Tamron Hall

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim" – Tamron Hall

Podcast: Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim
Host: Ego Nwodim
Guest: Tamron Hall
Date: November 4, 2025
Episode: Tamron Hall (Season 2)

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Overview

This heartfelt, funny episode features acclaimed talk show host Tamron Hall in conversation with Ego Nwodim. The two discuss everything from food adventures and parenting, to boundaries and career, ultimately centering on what it means to grow, claim space, and love fiercely as women and mothers. The episode is punctuated by honest stories, empowering advice, and mutual admiration, wrapped up with Tamron giving sage wisdom to a young listener.

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Main Themes

• Building identity and autonomy for oneself and one’s children
• Embracing boundaries in family, work, and life
• The role of resilience, friendship, and supporting women
• Revealing moments of truth in relationships
• Navigating public and private life as mothers and public figures

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catching Up and Friendship Chemistry

Timestamps: 00:47 – 04:53

• Ego and Tamron reminisce about meeting at a warm women’s networking dinner, comparing the evening to a "Brown Girl Sex and the City" outing.
  • Memorable moment: Shopping for vintage Levi's jeans from the 70s; both have wardrobe malfunction stories, bonding over their 'keeping it real' approach.
  • Tamron (01:37): "My son Moses is here because today they're out of school and my childcare situation crumbled, like my relaxer."
• They discuss the challenge of parenting and balancing fabulous, public lives with humbling mishaps (e.g., popped buttons after trips to Paris).

2. Food Lovers’ Joy & Philosophy

Timestamps: 03:11 – 06:44

• Both are passionate about food, with Ego meticulously researching menus and reviews, Tamron preferring the surprise and instinct, skeptical of reviews:
  • Ego (05:13): "I want every meal I have to be amazing... that's what I do in my free time. It's not scrolling social media, it's looking up food."
  • Tamron (05:55): "I'm suspicious of reviews in general… I need to feel it."
• They share stories of memorable meals (e.g., Dan Dan noodles in Paris; curry goat in NYC), finessing between carefully curated experiences and delighted discovery.

3. Games, Parenting Styles, and Fun at Home

Timestamps: 06:44 – 13:55

• Monopoly wars: Tamron describes her son Moses as a Monopoly prodigy, raising him in “warrior sport” family game nights.
• Ego jokes about losing all board games except deception-based ones.
  • Notable anecdote: Both have appeared—and flopped—on game shows (Wheel of Fortune, Celebrity Jeopardy, Is It Cake?), sharing how they handle public failure.
  • Tamron (08:38): "That's why I refuse. I was on Family Feud with Stephen A. Smith, and we won handedly… he got zero points and learned about being a sore loser."
• Parenting insights: Tamron insists on teaching Moses real competition, referencing a “Michael Jordan school of thought”: “Once you beat me, you know you're a winner, right?” (12:40)

4. Motherhood, Public Life, and Setting Boundaries

Timestamps: 13:55 – 21:57

• Tamron reflects on having her son at 48 and learning to blend ambitious work with motherhood.
  • Tamron (14:51): "Whether you work in or out of the home or whatever your journey is, is your journey… For me, the journey is working outside of the home and him being a part of it."
• Navigating privacy: Tamron shares her evolving stance on sharing her son on social media and the show's audience's interest in Moses.
• Managing boundaries at work and home:
  • Setting email boundaries for herself and team, no longer signaling all-nighters are expected just because her name is on the door.
  • Unique insight: Her mother, linked to a camera in Moses’s room from Texas, struggles with boundaries, prompting family discussions around privacy and autonomy.

5. Parenting and Childhood Lessons

Timestamps: 21:57 – 30:13

• Tamron describes her own childhood growing up in Texas, raised by a young single mother and later her stepfather (“the dad God meant for me to have”).
  • Encouraged to be adventurous and independent, but never tolerated bullies or bullying others.
• Family’s code: Defend yourself if targeted, but don’t start fights.
  • Tamron (24:39): “You’re gonna go out there and you’re gonna either fight me or fight them… Because we can’t have this. You gotta stand up for yourself."
• She relates stories of standing up to bullies, being suspended, and her family’s focus on kindness, advocacy, and holding on to lifelong friendships.

6. Authentic Female Friendship & Support

Timestamps: 30:13 – 32:23

• Both reflect on meeting at a women’s empowerment event orchestrated by Emma Grede and how rare it is to find a women’s space that’s genuinely warm, not competitive.
• Ego describes being empowered by Tamron’s presence and wisdom; Tamron describes their bond as “moth to flame”, despite both being "socially awkward."

7. Major Relationship Epiphanies

Timestamps: 32:57 – 41:37

• The Drowning Test: Both share stories of romantic partners failing at vital moments:
  • Tamron recounts a parasailing accident in Cozumel where her then-fiancé did not help, prompting her to end the relationship.
    Tamron (33:17): “They jumped in, though, at least saved me, pulled me… And I just looked… up at that man saying, as soon as we get back to Chicago—it’s over.”
  • Ego tells her own similar story in Lake Como, helped by strangers not her partner, and feeling convicted after hearing Tamron tell her story—leading to her own breakup.
  • Ego (37:17): “I broke up with someone because of Tamron Hall, y’all… Let the record stay.”
• They discuss knowing “the right person”: Tamron believes it’s about watching their actions in challenging circumstances versus waiting for a gut feeling.

8. Finding True Partnership & Self

Timestamps: 38:33 – 41:56

• Tamron met her husband during a vulnerable career moment, and through his “rooting for her” learned what true partnership means.
  • Tamron (41:44): “That feeling of God, this person really wants me to win… That’s what it is. Because as a result, they become for you.”
• Reflections on balancing career ambition, independence, and nourishing love and friendships (“love ships”).

9. Celebrations and Mutual Admiration

Timestamps: 42:14 – 43:41

• Both exchange genuine, heartfelt compliments:
  • Tamron (43:32): “You are my Beyonce.”
  • Ego expresses being “so honored to know” Tamron; Tamron reciprocates by highlighting Ego’s energy and impact.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Tamron (01:37): “My childcare situation crumbled, like my relaxer.”
• Ego (05:13): “Every meal I have has to be amazing… it’s not scrolling social media, it’s looking up food.”
• Tamron (12:40): “I have the Michael Jordan school of thought. Once you beat me, you know, you’re a winner, right?”
• Tamron (14:51): “For me, the journey is working outside of the home and him being a part of it.”
• Tamron (24:39): “You’re gonna go out there and you’re gonna either fight me or fight them… Because we can’t have this. You gotta stand up for yourself.”
• Ego (37:17): “I broke up with someone because of Tamron Hall, y’all… Let the record stay.”
• Tamron (41:44): “That feeling of God, this person really wants me to win… That’s what it is.”
• Tamron (43:32): “You are my Beyonce.”

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Listener Advice Segment

Timestamps: 44:13 – 47:21

Listener Question: A middle schooler asks how to tell a teacher their questions are poorly worded, without getting in trouble.

Tamron’s Advice (45:20):

• “I believe in killing with kindness. I think you say, ‘Thank you so much, Mrs. Jones, for that feedback. But if you could help me understand it, I think I can get what you want.’ … You wanna work it, right? Like Missy Elliott: work it and reverse it.”
• She encourages politeness, seeking clarification, and using a bit of charm/manipulation to preserve the relationship while advocating for oneself.
• Key point: Learning to manage ‘up’ with respect is a skill that will benefit for life.

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Conclusion & Tone

The episode is a blend of vulnerability, candor, and sisterhood, filled with laughter and genuine emotional notes. Both women reflect a down-to-earth warmth and candor that makes even serious topics engaging — from boundaries and bullying to relationship red flags.

Final spirit:
Deep appreciation, joy, and honesty — two phenomenal women affirming each other and their listeners.

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Listen for These Key Segments

• Food philosophies & favorite meals: 03:11 – 06:44
• Board games, game show fails, and family dynamics: 06:44 – 13:55
• Motherhood, sharing kids' lives publicly: 13:55 – 21:57
• Stand up to bullies, family mantras: 23:05 – 30:13
• Epiphanies in relationships—the “drowning test”: 32:57 – 41:37
• Listener advice: How to approach a teacher (with Missy Elliott reference!): 44:13 – 46:45

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For more episodes, subscribe to Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim from iHeartPodcasts and Big Money Players.

Transcript

[A]

Limu Emu and Doug.

[B]

Here we have the Limu Emu in.

[A]

Its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[B]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[A]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[B]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[A]

Savings vary unwritten by Liberty Mutual insurance company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts foreign. My guest today is Emmy award winning talk show host, New York Times best selling author and host of the Tamron hall show. Tamron Hall.

[B]

Hello. Hello, beautiful. How are you?

[A]

Oh, my goodness. I'm good. I'm so happy to see you.

[B]

I am so happy to see you. I haven't seen you. It's been two weeks, but it feels like two years.

[A]

Two.

[B]

The last time we were sitting at the bar looking like a. Was it looking for Mr. Goodbar? Remember that movie? Oh, no, I'm older than you.

[A]

Okay. No, I don't know. I was gonna pretend for a second.

[B]

I was like, we were brown. Girl. Sex and the City version.

[A]

It was giving that.

[B]

It was giving Sex in the City. We were at a. What was it? Raffs?

[A]

We were at Raff's.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And it's such a cute little intimate spot. I ended up having dinner there two days later. Did you? Yes. And it was as good as I remember.

[B]

That's like the hottest ticket in town. It is a ticket.

[A]

But you know what? I love to eat out. That's my main problem.

[B]

Really. Do you cook at all? I. Look at me now. Okay. I've turned this into the Tyron Hall.

[A]

I'm okay. I'm over here, like, oh, my goodness. I'm getting to interview Tamron Hall.

[B]

I'm so nervous.

[A]

We're switching roles today.

[B]

Oh, I'm super nervous.

[A]

Don't be nervous. Why are you nervous?

[B]

For two reasons. Well, my son Moses is here because today they're out of school and my childcare situation crumbled. Like my relaxer. My hair right now.

[A]

Your hair looks great.

[B]

And. Cause it's a monsoon outside.

[A]

It is crazy outside.

[B]

And then I said, oh, I'm gonna put on some jeans and this cool jacket. And I love vintage shopping. And I have these jeans that I bought. They're from 19, 1970 Levi's. I buy a lot from the 70s. That was the year I was born. And I don't know, like three, four weeks ago they fit. And today it's like the Beyonce song. If you don't jump to put your jeans on Then you don't feel my pain. So I'm slightly leaned back.

[A]

I see how you're doing. A little something to just let the. And listen, if you decide to unbutton.

[B]

That top button, I may not make the decision. The button may decide top isn't right. And then your poor team over here, somebody might lose an eye. So I hope you have insurance. Cause it's going down.

[A]

Okay, listen, I think they have insurance. If they don't, just run.

[B]

Just run. I'm grabbing my baby, and we're out of here.

[A]

Change your name. Change the name of the show. Everything. I. The other day, getting in the car on my way to a dinner, my button popped on my blazer. But it was a blazer that's just like. It's one button, and it's giving snatch. But I was in Paris for, like, two weeks, and I just had just come back the day before, kind of living a fabulous life.

[B]

I know I was just casual. My button popped. And, you know, I mean, no, I wasn't in, you know, Queens when it happened. I was in Paris. So if your button's gonna pop off anywhere, I would prefer it to.

[A]

But the thing is, it popped in New York. It did pop in New York. I had just come back from Paris, where I was indulging. I was eating anything I could put my eyes on. Any and everything.

[B]

What was your favorite thing?

[A]

Ooh, okay, hold on. My favorite thing that I ate in Paris, Dan Dan noodles from this chef, Keith, who was doing a residency at this restaurant. He lives in Toronto, but they, like, host rotating chefs, really? And I was hesitant to do the Dan Dan noodles because I like them, but I don't always like them. And he insisted. And I was like, okay. And he was like, we can give you a half portion. We do half portions. And I was like, yeah, let's do the half portion. Cause I'm not sure I'm gonna do it.

[B]

Right, right. And then you had to.

[A]

I was so mad as hell.

[B]

You know, I have experienced that where I just went to Kabawa, which is on the lower east side of New York. And the chef is really celebrated right now. It's a part of the Momofuku chain, but it's, like their first thing. And he's done a Caribbean influence menu there. And goat is one of my favorite things to eat. Mine too. Really? I love it. See, I had no idea. It's one of my favorite things. And he has a curry goat with this amazing roti. It's all ele. You know, he had one of the most successful restaurants in Sydney, Australia, the chef, Paul Carmichael. And now he's here in New York. And he had this goat and it was like this little bit and I wanted to like, oh my gosh, get a slap some more on there. I'll take a little bit more. There's nothing worse. And you're like, oh, I don't think I'm gonna like it. And then suddenly you're like.

[A]

And then you're like, I love it and I need it.

[B]

No, I have food dreams, right? Do you get that? Like, oh, yeah, I'll leave. And that I will dream about the meal that I had. And it's just like insatiable and I need it again. Oh, yeah, I've had that.

[A]

Oh, yeah. I wait, okay, so I'm always looking at menus. I'm always planning my next meal. On the way here today, I was like, so when I'm up in the area of the studio, what will I eat? Because I'm like, oh, a new area. I don't usually hang out up here. I was like on Google, like, what's up there to eat? I just.

[B]

That's interesting you say that. My cousin Erica, she's like my sister. She happens to be an only child. We're cousins, but we're very much like sisters. And she will look at the menu before we go to the restaurant and she'll decide before we go in the restaurant what she's going to eat. You know, that's wild to me.

[A]

I just, I want every meal I have to be amazing. And so I am kind of similar and like cross referencing reviews to. That's what I do in my free time. It's not scrolling social media. It's looking at food and looking up food.

[B]

I find that to be so. So see, for me, I like the mystery. I like the idea of wondering what's on the menu. No, no, I don't read the Yelp reviews or anything because I always figure they're paid for anyway. I'm suspicious.

[A]

Okay, well, you know, I think the Google ones, I think the Google ones are paid for. I just want to say that I think Google has been infiltrated by the feds or something. Like, I'm like, these are not real reviews. This is your friends and family. Yeah, the ops are on Google leading you astray.

[B]

See, I'm not. I am suspicious. I am suspicious of reviews in general. Okay. I don't even do the Rotten Tomatoes. My husband, he's like, oh, Rotten Tomatoes says it's 55% right. I'm like, I don't know. I can't subscribe. I need to feel it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

There was a movie recently. I won't name the movie, but it got, you know, really pan. And I thought, I'm not listening to these people. And then I saw the movie. I'm like, I'm listening to these people.

[A]

Sometimes the people are.

[B]

I go back and forth with it. But restaurants, I tend to think I need to get in there myself. Especially, you know, we're in New York City.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

This is the town of the spin.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And so I always worried about, well, that chef or that restaurant group might be connected. And then they get the great review, and I go in, and a whole $200 later, I'm leaving. Hungry, mad, broke, pissed off. You know, all of that.

[A]

Well, listen, that's why I have a hit list of people that I am going to. That's Moses.

[B]

I know Moses. Is it even Moses?

[A]

I don't even know if it was. I think Moses. I feel, you know, I don't want to blame him.

[B]

Well, he's over there playing Monopoly. Digital Monopoly.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Oh, no. Listen, in our home, he. I don't know what this kid's gonna be when he grows up, but he is. You can't beat him at Monopoly. Forget about it. He plays the digital version, like now when I'm trying to bribe him to be a behaved child. But we play Monopoly, the board game in my home. And it's not. It's a warrior sport. It is not for the faint of heart. So if you come over and. We would love that.

[A]

I would love that.

[B]

Just know. Well, I don't know.

[A]

There are games that I lose at. Which is most all of them.

[B]

You're not a gamer.

[A]

I'm like, there are games. I lo. All of them with the exception of anything that's like Mafia esque. Like, I can tell who's being deceptive.

[B]

What's like, give me a game.

[A]

So, like, do you know. Do you know the game Mafia? Where it's like someone is, like, deemed the killer or like it's a group of people. Someone is, like, labeled a killer. You might get your car, they pass out cards, and you're like, it's a real game or something? Yeah, it's a. It's a real game. Have you ever seen the TV show Traitors?

[B]

No.

[A]

Okay. It's a little bit like that. There are killers among us. It's. There's a mystery happening. Someone is a murderer or multiple people are murderers in the group. Group and Then the rest are, say, villagers or civilians. And it's your job to guess who is the murderer among you. And.

[B]

And it's a board game.

[A]

It's. No, it's not a board game. There's cards. There can be cards. Or you could just set it up yourself.

[B]

Your game nights are way too advanced. I like Connect Four.

[A]

Okay, well, I'll connect four too. But I'm a lose. And so I'm like, I want to know who's being deceptive more. Okay, yes, I would be good at that and that alone. Otherwise, I'm losing. I've lost every game show I've ever been on. It's embarrassing. I feel like people bring me on to lose, but I'm a good loser.

[B]

That's why I refuse. See, I. No. I was on Family Feud with Stephen A. Smith, and we won handedly. In fact, he got zero points. And I really learned a lot about being a sore loser watching Stephen A. For over a year be bitter.

[A]

Every time he brings up.

[B]

I said, okay, I'm losing that. I used to get upset when I lost. Now I'm like, after seeing him lose and literally disown his family because he was so salty. Yeah. I said, okay, I've got to be a better sport about these things. But I don't like, you know, they've asked me to go on, like, was it Celebrity Jeopardy. And all that? I can't. I can't go out like that.

[A]

I've gone on. I could not on Celebrity Jeopardy. Get the buzzer to work for the life of me. And I'm not saying mine was broken. I'm not claiming that.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But I'm just claiming that whatever the.

[B]

Buzzer was, not the hand, eye coordination with me.

[A]

Like, because basically if you press too early, it locks you out for a period of time. So by the time while you're locked out, someone else is gonna hit the buzzer. And if you press too late, obviously you just press too late. And so you're like, trying to get that exact right time to hit the buzzer. That is a buzzered forward game. And I don't like that I have to rely on technology.

[B]

Gotcha.

[A]

To win that one. But I would like to go back and rectify things.

[B]

I think we should demand a recount, a repeat. You needed that. You deserve it all.

[A]

And honestly, let's just do something traditional like put our hands up or just call out the answer first.

[B]

And why do you have to answer it in a question?

[A]

And that shit was confusing because I don't watch Regularly. No offense. We love Jeopardy around here, but I don't.

[B]

It's the King of Jeffrey. I don't watch regularly.

[A]

So I would hit. When I would get the buzzer first, I'd be like, okay, so I have to put it in a question form. And then the time is running out.

[B]

Yeah, see, no, no, no. I need, like, Wheel of Fortune. Oh, no, I don't need Will of Fortune. Have you seen some of those?

[A]

I was bad at that. I was really bad at that. I had on a little strapless dress.

[B]

Is there a best of? I gotta go in the best of your moments on.

[A]

Cause the best of is the worst of. And it's me embarrassing myself and my family.

[B]

The one unfortunate thing gets me, too, because people are, like, screaming out the answer from home. And then you go viral because there was, like, one letter missing. And for whatever reason, your brain couldn't. So what did you miss?

[A]

The moment. I mean, I missed everything. So first of all, everything, okay. I'm there to, like, elevate people. I'm at these gay. They invite me, and it's like, she's gonna be a good loser, but I'm sick of it. I want to win. So when I did, Is it cake? Do you know that one?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay. When I did, is it cake?

[B]

You didn't guess the cake.

[A]

No, I did. I was savage. Apparently, though, that's not the place to be savage. That's the place to be supportive. And I was like, I can tell that's not cake. I don't care.

[B]

They crafted these and they thought, oh, God, I'm going to trick Eggo. And you're like, yeah, that little frosty.

[A]

I was like, it's off. That's not. And then I was like, but I need people to know that I went in there with baggage. So I was on a, like, losing streak on Game Changers.

[B]

So somewhere there's a baker who gave up their dreams because of you.

[A]

I was like, that shit is pink.

[B]

There's some person who's like, well, I'm gonna now I'm gonna go to work at the bank. Yeah, I'll be the banker on Monopoly. Cause my baking dreams just went up as smoke.

[A]

I know. I had to, like, rein it in. I think I was on with Taran Killam, who watches with his kids. And he's like, you don't wanna guess? And then I was like, well, what's the point if I'm not gonna give it my best?

[B]

I have a rule. I don't like competition things. I won't Years ago, when I was in Chicago, they asked me to judge this little kid pageant, and I said, actually, I don't do that, but, oh, well, it's a great charity. I mean, they kind of put the, you know, the number on me, and I agreed. And I get there, and these adorable little kids, and I'm like, wait, no, I can't judge kids. Are you kidding me? It was near mutiny. All these, like, pageant moms were ready to go off on my ass, and I was like, okay, wait a minute, Wait a minute.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I. After that, I said, you know, I don't have the ability to judge people in that way, so I don't do it. And I can't, because I. I'm not. I'm just like, everybody's a winner. Yeah, this is great.

[A]

See, that's a good. That's. That. That makes you a good mom, I think.

[B]

No, because I beat my son on things. No, no, no, no, no, no. I'm like, I have the Michael Jordan school of thought. Okay. Once you beat me, you know, you're a winner, right? My husband, he's a little different.

[A]

He'll let. He'll let Moses. Yeah.

[B]

So he said, come over here. I was like, listen, I am not your father. You gotta come in here with echo. You're gonna look straight in the eye. You're gonna sit down.

[A]

And he did that.

[B]

Oh, y.

[A]

Your back was to me while I was saying hello to Moses. And were you giving the eyes? Were you giving the eyes? Like, you know what to do?

[B]

Because he always wants to go to grown up things with me. So I said, okay, we're gonna go to Ego's podcast. He's at iHeartra. What's I heart rate? Can I put it in Google Maps? Yes, you can put it in Google Maps. Okay, so then we get to the first of all, Lydia, who's a part of our PR team, is wonderful. She got the brunt of his acting out because she opened the door. What was the. The driver opens the door and he sees it. He goes, I don't know her. And runs passport. Like, Lydia was like. Like the Bakers when you rejected their dreams. She was like, I'm cute. What's wrong with this damn kid? But then he apologized and warmed up, and then he got on the elevator. So. Yeah, so he. He's all. He's all good right now, but he likes to go to adult things with me and that, you know, it's so interesting. I. I didn't have Moses until I was 48 years old. And I just celebrated my 55th birthday, and he's six now.

[A]

Happy belated.

[B]

Thank you, my darling. And so it's so fascinating because I'm always in the throes of this challenge of wanting him to see what I do, because I tell people at my old job before I was like, oh, you know, I would have been the only non mom on that ensemble cast that I was on. And I remember actually a woman saying to me, you know, that I wasn't relatable. She didn't say because of the motherhood, but I know what she was alluding to. And so I'm very sensitive to talking about motherhood. And because I've been a non mom for far longer, you know, than actually being a mom. And now that I have him, I want him to see this part of my life and understand that, you know, whether you work in or out of the home or whatever your journey is, is your journey. For me, the journey is working outside of the home and him being a part of it. And he's the inspiration for, you know, my children's book. And he's also on our show a lot, and I want him to understand people are gonna come over and say hi to you. They're gonna be curious because you're a part of my life. Yeah. And then suddenly I feel guilty because we just had, like, Joanie Turner Smith on, and she doesn't show her kid's picture. She'll say her name, she'll show a picture. And meanwhile, I'm like, my kids all over Instagram. Like, terrible mom bringing him to Eggos podcast.

[A]

I always wonder how parents make that decision. Get the decision to not share your children's identity. In my mind, I'd like to think I would be that kind of parent who wouldn't share my children's identity in my mind. But like my nieces, their pictures are all over my Instagram. I'm like, they're just too precious.

[B]

Because it's a normal sensation to want to share the things that make us happy. Right. So whether it's a food restaurant or. I mean, not to equate a child with a meal, but it is.

[A]

But the kind of thing can be cute. There might have been a meal that preceded it, but it's.

[B]

You know, even though we live our lives in the public eye as we do, I think it's only natural to want to share the things because you're still human. Right. You're still ego. When you go home and I go home, we're still who we are. And even in this format of conversation, you're exactly as you were the day I met you. And I hope I'm the same. You are, 100%. And so it's like you're naturally inclined to share the things you love, and social media makes you want to share the things you love. And so with my son, originally, I had a plan. I was like, okay, I'm going to share him for the first year, right? Because kind of babies look like babies, right?

[A]

You're not gonna be able to, like, find my.

[B]

And I said, once he becomes a more distinct looking person, I won't share. And he's clearly very distinct looking. But I just kept sharing and then he's, you know, he's a part of the show. And when I go out to the show every, you know, so we shoot three days a week, two shows a day, 170 shows a season. So our season starts in September, goes through May. And, you know, 99% of the people, whether they are moms or not, they ask, how's Moses?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so it's always a, you know, it's a thing. But I've had, you know, a couple of times where I've had to wrangle people in.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But for the most part, you know, I think people understand. He's still a kid and he's here with me, but when he goes to the airport, they're like, there's Moses. He's like walking through, like John Travolta. Everything's just like that. He's walking through the airport like, I love it.

[A]

So he likes it. He likes being recognized.

[B]

I think he. Well, he told me that today. He goes, I'm kind of shy. And people with blonde hair. I don't like saying people hide it. People with blonde hair. And I was like, they're freaking.

[A]

What?

[B]

He just made it up? Yeah. And he goes like on Spidey. So he related it to some villain I was fighting. I was like, well, that's weird.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I said, well, so. And so has blonde hair. And he goes, well, I actually don't like her anymore. I was like, okay.

[A]

Because she's.

[B]

Because they go to the site. So we have a rule. I said, listen, you have to at least look them in the eye and say hello. You don't have to do anything beyond that, you know, because I do want to have a child who has autonomy and choice. Right. And also balancing stranger danger. Right. Because you might know him, but he doesn't know you. Right. Not you.

[A]

Right, Right.

[B]

That's my Daughter. And so what I try, that's your boy. But what I try to do is make sure that he is able to see. We live in New York City, right? I grew up in a teeny tiny luling Texas population. A thousand and half of those are my relatives. I want them to be able to navigate in this world with confidence. And part of that is when someone says hello to you, being able to look someone in the eye. Hello, how are you? Stand in your space. And so I say to him, you know, that's your space. You say hello, and then you can keep it moving. You're not obligated to then let them interview you about your school or anything else. But you look someone in the eye and you say hello.

[A]

That's a beautiful way to do it. I feel like, because you're striking that balance of having the autonomy, having a boundary, but also these are manners.

[B]

These are manners, right? And it's true. And I want him to understand boundaries. It's something that here I am in my life. I think the biggest learning curve in the last probably four years of my life really had surrounded boundaries. And really not only setting boundaries for myself, but even with I have about 150 employees and I used to be, I mean, I would email you all night long and be like, they'll see it in the morning. Meanwhile, secretly hoping you saw that guy.

[A]

Right? Get it now, Right.

[B]

You know, and I really had to establish boundaries in starting this show because I was excited and I had so much at stake and I needed this show to work, but that didn't mean that it had to come at the expense of others. You know, if I. My name's on the door. If I want to stay up 24 hours a day, I'm going to stay up 24 hours a day. And learning that I cannot signal that expectation of others. Right. And even though I wasn't verbally saying it, you know, you can do things that make people feel like, well, if I don't give that much time, she doesn't think that I'm doing a good job. So I've been very mindful of with my team saying, you know, I might, I've gone, did two shows and go to an event the night we saw each other and then came back and writes her, that's me. I'm not expecting that of you. And in return, like, if you're behind, you can't just be calling me in the middle of dinner with my kid either. You know what I mean? So, like establishing those respectful boundaries that still Allow for productive workspace and also just personal boundaries. I mean, my mom, I had a friend years ago who told me, like, you know, as time goes on, your relationship with your parents, you'll have to set boundaries. And I'm like, not my mama. Not my mama.

[A]

She doesn't do boundaries.

[B]

Oh, what? My mother's. We have cameras in my son's room. My mother is linked to the camera to which she presses her button from her home in Texas. And she's like, what y' all doing? I'm like, my husband's in his boxers. I'm like, he's like, your mom is like hiding himself. He said, your mama's over here talking to us. Or she'll call me later and she'll say, so I was looking in on the camera. What were y' all talking about? Mom. I'm like, mom, boundaries.

[A]

Now, if you tried to tell her, like, hey, we need to establish a boundary, how would she respond to that?

[B]

Honestly, I wouldn't be in this chair. No, I'm kidding. No, no, no. I will say, I'll say, mom, really? Like, you know, I'll say, I'll just kind of like gently go like, come on, Mom. Really?

[A]

Really?

[C]

That's the sound of James adding long lasting gain scent boosters to his laundry this morning. Several hours later, James sniffs the irresistible scent of gain on his shirt. Ah, gain. Several hours later, James has even caught the attention of his mother in law, and she never gives him attention.

[A]

Oh, you smell amazing, James.

[B]

Oh, thanks, mom. I love you too. I never said that.

[C]

Add gain scent boosters to your laundry. Add joy to your day.

[A]

Now, you said you wanted Moses to have a sense of identity and autonomy. You want him to have a sense of identity and autonomy. Do you feel like you had that as a kid?

[B]

Oh, absolutely. So even though my mom was definitely what they call the f around and find out kind of parent, she was, not a gentle parent. My mother had me when she was 19 years old and she was a single mom before she married my stepfather, who I refer to as the dad God meant for me to have. And what I mean by that, he, you know, not my biological father, but he was meant God wanted me to have somebody shepherd me and help my mother. And that is the person that was brought into our lives. I grew up very much. I was allowed to run, jump kickbox. I mean, like, I did it all. And I wasn't necessarily, quote unquote, a tomboy because I don't even know what that means. I was more just adventurous. I Mean, I was Nancy Drew one day, and then I was Wonder Woman the next day, and then I was like the invisible character hiding under. You know, I was allowed to have a huge imagination. I think that's helped me, obviously, later, creatively. I got in a lot of trouble in school. A lot of trouble. I went to a Catholic school. I was suspended. Gosh, I was probably suspended maybe three or four times.

[A]

Three or four times. What's the worst thing you did to get suspended? Honestly, Just slamming your ears.

[B]

Oh, honestly. So my family did not have the. My parents and family did not put up with bullying. And so my parents and family would say, if someone hits you, take them out. Like, just. Just go in and so don't start.

[A]

Nothing, but if something starts, you need.

[B]

To finish it 100%. So I would not necessarily tell my son that today. But I grew up in a. In an environment where I was the only child in the home because my step siblings were a little older. And my. And so I was a target. I was a target because, you know, my mom had me in, you know, track and clarinet, and I was this. I was like this little show kid, right. In some ways. And when you're an only child, you're primed for others to come at you. And I had an issue with some kids once, and I ran all the way home just out of breath. I mean, they were chasing me. It was like Goonies gone bad.

[A]

You were the attract star.

[B]

Oh, yeah. That's probably how I could run. Cause I was like. And I got home, and I've heard other people have a similar situation in their lives. I've heard other people talk about it. My mom basically opened the door and she's like, what is going on? And I'm like, get out of the way. They gonna kill us all. They gonna kill us all. And my mom's like, who? And I'm like, the bully. And my mother said, you're gonna go out there and you're gonna either fight me or fight them.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Because we can't have this. You gotta stand up for yourself. And. And after that, I had a low tolerance for bullies. So much so that I became like the neighborhood avenger. Like, when everybody was like, there was this kid. Go figure. I'm from the South. There's this kid, his name was Booker T. And he was a bully.

[A]

Not Washington.

[B]

Not. No. He was not gonna be any world leader. He might be leading a prison riot right now, but.

[A]

Okay, Booker T. Sometimes your namesake could end up very different than you did. And it did.

[B]

And he did. He was a pain in the butt, okay? And he was picking on everybody. He was taking these bikes. He was just, like, a jerk in our neighborhood. And by then, I'd gotten the reputation for, like, standing up to the evils of the world. And my dad always drilled in my head, he's like, of all of my children, you're the kid for. Right? And that's something that I. Oh, I grew up with that tome. Always that my grandfather, my aunts, my mother and my father always felt that I was a reasonable person, even as a child. I had this. I guess. Well, let's look at both sides of the situation, okay? My mom is surprised I'm not an attorney.

[A]

I was gonna say, were you meant to be a lawyer?

[B]

My mother says it all the time. But, you know, the kid came. They all came to me like, Booker T. Is just torture. And there we start marching like I'm little black Norma Rae, you know? And I have all. And I handled him.

[A]

You handled Booker T. A boy.

[B]

A boy. Funny you say that.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

My father. I came home like Punky Brewster. My hair's all out now, ponytails unraveled. And I came home, and my dad was like, what happened here? You know, because my dad was in the military, and he's like, what? He sees all these kids, and I'm like. Like, Rocky coming back home after I, like, handed Booker T. His whole ass. And my dad said, what happened? And I said, you know, Booker T's been picking on everyone, and we're fed up with him. We're tired of it. And so I went and I beat him up. And my father said, you're 12 now. You're gonna have to stop at some point. Boys are bigger and they're stronger, and you're not. And then I said to my dad, well, my Uncle O.C. his brother, I go, well, Uncle O.C. was right there watching. My dad's like, oh, my God.

[A]

And you snitched on Uncle O.C.

[B]

I snitched on O.C. god rest his soul. But, yeah, so I grew up, like, you know, and so later in life, I'm in high school, and I, you know, I was well liked, you know, I think. So I was in drama class. I had a great. My friends were. They used to basically make fun of the fact that I had this wide range of friends. You know, this is like, what, early 90s? So I had two friends who were gay. And, you know, back then, it wasn't as supportive. And I had a friend who had experienced homelessness and his name, you know, I won't say his name, but anyway, he was one of the kids in my class because I went to what was referred to as a magnet school.

[A]

I went to a magnet school.

[B]

You did? Okay, so I went to a magnet.

[A]

Everyone had to apply.

[B]

Everyone had to apply. And so these were kids from various backgrounds, but all tested in. And so some of us. It was like Fame school almost. It just had some odd characters. And then there's me and, you know, and I'm blended in. And there were some kids who were not in our program, who were not so nice. And there was a girl in particular. And I'm like, in 10th grade. And I had this. I'll never forget. This is crazy. I can remember this. I had a denim dress my mom had just gotten me. And I thought, so cute. We're at the lunch table. And she came and douse grape juice all over me. And it was like something from the Mean girls film. It was crazy.

[A]

Regina.

[B]

I know, right? Douse me, right, Regina? Douse me. Like. Or like, bring it on.

[A]

Bring it.

[B]

I was like, this is kind of. This is not a movie. Yeah. And I gave her the Booker T. Okay.

[A]

The Booker T. It's the special.

[B]

I got kicked out of school and I got sent to. Even though I was. Even though I was defending myself back then, this was the beginning of zero tolerance because bullying had become. Now we talk about it much more openly. This was the beginning of the national conversation of bullying and how pre social media. But it had taken a stranglehold. And it was for whatever my school. A lot of it with young women. Which is why I'm so mindful of supporting other women now. Because for some reason, just at that particular time, I don't know what was in the social zeitgeist, but there was a lot of mean girl behavior. And then I got sent to this, like, school, like, off campus school thing, like an alternative.

[A]

Oh, God.

[B]

My parents were humiliated. I had to go for like two months.

[A]

Oh, boy.

[B]

And it was like when they had started cracking down and later came back and I was fine.

[A]

But any part of you, like you guys told me to defend myself, it's become a part of.

[B]

My mom did not care. My mom's like, what time do I need to pick you up from school to take you to the other school? She didn't care. Because my mother felt like academically I was gonna be okay. Social, emotional. I was always allowed to talk about my feelings and wonderfully supportive. But my mom is an educator and she has A very low tolerance for bullying. And she grew up on a farm. And just kindness was a very big part of my family. Or advocating and rallying for other people, that was always a thing in my home. As I said, my father who raised me was in the military. His two Purple Hearts, he was in the military 28 years. So I just grew up around folks who were the kind of people like, 10 toes down, defend yourself. And whoever you came to the party with, you leave the party with. Right. And so that was always something. And I think with. Even with my son, to this day, those are tomes and core beliefs. Like, I have the same best friend from age 5.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

All of my crew pretty much. SA has a couple of people who had to get kicked out from here and there.

[A]

Snakes in the grass.

[B]

Some little snakes in the grass. But for the most part, you know, I'm still with the date I came with.

[A]

Oh, wow. That's incredible. Tamron, that is amazing. Oh, I don't know.

[B]

I think most people are like that. No.

[A]

Oh, my goodness. I was just listening to someone on a podcast saying that every seven years as an adult, you basically make new friends.

[B]

Like your friend groups. There are some new people that like, listen, when I met you, it was like moth to flame.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm like, not. I'm socially awkward. So I'm like. I got there and it was an event that they didn't let us bring a plus one.

[A]

No.

[B]

Yeah. And generally, Lydia, I generally decline things where I can't bring a plus one. A. Because I think they discriminate against single people. It's like, you can bring your husband. I'm like, I wanna bring my friend.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, so I tend to say no to. Because I've been scorned for being single for so long. And so now I'm married and I don't wanna bring my husband. Cause he's socially awkward. So I'm like, the two of us are like two socially awkward people. It's a terrible.

[A]

Everybody's staying away from us.

[B]

Everybody stay away from us. It's gonna ruin my reputation for being cool. And so I accepted that because it was Emma Greed. And it was supposed to be this great, you know, dinner with women who have been advocating and supporting each other. And it turned out to be exactly.

[A]

What it was built to be.

[B]

I loved it. But I walk over to the bar and I saw you, and that's. I truly. I truly did feel like I was like, hello. Hey.

[A]

And I turn around and I go, me?

[B]

I'm like, hey, girl.

[A]

Hey. Hi.

[B]

Love that hair.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Meanwhile, we're like, next thing you know, talking about love and life, everything.

[A]

Oh, my goodness. So you. Because I saw you and I was at that. Okay. That event, first of all, was incredible. I was telling someone after, and I'm like, a lot of times I. I don't know if you feel the same way. You get invited to something that it's like, it's for women, and it doesn't feel warm and it can feel kind of mean, girlish, if I'm being honest. But Emma curated such an incredible room, and, I mean, I think that room was such a reflection of her because it felt warm. But also, the conversation we had that night was, like, so empowering and so insightful. But how it started is I said, I have. When you said hi to me, I was like, I have to tell Tamron this. So I heard Tamron tell a story on her show.

[B]

My jeans are loose.

[A]

Okay. I'm telling you, I'm. Button the button. If you do one, I'll do one. Okay, so the. The jeans are now forming to you. It's getting warm. They're warming up. Okay.

[B]

The 40 year old jeans are now finally being broken in. I can now I can cross. Like, that's about as far as I got. Okay.

[A]

I know that feeling, though, when something fits three weeks ago, and then you. You have a little too much fun, if you will, and it's like, oh, these fit like a glove. And now they pass out on, like, not a glove, like an OJ glove or something.

[B]

Yeah, I was gonna say. That's so funny.

[A]

Me and you were right here.

[B]

We both met. OJ Joke.

[A]

So I. Okay, so I walked. When we were talking at the party, I got to tell you, I heard you tell this story on your show about the parasailing accident you were in where you almost drowned, and your fiance at the time did not even flinch to begin to try to save you. And in that moment, you're like, I need to break up with this man.

[B]

And I did.

[A]

And you did.

[B]

And I did. It was many years ago in Cozumel, Mexico, parasailing. And the parasail broke, and I had the life jacket on, flew out to sea, splat. They circled the speedboat back to come and get me, and he just looked over at me while these two people who had been speaking English but then suddenly could only speak Spanish, jumped in to rescue me.

[A]

No hablo English.

[B]

They were like, we're not getting sued. They jumped in, though, at least saved me, pulled me And I'm terrified. And. And I just looked. I remember looking up at that man saying, as soon as we get back to Chicago. And I said it like that. Chicago, Chicago, Chicago.

[A]

It's over. Did you say it to him or this was in your head?

[B]

No, I said it in my face. I mean, I said it in my.

[A]

Do you think he saw it?

[B]

He had to have.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

He had to have because it was pure. It was a mix of disappointment also, though, like, this is who you are. You know, it's like all of these things at once. I'm sure he saw because I was going through it. I'm like. First the disbelief, then you're like, wait, this is the guy that I might marry.

[A]

Marry. Yes.

[B]

And then it's like, ah, this is who you are. Okay. And then it's like, okay, here we go.

[A]

Right? It's one of those moments where you learn a lot about a person in a moment of chaos or tragedy. Like they say when you break up with someone, the way they behave during a breakup is, like, who they actually are.

[B]

But you had something.

[A]

I know. When I heard your story. I know. First of all, wait, how long had you two been together? Tamron. Cause this is engaged.

[B]

Oh, my God. This is your fiance. To be a couple of years.

[A]

Oh, wow. Okay. Brave and bold. But it was clear to you, and you broke up as soon as you got back to Chicago.

[B]

As soon as I got off United Airlines flight. Whatever that was. Yes, I did.

[A]

Because Chicago is the hub for United Air. That's how we know it was United. But my. I was in a relationship, and I had an incident in Lake Como where I.

[B]

Beautiful.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

George Clooney's Lake Como.

[A]

Yes. George Clooney.

[B]

So it's like a dreamy vacation.

[A]

McDreamers. I mean, the company was not great. The company was a person.

[B]

But it's Lake Como.

[A]

But it's Lake Como. Right? And bucket list, vacation it. And it's stunning. Stunning, stunning. I almost drown. Okay. But, like, four Norwegian guys saved me because they teach them, apparently how to swim from Asia from birth.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like part of the school system there, which we need to do that.

[B]

We really should do that.

[A]

We should really.

[B]

A couple other countries do it. It's on their physical education.

[A]

You should absolutely.

[B]

But you digress.

[A]

Okay, I'm sorry.

[B]

I'm getting distracted because I'm like, hold on.

[A]

I want to run for president. President. Because we need to be teaching our youth how to swim. That's my platform. But anyway, I almost drowned these five Norwegian Guys came to save me. But the way that the person I was with at the time, just, like, there was this weird tension as I was about to drown. Not because he was gonna try to drown me. Let me be very clear. But it was like, oh, you're not really gonna try to help me in the way you could, like, immediately leap to a person.

[B]

And that's not a gender assignment. That is. Is. I am with someone or something that I love. That someone or something I love is in peril. And my instinct.

[A]

My instinct is to, like, I need to fix this. I need to protect this person. Which is an interesting thing, because that was something we would often have a conflict about, is like, I want to feel like my partner. Their instinct is to protect me. So I saw that clarity clip randomly. Look at what God did. I saw that clip randomly after that vacation, like, weeks, a couple months after, maybe. Maybe months. Because that was a. It was a summer vacation, July. I saw it, and I felt convicted. Like, have you ever been to church and the pastor's preaching and they're like. They're talking to me.

[B]

They read my dad.

[A]

How do they know? How do they know? Okay, well, I'm watching the clip, and I was like, where did this come from? Why does Tamra know? Tamran's telling me I need to break up with this man. So I broke up with someone because of Tamron Hall, y'.

[C]

All.

[A]

Let the record stay.

[B]

Look. And my son just looked up.

[A]

Yes, your mom. Your mom did it.

[B]

I'm a heartbreaker. Boo.

[A]

Your mom. Your mom broke the heart, not me. Okay? And so I. I was like, I have to tell you this because it stuck with me, and I didn't do it right away. Yeah. I didn't do it when we got to Chicago.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I didn't go to Chicago. Because you weren't sure. I wasn't. And I wasn't in Chicago, and I wasn't sure. But I had this. There were, like, a number of things because, you know. You know, they say, like, you know, when it's the right person, I feel like you. I don't. How do you feel about that?

[B]

I don't know if I believe.

[A]

Oh, I need to talk to you about this.

[B]

I think circumstances allow you to know if they're the right person. I don't know if I've never had a gut feeling. I've. Like, my husband and I, we met right when I had. When I was let go from my job, and it was the first time in my life since I was 14 years old that I'd been unemployed. I've worked my entire life. My first job was at Toys R Us. I worked in the stuffed animal section and worked my way up to cashier. So I've had a job my entire life because I needed that independence. And I begged my dad to let me have the independence of work. So so much of my identity was aligned with the independence that work gives you. I can buy what I want, go where I want, you know, blah, blah, blah.

[A]

I begged to work when I was.

[B]

14 too, and my dad refused for a long time. And then finally he gave in. And back then, they didn't have any computers because it was a hundred years ago. And I forged my age and they were like Toys R Us, like, come on in.

[A]

And they are defunct now, so we can't even.

[B]

They can't even do anything about it. I can't even. Child labor laws, toys roll. But, you know, I was always looking for independence in it. So now I'm out of work for the very first time in my life and my self esteem is managing. There's all these different things that go along when you've lost something that you think is a dream. And so I ended up. I'd known Stephen for some time from afar, and then I ran into him on this funny story on a plane. There was my ex and his new tall Russian girlfriend sitting behind me.

[A]

Not the ex that was on a lift.

[B]

No, different one. Different one. Okay, another one. And she was a beautiful woman because you always picture you're gonna see your ex and they're gonna be like, with one person with one tooth, you know? No, she was quite the opposite.

[A]

You're a girl's girl and could be like, no, she was bad.

[B]

She was bad. Oh, no, she was bad as hell. And so I'm like, holy moly. This gorgeous woman. And then he. And I didn't even want him, but now she. And I'm like, what I miss? And then I run into Steven and I used him as a decoy.

[A]

I was gonna say, quick, pretend we're gonna go.

[B]

No, I was like, just. I'm gonna just talk to. Oh, great to see ya. But as time went on, we'd run into each other, and then I had that situation happen with my prior job. And then I finally was able to like to see things. I feel, even though I hope in my heart I'm a great friend, I realized how much time I was focused on work and not my friendships. And I call these things my love ships. And they fall under a lot of things. Right. Just things I enjoy. Right. Just taking a respite of walking around without responding to 200 calls from work and just walking. New York. I remember when I first moved to New York, I could walk from Central park all the way down to Battery park. And my eyes were so wide open. Now I'm doing it, I'm looking at my phone. Cause it's working at it. And those are important things. Don't get me wrong. Because you got to put in the numbers to get the score that you need. And I get that. But now I didn't have the gig. I was able to like, kind of focus on relationships. So I'm going back to the core. I don't know if you. For me, anyway, it was a gut. It was watching him in these circumstances with.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Rooting me on as I'm writing the template for the Tamron hall show. And I was watching Merv Griffin and Dinosaur. Everyone always thinks you go straight to Oprah. I'm like, no, I went to. I studied. Oh my God, so much daytime tv. And even down to how close the seats would be together. I'm sketching, I'm going in these rooms and they're like, she got a whole sketch of what color the shirt. And so he was there. So it was the circumstances and him rooting for me, and me feeling that that's what it. Cause on paper, I wasn't planning on being with a 5 foot 4 Jewish guy from the Bronx. It was not on my list.

[A]

Yeah, right.

[B]

Wasn't on. And not that that's a bad thing. I feel like I've won the lottery here. But it was the circumstances, because I think I've had relationships where I thought, oh my God, yes. And then you're on the side of the boat dying.

[A]

Oh, yeah. And then you're.

[B]

Versus, you know, putting in the work and watching someone root for you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Watching. You know, that feeling of God, this person really wants me to win.

[A]

Yeah. And they're for you.

[B]

And they're for you.

[A]

They're really, really.

[B]

And as a result, they become for you.

[A]

Oh, and that's beautiful. And that's actually a word. Yeah. You could have been a lawyer. You're currently an award winning talk show host. But I'm just gonna say you could also be a preach me gonna get in here. I'm just saying that's beautiful. Okay. Tamran, this has been incredible.

[B]

You're amazing.

[A]

I. You are. I just am like, I'm so honored to know you.

[B]

My heart adores you. I hope the Next time you are in trouble and you're about to drown in Lake Como. That the beautiful hand of my. Because I'm gonna be on the vacation with you.

[A]

Okay. Yes, it's me and Moses.

[B]

No, I. I can't tell you. Y. I am so blown away by your extreme talent, but also. And obviously drop dead gorgeous. But you have this incredible energy that is illuminating. I truly think I meet a lot of people all the time, and I'm very fortunate in that way to have lived this very big life. But you stand out in this way. That's just. It is. It's your. You know, when people say breath of fresh air, you are a frigging breath of fresh air. That's why in a monsoon on this day that I have nanny canceled on you, I brought my whole little six year old and let him play nine hours of Monopoly over there.

[A]

He's really gonna beat you.

[B]

Jonathan Height, the guy who says no digital for kids. Jonathan Haidt somewhere is hovering over me, judging me as a mom. But you are. I think that you make entertainment so special. And I just love you. I could not love you more. I'm a fan.

[A]

Thank you. I'm like, words are.

[B]

You are my Beyonce.

[A]

What?

[B]

That is Tamron's Beyonce. Who?

[A]

Tamron. Thank you so much. I am so grateful for you. And honestly, if we had more time, I would tell all the people and maybe I will in the outro when I record it. When you go, I'll tell all the people all the beautiful things you said to me that evening. And how inspiring and empowering and just authentic and like right here on the ground, but also in the sky, which I think is a hard balance to strike. You are incredible. Thank you for doing this. May I ask if you will give a listener advice as well?

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Okay, we're going to get advice from. We're going to get a listener's request for advice.

[B]

Okay, good.

[A]

Hi, I'm in middle school. My social studies teacher keeps asking really stupid questions that are really poorly worded and marking all of the kids answers wrong.

[B]

How do I politely tell her this without getting in trouble? Thanks.

[A]

Oh, Tamron, I'm letting you take that one.

[B]

So that's a funny thing because we just had this conversation about being direct or clarifying. Like, is there a difference? Right? I think so. I think. Well, how old. How old are you again?

[A]

Middle school. So I'm gonna say between 12.

[B]

You know, first of all, I think you have to be polite, and then you have to understand that this person controls your grades. So I believe in killing with kindness. I think you say, thank you so much, Mrs. Jones, for that feedback. But if you could help me understand it, I think I can get what you want. So you wanna work it, right? Yeah. You know, it's like Missy Elliott song. Work it and reverse it. So you gotta flip it and reverse it.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Because if you go in hot, like, this is stupid. What do you think? You're not gonna get anywhere.

[A]

Right? Right.

[B]

So you wanna turn on the charm. I think you say, you know, I wanna understand why you marked it up this way. Because I want to make you proud of me.

[A]

Oof.

[B]

Because you're my favorite.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Finesse teacher in the class or in the school. Ooh. And I want you to be happy.

[A]

Oh, my goodness. And I wanna. Yeah, I wanna make you proud. I wanna make it proud of me. I want this right next time.

[B]

I wanna get it right the next time I. So, like, let's erase that. She is quote unquote, doing a bad job. And let's reverse it. Because in life, one of the things you're going to have to understand, it's. I don't know if you like sports, but whether you are the quarterback of your team or on any team or at some point in work, you're gonna lead people. And the easiest way to get people to do what you want is to make them feel appreciated. And so the skill I want you to learn now is one that will make sure your success the rest of your life. How do you get people to bend to your will? You do it through kindness and making them feel that they're important. And she is important. She controls your grace.

[A]

Yes, absolutely.

[B]

So I think you have to just say thank you. I just wanna understand because I want you to be proud and I wanna give you what you want from.

[A]

I think that is perfect. I simply will not add to it another word from you, Ms. Tamron.

[B]

But I've now taught you to be manipulative. But that's okay. But that's a different story for a different.

[A]

And Tamron is officially saying manipulation. A little bit of it.

[B]

But it's okay because your heart is good. Yes, your heart is good.

[A]

Because we can't have you like, disrespecting the teacher and now you're at war with the teacher.

[B]

Yeah, my mom was a teacher. You can't disrespect your teacher. But you can, though, connect with her and understand that in respecting her, she may not be as clear she thinks she is. And I want to be able to give you what you want.

[A]

I think that's beautiful. That is sound advice. Sage wisdom, if you ask me. Tamron, thank you so much for being here. I love you, love you, love you. That was an absolutely delightful comment with Ms. Tyron hall, if I can say so myself. She is just so wise, so brilliant. And honestly, at that event where I met her, she was just as delightful as she was today on the podcast. Spoke with so much insight and wisdom and clarity and I just was like holding onto her every word. I'm so glad she was a guest today. I am immensely grateful for her and how Moses you're gonna see. You've seen the picture of Moses at this point. Just an adorable, sweet, precious soul. So happy that Tamron was here. Bye. Thinkstad is a production of Will Ferrell's Big Money Players and iHeart podcast. I'm your host, Ego Wodem. Our producer is Kevin Bartelt and our executive producer is Matt Apodaca.

[C]

That's the sound of James adding long lasting gain scent boosters to his laundry this morning. Several hours later, James sniffs the irresistible scent of gain on his shirt.

[A]

Ah.

[C]

Gain. Several hours later, James has even caught the attention of his mother in law and she never gives him attention.

[A]

Ooh, you smell amazing, James.

[B]

Oh, thanks, mom. I love you too. I never said that.

[C]

Add gain scent boosters to your laundry. Add joy to your day.