She Was in Matilda. Then She Walked Away.

Choosing Love, Motherhood & Power: Shanti Lowry’s Unscripted Journey

Choosing Love, Motherhood & Power: Shanti Lowry’s Unscripted Journey From Pussycat Dolls beginnings to The Game, IVF, and producing her own stories—Shanti Lowry shares what it really cost (and gave) her to choose love, family, and purpose in Hollywood. Instagram: Host - @BeingStrong101 Guest - @ShantiLowry Show - @mommyactorpodcast ⸻ ABOUT THIS EPISODE Actress, dancer, and singer Shanti Lowry joins Mommy Actor for a deeply honest conversation about navigating Hollywood on her own terms—before and after motherhood. Before the world knew the Pussycat Dolls as a global phenomenon, Shanti was part of the original movement. But when faced with the pressure to lean into a hyper-sexualized image, she made a bold and uncommon choice: she walked away. In this episode, Shanti opens up about choosing love early in life—getting married young in Hollywood—and how that decision shaped both her personal life and career trajectory. She shares the complexities of being a Black (and mixed-race) actress married interracially at a time when representation, perception, and opportunity in the industry looked very different. You’ll also hear her reflect on her time on the hit series The Game, produced by Kelsey Grammer, and the unspoken realities of navigating “Black Hollywood” during that era. This conversation goes even deeper into motherhood—what it meant to delay it, the emotional and physical journey through IVF, and how becoming a mom reshaped her priorities, her creativity, and the roles she chooses today. Now stepping into producing and creating her own content, Shanti is reclaiming her narrative in a powerful way—and showing what it looks like to build a career that aligns with your life, not the other way around. ⸻ IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: • Walking away from the Pussycat Dolls before global fame • Choosing marriage and love at a young age in Hollywood • Interracial relationships and perception in the entertainment industry • Navigating identity and opportunity as a Black actress • Her experience on The Game • Delaying motherhood and the emotional journey of IVF • How motherhood changed her career choices • Stepping into producing and creating her own projects • Redefining success on your own terms ⸻ ABOUT SHANTI LOWRY Shanti Lowry is an actress, dancer, and singer whose career spans television, film, and music. She gained recognition for her recurring role on The Game and has appeared in numerous television series and films throughout her career. With roots in performance that began in dance and music—including her early involvement with the Pussycat Dolls—Shanti has continually evolved as an artist. Today, she is also a producer and content creator, focused on telling meaningful stories that reflect her life experiences as a woman, wife, and mother. ⸻ FOLLOW & CONNECT Host – Terra Strong Lyons Instagram: @BeingStrong101 Guest – Shanti Lowry Instagram: @ShantiLowry Production Company – Moment of Creation Studio LLC Instagram: @MOCStudiosLLC ⸻ WORK WITH ME Looking for audition coaching or career strategy? Work with me 1:1: https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation [https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation] ⸻ FINAL NOTE If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom, creative, or actor navigating their own path. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation that reminds you: you can build a life and a career that honors both your ambition and your heart. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit terramommyactor.substack.com [https://terramommyactor.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Teen Mom to Netflix: Phylicía Lloyd’s Journey to Beauty in Black

From Teen Mom to Netflix: Phylicía Lloyd’s Journey to Beauty in Black How an unexpected acting opportunity changed everything for actress Phylicía Lloyd Actress Phylicía Lloyd joins the Mommy Actor Podcast to share her powerful and unconventional journey into the entertainment industry. Before acting, Phylicía was a creative writer navigating life as a young single mother after becoming pregnant at 19. Acting was never part of the plan — until a chance opportunity landed her a series regular role on an independent project. That unexpected moment launched a career that has now led to her recurring role on the hit Netflix series Beauty in Black, created by Tyler Perry. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Phylicía shares how motherhood, resilience, and creativity shaped her journey — and how trusting unexpected opportunities led her to where she is today. This episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to look traditional to lead somewhere extraordinary. ⸻ In This Episode We Discuss • Becoming a mother at 19 and navigating life as a single parent • How writing led her into acting • The unexpected opportunity that changed her career path • Booking her first series regular role • Landing a recurring role on Netflix’s Beauty in Black • Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a growing acting career • Advice for actors and creatives navigating unconventional paths ⸻ About The Mommy Actor Podcast The Mommy Actor Podcast, hosted by working TV and film actor Terra Strong Lyons, explores the intersection of parenthood and professional acting. Each episode features honest conversations with actors navigating careers in television and film while raising children — sharing the realities of balancing creative ambition, family life, and the unpredictable entertainment industry. You can listen to the Mommy Actor Podcast on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. ⸻ Work With Me If you’re an actor looking for audition coaching or career guidance, you can book a consultation here: 🎭 Coaching & Consultations https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation [https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation] ⸻ Follow Us on Instagram Host – Terra Strong Lyons Instagram: @beingstrong101 Mommy Actor Podcast Instagram: @mommyactorpodcast Guest – Phylícia Lloyd Instagram: @thats_phy ⸻ Produced By - Moment of Creation Studio, LLC This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit terramommyactor.substack.com [https://terramommyactor.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Pregnant on a Hit Show: Lyric Lewis on Motherhood, Comedy, and A.P. Bio

Pregnant on a Hit Show: Lyric Lewis on Motherhood, Comedy, and A.P. Bio The actress, writer, producer, and Groundlings Main Company member shares what happened when she found out she was pregnant right after Season 2 of A.P. Bio—and how the cast and crew supported her through it. About This Episode In this episode of the Mommy Actor Podcast, I sit down with actress, writer, producer, and comedian Lyric Lewis—best known for playing the sharp and hilarious history teacher Stef Duncan on the NBC comedy A.P. Bio. Lyric opens up about a moment many working actors quietly worry about: finding out you're pregnant while starring on a television show. After wrapping the second season of A.P. Bio, Lyric discovered she was expecting—just as the show was renewed. Instead of fear or uncertainty, what she experienced surprised her. From the writers’ room to the set, the team rallied around her, creating an environment where she could continue doing what she loved while stepping into motherhood. This episode is a candid conversation about navigating pregnancy while working in Hollywood, the reality of being a series regular, and why supportive workplaces make all the difference. --- About Lyric Lewis Lyric Lewis is an actress, writer, and comedian known for her breakout role as Stef Duncan on A.P. Bio, the NBC comedy that later continued streaming on Peacock for a total of four seasons. Originally from New Orleans and raised partly in Minnesota, Lyric developed a love of performing early on and later earned a BFA in Theater from Syracuse University. She went on to train and perform with the legendary Los Angeles improv and sketch comedy theater The Groundlings, eventually becoming a Main Company member—an honor achieved by only a small group of performers after years of training and performing. In addition to A.P. Bio, Lyric has appeared on shows including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Baskets, and MADtv, building a career that blends improv, sketch comedy, and television acting. --- Episode Highlights • Finding out you’re pregnant while working on a network television show   • What happens behind the scenes when a show gets renewed   • The support Lyric received from the cast, writers, and crew   • Her journey from improv stages at The Groundlings to network television   • Navigating motherhood while working as a series regular --- A Moment From The Episode “I found out I was pregnant right after Season 2… and then the show got renewed.” For many actors, pregnancy can feel like a career obstacle. Lyric’s story offers a refreshing perspective on what can happen when a production truly supports the people who make the show. --- Host Note As actors, many of us quietly wonder how pregnancy might impact our careers. Lyric’s experience on A.P. Bio is a reminder that supportive creative environments do exist—and that motherhood and a thriving acting career can coexist. --- Connect With Us Follow and connect with today’s guest and the podcast. Lyric Lewis   Instagram: @lyriclewis Terra Lyons (Host)   Instagram: @beingstrong101 Mommy Actor Podcast   Instagram: @mommyactorpodcast --- # Work With Me Are you an actor navigating auditions, career growth, or balancing acting with motherhood? I offer one-on-one acting coaching and career guidance for actors who want practical industry insight and support. Book a coaching session:   https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation [https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation] --- # Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to: • Subscribe to the Mommy Actor Podcast   • Share this episode with a fellow actor or creative parent   • Leave a review to help other actors discover the show --- # Tags Acting • Motherhood • Comedy • TV Actors • Women in Entertainment • Working Moms • Hollywood Careers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit terramommyactor.substack.com [https://terramommyactor.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

She Was in Matilda. Then She Walked Away.

From Matilda to Motherhood: Kira Cook on Child Stardom, Rediscovering Acting, and Building a Creative Family What happens after childhood fame? In this episode of the Mommy Actor Podcast, I sit down with Kira Cook — who many remember as Hortensia in the beloved film Matilda — to talk about what it really looks like to grow up in the industry… walk away from it… and then find your way back as a working mom. Kira’s journey spans child acting in Chicago, stepping away from performance entirely, moving to Los Angeles in her 20s to pursue improv and comedy, and ultimately building a sustainable career across commercials, television, streaming, film, and voiceover. And yes — she’s done hundreds of commercial campaigns. But this episode goes deeper than credits. We talk about identity. Motherhood. Adoption. Creative partnership. And what it takes to build a life where artistry and parenting can coexist. ⸻ In This Episode, We Discuss: • Booking Matilda as a child actor and what that experience meant at the time • Losing the love of performing — and why stepping away was necessary • Moving to Los Angeles to pursue improv and comedic acting • Rebuilding confidence as an adult actor • Becoming a mother — and later choosing to adopt • How having a creative partner impacts your career and your family • Building longevity as a working commercial actress • Balancing auditions, children, and creative fulfillment ⸻ The Child Star Myth We often assume early success guarantees lifelong momentum. But Kira’s story reminds us that careers evolve — and sometimes the most meaningful chapters happen after we step away. There’s something powerful about choosing the craft again as an adult. About pursuing acting not for validation — but because it’s home. ⸻ Motherhood & the Creative Life One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation is Kira’s openness about: • Deciding to have a child • Choosing to adopt a second child • Navigating the emotional and logistical realities of parenting while working • Building a partnership where both parents are creatives Having a partner who understands the artistic grind — auditions, rejection, last-minute bookings, schedule shifts — changes everything. It creates space for ambition without guilt. ⸻ A Sustainable Acting Career Is Possible Today, Kira works consistently across: • Commercial campaigns • Film and television • Streaming platforms • Voiceover • Comedy and improv Her journey proves that motherhood does not end a career — it can redefine it. ⸻ For the Mommy Actor Community If you are: • A working actor navigating motherhood • A former performer considering a return • A creative wondering how to build a healthy partnership • Or someone trying to balance ambition with family This episode is for you. ⸻ About the Host I’m Terra Strong Lyons — acting coach specializing in auditions and self-tape technique. I help actors think like directors so they can book the room before producers ever see the tape. If you’re ready to strengthen your audition strategy: ✨ Work with me: https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation [https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation] ⸻ Connect Kira Cook: Instagram: @flamelikeme Substack: @kiracook Terra / Mommy Actor: Instagram: @beingstrong101 TikTok: @mommyactorterra Produced by Moment of Creation Studio, LLC YouTube: @mocstudiollc This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit terramommyactor.substack.com [https://terramommyactor.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

She Left a Six-Figure Career to Follow Her Calling | With Megan Piphus

She Left a Six-Figure Career to Follow Her Calling | With Megan Piphus What does it look like to walk away from stability… in order to walk toward purpose? In this episode of The Mommy Actor Podcast, Terra sits down with Megan Piphus — the first Black full-time puppeteer on Sesame Street — to talk about courage, motherhood, rejection, and what it truly means to choose alignment over comfort. Before stepping into her dream career as an artist and performer, Megan was thriving in real estate, earning six figures and building what many would call a “safe” life. But internally, she knew she was not aligned. So she made the bold decision to pivot — leaving her marriage, her career, and the security that came with both — in order to pursue her calling. This episode is not just for performers. It’s for any woman who has ever felt the tension between safety and purpose. It’s for the woman who feels called to more — but fears the rejection that might follow. ⸻ In This Episode, We Discuss: • What it really costs to pivot your life • Leaving a high-paying career to pursue creativity • Divorce, identity, and rebuilding as a mother • Rejection from the industry and from family • Being told “it’s irresponsible” to chase your dreams • Motherhood and ambition coexisting • Becoming the first Black full-time puppeteer on Sesame Street • Choosing alignment over approval ⸻ About Megan Piphus Megan Piphus is a performer, creative, and the first Black full-time puppeteer on Sesame Street. A former real estate professional earning six figures, Megan made a radical life pivot to pursue her passion for the arts. She is also a devoted mother of two sons and an example of what it looks like to redefine success on your own terms. ⸻ About Your Host – Terra Strong Lyons Terra Strong Lyons is an actress, podcast host, and founder of The Mommy Actor. She helps performers navigate motherhood, marriage, and ambition without losing their identity in the process. Terra offers: • 🎭 Career consultations for actors • 🎬 Acting & audition coaching • 📹 Self-tape coaching If you’re ready to elevate your craft or pivot boldly in your own career, you can connect with Terra for one-on-one coaching and strategy support. https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation [https://calendly.com/terralyons/quick-consultation] ⸻ If This Episode Resonated With You… Please rate, review, and subscribe. Sharing this episode helps more women feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue the life they were called to build. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit terramommyactor.substack.com [https://terramommyactor.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]