Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Featuring Sherri Shepherd

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Sherri Shepherd Talks 'Straw,' Tyler Perry, 'Shading' Nia Long Rumors, Intentions In Media + More
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: The Breakfast Club with DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Sherri Shepherd

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode begins with the hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God warmly welcoming Sherri Shepherd back to The Breakfast Club. Sherri expresses her gratitude for being invited and shares her admiration for the hosts, particularly highlighting their intelligence and leadership qualities.

Sherri Shepherd [02:19]: "My admiration for you. It's like my baby hair that's growing. It just grows every day for you."

2. Navigating Criticism and Personal Growth

Sherri delves into her journey transitioning from "The View" to her own show, discussing how she has learned to handle criticism and negative feedback. She emphasizes the importance of self-worth and not seeking validation from others.

Sherri Shepherd [03:36]: "This season, life is too short. You got to know what energy you’re walking in and create your own energy. That's how it works."

Sherri shares her experiences with online negativity, mentioning how reading hurtful comments only led to more criticism. She cites advice from Whoopi Goldberg about ignoring baseless chatter and focusing on supportive relationships.

Sherri Shepherd [04:15]: "Whoopi's like, stop reading all that stuff. They don't care about you. So I stopped."

3. Single Motherhood and Parenting Challenges

The conversation shifts to Sherri's role as a single mother raising her 20-year-old son. She candidly discusses the challenges she faces, including guiding him through sensitive topics like marijuana use. Sherri shares a heartfelt moment where her son confides in her about wanting to smoke, prompting her to seek divine guidance on how to address his concerns.

Sherri Shepherd [08:07]: "He was on my podcast with Ken Whitley, two funny mamas. He came, he was like, 'I want to talk to you. When can I get high?'"

The hosts engage in a light-hearted banter about possible responses to her son's request, highlighting the delicate balance of addressing his needs while setting boundaries.

4. Experience Shooting 'Straw' with Tyler Perry

Sherri recounts her experience working with Tyler Perry on the movie "Straw." Unlike traditional filming schedules, Tyler's efficient approach allowed her to complete her role in six days, contrasting with her previous experiences that spanned weeks.

Sherri Shepherd [15:07]: "Tyler does not do that. He has a ton of cameras covering you. So when I'm looking at the movie, they caught shots of me. I didn't even realize because it was so many cameras."

She praises Tyler Perry's professionalism and generosity, sharing anecdotes of how he went above and beyond to ensure her comfort on set, including providing an exceptionally spacious trailer.

Sherri Shepherd [17:06]: "I cried. Wow. I've never had in my wildest dreams, I never imagined something like that. He's a great human."

Sherri also highlights Tyler's philanthropic efforts, such as paying off a colleague's mortgage, showcasing his commitment to supporting those around him.

5. Health Advocacy and Personal Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Sherri's openness about her health struggles, particularly her battle with type 2 diabetes. She underscores the importance of maintaining good health to fulfill one's purpose and shares her daily regimen of waking up early to work out.

Sherri Shepherd [29:22]: "I go to the gym. I get up at 4:30 in the morning four times a week to go to the gym. You know, however you want to feel. You got to start it today."

Sherri encourages listeners to adopt a proactive approach to their health, emphasizing that managing conditions like diabetes can lead to a more fulfilling and confident life.

Sherri Shepherd [30:52]: "Life is not over because you're diabetic, but it can start and it can be amazingly wonderful."

6. Media Responsibility and Intentions in Reporting

Sherri discusses the delicate balance of reporting news while maintaining positive intentions. She shares her approach to handling sensitive topics on her show, striving to present information that is edifying and constructive rather than perpetuating negativity.

Sherri Shepherd [39:46]: "Is it going to edify you? Is it going to add to your life? If it's not, then let's go to another one."

The hosts and Sherri debate the challenges of covering contentious topics, such as celebrity breakups, while minimizing personal biases and avoiding unnecessary backlash.

7. Addressing 'Shading' and Misunderstandings with Nia Long

A notable segment involves addressing rumors of Sherri shading Nia Long. Sherri clarifies that any misunderstandings were based on misinterpretations and emphasizes her respect for Nia.

Sherri Shepherd [32:20]: "When I said... She grabbed me and spun me around. I'm a really nice... I don't have any beef with Nia Long. I'm a fan of hers."

She advocates for open communication to resolve conflicts and stresses the importance of not letting misconceptions damage professional relationships.

8. Empowerment and Representation for Young Women

In her closing remarks, Sherri passionately speaks about the significance of representation in media. She aspires to be a role model for young brown girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential.

Sherri Shepherd [49:01]: "I want the young brown girls to look at me and say, it's possible. I can do that."

Sherri highlights the value of seeing successful women of color in prominent roles, drawing parallels to icons like Oprah Winfrey and Stephanie Mills, and underscores the importance of mentorship and positive role models for the next generation.

9. Upcoming Projects and Events

Before wrapping up, Sherri shares information about her upcoming performances and appearances with fellow comedian Kim Whitley, showcasing her continued commitment to comedy and community engagement.

Sherri Shepherd [50:59]: "Kim Whitley and I are the only comics who can stand on stage and do two hours of comedy improv."

Conclusion

The episode with Sherri Shepherd on The Breakfast Club offers a rich and multifaceted exploration of her personal and professional life. From handling criticism and navigating single motherhood to advocating for health and empowering young women, Sherri provides insightful perspectives that resonate with a broad audience. Her candidness and commitment to positive representation make this episode both engaging and inspiring.

Notable Quotes:

• Sherri Shepherd [03:36]: "This season, life is too short. You got to know what energy you’re walking in and create your own energy."

• Sherri Shepherd [08:07]: "He was like, 'I want to talk to you. When can I get high?'"

• Sherri Shepherd [29:22]: "I go to the gym. I get up at 4:30 in the morning four times a week to go to the gym."

• Sherri Shepherd [49:01]: "I want the young brown girls to look at me and say, it's possible. I can do that."

For those interested in Sherri Shepherd's projects and further insights, be sure to tune into her show and follow her upcoming performances.