If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

You can’t rewrite the past — but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.   If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom — alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.   Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships — so you either don’t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.   Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better… and does better.

  1. 6d ago

    Ravie B Knows Your 30's Are The Best Thing That Will Ever Happen To You

    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 purpose and fulfillment [05:48]. The discussion explores relationships and expectations [09:06], finding your voice and trusting yourself [14:50], and how loss can become a catalyst for growth and transformation [18:05]. They also highlight the value of community [21:00] and the need to redefine success and self-worth beyond external validation [23:49]. The conversation expands into purpose, creativity, and the lifelong journey of becoming your most authentic self. Raven opens up about finding meaning amid chaos [31:32], evolving her sense of purpose through self-discovery [34:07], and recognizing patterns of co-dependency while learning to make decisions with confidence [38:19]. She also discusses the role of therapy and self-reflection [40:41], the power of play and creativity in adulthood [43:14], and the importance of managing inner dialogue and self-talk [51:51]. Through vulnerability and insight, this episode offers a powerful perspective on personal growth, emotional wellness, and creating a life that aligns with who you truly are.  Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Ravie B: @ravieb Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club Get Amber's Book Club Merch  Read Amber's Favorite Books See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 1m
  2. May 26

    Dr. Siri Knows Good Therapy Ends

    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 importance of empathy and authentic connection within the therapeutic process [08:51], while discussing emotional growth through reframing perspectives [11:48], balancing the heart and mind [14:55], and understanding gender dynamics in healing spaces [18:12]. The conversation expands into intuition, relationships, and emotional expression, highlighting the balance between masculine and feminine energies [31:36] [35:01] and the importance of communication and vulnerability in healthy connections [39:50] [43:39] [48:58]. Dr. Siri also reflects on navigating personal change and growth [55:01] while addressing the future of therapy in an increasingly technology-driven world [01:01:00]. Blending mental health insight with spiritual wisdom, this episode offers a thoughtful guide for anyone seeking deeper healing, stronger relationships, and a more intentional connection to themselves.  Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Dr. Siri: @drsirinow Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club Get Amber's Book Club Merch  Read Amber's Favorite Books   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 4m
  3. May 23

    If You Knew Better: Jason Lee Knows the Truth About Influence and Fame

    The Black Effect Presents... If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes! In this episode of If 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 identity [09:09], the challenges of navigating public criticism [05:47], and how strategic chaos helped shape his business success [11:47]. He also opens up about ownership, influence, and authenticity [15:03] [17:57], while sharing insights on therapy, sobriety, and learning to regain control over his personal life [20:49]. The conversation deepens into responsibility, faith, and the importance of using influence with intention. Jason discusses relationships, accountability, and the illusion of control [29:09] [33:47], while emphasizing how resilience, purposeful partnerships, and self-awareness have transformed his outlook [37:36] [45:44]. From building a media empire to inspiring the next generation [50:00], this episode explores the balance between ambition and healing, offering a powerful perspective on growth, redemption, and becoming more intentional in both business and life.  Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Jason Lee:  @theonlyjasonlee  @hollywoodunlocked Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club Get Amber's Book Club Merch  Read Amber's Favorite Books   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min
  4. May 19

    Estelle Knows Healing Starts With Surrender and Release

    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 unique path [25:07]. The discussion explores the importance of acceptance and surrender in the healing process [30:12], while highlighting how vulnerability and self-awareness can create space for deeper peace and personal evolution [35:03]. The conversation expands into motherhood, timing, and the lessons that come with navigating life’s uncertainties [39:05] [42:43]. Estelle shares insight into trusting divine timing when making life choices [47:18], the power of perspective in shaping personal growth [53:06], and the emotional process of starting over while reconnecting with her roots [01:00:14] [01:07:06]. Through honesty, reflection, and wisdom, this episode offers a powerful perspective on healing, identity, and embracing the freedom that comes from becoming your most authentic self.  Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Estelle: @estelledarlings Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club Get Amber's Book Club Merch  Read Amber's Favorite Books   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 18m
  5. May 5

    Jozzy Knows Sexuality Is Still Taboo

    In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with Jozzy for a powerful conversation on authenticity, self-expression, and navigating identity in the music industry. From embracing her true self [00:00] [03:12] to unpacking the journey of self-discovery and breaking free from societal expectations [06:02] [08:52], Jozzy shares how confidence and vulnerability have shaped her path. She also speaks on trailblazing within the industry [12:11], maintaining creative control [15:07], and challenging the impact of the male gaze on women and artists [20:51], while emphasizing the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community [24:03]. The conversation expands into relationships, emotional intelligence, and personal growth, highlighting the need for intentionality and self-awareness in romantic connections [17:58] [41:02]. Jozzy reflects on confidence as a continuous practice [26:54] [35:54], while encouraging others to embrace their journey and evolve unapologetically [48:31]. Closing with a message on striving to be your best self—not just for personal success but to inspire others [57:46]—this episode offers a compelling perspective on authenticity, growth, and carving your own lane in life and career.  Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Jozzy. on Instagram: @jozzy Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club Get Amber's Book Club Merch  Read Amber's Favorite Books See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 11m
  6. Apr 28

    Child Knows the Business of Grief

    In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with award-winning director Child for a deeply personal conversation on grief, loss, and the journey toward healing. From the immediate shock of losing loved ones [00:00] [03:00] to the lasting emotional weight grief places on daily life [06:10] [09:00], they open up about the full reality of loss — not just the heartbreak, but the overwhelming responsibilities that follow: legal battles, funeral planning, managing estates, and handling the countless technical demands that arrive precisely when you're least equipped to face them.  The conversation explores the importance of therapy [11:54] and processing emotions in real time, alongside the hard lessons of navigating life after loss [14:46] [18:07] —The discussion then shifts to mental health, relationships, and personal growth — from checking in on loved ones who appear strong [25:36], to reordering priorities away from career and toward meaningful connection [28:02], embracing boundaries [29:30], and navigating identity through life's transitions [30:59] [32:28]. They close by exploring how intentional environments foster healing [36:40] and why honest conversations about legacy and preparing for loss — before it happens — matter more than most people realize [41:14].  Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Child. on Instagram: @childartiste Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club Get Amber's Book Club Merch  Read Amber's Favorite Books See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

You can’t rewrite the past — but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.   If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom — alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.   Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships — so you either don’t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.   Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better… and does better.

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