Synclaire Quits Flavor!

Summary

ReLiving Single Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: Synclaire Quits Flavor!
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Hosts: Erika Alexander and Kim Coles

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Introduction: The Art of Quitting

[00:00 – 01:19]

The episode kicks off with Erika Alexander and Kim Coles delving into the concept of quitting—a theme central to the episode titled "Synclaire Quits Flavor!" Erika shares a personal anecdote about attempting to "quit living single," highlighting the challenges of job dissatisfaction and pay disparity within contractual obligations.

• Erika Alexander: "I tried to quit living single, y'. All. Job dissatisfaction, pay disparity, and quit..." [00:16]

• Kim Coles: "Sounds like a threat." [00:28]

This opening sets the tone for a discussion on valuing oneself in both personal and professional realms.

Being Valued vs. Undervalued

[01:58 – 02:34]

The hosts transition into a broader conversation about the feeling of being valued—or the lack thereof—in various aspects of life, particularly within the entertainment industry.

• Kim Coles: "We deserve what we deserve. And that's what this episode is about." [02:30]

They emphasize the universal nature of these feelings and relate them to their experiences as artists navigating the industry's complexities.

Rewinding to "Quitting Time"

[02:34 – 07:02]

Erika and Kim embark on a detailed rewatch of "Living Single" Season 1, Episode 10, titled "Quitting Time." They dissect the plot where Sinclair decides to quit her job at Khadijah James' magazine, Flavor—leading to the hiring of Mrs. Ryan, portrayed by the legendary Isabel Sanford.

• Isabel Sanford as Mrs. Ryan: "I am proud to announce that I am no longer working for the oppressive management of Flavor magazine. I'm also scared to announce that I'm unemployed and broke." [13:12]

The hosts commend Sanford's performance, reminiscing about her illustrious career and her role in breaking barriers as an Emmy-winning actress.

The Introduction of Mrs. Ryan

[05:24 – 12:01]

The conversation delves into Mrs. Ryan's character arc—her initial inefficiency leading to Sinclair's frustration, and eventually, her reinstatement with a promotion. They highlight the comedic elements and the underlying themes of workplace dynamics and personal growth.

• Erika Alexander: "She didn't know what she didn't know." [12:01]

The discussion touches upon the show’s humorous take on career ambitions and the complexities of workplace relationships.

Nepotism: A Double-Edged Sword

[25:26 – 30:57]

Transitioning from the episode’s narrative, Erika and Kim explore the topic of nepotism. They define it and debate its prevalence and impact in Hollywood and corporate structures.

• Kim Coles: "Nepotism is the act of granting favors, jobs, or privileges to relatives, regardless of their qualifications..." [25:30]

• Erika Alexander: "Hollywood is nepotism." [25:52]

Kim shares a personal experience from her time at Barney's New York, illustrating the challenges and power dynamics inherent in nepotistic practices.

Listener Feedback: Roommate Reflections

[34:11 – 38:16]

The episode features correspondence from listener Shania Taylor, who reflects on friendships and roommate experiences reminiscent of "Living Single" characters. Erika and Kim exchange humorous anecdotes about their own roommate histories, drawing parallels to the show's vibrant personalities.

• Shania Taylor's Question: "Did any of you actually live with a roommate or roommates as a younger..." [34:25]

The hosts discuss the dynamics of living with friends versus characters like Regean or Khadijah, adding personal touches and laughter to the segment.

Reflections on Career and Relationships

[38:35 – 31:18]

Erika and Kim further explore themes of career ambition, personal growth, and the delicate balance of professional relationships. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the courage to seek what one truly desires, whether in career moves or personal life.

• Kim Coles: "You gotta take the reins of your own career." [15:31]

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Legacy

[30:57 – 34:53]

Wrapping up, the hosts celebrate the legacy of writers and creators like Yvette Leigh Bowser, acknowledging their contributions to the industry and the importance of supporting upcoming talents. They advocate for organic growth within communities and the reinforcement of legacies through mentorship and support.

• Erika Alexander: "Nepotism really is. It's got a bad connotation. But I think what it is ultimately is that human beings survived out of, you know, hiring their tribe, keeping it in the tribe." [30:12]

Final Thoughts: Community and Support

[39:06 – 40:30]

Erika and Kim conclude the episode by expressing gratitude to their listeners, encouraging continued support and engagement through various platforms. They highlight the collaborative efforts behind the podcast, acknowledging producers, sound engineers, and special guests who contribute to its success.

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Notable Quotes:

• "I slipped in a note, you know what I'm saying? And I had a small gun underneath the table." — Erika Alexander [00:34]

• "When you take a job interview, but it was horrible. You just did a bad thing." — Kim Coles [17:22]

• "Nepotism is the act of granting favors, jobs, or privileges to relatives, regardless of their qualifications..." — Kim Coles [25:30]

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Key Takeaways:

1. Navigating Career Challenges: The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's worth and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace.

2. Legacy and Mentorship: Highlighting the significance of supporting emerging talents and maintaining legacies within the industry.

3. Personal Anecdotes Enhance Relatability: Erika and Kim's shared experiences provide depth to the conversation, making themes like nepotism and workplace dynamics more relatable.

4. Humor as a Tool for Insight: The hosts utilize humor to dissect and analyze episodes of "Living Single," offering both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.

5. Community Engagement: Listener feedback and interactions play a crucial role in enriching the podcast's content, fostering a sense of community among fans.

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Whether you're a devoted fan of "Living Single" or new to the series, this episode of ReLiving Single offers insightful discussions, humorous reflections, and a deep dive into the show's timeless themes of friendship, career, and personal growth.

Transcript

[Erica Alexander]

No. So you asking me and you ask everybody else.

[Kim Coles]

I'll tell you. Have you ever quit a job?

[Erica Alexander]

Well, no. Have I ever tried to quit a job?

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. Oh, no. Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Well, okay.

[Erica Alexander]

I tried to quit living single.

[Kim Coles]

What do you mean? Why'd you try to quit?

[Erica Alexander]

News flash. I tried to quit living single, y'. All.

[Kim Coles]

Why?

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. Job dissatisfaction, pay disparity, and quit. You know, frankly, quit is the wrong word. It was more like, you know, if my needs are not met, I might have to seek new employment.

[Kim Coles]

Sounds like a threat.

[Erica Alexander]

It kind of was.

[Kim Coles]

You know what I mean? Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

I slipped in a note, you know what I'm saying? And I had a small gun underneath the table. It was like, yo, you either give me what I need or I'mma roll up in there.

[Kim Coles]

Okay, then why did you stay then?

[Erica Alexander]

Look at, I was signed to a contract and it was a six year contract. You were right. I had the same contract. But if I took a pay raise and they gave me a pay raise, then I'd have to meet the obligations of the six year contract and stay and that type of thing, but at least I'd have the salary increase. So that's what happened.

[Kim Coles]

I did not know this, Eric.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. You know, by the way, no one did. It's private negotiations.

[Kim Coles]

Okay. All right. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Well, since you speak of change, now you got me a little concerned. Would you tell me in advance if things change between us?

[Erica Alexander]

No, probably not, because that would be too weird.

[Kim Coles]

I would just quit on.

[Erica Alexander]

That's not happening. So they gonna let you quit? Yo, you ain't gonna quit here. Hey, Welco. Welcome back to Reliving Single, the official unofficial Living Single Rewatch podcast.

[Kim Coles]

Yes. And today I think we're gonna talk about, you know, being valued and what it's like to be undervalued and have these conversations.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, as artists, we have those talks all the time. Cause we consistently feel undervalued.

[Kim Coles]

I don't think anybody in the world really feels as if they're always valued. It's part of life's journey and it's, you know, kind of what you have to deal with now and again.

[Erica Alexander]

And it's a byproduct of a larger industry and entertainment. Yeah, the workers, we went on strike. We had a big one two years ago. We out there with our picket signs, talking about, strike, strike, strike.

[Kim Coles]

We deserve what we deserve. And that's what this episode is about.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

Does Sinclair get what she deserves? And we're gonna see if she gets valued the way she's supposed to get valued because she is valuable.

[Erica Alexander]

Let's get into it.

[Kim Coles]

It's time for the rewind where we watch and relive living single with you. Here we go with living single, season one, episode 10, quitting time. And the story is that Khadijah refuses to give Sinclair a promotion. Sinclair quits. Khadijah hires Mrs. Ryan, an efficient but unenthusiastic and a little bit scary secretary.

[Erica Alexander]

Yep. And then that's the A story and.

[Kim Coles]

The B story as well.

[Erica Alexander]

Over 10 attempts to upgrade the girl's apartment has some rewiring issues. I challenge you to say that fast. Rewiring issues.

[Kim Coles]

Rewiring issues. Rewiring issues. Do you want to do it together?

[Erica Alexander]

Pretty good. Rewiring issues. Boom. That's called craft. This is one of the great guest stars.

[Kim Coles]

One of the great guest stars, the Isabelle Sanford. And to work and play with her was a delight. She's a goddess.

[Erica Alexander]

No. Emmy award winning Isabel Sanford. And you know her as Weezy on the Jeffersons. Joy.

[Kim Coles]

I love her.

[Erica Alexander]

It was a revolutionary show, the Jeffersons, because it showed. Talk about moving on up, right? They were moving on up to the east side.

[Kim Coles]

She was also in A guest who's coming to Dinner and on the Family, actually. She was a spinoff, right?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, she was a spin off, right.

[Kim Coles]

From all in the Family. The first black actress to win an Emmy award in comedy. Outstanding lead in comedy.

[Erica Alexander]

An outstanding lead in comedy.

[Kim Coles]

And then how long did it take for us to get another one?

[Erica Alexander]

40 years.

[Kim Coles]

40 years.

[Erica Alexander]

Quinta Brunson.

[Kim Coles]

Quinta Brunson. 40 years later.

[Erica Alexander]

That's what's up. Yeah. Yeah. But, yeah, the great Isabel Sanford is in there. And you got to play with her.

[Kim Coles]

I got to play with her. And I tell the story of me taking her over to the audience, you know, like, because our set was sort of off to the side. And I took her to the audience and said, everybody, do you all know who this is? This is the queen of comedy. She's, you know all these things. And all she said was, I did my best. Walk back to the set. I did my best. Thank you.

[Erica Alexander]

That's classy.

[Kim Coles]

Goddess. She's left us now, but she's still with us forevermore. And she's with us in this episode right now. So let's start watching the episode. Let's go.

[Isabel Sanford]

Flavor Magazine news and views for you to peruse. Okay. Please hold and be held by the soothing sounds of Ruth Van Drolls. Khadijah, it's Frank from the distributing company. I don't want to talk to that no butt ripoff artist.

[Kim Coles]

Hello, Khadijah, it's no, but Frank, got a minute?

[Isabel Sanford]

They put the speaker button and the whole button so close together.

[Erica Alexander]

Hey, Khadijah, finish filling out those papers. Thanks a lot. I won't let you down.

[Isabel Sanford]

That's why you got the job.

[Erica Alexander]

All right.

[Isabel Sanford]

You gave him a promotion.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Yay.

[Erica Alexander]

That scene is really about seeing who Sinclair is at work.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

She's not very efficient or competent at her job. She makes mistakes. Now, I'm not saying that she doesn't have her pluses, but right now in that scene, we're not seeing them.

[Kim Coles]

That's right, that's right. That's right.

[Erica Alexander]

You're a drag on the go.

[Kim Coles]

She's cheerfully making mistakes. And I just want to do a shout out that I got a chance to. I had opened for Luther Vandross for a while, and so to get a chance to shout him out, the soothing sounds of Luther Vandross, that felt like a little. Like a little wink to him.

[Erica Alexander]

The actor comes in and plays Jonathan. And he gets a promo. Right? Right. He gets a promo right in front of your face. Who was that? He looks like Luther Van Dress. Luther Van Dress was there, but he gets a promo right in front of your face. And that sets off.

[Kim Coles]

What's that all about? Right?

[Erica Alexander]

Your thoughts about, hey, man, hook me up. Yeah. I've been here working for you, messing things up. Promote me. So.

[Kim Coles]

But I also love that Sinclair realizes this and like, she goes in to demand something more. Like, she doesn't sit and just take it. She actually says, well, what about me?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

And then Khadijah, knowing her well enough to know you think about what you want and then come back, you gonna.

[Erica Alexander]

Have to decide what it is that you think that you want or why you want it.

[Kim Coles]

That's life's journey, isn't it? What do you want and why do you want it?

[Erica Alexander]

She also knows it's gonna take you till next year to come back with that. Very true, very true. You feel like she's justified to want to a promotion.

[Kim Coles]

I actually don't think she's ready for a promotion. She just is wondering why this guy got it over her and why aren't you? You know, I want something else. She knows she wants something else, but she doesn't know what it is.

[Isabel Sanford]

Just trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

[Erica Alexander]

Sinclair, it's easy. You pick something that you enjoy and you turn that into a career. Oh, Sinclair, come On now. What are your goals?

[Isabel Sanford]

Don't you have any dreams? Oh, I have dreams. I like to feed all the hungry children. I'd like to cure all the diseases that infect our trees. I'd like to be the office manager at a magazine. I'd like to. Hey, back up.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, there it is.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, my goodness.

[Kim Coles]

I'm finding my way.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, absolutely.

[Kim Coles]

We're seeing a little bit of the B story. You know, Overton is rewiring things and making things happen, which then causes the lights to blink. And we see.

[Erica Alexander]

See that?

[Kim Coles]

You know, Kyle comes in, and obviously he's had a shaving accident, you know.

[Erica Alexander]

But Sinclair is defeated, and she's angry, and she's discussing these life goals and two of her friends and they're gonna tell her about their career paths, right? And discuss it, and she's gotta figure out what she'd like to do. And she actually discovers. She says, I wanna be the office manager of a magazine.

[Kim Coles]

Right?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Like, it's true.

[Erica Alexander]

So it just comes to her while she's talking about saving trees and whatnot.

[Kim Coles]

But isn't that how it goes, though? Like, sometimes you don't know? Like, I know there's times in my life where I don't. And then through a series of reflective questions, and sometimes I'm asking them myself or I myself or I see it, or you, a friend. You have a conversation with a friend, and it can be brought forth for you. And so don't. Don't stop yourself if you need that help. Like, you think you got to figure it out yourself. And sometimes you need a little prompting.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, but sometimes if you talk to friends, they're the worst people to talk to because it can become competitive. You might feel a little jealous. Like, things seep in that may make you want or do things that may not necessarily be your thing. Like, girl, you got to go get yours.

[Kim Coles]

I get that. But the good news about that is that you then get to decipher that piece of advice is not for me. That's not for me. Sometimes you. Here's the thing in seeking what you do want, sometimes finding out what you don't want is just as good.

[Erica Alexander]

It's true.

[Kim Coles]

Come on.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, that was something that happened to me, actually, when I was in high school. Like, they would list, and this is how quickly things can, you know, sort of derail you.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

They put a list of where everyone was going after high school. And so many from Philadelphia High School for girls shout out. They were going to the military and they were going to be to officer training.

[Kim Coles]

Wow.

[Erica Alexander]

And I went down that afternoon and signed up for the Air Force.

[Kim Coles]

Really?

[Erica Alexander]

As a true story.

[Kim Coles]

It wasn't what you wanted, but you were.

[Erica Alexander]

I was compelled because I was sort of suddenly swayed by, you know, maybe the, you know, the ambitions of other people. Right. And thank God the recruiter, during that conversation, kind of figured that out and sort of maybe gave me an out. But I was there signing those papers to go there. My whole life would have been different if I had gone to the Air Force.

[Kim Coles]

Completely different.

[Erica Alexander]

So even though she doesn't know and she's a different age, we're right around that age where, as adults, we may be in jobs, but they may not be our permanent jobs. And if they are, do we want to be promoted inside of that? And she's sort of trying to figure this out.

[Kim Coles]

Right. There you go. Because you and the Air Force.

[Erica Alexander]

Fly the friendly skies. I would have been good at it. You actually would have been great at it. It would have been good. Are you kidding?

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

I can steer your plane.

[Kim Coles]

Yes.

[Erica Alexander]

I was hell on a skateboard. So it can't be that far off. You know what I mean?

[Kim Coles]

Right? Of course.

[Erica Alexander]

I've got skills.

[Isabel Sanford]

I want to be the office manager. Sinclair, you're not ready to run this office. I knew you were gonna say that. I called the printer and got him to make us a great deal. He's gonna charge us one third less per magazine, and all I had to do was order twice as many copies. Isn't that incredible? And responsible. We don't have the circulation to sell that many magazines. You know, you could be a little more supportive. I swear, if you weren't family. Yo, if I weren't family, what, you'd fire me, Sinclair. Well, you can't fire me. Cause I quit hanging.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, Lord.

[Kim Coles]

Well, I defend myself. I prepare. I love that. I go in with a plan. I take some initiative, talk to the printer. I make this great deal.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, but it ends up costing them money. You mess up again, it ends up costing money. And so that's not good. And she's mad. Khadijah's right to be mad.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

You didn't know what you didn't know.

[Kim Coles]

I don't know what I didn't know.

[Erica Alexander]

Right. So you know you are a nep. Ohio. And she accuses you of that.

[Kim Coles]

Are you a NEPA hire? Well, I'm an. I am a NEPO hire. Listen, I moved to New York to be with my cousin. Of course. To look after me and to make sure that I'm able to pay the rent. She gives me a job. So, yes, I'm a Nepo hire.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, but then as a Nepo hire, then you accuse her of keeping you down.

[Kim Coles]

That's right. She is keeping me down.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Even though I kind of messed things up and then I quit.

[Erica Alexander]

See? So you messing up things escalated very.

[Kim Coles]

Quickly to that scene. And it's pride and it's fire. And I wanted to quit before she fired me.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, you showed her.

[Kim Coles]

I showed her, stormed out.

[Erica Alexander]

Did Khadijah hurt herself, her business by hiring a cousin who may not be competent?

[Kim Coles]

Well, time will tell. I bring joy, but time will tell.

[Erica Alexander]

She just did. The printer.

[Kim Coles]

No, the printer. I don't know how long she. Sinclair, has actually been working there, but obviously she's been making these mistakes over and over and over.

[Erica Alexander]

And she's been protecting you, she's been protecting Sinclair.

[Kim Coles]

She has.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. I don't think you can make those kind of mistakes anywhere else and keep a job. Oh, no. Unless you're in the White House. That part. Hello. I said it.

[Isabel Sanford]

I am proud to announce that I am no longer working for the oppressive management of Flavor magazine. I'm also scared to announce that I'm unemployed and broke.

[Erica Alexander]

Maybe you'd like to be a handyman's apprentice.

[Isabel Sanford]

I'd look terrible in a tool belt.

[Erica Alexander]

Is there anything I can do?

[Isabel Sanford]

Well, my resume looks a little skimpy. Can you guys take a look and see what you think? Well, girl, here's your problem. All this stuff is true. You got to be creative.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. You see here where it says you were a cashier?

[Isabel Sanford]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

[Erica Alexander]

You were a retail services output processor.

[Isabel Sanford]

And here, phones and sales. Telecommunications market researcher.

[Kim Coles]

I'm liking that. The writing and the timing, you see.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, there's the great Kim Fields. The great Kim Field dressed like Madame Butterfly.

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

What is she dressed? What is she dressed? That's how she rolls in her house. Love it.

[Kim Coles]

Love it. I love how we weave Overton into this conversation. And he's, you know, he's also dropping the bombs. Like, you know, the other day we talked about Cress Williams being Queen Latifah's comedy king. I get my own king.

[Erica Alexander]

You get your sitcom king there.

[Kim Coles]

Nobody better than John to deliver that.

[Erica Alexander]

Absolutely. And they're all trying to help this jobless woman, Right. Figure out her plan to get a.

[Kim Coles]

New job and finesse her resume and very creatively. Have you ever lied on a resume?

[Erica Alexander]

No, cannot. I've only acted in my life. And you either did it or you didn't? Right. If you say you worked at Public Theater, they can know.

[Kim Coles]

You know, there's plenty of actors who do that.

[Erica Alexander]

Who I know. And I have beef up there.

[Kim Coles]

Neither was I. I couldn't. I did that. But I did.

[Erica Alexander]

I. Whoa, here it comes. See, anytime she starts stuttering. Yeah, I did.

[Kim Coles]

I never lied on my resume, but I may have had a fake manager call people and have me booked. Okay. Her name was Diane Bryant. Hi. Hi there. This is Diane Bryant of Just for Laughs. And I have a wonderful comedian I want to send your way. Her name is Kim Coles. She's gorgeous and she's funny. And I want to send you her VHS tape and her resume and her picture. I'm telling you, you're going to fall in love. I will have my messenger drop off the information. Thank you. I'm looking forward to a call from you. All right. You take care now. Wait. The messenger was my ex husband. He would go and deliver the package to get me seen and heard and. Yeah. Thank you. Bravo.

[Erica Alexander]

Bravo.

[Kim Coles]

Right, so not all.

[Erica Alexander]

This kid has skills.

[Kim Coles]

You gotta, you gotta.

[Erica Alexander]

You know what? I'm really impressed by that. Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

You should be.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, I might be having to do some of that myself.

[Kim Coles]

Ingenuity.

[Erica Alexander]

I'm dead serious.

[Kim Coles]

You take the reins of your own career.

[Erica Alexander]

Absolutely.

[Kim Coles]

It got me in the door. And then of course I showed up and would audition and do a good job or whatever.

[Erica Alexander]

But yeah, if you cannot show that you got the receipts, you know what I mean?

[Kim Coles]

Right.

[Erica Alexander]

Then they won't hire you. So it's not your, it's not extraordinary that people do it well, you know.

[Kim Coles]

And then there's also the rule, especially in show business. They say if they ask if you can do something, say yes and then go learn how to do. And so I think this could relate to people in all kinds of jobs, like just be curious and be ready to learn the skills you need to have in order to get and, or keep the job.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, well, one time, I mean, just really quickly, they, they wanted to know if I, I, I ever worked with snakes and that would be a no. Sometimes you don't pay off. Don't lie. Don't get on there and tell when. I'll make friends with the snake when I get there. No, you won't.

[Kim Coles]

No, no, we won't. It will not turn out well.

[Erica Alexander]

You're not gonna do it right.

[Isabel Sanford]

Please, please don't say it. Don't say, don't call us. We'll call you.

[Kim Coles]

We'll Keep in touch. Yes. Good morning, Yanetta.

[Isabel Sanford]

Welcome to flavor.

[Erica Alexander]

I prefer Mrs. Ryan in the workplace.

[Isabel Sanford]

We're pretty informal around here.

[Erica Alexander]

Mrs. Ryan.

[Isabel Sanford]

Okay, Mrs. Ryan. Is there any mail?

[Erica Alexander]

Initial here, please. Excuse me? Nothing leaves my desk unless it's signed out.

[Isabel Sanford]

But it's my mail.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, dear. Sign here, please. Flavor. Hold, please. Will there be anything else?

[Isabel Sanford]

Well, maybe you can answer the phone.

[Erica Alexander]

With a little more warmth. Of course, Flavor. Yay.

[Kim Coles]

All right, so I go on a.

[Erica Alexander]

Job interview, but it was horrible. You just. You did a bad thing.

[Kim Coles]

You pulled it together. Do you see how professional I looked?

[Erica Alexander]

I was bombed. You looked amazing, and then you bombed. But you know what I really love?

[Kim Coles]

What do you love?

[Erica Alexander]

When you grab the.

[Kim Coles]

Whatever it was.

[Erica Alexander]

Whatever it was and start acting like you're on a mic. Clean up on aisle five. You know, and you're going just.

[Kim Coles]

I want to show that. Cause I'm just like, look at me. I was really good at it. Hair. Yeah, right.

[Erica Alexander]

Just don't go crazy.

[Kim Coles]

Just taking the moment, taking the energy and trying to make it work. Trying to make him fall in love with me so that he would hire me for whatever it was. I was going.

[Erica Alexander]

But you wouldn't even talk about your past work experience.

[Kim Coles]

No, I would not. Yeah, because you're not gonna get the job.

[Erica Alexander]

No, you're not. No. Meanwhile, back at flavor, we got Mrs. Ryan, and she's at your desk. And there's the great Isabel Sanford, and she's flava flavor answering the phone, and I love that. As deadpan as possible.

[Kim Coles]

As time. As deadpan as possible. And that comedy timing, of course. And that smile. Or is it a smile or more like a grimace?

[Erica Alexander]

It's a grimace because she can't smile. She. Her smile doesn't touch her eyes, nor her heart.

[Kim Coles]

And it doesn't touch our heart either. Nor does it touch Khadijah's heart, because she's paying attention. Like, oh, yeah, that's much better.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, you know, when you gone, you can see what you're missing. You can't. Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone? Come on.

[Kim Coles]

The great Joni Mitchell never lied.

[Erica Alexander]

They never lied. There she is, gone. You know what? By the way, Mrs. Ryan is her name, but her first name is Yunetta, and that's what Khadijah calls her. And why is that important?

[Kim Coles]

Unetta, I believe at the time of this episode, has been brought in by Yvette as a black female writer. Because there weren't that Many black females writing in the industry. Yunetta is now being brought in to work with yvette and be her, you know, right hand and did so well as her mentee that she went on to do her own show.

[Erica Alexander]

She went on to do her own show.

[Kim Coles]

Went on to do her own show. One on one.

[Erica Alexander]

One on one.

[Kim Coles]

And both of us got hired for.

[Erica Alexander]

One on one to do guest stars on one on one.

[Kim Coles]

So she's no longer with us on this physical plane.

[Erica Alexander]

Rest in power.

[Kim Coles]

But we got to meet her in the beginning of this part of her career because I don't know what she had come to living single with, but we know that she moved on and.

[Erica Alexander]

Did great and shout out to yvette leigh bowser. Cause she did that consistently. She created opportunities for other writers, especially writers of color, who not only went on to do their own shows, but then obviously that brought a lot of great wealth into our community. So, you know, it's a win win situation.

[Kim Coles]

So she's being honored here by giving her name.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes, her name. There she is, Arnetta immortalized inside of this when she comes in and says, yunetta, good morning. And she goes, Mrs. Ryan.

[Kim Coles]

I prefer Mrs. Ryan in the workplace.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes. And so there you are.

[Kim Coles]

Brilliant.

[Isabel Sanford]

Hey, guess what? I got a job.

[Erica Alexander]

So I see. Hey, has anyone asked you why you crossed the road today?

[Isabel Sanford]

Party. Har har.

[Erica Alexander]

I'm laughing.

[Kim Coles]

For your.

[Isabel Sanford]

FYI, I am a turkey, not a chicken. Hey, hey, either way, girl, you are.

[Erica Alexander]

Poultry with a paycheck.

[Isabel Sanford]

Yes, and there's more. I only worked four hours. Then they promoted me to the assistant manager. Sounds like things are working out pretty well for the both of us. My new assistant, I can't say enough about it. Let me tell you. At the turkey hut, I'm climbing to the top. Sinclair, you really happy? Y Leaving flavor was the best thing I could have done for myself at the turkey hut. I rediscovered something I was beginning to lose my dignity.

[Kim Coles]

Good night, all.

[Erica Alexander]

Whenever you do that walk, kim, whenever you do that walk, we know that some funny is coming.

[Kim Coles]

I am following the footsteps of everybody who ever, ever, ever did that. And a little side note about that costume. So first of all, you said to me while we were watching it, who did I look like?

[Erica Alexander]

To me, you look like a cross between, like, Betty crocker and somebody who works at denny's.

[Kim Coles]

Okay, true.

[Erica Alexander]

You know, you got a bird on.

[Kim Coles]

I got a bird on my head, actually.

[Erica Alexander]

That hat is fly as hell.

[Kim Coles]

It's incredible. It's incredible.

[Erica Alexander]

It was made for that. Stadiums you paint that green. Go, Eagles.

[Kim Coles]

The thing you go, and here's my little secret about that, is I wanted the wings to be able to move. So one of the reasons why I'm being so physical is I'm trying to get the wings to move. They don't move it. They flap just a little bit. So when I take it, I put it back on and do that. I'm like, I want the wings to move. And they couldn't make them move the way I wanted them to.

[Erica Alexander]

I was going to make it work. Oh, I just thought you had developed a tick. Well, there you go.

[Kim Coles]

It's comedy. It's comedy. It's comedy. It's comedy. You could see that Khadijah doesn't want Sinclair to know that. Maybe she's not so happy with this new hire.

[Erica Alexander]

No, she misses her cousin.

[Kim Coles]

She misses her cousin.

[Erica Alexander]

She can't admit that.

[Kim Coles]

And I've got my pride, too. Down at the church. They're about to promote me there, too.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, well, you come home and you're bragging that not only did you get this job, you got promoted within four hours.

[Kim Coles]

Come on. At the Turkey Hut. Is that the Turkey Hut?

[Erica Alexander]

No. Somebody quit and you took their job. Probably. Hi, Khadijah.

[Kim Coles]

Ms. James.

[Erica Alexander]

I can't find the power supply correspondent's file anywhere.

[Isabel Sanford]

Here you go.

[Erica Alexander]

I've been trying to figure out your filing system. It's not chronological. It's not alphabetical. What is it?

[Isabel Sanford]

It's emotional friend. You know that much about how I feel? Well, I was thinking maybe if things don't work out at Turkey Hutch, you could come back here on a trial basis. Are you offering me a job?

[Erica Alexander]

Are you saying you want a job?

[Isabel Sanford]

Are you saying you give me more responsibility? A raise and a title? How does Vice President of Inter Office affairs sound? Sounds good.

[Kim Coles]

Well, I go to the office to collect my belongings.

[Erica Alexander]

Yep.

[Kim Coles]

And I'm happy. I'm like, hey, Khadijah. Hi.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. But then you meet Mrs. Ryan. Yes. And she is not happy. She's happy to see you.

[Kim Coles]

Not at all.

[Erica Alexander]

She's like, listen, this is official. You can go.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, but we learned that only Sinclair understood understands the filing system. We learn that we now know that there is something that she does. Right. We don't understand.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, there's a method to her madness. Right. I mean, she's locked in on a system that she has custom made for her cousin that's anchored to Khadijah's moods.

[Kim Coles]

And isn't that valuable?

[Erica Alexander]

Well, it is, because I Think maybe what happened is Khadijah is now seeing that you pay attention. Yes. And that there are things that happen in that office because you are balancing the mood. You're the vibes watcher.

[Kim Coles]

Ding, ding, ding.

[Erica Alexander]

Come on, let's get that. And that sort of says, you know, this clever system that you created is valuable, and therefore you are. And she wants you back.

[Kim Coles]

She wants me back?

[Erica Alexander]

The cousins want to be back together.

[Kim Coles]

Of course we do.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. Plus, you want to get rid of Mrs. Ryan. It was a straight drag. So she rehires you.

[Kim Coles]

She rehires me and gives me a promotion, you know.

[Erica Alexander]

She didn't give you no raise.

[Kim Coles]

No, no.

[Erica Alexander]

So she gave you a paint job.

[Kim Coles]

Well, but that's the negotiation. Not a new chassis. It's a negotiation. It's like, I'll take that because now I feel as if I'm getting respected.

[Erica Alexander]

There you go.

[Kim Coles]

I don't get a raise, but I get at.

[Erica Alexander]

And then your first duty after that is go. And I take the initiative to fire.

[Kim Coles]

Mrs. Ryan, which is something I think I would want to do, like. Oh, I don't want to fire that lady. No, no, no. Let me show you that. Let me show that the confidence you've placed in me is well placed.

[Erica Alexander]

So the cousins are back together, and it is what it is, and. Yeah. Nice.

[Kim Coles]

How do you think Sinclair felt to be rehired this time with a promotion?

[Erica Alexander]

Well, I think she did right by her, I think. But I also think that the fact that she, Mrs. Ryan, means that she's not serious about making it to the top.

[Kim Coles]

Well, maybe she wants to make it to the top, but this time with family. This is the reverb. Our time to reflect on the episode's themes and how they still echo throughout the culture. And now it's time for the reverb, and we're gonna talk about nepotism.

[Erica Alexander]

Kim, what is nepotism?

[Kim Coles]

Oh, I have a description here for you. Right here.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, do say.

[Kim Coles]

Nepotism is the act of granting favors, jobs, or privileges to relatives, regardless of their qualifications, often due to a personal relationship or power dynamic.

[Erica Alexander]

Wow. Okay. Right. So, Kim, based on that definition, ask me that question again.

[Kim Coles]

Erica, what is nepotism?

[Erica Alexander]

Hollywood. Hollywood. Hollywood is nepotism.

[Kim Coles]

It is 100% true. We see it all the time.

[Erica Alexander]

All the time. You know what's so funny? Because I've come up against it. We talk about nepotism, and it's all around. I mean, it's just how the world works. We say Hollywood, but it's a Corporate structure.

[Kim Coles]

Oh, very much so, yes.

[Erica Alexander]

Some people do have the correct family members that know how to navigate it.

[Kim Coles]

And that's the upside. Sometimes it does work out, right?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah, it does, absolutely.

[Kim Coles]

I'm always delighted during the Golden Globes where they have, you know, the kid handing out the awards are the offspring of someone in the business and they announce them as Mr. Or Ms. You know, golden Globes.

[Erica Alexander]

Golden Globes. Those are legacy players that have been there and then suddenly their children have grown up enough to sort of usher you know, the talent on and off. And it's actually a beautiful thing. And I love that.

[Kim Coles]

Well, speaking of this, I have a personal experience with working with family and seeing nepotism work up close and not working out so well. So I had a job. One of my last jobs before coming into show business was working for Barney's New York. Barneys New York is the great store that has, I think it's now close. There may be a couple of locations now, but it was just one store at the time. It was a menswear store. And I worked across the street as an import coordinator. Very fancy, like my resume. So I was the import coordinator, which meant that my job was to check with customs to make sure the samples came in and the shipments came in fine. Wow, how do you put that? So the granddaughter of Barney came in and she was demanding that I get her shipments out of customs. Well, I can't make us. I did not have that power. And I let her know, like, no, I can't help you. But she wasn't really listening to me because she was someone who spent a lot of time, you know, down on 10th Avenue hanging out with, you know, folks, doing heron and whatnot. I, I, I, I don't say she.

[Erica Alexander]

Was a party girl.

[Kim Coles]

She was a party girl.

[Erica Alexander]

Allegedly.

[Kim Coles]

Allegedly. And so she let me know that she was going to make sure that she was going to let me go. Her granddaddy let me go. What she didn't know is I had put in my two weeks notice already because my career was taken off and I couldn't work a full time job anymore. And so she did not know, right. I'd already put in my two week notice. So when she went and tried to get me fired, it was like, oh no, she's already leaving. But they still needed me to train the new guy. So they let me stay on to train the new guy and then I was let go after that week. I did one week. I was training him up, not know. I was like, I got two weeks to get him ready. They felt he was ready enough and then they let me go. So in the end, we each had a little bit of a power struggle and she let me. They let me go.

[Erica Alexander]

I know. I liked how you one upped her.

[Kim Coles]

I did. Make sure you took. I've already put in my two week notice.

[Erica Alexander]

I know. That's right. The ancestors were happy with that.

[Kim Coles]

They were like, no, we need her. She's really good. I trained the guy. They let me go after a week.

[Erica Alexander]

Isn't that funny? You're happy that you trained the guy that replaced you? Often was so happy that, yeah, I left, I was fired. But I trained the person that came.

[Kim Coles]

After me because the job still needed to get done.

[Erica Alexander]

Of course.

[Kim Coles]

Wow.

[Erica Alexander]

You know?

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, that's not. That's funny, isn't it?

[Erica Alexander]

We're worker bees. Worker bees, yeah.

[Kim Coles]

But I left with, listen, she may not have had a good taste in my mouth. She may not have had a good taste in her mouth, mostly because of all the drinking and drugging she was doing. But I left the company.

[Erica Alexander]

Allegedly.

[Kim Coles]

Allegedly. But I left the company with a good taste in their mouth about me.

[Erica Alexander]

Although you never returned to there except the shop often. Come on.

[Kim Coles]

Once I had the ducats. Remember when they built the store in Beverly Hills, they had the staircase. I would go up on the staircase and think, I used to work here in the office and now I'm buying all the things.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

And charging up my car, but that's another story.

[Erica Alexander]

And losing all our generational wealth.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

Shopping for someone.

[Kim Coles]

Purses and shoes.

[Erica Alexander]

Someone who didn't need it.

[Kim Coles]

No. Right.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, it is what it is. You know, by the way, you know, that also shows that there can be those horrible times where family comes in and suddenly, you know, you're in their sort of special privileged world. But, you know, there's a lot of good things that happen when you work with family, like trust and love. You know, sometimes they have the same DNA as you. So there's a special craftsmansh that you can pass on to your son or daughter that just runs in your family. Like Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas.

[Kim Coles]

Like Chip Fields, Chip Feels and Kim Fields.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, look. And also the other thing is, when family works together, they're on the payroll. You know, they're kind of tied and tethered together. So we don't go up with the tide or go down with the ship. Up with the tide or down with the ship punches. Because when there's a downturn, you don't necessarily have to take. You could say no, I'm here and that's family. So there's all sorts of good things. And it's a human instinct for survival to choose people who can help and, or not harm you. And that's really all we're talking about. Nepotism really is. It's got a bad connotation. But I think what it is ultimately is that human beings survived out of, you know, hiring their tribe, keeping it in the tribe.

[Kim Coles]

Have you ever hired a family member?

[Erica Alexander]

No, not officially. Well, you know, not like that. You know, honestly.

[Kim Coles]

What about your niece? She played the music for you?

[Erica Alexander]

She played the music for me when I got Storyteller of the year from the mall. But no, I mean, that was a gig and it was. Yeah. So yeah, I've worked with family. Yes. But I don't think hired in the way that they're talking about here.

[Kim Coles]

What are you talking about here?

[Erica Alexander]

Okay, yeah, I would do it again. Cause the result is very good.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

But then also it can kind of get weird because you can't then demand to your family, look, man, I told you that needed that on Tuesday. Like, there's no hr.

[Kim Coles]

There's no HR at all.

[Erica Alexander]

No, you can't whip them, but you.

[Kim Coles]

Can'T beat your employees either.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, the point is that I didn't have any leverage over family. I didn't have the leverage that I needed. And so I think that that's the problem. And over friends and family, you gotta all want the end goal just as much together. Got it. I mean, so there's a certain type of nepotism. You hire your tribe and that's a cool thing. But for black people, it's not just an act of survival. It was part of segregation. We weren't allowed to sort of visit the stores or create industry or entrepreneur ventures in other neighborhoods. And so in that way, I think that it's been self sustainable organic growth. And I think that it's very healthy. It's what we need in order to have kind of restitution and reparations within our, within our own community. And you know, you know, the other day I actually met someone who was. His name was Thelonious Monk. And I thought, oh, he was just named that. I said, you know, I just did, you know, American fiction. And they had the lead character, Jeffrey Wright's character was named Thelonious. And he goes, well, I'm Thelonious Monk iv. If you could have seen my mouth drop, that I was looking at the great, great, great, great grandson of the fourth Thelonious Monk. And right there, I can tell you that I have always thought that if you. And just speaking to my people, that if you see these people who are the sons and daughters of so many people who have created the way for us, that I am obligated to help them. Of course. I don't even care if they need my help or want it. I said to him, thelonious, look, here, take my number. If there's anything that you ever think I can do for you, please call me so I can pay tribute to your grandfathers and your. Who have created such a great legacy. The jazz legacy is what built America. It's just a wonderful thing. And he took it and we had a conversation, and I was happy. And I do that for anybody, son or daughter. And I think we should all, you know, make sure that their family members are taken care of when we can. Of course. As tribute. To pay tribute to them. You saw that how I.

[Kim Coles]

Yes, I felt the drama. Absolutely.

[Erica Alexander]

And then kiss up. That's right.

[Kim Coles]

Bow down. Kiss up.

[Erica Alexander]

Right. And it's good karma.

[Kim Coles]

It is.

[Erica Alexander]

It is. Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

Okay. Every time you hear any of the Loneliest Monks music, it will be wafting the.

[Erica Alexander]

I got you.

[Kim Coles]

Thank you for. I got you. Great, great, great, great, great grandson.

[Erica Alexander]

Yes.

[Kim Coles]

All right, all right. It is now time for my very favorite part of the show, It's True Blue, where we hear from you, the fans, the friends. The friends. So I know that Amber has something for us to hear or see from one of you. What you got, Amber?

[Erica Alexander]

This is from Shania Taylor, and she says that I have always valued my friendships with my girls. As an adult, my closest friends no longer live. Close watching, or should I say rewatching the show makes me reminisce on the times with my girls in our younger years. My question is, did any of you actually live with a roommate or roommates as a younger? And if so, were any of your roommates similar to any of the characters on the show? That's a good question.

[Kim Coles]

It is for me. No, no, I. My first roommate. Well, I had a roommate.

[Erica Alexander]

All your roommates was your boyfriends.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, exactly.

[Erica Alexander]

That's our roommates.

[Kim Coles]

Roommates were husbands. I had a roommate in college, but that was.

[Erica Alexander]

It's called a roommate with benefits. Right, exactly.

[Kim Coles]

A roommate in college. But it was so brief and I dropped out of that college immediately. So. Yeah, no, my first roommate was my husband and we lived with my mother in law.

[Erica Alexander]

Oh, wow.

[Kim Coles]

I had two roommates and they were.

[Erica Alexander]

Sounds like a sitcom.

[Kim Coles]

It really was nothing like the rest of my roommates here on this show.

[Erica Alexander]

So, you know, we talked about my first boyfriend, Richard Lyons on here. And so that would have been my first roommate. And Richard Whiten. Richard White and Rich. Richard Whiten. Big Rich. We called him big rich.

[Kim Coles]

Big Rich.

[Erica Alexander]

I called him Fred for Frederick because they were both Richard. And so when I'd say rich, they'd both say, what? And I'd say, no, both of y' all can't be rich. So then I started calling him Fred, his middle name. We actually had a fantastic dynamic.

[Kim Coles]

You really did.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, you know, come on. They're very handsome. Here we are in Brooklyn and I've got these beautiful, handsome dudes that I always was arriving with.

[Kim Coles]

Always protecting you.

[Erica Alexander]

Always protecting you.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, it was a good look.

[Erica Alexander]

It was a good look. It was a good look. And Richard Whiten couldn't have been sweeter. And he was always working out, you know, Rich. I mean, he was like all buff.

[Kim Coles]

We call him big Rich for a reason.

[Erica Alexander]

And so we lived together in my first apartment that I bought. And it was. It was one of those four, like those co ops.

[Kim Coles]

Uh huh. Uh huh.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. And it was a two room, two bathroom, fireplace, backyard.

[Kim Coles]

What?

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah.

[Kim Coles]

You gave that. You still have it.

[Erica Alexander]

They stayed when I went to LA to do a living single. They stayed and then they slowly moved. And then I rented it out to their friends, a friend. And then they stopped paying rent. I had to go to court. And it was messed up. I went to court and the judge looked at me and said, I recognize you.

[Kim Coles]

I remember this story.

[Erica Alexander]

Remember that?

[Kim Coles]

I didn't remember what it was about.

[Erica Alexander]

It was horrible. He said, I recognize you. You're that girl. You on that show he's talking about Cosby show. Cousin Pam. I said, yes, sir, cousin Pam. I just. Okay. I just want you to know you ain't gonna get no special treatment. It's a black judge. The point is, I said it was my money or my time. I decided to pay my money and get out of that. Get that thing and got rid of and sold the co op. The people are still there and it's now more than. It's. What did I get that for? 89,000. It was worth. It's now worth like over a million dollars.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Erica Alexander]

So my roommates ended up making me sell my place. Cause they. I didn't. Word to the mother.

[Kim Coles]

Wow.

[Erica Alexander]

Figure that out.

[Kim Coles]

Sorry.

[Erica Alexander]

Yeah. None of my roommates would like the characters in the show. No. And I don't think I would want to live with the characters in the show. Nor would I. Yeah, no, I'm good.

[Kim Coles]

I'm good, too.

[Erica Alexander]

I mean, it's fun to visit with them, but do you want to live with Regean? No, maybe not. You know what? I take that back. I wouldn't mind living with the Khadijah character. She got her stuff together, okay. She gets up and she goes to work, and that's it. You, unfortunately, as Sinclair, meaning you're Sinclair. That's too much. You know, wild. You know, that's the wild West. I don't need.

[Kim Coles]

Would be a joyful household.

[Erica Alexander]

Trolls and stuff. It would be joyful, but then, you know, I'd go and. And open up the refrigerator and you'd have trolls in there.

[Kim Coles]

No fun.

[Erica Alexander]

No. But you wouldn't want Max as a roommate.

[Kim Coles]

No, I wouldn't want Max as a roommate because she's too hungry. She would eat up all the food. She would eat up all the food and never gain a pound. And that would be a problem for me. How did you do it? I can't wait to talk about that on this show.

[Erica Alexander]

That's hateration.

[Kim Coles]

Just. No, it was real. Like how your body type, you just have a great metabolism and could eat and never gain a pound. That would be a problem for me.

[Erica Alexander]

Also, Max may have a great metabolism, but Erica worked out the entire time, every day with a trainer. I don't want anybody to think that that was extraordinary. Actually worked for that body.

[Kim Coles]

Well, there you have it. Don't forget to send in your questions or comments to reliving single podcastartbeat.com I hope the answer did not disappoint you. Good luck.

[Erica Alexander]

Well, that's it, y'. All. Thank you so much for your continued support, your love. We are truly humbled by all the letters, the DMs, all the videos. Thank you.

[Kim Coles]

Yeah, we sure do love it. So make sure you follow us on all the socials at Reliving Single Podcast and. Or listen and. Or watch us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. All the places where you find the podcast. We are there and we will see you all next week.

[Erica Alexander]

Reliving Single is hosted by me, Erica Alexander, and me, Kim Cole. Reliving Single is a production of Heartbeat in association with Color Farm Media Executive.

[Kim Coles]

Produced by Kevin Hart, Jeff Clanagan, Eric Eddings, Leslie Guam, Erica Alexander and Ben Arnon.

[Erica Alexander]

The show is produced by Kim Coles.

[Kim Coles]

Amber Watson is our senior producer.

[Erica Alexander]

Our associate producer is Kenny Jackson.

[Kim Coles]

Our video editor is Nee Kirschman.

[Erica Alexander]

Our sound engineers are Eric Hicks and Cedric Wilson.

[Kim Coles]

Production supervision by Razak Boykin and Brett Calkins.

[Erica Alexander]

Additional production support from Alex Atkins and Z. Taylor.

[Kim Coles]

Special thanks to BK Augustine and Dr. E.J. johnson.

[Isabel Sanford]

With the American Express Gold Card, I.

[Erica Alexander]

Can earn four times Membership Rewards points at US Supermarket markets.

[Kim Coles]

So with all these groceries, I'm also getting points. Learn [e-mail] US Explore Gold Terms and Points Cap Apply.