Added: Oct 16, 2023
In this podcast episode, Jada Pinkett Smith opens up about her personal struggles, including her journey from feeling unlovable to finding self-worth. She discusses her difficult childhood, growing up with a teenage mother who had addiction issues, and feeling like she wasn't a priority to her parents. Jada shares how these experiences led her to internalize feelings of not being enough and not being lovable.She also talks about the importance of telling one's own story, whether through writing a book or sharing with family and friends. Jada believes that looking at one's life on the page can be a powerful and healing experience, allowing individuals to reflect on their journey and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
Jada discusses her struggles with finding authentic happiness and the misconception that success and fame will solve all problems. She shares her own experience of reaching a breaking point and contemplating suicide, feeling that death was the only way out of her pain. Jada emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and encourages others to keep going, to trust that the universe will provide a way out.
The conversation then shifts to Jada's early years in Hollywood and her belief that moving to LA and achieving success would bring her happiness. She reflects on her involvement in the drug scene and the challenges she faced in breaking free from that environment. Jada credits mentors and supportive friends, such as Tupac Shakur, for helping her believe in herself and pursue her dreams.
Jada delves into her deep friendship with Tupac, describing their connection as a kindred spirit. She explains that their bond was based on understanding and acceptance, rather than physical chemistry. Jada highlights the purity and authenticity of their friendship, where they could be themselves without any pretense or hidden agendas.
The conversation also touches on the shame and stigma surrounding mental health issues. Jada shares her own experience of feeling ashamed for being unhappy despite having external success and how others' dismissive attitudes can further exacerbate those feelings. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for open and honest conversations about mental health.
Jada discusses her regrets about not being able to be there for Tupac during his final moments and feeling helpless in the face of his tragic death. She expresses her deep love and admiration for him and how their friendship continues to impact her life.
The podcast continues with a discussion about the complexities of love and relationships. Jada acknowledges that there is no fairy tale love and that every relationship has its challenges. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, honesty, and the ability to be oneself in a relationship.
She then delves into the stages of her relationship with her husband, Will Smith. Jada explains that their relationship did not start with the ideal honeymoon stage, as they faced challenges early on due to Will's divorce and their fast-paced lives in Hollywood. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and realistic expectations in their partnership, especially considering the temptations and challenges that come with fame.
Jada addresses the misconception that they have had an open marriage, clarifying that they have always had a need for transparency and partnership rather than a free-for-all approach. She discusses the breakups they have gone through and the ultimate break in 2016, which was not publicly known. Jada reflects on the misconception of their open marriage and how they were living separate lives as single individuals during that time.
She also talks about the entanglement with August Alsina and how she played a part in the narrative of being portrayed as an adulteress. Jada explains that they had already separated and were living as single people before the red table talk, where they intended to reveal their situation. However, Will was not ready at the time, and Jada decided to take the heat and address the situation herself. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of the persona she had created and finding her own freedom and self-acceptance.
Jada then discusses her relationship with her children, Trey, Jaden, and Willow. She describes Trey as having an enormous heart and the ability to see the best in people. She admires his perseverance and his capacity for love and understanding. Jada talks about Willow's fire and directness, and how she has taught her to join others in ways she is not used to. She also expresses her admiration for Jaden's ability to love everything and find beauty in challenging situations. She shares personal anecdotes about her children and the lessons they have taught her.
The conversation then shifts to Jada's spirituality and her journey towards healing and growth. The host, Jay Shetty, commends Jada for her eagerness for healing and her focus on the divine. He recalls a conversation they had about the feminine divine and how Jada's response showed her genuine and sincere desire to love God. Jada expresses her gratitude for the journey she has been on and the teachers and mentors she has encountered.
They discuss the Oscars night incident, where Jada was perceived as being offended by Chris Rock's comments about her husband's medical condition. Jada clarifies that she was not upset about herself but rather about the insensitivity towards people with the condition. She shares her personal experience with the condition and the stories she has heard from others who have suffered from it. Jada also reflects on the cultural tendency to blame women and the need for grace and understanding in such situations.
Jada continues by emphasizing the importance of healing and resolving conflicts. She expresses her hope for a beautiful opportunity for healing between Will and Chris, acknowledging that conflicts can amplify love and lead to personal growth. Jada reflects on her own journey from feeling unlovable to finding love within herself and the importance of courage and love in overcoming hate and aggression.
She expresses her appreciation for the book's relatability and applicability to anyone on their own journey. Jada hopes that readers will be able to identify the gaps they are trying to fill in their own lives and find healing and growth. She acknowledges the role that her friend, Jay, has played in her spiritual journey and deepening her relationship with God.
Jada and Jay discuss the status of her relationship with her husband, Will Smith. They define their relationship as a deep friendship and a cornerstone of their family. They are still figuring out what marriage means for them and are focused on healing and growth. Jada emphasizes the importance of not being concerned about what others think and finding a strong sense of self-worth within oneself.
They talk about the challenges of marriage and the need for emotional and spiritual growth. Jada mentions that their relationship serves as a mirror for each other, reflecting their flaws and pushing them to grow. They both recognize the importance of commitment and learning how to love oneself and each other unconditionally.
Jada reflects on the journey of their relationship and the patterns they had to break down and dissolve. She emphasizes the need for self-inventory and taking responsibility for one's actions and emotions. Jada and Will have had their ups and downs, but their commitment to each other and their willingness to work through challenges has kept them together.
Jada shares that she has learned to embrace the discomfort and challenges in their relationship, knowing that they lead to growth and understanding. She acknowledges that marriage is not easy and requires emotional and spiritual maturity. Jada and Will have a deep bond and a commitment to learning how to love themselves and each other.
They talk about the importance of friendship and familial love in a relationship. Jada believes that romantic love is an aspect of a higher form of love, but it is not the highest form itself. She emphasizes the need for a connection to a higher power and aligning the relationship with that source. Jada and Will are on a journey to understand unconditional love and to deepen their spiritual bond.
Jada expresses her gratitude for the lessons and growth she has experienced in her relationship with Will. She acknowledges that their relationship is not traditional, but they are comfortable with that. They are walking each other home and are committed to each other's growth and well-being.
Jay reads a letter from Will, in which he expresses his admiration for Jada and her book. He acknowledges that reading her story was overwhelming and that he wishes he had hugged her more in the past. Will recognizes Jada's power and sensitivity and expresses his love and support for her.
Jada reflects on the letter and the journey of their relationship. She emphasizes that every step and experience has been perfect in shaping their bond and understanding of love. Jada is grateful for the deep connection they share and the growth they have experienced together.
