If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

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 push...

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 challe...

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 th...

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...

Amber Grimes sits down with Abbott Elementary star William Stanford Davis, who traces his journey from a childhood vision of seeing himself on TV [00:00] and the myth of overnight success [00:56] to finding inspiration in Black entertainers like Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. [02:14] . He recalls DJing [04:59] , playing in bands [07:07] , Upward Bound [08:26] , radio success [10:06] , and facin...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Bel-Air actor and musician Olly Sholotan to talk patience, ambition, and learning to focus on what you can control [00:00] . Olly recalls the reality check of having his first All American scenes cut [00:11] , meeting the actor who would later play Carlton on Bel-Air [00:41] , and navigating patience and pressure while pursuing su...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with WNBA legend A ngel McCoughtry to talk about timing, identity, and having the courage to pursue more than one dream [00:00] . Angel reflects on how women athletes are finally being celebrated as multidimensional [00:24] , after facing double standards when she pursued music during her playing career [01:31] , and why timing and leg...

The Black Effect Presents... If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes! In this episode of  I f You Knew Better , Amber Grimes welcomes LaShawnda Woodard aka "Mama Durk" for a deeply personal conversation about teen motherhood, grief, trauma, and healing [00:00] . LaShawnda reflects on becoming a young mother [01:44] , lessons she later understood from her own mom [03:51] , supporting Lil Durk&rsq...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Justice Baiden for an honest conversation about relationships, purpose, and the lessons that come from committing before you're truly ready [00:00] . Justice explains why he initially avoided serious commitment [01:05] and reflects on how early success in the music industry changed the dynamics of his relationships [05:24] , ultim...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with actress Gail Bean for an honest conversation about love, loyalty, and learning to date with greater intention [00:00] . Gail reflects on why she stopped leading people on when she knows there’s no romantic interest [01:10] , the importance of establishing clear boundaries with platonic male friends [04:18] , and how to recei...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with singer-songwriter Naomi Sharon for a vulnerable conversation about childhood trauma, anxiety, rumination, and how unresolved experiences can follow us into adult relationships. Naomi sets the tone by opening up about her mental health journey [00:00] and explains how anxiety can turn into cycles of overthinking and rumination [00:...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes challenges women to rethink modern dating by throwing away rigid relationship checklists in favor of 5 non-negotiables that prioritize character, compatibility, and emotional safety. Amber opens by inviting listeners to question their dating "type" [00:00] before explaining why it's time to let go of limiting checklists [01:13] and how that mind...

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 le...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with sports journalist Jemele Hill for an honest conversation about love, marriage, and building a partnership on your own terms. Jemele shares why she defines marriage as a daily commitment rather than a destination [01:04] , reflecting on how years of prioritizing her career [03:03]  and lessons from her family [03:23]  ini...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Lil Rel Howery for an inspiring conversation about building a lasting career in entertainment through persistence, purpose, and creative evolution. Rel reflects on the moment he realized he'd truly "made it" in film and television [00:46] , then looks back to the high school performance that first showed him he could win over even...

In this special episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes shares the biggest personal announcement of her life—she's expecting her first child. Amber opens the episode with her exciting pregnancy reveal [00:00] , explains why she waited to share the news publicly [01:59] , and reflects on manifesting the space to embrace motherhood through maternity leave [03:52] . She also recounts the e...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Candiace Dillard Bassett for a candid conversation about fertility, IVF, and the deeply personal journey to intentional motherhood. Candiace shares why family planning became a priority [00:00] , walks through the beginning of her IVF experience [03:00] , and breaks down the importance of genetic testing [06:10]  and understa...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with award-winning producer and Collective Edge President Shayla Cowan for an insightful conversation about leadership, career evolution, and building a lasting legacy in entertainment. At (00:30), Shayla is introduced, followed by a look at how she and Amber first connected at (01:12). By 04:15, Shayla shares why she made the mov...

In this episode of If You Knew Bette r , Amber Grimes sits down with Justin Tranter for a candid conversation about career reinvention, creativity, and finding success on your own terms. Justin reflects on the journey from rock star to hit songwriter [00:00] , sharing how understanding the balance between artistry and industry structure [11:20] ultimately led to a major career pivot [20:47] . Just...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Eric Bellinger for a powerful conversation about emotional safety, vulnerability, and the foundations of healthy relationships. Eric reflects on how grief shaped his emotional journey [03:04] , the impact of family dynamics on the way he learned to express feelings [05:58] , and the importance of setting relationship sta...

In this deeply personal episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes reflects on the life lessons hidden within her tattoos, using each piece of ink as a marker of growth, grief, love, and self-discovery. From navigating the weight of loss and the emotions that inspired early tattoo decisions [02:54]  to lessons learned from impulsive choices in relationships [05:50] , Amber explores how sign...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Raven B. Varona for an honest conversation about self-discovery, healing, and navigating the transition from your 20s into your 30s. Together, they reflect on embracing change and personal evolution [00:00] , the lessons, regrets, and realizations that shape adulthood [02:56] , and the importance of asking deeper questions about p...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with Dr. Siri Sat Nam Singh for a powerful conversation about therapy, emotional healing, and personal transformation. Together, they unpack the purpose of therapy [00:00] , the journey of finding the right therapist [03:06] , and the idea that therapy can evolve or even come to an end as growth occurs [06:02] . Dr. Siri also explores...

The Black Effect Presents... If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes! In this episode of  I f You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with  Jason Lee , founder of Hollywood Unlocked, for an honest conversation about personal growth, accountability, and evolving beyond public perception. Jason reflects on his journey from controversy to clarity, discussing the impact of reality TV on i...

In this episode of If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes sits down with  Estelle  for a heartfelt conversation about healing, authenticity, and personal transformation. Estelle reflects on her journey of self-discovery and emotional growth [05:07] , opening up about navigating family dynamics [09:51] , embracing difficult but necessary conversations [19:56] , and learning to honor her own un...