I Pick Passion and Funny

Ericka L. Bates
  • 5.0 (1)
  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I Pick Passion and Funny is a podcast hosted by Ericka Bates where she sits down with comedian friends to talk candidly about career, creativity, and life. From navigating creative paths and life pivots to dealing with fear, burnout, money stress, and everyday absurdities, the conversations are honest, funny, and deeply relatable. This season is all about being more intentional; about the work, the conversations, and what it means to truly choose yourself. This isn’t a how-to podcast or a place for perfect answers. It’s a space for real stories, strong opinions, laughter, and figuring things out in real time. Some episodes go deep, some get ridiculous, and most do a little of both. Choosing passion isn’t always easy, but laughing through it makes the journey a lot better.

  1. 3D AGO

    You’re Not Trippin’ with Tyree Elaine

    This week, I’m sitting down with comedian, writer, and actress Tyree Elaine for a conversation that feels like a real-life phone call with your friend. This episode is honest, funny, reflective, and a little bit of everything in between. We talk about life, relationships, growth, and the thoughts women don’t always say out loud—but definitely think. Tyree opens up about where she is right now, her journey through stand-up and writing, stepping away from certain things, and what it looks like to evolve in real time. We also get into spirituality, identity, and trusting yourself through different seasons of life. This is one of those conversations where you might find yourself saying, “okay… so it’s not just me.” You’re not trippin’. ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode: * Where Tyree is in life right now * Her journey through stand-up, writing, and stepping back * Navigating growth and evolving as a woman * Spirituality and personal reflection * The real thoughts women have but don’t always say * Friendship, identity, and figuring it out in real time ⸻ 💌 Let’s stay connected Follow Tyree Elaine on IG: @tyreeelaine All things Tyree on her YouTube channel: Link She’s Tyree Elaine everywhere! She has a website also being redeveloped: www.tyreeelaine.com Follow your host: IG Follow the podcast: @ipickpassionprods We are growing on Facebook also: Link If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share; it helps the podcast grow and reach more people!

    1h 57m

  2. MAY 12

    Instead of Do It, Just Don’t with Comedian Justin Hires

    This week, I’m joined by comedian, actor, writer, and creator Justin Hires for a real, funny, and insightful conversation about growth, discipline, and not allowing fear to get you stuck.; also find out why we said “just don’t”!! We talk about Justin’s journey across acting, stand-up, podcasting, and content creation—and how he’s continued to evolve while staying true to himself. From starring in major TV series to building his voice online, Justin shares what it takes to navigate the industry and life with intention. We might’ve also discussed toxic traits! At the core of this conversation, it’s compact, but impactful and meaningful. Don’t miss it! ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode: * Justin’s journey through acting, comedy, and content creation * Lessons from working in television and film * Reinvention and evolving as a creative * Podcasting and building your voice * Discipline, mindset, and self-awareness * “Instead of do it… just don’t” ⸻ 🔗 Connect with Justin Hires Killin It (Podcast): [Link] Stand-up YouTube: [Link] Main YouTube: [Link] Website: [Link] Instagram: [Link] Facebook: [Link] ⸻ 💌 Let’s stay connected Follow the podcast: @ipickpassionprods Follow your host: IG YouTube Channel If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, review, and leave a rating—it helps the podcast grow and become more discoverable!

    42 min

  3. MAY 5

    You Are Still a Healer w/ Comedian and Actress Megan Sousa

    This week, I’m joined by actress, comedian, and voiceover artist Megan Sousa for a conversation that’s honest, funny, and unexpectedly grounding. We talk about everything from her journey through acting and comedy to creating meaningful spaces through Laugh Your Truth Productions. Megan opens up about listening to God, trusting her voice, and what it looks like to stay aligned in an industry that can feel unpredictable. We also get into self-care, “robe era” life, reset days, and the importance of showing up as your full self—on and off stage. This one is for anyone navigating growth, purpose, and figuring it out in real time. ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode: * Megan’s journey through acting, comedy, and voiceover * Creating community through Laugh Your Truth Productions * Listening to God and trusting your path * What it means to be a healer * The importance of rest, reset, and self-care * “Robe era” and finding joy in the little things ⸻ 💌 Let’s stay connected Follow Megan Sousa: Instagram Keep up with Lyt Comedy: Instagram Megan’s website Follow the podcast: @ipickpassionprods Follow your host: @ErickaLBates If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, review, and leave a rating—it helps the podcast grow and become more discoverable.

    1h 24m

  4. APR 28

    This Episode Is a Rollercoaster w/ Comedian Chaz Rodgers

    This week I’m joined by Chaz Rodgers, and when I say this episode is a rollercoaster… I mean it. We talk jail, future selves, career paths, confidence, being non-compassionate (yeah… we went there), podcasting, and a whole lot more. It’s hilarious, it’s real, and there are definitely gems dropped throughout. This is our first guest episode of the season, and we’re coming in more intentional this time around. It’s a long one, so grab your snacks and get comfortable… you’re gonna enjoy this. Follow + Stay Connected with Chaz: Chaz’s IG Lackaroni & Chaz on IG Chaz’s YouTube Lackaroni & Chaz YouTube Fox Soul and ComedyLive.tv Follow IPP Productions: IG Facebook (help us grow)! YouTube Follow the host: IG Quick favor, if you’re enjoying the podcast, rate it, leave a review, and share it. It really helps more people discover the show!

    1h 40m

  5. APR 21

    I Owe You an Explanation | A 10-Minute Update

    I Pick Passion and Funny – Season 2, Episode 1 Title: I Owe You an Explanation We’re back. In this Season 2 premiere, I’m finally addressing the pause… the silence… and everything in between. If you’ve been here, you know I didn’t just disappear for no reason. And if you’re new, this is the perfect place to jump in. I’m not going all the way back, but I am getting honest about what that time looked like for me. The uncertainty, the pressure, the guilt, and why I didn’t have the capacity to keep showing up the way I wanted to. I also talk about my biggest regret… losing momentum when I had it. But more importantly, what’s different now. This season is about showing up anyway. Figuring it out in real time. Choosing passion, even when it doesn’t feel clear or comfortable. And yes… still keeping it funny along the way. This episode is short, intentional, and just the start. I’ll be doing a follow-up Q&A soon to answer your questions and go a little deeper. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you had to pause to get yourself together… this one is for you. Welcome to Season 2. ⸻ In this episode: * Why I stepped away without saying anything * The pressure of having time but no clarity * Guilt, uncertainty, and not having the capacity * My biggest regret from last season * What I learned during that time * What’s different now * What to expect this season

    10 min

  6. 06/03/2025

    Ask me Anything: Chaotic, Grief, & Imposter Syndrome

    In this solo episode, I’m answering questions — the real ones. From chaotic career thoughts to navigating grief and wrestling with imposter syndrome, I open up about where I’ve been, what I’ve learned (or am still learning), and why trying matters more than pretending to have it all together. This Q&A is a mix of heart, humor, and a little healing. If you’re figuring it out in real-time too… welcome. You’re not alone. In this episode: • What chaos really looks like behind the scenes • How grief shows up in everyday moments • That sneaky voice of imposter syndrome • What I’m learning about redirection (not rebranding) • A soft tease of what’s coming 👀 Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes and updates first — and if something resonated with you, send it to a friend or drop me a message. I’m building something, and I’d love for you to be part of it. Follow the me and the pod: 📸 IG: @theipickpassionpodcast 🎙 Hosted by @ErickaLBates Watch on YouTube: [Link]

    59 min

  7. 05/20/2025

    Life Updates, 100 Subs, & Reconnection Issues 🤷🏽‍♀️

    I’m back with a solo episode — the first one in a while — and this one’s all about real-life updates, unexpected leaps, and a few tech issues along the way. I’m celebrating 100 YouTube subscribers (thank you!!), and opening up about a leap I recently took — one I didn’t plan for, but clearly needed to make. I talk about what led to that decision, how it’s shaping the path I’m on now, and why I’m choosing to walk it even though I’m scared… not worried. Oh, and yes — reconnection issues were very real. My computer cut out during recording, the visuals glitched towards the end, but the message made it through. 😅 ⸻ In this episode: ✨ Reaching 100 subscribers on YouTube — I appreciate y’all! 💻 Connection issues and tech hiccups mid-recording 🪂 An unexpected leap — and what pushed me to take it 💭 Being in transition, scared but not worried, and finding peace in not having all the answers ⸻ P.S. I meant to talk about my work luncheon this week, but I’ll save that beautiful story for next Tuesday’s episode — it deserves its own shine.⸻ 🎧 If this episode speaks to you, please rate, review, and share — it helps so much. 📲 Subscribe to the podcast + YouTube for more real funny moments and passion-led episodes.⸻ Stay connected: IG: [Link] 📺 [YouTube Channel]

    40 min

  8. 05/13/2025

    Dogs, aliens, & fine n*iggas (with Brandi Denise)

    In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, I sit down with comedian, actress, and writer Brandi Denise—and we get into everything. From her wild Wild ’N Out audition story to cooking for joy, her upcoming comedy special, LA intentions, aliens, and even what brings her peace, this episode is a whole ride. We also talk about passion, pressure, and making space for joy even in the chaos. And of course… dogs. Tune in for laughs, gems, and real talk. Topics We Cover: -Her Wild ‘N Out audition experience -Being a Regina King fan while working with her -What she’s cooking—literally and figuratively -A hilarious take on aliens -The internal “dog” joke -Her upcoming comedy projects -What brings her peace and joy -Summer of Entertainment -Why she’s not calling it a booty call movie Connect with Brandi Denise: IG: [Link] All things Brandi Denise: [Link] New episodes drop every Tuesday—subscribe and stay tuned! Enjoying the show? Be sure to rate and review I Pick Passion and Funny! It helps more people find the show—and I’d love to hear what’s resonating with you.

    43 min
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About

I Pick Passion and Funny is a podcast hosted by Ericka Bates where she sits down with comedian friends to talk candidly about career, creativity, and life. From navigating creative paths and life pivots to dealing with fear, burnout, money stress, and everyday absurdities, the conversations are honest, funny, and deeply relatable. This season is all about being more intentional; about the work, the conversations, and what it means to truly choose yourself. This isn’t a how-to podcast or a place for perfect answers. It’s a space for real stories, strong opinions, laughter, and figuring things out in real time. Some episodes go deep, some get ridiculous, and most do a little of both. Choosing passion isn’t always easy, but laughing through it makes the journey a lot better.

Information

  • Creator
    Ericka L. Bates
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ericka L. Bates
  • Show Website
    I Pick Passion and Funny