Vault: Interview With TLC

Summary

---

The Bert Show – Vault: Interview With TLC

Date: October 30, 2025
Podcast Host: Pionaire Podcasting
Featured Guests: T-Boz, Chilli (TLC), with references to Left Eye (Lisa Lopes)
Episode Theme:
An open, deeply personal, and often lighthearted conversation with T-Boz and Chilli of TLC about balancing motherhood and fame, coping with the loss of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and the making of their album 3D.

---

Episode Overview

The Bert Show welcomes T-Boz and Chilli of iconic R&B group TLC for a candid interview. The conversation weaves between family life, the everyday reality of superstardom, and the emotional aftermath of Left Eye's passing. Despite the heavy subject matter, the mood is authentic, with warmth and humor underscoring even the hardest topics. The group shares personal anecdotes about raising children on tour, handling grief in the public eye, and the creative legacy Lisa Lopes left behind.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Expecting a Somber Interview, Finding Joy

[02:15] – [02:40]
The interviewer admits initial concern that the interview would be "depressing" due to having to discuss the loss of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and the group’s hardships, but quickly realizes “we could not have been more wrong here,” as TLC brings positive energy and humor to the studio.

2. Family First: Motherhood in the Spotlight

[02:41] – [04:55]

• The members debunk the idea that they're strict Hollywood health fanatics, joking about junk food and raising children.

• T-Boz shares the practical struggles of balancing a music career and motherhood:

  "It is a big struggle, especially for me...but you know what? I deal with it because it would just be worse to just work, work, work and not ever see him." – T-Boz ([03:17])

• Chilli emphasizes prioritizing family:

  "We always say we put family first and our job second. Because we can reschedule things around our jobs, but you can't reschedule, you know, the first time Chase walks or the first time Tron speaks." – Chilli ([03:43])

• A humorous anecdote about the “Tooth Fairy” and inflation:

  "My son is talking to my Goddaughter...he's like, mom...the tooth fairy is gonna bring me either five or ten dollars." – T-Boz ([03:54])

3. TLC’s Down-to-Earth Reality

[04:29] – [04:55]

• Despite their fame, the hosts are surprised to hear TLC live "normal, average" lives—late-night grocery runs, cooking for their kids, and managing everyday mom life.

  "She was mad cause we were working at 12 midnight. She still had to go to Kroger so she can get Tron's lunch." – Chilli ([04:51])

4. Open Wounds: Talking About Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes

[04:56] – [09:53]

• Approaching the topic of Lisa’s passing, the interviewer admits to lacking a personal frame of reference for such loss.

• The women describe Lisa’s constant presence in their memories and workspace:

  "Not a day goes by...TLC has been like our whole world. ... we've seen each other sometimes more than our family. Like, we were just like TLC. ...So, yeah. Not a day goes by." – Chilli ([05:30])

• TLC members describe their relationship as beyond business—“sisters,” not just coworkers.

• T-Boz shares the pain of seeing Lisa’s mother cope and struggling to imagine her loss as a parent:

  "I don't like to say was—she is our sister, and I know how we feel. So...I really feel bad for her, you know, on a whole nother level." – T-Boz ([06:06])

• Left Eye’s charitable nature and free spirit are highlighted:

  "Lisa gave to others before she gave to herself. Don't give the shirt off her back. ...She didn't care what anybody thought. There's something in life that she wanted to do. She would do it." – Chilli ([07:29])

Notable Pop Culture Tribute

• Missy Elliott’s music video “Work It” features an airbrushed image of Lisa, showing the late member’s continued impact on fans and artists alike. ([06:54])

5. Keeping Lisa “With” the Group—Finishing 3D

[07:58] – [09:53]

• TLC explains that Lisa’s vocals were already included on the new album before her death, but listening to her raps during production was so emotionally taxing they avoided it:

  "...we couldn't even listen to it because it was just too hard. But it's weird, like, now listening now, it's like, she was there, you know what I'm saying?" – T-Boz ([08:12])

• The group discusses feeling Lisa’s spirit during album work, with T-Boz relating the blend of denial and presence.

• Chilli reflects on the challenge of having their grief be so public:

  "You never think your personal life is going to be mixed in with your job...it's like your feelings are just out there for everybody to see." – Chilli ([09:33])

6. The Album 3D—A Group Tribute and Renewal

[09:53] – [11:21]

• TLC moves the conversation to something positive: the new record 3D.

• The album’s title was Lisa’s idea:

  "3D is like three dimensions of TLC. This album is all of our favorites." – Chilli ([10:06])

• T-Boz underscores the record’s importance as a return and a statement of unity:

  "This album was to show everybody that we never broke up. We are sisters, we love each other. ...Whatever you guys love about us individually, you gonna really love the album because that's what we put on there." – T-Boz ([10:24])

• The song “Turntable” is singled out as a tribute to Lisa:

  "There's a certain song that is special to both of us because even though the whole album is a tribute to Lisa, this one is dedicated to her and it's called Turntable." – Chilli ([11:08])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On balancing work and motherhood:

  "We can reschedule things around our jobs, but you can't reschedule, you know, the first time Chase walks or the first time Tron speaks." – Chilli ([03:43])

• On Lisa’s legacy:

  "Lisa gave to others before she gave to herself. ...She didn't care what anybody thought. ...She was, like, a real free spirit." – Chilli ([07:29])

• On grief in the public eye:

  "You never think your personal life is going to be mixed in with your job...it's like your feelings are just out there for everybody to see." – Chilli ([09:33])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:15] – Interview begins with TLC
• [03:17] – T-Boz discusses balancing work and motherhood
• [03:43] – Chilli talks about putting family first
• [04:56] – Transition to discussion of Lisa Lopes's death
• [05:30] – Chilli on Lisa’s daily presence in their lives
• [07:29] – Chilli on Lisa's giving spirit and individuality
• [08:12] – T-Boz and Chilli on including Lisa’s vocals in 3D
• [09:58] – Announcement and discussion of 3D album
• [11:08] – “Turntable” as a tribute song to Lisa

---

Episode Takeaways

• TLC’s resilience is grounded in their sisterhood and commitment to family—even as global superstars, their “normal” lives continue.
• The loss of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes left a profound emotional void, but her spirit is honored in their music and memories.
• The 3D album stands as both a tribute and a testament to the group’s unity, strength, and creative evolution.

---

This episode offers both fans and newcomers an intimate look behind TLC’s public image, balancing vulnerability, humor, and tribute in a powerful reflection on loss, love, and legacy.

Transcript

[Jeff Bridges]

Morning Zoe. Got donuts.

[Dana]

Jeff Bridges why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you teach me.

[Dana]

So Dana oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at t mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Jeff Bridges]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Podcast Host]

Nice.

[Dana]

J free.

[T-Boz]

You heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T Mobile is the best place to get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible traded in any condition. So what are we having for lunch?

[Dana]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Commercial Narrator]

The 24 month bill credits on experience beyond for well qualified customers plus tax and 35 device connection charge credit same and balance due if you pay off earlier Cancel Finance Agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs 1099.99 and new line minimum 100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Oklahoma Speed Test Intelligence Data 1H 2025 Visit t mobile.com.

[Podcast Host]

So the other day I was in this group chat. Of course the topic turned to weight loss medications because it kind of seems like everybody's on one. One friend is already on one, another is researching every option on Tick tock and someone else was like I don't even know where to start. It feels like everybody is talking about it right now, but nobody really knows if it's right for them. That's why hers can be a great option for you because they take all the confusion out of it. You connect with a real medical provider who helps you figure out what's actually best for your body and your goals without the guesswork. If it's prescribed, you'll get medication as a part of a doctor develop developed weight loss program with ongoing check ins, dosage adjustments and 24. 7 online support. They've got affordable options from oral medication kits to GLP1 injectables starting at 69amonth. So if you've been trying to figure out what works for you, it might be time to check out hers. Whether you want to lose weight, grow thicker, fuller hair, or find relief for anxiety, hers has you covered. Visit for hers.combert to get a personalized affordable plan that gets you that's F O R h e r s.com Bert for hers.com Bert weight loss by hers is not available everywhere. Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness or quality by the fda. Prescription required. See website for full details, important safety information and restrictions. Actual price depends on product and plan purchased.

[Jeff Bridges]

The Bird Show.

[Interviewer]

Before TLC got into the studio, we were thinking this was going to be such a depressing interview because we have to talk about Lisa Lopez's death. We have to talk about the bad times that TLC has gone through, especially recently. So we thought, you know, this is not going to be any fun at all. We could not have been more wrong here. TLC is in here. And the first thing I'm thinking, that you guys are all health nuts and stuff. You'd be coming in here with all this, like, I'm on the Atkins diet. All protein, no fat.

[Chilli]

But not Hollywood.

[T-Boz]

You know what? That's Hollywood. My hands are clean. For real. I promise. But you got to just taste this one.

[Interviewer]

What is it?

[T-Boz]

It's called an asteroid.

[Interviewer]

It's like a nasty Cheeto.

[Left Eye]

You guys realize you should each weigh 300 pounds, right? You know, you must. You run, what, four hours a day after our kids?

[Chilli]

Yeah, I run around her. Yeah, that's it. How old are your kids, Chase? Just turned two.

[T-Boz]

Yes, but collectively we have two kids.

[Interviewer]

I just had my first.

[T-Boz]

All right, is it tough?

[Interviewer]

I mean. Cause you guys must be busting booty right now with the new cd. And I know you're on a promotional tour. How do you split the time between family life and the professional life? That must be a struggle for you all the time.

[T-Boz]

Well, you know what? It is a big struggle, especially for me. Because now my son is in school.

[Commercial Narrator]

And.

[T-Boz]

And so, like on the weekends when we have to work, he's with me. Like this morning, I took him to school. Cause I didn't even know what time we had to start working. So I was like, okay, gotta make sure I take John to school. Like, I mean, it's hard. But you know what? I deal with it because it would just be worse to just work, work, work and not ever see him. So I don't care. I just. I don't even try to complain.

[Chilli]

We always say we put family first and our job second. Because we can reschedule things around our jobs, but you can't reschedule, you know, the first time Chase walks or the first time Tron speaks. You know what I mean?

[T-Boz]

And his tooth is a loose at the bottom. So you remember when we were kids and you lose the tooth and the tooth fairy would either you have like 50 cents, maybe a dollar, right? So my son is talking to my Goddaughter, Kiara. So he gets off the telephone, he's like, mom, so my tooth comes out. Kiara told me that I have to put it in a Ziploc bag and put it under the pillow. And the tooth fairy is gonna bring me either five or ten dollars.

[Chilli]

Money done went up.

[Left Eye]

You got to get your son negotiating.

[T-Boz]

Deals for you, I'm telling you.

[Chilli]

Yeah, but we're having fun, though. But Chase goes everywhere with me.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, but people be amazed about how normal your lives are.

[Chilli]

Yeah.

[T-Boz]

Yeah.

[Left Eye]

When's the last time you guys were just at a Kroger by yourself the other night?

[Chilli]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Left Eye]

What'd you buy?

[T-Boz]

What'd you get?

[Chilli]

I got me some chicken because I cooked chicken last night and I got Chase some snacks and some milk and stuff like that.

[Interviewer]

So it's really average. I mean, it's regular. I mean, it's.

[Chilli]

She was mad cause we were working at 12 midnight. She still had to go to Kroger so she can get Tron's lunch.

[T-Boz]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

The virtual hanging out with tlc. I know at some point we're going to have to talk about Lisa. I know we're going to have to do that. And I was thinking yesterday that I have never had anybody really close to me pass away. So I have no reference at all, no point of reference to how you guys are feeling now, how you are feeling after the accident, how you're looking at your future. So tell me, what is going on since. Was it late April, right?

[Chilli]

Yeah, it was April 25th.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Is there a day that goes by where you don't think of Lisa?

[Chilli]

Yeah. Because, I mean, TLC has been like our whole world. And like, even in our house, like plaques. I mean, you can't forget her. And then, you know, especially working now. But even just on the personal side, like, we've been together 12 years.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Chilli]

And that's like, we've seen each other sometimes more than our family. Like, we were just like, tlc. Tlc. We lived and breathed it. So, yeah. Not a day goes by this.

[Interviewer]

This. I mean, it's not just a working relationship, but, I mean, y' all are. You're sisters.

[T-Boz]

Yeah.

[Jeff Bridges]

Really?

[Interviewer]

Sisters?

[T-Boz]

Yeah.

[Left Eye]

How's her family doing?

[T-Boz]

You know what they're holding up? You know, it's weird to see because, you know, Teyana and I, we do. We break down a lot and it's really, really hard for us. And, you know, when we see her mom, how well she holds up, it's like, you gotta pull from that as far as strength is concerned. And you know, we always keep in touch with them. You know what I mean? And I mean, honestly, as a mother, I couldn't even imagine. I just can't imagine how she feel and what she must be going through. Because, you know, Lisa is our sister, and I don't like to say was she is our sister, and I know how we feel. So for me to even think about my own son, it's like, I just really. I really feel bad for her, you know, on a whole nother level.

[Left Eye]

Yeah.

[Guest Commentator]

I think it's gotta be also a great tribute, too, and shows your success on how, you know, everyone mourned her death. And even just, you know, just seeing Missy Elliott's new video. And then in the video and work it on the front hood of a car is Lisa's image airbrush on the car. You don't even have to be explained who that is, you know, exactly.

[Left Eye]

Just looking at the picture, what is it, you know, from you guys working with her for so long, like, something that never came out in the media or never came out, that like a. Like a story about Lisa that it just kind of embodies who she is?

[Chilli]

Well, everybody focused on the negative so much. They didn't know how good of a person she was and how much of a given person she was. Lisa gave to others before she gave to herself. Don't give the shirt off her back. And would take people in off the street and let them live in her house. And the thing that I always say, you know, we can respect about her the most is that she lived for herself. She didn't care what anybody thought. There's something in life that she wanted to do. She would do it. And so she was, like, a real free spirit.

[Interviewer]

Now, there are songs on the new CD that have her voice on them, correct?

[Chilli]

Oh, yeah.

[Interviewer]

So when you're cutting those or you listen back to them now and it's the three of you together still in song, what kind of feelings that bring up for y'?

[Commercial Narrator]

All?

[T-Boz]

Well, you know, what we were. Before she passed. We were, like, a little bit more than halfway done, you know, with the. With our cd. So she was already on songs. And, like, when we continued working, T and I, we couldn't listen to other raps because the producers, they went through other raps that she had done for, you know, just some of her stuff to place the right raps on the songs that we were doing. And we couldn't even listen to it because it was just too hard. But it's weird, like, now listening now, it's like, she was there, you know what I'm saying? And, you know, I'm just glad I'm at a point now where I can listen, because I know in a lot of ways, I'm still somewhat in denial. You know what I mean? I'm still like, okay, yes, she was there with us at the studio. You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer]

Did you feel her presence?

[T-Boz]

You mean at the studio? No, I'm saying I was psyching. I'll psych myself out still and just say, yeah, she was there, you know, but, yes. I mean, her prayer. I mean, her spirit is with us. But, you know, it's just. It's hard.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, I bet. I couldn't think of anything harder than losing a sister, you know, or a family member.

[Chilli]

Well, what makes it hard is because, like, say, when my grandma passed, that hurt, but I don't have to keep talking about it.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Chilli]

And you never think your personal life is going to be mixed in with your job.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Chilli]

So it's kind of like, I don't know, it's not like a personal thing. It's like your feelings are just out there for everybody to see. And some people, like you said, you never felt like that before. So some people can't relate. Some people can. And it's just hard when you just have to be out there like that.

[Interviewer]

And keep talking about it all the time. All right, well, let's stop talking about it and talk about the new CD. All right, tell us all about it.

[T-Boz]

3D.

[Interviewer]

All right.

[Chilli]

And Lisa came up with that title, and it's kind of like Crazy Sexy cool to the 10th power.

[T-Boz]

10Th, 10th, 10th power.

[Chilli]

You know how every girl had a crazy sexy and a cool side. 3D is like three dimensions of TLC. This album is all of our favorites. It is.

[T-Boz]

Oh, my God, it's.

[Interviewer]

You have a better feeling about this album and listening back to it than any of the others.

[T-Boz]

Well, it comes from a different place. It's like the reason why this is, you know, our favorite album. Not to say that it's better than any other songs that we've done. It's like this project is like our baby. Even before Lisa passed. Because, you know, when we got together and decided to, you know, when she came up with the TLC, 3D, the title and all that kind of stuff. This album was to show everybody that we never broke up. We are sisters, we love each other. And it is such a T. Boz, Left Eye and chilly album. I mean, whatever you guys love about us individually, you gonna really love the album because that's what we put on there. That's how this CD is.

[Interviewer]

What's a favorite cutoff of it? I know that's like it. That's a tough question right there.

[Chilli]

Well, we can say this though. There's a certain song that is special to both of us because even though the whole album is a tribute to Lisa, this one is dedicated to her and it's called Turntable.

[T-Boz]

Yeah. It's so beautiful.

[Interviewer]

What? We have to go.

[Commercial Narrator]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

I could have done this for another 45 minutes. Thanks for coming in, y'.

[Chilli]

All.

[T-Boz]

Thank you.

[Jeff Bridges]

The Bird Show. Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.

[Dana]

Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well, I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you teach me. So, Dana.

[Dana]

Oh, no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at t mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Jeff Bridges]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network. Nice.

[Dana]

Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T mobile is the best place to get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible trade in in any condition. So what are we having for launch?

[Dana]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Commercial Narrator]

The 24 monthly bill credit is on experience beyond for well qualified customers plus tax and $35 device connection charge credit same and balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Finance Agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256G $1099.99 A new line minimum $100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by OV Speed Test Intelligence data 182025 Visit T mobile.com hi, this.

[Knox]

Is Knox from the podcast with Knox and Jamie and maybe like us at the podcast you also know people who have been smokers or vapors and Zen is the one product it seems like everyone is talking about because there are many good reasons to make a change to Zen nicotine pouches. Reasons like Zen nicotine pouches are still America's number one choice for smoke free hands free nicotine satisfaction. And you can choose between 10 varieties each variety available in either 3 or 6 milligrams. Check out zyn.com find to find Zyn at a store near you. Warning this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Hey listeners, meet Russell.

[Interviewer]

Hey.

[Knox]

Russell just launched a fitness app and he needed to get the word out to busy professionals looking to stay fit.

[Commercial Narrator]

So I turned to acast. I used their Smart Recommendations feature to easily find shows that talk about health and fitness. Booking sponsorships through their platform was a breeze. And just like that, my app was in their ears during their morning run.

[Knox]

Sounds like a smart move, Russell. How's business looking now?

[Commercial Narrator]

Sweat is pouring and so are the installs.

[Knox]

Spread the word about your business with podcast ads on Acast. Start today at go acast.com advertisement.