Choose Your Creative Path with Erika Alexander and Kim Coles

Summary

Summary of "Choose Your Creative Path"

Podcast: IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Episode Date: September 24, 2025
Guests: Erika Alexander, Kim Coles
Theme: Embracing your authentic creative path, Black women’s friendships, navigating the entertainment industry, and living a life of impact beyond societal expectations.

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Episode Overview

This episode welcomes iconic actresses and podcast co-hosts Erika Alexander and Kim Coles to discuss creativity, friendship, and self-acceptance. The conversation touches on their breakthrough roles in Living Single, how their backgrounds shaped their journeys, why representation matters, and how their friendship evolved in and beyond the show. The hosts and guests reflect on purpose, handling societal pressures, and how to know if you are "enough"—especially when time feels short.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Owning Your Fate and Creative Identity

• Erika Alexander shares a pivotal moment: After years of acting, a hypnotism session helped her finally accept acting as her true calling, not just a side gig or something she fell into.
  • "I got in my car and I sobbed like a baby because I realized I had not accepted my fate...I cried for 20 minutes straight where I said, you are an actress." (Erika Alexander, 00:00, 31:53)
• Erika reflects on the internal struggle of legitimacy in creative paths, feeling that "scientist or something much more legitimate" (32:27) seemed more acceptable.

2. The Origin and Legacy of Living Single

• Both guests reminisce about the show’s impact and the recurring calls for a reboot, but instead created their rewatch podcast Reliving Single to explore both the show and their personal journeys.
  • "I was never really for that [a reboot]...But I thought about the opportunity...of being able to talk about the industry, all the things that I’ve experienced, sort of showing up as myself." (Erika Alexander, 09:34)
• On Living Single's collaborative spirit:
  • "I came from In Living Color, a highly competitive environment, but on Living Single it was collaborative." (Kim Coles, 15:32)
  • "Table read...I immediately just was drawn to Erika's way...I was immediately like, yes, that’s gonna be my friend." (Kim Coles, 13:40)

3. Friendship and Sisterhood in Hollywood

• Erika and Kim discuss sustaining friendship beyond work, citing similarities in upbringing (educator mothers and preacher fathers) and how arguments forged a sister-like bond.
• They reflect on stereotypes: "There’s a stereotype...that Black women in the business don’t get along. I have not found that." (Kim Coles, 18:14)
• Deep acknowledgment of supporting each other’s personal milestones, even serving as maid of honor at each other's weddings (18:25).

4. Navigating Representation and the Industry

• The hosts and guests analyze the shift in Hollywood that led to the segregation of shows with Black casts into specific networks and the subsequent decline in mainstream representation.
  • "We helped build [the Fox] network, literally...and yet when shows got ‘too successful’, things shifted." (Erika Alexander, 50:10, 51:41)
  • On bias in greenlighting and production: "Their opinion is going to bankrupt the industry. Because you are the future." (Erika Alexander, 57:25)
• They stress the critical need for diversity in decision-making as a business necessity, not just for representation.

5. The Challenge of Feeling "Enough" and the Weight of Expectations

• The group discusses "imposter syndrome" and constant pressure to prove oneself as Black creatives and public figures.
  • "We were all talented. Come on. But you worry about what people think." (Craig Robinson, 34:40, 37:45)
  • "We also don’t give ourselves permission to have joy. There’s the question: is it enough?" (Host, 38:23, 38:56)
• On being humble vs. claiming your space:
  • "We're always told, be humble...and yet we come from also people...that had to say who they were and tell the world they were great." (Erika Alexander, 40:03–40:27)
• The idea of setting "peaceful perimeters" rather than boundaries to claim space respectfully (Kim Coles, 40:52).

6. Reinvention and Life After the Spotlight

• Kim describes her pivot after acting jobs dwindled: she embraced being a speaker and educator, channeling her comedic gift into motivating and transforming lives.
  • "I immersed myself into what it means to become an impactful speaker...to help people transform their thinking, our mindset, our soul." (Kim Coles, 64:16)
• Erika co-founded Color Farm Media, producing documentary work on John Lewis and reparations, embracing history-telling as activism.
  • "I sweep [John Lewis’s] floors, I don’t care what he needs me to do..." (Erika Alexander, 65:38)

7. Advice to Listeners: Handling Time, Meaning, and Self-Validation

• Listener Amanda from Tucson asks about feeling the pressure of time and wondering "How do you know you’re doing enough?"
  • Erika: "As a character in my own story, I keep feeling that I am coming of age all the time. ... If you’re thinking that way, you must be making an impact." (Erika Alexander, 75:17, 75:34)
  • Kim: "There’s a nobility and a courage in even asking that. Everything you want wants you back." (Kim Coles, 77:14)
• On impact:
  • "Be the pebble in the pond...a little can be a lot." (Craig Robinson, 78:49)
  • Michelle Obama: "Some of the moments I remember most as First Lady...was usually a conversation that I had in a photo line with a kid that was shy...if I could do that every day and nobody’s looking..." (Host, 79:46)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Accepting your path:
  "I realize now that fate serves you up to destiny and you have to accept that. But I had not accepted it, and I needed to." (Erika Alexander, 32:27)
• On confidence and pride:
  "We come from people from Muhammad Ali on that had to say who they were and tell the world that they were great...you gotta choose one—confidence." (Erika Alexander, 40:03–40:27)
• Challenging stereotypes:
  "I love telling the world that she was maid of honor at one of my weddings. And neither one of us are married to either of those men—but the love remains." (Kim Coles & Erika Alexander, 18:25)
• On industry bias:
  "People end up going, hey, you’re lucky…but the downward pressure of wages is real everywhere. And so if you wanna talk about it...just cause I’m famous don’t make it less true." (Erika Alexander, 55:56)
• Impact beyond visibility:
  "People think they want fame...what people really want is to be significant and to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s your kids that are watching." (Kim Coles, 77:14–77:50)
• Advice on finding meaning:
  "You are right where you need to be if you’re there, because that means if you’re thinking that way, you must be making an impact." (Erika Alexander, 75:34)
  "Be the pebble in the pond." (Craig Robinson, 78:49)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Erika’s hypnotist breakthrough & creative acceptance: 00:00, 31:53
• Why Erika hesitated on a Living Single rewatch podcast: 09:34
• How Kim and Erika’s friendship started and grew: 13:40–16:34
• Representation, networks, and industry segregation: 49:15–53:48
• Discussing imposter syndrome and self-worth: 34:40–40:27
• Listener Amanda’s question (time, impact, enough-ness): 74:39–79:45
• Final insights on legacy and what they’re currently watching/reading: 81:09–82:53

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Engaging Moments & Tone

• The episode is candid, warm, and full of laughter, especially when guests and hosts swap childhood stories and rib each other.
• Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson bring familial camaraderie, setting an open, affirming tone.
• Both guests give honest, vulnerable accounts of professional insecurity, pride, and continuing to push for impact.

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Conclusion

This episode is a profound, relatable, and at times joyful exploration of creativity, representation, resilience, and self-acceptance. The conversation demystifies the journey of creative professionals, particularly Black women in entertainment, and affirms the value of authentic friendship, vulnerability, and making peace with one’s trajectory—no matter how unconventional. The advice to listeners: Trust the ripples you make, stay true to your calling, and remember—sometimes small impacts are the mightiest.

Transcript

[Erika Alexander]

I got in my car and I pulled. I sobbed like a baby because I realized I had not accepted my fate. And I cried for 20 minutes straight where I said, you are an actress.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Was it tears of joy? Were you happy about it?

[Erika Alexander]

No, it was tears of recognition. And worthy. You just maybe suppressed that. I couldn't believe.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. But also, were you.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah. And maybe my own expectations were not to be an actress.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

Scientists or something much more legitimate.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

And yet this is my life. And I have to say, stop running from it. Accept it. You're here and you're doing well. I mean, it's not easy, but I was made for it.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

This episode is brought to you by Rivian and Colegard. Hi. Craig Robinson. I haven't seen you in a second.

[Craig Robinson]

I know, I know. We have gotten into a goofy cadence with these. And then all of a sudden, boom.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

Two months go by, I feel like I haven't seen you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. You are just getting back from more basketball tournaments, the endless slog of aau.

[Craig Robinson]

We had our final event down in northern. So final meaning final for the summer. Final for the summer. Not final for our lives. 15 and 13. We've got another five years.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

So they were at a tournament.

[Craig Robinson]

They were at the last tournament of the Summ. Both of their teams played really well. They played well. And you know me, I treat these as business trips, not as vacations. So it's usually, poor Austin and Aaron, no late nights.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Why? Why?

[Craig Robinson]

Because you're just trying to. Why is it that important? Still some discipline. You're trying to have them ready for the nine o' clock game.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Boo. For you.

[Craig Robinson]

But this time.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

So they're in Orlando. They can't swim in the pool.

[Craig Robinson]

This time I acquiesced. And I was like, you know what, guys? You've had a good year. You've worked hard.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Oh, my. Go. You are crazy.

[Craig Robinson]

Go ahead, jump in the pool. Jump in the pool. Have fun. Stay up late. But you know what was really, really interesting? What was really interesting is you remember when I talked a while ago about going on these trips and staying in an Airbnb? There's like four or five families now that were like, oh, that's a good idea. Cause we had them over for our.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah, yeah. So you guys stayed in an Airbnb. You had a whole house.

[Craig Robinson]

It felt like everybody had it there.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

We Airbnb. Everybody's catching on. It's like, go get your Airbnb. Cause you had a pool at your Airbnb that you didn't let the kids Use, except for once.

[Craig Robinson]

And the convenience of not having to pay for food and beverage everywhere you go.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, that's good. I'm just glad that you let those boys swim.

[Craig Robinson]

I am too. I am too. You know what? I'm easing up in my old age.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

In our own home. You should. You really should. But we need to do a podcast. You need to ease up.

[Craig Robinson]

You know, we got. You got some lives, you got jokes. I thought we had the comedians on as guests.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, we've got a great, exciting show.

[Craig Robinson]

Oh, I just can't. Like, I mean, I mean, you watch Living Single, right?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Am I breathing black and a female? It's like, yes. All the crew, man.

[Craig Robinson]

And you know, you and I didn't get to live single like that. We went to college. We had roommates in college. But then once we got out of college, we both lived on our own. And when that show came out. Cause that show was out. I was having kids by then. I was so envious of those relationships and the fun they were having and hanging with their friends and I mean, I was. Ugh, I can't believe. Wait to talk to these two.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, we. Our. Our guests are two of the stars of everybody's favorite, the first real girlfriend comedy for black folks and young folks, you know, and.

[Craig Robinson]

And not just girlfriends. Cause they had. Yeah, yeah, but they had guy friends.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

We'll get into that because, you know, I. I saw it while the guys were there. You know, the friendships of women, in my view were.

[Kim Coles]

Were that.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

That was the thing that st the brothers upstairs. That was nice. But the show centered around that bond that women had and the very different personalities of all your girlfriends. And some people, like some folks and other folks get on your nerves, but you still find a way to learn from each other and grow. But anyway, introduce our guest because we're getting way too into it.

[Craig Robinson]

We're getting into it and we need the experts out here. But. But first we have Erika Alexander, who is a SAG and independent Spirit award nominated actress known for her iconic acting roles as Maxine Shaw in Living Single. As we've mentioned, she's also starred in American Fiction, which you and I were talking about recently. Get out. And the Cosby Show. And Kim Coles, with over four decades on stage and on screen, is beloved for her role as Sinclair James Jones. And she is also co host of the hit podcast Reliving Single.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Erica and Kim are co hosts.

[Craig Robinson]

Yes, they are both co hosts of Reliving Single. So without any further ado, Erika Alexander and Kim Coles. Come on out, guys.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Welcome to I am a Bring me a coach.

[Kim Coles]

Get run as fast as you can.

[Craig Robinson]

Hello, sir.

[Kim Coles]

How'd you do? How'd you do?

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you for the la. Hello.

[Kim Coles]

Hello, sister.

[Craig Robinson]

Hello.

[Erika Alexander]

Can't wait to get into this.

[Craig Robinson]

Alrighty.

[Erika Alexander]

My goodness.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

To have you guys. Come on, sit on in. We could barely introduce you because we.

[Erika Alexander]

Were getting into the whole, now my mother can die. So she said, I can't believe that my children. My children have gone places I never thought.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I was like, is that how your mother talks?

[Erika Alexander]

Yes. I'm not even.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

She's one of those. She was. She a thespian. She's one of those.

[Erika Alexander]

It's like, is that how your mother talks? I never. My children.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It's like, come on.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah. No, she's ecstatic. And so are we. Aren't we?

[Kim Coles]

My mother's 95. Just turned 95. Why, Kim, you're gonna meet Michelle Obama. And C.R. knows you pretty. It's wonderful. Wonders never cease.

[Craig Robinson]

Wonders never cease.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, if our mom were alive, she'd be flipping over you two being here. She, you know, is so proud to see two amazing, smart. Because it wouldn't just be because you were acting and on. On tv.

[Erika Alexander]

Bless you.

[Kim Coles]

Okay.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

She would be thrilled with the way you present yourself in the world.

[Erika Alexander]

And met Mother Mary. Let me tell you something. That would have put me over the top. I would have never served myself at Thanksgiving again. They would have just been like that. So that's. That's amazing. Thank you for that. Thank you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, it's great to see you too. You look great. First of all, this is like. And Craig is probably fanboying.

[Craig Robinson]

I am. I am.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, you're right.

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You're beautiful.

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you. Bless you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Keeping it together.

[Kim Coles]

Happy from the inside out is my. Is my. My trick. Thank you. Happy inside. And it's a choice, right?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Erika Alexander]

Mine is gin Ton does the same thing. It does the same thing.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It starts from the inside.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes. I should probably speak to someone about it.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

No, no, I think it's.

[Kim Coles]

Whatever. I think it's working.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I think it's working.

[Kim Coles]

So thanks for having us.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You guys reliving single. I mean, what a great idea, you know, so we could live it and relive it.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

What made you think to, you know, hop back into the conversation, shout the.

[Erika Alexander]

Origin story, Tell the origin story.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Tell us the origin story.

[Erika Alexander]

Well, actually, you know, it was like this. 30 years. It's been 30 years.

[Kim Coles]

30 plus years.

[Erika Alexander]

32 years since we did the original show. Living Single. And it was 1993, I think, when we came out. And all these years I've been walking around with this face.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Uh huh, yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

And I realized a lot of people were asking me questions and many times I wanted to answer them and I kept answering the same question. And then after a while people wanted started talking about reboots and those things, and I was never really for that. So I was doing work with Color Farm Media, that's my company, and we were doing some really great work with Kevin Hart's company and Charlamagne and Kevin Hart Heartbeat, they have a really great audio team. And Eric Eddings, who was there, said, hey, would you ever do a rewatch podcast of Living Single? And I said, hell no. No thanks.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

So what was the first instinct? Did it feel like that would be too? Would it feel like you were pulling yourself back to a place?

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Was it annoying, you guys having your faces and having people remember you? Primarily not me.

[Erika Alexander]

She's speaking for herself. I should, because, well, it was difficult and it wasn't difficult because I had any issues with it. It's just that I just. I'm a person that likes to look forward. I love new things. And then I thought about the opportunity of being able to talk about the industry, all the things that I've experienced Eric Alexander in this world and sort of showing up as myself, as opposed to a proxy for Maxine Shaw, attorney at law, who I love. And we've done work with her, you know, in Maxine Shaw effect, the thing that she's, you know, kind of set off with, you know, lawyers who felt inspired by her. But I said, I don't know if they really know who Erica is because as well known as we might, especially back in the day, they didn't really interview a lot of black actors about their lives. So I said, well, this is it. Like take your shot. And then it was just like, well, who will you do it with? And you know, I happen to be invited one of my best friends in life and the perfect partner for this, and that's Kim Coles. Take it from here, Kim.

[Kim Coles]

I'll say that, you know, we do hear often, where's the reboot? We love that show. There aren't any shows like this on the air. And I think that there's a real, you know, it's missing. People want to connect with those kinds of upwardly mobile, you know, trying to figure it out, girlfriend, relationships, friends with guys and figuring out relationships. And people are hungry for that. And so when this rewatch show Experience. When you called me about that all along, I was like, let's do a reboot. Cause I think we still look good. Let's get it on camera while we can. Let's get that check.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

So I was in.

[Kim Coles]

I was like, let's do it. So, yes, we're having fun. We're reviewing the. Every episode from the start. Like, we started with episode Before Zero. Before zero. The origin of how the show got.

[Erika Alexander]

Started and as inspired by you, Michelle Obama. Cause we said, you know what, we were in a state of becoming. So they need to know. Not just about these shows. They need to show. We need to show how we became who we are.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And that's what you are doing here.

[Craig Robinson]

That's beautiful.

[Erika Alexander]

You know, in my opinion, I want.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

To give people a sense because we have a crop of new listeners who, before we get into the Living Single concept, for people to know what that was like, what was the plot? Why did it have so much. But before we do that, I do want to hear more about you all as people and your friendship. It's like, how did you all manage to. How did you two become the two? And, you know, did it continue from the show? Did you all find each other, reconnect with each other? Was there ever a time where you were like that? I don't even know. Yes, you had all yesterday, five minutes ago.

[Kim Coles]

But that's part of friendships, right? And growing and reassessing and rejiggering how things become. I always say, I admit that immediately when I met Erica. So we met at Living Single. I always say, for the record, I like to get it on the record that I knew immediately that this show was going to be. I felt like it would be a hit because the six of us had incredible chemistry. The fun that you feel and see really was very real. And so table read, which, you know, is the first time you sit down as a cast and you read the first script. I immediately just was drawn to Erica's way. And she's, you know, Erica, she's just all your Ericanisms. Erika Isms. And I was immediately like, oh, in love with. With who I thought that you were. Would be. Cause you were funny and you were bold. And I immediately was like, yes, that's gonna be my friend.

[Erika Alexander]

Well, Kim is the glue. She has a gift that she can, in any room, make people feel immediately at ease.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I feel that here.

[Erika Alexander]

Oh, absolutely.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

With both of you all.

[Erika Alexander]

But, yeah, thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you.

[Erika Alexander]

No, she would really make a clown of herself. So people laugh, and then that invites everybody to talk to each other and that type of thing. And it is a gift. I mean, so she did that for us because I was coming into the space. Now, truth is, the show was developed for her and Queen Latifah. So they're coming in with a different type of agency and authority than somebody like me or TC when we're like hired guns and we have to audition, we're sort of still proving ourselves. They don't have to. And so I was the fourth lead and I was also the character that. Yvette Leigh Bowser. Let's lift her name up. She was the creator of the show created to represent her. She was wanting to be a lawyer, she wanted to do all of that. She went to Stanford, ended up becoming a writer. And she had in her eye, in her thing, this, you know, really gung ho woman who was a world beater and that type of. But she was so strong that the network didn't like it. And they put, they said, you have to get rid of it. And she said, no, I can't. You'll get rid of me. And so she put that character across the street.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Uh huh.

[Erika Alexander]

So I was.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You couldn't live in the house.

[Erika Alexander]

Couldn't live.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Couldn't live in the house. Too strong.

[Kim Coles]

She got it.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

She got it. Put her across the stick. And I keep forgetting that Maxine lived across the street.

[Erika Alexander]

She lived across the street, couldn't be in the house.

[Craig Robinson]

It felt like you were all together, right?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, she was always there.

[Erika Alexander]

That was.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Always.

[Craig Robinson]

That just reminds me of the. It's just amazing what a powerful character that was. And I want to get to that team aspect of it that you're talking about.

[Kim Coles]

Can I say something about that and about the friendship. So even though you were put across the street and even though the show was created around the two of us, what I'm speaking to, what I really want to call to you, asked about the friendship, is that there was no hierarchy amongst us. So it's not like we walked in going, hello, we have arrived. And you and you, and you and you. Good luck to all of you. I think this camaraderie, and I've always said that I came from a show that was highly competitive. So I came from In Living Color. And sketch comedy shows are notorious for being competitive environments and that's what makes them work. And here I was in an environment that was collaborative and cooperative and that happened very quickly. And we learned each other's strengths and we learned each other's. You know, I won't even Say weaknesses. Just, like, if I throw the ball to her, she's gonna catch it, do something different, and throw it that way. Like, okay, so we learned that quickly, and I think that helped shape the friendship. That helped shape how we fell in love with each other and how we've worked together so, so beautifully.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

So did that your friendship continue past the show? Was it. Are you guys always been each other's people?

[Erika Alexander]

It's tough. Okay, yeah, let's hear about that. Well, look, you know, you make these family and really hard friendships because you're, like, in a crucible, and you're in a brutal schedule, and everybody's feeling the love and all of that. And, you know, this. I mean, you go away and you go, we're all gonna keep in touch, and then we go along our ways, and that's kind of it. We did that to some extent, because that's the life that you choose. That's the life of an artist. You have to keep making a living. Everybody's always all over the place all the time. But we did our best to keep in touch because we were just very naturally a fit on set. And our mothers are both educators.

[Kim Coles]

Our fathers are both.

[Erika Alexander]

Our fathers are both pastors, preachers, you know, Church of God in Christ, Lutheran. Yours. What? Methodist.

[Kim Coles]

Became Episcopal priest at age 60. Something.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Really?

[Erika Alexander]

W. And we got along, maybe partly because we argued on set and made up and did some reparative work. So we were kind of more like sisters in that. I just have to say that we did our best to stay in touch, and there was always love. But the truth is, the unspoken thing about this business is that it does break up and make up families all the time.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

And whatever your best intentions are, you just don't have time. And I've heard you speak about that, even with the show. Why you got together to do it so you could spend time with your brother and spend time with you. With my family. Can you imagine the craziness that would happen? But I think it's smart.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. You guys break the stereotype. There's also this view that women in the business, black women in the business don't get along.

[Kim Coles]

I have not found that.

[Erika Alexander]

And crazy. Really.

[Kim Coles]

I have found that. So I want to add a little, if I may. I love telling the world that she was maid of honor at one of my weddings.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I love that.

[Erika Alexander]

It's one of my.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Okay.

[Erika Alexander]

One of my weddings.

[Kim Coles]

You were maid of honor. I was maid of honor at your wedding. Wedding, for sure. And neither one of us are married. To either of those men, I want to make sure I add a little dose of the love will remain.

[Erika Alexander]

That's true.

[Kim Coles]

But I. I will say that, you know, there's this stereotype or this rule that women don't get along. And of course, there's competition in. In theory, there's, you know, only one role for that. That particular character. But every. Right. But every audition I've ever been on, and, you know, we don't go those on auditions in person as much as we did before COVID I always felt an energy in the room of like, oh, look who's here. Ooh, look. It was the time that you could see people and run in. I would always go see you all at the table. Reid, Even though only one of us will make it there. And there's a respect that you have for others that I don't. It's either my job or it's yours. May the best woman win. May the best man win.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, but, Kim, that's a level of self awareness and self security that a lot of people, not just actors, of course, but all of us. All of us listening, don't have. Where does that come from? Does that come from parenting?

[Kim Coles]

Parents, Good parents.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Tell us about your truth.

[Kim Coles]

My dad was. I would call him the king of positive expectations. He walked into a room expecting that he was gonna get great. A black man, educated, chosen to educate himself, walked into a room expecting that good things were gonna happen. He was charming, he was wise. He was, you know, beloved and just. But not in an ent. Just like, I'm gonna be here, and we're gonna have a good time, and I'm gonna. Hello. How are you today? That handshake.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. He's a natural optimist.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

And my mother also has that same energy of expecting and seeing the good in everyone. I see you. I love you. That's what woo woo woo is. Woo woo woo. Sinclair's catchphrase comes from Bernice Coles. It means, I see you, I love you. I acknowledge you. I'm here for you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Is your mom. She was woo woo woo.

[Kim Coles]

She's the woo woo.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

She's woo woo woo at 95.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yes, I love that.

[Kim Coles]

It's gonna be all right.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yes, I love that.

[Kim Coles]

Okay, so there's.

[Erika Alexander]

My mother talks weird.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. Yeah. My mothers are very similar, though.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

She does stuff like.

[Kim Coles]

And your mother has woo woo wooed my mother.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Your mothers know one another?

[Kim Coles]

They do.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yes, they do.

[Kim Coles]

Just, you know, my mother calls her my precious. How's my precious? Erica and Sammy and How is Sammy? So anyway, so that's where that comes from. It's a choice. It's a choice. I can go in there on the audition, like, good luck, sucker.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Or go. May the best woman win.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Right, Right.

[Erika Alexander]

There's a choice. Happen. Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

This segment is brought to you by Cologuard, a non invasive colon cancer screening test. Meesh. What's one simple way that you put your health first in your everyday life?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

One simple way. There are many ways.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, I guess you're right.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

One thing that I. What I do is I prioritize my health. So the first thing that I do on any day is I get my workout in.

[Craig Robinson]

What does that entail?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Some days it's tennis. What about you?

[Craig Robinson]

So mine, thanks to you. Now, my sister sent me some wonderful yoga mats and.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Bolsters.

[Craig Robinson]

Bolsters that I can do some everyday. I stretch every day before I get my day going. And then I try to make sure that I get a walk two to four miles every day.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. Flexibility. I've been hammering with you with that. As we get older, we gotta keep our ligaments very pliable. So I'm so glad you're doing yoga. I do yoga twice a week. Yin yoga, which is a long, deep stretch. So I prioritize that. But I prioritize sleep.

[Craig Robinson]

Ooh, yeah. Smart.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I am an early to bed, early to rise person. And probably you as well.

[Craig Robinson]

I am, too. And as I've gotten older, I've realized that when I get a good night's sleep, I have a wonderful next day. So I'm usually in bed by 10:30, maybe 11.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And then for me, it's diet. We eat pretty healthy. We're not too avid about it, but whenever we're at home, our meals are clean, simple. A meat veggie for me, throwing a carb for Barack. But diet is everything, especially as I've found that I've gotten older. Making sure that it's just clean.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah. And then, of course, you know, I'm coaching two basketball teams, so that gives me some exercise at least four times a week. So I'm really excited about that. And another great way to put your health first is to prioritize getting screened for colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends you begin screening at 45. And that's why we're proud to partner with Cologuard. It's an easy to use prescription based colon cancer screening test that's delivered right to your door so you can collect a sample comfortably at home all on your own schedule. There's no prep, no invasive procedure, and no more reasons to put off your screening. So if you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the cologuard test. You can also request a cologuard prescription [e-mail] podcast.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And, Erica, your background a little different.

[Erika Alexander]

A little different? Yes. I was born in Arizona. Yeah, Highway 66.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And were there seven black people there?

[Erika Alexander]

There were seven black people. And five of them in your family? And five of them were. That's true. And I lived. I spent the first. My father was a preacher, Church of God in Christ. He later changed to Lutheran. My mother was the ministry of music. They were like a tag team duo. They go around Church of God in Christ. You know how that is. It's like past the plate. He's itinerant. He has no home. No home church. So he has to go and do revivals. And so I spent the first 11 years of my life in a hotel called Starlight off of Route 66. And I'm one of six.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah. So there we were doing our thing. And that's where everything comes from. That's my whole point of view in life, that we depended on the kindness of strangers. And so my. My family out of survival. And my mother taught us that if we spoke well and that we had good manners, that people would take care of us. So that's how I came up. He eventually, my father was recruited by the Lutheran Church. They sent him to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. I was going to a summer program at Freedom Theater. Freedom Theater was like a place where it was like the new Motown. They were looking to bring up the. These city kids and give them a theater background. And you'd appreciate this because we were basically coached our mind into, like being telling us that we were young, gifted and black and we did not have the right not to be good and to, you know, and to be the best. And you haven't earned your tiredness. I mean, they worked us out. And we also got a little performing arts set along the side. And then the movie came to town and they needed black girls to audition, and so they.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

How old were you?

[Erika Alexander]

I was 14. I was 14. And my mother always said, you take an opportunity where you can. And so that was an opportunity. And boom, shakalaka. I go in, I'm second in line. And after many auditions and several screen tests, the dust cleared and it was me.

[Craig Robinson]

Wow.

[Erika Alexander]

It was me.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

To have parents who, you know, have sort of the vision and the courage. Right. To allow their kids to be creatives. Right, Right. Because if your parents were making sure you weren't ashy and could speak good English. Right. Just to survive. Which there's so much that is said in that truth. Right. Because as black kids, as kids who are other, you. You would be in danger if you couldn't carry yourself well.

[Erika Alexander]

Absolutely.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You know, and that's not education, because you live in a motel, but education. And the way you present is an armor. Because they're assuming the worst of us usually, like if you. If you. If you don'. Speak. Right. Then you probably stole that.

[Erika Alexander]

You know, I was harassed in my hotel today.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

I was getting. I won't say the name of it. Yeah. I was getting my makeup done. They said, are you here? You. You know, you. And I said, why would I be in a. In a room? And my partner.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

But they question whether the hotel room was yours. No.

[Erika Alexander]

Or whether it was a space that we were using. I had permission last night to. To get in that space. And the next thing you know, so one person comes and I said, I did get permission. And then the person comes, I said, I asked you for permission. Do you have a room here? And I said, why would I be here if I wasn't? And then when I went back, Ben, my partner said, why didn't you tell him you were going to see Michelle Obama? I said, because how dare they? I said, they should treat everybody with decency, and I wouldn't give them the satisfaction. And he said, but they would have. And I said, no, it's not about that. I did everything right. But the point is that happens all the time. And you have to just pick yourself up and say, I do belong here and I have the right to be here and explain yourself. There's so many ways to jack up your adrenaline and all of that. And I have to say that being educated and calm, doing my best to not be provoked, that's a defense.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It's a defense and it's a skill. It is.

[Erika Alexander]

It is.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

That you have learned. So your parents, a lot of those parents would say, and you need to be a lawyer or a doctor or this or that, because you also need that armor as you grow. But both of your parents said, me.

[Erika Alexander]

Try this acting thing, you know, Reverend.

[Kim Coles]

Dr. Clifford Cole said, Not really Reverend Doctor. I call him Reverend Dr. Fatty, until he left this earth, was still expecting me to matriculate at some point.

[Craig Robinson]

So I was gonna speak.

[Kim Coles]

Speak at a college. And he would go, kimberly, this would be A wonderful. They would give you an opportunity to come back and think, yes. So we. My. You know, my situation is that I was the first generation that didn't finish college. My grandmother went back to get her master's in the 50s. In her 50s. So my mother almost has her master's. My dad has his doctorate and all the things. So, you know, they were like, this entertainment business is really support you. Oh, you're so funny on tv. We love telling our neighbors. However, when are we going back to school? So always, dad. It's the school of life. He's so proud and never made me feel as if I was not still loved and appreciated. And you're doing a great job, but we're gonna go back and get that degree.

[Erika Alexander]

My dad kept trying to send me from computer classes from devry.

[Kim Coles]

Wow. I just saw that commercial that Chris did. Just, you know.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

I wish you'd have some of those skills now.

[Erika Alexander]

Are you kidding?

[Kim Coles]

I wish.

[Erika Alexander]

Are you kidd. I did not end up going to. I got into NYU and I dropped out, you know, legitimately to go to the Royal Shakespeare Company tour. My mother said, you know what? If you travel around the world, that's its own education. Go and do that. And I asked her permission because I knew it would matter to her. But I have to say, just recently, not too long ago, Bennett College, the smallest HBCU in North Carolina, gave me a doctorate. And my mother was there, and she cried, and I cried like a baby because I knew that she was proud of me. You know how that is. And I'm walking there, and I didn't know how much it meant to me to not only satisfy her expectations for me, but what it meant was like, oh, I belong here. Excuse me. And I'll always be grateful. Thank you. I'll always be grateful. Bless you.

[Craig Robinson]

So when. So when did you both know I want to be an actor. That's what I want to figure out. How do you.

[Erika Alexander]

I was in my 40s. I got hypnotized.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Really?

[Erika Alexander]

I'm not even lying to you. I got hypnotized. I remember I was in Venice, and I went to some hypnotist. I said, let me go. And, you know, I'm trying out new things. I'm always interested. And they put me under. And I thought, this or the woman did. And I thought, this is not working. I'm totally not under. But I told her something that was in my mind about going in a basement and there was water. And then I went to a closet and all this other stuff and then I came out of it and I was sitting there and she said something about being an actress. And I go, yeah, okay. She said, well, haven't you been doing it for a long time? And I said, yeah, I guess so. She said, well, you're an actress. And I have to say, I hadn't heard it like that. I got out of there.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, what would you think you were doing all these years? I don't know.

[Erika Alexander]

Erica Kim will tell you. I was always riding my comeback piece.

[Kim Coles]

Yes. She was saying, I'm going to my.

[Erika Alexander]

Trailer to write my comeback piece while I was single. But I got in my car and I pulled. I sobbed like a baby because I realized I had not accepted my fate.

[Craig Robinson]

Wow.

[Erika Alexander]

And it needed her. And whatever happened in this hypnotism had unlocked this door. And I cried for 20 minutes straight where I said, you are an actress.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Was it tears of joy? Were you happy about it?

[Erika Alexander]

No, it was tears of recognition. And worthy.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

You just maybe suppressed that. I couldn't believe.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

They knew.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Were you.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah. And maybe my own expectations were not to be an actress, to be a scientist or something much more legitimate.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

And yet this is my life. Yeah. And I have to say, stop running from it. Accept it. You're here and you're doing well. I mean, it's not easy, but I was made for it. I just thought, here's the thing. You ever see people and they come in and they can play and they can do their thing and they have an innate thing for. And then they're either nurtured or they take it on or they don't. So I had an innate thing for it, but I didn't think that it was my thing. I just thought, oh, I can do that. I realize now that fate serves you up to destiny and you have to accept that. But I had not accepted it, and I needed to. And so I'm grateful. So that's when I found out, when I was 40 something years old.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And I am grateful that. That you have, because this is the thing we do. There are these certain roles and positions. There's a certain way to live life. You can have these positions, and that means you are important, you're worthy. But you both have impacted so many people's lives. There is a ministry and a deep power that has resonated through decades from the work that you've done. And to not, like, feel the pride and the importance of that, I'm like, I want that for you because you've done that for so many people. I Mean, you're sitting here, both of you, and I feel like I know you.

[Erika Alexander]

I've known you, right?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I mean, little old me. I mean, you know, can I fall out yet? But watching through the work that you do, the acting thing that you've done, the shows you've created, the roles you put out there, you've changed lives.

[Craig Robinson]

You know, Erica needed a little bit of mom because my mom would have said to you that all of the kids in our neighborhood could have done all of the stuff that we did.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

We were all talented.

[Erika Alexander]

We were all talented. Come on.

[Craig Robinson]

She would have told you. She wouldn't have hypnotized you, but she would have told you how talented you are, not just as an actor and actress, but as a person. And it comes out of you in your generosity of your talent. And that's what I can see looking back at living single and then what you've done since and then what you're doing now sort of for the industry and for young folks. And you just need. My mom would have.

[Erika Alexander]

Your mother did. Just tell me that.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

All right.

[Craig Robinson]

Now you're gonna get me, right? All four of us will be.

[Kim Coles]

Is that what was happening in your Just told me.

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you, Queen.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It's the good enough piece of it, right? I mean, we touched on it. The shoot, the hotel incident this morning. Right?

[Erika Alexander]

Come on.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Is the constant reminder to us as people of color, as women, you know, it's the thing your parents taught us that we have to prove that we're good enough.

[Erika Alexander]

You were in Ivy League school and you talk about proving yourself.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I had to prove to people that, you know, my husband and I are still proving that we were legitimate people to run the country, you know, that we were good enough to be the president and the first lady. I mean, that psychological thing that's not in our heads, it's happened and it continues to happen for sure.

[Kim Coles]

How did you ground into that? How did you, you know, grounded.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, like you guys said, it's like you're sort of in the school of believing in yourself. You know, it's like we, our communities, our families, the people know better, right? They indoctrinate us into this. You are black and proud. You are good enough.

[Erika Alexander]

That's right.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And then it's almost. You have to replace all those other daily messages, daily slights, daily microaggressions with these positive messages. And somewhere in there is your raw talent, is the rawness of who you in that motel, running around speaking proper English. The Erica and the Kims, the essence of you. Is always there. And you know that when you're a kid.

[Craig Robinson]

And we were fortunate to have parents who poured into us that we could do whatever we wanted to do. And it's still hard. You're still out. But it's funny, there's this level of. And people use the term imposter syndrome. And I don't think it's imposter syndrome. That's not what I'm feeling. It's more of a, you just gotta prove myself always, Every day. You never know.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Year after year.

[Craig Robinson]

And my mom would be like, you shouldn't be worried about what people think.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Craig Robinson]

But you worry about what people think.

[Erika Alexander]

I'm glad you said it's not imposter syndrome. Cause I always felt like I don't feel like an imposter, But I just don't know if people have shaped what that is.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah. We may have to do another show.

[Kim Coles]

You got the whole.

[Erika Alexander]

You got to.

[Kim Coles]

There's a lot of people talking about that now. I've always said that real imposters don't have that syndrome. We all know a whole lot of imposters who don't have any doubt whatsoever that they got it going on. It's like, it's not the imposters who have that problem. And so why should we doubt or why should we, you know, because life does what life does. It's just a little reminder of maybe you don't really belong here. Maybe you're not good enough.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, we also don't give ourselves permission to have joy, you know, I mean, you start with, with my mom. Now, she had it rough, right?

[Erika Alexander]

Come on.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You know, because that's also where we are, you know, as hard as we may have it.

[Erika Alexander]

Come on.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You know, as black folks, you know, we, we have it better. And the generations have always improved. Even though we still have a long way to go. But it makes it difficult to enjoy it. Right? You feel like, have we. Have we earned the claim?

[Kim Coles]

Is it now enough?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Is it now enough? Is it enough? My gosh. And this is part of what I've been trying to unravel. When is it enough? When can I sort of rest a little bit? You know, not just as me, but as a 60 year old woman. When can I finally look and go, I have done a lot and I've done enough. I mean, that doesn't mean I'm stopping, but I have really done enough. And when, if not now, am I gonna be able to look on my accomplishments and say, good job? And maybe those are the tears the tears are like, erica, good frickin job.

[Erika Alexander]

Good job, good job, good job.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And you didn't need the PhD to do it. But there's no ceremony for that. Like, there's no walking across the aisle of congratulations. You are a wonderful human being, a woman in the world who's done powerful.

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And I think that brings tears, the tears of relief that maybe I'm. Maybe it's enough.

[Erika Alexander]

It's enough. The pride of it too. Because we're always told, be humble. The pride of it.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Be humble. That's what I hear in you that.

[Erika Alexander]

Fall into the ground.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

That's right.

[Erika Alexander]

You know, and yet we come from also people from Muhammad Ali on that had to say who they were and tell the world that they were great. You know, the rappers they come out with, you know, you go to. You gotta. Your mindset is everything. You gotta choose one.

[Craig Robinson]

Confidence.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes. Black women. And often we're not told that.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Oh, and when we do it, then we're being uppity. Who should think she'd be embossing? We're being a problem. We're complicated.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes, yes. Difficult.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Difficult.

[Erika Alexander]

I've been told that several times. And it hurts my heart. I'm like, really? I said, well, after a while I was like, well, I guess I am right.

[Kim Coles]

Is it difficult or is it commanding respect? Is it difficult or is it having boundaries or I like to call them peaceful perimeters. You know, peaceful perimeter. Peaceful perimeter. Because boundaries sounds like war sounds like a new underwear. Everything out. Peaceful perimeter says this is what I will allow in and that you may. You're not welcome here. Off you go.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

That's your girdle.

[Erika Alexander]

Your girdle is a perimeter.

[Kim Coles]

Sometimes it is not allow you at all. It is not sensitive at all.

[Craig Robinson]

It is evil. You all know how much I love staying in Airbnbs. I just got to D.C. and I found yet another one. It's right smack dab in the middle of Georgetown. And the best feature about this place is the rooftop patio. I mean, you get fantastic views of Georgetown. And what else I like about this location? It is walkable to a bunch of places. I ate dinner in Georgetown, was able to walk home. I can walk and get coffee first thing in the morning. And it's really close to where we're recording. And like most Airbnbs, it has all of the comforts of home. Kitchen, laundry, and especially during these hot days, it's got air conditioning. Don't tell anybody, but I've made use of the hot tub. Airbnb makes it super easy to find what I'm looking for. So next time you're booking a trip, be like me and book an Airbnb. This episode of IMO is brought to you by Progressive Insurance who help people move forward and live fully. Owning a home can be one of the most powerful ways to build financial security. But for many, for many, especially first generation buyers, it can feel out of reach. That's why I appreciate what Progressive is doing. In 2024 they contributed over $7 million to help individuals and families break the cycle of renting by providing support, offering educational resources and developing tools to build long term financial stability through homeowners. Their work goes beyond just insurance. They're opening doors through their newly created Up Payment program. Progressive is helping first generation home buyers move closer to the dream of homeownership by offering eligible applicants a chance to receive a down payment assistance grant. You know, owning a home for me made me feel grounded and also set me up for the future. And as a coach, when your life is dependent on wins and losses, it's really important to have the comfort of a really nice home to come home to, especially for your family. Homeownership is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make and Progressive wants to help more people take that life changing step. Learn more [e-mail] OpenThe House. This episode of Imo is brought to you by Cologuard, a non invasive colon cancer screening test. Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends that if you are at average risk, you should begin screening for colon cancer at age 45. There are an estimated 60 million adults age 45 plus in America who are not up to date with their colon cancer screening. So we need to change that by spreading the word about another option. Option the Cologuard test can help you put your health first and feel more in control of your colon cancer screening process. This easy to use screening test is delivered right to your door and allows you to collect the sample comfortably at home on your own schedule. The sample is shipped back to the lab for testing and results are available within eight to 10 days. It's but the best part about the Cologuard test is that it allows you to start screening for colon cancer without all the hassle of preparing for a colonoscopy so you don't have to prep the day before. And by prep, you know I mean fasting and drinking all that liquid. You get to skip the stress of having to request off work, go under anesthesia, get a ride home, and all the other hassles that come with an invasive procedure. And in addition to its convenience, cologuard is also affordable. Most insured patients find they pay nothing out of pocket with zero downtime, no special preparation, and a screening test that's delivered right to your door. Let's start prioritizing our health. So if you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer cancer with the cologuard test. You can also request a cologuard prescription [e-mail] podcast. The Cologuard test is intended to screen adults 45 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer. Do not use a cologuard test if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The cologuard test is not a replacement for a colonoscopy in high risk patients. Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45 to 49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. False positives and false negatives can occur. Cologuard is available by prescription only. Erica, we were not ready for your answer. That was and appreciated, so. But I want to hear from Kim.

[Kim Coles]

What?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Now?

[Craig Robinson]

I want to hear, when did you feel like you were going to be an entertainer? Because, you know, standup comedy.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah.

[Craig Robinson]

It's hard.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah. But, like, what makes you say, I'm going to get on stage and I'm going to be funny to all y'?

[Kim Coles]

All?

[Craig Robinson]

Because I know I'm funny. I think I'm funny when I.

[Kim Coles]

We all think we're funny, but it's.

[Craig Robinson]

We all think we're funny, but we don't all think we could stand up in front of people and be funny.

[Erika Alexander]

Right.

[Kim Coles]

Really? It started for me in high school. I didn't know what I was building, but I was building. So I was the chubby girl. And going into high school, I was, you know, at 14, I was clear. I was like the fat girl in high school doesn't always fare so well. You get teased and, you know, you're weird, you know, chubby, whatever that is. And so I thought, I know what saying I'm. If I make them laugh with me instead of at me, then nobody will ever call me fat. Cause I've already told the jokes, I've already made them laugh, and I've already deflected. Now I call it a peaceful perimeter. I've already said, don't look at this, look at this. And Comedy is actually a connector.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

And I know that now from standing on stage and watching an audience. There's nothing more thrilling for me. And I don't do standup as much as I used to. I've now morphed into being a speaker, and I still use some of those same bits as a speaker. There's a connection that happens. The audience is connecting to you because they're laughing or listening. And often audience members turn to each other and laugh. And there's a way of connection. And so I was avoiding being called the chubby girl, but what I was really doing was creating a connection. So years later, when I dropped in and out of College about three times, 1985 was the first time I stepped on a stage and tried this thing. I would write my little joke and perform because I felt that connection.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You guys picked a hard industry.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You know, and I want to talk a little bit about that, because you show your Shakespearean abilities. You showed the ability to work in a team, in an ensemble. You showed the comedy, you showed the drama, you showed the. And you lasted. Tell us. And then what? And then what? Tell us about the segregation of Texas.

[Erika Alexander]

Officially, we were number one. You were about to say we were.

[Kim Coles]

Number one in African American households for all five seasons. You always remind me that we were.

[Erika Alexander]

Number one in Latino households.

[Kim Coles]

Not to mention, I always tell the story of the little Jewish man in the bank who grabbed my arm like, I love you girls. You girls are so beautiful. I love you girls. I love the queen. Give the queen my desk, you girls. And so lots of people loved us. Lots of people. Although we were relegated and segregated.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah. And yet something happened that I think was intentional or not. It happened. Everything changed. And they started to create different cable networks that had to build their audience. We were already on one, which was the Fox channel, and we helped build that network, literally. Tisha Campbell, Sheena, all of them. Martin in Living Color and Living Color, Living Singing.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

All of that wasn't a Jamie Foxx show. Was he on?

[Erika Alexander]

Jamie Foxx was on the cw. So that's happened. Everything started to shift and place shows with black cast. Now, Kim, you'll say black shows, and I don't say that. I say shows with black cast. In those spaces. Not for nothing, you could sorely see everything sort of bleed off the page. And then there's a problem with that, because that means that we're not getting in the mainstream anymore. We're not giving the opportunity of marketing and sponsorship that that can afford. And so you're also the value goes down. So when I was growing up, when we were all growing up, the Jeffersons, what's happening, all of that was run. You'd see mash, you'd see the Jeffersons, you'd see blah, blah, blah. No one ever called the Jeffersons a black show. You just called it the Jeffersons. Certainly didn't call the Cosby Show a black show. It was a show. Suddenly we were black shows. And that went away. I think it messed up everything in terms of momentum. Cause we had the huge form of momentum again with Fresh Prince, family matters, all of these things. So what happened was everything changed. And if you don't have anybody funding these things.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, but when you say everything changed, usually when success begets success, especially in Hollywood. Well, what exactly changed? Was it the executives? Was it cultural? Was it political?

[Craig Robinson]

Was it too much success?

[Erika Alexander]

There you go. Too much success. It's not the first time that that's happened that there's too much success. And then suddenly somebody pulls the rug out underneath. So just around 2000, things shifted. And, you know, I remember somebody telling me a memo, but that they wanted things lighter and brighter, and that meant the end of us.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Now, was it the money? I mean, with the more success, were you negotiating as a cast for more? For more?

[Erika Alexander]

No, we didn't even know to do that. I mean, and there was no way. We were always in the black. There was no way that we could be. Too much money for the budgets they gave us.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Right, right.

[Erika Alexander]

We were always operating the black. We were very successful in syndication from the. It was just. It was just.

[Kim Coles]

I don't understand. Cause we had a new network president come in and then decided to just change the complexion of the network. And it didn't work. It didn't work. You've now lost the audience. You have lost this audience that you've built up. That's. Built trust. Like, this is where I come if I want this kind of show. And it just. And you know, we didn't go away altogether, but it was. The rug was pulled out.

[Craig Robinson]

Misha and I talked about. We talked about this a little bit beforehand and. Because right after you all show Friends comes out.

[Erika Alexander]

Oh, yeah.

[Kim Coles]

The year. The year after us.

[Craig Robinson]

It's like. Come on.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes, this is.

[Craig Robinson]

And what we talked about is the opportunities for another successful show like that for the folks who ended that one. The.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, they went on to do very different.

[Craig Robinson]

And I and their salary were through the roof. Unreal. Yeah. So I think it would be nice for our listeners to hear your thoughts on that because I think I know what they are. But it's noticeable for me from the outside looking in. Right.

[Kim Coles]

Noticeable for everyone.

[Craig Robinson]

And as good as friends could have been. I had like a, you know, I felt a certain way. So I didn't watch it because of y' all show.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, wow. Craig is true to this.

[Erika Alexander]

He's true to this. Ain't new to this. Thank you.

[Craig Robinson]

You're welcome.

[Erika Alexander]

It's true that often black people in performing arts start things, whether it's from Elvis Presley on, that are imitations of other things. And that's certainly what happened there. It just happened to be that we were at time the same, same, you know, production company.

[Kim Coles]

Production company, Warner Brothers. Right.

[Erika Alexander]

And so it was quite obvious. It's what happens all the time. The problem is, is that you could also see the type of investment they were making versus what they were making with us. And that to me is the frustrating thing that is systemic. And we fight all over. People think cause you're in showbiz that you are spoiled and you're getting all of these things. And one of the things that we did the podcast for is we wanted people to know a system, people to sort of see us as people who are inside of a corporate structure. And if that corporate structure exists in America, it is probably built on the same, you know, flawed foundation that all these structures, I mean industries are built on. You know, we talk about people not funding black women. Less than 1% of venture capitalism goes in into gapita, goes into black women's business. Well, Yvette Lee Bowser, black woman's business. We are black. I mean, you have an agent and a manager and you have thing, you're a small business, so am I. That's what we're getting in a way. Sure, we're the lucky ones and it looks fortunate, but we have the same. Yeah. And it's hard to talk about when I say it's hard to talk about because what happens is people end up going, hey, you're lucky and this and this and that. I said, I didn't say that we weren't fortunate. I'm saying that the downward pressure of wages is real everywhere. And so if you wanna talk about it, you know, outside of being famous, then you can. But just cause I'm famous don't make it less true. And so we do have an issue.

[Kim Coles]

It's true.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, Hollywood is. It's a subjective business. Right. You know, we now have a production company, we're getting a taste of it. But there are decision makers, right? And people tend to make decisions around whether they think they're expert or not. It's based on their taste.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, for sure.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And it's hard to convince some of these heads and the green lighters to understand that they have an inherent bias. Bias to pick things that they like. Which is why you want diversity in these seats of power. Because, yes, you're a white guy, you like sports, and you like women that look a certain way. Or maybe you think this is funny. That's just one perspective. But I, as a black woman, as a woman who's seen this or that, I can tell you that this is interesting. And there's a whole pool of people that will pay money. You can make money off of these people. But in the end. End, who's gonna. Who makes the decision? The person in charge. Who decides ultimately, am I gonna go with your opinion or with mine? And if. When you're in charge, you go with your opinion. And I see that happening time and time again at all, you know, in all industries, in all sectors.

[Erika Alexander]

And their opinion is gonna bankrupt the industry. Because you are the future. There's no doubt about.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah, they don't have a. I had that challenge even with my book writing becoming great publishers supportive. My book tour was my idea. You know, it wasn't like the publishers said, you know what, you could go on a 32 city book tour. I was like, well, you know, there are a lot of people out there who are interested in the story and the conversation. I said, I bet we could do something big. Bigger than that. Right? And so we had this huge book tour that nobody had ever done before because guess what? I don't know that a lot of people in the industry realized there were that many women and women of color who had that kind of disposable income.

[Erika Alexander]

There you go.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Where they would.

[Erika Alexander]

There you go.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Many. There were people. I was in Denmark and there were like. There was a group of sisters from Detroit in the VIP line.

[Craig Robinson]

Yes.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And my first thing was like, Danish. Danish. Dana's sister. And my whole thing was like, what are y' all doing here? And they were like, girl, we wanted to meet you. The tickets in Detroit were sold out.

[Kim Coles]

Wow.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

We saved up. We bought money. They came to Denmark, from Detroit to Denmark to be in the Vietnam. I said, well, what else are you doing in Denmark? They were like, we don't know.

[Erika Alexander]

Right.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

But we came to see you. And then we'll see some of Denmark.

[Kim Coles]

I mean, some smoke.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Right?

[Erika Alexander]

But if that's happening for Michelle Obama. Obama. But this is not then imagine what's not being invested in.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah, but after that.

[Erika Alexander]

That's nuts.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Then what was the next big book tour? What was the next. The audience is there. And this is what you try to convince the decision makers. It's like, wow, you don't know me. You don't know my audience. But if you're the decision maker and it's not your data, and that means.

[Kim Coles]

They don't have the vision.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

No, it's not their experience. They don't even believe. Like, it's the same thing that makes you cry because sometimes you just feel like you just don't see me.

[Erika Alexander]

Right?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You don't see me no matter what I do.

[Erika Alexander]

Right.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You still don't see me. And it's because. And it's not because you don't want to. And you can't say that to folks because they feel like, no, that's not who I am. And it's like, it is not who you are, but it's not who you are in your heart, but it's who you come. But your experiences have made it impossible for you to understand that you really are only seeing the things that you believe in.

[Kim Coles]

You want to see. So I'm asking you, I'm asking us what happens to get visionaries in those? Visionaries or people who will take the risk? Because it's not gonna risk you. You've proven it. You know, Wakanda proved it, homeboy. Sinners, Sinners proved it. Like we prove it over and over and over again. So what does it to find the visionaries in those places who will say yes, who will greenlight something, who will keep taking that? And it ain't a risk and it ain't a chance.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You need diversity. You know, the bad word of the decade, we call it dei. It's been castigated, it's been demonized, but it's essentially just saying that you just need a lot of different people in the rooms, in decision making rooms. Not out of some faith, but as a business strategy.

[Erika Alexander]

It's just business.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It's just. You would rather miss money. Right, that part like that you just said, though.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

Everybody used to always say, oh, never. They'll always get their money. Their money.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I said, that's actually not necessarily true.

[Erika Alexander]

If you leave billions of dollars on the table, that can do good for people.

[Kim Coles]

Or believing that a movie won't fail overseas.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Yeah, that's right.

[Kim Coles]

Of course it will. We've proven it. The data is. Is there.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

But that's why diversity matters. It just. We just all have different experiences. That's all. That's all it is. It's just we have different tastes, and there's money to be made in all of it. But if the tastemakers look a certain way, then the shows tend that get promoted, that get marketed, that get the opportunity. You know, that's where the money goes.

[Erika Alexander]

To me, this is Jurassic age. It's falling apart. It's meant to. It can't go on. I mean, I love Reverend Barber. I quote him all the time. Your friend Reverend Barber calls this the third reconstruction. And so if it is, that means these foundations have to be redone. And we are architects of the third reconstruction. They're already palimpsests. There's new investors and new people. There's Cora Jefferson, American Fiction. There's Jordan Peele, who's doing, you know, get out. There's Alicia Harris. I just did a film with her. Is God is. They are not playing. I needed them to come and find me and say, invite me to play. Not even have me audition. Say, I know what she can do. I know she can do this role. And then, come on, let's do it.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Tell us about the lives you've created for yourselves in the midst of rejection and waiting and all of this, because you both are standing, standing up, back straight, looking good. So you figured something out, right?

[Erika Alexander]

Yes, we are.

[Kim Coles]

And they were my hair. A lot of good hair. A lot of good hair.

[Erika Alexander]

But since you started it, why don't you keep going?

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, I, after living single ended, and I went into a depression because there wasn't work. Wasn't working. Hadn't quite figured out what else I could do. I auditioned here and there, not getting anything. And sometimes you reach a certain level, and then, well, she wouldn't take this job I might have or whatever that is. And so going into this space of, what else can I do? What else? Cause I don't know how to type. I can't cook. I can't sing.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Didn't go to DeVry.

[Kim Coles]

Didn't go to DeVry. Take the computer classes. I dropped in out of college. I don't know that I can make a living doing this. And so I moved over. It's like taking your gifts and talents and skills and going, like, where else can they be placed? So if I'm a standup comedian, I can be a speaker. And so I immersed myself into what it means to become a speaker on stage, an impactful speaker, deciding what type of speaking I would do, taking some of my comedy bits and working them into inspiration so that I'm inspiring. And then, you know, eventually learning that I really wanted to help people transform their lives. So not just rah rah, or. Which is nothing wrong with that, or being encouraging or engaging, but to also go, like, what can we do to transform our thinking, our mindset, our soul. Our soul and the work?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

So you're an educator.

[Kim Coles]

My mother wanted me to be a teacher. I was like, I don't want to be a teacher. And then I became a teacher. So that's what I've been doing. And that's why there's a. Hopefully you feel a groundedness. I go like, I'm sorry that these other things. While I can fight the powers that be, I can always also be the power in my own. Of my own choosing.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Right.

[Kim Coles]

So that's what I'm doing. What I'm doing for now.

[Erika Alexander]

Color Farm Media, that's my company. I started it 10 years ago with my partner, Ben Arnon. We met at the 2008 DNC convention night. Oh. He was a delegate of. For your husband, Mr. Obama. And I was a delegate for Hillary. I was Hillary Clinton's most traveled surrogate. The other side, the other side, the other side.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I was wondering if you were gonna.

[Kim Coles]

Come out and tell us.

[Erika Alexander]

You know, the funny thing, it made me a better voter all over to understand it. You know, how it happens. And up until that point, I hadn't.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

What made you get involved in politics? I mean, a lot of people run. Mm, okay.

[Erika Alexander]

Poverty.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Say that a little bit louder.

[Erika Alexander]

Poverty.

[Kim Coles]

Poverty.

[Erika Alexander]

You talk about hard times, and it's real. Anyway, we started the company. We get a call from John Lewis office. We heard that you have a production company. Would you like to do a documentary on the congressman? I said, I sweep his floors. I don't care what he needs me to do, and say it. And through that avenue came our first opportunity as a company.

[Craig Robinson]

Okay.

[Erika Alexander]

John Lewis could trouble. And then after that, we did a documentary about reparations. Evanston, Illinois, with Alderwoman Robin Ruth Simmons and Sheila Jackson Lee with HR40 and all these things. And it just kept pushing us in places where I thought, look, this is not only opportunity, but we're telling history. We're getting an opportunity to do that. But I think ultimately we're starting to realize that this world may not change as fast as we need to, and we need to find a different avenue, and we're seeking other borders.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Well, and, you know, I listen to that, and I think, well, maybe that's also where the tears are coming from, because it's like to go from the power that your characters in Living Single had in the world. Right. And I remember I heard in an interview that you were like, well, I was Maxine Shaw, but I wasn't a lawyer. I didn't go to law school, you know, but you were. You all were showing so many of us. Because I was a lawyer at the time.

[Erika Alexander]

Very much so.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And living single was out. I was like a first, second year associate at a corporate law firm. So. So we. I was living that.

[Erika Alexander]

You were also a dean, too.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I was an associate dean at the University of Chicago when that was going on. So there were, you know, we didn't.

[Erika Alexander]

Need to lift your sights, but, you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Know, for others, but making us visible.

[Kim Coles]

Because that character hadn't existed before. We had Felicia Vachage, but not in a comedy. And this kind of, you know, it was a different.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It was definitely a different strength.

[Erika Alexander]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I mean, you were single, you were sexual, you were, you know, you were brash, you were annoying.

[Erika Alexander]

Yes.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You were, you know, all of that. Right?

[Erika Alexander]

No, but she was, you know, unapologetic.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Black women had to be nice or kind or, you know, Maxine was like an unapologetic, you know, which was reflective of what a lot of us had to be in order to be in those spaces. And you were changing lives then. And both of you all are still doing that today and have managed to maintain yourselves and your presence and still think creatively and powerfully about how to be impactful in the world.

[Craig Robinson]

This episode of IMO is brought to you in part by Acorns. You know, one of the most valuable pieces of money advice I've ever gotten is that financial wellness isn't about how much you make. It's about making the most of what you have. That's something I've carried with me from my time on Wall street to today. And that's why I love Acorns. Acorns is a financial wellness app that makes it easy to start saving and investing for your future. You don't need to be rich. Acorns lets you get started with the spare money you've got right now. Even if all you've got is spare change, you don't need to be an expert. Acorns recommends a diversified portfolio that can help you weather all the market's upside and downs. You just need to stick with it, and Acorns makes that easy. Acorns automatically invest your money, giving it a chance to grow with time. The best advice I've gotten was from my father, and that was to pay yourself first. So sign up now and join over 14 million all time customers who have already saved and invested $25 billion with Acorns. Plus, Acorns will boost your new account with a $20 bonus investment offer only [e-mail] IMO that's a C O R N S.com IMO to get your $20 bonus investment today from Acorns. Mighty Oaks do grow. Investing doesn't have to be complicated. Acorns makes it easy to invest for your future, plan for tomorrow and spend smarter today. Paid non client endorsement compensation provides incentive to positively promote Acorns. Investing involves risk Acorns Advisor LLC and SCC Registered Investment Advisor. View Important [e-mail] IMO this episode of IMO is brought to you by Indeed. And you know, one skill that has helped me over my years is adaptability. You know, I started out as a college basketball player and was fortunate enough to get drafted and I went to try out, got cut, had to make a pivot. I went from being at an NBA camp to an overseas camp and I played over there for a couple of years and then came back to the United States and made another pivot and I got into the investment business which was a brand new experience for me. So I had to be a Dallas and I went from there back to business school and I had to be adaptable yet again and be back into learning mode. And subsequently, after spending 14 years in the investment industry, I came back to basketball as a coach and it's really important that I let myself learn, continue to learn, be adaptable and be willing to be pivot. Being open to change helped me explore roles I hadn't really originally planned for, which made my career richer and more fulfilling. Indeed helps people do the same by identifying their existing skills and connecting them to new opportunities. Through Indeed, people can find better work that fits their skills, even if it means shifting career paths or trying something just like my own. Adaptability has opened doors for me. Indeed's mission is to empower everyone to leverage their skills for better work. Whether adaptability is a skill you have or not, INDEED can help connect the skills you have to new opportunities. When people feel confident in their skills and open to change, the world truly can work better. Did you know the average bottle of water contains 240,000 tiny particles of plastic? And with recent research finding microplastics in our bodies and our blood, it's time to pass on plastic and get a water filter that actually works. Say goodbye to Microplastics in your family's drinking water. With LifeStraw Home, it's the only water dispenser that filters over 30 contaminants, including bacteria, bacteria, PFAS, and microplastics, while making your water taste better. And it has a stylish modern design that you'll want to show off on your counter or your fridge. I know we do. And because it holds 18 cups, you can fill cups, water bottles, and more without needing to refill all the time. We have a really active family, and water is a big part of our recovery. Knowing we could be exposing ourselves to microplastic plastics is troubling, and it's also disheartening. That's why we take steps with eating, cleaner, composting, and local sourcing to live a healthy lifestyle. Although we live near a good water source, we use our LifeStraw home water filter all the time. Cooking, refilling bottles as we talked about, and everyday hydration. It really makes a difference. In addition, for every product sold, a child in need receives a year of safeguard water. More than 11 million have to date. Use code HIGHER GROUND for 25% off of your first purchase of a LifeStraw home product at LifeStraw.com and say goodbye to microplastics forever. Well, speaking of being impactful, IMO is all about about having our listeners submit a question. And we have a question from a listener that I think would be ideal for the two of you to help us answer. And it comes from Amanda in Tucson, Arizona.

[Kim Coles]

She's from az.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Az. Okay.

[Erika Alexander]

Home state. Hi, I'm Amanda.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Thank you so much for taking my question. As a woman in my mid-40s. Okay.

[Erika Alexander]

I'm 45.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I'm struggling with the concept of time. I want to do so much in this world, but it feels like time is flying by. And unfortunately, you can't just snap your fingers and have all your dreams come true. So how do you handle this nagging feeling that you're running out of time.

[Erika Alexander]

And that your life might not mean.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

As much as you want it to? Similarly, how do you know that you're doing enough, that you're making enough of a difference while you're here?

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I love you both.

[Craig Robinson]

It's almost as if she was sitting right there.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

It's true.

[Erika Alexander]

We're going to be the cocktail.

[Kim Coles]

Rewind.

[Erika Alexander]

This episode and existential dread it has throughout your life. You're gonna have it. I believe. And I also believe that as a story in my. As a character in my own story, I keep Feeling that I am coming of age all the time.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I hear you. Waiting to grow up. Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

Like, yeah, this is it. They make story after story after people who come to this thing and realize what, wait a minute, I gotta get it. I can feel that tick, tick, tick, tick, tick. And if I don't, I won't be able. I mean, I won't be able. I'll regret too much. And I think that, for me, I see that in so many stories. Like, everything all at once, everything everywhere, all at once. You see that in shoot, Death of a Salesman. He's sitting up there and wondering, what did I do with my life? So I, like. I'd like to say to Amanda, amanda, you're right where you need to be if you're there. Because that means that if you're thinking that way, that you must be making an impact. People who don't make impact don't think that way. And so I'm hoping that you're looking at the ways that you might have made impact. And I do believe that in a way, you are right. Times passing by, you're probably doing better than you think.

[Kim Coles]

Ditto. So, so many things that you touched on. Same things, I would say, first of all, I think it's a noble question. I think there's a nobility and a courage in even asking that. How do I know? I think she says she has a nagging feeling. How do you know that this is enough? And I think also because she's asking that question means that there is more to be experienced. She's willing and allowing something to come through. And I always say that everything you want wants you back. Ooh, Everything you want wants you back.

[Erika Alexander]

Lord.

[Kim Coles]

And because she wants. Wants her to fulfill, to step into it. And I think a lot of times the things that we want, we're so busy, like living life and trying to keep up and looking at other folks that we don't even stop to notice those things that have already mattered to us, already been meaningful, already been impactful. So instead of looking all out there to look within, so slow down and look in and get quiet and go, like, what do I really want to do? What happens when I show up and do this and this and this? What is the impact on people? And how can I just keep doing more of that? It may not even be something new. It's something that she's obviously already doing. And be. I always call it sort of the pebble in the pond. You know, we think it has to be a big impact. The pebble creates all Those ripples. So allow yourself to be that pebble in the pond. And the impact. Sometimes, you know, you talked about fame and being famous, and people think that they want that, but I think what people really want is to be significant and to be meaningful. And sometimes it's your kids that are watching, it's your nieces and nephews that are watching, and the impact that you've created for them is enough to create more of the ripple. And so she may not stand on stages like we all, but she's created an impact knowing that I said a word to someone and that made them think differently, and then they went and changed their life. And just to allow that. To allow is my word, Mary. Allow it to unfold.

[Craig Robinson]

You wanna add a brief thing in there? Because I'm just. You've got something bringing on home. No, no, no. I'm summing it up. So know that you're enough, right? You know that you're enough. That's one thing. And this one's really good that I'm gonna take away is slow down to speed up. Because we use that on the court. Oh, yes, we use that on the court. Slow down to speed up.

[Kim Coles]

Don't you have to train and stretch the muscle and get it ready so.

[Craig Robinson]

That then you can sprint or go fast? To go slow and go slow to go fast. It's just change your pace and realize that there's some positivity. And then the final thing you said, Kim, was a little is really a lot. A little can be a lot. It can be a lot if you're fortunate enough to be able to do something great. Beautiful. But that doesn't mean that if you do something little, it's insignificant.

[Erika Alexander]

For sure.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, for sure. That's how I feel.

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Some of the moments I remember most as first lady, it wasn't the COVID of a magazine or the speech that I gave. It was usually a conversation that I had in a photo line with a kid that was shy that nobody saw and that you could. With a hug and a couple of words and a. Like, I see you. You see them walk to you one way and walk away a totally different person. You, like, could see it. And it would be like if I could do that every day and nobody's looking, you know, that those were the. That's when I felt like I had an impact, you know?

[Kim Coles]

Sounds to me like you're talking about doing less but being more.

[Craig Robinson]

Yeah, yeah. Well, you know what's been impactful? Having the two of you here right now.

[Kim Coles]

Wait.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

But Before.

[Erika Alexander]

Before.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

You know, my brother's in always wrap up mode. But I do wanna. I do wanna find out. What do y' all do?

[Craig Robinson]

See, this is. This is.

[Kim Coles]

When is your birthday? I know. She's a Capricorn. What are you doing?

[Craig Robinson]

It's April 20th, 21st.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, you're a Taurus. He's a Taurus.

[Craig Robinson]

It's the Taurus.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it. Like, come on.

[Craig Robinson]

All right.

[Kim Coles]

All this talking.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I know, right?

[Craig Robinson]

But there's a time limit, and we have other things to do. We don't want to know. Use your time. But.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

But I do want to know. What do y'. All. You know, what do y'.

[Erika Alexander]

All.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

What do you. What are you reading? Watching. Now reality tv you saw is sci fi at for you guys. What's your guilty cultural pleasure?

[Kim Coles]

I'm not trying to kiss the ring, but later dater. I love that show.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Aspirational.

[Erika Alexander]

Right?

[Kim Coles]

Aspirational. And the women are beautiful. The guys got their hookups, and I love that show. So I don't watch a lot of the. More what I would call more than negative because I also. I've done enough reality shows to know that it's nothing real or about it. It's, you know, orchestrated and structured in a way for you to have, you know, certain reactions. Just looking at me like, I've done a few. I was like, you know, you live in a house for two weeks with Dennis Rodman. The surreal life.

[Craig Robinson]

The surreal life.

[Kim Coles]

Also a Taurus, by the way.

[Erika Alexander]

Wow.

[Kim Coles]

He's the sweetest man. Oh, he's darling. He's a doll baby. But anyway, so not. Not that, but later daters love it. Are you doing more seasons Since I'm.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

We're working on one. It's up to the powers that be.

[Erika Alexander]

I just work so much. I wish I could.

[Kim Coles]

Same here.

[Erika Alexander]

I've gotten a chance to see sinners four, five times. Oh, dang. Yeah. And I'm like that. Like, I went to go see MJ eight times. Like, I'll see something over and over again, as if you could digest it and become it. But no, I have to do more to, like, just pay attention. I'd like to read more.

[Craig Robinson]

This has been a real thing.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you so much. What a.

[Erika Alexander]

Dream of a lifetime. And frankly, so grateful for all the work that you do in the world. And more importantly, putting something like this out so we can meet you in this way is huge. It kind of lifts the veil. And that's beautiful. Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

It's been an honor. A delight. Revealing. Easy and just kind of what I expected would happen.

[Erika Alexander]

So siblings can get along and also discover things about each other they didn't know, which is freaky.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erika Alexander]

You know, love that. You know, well, it's so proud that.

[Kim Coles]

You can get along well enough to want to play at the same time.

[Erika Alexander]

Can you imagine?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

Good enough. Good enough.

[Kim Coles]

I could do this with my brother.

[Erika Alexander]

Well, just show it. It can't happen.

[Kim Coles]

Exactly.

[Erika Alexander]

So these are, you know, goals.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And just. It's happening right now. It's happening right now. Well, we're proud of you all, you two.

[Erika Alexander]

Thank you.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And the entire cast. So please send everyone our love. Congratulations on all the ways that you both are. Piccolo coming. Continuing to become. It has been a treat. Y' all are some funny, smart women. And more to come. Just keep doing some stuff. We'll do this again.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, less, less, less. With different hair next.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

That's right, different hair.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you, Su. I'm Hoda Kotb from Making Space. Okay, you and I are both on the other side of the jump, whether it is life after the White House or in my case, life after the Today Show. So what has this new chapter taught you about starting something new at any stage, about being a beginner again?

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

I would encourage all your listeners to embrace those transitions, to practice them.

[Erika Alexander]

It's a muscle.

[Host (possibly a podcast host or interviewer)]

And not to run away from change, but to embrace it as much as possible and turn that into something really. There's a lot of learning that happens on the other side of our fear of change, and I'm living proof of that.

[Craig Robinson]

You know, nothing keeps me sharper these days as somebody who's getting up there in years than doing something completely new and foreign. And with Misha and I doing imo, it gives me particularly an opportunity to do something that is completely outside of my wheelhouse of experience that I've had before.

[Kim Coles]

Now, please give Making Space a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And make sure you tell your friends. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening right now. Sam.