If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

The Black Effect Network
The Black Effect Network
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Jean Elie Knows You Have To Greenlight Your Own Projects

    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 pushed him to create his own opportunities [00:41], why manifestation requires action [03:22], and the leap of faith that brought him to Los Angeles [06:57]. He discusses taking control of his career [09:48], hustling his way into a paid role on Project X [10:22], and how losing his brother shaped his fearless mindset [14:52]. From building opportunities through production [16:24] and overcoming doubts about his acting abilities [18:25] to encouraging creatives to stop waiting for permission [20:41], Jean reflects on finding inspiration through patience [21:18], trusting small wins [23:25], and navigating the unexpected emotions of reuniting with his Insecure castmates [23:56]. Jean also explains the importance of maintaining momentum [24:45], reflecting on his decision to pause Send Help[25:14] and how the 2023 Hollywood strikes disrupted his progress [26:37]. He opens up about prioritizing family [27:43], practicing self-compassion [28:36], embracing the stability of a nine-to-five [29:51], and building communities that financially support independent artists [31:10]. He introduces his Kickstarter campaign for Living Practical, a vertical mockumentary romantic comedy about a couple navigating newly acquired superpowers [32:49], before discussing personal trauma and safety [34:26], communicating needs with grace [39:10], and giving supporters behind-the-scenes access through Patreon [43:27]. The conversation closes with reflections on pride, perseverance, and his canyon metaphor for personal growth [45:16], reinforcing the power of believing in yourself and creating your own opportunities [45:57]. @ambergrimes Follow Jean Elie @jeanelie Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 20

    Tisha Campbell Knows The Mask Has To Come Off

    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 challenged her lifelong survival mode [07:39], teaching her self-compassion [12:57], healthier boundaries, and how motherhood shaped her need to appear strong [14:54]. She reflects on learning to live in the present [20:32], writing her book The A Word: A Mother and Son's Journey Through Autism and Love [23:38], receiving a diagnosis on set [26:19], and whether Damon would understand her personal transformation [27:49]. Tisha discusses confronting painful memories through journaling [29:57], turning those experiences into a book without a ghostwriter [30:34], and getting her son Zen's approval [34:07]. She shares how writing became therapeutic [35:53], the difficulty of discussing Zen's past suicidal thoughts [36:41], and the boundaries he helped her establish [40:27]. From discovering healing through stand-up comedy [44:30] and embracing creative freedom [46:36] to redefining masking [49:58], understanding autism traits [53:02], and introducing the world to the real Tisha Campbell [55:35], she offers an inspiring perspective on motherhood, mental health, authenticity, and personal growth [56:57].  @ambergrimes Follow Morris Chestnut @tishacampbell Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET  Follow Amber's Book Club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Oct 13

    "Reasonable Doubt" Exclusive: Morris Chestnut, Taylor Polidore, & Tank

    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 the importance of respect and accountability [03:27], especially when women are unfairly labeled difficult [04:38]. The conversation explores portraying characters whose actions conflict with personal values [05:20] and approaching acting with empathy rather than judgment [06:26]. Tank credits Jamie Foxx as a pivotal mentor [07:14], while Taylor shares how memoirs from influential Black actresses helped guide her career [08:20]. They also discuss giving back and maintaining a strong work ethic [10:02]. The trio reflects on the sacrifices behind success [12:00], missing important family moments [13:21], navigating different seasons of life and career [14:14], and balancing ambition with family responsibilities [14:18]. They unpack handling rejection [15:27], including Tank’s humbling onstage experience [17:25] and a disappointing career setback for Taylor [18:53]. From advice to their younger selves about trusting the process and not taking rejection personally [20:38] to rapid-fire lessons inspired by their characters [25:15], Morris, Taylor, and Tank leave listeners with reminders about resilience, accountability, and staying committed to their craft [27:10]. Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Morris Chestnut @morrischestnutofficial Follow Taylor Polidor @taylorpolidor Follow Tank @therealtank 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.

  4. Oct 6

    Reasonable Doubt’s Emayatzy & McKinley Know Jax & Lewis Love Each Other #HuluPartner

    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 [03:38], loyalty versus love [05:39], and how Lewis can support Jax without losing himself [07:12]. They also explore Jax’s vulnerability after trauma [09:39], what both characters need emotionally [11:58], and the therapy, accountability, listening, and commitment required for them to thrive together [15:05]. McKinley and Emayatzy explain why portraying such a complicated marriage works for them as actors [18:40] and revisit the hair scene as meaningful Black imagery centered on trust, care, and intimacy [20:41]. They break down their preparation and commitment to the roles [22:55], the process of becoming Jax and Lewis [24:14], and the intensity surrounding the courtroom defense in the Reasonable Doubt finale [27:25], while giving credit to creator Raamla Mohamed and the writers for allowing the characters—and their marriage—to remain messy, layered, and real [29:13].  Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Emayatzy Corinealdi @emayatzycorinealdi Follow Mckinley Freeman @mckinleyfreeman 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.

  5. Sep 29

    Abbott Elementary’s William Stanford Davis Knows You Only Fail If You Quit.

    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 facing racism and setbacks in Texas [11:18] before moving to Los Angeles [13:47]. Comedy classes led to his first commercial [14:34], followed by acting training and early roles [17:05] as he learned to define success through the craft itself [21:05], guided by faith, gratitude, and his grandmother’s mantra: “we don’t quit” [24:43]. Davis reflects on seeing his childhood vision become reality [28:11], the sacrifices behind it [29:35], his grandmother’s influence [31:22], and the mentors who helped shape him [32:12]. He breaks down auditioning during COVID [34:32], the Abbott Elementary broom dance that helped him stand out [36:37], becoming a series regular [39:36], and experiencing global recognition [41:05] alongside Quinta Brunson and the cast [42:47]. Davis closes with lessons on practicing your craft daily [47:18], recognizing young talent [49:12], encouraging dreamers to experience life and never quit [50:42], and remaining grateful for the journey [53:53].  Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow William Stanford Davis @thewilliamstanforddavis 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.

  6. Sep 22

    Olly Sholotan Knows What’s For You Is For You

    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 success [01:59]. He reflects on his ambitious goal of achieving an EGOT by 30 [02:47], lessons from Forbes 30 Under 30 [03:59], and learning that “what’s for you is for you” [06:02] after losing out on another series that never aired while Bel-Air became life-changing [07:29]. That experience helped shift his mindset from chasing excitement to chasing peace [10:03], staying grounded in the work [14:12], and valuing the process over results [15:39]. Amber and Olly also unpack the balance between ambition and burnout [20:16], developing self-awareness around what you can control [22:20], and the value of supportive parents and a strong foundation [24:44]. They discuss choosing work that feeds you [25:15], recognizing when to stop before burnout hits [26:06], treating rest as fuel [27:32], surrendering to creative ideas [28:26], and detaching from other people’s approval [29:32]. Olly explains how focusing on what’s within his control [32:14], pairing ambition with self-care [33:46], and making room for hobbies [36:27] help him stay balanced. He closes with the power of gratitude [38:59], allowing dreams to expand beyond acting [41:19], and practicing specific gratitude to stay grounded [42:24], leaving listeners with encouragement to trust their process and protect their peace [46:45].  Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Olly Sholotan @ollysho 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.

  7. Sep 15

    Angel McCoughtry Knows It’s About The Journey Not The Destination

    In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with WNBA legend Angel 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 legacy matter more than outside expectations [02:44]. She opens up about life after basketball [04:06] and her transition into filmmaking, including directing Bygones and developing stories centered on WNBA players [05:36], documentaries, and the untold lives behind professional athletes [07:38]. From remembering the MySpace era [10:22] and rethinking “girl boss” culture [12:48] to resisting social media comparison [17:50], Angel encourages people to chase their actual dreams instead of fame [19:19], trust that purpose can lead to success [22:21], and understand the difference between gifts, passions, and purpose [22:58]. Angel explains why starting before you feel completely ready is essential [24:44] and challenges the idea that only superstars have meaningful potential [26:40], while reflecting on past choices without regret [28:41] and the consequences of rushing life and relationships [30:50]. She also discusses her interest in crime, law, and storytelling [32:37], before revealing how an injury, depression, and the end of her basketball career unexpectedly opened a new creative lane [37:29] and forced her to discover an identity beyond the game [39:08]. Together, Amber and Angel explore finding your true “why” [40:28], accepting that your dream may look different than you originally imagined [43:18], and giving yourself grace with the timing of your journey as you build a life and legacy that extend far beyond one career [44:43].  Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow Angel McCoughtry: @mccoughtry 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.

  8. Sep 12

    If You Knew Better: Lil Durk's Mom LaShawnda Woodard Knows the Hardest Person to Forgive Is Yourself

    The Black Effect Presents... If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes! In this episode of If 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’s music dreams [05:49], and raising each child according to their individual needs [07:01]. She remembers her oldest son D-Thang [09:00], opens up about living with grief after his death [09:55], and shares her struggles with depression and isolation [13:58]. Amber challenges LaShawnda’s self-blame while discussing the importance of community [19:42], before LaShawnda speaks candidly about surviving sexual assault [21:59], encouraging other survivors to speak up and seek help [28:42] as they explore lingering trauma [30:27] and finding language for painful experiences [30:58]. Amber encourages LaShawnda to give herself grace [32:23], examining parenting through pain [32:58], accountability versus blame [33:40], and faith and forgiveness [36:00]. LaShawnda discusses sharing her story through 7220 [37:05] and surviving an attempted assault as a teenager [38:11], while Amber reinforces that survivors are not responsible for the harm done to them [40:56] and encourages her to release the weight she has carried [41:55]. They reflect on how children remember their upbringing differently [45:19], learning to acknowledge the good alongside the mistakes [48:44], and LaShawnda’s final memories with D-Thang [50:55]. The episode closes with a challenge to rediscover joy [53:11], understand how trauma can freeze us in time [56:13], reconnect with community [57:09], and continue the journey toward healing [58:15].  Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram: @ambergrimes Follow LaShawnda Woodard: @real_mswoo 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   O.P. Date: September 8, 2026 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 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.

Information

  • Channel
    The Black Effect Network
  • Creator
    The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes
  • Provider
    iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc

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