Club Shay Shay - Coco Jones Part 1 with Special Performance by Teddy Swims

Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guests: Coco Jones and Teddy Swims

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Club Shay Shay, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe engages with two remarkable musical talents, Coco Jones and Teddy Swims. The conversation delves into their artistic journeys, personal challenges, and the dynamics of balancing personal life with a burgeoning career in the entertainment industry. The episode also features a special live performance by Teddy Swims, adding an immersive musical element to the dialogue.

Early Career and Beginnings in Music

Shannon Sharpe opens the discussion by highlighting the guests' roots in music, emphasizing their initial foray into performing through covers.

• Teddy Swims shares his perspective on starting with covers:
  “For me, I think songwriting and learning why I like certain songs and how they make me feel and how to translate that into, you know, my own thing.” (04:14)

• Coco Jones echoes similar sentiments, reflecting on her fears and growth:
  “I was able to say, you know, Stevie didn't grow up listening to Stevie, or Michael didn't grow up listening to Michael. And so when I have those... it's another tool in the shed that I get to use and pay homage.” (04:51)

This mutual understanding underscores the importance of authenticity and personal expression in their music careers.

Transition from Sports to Music

Both Coco Jones and Teddy Swims discuss their backgrounds in sports and the pivotal moments that steered them toward music.

• Teddy Swims reminisces about his family's sports influence:
  “I wanted to be the greatest wherever I was.” (07:20)

• Coco Jones shares her transition from basketball to performing arts:
  “I was in high school when I got into the theater with Jesse, and I really found my love for it.” (07:36)

Their stories highlight the adaptability and resilience required to pivot from one passion to another, emphasizing the supportive role of their families.

Personal Life and Upcoming Parenthood

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Coco Jones’s impending motherhood and the dynamics of her relationship.

• Coco Jones reveals her excitement about becoming a first-time mother while keeping certain details private:
  “She wants to keep it a secret for the time being... she’s actually at the doctor right now too.” (08:21)

• The discussion shifts to handling a mixed-race family and preparing their child for societal perceptions:
  “I hope I can create that safe space. And I know that that kid will go through struggles... just be you and be open.” (17:07)

Teddy Swims offers supportive insights, emphasizing the importance of direct communication and creating an open environment for their child.

Influence of Family and Personal Growth

The guests delve into the profound impact of their families on their personal and professional lives.

• Coco Jones honors her mother's influence in both life and career:
  “My mom was like on the nicest way, finessed me into a therapy place... that's how you treat mental health.” (17:30)

• Teddy Swims reflects on his relationship with his father and the challenges of rebuilding it post-separation:
  “I definitely would love to... nobody taught him, nobody taught me how. We’re just figuring it out.” (40:55)

Their candid discussions reveal the complexities of familial relationships and the journey toward self-discovery and healing.

Navigating the Music Industry

Both artists share their experiences navigating the often tumultuous music industry, highlighting the lessons learned and strategies employed to maintain authenticity.

• Teddy Swims emphasizes the importance of self-belief and protecting oneself in the industry:
  “She taught me a lot about protecting yourself... to portray self-love and belief and confidence.” (33:05)

• Coco Jones discusses the balance between honoring influences and establishing her unique identity:
  “Every song that I learned also helps me in songwriting and understanding music better.” (04:51)

They underscore the necessity of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures and the significance of having a supportive network.

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

The conversation touches upon personal challenges, including breaking into the industry, dealing with rejection, and maintaining mental health.

• Teddy Swims recounts his early struggles with auditions and public performances:
  “I hit that high note and I cracked bad... I learned.” (43:11)

• Coco Jones shares her journey through financial instability and the impact of the pandemic on her career:
  “My mom was a businesswoman... I had to figure out what I want to do about that.” (35:04)

Both artists highlight the resilience required to persevere through setbacks and the importance of continuous self-improvement.

Creative Collaboration and Future Aspirations

Shannon Sharpe and the guests discuss the potential for future collaborations and their aspirations within the music industry.

• Teddy Swims expresses a desire to focus solely on singing rather than acting, citing the control it offers over his career:
  “If I could only do one forever, if I only had to do one, it would be singing.” (49:24)

• Coco Jones reflects on her dual roles as a parent and an artist, aiming to balance both aspects harmoniously.

Their dialogue suggests a forward-looking perspective, with an emphasis on growth, collaboration, and refining their artistic identities.

Special Performance: Teddy Swims - "Bad Dreams"

The episode is punctuated by a heartfelt live performance by Teddy Swims of his hit song "Bad Dreams" from his album I've Tried Everything but Therapy, Part Two. The performance serves as a powerful culmination of the episode, encapsulating the emotional depth and artistic prowess of the guest.

Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Coco Jones and Teddy Swims, exploring their artistic journeys, personal challenges, and the unwavering support from their families. Through candid conversations and a soul-stirring performance, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and resilience required to thrive in the competitive world of music.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been excluded to focus on the core dialogue and meaningful interactions between the hosts and guests.

Notable Quotes

• Teddy Swims on authenticity in music:
  “I try to just tell the truth and let it go. Cause I really can't control that.” (04:35)

• Coco Jones on embracing influences without comparison:
  “When I have those. When I learned those tools from those people, it's another tool in the shed.” (04:51)

• Coco Jones on therapy and mental health:
  “She's helped me get into therapy and become the Teddy that we see sitting on this couch today.” (17:30)

• Teddy Swims on navigating fame and personal growth:
  “The industry can make you feel doubtful. I still hold self-worth tightly because the industry can make you feel.” (34:18)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing detailed insights into the conversations and highlighting the transformative journeys of Coco Jones and Teddy Swims.