Ellis Ever After

Straight Shot, No Chaser with Tezlyn Figaro (@tezlynfigaro) examines controversial and thought-provoking topics with diverse guests to discuss politics, social consciousness, and culture. Through weekly conversations, Tezlyn invites guests to share their views and experiences, raw and unfiltered, to educate, uplift, and provide honest insight into the issues facing the Black community in America....

What would you do to make sure your child gets the medical care they need. That is a question on many parents minds as emergency wait times in Children's Hospitals across the country are at an all time high. In this episode, the Ellises discuss their experience in an Atlanta-area Children's Hospital, that was a microcosm of the greater crisis happening right now within the American healthcare syst...

A legacy isn’t just something you leave behind, it’s something you carry on. Our DNA holds the stories of that legacy and in this episode, the Ellises unlock some of those stories with their report from 23andMe. Dead ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the bad places we find ourselves in, are solely because of the bad choices we make. In this episode, Khadeen and Devale talk choices, mistakes and consequences. Dead ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone's experiences are different. And our experiences help create the ways we respond to things. You can either accept another person's perspective or reject it, but you can't change it. Dead Ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media can be a cruel place for adults putting their lives in front of the world to scrutinize. So imagine how crushing it can be for kids just finding their self-worth. The Ellises talk about their resistance to letting their kids have their own social media. Dead ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you know who you are and how special you are, words that don’t affirm your existence won’t sting as much. That is what Devale thinks makes kids (and adults) pretty much impervious to bullying. Do you agree? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second stop on the Dead Ass podcast tour was Philadelphia, and the crowd was lit! Get in on the action you missed in Philly. The Ellises play more games with audience guests and answer more live listener letters.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ellises were live at the Howard Theatre in DC giving top tier advice.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dead Ass live tour kicked off in New York City and a time was had. The Ellises share some New York nostalgia, meet more couples, and answer more listener questions live! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khadeen and Devale are LIVE at The Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, GA. The Ellises shared a night of love and laughter in ATL. Surprise guests Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown stopped by to talk about their new movie Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul. And the star of the new Sistas spinoff, Zatima, Crystal Renee Hayslett came through and blessed the stage with her soulful voice.  See omnystudio.com/lis...

It's time for our favorite part of the show...For the whole show! In this episode, Khadeen and Devale read your listener letters and give their best advice. Dead Ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The passing of a central family member is never easy. Especially if they've left their assets behind without a plan. In this episode, the Ellises discuss what to do when you receive an inheritance, so that you can leave the next generation better off.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We rep our city, our town, our hoods – but you don’t know what you don’t know until you’ve been somewhere else. During their trip to Europe, Khadeen and Devale gained some major insight on what America looks like from the outside. In this episode, the Ellises talk about the growth they’ve experienced through traveling the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millennials have done the work to reclaim the power in our own sexuality. Wearing what we want. Not waiting until marriage to have sex. And taking pride in dating around before settling down. But can playing the field cost you your chance at long lasting commitment? The Ellises talk about it. Dead Ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to making our dreams a reality, the real measure of success is your will to work. Discipline over everything. In this episode, Khadeen and Devale what habits help them to grind as hard as they do. Dead Ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black entrepreneurship is more popular than ever before as millennials learn how to build generational wealth. In this episode, Khadeen and Devale discuss bringing your business into your marriage, what it takes to leave your children set, and all the tea about running a business with your spouse. Dead Ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two become one, things get a little complicated. That’s why Khadeen and Devale think it’s important to take time and space for yourself when you’re in a relationship. In this episode, they discuss how they make time for themselves to keep their marriage strong. Dead Ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Value can only be determined by those willing to pay that cost." We're not talking about clothes, cars or jewelry. When it comes to choosing a lifetime partner, the way we value the attributes of another can be a distraction to sift through. In this episode, Khadeen and Devale talk the real meaning of high value when it come to romance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fame can be prosperous, glamorous and inspiring to others. But fame can also make a person feel like they are untouchable and above morality. In this episode, the Ellises talk about the true price of fame and what it takes to keep your integrity even when you're "famous". Dead ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In marriage, the obligations you have to your partner can be wearing. Especially if your main goal is not to serve your partner every day. But for the Ellises, their pursuit of peace outweighs any pressure they feel. In this episode, they'll tell you why. Dead ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Black men are becoming more and more successful, the disproportionate rates of illness and death due to illness are also climbing. In this episode, Dr. Kelvin Brown breaks down the numbers and the ways Black men can prioritize their health now. Dead ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to physical fitness, the Ellises each have their own agenda. Devale’s gotta stay fit for the camera, Khadeen wants to snapback after her 4th child, Jackson is preparing to become the next Steph Curry, Kairo wants to be better than Jackson, and Kaz….well, Kaz doesn’t give a damn. But with all their different opinions on fitness, the gym is another place the Ellises...

One thing the Ellises will do is take care of their mental health. And in this episode, they've invited licensed therapist Kier Gaines to help talk through some of their latest challenges. And yours too! Dead ass.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So you want to be an entrepreneur. But do you really know what it takes to build a business from the ground up? Khadeen and Devale give you the keys to entrepreneurship. Dead ass. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.