In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with Algee Smith for a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and finding self-worth beyond success. Algee reflects on how social media and career milestones can become unhealthy measures of personal value [00:27], revisiting the breakthrough role that changed his life with The New Edition Story[01:08] and the lessons he learned about detaching his identity from achievements [03:00]. He opens up about career disappointments that once felt devastating [04:58], how faith helped him embrace the belief that delay is not denial [06:55], and the daily practices—including prayer, stretching, meditation, and journaling—that have grounded him through seasons of uncertainty [09:08][10:31]. Algee also discusses balancing authenticity on social media [12:50] while protecting the parts of life that deserve privacy [15:27].

The conversation deepens as Algee shares how therapy transformed his perspective despite his initial skepticism [16:28], helping him uncover childhood experiences [19:02] that fueled a lifelong search for validation [20:08] and shaped his ambition through unresolved trauma [21:08]. He explains his philosophy of "winning the day" by focusing on daily habits instead of distant outcomes [22:37], embracing the process [24:44], and valuing skill development over raw talent [26:34]. Closing the episode, Algee previews his upcoming EP, television pilot, film projects, and producing ventures [27:57], offers advice to his younger self [29:41], and reflects on the growth that has made him most proud [30:41]. Honest, inspiring, and deeply reflective, this episode offers practical wisdom on healing, discipline, purpose, and defining success from the inside out. 

Ask or Share with Amber:withambergrimes@gmail.com

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Follow Algee Smith:

@itsalgee

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET 

Follow Amber's Book Club 

Get Amber's Book Club Merch 

Read Amber's Favorite Books

In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with Algee Smith for a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and finding self-worth beyond success. Algee reflects on how social media and career milestones can become unhealthy measures of personal value [00:27], revisiting the breakthrough role that changed his life with The New Edition Story [01:08] and the lessons he learned about detaching his identity from achievements [03:00]. He opens up about career disappointments that once felt devastating [04:58], how faith helped him embrace the belief that delay is not denial [06:55], and the daily practices&mdash;including prayer, stretching, meditation, and journaling&mdash;that have grounded him through seasons of uncertainty [09:08] [10:31]. Algee also discusses balancing authenticity on social media [12:50] while protecting the parts of life that deserve privacy [15:27].
The conversation deepens as Algee shares how therapy transformed his perspective despite his initial skepticism [16:28], helping him uncover childhood experiences [19:02] that fueled a lifelong search for validation [20:08] and shaped his ambition through unresolved trauma [21:08]. He explains his philosophy of "winning the day" by focusing on daily habits instead of distant outcomes [22:37], embracing the process [24:44], and valuing skill development over raw talent [26:34]. Closing the episode, Algee previews his upcoming EP, television pilot, film projects, and producing ventures [27:57], offers advice to his younger self [29:41], and reflects on the growth that has made him most proud [30:41]. Honest, inspiring, and deeply reflective, this episode offers practical wisdom on healing, discipline, purpose, and defining success from the inside out.&nbsp;
Ask or Share with Amber: <a href="mailto:withambergrimes@gmail.com" data-ogsc="">withambergrimes@gmail.com</a>
Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambergrimes">@ambergrimes</a>
Follow Algee Smith:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsalgee/">@itsalgee</a>
<a href="https://substack.com/@withambergrimes">Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack</a>
<a href="https://youtube.com/@iykbetter?si=WMEDSWNJOsxlRkD0">Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambersbookclub/">Follow Amber's Book Club </a>
<a href="https://ambersbookclub.com/collections/hats">Get Amber's Book Club Merch&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://a.co/d/01GreLFP">Read Amber's Favorite Books</a>

You can’t rewrite the past — but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.

 

If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom — alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.

 

Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships — so you either don’t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.

 

Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better… and does better.

You can&rsquo;t rewrite the past &mdash; but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.
&nbsp;
If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom &mdash; alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.
&nbsp;
Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships &mdash; so you either don&rsquo;t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.
&nbsp;
Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better&hellip; and does better.

If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

Algee Knows Delay Is Not Denial

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b6815f9b-8042-4327-a741-b49c00b4fc4c/transcript