pov: your big sister is erykah badu and she's giving you some tough love

I recently came across an interview with singer-songwriter and creative maverick Erykah Badu on YouTube. Her words were so impactful for me in this phase of my recovery journey that I knew I had to make an episode that included my favorite clips. Although she came from humble beginnings, Erykah’s “mutable” and child-like approach to life has unlocked a lifetime and career of possibilities. This episode will make you feel like you’re sitting down with your best friend, giving you the tough love that you may not want, but desperately need.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – 7:32: Introduction (who is Erykah Badu and why I believe her attitude towards life is so inspiring)

7:28 – 8:17: The importance of looking forward to the future, rather than dreading it  

8:17 – 15:31: How Erykah Badu views the development of a solid sense of self and identity (the importance of becoming “mutable,” or more flexible rather than rigid in life)

15:31 – 20:16: On not letting the opinions of others influence you or deter you from doing what you want, and learning to pace yourself 

20:16 – 23:14: on facing the sexism and importance placed on looks in the music industry and mainstream media in the 90s

23:14 – 27:45: The advice Erykah Badu would give her “naïve” younger self (how to not become influenced by the thoughts and feelings of others)

27:45 – 31:31: How hip hop culture helped Erykah Badu cultivate her creative identity and confidence

31:31 – 34:53: How Erykah’s focus on “reinvention” and metamorphosis is her primary driver

34:53 – 39:07: Erykah’s advice on style and aesthetics (how to cultivate your own unique style)

39:07 – 48:21: Where does the word “woke” come from and how has it evolved? (How Erykah Badu including this in her song “Master Teacher” and tweeting it out regarding the scandal surrounding Russian activist group Pussy Riot gave the word “woke” a life of its own)

48:21 – 52:42: Why Erykah Badu believes we should avoid putting ourselves in “boxes” and the way labels can keep us stuck in rigid forms that don’t allow for growth and metamorphosis

52:42 – 57:26: On the importance of staying child-like while she unlearns toxic behaviors and stays conscious in her role as a mother

57:26 – 01:02:02: How Erykah uses her art and creativity to transmute and transform the wounds from generational trauma

01:02:02 – 01:05:21: Why we shouldn’t copy the path of others and the importance of finding our own way in life (ikigai philosophy) 

01:05:21 – 01:15:38: The best and worst advice Erykah Badu has ever received (reflections on the hermetic principal “as above, so below”)

Click here to the full interview on YouTube (“Mavericks with Ari Melber: Erykah Badu,” March 29th, 2023)

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The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

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