Tiffany Haddish’s “Black Erewhon” & Comment Roulette

Summary

The Daily Beast Podcast: Tiffany Haddish’s “Black Erewhon” & Comment Roulette

Release Date: January 2, 2025

---

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of 2025, The Daily Beast Podcast kicks off with vibrant energy as co-hosts Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee dive into a blend of humor, audience interaction, and in-depth conversation with their special guest, Tiffany Haddish. The episode masterfully intertwines light-hearted banter with meaningful discussions, setting the tone for an engaging year ahead.

---

Comment Roulette: A Trivia Game Challenge

Early in the episode, Joanna and Samantha introduce a new segment called "Comment Roulette," a trivia game devised by the podcast producers. The game tests the hosts' memory and attention to detail regarding past podcast guests' comments and stories.

• Gameplay Mechanics:

  • The hosts are presented with multiple-choice questions based on previous podcast episodes.
  • Correct answers are rewarded with positive listener comments, while incorrect ones result in the reading of negative feedback.

• Notable Moments:

  • [05:41] Samantha Bee confidently answers a question about Michael Ian Black's column by selecting "B, his complicity in a divisive culture," to which Joanna confirms, “He was the problem.”

    • Quote: “He was the problem.” – Samantha Bee [05:44]

  • [07:00] After correctly identifying Jim Gaffigan's description of Trump's performance as "seven minutes of hardcore hostility," Samantha reads a heartfelt message from Judith Glasser praising the podcast.

    • Quote: “My favorite podcast with two brilliant women. So entertaining, historic moments and great guests. I never miss a podcast.” – Judith Glasser [09:47]

  • [10:16] The hosts stumble on a question about rebuilding trust in media, leading to a humorous exchange and the reading of both positive and critical comments from listeners.

• Emotional Balance: The segment adeptly balances praise with constructive criticism, showcasing the hosts' resilience and ability to maintain composure under jesting pressure.

  • Negative Feedback Example: “Sam Forever. Joanna is the worst. Why does she need Joanna Coles?” – Marty Salvatore [16:27]
  • Positive Reinforcement: “Smart women having a Fun, informed, smart conversation. Dash the best exclamation point.” – SMS or 5M5 [12:43]

---

Guest Spotlight: Tiffany Haddish

Transitioning from the playful trivia, Joanna and Samantha welcome their guest, Tiffany Haddish, setting the stage for a profound and inspiring conversation.

• [19:12] The hosts introduce Haddish, highlighting her impressive career milestones, including her breakout role in Girls Trip, her Emmy for hosting Saturday Night Live, and her Grammy-winning comedy album Black Mitzvah. They also touch upon her philanthropic efforts with the She Ready Foundation.

---

In-Depth Interview with Tiffany Haddish

The heart of the episode lies in the candid and heartfelt dialogue between Haddish and the hosts, exploring her personal journey, entrepreneurial ventures, and commitment to community empowerment.

1. Current Moments and Tour Preparations

   • Hawaii Vacation:

     • [20:21] Haddish describes her serene surroundings in Kauai, Hawaii, emphasizing the natural beauty and tranquility she enjoys during her vacation.
       • Quote: “I'm in Kauai in the state of Hawaii, and I'm on an island looking out at the ocean and seeing the sea foam hit the shore as the waves crash on the shoreline. And beautiful palm trees, manicured, well, manicured lawns.” – Tiffany Haddish [21:26]

   • Upcoming Tour:

     • [35:04] She outlines her strategy for her "Funny and Fearless" national tour, focusing on preparation through rigorous stage performance, exercise, and healthy eating to maintain her energy and performance quality.
       • Quote: “I hit all the local comedy clubs in my town. I get on stage as much as I possibly can to make sure, like, I have a tight hour and then I take it on the road and I try to make sure that I exercise and get enough rest.” – Tiffany Haddish [35:04]

2. Philanthropic Endeavors: She Ready Foundation & Black Erewhon Grocery Store

   • She Ready Foundation:

     • [29:31] Haddish delves into the origins and evolution of her foundation, which began with distributing suitcases to foster youth and expanded into offering life skills and film programs aimed at empowering young people.
       • Quote: “We just want to have a store that has a majority of the products come from, you know, black. Black farmers, black vendors.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:17]

   • Black Erewhon Grocery Store:

     • [25:14] She unveils her vision for "Black Erewhon," a grocery store designed to serve the African American community in South Central LA by providing not only nutritious food options but also financial literacy and cooking classes.
       • Quote: “I noticed in my community they've already shut down three grocery stores. Each one was serving like 50,000 people. And so there's a disparity there and there's not a lot of healthy options.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:59]
       • Quote: “So I want it to be like a black erewhon. That's what I want.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:17]

3. Personal Journey and Resilience

   • Foster Care Experience:

     • [28:14] Haddish shares poignant memories of her time in the foster care system, highlighting the challenges and the moment a simple suitcase symbolized her humanity and sense of self-worth.
       • Quote: “Once I got a little older, I said I promised myself that if I ever could figure out a way to make sure no kids feel like garbage, that's what I'm going to do.” – Tiffany Haddish [28:14]

   • Career Path:

     • [31:10] Discussing her rise to fame, Haddish reflects on overcoming obstacles such as homelessness and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of self-love and integrity in her journey.
       • Quote: “I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror every day. Learning how to love myself.” – Tiffany Haddish [31:10]

   • Philosophy on Empowerment:

     • [33:44] Haddish articulates her mission to heal by empowering others, drawing from her own experiences to provide resources and support to those facing similar adversities.
       • Quote: “Trying to give them a little step forward, a life raft, if you will.” – Tiffany Haddish [33:44]

---

Closing Remarks

As the conversation winds down, the hosts express their admiration for Haddish’s dedication and impactful work. They playfully discuss attending her upcoming tour shows, blending genuine support with their characteristic humor.

• [38:50] Joanna Coles humorously comments on seeing a supposed dead body from White Lotus during Haddish’s snorkeling trip, showcasing the lighthearted rapport between the hosts and their guest.

• [39:16] The episode concludes with heartfelt New Year wishes, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions and feedback.

---

Key Takeaways

• Community Empowerment: Tiffany Haddish’s initiative, Black Erewhon, exemplifies a commitment to addressing food deserts and providing education, reflecting a broader mission to uplift marginalized communities.

• Personal Resilience: Haddish’s journey from foster care to stardom underscores the power of self-love, perseverance, and the importance of giving back.

• Engaging Host Dynamics: Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee skillfully balance humor with serious discourse, creating an inviting atmosphere for both guests and listeners.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Samantha Bee on Michael Ian Black's Column:

  • “He was the problem.” – Samantha Bee [05:44]

• Judith Glasser’s Praise:

  • “My favorite podcast with two brilliant women. So entertaining, historic moments and great guests. I never miss a podcast.” – Judith Glasser [09:47]

• Tiffany Haddish on Community Needs:

  • “I noticed in my community they've already shut down three grocery stores. Each one was serving like 50,000 people. And so there's a disparity there and there's not a lot of healthy options.” – Tiffany Haddish [26:59]

• Haddish on Personal Growth:

  • “I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror every day. Learning how to love myself.” – Tiffany Haddish [31:10]

• Haddish on Empowerment:

  • “Trying to give them a little step forward, a life raft, if you will.” – Tiffany Haddish [33:44]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Beast Podcast serves as a dynamic blend of entertainment, introspection, and inspiration. Through the engaging interaction of Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee, coupled with Tiffany Haddish’s heartfelt contributions, listeners are treated to a multifaceted conversation that not only entertains but also enlightens and motivates. Whether reveling in the humor of the hosts' trivia game or absorbing the depth of Haddish’s initiatives, the episode offers a compelling listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Samantha Bee]

Hey, marketers, are you ready to discover.

[Tiffany Haddish]

The latest trends in podcast advertising?

[Samantha Bee]

The Podcast Pulse report by Acast is.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Out now, packed with fresh audience insights.

[Joanna Coles]

Into why podcasts are a must have marketing strategy.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Learn how podcast audiences are more engaged.

[Joanna Coles]

Than ever, why hosts are trusted voices for brands, and how niche shows are delivering massive impact.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Download the report today at podcastpulse2024.acast.com welcome.

[Joanna Coles]

To the first Daily Beast podcast of 2025. I'm Joanna Coles, the Chief Content Officer of the Daily Beast.

[Samantha Bee]

And I am Samantha Bee, chief content Officer of my own new line of fraudulent protein powder. It's mostly just sawdust. I hope you enjoy it. It will do nothing for you.

[Joanna Coles]

Next week we will report back on the cleanse that I've imposed upon the.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, my God, so many powders.

[Joanna Coles]

So we've got lots of powders that we'll be mixing into waters. And we will report back next week when I don't think people will recognize us because we'll look transformed.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, boy. I can't wait.

[Joanna Coles]

Bright eyes, lots of energy. This is the Daily Beast podcast where we break down the people and the stories of the week that tickle our pink.

[Samantha Bee]

Ew.

[Joanna Coles]

As we said, It's 2025. Don't let's ask how we got here. But I do know that I'm aging backwards, so that's something.

[Samantha Bee]

Congratulation.

[Joanna Coles]

I'm very pleased. I'm benjamin buttoning it. And on this week's episode, we're changing it up just a little bit as we ring in the new year, we're going to do a look back and I hear the producers have a game for us to play.

[Samantha Bee]

I love games. I'm so bad at them.

[Joanna Coles]

I think it's possible someone's going to get fired over this and it isn't going to be us. But they've got a news quiz for us that's been compiled of things that guests of our podcast have said.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, my God. Okay. And we have something else very special coming up. We're taking a little girls trip with our Beast of the Week and welcoming the extraordinary comedian Tiffany Haddish. I'm so excited.

[Joanna Coles]

Very excited.

[Samantha Bee]

We're starting the new year here. Joanna, do you do. Do you do resolutions? Have you made them and already broken them? Because, you know, we're a little bit into the year.

[Joanna Coles]

Yeah, yeah, It's. Listen, it's January 2nd. Of course I've broken them.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

I think it was don't drink alcohol, don't have sugar, Exercise for at Least two and a half hours a day. Every single resolution broken apart from to add water to these mysterious powders.

[Samantha Bee]

I love mysterious packets of powder, as you know.

[Joanna Coles]

And what about you? Have you broken any resolutions?

[Samantha Bee]

I don't usually make resolutions, but I think I should make one this year, and that is to lift weights. Because I'm really nearly completely made of noodles now, like, just like wet noodles. And I think I need to strengthen those. Otherwise I think my hips are going to collapse. Something like that.

[Joanna Coles]

My hips may have already ground to dust at this point, but I think you probably. We all need to lift weights, but more importantly, we all need to eat 400 grams of protein every 20 minutes.

[Samantha Bee]

One half of a cow every 20 minutes. And lifting weights, just like, powerlifting. And I think that'll take care of it. And whatever's in these packets, which I'm sure is just terrific.

[Joanna Coles]

It's gonna be fantastic. So are we ready for the game?

[Samantha Bee]

Let's play a game.

[Joanna Coles]

Are there prizes there?

[Samantha Bee]

I wish there were prizes. I feel like, okay, if we were giving out prizes, we should give out individual little squares of RFK Jr. S defunct workout jeans.

[Joanna Coles]

His yeasty as you yeasty workout jeans.

[Samantha Bee]

Just a little square. And you can frame it. You can do whatever you like with it. I mean, I guess depending on how spicy your comment is, you get higher up on the pant leg.

[Joanna Coles]

Oh, okay. I can't believe you said that. All right, it's time to set a stage for people. We've been asking people for emails.

[Samantha Bee]

Yes.

[Joanna Coles]

And this is why. Because we're starting a new trivia game which is based on the guests that we've had on the podcast.

[Samantha Bee]

Yes. So the questions are based on information that was revealed in prior episodes of the podcast in our interviews, and we're going to see if we remember a single goddamn thing about all the interviews that we have done.

[Joanna Coles]

And this has been set up by the producers for us, and I think that they think that they're going to catch us out.

[Samantha Bee]

That's right. If we get an answer correctly, we get to read a nice comment or email that someone has sent us. And if we get the answer wrong, revealing that we don't listen to ourselves when we speak, we have to listen to a negative comment about ourselves that we will never forget that will be seared on our souls, seared on our. Until our deathbeds.

[Joanna Coles]

Okay, so I'm going to start with the first question. I'm going to read the question. I'm going to give you the four potential answers. Okay?

[Samantha Bee]

Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

And then we're going to see if we can agree on an answer, and then we will be told by the producer, are we right or are we wrong?

[Samantha Bee]

Okay, great.

[Joanna Coles]

So our first question is, what does our guest, Michael Ian Black, who writes a column in the Daily Beast every Wednesday, explore in his article on Trump's victory? Is it A, comedy's role in politics, B, his complicity. Michael Ian Black's complicity in a divisive culture, C, better connecting with Trump voters, or D, Democratic Party failures?

[Samantha Bee]

I think that he wrote about his complicity in a divisive culture.

[Joanna Coles]

He did. I remember this column he wrote about maybe he was the problem.

[Samantha Bee]

He was the problem.

[Joanna Coles]

He was the problem.

[Samantha Bee]

Trust me. All right, I'm going to read a positive comment.

[Joanna Coles]

The producers just told it was. Okay. Okay.

[Samantha Bee]

All right. Oh, my God. Okay, here's a Nice from Antbless. That's nice. Joanna Coles, if I saw you in public, I'd know it was you. My three girls loved Project Runway. You were always amazing with your advice and style. And if you get nervous going into a party, I should cut myself some slack for feeling the same.

[Joanna Coles]

Thank you so much. Lantbliss ant plant bliss.

[Samantha Bee]

That was nice.

[Joanna Coles]

Very, very nice. All right, question number two. You read this one.

[Samantha Bee]

We interviewed Mika Brzezinsk. What unusual detail did Mika share about Trump's approach to their meeting? Was it, A, he hinted at business opportunities, B, he used a friend to arrange it, C, he made the suggestion publicly, or D, he dmed her on truth social? I don't know the answer to this question.

[Joanna Coles]

I don't think it was any of those, because she didn't. Didn't she tell us that? Well, maybe. Maybe it's that they used a friend to suggest it.

[Samantha Bee]

Don't say that. Did he use a friend to suggest that they meet? Oh, my gosh. Now you get to read a nice card.

[Joanna Coles]

All right, reading a nice one.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

All right. This is from Karen Bolstad. You two are banana and peanut butter combo. I didn't know I needed. I love that. Thank you. Karen Bolstad.

[Samantha Bee]

Banana and peanut butter.

[Joanna Coles]

Yeah, I like it. Who's the banana and who's the peanut butter, then?

[Samantha Bee]

You're the banana and I'm the sticky brown substance.

[Joanna Coles]

Interesting. That's an interesting way of looking at it. All right, how did Jim Gaffigan describe Trump's delivery as a performer at the Al Smith dinner? Was it, A, like an actor who skipped rehearsal.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

Not implausible. B, performing on his heels. C, like a magician who forgot his next trick or D, delivering with a calculated, blase.

[Samantha Bee]

I think it was C, like a magician who forgot his next trick. But I.

[Joanna Coles]

No, I know this one. It's performing on his heels because he said the amazing thing about watching Donald Trump give the toast at the Al Smith dinner or talk at the Al Smith dinner was that he was on his heels, whereas most comedians have to be on their toes.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay, okay, okay. Sasha's telling me that you are right and I am wrong. So should I just read something negative, then? Hopefully it's about me.

[Joanna Coles]

Maybe it's. Well, if it's about me, don't read it.

[Samantha Bee]

I won't read something nice, something bad about myself. Oh, yeah. Yep, yep, yep. Okay. Well, this is definitely for me at. Marty Salvatore, 7365, said, Damn, what the actual has happened to Sam B. And held to the no on the smug one. Thought I'd be subscribing, but this is pitiful. Wow, actual funk.

[Joanna Coles]

What's his name again?

[Samantha Bee]

Well, it's Marty. Thanks, Marty. Marty, I hope we didn't lose you. Sometimes people say that they're unsubscribing, but then they forget.

[Joanna Coles]

They double down.

[Samantha Bee]

They double down.

[Joanna Coles]

They hate listening. They hate listening.

[Samantha Bee]

Continue. Hate listening. Okay, I'll read the next one.

[Joanna Coles]

All right.

[Samantha Bee]

How did Richard Curtis describe Hugh Grant's speech at the Governor's Awards? Was it A, seven minutes of barely concealed resentment, B, a master class implied aggression, C, seven minutes of hardcore hostility, or D, a thinly veiled explosion of rage?

[Joanna Coles]

I do remember this. This was the speech that Hugh gave to give Richard his Oscar for philanthropic fabulousness. I think it was seven minutes of hardcore hostility.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, okay. I agree with that. It was seven minutes of something. Is that correct?

[Joanna Coles]

Correct. I see that. Did you see that? The producer is sounding depressed that we're. We've got this. All right, so I'm gonna read a nice one. Okay, Gonna read a nice one. This is from Judith Glasser, 3071.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

My favorite podcast with two brilliant women. So entertaining, historic moments and great guests. I never miss a podcast.

[Samantha Bee]

Wow.

[Joanna Coles]

Judith Glasser, thank you so much.

[Samantha Bee]

Thank you. You need to talk to your friend Marty, who. I mean, it's like, actually incredible how much I'm not lying that negative comments get seared in my psyche. I'm never going to forget Marty's name, and I'm going to think about him until the day I die. All right, okay.

[Joanna Coles]

Let's move swiftly on.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

Am I reading this one?

[Samantha Bee]

Yes, you read this one.

[Joanna Coles]

What solution did Samantha Bee and Joanna Coles agree could rebuild trust in the media. Was it A, transparent funding, B, accessible content on social media, C, increasing newsroom diversity, or D, real time fact checking?

[Samantha Bee]

I think it was real time fact checking.

[Joanna Coles]

No, it was B, it was accessible content on social media, wasn't it? Isn't that your idea?

[Samantha Bee]

I forgot. That is incorrect. You're incorrect. You're incorrect.

[Joanna Coles]

What was it?

[Tiffany Haddish]

What?

[Samantha Bee]

What? It was neither. It was transparent funding. Interesting.

[Joanna Coles]

I thought it was troll positive troll funds.

[Samantha Bee]

I don't remember talking about or thinking about this.

[Joanna Coles]

Do you think that the producer, when they did this, was hungover?

[Samantha Bee]

Damn. What the actual fuck happened to Sam Beach? Doesn't even remember what she says.

[Joanna Coles]

I can't believe you still remember. Don't even.

[Samantha Bee]

God, I'm reading a bad.

[Joanna Coles]

If I remembered all the negative comments.

[Samantha Bee]

I'm reading a bad one. I'm reading a bad one. Okay, okay. This is from anpour99 and this is gonna send chills up your spine. You guys laugh. You guys laugh about going to jail. I wouldn't if I were you. They are coming for all people they don't like. You know what? I'm not gonna. I don't even think this is a negative comment. I think this is truth telling.

[Joanna Coles]

But if we all go to jail together. Yeah. We'll be able to have really interesting times in jail. We'll be able to do jail podcasts.

[Samantha Bee]

What I liked about this comment is that it's not specifically negative toward us. It's just negative in general.

[Joanna Coles]

Who's it from again? It's always the men.

[Samantha Bee]

Dan.

[Joanna Coles]

It's the men. It's Dan's Marty.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay. All right, question six. In the first episode of the Daily Beast pod, Kara Swisher told you there were three essential ingredients to a successful podcast. Number one, be useful. Number two, entertain. What was the third one?

[Joanna Coles]

Have cars. Wish your own as a guest.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, my God. Obviously I've forgotten what the third one was. I only remember be useful. Do you remember? Oh, there's a negative comment that's looking right at you.

[Joanna Coles]

I actually, I remember the pod very well.

[Samantha Bee]

Except for this part.

[Joanna Coles]

Except for this part. I have no idea. I can't remember. Okay, well, was it about the two of us getting on?

[Samantha Bee]

Stop.

[Joanna Coles]

Was it about chemistry? Chemistry? You've got to have chemistry.

[Samantha Bee]

No, not at all.

[Joanna Coles]

Stop it. Okay, positive comment coming. That's good. I'm redressing the balance. Okay, this is from SMS or 5M5 2014, which I guess is when they joined a particular site. Smart women having a Fun, informed, smart conversation. Dash the best exclamation point. Thank you. SMS or 5M5.

[Samantha Bee]

I wish we had a prize to give you for your nice comment.

[Joanna Coles]

Well, maybe we'll have prizes in the new year. We may be in. There may be incentives to send us emails.

[Samantha Bee]

I keep saying get T shirts. I keep saying it. Well, I love a T shirt. I just went to a cabaret show the other night and I bought a T shirt. And we see Bridget Everett. She's incredible. And I bought one of her T shirts and I'm gonna wear it every day.

[Joanna Coles]

How much did you pay for the merch?

[Samantha Bee]

$30.

[Joanna Coles]

Okay, well, stay tuned, Stay tuned. All right. What does Adam Grant suggest President Elect Trump should look for in his new cabinet? Is it A, loyalty? B, a mix of political insiders and outsiders, C, highly innovative thinkers, D, people willing to challenge his ideas?

[Samantha Bee]

I think it was D. People willing to challenge his ideas.

[Joanna Coles]

I think it was D too.

[Samantha Bee]

Was it D? Oh, it's correct. I'm going to read a positive one.

[Joanna Coles]

Okay, good, because this will then. This will then erase the negi ones. Although there's only one positive one left.

[Samantha Bee]

So I'm going to read all the negative ones at the end. It's okay. Oh. Oh, this is nice. This is for you from Charles Elmore, 4707. Loving this British lass.

[Joanna Coles]

Digging the voice.

[Samantha Bee]

I'm digging the voice. And the tude, actually. He said attitude, but I say tude.

[Joanna Coles]

Oh, of course he said attitude, because I'm detecting a fellow Brit there.

[Samantha Bee]

Very nice. Okay. John Avlon criticized Kamala Harris for declining to engage in a debate with Joe Rogan. What reasoning does Avalon suggest Harris might have had for skipping the opportunity? Was it, A, concerns about legitimizing Grogan's controversial views, B, fear of facing tough questions about our policies, C, a strategic decision to focus on traditional media outlets, or D, worries about alienating the Democratic base? What's the answer? What's the answer? You know what?

[Joanna Coles]

Well, I think it could be several of these. There were definitely worries about alienating the Democratic base because that was revealed on Pod Save America, where her team went on to talk to John Lovett and Jon Favreau and discussed the fact that several people, young people in her campaign, were like, absolutely not. You can't do that. I think she should have done it. So that's definitely one of them. But it could also be concerns about legitimizing his controversial views.

[Samantha Bee]

I believe it was that one. I think it was that one. And also, she doesn't really smoke cigars that I'm aware of. So.

[Joanna Coles]

Do you have to smoke cigars on his podcast? I do. Okay, you have to. We should. We should do something like that. I'm going to make people eat mince pies.

[Samantha Bee]

Whoa. Okay, I'll do it. I like mincemeat pies. Okay. Correct. We correct. Why don't you read the. You read the nice one, and then I'll plow through the negative ones and give everyone a treat.

[Joanna Coles]

Okay. This is from Eric seven one. Hi, Eric. Thank you for writing the podcast. We deserved. Smart, calm, rational. Has he listened to them? Tapped in Strong women. What isn't there to love? The banter here is exactly on time. Take a dip. The snark is fine. The beast is back. That is a very nice one, Eric7172. Thank you very much.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay, well, I'm gonna read these negative ones just because. See, these are nice. One of them is a compliment to me, but a real Joanna Cole slam. So I'm gonna read it. I'm gonna read a.

[Joanna Coles]

Well, what if I just stay awake all night worrying about it?

[Samantha Bee]

You will.

[Joanna Coles]

I will. That's not the point.

[Samantha Bee]

Fmc. Sam Forever. Sam Forever. Joanna is the worst. Why does she need Joanna Coles? Could Joanna be more of an apologist for drumph? Who is this for? Seems like Sam could have her pick of smart co hosts.

[Joanna Coles]

Could she, though? Could she?

[Samantha Bee]

This one has a dud.

[Joanna Coles]

Okay, well, that's put me in my place. That's put me in my place.

[Samantha Bee]

Okay, okay. At Guru Shai. Shai. I don't know how to. I'm not even gonna read that. That's impossible. What even is this? Two British journalists sharing facts, opinions, insights, and Samantha B. Holding her head saying, I just can't over and over again. I like dramatizing these. It's pretty fun.

[Joanna Coles]

They're very good.

[Samantha Bee]

I saved a good one for the last one at Thai China Malay. I've never heard of the Daily Beast. Is this like a Saturday Night Live or Onion? Based on the bizarre conclusions and distortions they spew, it has to be a comedic organization. I'm confused, however, as to why it was not funny. So take that to heart. Last one at Infinite Worlds. This is a trash nothing burger. Welcome to 2025.

[Joanna Coles]

Welcome to 2025. So next time you see us, we'll have lost £10. Our eyes will be bright.

[Samantha Bee]

Bright because our skin will be to death.

[Joanna Coles]

Our eyes will be trim.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, God, I dread this. I don't like colonoscopy prep and I don't like cleanses. All right. Wow.

[Joanna Coles]

Happy New Year.

[Samantha Bee]

Happy New Year.

[Joanna Coles]

Happy New Year. And thank you to all of those who've sent us email comments. More of them will be read out as we increase our trivia games.

[Samantha Bee]

Yes. Yes.

[Unknown]

Hey, marketers, your marketing plan deserves more than just reach. It needs real connection. Podcast advertising with Acast puts your brand in the ears of your perfect audience when they're paying most attention. And with more than 1 billion listens every quarter, we know your next customer is listening to Acast podcasts no matter what app they're using. Target audiences like paid social with cinema like attention. Whether it's by demographics, interests, or your own first party data. Connect with the right people with Acast. Visit go.acast.com ads to get started. Today.

[Joanna Coles]

We'Re thrilled to be joined by this week's beast of the week. Tiffany Haddish and her unbridled comedic energy. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Haddish transformed her tumultuous childhood into stardom. Her big break came in 2017 with her iconic role as Dina in Girls Trip, which grossed over $140 million at the box office and earned her a spot on the New Yorkers list of the best film performances of the 21st century. Not to mention her Emmy for hosting Saturday night Live in 2018 and Grammy for Best Comedy Album Black Mitzvah in 2021. This month, she begins her funny and fearless national tour as she continues to put refreshing goodness back into the world. Inspired by her own experiences, Hadish also started the she Ready foundation, which provides resources and loves up on youth in foster care.

[Samantha Bee]

I can't thank you enough for taking, like, a moment in an early morning wake up in beautiful Hawaii to talk to us. Are you looking out the window and seeing just like giant sea turtles. They're just cozying up.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I'm seeing waves, you know, palm trees, green grass, sand, beautiful plants. It's gorgeous.

[Samantha Bee]

You're about to have the freshest platter of pineapple and delicious fruits.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Girl, I can't do no pineapples. I'm allergic to pineapples. But I will be having some papaya, mango melons, and things like that.

[Samantha Bee]

Fantastic. That fruit is gonna glisten on that brain, right? That is so great.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I had some kiwi yesterday.

[Joanna Coles]

Oh, my God.

[Samantha Bee]

I wanna be so quiet because I respect that it's early morning where you are. I wanna be like this. Good morning, Tiffany.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Girl, it's eight something. We good, we good. Turn up. Let's go.

[Samantha Bee]

Tiffany, you look so relaxed. Can you please tell us where you are right now and what you are looking out your window at.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I'm in Kauai in the state of Hawaii, and I'm on an island looking out at the ocean and seeing the sea foam hit the shore as the waves crash on the shoreline. And beautiful palm trees, manicured, well, manicured lawns.

[Joanna Coles]

It's gorgeous. Hawaii has been ruined for me now by white lotus. All I can think of is the dead body in the water of that foamy sea lapping in and out.

[Samantha Bee]

No, you have to think more in terms of whale song. Like, there are times when you go to Hawaii and you put your head under the water and you can literally hear whales talking to each other.

[Joanna Coles]

I think they would sound like Nona Muscuri.

[Samantha Bee]

They have a be the beautiful, dulcet tones of whale song. Tiffany, we're so excited.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I actually talk whale.

[Samantha Bee]

You do? You do. Great.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yes, of course.

[Joanna Coles]

You talk whale. You do so many different things. You do. It doesn't surprise me that you talk whale and you're about to go on tour.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yes, yes. I go on tour this spring, and I'm excited about it. I'm going to all the places in America that I haven't really done comedy at yet.

[Samantha Bee]

Really? Are you going to, like, places that feel risky or that feel like you just haven't visited in the past or just places that you're like? This is an audience that has been asking for me for a long time, and I'm finally doing it.

[Tiffany Haddish]

An audience that's been asking me to come for quite some time, and now I'm like, okay, you know what? Let's do it.

[Samantha Bee]

Let's do it.

[Joanna Coles]

It's Get Ready, America.

[Samantha Bee]

So we are airing this. This episode, and this conversation with you is airing at the very beginning of the year. So we are just, like, fresh 2025. Pure freshness. How do you. Can I ask, you are in Hawaii right now, but how do you prepare to greet a new year? Like, for you, is the new year January, or is the new year? Because for some of us, it's September. Because we're just, like, locked into, like, back to school. But are you a January person? Do you make resolutions? Do you do that stuff?

[Tiffany Haddish]

I don't really make resolutions because I'm gonna break them. So I don't really do it because I know I'm gonna break it. So I. At the end of the year, I try to do some kind of something to make some money. And then on New Year's Day, on January 1st is the first day of the New Year I make gumbo and I invite all my closest friends and I make collard greens and black eyed peas. We chum it down, we eat and we play games, we laugh, we talk about what we want to do for the future. And, you know, the kids play in the bouncy house and we have a great time.

[Samantha Bee]

That is amazing. That is amazing.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Only invite people I actually like. Like people I actually want to be around, because that's what I want for the year, to be around people I actually like.

[Samantha Bee]

That is so smart. That is a good way to. Like. That is a good way to. That's the perfect way to set an intention for the whole next year. Joanna, I noticed you have not invited me over to your home to set an intention for the new year.

[Joanna Coles]

I have not, but I'm doing it right now. I can't invite you around because I'm going to Tiffany's. She doesn't know this yet because she hasn't invited me, but I know that she will.

[Samantha Bee]

Yeah.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Oh, yeah. I will invite you and you will come, but just know it's in South Central la. You cool with that?

[Joanna Coles]

All right, deal. Deal.

[Samantha Bee]

Now, the last time that you saw each other was at a retreat in.

[Joanna Coles]

It was for very powerful women. Very powerful women.

[Samantha Bee]

Another powerful women's retreat.

[Joanna Coles]

Yeah, always.

[Samantha Bee]

I love it.

[Joanna Coles]

And I heard Tiffany speak, and I just thought, she's fantastic. I didn't know very much about you other than obviously girls trip, but I was fascinated by the foundation you set up, which I want you to talk about, but also about the grocery store that you're trying to set up, which I was telling Sam about it. And I. I want you to tell her about it because you'll remember the details better than me.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Well, yeah. Well, so I have missions and goals in life, right? And one of my missions is to open a grocery store. And I don't want it to be just your typical grocery store. This grocery store is going to have, like, financial literacy classes and cooking classes, because I noticed that they took home economics out of schools, and when they took those out of schools, I noticed the family structure kind of breaking down and people's mental health isn't good and all these different things. And I feel like, you know, for me, once I understood how money worked and how food worked, I became a more happier, productive human being. So I want that for others also. You know, I just want to have a store that has a majority of the products come from, you know, black. Black farmers, black vendors. You know, I go to the Japanese grocery store, the Jewish grocery store, the Mexican grocery store. But where's the African American grocery store? Where's the black grocery store? But I want it to be like a black erewhon. That's what I want.

[Joanna Coles]

I'll own it.

[Tiffany Haddish]

So that'll make it black. But it'll be like erewhon, but way more affordable.

[Samantha Bee]

That's amazing.

[Tiffany Haddish]

And there's a non profit side to it where the education comes in and just, you know, teaching people better health and like money health and food health.

[Samantha Bee]

Financial health and like financial literacy is so not accessible to people. It is just not taught. And it is critical to have those understandings.

[Joanna Coles]

Well, and worse, it's not only not taught, but when you do get it, it comes via banks or credit cards who seduce you into thinking it's all easier and cheaper or freer than it really is.

[Samantha Bee]

So where are you setting it up? It sounds like so much more. It's really. It sounds like a. Like a community.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Community center.

[Samantha Bee]

Yeah, like a community center with food.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yes, exactly. So I'm building it in South Central la, right there off of Buckingham and Martin Luther King, where my mom met my dad and where I live right down the street from. I live right like right there. So I noticed in my community they've already shut down three grocery stores. Each one was serving like 50,000 people. And so there's a disparity there and there's not a lot of healthy options. I mean, we got a Kaiser Permanente, but we don't got no good food.

[Samantha Bee]

I feel like one of the things that. Because obviously you're hilarious and I like, really? You and I have met a couple of times and I just think you're just actually think you're an amazing comedian, but also you're just like a total force for good. So, you know, the many times that we've had conversations, we talk about like foster care and how involved you are and your original foundation, but like actually really love it when people merge their talent with things that they feel very passionately about. Can you talk about how you talk about foster care and this and your foundation? Like, can you tell us about that?

[Joanna Coles]

Yeah. And tell us a little bit for those who don't know your own background, your own experiences in foster care.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yeah. So I grew up in the foster care system. I went in when I was about 13 years old and I was getting moved around from house to house, from place to place with all my things in trash bags, and it was really making me feel like garbage. And I'll never forget the day somebody gave Me, a suitcase. It made me feel like a person. Like I'm a traveler, like I'm a visitor in these, these people's homes. Like I am a human being. I'm not garbage being moved around. And it just gave me a sense of self. You know, this is my bag, this is my suitcase, and I'm a person. Like, it's not in a grocery store bag, it's not in a trash bag. I'm in a suitcase. I'm traveling. Once I got a little older, I said, I promised myself that if I ever could figure out a way to make sure no kids feel like garbage, that's what I'm going to do. Because that's what I was feeling like when my stuff was in those trash bags. I felt like garbage. So from the time I was 21, I had been, like, going to group homes and talking to kids and I was working at a youth center, teaching all kind of stuff and like, just mentoring and giving back. I was also working at an airline. But when a suitcase would be lost, right, and nobody claim it after six months, you know, the, the airline just.

[Samantha Bee]

Sells the bag, right?

[Tiffany Haddish]

So I would take the bag and I would make sure it's repaired and then give it to a foster youth, right? And you just could see their, like, pride go up a notch. So I got a little power. I started my foundation, the she Ready foundation, and I started out with just giving out suitcases. And we've now evolved over the last, like seven years into, you know, giving life skill classes, teaching them, teaching the youth, like how to open a bank account, how to apply for an apartment, proper workplace etiquette, how to deal with your emotions in the workplace, which is a class I still take myself because, you know, sometimes we be in our feelings and, you know, help them with education, getting them in college or getting them a trade, internships with different organizations or corporations. And we also have a film program where we teach them how to make like, short films and get them exposed to all the different jobs that there is in the entertainment field, all the behind the scenes stuff that most kids don't even know exists.

[Joanna Coles]

So, Tiffany, how did you go from this tumultuous childhood where you were, as you said, you're moving around from home to home, your belongings in trash bags. Out of that, you become a sort of teacher and you become a leader for other teenagers in the same situation. How did you then make the leap from there to Girls Trip, a blockbuster movie that makes $140 million at the box office? What was the journey in between, it was very rocky.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I wrote a lot about it in my book, New York Times bestselling book, Tiffany Haddish, the Last Black Unicorn, and elaborated even more in the Tiffany Haddish, I curse you with joy book that just came out in May. I find that through my journey, I mean, I went through a lot. I lost babies, I was discriminated against. I was objectified, homeless a bunch of times, just three times, but still, it's one time too many. I had to learn how to survive. I had to learn how to maintain my integrity. I think the main relationship that we all have, the longest relationship you'll ever have, is the one with your yourself. And you have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror every day. Learning how to love myself. I really believe, like, that Whitney Houston song, Greatest Love of All, I will say that in the morning when I wake up as a mantra, because the lyrics are very, like, right in alignment with me. I feel like. And so that gives me, like, great motivation. And really having, like, understanding of who you are and what your purpose is really helps a lot because the world is constantly trying to tell you who you are. I was married at one point in time. That didn't work out.

[Joanna Coles]

But you married a sort of stalker. Or the way you have very funny stories about who you ended up getting married to.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Girl, that was a journey. But, yeah, he was a human, interesting human. And then I wasn't interested.

[Samantha Bee]

It's like. It's actually. It's so cool to me because you're like, the story of how you took classes and how you started in comedy. And, like, I've loved hearing those stories, like, from. From your book. I read your book. It was great. And I feel like you're so resourceful. And it's like, it's very. I don't know, I just like to. I mean, not. I'm an outside observer to your life, obviously, but it is so cool to me how you've created the building blocks of a career that's so portable and so big, and you've done it, like, laying one brick at a time. And the fact that you will always have these skills that you've developed for so many years, really fought for and really worked for, and you will always have that. And you always have this just this huge deck of skills. And it's amazing to me that you're trying to empower young people, empower people to, like, learn those skills, too.

[Tiffany Haddish]

All people. I want to empower all people. That's, you know, the grocery stores for the grown ups. And then here goes for, you know, then what they say you spend your whole adult life trying to heal from your childhood. Right. So for me, the way I'm healing is like, by doing for others that have gone through the things that I've gone through, trying to give them a, you know, a little step forward, a. A life rafter, if you will, you know, a lifesaver to try to help them. It's hard being human. It's really difficult in like coming from not knowing how to read, not know, not knowing where my next meal is coming from. Not to, like, violence and all kind of crazy stuff to being like an Emmy winner, Oscar, you know, Oscar presenter, Grammy winner.

[Samantha Bee]

Yeah. Like on the cusp of a huge, like, tour, like, getting. How do you prepare for a big tour? Like, how do you actually. How do you set yourself up for something like that? Because it's pretty grueling. It's pretty hard. Are you like, are you hitting, like, once the holidays are over, once all of that is over and 2025 is like totally underway, how do you set yourself up for a big tour like the one you're about to embark on?

[Tiffany Haddish]

I hit all the local comedy clubs in my town. I get on stage as much as I possibly can to make sure, like, I have a tight hour and then I take it on the road and I try to make sure that I exercise and get enough rest. Because when I'm tired, I'm garbage. But when I'm good and energized, I'm the best. I'm the best. So just making sure that I get my rest and exercise, it's like. And what I eat, I really. Because it's hard to eat, right? When you're on the road.

[Joanna Coles]

Very hard to eat.

[Samantha Bee]

Very hard. You have to be very specific about it. Joanna, I'm gonna buy you a ticket. We're gonna go see.

[Joanna Coles]

Oh, that's a great idea for the Funny and Fearless tour.

[Samantha Bee]

That would be incredible.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yes, the funny and fearless. Cause that's what you have to be out here. You gotta be fearless and try to be funny at the same time.

[Joanna Coles]

Tiffany, what can people expect? You're going to places that you haven't been to before. People have been dying for you to go, asking for you to go. What can they expect in the show?

[Tiffany Haddish]

They can expect me to address some things that have been going on in the media. They can expect some very, very funny antidotes. They can expect to learn things that they didn't know they should know.

[Samantha Bee]

Right.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Like, I'll Be talking about trust funds and whatnot. I'll be talking about, you know, hygiene. I always thought that I was. I should have been a sex education teacher. And I'm gonna give a, you know, probably a 10 minute lesson in that.

[Joanna Coles]

Well, it's not too late. It's not. So where is the nearest place that we can come and see you? Are you gonna be on the east coast at all?

[Tiffany Haddish]

I am. I know I'm gonna be in middle America for sure. Like, at Idaho.

[Samantha Bee]

And, like, I'm gonna take Joanna.

[Joanna Coles]

Fargo, we should go to Idaho.

[Samantha Bee]

We're gonna do a pilgrimage shift. All right.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Montana. We're going to Montana.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, nice.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I'm going to watch some interesting places I'd never heard of. Really. Or I've heard of them because my fans have asked me to come there.

[Samantha Bee]

Can I be honest? When you go to Idaho, that may be the only sex education that the people of Idaho have received in their lives. You're gonna have to get very detailed.

[Tiffany Haddish]

I'm gonna get all the way detailed, girl. I'm gonna tell them how to use the fruit by the foot and everything. How they gotta. How they gotta sterilize the instruments before inserting them in their body. You know, like, I'm single now, and before I hook up with a guy, I have to give him a bath. And I make sure I put a pound of baking soda in the water, 1 cup peroxide and 3 drops of tea tree oil to make sure he's Ph'd.

[Joanna Coles]

Well, that sounds like we should put RFK Junior's jeans in there.

[Samantha Bee]

We should. We need. We want sterile equipment is what we're saying.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yeah. And make sure that thing float. If it don't float, it can't go inside of me otherwise. If you really gotta have it, then you gotta, you know, hit them with a little monitor.

[Samantha Bee]

Yeah, yeah. Always be prepared. Just like a Boy Scout. Yeah, just like a Boy Scout. Okay.

[Joanna Coles]

Just like a Boy Scout. Just like a Boy Scout. Okay. Well, we're going to. We're going to. We need to buy tickets.

[Samantha Bee]

Yeah, we will.

[Joanna Coles]

Oh, my God.

[Samantha Bee]

This was so kind of you to take time out of your vacation to talk to us. What a thrill to see you again, even though we are so far away.

[Tiffany Haddish]

So far away. You're like, what, five hours ahead of me, right?

[Samantha Bee]

I think we're mighty. Maybe six or eight, maybe.

[Joanna Coles]

Isn't it eight to Hawaii?

[Samantha Bee]

I've never really, really far.

[Tiffany Haddish]

But listen, well, you're in New York, right?

[Samantha Bee]

Yeah.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Yeah. So it's five hours. It's a five Hour time difference. Yeah. Eight hour flying.

[Joanna Coles]

Oh, eight hour flight. Five hour time difference.

[Samantha Bee]

Thank you so much. And I just. I'm so excited to see your tour and, like, thanks for taking time out of your vacation. You get into that water and you listen to and you do some talking to the whale.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Oh, girl. Yesterday I went snorkeling and I saw four turtles. But look at this.

[Samantha Bee]

What you're seeing. Look at what you're. Oh, my God.

[Joanna Coles]

That does look pretty good. That does look. Yeah. I can see a body right in the corner over there.

[Samantha Bee]

No, you cannot.

[Tiffany Haddish]

What body? My body.

[Joanna Coles]

The body from White Lotus.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Oh, hilarious.

[Samantha Bee]

Oh, my God. Thank you so much, Tiffany. Have a great vacation.

[Joanna Coles]

Yeah. And good luck on the tour. We will meet you somewhere.

[Samantha Bee]

Fargo.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Fargo.

[Joanna Coles]

I'm not going to Fargo. Tiffany, thank you. Happy New Year.

[Tiffany Haddish]

Happy New Year. I'll talk to you later.

[Samantha Bee]

Thank you so much for listening. If you want to keep sending us emails and telling us that we're duds or that we are to be celebrated and carried through Times Square and greeted with sweet meats and palm leaves, email us at beast pothedaily beast.com we told you that we would read them and we did. Even though many of them were painful, we did.

[Joanna Coles]

So if you have been, thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please, like subscribe. Share it with everybody you know, wherever you are.

[Samantha Bee]

We welcome your helpful suggestions.

[Joanna Coles]

And if you're not yet a subscriber to the Daily Beast, it's very, very easy. And you really should be. Just go to thedailybeast.com forward/membership. Forward slash podcast. You can also just go to thedailybeast.com and there is a place to sign up.

[Samantha Bee]

You'll find it. And everyone, as you embark on this new year, please always remember to be best be beast.

[Joanna Coles]

Come on first. First week of the year and you get it wrong.

[Samantha Bee]

I'll get it right. I'll get it right. I'll get it right.

[Joanna Coles]

Will you? I will. You get it right.

[Unknown]

Hey, marketers, your marketing plan deserves more than just reach. It needs real connection. Podcast advertising with ACAST puts your brand in the ears of your perfect audience when they're paying most attention. And with more than 1 billion listens every quarter, we know your next customer is listening to Acast podcasts no matter what app they're using. Target audiences like paid social with cinema like attention. Whether it's by demographics, interests, or your own first party data. Connect with the right people with Acast. Visit go.acast.com ads to get started today.