That's my thing.

[C]

Yeah, I know. But I'm gonna say her because she got that. I'm gonna say her. Cause it's just that it's that new. It's that new mother in her. You know what I'm saying? I feel like she gonna be Mama Berry.

[A]

Somebody say something about that baby.

[C]

Think she gonna play.

[A]

Somebody said my baby looked like Ed Sheeran. I would've 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 gonna say you because you're the type of person that everybody would tell everything to.

[B]

This is true.

[A]

You have such a calm vibe of just like, she ain't gonna never 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 venture to you because they know you don't. You're never going to be, like, on it like that, you know?

[B]

Why are you reading me? You are reading it, though, because it's not that I don't care. I just don't care to share and keep going back and forth. And so, yeah, you could tell me. That's fine. Telling she know my business period.

[A]

Okay. Has the hottest DMs right now. Well, the only reason why I'm going to say you is because I feel like Joe will kill everyone. Like, I feel like you.

[B]

I feel like my DMs are less like SpongeBob Sandy.

[A]

I know them DMs was fire, sister. Yes. But I feel like you probably have no tr. My girl. Everybody wants it.

[B]

I'm so down.

[A]

But I know them. I know it's hard to get the girl. What happens, actually when you and Miracle.

[B]

Go out this one?

[C]

Honestly? Do they.

[A]

What?

[C]

Capping it up too much? Y' all capping up too much. It's very dry. It's very boring. And the dms, I'm telling you, it's.

[A]

Going down in the dms.

[B]

Yeah. No.

[A]

Okay. Hide snacks on set for. For between takes. I'm saying you just because you was pregnant at the time.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[C]

For sure. Definitely.

[B]

Even when I'm not pregnant, I snack.

[C]

Yeah, she just came back in here chewing on some type of candy.

[A]

What's your favorite snack?

[B]

I had a pineapple.

[A]

Like, are you a salty or sweet? Is really the question, girl.

[B]

Salty and sweet. I like it all. You know, I want the chocolate. I want fruits. You know, I might want a bar.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I might want a chip today. I might want a Dorito.

[A]

You know, we got some good chips.

[B]

And sauce in the bag.

[A]

We do have snacks at baby Now.

[B]

Wait a minute. The snacks here? The setup here is.

[C]

Yeah, setup was crazy. Green room was nice. We appreciate it.

[A]

What? Try to get a good green room.

[B]

I mean. Yes.

[A]

Y' all know I'm the hostess with the mostest. I can't have y' all out here crazy and hungry. Okay, show up late, but be the best dress every time. On every occasion.

[B]

Haley was late to the outfit.

[A]

She might be, like, a little late, but she gonna come through and show.

[C]

You why you was waiting on the up period.

[A]

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.

[C]

I mean, what did Denzel say? Hey, I'm leaving with something.

[B]

I'm leaving here with something.

[C]

He leaving here with something.

[A]

I'm going tell you right now. I always leave with something. Jewelry, the underwear. I already put them on.

[B]

No. Who's giving that back? Come on, shapewear. I got a lot of free shapewear, girl. My whole drawing is nude shapewear. Nude, nude. And I love it.

[A]

Guys, you are 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 Daphne Franklin and Tyler Perry. God bless you guys.

[B]

Thank you, Keke. This has been an honor.

[C]

Absolutely.

[B]

Congratulations on everything.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

You are simply amazing.

[C]

Continuing to rise, continuing to show the right example. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Baby, this is. This is Kiki. Baby, this is Kiki Palmer. Yeah, baby, this is Keke Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me, Keke Palmer. Lucas Siegel is our post producer. Our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly nestor. Hillary Estee McLaughlin is our executive producer. Production services provided by Evolution Media Our original theme song was written and performed by me, Keke 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 producers are Emily Feldbrake, Erin O' Flaherty and Marshall Louie.

[B]

On Boxing Day 2018, 20 year old Joy Morgan was last seen at her church, Israel United Incident Christ or iuic.

[A]

I just went on my Snapchat and I just see her face plastered everywhere.

[B]

This is the missing sister, the true story of a woman betrayed by those she trusted most.

[A]

IUIC is my family and like the best family that I've ever had.

[B]

But IUIC isn't like most churches.

[C]

This is a devilish cult. You know when you get that feeling like you just I don't want to be here and I want to get out. It's like that feeling of like, I want to go hang out.

[B]

I'm Charlie Brent Coast Cuff and after years of investigating Joy's case, I need to know what really happened to Joy. Binge all episodes of the Missing Sister exclusively and ad free right now on Wondery. Plus. Start your free trial of Wondery on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or in the Wondery app.

[D]

It's your man, Nick Cannon, and I'm here to bring you my new podcast, Nick Cannon at Night. I've heard y' all been needing some advice in the love department, so who better to help than yours truly? Nah, I'm serious. Every week I'm bringing out some of my celebrity friends and the best experts in the business to answer your most intimate relationship questions. Having problems with your man? We got you catching feelings for your sneaky link. Let's make sure it's the real deal for first. Ready to bring toys into the bedroom? Let's talk about it. Consider this a non judgment zone to ask your questions when it comes to sex and modern dating in relationships, friendships, situationships and everything in between. It's gonna be sexy, freaky, messy. And you know what? You'll just have to watch the show. So don't be shy, join the conversation and head over to YouTube to watch Nick Cannon at night or subscribe on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcast. Want to watch episodes early and ad free? Join Wondery plus right now.