In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes welcomes Morris Chestnut, Taylor Polidore, and Tank for a candid conversation about perseverance [00:00], career lessons, and their characters’ complicated dynamics [00:17]. They examine why talented men sometimes get a pass for bad behavior [00:52], the responsibility of men to protect women in uncomfortable situations [02:03], and the importance of respect and accountability [03:27], especially when women are unfairly labeled difficult [04:38]. The conversation explores portraying characters whose actions conflict with personal values [05:20] and approaching acting with empathy rather than judgment [06:26]. Tank credits Jamie Foxx as a pivotal mentor [07:14], while Taylor shares how memoirs from influential Black actresses helped guide her career [08:20]. They also discuss giving back and maintaining a strong work ethic [10:02].

The trio reflects on the sacrifices behind success [12:00], missing important family moments [13:21], navigating different seasons of life and career [14:14], and balancing ambition with family responsibilities [14:18]. They unpack handling rejection [15:27], including Tank’s humbling onstage experience [17:25] and a disappointing career setback for Taylor [18:53]. From advice to their younger selves about trusting the process and not taking rejection personally [20:38] to rapid-fire lessons inspired by their characters [25:15], Morris, Taylor, and Tank leave listeners with reminders about resilience, accountability, and staying committed to their craft [27:10].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amber Grimes sits down with Reasonable Doubt stars Emayatzy Corineal and McKinley Freemandi to unpack the powerful meaning behind Jax and Lewis’ intimate hair scene [00:00] and the emotional stakes of their relationship [00:33]. The actors reveal how playing the couple has shaped their own views on relationships and marriage [01:22], debating forgiveness versus simply moving forward [03:38], loyalty versus love [05:39], and how Lewis can support Jax without losing himself [07:12]. They also explore Jax’s vulnerability after trauma [09:39], what both characters need emotionally [11:58], and the therapy, accountability, listening, and commitment required for them to thrive together [15:05].

McKinley and Emayatzy explain why portraying such a complicated marriage works for them as actors [18:40] and revisit the hair scene as meaningful Black imagery centered on trust, care, and intimacy [20:41]. They break down their preparation and commitment to the roles [22:55], the process of becoming Jax and Lewis [24:14], and the intensity surrounding the courtroom defense in the Reasonable Doubt finale [27:25], while giving credit to creator Raamla Mohamed and the writers for allowing the characters—and their marriage—to remain messy, layered, and real [29:13].

Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Follow Emayatzy Corinealdi

@emayatzycorinealdi

Follow Mckinley Freeman

@mckinleyfreeman

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET

Follow Amber's Book Club

Get Amber's Book Club Merch

Read Amber's Favorite Books

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amber Grimes sits down with Abbott Elementary star William Stanford Davis, who traces his journey from a childhood vision of seeing himself on TV [00:00] and the myth of overnight success [00:56] to finding inspiration in Black entertainers like Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. [02:14]. He recalls DJing [04:59], playing in bands [07:07], Upward Bound [08:26], radio success [10:06], and facing racism and setbacks in Texas [11:18] before moving to Los Angeles [13:47]. Comedy classes led to his first commercial [14:34], followed by acting training and early roles [17:05] as he learned to define success through the craft itself [21:05], guided by faith, gratitude, and his grandmother’s mantra: “we don’t quit” [24:43].

Davis reflects on seeing his childhood vision become reality [28:11], the sacrifices behind it [29:35], his grandmother’s influence [31:22], and the mentors who helped shape him [32:12]. He breaks down auditioning during COVID [34:32], the Abbott Elementary broom dance that helped him stand out [36:37], becoming a series regular [39:36], and experiencing global recognition [41:05] alongside Quinta Brunson and the cast [42:47]. Davis closes with lessons on practicing your craft daily [47:18], recognizing young talent [49:12], encouraging dreamers to experience life and never quit [50:42], and remaining grateful for the journey [53:53].

Ask or Share with Amber: withambergrimes@gmail.com

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Follow William Stanford Davis

@thewilliamstanforddavis

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET

Follow Amber's Book Club

Get Amber's Book Club Merch

Read Amber's Favorite Books

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.