Hot & Bothered
Welcome to Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford, the podcast where we break the silence and demystify wellness conundrums! Hosted by the dynamic Melyssa Ford, every episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and empowering stories for people navigating the challenges of wellness, intimacy, and health. Whether you're experiencing menopause, sexual dysfunction, sudden weight gain, or supporting someone who is - Hot and Bothered With Melyssa Ford is your go-to resource for information, support, and real talk. Let's embrace this journey together!
Episodes
Is Monogamy Natural? Shan & Jared Brady Get Honest About Open Marriage
Is Monogamy Natural? Shan & Jared Brady Get Honest About Open Marriage
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Love Didn’t Find Me Until 50” — Yvette Nicole Brown on Timing, Faith & Letting Go
Love Didn’t Find Me Until 50” — Yvette Nicole Brown on Timing, Faith & Letting Go
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“They Tried to Make Me the Villain” — Jess Hilarious on Fame, Motherhood & Surviving the Internet
“They Tried to Make Me the Villain” — Jess Hilarious on Fame, Motherhood & Surviving the Internet
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Claressa Shields on Papoose, 50 Cent Lawsuit & Being "Famous and Broke"
Claressa Shields on Papoose, 50 Cent Lawsuit & Being "Famous and Broke"
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Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on Power, Pain, and Purpose
On our Season Finale, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to sit down with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley inside her office in the historic Cannon House Office Building — standing at the very center of American politics. Being in those halls carries a weight, and that gravity shaped our conversation.We spoke about her journey into politics, the responsibility she feels to her constituents, and how her r
Still Behind Bars: Larry Hoover’s Story, Told By His Family
In this powerful episode of Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford, Melyssa sits down with the family of Larry Hoover — his wife, who has remained loyal and by his side for over 50 years, and his son, Larry Hoover Jr.Larry Jr. grew up believing his father was simply “at work” or away, only to later face the painful reality that his dad was behind bars — and may never come home. Together, they share the
From Paychecks to Purpose: A Kendra G Story
In this episode, I sit down in Chicago with media personality and dating powerhouse Kendra G for a real, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about betting on yourself — even when it means walking away from a steady paycheck. Kendra opens up about the courage it took to leave traditional career paths, build her wildly successful online dating show, and trust her vision when the path wasn’t always
Group Chat IRL: Holding It Together with Duct Tape & Prayer
This episode feels like the group chat came to life. Joined by my girlfriends, we talk about the holidays beyond the highlight reels—caregiving for parents, emotional burnout, family expectations, and the quiet sadness that can creep in this time of year. We laugh, we vent, and we remind each other (and you) that you don’t have to carry it all alone.
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Surviving The "Holidaze"
The holidays are supposed to be joyful—but for many, they magnify grief, loneliness, financial stress, and unspoken family wounds. In this timely and deeply compassionate episode, we’ve invited Dr. Shanté Holley back to unpack why the most “wonderful time of the year” can feel anything but. Together, we explore how loss, life transitions, strained relationships, and unmet expectations can make the
Thirty Years in the NBA Wives Club: Tracey Wilson Mourning Unfiltered
Tracey Wilson Mourning joins the show for a rare, no-holding-back conversation about what it really looked like to spend three decades married to one of the NBA’s most celebrated players. Tracey goes beyond the glamorous courtside images and opens up about the pressure, the expectations, and the emotional toll of living inside the ecosystem of a star athlete — a world where loyalty is demanded, pr
The person you marry is NOT the person you DIVORCE!
In this eye-opening episode, powerhouse divorce attorney Brandi Reeves breaks down the reality behind modern relationships and the legal business of marriage. From high-profile separations to everyday partnerships gone wrong, Brandi takes us inside the emotional and financial shifts that happen when love turns into litigation.She explains why marriage is more than a romantic commitment — it’s a le
The Sisterhood of Ananda Lewis & Stephanie Elam: 30 Years of Love, Laughter & Life
CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam joins Melyssa for a candid conversation about her 30-year friendship with Ananda Lewis, how Ananda’s passing reshaped her life, and what sisterhood truly means. Stephanie also opens up about navigating the pressures of being a Black woman journalist in today’s climate, balancing truth-telling with personal healing. It’s a powerful reflection on love, loss, and livi
Provocation with Purpose: Charlamagne Tha God Unfiltered
In this electrifying episode, Melyssa sits down with media mogul, cultural disruptor, and best-selling author Charlamagne Tha God for a conversation as fearless as his brand. Known for shaking tables, challenging norms, and saying the uncomfortable truths many avoid, Charlamagne opens up about the method behind the provocateur.They dive into his evolution from radio shock-jock to influential thoug
Swipe Culture & the Psychology of Connection
In this episode, Melyssa sits down with Dr. Shante Holley for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the modern minefield of relationships. From the rise of self-proclaimed online “experts” to the endless back-and-forth of gender wars on social media, they unpack how digital culture shapes the way we connect — and disconnect — with each other. Dr. Holley also explores the importance of psycho
The Love Life of a Mystery Woman: Mýa Tells All (Well, Almost)
Melyssa Ford sits down with the one and only Mýa—Grammy-winning singer, actress, and eternal mystery woman. For decades she’s been the industry’s quiet storm: dazzling, disciplined, and just elusive enough to keep everyone guessing. In this episode, Mýa peels back the curtain (but only as much as she wants to) to talk spirituality, her plant-based lifestyle, and why being vegan is way more than ju
The Best Of Season 2 Of Hot & Bothered
The Best Of Season 2 Of Hot & Bothered
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Unmasking Da’Vincii: Fame, Pressure & Peace of Mind
Melyssa is back on the road again and this time she sits down with a star from one of 50 Cent’s most successful shows. In this candid conversation, actor Da’Vincii—best known for his standout roles in BMF and All American—takes us far beyond the scripted lines and bright lights. We explore the mental and emotional toll of playing intense, high-stakes characters, and the importance of protecting yo
The Conversation Gets Heated: Gender, Power & Partnership
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Sisterhood & Seasons: The Real Talk We All Need
In this soul-nourishing episode, Mel invites part of her “Menoposse” up to the pod to talk about whole lotta 💩. We’re kicking off our shoes, pouring a glass (or two), and sitting down for a heart-to-heart about the power and beauty of sisterhood. We laugh, reflect, and get real about what it means to show up for each other—through the glow-ups and the breakdowns, the silent seasons, and the loud,
Hot Flashes & Hard Truths with NP Monica Carter
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with nurse practitioner Monica Carter to tackle some of the most pressing — and too often silenced — health issues affecting women, especially Black women. From navigating the rollercoaster of menopause and demystifying hormone replacement therapy, to understanding the nuanced connection between hormones and breast cancer risk, Monica breaks it
What in the Healthcare?! With Dr. Casey Collins
July is Fibroids Awareness Month so we took the opportunity to “scrub in” with Dr. Casey Ann Collins—a Doctorally trained Registered Nurse who’s equal parts brain, heart, and no-BS energy. She’s been in the trenches of modern healthcare and lived to tell the tale (with a side of sarcasm and receipts). We talk bedside manner vs. boardroom battles, how she balances science with soul, and why she bel
From the Struggle Bus to the Writers’ Room: Sam Jay’s Manifesto of Comedy & Chaos
This week, comedian, writer, and professional truth-teller Sam Jay pulls up and gets real about the wild ride from her rough childhood to running the late-night TV streets with her friends. We’re talking coming out in the most unapologetic way possible, discovering she was funny before she even knew it was a job, and how manifesting your dreams hits different when you’re actually doing it. Plus, p
Before She Let Go: April Simpkins on Love, Loss, and Cheslie Kryst
In this deeply moving and courageous episode, we sit down with April Simpkins—HR executive, mental health advocate, and mother of the late Cheslie Kryst—to discuss her personal journey through unimaginable loss. April opens up about the heartbreaking death of her daughter, the complexities of grief, and the long, winding road toward acceptance. With unflinching honesty, she shares how she’s naviga
Aging OUT LOUD: Wisdom, Wrinkles & Wild Stories
In this candid, witty, and powerfully honest episode, host Melyssa Ford pulls back the curtain on what it really means to age unapologetically. Joined by a vibrant panel of guests—each fierce, fabulous, and representing the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s—they unpack the myths, marvels, and messy parts of growing older, especially as women in a world obsessed with youth.From gray hair pride and laugh lines
Is There a Doctor in the House? Pt. 2 — Featuring Dr. Cheyenne Bryant
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with renowned life coach and psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant for a deeply honest conversation about the complex intersections of relationships, fatherless children, dating, marriage, and self-preservation. Dr. Bryant doesn’t hold back as she unpacks how absent fathers shape emotional patterns, the importance of accountability in personal growt
Is There a Doctor in the House? Pt. 1 — Featuring Dr. Cheyenne Bryant
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with renowned life coach and psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant for a deeply honest conversation about the complex intersections of relationships, fatherless children, dating, marriage, and self-preservation. Dr. Bryant doesn’t hold back as she unpacks how absent fathers shape emotional patterns, the importance of accountability in personal growt
From the NFL to Rock Bottom — Darren Waller’s Redemption Story
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Ts Madison: Queen of TRANSparency Pt. 2
Part two of this unforgettable conversation, we sit down with the iconic TS Madison — media maven, cultural disruptor, and walking testimony to the power of self-definition. With her signature wit and unapologetic truth-telling, Madison unpacks what it means to take up space as a Black trans woman in industries that often prefer silence over authenticity. From viral moments to visionary goals, we
Ts Madison: Queen of TRANSparency Pt. 1
In this unforgettable conversation, we sit down with the iconic TS Madison — media maven, cultural disruptor, and walking testimony to the power of self-definition. With her signature wit and unapologetic truth-telling, Madison unpacks what it means to take up space as a Black trans woman in industries that often prefer silence over authenticity. From viral moments to visionary goals, we explore t
The Silent Killer: What You Don’t Know About Heart Disease
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, cardiologist Dr. Alain R. Vaval, MD, sits down with Melyssa for a raw, real talk about one of the deadliest—and most preventable—threats to our lives: heart disease.
Why is it still the #1 cause of death in the U.S.? And why is it hitting the Black community the hardest? Dr. Vaval breaks down the truth about cholesterol, the real signs of a heart attack (
Surviving Fame, Finding Love, & The Bill Cosby Effect — Malcolm-Jamal Warner Unfiltered
Actor, musician, and generational icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner sits down with Melyssa Ford for a deep, vulnerable, and unfiltered conversation about legacy, fatherhood, and surviving the spotlight from childhood through adulthood.
From growing up on The Cosby Show to evolving beyond the shadow of “Theo,” Malcolm opens up about his personal journey — including his rocky start in love, why he once cho
Angie Martinez: The Voice of New York Turns Up the Heat
On this fiery episode of Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford, Melyssa flips the script and interviews the legendary Voice of New York—Angie Martinez. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop media, Angie steps into the spotlight for an intimate, revealing conversation unlike any she’s had before.Together, Angie and Melyssa carve out their personal “Women in Media Mount Rushmo
Straps, Stunts & Silicone: The Hidden Secrets of Hollywood Love Scenes
From carefully crafted sex scenes to jaw-dropping fight choreography, this episode dives into the unspoken tools of the trade—modesty garments, prosthetic penises, and how to fake it safely (and convincingly). Our guest, a seasoned intimacy coordinator and stuntwoman, pulls back the curtain on what really happens when the cameras roll but the clothes come off. Equal parts hilarious and eye-opening
NFL to Netflix: Julian Horton on Fame, Fallouts, Tyler Perry, & more
NFL to Netflix: Julian Horton on Fame, Fallouts, Tyler Perry, & more
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The Rebirth of Cool: October London Is Bringing Soul Back
Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, DJ, and entrepreneur October London sits down with Melyssa Ford for a soulful, unfiltered conversation on Hot & Bothered.
Fresh off the announcement of his Calling All Lovers Tour, October opens up about what it means to be crowned The Prince of Death Row Records, working directly with the DoggFather himself — Snoop Dogg — and carving out his own lane in t
The Audacity Of Belief: Tasha Smith Tells All
Ooooh yes, Tasha Smith is that girl — bold, brilliant, and completely unforgettable.
You know her as the no-nonsense Angela in Why Did I Get Married?, Cookie’s wild sister in Empire, and now as a powerhouse director behind the scenes of hits like BMF and P-Valley. But beyond the firecracker roles and fierce energy, Tasha has a story rooted in resilience, reinvention, and radical self-belief.
In
The Mental Health Red Flag You’ve Been Ignoring | Dr. Judith Joseph Tells All
In this eye-opening episode of Hot & Bothered, Melyssa Ford sits down with renowned psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, to uncover the truth behind a silent epidemic: High-Functioning Depression (HFD).
Dr. Joseph shares insights from her groundbreaking research — the first evidence-based study on HFD — and explains how countless people suffer in silence, performing at a high l
The Glow-Up Hurts: Melyssa Ford On Growing Pains & Going Deep
Welcome to Season 2 of Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford.
New set. New energy. No filter.
In this raw and revealing solo episode, Melyssa peels back the layers and opens up like never before. From the painful truth about growth and transformation to navigating life in a world that feels increasingly chaotic — she's bearing it all.
She takes us behind the scenes of building the new set, shares how
Season One Reflection & Highlights
In this special episode, Melyssa takes a deep dive into the journey of our first season—revisiting the standout moments, unexpected challenges, and key lessons learned along the way. We’ll highlight our favorite conversations, listener-favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the season came to be!
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just tuning in, this episode i
H&BWMF: Best of Season One
On this special episode of H&BWMF, Melyssa reflects on the best moments from season one, featuring insightful conversations about relationships, health, and intimacy. This episode highlights discussions with the likes of Dr. Somi Javaid, Dr. Femi, Natacha Ellie and Jadakiss on topics such as menopause, the journey of becoming a physician, the dynamics of friendship, and the importance of health aw
Kiss of Life: Jadakiss on Health, Hustle, and Hip-Hop
On this Season One finale of H&BWMF, Melyssa Ford sits down with rapper and entrepreneur Jadakiss, exploring his journey through the music industry, the importance of mental health, wellness and the evolution of hip-hop. They go down memory lane and discuss past collaboration and the nuance of the business. Jadakiss shares insights on personal growth, his coffee business, and the need for vulnerab
Childless Cat Lady
Melyssa Ford shares her personal journey of navigating through relationships, societal expectations, and self-discovery. She reflects on her life choices as a 48-year-old woman who is child-free and has never been married, discussing the pressures women face to conform to traditional roles. Through her experiences with engagements, love, and abuse, she emphasizes the importance of understanding on
Melyssa's Favorite Things
On this special episode of H&BWMF (from her recent YouTube Live) , Melyssa shares her favorite holiday gifts and self-care products, ranging from skincare essentials to sleep aids and intimate wellness items. Melyssa encourages the importance of self-care, health, and wellness, especially for women over 40. Melyssa discusses various products that have made a significant impact on her life, includi
Don’t Fear the Finger: What Your Doctor Wants You To Know with Dr. Fiyinfolu Balogun and Christopher Williams
On this episode of H&BWMF, we dive cheek-first into the world of prostate and colon cancer screenings—because nothing says “I love you” to your future self like a little awkward discomfort today with special guests Christopher Williams and Dr. Fiyinfolu Balogun. Join us as we demystify the who, what, and where (hint: it’s exactly where you think) of these life saving tests. We’ll tackle myths, sha
Surviving The Music Video Industry with Natasha Ellie | Part 2
In Part 2 of this episode with Natasha Ellie, Melyssa Ford explores the evolution of their friendship, the challenges of vulnerability, and the transition from girlfriend to wife, the importance of intentionality in dating and the need for open communication in relationships. They also discuss the feelings of envy that can arise in friendships, the mundane aspects of married life, the impact of pe
Surviving The Music Video Industry with Natasha Ellie | Part 1 of 2
On this episode of H&BWMF, Melyssa Ford joined by special guest, longtime friend, OG video vixen Natasha Ellie discuss the dynamics of female friendships, the challenges faced in the music video industry and the evolving standards of beauty. They dive into personal identities beyond societal labels, the impact of perception on women in the industry, the importance of self-acceptance and empowermen
Hot & Critical: Passion, Pressure and Survival with Nicole Winn
On this episode of H&BWMF, Melyssa Ford sits down with friend of the show, Nicole Winn, a former critical care nurse who has undergone multiple heart surgeries. They explore Nicole's shocking heart disease diagnosis, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, the realities of working in critical care nursing and the dynamics of professional relationships within the nursing field. Nicole shares
The Weight Is Over: The Truth About Weight Loss Meds with Dr. Cynthia Sanchez
On this episode of HBWMF, Melissa Ford sits with Dr. Cynthia Sanchez to discuss the complex nature of weight loss and the role of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. They explore the misinformation surrounding weight loss trends, the societal stigma surrounding weight loss medications, the impact of celebrity endorsements, the unique health challenges faced by women, especially during menopause and th
Racial Disparities In Women's Health with Dr. Femi
On this episode of HBWMF, Melyssa Ford alongside special guest Dr. Babalola OluFemi Jinadu, shares his journey to becoming an OBGYN, they explore the concerning healthcare racial disparities and gender dynamics in healthcare (particularly affecting Black women), the economic implications of women's health issues like fibroids, the treatment options for fibroids and the stigmatization of pain perce
Breaking The Silence On Menopause with Dr. Somi Javaid
On this episode of H&B, Melyssa Ford sits with special guest Dr. Somi Javaid to discuss the complexities of menopause and women's health, rarely discussed symptoms of perimenopause/menopause, emphasizing the need for education and advocacy in addressing menopause-related issues and the significance of creating a supportive environment for women. She shares her personal journey into medicine, the c
A New Era of Women's Health
In the inaugural episode of 'Hot and Bothered..', Melyssa Ford introduces her podcast, focusing on the journey through menopause, sexual wellness, and the challenges women face as they age. Melyssa shares her personal experiences and aims to create a platform for candid discussions about women's health, empowerment, and representation. This conversation seeks to challenge societal norms and stigma
Introducing | Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford
Welcome to Hot and Bothered with Melyssa Ford, the podcast where we have real, open conversations about sexual health, intimacy, and well-being for both women and men. Starting November 1st, then each and every Tuesday, listen to the Hot and Bothered with Melyssa Ford. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford:IG: @hotnbotheredpodcastX: @hotnbothe
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