The Breakfast Club: Carlos Miller on Health, Personal Growth, and Career Reinvention

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Lil Rel Howery On Getting Healthy, Being His Best Self, New Projects + More
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Host/Authors: DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee
Guest: Carlos Miller (Lil Rel Howery)

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Angela Yee sit down with comedian and actor Carlos Miller, widely known as Lil Rel Howery. The conversation delves deep into Carlos's journey toward better health, his personal growth through therapy, his evolving career, and his perspectives on relationships and the entertainment industry.

Lil Rel Howery’s Health Journey

Carlos candidly shares his transformative journey towards achieving better health and fitness. He discusses the significant weight loss he has undergone and the mixed reactions it has elicited from those around him.

[02:50] Carlos Miller: "I've been on my business this season... I'm in boss mode now."

Carlos explains how his commitment to fitness—dedicating mornings to the gym and boxing three times a week—has not only improved his physical health but also his mental well-being.

[03:16] Carlos Miller: "I literally get up every morning... I have stuff set up at my house."

However, his transformation hasn't been without challenges. He addresses the criticism and misconceptions about his weight loss efforts, particularly the unfounded assumptions linking his fitness to substance use.

[03:39] DJ Envy: "That gotta hurt, though. Cause you actually did it."

Carlos emphasizes that his weight loss is a result of hard work and dedication, dismissing baseless claims that attribute his success to quick fixes like Ozempic.

Career and New Projects

Transitioning from health, Carlos discusses his latest project—a voice role in the animated children’s movie Dogman, alongside Pete Davidson. He expresses enthusiasm for contributing to family-friendly content and the positive reception the film is receiving.

[06:31] DJ Envy: "Dog man did it."

Carlos highlights the importance of diversifying his roles and believes that animated movies like Dogman are becoming significant box office successes.

[07:12] Carlos Miller: "I think this is gonna be one of them."

He also shares his aspirations to direct and produce, marking his entry into behind-the-scenes roles in filmmaking.

Personal Growth and Therapy

A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around Carlos's personal growth through therapy. He opens up about battling depression and the profound impact therapy has had on his life.

[24:34] Carlos Miller: "So going to therapy made me literally overanalyze myself and own a lot of Myra."

Carlos recounts his struggle with self-worth and how therapy sessions helped him confront buried emotions, especially during his divorce.

[25:29] Carlos Miller: "I just went back and told little me, like, dude, we made it."

He describes a transformative moment during therapy that shifted his perspective on his achievements and self-worth, leading to a greater sense of confidence and happiness.

Relationship and Marriage

Carlos discusses his engagement and the dynamics of his relationship. He emphasizes the importance of mutual support and communication, especially in overcoming personal challenges together.

[12:24] Carlos Miller: "I'm cool. I'm chilling. I just love being around my girl."

He shares his and his fiancée's approach to therapy, highlighting their commitment to personal and mutual growth.

[32:06] Carlos Miller: "We both consistently go in therapy."

Carlos also touches on the idea of celebrating anniversaries as significant milestones, proposing that these celebrations carry more weight than traditional weddings.

[13:10] Carlos Miller: "I think we should treat anniversaries like weddings."

Navigating Hollywood and Career Challenges

The discussion shifts to Carlos's experiences in Hollywood, addressing the challenges of gaining recognition despite a robust resume. He reflects on the competitive nature of the industry and the importance of persistence and authenticity.

[26:15] Carlos Miller: "If you think about it, I came from the chitlin circuit. I did it literally step by step."

Carlos expresses frustration over not being included in comedian rankings despite his extensive work in stand-up, film, and television.

[27:03] DJ Envy: "Is it because sometimes they look at you possibly as a loner?"

He underscores the significance of networking and being visible within the comedy community to gain the recognition he deserves.

Furthermore, Carlos shares his insights on the evolving landscape of Hollywood, advocating for embracing diverse storytelling and supporting platforms that nurture creative freedom.

[15:34] Carlos Miller: "Hollywood is Hollywood... you're part of Hollywood."

Conclusion

Carlos Miller's interview on The Breakfast Club offers a candid look into the multifaceted journey of a comedian striving for personal excellence and professional recognition. From his dedication to health and fitness to his deep dive into personal therapy and his aspirations in the entertainment industry, Carlos exemplifies resilience and continuous self-improvement. His honest reflections provide valuable insights for listeners navigating their own paths to becoming their best selves.

Notable Quotes:

• Carlos Miller [03:16]: "I literally get up every morning... I have stuff set up at my house."
• Carlos Miller [24:34]: "So going to therapy made me literally overanalyze myself and own a lot of Myra."
• Carlos Miller [13:10]: "I think we should treat anniversaries like weddings."
• Carlos Miller [26:15]: "If you think about it, I came from the chitlin circuit. I did it literally step by step."
• Carlos Miller [15:34]: "Hollywood is Hollywood... you're part of Hollywood."

This episode not only showcases Carlos Miller’s humorous side but also highlights his vulnerabilities and determination to grow both personally and professionally. It's a testament to the power of introspection, support systems, and unwavering dedication to one’s passions.