Wilmer Valderrama joins Shawn Stockman to talk That ’70s Show, the mystery of where Fez is actually from, learning English through acting, and his journey from Venezuela to Hollywood. He also opens up about breaking out of Fez typecasting, building a decade-long run on NCIS, and the music and culture that shaped him.

Wilmer Valderrama sits down with Shawn Stockman for a funny, thoughtful, and inspiring episode of On That Note.

Wilmer looks back on growing up in Venezuela, where salsa and merengue filled the house every morning, and shares how moving back to the United States as a teenager without knowing English became one of the most challenging turning points of his life. He explains how performing arts, theater, and acting helped him learn the language, build confidence, and find a way forward.

The conversation dives deep into That ’70s Show, from Wilmer’s emotional audition story to the mystery of where Fez is actually from. Wilmer reveals why the show never officially defined Fez’s country, the joke endings he imagined for the character, and how the role changed his life after his dad borrowed gas money to get him to the final audition.

Wilmer also talks about the challenge of breaking out of Fez typecasting, the intentional indie roles that helped reshape how Hollywood saw him, and how that work eventually led to his long run on NCIS. He reflects on Latino representation, Desi Arnaz, Antonio Banderas, Pedro Pascal, Encanto, My Cultura Podcast Network, Essential Voices, and why film, television, music, and podcasting can all be vessels for healing and connection.

A powerful conversation about identity, culture, comedy, music, family, and the long road from being a foreign exchange student on TV to becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Latino actors.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D-Nice reflects on creating classics with KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, from “Self Destruction” and “My Philosophy” to the journey that led him from the Bronx to Club Quarantine.

In this episode, Shawn Stockman sits down with D-Nice for a wide-ranging conversation about hip-hop history, soul music, Scott La Rock, KRS-One’s impact, the records fans may not know he produced, and how Club Quarantine became a global community during one of the most isolating moments in modern life. D-Nice also opens up about DJing for President Obama, performing at the Oscars, rediscovering his early music legacy, and why kindness, connection, and service still drive everything he does.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keri Hilson opens up about the real meaning behind “Pretty Girl Rock,” Kanye West’s last-minute verse on “Knock You Down,” and the 2000s R&B run that made her one of the era’s most important voices.

In Part 2 of her conversation with Shawn Stockman, Keri goes deeper into the hit records and behind-the-scenes stories fans have been waiting for — working with Britney Spears during the Blackout era, defending Omarion’s voice, shaping songs as both an artist and songwriter, and reflecting on what it took to step away from music and eventually find her way back. It’s a conversation about legacy, pressure, confidence, reinvention, and the real stories behind the songs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Estelle sits down with Shawn Stockman for a powerful conversation on “American Boy,” meeting Kanye West, manifesting John Legend, and carrying West London soul onto a global stage.

In this episode of On That Note, Estelle opens up about the creative instincts, industry lessons, and personal belief system that shaped her career. She reflects on selling thousands of CDs herself, building her own label, navigating labels that didn’t understand her, the story behind “American Boy,” her connection with John Legend, and the deeper legacy of representing Black UK music around the world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The-Dream is the hitmaker behind era-defining records like Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” but this conversation goes far beyond the credits. He joins Shawn Stockman to talk about what makes a song timeless, why music has to connect with real people, and how the greatest records carry pieces of life inside them.

In this episode, The-Dream opens up about songwriting, fame, love, family, Atlanta roots, industry lessons, and the philosophy behind giving the right song to the right artist. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and deeply honest look at the mind of one of music’s most legendary pens.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Benét joins Shawn Stockman for a conversation about R&B legends, real vocals, Quincy Jones, Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, and the stories that shaped his life in music.

From True to Myself and “Femininity” to Philly sessions, songwriting, stagecraft, modern performance, and the difference between vocal flash and real feeling, Eric reflects on the craft, discipline, and soul behind his career.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ralph Tresvant sits down with Shawn Stockman to trace the real New Edition origin story, unpack the truth behind Bobby Brown’s exit, and reveal how “Sensitivity” nearly became something completely different before it turned into his defining solo record.

In this episode, Ralph reflects on growing up in Boston, how New Edition first came together, the early Maurice Starr days, the pressure and fallout surrounding Bobby Brown leaving the group, and the creative shift that led him from a funk-driven mindset into the smooth, timeless sound of “Sensitivity.” It’s a rare look at the formation of an icon, told by the voice who lived it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bell Biv DeVoe break down the rise and fall of New Edition, and how their split led to the creation of BBD.

Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, and Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe join On That Note to break down the full story of New Edition — from their formation and early rise with hits like “Candy Girl” to the pressures, conflicts, and eventual split that led to the creation of BBD. They reflect on the Bobby Brown departure, the grind of performing as teenagers, and how they reinvented themselves with a new sound that helped define a generation of R&B. This is the real story behind the rise, fall, and rebirth that shaped New Edition and launched Bell Biv DeVoe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brooke Payne reflects on building New Edition from the ground up, developing Boyz II Men into complete performers, and creating the blueprint for what a successful R&B group looks like—from talent and personality to stage presence and showmanship.

In this episode, Payne shares the story of discovering young talent in Boston, shaping groups through discipline and performance training, and the philosophy that separates performers from true entertainers. From early beginnings at the Boys Club to working with some of the biggest names in music, this is a look at the vision and leadership behind some of the most iconic acts of all time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Patrick Thomas joins Shawn Stockman to break down Save the Last Dance, Barbershop, Cruel Intentions, and the career that made him one of the defining Black male leads of the early 2000s.

From dance films and romantic dramas to Gen V and The Boys, Sean reflects on the roles that shaped his path, his Guyanese roots and musical influences, and what it meant to break through in Hollywood during a pivotal era. It’s a thoughtful conversation about identity, timing, legacy, and choosing work that actually lasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices