Two Personal with Joy Taylor

This week on Two Personal, Joy sits down with entrepreneur and I Best Wines founder Ingrid Best — 20+ years in wine and spirits (Diageo, Hennessy, LVMH) before launching her own award-winning brand out of South Africa. They talk building a company from scratch, the myth of the "graceful" black woman founder, $0.53-in-the-bank days, and the sisterhood that's carried her through it. Pull up, grab a glass and get Two Personal.

00:00 – Welcome + Ingrid Best intro

00:00:57 – Why wine, why now: from Craigslist ad to Diageo to Hennessy 

00:04:15 – Choosing South Africa & building I Best Wines

00:08:24 – "Best" is he...

Gia Peppers — NAACP Image Award-nominated journalist, host and founder of Creatives of Faith,  joins Joy for a wide-ranging two personal.

They open with "bonnet-gate" and what it says about respectability politics, dig into how broken into media looks nothing like it used to, get real about the year since the 2024 election, and close out talking through Gia's new community, Creatives of Faith.

0:00 Intro: Gia Peppers joins Joy

1:40 Bonnet-Gate: the debate everyone's having9:01Should streaming be a college degree?

10:03 Breaking into media in 2026 — advice for mentees

17:23 "Everybody's a journa...

Joy  gets into "financial submissives" — men who get off paying women online with zero physical contact and then digs into Gen Z women "parenting" their boyfriends (and getting called Mommy for it), and a $3,500 boot camp teaching grown men how to approach women and handle rejection. This week's Never Two Personal: the hill you'll die on, no matter what.

00:00 Intro

00:15 Financial Submissives: Inside the World of "Fin Doms"

06:06 Call Her Mommy: Gen Z Women Are Parenting Their Boyfriends

11:04 The $3,500 Bootcamp Teaching Men How To Talk To Women

22:51 Neve...

Country artist Bryan Andrews with 4 million TikTok followers, a Billboard-charting single, and a brand-new mixtape;  joins Joy for one of the most unfiltered conversations Two Personal has had. They get into the grift of performative conservatism in country music, what it's like being the "Town Democrat" back home, why small-town white men need to be the messengers for change in their own communities, Christian nationalism, patriarchy, and what real masculinity actually looks like.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & welcome
02:03 – Country music's "conservative" problem
04:00 – The grift: exposing fake conservative country stars
08:37 – Bryan's political upbringing
09:55 – Releasing "T...

Joy is back from a crazy travel week. She reacts to Marvel's Comic-Con announcement that David Jonsson will play the next Black Panther, and what it says about Ryan Coogler following his instincts.Then she breaks down the viral story of Haleemah, whose husband handed his work gift basket to a coworker instead of bringing it home to her, and why Joy thinks this was never really about the makeup. She also weighs in on Tuskegee University's new ban on bonnets as part of a stricter dress code, and wraps with a personal Never Two Personal moment from her...

Joy sits down with creator Lavelle for a candid conversation about the real work behind hitting 1 million TikTok followers, why he's kept his relationship private, and his next chapter chasing scripted TV. They also get into taking rejection personally in the industry, self-care as a full-time creator, and the viral imitation crab video that changed everything (9 million views, no regrets).

This week Two Personal hits the road! Joy unpacks the Tate brothers' arrest and what accountability should look like for public figures, then tackles The Odyssey casting backlash and the racism fueling it. From there, a real gym-routine reset  and this week's Never Two Personal: a listener wants separate accounts, their spouse wants everything combined; who's right?

00:00 Welcome to On The Road Edition
00:59 Tate Brothers Arrested: Does Fame Change Accountability?
09:04 The Odyssey Casting Backlash & Reading Comprehension
18:06 Gym Routine Reset (ft. Aden's Hair Critique)
23:57 Never Two Personal: Joint vs. Separate Bank Accounts

S...

Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Khris Riddick-Tynes sits down with Joy for an unfiltered conversation on building trust with artists, the difference between viral moments and real careers, his own therapy journey, and why women make the best artists in the room.

00:00 – Intro
02:06 – The vision behind an album
19:20 – Music needs a Bob Marley right now
24:03 – The ayahuasca reveal
33:40 – Hearing his song sung back at the Forum
41:17 – Viral isn't sustainable
49:52 – Why men need therapy too
56:07 – The double standard for women in music

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Joy and Hayley discuss America's growing literacy crisis, why critical thinking is disappearing, whether speaking publicly about important issues actually creates change, burnout from always showing up for everyone else, and the difference between wanting community versus committing to it.

They wrap up with a hilarious Never Two Personal about girls trips, guys trips, and relationship double standards.

00:00 – Intro
00:19 – America's literacy crisis: the stats
02:15 – Growing up with strict reading rules
04:47 – "A stupid population is easier to control"
06:37 – The history of literacy as a control tactic
08:56 – Has Joy's relationship with speakin...

Heather Sanders joins Joy Taylor for an honest conversation about growing up online, navigating a long-term relationship in public, postpartum depression, motherhood, business, and learning to choose yourself. Together they explore why people feel entitled to judge relationships, what partnership really means, and why personal growth often requires giving yourself grace.

00:00 – Welcome Heather Sanders to the show

00:38 – "That person is dead": growing up publicly

04:13 – The public relationship "clock" theory

08:02 – Engaged twice, still not married and here's why

11:40 – Building a partnership vs. needing a piece of paper

17:04 – "Keep that pussy i...

Joy and Hayley are back from the 4th of July with stories to tell, starting with a campsite "Karen" who tried to police everyone's music and ending with a real conversation about identity and history.

Along the way: is everyone over parenting in 2026?

 Cardi B gives Black Americans their flowers on CNN, and the girls give their honest take on the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce "American royal wedding." Plus, a Two Personal listener question sends Joy down memory lane to her wildest years.

00:00 Intro & Holiday Weekend Recap 

02:01 The Campsite "Karen" Confrontation 

Melissa Fredericks, the woman behind Kev on Stage Studios, steps out solo for what may be her first-ever podcast appearance without her husband. Joy Taylor pulls back the curtain on who Melissa really is: a rule-follower navigating the lawless world of entrepreneurship, a mother of two Black boys, a woman interrogating her faith, and someone quietly trying to find her footing in a brand new chapter of life.

From the Jeezy cancel attempt to vulnerability in marriage to what it actually takes to keep a 20-year relationship alive, this conversation goes deep.

In t...

Joy flies solo this week with stories from her trip through France, a breakdown of what Cannes Lions is really like for creators and brands, BET Awards reactions, and her now-viral take on why men having female friends is a green flag. She closes with a Never Two Personal segment on the best moments of her life heading into 40.

00:00 France & Cannes recap
04:38 Cannes Lions strategy and imposter syndrome
13:00 BET Awards recap
18:52 White House BTS
19:56 Men with female friends debate
44:43 Never Two Personal

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Joy Taylor sits down with Valeisha Butterfield, Obama administration alum, Recording Academy's first-ever Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and founder of Seed Media. Get ready for a raw, wide-ranging conversation on audacity, the death of humility, entrepreneurship, dating post-divorce (with a hiking story that will have you screaming), sisterhood, and what it means to be a Black woman in this moment.

0:00 — Intro: Joy introduces Valeisha and teases the topics
1:02 — Audacity: Redefining the word and why mediocre men have it in abundance
3:02 — The case against humility: "I am not humble before other humans"
4:40 — Working loud: Tak...

Joy Taylor is bringing all the opinions this week. She breaks down the NYT's viral 8,000-word profile on AI actress Tilly Norwood and explains why she's unbothered. AI doesn't scare her in the creative space, full stop. 

Then she gets into the essay going around about what actually destroys female friendships (quiet dishonesty, not big betrayals), and why being confrontational is actually a form of respect. 

The marriage chemistry debate hits next. Joy weighs in on whether you can settle down with someone who isn't the greatest sex of your life. Spoiler: the answer is nu...

Kalen Allen joins Joy Taylor for a vulnerable conversation about growing up queer in Kansas, finding fame through viral videos, working with Ellen, navigating Hollywood, and learning how to build a life rooted in joy instead of proving people wrong.

0:00 – Welcome Kalen Allen + the Interstellar Detour
3:53 – Turning 30 and Letting Go of Old Personas
7:00 – The Real Reason He Wanted Fame
12:31 – Coming Out, Family & Choosing Joy Over Tragedy
18:13 – The Mask: Performing Through Pain
24:04 – Beyoncé, Faith & Finding God on His Own Terms
32:02 – The Black Church, Pride Month & "Why Won't You Show Up for Us?"
38:2...

Joy Taylor discusses Elon Musk becoming the world's first trillionaire and what society expects from the ultra wealthy. She also addresses the continued attacks against Michelle Obama following controversial comments made after a UFC event at the White House, and unpacks why Rick Ross flying commercial shouldn't be a scandal.

Plus, Joy answers this week's Never Two Personal question: Is it okay for married couples to sleep in separate bedrooms?

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Weekend Recap
00:41 – Elon Musk Becomes a Trillionaire
08:24 – Josh Hokit's Michelle Obama Comment
16:42 – Rick Ross Flying Commercial
22:41 – Never Two Personal...

MJ Acosta-Ruiz joins Joy Taylor for one of their most personal conversations yet.

The longtime friends discuss the pressure of succeeding as Black and Latina women in sports media, navigating burnout while building successful careers, and unlearning the perfectionism and people-pleasing habits that many women inherit from childhood.

MJ opens up about balancing multiple high-profile roles across ESPN, NFL Network and NBA TV, the emotional toll of constantly striving for excellence, and what it means to show up authentically in spaces that weren't built for you.

They also dive into identity, representation, generational...

In this solo episode of Two Personal, Joy Taylor dives into one of the stories she believes should concern all of us: the Scott Pelley and 60 Minutes controversy, and what it reveals about the state of journalism, media integrity, and truth in today's world.

Joy also discusses the complicated conversations surrounding the Diddy and Daphne Joy controversy, the importance of protecting your relationships from outside opinions, and why setting healthy boundaries with friends matters more than ever.

Plus, a thoughtful Never Two Personal conversation during Pride Month about acceptance, humanity, and leading with compassion.

Jameela Jamil joins Joy Taylor for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, women's safety, feminism, and the hidden toll constant stress takes on the nervous system.

Jameela shares her experience recovering from a recent traumatic attack, the nervous system shutdown that followed, and the lessons she's learned about PTSD, rage, and survival. Together, she and Joy discuss patriarchy, women's anger, emotional resilience, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Taylor tackles the ongoing debate around "girlboss" culture and the pressure women face to excel in every area of life.

She discusses ambition, workplace expectations, feminism, motherhood, sacrifice, and why the idea of having it all at the same time may be one of the biggest myths women are sold.

Plus, a Never Two Personal question about navigating comparison and respect in a relationship.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kayla Nicole joins Joy Taylor for a raw conversation about navigating internet criticism, public perception, career reinvention, and building confidence in the spotlight.

They discuss podcasting, media careers, going viral with Toni Braxton, Special Forces, creator culture, online narratives, and the challenge of defining yourself beyond public opinion.

This episode is about identity, resilience, growth, and refusing to let the internet define your story.

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The NAACP launched a campaign urging Black athletes and consumers to boycott public universities in states accused of limiting Black voting representation, but Joy Taylor believes the conversation is more complicated than people want to admit.

In this solo episode, Joy breaks down the economic reality behind college athletics, NIL money, generational wealth, and why asking young athletes to sacrifice life-changing opportunities comes with real consequences. She also dives into modern expectations placed on women, the pressure to “have it all,” and why choice matters more than judgment.

Plus, this week’s Never Two Personal questi...

Tone Bell joins Joy Taylor for an honest conversation about stand-up comedy, relationships, chasing success, and the grind behind building a career in entertainment.

Tone opens up about starting comedy at 15 years old, working regular jobs before fully betting on himself, navigating breakups and marriage, and why his wife has become his safe place away from the pressures of life on the road and in the industry.

Funny, vulnerable, and relatable, this episode dives into the reality behind making people laugh for a living.

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Joy Taylor gets personal about motherhood, pregnancy, parenting pressure, and the unrealistic expectations women face.

From breastfeeding conversations to public opinion around parenting choices, Joy explains why every woman’s journey is different and why people need to stop treating motherhood like public property.

She also discusses maternal mortality, societal pressure on women, and the impossible standards mothers are expected to live up to, plus another Never Two Personal segment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Taylor and Rosie Acosta explore meditation, emotional intelligence, spirituality, technology, self trust, and the growing feeling of disconnection in modern life.

Together, they unpack how overstimulation, social media, and the loss of real human interaction are affecting our relationships, mental health, and ability to connect with ourselves and others.

From mindfulness practices to emotional safety and compassion, this conversation dives into the realities so many people are experiencing but rarely discuss openly.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Taylor gets personal about spending over 20 years in the public eye and the reality of having strangers constantly comment on your body, appearance, and health.

In this solo episode, Joy opens up about aging, weight fluctuations, stress, wellness trends, therapy, and learning to embrace softness instead of constantly trying to “fix” herself.

After recent bloodwork revealed extremely high stress levels, Joy began reevaluating her relationship with fitness, health, and self-image. She explains why personalized health matters, why internet commentary can be dangerous, and why people should be more gent...

This week on Two Personal, Joy Taylor sits down with Kirbie Johnson for an honest conversation about beauty standards, aging, body image, and the pressure women face in the public eye.

They unpack weight loss culture, purity culture, millennial aging, social conditioning, patriarchy, motherhood expectations, skincare trends aimed at children, and the unrealistic image of femininity many women grew up consuming.

Kirbie also opens up about identity, work-life balance, evolving beyond outside validation, and what’s next in her career as she steps into a new chapter.

Se...

Joy Taylor walks through the history of voter suppression, from post-Civil War barriers to the Voting Rights Act, and explains how recent decisions are reshaping the way voting power is protected today.

Joy also addresses the growing sense of political apathy and why disengagement has real consequences, especially for communities that have historically had to fight to be heard.

This conversation is about understanding the system, recognizing what is at stake, and why participation still matters.

The episode also includes this week’s Never Tw...

Joy Taylor sits down with Marcus Black for an honest conversation about marriage, relationships, and accountability.

They discuss what it means to choose a partner with intention, why emotional safety matters, and how many people enter relationships without fully understanding the commitment they are making. The episode also explores communication, expectations, and the role of personal responsibility in long-term relationships.

This conversation offers a deeper look at the realities of marriage and the work required to build something lasting.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy dives into the headlines surrounding Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson, using the moment to unpack a deeper conversation about cheating, accountability, and why people romanticize public relationships.

She shares her personal experiences and makes it clear she has zero tolerance for cheating, emphasizing the importance of recognizing patterns over believing promises.

Plus, this week’s Never Two Personal segment brings a direct and honest perspective you don’t want to miss.

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This week on Two Personal, Joy Taylor sits down with Azar Farideh for a powerful and deeply personal conversation.

Azar shares her experience growing up in and ultimately escaping a cult, opening up about the realities of what she endured, how she survived, and what it took to rebuild her life after. She speaks candidly about the trauma that followed, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the ongoing journey of healing.

The conversation also expands into career growth, therapy, and the realities of being a woman navigating life, love...

Joy Taylor breaks down two heavy but necessary conversations shaping today’s reality.

She unpacks a disturbing investigation into online communities that enable and normalize violence, and challenges the role digital platforms play in allowing this content to exist and spread.

Joy also reflects on a recent tragic case that highlights the ongoing dangers of domestic violence, even in situations that appear controlled or resolved.

This episode pushes past surface-level reactions and asks deeper questions about accountability, safety, and the systems we continue to tr...

Joy Taylor sits down with Sahar Khorram for a candid conversation on the realities of modern womanhood.

From breaking down the stigma around prenups to opening up about surrogacy, fertility, and the journey to motherhood, this episode explores the emotional and practical decisions women face today. They also touch on balancing career and family, maintaining identity, and briefly reflect on the global perspective of what children are facing in Iran.

A thoughtful, honest conversation that blends real-life experience with meaningful insight.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

In this solo episode, Joy Taylor opens up about grief, both the loss of someone close to her and the emotional process of letting go of the person she once was.

Grief is not always limited to losing others. It can also come from life changes, personal growth, and the realization that you are no longer the same person you used to be.

Joy reflects on navigating loss, identity, and change, while also sharing what is currently bringing her joy in this season of life.

Joy Taylor is joined by Les Alfred for a conversation about discipline, clarity, and the difference between being busy and being productive.

They discuss how easy it is to fall into the trap of scrolling and calling it work, why it’s important to get honest about what’s actually moving you forward, and the value of knowing what you want to say before focusing on anything else.

Les also shares advice for young women navigating their careers and building something meaningful with intention.

See omnystudio.com/list...

Conversations around women, power and independence are shifting fast, and not everyone is ready for it.

In Episode 2, Joy breaks down what's really behind the "trad wife" movement and why it's sparking so much debate.

From women upholding systems that work against them to the rise of more traditional expectations, this episode explores the tension between progress and pushback.

Joy also dives into modern relationships, generational independence, and the evolving political climate shaping these conversations.

This is an honest look at where...

Season 3 of Two Personal starts with a real conversation. Joy opens up about taking a break, where she's been mentally, and what she is excited to share this season. From there, we get into everything: The creator vs journalist debate, media responsibility, Nick Cannon, global conversations, and the blurred lines shaping culture right now. Nothing is off limits.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lil Rel joins Joy Taylor on Two Personal for a hilarious, vulnerable, and wide-ranging conversation covering everything from pizza, pigeons, and NBA beefs to the state of modern comedy. He opens up about therapy, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and how grief, sobriety, and the pressure of performance shaped the persona he once hid behind. Rel shares wild early-career stories — including performing at a baby shower and opening for male strippers — while reflecting on why Eddie Murphy inspired his entire journey. Joy and Rel close with sharp takes on internet culture, emotional intelligence, failing forward, and the legends who shaped them.

WNBA star Lexie Brown joins Joy Taylor for a raw, unfiltered Two Personal interview — and nothing is off limits. From the WNBA’s “feminine era” to league gatekeeping, player relationships, NIL money, Crohn’s disease, dating as a pro athlete, and the reality of social media trolls — Lexie holds NOTHING back.

Lexie explains why the WNBA finally stopped gatekeeping players’ personalities, how femininity is finally being embraced, and the truth behind the public feud involving the commissioner. She also breaks down the new wave of fans, the impact of NIL on women’s sports, and why players deserve real reven...