This week on Angie Martinez IRL Podcast, her girl Taraji P. Henson joins her for a candid conversation that only two close friends could have.

Taraji didn’t sign up for fame, she signed up to create art as she believes art has the power to change and affect lives. But what happens when she looks in the mirror and doesn’t feel like she can provide that lift anymore? When things she thought made her happy don't cut it anymore? She has to go on her own journey to find happiness.

But Taraji isn't alone, Angie reveals her own moments of darkness and the awakening she experienced on a trip with Taraji. The two explain what it means to fight for your joy and digest the importance of friends who can save your life.

Their convo also explores managing social media addictions in a healthy way, unshakable faith, and a debate over the importance and need of ego.

In the words of Taraji, If you have a story to tell, tell it.


► Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:09 Being addicted to social media

05:51 Taraji explains her purpose

08:30 using gratitude to fight negative thoughts

09:39: Taraji hasn’t been happy for a long time

11:45 the power of telling your story

13:54 the world being overly judgmental

16:08 Taraji is learning patience

17:53 Taraji is going to Bali to find her happiness

19:31 not being around people when you’re not feeling your best

23:38 Taraji breaks down; she feels like she is “fighting for her life.”

25:55 Angie explains a time when she was low, and Taraji comforted her

29:19 the importance of having good friends

31:35 Taraji’s mission to humanize her characters Cookie (Empire) and Shug (Hustle & Flow)

35:23 the good and bad of EGO

36:20 why you shouldn’t strive to be the GREATEST

42:10 Taraji being nominated for her first Oscar

45:50 Taraji on Viola Davis and Regina King winning Emmys



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