I Pick Passion and Funny

Hosted by Ericka L. Bates

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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46 recent

August 19, 2026Episode 1239 min

I Need Your Help, Discouragement, & Life Lately!

I’ve been gone for a couple of weeks, and honestly, I needed a minute. In this episode of I Pick Passion and Funny , I’m talking about what’s been going on lately, including my frustration with my Michael Jackson reaction videos being blocked and my search for someone who can help me figure out what I’m missing. I’m also talking about the discouragement that comes with job searching, some details from a recent job interview and assessments, and what it’s been like trying to keep creating while navigating all of it. And yes, @Hazesoundwaves, I’m calling on you! 😂 He’s a dope YouTuber and love his reaction videos! Go check him out. If you know what I’m doing wrong with these reaction videos, I need your help! Thanks for sticking with me while I figure things out.

July 24, 2026Episode 1136 min

Get to Know Me Some More! Pt. 2

We’re back with part two of my “get to know me” series. In this episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I’m answering a mix of random, personal, and creative questions that give you a deeper look into who I am day to day. We get into everything from pet peeves and weird habits to what inspires me creatively and what I want my life to feel like. In this episode: * Random quirks, habits, and everyday annoyances * What I was like growing up and how I’ve changed * The kind of people I gravitate toward * My creative process and what inspires me * What motivates me when I’m in a slump * The kind of life I’m building and how I want it to feel This one is honest, a little reflective, and still fun. If you’ve been listening along, thank you for being here. And if you’re new, this is a perfect episode to get to know me a little more.

July 15, 2026Episode 1039 min

Life Lately, Thank You… & Remembering Who I Am ⭐️

A quick life update and a moment of reflection. In this episode of I Pick Passion and Funny, I share what life has looked like lately after moving back home for a temporary season, how I’ve been adjusting, and what this shift has been teaching me. I also take a moment to say thank you. The growth, especially on YouTube, has not gone unnoticed, and I’m incredibly grateful for this community. We talk about: * Adjusting to being back home * Recording in a new space (from my local library) * Leaning more into MJ content * Being reminded of who I am at my core At the end of the day, I’m a storyteller. I’m a journalist. And this season is bringing me back to that. Thank you for being here!

June 18, 2026Episode 937 min

Get to Know Me…Outside of the Chaos!

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 grew up on vs what I love now My go-to foods and everyday favorites Whether I’m a morning or night person (honestly… I’m probably more of an afternoon girlie) What I was like growing up and things people might not know about me I also share a bit about my upbringing. I grew up as an only child for a while, until my sister was born and my older brother came along, which shaped a lot of my personality and perspective. This episode felt like a reset. Just a chance to talk, laugh, and be me for a second. If you’ve been here for the journey lately, thank you and if you’re new, this is a good place to get to know me a little better. New episodes of I Pick Passion and Funny drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

June 10, 2026Episode 824 min

So…I’m Not Moving to LA (Right Now)

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 happen. We talk about: * The emotional side of sharing a big decision publicly and having to pivot * Feeling discouraged, embarrassed, and trying to process it in real time * The reality of still having to move without a clear next step * Navigating the “in-between” when things don’t go as planned * My creative flow feeling off and how life transitions impact that * Rerouting without giving up on the bigger vision I meant everything I said about choosing myself and going after more. That hasn’t changed. The timeline just has. If you’re in a moment where things didn’t work out the way you thought they would… you’re not alone. New episodes of I Pick Passion and Funny drop every Tuesday.

June 5, 2026Episode 729 min

Let’s Talk About Money… and Then This Happened!

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 episode, I talk about: The financial reality of moving to Los Angeles Taking risks without having everything figured out Leaving stability and what that actually feels like My mindset around money in this season of my life Applying for an apartment and what came after This is what it looks like to choose yourself in real time. Not perfectly. Not confidently every second. But honestly. If you’ve ever made a big decision and had to face the reality of it right after… this one is for you. New episodes of I Pick Passion and Funny drop every Tuesday.

May 27, 2026Episode 641 min

WHAT HAVE I DONE?

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 real-time processing as I navigate a major life decision. We talk about: * Why I’m moving to LA and what pushed me to finally do it * The fear, doubt, and excitement that hit me right after making it official * What “picking passion” looks like for me right now * Career updates and what I’m building next * Why this season may include more solo episodes * Launching my Patreon as a natural pivot for exclusive content (including MJ music reaction videos) * A creator who I’m inspired by and his reaction videos * Plus a few fun, light questions to keep it honest and balanced This episode includes a real, emotional moment recorded right after I signed my move-out paperwork. No filters. No polish. Just the truth. If you’ve ever made a bold decision and immediately questioned it… this one is for you. Support & Extras: Join my Patreon, please, for upcoming exclusive content + MJ music reaction videos: Link to first upload Go to my YouTube for more and if you want to see my EMOTIONAL meltdown after signing my move-out paperwork! New episodes of I Pick Passion and Funny drop every Tuesday.

May 19, 2026Episode 51 hr 57 min

You’re Not Trippin’ with Tyree Elaine

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 stand-up and writing, stepping away from certain things, and what it looks like to evolve in real time. We also get into spirituality, identity, and trusting yourself through different seasons of life. This is one of those conversations where you might find yourself saying, “okay… so it’s not just me.” You’re not trippin’. ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode: * Where Tyree is in life right now * Her journey through stand-up, writing, and stepping back * Navigating growth and evolving as a woman * Spirituality and personal reflection * The real thoughts women have but don’t always say * Friendship, identity, and figuring it out in real time ⸻ 💌 Let’s stay connected Follow Tyree Elaine on IG: @tyreeelaine All things Tyree on her YouTube channel: Link She’s Tyree Elaine everywhere! She has a website also being redeveloped: www.tyreeelaine.com Follow your host: IG Follow the podcast: @ipickpassionprods We are growing on Facebook also: Link If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share; it helps the podcast grow and reach more people!

May 12, 2026Episode 442 min

Instead of Do It, Just Don’t with Comedian Justin Hires

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 starring in major TV series to building his voice online, Justin shares what it takes to navigate the industry and life with intention. We might’ve also discussed toxic traits! At the core of this conversation, it’s compact, but impactful and meaningful. Don’t miss it! ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode: * Justin’s journey through acting, comedy, and content creation * Lessons from working in television and film * Reinvention and evolving as a creative * Podcasting and building your voice * Discipline, mindset, and self-awareness * “Instead of do it… just don’t” ⸻ 🔗 Connect with Justin Hires Killin It (Podcast): [ Link ] Stand-up YouTube: [ Link ] Main YouTube: [ Link ] Website: [ Link ] Instagram: [ Link ] Facebook: [ Link ] ⸻ 💌 Let’s stay connected Follow the podcast: @ipickpassionprods Follow your host: IG YouTube Channel If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, review, and leave a rating—it helps the podcast grow and become more discoverable!

May 5, 2026Episode 31 hr 24 min

You Are Still a Healer w/ Comedian and Actress Megan Sousa

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. We also get into self-care, “robe era” life, reset days, and the importance of showing up as your full self—on and off stage. This one is for anyone navigating growth, purpose, and figuring it out in real time. ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode: * Megan’s journey through acting, comedy, and voiceover * Creating community through Laugh Your Truth Productions * Listening to God and trusting your path * What it means to be a healer * The importance of rest, reset, and self-care * “Robe era” and finding joy in the little things ⸻ 💌 Let’s stay connected Follow Megan Sousa: Instagram Keep up with Lyt Comedy: Instagram Megan’s website Follow the podcast: @ipickpassionprods Follow your host: @ErickaLBates If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, review, and leave a rating—it helps the podcast grow and become more discoverable.