Baby, this is Keke Palmer

Why Tracee Ellis Ross Stopped Waiting to Be Chosen

Tracee Ellis Ross shares stories about her Broadway debut, childhood with Diana Ross, and life lessons on building a life on her own terms.

Tracee Ellis Ross discusses building a life on her own terms, sharing stories about her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing, her upbringing with Diana Ross, and encounters with icons like Marvin Gaye and Lucille Ball.

12
73 minJul 14, 2026Baby, this is Keke Palmer

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Why Tracee Ellis Ross Stopped Waiting to Be Chosen

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Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

Building a Life on Your Own Terms

The conversation centers on the theme of building a life on one's own terms, moving beyond waiting to be chosen.

1
02

Broadway Debut in Every Brilliant Thing

Tracee Ellis Ross discusses her experience making her Broadway debut in the play Every Brilliant Thing.

2
03

Childhood with Diana Ross

Ross reflects on growing up with her mother, Diana Ross, and childhood encounters with icons such as Marvin Gaye and Lucille Ball.

2
04

Encounters with Icons

Ross shares stories from her career, including confidently correcting Michael Jackson on his own lyrics and memories from the set of Girlfriends.

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05

Dating Stories and Games

The episode includes stories about terrible dates and a segment called 'Acting Casual,' a dating game involving awkward flirting.

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Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

What does it mean to build a life on your own terms?

02

How did growing up with Diana Ross influence Tracee Ellis Ross?

03

What are some of the most memorable encounters with icons for Tracee Ellis Ross?

Background reading

The context behind the episode.

Episode Context

Conversation with Keke Palmer

Tracee Ellis Ross joins Keke Palmer for a conversation that covers her career milestones, family life, and personal anecdotes.

1

Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

What is the main theme of the conversation?

Building a life on your own terms.

1
What Broadway play did Tracee Ellis Ross debut in?

Every Brilliant Thing.

2
Who are some icons Tracee Ellis Ross encountered as a child?

Marvin Gaye and Lucille Ball.

2
What game do they play in the episode?

Acting Casual, a dating game of awkward flirting.

4
What show does Tracee Ellis Ross share memories from?

Girlfriends.

3

Experts

Voices named in the source.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Guest

1

Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  1. Publisher show notes

    Tracee Ellis Ross joins Keke for an unforgettable conversation about building a life on your own terms.

  2. Publisher show notes

    She talks about making her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing, growing up with her mom, Diana Ross, and childhood encounters with icons like Marvin Gaye and Lucille Ball.

  3. Publisher show notes

    And Tracee has the stories, from confidently correcting Michael Jackson on his own lyrics to memories from the set of Girlfriends and some truly terrible dates.

  4. Publisher show notes

    Then they play “Acting Casual,” a dating game of awkward flirting.

  5. Publisher show notes

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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