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In Bed with Bevy
Justin Sylvester
In this vibrant episode of In Bed with Bevy, Bevy Smith snuggles up with the one and only Justin Sylvester - pop culture impresario, E! News icon, and co-host of The Yestergays.
Justin opens up about his incredible "rags-to-riches" journey, from his small-town roots in Louisiana to moving to Los Angeles with just $2,000 in a shoebox. He shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he became Kyle Richards' assistant just as The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills began, and how that experience launched his career in entertainment. Together, they dive deep into:
- The "Middle" Philosophy: Why Justin prefers the hustle of "the middle" over the isolation of extreme fame.
- Career Milestones: Reflections on his five-year run on the Today Show and his time at E! News.
- Representation in Media: A candid conversation on the importance of DEI and the impact of being a Black gay man in morning television.
- Life Lessons: Handling rejection, the value of intellectual property, and why he’ll always give fans their "moment."
Packed with laughter, wisdom, and a legendary Beyoncé sighting at Target, this interview is a masterclass in resilience and staying true to yourself while conquering Hollywood.
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Connect on Socials and more!
http://linktree.com/BevySmith
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http://www.tiktok.com/@BevySmith
http://BevySmith.com
Produced by - BTW Studios
Director - Tunisia Wilson
Videographer- DJ Pastillo
2nd Videographer - Noel Robles
Editor - Eric Fisher
Florist - Ashley Jones
Location - SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
TIMESTAMPS
00:00:13 - Welcome and introduction of Justin Sylvester
00:01:00 - On top or under the covers?
00:01:23 - Meeting in New York and their mutual admiration
00:01:59 - Discussing "The Middle" and career progression
00:03:24 - Aspirations and the reality of fame (Ryan Seacrest and Beyoncé)
00:04:40 - A story about seeing Beyoncé in Target
00:05:28 - Justin's journey from Louisiana to E! News
00:10:11 - Meeting Kyle Richards and the start of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
00:12:21 - Discussing The Yestergays with Blakeley Thornton
00:14:15 - The importance of intellectual property and side hustles
00:15:21 - Bevy on taking control of her destiny at age 38
00:18:16 - Justin's time on Jenna & Friends and morning television
00:20:34 - Being a finalist for the Today Show host position
00:24:19 - The impact of DEI and representation in media
00:32:15 - Dealing with rejection and finding new energy
00:35:53 - Moving to LA with $2,000 in a shoebox
00:37:56 - Reflecting on the final interview with Cicely Tyson
00:41:01 - Justin's perspective on egos and ensemble work
00:46:50 - Learning from Kyle Richards: Giving fans their moment
#bevysmith #itgetsgreaterlater #inbedwithbevy
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5. Sunny Anderson
01:17:37||Season 1, Ep. 5Bevy Smith welcomes legendary Chef and Primetime personality Sunny Anderson into bed for a deep dive into her incredible journey! Sunny dishes on how she has navigated her career, from the high-energy chaos of Hot 97 as a member of the "Murda Mamis" crew, to becoming a staple on the Food Network and joining the "Drew Crew" on The Drew Barrymore Show. Sunny shares the raw, behind-the-scenes reality of staying persistent in the face of industry pressure and why she’s never let "imposter syndrome" have a seat at her table.Beyond the career milestones, the two get personal about protecting your peace, the lessons learned from difficult family dynamics, and the power of manifesting a life of intentionality. Sunny opens up about her unique perspective on retirement, her passion for lifelong learning, and the heartwarming homage she pays to her grandma. Packed with laughter, nostalgic Hip Hop memories, and actionable advice for "the middle" of your career, this episode of In Bed with Bevy is a celebration of authenticity and the beauty of chasing your dreams at any age.Subscribe for updates! http://YouTube.com/@TheeBevySmith and find Sunny on her channel @SunnyAndersonOfficial Connect on Socials and more!http://linktree.com/BevySmithhttp://instagram.com/BevySmithhttp://www.tiktok.com/@BevySmithhttp://BevySmith.comProduced by - BTW Studios Director - Tunisia Wilson DP - Christian Fernandez 2nd Videographer - Noel RoblesEditor - Eric Fisher Thumbnail photography by Fernando GonzalezLocation - The Wall Street Hotel http://TheWallStHotel.com MUA - Kai Pritchard #bevysmith #inbedwithbevy #itgetsgreaterlater 00:00 - Bevy kicks things off with Sunny Anderson, discussing their history and the art of the career pivot. And what exactly is a "Murda Mami"??01:38 - The Hot 97 connection... we take a look back at how Bevy and Sunny first bonded during their time in the radio world03:17 - Sunny shares the pivotal journey from the airwaves of Hot 97 to becoming a Food Network star05:07 - Real talk on the grit required to handle the business side of entertainment and stay in the game08:21 - Sunny discusses her early experience broadcasting in the military and how it shaped her career10:39 - That life-changing call!! The moment the Food Network finally called and how it changed everything11:10 - Authenticity vs. Industry Pressure: How Sunny stayed true to herself while navigating the demands and pressures of fame14:15 - Sunny talks about her role on The Drew Barrymore Show and the joy of that collaboration15:38 - Fueling success with "Hater Energy" -- A masterclass on turning negativity and doubt into motivation to succeed19:33 - Developing the mental toughness needed to handle the spotlight and the dynamics of success22:31 - Mother/Daughter talks... Bevy and Sunny reflect on family dynamics and the lessons learned from their mothers25:30 - Hot 97 memories: Aaliyah & 9/11 - some nostalgic reflections on the chaotic energy of Hot 97 during some of New York’s biggest moments.29:20 - Don't feed the trolls!! Sunny shares how she dealt with early critics and online trolls before it was common33:11 - Crucial advice for those who find themselves in the middle stages of their professional journey36:30 - Chasing dreams, while managing stress! Why mental well-being is a prerequisite for successfully pursuing your biggest goals39:47 - 40 Seasons of The Kitchen!? Sunny reflects on the incredible longevity and success of the hit Food Network show, The Kitchen.44:13 - Sunny discusses her long-term strategy for financial freedom and living with intention49:21 - The importance of hobbies, from learning new languages to mastering drone technology57:01 - The MYTH of Imposter Syndrome! Sunny explains why she doesn’t buy into "imposter syndrome" and how to own your space62:00 - The power of manifesting your reality and having the "delusion" to believe you can win big.
4. Tiffany Aliche: The Budgetnista
55:28||Season 1, Ep. 4In this deeply moving episode of In Bed with Bevy, host Bevy Smith sits down with Tiffany Aliche, known to a legion of people as "The Budgetnista." Tiffany shares her powerful journey from being a preschool teacher to building an eight-figure financial empire, while candidly discussing the personal transition she is currently navigating following the sudden loss of her husband, Jerrell. The conversation explores the "gifts of grief," the importance of choosing oneself over a brand, and the courage required to step into a new season of life. It’s an inspiring look at resilience, alignment, and the beauty of evolving beyond your wildest dreams.Subscribe for updates! http://YouTube.com/@theebevysmithProduced by - BTW Studios Director - Tunisia Wilson DP - Christian Fernandez 2nd Videographer - Noel RoblesEditor - Eric Fisher Thumbnail photography by Fernando GonzalezLocation - The Wall Street Hotel http://TheWallStHotel.com MUA - Kai Pritchard Connect on Socials and more!http://linktree.com/BevySmithhttp://instagram.com/BevySmithhttp://www.tiktok.com/@BevySmithhttp://BevySmith.com00:00 - Introduction & The Season of Receiving02:50 - Transitioning from Preschool Teacher to "The Budgetnista"06:24 - Building Wealth and the Fear of Leaving it Behind07:45 - The Sudden Loss of Her Husband, Jerrell09:36 - Choosing Tiffany Over The Budgetnista10:41 - The Gifts of Grief: Learning to Receive Care14:25 - Finding Safety and the Need for a Reset16:42 - Advice on Financial Boundaries with Family20:00 - Navigating the "Middle" and Dreaming New Dreams23:25 - The Desire for Untethered Exploration25:54 - Building a Standalone Brand & Legacy28:05 - The Romantic Story of Meeting Jerrell30:21 - Partnership, Support, and Financial Dynamics in Marriage34:26 - Jerel’s Legacy as a Caregiver and Provider38:44 - How Peace at Home Buffered Professional Burnout41:58 - Future Projects and the "Gifts of Grief" Book43:56 - Dealing with Personal Grief and Missing Loved Ones47:55 - Optimism: It Gets Greater Later50:27 - Activating Your Vision and Being Obedient to the Message52:54 - The Red Sole Proposition: Core Identity and Perception#bevysmith #inbedwithbevy #itgetsgreaterlater
2. Scott Evans
01:36:09||Season 1, Ep. 2Bevy Smith and @iamScottEvans get together for some real talk about the end of Access Hollywood, the rise of his House Guest interview series, and much more! Subscribe for updates! http://YouTube.com/@theebevysmithBevy's wardrobe by BloomingdalesProduced by - BTW Studios Director - Tunisia Wilson Videographer- DJ Pastillo 2nd Videographer - Noel RoblesEditor - Eric Fisher Florist - Ashley Jones Location - SLS Hotel Beverly HillsConnect on Socials and more!http://linktree.com/BevySmithhttp://instagram.com/BevySmithhttp://www.tiktok.com/@BevySmithhttp://BevySmith.com00:00 - Opening: Finding Sure Footing in Transitions Bevy and Scott open with a powerful reflection on his 11-year run at Access Hollywood coming to an end. They discuss the importance of working your plan so that when big changes happen, you don't freak out.01:12 - Welcome to the SLS Hotel & Meeting Scott Bevy officially welcomes Scott Evans to the bed in Los Angeles during Oscar week. They reminisce about how they first met and how their friendship has grown into a space of mutual support.03:00 - The Origins of "House Guest" Scott credits Bevy for the push to start his own show, House Guest. He shares the story of their "French fry and cocktails" conversation at Sirius XM that sparked the idea.05:45 - Hosting with Intention: The Brunches Scott explains how he started by hosting private brunches to connect prominent Black women in the industry, including those affected by DEI layoffs, and how Bevy's advice on "setting the scene" helped them flourish.08:15 - Breaking Free from Development Hell The frustration of traditional network development led Scott to green-light himself. He discusses launching House Guest on Juneteenth as a symbol of true creative freedom.10:25 - Being "In the Middle" of Greatness A candid talk about why being in the "middle" isn't a lack of success, but rather the space where the real growth happens before reaching the next "top."11:50 - The Art of the Interview Scott breaks down his philosophy on interviewing, emphasizing the need for efficiency, genuine listening, and moving past "pedestrian" questions to find a guest's true vibe.17:23 - From Indiana to Hollywood Scott shares his journey from Indianapolis to LA, including the "winks" he gave himself along the way—like choosing 90210 as his first cellphone number to manifest his future.19:53 - Early Hustle & Giving Away Ideas Reflecting on his early days as the youngest MC for the Indiana Pacers and how he used to give away big ideas to corporations for free before learning the value of his own creativity.22:15 - The Power of Ownership Bevy and Scott discuss why owning your IP is critical, even if you have to "refine as you go." They touch on the hard lessons learned from years in corporate media where you don't own your work.25:25 - Mastery & The "Natural" Myth A deep dive into the 10,000 hours of training—acting, improv, and public speaking—that make their professional ease on camera actually look "effortless."28:20 - Panic Moments & Mary J. Blige Scott tells a hilarious and vulnerable story about panicking during an interview with Mary J. Blige 33:04 - Taking the Show on the Road The excitement of the House Guest tour and the surprise of fans paying to see the show live. 38:50 - Forgiveness vs. Yesterday’s Price A hilarious debate on how to handle people who didn't support you early on. Bevy offers the "Fat Joe approach": yesterday’s price is not today’s price.43:03 - The Acting Bug & The EGOT Strategy Scott reveals his secret desire to be a character actor and his "uncomfortable" dream of having it all. 55:40 - Identity, Queerness, and Freedom Scott speaks openly about his journey with his queer identity1:03:00 - The Future of Linear TV A closing discussion on the "old-timey" nature of syndicated TV and why now is the perfect time for creators to innovate 1:10:43 - Advice for the Dreamers Scott's final tips for those chasing a dream#BevySmith #InBedWithBevy
1. 21 Years an Entrepreneur: The Truth About Starting Over
21:31||Season 1, Ep. 1When I invite you under the covers, you already know it’s going to be juicy. I’m bringing big glam, bold opinions, and absolutely zero filter to my new YouTube series In Bed With Bevy.It’s intimate. It’s unfiltered. It’s culture, tea, and truth all while serving from the most fabulous bed on the internet.Press play. Get comfortable. And don’t say I didn’t warn you. Subscribe for updates! http://YouTube.com/@theebevysmithDP + Editor: DJ Pestillo 2nd DP: Cece Hubbard Director: Tunisia Wilson Makeup: Manu Horn Venue: SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills Connect with Bevy Smith on Socials and more!http://linktree.com/BevySmithhttp://instagram.com/BevySmithhttp://www.tiktok.com/@BevySmithhttp://BevySmith.com00:00 - Introduction: Illuminating the Middle Bevy introduces the concept of "the middle"—the space between starting and reaching the summit—and how her own life experiences have prepared her to explore this journey with her guests.01:47 - The 20-Year Dream Bevy shares the history of the show's concept, which she first had while working in corporate 20 years ago, and how the original idea shifted over time.03:22 - The Original "In Bed" Vision A look back at the original celebrity guests Bevy had in mind (Pamela Anderson, Snoop Dogg, and Colin Powell) and her desire to unearth unknown facets of famous figures.04:24 - Transitioning from Bevelations to Notables After a decade of interviewing A-list celebrities on her radio show, Bevy explains why she decided to focus on "notables" and experts with compelling, relatable stories.05:29 - The Meat is in the Middle An explanation of the show's philosophy: moving away from the "A to Z" highlights reel and focusing on the growth, struggles, and epiphanies happening right now.06:14 - Life After Corporate: 21 Years of Entrepreneurship Bevy reflects on her 21-year journey since leaving her job at Rolling Stone, including the high of Fashion Queens and the reality of its cancellation in 2015.09:31 - The Andy Cohen Call & Reversing the Trend How a surprise call from Andy Cohen led to her Sirius XM show, Bevelations, and the "barebones" adjustment of moving from TV back to radio.11:11 - The Page Six TV Era Bevy discusses the "holy grail" of national syndication with Page Six TV, her love for her co-hosts, and the eventual liberation she felt when the show was cancelled.13:23 - Pivoting to Acting & The "Harlem" Audition Setting a boundary with her agents to pursue acting, Bevy recounts the high-stakes timing of her audition for Amazon Prime's Harlem just days before the 2020 global shutdown.16:47 - Strategist vs. Hustler Bevy breaks down why she identifies as a strategist rather than a "hustler," explaining how her various business ventures, like Dinner with Bevy, are all interconnected by design.18:24 - Authenticity & The Social Media Mirage A candid discussion on the exhaustion of being in "the middle," the vulnerability required for true authenticity, and how social media often hides the arduous journey behind the success.20:06 - Closing: Your Bestie in the Middle Bevy invites viewers to think of her as their "trusted lover" and "bestie" as she uses this show as a time capsule for the winners and innovators still on their journey.#bevysmith #itgetsgreaterlater #inbedwithbevy