Melyssa is back on the road again and this time she sits down with a star from one of 50 Cent’s most successful shows. In this candid conversation, actor Da’Vincii—best known for his standout roles in BMF and All American—takes us far beyond the scripted lines and bright lights. We explore the mental and emotional toll of playing intense, high-stakes characters, and the importance of protecting your peace in an industry that rarely pauses for breath. Da’Vincii opens up about the pressures of fame, navigating identity on and off screen, and the daily practices that keep him grounded. From the streets of BMF to the football fields of All American, we uncover the man behind the roles—and the message he hopes to share about resilience, vulnerability, and mental wellness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this soul-nourishing episode, Mel invites part of her “Menoposse” up to the pod to talk about whole lotta 💩. We’re kicking off our shoes, pouring a glass (or two), and sitting down for a heart-to-heart about the power and beauty of sisterhood. We laugh, reflect, and get real about what it means to show up for each other—through the glow-ups and the breakdowns, the silent seasons, and the loud, messy ones too.From late-night phone calls to long stretches of not talking, we explore the ebb and flow of friendship, how life changes us, and how we hold space for each other through it all. It’s a celebration of growth, grace, and the unspoken magic that keeps us connected—even when life gets in the way.This is for the friends who became family, the ones who see you through every version of yourself, and the ones who remind you of who you are when you forget. Grab your girls. Press play. Let’s talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with nurse practitioner Monica Carter to tackle some of the most pressing — and too often silenced — health issues affecting women, especially Black women. From navigating the rollercoaster of menopause and demystifying hormone replacement therapy, to understanding the nuanced connection between hormones and breast cancer risk, Monica breaks it all down with clarity, compassion, and clinical insight.But the conversation doesn’t stop there. We also confront the alarming statistics around Black maternal mortality and why the U.S. healthcare system continues to fail Black pregnant women at disproportionate rates. Whether you’re experiencing hot flashes or just hot with frustration about the state of healthcare, this is a must-listen that informs, empowers, and advocates for change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July is Fibroids Awareness Month so we took the opportunity to “scrub in” with Dr. Casey Ann Collins—a Doctorally trained Registered Nurse who’s equal parts brain, heart, and no-BS energy. She’s been in the trenches of modern healthcare and lived to tell the tale (with a side of sarcasm and receipts). We talk bedside manner vs. boardroom battles, how she balances science with soul, and why she believes healthcare needs a serious vibe check. Whether you’re someone who Googles every symptom or just here for the laughs and life lessons, Dr. Collins keeps it real, raw, and ridiculously insightful. Grab your stethoscope—or just your AirPods—and let’s get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, comedian, writer, and professional truth-teller Sam Jay pulls up and gets real about the wild ride from her rough childhood to running the late-night TV streets with her friends. We’re talking coming out in the most unapologetic way possible, discovering she was funny before she even knew it was a job, and how manifesting your dreams hits different when you’re actually doing it. Plus, plenty of laughs, life lessons, and probably a few moments where your therapist would take notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply moving and courageous episode, we sit down with April Simpkins—HR executive, mental health advocate, and mother of the late Cheslie Kryst—to discuss her personal journey through unimaginable loss. April opens up about the heartbreaking death of her daughter, the complexities of grief, and the long, winding road toward acceptance. With unflinching honesty, she shares how she’s navigated moments of darkness, public scrutiny, and private pain, all while finding a new sense of purpose in advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Together, we talk about the importance of addressing mental health struggles in high-achieving individuals, the stigma that often silences those who are suffering, and the steps we can all take to support ourselves and the people we love. April’s story is one of heartbreak—but also of hope, healing, and fierce advocacy. This is a conversation about loss, but also about love—the kind that keeps going, even when someone is gone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this candid, witty, and powerfully honest episode, host Melyssa Ford pulls back the curtain on what it really means to age unapologetically. Joined by a vibrant panel of guests—each fierce, fabulous, and representing the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s—they unpack the myths, marvels, and messy parts of growing older, especially as women in a world obsessed with youth.From gray hair pride and laugh lines earned through life’s battles, to hormonal shifts and finding joy in saying “no” without guilt, Melyssa , Angelique, Mia and Kacy serve up personal stories, hard-earned truths, and a few hilarious confessions. The conversation isn’t just about accepting age—it’s about owning it, celebrating it, and redefining what it means to be sexy, relevant, and powerful at every stage.Expect a soulful mix of laughter, vulnerability, and the kind of wisdom only time can teach.Topics include:    •    Botox, body changes & breaking stereotypes    •    Dating over 40 (and dodging situationships)    •    Reinventing careers and passions in midlife    •    Why aging is a luxury, not a loss    •    The freedom that comes with giving fewer f*cksWhether you’re in your 30s staring down the next decade, or fully embracing your seasoned glow, this episode is a love letter to living life boldly—on your own terms, at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with renowned life coach and psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant for a deeply honest conversation about the complex intersections of relationships, fatherless children, dating, marriage, and self-preservation. Dr. Bryant doesn’t hold back as she unpacks how absent fathers shape emotional patterns, the importance of accountability in personal growth, and why self-love isn’t a trend—it’s a requirement.From generational trauma to the trials of modern dating, Dr. Bryant offers real tools for healing, and reminds us that preserving your peace isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. Whether you’re single, married, healing, or just trying to figure it all out, this episode will leave you with insight, clarity, and maybe even a little hope.Tap in—you might just find yourself in this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with renowned life coach and psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant for a deeply honest conversation about the complex intersections of relationships, fatherless children, dating, marriage, and self-preservation. Dr. Bryant doesn’t hold back as she unpacks how absent fathers shape emotional patterns, the importance of accountability in personal growth, and why self-love isn’t a trend—it’s a requirement.From generational trauma to the trials of modern dating, Dr. Bryant offers real tools for healing, and reminds us that preserving your peace isn’t selfish—it’s sacred. Whether you’re single, married, healing, or just trying to figure it all out, this episode will leave you with insight, clarity, and maybe even a little hope.Tap in—you might just find yourself in this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part two of this unforgettable conversation, we sit down with the iconic TS Madison — media maven, cultural disruptor, and walking testimony to the power of self-definition. With her signature wit and unapologetic truth-telling, Madison unpacks what it means to take up space as a Black trans woman in industries that often prefer silence over authenticity. From viral moments to visionary goals, we explore the brilliance behind the boldness, the philosophy behind the fame, and the humor that holds it all together. This isn’t just an interview — it’s a sermon, a masterclass, and a mic drop rolled into one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unforgettable conversation, we sit down with the iconic TS Madison — media maven, cultural disruptor, and walking testimony to the power of self-definition. With her signature wit and unapologetic truth-telling, Madison unpacks what it means to take up space as a Black trans woman in industries that often prefer silence over authenticity. From viral moments to visionary goals, we explore the brilliance behind the boldness, the philosophy behind the fame, and the humor that holds it all together. This isn’t just an interview — it’s a sermon, a masterclass, and a mic drop rolled into one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, cardiologist Dr. Alain R. Vaval, MD, sits down with Melyssa for a raw, real talk about one of the deadliest—and most preventable—threats to our lives: heart disease. Why is it still the #1 cause of death in the U.S.? And why is it hitting the Black community the hardest? Dr. Vaval breaks down the truth about cholesterol, the real signs of a heart attack (they’re not always what you think), and how you can take control of your heart health before it’s too late. Your life—or someone you love—could depend on what you learn in this next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor, musician, and generational icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner sits down with Melyssa Ford for a deep, vulnerable, and unfiltered conversation about legacy, fatherhood, and surviving the spotlight from childhood through adulthood. From growing up on The Cosby Show to evolving beyond the shadow of “Theo,” Malcolm opens up about his personal journey — including his rocky start in love, why he once chose not to marry or have kids, and what changed when he finally met the woman who became his wife. He shares how becoming a father later in life shifted everything, his experience navigating grief and the loss of childhood friends, and why choosing his roles with intention matters more than ever. The two also explore The Cosby Show’s complex legacy, his creative life as a musician, and why he celebrates Black history every day — not just in February. This episode is about growth, grace, and building a legacy on your own terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this fiery episode of Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford, Melyssa flips the script and interviews the legendary Voice of New York—Angie Martinez. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop media, Angie steps into the spotlight for an intimate, revealing conversation unlike any she’s had before.Together, Angie and Melyssa carve out their personal “Women in Media Mount Rushmore,” unpack the legacy of Angie’s groundbreaking memoir My Voice, and celebrate the deep bond she shares with her fans and the culture. Angie opens up about the car accident that changed her life, the physical and emotional recovery that followed, and how she found unexpected peace—and power—on the golf course.The conversation turns nostalgic as Angie reflects on her 25+ years in radio, from manually editing shows to mastering the art of protecting artists while still delivering powerful interviews. She shares her behind-the-scenes perspective on navigating high-stakes moments—like the East Coast/West Coast beef—and how those lessons shaped her approach to storytelling and responsibility in media.As the episode winds down, Angie offers a glimpse into her evolving career, future goals, and exciting projects on the horizon. And of course, no Hot & Bothered episode is complete without a rapid fire round—where we finally settle the ultimate bodega debate: bacon, egg & cheese or chopped cheese?Tap in for wisdom, warmth, and iconic energy from one of the best to ever do it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From carefully crafted sex scenes to jaw-dropping fight choreography, this episode dives into the unspoken tools of the trade—modesty garments, prosthetic penises, and how to fake it safely (and convincingly). Our guest, a seasoned intimacy coordinator and stuntwoman, pulls back the curtain on what really happens when the cameras roll but the clothes come off. Equal parts hilarious and eye-opening, this is one you won't want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL to Netflix: Julian Horton on Fame, Fallouts, Tyler Perry, & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, DJ, and entrepreneur October London sits down with Melyssa Ford for a soulful, unfiltered conversation on Hot & Bothered. Fresh off the announcement of his Calling All Lovers Tour, October opens up about what it means to be crowned The Prince of Death Row Records, working directly with the DoggFather himself — Snoop Dogg — and carving out his own lane in the world of modern soul. But this isn’t just about music — it’s about life. October shares the real reason he chose to stay rooted in South Bend, Indiana instead of chasing the fast life in L.A. or New York, how he stays grounded, and the pain of losing one of his closest friends. This episode is a smooth blend of vulnerability, vision, and vintage cool — October London is bringing Soul back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ooooh yes, Tasha Smith is that girl — bold, brilliant, and completely unforgettable. You know her as the no-nonsense Angela in Why Did I Get Married?, Cookie’s wild sister in Empire, and now as a powerhouse director behind the scenes of hits like BMF and P-Valley. But beyond the firecracker roles and fierce energy, Tasha has a story rooted in resilience, reinvention, and radical self-belief. In this episode, she joins Melyssa to talk about what it really takes to bet on yourself — even when the world tells you not to. From growing up in Camden to running sets and starring in Desire: A Temptation Story on Lifetime (airing 4/19), Tasha gets raw about the journey, the doubt, and the faith that fuels her. We also dive into her latest role in Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest and what it means to evolve unapologetically. This one’s about grit, grace, and the audacity to believe you’re built for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices