I Pick Passion and Funny

I Pick Passion and Funny

I Pick Passion and Funny is a podcast hosted by Ericka Bates where she sits down with comedian friends to talk candidly about career, creativity, and life. From navigating creative paths and life pivots to dealing with fear, burnout, money stress, and everyday absurdities, the conversations are honest, funny, and deeply relatable. This season is all about being more intentional; about the work, the conversations, and what it means to truly choose yourself. This isn’t a how-to podcast or a place for perfect answers. It’s a space for real stories, strong opinions, laughter, and figuring things out in real time. Some episodes go deep, some get ridiculous, and most do a little of both. Choosing passion isn’t always easy, but laughing through it makes the journey a lot better.

Episodes

June 17, 2026 37 mins

Life has been a lot lately… so this week, we’re taking a break from the heavy conversations.

In this episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m doing a fun, laid-back “get to know me” where I answer random questions, talk about my favorite things, and share a little more about who I am outside of big life updates and transitions.

We get into:

My favorite movies, music, and comfort shows

The kind of music I ...

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So… remember how I said I was moving to LA?

Yeah… that’s not happening in July anymore.

In this solo episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m sharing an honest update after things didn’t come together the way I expected behind the scenes. This isn’t a breakdown of logistics or details. It’s a real conversation about what it feels like when a plan you were excited about… doesn’t...

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I sat down to record an episode about money, my move to LA, and what it really looks like to take a financial risk on yourself…

…and then something happened later that same day.

This episode is both a conversation and a real-time update. What you hear at the beginning was recorded after I finished the original episode. I picked up my camera and just hit record. No plan, no polish. Just where I was in that moment.

In this...

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May 26, 2026 41 mins

What Did I Do?

I signed the papers to move out of my apartment… and immediately almost crashed out, what did I just do?

In this solo episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m bringing you into a real, unfiltered moment in my life as I prepare to move to Los Angeles. This is the follow-up I promised after my short season opener, and we’re getting into all of it.

This episode is part reflection, part Q&A, and part ...

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This week, I’m sitting down with comedian, writer, and actress Tyree Elaine for a conversation that feels like a real-life phone call with your friend.

This episode is honest, funny, reflective, and a little bit of everything in between. We talk about life, relationships, growth, and the thoughts women don’t always say out loud—but definitely think.

Tyree opens up about where she is right now, her journey through st...

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This week, I’m joined by comedian, actor, writer, and creator Justin Hires for a real, funny, and insightful conversation about growth, discipline, and not allowing fear to get you stuck.; also find out why we said “just don’t”!!

We talk about Justin’s journey across acting, stand-up, podcasting, and content creation—and how he’s continued to evolve while staying true to himself. From starri...

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This week, I’m joined by actress, comedian, and voiceover artist Megan Sousa for a conversation that’s honest, funny, and unexpectedly grounding.

We talk about everything from her journey through acting and comedy to creating meaningful spaces through Laugh Your Truth Productions. Megan opens up about listening to God, trusting her voice, and what it looks like to stay aligned in an industry that can feel unpredictable.

W...

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This week I’m joined by Chaz Rodgers, and when I say this episode is a rollercoaster… I mean it.

We talk jail, future selves, career paths, confidence, being non-compassionate (yeah… we went there), podcasting, and a whole lot more.

It’s hilarious, it’s real, and there are definitely gems dropped throughout.

This is our first guest episode of the season, and we’re coming in more intentional this t...

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I Pick Passion and Funny – Season 2, Episode 1

Title: I Owe You an Explanation

We’re back.

In this Season 2 premiere, I’m finally addressing the pause… the silence… and everything in between.

If you’ve been here, you know I didn’t just disappear for no reason. And if you’re new, this is the perfect place to jump in.

I’m not going all the way back, but I am getting honest about what...

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In this solo episode, I’m answering questions — the real ones. From chaotic career thoughts to navigating grief and wrestling with imposter syndrome, I open up about where I’ve been, what I’ve learned (or am still learning), and why trying matters more than pretending to have it all together.

This Q&A is a mix of heart, humor, and a little healing. If you’re figuring it out in real-time too… ...

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I’m back with a solo episode — the first one in a while — and this one’s all about real-life updates, unexpected leaps, and a few tech issues along the way.

I’m celebrating 100 YouTube subscribers (thank you!!), and opening up about a leap I recently took — one I didn’t plan for, but clearly needed to make. I talk about what led to that decision, how it’s shaping the path I’m on ...

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In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, I sit down with comedian, actress, and writer Brandi Denise—and we get into everything. From her wild Wild ’N Out audition story to cooking for joy, her upcoming comedy special, LA intentions, aliens, and even what brings her peace, this episode is a whole ride.

We also talk about passion, pressure, and making space for joy even in the chaos. And of course… dogs. Tune in fo...

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In this episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m joined by comedian, actor, producer, and music artist BT Kingsley. We dive into his journey—from young BT finding his voice on stage for the first time, to the real risks and rewards of being a full-time creative.

We talk about comedy, music, acting, the power of stillness, and the importance of community when you’re chasing your passion. BT opens up, drops gems, and...

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This week on I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m joined by the hilarious Courtney Haynes—comedian, vegan, and world traveler based in LA. We get into all the things: from her comedy journey to how young Courtney shaped the woman she is today. We also talk about the realities of traveling alone as a woman and as a vegan, finding calm in the chaos, and yes… the playlist you might not want to share with just anyone.

We lau...

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We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with comedian J.B. Ball, and let’s just say… this one’s for the people who love chaos, comedy, and a good curveball.

After a deep and thoughtful Part 1, this episode takes a left turn—into wild hypotheticals, sex talk, joy, and everything in between. J.B. shares what really makes him laugh, how he finds joy in the everyday, and what’s next for him in come...

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In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, I’m joined by comedian and writer J.B. Ball to talk about comedy, identity, and finding unity in a divided world.

We dive into his latest special, “Jesus in the Crackhouse” and the powerful message behind it: “We’re better together than apart.” J.B. gets real about navigating politics through humor, the responsibility of being a voice in the culture, an...

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This week on I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m joined by the multi-hyphenate force that is MegScoop—a host, actress, producer, and podcast queen who gets very real about faith, family, and finding purpose in the chaos.

We dive into:

• What it means to keep God at the center of your journey

• The raw, hilarious truths of motherhood (yes, she said after a certain time, “just call me Megan”)

• Navigating identity wh...

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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:

...

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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 de...

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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-...

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