I Pick Passion and Funny

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.

Comedy is more than just making people laugh—it’s a craft, a business, and sometimes even therapy. In this episode, comedian and writer Sydney Castillo joins me to talk about his journey in stand-up and TV writing (The Neighborhood, Marlon), how he deals with anxiety, and what keeps him going in an industry full of uncertainty.

We talk about:

🎤 Getting started in comedy & finding his voice

✍️ Writing for TV vs. stand-up

🧠 Balancing passion, pressure, and mental health

🙏 Leaning on faith in God through the ups and downs

💡 Advice for creatives navigating self-doubt

This episode is real, funny, and a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream while trying to keep their mind right.

📌 Connect with Sydney:

YouTube: My Cup is Full Pod [Link]

Patreon: [Link]

Website: [Link]

Instagram: [Link]

Catch him on the “My Cup is Full” Tour right now!

📲 Follow me for more: [Link]

⭐ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more people chasing their passions.

In this episode, I’m joined by the hilarious and authentic Jazmyn W—comedian, content creator, and master of bad advice. We’re diving into her journey in comedy, the realities of chasing your dreams, and how she balances career, motherhood, and keeping it real.

We also bring the fun with a Jaz After Dark segment (unfiltered and honest) and let Jazmyn dish out some of the worst, but funniest, life advice in Jazmyn Gives Bad Advice. And don’t miss the freebie Jaz After Dark at the end—it’s a spicy treat you won’t want to skip!

🎧 Tune in for girl talk, comedy, and real-life lessons—served with a side of laughs!

In this episode:

• How Jazmyn got started in comedy

• The highs and lows of following your passion

• Balancing career, life, and motherhood

• Jaz After Dark – Unfiltered takes on life & relationships

• Jazmyn Gives Bad Advice – The worst best advice you’ll ever hear

• Freebie Jaz After Dark – A special treat at the end!

Connect with Jazmyn W:

IG: [Link]

Patreon: [Link]

Website: [Link]

TikTok: [Link]

YouTube: [Link]

💌 Love the show? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend, please!

This week marks a big moment—the first official episode of I Pick Passion and Funny! And I couldn’t have asked for a better guest than Erica of Full Moon Organizing to help kick things off with nonstop laughter, unexpected surprises, and some hilariously relatable moments.

Erica is a professional helper who transforms messy spaces and overwhelmed minds—but ironically, she’s still learning to do the same for herself. She’s also built a reputation for reviewing comedy shows in her IG stories, even though she still thinks she’s invisible. Spoiler: She’s definitely not!

In this episode, we talk about:

• ​ How she balances helping others while still figuring things out herself

• ​ Her journey with social anxiety and how comedy has helped

• ​ The wildest and most unexpected things she’s found while organizing homes

• ​ The moment she realized comedians actually know her for her reviews

• ​ That hilarious, unplanned “administration” interruption that threw us off track

This episode is funny, lighthearted, and full of surprises—just like Erica!

📺 Watch now: [Link]

📲 Follow Erica & Full Moon Organizing: [Link]

Book her services: [Link]

🎙️ Follow I Pick Passion & Funny for more: [Link]

🔥 Loved the episode? Don’t forget to rate and review on your favorite podcast platform! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps others find these laughs and keeps the passion going!

Let me know what you think—and would you let Erica organize your life? (Be honest.)

Look, I know—I just rebranded on New Year’s Day, and here I am again. But listen, sometimes the vision gets clearer after you start, and this new era? It just makes sense. In this episode, I break down why I Pick Passion and Funny is the move, what this means for the podcast, and how we’re officially making passion less serious and way funnier.

We’re talking comedians, comedy-adjacent guests, and real talk about chasing dreams—with laughs along the way. If you’re tired of self-help podcasts that sound like a motivational speaker trapped in a YouTube ad, this is the show for you.

Also… I know this episode is late. Like, real late. But hey, better late than never, right?

What’s Inside:

• Why I’m rebranding (again… but for real this time)

• What I Pick Passion and Funny is all about

• The future of the pod (Patreon? More comedy? We getting into it.)

• A reminder that passion doesn’t have to be so serious—get these laughs!

Let’s Connect:

• Follow the show for weekly episodes! Also, check out my YouTube for more!

• Rate & review—because it helps more people find us (and it makes me feel good, okay?)

• Follow me on [IG] for updates, laughs, and behind-the-scenes!

Gigi LeFlair is funny, fearless, and unapologetically southern. But her journey to comedy wasn’t always easy. In this episode, she shares how she navigated life with cerebral palsy, found her voice in comedy, and built a career that stays true to who she is.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️ Growing up in South Carolina & embracing her southern roots

✔️ How she overcame cerebral palsy to chase her dreams

✔️ Her wildest and funniest moments on stage

✔️ The highs and lows of being a comedian in today’s world

✔️ What’s next for her in comedy

This episode is full of laughs, tears, inspiration, and unapologetic realness. Press play and join the conversation!

📌 Connect with Gigi LeFlair:

Instagram: @GigiLeFlair

Website: gigileflair.com

YouTube: Gigi LeFlair

📧 Subscribe to the I Pick Passion Newsletter: [Substack link]

📺 Watch on YouTube: Here

👕 Check out the I Pick Passion Merch: [link]

This week on I Pick Passion, we’re talking all things hustle, comedy, and entrepreneurship with the one and only Lawrence Killebrew. From open mics to touring with legends like Kevin Hart, Katt Williams, and Bill Burr, Lawrence has built a career rooted in passion, perseverance, and undeniable hustle.

But his grind doesn’t stop at comedy. He’s also an entrepreneur with ventures in candles, coloring books, and even candy bars (yes, we’re getting into that story). Plus, he’s giving back to his community through Killebrew Kicks, his nonprofit that donates sneakers to deserving students.

In this episode, we talk about:

🔥 The journey from open mics to national tours

🎭 What really happens before the stage—behind-the-scenes of Comedy Hustle

🍬 His unexpected business ventures—candles, coloring books, and candy bars (yes, we’re talking Crunchwrap inspiration)

👟 How he’s using his platform to give back through Killebrew Kicks

💡 The mindset it takes to turn passion into longevity

If you’re chasing your dreams, building something from the ground up, or just need a good laugh, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now or watch on YouTube!

Connect with Lawrence Killebrew:

🔗 Website: [Link]

📸 Instagram: @lawrencec3h]

🎤 Comedy Hustle Live: Apple Music]

Connect with Me:

📩 Subscribe to my newsletter: [Click Here]

📸 Instagram: @ErickaLBates

Like, Comment, Rate, and Follow!

This week, I share my love letter to LA—a city that’s been through so much recently. From my firsthand experience with the fires during my trip to the resilience of the community coming together, I reflect on the beauty and challenges of Los Angeles.

I also dive into the misconceptions about wealth in LA and why it’s important not to make assumptions about people’s financial status based on appearances.

Although this episode is a week behind schedule, the message is still timely. It was recorded before the recent rain in LA, which has thankfully brought some relief, but the recovery process is far from over. Let’s continue to support those affected.

Resources to Support Recovery Efforts:

• Red Cross Los Angeles: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles.html

• California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: https://www.calfund.org/wildfire-recovery-fund/

• Los Angeles Food Bank: https://www.lafoodbank.org/

• Direct Relief: https://www.directrelief.org/

These organizations are actively involved in providing assistance to those affected by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Your support can make a significant difference in their ongoing relief efforts.

Thank you for tuning in!

It’s a new season for I Pick Passion – and we’re leaning into more laughs, more realness, and more YOU! In this episode, I dive into why the podcast is shifting towards a funnier, lighthearted vibe, while still staying grounded in authenticity. Life’s too short not to laugh while chasing what lights you up, and I’m here to make sure we do both.

I’ll break down:

• The why behind the rebrand and what inspired this shift.

• How humor is becoming part of the journey (because we all need it).

• What you can expect from future episodes – the balance of passion, honesty, and entertainment.

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for you to come along for the ride.

Resources & Mentions:

• Pre-launch merch is live – [https://ipickpassion.creator-spring.com]

• Subscribe to the newsletter on Substack – [https://epickspassion.substack.com]

• Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content – [https://www.instagram.com/erickalbates/profilecard/?igsh=MXBtYW9pcm1vM2pzOA==]

Call to Action:

If you’re feeling this new vibe, hit that follow button and share the podcast with a friend! Don’t forget to leave a review – it helps the show grow and reach more amazing people like you.