BLACK IN THE GREEN ROOM
Loni Love is no stranger to wearing many hats—and this holiday season, she’s adding a Santa hat to the mix.
The Emmy and NAACP award-winning comedian, actress, and author is lighting up December 2024 with a full slate of projects, from her live holiday comedy show, “Loni Love and the Lovettes,” to her appearance on “The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday,” and her new podcast, “Grown Ass Women Talking.”
Performing her holiday comedy show at Pasadena’s historic Ice House Comedy Club on December 5, 12, and 19, 2024, Love aimed to create a festive and comedic space for audiences.
“We’re up there for the show, and it’s about love and laughter,” said Love, explaining her focus on bringing people together through humor and connection. Love expressed excitement about performing at the Ice House, a venue she described as iconic in comedy history.
“We’ve been working hard to put together a show that celebrates the holidays with joy and laughs,” Love added, emphasizing that the holiday season was the perfect time to bring people together through shared experiences.
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In addition to her live performances, Love turned up the heat in the kitchen with her appearance on “The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday.”
Competing alongside stars like Anthony Anderson and Rob Riggle, she described the experience as both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. When asked about stepping out of her comedic comfort zone, she admitted that baking for Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith added a layer of intensity.
“You’re not just baking; you’re baking in front of people who can look at a cupcake and know exactly what went wrong,” joked Love, laughing at the high stakes of the competition.
One of Love’s more personal endeavors this year has been her podcast, “Grown Ass Women Talking,” which she co-hosts with Erica Montolfo.
The show features in-depth conversations with women sharing their life experiences and wisdom. Love explained that the podcast was inspired by her love of storytelling and her desire to highlight voices that aren’t always heard in mainstream spaces.
“That’s what I love to get,” shared Love. “Peel back the layers and get their experience.” She emphasized that the show allowed her to dive deep into personal stories and connect with women who have navigated complex paths in their careers and personal lives.
Among her favorite episodes was one featuring Sheila E., the legendary musician and drummer. “She’s just a great, phenomenal woman,” Love said. The two discussed Sheila E.’s journey in the music industry, including the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved.
Love also highlighted an episode with Lyn Sisson-Talbert, the producer of Netflix’s “Jingle Jangle.”
“It’s like just to hear her process and what she goes through as a woman and how she was able to navigate Hollywood—it’s a treasure trove of advice,” said Love. For Love, these conversations weren’t just informative; they were inspiring and deeply personal.
Love reflected on the value of featuring women from diverse backgrounds, including those working behind the scenes.
“We’ve had people that maybe you don’t know because they’re behind the camera,” explained Love, referencing Sisson-Talbert and others. By spotlighting these voices, Love hoped to offer listeners insights into perseverance, creativity, and resilience.
Her podcast also includes lighthearted moments, with guests such as Kathy Griffin and Margaret Cho adding humor to the mix. Love described these episodes as a blend of comedy and wisdom, where candid conversations offered both laughs and life lessons.
Despite her packed schedule, Love shared that her projects are deeply fulfilling. She explained that balancing comedy, cooking, and podcasting came naturally because each allowed her to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. “It’s great,” she said. “And I just love doing it.”
Love’s approach to her work this holiday season reflects her broader philosophy: using humor to bring people together. She emphasized that whether it’s a stand-up show, a cooking challenge, or a podcast episode, her goal is always to make her audience feel seen and entertained.
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I want to help folks laugh, learn, and feel a little lighter,” said Love.
