Owning Your Power with Danielle Brooks

Summary

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Episode: Owning Your Power with Danielle Brooks

Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Keke Palmer
Guest: Danielle Brooks

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Episode Overview

This episode features a candid, energetic, and often hilarious conversation between Keke Palmer and acclaimed actress Danielle Brooks. They delve into Danielle’s journey from a small town in South Carolina to the heights of Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond. The discussion centers on themes of power, authenticity, community, family, and what it means to truly own one’s story as a Black woman in entertainment. Throughout, both women reflect on their careers, motherhood, the highs and lows of the industry, and how they define success and self-worth outside of external validation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Motherhood & Daily Life Realness

• Early Banter: Keke and Danielle kick off with lighthearted stories about their kids—Freya (Danielle’s daughter) attending her first movie premiere and ending up “throwing up everywhere” ([01:52]).
  • Danielle: “She got drunk off sports and lemonade...and next thing you know, this morning she is just throwing up everywhere coming out both ends.” ([02:00])
  • Keke and Danielle riff on the scarcity of cuddles with kids and celebrating every moment.
• The vibe is warm, familiar, with instant camaraderie over shared motherly chaos and Virgo energy.

2. Danielle’s Virgo Pride & Sorority Dreams

• Discussion about Virgo traits, with Danielle joking about “starting beef” between August and September Virgos ([05:20]).
• Danielle discusses her lifelong dream of being a Delta Sigma Theta and the meaningful, full-circle moment of becoming an honorary member alongside Queen Latifah ([07:17]), tracing the roots back to her godmother who supported her college dreams.
  • Quote: “I don’t know if I would have gotten to where I am without a Delta.” – Danielle ([07:23])
• Both reminisce on Black Greek life, family legacies, and the importance of community in their upbringings.

3. Roots in Simpsonville, SC & Church Community

• Danielle shares about growing up in a small town, leaving home at 15 for a performing arts school, and the impact of her church community—including fundraising for her education ([09:31]-[14:40]).
  • “I wasn’t a child star like yourself…But I was a child star in Simpsonville.” – Danielle ([11:46])
  • Both women credit their church experiences for their performance chops, pointing out the theatricality of the Black church.

4. The Juilliard Experience & Early Career Hustle

• Danielle details the culture shock and rigor of Juilliard, being one of just 18 drama students, and the blend of ages and backgrounds ([15:06]).
• Notable Juilliard classmates: Corey Hawkins, Samira Wiley, Jaquina Kalukango, Aaron Moten—with fun stories of (mis)adventure ([16:03]).
• Discussing her “short struggle period” right after graduation—dog-walking, waiting tables, typist gigs—before booking Orange Is the New Black within a year ([18:33]-[19:29]).
  • “I thought I had this struggling early in my life…[but] you have not been through the wringer.” – Danielle, on perspective ([18:33])

5. Breaking Through on Orange is the New Black

• Both reflect on the groundbreaking impact of OITNB: representation, sisterhood, and how it expanded possibilities for Black women on screen ([19:42]-[21:59]).
  • Danielle: “I think it changed how we looked at Black women in this industry…there’s room for a lot of us.” ([19:42])
  • On set, the cast bonded over step routines and mid-cafeteria “rap battles” between takes ([21:18]).
  • Danielle’s turning point “owning” her power as an actress: delivering a speech as Taystee in season 5 during the riot arc ([21:59]).

6. Money, Power and Industry Myths

• Candid breakdown of finances for working actors, debunking the myth that being on a hit show equals instant wealth ([23:42]).
  • “Do not count people’s pockets, and especially actors’ pockets.” – Danielle ([23:42])
  • Orange paid $5,000 per episode at first—after taxes, agents, etc., “your girl was out here broke, broke broke.” ([24:23])
• Evolving self-worth: Not letting awards, rates, and others’ benchmarks define value.
  • “My growth became...[with] Emmy, Tony, Grammy, Oscar nominations, but...my talent is there.” – Danielle ([25:44])
  • Both list their decision matrix as: the money, the people, the artistry.

7. The Magic & Meaning of The Color Purple

• The “God-written” thread of Danielle’s life with The Color Purple: first Broadway show she ever saw, then starring on Broadway, and later in the Oscar-nominated film ([27:01]-[29:05]).
  • “God’s promise over my life is real…All you gotta do is step into and be ready to receive.” – Danielle ([27:47])
  • On carrying lessons: “When I played Sofia in 2015, it was about learning my power. This time it’s been about owning my power.” ([29:36])

8. Faith, Self-Trust, and Rejection

• Living in power means trusting God and being grounded in faith, not anxiety or comparison ([30:09]).
  • “Without faith, I would be like, oh my God, when’s the next job… I’m in this space of trusting that what is for me will come.” – Danielle ([30:09])
• Both share stories of high-profile rejections that turned out to be blessings in disguise ([31:06]-[31:49]).

9. Relationships: Oprah, Family, and Community

• Working closely with Oprah Winfrey during The Color Purple film, finally forging a genuine, “auntie” relationship ([34:32])
  • “She’s a real one…I’m really blessed to be able to call her auntie, period.” – Danielle ([35:28])
• At her first Oscars (also as a nominee), bringing her husband, parents, and basking in the moment; shout-out to Colman Domingo hyping up the whole event ([36:01]-[37:16]).

10. Filters on Advice & Wisdom

• On filtering feedback: Only taking advice from trusted advisors, parents, her therapist, and a small circle of friends—“Don’t give advice unless I ask for it. And Virgos never ask.” ([38:15])
• Keke: “I ruminate, ruminate, and ruminate before I get to the point of being like, so what do you think?” ([39:00])
• Both laugh about occasionally asking ChatGPT for advice. ([39:23])

11. Owning Your Identity in Hollywood

• The power of visibility and self-acceptance: OITNB allowed Danielle to succeed as her full, natural self, “no makeup, natural hair, no Spanx,” and proved she was enough ([55:28]).
  • “That alone showed me I’m enough. So that’s how I wanted to go throughout the rest of my career.” – Danielle ([55:28])

12. Family Life & Black Motherhood

• Danielle shares her story of meeting her husband Dennis at a game night and knowing right away he was “the one” after he brought her flowers ([49:04]-[50:30]).
• Raising their daughter, Freya, and intentionally giving her more freedom than Danielle had growing up ([53:03]-[54:20]).
  • “You cannot name your child Free and not think she not gonna be free. She is very free.” – Danielle ([54:07])
• On Black parenting and protecting Black children’s light in a world that forces them to “grow up” too soon.

13. Current Projects & Looking Forward

• Discussing Minecraft’s global success and the unique joy of being in family-friendly projects ([41:41]-[42:38]), filming in New Zealand while juggling Oscar press and motherhood.
• Teasing about a potential Minecraft sequel—but “I don’t believe it ‘til I see it!” ([42:53])
• Playing a villain in Bad Guys 2 and loving the opportunity to show her range ([45:03]).
• Peacemaker, working with John Cena, and hopes for a Waller spinoff starring Viola Davis ([46:09]).

14. The ‘One for the Brooks’ Acting Game

Fun, theater-style improv closes out the show. Both Danielle and Keke ham it up:

• Delivering mundane lines (“I need to feed my dog”) with Broadway-level drama ([57:00])
• Solo numbers riffing on Uber waits ([58:13]), and classic lines from The Color Purple with a Disney princess or soap opera spin ([61:20]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “God’s promise over my life is real…all you gotta do is step into and be ready to receive.”
  – Danielle Brooks ([27:47])
• “Do not count people’s pockets, and especially actors’ pockets.”
  – Danielle Brooks ([23:42])
• “When I played Sofia in 2015, it was about learning my power. And this time, it’s been about owning my power.”
  – Danielle Brooks ([29:36])
• “We all got jobs, but sometimes the income is not working with what I gotta output.”
  – Keke Palmer ([23:42])
• “I don’t care if I got the award…my talent is there.”
  – Danielle Brooks ([25:44])
• “These little boys…child.”
  – Keke Palmer, on motherhood ([52:31])
• “She got drunk off sports and lemonade, period. We love them. Time.”
  – Danielle Brooks ([01:59])
• “That alone showed me I’m enough. So that’s how I wanted to go throughout the rest of my career: being enough being me.”
  – Danielle Brooks ([55:28])
• “When you feel like being great, be great. And when you feel like playing it cool, play it cool.”
  – Keke Palmer ([54:20])

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Important Timestamps

• [01:52] – Motherhood anecdotes; Freya’s movie premiere chaos.
• [07:17] – Danielle explains the deep impact and meaning behind becoming an honorary Delta Sigma Theta.
• [09:31] – Life in Simpsonville; family, early drive, and church roots.
• [15:06] – Juilliard experience: intensity, camaraderie, and growth.
• [18:33] – Early career odd jobs; quick transition to OITNB.
• [19:42] – Impact of Orange is the New Black.
• [21:59] – The moment Danielle felt her power as Taystee in season 5.
• [23:42] – Realities of TV pay, the myth of instant wealth.
• [27:01] – The Color Purple’s throughline in Danielle's life.
• [30:09] – On faith, self-trust, and rejection.
• [34:32] – Working with Oprah on the Color Purple movie.
• [36:01] – Oscars first-timer, with family in tow.
• [38:03] – On filtering advice and building a strong support network.
• [49:04] – Meeting her husband Dennis at a game night.
• [53:03] – Raising Freya, shifting generational parenting patterns.
• [55:28] – Being enough, and representing authenticity on screen.
• [57:00] – Improv/drama acting game (One for the Brooks).
• [61:20] – The Color Purple “Disney remix” performance.

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Tone & Style

Breezy, deeply personal, and humorous, with lots of laughter and friendly Virgo rivalry. Both Keke and Danielle balance vulnerability (on family, money, industry hardships) with celebration (of self, community, and each other). The conversation is uplifting, raw, and inspiring—a showcase of Black woman joy and resilience.

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For New Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode is both a masterclass on owning your power and a warm, affirming chat between friends. Danielle Brooks exemplifies authenticity, faith, and perseverance in an industry that often demands conformity. Her openness about finances, career missteps, and the importance of community is matched by Keke’s candor and wit. They both highlight how success is defined by more than accolades—it’s about self-love, chosen family, and honoring your roots.

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Recommended for anyone seeking inspiration, laughter, and truth about what it really takes to let your light shine—onstage, onscreen, and at home.

Transcript

[Keke Palmer]

Straight out of college and into Orange is the New Black. Danielle Brooks didn't just land a breakout role. She helped change the game in streaming as tasty. And since then, she's racked up Oscar, Golden Globe and Tony nominations for bringing the Color Purple Sophia to life. This woman don't miss when it comes to meeting her husband, picking projects that help her feel powerful, or making the Oprah laugh. And now she's got some advice for us. So settle in because baby, this is Keke Palmer. 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 king. So grab you a drink and a snack you enjoy and get into the vibe that only ones you know it's your girl. This is. This is Kiki, baby. This is Kiki Palma. Yeah. As the nights get cooler and the leaves start to change, I'm partnering with Airbnb to help you find your perfect autumn escape. From mountain cabins to charming cottages with fireplaces. Airbnb's got you covered. Now let's get into it.

[Danielle Brooks]

Danielle.

[Keke Palmer]

Kiki, girl, I feel like I always see you around at a party and we haven't gotten a chance to sit down for a proper conversation.

[Danielle Brooks]

Finally, the day has come.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes, the Danielle Brooks is here on Baby, this is Keke Palmer.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, thank you. The Danielle Brooks period. I love that. Yes, period. Danielle Brooks is in the house.

[Keke Palmer]

In the house. And I mean, you did the pre show pull up questionnaire, so I'm excited to see what type of energy you're bringing today.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yay.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, so today I'm giving chicken with my head cut off with a side of woosa. Okay. You kind of were telling me before we got into it what was going on with your daughter Freya this morning.

[Danielle Brooks]

Child, my daughter went to her first premiere yesterday of Bad Guys 2 movie. Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Congratulations, by the way.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you. So much fun getting to take her, but she got drunk off of sports and lemonade, period. We love them. Time had a blast, was running the room and next thing you know, this morning she is just throwing up everywhere coming out both ends.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh my God.

[Danielle Brooks]

So your girl didn't get much sleep, but I know you know, this life.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes, this life can be crazy. But it's so rewarding. Especially when they get to the calm down and they're cuddled up on you.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

Cause the cuddles are hard. To come by for me now with Leo being two, he can be stingy with them.

[Danielle Brooks]

I don't know about Freya, but Freya is not stingy. I'm stingy. She was like, will you get in the bed? I'm thinking, no, girl, I don't know if you gonna poop in this bed. I was like, yes, I'll get in the bed. I'll get in the bed with my two hours of sleep. Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh my gosh, that is so cute.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah. You gotta cherish em for sure.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Today's mood in one word hype period.

[Danielle Brooks]

Always. Because I'm here with Pete and I'm here with Danielle. I wish I could do the dance and hype me up. Hey, hype me up, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

There'd be so many dances online, I can't keep up. It's like this one, I remember.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, we kept doing that. We kept doing like. And what do we even call it?

[Danielle Brooks]

But it's this new one that they doing with the feet, with the ah, ah. No, it's this one. Uh, uh.

[Keke Palmer]

Well, now you done. Now we gotta do it. Now that you said it, we gotta do it.

[Danielle Brooks]

You gotta teach me. Cause I ain't quite got it.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, what did you listen to on the ride here? Touch on me. October London. You know, I got put onto October London at the Soul Train Awards last year.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's so fun.

[Keke Palmer]

Very talented, very talented.

[Danielle Brooks]

He has this new song that's going viral on the Tikatok. I call it the Tikat.

[Keke Palmer]

I live for Tika Tah.

[Danielle Brooks]

Stay a little old. The Tika Tock. And girl, it's just this sexy groove that it does kind of touch on.

[Keke Palmer]

Ooh.

[Danielle Brooks]

It just make you wanna.

[Keke Palmer]

Ah.

[Danielle Brooks]

I was like, maybe Keke will do it with me.

[Keke Palmer]

I don't know. Oh my gosh. I would absolutely do it with you. I live for the soulful vibes. Let's bring these soulful tunes back to the forefront.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

One thing that instantly makes you laugh, my bestie. Nothing beats a ig post.

[Danielle Brooks]

You're like, what the heck are you talking about?

[Keke Palmer]

It's half and half. Cause you're a meme, girl. Is what I'm getting for this.

[Danielle Brooks]

So you know they have that new and nothing beep.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. A jet to life or a jet for life. I want to know where that one came from. A jet to Holiday.

[Danielle Brooks]

I don't know, but it's hilarious.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. What is a jet to Jet to Holiday?

[Danielle Brooks]

It's hilarious.

[Keke Palmer]

They have one. They put it for everything and people be Fighting in the street. Nothing beats Jet to Holiday. It's like.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's hilarious.

[Keke Palmer]

What does this mean?

[Danielle Brooks]

I'm living for them. They make me laugh. IG is ruthless, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

IG is so ruthless.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

And I know you've been memed a few times.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Just a few. You've been memed all the times. Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's so heavy.

[Keke Palmer]

It's so crazy because it's always out of context, but that's what we're living for.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah. I love it.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, last screenshot on your phone. No deleting me.

[Danielle Brooks]

Honey, where was this?

[Keke Palmer]

At an event at a premiere.

[Danielle Brooks]

This was. Okay. Right before we left. The premiere. You know, you have to get your professional pictures, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

And you can never trust Getty.

[Danielle Brooks]

And, honey, you can never trust none of them.

[Keke Palmer]

They're so scary.

[Danielle Brooks]

It is. Yeah. But Getty was right this time. You know, we was good this time. Session bomb. We hit your girl up.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you. But, yes, I had my professional pictures. They pretty bomb, so. I love that. That's what it was yesterday.

[Keke Palmer]

Well, I mean, I'm happy because I got another Virgo in the house.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, we are here. Even though you're August.

[Keke Palmer]

I was about to say. I was just about to say how you got on me about the September to August Virgos. Why does the Virgo have to have beef in the Virgo building?

[Danielle Brooks]

I know I started the beef and I apologize, but I'm not. At the same time, that's how I feel about it. Because you have to hold the category down by yourself pretty much when it comes to the celebrities in this. Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, I know you guys have Beyonce.

[Danielle Brooks]

We got Beyonce. Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer Hudson. We got Taraji P. Henson.

[Keke Palmer]

Taraji.

[Danielle Brooks]

Tyler Purr.

[Keke Palmer]

Not my guy.

[Danielle Brooks]

We've got Zendaya. Don't forget about the Danielle Brooks. I'm just saying.

[Keke Palmer]

Well, wait a damn minute, because we've got Michael Jackson.

[Danielle Brooks]

Dead.

[Keke Palmer]

Kobe Bryant.

[Danielle Brooks]

Dead.

[Keke Palmer]

Dave Chappelle.

[Danielle Brooks]

Alive. Alive, y'.

[Keke Palmer]

All. So they going just because they're to the other side.

[Danielle Brooks]

No, they spirit is in the room.

[Keke Palmer]

Exactly. They kept. We even got Mother Teresa. We got a whole saint on our side.

[Danielle Brooks]

That ain't.

[Keke Palmer]

Now get into that.

[Danielle Brooks]

That ain't fooling it. You make it sound good, but that ain't.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, wait a minute. What is the most Virgo thing about you? Like, do you really associate, like, you vibe with it? Because I'm.

[Danielle Brooks]

I know you know the Zodiac stuff now, I'm not. I don't know all the things. If you ask me. Anybody else's Zodiac I don't know nothing. People ask me my daughters, and I'm like, I think she is Scorpio. But for me, it's bad. I'm organized to an extent.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

But I'm organized when it comes to, like, my business and work and stuff like that. I do have that, but I think that's it. I mean, you tell me. I don't remember all of the.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, you feel very Virgo to me, but I agree with you. It's kind of, you know, you gotta get into all this stuff to really know for sure, like, what's your rising, what's your moment? You know what I mean? But I do feel the Virgo energy strong. So, yes to the two Virgos being in the house. And you became an honorary Delta with Queen Latifah. Queen Latifah's one of my favorite people. And so when I seen you came in today, I'm like, oh, she's ready.

[Danielle Brooks]

I'm ready. Because these are the colors. I'm ready.

[Keke Palmer]

So how was that experience, and had you ever wanted to be in the sorority before?

[Danielle Brooks]

Girl, I wanted to be a Delta my entire life. I was in Del. Teens, Delta, Delta gyms. This is basically. They kind of groom you to be Deltas, and you do community service in high school and all that stuff. But then I went to Juilliard, and I had to tell this quick story so people really understand. So when I was younger, I had a godmother. I was five. She was elderly lady, and we just bonded. We were stuck at the hip all the time. Right. And she unfortunately passed away when I was 15. And what I didn't know was that she left $20,000 in her will for me to go to college, which is what I needed for my first semester to go to Juilliard. And so what people don't know was that she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta. And so I don't even know. Like, obviously, I know where my help comes from. God number one, my source. But I don't know if I would have gotten to where I am without a Delta. So. She means everything to me. I've always wanted to be a part of sorority and to finally be an honorary husband. Everything.

[Keke Palmer]

So did you get a chance to have that conversation with any of the Deltas when you were there? Somewhat.

[Danielle Brooks]

I can't share everything now.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, wait a minute. She said it's sisterhood.

[Danielle Brooks]

I can't share everything.

[Keke Palmer]

I know that's right.

[Danielle Brooks]

But y.

[Keke Palmer]

That is such a special story.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you. Have you ever Wanted to.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. I've always wanted to be. So my dad's an Alpha.

[Danielle Brooks]

My dad's an Alpha too, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

All my uncles are Alphas. My sister became an AKA I didn't get a chance to actually go to college. And no one has made me honorary anything yet. But, you know, I'm open.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm available.

[Danielle Brooks]

Is there any colors that you are leaning towards?

[Keke Palmer]

Okay. So historically, it was always AKA because that's my family. I'm following the family's order. But vibe, you know, I always did see myself as a Delta.

[Danielle Brooks]

You know, my ears, they feel that sounds right to the ear. That sounds right to the ear. That's all I'm gonna say.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm howling. Well, you don't make a call.

[Danielle Brooks]

I'm not howling. You know, we just gonna be easy with it.

[Keke Palmer]

You know what I'm saying?

[Danielle Brooks]

I think they listen. I know the sisters listen.

[Keke Palmer]

They need to listen. Now take us back to the beginning. Right. You said you from Simpsonville, South Carolina.

[Danielle Brooks]

You're the first person to be specific about where I'm actually from. Cause when I heard Simpsonville, I said, yes, Simpsons.

[Keke Palmer]

Simpsonville.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, I'm from Simpsonville. Very small town.

[Keke Palmer]

What was it like growing up there? Do you have siblings?

[Danielle Brooks]

I do. I have one brother. He's 30. And we didn't actually grow up together that much because I left the house at 15 to go to private school. So I lived on campus.

[Keke Palmer]

Wow. You gotta tell me about that experience, because I think we all watched TV shows like that growing up. Was it fun? Was it crazy? Like, what was your experience?

[Danielle Brooks]

We had a blast. We acted like we were in college without the liquor.

[Keke Palmer]

It was giving Zoey 101.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, my God. We would sneak over to the boys side. We literally had to go down this hill. Like, run down a hill, Try not to get caught by the cameras. Go around a, like, fence or something. Jump the fence. Go sneak up into somebody's window. We wasn't doing nothing but watching movies, I swear to you. But it was so much fun to, like, act like we were bad.

[Keke Palmer]

How did you get into it? Like, what made your parents say, hey, you know, we're gonna have you go to this school?

[Danielle Brooks]

Like my mother, same like yours, Just so involved and invested in me finding something that I loved. And she found this school, and it really was like a mini Juilliard. And so I give a lot of credit to my mom for finding this place. Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

And so I know you grew up in the church singing and the same as me. My dad's a deacon. Your dad's a deacon, Your mom is a minister.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

So how do you feel those early years helped you to develop or even to realize that music and performance was something you wanted to do?

[Danielle Brooks]

Ooh, girl. Cause there's so. And you know this. They're so interconnected.

[Keke Palmer]

They really are.

[Danielle Brooks]

They both. The goal is to move people and change people's lives. And so the only. The thing that I love about it is they're both very theatrical.

[Keke Palmer]

So they be hamming it up in church.

[Danielle Brooks]

Come on.

[Keke Palmer]

God. You know, like, why is it so like this? But I live.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's the best place to learn. I mean, a pastor, hooping and hollering. You're going to learn how to steal the shit.

[Keke Palmer]

And the ladies in the front.

[Danielle Brooks]

I mean, you got.

[Keke Palmer]

You touched somebody today.

[Danielle Brooks]

All of it. You got the ensemble, the choir, your programs. Like, everything, it's just laid out for you. And so it just made sense. I was in church plays growing up. I wasn't a child star like yourself. Oh, my God. But I was a child star in Simpsonville.

[Keke Palmer]

I know.

[Danielle Brooks]

That's right.

[Keke Palmer]

No, because also, the church will make you a star. You naturally applaud on your way up to that pulpit.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes. They're gone now.

[Keke Palmer]

Gone.

[Danielle Brooks]

You better sing that solo. And I was really scared of singing growing up. Like, my dad always jokes that I was not good singing unless there was a mic. He was like, there's something about the mic that makes you sound good. Cause when you in the house, I'm like, yeah, that ain't Daddy. I'm howling.

[Keke Palmer]

But dads love doing that to me. They do always do that to me, too. So when was the point where you were like, I want to take this serious? Like, was it at 15, or was it even before then?

[Danielle Brooks]

Acting or singing? Acting and performing. Yeah, performing. I always knew I wanted to do it. Didn't know how to get there, you know? And so the high school helped me to get to Juilliard. But I didn't even know what Juilliard was until I was at that high school. And I just knew all the black girls because it was a really small group of us. Like, in my theater class at that high school was only like 12 of us. And I graduated in a school of 99. Really, really tiny. But all the black girls were getting into Juilliard. So that was me.

[Keke Palmer]

It's a hell of a good high school for training grounds.

[Danielle Brooks]

It was. We were getting in. So I said, let me go and try this place out. So I auditioned and got in at 17. And I feel like it wasn't until my third year of college that I realized, oh, I got to pay rent doing this. Like, I actually have to make a living doing this. And it's not just the fun play thing that makes my heart happy. It's more than that. And so that's when I was like, okay, we gotta buckle down and figure out how we gonna pay our rent with the thing we love.

[Keke Palmer]

On Instagram, you shared something that I really related to. Cause I feel like we've both been very blessed with parents that have supported us, but that your dad refinanced Yalls home.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, he did.

[Keke Palmer]

To help you afford Julliard.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, he did.

[Keke Palmer]

Tell me a little bit about that experience and how that maybe encouraged, but I'm sure also was pressureful for you during that time of wanting to succeed.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah. Especially being the first child, the firstborn, you know, and feeling like, okay, your parents are sacrificing for you to do this thing. And also, like, bringing up, you know, Ms. Edge, my godmother, like, she sacrificed, you know, parts of her life to give me that $20,000. It's like, you got to really bring it. And so I definitely felt that pressure, but I'm so grateful for them for doing that, you know, and really doing the best they could do.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Yeah. Shout out to godmothers. And I do think that growing up in the church, too, the community is everything, because my godmother, Nona and the Hudson family, they helped pay for me to go to private school. So just when I'm hearing that, it reminds me just so much of that community, of that growing up in church and having people. That's looking out for you.

[Danielle Brooks]

And I should bring that up, too, because my chur did have a big hand in that. Like, they did fundraisers for me to go to college. Like, they really had a huge hand in that. So thank you for bringing that in.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, that sense of community is everything. Well, now we gotta get into Juilliard, because I'm so Juilliard girl. We hear so much about that.

[Danielle Brooks]

You should get an honorary from Juilliard.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl. That would be crazy. Like, I mean, that is, like, the school. You know what I'm saying? So what was it? At first? Maybe it was a good thing that you didn't really know all that going in.

[Danielle Brooks]

I think it was a good thing, you know?

[Keke Palmer]

And so when you got there, what was it like? Like, are they chill and kicking back, or is everything serious in Juilliard?

[Danielle Brooks]

What is the girl we try to act like we are a sorority. Cause there ain't many of us there. So, I mean, it is very intense. You know, for me, being in the drama division, there's only 18 students that get invited every year, and I'm there. It ranges. So I was the youngest. I came in at 17, but the oldest in my class was 35. Okay. Yeah. So imagine trying to figure out who you are with people who kind of already have a sense of who they are. And so, yeah, it was intense days. I mean, the days started from probably 7, 8 in the morning until 10pm at night. But that was good training because now we have these lives, you know, that can make you be a chicken with your head cut off. You know what I mean?

[Keke Palmer]

You know how to manage everything.

[Danielle Brooks]

You know how to manage everything.

[Keke Palmer]

Are there any familiar faces that were in your year at your life?

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Please tell me who you was up at school with.

[Danielle Brooks]

Hoppo.

[Keke Palmer]

Who?

[Danielle Brooks]

This woman, Hoppo. Corey Hawkins. Oh, my God. We were in the same class together. Yeah, we were in the same class. If I could tell you the stories. Well, go ahead and spill them up on here. We gonna have to tell these stories without this. Oh, my God. Oh, yeah, we got stories. Corey Hawkins. Samira Wylie.

[Keke Palmer]

Yep.

[Danielle Brooks]

There's some theater people. Jaquina Kalakengo. She's the Tony winner. She was in my class. Aaron Moten. Y' all gotta look him up. Shout out to him.

[Keke Palmer]

Samir. Wally. And y' all were in Oranges and New Black.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, we are. She played Poussay.

[Keke Palmer]

Yep. Poussay.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah. Charli.

[Keke Palmer]

She has me crying on Handmaid's Tail. I had to turn this off.

[Danielle Brooks]

I know. She's so good, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

Why y' all don't get up out of this? It's just. That starts to get crazy. I think even all of the fans were like, cut it off now. Let them be free. It gets to a point, like, good, great.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah, I know, but she's great on the show. She's great, but there's a lot of us floating around. Okay, so.

[Keke Palmer]

So you spoke about, like, okay, working during that time. Were there any. What kind of jobs were you doing? I'm just curious what Danielle Brooks was.

[Danielle Brooks]

Doing before hitting Orange is in Black. Yes. Oh, my God. First of all, I have to tell this funny story. Cause I thought, like, I had this struggling early in my life. I had this struggling life as an actor, and I was. I feel like it was Niecy Nash. I'm not sure if it was, but I feel like it was Niecy I was talking. I love her, too. Hey, cuz. Cause, you know, she my cousin in real time. In real time. Oh, my gosh.

[Keke Palmer]

I didn't know that that was true.

[Danielle Brooks]

Her and Sterling K. Brown. Girl. Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Are you. What do they call it today's day? A plant. No.

[Danielle Brooks]

What is that?

[Keke Palmer]

You know, when they be like, industry plant.

[Danielle Brooks]

I don't know this girl.

[Keke Palmer]

It's a joke.

[Danielle Brooks]

But, you know, I be in Atlanta.

[Keke Palmer]

Child, girl, it's a long story. You're not an industry plant.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, okay. No, no, no.

[Keke Palmer]

You just happen to have connections. Random ones.

[Danielle Brooks]

Well, I did Henry Louis Gates. And that's how I found out they was my cousins.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl, I wanna do that, man. Shop.

[Danielle Brooks]

You have to do that, man.

[Keke Palmer]

I seen Nas up on there. He found out who the slave owner was. Wow. That'll get you mad.

[Danielle Brooks]

That'll piss you off, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

But then he said something cool. Cause he was like, what was the land? And they were like, he wants to.

[Danielle Brooks]

Go buy it, he better go get it.

[Keke Palmer]

And I thought that was incredible.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah, but why?

[Keke Palmer]

I wanna know who my cousin is. What if we're cousins?

[Danielle Brooks]

We could be cousins. Girl, that would be fun.

[Keke Palmer]

If I had cousins in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Oh, no. Anyway, go ahead.

[Danielle Brooks]

Sorry, I forgot the cousin you were talking to.

[Keke Palmer]

Niecy Nash. Oh, yeah. And you were like, I had such a hard life.

[Danielle Brooks]

I think it was Niecy. And I was like. I just, you know. She was like, tell me your story. This is before we found out we was cousins. Tell me your story. And I was like, you know, I struggled for a year right out of Juilliard, and I was a dog walker, and I, you know, worked at restaurants, and I was a typist for an elderly lady and braided hair for shows. I just want. But she said, hold on. You said a year? I said, yes. She said, girl, we've been out here struggling for 10, 20 years. What you talking about, a year? So I shut it down. I was like, girl, you have not been through the wringer. You know what I mean? Now, there have been sacrifices along the way. Let's not sleep on that. But I had to say, you know, I've been very blessed in this industry.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, straight out of college is when you landed Orange is the New Black?

[Danielle Brooks]

Pretty much, yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, a year out, that still.

[Danielle Brooks]

Don'T count for nothing. Nope. Yep.

[Keke Palmer]

Yep.

[Danielle Brooks]

You straight out of college? Yep.

[Keke Palmer]

And I was just. When I was preparing for this, I was literally, like, going back to that era of when Orange is the New Black first hit and it changed tv. It changed the way we were looking at characters, the way that we were looking at this prison system.

[Danielle Brooks]

I think it also changed how we looked at black women in this industry to know that there's not just room for one, it's room for a lot of us. Because you had a lot of women of color pop on that show.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. I mean, it was incredible. And now we know it because it set the standard. But going back to the beginning of it, I'm wondering what it was like for you guys. I mean, you're entering, like you said, a year out of college, surrounded by a great cast.

[Danielle Brooks]

Nothing. I was out here like a chicken with my head cut out. For real. I guess that's the theme of the show today. It was. You know, we were so green. But it was wonderful to have some women that were very seasoned, like Kate McGrew or Natasha Lyonne, Laura Prepon. They've been doing this for a while. And then you had myself, Uzo, Adrienne, Samira, Laverne. We all got to come and talk to one another and be like, you going through that thing. Did that happen to you? Because we also became famous in 13 hours.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl. It was like that. I mean, this show was a huge. It reminded me of back in the day when Desperate Housewives first came on, and everybody was like, this is the best. It was the same kind of thing where it just broke the Internet or broke TV, where you guys were overnight sensations, rightfully so.

[Danielle Brooks]

Literally 13 hours.

[Keke Palmer]

And then we found out about everybody's background where it's like, she went to jewelry, and it was like, these persons were up theaters, so we got to see all these great actors with this great background.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah. I think people thought they found us on the street. Some of us like, who are these kids? It's weird.

[Keke Palmer]

So who was cutting up the most on set? Were you guys all being serious or was like, what was the vibe like?

[Danielle Brooks]

All of us. I mean, all of. I remember us doing some step routines during the middle of takes, but we all were professional, but we were the ones that would be, like, rapping in the middle of the cafeteria, you know, spitting or whatever you want to call it. And as soon as they were like, action. Dropping tears.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

Like, we knew how to bring what needed to be brought, you know? So that was. It was so much fun. Keke.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. Was there a moment playing Tacy where you knew? Or a monologue, I should say, you know, in the show with your character that let you know, I'm doing the Work I was meant to do. Where it kind of hit you from. Yeah. Coming in that year out of college to, you know, defining the kind of work you wanted to do to realizing your direction for sure.

[Danielle Brooks]

And I think. I don't know if a lot of people got to see it because it was later in the season, like season five, when we had a riot. Taysti starts a riot and she gives this big speech about brown people and black people not being taken as human. You know, we just kind of feel disposable. And how real that moment felt, I just. I could feel a shift. That was a shift moment for me as an actor, but also just like in what we're doing, the work that we do just as, you know, goes beyond ourselves. And that moment just felt so real.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. I definitely do think for me, growing up, when coming into industry similar to you, it's like, I know I have my talent and I love to do what I do, but you listen to your parents and you think about your community and you're trying to shape, like, what your art is meant to say. And as I got older, I realized the same thing of like, okay, what is the meaning of the stories I'm telling? And if I'm representing someone, if I'm representing my community, how am I showing that pride, even in a nuanced character that may not be seen as good or bad or. Or whatever. So it is interesting how we evolve. It continues to inform our work, for sure. In an interview with cnbc, you were talking about how you're also struggling financially, even though working on one of the biggest hit shows. And I want to bring that up because I feel like people often think, hey, you know, everybody is rich that's on tv. It doesn't mean that you're not, that you can't pay your bills. But it's like, I'm not immediately rich. Like, we all got jobs, but sometimes the income is not working with what I gotta output. So anyway, I just wanted to talk to you about. Yeah, yeah, talk to you about how you feel about that misconception in our industry.

[Danielle Brooks]

I always say, do not count people's pockets, and especially actors pockets. And I know you probably broke it down 100 times for people, the percentage of giving to the agent, the lawyer, the manager, the business manager, the hair, makeup, styling, when you break it down and then your taxes, you really getting probably 20%, you know what I'm saying, out of your check. And that's. That's crazy. Yeah, it is crazy. And so when I was first coming out orange did not pay much. You know, I probably got them first few episodes. Five thousand an episode. And now take the 40% for taxes.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

Agent manager, business manager. Your girl was out here broke. Broke, broke, Fi.

[Keke Palmer]

Broke.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, for real, for real now. Changed over the course, of course.

[Keke Palmer]

But when we all start out, that is the case. And you even talked also about going thinking to yourself later on in the season. Should I have asked more?

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, for sure.

[Keke Palmer]

What was also that process? Because I remember one of the people that helped me change my rate first was Queen Latifah.

[Danielle Brooks]

Really?

[Keke Palmer]

Because, you know, back in the day, they would compare it to whatever you were last. Now they've since changed that, but it's like, yeah, so what was that step that you took to being like, hey, those are the old numbers.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

These are the new numbers.

[Danielle Brooks]

And that's the thing, see, Keke, I wanna hear your thought on this too. I feel like you continue to grow. And for me, my growth became. Now I'm Emmy nominated, now I'm Tony nominated, now I have a Grammy, all of these things, Oscar nominated. But during the build of that, people keep making you feel like, but you don't have it yet. So maybe not. Maybe you can't get that rate because you haven't hit this number yet or you haven't hit, you know, got that award yet. And so I kind of had to finally be like, I don't care if I got the award. I don't have the award. You know, it don't matter. My talent is there.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

So this is.

[Keke Palmer]

I do it based off of what I'm willing to do the job for, you know, period. Like.

[Danielle Brooks]

Like how long?

[Keke Palmer]

Like, how long is the job?

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Is this going to cover what I need? Do I really love it? Who are the people involved? Can this piggyback and become something else? Like, I totally agree with you. Like, it's definitely not tied to no damn wool.

[Danielle Brooks]

That's right.

[Keke Palmer]

Like, get a grasp, you know, it needs to be t to what the accolades are. If you want me and if I want you.

[Danielle Brooks]

That's right. Come on, say if I want, I want you.

[Keke Palmer]

Cause we gotta agree.

[Danielle Brooks]

We got to come at an agreement. I'm with you. I've always said that. Now it's the three things that I hold dear. The money, who I'm working with.

[Keke Palmer]

That's huge.

[Danielle Brooks]

And the artistry of it. The story. If those three things don't align, then I'm just not because. And when I say money, it's really going off. What you're saying it has to be worth doing.

[Keke Palmer]

You know, you have a family. As we're all living in this world, we have things that we have to take care of. That's not the only thing. But it's a big part of being able to do what we need to do. And we gotta do the hair and the makeup and do the glam. Those. Those things come out.

[Danielle Brooks]

Cause the press part is a big part of the work too, girl. Huge.

[Keke Palmer]

Huge. It's another part of the narrative. Of the narrative that we're selling.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes. So you gotta, like.

[Keke Palmer]

You know what I mean?

[Danielle Brooks]

You gotta take that into consideration too, when it comes to.

[Keke Palmer]

It's so tr. I wanna talk about the Color Purple because it kind of has this thread. And yes, because it's the first show you saw on Broadway at 15. You made your Broadway debut as Sofia in 2015. Tony nominated and earned a Grammy. Thank you.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Keke Palmer]

Then you got your Oscar nomination for your portrayal of Sophia in the movie in 2023. So I guess.

[Danielle Brooks]

Can I just look at God?

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, isn't that God is the best writer? God is the best writer. By the way, the Color Purple, we didn't do that on purpose. It just went like that. But what does it mean to you now? I mean, I meant something to you in the beginning, but now, seeing how it's kind of has this thread in your life, what does that story mean to you?

[Danielle Brooks]

God's promise over my life is real. That's what it is. Like, just because, like you were saying, the story is already written. Your story is already. Mine is already written. All you gotta do is step into and be ready to receive. That's really it. And so I feel like being in the Color Purple has reminded me of that. And when you listen to all of the lyrics in all of those songs, I'm beautiful, you know, look what God has done. Or like, you know, all of those little things, getting to live with that, you know? Cause you've done Broadway, doing a year of that on Broadway, eight shows a week, getting to hear those lyrics. It is a part of the fabric of my blood now. It's a part of me getting to say, hell no. Is a part of me. When you talk about those jobs, getting to say hell no. I'm not receiving that. I'm not taking that in my life, whether that's business or personal. And so I'm just so grateful for it. It has been so, like, full circle. I mean, I feel like it's one of those things. Like, what's Meant for you is for you. And this journey with the Color Purple was totally meant for me.

[Keke Palmer]

And I just love what you said, because this is also the importance of what we choose and what we do and what our work means to us and making sure that it has meaning, because we do take something from these characters when they leave us. We do. And you want to make sure it's something that I'm learning and I'm carrying with pride. You said on Today.com, when I played Sofia in 2015, it was about learning my power. And this time it's been about owning my power. And that stuck with me because it's like, yeah, like, that's the transition of the story. That's the transition of your experience with the character.

[Danielle Brooks]

You gotta do your research.

[Keke Palmer]

Kk. Ooh. It's all in. I would say it's all in the team. You know, we all work together.

[Danielle Brooks]

Facts are facts, though. They're not, like, half facts. Cause, you know, you do this, sometimes people will say stuff about you like, girl, that ain't all of it, but okay, I guess you got it some right.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, child, I know exactly what you mean. We try to be, you know, we knew you were coming, so we had to come correct. Thank you. So in your day, in your life today, and you said a little bit of it, but how are you living power? What does that look like for you now.

[Danielle Brooks]

Man? I think it's trusting. Trusting God. And I say that because I think if I wasn't doing that, when you talk about, like, living in your power, I would be frantic right now. I would be like, without faith, I would be like, oh, my God, when's the next job? And am I getting paid enough? Should I be keeping up with that person? And I'm in this space of trusting that what is for me will come and what is not for me. And you said that in that J. Hood interview.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes.

[Danielle Brooks]

You know, you were talking about that of, like, they releasing it. You know, you released it.

[Keke Palmer]

Because I think a lot of times we put our value outside of us, and it's a human thing to do because we're looking for markers, we're looking for mirrors. But the world can't really reflect, you know, it can't really reflect you in the truest form. It just doesn't have the capability to. So it has to come from you saying to yourself, oh, no, no, no. If that didn't happen for me, that doesn't mean that I'm not of value. It means that that's not valuable. Enough for me.

[Danielle Brooks]

And you don't know how God is redirecting you, because that's what I learned with the Color Purple on Broadway. You know how many Broadway shows I auditioned for? Wow. Do you know? And I mean, having a name and not having a name. I have auditioned for Broadway shows and I got close sometimes having. And the guy said, no, boo, boo. I got something around the corner, child.

[Keke Palmer]

That's how it was for me with Snow White.

[Danielle Brooks]

Snow White.

[Keke Palmer]

They had me auditioning frontwards, backwards, sidewards. I mean, I was in there singing down all while I was trying filming and getting ready for Nope. And I'm like, okay, we gonna get this part. And child, what God has for you is for you. And when it ain't.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you, Lord.

[Keke Palmer]

Thank you, Lord. So moving into Oprah, baby. This is Kiki Palma. Yeah, y'. All, I have been scrolling through Airbnb looking at the most gorgeous Victorian mansions in the Catskills, and let me tell you, your girl is ready for a fall moment. I'm talking spiral staircases, tower rooms with panoramic forest views, the whole vibe. Like, imagine me and my friends making apple cider in a vintage kitchen, telling stories by the fireplace, and watching those fall leaves change from a wraparound porch. Woo. And the best part, I always look for the guest's favorite badge, which means it's one of the most loved homes on Airbnb. Because, listen, when I travel with my friends, we need more than just a basic room. We need space to really sink into the experience, to make memories. And trust me, hotels just don't give you that this place has a story feeling. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cabin in the woods, a desert hideaway like my favorite spot in Joshua Tree, or, yes, maybe even a slightly spooky mansion for fall, Airbnb has exactly what you're looking for. This message is brought to you by Apple Pay. When the temperature drops below 65, you'll find me in my natural habitat, cocooned in my favorite blanket, watching my shows. And no, I'm not moving. Why should I? I love that Apple Pay lets me live my best hibernation life. I'm ordering dinner, booking my autumn cabin getaway, and shopping online for more blankets. And all from my cozy command center. I absolutely live for how seamless it is. From my iPhone, I just tap the Apple Pay button at the online checkout, a quick face ID scan, and ding. Transaction complete. No need to unwrap myself from this blanket burrito to grab my wallet from the other. What I appreciate Most is how Apple Pay lets me skip all those never ending online checkout forms. The way I see it, less time filling out payment info means more time to getting back to my shows. And that's the kind of multitasking I live for. Next time you're online shopping or in app, just look for that Apple Pay button at checkout. Trust me, it's giving work smarter, not harder. And that's exactly the energy we need. Pay the Apple way terms apply. Who don't love Oprah? I've never gotten a chance to really spend a lot of time with Oprah, but you did with the Color Purple. And obviously, I mean, you guys share a character. So tell me about that experience with her. You know, this doing this movie, like just the Oprah of it all.

[Danielle Brooks]

It was so special to be in her orbit so intimately, like to be on her pj. You know what I mean?

[Keke Palmer]

Now come on, pj. The own pj.

[Danielle Brooks]

She's just so great.

[Keke Palmer]

Is she funny? She's an Aquarius.

[Danielle Brooks]

She's funny. I think I'm funnier.

[Keke Palmer]

So you had Oprah Cacklin. Okay. Boom.

[Danielle Brooks]

I think it was more me having her Cacklin. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But she's a real one though, you know, And I thank God that a relationship happened how it did. Cause I feel like the first time I did Color Purple, we didn't connect like that. But this time I really got to connect with her and just hear her wisdom and, you know, all of the things and still get to continue a relationship with her. That's natural, you know, it's not forced. So I'm really blessed to be able to call her auntie, Period. For sure.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. I love that. I love that. And I do feel like she's done a lot. So it was cool to see this version of the Color Purple because I think it also put a little bit more joy in the story that when I was a kid watching the Color Purple, sometimes it would be like, turn the. Cause it's so different, you know, but you can't look away. But I think this one, you know, seeing this version, it has so much love glamour. And I think it just showed a different face of it, which is a good thing. Now let's talk about the Oscars. Was the first Oscars you went to, the one that you were also nominated? Was that was.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes. Oh, my gosh, yes.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, that's insane. The first time I'm going to the Oscars, I'm nominated. Get into it.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you.

[Keke Palmer]

It's giving life.

[Danielle Brooks]

What Were you thinking, and I'm here. I mean, I was just like, yes. I was so happy. Like, nothing could steal my joy that day.

[Keke Palmer]

And I know you probably have been doing a. A lot of stuff too, right before that party.

[Danielle Brooks]

Minecraft. I was shooting Minecraft in New Zealand at the same time. So it was crazy town, a lot of travels, and New Zealand is 14 hours away, so that was insane. But to get to share that with the people who made me. My mom and my dad, my husband right by my side, it just was like, I'm here. Like, Regina King is talking about me.

[Keke Palmer]

And I love Regina.

[Danielle Brooks]

I love me some Regina.

[Keke Palmer]

Was there anything that surprised you about being in that room? Like, was it surprisingly, very calm? Were people being talkative? Ooh.

[Danielle Brooks]

Seeing Colman. I think this was the time. Cause we went to so many events, but seeing Colman Domingo get on the stage and start dancing, I was like, this man, like, he got everybody hyped. No, I was like, of course. Of course.

[Keke Palmer]

No. He literally has that vibe anytime I've been around him. It's something about that man's energy.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah, he's amazing. And I've known Coleman for a very, very, very long time from the theater scene.

[Keke Palmer]

Wow.

[Danielle Brooks]

So, yeah, he's always been like a big uncle to me and brother, really, to me. Shout out to Colman Domingo, you said something.

[Keke Palmer]

That is so Virgo that I completely agree with you. Oh, my God.

[Danielle Brooks]

What did I say?

[Keke Palmer]

I really believe in not taking everyone advice, and I live for those. Those are words to live by. Because who are you and what are the credentials?

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

People love telling you what to do with your life and whole life in shambles.

[Danielle Brooks]

Come on. Especially when you become a mother girl. And even in acting, it's like, people back in Senseville. I love y', all, but you be like, you don't know nothing about what I'm doing, but you wanna tell me how to do it?

[Keke Palmer]

It's like, so whose advice do you find yourself taking or listening to? Is it be your parents?

[Danielle Brooks]

Let's call the therapist. Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

She said, I need you to have real credentials. A bhd.

[Danielle Brooks]

Seriously?

[Keke Palmer]

A doctorate?

[Danielle Brooks]

No. But I do take advice from my dad and my husband.

[Keke Palmer]

Shout out you to.

[Danielle Brooks]

Who'S probably here now, but anyway. Also, I have a few girlfriends. Very select few girlfriends. But they also know the rule. Don't give advice unless I ask for it.

[Keke Palmer]

And Virgos never ask.

[Danielle Brooks]

We really don't. Unless we are desperate for an Italy.

[Keke Palmer]

Literally.

[Danielle Brooks]

Do you not ask?

[Keke Palmer]

Because I know you got some girlfriend. I feel the Exact same way that you do. I. I have like three girlfriends. I ask them when I really need it. I definitely talk to my mom a lot. Shout out to, you know, and that's the main thing. Like, that's it. It's like my mom, my main three girlfriends. But I'm ruminating and ruminating and ruminating before I get to the point of being like, so what do you think?

[Danielle Brooks]

So it's mostly like all. Most decisions made, if not all are coming from you, not from like a team.

[Keke Palmer]

Well, when I'm with my job, my.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Well, I think.

[Danielle Brooks]

But I'm talking personal. I'm like, personally, do you be like. Cause I ruminate, ruminate too. But I want to ruminate with like hearing people in my ear and I'm like, I don't like that. No, I don't like. Yeah, I like that. And then make my decision.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. That's kind of how I am as well. I mean, every now and then will I talk to chat? Yeah. What's good? GPT. You know what I'm saying? Because at the end of the day.

[Danielle Brooks]

Why are you talking to Chat? GPT.

[Keke Palmer]

You need. Got to ask him.

[Danielle Brooks]

Should I leave? Like, is that what you talking about? You need to.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes, girl. You gotta ask them to stop. Hey, so should I pop this boil or what? What you gotta ask?

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, should I pop? Well, I got a toenail y' all struggling with.

[Keke Palmer]

Like, what should I do? I'm broke. So every now and then chat might find its way into the group. Chat.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, okay, okay. You know, okay.

[Keke Palmer]

Chat gps. But yeah, I very much so like to think about things and in conversation. Conversation. Hearing the things over and over and over again.

[Danielle Brooks]

Virgos are.

[Keke Palmer]

Which is too much.

[Danielle Brooks]

Do you like learning from your mistakes or learning from other people's mistakes? Cause I like learning from other people's mistakes and not making them. Are you like, I'll just find out on the road I'm on.

[Keke Palmer]

It's both. And some people will say that I'm hard headed, but I just have to know, you know what I mean?

[Danielle Brooks]

We're different from. I don't know if it's the moon rising or sinking, but we different.

[Keke Palmer]

No. Cause it is true, bro. I really will learn from other people. But then it's kind of like, well, I go through the experience similarly. And I was like, well, I guess I had to live it to really know it. You know, it's like. Cause wisdom sometimes is coming from other people as opposed to your lived experience. And I think I'm always trying to make sure that I'm experiencing it and not just taking everybody's word for it. But sometimes you do need to take people's word for it.

[Danielle Brooks]

I'm a wisdom girl. I'm like, give me old time religion. I want to hear what they got to say so I don't have to waste no money. I don't want to waste no time. Like, I'm. But you do have to learn on your own.

[Keke Palmer]

But I think that's the preferred route. It is. I even say it as somebody that does the other. That is the preferred route. Okay, let's talk about grossing over 300 million with Minecraft.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, my gosh, that's next, girl. We're almost at a billion. We're almost at a billion.

[Keke Palmer]

It's so hard to get people to go to the movie theaters.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

You know, and watch anything. Especially after, obviously, Covid and all that. Just everything that happened, it was horrible. So people don't really want to get out. You know what I mean? Success looks different these days for the theaters. But this. That's undeniable. Like, success.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, it is.

[Keke Palmer]

You know what I'm saying? How's that experience been? I mean, this is also something that you could see with. I mean, this is. Freya could watch this, right? Yes, she did see this with Freya. Like, what is this like? Being a part of the family friendly.

[Danielle Brooks]

World, it's been great to get to share it with more people because being in certain shows like Orange is New, Black or Peacemaker, everybody can't watch that. Even me. Sometimes I don't like Jesus help me. But to be in something that is so family friendly, like, just now, I had an interview for LA Times, and it was at a restaurant, and these three young girls came up to me and I was like, oh, my God, the babies. And it's pretty cool because I'm excited to see how that translates later in my career.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

Like, how people are like, oh, that's the old lady from. I'm just curious on, like, how that will translate. Cause then they'll tell their kids about, you know, my work and so. But yeah, to be a part of Minecraft has been amazing.

[Keke Palmer]

And you guys filmed it in New Zealand.

[Danielle Brooks]

We filmed it in New Zealand while I was in the midst of the Oscar campaigning. So it was. And being a mom and a wife and all the things. But that's the life I've always wanted, so I ain't complaining. That's what it is.

[Keke Palmer]

Period.

[Danielle Brooks]

Period.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Now, are you gonna let us know if we. The Rumors are true. Are we getting a Minecraft, too? Like, can you drop that bottle?

[Danielle Brooks]

It's in the words. From what I heard now until it got my butt on the plane and I'm in front of a green screen, I don't believe it till I see it, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

I know that's right. I need the dotted line. I'm very serious on that, too.

[Danielle Brooks]

I am. So until that happens.

[Keke Palmer]

Now, what's with the whole chicky jockey thing? Did you, like. No. I was wondering if that was, like, a trigger word for the people that played the game. Oh, you know, I didn't.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's a good thing these kids are making it a game. Chicken Jack, girl, I went. Cause my baby's going to K5. And we went to visit the school and the kids outside, and they playing Chicken Jackie.

[Keke Palmer]

And I'm like.

[Danielle Brooks]

They literally saying, Chicken Jackie, Chicken. I'm like, what is going on? I'm clueless. I'm in the movie, and I'm clueless. I don't know what's happening, but I'm here for it.

[Keke Palmer]

I know. It's so cool when people make stuff their own.

[Danielle Brooks]

Have you been in that before? You like, I'm in this movie. Y' all love this. Y' all hyping this up. I don't know what the main time.

[Keke Palmer]

That that happened to me was with Sorry to this, man.

[Danielle Brooks]

I was like, I love that.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

I was just like all the time.

[Keke Palmer]

And I was just like, guys, what was the big idea? I was just sorry to the damn, man. But everybody, you know, that was when it happened to me where I just, you know, sometimes stuff just tickles a funny bone or just get, you know.

[Danielle Brooks]

Get people round up. Did you so? Well, like, you are the queen of getting the, like, what'd you say? Funny bottom. And it's funny bone. Like, you are the queen of that.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. I really received that, and I really. I love making people laugh, so it's a skill.

[Danielle Brooks]

That is a skill. Oh, my gosh. Thank you. That's awesome.

[Keke Palmer]

I can't wait till we do something together. I just thought about that right now.

[Danielle Brooks]

When you're saying that something up with you, girl, just drop in. You know what I'm saying? Give it to the kids. I don't know if they'd be ready.

[Keke Palmer]

Give it to the kids.

[Danielle Brooks]

You know, maybe you and Sza need to add a third whip. I'm just saying now, when we call, you just make sure that check right. Cause I know, look, y' all number's high too. Y' all Netflix number one in and stuff.

[Keke Palmer]

When I tell you, we went up to Sony, we were like, now it's time. Cut the check. The real one. Cause that last one that you gave us, filming this movie in 21 days. What the hell was y' all doing?

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, girl. Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

And also, you got bad guys, too.

[Danielle Brooks]

Bad guys too. Bad guys, too. And guess what? What? What? Your girl played a villain. I was bad.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God.

[Danielle Brooks]

She's a baddie.

[Keke Palmer]

How fun was that?

[Danielle Brooks]

So much fun. I've never played a villain. Like, I've played likable characters my entire career. So to finally be bad was so much fun. Like, my friends and family, we did a screening, and they were shocked. They were like, oh, my God, you were the bad one. Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. Have you gotten a chance to hang out with anybody? Cause you know how usually with the sounds, you don't get to do it?

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah, we actually did. I spent some time with Sam Rockwell, who plays the. The main character.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, so we're talking about Peacemakers. You mentioned as well with John Cena Now. I worked with John Cena once when I was a teenager. True Jackson vp, He came on the episode. This is back in his WWE days when he was a. You can't see me. So how is it working on that show?

[Danielle Brooks]

I love it. I love doing action. I like being, like, harnessed up and stuff. Like, I enjoy that.

[Keke Palmer]

The action world is so cool.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's so much fun. I'm just waiting for them to do, like, we've been talking about it. Waller spinoff. Cause Amanda Waller is my mom, and that's played by Viola Davis. And so if we could get that on the screen and see more people of color in this comic book world. James Gunn.

[Keke Palmer]

Come on. And you know, I love me some James Gunn. And by the way, it's so awesome. She seems great to work with. I love her Instagram. Like, I love her social media. Like, she's funny as heck up on there.

[Danielle Brooks]

She's awesome. Love her.

[Keke Palmer]

So let's talk about your family life, because, like you said, you're doing all this stuff, but then you have Dennis, your incredible husband. Yes, I. Oh, my gosh. Now, where is he from? Is he a Southern guy, too?

[Danielle Brooks]

Brooklyn. Born in New York.

[Keke Palmer]

You met him in New York?

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, I did. Yes. Honey, that's a story for you.

[Keke Palmer]

Well, go ahead. Spicy, baby. This is Ike Palma. Yeah. The new Peloton Cross training Tread plus is transforming my fitness game. And when I tell you I'm obsessed, I mean, I'm writing love letters about obsessed. As a busy mom who's usually choosing between a workout or a nap and spoiler alert, the nap usually wins. I need equipment that works overtime, like it's trying to make partner at a law firm. Enter Peloton iq. Basically your personal fitness bestie built right into the machine. It tracks progress, counts, reps, and corrects your form in real time. It's giving supportive friend who won't let you post unflattering angles on Instagram energy. And I live for this swivel screen situation. Pure genius. One minute I'm running like I'm being chased by my deadlines. The next, I've spun that screen around for a strength session or pilates flow. My living room is serving boutique fitness studio realness without the judgmental looks from the one instructor. You. You know the one instructor. The personalization is next level, too. Peloton IQ creates your personal workout roadmap with weekly recommendations while our incredible instructor lineup meets. Means there's always someone to match. Whatever energy you're bringing that day together, they keep you moving toward your next breakthrough. Whether that's crushing your first 5K or finally mastering those perfect planks. It's like having a fitness matchmaker who actually understands the assignment. Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go explore the new peloton cross training tread [e-mail] Time to level up your fitness journey. From trying my best to looking like that.

[Danielle Brooks]

Well, you know, I bring all the boys to the yard, and they're like.

[Keke Palmer]

It'S better than you already know it.

[Danielle Brooks]

So I basically did bring them to the yard. I had a game night at my house.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh.

[Danielle Brooks]

And I told my girlfriends, like, bring over guys that you think are worthy of being in my house. If they, you know, if you think they cool, then come on out. So he was there, like, the last one to come over, girl. And I had, like, cut my finger. And I was, like, playing damsel in distress. And he did the right thing. He was my knight in shining armor. I was like, can I wrap that for you? I was like, yeah, go ahead, wrap it for me. And so he wraps it for me. We get to talking or whatever, right? And then he's like, you mind if I take out your trash?

[Keke Palmer]

Ah.

[Danielle Brooks]

And you know, people will come to your eat your food and drink your drink and don't do nothing.

[Keke Palmer]

He said, you mind if I take out your chest?

[Danielle Brooks]

I literally said, do you have a job? He said, yes. I said, you have children? He said, no, I said, are you married? He said, no. I said, here you go. Here. And I gave him my phone, and we talked that night. I don't know what time. And the next day, Kiki. The next day, this man delivered flowers to me.

[Keke Palmer]

No, he didn't.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, he did. And I said, if this bouquet of flowers is from that man, that is my husband. You know, I opened that card, and it said, from Dennis. And I got them butterflies in my stomach. I got him, too. And I said, this is my husband. This is my husband. I'm getting married. I was married now, girl. I got married to man.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God. Because I play those games with myself, too. Like, if X, y, and Z, then he's the one. It never happens to me. Listen. But it was right for you. It was right for me, and I'm thrilled, girl. Yes, Dennis. And now you guys have Freya.

[Danielle Brooks]

We have Freya. Oh, my gosh, babe, this is incredible. Thank you.

[Keke Palmer]

So tell me about Free. I mean, I know she. Other than her getting lemonade drunk. Yes. You know, she's. What's her personality like and how has she impacted you?

[Danielle Brooks]

Girl, that girl's got more personality than both of us put together, period. She is one of one, okay? Super smart, super talented. She plays electric guitar. She's in gymnastics and dance. Like, oh, my gosh.

[Keke Palmer]

So just like her mama.

[Danielle Brooks]

I'm structuring this. I'm making sure that she has options when she gets older, but she's just really, really awesome.

[Keke Palmer]

Does she have dentists wrapped around her finger? Does she have you wrapped around? Like, what are y' all different? Who's the guy? Cop. Who's the bad cop?

[Danielle Brooks]

I'm good cop. He's bad cop. Cause I don't know. I'm learning how to be a bad cop. Do you? Because I'm like, just let the kid.

[Keke Palmer]

Do what they do. I'm 1,000% bad cop.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, you like. Don't you touch that.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm like, both. Because it's like, I'm like, bad cop. And I'm the person that he calls when he wants me to get somebody else. He always wants me to cuss somebody out.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, no.

[Keke Palmer]

He's like, mama, Mama, get.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh.

[Keke Palmer]

And I'm like, oh. That's when he calls me. And when you know he's in trouble, then I'm like, you need to get.

[Danielle Brooks]

Now, that's how y' all running it over there. See, my husband is the you need to get. And I'm trying to be like. But I remember when Freya was about Your baby's age. And I tried to do that mean mama face. She laughed in my face.

[Keke Palmer]

Leo has laughed at me, too.

[Danielle Brooks]

Isn't that the worst?

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, he has. He has.

[Danielle Brooks]

And you gotta turn your back, like.

[Keke Palmer]

Cause I'm laughing too now.

[Danielle Brooks]

That's what it is.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, it happens. But after a while, you just gotta. I raise the tempo.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay. I learned a bass.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

I was like, yeah, yeah, bass.

[Keke Palmer]

He switched it up.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah, yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

You know, but he's. You know, these little boys.

[Danielle Brooks]

Child.

[Keke Palmer]

Now, this is interesting because on the Today show, you talked about wanting to protect free as childlike spirit in a world that condemn light, especially for young black girls. And I think it's probably the same for you. Like, it makes me think back on my parents now, being a mom, raising my son, and I'm thinking, damn, these are all the things that I. That they were thinking about. Yeah. So, like, do you talk to them about it? You know, how do you handle, like, figuring out how to, like, make them aware, you know, Freya, or for me, Leotis, without, you know, dampering their experience?

[Danielle Brooks]

I mean, they're just kids. They are just kids. And I think for me, first of all, like, I go back to how I was raised, and that's one partial reason why we named her Freya. My husband came up with the name, but I was like, yes, yes, yes. Because I didn't really get a lot of freedom growing up. My parents were very restrictive of me and.

[Keke Palmer]

Beautiful name.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you. For good reason. They were. But I know it was because they were trying to. They didn't have control when they were growing up with things that they saw in the household. And so my parents was like, when we have kids, we gonna make sure y' all in line. But that stopped us from doing a lot.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Danielle Brooks]

And so now that I have her, I want her to have the freedom that I didn't have, still understand structure, still have morals, but allow her to really get to live, you know, make mistakes. I think it's safe and good to do that. So I'm trying to make sure that I raised her that way. And giving her the name now, it has backfired on me.

[Keke Palmer]

Now she's like, I'm free.

[Danielle Brooks]

You cannot name your child free and not think she not gonna be free. She is very free. So that has been hard to be like, sit down. You know, But I think we're doing a good job with it.

[Keke Palmer]

That's a beautiful thing. I think that's so big, the ability to make mistakes. Cause I think especially for when we're talking about our upbringing and just all the sacrifices. Sometimes, like, it's a great thing to become and want to be undeniable, but it's also hard because it's like, damn. Sometimes you just want to be able to just maybe not be great all the time, but it becomes a birthright when we're trying to. We're up against so much in generational structures where it's like, I gotta be great. So it is awesome to create that space for our kids where it's like, just be who you is and let that be enough, you know? And when you feel like being great, be great. And when you feel like playing it cool, play it cool. You know, you also said something awesome in Elle about. And I relate to this as well. Not seeing a lot of people like yourself in Hollywood.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, for sure.

[Keke Palmer]

Which is, I mean, true. Whether it's being black or different sizes. I mean, the list goes on when there's a lack of nuance with women of color. But how did you learn to become what you wanted to see? Because sometimes we get to these positions and a lot of people are like, well, now it's time to change. You know what I mean? Obviously, growth is real. You can evolve. But, like, how did you know? Like, I can. I'm successful, and I'm gonna remain successful being who I am.

[Danielle Brooks]

Orange is new Black, hands down.

[Keke Palmer]

Wow.

[Danielle Brooks]

Because when we were on that show, we had no makeup on, natural hair, no Spanx and heels to be cute. None of that. We were ourselves, and people fell in love with who we were. And that was our first introduction to the industry. So that alone showed me I'm enough. So that's how I wanted to go throughout the rest of my career. Being enough being me. Now. Will I change up now? I can get a little sexy on you now.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay.

[Danielle Brooks]

Cause clearly, clearly, you know, I put a little something on him. You know what I'm saying? But even in that making sure that I remain myself and not trying to, you know, have some drastic weight loss or, you know, I damn sure ain't gonna bleach my skin. So I have to be happy with the person I am. And I am happy with the person that I am.

[Keke Palmer]

I love that. I love that. I feel that. And I appreciate you for being that.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Seriously now I wanna play a little game called One for the Brooks.

[Danielle Brooks]

Ooh, I like games.

[Keke Palmer]

You know, a little play on One for the books. Well, you know her from the Color Purple. You know her from Orange is the New Black. It is the Danielle Brooks and I wanna play a game with you, taking us back to your theater roots, where we're gonna take a couple of odd scenarios and. And perform them with that fervor, with that drama, with everything we need for the stage.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Keke Palmer]

So this is going back to your theater roots. I'm gonna give you a scenario, I'm gonna give you a phrase, and you've gotta say it with drama. Okay?

[Danielle Brooks]

So, for instance, do I look in a camera or do I just say it to you?

[Keke Palmer]

Or you can perform it out.

[Danielle Brooks]

However, I will.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Perform it out.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah. I don't know how much maroon I got. Now you got give me the structures.

[Keke Palmer]

So the first phrase is, I have to go feed my. However, I want you to say it like you're leaving a toxic relationship. The line is, I have to go feed my dog. Ready, set. Cameras rolling. And action.

[Danielle Brooks]

I have to go feed my dog. That is good.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl. I know how. And this is why directors have to cast the right people, because I didn't even do anything.

[Danielle Brooks]

Girl, Give me my job. Let's go.

[Keke Palmer]

When a director has the right actor, all you gotta do is say yeah, and give me a little sass or give me a little hype or give me a little. You are meaning.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, your turn.

[Keke Palmer]

Here we go.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, So I just choose whichever one that you feel. Take a super boring line and perform it like it's the cloud of a Broadway musical. This Uber is six minutes away and I can't survive this Uber.

[Keke Palmer]

Six minutes away and I can't survive.

[Danielle Brooks]

It.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes.

[Danielle Brooks]

That was giving the 11 o' clock number, my friend. My friend.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes.

[Danielle Brooks]

I can survive.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. You better round that note out. Now. You gave it a proper ending, you know. Yes.

[Danielle Brooks]

That's when that curtain goes down. Okay. Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

And then when they go to the concession stand, we're getting ready for Act 2.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Okay. Take a basic grocery store receipt.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay. Oh, God, what is this about to be.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm about to be in the big comfy couch. You know, Remember that show, y' all know Did I smash it? Oh, I sat on it. Guess what? They said they need a receipt. I got one. All right, I'll let you choose.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

You can read it either like a regretful ballad.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

Or you can do it like a spoken word breakdown, a la for colored girls. Both are so specific. They are.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay. Bevmo 1775 North Victory Place, Burbank, California. Cash register, cash register. Cash register, cashier. Kaylee, I bought on this beautiful day at store 88. I don't see nothing on this receipt that. Oh, I do. I bought Tito's vodka modelo especial for $31.99. $31.99. Because my soul felt that I needed some spirits to get me through. And all I had on me was $58.76. But that's all I needed to get my vodka Espial Modelo that I clearly don't know how to. I'm saying it all wrong, girl, you.

[Keke Palmer]

I hate that I missed you on Broadway. Because when I'm telling you that I'm entranced. It's enchanting to watch you girl live. That gave me everything. That's a damn receipt.

[Danielle Brooks]

It's so great.

[Keke Palmer]

And you made that feel like a stage play. Your ass.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, that's all I got in mind.

[Danielle Brooks]

Okay, now I got one for you.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay. Okay.

[Danielle Brooks]

Ooh, wee. Oh, boy. Okay. Okay. Color Purple remix. Take an iconic line, maybe like, all my life I had to fight, and change it to the style of a Disney princess song. Okay. Or if you want, you could do a dramatic soap opera monologue with all my life I've had to fight.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, if it's a Disney princess, it could be as simple as, all my life I had to fight, you know? But if we went the other way.

[Danielle Brooks]

Oh, no, we need to lean into that.

[Keke Palmer]

I never knew what this would be like.

[Danielle Brooks]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

All my life I knew my worth but never did I know what it would cost me. All my life I had to fight, fight all my life I had to fight, fight all my life I've had to fight. Yes. That was so good.

[Danielle Brooks]

The next adaptation, you have to play Sofia. You have to.

[Keke Palmer]

When I tell you. This was so much fun.

[Danielle Brooks]

This was so much fun.

[Keke Palmer]

I so appreciate you for coming to the show today.

[Danielle Brooks]

Thank you for having me on the show. Oh, my God. I'm honored. So honored.

[Keke Palmer]

Thank you, Kiki. Danielle's journey is full of powerful through lines. From the way her community lifted her all the way to Juilliard, to stepping into her shoes. Strength in the Color Purple. To giving her daughter the kind of freedom she didn't always have. We've all had those moments that stretch us before we feel ready. The key is to lean in and just leap. And Danielle did, and I'm rooting for her, as always. Baby, this is Keke Palmer. Baby, this is. This is Kiki. Baby, this is Kiki Palma. 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. Hilary Esty 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 producer is Olivia Fonti. Senior Managing producer is Nick Ryan. And our executive producers are Emily Feldbrake, Erin o' Flaherty and Marshall Louie.

[Nick Cannon]

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 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 gon 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 right now On Boxing Day.

[Danielle Brooks]

2018, 20 year old Joy Morgan was last seen at her church, Israel United in Christ or iua.

[Keke Palmer]

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

[Danielle Brooks]

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

[Keke Palmer]

IUIC is my family and like the.

[Danielle Brooks]

Best family that I've ever had. But IUIC isn't like most churches. 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. I'm Charlie Brent Coast Clough 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. Start your free trial of Wondery on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or in the Wondery app.