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]

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. 😅

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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

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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]

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.

In this episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m joined by comedian, actor, producer, and music artist BT Kingsley. We dive into his journey—from young BT finding his voice on stage for the first time, to the real risks and rewards of being a full-time creative.

We talk about comedy, music, acting, the power of stillness, and the importance of community when you’re chasing your passion. BT opens up, drops gems, and shares a fire 16 from one of his records. I even confess something personal I’ve been sitting with lately.

This one’s honest, inspiring, and full of real talk—with a little humor and a lot of heart.

Highlights include:

• ​ BT’s first time on stage
• ​ Balancing comedy, acting, and music
• ​ Taking risks and betting on yourself
• ​ Why stillness is key
• ​ Community and staying grounded
• ​ A hot 16 from one of BT’s tracks
• ​ Some unexpected honesty and fun closer questions

Quick note: In the intro, I said BT freestyled—but to be clear, he actually dropped a hot 16 from one of his recorded tracks. Still fire, just not off the dome!

Follow BT Kingsley:

Instagram: @btkingsley

Website: btkingsley.com

YouTube: [Link]

Mr Kingsley Music: [Link]

Follow me and the pod:

Instagram: @erickalbates

Substack: [Link]

YouTube: [Link]

New episodes every Tuesday. Thanks for listening!

This week on I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m joined by the hilarious Courtney Haynes—comedian, vegan, and world traveler based in LA. We get into all the things: from her comedy journey to how young Courtney shaped the woman she is today. We also talk about the realities of traveling alone as a woman and as a vegan, finding calm in the chaos, and yes… the playlist you might not want to share with just anyone.

We laughed, we reflected, and we dropped gems. You’re gonna want to press play on this one.

In this episode:

• Courtney’s path to comedy

• Her favorite cities and unexpected travel moments

• What it’s like being a vegan on the road

• Girl talk, grace, and growth

• A playlist moment you won’t forget

Follow Courtney:

Instagram: [Link]

Website: [Link]

Connect with me:

Instagram: [@ErickaLBates]

Substack: [Link]

We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with comedian J.B. Ball, and let’s just say… this one’s for the people who love chaos, comedy, and a good curveball.

After a deep and thoughtful Part 1, this episode takes a left turn—into wild hypotheticals, sex talk, joy, and everything in between. J.B. shares what really makes him laugh, how he finds joy in the everyday, and what’s next for him in comedy and life.

This is the loose, unfiltered side of I Pick Passion and Funny—because passion isn’t always polished.

Watch Part 1 if you missed it – it’s the deep dive into comedy, culture, and purpose.

Follow J.B. Ball:

Instagram: [Link]

Website: [Link]

Latest Special (“Jesus in the Crackhouse”): [Link]

Connect with Me:

Instagram: [Link]

Substack: [Link]

YouTube: [Link]

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, I’m joined by comedian and writer J.B. Ball to talk about comedy, identity, and finding unity in a divided world.

We dive into his latest special, “Jesus in the Crackhouse” and the powerful message behind it: “We’re better together than apart.” J.B. gets real about navigating politics through humor, the responsibility of being a voice in the culture, and how he stays grounded through it all.

We also talk about his journey into comedy, who he was as “young J.B.,” and who he credits for the man he has become.

Note: Near the end of this episode, my video froze (yes… tech issues!), so you’ll only see J.B. if you’re watching—but you’ll still hear me clearly. We wrapped the conversation shortly after that moment.

Part 2 drops next Tuesday—and let’s just say, the energy shifts! We go from reflective to unhinged, covering everything from sex to wild hypotheticals, with plenty of laughs in between.

Connect with and Follow J.B. Ball:

Jesus in the Crackhouse 1-Hour Special: [Link]

Instagram: [Link]

Website: [Link]

Let’s Stay Connected:

Follow me on Instagram: [Link]

Subscribe to the newsletter: [Substack link]

Watch the podcast on YouTube: [Link]

This week on I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m joined by the multi-hyphenate force that is MegScoop—a host, actress, producer, and podcast queen who gets very real about faith, family, and finding purpose in the chaos.

We dive into:

• What it means to keep God at the center of your journey

• The raw, hilarious truths of motherhood (yes, she said after a certain time, “just call me Megan”)

• Navigating identity while juggling career, marriage, and motherhood

• How passion shifts and expands as life changes

Whether you’re a parent, a creative, or someone just trying to figure it all out—this episode will leave you laughing, nodding, and maybe even crying a little.

Follow MegScoop:

Instagram: @MegScoop

YouTube: [Mommy Needs a Break]

Let’s stay connected:

Instagram: [Link]

Newsletter + updates: [Substack]

Subscribe & leave a review—it helps more people find the show, please!

Tying the Knot Between Storytelling & the Mic with Jasmine Ellis

What happens when storytelling and stand-up comedy come together? Jasmine Ellis joins I Pick Passion and Funny to share her journey as a comedian, host, and storyteller. From crafting relatable jokes to hosting events that bring communities together, Jasmine brings a unique perspective on how stories shape the way we connect and laugh.

In this episode, we dive into:

🎤 Jasmine’s approach to blending storytelling with stand-up

🎭 What it was like performing at Hart Beat Studios this summer

🎙️ The balance between hosting and performing her own comedy sets

💡 The importance of representation and telling underrepresented stories

💍 How her personal life, including being in an interracial marriage, influences her comedy

🔗 Connect with Jasmine:

Instagram: [Link]

You can listen and watch Black Girl Panic streaming now and on Prime!

📩 Let’s Connect!

Subscribe to my Substack for behind-the-scenes insights: [Link]

Follow me on Instagram: [Link]

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more people discover the show!

This week on I Pick Passion, I’m joined by comedian, actress, writer, and host Katrina M. Harris—aka Trina With The Truth! Katrina’s comedy is raw, real, and unapologetically honest, and in this episode, we dive into what it means to stay true to yourself in the entertainment industry.

She shares the highs and lows of comedy, what it’s like navigating Hollywood as a truth-teller, and the tough yet powerful decision she made to pursue her passion while her children lived in Detroit.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✅ The power of truth in comedy and storytelling

✅ Overcoming self-doubt and bombing on stage

✅ The reality of Hollywood and staying authentic

✅ The emotional side of being a mother in the entertainment industry

✅ What Katrina wants her now, college children to learn from watching her chase her dreams

🔗 Connect with Katrina: [Link]

🔗 Connect with me: [Link]

✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate & review! It helps so much.