What happens when the strong Black woman finally gives herself permission to put herself first? On If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes welcomes actress and comedian Tisha Campbell for an honest conversation about unmasking in her late 50s [00:00], therapy, complex PTSD, grief, and embracing her AuDHD diagnosis [01:25]. Tisha recalls an emotional Easter gathering that challenged her lifelong survival mode [07:39], teaching her self-compassion [12:57], healthier boundaries, and how motherhood shaped her need to appear strong [14:54]. She reflects on learning to live in the present [20:32], writing her book The A Word: A Mother and Son's Journey Through Autism and Love [23:38], receiving a diagnosis on set [26:19], and whether Damon would understand her personal transformation [27:49].

Tisha discusses confronting painful memories through journaling [29:57], turning those experiences into a book without a ghostwriter [30:34], and getting her son Zen's approval [34:07]. She shares how writing became therapeutic [35:53], the difficulty of discussing Zen's past suicidal thoughts [36:41], and the boundaries he helped her establish [40:27]. From discovering healing through stand-up comedy [44:30] and embracing creative freedom [46:36] to redefining masking [49:58], understanding autism traits [53:02], and introducing the world to the real Tisha Campbell [55:35], she offers an inspiring perspective on motherhood, mental health, authenticity, and personal growth [56:57]. 

@ambergrimes

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@tishacampbell

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Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET 

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What happens when the strong Black woman finally gives herself permission to put herself first?&nbsp;On&nbsp;If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes welcomes actress and comedian Tisha Campbell for an honest conversation about unmasking in her late 50s&nbsp;[00:00], therapy, complex PTSD, grief, and embracing her AuDHD diagnosis&nbsp;[01:25]. Tisha recalls an emotional Easter gathering that challenged her lifelong survival mode&nbsp;[07:39], teaching her self-compassion&nbsp;[12:57], healthier boundaries, and how motherhood shaped her need to appear strong&nbsp;[14:54]. She reflects on learning to live in the present&nbsp;[20:32], writing her book&nbsp;The A Word: A Mother and Son's Journey Through Autism and Love&nbsp;[23:38], receiving a diagnosis on set&nbsp;[26:19], and whether Damon would understand her personal transformation&nbsp;[27:49].
Tisha discusses confronting painful memories through journaling&nbsp;[29:57], turning those experiences into a book without a ghostwriter&nbsp;[30:34], and getting her son Zen's approval&nbsp;[34:07]. She shares how writing became therapeutic&nbsp;[35:53], the difficulty of discussing Zen's past suicidal thoughts&nbsp;[36:41], and the boundaries he helped her establish&nbsp;[40:27]. From discovering healing through stand-up comedy&nbsp;[44:30]&nbsp;and embracing creative freedom&nbsp;[46:36]&nbsp;to redefining masking&nbsp;[49:58], understanding autism traits&nbsp;[53:02], and introducing the world to the real Tisha Campbell&nbsp;[55:35], she offers an inspiring perspective on motherhood, mental health, authenticity, and personal growth&nbsp;[56:57].&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambergrimes">@ambergrimes</a>
Follow Morris Chestnut
<a href="instagram.com/tishacampbell">@tishacampbell</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>

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

Tisha Campbell Knows The Mask Has To Come Off

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b6e46aed-1753-43d4-85cb-b4e900ba1c7b/transcript

What happens when you stop waiting for Hollywood to give you an opportunity and start creating your own? In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes welcomes actor, writer, and producer Jean Elie for an inspiring conversation about betting on yourself [00:00] and embracing his "Green Light Yourself" philosophy [00:14]. Jean shares how industry rejection pushed him to create his own opportunities [00:41], why manifestation requires action [03:22], and the leap of faith that brought him to Los Angeles [06:57]. He discusses taking control of his career [09:48], hustling his way into a paid role on Project X [10:22], and how losing his brother shaped his fearless mindset [14:52]. From building opportunities through production [16:24] and overcoming doubts about his acting abilities [18:25] to encouraging creatives to stop waiting for permission [20:41], Jean reflects on finding inspiration through patience [21:18], trusting small wins [23:25], and navigating the unexpected emotions of reuniting with his Insecure castmates [23:56].

Jean also explains the importance of maintaining momentum [24:45], reflecting on his decision to pause Send Help[25:14] and how the 2023 Hollywood strikes disrupted his progress [26:37]. He opens up about prioritizing family [27:43], practicing self-compassion [28:36], embracing the stability of a nine-to-five [29:51], and building communities that financially support independent artists [31:10]. He introduces his Kickstarter campaign for Living Practical, a vertical mockumentary romantic comedy about a couple navigating newly acquired superpowers [32:49], before discussing personal trauma and safety [34:26], communicating needs with grace [39:10], and giving supporters behind-the-scenes access through Patreon [43:27]. The conversation closes with reflections on pride, perseverance, and his canyon metaphor for personal growth [45:16], reinforcing the power of believing in yourself and creating your own opportunities [45:57].

@ambergrimes

Follow Jean Elie

@jeanelie

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET 

Follow Amber's Book Club

What happens when you stop waiting for Hollywood to give you an opportunity and start creating your own?&nbsp;In this episode of&nbsp;If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes welcomes actor, writer, and producer Jean Elie for an inspiring conversation about betting on yourself&nbsp;[00:00]&nbsp;and embracing his "Green Light Yourself" philosophy&nbsp;[00:14]. Jean shares how industry rejection pushed him to create his own opportunities&nbsp;[00:41], why manifestation requires action&nbsp;[03:22], and the leap of faith that brought him to Los Angeles&nbsp;[06:57]. He discusses taking control of his career&nbsp;[09:48], hustling his way into a paid role on&nbsp;Project X&nbsp;[10:22], and how losing his brother shaped his fearless mindset&nbsp;[14:52]. From building opportunities through production&nbsp;[16:24]&nbsp;and overcoming doubts about his acting abilities&nbsp;[18:25]&nbsp;to encouraging creatives to stop waiting for permission&nbsp;[20:41], Jean reflects on finding inspiration through patience&nbsp;[21:18], trusting small wins&nbsp;[23:25], and navigating the unexpected emotions of reuniting with his&nbsp;Insecure&nbsp;castmates&nbsp;[23:56].
Jean also explains the importance of maintaining momentum&nbsp;[24:45], reflecting on his decision to pause&nbsp;Send Help[25:14]&nbsp;and how the 2023 Hollywood strikes disrupted his progress&nbsp;[26:37]. He opens up about prioritizing family&nbsp;[27:43], practicing self-compassion&nbsp;[28:36], embracing the stability of a nine-to-five&nbsp;[29:51], and building communities that financially support independent artists&nbsp;[31:10]. He introduces his Kickstarter campaign for&nbsp;Living Practical, a vertical mockumentary romantic comedy about a couple navigating newly acquired superpowers&nbsp;[32:49], before discussing personal trauma and safety&nbsp;[34:26], communicating needs with grace&nbsp;[39:10], and giving supporters behind-the-scenes access through Patreon&nbsp;[43:27]. The conversation closes with reflections on pride, perseverance, and his canyon metaphor for personal growth&nbsp;[45:16], reinforcing the power of believing in yourself and creating your own opportunities&nbsp;[45:57].
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambergrimes">@ambergrimes</a>
Follow Jean Elie
<a href="instagram.com/jeanelie">@jeanelie</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>

Jean Elie Knows You Have To Greenlight Your Own Projects

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/420d867a-6700-4e9b-a230-b4ef0121d726/transcript

In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes welcomes Morris Chestnut, Taylor Polidore, and Tank for a candid conversation about perseverance [00:00], career lessons, and their characters’ complicated dynamics [00:17]. They examine why talented men sometimes get a pass for bad behavior [00:52], the responsibility of men to protect women in uncomfortable situations [02:03], and the importance of respect and accountability [03:27], especially when women are unfairly labeled difficult [04:38]. The conversation explores portraying characters whose actions conflict with personal values [05:20] and approaching acting with empathy rather than judgment [06:26]. Tank credits Jamie Foxx as a pivotal mentor [07:14], while Taylor shares how memoirs from influential Black actresses helped guide her career [08:20]. They also discuss giving back and maintaining a strong work ethic [10:02].

The trio reflects on the sacrifices behind success [12:00], missing important family moments [13:21], navigating different seasons of life and career [14:14], and balancing ambition with family responsibilities [14:18]. They unpack handling rejection [15:27], including Tank’s humbling onstage experience [17:25] and a disappointing career setback for Taylor [18:53]. From advice to their younger selves about trusting the process and not taking rejection personally [20:38] to rapid-fire lessons inspired by their characters [25:15], Morris, Taylor, and Tank leave listeners with reminders about resilience, accountability, and staying committed to their craft [27:10].

Ask or Share with Amber:withambergrimes@gmail.com

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Follow Morris Chestnut

@morrischestnutofficial

Follow Taylor Polidor

@taylorpolidor

Follow Tank

@therealtank

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 welcomes Morris Chestnut, Taylor Polidore, and Tank for a candid conversation about perseverance [00:00], career lessons, and their characters&rsquo; complicated dynamics [00:17]. They examine why talented men sometimes get a pass for bad behavior [00:52], the responsibility of men to protect women in uncomfortable situations [02:03], and the importance of respect and accountability [03:27], especially when women are unfairly labeled difficult [04:38]. The conversation explores portraying characters whose actions conflict with personal values [05:20] and approaching acting with empathy rather than judgment [06:26]. Tank credits Jamie Foxx as a pivotal mentor [07:14], while Taylor shares how memoirs from influential Black actresses helped guide her career [08:20]. They also discuss giving back and maintaining a strong work ethic [10:02].
The trio reflects on the sacrifices behind success [12:00], missing important family moments [13:21], navigating different seasons of life and career [14:14], and balancing ambition with family responsibilities [14:18]. They unpack handling rejection [15:27], including Tank&rsquo;s humbling onstage experience [17:25] and a disappointing career setback for Taylor [18:53]. From advice to their younger selves about trusting the process and not taking rejection personally [20:38] to rapid-fire lessons inspired by their characters [25:15], Morris, Taylor, and Tank leave listeners with reminders about resilience, accountability, and staying committed to their craft [27:10].
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 Morris Chestnut
<a href="instagram.com/morrischestnutofficial">@morrischestnutofficial</a>
Follow Taylor Polidor
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/taylorpolidor">@taylorpolidor</a>
Follow Tank
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealtank">@therealtank</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>

"Reasonable Doubt" Exclusive: Morris Chestnut, Taylor Polidore, & Tank 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/11438650-32f1-4631-a3de-b4e200ba55d5/transcript

Amber Grimes sits down with Reasonable Doubt stars Emayatzy Corineal and McKinley Freemandi to unpack the powerful meaning behind Jax and Lewis’ intimate hair scene [00:00] and the emotional stakes of their relationship [00:33]. The actors reveal how playing the couple has shaped their own views on relationships and marriage [01:22], debating forgiveness versus simply moving forward [03:38], loyalty versus love [05:39], and how Lewis can support Jax without losing himself [07:12]. They also explore Jax’s vulnerability after trauma [09:39], what both characters need emotionally [11:58], and the therapy, accountability, listening, and commitment required for them to thrive together [15:05].

McKinley and Emayatzy explain why portraying such a complicated marriage works for them as actors [18:40] and revisit the hair scene as meaningful Black imagery centered on trust, care, and intimacy [20:41]. They break down their preparation and commitment to the roles [22:55], the process of becoming Jax and Lewis [24:14], and the intensity surrounding the courtroom defense in the Reasonable Doubt finale [27:25], while giving credit to creator Raamla Mohamed and the writers for allowing the characters—and their marriage—to remain messy, layered, and real [29:13]. 

Ask or Share with Amber:withambergrimes@gmail.com

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Follow Emayatzy Corinealdi

@emayatzycorinealdi

Follow Mckinley Freeman

@mckinleyfreeman

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

Amber Grimes sits down with Reasonable Doubt stars Emayatzy Corineal and McKinley Freemandi to unpack the powerful meaning behind Jax and Lewis&rsquo; intimate hair scene&nbsp;[00:00] and the emotional stakes of their relationship [00:33]. The actors reveal how playing the couple has shaped their own views on relationships and marriage [01:22], debating forgiveness versus simply moving forward [03:38], loyalty versus love [05:39], and how Lewis can support Jax without losing himself [07:12]. They also explore Jax&rsquo;s vulnerability after trauma [09:39], what both characters need emotionally [11:58], and the therapy, accountability, listening, and commitment required for them to thrive together [15:05].
McKinley and Emayatzy explain why portraying such a complicated marriage works for them as actors [18:40] and revisit the hair scene as meaningful Black imagery centered on trust, care, and intimacy [20:41]. They break down their preparation and commitment to the roles [22:55], the process of becoming Jax and Lewis [24:14], and the intensity surrounding the courtroom defense in the Reasonable Doubt finale [27:25], while giving credit to creator Raamla Mohamed and the writers for allowing the characters&mdash;and their marriage&mdash;to remain messy, layered, and real [29:13].&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 Emayatzy Corinealdi
<a href="instagram.com/emayatzycorinealdi">@emayatzycorinealdi</a>
Follow Mckinley Freeman
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mckinleyfreeman/">@mckinleyfreeman</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>

Reasonable Doubt’s Emayatzy & McKinley Know Jax & Lewis Love Each Other #HuluPartner 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7239ce36-7988-40bd-9b93-b4db008426a5/transcript

Tisha Campbell Knows The Mask Has To Come Off

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