On this episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett gets to know the woman behind the strings, Mariea Antoinette, an accomplished harpist whose artistry is redefining what audiences think the harp can sound and feel like.
Mariea doesn’t simply play the harp—she makes it sing. Blending classical technique with contemporary soul, R&B and cultural influences, she transforms an instrument with centuries of history into something fresh, powerful and undeniably relevant.
In this conversation, Mariea opens up about her journey as an artist, the evolution of her sound and what it means to carve out her own space for the harp in today’s music landscape. Plus, listeners get a taste of her latest release, “Fierce,” available now on music streaming platforms.
#CallMeWyllisa #MarieaAntoinette #ContemporaryHarpist #WomenInMusic #BlackWomenInMusic
 

On the latest episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down with Tuanni Price, a certified sommelier, cultural curator and entrepreneur. She’s also the founder of Zuri Wine Enterprise and the Afro Wine Week Summit, as well as the author of I Like My Wine Like I Like My Men.
For cork dorks and wine connoisseurs alike, Tuanni makes wine culture approachable by stripping away the pretense and replacing it with authentic storytelling, relatable analogies and unforgettable social experiences. In true Price fashion, she draws a fascinating comparison between wine culture and relationships, showing how choosing the right wine can be a lot like finding the right partner.
Just like dating, Price explains, wine is about discovering what you like, understanding your preferences and knowing when something simply isn’t the right fit. She brings humor and real-life relationship wisdom to the wine experience, proving that you don’t have to be a wine expert to appreciate the journey. Pour yourself a glass and press play!
#CallMeWyllisa #TuanniPrice #WineCulture #WineAndRelationships #ZuriWineEnterprise

On this episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down with acclaimed author, advocate and storyteller Regina Louise for a powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, identity, healing and the complicated journey of finding your voice.
Regina is the author of the bestselling memoirs Somebody’s Someone and its follow-up, Someone Has Led This Child to Believe. Her remarkable story of resilience also caught Hollywood’s attention and inspired the Lifetime movie I Am Somebody’s Child: The Regina Louise Story.
Now, Regina returns with her third book, Unladylike: A Mythopoetic Reclamation of Love, a deeply personal and fiercely lyrical reflection on the experiences that have shaped her life. With honesty and unflinching vulnerability, she revisits painful chapters of her past—not to remain trapped in them, but to reclaim them.
In this candid conversation, Regina talks about what it means to look back at trauma through the lens of the woman she has become. She shares the evolution of her storytelling, the courage it takes to tell the truth and why, sometimes, reclaiming your life begins with reclaiming your narrative.
 
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #ReginaLouise #Unladylike #SomebodysSomeone #ReclaimYourStory #FindingYourVoice #HealingJourney #Resilience #TraumaAndHealing #BlackAuthors #BlackWomenWriters #Transformation  

On this episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down with actress, producer and publicist Angelique Bates, a trailblazing original cast member of Nickelodeon’s groundbreaking sketch-comedy series All That.
Angelique began performing as a baby and grew up in the entertainment industry, eventually becoming part of the original cast that helped launch All That in the 1990s. In this candid “quiet on the set” conversation, she opens up about the opportunities and challenges of being a child actor, growing up in Hollywood and finding her identity and direction as an adult after beginning her career at such a young age.
Wyllisa and Angelique also discuss longevity in Hollywood, reinvention, navigating the entertainment business and what it takes to build a lasting career in an industry that is constantly changing.
From child star to seasoned entertainment professional, Angelique Bates shares a story about perseverance, growth and discovering who you are after the spotlight finds you.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #AngeliqueBates #AllThat #Nickelodeon #QuietOnTheSet #ChildStar #90sTV #HollywoodStories #BehindTheScenes #Actress #Producer #Publicist #BlackWomenInHollywood #BlackEntertainment

You may not recognize her face—but chances are you've spent hours listening to her voice.
On this episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett had the pleasure of sitting down with the incomparable Bahni Turpin, one of the most celebrated audiobook narrators in the world. If you're an audiobook lover, you've likely experienced Turpin’s unforgettable performances in bestselling titles including “The Hate U Give,” “The Sun Is Also a Star,” “The Underground Railroad,” “Children of Blood and Bone” and “Children of Virtue and Vengeance.”
Our conversation explored the artistry behind voice acting and audiobook narration. Turpin shared what it takes to breathe life into characters using nothing but her voice, how she approaches each story and why authentic storytelling matters.
Her extraordinary talent has earned her some of the industry's highest honors,including Narrator of the Year from Audible and Publishers Weekly as well as Audible Hall of Fame. This conversation is a reminder that some of the most powerful performances happen behind the microphone.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #BahniTurpin #Audiobooks #AudiobookNarrator  #VoiceActing #VoiceActor #Storytelling #BlackVoices #BlackStorytellers #WomenInEntertainment #VoiceOver #Narration #BookLovers #PowerOfTheVoice
 

In the latest episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down for a candid publicist to publicist conversation with Rhonda Mitchell, the poet laureate of Altadena, Calif.
A poet, storyteller and communications professional, Mitchell’s remarkable career proves that purpose can evolve while your voice grows stronger. She spent decades serving the City of Los Angeles, beginning as a 911 operator before risingthrough the ranks to retire as Communications Director for the Office of Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
While building an accomplished career in public service, she was also nurturing another calling—her passion for writing. A PEN Center Emerging Voices Fellow and Voices of Our Nation Arts (VONA)
Fellow, Mitchell graciously shared some of her original poetry with us, reminding us that words have the power to heal, connect, and transform. Hearing her perform her work added another layer of depth to an already inspiringconversation and gave us a glimpse into the heart behind the writer.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #RhondaMitchell #PowerOfThePen #Poetry #PoetLaureate  #BlackWomenWriters #Purpose #Storytelling #WomenInMedia #Publicists

Sometimes, the path back to yourself begins with saying yes to something new.
On this episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, the beautiful actress and entrepreneur Malinda Williams shared how her collaboration with W Style to create her own line of handbags reignited a part of herself she hadn't explored in years. Known for her film roles in “The Wood” and “High School High” as well as the tv series “Soul Food,” Williams gives a heartfelt conversation about purpose, faith and the incredible power of manifestation. She shared how being intentional about your thoughts, your words, and your actions can help align you with the life you're meant to live.
She reminded us that manifestation isn't just about wishing for what you want—it's about doing the inner work, trusting God's timing, and boldly walking in your purpose.
#CallMeWyllisa #MalindaWilliams #FaithAndPurpose #PowerOfManifestation #WalkingInPurpose #ManifestYourDreams #IntentionalLiving #WomenInBusiness #BlackWomenInHollywood #Actress  #Reinvention  #PurposeDriven  

In the latest episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down for a candid “Publicist to Publicist” conversation with former BET Networks publicist Zabrina Horton.
The two entertainment industry veterans take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the early days of the BET Awards, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and reflecting on how entertainment publicity—and the industry itself—has evolved over the years.
But Zabrina’s journey extends far beyond red carpets and celebrity events. She opens up about a life-changing experience that led her to leave Los Angeles, redefine her purpose and begin an entirely new chapter.
Today, Zabrina is the founder of Music Memory Lane, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of music and movement to create meaningful engagement and enhance the quality of life for older adults, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
From Hollywood publicity to community impact, this inspiring conversation explores career transitions, resilience, reinvention and what can happen when you discover a purpose beyond the spotlight.
Hashtags:#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #ZabrinaHorton #PublicistToPublicist #BET #BETAwards #CelebrityPublicist #PublicRelations #EntertainmentIndustry #BehindTheScenes #BlackWomenInPR #MusicMemoryLane #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaAwareness #CommunityImpact

The Honorable Dr. Tara S. Merchant, J.D., of New York City joins CALL ME WYLLISA for a compelling and timely conversation about some of the high-profile legal cases making headlines across the country.
In this thought-provoking episode, Judge Merchant examines the controversial term “legal lynching” and shares important insight into what Black parents should teach the boys and men in their families about understanding and navigating today’s legal system.
Operating at the intersection of law, media and public policy, Judge Merchant brings a unique perspective to the conversation. As a New York Justice, network founder and respected legal commentator, she discusses justice, accountability, media influence and the realities of an evolving legal landscape.
It’s an informative and candid conversation that goes beyond the headlines to explore how the law can impact our families, our communities and our everyday lives.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #JudgeTaraMerchant #TaraMerchant  #LegalLynching #BlackMenAndTheLaw #BlackFamilies #KnowYourRights  #Justice #BlackCommunity #BlackVoices  #PublicPolicy #CriminalJustice  #BlackMedia

In the latest episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down with daytime television icon Victoria Rowell, best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Drucilla Winters on the award-winning daytime drama The Young and the Restless.
In this candid and personal conversation, Wyllisa and the acclaimed actress, author, producer and advocate reflect on Victoria’s remarkable career, her lifelong commitment to foster care advocacy, and her deeply personal journey to find her father.
The two also revisit a special chapter in their shared history: how Victoria became Wyllisa’s very first client. What began with a chance encounter would ultimately help launch Wyllisa’s career as a Hollywood publicist and change the trajectory of her life for the next 25 years.
Subscribe to Call Me Wyllisa for more conversations, stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #VictoriaRowell #YoungAndTheRestless #DrucillaWinters #DaytimeTV #SoapOpera #BlackWomenInHollywood  #FosterCare #CelebrityPublicist #Actress #Author #Producer #HollywoodStories 

Celebrating 25 years in the entertainment industry, Wyllisa Bennett takes listeners behind the scenes of her career as a Hollywood publicist and shares the story of how one unexpected opportunity changed everything.
In this episode of Call Me Wyllisa, Wyllisa answers three of the questions she’s asked most often: What does a publicist actually do? How did she become one? And who really needs a publicist?
Wyllisa also gets candid about the realities of publicity, managing clients’ expectations, building visibility, creating compelling stories, and navigating Hollywood.
Subscribe to Call Me Wyllisa for more conversations, stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #PublicRelations #Publicist #EntertainmentPublicist #PRLife #HollywoodPublicist #BlackWomenInMedia #WomenInPR #MediaRelations #VictoriaRowell #PatTobin #BETawards #BehindTheScenes #BlackMedia #Podcast

In the premiere episode of CALL ME WYLLISA, celebrity publicist and host Wyllisa Bennett sits down with long-time dear friend, Rolonda Watts, the multi-talented, award-winning talk show host, actress, voice coach, comic and author.
Together, they take a nostalgic look back at the golden era of daytime talk shows and discuss how the media landscape has evolved over the years, from traditional newsrooms to today's digital-first world. Rolonda also reflects on one of the most memorable moments of her career, her headline-making interview with La Toya Jackson and shares insights from the invaluable wisdom she received from the late Dr. Maya Angelou.
Filled with candid conversation, career lessons, and inspiring stories, this episode celebrates resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of authentic storytelling.
#CallMeWyllisa #WyllisaBennett #RolondaWatts #Journalism #BlackJournalists #BlackWomenInMedia #MayaAngelou #DaytimeTV #TalkShowHost #MediaIndustry#PersonalGrowth #WomenOver50 #Podcast