Jess Funny goes beyond comedy and radio to explain why she wrote a book about co-parenting, family therapy and breaking toxic stereotypes.
Comedian, actor and radio personality Jess Hilarious has added another title to her resume: writer.
In an interview with AllHipHop, the Breakfast Club co-host talked about her new book, Until Death We Parent: Raising My Kids with a Dad, her approach to successful co-parenting, the evolution of The Breakfast Club on Netflix, and maintaining healthy family relationships after a relationship ends. Slops Contact the author.
AllHipHop: You seem very comfortable moving around the media space right now. A lot of people first discover you through Instagram, so they might expect your first book to be about comedy or your rise in entertainment. Why focus on co-parenting?
Jesse Funny: Because I want to prove to people – and remove the stigma against families, especially Black families – that we can successfully raise children together without being together. It’s not always dysfunction and toxicity.
In the beginning, Jerome, my son’s father, and I were definitely dysfunctional. We do our best, try to win arguments and so on. But we got over it. This was really what I wanted the book to be about. I want people to see that even if we’re not together romantically, we can still happily raise children together.
AllHipHop: Now that you’re a part of The Breakfast Club, did Charlamagne God give you any advice about writing this book?
Jesse Funny: Honestly, no. My brother trusted me because he knew I had the ability. He basically just told me, “Yo, tell me your story.” He said there weren’t enough co-parenting books out there and not enough young people sharing these experiences.
He feels the book might impact couples and families who still love each other but don’t necessarily want to be together. At the end of the day, this is still a family.
AllHipHop: Speaking of The Breakfast Club, how is the transition to Netflix going? Are you more comfortable now?
Jesse Funny: Of course. When I really thought about this, I realized that Netflix is trying to be everything in media. They want news, sports, movies, shows, comedy specials—everything.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix starts making music videos like “106 & Park” again. Don’t edit it out! (laugh)
But yeah, I’m much more comfortable now. We’re now No. 1 in podcasting, and I think recent data shows that viewership is up 45 or 50 percent since going to Netflix.
With anything new comes its bumps and bruises, but I’m honored to be a part of the Hall of Fame radio show that Charlamagne, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy have built over the past 15 years.
AllHipHop: Personally, I get along great with my daughter’s mother. What are the gems for long-term health of this relationship?
Jess Hilarious: First of all, it’s beautiful. My advice is to keep doing what you are doing.
Always express how happy you are for her. Continue to empower her, because even if she is no longer your woman, she is still one of the women in your life—and you have created a child together. That’s sacred.
You have to keep that connection close. Check on her, make sure she’s okay, etc. There are ways to do this without crossing the line.
I truly believe that moms and dads who aren’t together can still be true friends.
AllHipHop: Let everyone know where to find this book.
Jess Hilarious: The book is called Parenting Until Death Do Us Part. There’s a reason why it’s “we parent until death do us part” because being a parent is a life sentence. People always say, “until the kids turn 18,” but really, at 35, 45, or even 80, if your parents are still here, you still need them.
You can get it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and my website jesshilariousofficial.com. Yes, we are number one on the Amazon bestseller list.
To purchase “We Parented Until We Were Deaf,” click here.
