Nina Parker knows pop culture. The Emmy-nominated television host, podcaster, fashion designer, and reality television host has led pop culture coverage for the past two decades. Nina has built her journalism career on E!, TMZ, VH1, CBS, and now Crooked Media’s Keep It. Her work has given us a front-row seat to the biggest moments and full access to Hollywood's biggest names. Whether she’s interviewing A-listers on the Met Gala’s red carpet or mediating disagreements on Love & Hip-Hop, Nina brings her expertise and signature style to every moment. But before she commanded screens across multiple television and podcast shows, she learned what it meant to be powerful in Sacramento, California. Nina shared how her parents taught her to prioritize her brilliance by encouraging her to pursue higher education and enrolling her in competitive public speaking.

Nina learned her strengths and how to use her voice against misogyny in the newsrooms where she eventually worked. She shared which beauty and pop culture icons sparked her interest in the entertainment industry, and why. Nina’s relationship with beauty wasn’t as straightforward as her building her personal power. Nina was open about how she used her power to push back against misogyny at TMZ and, inadvertently, impress her newsroom bosses. We also discussed the heightened standards of beauty and professionalism placed on Black women, which are only further complicated for plus-sized women. Nina walked us through the behind-the-scenes of building a strong glam team that always delivers and how the business has changed with the influx of influencers. Nina also shares her favorite thing about Gen Z, her well-researched skincare journey, and her decision to get Botox at 44.

Tune in as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:15) Why She Felt Powerful, Not Beautiful Growing Up

(10:00) Influencers On The Red Carpet

(14:10) Tips On Public Speaking

(15:35) New Pre-Date Rules Of Engagement

(19:25) Navigating Beauty Standards at TMZ

(22:00) Black Women’s High Beauty Standards

(27:30) Building The Perfect Glam Team

(30:15) How She Builds Beauty Looks

(34:07) The Golden Age of Hollywood

(35:10) Inspiring Black Women In Hollywood

Naked Beauty

Message History

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