Tisha Campbell Knows The Mask Has To Come Off

What happens when the strong Black woman finally gives herself permission to put herself first? On If You Knew Better , Amber Grimes welcomes actress and comedian Tisha Campbell for an honest conversation about unmasking in her late 50s [00:00] , therapy, complex PTSD, grief, and embracing her AuDHD diagnosis [01:25] .

Tisha recalls an emotional Easter gathering that challenged her lifelong survival mode [07:39] , teaching her self-compassion [12:57] , healthier boundaries, and how motherhood shaped her need to appear strong [14:54] . She reflects on learning to live in the present [20:32] , writing her book The A Word: A Mother and Son's Journey Through Autism and Love [23:38] , receiving a diagnosis on set [26:19] , and whether Damon would understand her personal transformation [27:49] .

Tisha discusses confronting painful memories through journaling [29:57] , turning those experiences into a book without a ghostwriter [30:34] , and getting her son Zen's approval [34:07] . She shares how writing became therapeutic [35:53] , the difficulty of discussing Zen's past suicidal thoughts [36:41] , and the boundaries he helped her establish [40:27] .

From discovering healing through stand-up comedy [44:30] and embracing creative freedom [46:36] to redefining masking [49:58] , understanding autism traits [53:02] , and introducing the world to the real Tisha Campbell [55:35] , she offers an inspiring perspective on motherhood, mental health, authenticity, and personal growth [56:57] . @ambergrimes Follow Morris Chestnut @tishacampbell Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET Follow Amber's Book Club See for privacy information.