Robert Townsend on directing The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, and three things creatives must do to win BIG | Mama I Made It

Naturi Naughton Opens Up About 3LW, Finding Love & Reclaiming Her POWER | Mama, I Made It!

From 3LW to POWER, Naturi Naughton-Lewis has lived through some of the highest highs and most public challenges in entertainment. But this conversation goes far beyond the headlines. On this episode of Mama, I Made It!, Naturi opens up about heartbreak, growth, finding love, motherhood, protecting her peace, and what it took to rebuild her confidence after some of the most defining moments of her career. There are stories she’s never shared this openly before. Some moments will make you laugh. Others will stay with you long after the interview ends. This is Naturi like you’ve never seen her before. In this episode: 0:32 The legendary, multi-talented Naturi Naughton-Lewis 1:30 3LW legacy and Naturi's career start 25+ years ago 2:52 Tasha St. Patrick and the St. Patrick influence on local restaurant 3:51 Knowing 'Power' was special from the first script read 4:36 Not landing the Tasha role at first 7:16 "When you met me, what did you think I was going to be?" A Power moment 9:44 Was Angela a better fit for Ghost? 10:45 Power car scene with Tasha and Shawn  13:03 How did 3LW get started? 16:11 Navigating the 3LW breakup as a teen 18:32 The importance of being a representation for Black women 20:02 Reconciling with former group member, Adrienne Bailon  22:48 Naturi's new project on Starz, "The Nowhere Man" 25:00 Securing deal with Starz for new show at Chicago film festival 26:07 New production company in partnership with her husband 27:03 Balancing being a mom and business owner 28:07 Mr. Lewis' one year rule 32:57 Knowing she found the one 35:36 Is there any music on the way from Naturi? 37:52 Naturi's fitness routine Watch the full episode and join the conversation in the comments. What part resonated with you most? #SUBSCRIBE, like, share, comment and let us know what you think. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Visit samanthachatman.com for all things Samantha and Mama, I Made It!  Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎬 Produced by: Morally Cinful Productions, @morallycinfulpro, @sweetsind 🎥Shot and edited by: @LifeMadeStill #MamaIMadeIt #NaturiNaughton #3LW #PowerTV #SamanthaChatman #CelebrityInterview #BlackWomenInEntertainment #WomenInMedia #PodcastInterview #entertainmentnews Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

Kelly Rowland opens up about new music, marriage, reconnecting with father, Destiny’s Child & more

The true definition of a SUPERSTAR: Singer, actress, songwriter, producer and the list goes on. The iconic KELLY ROWLAND sits down with talk show host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! The renowned music sensation is best known for being a part of legendary girl group, Destiny’s Child, and is opening up about everything from being a mom and wife to balancing fame and health while performing at a high level. Kelly is wearing her heart on her sleeve in this interview, diving deep into what it means to evolve as a woman, how she lost her mom to heart disease, and what it was like to connect with her father after 30 years. She even describes the feeling of being blessed with two mothers, including Ms. Tina Knowles, the mother of superstars Beyoncé and Solange.  We’re also learning more about her marriage to music executive Tim Weatherspoon, the unconditional love they share with one another, and how she knew the her was THE ONE. As the Boy Is Mine Tour nears its end, Samantha sat down with Kelly in NYC to talk about what the tour experience has been like, and what projects Kelly is most excited about next. On the horizon of a new film with incomparable artist and actor, Method Man, Kelly is letting us in on how she keeps everything balanced and positions herself to get it all done. This interview is an icon’s story of passion, love, faith, and family. If you’ve ever worried that it’s not possible to have it all - the career, the family, the friends - think again as Kelly Rowland shares just what you have to do and remember to make it happen! In this interview with Samantha, Kelly Rowland is talking all about: ✔️ Sharing the stage with R&B music stars, Brandy and Monica - and who the greatest vocalist of all time is ✔️ Evolving as a woman and taking care of her body ✔️ Performing while still being a wife and a mother, and how her husband is her “G” ✔️ Being blessed with two loving mothers and what it was like to rekindle with her dad after three decades ✔️ Her thriving career, how she finds the balance, and what projects are next for her #SUBSCRIBE [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/subscribe], like, share, comment and let us know what you think. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

Robert Townsend on directing The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, and three things creatives must do to win BIG | Mama I Made It

Credited as the pioneer of Black Hollywood, legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend sits down with talk show host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! The film and TV icon talks about his incredible career as a director and actor, his classic films like The Five Heartbeats and Hollywood Shuffle, and how he built his empire with little money but lots of HEART and FAITH. Robert Townsend is pulling back the curtains, detailing his childhood and growing up on the West Side of Chicago, to overcoming doubt around his career path, especially from those closest to him. Working with icons like Keenan Ivory Wayans, Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry and more, Robert’s resume is truly unmatched - but it’s his hard work and dedication that has crafted his reputation. This interview is a legend’s story of perseverance. If you’ve ever wondered how timeless classics like The Five Heartbeats and Hollywood Shuffle were made, sit back, relax and get ready for this master class! 0:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=33s] Legendary director and filmmaker, Robert Townsend 2:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=128s] Growing up on the west side of Chicago and getting started in show business 6:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=389s] Robert speaks on his grandmother being a “hater”, not supporting his film dreams 8:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=520s] Robert on teaching and inspiring upcoming filmmakers 10:42 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=642s] Why a pop up film festival in Chicago? 13:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=793s] The power of words 14:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=895s] Directing The Five Heartbeats movie 19:16 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1156s] Struggling to get the green light for The Five Heartbeats, the movie’s doc and auditions 20:34 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1234s] Eddie Murphy’s RAW, could it happen in 2025? 22:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1333s] Townsend’s Mt. Rushmore of comedians 23:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1430s] Actors that have blown Robert away 25:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1500s] The importance of mentorship and advice from Sidney Poitier 27:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1626s] Finding a job in the arts in this climate 28:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1710s] “Day shift vs. night shift” 32:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=1939s] The key to success 36:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=2219s] Value of collaboration 37:58 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=2278s] AI- good or bad? 39:01 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDCRtB3d5ak&t=2341s] Townsend’s spectrum of work, what his work means and his Mama, I Made It! moment #SUBSCRIBE [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/subscribe], like, share, comment and let us know what you think. Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman Powered by: CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎬 Produced by: Morally Cinful Productions Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

Joseph Sikora talks Tommy Egan, Power IV Force, 50 cent & acting (Full Interview) | Mama, I Made It!

Known to fans worldwide as Tommy Egan, actor Joseph Sikora sits down with host Samantha Chatman on Mama, I Made It! to talk about his new and final season of Power Book IV: Force. He's covering everything from his Chicago upbringing to his thriving career as a renowned actor and working with 50 Cent. But his rise to fame was no cakewalk... Sikora is opening up about his long road in the business, working for more than two decades before landing his big role as Tommy. In fact, he reveals that Los Angeles almost broke him. Constant industry pressures to change his looks nearly got the best of Sikora, but he fought back. Fresh off the Hulu hit series Reasonable Doubt and back in Chicago where it all began, Sikora joins us for an exclusive conversation with his brother, Albin Sikora! The brothers break down their joint business venture Black Fox Productions, an idea that came from their love and passion for storytelling. This is story full of pursuit, perseverance and POWER! In this interview with Samantha, Joseph and his brother Albin are sharing all about: ✔️ Growing up in Chicago ✔️ Joseph’s long, hard rise to Tommy Egan ✔️ The importance of authentic storytelling ✔️ What it takes to survive in the business ✔️ Their new company, Black Fox Productions 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s] Introduction 00:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=40s] Chicago Roots 03:02 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=182s] Joseph’s start to acting 04:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=285s] Learning technique to perfect his craft 06:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=400s] Life advice from the yoga teacher 8:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=480s] How LA almost broke Joseph 11:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=663s] Joseph on getting the role of Tommy 14:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=885s] Did you foresee getting your own show? 16:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1014s] Joseph vs Tommy 19:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1180s] Is Tommy capable of finding and keeping love? 22:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1330s] Being famous and still living a practical life 22:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1372s] Season 3 of Force 25:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1521s] Joseph’s other ventures, Meet Albin Sikora 27:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1630s] What makes the Sikora brothers nervous about their work 29:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1740s] Words of encouragement for aspiring actors and creatives 30:58 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhzW01u48s&t=1858s] Importance of telling authentic (Chicago) stories Samantha Chatman is a 2x Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, News Anchor for ABC 7 Chicago and the talk show host for Mama, I Made It! Follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman & @mimitalkshow TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.

Chance The Rapper talks new album, life after divorce, self-love & spirituality | Mama, I Made It! |

Chance The Rapper sits down with Mama, I Made It! host Samantha Chatman for a conversation that'll keep you at the edge of your seat.  From his Grammy-award winning career to his deep commitment to community, faith, and family, Chance opens up like we’ve never seen before. He's breaking down the significance of his latest album, Star Line, and the messages behind each track. Chance gets deeply vulnerable in this interview, unpacking his life after divorce and the journey to loving himself again.  He's also taking us back to his days before the fame, opening up about his childhood, his parents, and the moment he was able to say, "Mama, I Made It! The music, the movement, the message: this is a story bigger than the stage. Mama, I Made It! is all about celebrating the journey, and this time, it’s Chance’s story, in his own words.  Like, share, comment and let us know what you think of this interview.  Subscribe to this YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Official Website: samanthachatman.com Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 🎬 Produced by: Morally Cinful Productions, @morallycinfulpro 🎥Shot and edited by: @lvlscreative Subscribe to the Mama, I Made It! YouTube Channel and follow show host Samantha Chatman here: Instagram: @Samantha.Chatman TikTok: @Samantha.Chatman Facebook: Samantha Chatman X: @SamChatmanABC7 CHATMAN PRODUCTIONS, LLC.