PRETTYSMART is a love letter to women with something to say: those with bold thoughts and inquisitive minds. In thought-provoking conversations with some of tod...
I Got It From My Mama: Tika Sumpter on Hustle, Healing & Life’s Biggest Lessons
Before she was producing, starring in major films, and building her media empire, Tika Sumpter was a girl from Queens with a dream but no roadmap. In this raw and inspiring conversation, she shares how grit, hustle, and self-belief took her from waiting tables in New York to making it in Hollywood. From a chance encounter that led to her first agent to the game-changing roles that finally put her on the map, Tika gets real about the double standards in the industry, creating her own opportunities, and why betting on yourself is everything. Growing up in Queens and why the borough breeds some of the hardest-working people in the world The hustle of breaking into acting, from cold auditions to booking One Life to Live The Hollywood realities no one talks about race, casting biases, and what it really takes to “make it” Why Tyler Perry saw something in her that others didn’t and how he’s changed the industry Learning to bet on herself and take control of her career through producing, writing, and launching her own projects Motherhood and personal growth, how raising her daughter, Ella, helped her reparent herself Her latest creative ventures, including her children’s podcast and new book, I Got It from My Mama The biggest risk she’s ever taken, and why every woman should experience love and adventure in another country at least once This conversation is about trusting your instincts, pushing past rejection, and never waiting for permission. Follow Tika on Instagram here. Grab a copy of he new book I Got It From My Mama here.
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Tia Williams on What We Want Out of Modern Romance + Why She’ll Never ‘Raise a Man’
Bestselling author Tia Williams (Seven Days in June, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde) sits down with Danielle Robay for a juicy, unfiltered conversation about love, dating, and why modern romance is more complicated than ever. From her days as the first Black beauty editor at Glamour to writing the books she wishes existed, Tia shares how her own experiences—including how dating a “charismatic psycho”—shaped her novels. What modern women are craving in love stories and why “friends to lovers” isn’t enough The end of ‘Build-a-Bear Boyfriends’ – why she refuses to write women who raise men Soft girl era vs. emotional labor: Why women still want to be “saved” (but in a new way) How romance novels went from ‘milky-thighed virgins’ to complex, powerful heroines Tia’s real-life whirlwind love story (spoiler: she knew instantly!) Her go-to beauty tip from her magazine days that actually works The biggest mistake writers make when trying to capture romance Follow Tia on Instagram Grab a copy of Tia’s latest book Audre & Bash Are Just Friends here. Book Reccomendation: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
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Breaking Free: Jennifer Esposito’s Journey From Hollywood’s Boxes to Authentic Storytelling
In this deeply honest episode, Jennifer Esposito, celebrated actress and the first female writer-director to step into the mafia genre, opens up about her 20-year battle against Hollywood stereotypes and systemic misogyny to bring her passion project Fresh Kills to life. From growing up in Brooklyn to being told she wasn’t “the girl next door,” Jennifer shares how resilience, rage, and relentless ambition shaped her career—and her personal revolution. Tune in as Jennifer shares: The emotional and financial sacrifices she made, including mortgaging her house, to create Fresh Kills. The deeply personal inspiration behind the film, drawn from her upbringing and industry struggles. Navigating Hollywood’s sexism and rejection, from being typecast to fighting against unfair industry norms. The power of female rage in storytelling and how anger becomes a catalyst for change. Why she believes “getting used to the wins” is her next great challenge. Iconic collaborations with Spike Lee, John Singleton, and more—and the lessons learned along the way. How Fresh Kills became a rallying cry for women finding their voice in a world that wants them silent. Book Reccomendation: Long Walk to Freedom: the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela Stream Fresh Kills now on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu! Follow Jennifer on Instagram
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Secrets to Overcoming Fear and Pushing Limits with Michelle Khare
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn the wildest "what ifs" into reality, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own boldest dreams. Danielle sits down with Michelle Khare—YouTube sensation, Streamy Award-winning creator, and the woman behind the wildly popular Youtube series Challenge Accepted. Michelle shares how she’s pushed herself to the limit with challenges like escaping from a water tank Houdini-style, training with NASA, and even becoming a black belt in just 90 days, and even transforming into a Victoria’s Secret model. Together, they explore: How to tap into your inner daredevil and confront fear. The surprising mental and physical toll of taking on extreme challenges. Why Michelle believes "everything you want is on the other side of fear." How Tim Ferriss’ 4-Hour Workweek shaped her fearless philosophy. The behind-the-scenes reality of creating high-stakes, docu-style YouTube videos. How rejection, resilience, and resourcefulness have shaped her career. The life lessons she’s learned from clowns, FBI hostage negotiators, and circus performers. Book Reccomendation: The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris Follow Michelle on Instagram Watch Challenge Accepted on Michelle’s Youtube channel
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Reversing Aging and Rethinking Health: What Harvard’s ‘Mother of Mindfulness’ Wants You to Know: Dr. Ellen Langer
Dr. Ellen Langer, known as the “mother of mindfulness,” and the first woman ever tenured in psychology at Harvard University and joins PRETTYSMART for an unforgettable conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about health, aging, and control over your life. With decades of groundbreaking research, Dr. Langer has reshaped our understanding of the mind’s power to transform the body and revolutionized how we approach healing, decision-making, and resilience. In this eye-opening episode, we explore: The one phrase she lives by (it changed Danielle’s life). Why the traditional “mind-body connection” is outdated—and how embracing mind-body unity can unlock extraordinary healing potential. The startling study that showed reversing aging isn’t science fiction—it’s science. How simple shifts in perception, like seeing daily work as exercise, can dramatically improve your health. What her groundbreaking research reveals about the illusion of control—and how to reclaim it in your own life. Why language, like the term “in remission,” shapes how we experience illness and healing. Her personal stories, from her mother’s miraculous recovery from terminal cancer to the fire that destroyed nearly everything she owned—and how she found meaning and growth in both experiences. Book Reccomendation: The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health by Dr. Ellen Langer Follow Ellen here
PRETTYSMART is a love letter to women with something to say: those with bold thoughts and inquisitive minds. In thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most dynamic voices – from entrepreneurs and authors to politicians and celebrities – journalist Danielle Robay digs into the hearts, souls, and stories of people who put a new spin on Pretty.
Each week, they tackle a new idea, and hold up a mirror to our culture, asking questions about what works for us and what we can work to change. No topic is off limits – come as you are and join Danielle every Thursday to feel pretty inspired, pretty seen, and best of all: Pretty Smart.
USA