Yes, Girl!

If a sister-friend’s love ever got you through the fire, this episode is for YOU! Actress, comedienne and host Sherri Shepherd (@sherrieshepherd) brings the laughs and the wisdom this week as she promotes the return of her hit NBC show Trial & Error: Lady Killer. Sherri recalls how her dear friend Niecy Nash’s love helped to lift her through a difficult time, shares the joys and realities of being a hard working mom and explains how, no matter what, she’s always able to choose joy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Prepare yourself for a moment in Black Hollywood excellence as we share an epic conversation with screen queen Angela Bassett (@imangelabassett). Bassett, who’s in the soon-to-be summer hit Mission Impossible: Fallout, shares her secrets to ageless beauty, a lasting career and a peaceful family (hint: her kids aren’t allowed to have cell phones). And yes, we asked the sixty-year-old stunner to recite a classic line from What’s Love Got To Do With It. You’ll never guess which one it is. Plus: Charli (@ManWifeDog) relives her Oakland days with Bay Boys Daveed Diggs (@daveeddiggs) and Rafael Casal (@rafaelcasal), who both wrote and star in the buzzy buddy film Blindspotting.--Angela Bassett starts at 12:00Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal interview: 31:00--Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee

When Michael B. Jordan posted “s/o to the baby oil lady” in the IG caption for his first solo ESSENCE cover, inquiring minds wanted to know: How can I apply for the job next time? Well, we invited Michael “Bae” to brunch at ESSENCE Fest — with some special invited friends — to discuss his application process among other things. During a steamy afternoon in New Orleans, Michael shared what his life has been like since the global success of Black Panther, the women he counts as his sheroes and who keeps him grounded, why his brotherhood with Ryan Coogler is so strong and how he’s intent on living a full, happy life. Are you ready to get personal with bae?Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priv

We’re still on a high from our biggest ESSENCE Fest yet and we’re reliving the moment we shared opening for The Read LIVE in New Orleans! We brought NOLA’s own Queen Of Bounce, Big Freedia (@bigfreedia), along to Kid Fury & Crissle’s (@thisistheread) show to help us get the crowd hype. And, oh what fun we had! Big Freedia reveals how she found her confidence, why she doesn’t care if you call her Freddie or Freedia and how New Orleans does it best. Plus, we caught up with summer movie stars Y’lan Noel (Daniel from Insecure) and Lex Scott Davis (@scottyeye) from The First Purge. You already knoooooowww.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

OMG we saw a ghost, ya’ll! That’s right, STARZ’s hit drama Power is back and hotter than ever, so it was only fitting we get caught up with our bae Omari Hardwick (@omarihardwick) during the American Black Film Festival in Miami. Omari and ESSENCE go way back like Atari. We dug right in as he opened up about fame, fatherhood, becoming Ghost, and how hard he’s been hustling for his craft. Plus Charli, Cori and Yolanda are in NOLA, grubbing and grinding for Essence Fest.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One thing we learned from Simone Missick (@SimoneMissick): She knows how to pray. Back for Luke Cage’s second season kicking more ass (with one arm), Simone’s tapped into a higher power that’s blessed her with an in-demand career on stage and screen and loving husband (hey, Dorian Missick). Literally minutes before Simone took the stage at Netflix’s Strong Black Lead panel at the American Black Film Festival (@abff), she chatted with Yes, Girl! about her work-life-love-faith balance — yes, she’s tired but she’s thankful — and why Detroit girls never leave the house without slaying.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yes, Girl jumpstarted summer with a last-minute trip to Miami for the American Black Film Festival (@abff). In between movies and mojitos, we chatted with Mara Brock Akil (@marabrockakil) about her new series Love Is_ (@LoveIsOWN), which takes us back to the beginning of her real life love story with husband Salim Akil. The series is already a fave of Charli’s (@ManWifeDog) who knows the real thing when she sees it. Plus, we’re thankful our Tidal subscriptions were active when the Carters’ dropped Everything Is Love. Like the rest of the world, we went apesh*t.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian, actor, director and producer Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans) returns to Yes, Girl! for more unfiltered conversation. He’s celebrating the return of his hit sitcom Marlon (season 2 premieres tonight on NBC) and going in about the realities of being a father, co-parenting and why White Chicks was one of his all-time favorite projects. Plus, Marlon beautifully explains why he and his ex are truly the best of friends (and that’s better for them both), his wonderful relationship with his mother and brothers, and why he’s better off single. Plus, he doesn’t think he’s actually “rich” and his explanation is as real as it is funny! We love him more after this conversation and we’re certain you will too! Get into it!Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com

Multi-millionaire reality TV boss Mona Scott-Young (@monascottyoung) has been quietly building her Monami Entertainment empire for over 20 years and she has a mile-long list of receipts to prove it. The talent manager and Love and Hip Hop creator comes through to share her recipe for ongoing success, her personal mantras, the tea on her forthcoming new fiction book, Blurred Lines, and her praise for our girl Cardi B! Grab your mugs, loves, because this tea is hot like fire! Plus, Charli and Yolanda weigh in on the Drake vs. Pusha T rap beef, Roseanne (bye, Felicia!) Barr’s racist rants and DMing gone wrong.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In case you guys haven't heard the news, our girl Taraji P. Henson (@TheRealTaraji) got engaged on Mother’s Day. In honor of her big news — remember when she confirmed her and Kelvin Hayden’s relationship exclusively on "Yes, Girl!"? — we’re re-airing our epic interview with Taraji in Jamaica where she spilled all of the hot tea. Plus, Charli, Cori and Yolanda get their best British accents together just in time for Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, recap their Mother’s Day highs and lows and applaud Jada Pinkett Smith for all of these grown woman confessions she’s dropping on her new Facebook live show, Red Table Talk. Are your mugs ready because the tea is served.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bae is here! Insecure star and new American Black Film Festival host Jay Ellis (@jayrellis) came through to talk all things Beyonce, Black Hollywood excellence and, of course, TV “f*ck bois” like his character Lawrence. Plus, Charli and Yolanda go IN about their true thoughts on R. Kelly, the latest Kanye West foolery and traveling (and renting homes) while Black.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve loved legendary actress Vanessa Bell Calloway since, like, forever. From Coming to America to What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Calloway has wowed us on the big screen. Now she’s on the small screen, starring in BounceTV’s Saints and Sinners — she even directed an episode. She paid us a visit to talk longevity in Hollywood, her squad of girlfriends (which includes Tina Lawson and Cookie Johnson), staying fabulous in your 60s, and secrets to her 30-year marriage. Plus, we talk Kanye’s slavery comments, Kelis dishing on Nas, and the Bill Cosby verdict. #yesgirlpodcastYes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I’m happy to be a Black woman making art, as free as I want to right now.” That’s the space singer and actress Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) occupies as she unveils her boldest work yet, Dirty Computer. In the episode, Monáe opens up about why the new album is near and dear to her heart, her earliest memories of Prince and the impact he left, and why the revolution will be female. Tea for The Week is short and sweet: Beychella strikes again, Waffle House shooting survivor James Shaw, Jr. is a national hero and oh, Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this high season of Black Excellence, we start our episode in acknowledgment and praise for Beyoncé’s salute to HBCU’s greeks and goddesses at Beychella’s first weekend. Next, a sit-down with Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc, and actress and activist Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x). Both women are leading movements: Michelle’s helming Black Girl Magic headquarters with a vision to super-serve Black women, and Tessa’s fiercely advocating for diversity representation on screen and off through her work as a founding member of Time’s Up. In the spirit of King Bey, we came to slay. #yesgirlpodcast Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf

This week’s tea is piping hot because it’s all about bonafide super star, Cardi B. (@iamcardib). She’s brought a cultural shift with the release on her first album and baby reveal. With help from special guest ESSENCE Senior News and Culture Editor Christina Coleman (@ChrissyCole), the hosts unpack Cardi’s big wins and bigger influence from her humble Instagram beginnings and her reality TV fame. Plus, Survivors Remorse’s Erica Ash (@theericaash) becomes a leading lady in BET’s new drama, In Contempt. She stopped by for loads of laughs and real talk about finding her divine lane in Hollywood.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our obsession with Sonequa Martin-Green (@SonequaMG) began when we fell in love with her character Sasha on The Walking Dead. Now we’re cheering her on as she helms Star Trek: Discovery — she’s literally playing captain Michael Burnham on the hit prequel streaming on CBS All Access. Within minutes of our chat, we agree Sonequa is Black girl joy realized. She lets us in on what it’s like being a bomb Black woman in Hollywood, plus confesses all the feels she had saying goodbye to TWD (even though her hubby is still on the show) and relocating to La La Land. Her feel-good vibes are contagious, promise! Also in this episode’s Tea for the Week, Charli (@ManWifeDog) and Cori (@corimurray) debate what’s worth a TV reboot these days. Tell us what you think using #yesgirlpodcast.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pasca

Faith, family and forgiveness — and very Black — that’s the formula that has made Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) one of the most successful storytellers in Hollywood. But as he chatted with us about his new film Acrimony, Tyler opened up about how fatherhood has informed his work, creating generational wealth and whether or not he thinks he's funny.Yes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Paschal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our podcast cup runneth over this week with three special guests: Jussie Smollett (@jussiesmollett) who, hours after wrapping up a project in Memphis, drove through the night so he could spend the afternoon with us in Bentonville, Arkansas. During our live recording, Jussie gave us a preview of his new album Sum of My Music and why he celebrates Black History Month every day. Back in New York, we sit down with hip-hop legend Roxanne Shante (@ImroxanneShante) and the ingénue who plays her, Chanté Adams (@chanteaadams), in Netflix’s biopic Roxanne, Roxanne. Plus, @yolizama wants to know “What feeds your soul?” Tell us using #yesgirlpodcastYes, Girl! hosts: Cori Murray @corimurray; Charli Penn @ManWifeDog; and Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio engineer: Chiquita Pascal @ChiquitaPaschalMusic: Gold Standard Creative @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at

Our Yo-Prah, ESSENCE's Yolanda Sangweni, sits down with spiritual coach and author Iyanla Vanzant to talk about the new season of Iyanla: Fix My Life, her upcoming tour and new book. Vanzant also shares her favorite memories from the show, and why this season will be transformative. Plus, “Mama Iyanla" gives us a good talking to about why she wants some Black folks to stop clinging on to struggle. A word was delivered and we received it. Yes, Girl! host: Yolanda Sangweni @yolizamaProducer: Steven Psyllos @stevenpsyllosAudio Engineer: @chiquitaPashMusic: Gold Standard Creative: @gscdotnycSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Black Panther hit the billion dollar mark at the box office, and we’re still in Wakanda heaven. If the movie's amazing visuals gave you life, then so will legendary film and television costume designer Ruth Carter, who created the film’s unforgettable wardrobe. Ruth paid us a visit in L.A. and gave us the tea on the vision behind the looks our new favorite characters rocked on screen, how her incredible career began on the set of Spike Lee’s School Daze and why she’s all about keeping it real...for the culture. Plus, Ruth (@iamruthecarter) and Cori (@corimurray) gush over being proud Hampton University grads, and Charli (@charlipenn) asks Ruth for tips on how to get her DIY Dora Milaje Halloween costume together. Next, Florence Kasumba (who plays Ayo, the fierce Dora Milaje) stops by to tell us all about how she prepared, both mentally and physically, to play the ultimate badass for the role of a lifetime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a