Jordin Sparks on Competition: From the Idol Stage to the Roller Rink

From politics to sports to business, competition is undeniably a strong, driving force in our culture. But what role does competition play in creative success? Jordin Sparks joins us to talk about all the different eras of competition in her life—from growing up in a sports family to winning “American Idol” to hosting the new competition reality series “Roller Jam.” Through her stories of healing from physical trauma and publicly scrutinized relationships, she teaches us how self-compassion give us the ultimate competitive edge.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s no shortage of remedies for the hard times life deals us these days—therapy, drugs, Amazon Prime—but how does God fit into the mix? Today, we’re joined by Don Lemon, celebrated news anchor and journalist, who’s here to share his take on that question through the lens of his new book, “I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America.” We also unpack his high-profile departure from CNN, how he came to terms with his sexuality while maintaining his faith, and, of course, the moment we’ve all been dying to know more about: what was it really like getting drunk on live TV for New Year’s Eve?Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all know Rep. Jasmine Crockett for her infamous use of alliteration—firing off “bleach-blonde, bad-built, butch body” within a very close proximity to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. But who IS Jasmine Crockett? Today we’re talking about the challenges she’s faced navigating politics as a Black woman, how “the crazy folk are running an insane asylum,” and diving into everything you didn’t know about her—from what it was like being a Baptist kid at a Catholic school, to quitting a job defending “Big Pharma,” to her love for French 75s and emojis.Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s something truly transcendent about finding your voice in an industry that tries to mold you into what it thinks you should be! This week, we’re sitting down with your favorite “Bel-Air” star—the fierce and uniquely talented Coco Jones—to talk about her journey to discovering her authentic sound as an artist. From her Disney Channel days on “Let It Shine” to her breakout hit “ICU,” Coco opens up about the moment she learned how to really bare her soul in her music, and all the frustrations along the way. Then we get to see how well Coco knows OTHER Jones’s songs!Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready for some real (supernatural horror) talk! This week, the visionary filmmaker Lee Daniels joins us for a conversation about bringing real-life stories to the big screen. We dive into his latest creation “The Deliverance”—a supernatural horror movie based on real life events—and Lee opens up about his creative process and what’s driven him as a filmmaker—from “Precious” to “Empire” to “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” Then we find out whether he can tell the difference between real life news stories and Hollywood film plots in a game called “Dark but True, or Hollywood Fiction.”Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friendship, love, motherhood, and making moves—this episode has it all! The one and only La La Anthony joins us for a discussion on all things heart and hustle. She helps us sort out the murky gray area between friendship and networking, explains how she would revise her advice in “The Love Playbook,” and shares tips on co-parenting with boundaries. Then we talk TikTok, workout routines, and the value of brutal honesty in a little game of "Here For It or Nah.”Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There aren’t many people who can say they’ve grown up with a dad who’s a famous rapper—but a rapper AND a reverend? Today we’re bringing on the incredible Angela Simmons to talk all about what it was like growing up with a father who was, in fact, both. She shares all the sweet details of her journey from heartthrob reality star on “Run’s House” to her new vegan baking brand Angela’s Cakes. Then we play a game of “Sorry To This Man” and find out how well she really knows the music of the men in her life.Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready to embrace your roots! This week, the fabulous Uzo Aduba joins us for a powerful conversation presented by Dove all about natural hair and the CROWN Act. Uzo opens up about her natural hair journey from childhood to Hollywood, and picks apart what the industry gets wrong about natural hair. We dive into the importance of the CROWN Act, why it’s such a game changer for Black women. Then we test out options for Uzo’s next signature look in a game called “Mane Thriller.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We live in a time rapid cultural and technological evolution––but how do we evolve our careers and identities in a meaningful way? This week, Michaela Jaé is here to get real about the forces that shape who we are and who we want to become. From her iconic role on “Pose” to her rise as a singer and advocate, Michaela Jaé opens up about the personal and societal influences that have impacted her journey, and how much of herself she sees in the characters she plays. Then we turn up the heat with a game of “This One Has Some Sweetness to it.”Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s a form of expression, empowerment, and, in many ways, revolutionary. In this episode, one of our favorite iconic Leos––the trailblazing makeup artist Jackie Aina––joins us to talk about everything from her decision to start her YouTube channel to finding focus and setting boundaries. And of course, we get into Jackie’s incredible beauty brand Forvr Mood, and talk autumn perfume moods. Then we have some fun with a round of “Here For It or Nah,” where Jackie shares her takes on some of the stranger makeup trends out there.Listen to Baby, This is Keke Palmer on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/baby-this-is-keke-palmer/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.