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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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NFL to Netflix: Julian Horton on Fame, Fallouts, Tyler Perry, & more

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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.

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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.

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In this eye-opening episode of Hot & Bothered, Melyssa Ford sits down with renowned psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, to uncover the truth behind a silent epidemic: High-Functioning Depression (HFD).

Dr. Joseph shares insights from her groundbreaking research — the first evidence-based study on HFD — and explains how countless people suffer in silence, performing at a high level while secretly battling deep emotional pain.

We explore the difference between clinical depression and high-functioning depression, the symptoms you might be missing, and how her new book offers practical tools, self-assessments, and guidance to help identify and treat HFD before it spirals.

If you've ever felt “off” but couldn’t explain why, this episode is for you.

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Welcome to Season 2 of Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford.

New set. New energy. No filter.

In this raw and revealing solo episode, Melyssa peels back the layers and opens up like never before. From the painful truth about growth and transformation to navigating life in a world that feels increasingly chaotic — she's bearing it all.

She takes us behind the scenes of building the new set, shares how her life shifted post-Trump era, reads some of the most jaw-dropping (and heartwarming) comments from Season 1, and sets the tone for what’s to come: bold conversations, hand-picked guests, and no-holds-barred realness.

If you thought Season 1 was spicy, get ready — this season, we’re turning up the heat.

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In this special episode, Melyssa takes a deep dive into the journey of our first season—revisiting the standout moments, unexpected challenges, and key lessons learned along the way. We’ll highlight our favorite conversations, listener-favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the season came to be!

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just tuning in, this episode is a celebration of everything we’ve built together—and an opportunity to wet your whistle for what’s coming in season two!

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