Podcast Summary: "Tamron Hall, HARLEM HONEY: The Adventures of a Curious Kid"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
• Host: Zibby Owens
• Episode: Tamron Hall, HARLEM HONEY: The Adventures of a Curious Kid
• Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Tamron Hall, the Emmy Award-winning host and Executive Producer of the nationally syndicated talk show “Tamron Hall.” Tamron joins Zibby to discuss her new children's book, Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid. The conversation delves into the inspirations behind the book, Tamron’s personal experiences as a mother, and her ongoing projects.

Author Background: Tamron Hall

Tamron Hall shares insights into her prolific career and personal life, highlighting her transition from the Today Show to her own talk show, “Tamron Hall.” She emphasizes her commitment to advocacy, particularly in raising awareness about domestic violence, a passion stemming from her journalistic endeavors at NBC where she received the Edward R. Murrow Award for her report on domestic abuse. Tamron also reflects on her role as a mother to her five-year-old son, Moses, which heavily influences her writing.

Discussion of "Harlem Honey"

Themes and Inspiration:

Tamron explains that Harlem Honey was inspired by her experiences with her son Moses post-pandemic. She noticed a shift in Moses's behavior; while he is typically outgoing and expressive at home, he became noticeably shy and reserved in public settings. This observation led her to explore themes of curiosity, fear, and the importance of patience in children’s development.

"We all rush our kids past things because we're so busy trying to do everything on the list... We forget it's the first time they saw a taxi, the first time they saw an airport," Tamron remarks ([03:58]).

Character Development:

The protagonist, Moses, carries a jar of honey gifted by a neighbor, symbolizing kindness and the importance of offering something genuine in interactions. This simple yet profound gesture serves as Moses's way of breaking the ice and connecting with others.

"Moses has this jar of honey, and he just wants to share. He's so proud. And so he starts every interaction with, like, oh, my gosh, like, you have to try this kind of vibe," says Tamron ([05:37]).

Representation of Harlem:

Harlem is depicted not just as a backdrop but as a character in itself, representing any diverse neighborhood. Tamron chose Harlem to showcase real neighborhoods' richness and cultural significance, aiming to inspire children to explore and appreciate their surroundings.

"I wanted for the character to travel to other places and neighborhoods. There are a lot of books that focus on the states and the big cities... neighborhoods offer endless possibilities to teach our children about others," Tamron explains ([27:58]).

Personal Stories and Inspirations

Motherhood and Patience:

Tamron draws parallels between her own mothering experiences and Moses's adventures. She emphasizes the value of patience and being present, lessons she imparts to her son through their daily interactions.

"It is an exercise in patience. It's a reminder of patience and being present, which are two things I hear as a common thread when I talk to moms, dads, any adult in a child's life," Tamron shares ([09:15]).

Overcoming Shyness:

Discussing her own childhood, Tamron reflects on her journey from being an extremely shy child to finding her voice through activities like playing the clarinet and participating in track events.

"I was extremely shy until I was about in the first or second grade... I found my voice in playing the clarinet," she admits ([17:00]).

Authentic Storytelling:

Tamron emphasizes that her creative process is driven by authenticity rather than commercial success. Her experiences as a reporter and a mother seamlessly blend into her storytelling, making Harlem Honey a genuine reflection of her life.

"Everything I do comes from an authentic space. Nothing that I create is from the lens of money or getting my name out there," Tamron states ([23:47]).

Writing Process and Challenges

Tamron discusses the intentional choices she made while writing Harlem Honey, such as limiting the book to 40 pages to maintain engagement and making it portable for bedtime or travel. She highlights the challenge of selecting which Harlem landmarks to include, ultimately choosing iconic and culturally significant locations like the Apollo Theater and Sylvia’s Restaurant.

"It was hard narrowing it down to which places to go... Sylvia's because it's the longest and the most iconic," Tamron explains ([26:13]).

Future Projects

Expanding the Series:

Tamron envisions Harlem Honey as the first in a series that explores different neighborhoods. She plans to take Moses on adventures to places like Texas’s Hill Country and New Mexico, aiming to showcase the beauty and diversity of various communities.

"I may have him go to Hill Country on a whitewater adventure with his family. That's next," she reveals ([27:59]).

Mini Memoir:

In addition to her children's book series, Tamron is working on a mini memoir that chronicles her experiences over the past five years, including becoming a mother at 48, losing her job, and rebuilding her career. This memoir aims to inspire others to bet on themselves with the support of a strong community.

"I'm working on what I called a mini memoir about the moment I received the text message... It's a little guide with anecdotes about the value of betting on yourself when you have the right community supporting you," Tamron shares ([29:18]).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Zibby praising Tamron's insightful and heartfelt contributions both as an author and a public figure. Tamron emphasizes the ongoing journey of personal growth and the importance of authenticity in nurturing both herself and her son.

"We are all, every day, trying to show up as our authentic self. That applies to our children," Tamron concludes ([31:00]).

Tamron's Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid offers a meaningful exploration of childhood curiosity, community, and the balance between caution and adventure. Her authentic storytelling, rooted in personal experience, provides valuable lessons for both children and parents alike.

Notable Quotes:

1. Tamron Hall on Patience and Presence:

   • "It is an exercise in patience. It's a reminder of patience and being present, which are two things I hear as a common thread when I talk to moms, dads, any adult in a child's life." ([09:15])

2. Tamron Hall on Authenticity:

   • "Everything I do comes from an authentic space. Nothing that I create is from the lens of money or getting my name out there." ([23:47])

3. Tamron Hall on Community Support:

   • "Betting on yourself when you have the right community supporting you." ([29:18])

4. Tamron Hall on Curiosity:

   • "With Harlem Honey, his curiosity and the curiosity for children, it starts in the home and then it goes to your neighborhood." ([19:44])

Final Thoughts:

Tamron Hall's Harlem Honey is more than just a children's book; it's a reflection of her dedication to fostering curiosity, kindness, and resilience in children. Through engaging storytelling and relatable experiences, Tamron offers both entertainment and valuable life lessons, reinforcing the importance of being present and patient in a child's journey of discovery.