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Sarah Jakes Roberts
The Jennifer Hudson Show - S2 - E162
Bestselling author Sarah Jakes Roberts is here to talk about her book “Power Moves: Igniting Your Confidence and Becoming a Force.”
The Jennifer Hudson Show: Season 2 - 60 Episode s
2x112 - Toni Braxton & Cedric the Entertainer, Melissa Benoist, Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, & Christina Elmore
March 21, 2024
Toni Braxton & Cedric the Entertainer promote their Las Vegas residency “Love & Laughter.” Melissa Benoist, Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, and Christina Elmore discuss drama series “The Girls on The Bus.”
2x113 - Phil Keoghan, Lisa Rinna
March 22, 2024
Phil Keoghan discusses “The Amazing Race.” Lisa Rinna stops by.
2x114 - Alison Brie
March 25, 2024
Alison Brie discusses her new Peacock series “Apples Never Fall.” Jennifer welcomes 4-year-old Leila Danai and her mother, Mildred Munjanganja, from Pompano Beach, FL, who went viral for telling her mom about how she stood up to a classmate who told her he didn’t like her hairstyle. In the clip, Leila recalls the interaction: “(He said), 'I don’t like that hair — it’s crazy’. And I said, 'My mommy made it. And if you don’t like it, I’ll keep it for myself.” Mildred and Leila will chat with Jennifer about their story and about the importance of instilling self-confidence at home. Jennifer welcomes Shaniece Jones from Los Angeles, CA, who is a pro closet organizer and declutter expert known as the “closet therapist” by her clients.
2x115 - Jerrod Carmichael
March 26, 2024
Jerrod Carmichael promotes his HBO series “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.” Jennifer welcomes neuroscientist and popular online content creator Emily McDonald from Fort Lauderdale, FL. While studying neuroscience, Emily found it ironic that neuroscientists knew the importance of mental health, but none of them were taking care of their minds. She decided to apply neuroscience knowledge to help rewire her brain and improve her mental health. After noticing a huge difference in her mood with small changes, she began sharing the tips.
2x116 - Gina Rodriguez, Carla Hall
March 27, 2024
Gina Rodriguez discusses her ABC series “Not Dead Yet.” Carla Hall (“Chasing Flavor”) will perform a cooking demo. Jennifer welcomes Jenn Drummond from Park City, UT, a mom of seven who recently made history by becoming the first woman to climb the Seven Second Summits. After recovering from a bad car accident in 2018, Jenn was inspired to climb a mountain for her 40th birthday. She began training, and eventually decided to set a world record and climb the Seven Second Summits, which she completed last summer. Jenn’s new book, BreakProof, was released in January and she just returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with three of her sons.
2x117 - Kenya Barris, Jamie Kern Lima
March 28, 2024
Kenya Barris discusses his BET+ series “Diarra From Detroit.” Jamie Kern Lima promotes her book “Worthy.”
2x118 - Jenna Dewan
March 29, 2024
Spring Celebration! Jenna Dewan promotes her ABC series “The Rookie.” Jennifer welcomes Kina Evans from Hayward, CA. Kina is a middle school special education teacher at Caesar Chavez Middle School and founder of Bully Talk Inc., a nonprofit organization that equips kids with tools and leadership skills to decrease bullying and create positive practices. Kina has been a teacher for 5 years and says she is motivated and inspired by her students daily. She calls her students her babies and constantly goes out of pocket to provide them with anything they need.
2x119 - Joel McHale
April 1, 2024
Joel McHale chats about his television show “Animal Control.”
2x120 - Bill Bellamy
April 2, 2024
Bill Bellamy promotes his upcoming comedy tour. Jennifer welcomes Tyara Lee from Upland, CA. Despite facing adversity as a foster youth in Compton, Tyara defied expectations and financed her education through four jobs. Overcoming instability, she credits her resilience to her faith and capacity for forgiveness. In 2018, Tyara founded She Is Foundation Network, a nonprofit aiding women with housing, employment, financial literacy, and empowerment, drawing from her own experiences. Jennifer welcomes Asjia O’Neal from Dallas, TX who made history in December as the #1 draft pick for America's first professional volleyball league, launched in 2024. Asjia gained fame for leading the Texas Longhorns to consecutive championship wins in 2022 & 2023. Despite overcoming two open-heart surgeries, she aims to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics. Asjia will teach Jennifer how to play volleyball on the show.
2x121 - Tarek El Moussa
April 3, 2024
Tarek El Moussa discusses his television show “Flip Your Life: How to Find Opportunities in Distress.” Jennifer welcomes Andini Makosinski, a young inventor and Gen Z financial expert. Most recently, Andini has taken on the role of on-screen host for the second season of her show 'Your World On Money.'
2x122 - Sara Gilbert
April 4, 2024
Sara Gilbert chats about her sitcom “The Conners.” Jennifer welcomes Alex George from Philadelphia, PA. Alex is a TikTok creator on a quest to make every chocolate chip cookie recipe on the internet. She is documenting her baking journey on a spreadsheet with ratings, effort, comments, and links to the recipes. Alex will teach Jennifer how to make chocolate chip cookies on the show.
2x123 - Patton Oswalt
April 5, 2024
Patton Oswalt discusses his movie “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” Jennifer welcomes 20-month-old Zoey Cartagena and her parents Alexis and Tony from Maplewood, NJ. A video of Zoey pointing to her skin and saying “so pretty” recently went viral. As a bi-racial couple, Alexis says it is imperative to teach her daughter the importance of loving the skin she’s in. The couple gets emotional when talking about the struggles they faced expanding their family and said Zoey is their ‘miracle baby.’ Alexis and Tony said the viral video is a reminder of the importance of pouring into young girls, and the love and positivity surrounding the video means the world to them.
2x124 - Quinta Brunson, Tabitha Brown
April 8, 2024
“Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson stops by to kick off “Abbott Elementary” Week on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Author and social media personality Tabitha Brown joins us to discuss her book “I Did a Thing: 30 Days to Living Free.” Jennifer then welcomes Deanna Dixon, a single mom and full-time rideshare driver from Atlanta, Georgia. Known as the “RideShare Queen” on social media, Deanna’s viral videos, which combine carpool karaoke, cab confessions, and life talk, have amassed over 20 million views. Her goal is to make sure passengers leave feeling better than when they arrived.
2x125 - Tyler James Williams, Dorian Missick
April 9, 2024
Tyler James Williams from “Abbott Elementary” stops by. Dorian Missick stops by to talk about his new film, “Shirley,” a biopic about trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm. Jennifer welcomes Ford McLiney from Kansas City, Missouri, a high-level athlete who has found solace in diving amid struggles with his sexuality. Encouraged by an online friendship with openly gay swimmer Ryan Dafforn, Ford now works as a recruiter and diving coach, aiming to support other athletes.
2x126 - Janelle James, William Stanford Davis
April 10, 2024
Janelle James and William Stanford Davis from “Abbott Elementary” stop by the studio. Jennifer then welcomes Bryan Ross from Beaumont, California, a P.E. teacher and coach at Ánimo Venice Charter High School. His wife, Janet, wrote to celebrate Bryan’s dedication to mentoring and coaching students in a Title 1 school. As a Watts neighborhood native, Bryan is driven by the area’s challenges to give back through education, offering life experiences to bridge the gap for underserved communities.
2x127 - Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti
April 11, 2024
“Abbott Elementary” stars Sheryl Lee Ralph and Chris Perfetti visit the show. Jennifer then welcomes Scripps National Spelling Bee winner Dev Shah from Largo, Florida. Next, Anthony Sanchez from Fort Worth, Texas, stops by to chat with Jennifer. Anthony was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident seven months before the birth of his daughter Mia. Anthony believes his daughter’s birth turned his life around. Dubbed “Wheelchair Papi,” he’s become a social media sensation, raising awareness for the wheelchair community, offering support, and inspiring others to thrive despite challenges.
2x128 - Lisa Ann Walter, Chef Kwame
April 12, 2024
Lisa Ann Walter from “Abbott Elementary” stops by. Chef Kwame joins Jennifer in a cooking demo. Jennifer welcomes 17-year-old Dr. Dorothy Tillman from Chicago, Illinois, who recently made headlines for earning her Ph.D. in Integrated Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. Dr. Tillman’s educational journey includes earning her associate degree at age 10, her bachelor’s degree at age 12, and her master’s degree by age 14. In 2020, she founded the DorothyJeanius STEAM Leadership Institute for Kids in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Despite her impressive accomplishments, she considers herself an average teenager and is currently preparing for prom.
2x129 - Nikki & Brie Garcia, Jason Tartick
April 15, 2024
Nikki and Brie Garcia from “The Nikki & Brie Show” join us in studio. “The Bachelor” alum, author, and financial expert Jason Tartick discusses his book “Talk Money to Me.”
2x130 - 'Young Sheldon' Cast
April 16, 2024
Iain Armitage, Montana Jordan, Raegan Revord, Lance Barber, Zoe Perry, Annie Potts, and Emily Osment from “Young Sheldon” stop by for a visit. Jennifer also welcomes Linda Piston, a child science prodigy from Gainesville, Virginia. At 11 years old, she likens her school life to the TV show “Young Sheldon.” Piston founded Linda’s Lab, a nonprofit focused on two goals: ending world hunger and improving science education. She was recently named the national STEM champion for her research on mealworms, showing they can digest Styrofoam and complete their life cycle.
2x131 - Sheryl Crow, Sabrina Elba
April 17, 2024
Singer Sheryl Crow chats with Jennifer about her new album, “Evolution.” Sabrina Elba from S’ABLE Labs Skincare also stops by. Jennifer then welcomes Dr. Luke Wood of Sacramento, California. Last July, he became permanent president of Sacramento State, the youngest among all the nation’s public four-year colleges and universities. Despite facing adversity, including being born while his biological mother was incarcerated, growing up in foster care, and facing housing and food insecurities, Dr. Wood graduated from college, crediting Sac State's support. Now, he aims to boost graduation rates for former foster youth, launching the Black Honors College initiative.
2x132 - Rita Moreno, Val & Maks Chmerkovskiy, Scott Hamilton
April 18, 2024
As part of our Legend Series, the iconic Rita Moreno joins Jennifer to talk about her film “The Prank.” Dance superstars and brothers Val and Maks Chmerkovskiy visit. Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton discusses the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (ScottCares.org), which funds innovative cancer research.
2x133 - Ego Nwodim
April 19, 2024
“Saturday Night Live” star Ego Nwodim stops by. Jennifer welcomes Dakota Patton, a 6-year-old makeup artist from Savannah, Georgia. Known for her remarkable talent in special effects makeup, Dakota has garnered widespread attention online. Her journey into the world of makeup began at the age of 3, and her favorite canvas is her younger sister, Dylan. Dakota is the youngest person to conduct a live demonstration at the International Make-Up Artists Trade Show. Jennifer also welcomes Kelli Ritschel Boehle from Rockford, Illinois. In 2010, Kelli’s youngest son, Nik, was diagnosed with cancer just before his 18th birthday. Nik was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When Nik discovered that individuals over 17 do not qualify for wishes, he was determined to change that. The night before he passed in 2012, Nik asked his mother to help, and The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation — also known as Nik’s Wish, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — was born.
2x134 - George Lopez, Golda Rosheuvel
April 22, 2024
“Lopez vs. Lopez” star George Lopez joins Jennifer in the studio. Golda Rosheuvel, “Bridgerton’s” Queen Charlotte, stops by. Jennifer welcomes Jack Dalton of Manchester, New Hampshire. Jack, an eighth-grade student, animal activist, public speaker, author, and educational YouTuber, is known as the “Kid Conservationist” for his dedicated work in orangutan conservation. In 2022, he won the President’s Environmental Youth Award and was a Top 20 finalist for the 2020 TIME Kid of the Year. Passionate about environmental preservation, Jack advocates for treating every day as Earth Day. He aspires to inspire both children and adults to adopt a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
2x135 - Giancarlo Esposito
April 23, 2024
Giancarlo Esposito stops by to discuss his two new series, “Parish” and “The Gentlemen.”
2x136 - Elisabeth Moss
April 24, 2024
Elisabeth Moss visits the show to talk about her new spy thriller series, “The Veil.” Jennifer welcomes Ossiereen “Ms. Ojay” Jones of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Ms. Ojay reached out to share her journey as a Black small business owner. At the onset of the pandemic, she noticed a void in her community — the absence of a Christian bookstore and a secure gathering spot for locals. In response, she established Rejoice Christian Bookstore in 2021. Despite encountering challenges, Ms. Ojay finds solace in the knowledge that she’s positively impacting lives. Jennifer chats with professional grocery store taste-tester Jordan Myrick of Los Angeles, California. Jordan and her colleagues specialize in researching and taste-testing grocery store items nationwide. Their evaluations consider factors such as taste, price, and accessibility to rank products effectively. Jordan showcases some of the top-rated products she has sampled and guides Jennifer through a tasting experience.
2x137 - Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Milla Jovovich
April 25, 2024
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host of the podcast “Dinner’s On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson,” stops by the studio. Milla Jovovich chats with Jennifer about co-starring together in the new action thriller movie “Breathe.” Jennifer welcomes Russ, Melody, Taysia, and Rylan Stein of Los Angeles, the founders of pi00a, an Asian-, deaf-, and CODA-owned pizza restaurant. Melody, the mom, is deaf and had trouble finding work in the culinary space. Seeing the need for change, her family opened pi00a and only employ deaf workers. Their business aims to shift perceptions about deaf employees and facilitate greater job opportunities for them in the culinary field.
2x138 - Zendaya
April 26, 2024
Zendaya drops by to chat about playing a tennis coach in her new feature film, “Challengers.” Jennifer welcomes Angelica May and Imeek Watkins from Wilmington, North Carolina, who recently gained attention following a viral video capturing Imeek’s proposal to Angelica after she completed her final cancer treatment surrounded by family, friends, and their community. High school sweethearts, Angelica and Imeek recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Although Angelica’s diagnosis of stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer last year was a difficult journey, the couple is now celebrating Angelica being cancer-free.
2x139 - Mike Epps
April 29, 2024
Mike Epps from “The Upshaws” stops by. Jennifer then welcomes Jonna Mendez of Reston, Virginia, a former CIA chief of disguise often likened to “Q” from the James Bond novels. Jonna served in the CIA from 1966 to 1993, mastering clandestine photography and disguises in some of the world’s most perilous cities and earning the CIA’s Intelligence Commendation Medal. Her memoir, “In True Face,” released this month, recounts her career as a female operations officer in the CIA. Jonna is now an author, lecturer, and consultant on intelligence matters.
2x140 - 'Grey’s Anatomy' Stars
April 30, 2024
“Grey’s Anatomy” stars Kim Raver, Caterina Scorsone, and Camilla Luddington visit the show. Next, siblings Biko, Manna, and Mfundo Nhlangothi from the viral musical group Biko’s Manna stop by. Jennifer then welcomes Joy Lindsay from Gary, Indiana. Joy is the founder and CEO of Butterfly Dreamz, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on mentoring girls from underserved communities to become leaders and achieve their goals. Established in 2012 after her sister Kimberly died from gun violence, the organization honors Kimberly’s life and belief in the potential of women and girls. Many Butterfly Dreamz mentees go on to be first-generation college graduates and community leaders. Joy is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
2x141 - Cher
May 1, 2024
Jennifer interviews Grammy Award-winning icon Cher! Next, Jennifer welcomes the Snelson family from McKinney, Texas. Ashley and her husband Theron are huge fans of Jennifer’s and wrote to the show hoping to win a fun vacation for their family. Together since eighth grade, the couple has five children: Kenedi, Tre, Chase, Creed, and Zoe. Five years ago, they opened a “microschool” and a nonprofit to help kids and families in their community. They love to spend time together as a family and go above and beyond giving back.
2x142 - Reba McEntire
May 2, 2024
Country music legend and “The Voice” coach Reba McEntire is in the house! Ray and Eilyn Jimenez from HGTV’s “Divided by Design” also join Jennifer in the studio. Next, Jennifer welcomes Vincent Palmer from Dayton, Ohio, a 3-year-old presidential expert who can recite the names and order of service of each U.S. president. His fascination began with a president-themed book he received as a birthday gift, which quickly became his prized possession. Vincent is also an avid sports fan, cheering for the Cincinnati Reds and the University of Dayton Flyers basketball team. Vincent dreams of either becoming the president or a sports announcer for the Flyers. Jennifer also welcomes Dr. Mahalia Hines, who is promoting her new book, “Tomorrow’s Children: How to Raise Children to Stay Human in a High-Tech Society.”
2x143 - Hannah Waddingham
May 3, 2024
Hannah Waddingham stops by to chat about “The Fall Guy” and “The Garfield Movie.” Jennifer then welcomes Kay Cox of Houston, Texas, a kid golfer who recently went viral for hitting her first hole-in-one — a feat with odds of 1 in 12,500 for adults. She took up golf in 2020 after being inspired by an LPGA Tour commercial and has quickly risen to prominence in the sport. Kay was even among 12 girls invited to the U.S. Women’s Open. Jennifer also chats with Larry Farrish Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky, a school bus driver who loves his job. He currently serves nine public schools and says the students are like his children. Last month, a story of Larry buying PJs for a student who didn’t have them for Pajama Day went viral. Larry regularly goes above and beyond for the kids, buying them clothes, shoes, backpacks, and food, and being a friend to them. He says the children face a lot when they are not in his care, so he does whatever he can to lend a helping hand.
2x144 - Meghan Trainor
May 6, 2024
Singer Meghan Trainor stops by to chat about her new album, “Timeless.” Jennifer also welcomes Nexstar’s Remarkable Women to the show.
2x145 - Hannah Einbinder & Paul W. Downs
May 7, 2024
Hannah Einbinder and Paul W. Downs from “Hacks” visit the studio. Jennifer then welcomes Mark Raymond Jr. from New Orleans, Louisiana. Mark is the founder and CEO of The Split Second Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the first adaptive gym in Louisiana. The foundation is dedicated to helping individuals with disabling conditions transition from inpatient rehabilitation back into society, with a focus on mental health support. Inspired by his own experience after a shallow diving accident in 2016, which resulted in a broken neck and paralysis, Mark opened the gym in 2021. To date, Mark has supported hundreds of families, who say his foundation is “life-changing.”
2x146 - Kerry Washington & 'UnPrisoned' Cast, Cece Winans
May 8, 2024
The cast of “UnPrisoned” — Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo, Faly Rakotohavana, Jee Young Han, Marque Richardson and Jordyn McIntosh — are in the studio! Gospel legend CeCe Winans also stops by to talk about her newest album, “More Than This.” Jennifer then welcomes public speaker and middle school substitute teacher Cindy Noir from Atlanta, Georgia. Last year, Cindy shared a TikTok about how “UnPrisoned” impacted her personal healing journey. Describing the show as a “whole therapy session,” she revealed that the storyline helped her reconcile with her then-estranged father by seeing herself in Kerry Washington’s character and gaining empathy for her father through Delroy Lindo’s role. Jennifer then visits mom of three, Cricut expert, and content creator Joy Green from Houston, Texas.
2x147 - Sherri Shepherd
May 9, 2024
The multi-talented Sherri Shepherd, star of “Sherri,” is in the studio. Jennifer then welcomes Autumn Goodman, a teacher from Rolling Hills Elementary in Orlando, Florida. Autumn has garnered 5.7 million likes on TikTok, frequently going viral for her “Day in the Life of an Art Teacher” vlogs. She works with many students from challenging home environments and believes that art serves as an equalizer, opening up entirely new worlds for them. Despite the challenges of limited funding and the high cost of art supplies, Autumn often pays out of pocket to provide for her classroom.
2x148 - Valerie Bertinelli, Tara Lipinski
May 10, 2024
Actress and best-selling author Valerie Bertinelli visits to discuss her new cookbook, “Indulge: Delicious and Decadent Dishes to Enjoy and Share.” Olympic figure skater, actress, and TV commentator Tara Lipinski also stops by. Jennifer welcomes NICU nurses Taylor and Drew Deras from Omaha, Nebraska, to the show. The married couple recently made headlines by adopting 3-year-old Ella, a patient they cared for at work as her primary nurses. Born prematurely in May 2021, Ella faced numerous health challenges. When Ella became a ward of the state in December 2021, the couple stepped in as her foster parents, eventually adopting her in November 2023. Now a happy and thriving toddler, Ella has overcome significant health issues. Taylor and Drew describe their unexpected journey to parenthood as the greatest joy of their lives.
2x149 - Jurnee Smollett, Cast of "All American"
May 13, 2024
Jurnee Smollett, the star of “We Grown Now,” stops by the studio. Next, Jennifer welcomes the cast of “All American” — Bre-Z, Daniel Ezra, Greta Onieogou, Michael Evans Behling, Monet Mazur, and Samantha Logan. Jennifer also chats with Brittany Love from Los Angeles, California. Brittany is an artist and DJ who happens to be obsessed with the show “All American.”
2x150 - Chris Stapleton
May 14, 2024
Chris Stapleton is in the house to talk about his new album, “Higher,” and his upcoming “All-American Road Show” tour. Jennifer also welcomes etiquette expert Myka Meier from New York, New York.
2x151 - Wanda Sykes
May 15, 2024
The hilarious Wanda Sykes from “The Upshaws” discusses her “Please & Thank You” comedy tour. Jennifer then welcomes father and daughter Chris Locke from Newark, Delaware, and Kat Locke-Jones, 33, from Baltimore, Maryland. Together, they founded the Sean Locke Foundation in 2018 after losing their son/brother Sean Locke to suicide. The foundation provides mental health resources for kids in high school all the way through college. They also have Sean’s House, a home that provides in-person support 24/7 for young adults to talk about mental health or substance use challenges with other young adult peer specialists who have lived experience with similar challenges.
2x152 - Dulé Hill
May 16, 2024
Dulé Hill visits to discuss his PBS documentary series “The Express Way with Dulé Hill.” Jennifer highlights the national tour of “MJ the Musical.” Jennifer then warmly welcomes identical twin sisters Cherry and Sherry Wilmore from Houma, Louisiana. Fondly dubbed “everybody’s favorite twins” by their community, Cherry and Sherry are known for their compassionate hearts and vibrant personalities. Placed in foster care at age 6, they have weathered numerous challenges but have always relied on their unbreakable bond to navigate difficult times together. Last year, they established the nonprofit organization CHeriSH Times Two — a blend of their names — to empower and support foster youth.
2x153 - Wiz Khalifa
May 17, 2024
Rapper and singer Wiz Khalifa stops by to chat with Jennifer.
2x154 - Tyler Cameron
May 20, 2024
Former star of “The Bachelorette” Tyler Cameron stops by to discuss his new house renovation series, “Going Home with Tyler Cameron.” Jennifer then welcomes viral father-and-daughter duo Jay and Tatum Galberth from Washington, D.C. Jay is the founder of “Dads Do It Too,” which promotes positivity about fatherhood and spotlights amazing dads online. The pair first went viral in February after posting a video of themselves singing to Muni Long’s “Made for Me,” earning attention from celebrities like Michelle Obama, Will Smith, and Mary J. Blig
2x155 - Fat Joe, Le Sserafim
May 21, 2024
Renowned rapper Fat Joe visits the studio and chats about Rewind It 10 hair color for men. South Korean girl group Le Sserafim — Sakura, Kim Chae-won, Huh Yun-jin, Kazuha, and Hong Eun-chae — are here with their hit “Smart.”
2x156 - Diane Lane
May 22, 2024
Diane Lane, star of “A Man in Full” and “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” stops by. Jennifer also welcomes fourth-grade teacher Marcus Bornslater, aka “Mr. B,” from Dallas, Texas. The José “Joe” May Elementary School teacher often goes viral on Instagram and TikTok for his good looks and fashion sense, and he has become very popular among the students, staff, and community. Many of his students face tough lives, including homelessness and broken homes. Recognizing the need for a positive role model, Marcus created a safe space for his students. He keeps his classroom stocked with snacks, deodorant, and hygiene products. For Christmas, Marcus bought each student an item from their wish lists.
2x157 - Shonda Rhimes, Élodie Yung
May 23, 2024
The incomparable Shonda Rhimes is in the studio as Season 3 of the wildly popular “Bridgerton” kicks off. “The Cleaning Lady” star Élodie Yung chats about her drama series. Jennifer then welcomes “The 50” documentary director Brenton Gieser, retired correctional officer Sol Irving, and “The 50” member Cameron Clark. “The 50” explores the stories of 50 men serving life sentences in a dangerously overcrowded and drug-saturated prison in California. The men took part in the groundbreaking Offender Mentor Certificate Program and became the first incarcerated substance abuse counselors in the country. The group radically transformed the culture of their prison system, and many have been paroled and are now creating change in their communities and beyond.
2x158 - Ernie Hudson
May 24, 2024
Ernie Hudson is in the studio to chat with Jennifer about his TV show “The Family Business.”
2x159 - Jay Pharoah, Tanner Adell
May 28, 2024
Comedian and actor Jay Pharoah is in the studio to talk about hosting his new game show, “The Quiz with Balls.” Country singer (and Beyoncé collaborator) Tanner Adell stops by to chat about “Whiskey Blues.”
2x160 - Mindy Kaling, Los Angeles Sparks
May 29, 2024
Mindy Kaling sits down with Jennifer to discuss skin care line Lion Pose. Next, Jennifer visits with Cameron Brink, Dearica Hamby, Lexie Brown, and Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks basketball team.
2x161 - Pam Grier
May 30, 2024
The iconic Pam Grier stops by to talk about Season 2 of her TV series “Them: The Scare.” Jennifer then chats with second-grader Bailey Butts and first-graders Ashton Tyler and Bella Baker of Los Angeles, California, for a “Words from the Wise: Kids Edition” segment. Next, Jennifer welcomes award-winning chef Keith Corbin from Los Angeles. Prior to owning Alta Adams restaurant, Keith faced many challenges. He was raised in Watts and was in and out of prison for 10-plus years before he decided to change the trajectory of his life. Since his release in 2014, Keith has obtained a certificate of rehabilitation from Los Angeles County and uses his experience to give back to others. Keith only hires staff who wouldn’t be given a chance anywhere else and says his restaurant is a place for community.
2x162 - Sarah Jakes Roberts
May 31, 2024
Bestselling author Sarah Jakes Roberts is here to talk about her book “Power Moves: Igniting Your Confidence and Becoming a Force.”
2x163 - Ben Platt, Malika Andrews
June 3, 2024
Actor and singer Ben Platt stops by to talk about his third album, “Honeymind.” Malika Andrews from ESPN’s “NBA Today” and “NBA Countdown” also visits. Jennifer then chats with kid surfer AJ Iredell from Carlsbad, California. AJ, a regional champion who has been surfing since he was 3 years old, is a beloved member of the local surf community. He’s also passionate about teaching others about the sport. Every year, he volunteers with the nonprofit Waves of Impact, which offers free surf camps for kids in need. Several of the campers come back annually to see AJ and say it’s the best part of their year. Jennifer also welcomes back cancer survivor Phyllis Wright and her daughter, Imanni, from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as they share an update on their lives.
2x164 - Morris Chestnut, Kathy Swarts, Susan Noles
June 4, 2024
The talented Morris Chestnut discusses his TV series “Diarra from Detroit.” Next, “The Golden Bachelor” alums and “Golden Hour” podcast hosts Kathy Swarts and Susan Noles are in the studio.
2x165 - Glen Powell, Carl Clemons-Hopkins
June 5, 2024
Glen Powell is here to chat about his new noir comedy film “Hit Man.” Next, “Hacks” star Carl Clemons-Hopkins stops by to talk about the hit series. Jennifer then welcomes stand-up comedian Jon Laster from Brooklyn, New York, who founded Blapp — the Black Shopping App.
2x166 - Shay Mitchell, Ray & Eilyn Jimenez
June 6, 2024
Shay Mitchell visits to discuss her MAX series “Thirst with Shay Mitchell,” where she explores drinks from around the world. “Divided by Design” stars Ray and Eilyn Jimenez also stop by.
2x167 - Ron Funches
June 7, 2024
The hilarious Ron Funches is here to talk about his TV series “Loot.” Jennifer then welcomes Akayla Joseph from Houston, Texas, who teaches first grade at Winship Elementary, a Title I school where 100% of the students receive free breakfast and lunch. Akayla loves her students like family, attends every event and birthday party, and regularly goes out of pocket for them. Outside of helping with basic necessities, her favorite items to give her students are books. Since the pandemic, Akayla has been taking her students on “virtual field trips” and posts their adventures online. She also leads daily affirmations with her class and says the most important takeaway from her classroom is to “be kind.”
2x168 - Marla Gibbs
June 10, 2024
The iconic star of “The Jeffersons” and “227” Marla Gibbs stops by to chat about her new role in the series “Not Dead Yet.” Jennifer then welcomes engaged couple Samuel Evans and Tateona Adams from Chicago, Illinois. Together, Samuel and Tateona have a blended family of five sons: Devan, Tristan, Demari, Carter, and Josiah. Samuel grew up with two brothers in a rough neighborhood in Chicago. He decided to break the cycle with his own children, teaching them love and respect toward one’s family is above all else. Each morning, the boys do a group hug before their youngest brother gets on the school bus. They also make videos to wish a great day to their followers online to spread love and positivity.
2x169 - Retta
June 11, 2024
Retta visits the show to discuss her new movie, “Hit Man.”
2x170 - Mickey Guyton, Scotty McCreery
June 12, 2024
Country star Mickey Guyton is in the studio with her new single “Make It Me.” “American Idol” winner and fellow country crooner Scotty McCreery also stops by to chat about his new album, “Rise & Fall.” Then, expert floral designer Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht is here to talk about his new book, “Flower Love: Lush Floral Arrangements for the Heart and Home.”
2x171 - Alex Rodriguez, Gerry Turner
June 13, 2024
Retired Major League Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez is here to talk about owning the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, plus why he’s teaming up with OraPharma. The Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner also stops by. Jennifer then welcomes actor and content creator Ulysses “Uly” Morazan, who recently posted a video explaining football for Taylor Swift fans to learn the sport. Ulysses will chat with Jennifer about his findings.