Episode
39

How to Do It Scared (and Still Succeed) with Sherri Shepherd

with
Sherri Shepherd
New episodes every wednesday

If you've ever felt knocked down, discouraged, or unsure of how to move forward, this is the conversation you need.

Because Sherri Shepherd has lived through more “start from scratch” moments than most people will ever face.

You know her as the Emmy-winning host of “The Sherri Show”, a beloved comedian, actress, and now author of the beautiful children’s book “The Sunshine Queens,”  but the road that got her here is nothing like you’d expect.

Before the success came chapters full of struggle: losing jobs, sleeping in her car, getting arrested, surviving heartbreak, and fighting for her son’s life in the NICU. 

And through all of it, she found a way to keep her humor, her faith, and her belief that better days were still ahead.

This is Sherri like you’ve never heard her: honest, hilarious, vulnerable, and unbelievably wise.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

- Why she says “I wasn’t supposed to be on Friends” and the real story behind her breakout role
- The moment she fell in love with comedy and why it happened in the middle of chaos
- The life-changing lessons she learned from Barbara Walters
- What happened the day doctors told her to say goodbye to her newborn son
- How she rebuilt her life after hitting rock bottom
- The advice she wants every young woman to hear

This episode is a reminder that the strength you’re looking for often shows up in the moments you least expect.

If you’re navigating a transition, a setback, or a chapter that feels uncertain, Sherri’s story will give you the hope, clarity, and courage you need.

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guest appearing in this episode

Sherri Shepherd

This is Sherri Shepherd like you’ve never heard her: honest, hilarious, vulnerable, and unbelievably wise.

Resources

medical disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.

00:00 Introduction

02:03 From a $350 Apartment to Hollywood Walk of Fame

06:05 Sherri Shepherd's Breakthrough on the show "Friends" Almost Didn’t Happen

09:25 How a Bench Warrant and Jail Time Became Part of Her Origin Story

13:50 The Night That One Stranger Changed Her Life with a Single Sentence

17:03 Why “Do It Scared” Became Her Life Mantra

23:09 Finding Joy on Stage While Caring for Her Dying Mother

30:32 The Real Hollywood Sherri Shepherd Grew Up In

40:32 How a Micro Preemie and a Broken Heart Redefined Motherhood

44:39 The View, Bed Rest, and Barbara Walters’ Toughest Lesson

57:51 Starting the Sherri Show at 54 (And Why She Was Finally Ready)

1:08:29 Rejection, Faith, and the Call That Changed Everything

1:23:19 Why She’s Writing a Blasian Romance Novel Next

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