INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims Talks New Album, Toxic Relationships, Name Origin, Being In Love, Stevie Wonder + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Featuring Teddy Swims

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims Talks New Album, Toxic Relationships, Name Origin, Being In Love, Stevie Wonder + More
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Jess Hilarious
Guest: Teddy Swims

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and Jess Hilarious welcome the talented multi-genre vocalist Teddy Swims. The conversation delves into Teddy's musical journey, his new album, personal relationships, and influential figures like Stevie Wonder, offering listeners an intimate look into his life and artistry.

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Early Life and Background

Background from Georgia
Teddy Swims, born Jayton, hails from Conyers, Georgia, a town 30 minutes east of Atlanta in Rockdale County. Growing up in a religious household, with his grandfather serving as a Pentecostal pastor, Teddy discusses the strict upbringing that shaped his early years.

[03:30] Lauren (Teddy Swims): "That's about it, really."

Influence of Religious Upbringing
Teddy reflects on the strict gender roles and moral teachings instilled by his grandfather, emphasizing the balance between adhering to beliefs and maintaining personal freedom.

[04:16] Lauren: "We wouldn't even go to restaurants that would have a bar in the restaurant... He stood on his belief so much."

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Transition from Football to Music

From Football Aspirations to Singing Passion
Initially passionate about football, Teddy faced challenges due to his height (5'7"), which led him to pivot towards music. His involvement in football began to wane as he discovered his true calling in singing.

[06:35] Lauren: "I just kind of fell in love with singing and, you know, I couldn’t. I was so hooked."

Influence of Friends and Musical Theater
Teddy credits his friend Jackson and his involvement in musical theater as pivotal in his transition from sports to music, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships in pursuing one's passion.

[06:07] Lauren: "His dad was always in bands and stuff, so we started trying to experiment and play music and stuff."

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Musical Influences and Development

Self-Taught Through YouTube
Growing up during the rise of YouTube, Teddy utilized the platform to teach himself vocal techniques by watching live performances of iconic artists like Craig David, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Al Green.

[08:53] Lauren: "I could watch live videos of how they’re moving their throat... It really helped me develop my voice."

Embracing Multi-Genre Influence
Teddy's diverse musical style spans R&B, country, rock, and pop, influenced by his love for various instruments and vocal expressions.

[09:54] Lauren: "I love this instrument so much... whatever it felt like would work."

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Breakthrough with Covers

Viral Success of "Rock With You"
Teddy's cover of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" marked a significant breakthrough, garnering millions of views and establishing his presence online.

[12:14] Lauren: "We uploaded it and it started doing well... It was life-changing for us."

Unique Presentation
Teddy combines his emotive voice with a humorous and unconventional appearance, creating a memorable and authentic persona that resonates with fans.

[14:42] Lauren: "I have such an emotive, expressive voice and look like I make fart jokes."

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The Science and Uniqueness of His Voice

Vocal as a Personal Instrument
Teddy emphasizes the uniqueness of the human voice, describing it as "the only instrument that you can take everywhere with you." He highlights the personal connection and emotional depth that the vocal instrument offers.

[11:04] Teddy Swims: "There's a science to it that I think people don't respect."

Challenges of Vocal Management
He discusses the constant maintenance required for vocal health, influenced by personal circumstances like travel and illness.

[11:10] Lauren: "It's bound to your decisions or your travel, your sickness... it's always bound to you."

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Personal Growth and Therapy

Embracing Therapy
Teddy candidly shares his journey with therapy, initially hesitant but eventually recognizing its importance in healing from toxic relationships and preparing for fatherhood.

[15:06] Teddy Swims: "Now, Teddy, why have you tried everything but therapy?"

[15:08] Lauren: "I have tried therapy now, sir. ... We're trying to ensure we're bringing this baby in the most healed, communicative environment."

Overcoming Stigma
He addresses the generational stigma around therapy, advocating for its benefits in personal growth and relationship strengthening.

[16:04] Lauren: "There’s been this connotation on therapy that we’re not allowed to share our feelings or emotions."

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Community and Life in LA

Resilience During Wildfires
Living in Los Angeles during wildfire seasons, Teddy reflects on the community's resilience and the collective spirit that emerges during tragedies.

[18:54] Teddy Swims: "And it shouldn't be that way. Yeah, it should be like that all the time."

Faith in Humanity
He expresses renewed faith in humanity, witnessing how communities come together in times of crisis.

[19:08] Teddy Swims: "When shit hits the fan, we all do love each other."

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Relationship and Family Plans

Preparing for Parenthood
Teddy discusses his relationship with his girlfriend and their plans to welcome their first child. He emphasizes the importance of being present and establishing a balanced life between work and family.

[31:20] Lauren: "I’m gonna pick up hobbies that, that baby likes... I’m gonna make my home balance and my work balance all matter more."

Desire for a Southern Upbringing
He expresses a wish for his child to have a Southern upbringing, valuing the cultural identity and charm associated with it.

[19:57] Lauren: "I want my baby a little Southern accent... y'all."

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Origin of His Stage Name

Evolution to "Teddy Swims"
The name "Teddy" evolved organically from his nickname, with "Swims" representing his musical journey and identity.

[24:01] Lauren: "I've been called Teddy forever... it just kind of stuck."

Humorous Anecdotes
Teddy shares funny moments related to his stage name, including interactions with legends like Dave Chappelle.

[24:58] Teddy Swims: "He heard somebody say what kind of lady he's like, ah, let me try to avoid that question."

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Meeting His Musical Idols

FaceTime with Stevie Wonder
A highlight of the interview is Teddy's interaction with musical legend Stevie Wonder via FaceTime. Despite Stevie's blindness, Teddy narrates the heartwarming and humorous experience of collaborating on the record "Politic Player."

[45:32] Lauren: "I got a chance to do a record with him, too. It's called Politic Player."

[46:12] Lauren: "He was holding the camera like he thought I was seeing him... I was looking at his knees."

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Themes in His Music

Exploring Love and Social Issues
Teddy's music delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and social justice. His song "Money Long" addresses racial issues, emphasizing that "love is love, and that should be enough."

[43:02] Lauren: "Love is love, and that should be enough. Love is love, baby."

Collaborations and Respect
Teddy discusses his collaboration with artist Money Long, highlighting mutual respect and the significance of their joint message.

[44:17] Lauren: "Money’s just a legend... What a badass business. I love her."

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Future Aspirations

Balancing Career and Family
Looking forward, Teddy is committed to balancing his burgeoning music career with his role as a father, aiming to be present and supportive in his child's life.

[32:56] Brian Murphy: "I was about to say you really think it's a boy?"

[33:00] Lauren: "Yeah, I hope so."

Expanding Musical Horizons
Teddy aspires to continue expanding his musical influence, drawing inspiration from idols like Stevie Wonder and exploring new genres and collaborative projects.

[44:30] Lauren: "We needed to say that with, you know, together... I’m so grateful she took that opportunity to say, I see what you’re trying to say."

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Conclusion

The interview wraps up with Teddy Swims sharing his gratitude and excitement for the future, both personally and professionally. The hosts bid him farewell, playing his newly released track "Are You Even Real?" featuring Giveon, leaving listeners inspired by his authenticity and dedication.

[48:26] DJ Envy: "We appreciate you for joining us."

[48:27] Lauren: "Thank you so much for having me, I'm honored to be here, truly. Thank you."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Therapy and Personal Growth

  [15:08] Lauren: "I have tried therapy now, sir... making sure we're bringing this baby in the most healed, communicative environment."

• On the Uniqueness of the Voice

  [11:04] Teddy Swims: "There's a science to it that I think people don't respect."

• On Love and Social Issues

  [43:02] Lauren: "Love is love, and that should be enough. Love is love, baby."

• On Community Resilience

  [18:54] Teddy Swims: "And it shouldn't be that way. Yeah, it should be like that all the time."

• On Musical Collaboration

  [44:17] Lauren: "Money’s just a legend... What a badass business. I love her."

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This comprehensive interview with Teddy Swims offers an in-depth exploration of his artistic evolution, personal struggles, and the profound influences that shape his music. Listeners gain valuable insights into the making of his new album, the importance of mental health, and his commitment to creating meaningful and socially conscious art.

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[DJ Envy]

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[Jess Hilarious]

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[Jon Stewart]

Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines. Exclusive, inclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[AJ Stephens]

$1.4 billion in NFL quarterback contracts the untold stories behind the biggest deals in football history. I'm AJ Stephens, Vice President of Client Strategy at Athletes first and introducing the Athletes First Family Podcast, the Quarterback Series. My co host Brian Murphy, Athletes First CEO and I are sitting down with the agents who have negotiated contracts for Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, Tua Tugnovailoa and Jordan Love listen to athletes first family podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Teddy Swims]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club Morning everybody. It's DJ Envy, Jess, Hilarious Charlemagne, the guy we are the Breakfast Club J out today. Lauren's holding it down and of course we got our niece Nala here, and we got a special guest in the building. The brother, Teddy Swims.

[Lauren]

Hey, man.

[Teddy Swims]

How you feeling?

[Lauren]

I'm so honored to be here, man. I'm f. Man.

[Teddy Swims]

Happy to have you.

[Lauren]

I'm really, really excited, dude. We. We did our album release party last night, though, so, you know, again, excuse my drinking for.

[Teddy Swims]

You don't have to excuse yourself for drinking early in the morning. You see that one over there?

[Nala]

Let's cheers to be on the way. What?

[Lauren]

All right.

[Nala]

Why y'all here telling my business?

[Lauren]

Sorry.

[Nala]

No, he said you got a baby on the way.

[Lauren]

I thought you said. I was like, we need a drink right now.

[DJ Envy]

Well, congratulations.

[Teddy Swims]

Drinking with a pregnant woman. Teddy, how do you feel?

[Nala]

First of all? Can y'all stop?

[Lauren]

I don't.

[Nala]

I have no baby on the way.

[DJ Envy]

She ain't got a man yet. How's he gonna get pregnant without a man?

[Lauren]

Oh, God. I misread that whole situation. Sorry. Let's start. Let's start over. Can we go back to the top? Congratulations. Thank you, guys. For my baby on the way. Yeah. Have one on the way. Absolutely. Yeah. You're drinking with a pregnant man. It's early.

[Teddy Swims]

Tell us about yourself, Teddy.

[Lauren]

Man, that's so loaded.

[Teddy Swims]

Not really.

[Lauren]

Just.

[Teddy Swims]

Who are you?

[Lauren]

My daddy's son.

[Teddy Swims]

There you go.

[Lauren]

That's about it, really.

[Nala]

From.

[Lauren]

I'm from Georgia. From. From about 30 minutes east of Atlanta in Conyers, Georgia.

[Jess Hilarious]

Okay.

[Lauren]

Rockdale County. And, you know, I like singing songs and having a good, good, good boy.

[Teddy Swims]

You have a very soulful, soulful voice. Did you grow up in the church?

[Lauren]

Yeah, so my granddad was a Pentecostal pastor. I didn't grow up singing in a church a lot, but, you know, I definitely grew up with, I guess, like, you know, fire and brimstone, for sure. Man with the fear of God. Yeah. You know what I mean? And you're afraid to sin? Oh, no, no, not. Not these days. I mean.

[Teddy Swims]

I'm just talking about, like, back in the day. Was it, like, a very religious household?

[Lauren]

Yeah. Yeah. You know, like what? Like. Like, girls don't get haircuts. You know, girls wear skirts, men wear jeans, like that kind of thing. It was really real kind of tight, and I was. I mean, I'm very fortunate, I guess. I feel like I still subscribe to so many of the beliefs. Like, I mean, not the beliefs, but the. Like, the principles of. You know, even the beliefs aren't there. I do love that My granddad was. As I was growing up with my granddad, he was like, we Wouldn't even go to restaurants that would have a bar in the restaurant, you know? And not that he ever had a problem drinking, but it was just. He stood on his belief so much. The thing that I was always with him was that I didn't subscribe to the idea that, like, telling people that they're wrong and this is the only way to believe something. I remember he'd look at other churches and be like, think that the only way he believed it was right. I remember. I remember the first time I sang at his church. I might have been 17 or 16 or something. And I remember him saying, like, coming to me and talking to me and going like, you know, I want you sing at the church, bud. But, man, all these kids are like break dancing and carrying on for the Lord. And I was like, yo, Pop, like, nobody's broke dance since, like, my. My mom was a child. And if they want to break dance for the Lord, pop, like, let him break dance for the Lord, you know? He was. He was very, you know, stern. Like, just buy the book. If it wasn't in the Bible, then it was a sin. You know what I mean?

[Brian Murphy]

So were you rebellious?

[Lauren]

Hell, yeah. You know, but my mom was worse than I was. I remember. I remember getting in trouble for all sorts of shit and being like, I'm not. I'm not doing any of that. She thought I was doing all sorts of mess. And I mean. But she was a pastor's kid. My mother was the.

[DJ Envy]

I wanted to. You know, when you talk about rebellious, you started off playing football.

[Lauren]

All right?

[DJ Envy]

So.

[Lauren]

Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

I heard your family was a big football family.

[Lauren]

Huh.

[DJ Envy]

So what got you from football to singing?

[Lauren]

My dear friend Jackson.

[Teddy Swims]

I can see that.

[Lauren]

Yeah. Yeah. That was you playing. Yeah. And an offensive offensive guard as well. Yeah. And. But I mean, I just. 5 foot 7 wasn't really happening, you know, I just.

[DJ Envy]

In high school, middle school at the time.

[Lauren]

Yeah. But I've been five foot seven since I was in eighth grade. Okay. And so I thought. They thought I was going to be big, you know? And then it just.

[Nala]

It didn't happen.

[Lauren]

Guys started shooting up to 6 foot 2 and 3 and whooped my ass off the line.

[DJ Envy]

So what got you into arts?

[Lauren]

Like, my dear friend Jesse, who still plays with me, I've known him since I was a little kid. His dad was always in bands and stuff, so we started trying to experiment and play music and stuff. And his older sister was a musical theater and got us into musical theater. And I just kind of fell in love with Singing and, you know, I couldn't. I was so. I was hooked. I was hooked. Singing has changed my life. I wasn't good always, but I fell in love with it, you know? And I remember telling my mom that I was. I was gonna not do football anymore and I was gonna sing, and she was so, so hurt. Like, brought out all my memorabilia. Like, I can't believe you do this to us. We've been playing football, you know, And I remember my first little. We did this show called Damn Yankees. I did like two lines in it, I think. And after I got done, I come off stage and she was like, I'm so sorry, baby. This is where you belong. Really? You're a star. You know, after, like, I did like two lines, you know, but it was.

[Nala]

What you mean by you weren't always good at it. Like, how do you. You sound amazing.

[Lauren]

I was so bad. We were so bad at it, you know.

[Teddy Swims]

You was in a group?

[Lauren]

Well, no, just me and my buddy Jesse. He still plays guitar, writes, and he plays guitar in my band still. And we. We used to just always, you know, as we were learning and trying to build bands together and do it as kids, you know, we just were really bad, you know, like, we're just not good. You can still find actually on YouTube. I was a senior in high school. My first band, Heroic Bear, is still on YouTube. Our first little EP. And I was in, like, a metalcore band at the time. And so you could still hear me, like, screaming away and like, singing. And if you definitely don't pull it up now, too late. Not in front of me. I'm just saying, not in front of it. I love who cringe, but if you.

[Teddy Swims]

Want to hear it, you know the routine.

[Lauren]

If you hear it, dude, you're gonna be like, okay, yeah, you got good.

[DJ Envy]

Did you get lessons or did you practice or how did you get. I did so good.

[Lauren]

Well, I think I was so lucky. I mean, I was in theater, you know, and I had a lot of good friends and they were singing. But I think. I think the biggest thing was growing up in the, like, when the YouTube era was first kind of starting, you know, and if I had questions or if I wanted to know how to sing, there was always a live version of singers singing, you know, so, like, I could. I could watch, like, live videos of. How are they moving they throat? How are they moving? Moving their jaws. How they.

[Brian Murphy]

Oh, yo, that was crazy.

[Lauren]

You know, I could. I could just sit there and watch YouTube videos and see people singing live, you know, like I remember I was in credit recovery watching Craig David, you know, like singing Craig David singing like, and credit recovery. I would pull up like a YouTube proxy and just have it behind the video and just like listen to Craig David just I'm walking away. I could see, I could, I could listen to live videos and watch their, them play, you know, and singing it.

[Teddy Swims]

Was like, do you think you like, I guess saw somebody like Craig David and like mimicked him and that's how you found your voice?

[Lauren]

Oh, totally, yeah, yeah. We, you know, I mean some of the best man. Some of the best that ever did it. Marvin Gaye, watching Otis Redding, man, listening to Al Green, you know this, this is like those, those are, I mean it doesn't get better.

[Nala]

How did you figure out what, what's your like your warm spot was going to be even genre wise because you're listed as a multi genre vocalist. People put you in R B, country, rock and pop. So how did you, at what point did you know like okay, it's going to be a mixture of all this or did you try different things?

[Lauren]

I think, I think I was just, I love, I love this instrument so much. You know, this, this, I was, I was so hooked on this instrument and so whatever it felt like it would, would work. I'd be, I, I such a fan of this instrument by instruments. Meaning. Yeah, I, I, if I hear a screamer or singer, anybody doing anything with their mouth that I don't know how to do, I'm, I don't mean it like that.

[DJ Envy]

Can't stop. This is him.

[Lauren]

Don't do that. Me. We're just getting started. Listening.

[Teddy Swims]

I'm listening. I like it.

[DJ Envy]

He likes it. Keep going, Teddy.

[Teddy Swims]

Okay, so, yes, anything that can, anybody that can do something with their mouth.

[Lauren]

That you can't do, I do see how that sounds. Now that you said it, I'm laughing too. No, so I, I, I mean I, I just fell in love with the instrument and I was like, I want to, I want to know how to do, I want to know how to access that. You know, however people do it, whether it's screaming, whether it's opera, whether it's, whatever it is, I want to be able to do that. I want to, I'm so in love with this, this thing. We're so capable of expressing emotion and lending, you know, life stories that way. And I just fell in love with.

[Teddy Swims]

There's a science to it that I think people don't respect. That's how I know you're a real artist. Just the Fact that you keep calling your vocal and instruments.

[Lauren]

Hell yeah, man, it's, it's. It's such a muscle that, that and I think it's the only instrument that you can kind of take everywhere with you and practice at all times, you know. But it's also, it's bound to by your like, your decisions or your like travel, your sickness or whatever's going on, you know. It's always ever changing and bound to what, you know, what you did last night and waking up at 9:30 and sounding like shit the next day, you know. So it's always bound to you. And I think it's the like one thing in the world that is like your thumbprint on the world. You know, your voice is only yours. You can, you can with, with a guitar, you could take the same amp, play the same lick with the same exact guitar and the same pedal and sound the same. But with your voice it's like only you have that, you know. And it's such a special thing. And your circumstance and your, your heartbreak and all that stuff is all a part of something that makes you so uniquely you, you know.

[DJ Envy]

And then you started doing these covers, right? And you started covering songs and then you did one cover that started shooting up crazy. So talk about that a little bit.

[Lauren]

Oh, I think Shania Twain still the one was our like that's the one that really kind of went crazy for us. That was, you know, I love my mama and my mama loved Shania Twain when I was coming up. I love Shania Twain too. That was a real life changing one for us. And our first one we started out with was because June 25th of 2019 was the first time I never even expected doing covers, you know, online. And we had found like the, we had found the, the stems of rock with you online.

[DJ Envy]

Michael Jackson.

[Lauren]

Yeah. And so it was, it was 10 years right after he passed. It was his 10 year anniversary. And so I was like, man, we should just do Rock with youh by Michael Jackson just to pay homage to him and for the, you know. And then, and we uploaded it and it started doing well and it was like, man, we should just keep this, I guess this cover train kind of going. So we, we kept on for, you know, next few months. And I think the beautiful thing about starting with Rock with youh, it started getting, you know, like I said, the first day we woke up we had like 10,000 views. And it was so life changing for us. We're like duh boys, we're getting hammered. This is sick. And I think it was such a weird thing because once it hit, like, this critical mass of like, maybe 500,000 views, I think people were looking at. Seeing the way I look and then seeing the Rock with youh and saying Rock with youh by Michael Jackson and me. And I'm in, you know, looking like an absolute redneck and saying, like, either this is hilarious or this is actually really good. And I think for our benefit, it was kind of both, you know, because just the fact that I was singing that song, but doing it well was just, you know, kind of funny and surprisingly good.

[Teddy Swims]

The first time I got put on you, it was actually in the barbershop, my barber tie, because it was on YouTube and he had you playing. And I'm like, that is coming out of that.

[Lauren]

You know, I think that's been a special thing for me.

[Teddy Swims]

And, I mean, it is. I almost want to say it's a novelty thing, but it is one of those things that gets your attention.

[DJ Envy]

It does.

[Lauren]

Yeah. I think. I think there. I think there has been a. I think there's been something that we have been able to lean in that. That it doesn't look like what it. You know, or does it look like what it sounds like? Right. And I think that's been something that's been so beautiful for. For me is to be able to have such an emotive, expressive voice and look like I'm. I make fart jokes, you know? Yeah. You know, because I know we all know what heartbreak is like, and we all think farts are funny, you know, and that's. That's just kind of my mo.

[Teddy Swims]

It's not about what comes out your ass that's funny nowadays. It's about what goes in. What goes in can make you funny.

[Lauren]

It's your kid.

[Teddy Swims]

Yeah.

[Lauren]

Make you walk funny, too.

[DJ Envy]

Just curious. Just curious. A lot of throat jokes.

[Nala]

They don't worry about Charlemagne. That's why I ain't got no man. Because they all worried about you. Knock it off.

[Teddy Swims]

Now, Teddy, why have you tried everything but therapy?

[Lauren]

Well, I have tried therapy now, sir. So, you know, even as we're getting ready to have our kid, me and my girls have been doing even couples therapy, too, which has been so wonderful, and making sure we're coming in and having this child in the most healed. Communicative. What is the word? Yeah. And we're trying to make sure we're doing it. We're separately and couples therapy and bringing. Bringing this baby in the, you know, the right way. And hopefully, I mean, we're still going to have baggage, of course, but most healed, safest environment possible. But I. I think. I think naming the album that was. Was kind of to have that conversation and with myself, to get myself to go. I think there's just like been in generations past and even still there's this like, connotation on therapy that we're like. So I know we're not. We're not allowed to. We're not allowed to go to that or. We're not allowed to share our feelings or emotions.

[Teddy Swims]

Especially men.

[Lauren]

Yeah. You know, and. And I. I just. It's been life changing for me. And I did have even this in my brain that I was like, I'm not crazy. I don't need that shit. You know, I had this for so long that I was like, I know myself. I don't need nobody to tell me what's wrong with me, you know? And I feel like once I got it too, it was so much different than I thought it would be too. And I feel like there was something beautiful about having that first album and not trying it and being in a place of turmoil and heartbreak with somebody that was. Made me feel like my feelings were invalid or not allowed to have. And having this part two coming out and being this thing of. I've tried therapy, I'm back in love, I'm having a child. I'm Got some level of success in this. And, you know, on the back of heartbreak, it does get better on the other side, you know, and. And I'm. I'm just so grateful for.

[Nala]

Was it. Was you going to therapy? Was that pushed on you? Not pushed on you, but did your girlfriend kind of like influence you to do that or something you wanted to do?

[Lauren]

I've been, I've been, you know, again, I was, I was, I was. The plan was to have tried therapy after I put out the record. It was like kind of my promise to myself at the first one. Like, I'm gonna go to therapy. And I did push it off for a long time, but I think when we first found out we were kind of pregnant, she was like, you know what we should do? We should do. It was never to push on a therapy. Like, to me to have my own therapy. But I think she's such a wonderful person. I think she was just like, we should do therapy together as like a couples therapy. So we make sure we bring our kid in. And it kind of. Once I felt how that was, I was like, I should do some therapy by myself too. And she's like, I think That's a great idea. So it was never kind of pushed. It was kind of like, I think she planted little seeds for me to. Man, Strong ass woman.

[Brian Murphy]

Yeah, good one, bro.

[Lauren]

Strong ass woman. Now I think she just kind of knew how to like plant the little seed for me to find it on my own, which is what it should be like.

[Nala]

You know, One of the things I read you talked about is you want to, you're, Are you already back down south and left LA from the fire?

[Lauren]

No, no, we're in LA still, we're in the Valley. And I mean also I think we're doing okay. We haven't seen like, you know, it was, we had seen a little bit of smoke in our area, but we haven't been because of. I don't want her breathing that thing in though. But I think I will say though, what's been so beautiful about that situation and my prayers and prayers and prayers and so much prayers has gone into that. And what makes me feel like, I think us as a society, I feel like we can all be so jaded and so like tough and hardcore. But when a tragedy happens, you see how quick people are to come together and love each other and be that community in LA is coming together and everybody's donating their time and their money and food and I don't know, I just, I haven't seen, I haven't seen a place be that, you know, like we really, we, we, we unite when everybody's going through something together, you know.

[Teddy Swims]

And it shouldn't be that way. Yeah, it should be like that all the time.

[Lauren]

I'm glad, I'm glad that that's happening. You know, it makes me, it reinstills my faith in humanity that I know when shit hits the fan, we all do love each other. You know, at the core of it all, we're all like, we love each.

[Teddy Swims]

Other because I think regardless of if you're black, white, gay, straight, rich, poor, when Mother Nature hits, none of us.

[DJ Envy]

None of that matters.

[Teddy Swims]

We're just all at the mercy of Mother Nature.

[Lauren]

But at least we look out for each other at the end of the day. And I think that's what's so beautiful, man. I, I, I, it's, this is like instilled my fate again in like, in, in society. I'm like, God, I love that we all have just pulled together and so.

[Nala]

Are you going to stay in LA with the baby because you're going to move down south? You said you, yeah, so I, I.

[Lauren]

I, I mean, of course I'm probably still going to have to, like, rent in la. I think I might still just rent, but I was going to buy and it did spook me. I want to be able to, like, I might move back, you know, maybe to Nashville where I could work and still be, like, four hours from the parents if they want to drive up and see a baby. But I also want my little boy to have, like, a little. Or girl. I don't know.

[Teddy Swims]

But keep that money in the south, man.

[Lauren]

Yeah.

[Teddy Swims]

You know, and your money goes farther.

[Lauren]

I want my baby. A little Southern accent, you know what I'm saying? I want him like, I want open doors and you know that charm. Hi, good afternoon. How dogs do, y'all?

[Jess Hilarious]

Dogs first.

[Nala]

You won't have the doors for the gang. Gang that's walking in behind y'all at the spot. Y'all open door for nobody.

[Teddy Swims]

You know, Donnell Rollins thinks that he's the reason that you're having a baby. He said that? Y'all. I saw y'all on. He was on his podcast. He said, yeah, and you said you wanted to have a kid, and he told you that you was gonna have one.

[Lauren]

But he. Man, and this. Oh, God, I can't tell you enough how much. Like, man, when they say, don't meet your heroes, they was right. Don L. Rollins is a piece of. He's the nicest human being. He's the nices. Said.

[Teddy Swims]

Anything good you say about him, I agree with you. Your initial statement.

[Lauren]

Well, no, no, keep the rest of it. I don't want him hear that. They'd be like, damn, bro, I love you, dude. That's been one of the nicest. He sings me all the time, man. He's like. He sends me. We just talked yesterday. And he's. He's my hero, man. Rollins, dude, he's such a nice small.

[Teddy Swims]

Town you grew up in.

[Lauren]

Did you see when he came up Such a hater.

[DJ Envy]

You see when he was up here last time?

[Lauren]

No, but he was just doing. What was the radio. Yeah, I just missed him. We came in. I just missed him, too. And he. He sent me. He sent me. He was on Shay Shay yesterday, the day before or something like that. And he just sent me him. He was thinking, yeah, but, man, my.

[Teddy Swims]

So why you don't have Donnell tattooed near your cock?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What?

[Teddy Swims]

What you have? He has Dave Chappelle tattooed near his cock. Y'all didn't want you. Why.

[Nala]

Preference that conversation.

[Lauren]

Dave right here, man.

[Nala]

Actually, what made you put Dave right there, though?

[Lauren]

I was just. I don't have that Much room left.

[Nala]

Oh, entertainment.

[Lauren]

There's nothing to do in my car.

[DJ Envy]

Do you show him, like, hey, look at my.

[Lauren]

No, no. I did get to meet him, like, last year. He had, like, this Grammy party and I got. He was doing this open jam thing, and it was cool, and I got to meet him, and I was like, hey, look, Dave, I got a tattoo of you. He was like, hell, yeah. You know, we dapped up about it. And then I was like, I'm not gonna drop trowel, you know, and show you my tattoo. Of course. I. I also don't want to invite.

[Brian Murphy]

You can show a picture.

[Lauren]

Yeah, Yeah. I don't know. I just also. Then I don't want him. I don't want to think what he thinks and that it's, like, too close. It's really not that close. I'm not hanging that bad anyway, so it's really not that serious.

[Teddy Swims]

How long you had it?

[Lauren]

A couple years.

[Teddy Swims]

So when a woman's down there, why.

[Brian Murphy]

Are you so infatuated with this date?

[Teddy Swims]

Because a man's face knew, you cock.

[Lauren]

I mean, what I'm saying is it's not that close, dude. I'm not working with that much, my man.

[DJ Envy]

Sound like you want to see so bad.

[Lauren]

It's a lot further than you think.

[Brian Murphy]

Have to do a show.

[Nala]

I thought that you said, so Donnell. Yeah, he's cool. But I thought you said it was the night of the MTV Awards that you found. You figured you backtracked it and thought that that was the night that you conceived your kid.

[Lauren]

Yeah, yeah. The. The. The VMAs is when we conceived. Yeah.

[Nala]

So I had nothing to do with Donnell. For real. No, that's what Donald.

[Lauren]

I didn't. After I would. I was in. I was in Europe when I talked to Donnell and we were talking about it. That was before we knew we were pregnant. Yeah.

[Nala]

Yeah.

[Lauren]

So I guess we might have been already pregnant at that time. You know, we were pregnant at that time, but I didn't find out until way later. We were playing Austin City Limits, which was. I don't know when. Do you guys know when we played October. When we found out. So we're doing drink.

[Teddy Swims]

Lauren, I wanted.

[Nala]

Okay.

[Lauren]

The name Teddy Swims.

[Nala]

We got it.

[DJ Envy]

We got you.

[Lauren]

We got you.

[DJ Envy]

We got you.

[Lauren]

To guess, but yeah, I just handed that to her this way. I was like. I was like, my mama would have whooped my ass.

[DJ Envy]

No, no, no.

[Lauren]

I was just like, yes, man. Thank you. No, not on a dirt road, but I mean, it was paved. Yeah.

[Teddy Swims]

I'm from the south.

[Lauren]

We had chickens but it was paved though.

[Teddy Swims]

We had chickens. We had chickens.

[DJ Envy]

Now the name Teddy swims. Where did that the name come from?

[Lauren]

I've been called Teddy forever. My real name's Jayton and I think as I was like going up a church and waiting tables and stuff and it just for old ladies that was tough. Jayden was real tough on them. They just Jamie James, you know.

[Nala]

So Jaden, what type of old ladies? They say they wait old ladies because for us that's like Jayden is regular.

[Lauren]

Oh, I appreciate that. I don't really know how to respond to that. You want to get no T.R. no, it wasn't normal. You're right. It's not that hard to cheat. But I think it's not that hard.

[DJ Envy]

To say you're not going to get me in trouble.

[Teddy Swims]

He heard somebody say what kind of lady he's like, ah, let me try to avoid that question.

[Lauren]

Teddy was just, you know, got coin is you know, I've just been Teddy. You know, it's our little Teddy. I just look like this without a beard for most of my life.

[Teddy Swims]

But twins is an acronym though, right?

[Lauren]

Yeah. Yeah. For someone who I massage sexually.

[Teddy Swims]

Huh.

[Lauren]

No, I don't.

[Teddy Swims]

Peace to the planet. Charlamagne. Th God here. And I just want you to know if you're not on Amazon prime, you're seriously missing out. It's not just about the fast free delivery. Although let's be real, that's a game changer. It especially was for me this holiday season. Prime is like your personal guide to everything you're into or want to get into. Whether it's binge watching the latest hit on prime video, you know, listening to your favorite playlist on Amazon music or getting those last minute gifts which same day free delivery. Prime's got you covered. And here's the kicker. Prime isn't just about getting you closer to your passions. It's about helping you discover new ones too. Got a hobby you're obsessed with? Prime fuels it. Trying something new. Prime helps you dive deep into whatever's next. It's like me being passionate about mental health. You can order all kinds of books on mental health on Prime. My favorite is the Unapologetic Guide to Black mental health by Dr. Rita Walker. Prime gets you closer to what really matters. Making all times of the year that much more special. Whether it's screaming your favorite movie or getting that perfect gift delivered the same day, prime makes everything easy and stress free. Whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime now the world is constantly changing.

[DJ Envy]

It's up to you to decide how to respond. Choose to be bold to try something new. Choose to reinvent yourself. That's what Nissan did with the all new, totally reimagined Kicks. The dynamic new exterior styling immediately announces that Nissan isn't messing around. The interior, a completely redesigned cabin with premium features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a panoramic moonroof make driving a Kicks immersive and exciting. And with new performance and safety features like intelligent all wheel drive, the Kicks is both fun and safer to drive than ever before. It is the dawning of a brand new era for the Nissan Kicks. Only one question remains. Is it a new era for you as well? Drive the all new reimagined Nissan Kicks.

[Jess Hilarious]

Today Compatible Device Service and consumer activation of Nissan Connect Services package Required use only when safe and legal, subject to third party service availability. For more information, see nissanusa.com connect legal Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Intelligent all wheel drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.

[DJ Envy]

AT&T has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed. Like actually getting the rental car you requested or your wedding turning out just like you dreamed it would and someone making another pot of coffee in the break room after drinking the last drop of the last one. Yeah, don't get me started. Not guaranteed. In a world where Nothing is guaranteed, AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you depend on, deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. So if you want to know more about the AT&T guarantee, head to att.com guarantee AT&T connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguaranty for details. Sup, y'all? This is Questlove and I'm here to tell you about a new podcast I've been working on with the story Pirates and John Glickman called Historical Records. It's a family friendly podcast. Yeah, you heard that right. A podcast for all ages. One you can listen to and enjoy with your kids. Starting on September 27th, I'm going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records Neme to tell you all about. Make sure you check it out.

[J]

Hey y'all, Nimini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Historical Records brings history to life through Hip hop.

[Teddy Swims]

Smash, slam, another one gone. Bash Bam. Another one gone.

[Lauren]

The cracker the bat.

[Teddy Swims]

And another one gone. The tip of the cap. Cause another one gone.

[J]

Each episode is about a. A different inspiring figure from history. Like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing.

[Lauren]

Check it. And it began with me. Did you know? Did you know I wouldn't give up my seat?

[J]

Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to historical records. Because in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Listen to historical records on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lauren]

Someone who isn't me sometimes.

[Teddy Swims]

Okay.

[Lauren]

I just. I've just been switching it up lately, trying to think of new ones. Like soft wiener in my shorts. Like, I've been thinking of new ones turning him on right now.

[Teddy Swims]

He loves this.

[Brian Murphy]

No, that New York City card.

[Nala]

DM you. Hey, big heads.

[Teddy Swims]

What does that mean, though? Someone who isn't me sometimes? Like, you mean like so you turn into this character is what you're saying?

[Lauren]

No, I don't know. It was. I first originally found it on like this, this, this forum, which it was like. It was like a. Every time swim does this swim becomes like, you know, it was like. It was like a drug form. I found it on. I was like. People were saying, someone who isn't me. So it's like kind of like an asking for a friend thing, I guess. We just like added an S on it with swims, like the plural form. And it was like my entire kind of group at the time. And then Teddy kind of slept in front of it and it just eventually became Teddy Swims like itself. Like it was. I don't know, it just kind of stuck, you know, it was like Swims was our unit. And then it was like Teddy swims from like, like Teddy from Swims kind of situation. And it was like, you know, just like he would maybe have like a. Yeah, like an ASAP Rocky and ASAP Ferg that swims was kind of our like, unit. So it was like Teddy swims and then it just stuck.

[Teddy Swims]

Can you actually swim?

[Lauren]

No.

[Nala]

Oh, wow.

[Lauren]

You might be black for real.

[Nala]

Jaden can't swim.

[DJ Envy]

Jaden can't swim.

[Brian Murphy]

I don't know how to respond to that.

[Lauren]

Yeah. Yeah. I feel like my face is getting red. Like I'm blushing.

[Nala]

And I remember the first time.

[Lauren]

I don't know. I don't know why he's blushing either. I don't know. I know I don't know.

[Brian Murphy]

Does the horseshoe around your neck, like, mean something? Represent something?

[Lauren]

No. This is just a cute necklace.

[Brian Murphy]

Okay.

[Lauren]

Yeah, it's like a. Yeah.

[Brian Murphy]

I don't know, I feel like, like he was saying your outside looks so much different than what I thought you would look like from when I first heard you. I'm just curious as to like, what are some of your interests outside of music.

[Lauren]

I'm have to get back to you tonight because, I don't know, I've really been this place where we. We've been discussing like, hobbies, you know, and I think like, I would like to have some of them, you know. I think I would be cool to have something outside this. I think. I think being a father is going to be the best thing that's ever happened to me. Because of that, I. I feel like. I feel like I'm going to learn the. How to be like, present in a different way, you know, I feel currently there's. I say this all the time. There's like a nine year old on TikTok who's better than at our job than any of us. Of course they do all of our job, you know, and so I just always feel like I'm in this place of like, go get it, go get it. Somebody else is getting it if I'm not getting it. And even when I sit down and watch a TV show, I'm like, I should be going, I should be going. I should be going. And I think, I think what I'm really looking for, that baby teaching me is that when I'm watching TV or sitting there, I know that being present with that child is gonna be the most productive thing I could be doing and doing nothing at all with that child. And so I think I'm gonna make my home balance and my work balance all matter more in that way. And so I. I've been thinking about hobbies, but I think like, I'm gonna be. I'm gonna. I'm gonna pick up hobbies that, that baby likes. Like that baby wants to play football. We're gonna be out there, hit somebody, you know what I'm saying? I'm gonna be a damn coach, baby. I'm gonna. You see me with my Netflix special how like, Snoop Dogg had the whole league going. That's what I'm trying. We gonna be in that bitch. That's what we gonna do. Like that I wanna be football coach, you know, or whatever it is, you know, whatever, whatever happens. Cheerleading coach. I don't care.

[Brian Murphy]

I was about to say you really think it's a boy?

[Lauren]

Yeah, I hope so.

[Nala]

Cause you did mention cheerleading. Boys can cheerlead, too.

[Lauren]

Yeah, yeah, I just. I just. I got two little brothers who are 8 and 10 years younger, so I know how to wipe poop off of balls. You know what I'm saying? I think first time around, I'd like a boy.

[Nala]

Yeah.

[Lauren]

I'd like a girl right now. Discipline's out the wind, like. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

[DJ Envy]

Nothing better than a girl.

[Teddy Swims]

I wanted boys, too, but I ended up with all four girls.

[Lauren]

I can't wait, man. My. Yeah, my. My dad, four. I'm one of four boys, and so he. He wants a girl, you know? And.

[Teddy Swims]

Were you a hoe in the path life?

[Nala]

Like, I was literally about to say.

[Teddy Swims]

Were you a hoe? Like, did you. Did you get a lot of.

[Lauren]

Did you swim a lot? Past life. I was like, not a past life.

[Teddy Swims]

Before you got with your woman now, were you, you know?

[Lauren]

No, I was. I was always. I mean, I had my fun. Like, after my last relationship before this one, it was the first time I was, like, single and famous, and I was like, this is cool. I had my little. I swam then a little bit. You know what I mean? But, yeah, it was cool. Love you, though, baby. But I wasn't too. I was like a serial dater for a long time in my life. You know what I mean? Like, in love and. And. And doing the same thing for a long time. But I. I did have my fun before I. You know, because they say if you're.

[DJ Envy]

A hoe, you can't have any boys. Yeah, you can only have girls. That's why he has four girls.

[Nala]

You as a hoe, you got girls, too?

[DJ Envy]

I got two boys, though, too.

[Lauren]

I got six. I got six kids.

[Nala]

I was mid ho. All right.

[Teddy Swims]

I was a.

[Nala]

Don't.

[Lauren]

I was very, very sweet.

[Nala]

How did you know that your girlfriend right now was the one? Because you met her. You met her at a show, right? She came to one of your shows.

[Lauren]

Absolutely, babe. Are you kidding me? How could she? She's the one. You ain't seen that girl?

[Nala]

No, I've seen her.

[Lauren]

She's gorgeous.

[Nala]

If you're dating. And, like, what was the thing for it? Was it like you saw her and you just knew?

[Lauren]

Well, I had been listening to her music for a while, too, so my. My dear friend, Arsenio Archer, he's a producer. We went to high school together. And he's like, man. He came to my studio a couple years ago and was like, hey, man, I want to show you this girl I've been working with. I listen to her song They've made. I don't think this song ever came out. And I looked her up, and I was like, whoa.

[Teddy Swims]

Got bricked up.

[Nala]

So she wasn't like a random person at a show?

[Lauren]

Oh, bricked up, bro. Yes, sir.

[Nala]

I thought she was, like, in the crowd. And you saw her?

[Lauren]

No. So I messaged her. It's like, I love you. And then a couple years later, I'm going back to Atlanta. She was living in Atlanta at the time, and her roommate was like, a fan. She was like, hey, my roommate wants to come to the show. We'd love to come to the show. Come see you. I was like, please come to the show. I would love to have you. I'll put you on the guest list. And she came to Shaw, and I said, you know, rolled up a Play DOH Snake.

[Nala]

And that's right.

[Teddy Swims]

Play DOH Snake.

[Lauren]

You know what?

[Nala]

Like, turn his swag on.

[Teddy Swims]

What's your ribs like? Tell me what the ribs was like. So what'd you say? What'd you say, Teddy?

[Lauren]

I tried to shoot my shot. Hi, how are you? And that was really kind of like that. Hi, I love you.

[Teddy Swims]

Immediately, because I love you already.

[Lauren]

Yeah, that's the first thing. I messaged her a couple years before that. I said, girl, I'm gonna shoot my shot. What's going on? Like, I don't know.

[Teddy Swims]

You knew. You knew when you saw her.

[Lauren]

So I think. I think it's so important to. To, like, in. In relationships with anybody navigating relationships. I'm just not the person to waste time with relationships. I think it's like, even. Even with. Like. Even if. If it's me and this person and we're both single, I'm just like, okay, let's get this. Let's just clear the air out. Do you find me attractive? I find you attractive. Do we do anything about that? Are we gonna be friends? You know, like, let's just navigate this before we both thinking about it, and I'm going home and I'm beating off, and then I'm thinking about you. But we're supposed to be best friends. And then, you know what I'm saying, let's not do all this. Let's not play around gray area. You know, I'm navigating my healthy conversation.

[Nala]

No, I think women appreciate the. I mean, I don't know if it was that straightforward, but I think one.

[Lauren]

Of the things I didn't tell her I'm gonna go home and beat her. I didn't do that. But I didn't say that. I'm tell.

[DJ Envy]

If you think about it as you.

[Lauren]

I didn't say that. I'm saying that's, that's, that's. I'm saying this as an example of. Not something I would say, but as. As a.

[Teddy Swims]

It's a thought process.

[Nala]

Early is definitely appreciated.

[Lauren]

I think women appreciate that. And. And if not, then that's cool. We could both. We could both acknowledge that we're attractive and also be pals. You know, we're adults here. We can. We can navigate relationships with beautiful women.

[Teddy Swims]

You know, can I. Can we talk about some of this music on this new album?

[Lauren]

Sure.

[Teddy Swims]

I'd love to hear not yout Man.

[DJ Envy]

You gotta leave in about four minutes.

[Teddy Swims]

Shut up. They said 9:45.

[Nala]

No, no, no.

[Teddy Swims]

Don't check the text. You should have shut up. Not yout man is a very vulnerable record.

[Lauren]

Thank you, sir.

[Teddy Swims]

Have you ever really felt like you gave everything to a woman and it wasn't enough?

[Lauren]

Yeah. Hell yeah, man. I. I mean, I was. I was in a place where. I think it was important to start this one out like that. Cause I was. I wrote this forever ago. I was in a place with somebody where my. I know it's hard. I don't want to talk about her in a way that. Because now as I've grown and healed and moved on, I thank her for what we went through. And I'm grateful for that time and space that we had together and that pain. But I was at a place. Yeah. Where I felt like I was given everything and my feelings and I was not validated or it was not enough or I was crazy or feeling this way, or I was. It was. It was abusive situation. I don't know. I don't wanna. I don't wanna say it.

[Teddy Swims]

Emotionally abusive.

[Lauren]

Oh, both, man. Physically. She was just not good. She was not a good person. And I don't. You know, I'll never say I hope the best for her now. And I don't wanna say that. You know, it's a tough thing to talk about. Like, I want the best for her, but. Yeah, it was a very tough thing to try to heal somebody. Try to make space for someone to heal. Try to give somebody everything and them to not. You would think, you would think if you had a. If you had a passion. I'll just make it like this. You had a passion in your life and you had somebody in your life that says you can quit your Job and just focus on your passion. I'll take care of the rest. You got it. And you don't do anything with your life, but you just go on, just eat Xanax all day and lay around and blame somebody for your shortcomings. When you had the opportunity to follow your dream, somebody that would support you in your dreams and you'd be like so surprised to see if somebody had the opportunity to follow their dreams and they had everything taken care of. How many people would be like, if everything's taken care of, I don't gonna do shit anymore, you know, and, and you can't, you can't put ambition and drive into somebody. You can't, you can't, you can't heal nobody, you can't save nobody. And I've started to go on that.

[Brian Murphy]

Tangent, but I like that from that situation, do you feel like you no longer enable because it's like though you want to do something out of love to better somebody, sometimes it's to their own detriment.

[Lauren]

Yeah, I think, I think I. Yeah, I think it's an, it was an enabling. At the end of the day, you know, I was doing something to help someone become. But I think at the end of the day I was enabling somebody to do nothing. And if that was inside of them, I was enabling that. And I think it's a common pattern, you know. But yes, I'm trying to heal and learn to not see somebody wants to be this and, or see what. Somebody for who? See somebody for who they are and not who I want them to be or think they should be.

[Brian Murphy]

But that's even outside of relationships. Like how are you handling just those type of boundaries now?

[Lauren]

You know, we're working on boundaries at all. I'm learning those, you know, that's a huge step for me. Just boundaries in general. It's a full time job just navigating, having them, you know.

[Brian Murphy]

So do you feel guilty when you're like, no, I can't do.

[Teddy Swims]

Yes.

[Lauren]

Yeah. I mean, I can tell you got.

[Teddy Swims]

A big heart, but people will take advantage of it.

[Lauren]

Hell yeah. And I'm so grateful to be. I don't want to say I'm grateful to be taking advantage of that. I'm grateful to be available.

[Teddy Swims]

You know, everybody's going to use you, but don't let people misuse you.

[Lauren]

Amen. Yeah. Yeah. I had heard this advice from this. We meet and greet one time and this beautiful, this lady, she says she's a therapist. She said the way people, the way people treat you is A reflection of the way they see you. You know, the way people treat you is a reflection of the way they see you. The way you let people treat you is a reflection of the way you see yourself. Ain't that beautiful? And it stuck with me, man. It's such a. And so I'm learning boundaries.

[Nala]

Yes, ma'am, I have a last question for you. In meeting you and just hearing you talk about, first of all, you're just such a nice person. Person.

[Lauren]

I'm my daddy. Son. Yes, ma'am.

[Nala]

I was reading this interview you talked about because your girlfriend's black. And you talked about, like, when you guys are in the self, you get, like, looks from people and like, it bothers you because love should be love. How do you guys now have. You're about to bring a baby into the world. You're so positive. She seems so amazing. But the world is not always like that. Like, what's your. Like, how do you defeat that? Because you're really a really nice person. Like, it breaks my heart.

[Lauren]

I mean, you know, thinking about that meeting, I hate. I hate how much she's go throughs and. And she's, you know, so her dad's black and her mom's white, so she. She's. She's gone through this, like, tells me about stuff all the time. About, like, you know, how she felt not white enough or not black enough. And how much her. Her like, world in her life has been such a. Yeah, I guess like a juxtaposition in both sides, you know, feeling like she wasn't quite accepted by either side, you know, and so this is not a story. I won't. I won't tell you her story. Cause she's better at saying it than I am. I'll never tell you her story. But. But I see how, like, how beautiful she is and I guess how elegant she navigates being who she is. She's the most incredible human being I've ever met, man.

[Teddy Swims]

I got a good counselor for y'all to talk to.

[Lauren]

Okay, I would love that.

[Teddy Swims]

Dr. Umar Johnson. Like.

[Nala]

Come back this way. Focus over here.

[Teddy Swims]

Speaking of black and white. No, no, the song with Money Long.

[Lauren]

Yes, sir.

[Teddy Swims]

That title's a little on the nose, don't you think?

[Lauren]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah, I think. I think that. I think that the point of it was kind of the. The. I think it to the core of love in itself is black and white. Like, it's a. It's a black and white issue. Love is love and not love is not love and Loving, whether if it's a person of a different color, shape, size, sexuality, same sex, whatever it is. I think that the thing was trying to say that we, no matter what, we could come from different worlds. It's a true, I guess, Romeo and Juliet story, you know, kind of is the basis of it is that, like, you know, we come from different places, we come from different cultures. We have different things. But when you're in love, man, love is love, and that should be enough. And that's really. There ain't nothing great about that, man. That's just love, you know, Love is love, baby.

[Teddy Swims]

You know, I love that record. And it's a good stamp because, you know. Money Long recently went viral for saying she's not writing soulful songs for white artists. Did you see that?

[Lauren]

I did not. Oh, I'm glad I got that one before she said.

[Teddy Swims]

Exactly.

[Lauren]

I'm glad I got the last one.

[DJ Envy]

Talking about the.

[Lauren]

We just missed the cut off.

[Teddy Swims]

But that shows how much she respects you, though.

[Lauren]

Yeah, it does mean a lot. So maybe she hates that song. That's why she said that. Teddy, man, I'm not doing that again.

[DJ Envy]

When did she do that song? Was that a long. Did you do that a while ago?

[Lauren]

Yeah, we did it. It's got to be a few months ago now. My dear friend Jeff, Kitty and Mickey Echo was a part of it with us, too, and. And we, like, started working on it. And I remember Jeff Giddey has been working with Money for long years and years, and he's like, man, should we see if Money wants to do this song with us? And I was like, I mean, yeah, that's like. We'd kind of like to do a record like this. We would kind of need that. You know, I would be so stoked if she'd be willing to, because I knew what I kind of wanted to say. But also, I can't say that, you know, without having money help me say that, you know, but also without, like, relying too much, you know, I think I needed to. We needed to say that with, you know, together. And so I'm just grateful she took that opportunity to say, I see what you're trying to say. I'll have you say that, you know, and said it with me. And I think I'm so grateful for her cause. Money's just a legend, man. What a bad, badass business. I love her.

[DJ Envy]

Now, you also said you wanted to meet one of your musical idols, Stevie Wonder.

[Lauren]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Did you ever get an opportunity?

[Lauren]

Yeah, you know, we haven't met in person. But I FaceTimed you. Yeah. Yeah. And I got. I got a chance to do a record with him, too. So I think he's gonna put out his next record. I hope so. I hope it's gonna come out. I'm really excited. It's a good record. It's called Politic Player. Wow. Yeah. Which is such an honor to be on Steve Wonder record. But, yeah, he did FaceTime. I'll tell you about. It's so funny, man. He. He FaceTimed.

[DJ Envy]

Did he hold the camera up himself?

[Lauren]

Yeah. And here's the thing. Here's the thing. He is actually blind, y'all. This is true life. He was blind. I'm saying people say, people, there's a conspiracy. That he's not seen him pick up.

[Brian Murphy]

The mic that fell.

[Lauren]

Look, I'm telling you. I'm telling you, I was on the phone with this. I was FaceTiming this man, and he said he had turned his. He had put the camera around. He said, this is my son over here. And then he said, I'm over here. Daddy pulled over here, and he said, and this is my niece. And then he had. He had phone facing her. And for the next 10 minutes of the conversation, I look as far as you are. I looked at his niece and not him at all. And he was holding. He was holding the camera like he was holding. Like he thought I was seeing him.

[Teddy Swims]

He's blind. Confirmation. That TV one did blind.

[Lauren]

She was sitting there texting on her phone. I didn't have the heart to say, hey, I can't see you. Well, you know, my dumbass, man, My dumbass. The reason he called me, cuz I was in Tokyo, right? I was in Tokyo, and I had found. I had found my favorite album of all time. Best album ever. Songs in AI. I found a. A CD of it. It was a Tokyo version of it. Like, the Japanese version of it. And my dumbass texted him a picture of it.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, my goodness.

[Lauren]

Like an idiot. Like. Like he was gonna see it, right? Right? Like, I just guess what I found, bro. Like, guess what I found, bro. What do you say? Just FaceTime me. So I was like, I. I see. And my dumbass, too, was like, did you give him a text? He's definitely. He didn't see it, bro.

[DJ Envy]

I don't think so.

[Lauren]

So I just. Just to put all those things to rest for you to be a person.

[Nala]

To shut down the rumors is crazy. All these years, black people been trying to figure this out, and you are the one that solved the problem.

[Lauren]

I just I figured out he, I, I just know I was looking at his knees for about 15 minutes. So again, premeditated.

[Teddy Swims]

You gotta go for.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Teddy Swims]

Cause you gotta go do Elvis, right?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, you gotta go pop station.

[Teddy Swims]

Oh, you gotta come back, man.

[Lauren]

I gotta wait.

[DJ Envy]

Let's play record too. Let's play the.

[Teddy Swims]

What you want?

[DJ Envy]

Are you even real? You wanna play that one?

[Lauren]

Yeah, man.

[Teddy Swims]

He got joints that. She got it with Coco Jones and Glorilla. I like funeral. Funeral is really good.

[Lauren]

Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

What you want to hear?

[Teddy Swims]

Hammer to the heart is my joint, though.

[Lauren]

Oh, yeah. No way. Thank you. I mean, yeah, put it on for Giveon, man. My dog, bro. The fucking best in the business, man.

[DJ Envy]

All right, well, there you have it.

[Teddy Swims]

Teddy Swims, y'all.

[DJ Envy]

We appreciate you for joining us.

[Lauren]

Thank you so much. Thank you so much for having me. I'm honored to be here, truly. Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

Let's get into the record. Are you even real? Featuring Giveon. It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[Teddy Swims]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[Lauren]

The Breakfast Club.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The new year is here and I'm trying to keep things simple this year. One thing to help me keep things simple is Amazon Prime. It's the cheat code to stay in, locked in on whatever you need. It's not just fast delivery. Prime's a whole experience. From Prime Video and Amazon Music to Prime free one day delivery. It's got everything to keep my year stress free. Watching Thursday night Football. Prime's got you with the same day snack delivery. Want to chill after the game? Find a movie on Prime Video and kick back with some Amazon music. Whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.com prime now.

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lauren]

What if you ask two different people.

[Nala]

The same set of questions? Even if the questions are the same, our experiences can lead us to drastically different answers.

[Lauren]

I'm Minnie Driver and I set out.

[Nala]

To explore this idea in my podcast. And now Mini Questions is returning for another season. We've asked an entirely new set of guests our seven questions, including Jane Lynch, Delaney, Rowe Ann and Cord Jefferson. Listen to Mini questions on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[AJ Stephens]

Seven Questions Limitless answers $1.4 billion in NFL quarterback Contracts the untold stories behind the biggest deals in football history I'm AJ Stephens, Vice President of Client Strategy at Athletes first, introducing the Athletes First Family Podcast the Quarterback Series. My co host Brian Murphy, Athletes first CEO, and I are sitting down with the agents who have negotiated contracts for Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, Tua Tongavailoa, and Jordan Love. Listen to Athletes First Family podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.