Secrets to Hollywood Love & Longevity with Nicole Ari Parker

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Secrets to Hollywood Love & Longevity with Nicole Ari Parker"

Episode Title: Secrets to Hollywood Love & Longevity with Nicole Ari Parker
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Keke Palmer
Description: In this heartfelt episode of "Baby, This is Keke Palmer," host Keke Palmer sits down with acclaimed actress, mother, wife, and businesswoman Nicole Ari Parker. Celebrating 20 years of marriage, the duo delves deep into their personal and professional journeys, offering listeners insights into maintaining a successful relationship in the demanding world of Hollywood.

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Reconnecting and Celebrating 20 Years of Marriage (00:05 - 03:12)

The episode kicks off with Keke Palmer warmly welcoming Nicole Ari Parker, affectionately referred to as "that girl," highlighting her multifaceted roles as an actress, mother, wife, and businesswoman. Keke reminisces about her early encounters with Nicole and sets a celebratory tone for the episode.

• Notable Quote:
  Keke Palmer [00:05]: "Today's guest is that girl. Actress, mother, wife, businesswoman, and absolute queen. Nicole Ari Parker is in the building."

Life as Empty Nesters in New York (03:12 - 07:23)

Nicole shares her recent move back to New York with her husband Boris Kodjoe after living in Los Angeles. They discuss the joys and challenges of becoming empty nesters, especially with their daughter's summer internship in finance.

• Notable Quote:
  Nicole Ari Parker [06:46]: "I wanted to be a pedestrian again. I wanted to be in the hustle and the bustle and the grind."

Navigating Fame and Family (07:23 - 13:32)

The conversation shifts to balancing a thriving career with family life. Nicole reflects on her experiences during press tours for her latest show on Max, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity amidst public scrutiny.

• Notable Quote:
  Keke Palmer [10:11]: "I have to read the card because I'm an absolute card person."

Fond Memories from "Soul Food" and On-Set Romance (13:32 - 25:32)

Nicole delves into her early career, particularly her time on the iconic series "Soul Food," where she met her future husband, Boris Kodjoe. They share anecdotes about their first scenes together, the challenges of acting alongside each other, and how their on-set friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

• Notable Quote:
  Nicole Ari Parker [15:12]: "He walked into the room and, like, everybody fainted. The chairs fainted. Everybody."

Impact of "Brown Sugar" and Black Rom-Coms (25:32 - 28:05)

Keke and Nicole discuss the significance of the film "Brown Sugar," praising its authentic portrayal of Black relationships and the integration of hip-hop culture. They highlight how the movie set a foundation for future Black romantic comedies.

• Notable Quote:
  Nicole Ari Parker [26:10]: "I think it's in the writing, and I think it's in capturing the tenderness that we don't see in movies about us all the time."

Maintaining a Strong Marriage in Hollywood (28:05 - 32:48)

The duo explores the secrets behind their enduring marriage, attributing their success to deliberate choices, mutual support, and effective communication. Nicole emphasizes the role of therapy and continuous effort in nurturing their relationship.

• Notable Quote:
  Nicole Ari Parker [32:48]: "Yeah, I think we chose each other very deliberately."

A Glimpse into Their Fairytale Wedding (32:48 - 38:07)

Nicole recounts the magical details of her wedding to Boris in Germany, describing the picturesque setting, the heartfelt moments, and the blending of their families and cultures.

• Notable Quote:
  Nicole Ari Parker [36:16]: "It's like a fairy tale, all the trees and everything, that I wanted to be on a horse and carriage with my dad, that that's taking me to the church."

Interactive Fun: "Brown Sugar Showdown" Trivia Game (38:07 - 44:22)

To lighten the mood, Keke introduces a trivia game themed around "Brown Sugar." Both she and Nicole engage in a playful competition, showcasing their camaraderie and shared history on the beloved film.

• Notable Quote:
  Keke Palmer [39:11]: "It's time for the brown sugar showdown."

Final Thoughts and Advice on Love & Longevity (44:22 - 35:59)

Wrapping up the episode, Nicole shares invaluable advice on sustaining a long-term relationship, emphasizing the importance of choice, resilience, and understanding each other’s individual needs. Keke echoes these sentiments, encouraging listeners to prioritize their relationships and personal growth.

• Notable Quote:
  Nicole Ari Parker [35:59]: "And it just unpeels the layers, you know, and recalibrates the situation of which direction you want to go in."

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Key Takeaways:

1. Deliberate Choice in Relationships: Both Keke and Nicole highlight the importance of consciously choosing to stay committed to their partners despite the pressures of Hollywood.

2. Balancing Career and Family: Navigating a successful career while maintaining a healthy family life requires effective communication and mutual support.

3. Authentic Representation in Media: Authentic portrayals of Black relationships and cultures in media foster a deeper connection with audiences and set the stage for future narratives.

4. The Role of Therapy: Open discussions about therapy and mental health contribute to stronger, more resilient relationships.

5. Celebrating Milestones Together: Celebrating significant milestones, like anniversaries, reinforces the bond between partners and creates lasting memories.

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Conclusion:

In "Secrets to Hollywood Love & Longevity with Nicole Ari Parker," Keke Palmer and Nicole Ari Parker offer a candid and inspiring look into sustaining love and success in the entertainment industry. Their genuine conversation serves as a powerful reminder that with deliberate choices, open communication, and unwavering support, long-lasting and fulfilling relationships are achievable—even in the fast-paced world of Hollywood.

Transcript

[Keke Palmer]

Y', all, today's guest is that girl. Actress, mother, wife, businesswoman, and absolute queen. Nicole Ahrie Parker is in the building. From soul food to brown sugar. Yes. And welcome home, Roscoe Jenkins. Some of my favorites. And of course, Lisa Todd Wexley. Her newest role today, she's spilling all the tea on her move back to New York life as an empty nester. And yes, what 20 years of marriage to Boris Kodjoe really looks like. So, baby, let's get into it. 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. And get into the vibe that only ones you know, it's your girl. This is Kiki, baby. This is Kiki Palma. Yeah. This episode is presented in partnership with Airbnb. Baby, summer's calling, and she's got one thing on her mind. Your next getaway. My take. Plan your trip by searching guest favorites on Airbnb because these most loved homes are ready for your next adventure. Let's get into it. Okay. Nicole, I'm so happy that you're here on the show. You look absolutely incredible.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So do you.

[Keke Palmer]

But I have to be honest, I'm really excited to see what you have over here because you told me that you got me a gift and you.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Were trying to sneak and look.

[Keke Palmer]

I know.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I'm so excited.

[Keke Palmer]

So first of all, I have to read the card because I'm an absolute card person.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Well, you know, Keke, continued blessings to you.

[Keke Palmer]

Beautiful one. You guys know I know Nicole, for since I got into the industry, since I was about 10 years old, I did second time around, that was, like, one of the first gigs that I did.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Well, that was the first show that was developed for Boris and I. And right after Soul Food.

[Keke Palmer]

Yep.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And then after the first season, I was pregnant with Sophie, who loves you, by the way.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes, I love Sophie, too, but I never forget because you guys would treat me like your little baby.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I know.

[Keke Palmer]

I remember that you were always.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And every time we would see you out, we would, like, hug you.

[Keke Palmer]

I felt like you guys were like my TV parents, my industry parents, because y' all were always being so uplifting to me and loving to me.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So proud of you.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I love you guys.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh. So you remember. I love these. I feel like I DM'd you and telling you how much I was obsessed with these.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I didn't get it.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. I told you that. Yeah. I told you how much I loved it for my hair period, girl. And you know I love a Pilates day.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

I need to make sure that that hair is staying online. Yes.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Edges for days.

[Keke Palmer]

Protecting edges. Let me see what little patterns that you feel tight. That's good. That's how you know it's a good product. Boom.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

That's my new collection. Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Congratulations.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

You can wear them on your vacation when you just at the beach and you want to get your hair out your face or when you're working out or.

[Keke Palmer]

And then I see I've got a hat.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes. You could share with your friends and your family, but it's all for you.

[Keke Palmer]

Thank you so much. This is amazing, and I love gifts. I really do hope any guests can continue in Nicole's footsteps, because I love a gift. Well, I'm so excited to be talking with you and being with you because I feel like we haven't sat down in a long time.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I know we're always screaming in a hallway at an event or something. You were just at the BET Awards with.

[Keke Palmer]

You just saw Boris and it was so cool seeing him and Kevin and the gang up there reviving the husbands of Hollywood vibes. It was so amazing. I love that show. And also, you just moved back to New York. You guys just moved to New York? Yes. How is it going?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I've been the one in the family that's for years have been like, I'm from the East Coast.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm gonna say. You're an east coast girl?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes, I'm from Baltimore and. But I lived in New York forever. Then la, but finally Boris walked into the bathroom and said, it's time. Our house sold in two days. It was nothing. But, God, like, everything moved just like that.

[Keke Palmer]

And then you guys are also empty nesters now, too. So the kids were gone.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes, everybody says that. But as we speak, my daughter Sophie is at the crib with, like, five friends.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

It's summertime. She's not a Howard right now. It's. She has a big internship this summer, but that doesn't start until next week. So.

[Keke Palmer]

Wait a minute. What's the big internship? Can you tell me? You maybe can't tell me what field?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Finance.

[Keke Palmer]

Dang. She's serious.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah. She's the real deal.

[Keke Palmer]

She got somebody to worry about that money. I do love that somebody has to.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Be the finance bro in the family.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, so you guys are somewhat Empty nesters. But obviously, baby girl Sophie, she's right across the pond in D.C. in New York, So she's coming over to hang out with you guys, but my house is full.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

That's what I'm trying to say. I want the nest to be empty. Okay, 20 years of marriage. Everybody get out.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. Well, was there a particular amount of time when she went to Howard where you guys felt like you had time alone, or was it so much?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

That was the first time that I felt like. Because Nicholas plays basketball for Germany. You know, he's.

[Keke Palmer]

That's what I was like. He's overseas.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

His dad's German, so he's a German citizenship. So incredible. He's playing in the World Cup.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And the only reason I hesitated about information about Sophie is because right now they are saying we have a joke in our family called Funny youy Should Ask. Because no matter what you say to me, like, oh, girl, I like your shoes. You know what's so funny about shoes is that my son Nicholas wears a 15, and he's only 18. You want to know why? Because he's playing with Bayern Munich. You always find a way. You always find a way to talk about shoes. Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

That's like a mother's love. I feel the same way, too. You find any random thing to bring you back to that baby.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I know.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. Well, congratulations to both of them. Those are both incredible things.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

So, I mean, you're back in New York. You're on. And just like that.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes, we taped it last year, but it's on the air now on Max, and. But so you know how that works. Like, you shoot it, it's in the can. And right before it premieres, you have the very intense press tour. So. So it's been nonstop.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

This was the only stop I needed to make. Yes. I was real. I watch it all the time. You know, it's like my whole family's getting.

[Keke Palmer]

And you just set it off with this look. I feel like, is there a certain level of energy and thought that goes into doing a press tour for her? And just like that. I mean, this is the fashion of the century, and you haven't missed once. So do you feel the pressure of that, or are you just that girl like that, which I think you are.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Well, the character has a way better closet than me.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

She's snatched top to bottom.

[Keke Palmer]

Like, she definitely is.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

LTW does not play for me. I'm just eclectic and wear what I like.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now Was there something emotional about the move, or did you just. Guys feel like it was the right time? Leaving California, I guess, really, is what I'm saying, you know, when you're done.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Like, not even in a negative way.

[C]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Like, I wanted to be a pedestrian again. I wanted to be in the hustle and the bustle and the grind.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Boris really wanted a yard and a house. Cause even when you live. We live down in Manhattan beach, and they were like, you know, the houses are beautiful, but you don't have a backyard. We've got a front yard and a backyard in the Hudson River. It's like his dream. You know, he's from the mountains and woods of Germany, so he's happy. But I like being close to the city, too. It's just perfect.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. And, I mean, I know we talked a little bit about Sophie being there, but you guys also did a Howard pop in. I'm curious of how she felt when you guys went down there. You kind of showed up incognito. How did everybody react? Was she embarrassed or she cool? I mean, she knows you guys are famous.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Well, yeah, but, you know, she knows it's more that mommy and daddy are here. Yeah, yeah. She's my home, bub. You know?

[Keke Palmer]

Cause sometimes I feel like Leo is like, mom, get the hooting and hollering out of here. Like, stop with the drama. Sometimes he's, like, a little weird about it, but he settles into it. But sometimes he doesn't know how to deal with people responding to me that way.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I know they. Yeah, because you're the. You're his mom.

[Keke Palmer]

Just the mom. Exactly. So I want to talk about Lisa Todd Wexley. And just like that, what has she taught you about speaking up and taking space? Because we haven't really seen a character like this. I feel like I know them in real life, but, like, seeing them on this show in this way, especially going back to the first season where I definitely didn't. I mean, first, you know, edition of the show, we didn't see any characters like this.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Right.

[Keke Palmer]

So how does it feel to play her? And what was in your mind going into the character?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Well, you know, we all know that that lady exists.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Right. Upper east side, very wealthy, very well educated, black woman, black family. And. And that, you know, the city now looks like the city. Right. But I wasn't ready for the backlash and the resistance to introducing these new characters, new sexualities, new dynamics. You know, this was die hard, 20 plus years, fans. So I had to be tough and take it, you know, Coming over on my page, I'm like, lady, I don't know you. Like, why are you just like. And it was tough, but slowly, you know, I mean, we just shot season three.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. I mean it's. I mean everybody loves the show, but.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Obviously there is backlash and even they love to criticize. They watch, say, what is that? And all that. But.

[Keke Palmer]

And I remember thinking when I was talking to people about the show too, is like sometimes I think the audience has to catch up to the commentary. Like for instance, when I first watched Sex and the City, I was really, really young and I'm like, what are they talking about? But then when I turned 30, I'm like, yes, right, exactly. You know, so like a lot of times, like you maybe, you maybe have to catch up to the conversation because a lot of the characters have changed in their life. You know, they're no longer 30, they're now late 40s, 50s, you know, they're having a different conversation of way of looking at things. And I think it is a timestamp of how things are.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But at the same time, I was just talking about this. There are 50 year olds who are fresh out of a marriage or long relationship. The kids are gone and they're entering the dating scene and they're trying to figure out they have the same insecurity as the 30 year old, but they've got a solid group of friends. It's like it still has the essence of women in the city, you know?

[Keke Palmer]

Exactly. But in a different perspective in time. And that's what I really like about it and like about seeing the character. If there were anything that you would want to add or you feel like there's missing that you'd like to explore in your character, what would that be that we haven't yet seen?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

You know, my character is friends with Charlotte, but yet we don't get a lot of scenes together. Kristen Davis and I and I would like more lunch scenes.

[Keke Palmer]

The iconic lunch scene.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes. You know, that was my first day, season one, my first day of work. I had to enter into the classic lunch scene. And I'm a cool.

[Keke Palmer]

And were you a big fan of the show beforehand? Okay, cool.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But I was shaking and we were shooting, we were shooting at a museum. I'm drawing a blank. And it was all glass windows and. And the fans started to realize. The New York City fans started to realize.

[Keke Palmer]

And they don't play. The New York fans and paparazzi take on a whole lot.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

They're like, Nicole, back to one. I went back to one And I turned around and, like, right behind you was, like, 400 people with their, like, faces pierced to the glass. I was like, how am I gonna make it?

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, that must be insane, entering such a big franchise like that.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Oh, it's insane.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, it is insane. I want to play a game with you to learn a little bit of tea about. About the girls. So I want to play Most Likely to for all the. And just like that cat.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Okay. I'm the new girl. Okay. I might be number 10 on the call sheet. Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

Period. It steals every scene. Holl at your girl. Okay? So let's get a little bit into this tea. Most likely to send a voice note instead of a text.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Maybe Carrie.

[Keke Palmer]

Mm.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Okay, now she does the voiceovers at the end.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes, yes, yes. That feels very, very much on brand. Okay, Most likely to respond first.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Charlotte.

[Keke Palmer]

I love Charlotte. Most likely to butt dial the chat by mistake.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Oh, Miranda.

[Keke Palmer]

I feel like I'm somewhere between Miranda and Carrie. Cause I can be very stiff like Miranda and very anal about everything, but then also kind of like main character all day, every day, like Carrie.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Right.

[Keke Palmer]

Um, okay. Most likely to go MIA and stop responding.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Seema, you know Syreta and I are best friends in real life.

[Keke Palmer]

No.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes. For, like, 25 years.

[Keke Palmer]

And did y' all both know y' all were gonna be on the show at the same time?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

We found out, like, a day. Day or two apart. Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But, like, we were, like, broke. Broke actresses together, like, sharing a shirt for an audition broke. Like, let's go get a margarita broke.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my goodness. That's everything. It's so good. I feel like in the industry and I have the same kind of relationships where it's like I was just, you know, cheering on Leon Thomas at the BET Awards. You know, anybody that I see that I knew, we were kids together. Working in this industry is so good to see. Hey, we still in it, right? And growing and evolving.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay. Most likely to say who all is going before committing, Charlotte's husband, Harry.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Harry.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, now give it to us straight. Are Carrie and Aiden Endgame again?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I'm trying to keep my job, Keke.

[Keke Palmer]

So the Guardian praise and just like that, for weaving in characters obviously, like Lisa and Seema in complex and realistic ways rather than token roles as the series goes on, which is something that obviously is always what we're thinking about as minorities coming into a predominantly white show. So what did you appreciate most about Lisa when you were coming into the show and looking at the character and.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I was talking about this recently. And what I loved is, you know, mpk, the brilliant writer and one of the creators of the show, he put black women in the writer's room.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Dope writers in the writers room. And of different ages, of different identities. And, I mean, so some of the things that are happening, the art in my house, the decor around the character's desk.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Says something about her culture.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

My coffee cups. Yeah. You know, everything is intentional and. And spot on. And it's like, instead of trying to, like, just throw it on the wall, he was like, let me try to do it right. And. And me being a white man, like, I might not know something. I mean, I. I have a great eye. I'm a great writer. I've got multicultural friends. But.

[Keke Palmer]

But still, let's push it.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Let's get it right.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Yeah. Now I have to go back to one of the first things I know of you, which is Soul Food, the insanely iconic television series that you guys did from the original ip, that was the movie, which is one of my favorite, favorite movies. And I mean, it gave us you and Boris. I mean, that, as far as I know, that was the first time you guys met or knew each other. So I want to just go back to that time in your life. Did you think, wow, this would be my husband? Or did you have an immediate inkling of a crush? Like, just what was happening in that time period? Because, first of all, the show was the hottest thing on television already, so. Yeah. So take me back to that, because I have to go back to the.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Beginning 25 years ago. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I know. He walked into the room and, like, everybody fainted. The chairs fainted. Everybody.

[Keke Palmer]

Chairs fainted. Gives me life, girl. Yes. The chairs fainted for my husband.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And I don't. You know, I was a classically trained actress coming from New York, went to nyu, and they hired a supermodel to play my boyfriend. And he's just like. He has a German accent. Like, he was fresh off the boat. He was like, hello. And I was like, oh, my God. And so the first love scene we had, he was so nervous. He was so nervous. But Eric Lasalle was directing the pilot.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Shout out to him.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I was like. And he was like, cut. Because Boris was so scared to kiss. For real or not. Like actors, we don't slob each other down.

[Keke Palmer]

No. It's nerve wracking. Like, what are the limits?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And there's a way to. He didn't even know how to do it. Fake for the camera. So it was really late. Eric Losalle was like, everybody take five. And I was like, come here, baby.

[Keke Palmer]

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[Nicole Ari Parker]

You know how you have these little panels in the studio? I took him behind the panel, I grabbed his face, I kissed y'. All. Gosh.

[Keke Palmer]

So sad.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And I said, it's late. That's how you kiss.

[Keke Palmer]

And that's why he says, gotta be my wife. What sign are you, Nicole?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I'm a Libra.

[Keke Palmer]

Acting like this. Libra's always a freaky and like to keep it tucked. I know about y'.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

All.

[Keke Palmer]

I know about y'. All. Oh, my gosh. So that was y'.

[C]

All.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm a Virgo. I'm right. I'm close up.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

He's a Virgo.

[Keke Palmer]

When's her birthday?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

September 22nd.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

So that was Yalls first kiss ever.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah. But he. You understand. It was Toronto. He had every girlfriend on the planet.

[Keke Palmer]

Wow.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So I wasn't. Why would I put myself in that position?

[Keke Palmer]

No.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So at the end of the fourth season, we knew the show wasn't going to come back. I had saved a little money. Yeah. And I was going to buy my first house.

[Keke Palmer]

Fabulous.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

In la. And so we were all friends. I'm still friends. Like they are my sisters, Vanessa and Melinda. I love you. So he was like, let me just look with you. So I found the house. It was in my price range. It was gonna be my first purchase. And he's walking around the house, he's looking around, and he goes, you know, we could get more space if we did it together.

[Keke Palmer]

No, he didn't.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Because he did it.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. This is crazy.

[C]

Actually.

[Keke Palmer]

Wait a second. That don't even sound real. I need the Nicole and Boris movie if that's how it was happening.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Should I write a little book?

[Keke Palmer]

You're kidding me.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

No.

[Keke Palmer]

So you guys had. Obviously y' all working on the show. Y' all built a great friendship, y'. All. You know what I mean? There's stuff there. Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

We started dating. Cause his character left the show before the show ended.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Yes.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Cause I didn't want. This was my big break. What if he broke my Heart. And now I'm depressed on my show.

[Keke Palmer]

With him walking around.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah. With 18 girlfriends. I wasn't gonna do all that.

[Keke Palmer]

That's smart. You never. Where you sleep.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes, that's the one.

[C]

Or work.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So he was gone. So I had a year to, like, decompress, and he had a year. Da, da, da.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But what happened is Melinda said the same thing. It was the last season, so we were sending emails.

[Keke Palmer]

We were like, you know, sending emails is so nostalgic.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

No texts.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I don't even know if I. Yeah. And so Belinda and I shared. We rented a big house in the last season, and we shared the house. And I opened. You guys were so close. I know. And then she got a big email, and I opened the attachment, and it was a picture of the house that he said after that one, we should get. And it was like. It had a little pool. It had a tennis court because, you know, he played and a house, and he standing in front of it, he said. And he says, I found our house. Melinda walked in. She goes, what you doing, girl? She always had good snacks. She loved him. She's like, what you doing, girl? And I just turned the computer around, and she read what it said, and she goes, what kind of coochie you got?

[Keke Palmer]

Okay. Can't get no coochie out of the queen. Yes. Or I guess you can. I know that's right. Girl. This is so fabulous.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I just remember Sophie and Nicholas go watch it.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. That is everything. What I think is so awesome is, like, everybody wants, oh, two entertainers together. But it's really not that easy.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

No.

[Keke Palmer]

Because there's so much ego that could be involved.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I can tell you, though, he was the one that, you know, they say you can't make a man or a woman do anything they don't want to do.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

He really wanted married and kids. Like, you know, some men want that even if they play. Play all day, but when they are ready to do that. And he really wanted to be married with kids. And we got a boy and a girl and two dogs, period. Period. Dot com.

[Keke Palmer]

Been attached to the hip ever since.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

20 years.

[Keke Palmer]

And it's not a blessing.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

It is not. Happy, happy days every day.

[Keke Palmer]

Sure.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But we're in a new phase now, like. Of like you said, the kids are gone. Yeah, yeah, yeah. They're back.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, it's a different. Yeah. Different transition life. So how do you feel in that? How do you think that has, like, changed the. I mean, I see online all the time the communication between you guys is, as far as I know, flirtiers has always been. You guys are playing.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I think it's a resurgence right now.

[Keke Palmer]

It's a resurgence, yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Because also we're working actors. So there's a grind in the middle passage.

[Keke Palmer]

Yep.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But right now, all of a sudden it's like, you know, something new. You. I don't really have words for it yet, but there's something new.

[Keke Palmer]

I guess also that's the thing too. When kids come, like you have each other, it's just you two. And then it's the three or four or have any more kids that you guys have. And so then when those kids go, it's kind of like, oh yeah, it used to this before. Let me get back into that bag. That's what my parents would always say as well. Well, let's stay on this. On this throwback. Because you also were in one of my favorite movies, Brown Sugar Girl. I know you always. My divorce that scene. And you, I can't believe that you was cheating, girl. That was crazy cheating on that man. But I love that boxing scene with you and Sanaa Lathan and all the things I fight to know you already got whatever it was.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Sounds really good.

[Keke Palmer]

I love that scene. See all the things I'm finding to understand you already know. Whip that hair back. You look so good, girl. So you have to tell me how was filming that movie? Because obviously when we, you know, it couldn't be that way then because time has to pass. But that is the golden era of not just black rom coms, but romcoms in general. Like, you guys were setting a new foundation of things that we would look and want to redo for years. So when you see it now or when you think about it now, like, what do you remember about that time and how the impact.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Well, it was really interesting because that was the first movie, one of the first movies after 911 they got permits to shoot in the city. It was like heavy in the air. And so this was a burst of joy. And the people seeing Queen Latifah on the street and Mos Def and Taye Diggs and Sanaa and everybody was this like. It was a really good energy when we were on location. Cause people needed it. And then the cast just acted a fool. We just acted a fool.

[Keke Palmer]

You guys look like you had so much fun. I mean, I heard about so much. I talked to Tay and he was saying so many different things you guys were doing with improv and just like, for sure. I mean, so when I'm thinking About doing a move with my cast. I'm like, okay, we had the cast dinner. We have the wrap party. What was y'. All. Cast dinner, Wrap party. After hours, hanging out. What was that like?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I don't remember that. I don't remember. The set was like, the party.

[Keke Palmer]

Really?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes. Those group scenes. On the floor. On the floor. Like the Hip Hop Dalmatians. Remember this?

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. Yes. The girl is mine. Say what? Say what? What?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

The hoe is mine.

[Keke Palmer]

The hoe. Yeah. The hoe is mine. That was so good. I really love that movie. I love it also because of the, like, not only the love story, but the conversation around hip hop's love story to its culture.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

I think that's so, like, even watching it now, seeing how hip hop has changed, and sometimes it feels as if the culture has been stripped from it. When you look at a movie like that, I think it really puts into perspective of why hip hop was created.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Right. I think part of it is the pressure to, you know, get those numbers.

[Keke Palmer]

That's right.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And, you know, become branded before you become you, you. Yeah, yeah. And then, like, Most def came out the gate. Most like, you know.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And he was like, buy my record or not. And then it just spread. You know, most of the. Most of the New York artists were like that back in the day.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. I love that movie. When I watched it again as an adult, I was like, oh, my gosh. There's two great stories that are happening here. I'm curious of what you think, and maybe you don't even think this, but, like, what do you think that this generation of rom coms, what they could borrow from that era or what is missing?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Like Love Jones.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, Love Jones.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Best Man. I mean, that one's more like coming of age. But, you know, obviously, Brown Sugar.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I think it's in the writing, and I think it's in capturing the tenderness that we don't see in movies about us all the time. You know, friendships. Remember, like, Best man that people just.

[Keke Palmer]

About friendships.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes. Or the Wood. Love and, you know, peace. There's a peaceful through line that I think, you know, could be brought back in movies about us.

[Keke Palmer]

I couldn't agree with you more. I mean, I think there's so much. Often with our culture, there's so much focus on the sensationalism, but that's one of the main things that we remember about that man. At the end of the day, Tay Dick's character was an executive. So were you. You know, like, everybody was seen in, like, a Light of not just being somebody on the streets. Like, there was elements of that, but it was like, we. There's nuance to these characters that also just fit in everyday life.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Which brings us back to the LTW on. And just like that, like, this woman exists.

[Keke Palmer]

That's right.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

These young black people exist in New York, in Chicago, in D.C. everywhere. And it's not a big deal.

[Keke Palmer]

Nope.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Like, in a house. In a house party in a brownstone in Brooklyn, you will find all these people and the friend from the hood.

[Keke Palmer]

That's right. It's like we all kicking it together.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Speaking of that, I mean, you've been in a lot of really iconic, black millennial core memories. I mean, like, remember the Titans, Blue Streak. I literally live for Blue Streak. Girl, that movie's so good. And that was just. That's your first one with Martin, because obviously you did. Welcome home, Roscoe Jenkins.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Roscoe Jenkins.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl, you know I know your credits. Yes. And I love welcome home, Roscoe Jenkins. Yes. You was always coming in looking fine somewhere. So, yeah. Blue Streak, Brown Sugar. If you. If you could reboot just one. Oh, which one would you do? Remember the Titans would be a great TV show, wasn't it? Oh, no, it wasn't a TV show.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

No, it wasn't a TV show dot but that would have been.

[Keke Palmer]

It could have been.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I would like to see what happened with the cast of Brown Sugar.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl. Yes. Because I lived when they gave us Best man holiday. Best man Thanksgiving. Best man.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I did the best man final chapter.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl. I loved the best man final chapter. Again, another great exploration of characters in a different stage in their lives. Truly good writing where it's not just, hey, they're here. No, like, when Terrence Howard's character went through that moment where he obviously was a heart attack. Or like, the health conversation as we get older. Like, they really tackled real topics when the love dies in a marriage, when we're getting a divorce. So I loved what they did with that. You would definitely be.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

You'd really be watching movies, girl.

[Keke Palmer]

Too many.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

My next job, I'd be like, we need to keep this authentic because Keke is gonna peep the lie.

[Keke Palmer]

Girl, I literally am such a. And I'm telling you, Brown Sugar, for many, many, like, the last month was my going to sleep movie. I'm one of those people, like, it's like, that's my comfort thing. I need that. So in Us Weekly, you said, I get a lot of calls to be somebody's mama, but I don't necessarily get a lot of calls to be the president. Although in my house, I'm the president. I literally live for this. Literally. But I'm curious, do you feel like Hollywood is still catching up when it comes to the range of roles women get to play? Or do you think it maybe is a lot on us as the artists or the talent to try and produce them and create them on our own?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I think that more behind the scenes power and accessibility that, you know, those stories will be told.

[Keke Palmer]

Did you get a chance to see number one on the call sheet?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

No, I didn't.

[Keke Palmer]

I was curious because it was kind of like what we're talking about here. I was curious what you thought about it because a lot of people were just talking about the discrepancy between the male first on the call sheet and the female first on the call sheet experiences. And obviously some things is like, you know, you only can know what you can know. But then it does become a thing of like, okay, how do we equalize and make sure that we're getting the same opportunities, especially when we are number one on the call sheet? Anyway, I was just curious, but if you haven't seen it, check it out. Yeah. Yeah, it was interesting. It really, really was. So you and Boris just hit 20 years of marriage. What did you guys do to celebrate?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

The press tour had started and just like that. So I wasn't really able to go away to Mexico. I had to go to Paris and all these things. And I was like, baby, let's just, you know, we just got this house. Let's just have like a picnic. And we got a yard, we got a backyard. Let's have like, do something romantic. He was like, no. 20 years, we going somewhere? Next thing I know, we are in the Amanyara resort. Thank you. Amanyara resorts.

[Keke Palmer]

And forest is such a romantic. What sign is he?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

He's Pisces.

[Keke Palmer]

Pisces. My son's a Pisces. This is just so sweet. I mean, you guys, when I was getting ready for this interview, I'm like, you guys had your own talk show.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Before Mark, you were on our talk show.

[Keke Palmer]

Yes, I remember. Yes.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

We need to find that footage.

[Keke Palmer]

We need to find that footage because, I mean, what do you think. Think and feel about that? Just how people love you guys as individuals.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

But then people loving you guys as together. I feel like that's such a. Like, again, it's so rare to have that kind of partner in life and in career.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I don't know. I. It's. It just worked out.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I don't know how I don't have a special formula. People joke. They say, you should write a book. And I'm like, no, I shouldn't. Like, it is. It is regular stuff going on in my house.

[Keke Palmer]

That's right.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Like running late. Where's my thing?

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

How you were supposed to take this to the dry clean for me. Baby, are you hungry? Like all. All of it is happening.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Do you think it's just because I talked to this about my parents with my parents a lot too. Where is it? Just choosing. Like, I just choose you. You know, I think we always talk about love being an action and being a verb. It's something that you choose to do. Would you say that's like a. A key ingredient to the longevity you guys have?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah, I think we were. We chose each other very deliberately. But I think there was an instinct there where you're like. Cause you know, people sometimes don't do this. Like, could I leave my children with this man?

[Keke Palmer]

Yes.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

People marry men and have children with them. Like, no, daddy's not watching you. You know what I mean? Like, I have a very good father. So I had a very sharp son sense of. Okay. When it comes down to it, if the hits the fan, you know, are.

[Keke Palmer]

You going to ride?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah. Are you going to ride? Yeah. Or rise to the occasion.

[Keke Palmer]

I know that's right.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And I. And I thought he would and he has.

[Keke Palmer]

I mean, I. I literally live for you. I've told you. I felt like your surrogate daughter for so many years. You guys have often been open too about going to therapy and stuff like that. Is that something that you think is good? You know, for couples? A lot of people are still waking up to that. To comfort around that. I've been a habit therapy goer since I was like 17, but it's still something we sometimes don't want to talk about or we think something has to be wrong to go right.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Baby.

[Keke Palmer]

This is Icky Palma. Yeah. Summer reading. More like summer listening. I've been living for Emily Henry's great Big Beautiful life on Audible. Okay? It's got everything. A mysterious heiress, competing biographers, and that slow burn romance that makes you want to just throw your phone across the room. But don't. Because how else are you going to keep up listening? That would be crazy. And that's what I love about Audible. You can dive into these amazing stories while doing literally everything else. Working out. Listen. Meal prep. Listen. Pretending to clean, but really just dancing with the vacuum. Baby. Listen. With over a million titles and thousands included with Membership. Audible's got all the audiobook, podcasts and originals you could want. Your imagination deserves this. Head to audible.com for a free 30 day trial and your first audiobook is on me. Visit audible.com k e k e and sign up today. There's more to imagine when you listen, y'. All. In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Apple Podcasts just named our show one of the 20 podcasts they love. Can you believe it? These are the shows they say bring the best stories, the freshest voices, and are changing the game in how we all listen. I mean, what an honor. We are so proud to be a part of this moment and excited to help shape the next 20 years of podcasting. If you're just joining us, go check out some of our favorite episodes. This is what we do on baby. This is Keke Palmer.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I would say if you're bickering a lot and cussing each other out or fussing and fighting, there's something going on with each of you individually and that might be a yes. Start with couples therapy, just to have kind of a moderator. But then you have to be like, okay, why is this person making me so mad? Or why am I so irritable? Or why are we in this rut? And it just unpeels the layers, you know, and recalibrates the situation of which direction you want to go in.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. Speaking again of just Boris and you guys whole romantic relationship. You got married in Germany with the carriage, a letterhosen, and a 30 foot dessert table. I mean, this is like storybook energy. What do you remember about this day? Girl, this is crazy.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

First of all, Boris is from where the Smurfs are from. Okay? Like, full on. Do you know what a Smurf is?

[Keke Palmer]

Yes. Girl, I love the movies.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Okay. He is little for the other people in the room. Hansel and Gretel. Okay. Like, it looks like when we walked out of the church, the only thing I wanted to do, because it's like a fairy tale, all the trees and everything, that I wanted to be on a horse and carriage with my dad, that that's taking me to the church. Now when I say it's like the church is here. The cobblestone road goes right to his grandmother's house that he grew in, that his grandmother lived in. Like in World War II. Like, the House is still standing, but you're walking through the village and literally someone's like, oh, a wedding. And opens her wooden shutters and throws flowers on me. I think there's a picture in People magazine of Me catching flowers that some stranger threw on us.

[Keke Palmer]

You heard it.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

So.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

But the 30 foot table after the reception was in his grandmother's house, and his grandmother baked 15 of those cakes.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. Grandmama went to words.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So for my. My kids had a great grandma for a while who they called Oma.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my God. I got to spend a little time in Germany. I was in Berlin working before. I mean, it's such a beautiful place. I really enjoyed it. I don't think I.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

He's from the black forest.

[Keke Palmer]

Like, where's that?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Deep in the woods.

[Keke Palmer]

Wow.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

So cool.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

You know, I'm gonna tell his business a little bit. Like, people don't know that Boris chopped the wood. When I'm saying Hansel and Gretel, but it's Hansel and Gretel. He chopped the wood that went in the center wall oven that warmed the house. Like, win. Winter time, it is very cold, hot.

[Keke Palmer]

He's had such an interesting life.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes. So, like, when stuff breaks in my house, he's like, I'll fix it. Like, it's full on. I. Everyone's like, he's so fine. I'm like, yes. I'm like, he's such a good daddy. I'm like, yes. I'm like, he's a handyman. We all don't know be breaking.

[Keke Palmer]

I love that so much.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

From changing a tire to literally fixing, like, a windowpane. Oh, my gosh.

[Keke Palmer]

That is so. That really is handy. Cause stuff do be breaking. Okay, well, now it's time for my favorite part.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yes.

[Keke Palmer]

So obviously I told you brown sugar is my fave.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

And we always play a game with my guests when they come.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So scared.

[Keke Palmer]

I figured that we'd do this game about a movie that you're in, and we'll do a little face off in trivia. Right? We'll see who knows the best, the star or the superman.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Go.

[Keke Palmer]

I know. So I'm going to win. So let's get into the brown sugar showdown. So the gag is we've got Sharon, who is going to be the judge and host of this trivia game. Let the brown sugar showdown begin.

[C]

Okay, y' all get ready. It's time for a showdown. And not just any showdown. It's the brown sugar showdown. This is how it's gonna go down. To answer the question, you hit the bell, you get one point for each correct answer. Okay, let's get things kicked off now. So these are iconic.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

See you cheating already. Now she like this.

[Keke Palmer]

Like, I can't see her. So.

[C]

So listen now. So I'm gonna say the first of the quotes and then you finish the line, okay?

[Keke Palmer]

Okay.

[C]

For the bonus points, you can tell me who said the line. This is the first one. I don't want to be second to anything.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, I think the girl, she got it. Nicole said that?

[C]

Okay, yes, but you didn't say the quote. I don't want to be second to anything.

[Keke Palmer]

Especially not that damn Sanaa Lathan. Just playing. Just playing.

[C]

This is pretty hard.

[Keke Palmer]

No, that's hard, Mom. Just tell me it. I know. I remember she said it, but it.

[C]

Says, I don't wanna be second to anything. Not your job, not your friends. This is not Sydney. But you were close.

[Keke Palmer]

I was close. I knew it had to involve Sydney. That was close.

[C]

Okay, next. You can't help who you love. You're not supposed to.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I think it might have been Mo, Stephen. No, it was Sanaa. Sanaa said it to Boris Character.

[C]

You can't help who you love. You're not supposed to.

[Keke Palmer]

Isn't that so crazy? And that's your husband. Wow.

[C]

Okay, so.

[Keke Palmer]

That's so crazy. That is so crazy. I have to do a quick sidebar. When you guys were on Brown Sugar, were you guys dating on set or hanging out or just. It was like, oh, no, this is my co worker again.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

It was slow.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, it was still kind of.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Cause I'm also like, you need to get all that activity out your sister. Cause you know what I mean? Like, yeah, he was literally chased down the street.

[Keke Palmer]

I live for that, you know?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

And I was not. I was. I can't. You know what I mean?

[C]

Well, you can't help who you love. You're not supposed to. It just happens.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

It just happens.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, what's the next one? That was the one.

[C]

The next one. Okay. I used to love him, but then I let him go. Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

Sydney.

[C]

I can't tell who's hitting the bell.

[Keke Palmer]

Sydney. It was me.

[C]

It was Sydney. Okay, get ready. I wasn't just marrying a man. I was marrying into a lie.

[Keke Palmer]

Damn. She got it. Yes.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I don't even know.

[C]

I wasn't.

[Keke Palmer]

I just wanted to tell.

[C]

I wasn't just marrying a man. I was marrying into a lie.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

That's Reese. That's Reese talking about marrying Ted.

[Keke Palmer]

He was obviously in love with Sydney.

[C]

Yes. Yes. Okay, let's keep going. Hip hop has always been that kind of friend to me.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Most def.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah. No, no, no, it wasn't.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

It was Tay.

[Keke Palmer]

It's Tay.

[C]

It was the character Dre. No, Hip hop Has always been that kind of friend.

[Keke Palmer]

No, it was sitting. Yes, she wrote that in her final monologue.

[C]

Right.

[Keke Palmer]

Because hip hop was their love language. Right? Yes.

[C]

You're looking for something, but it's not me, Dre.

[Keke Palmer]

Not to his wife.

[C]

You're looking for something.

[Keke Palmer]

It's Reese.

[C]

It's Reese.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Yeah. I said that to Dre at the end at the pool table.

[Keke Palmer]

Yeah, yeah, that was. She left like a queen, though.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Thank you.

[Keke Palmer]

You know what I mean? That Reese character, you played her with such class. I mean, the cheating was crazy, but she still was like, hey, like, everything about her was smooth.

[C]

Yes. When you think you know everything about.

[Keke Palmer]

Hip hop, it's Sidney. I can't even hear it. When you think you know everything about hip hop until it all falls down. That's when I knew what hip hop meant to me.

[C]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

I love those voiceovers.

[C]

Okay, this is the last one.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, great.

[C]

I need to be your wife, not just your lawyer.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Reese.

[C]

Yeah.

[Keke Palmer]

When did she say that?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

When did. On the couch at the apartment. In the loft.

[C]

All right.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. That was so.

[C]

Okay, so this is when you guys. I think you act out the scenes.

[Keke Palmer]

Okay, let's do it.

[C]

This is your scene that you're supposed to act.

[Keke Palmer]

Oh, my gosh. I'm really. This is your scene. Wait, so who am I? Sydney. Oh, my gosh. It's my scene.

[C]

Wait a minute.

[Keke Palmer]

That I love.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Okay, wait.

[Keke Palmer]

You have to let me be you.

[C]

I'm gonna tell you what's going on.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Oh, I'm the other.

[Keke Palmer]

I said you have to be Sydney.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

This is the dream.

[C]

Okay.

[Keke Palmer]

No, no. We doing this. The. The. This one. The boxing match.

[C]

Okay, in this round, you'll perform a key scene, and I'll be judging. This ain't improv class. This is brown sugar.

[Keke Palmer]

I love the drama. Okay, I can be Reese, right?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Ok, you can be Reese, baby. But we need to. We need to fight if we gonna act it out.

[Keke Palmer]

All right?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Okay.

[C]

Y' all ready?

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Let's do here.

[Keke Palmer]

Let's do here.

[C]

Okay. And action.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Let's let it out. You have a problem with my friendship with Dre?

[Keke Palmer]

I don't have a problem with it. I have a problem that you're in love with Dream. And I get it. He lets you in, in a way. He hasn't let me in yet.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I'm not apologizing for my friendship with him.

[Keke Palmer]

I'm not asking you to.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

So. Now, don't be mad at me.

[Keke Palmer]

I just didn't expect this. This isn't what I signed up for. Oh, that was the scene.

[C]

Ok.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

I gotta give it up. I gotta give it up.

[C]

Y' all both were fabulous. I was really listening.

[Keke Palmer]

I literally. This is one of my favorite performances. I live for you in that scene. You look so glamorous as well as being so truthful. Yeah.

[C]

And I just wanna say thank you for being amazing and being someone that all of my daughters. I have three daughters that looked up, watched you, imitated you, and just. You're fabulous.

[Nicole Ari Parker]

Thank you.

[Keke Palmer]

You really are.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[Keke Palmer]

Thanks for coming on the show. Okay, can we talk about how Nicole, Ari Parker just gave us a whole masterclass of living your best life. Fashion, family, career, romance. She's doing it all and making it look effortless. From New York moments to marriage milestones, Nicole is showing us that the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. She emboris the definition of a Hollywood power couple who still manage to feel like your favorite neighbors. Fun, flirty and full of love. Nicole dropped a lot of wisdom. But if there's one thing to take with you, channel that energy, romanticize your life, wear the dress. And don't be afraid to say, I got this. That's right. You got this. See y' all next week. You know it's your girl. Baby, this is. This is Kiki. Baby, this is Kiki Palma. Yeah.