Call Her Daddy - Ciara: Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time (FBF)

Episode Date: May 30, 2025

Join Alex in the studio for a chat with Grammy-award winner, Ciara! Ciara reflects on some of her most iconic moments throughout her career and discusses hard lessons learned after nearly two decades in the industry. In this episode, Alex and Ciara discuss what it takes to leave a toxic relationship, what she now recognizes as red flags, and why you should always choose yourself first. Ciara gushes over her husband, Russell Wilson, and reminisces on their love story. She talks about how she knew he was “the one,” how communication is key, and what their house is like on game day. Ciara is here dishing out wisdom and advice… so get ready Daddy Gang, it’s time to level up in all aspects of life!

experience the transformation oh my gosh love believes all things love hopes all things I love watching Daddy gang, I am so excited for today's guest. Are you ready? Sierra is here. She is a Grammy award winning triple platinum musician.

She's also an entrepreneur, cover model, fashion icon, wife, mother. I mean, goddamn, is there anything that she doesn't do? I cannot wait to sit down with her and get to know her today. I remember being so obsessed with her music when I was younger, fully had a dance routine to one, two step.

I still remember the choreography to this day. Maybe I will have to show her my dance moves. She like fully leaves and walks out. She's like, you're so bad. No, but in all honesty, you guys, if you think about it, in her two decade long career, Sierra has seen ups and downs, but our girls always come out on top.

And Daddy Gang, we're getting into it today. We are gonna discuss toxic relationships, knowing your worth, leveling up in all aspects of life. This episode is going to be, I already know it, full of wisdom and advice and just things that are gonna make you feel good, okay? So come hang out with me and Sierra. Sierra!

This beat is, she's like, I'm not coming in now. Let's go. What is up, daddy gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call Her Daddy. Sierra, welcome to Call Her Daddy. Thank you for having me. I am so happy you're here. First of all, congrats on Our Daddy. Thank you for having me. I am so happy you're here.

First of all, congrats on your pregnancy. Thank you. Talk to me. How far along are you? Oh my gosh. I don't say how far along I am because I'm kind of funny in marking the time. Because the most important wish is a healthy baby and desire. And I feel like when you mark time, it kind of puts pressure on the time marker.

Totally. But I am, I am the bump is bumping. I'm feeling good. I'm feeling a little, I would say big and slow, but you know, I'm feeling good. I'm feeling grateful. So this is baby number four. Number four.

Did you always want a big family? I did. I'm an only child. So I think because of that, like I used to always beg my mom and dad for a brother or sister. Like, please, please, please, can you have another baby? And they would be like, mm, it's not happening.

And then I kind of liked being the only child as I got into my teens, I'm like, this actually works out, it's all about me. I like it. I am such a big fan and this year marks the 20th anniversary of your debut album, Goodies. Yes, yes. It is crazy to think that because it's like, you've just done so much in your career, but to think back to those OG days,

I'm wondering like, what does it make you feel when you know that people 20 years later are still so obsessed, so in love with the original hits? Oh my goodness, I feel grateful. It's actually, this is the 19th year, the 20th year is coming up. Coming up, okay. Yeah, so, but knowing that I'm about to enter that year,

I feel a heart full of gratitude. It makes me feel motivated, you know, it's so funny because it also just reminds you why you just keep on going, like why you don't stop, why you don't stop believing, and you stay committed to your vision. Because when I was young, I was like, I spoke so much into like the things

that I saw happening for myself. And it's kind of crazy, I actually had a goal sheet. So my goal sheet, I was like 14 years old when I wrote it down before I got discovered. I had three goals. So the first goal was to get discovered. And then I wrote down how I was gonna get discovered. So I'm gonna get talent shows and all this kind of stuff.

And then my second goal was once I got discovered, to sell three to 40 million albums. And I did five five which was a blessing So check off one and check off two and three was longevity So it was broad but I was still like envisioning like long-term success so to know that having a vision as a young girl dreaming big and It actually happens dude. It's kind of crazy Cause that's kind of the story of my life. Like I speak a lot of life into like a lot that happens

to me and I envisioned it before it happens. And it's crazy that we're sitting here almost 20 years in. It's also crazy to hear you at 14, putting that goal list together. I'm like, what the fuck was I doing at 14? Like picking my nose and like getting on Accutane. I was like, oh shit. Like, damn, like were you always ambitious? And were your parents like,

go Sierra or were they ever like, Oh my God, slow down, like, chill. You don't need to be doing all this at this young of an age. Yeah. Well, my dad was, my mom and my dad were supportive. And I always say the one thing I can say I'm truly thankful for is that they allowed me to do what I wanted to do. Like they didn't stop me. My mom was more, she had more reservations than my dad did about the music industry because she watched all those VH1, like True Story. I forget what they call the show. What was the show called?

Do you remember? Yeah, something like True Hollywood Story. True Hollywood, yeah, something like that. We're a little off. It never ends good. Yeah, basically, it's like all the bad stuff. So you watch those shows and you're like, Fuck.

Yeah, it's a little scary. Like, is that what my daughter's getting into? My mom was thinking that way. So I think she was a little like, what's that music industry world about? But she still allowed me to do it. And she was super supportive. My mom and my dad, where my dad would travel

late nights to the studio with me, sleep on the sofa while I'm recording in the booth, driving back home, get ready for school. I mean, he was in it. They both were supportive. So, you know, I'm glad they let me do that, right? I'm glad they allowed me that opportunity and I will never forget that for my babies.

Like I gotta like let them pursue their dreams and what they're passionate about. So I've taken a note from that. Couple notes from your parents. I love that. Just a few. Just a couple. You've done so much in your career

when you reflect on your career. And I know this is kind of hard to answer, but like, what is the most iconic moment in your mind of your career? Oh my goodness. That's hard. I know. You know, I do, I will say,

I think Goodies was very special for me, because it put me on the map. My first single was number one for eight weeks long. We were breaking records and all this cool stuff then, which was really amazing. And it was kind of that moment of like, where my identity was established, like right away, but it was clear on like who this girl was,

like Ciara from Atlanta, CeCe from Atlanta. But here to stay kind of energy I feel. And I think even the imagery of things that we did, like the swimsuit with the jeans and I wear my tall boxer boots. I mean, I couldn't go anywhere without the high top. High tops are still my thing to this day. But the boxer boots were like my jam.

I needed my wrestling boots actually. Yeah, I feel like it was something that like everyone will always remember. Like it fashion wise, music wise, like as a woman, boots actually. Yeah, I feel like it was something that like everyone will always remember like it fashion wise music wise like as a woman like it was just so iconic. I remember when it came out I like still listen to it to this day. I remember making up also like oh my god and then when One Two Step came out and I was like making up the like most awkward dances like with my friends thinking we're like hot shit like it wasn't hot just to clarify tiara it was not as hot as you i know it's cute no okay but um i i just think about you at that young age though and i'm curious

like if you can take me back a little bit to like what was life like you're coming out with music you're rising to fame and you're only 18 years old like yeah what was your life like at that time so i was always super super focused super you know, very, very headstrong. Yeah. You know, I remember when I was like, put my vision together for the project, I'm like, I wanna do like this, and I'm gonna do like that, and I'm gonna do this, and it's gonna be this,

like, and I was very clear on my vision. Like, no one could tell me anything different. And I was very opinionated at a young age. I relate in some ways to that of just being like so, yeah, like headstrong and like, I know what I'm doing. Like I'm going to make it. I'm going to make this happen. Sometimes I've experienced though, you almost struggle to pause and be happy for yourself

in a moment of like, oh shit, like I did this. Do you have a moment in your career at that young age where you were able to stop and be like, oh damn, I made it. That one I made it moment. Do you remember that? I think maybe a small blip of that was winning a Grammy. That was a very special moment for me because I'd always dreamt of something as, that's like the Super Bowl for music. Right? It's like it doesn't get any higher than that award so for me that was super special and Significant but to be honest with you my world was going so fast

So as you can imagine it literally was like the first ten songs in my career where there was my song or collaboration They were all top ten top five top three records or number one records so I don't think I really allowed myself until a little bit later to stop and like really realize where I was. And I think you realize it even more when you have a challenge. When you face adversity, that's when you go, oh, you start to realize like, okay, exactly where things were. And then when you're determined, you stay at it, you fight through it, you battle through your challenges and you keep it moving and you keep on staying on the track

because that's all a part of it. But my true made it moment though, I will say if I could pick a moment where I'm like, oh, like was definitely winning a Grammy. Yeah. Yeah. Damn. Damn. I think a lot of people are like, I hope that's my oh, I made it moment

where I win a Grammy, here we go. Hearing you obviously like you're such a savvy businesswoman and I'm just sitting here like thinking of you because your career started so young. Like, what was the hardest business lesson that you had to learn early on? Ooh, you got to leave your emotions at the door. Like, you know, there's a time and a place for sincerity and in being emotional, especially as a woman. So early on I learned that, you know, I'm like in business there's no gray, it's only black and white, right? So if you can, you know, find a way to manage your emotions,

you know, it's game changing. Because you also realize that a lot of people in our industry don't really care for your emotions. A lot of people don't really care in general. It's like what can you do for me in this moment? What can you do for me in general? That's kind of the mentality for A lot of people don't really care in general. It's like what can you do for me in this moment? What can you do for me in general? That's kind of the mentality from a lot of people, a lot of my experiences.

And then when you know the good ones, you hold onto them and you value them. But I think being a young woman, being determined, you know, and all that good stuff, and having to like manage my stuff, like mind you, my parents weren't like, you know navigating this world for me I was a young girl like hiring and firing and do I mean

like everything so the emotions I had to learn early take them leave them at the door. Yeah. Yeah. Do you think that like on a personal level like how did you stay grounded while you're getting like famous and pictures and everything like where did you find your center core? I'll be honest with you. I'm a spiritual girl. Yeah.

Right. I think a lot of people know that. But so for me, my foundation was that I had faith. For me, I know who God and Jesus is. Like that's important for me. Right. Everybody has their thing. But I think that kind of helps to keep me like level set.

People around me like to this day, I still call my boy Jasper, who I met when I was 14 years old, recorded my first song. He was there in the booth with me. So mind you, that's 20 plus years of relationship. My best friend and makeup artist who's been in my career since I was 16, my first professional shoot as a solo artist,

actually my first professional shoot in general, she did that. So we're 20 plus years of friendship and she's my matron of honor. My team, I stay pretty consistent. I try to keep it like, I'm a creature of habit. I think consistency is key. But I do believe having people,

having that consistent group of people and circle of people that I can trust and know they got my back, I think that was a big part that really helped me to stay level level headed and to be able to reset or have a place to go to. Because I always say, I don't care how strong you are, I don't care how capable you are, you have to have somebody you can talk to.

Like that is so important because the one thing that is very detrimental to, can be detrimental to a person is when you bottle stuff in and you don't have a place to go. Yep. So for me, I think having a place to go has always been a great thing for me or someone I can trust and talk to. Even if it's just one person, like everybody doesn't have to know your stuff, like, you know, but just one person, if you have one, you have enough for me personally.

And then of course I pray and all that good stuff. I appreciate you sharing that because again, obviously most people that are gonna listen, they can't relate to maybe some parts of your life, but that's some of the most relatable shit is making sure that you have good people around you, and actually people that you trust. And it doesn't have to be a lot of people,

but I think if you don't have good people, you can lose your way, because then you're potentially hanging out with people that could sway you or you don't trust and then you have trust issues. It's like making sure you know people are there for the right reasons, which sometimes you can't. You have to just trust. And sometimes you get screwed over.

100%, you gotta have people that you know are gonna be honest with you, that will hold you accountable. But it's also how do they hold themselves? How do they live their lives too, right? You can't have the wrong people feeding you, like you said. That's when it is dangerous, right? And one thing I have learned is that when you're vulnerable, that is the most crucial spot

to listen to the right person. Because you can listen to the wrong person when you're vulnerable, and they can send you completely left, right? Like that's the thing about life, it's amazing how one decision can change your life for better or for worse. One decision, right?

So who's feeding you when you're vulnerable? Like that's so important. You even see some celebrities and you can tell like the people that maybe don't have people with the right intentions in their camp. Because it's like, of course, like you guys at some point can be just reduced to like an object of like, go here, go here, go here. We're all making money off of you. And at some point can be just reduced to like an object of like, go here, go here, go here,

we're all making money off of you. And at some point you have to decide like, you're the one that keeps it all moving. So you have to advocate for yourself in some capacity. Like keep those people that actually have the right intentions and the right, like they want the best for you. And that's hard though. That's hard.

It is, it's hard. But you know, my thing is, it's like, there's a line in the Bible, it talks about, what good is it for a man to gain the world and lose his soul? One of my greatest fears is to have a certain amount of success, that's like the highest level, but to not know who I am.

And I'm very, very, I'm very intentional about that. Like making sure I'm checking myself too. Like I gotta check myself sometimes too. And it's like, I wanna be incredibly successful but I don't want it that much. I'm like lost in the end. Right, imagine it all comes out. We pray we all get to 80, 90.

Yeah. And you're like, I did it for all, I got no one around me. I got nothing that I don't even know who the hell I am. Glad I got the Grammys and the awards and the albums but like, who am I? And still be empty. Yeah, that I'm so terrified of that. And I see it happen so often in my industry. Like a lot of the greats that I respected and admired,

a lot of their stories, like it's not that beautiful story that you saw and why you fell in love with what they do. And I'm just like, man, like that's not truly living to me. Like it can't my life, my the success of my life can also be based off of the materialistic stuff, and awards and all those great things like that's that just can't be enough to fill my cup because honestly, sometimes those things don't happen for you when you want them to happen anyways.

Like there's still things that I wish I, you know, could do I'm hoping to do. Yeah, and it may not happen. so I've gotta make sure I have a level set and understanding of like, what is my definition of success? When you're so young, you look so far ahead, and you should, you should look far ahead and you shouldn't dream big, but you're sometimes so honed in on all these things that you have

so much time to get to. And it's like, you gotta have perspective, right? You gotta stay rooted within yourself and know who you are along the way because you can lose yourself. It's so true and I appreciate you saying that because I feel like we right now, our culture is very like, go, go, go, you want more,

we want the coolest fashion, we want money, we want success, we want the big cars and the houses and the cool things. And if you don't have it, then you're a loser and you're not as cool. There's just so much comparison right now. And especially for women, it's just like the aging aspect and like, we're not good enough if we don't get the, there's just so much. What is something that you learned in your twenties that you still carry with you to this day that you can share with us? Patience. I really, that's one of my favorite words,

well actually perspective is one of my favorite words, but also patience. I would say patience is everything. You know, sometimes like I say, you want things to happen at a certain marker for you and they may not happen until you're 50 or 60 years old. You just don't know, right? So to me, you gotta have patience in the process,

like trust the timing that's meant for you. Things are going to happen for you when they're supposed to. Even for me, I have to remind myself when stuff is ugly, I'm like, this is a part of life. Right? This is, you're supposed to have a little bit of the ugly. Like I say, sometimes you have to go through the ugly to get to the pretty. Yeah. Right?

Even also you saying earlier, you were like, I didn't even stop in moments because like when everything's going well, you just keep moving. And the hardest moments are the moments that you actually are hip checked with yourself to be like, whoa, first of all, so grateful for the good times because this shit's rough right now. And you've then gained that perspective.

I also think what you're saying about patience is really important too, especially with people in this young generation. I feel it of like the patience of like the comparison is, Oh my God, that person got that job and I didn't get the job or I didn't get the thing I wanted. And it's like, we're comparing ourselves to the person around us or our friends around us. Everything moves at a different pace.

And the reason you didn't get that job is for a reason cause you're going to get another thing. I'm trying to tell you, yeah. And sometimes too, things look pretty on the outside, but you don't know what somebody's going through. When you're like looking at what they have going and you want what they have, girl, you don't know what they're going through.

No clue. Right? So it's like, you gotta trust your own timing. Like, you know, it's so much better that way. Like, do you know what's crazy for me? Is I remember like in the days of me, you know, being signed to traditional labels and I would look up and I'd watch other artists, I'm like,

I've been around a block for a long time but she just come in and she looking like she rolling two times faster than what I just, and I'm busting my butt. I'm like, I know I work hard and she works. I know she ain't showing up how I show. And it looks like the world is just going so taken off of them, it's like, you know what?

That's for them. And celebrated too, the world is just going so taken off and it's like, you know what? Like that's for them. Like, and celebrate it too actually. I think there's something really good about celebrating the success of others because when it's your time, it's gonna happen for you. Things take time. Yeah. Right?

It's so true. And it's also like, like you said, like if someone pops off so fast and it's so different, like we don't know what they're going through. Maybe they're also really struggling. Who the hell has popped off so fast and been like, mental health is at 100. It's not a thing.

It gets crazy. And sometimes too, I think when you go so fast in the beginning, you don't have much to look forward to or you don't appreciate it. I appreciate every step of the way for myself because of what I've gone through. And I know for a fact, I wouldn't appreciate it if I had everything given to me,

the world given to me when I wanted it, when I wanted it basically. It's like me telling my kids, you can't have everything. Can you imagine how crazy the world would be if we had everything we wanted when we wanted it? That would be nuts. Nuts, we'd all be miserable.

Crazy, like crazy. We'd be running around like crazy town. All of that. I'm telling you, everybody be lost. Like, you know, like losing it too. So there's something to like, you know, the struggle, there's something to adversity, there's something to getting knocked down and getting back up. There's something to like all of that good stuff. Right. And just like trust the process. Like if this meant for you, it's gonna happen for you

when it's supposed to, how it was supposed to, and it's gonna be so great. It is kind of about the process of like letting things play out. Then you appreciate it more, you have more understanding of who you are as a human being. When you go through more shit, like you come out on top because you have learned experiences

rather than just getting it all. You like oh this was easy yes speaking of relationships um i want to talk to you about love and relationships obviously you're married to russell wilson the denver broncos quarterback we love that for you it's so cute to see like it seems like you guys have such a healthy and loving relationship um i see online people commenting like s seems like you guys have such a healthy and loving relationship I see online people commenting like Sierra like where do I find my Russell? Like where do I find like my couple goals and obviously in order to get to a healthy relationship? You got to go through things before you get to that point And I want to talk to you a little bit about Growing and learning and how you got to where you are now around the time time that you met Russell, you were going through a really public

and what looked like painful breakup. And I think about like leaving a relationship is so hard to make that decision, especially I'm assuming as you, when you have a child, how did you know for yourself it was time to leave? Oh my goodness. When you know you're supposed to make a to make a super defined decision in your life, you know it from like the head to your feet, from your feet to your head and your soul and your body,

you know it. And it's almost like your taste buds change, right? You have a taste bud for a certain kind of thing and then the taste buds just go, you got to sometimes also look in the mirror and reflect on yourself too, right? Like, okay, what are things that I could be doing differently in my life? Or, you know, what's a part of what I'm looking for change,

but what does that mean? So you have to kind of define everything about making changes in your life that are very critical. And you know, I've talked about before, obviously when you have a child, it's very important to me. Now it's no time to play around. The whole experimentation kind of phase is out the door.

I am now responsible for another life. So what am I doing? How am I thinking that through? So you know, and then when you're tired, you're tired. You're tired. You know? And so we get tired and we don't want to be tired all the time. Like you know, I'm like I want to, I want joy. I want to make sure my cup is full. Like how am I living my life? Like I always say, don't let nobody waste your time. Like that's one thing like we talk about like you know,

you know life and the trajectory of life and what you it's like, I don't care if it's a relationship or friendship, business, whatever it is, don't let it waste your time. It's just not worth it. Right? So yeah. I mean, those are things that come to my mind and how I process when I'm making a pivotal, when there's a pivotal moment in my life and in any aspect of my life. When you hear people talk about it, it does seem like, oh, that's so simple.

But when you're in it, it is like, it's really hard to collect yourself when you're trying to leave something and you're like, you're so used to something. Even if it's toxic, like I have women write into me, Sierra, that are like, the fear of being alone sometimes is worse than the fear of staying in something toxic.

Yeah. And I wonder what advice you have because it's like. The thing is is that what you do learn is toxicity, it can kill you. Toxicity, putting toxic things into your body is not good. Is not. So I think it's like we have to be real with ourselves, right, it's like what have to be real with ourselves.

What do you want out of life or yourself? You have to be a little selfish in your thought process and whatever's around you needs to align with that. That's important but that whole, the toxic, it's like there's nothing fun about being confused all the time or someone taking you on the ring around, that's not fun.

It's not fun. And I feel like from my personal experience, I've been in some toxic relationships where it almost, you can normalize it. When you're in it for long enough, and I like that you spoke about it, there is a moment, and I pray for a lot of women listening, you catch that moment before it gets really detrimental

to your own health, but there's that moment you know, but for a while, you can have full blinders on and just not see it because it becomes so normalized. I'm wondering, when you were younger, what is something that you now recognize is a red flag, but at the time you would either like ignore or maybe like turn away from. Well, yeah, it's like how is a person talking to you?

How do they treat others? How do they, you know, you do ignore a lot of stuff like when you just wanna see what you wanna see, but again, when you start thinking holistically, it's like, you know, no one's gonna be perfect, but you do want the one that's perfect for you. Like, and how many boxes can they check off for you that fits, like, what your desire is?

And it should be both ways, right? Me and Russ, we always talk about being equally yoked. Like, for us from day one, like, honestly, I think it was a, you know, healthy place, and I thank God because we always saw, we kind of saw a lot of things the same way. So I think that's more than half the battle when you're kind of aligned. Yes, it's definitely like how someone talks to you.

What's their track record? Girl! What's their track record? And sometimes too, like listen, you know, you don't, again, you see things how you see them. Like sometimes you do overlook things because of your perspective. And again, it's like you're trying to see things like the glass has full, like you're trying to see it from a positive lens,

but again, what's a person doing? I think more than anything, it's like they can tell you everything. A person can be like, oh, I've changed and I'm doing that, and I've heard those stories before. I've heard that song before. But what are they doing? And I think sometimes you tend to put the words

before the actions. You listen, you listen more versus just watching, how are they showing up or not showing up? And then sometimes you don't realize, they're telling you the same thing in a different way. It's like, well, wait a minute. What you told me last time, you told me the same thing again, and you're doing the same thing again. So like, what the fuck? You know what I'm saying?

Yeah. And I love what you said about you and Russell. We're very similar in the way that we think and what we like and what we believe in. And like, of course everyone's different, but when you find yourself trying to make something work so hard and you're the one that's constantly forgiving or coming back, full stop. Like red flag, red flag. Red flag, yeah, for sure. It's like, it takes two, you know?

And like, how are you showing up? Like you ain't showing up. So I ain't showing up either. I'm actually going, it takes two. You know, and like, how are you showing up? Like, you ain't showing up. So I ain't showing up either. I'm actually going, I'm out. Like, yeah, I ain't showing up, no, I'm cool. Like, you ain't gonna exhaust me to the, because honestly, you can lose yourself in those moments. Like, and like I said, it's one of my greatest fears.

And I've been there before, I'm looking at someone, I'm like, you ain't gonna waste my life. I'm sorry, like, that's not an option. Like, it's so scary though, right? It is scary. It is scary. But you know, you gotta like put your foot down for what you want and what you deserve. All the girlies are taking notes right now. They're like, fuck yes, you are like, yeah, but don't be afraid. No, yeah, you're right. Don't be afraid of like, the best part is leaving. The best part is getting out. The best part is finding yourself without that person. And obviously you now are in such a healthy relationship.

It looks, and I'm so happy for you. Just like, even when you talk about him, I can just tell like, yeah, like you're happy. And so I also wonder like, when you go into a healthy relationship, I think sometimes it's so annoying, but like sometimes when you go into a healthy relationship, I think sometimes it's so annoying, but like sometimes we can't help but bring our baggage and our habits from our past relationships that we've had in our life.

Like was there anything that you had to unlearn essentially when you got into your relationship with Russell? Leave it at the door. Leave it at the door. That I think that's so important for yourself and your own sanity, but it's also not fair to your partner to bring old baggage that is from the past. Because then I think you don't give yourself an opportunity to fully be in that love

and be engulfed in that love and to create something fresh for yourself. Before Russ came into my life, I didn't think he was gonna come into my life that fast, to be honest with you, but before he came into my life, the place that I was at mentally when I decided like I'm desiring something different and I was clear on like,

I was very intentional in that phase of my life and obviously you have my baby in my life, my first born. I took that moment for myself. Because I think sometimes too, if we go back to back in relationships, you also aren't having a chance to make peace with yourself and to really tap into you in a way that you maybe don't know you need to, but you need to sometimes pause, take a break,

and just love on yourself, reset, get clarity. The past is the past is the past where you trying to where you want to and really truly look ahead like and be clear and intentional with that so I think I will say the the moment before Ross came into my life I said I thought I was gonna be single for like four years at least I was like I'm not doing this no I'm like, I'm tired. Like I'm like, what's going on? And I'm also, I'm just self reflecting it's everything going on, right?

So I had like to go through that phase and that process and that journey, you know? And so in that moment when you're resetting, the things that are of the past are they're starting to become of the past to you, right? So it's like, you're already clearing up your mind just in general for yourself. Like not even for someone to come into my life,

but just me doing this self-cleanse thing I need to do with myself, like get really find myself, like who am I, like what's this woman wanna feel like when she walks throughout the world? Like what does she talk like, what does she think like? Like I mean, it's all these things that are about myself. I'm like, this is what I need for me, right? And then of course, who's gonna be in her life?

I'm thinking about these things, and I'm like, I mean, my mind is as vivid as it can be. I'm like, he's gonna be a man of God. He's gonna love kids, because I have a child now. I'm like, he's gonna love to travel the world. I mean, all these things, I'm envisioning it so much that I can taste. So we talk about those taste buds, that taste buds starts to have a palate, it's like fit for all that stuff.

So I'm thinking that way already. So when I see it, I know it. And when I saw my honey, my husband, I've never seen anything like that. Never. I haven't never seen anything like that. Yeah. Never. I haven't talked to anyone like that. Like I haven't felt anything like that, but I felt everything that I, like I'm almost gonna cry.

I'm almost, but maybe it's not my almost, but I could like see, like it was exactly what I was seeing right in front of me. Like it's crazy. Oh my God. Like crazy. When did you meet him? Like what was the situation? How did you meet? When did you meet him? Like what was the situation? How did you meet him? What was the situation?

How did you meet? We met when we meet, what year was this? Oh gosh, 2015. Okay. We met in 2015. Okay. Where were you? We were actually in California.

And the crazy thing is we started talking early at first. We were chatting a little bit. And then we had our first in-person meeting. So before we met in person, we were chatting a little bit, and when he met in person, it was the craziest thing because I was trying to make sure I'm doing this right, because mind you, I hadn't met a guy at this point, I hadn't talked to a guy or anything at this point,

so I'm like, this is like, you know, it's a guy in general, and then he always, he was like, well, cause I'm like, well, when we were meeting, I'm like, I also was looking at it from a friendship perspective. You know, I'm just saying like, you know, the build up before you get there. He was like, what friendship? He's like, I want to look for no friend, you know, so we joke about that. But because I want to be like really like. Best buds. What you talking about? I mean he was cute though you know.

But you know we're gonna start going on phases kind of thing. But when we met in person the first time in person we talked was actually at my place. And you know it was kind of the, not kind of, but it was the best thing for the both of us, we felt because even though we were, you know, meeting as friends and all that stuff, even though we're doing that, you know, my son was there and my dad was there.

So see, the friendship perspective. Oh yeah, you really were like, he's probably like, oh my God, I'm meeting the dad. And you're like, no, you're just a homie. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. We actually talked about it and you know, what did he say to me? He was like, well, I'm gonna have to meet him anyways. Like Wes was very like,

I love it, confident. Very, so I'm like, you know, so we meet. And again, that's not, that's not like a traditional way. I'm not telling someone to do that. But because it's he and I, you know, your public figures in our world, unfortunately, oftentimes I think if you jump, you put the cart before the horse

before you are officially together, the world puts its pressure on you and it's just become something else that it kind of like gets in the way of what, you know, like the true thing is that's there, could be. So we just were being private basically. We were gonna go out to get dinner and then we kinda like, let's keep it in.

What'd you guys do? So we just talked. And we were supposed to have dinner. Food was like, belly was like content. Even though it was hungry, it was content. Like, you know, cause we were like talking and talking and talking and it was hungry, it was content. Because we were talking and talking and talking. And it was crazy.

Everything that we talked about, we were aligned on. And I'm not going to lie to you, it was one point in time we were talking and he was talking to me and I wasn't hearing nothing he was saying because I was like, he's so beautiful. I'm looking at him, I'm like, he's gorgeous. Because I didn't look him up. I don't want to know anything about like him before we met. So I'm just like, wow. Yeah, no, I was, I was literally just sitting there.

Like he's talking, I'm like, mm hmm. You're like, oh wait, but just run, just run, just run. No, but the words are going like this, over my head. And so yes, you know. He's like, do you agree? You're like, uh huh. Exactly. What'd you say?

Yeah, love that, for sure. I mean, I'm hearing what he's saying. I'm in the conversation, but I can't remember all that he was saying. You know, so. He's looking great. It was nice. So we just sat and talked,

and I knew, and I said this the other day, when I was talking to him, I was like, this is something different. I knew that I'd never felt what I felt in that moment. I knew this was a different man that I was talking to than, I just knew, it was different. So much to the point that I called Yoly, my best friend, I called her after and I said, Yoly, I was like,

I don't wanna jinx anything, I was like, but I think he's, and she goes, the one, and I said, Yoli, I was like, I don't want to jinx anything. I was like, but I think he's that she goes the one I go. Yes, like I and I never said that in my life. Never said that in my life. So he was meant to be without a doubt. But what was it about him that really impressed you that day? It was you know what, his conversation, how he talked about life.

It's also filling too. It's kind of hard to put in words, but I know what I'm talking to. Like I said, those taste buds are activated. I'm talking to like every sense, everything that I had on the palate was stimulated. It was clear. And so I just knew, even how he talked to my dad,

and my son was moving around, and at some point in time, he's holding him, there was actually this funny thing, y'all think we ever told you about this, but where there's this chair that's in my living, in my kitchen, and the is like about to fall over and future is literally, my son is, he's right there and literally rusts like slides and the socks

catches the chair. It honestly, no, it's, this may sound dramatic, but no lie, he slides over, catches the chair. And I'm like, okay. Okay, Superman, we got a Superman in the bed. And I was like, no, but you know, you're literally sitting there like, no, it was just everything.

No, everything about everything. Like there wasn't one thing that wasn't something like, do you know what I mean? I know what you're saying too. And I think it's important. Cause obviously like you said, which I love that you're explaining after a breakup breakup of what you know you don't want anymore, and you have that moment within yourself,

you quickly align of like, whoa, I gotta get my shit together. Like, I didn't like how I felt, I didn't like this, this, this, this, or I liked this and I wanna bring this into my next relationship, whatever it is. But then when you meet that person, especially when you've had maybe not,

like the healthiest of relationships before, it's a feeling of like, you still have those like giddy butterflies, like we said, like you're drooling in the corner. But it's, there's a sense of like calmness. And I remember I felt it with my fiance because I, it was like, he is kept, it keeps me on my toes and it's so exciting, but it's like safe and calm

and I'm not insecure and I'm not like, there's still that feeling of like, oh, you want to impress them and have fun, but it's a different level of connection where you feel like you've known them for a long time. You know what I mean? It is like there's something there that you're like, whoa, like your souls almost, this is like corny, but like it's like almost like you knew

you were supposed to meet. No, 100%, no, no, no, no, no, no, 100%. Like, because that's what and also to like, and I think I've said this, but just in case, it's like literally the conversation we're having is so aligned, like you're going back and forth and you're like, you're going like, yes, like everything you're saying is like a fiery kind of feeling to it because you're like almost talking to yourself a little bit. Yeah. Right. But there's something you made me think about. Hold on. Let me see. was something he made me think about. Hold on, wait, let me see.

Oh, with the giddy thing, right? What's so amazing, and I feel so blessed, because now we are in year seven of marriage, eight years of being together. So baby, I'm away. Love it. No. Is that I still get the giddy feeling.

I think it's so important, we always talk about that, right, is that you still wanna, like Russ always says, I believe his dad was saying, you gotta always compete. Or it's kind of one of his things that he came up with, but you gotta always compete. So it is that thing where it's like, even though you do build a comfort over time, you still wanna like, you know,

you still wanna make sure you keep it cute, you wanna keep it sexy, you wanna keep it spicy, you want to keep it sexy, you want to keep it spicy, you want to keep it fun. We do date nights every Friday, because in football that's the off day. So we do date nights every Friday, we stay committed to that, and we look forward, it's something I look forward to,

and the fires, they burn, and you still feel like, dating all over. The other night we played at Uno at dinner, and I was like, and I said, "'Babe, can we take the Uno cars? And he was like, yeah, we can, you know. But then he played Uno, but that was the little things. And I was like, I had so much,

I literally told him the next morning, I'm like, I had so much fun. Like, so I think it's like, you know, it's all that, you know, it's like, you know, do you have someone in your life that's also down to try new things with you? Like, do they accept you at your lowest of your low points? Right, like every day is not perfect. Yeah.

Like I've had moments where I look up, you know, and I'm going through a challenging time and he's the one person, the only person I can look to in that moment. And he has always has the right words to say. Like, you know, all those things are important to like, how does a person speak to you when you're at your low, right? In your relationship, because that's key. Like it's really you too. Like when it's all said and done, like it's you too. And you have you're at your low, right? In your relationship, because that's key. Like it's really you too.

Like when it's all said and done, like it's you too. And you have your kids, of course, too. But like it's the two of you. Yeah. Even hearing you too, like when he came over, it wasn't just you. Like you had a son, like you have a son. You're like you're bringing someone into your life that now is not just going to be a relationship with yourself. You need to also have a relationship

with my son. Like how did he take on being a stepfather? He jumped right in, changing the diapers right away. No hesitation. He's an amazing father. Like watching him with all of our kids is like, it is one of the sweetest things. It's one of the sexiest things to be honest with you. It is one of the sweetest things, it's one of the sexiest things to be honest with you. I'm just saying ladies, when the man jumps in and changes the diapers and he be pulling up to the Teach Your Parent conferences and he be you know. It's like ooh, he surprised Cece at the dentist

the other day and she was like daddy, and I was like daddy, I would say the same thing to you. Yeah, I'm like okay, you know. But it is, that's what you want. Like you, that feels good, you know? It's like, it feels, it feels good when, you know, there's something about a man turning on that part of them. Like, you know, they're manning for you. They're being a man for you,

but they're also being a man for your family. Like there's no better feeling than knowing that when we all look up and we, if we look at him, like he's got us. Like I know he's going to wrap his arms around me and my babies fully. Like there's no depth that he won't go to go, you know, go to for us or to make sure things are like right for us. Like that, that is kind of hard to put that in words, but that feels good.

We gotta know, Sierra. What? What is your favorite part about being married to a professional athlete? Oh gosh. Um, you know, it's crazy. I left football before he came into my life. Like I'm a tomboy. So I watched the game with my, my dad growing up. Um, but you know, I mean, I, I think I say that because I think that you really enjoy, I really enjoy the journey with him. I enjoy the highs and the lows with him. I enjoy his competitive nature. Like I really respect it.

Like one thing about Russ is like when it comes to football, he is so dedicated to football. It's like football and family, football, family. I mean, he's really dedicated to his game and I really admire that. So obviously doing what I do, I feel like I get so much of a motivational dose like every day on his journey and what I do. Like I get really inspired.

Like, you know, you would think that I'm in the huddle with him when he's in the huddle. You would think that, cause like I'm in this thing. Like with him when he's in the huddle. You would think that, because I'm in this thing. But we have so much fun. Sports, you know, sports are such a, it's such a powerful force. Music is a powerful force. So it's such a blessing to have sports and music

in our household. But I do enjoy the joy that we get. Even, like I say, the highs and the lows, getting ready for each Sunday, or if it's a Monday night or a Thursday night, you know, the jump up in our, in our household with the kids, like also being excited and being a, it's just a whole, like it's, it's a blessing. I was about to say, like, tell us what's the vibe of the house on game day.

Like what are we doing? Okay. Game day. Okay. So Russ is a creature of habit. Okay. So he's, he's like very consistent. So it's very routine. You know, he does his bodywork, his treatment work, and all that good stuff.

And he's in his piece then. And typically when he does it, I'm with him. So mommy's like, okay, kids, like, I'll be right back. But I gotta be there, like in that Zen moment. And then he goes to his motion to prepare for the game. And then the kids are definitely upstairs running around like chaos, turned up, excited. It's not that serious for them at this age.

Although I will say future is getting more serious. He's also into sports too. So he can feel a little bit of the journey too. Sienna's like, go daddy! You know? And Wins like, go, go daddy! I mean, this is different levels, right? But we have that flow, and then he gets ready,

we do, he gets ready to roll out the door, we do prayer every time before a game as a family. He goes off to do his thing, and then it's me and the babies, we're getting ourselves together, we ride to the car, we jam out, I'm DJ Mama, the kids are DJs too, they all wanna pick their own songs. It's all the good energy rolling up to the stadium. And then we roll into the suite, and then when you sit down, I'm not gonna lie to you guys,

especially being pregnant, the emotional roller coaster is like, ooh lordy, I be talking to myself. I mean, it's just a journey, I'm like, geez,y. I be talking to myself. It's just a journey. I'm like, jeez, heart stop pumping so fast sometimes. It's crazy. I love it though. It's crazy because you feel, like I said,

I'm in the huddle too, I'm out there. Let's go boys. I'm wanting always the best outcome. It's so good. But it's fun and after the game we eat dinner together or what not, but it's pretty chill. It's exciting but it's pretty chill. Russ is really serious about what he does

and I think it's important that we respect that journey, that process for him on a daily basis. So we try to make sure we kinda, it's a combination of all that stuff. I love it. But it's fun. I'm thinking of you saying you're also in the car with your babies.

I'm like, do you play them your music? Do they know mom's music? Okay, when it's new. Okay. I don't like playing my music back to me. I just feel like that's kind of weird sometimes, but I'm not gonna lie to you. Oh, tell me.

When I have a song that I really love, I might listen to myself a little bit, you know, just a little bit. You know, and my kids, they may pick my songs. Like when I put that level up, they love that song. I'm honestly, I'm not saying because of my record, but I really love my song, How We Roll. That's my jam. And I ain't gonna lie. I put it on the other day and played it back about seven times. I'm like, this song just feels so good. Like it gives me the, you know. Also same with like low key and BRB. I was like, okay.

Like it's, it's, it's a vibe. And I wonder if Russell plays it in the car for the kids while you're not there. He's like, guys, this is mommy. He will, you know, he's really big on like guys, you gotta listen to mommy's music. He will make sure they know my music or hear it and listen to it, but he'll definitely make sure the kids like, you know, support mommy, which is sweet. Like they, I think one day it was like,

the kids were having to pick between one song and the other, I don't even know what the songs were, but one of them was mine and one wasn't. And he was like, you better pick your mom's song. You know, so. Let's keep it real. We know who we support in this family, mom. Let's make sure we, you know, I love it.

Yes. It's really cute to eat. Cause I'm sitting here and I'm like, you've won a Grammy. He's won a Superbowl. Like you guys are the ultimate power couple. And I think a lot of people look at you guys and envy you obviously. And it's like, Whoa, their life is so amazing. Like when you do go through the hard moments,

like how do you guys level set each other? Like what is the process of keeping each other grounded and keeping each other like? Being able to be honest and communicate, I think has been game changing for us. And even when it's ugly, sometimes it's gotta get a little ugly, like I said, get a little ugly before we get to the pretty.

But I just think some, like there's nothing better for me than knowing like I was able to say what I felt fully and he heard me. And don't you like it too? Cause it's different in that type of relationship where you know like you're both trying to come back together and like you both have the same goal.

Like no one's winning. We actually just have to hear each other understand it where in other relationships I've had, it's like, oh, this is just an ego thing. Like I'm never gonna win. Cause you aren't even listening to what I'm saying. When you say the word toxic, it kind of rings a certain way for me.

Cause like I said to you earlier, I'm like toxic things can do damage to you. It can be harmful to you. So the glorifying of things that are harmful to you will never be cool to me. Never be cool. Like never be fly. Never be the way of, you know,

that's just not it to me personally. You have this great relationship now, knowing the relationships you've had in the past of like sometimes you gotta go through the bad to get to the good like we said. So it is exciting I think for women listening of like, oh, like even if you're in the trenches right now listening to this and you're not in a healthy relationship or you're not feeling good about yourself or it's an abusive situation, if you're in the trenches right now listening to this and you're not in a healthy relationship

or you're not feeling good about yourself or it's an abusive situation, whatever you're in, like you can get out and you can find happiness and you can find what you deserve. But again, patience, like give yourself some grace. It can't happen overnight. 100%. But it is nice to hear from you of like, it can happen.

It can happen, baby. Let's talk about your music though, because like I said, we were all jamming to it in the office day, we were just like laughing, we were blasting it, we were like, it can happen. It can happen, baby. Let's talk about your music though, because like I said, we were all jamming to it in the office. Say we were just like laughing. We were blasting it. We're like, how creepy if she like rolls up and we're just like screaming your music. But now I'm like, I think you would have liked it. It would have been kind of fun. I might jump in and dance your EP CC. I need to understand who is CC, who Talk to me about the two. So Cece and Ciara are connected. It's not an alter ego. Okay.

But there is an energy that comes out when you say Cece. Like I turn my lip up a little bit. She get a little stank with it. I'm from Atlanta. So, you know, there's a lot of soul in what we do there. And, um, you know, when I came up, it was obviously my nickname, but people would be like, you know, when they say, go Cece, go Cece, go, go Cece, go Cece. Like there's an energy that comes with that. There's a feeling that comes with that. And it's, you know, I would say, I just, I really on this project, I wanted to make sure

I had those core elements of what that is. Cause that's something special for me from a music standpoint. Like when you say go Cece, when you say go Cece, go Ce, go CC go like there's something about that that's just like a little it's a little saucy, you know, and so, um, you know, that that's kind of it. It's not an alter ego though. Yeah. It's just like a little bit more of like a vibe.

Yeah. Like a little sassy vibe. She got a little more sassy to her CC era. You know, if you talk to me and I'm in my like Cece Era mode, and it depends on the situation, I try to like, you know, like Michelle said, when they go low, you go high. Yeah. You know, that kind of thing. Cece might she might snap back a little bit. She might bite back a little bit, just a little bit.

I love it. I love it. A little more, you know. What do you want people to like feel when they're listening to this music? Like is there a specific place you envision people listening to it? What's the vibe? I feel like this music on this project is kind of like that perfect house party energy where you can like kick back if you want to. It's feel good. It's a little, it's a, it's a sexy record, but it's also if you want to. It's feel good, it's a sexy record, but it's also if you wanna like chill back,

people if you wanna roll up, roll up on the skates or roll up literally if you want to, you know, put toast up to it if you want to. My song Two in Love, it's a slower record. That's a moment where I'm trying to remember, it's like one night Russ and I like had a little bit of a disagreement. And I'm like, gosh, like the truth is I'm just too in love, you know? I was like, oh my gosh, like this is like really like all about how in love with you are.

And I love it. It's so sweet. It's so sweet. Well, you know, it's that feeling on that record. It's like you're upset. Like, you know, I watched this TikTok or something someone was doing and they were like mad at each other. It's like, this is how couples do when you're mad, like, but you still love each other. And like you slam the car, you let them in the car, but you slammed their heart. Or you like gotta give them food,

but you open the fridge with attitude and you close the fridge with attitude, like that kind of energy. So like, on Two in Love, I'm like, like he always put his arms around me a certain way. And like, if he doesn't do it, I'm like, like you, he always put his arms around me a certain way and like if he doesn't do it, I'm like, like with someone we're sleeping, I'm like, I feel that. Like, I mean, I want to be mad too, but I want you to put your arm on me.

Like, you know, I'm like, it's like all those kinds of feelings. So before I put this project out, it's exactly like what I wanted it to be. And there's no better feeling than that. Yeah. You now being able to do things on your own and figure out what you want to continue to sound like as your career continues to grow and expand. Yeah.

It's just truly was such an honor sitting with you today because like you are such an accomplished woman and sitting with you and getting any of the wisdom we can get from you today, Sierra. I know I'm like, I'm taking it in note. I'm like, everyone's writing notes. Like you're just such an inspiration. And it's really surreal for me to sit down with you today because I'm such a fan and thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And congrats on your baby.

So happy you're expanding the family. Maybe we'll see a number five at one point. You sound like Russ. Don't get crazy now. okay? Let's just go one baby at a time. Thank you, Sierra. Thank you, I had so much fun. And congratulations to you, you were killing it. I think there was this new article about you on Forbes. Keep on doing what you're doing. You're obviously giving a platform for women.

You've created a platform for women that is very important and critical and your personality's incredible. So keep on shining your light. Thank you. Yeah. Cheers. Woohoo!

We did it! Call it daddy! Woo! Thanks for watching guys!