Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Episode: She Walked So Others Could Runway (Exclusive Interview with Toccara Jones)
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Lauren LaRosa (The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Toccara Jones (America’s Next Top Model alum, model, wellness advocate)

In this engaging episode, Lauren LaRosa sits down with Toccara Jones, a legendary contestant from America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), to reflect on her experience with the show in light of the upcoming Netflix docuseries "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model." Their conversation spans the realities of the modeling industry, perceptions of Tyra Banks, mental health and resilience, and Toccara’s current work in wellness and entrepreneurship.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The New ANTM Docuseries and Toccara’s Absence ([00:15]–[02:44])

• Lauren jumps right in, referencing the buzz about the upcoming Netflix docuseries exploring America’s Next Top Model—the good, bad, and ugly sides.
• Toccara reveals she isn’t featured in the documentary, joking, “Maybe they just couldn’t find me...” ([02:31])
• She acknowledges that she didn’t have major drama on the show, unlike many of her peers, aside from a noted issue with the stylist struggling to dress her and body size restrictions ([02:44]).

2. The Show’s Impact—Culture and Controversy ([03:41]–[07:35])

• The discussion zooms in on Tyra Banks’ role and whether she was a "villain" or just showing the fashion industry as it was.
• Toccara reflects: “I think Tyra was doing what she said she was doing, showing the industry how it was back then…” ([02:58]).
• They highlight traumatic show moments—pressure to change appearances, body shaming, racial insensitivity, and even alleged inappropriate touching surfacing in the trailer ([05:15]).
  • Quote: “Those are real traumatizing things. You know, one of the girls that looked like she was touched inappropriately, you know, like, it’s some stuff that’s going on in this trailer here. I’m almost like, oh, was I part of that?” — Toccara ([05:15])
• Conversation on the beauty standards and why Toccara, a fan favorite, was eliminated early: “I feel the same way too. I don’t understand how I got cut, why I got cut. It don’t make any sense to me to this day.” ([06:35])

3. ANTM Alumni and Support System ([07:35]–[08:18])

• Lauren asks if former contestants built a support network.
• Toccara wishes there was a true “Top Model alumni” community but notes, “I keep in touch with some of the girls…” ([07:38])

4. Reflections on Watching the Show ([08:18]–[09:12])

• Toccara admits she didn’t regularly watch ANTM after her season: “I was kind of like one of them girls. Like, I’m done with this.” ([08:28])

5. What the Docuseries Should Address ([09:12]–[10:48])

• Lauren presses on what conversations the Netflix series should tackle.
• Toccara zeroes in on holding Tyra accountable, quoting the trailer: “Doesn’t she make a statement? Like, I know I took it too far. I know I went too far, you know… I can understand that because… you get all this attention and power…” ([09:59])

6. Tyra Banks Behind-the-Scenes ([10:48]–[12:03])

• Toccara shares her behind-the-scenes view, describing Tyra as supportive and present.
  • “She was always Tyra, she was always that girl.” ([11:15])
• Toccara admits being starstruck and that for her, there wasn’t visible pressure on Tyra during her season ([11:15]).

7. Interpreting Reality TV and Editing ([12:30]–[14:24])

• Lauren acknowledges the new generation will view ANTM very differently, spotlighting the show's problematic elements.
• Toccara discusses the disconnect between experience and editing: “There were times… where I felt like that didn’t happen… Or that wasn’t our best picture… but I also understood that it was show business too… even though they weren’t always truthful…” ([13:42])

8. Wellness, Healing, and Current Work ([14:33]–[18:09])

• Now based in Atlanta, Toccara shares her new path in wellness: sound healing and mental health workshops ([14:48]).
  • Encourages listeners to focus on self-care and meditation.
  • Her journey began in LA, mentored by Queen Afua: “[I] did healing work for about eight years. Took me a little time to really step in my power…” ([16:43])

9. Resilience, Self-Belief, and Overcoming Obstacles ([17:37]–[21:45])

• Lauren suggests Toccara’s handling of adversity on a public stage is a testament to her inherent strength.
• Toccara shares her history of being told “no” in modeling and beyond, and how self-belief carried her (“You don’t need people to understand your vision. You just got to keep moving.” — [19:27]).

10. Advice to Her Younger Self and Lasting Legacy ([22:37]–[24:09])

• If she could speak to her younger self: “That girl was strong… she carried me today right now… she knew she one of God’s favorites…” ([23:06])
• Lauren celebrates Toccara’s influence: “You carried that time on your back, honey, and did it very well.” ([24:06])

11. Current Ventures and Contact Info ([24:10]–[24:48])

• Toccara actively leads sound healing in Atlanta, and has an intimate lingerie line for full-busted women.
  • Instagram: @thefabuloustoccara ([24:24])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Maybe they just couldn’t find me.”
— Toccara, on not being included in the docuseries ([02:31])

“I didn’t really have drama. I mean, I did have my little... thing with the stylist... but I come from that world… Like, that was just part of the game.”
— Toccara ([02:44])

“Those are real traumatizing things... I’m almost like, oh, was I part of that?”
— Toccara, reacting to the docuseries trailer ([05:15])

“I feel the same way too. I don’t understand how I got cut, why I got cut. It don’t make any sense to me to this day.”
— Toccara ([06:35])

“She was always Tyra. She was always that girl.”
— Toccara on Tyra Banks’ consistent presence ([11:15])

“You don’t need people to understand your vision. You just got to keep moving.”
— Toccara ([19:27])

“That little girl, Takara... That girl was strong. That girl... she carried me today right now.”
— Toccara, reflecting on her younger self ([23:06])

“All I needed was the action. Likes give me. You know, I mean, like, I just needed that. And that’s. And I said, I’m gonna make it work. I’m gonna work this, baby. Y’ all let me in the door, and I’m gonna work this to the best of my ability.”
— Toccara on making the most of her ANTM opportunity ([21:57])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:15] — Introduction and docuseries topic
• [02:44] — Toccara’s experience with ANTM and lack of drama
• [04:03] — Was Tyra Banks a villain?
• [05:15] — Traumatic moments for contestants
• [06:35] — Toccara on her unexpected elimination
• [07:38] — On building community post-ANTM
• [11:15] — Tyra Banks behind the scenes
• [13:42] — The reality of editing and show business
• [14:48] — Wellness journey and sound healing
• [19:27] — On self-belief and perseverance
• [23:06] — Message to her younger self
• [24:24] — Current projects and contact info

Final Thoughts

Toccara Jones’ interview is a heartfelt reflection on her ANTM experience and how she turned challenges into a legacy of self-love, empowerment, and healing. Her unwavering positivity and commitment to mental wellness shine throughout, offering inspiration for listeners both familiar and new to her journey. For updates and more, follow her on Instagram at @thefabuloustoccara.