Wyllisa Bennett

CALL ME WYLLISA

WELCOME TO MY WORLD!

Thank you for stopping by!

I invite you to join me live on Zoom every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET  for my podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA. And while you’re here, explore my witty, little musings of Hollywood and commentary about all things poppin’ in pop culture from a Southern girl’s perspective  Oh, and one more thing: this blog comes with a disclaimer; so, be sure to read it. xo

EVERYBODY HAS A PODCAST!

by Leave a Comment

And now, so do I!

I’m finally putting my gift of gab to use with my new podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA. People have told me that I talk too much!!  Well, that sounds like the perfect reason to start a podcast. I’m excited to use the platform to connect with fascinating guests, share powerful stories, and inspire women around the world. The podcast  is a personality-driven podcast, offering a celebrity publicist’s POV on everything poppin’ in pop culture. It’s real conversations and unfiltered commentary mixed with personal stories and anecdotes from the world of entertainment, media and culture.

CALL ME WYLLISA premiered on June 4, 2026 on the Intentional Talk Radio Network. ITRN is one of the largest internet radio networks, heard in more than seven countries. ITRN can be found on all major digital platforms including Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon and Pandora. Plus, I’ll be uploading the show on YouTube, too. .

JOIN ME LIVE EVERY THURSDAY
5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET

Listen Live on Zoom!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9597586957?pwd=ckFYT2xPa0FiZUFPZXhZQVpMSVJCdz09

Meeting ID:  959 758 6957

Passcode: tpgdjHE17@

See ya in the chat!

25

by Leave a Comment

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!

May is always a special month for me, And this year, I’m celebrating a meaningful milestone of 25 years since I landed in Los Angeles, and started building my boutique public relations  agency, wrb public relations.  That’s 25 of years writing press releases. And 25 years of walking red carpets. And most importantly, 25 years of making people famous and keeping people famous!

This week marks National Small Business Week, which celebrates the contributions of entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy.  I’m proud of my many accomplishments over the years as an entrepreneru; but I’m most proud of the becoming a certified small business for the City of Los Angeles and the state of California.

CLASS OF 2025! Honored to be recognized by the city of Los Angeles for participating in the Small Business Academy, facilitated by the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA)! I was selected from hundreds of applicants! This experience provided valuable tools, resources, and mentorship to help entrepreneurs like me grow sustainable and impactful businesses. Grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and continue building. .

The class of 2025 was recently presented with certificates at City Hall during a session with the Department of Public Works Board of Commissioners. Last year, I set a goal to become a certified small business, and I’m proud to have achieved it! Being part of the Class of 2025 for the city’s Small Business Academy is just the cherry on top!.

Special shout out to our fearless leaders John L. Reamer and Melissa Savage of BCA . Special thanks to Department of Water & Power (DWP), the Port of Los Angeles (POLA), the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) along with the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) for making the Small Business Academy possible.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity; so always prepare to be lucky!

Always be ready when your name is called!

ME + THE DAYTIME DIVA!!!

by Leave a Comment

I can’t wait to chat with award-winning actress, author, and producer Victoria Rowell! The last time many of us saw her iconic character, Drucilla Winters on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLETSS, she fell off a cliff in 2007… but her body was never found! 👀.

A versatile actress of theatre, primetime, daytime and feature films, Victoria is known around the world for her various roles.  Of course, she’s an an icon in daytime television, and she’s been nominated twice for a Daytime Emmy and awarded eleven NAACP Image Awards.She also co-starred in the CBS hit primetime television series DIAGNOSIS MURDER with Dick Van Dyke for eight seasons while simultaneously continuing her role in daytime.

On the big screen, Rowell has worked with some of Hollywood’s award-winning leading men, including Beau Bridges, Jim Carrey, Dick Van Dyke, Mario Van Peoples, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy and Samuel L. Jackson. Her film credits include as THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMENwith Eddie Murphy, DUMB AND DUMBERwith Jim Carrey and EVE’S BAYOU, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Diahann Carroll – just to name a few.

Next year, Victoria will celebrate the 20th anniversary for the  release of her New York Times best-selling book, “The Women Who Raised Me.” It is a tribute not only to the amazing women who cared for Victoria when her birth mother could not, but also to the foster care system that brought them into her life

Having spent eighteen years in foster care, Rowellbecame a passionate voice for children like herself. In 1990, she founded the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan (RFCPP), which enriches foster children through artistic and athletic expression.

✨ FUN FACT: Victoria was my very first client, and she discovered me on the red carpet at the BET Awards in 2003!

Recently, Victoria and I met up at a cool spot in West Hollywood to reminisce about the good old days, and let me tell you, I laughed so hard! She has an incredible sense of humor, and we had the best time catching up. Honestly, there’s so much to talk about, I don’t even know where to begin. Starting as a dancer with ABT II to modeling to her groundbreaking career in television to her work as an author, producer, and advocate, one conversation simply isn’t enough. We may have to do this interview in multiple parts, so let’s call this Part 1.

Join the conversation.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026
5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET

PHOTO CREDIT: Victoria’s photo by Stephanie Girard

LISTEN LIVE ON ZOOM:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9597586957?pwd=ckFYT2xPa0FiZUFPZXhZQVpMSVJCdz09

Meeting ID:  959 758 6957

Passcode: tpgdjHE17@

See ya in the chat!

EVERYBODY HAS A PODCAST!

by Leave a Comment

And now, so do I!!

I’m finally putting my gift of gab to use with my new podcast, CALL ME WYLLISA, set to premiere today at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on the Intentional Talk Radio Network, which is one of the largest internet radio networks, heard in more than seven countries. ITRN can be found on all major digital platforms including Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon and Pandora. Plus, I’ll be uploading the show on YouTube.  Soooooo, look for more deets about CALL ME WYLLISA on ITRNRadio.com.

People have told me that I talk too much!!  Well, that sounds like the perfect reason to start a podcast. I’m excited to use the platform to connect with fascinating guests, share powerful stories, and inspire women around the world. The podcast  is a personality-driven podcast, offering a celebrity publicist’s POV on everything poppin’ in pop culture. It’s real conversations and unfiltered commentary mixed with personal stories and anecdotes from the world of entertainment, media and culture.

Rolonda Watts

AND I’M HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE MY FIRST GUEST: Drumroll, please!! When I thought about my first guest   — I wanted someone who shares the same North Carolina roots as I do!! That’s why I tapped the very talented talk show host, actress, voice coach, comedienne, author and my very dear friend … the amazing ROLONDA WATTS!! For more than three decades, her name, face, and distinctive voice have been known by audiences everywhere, thanks to her many award-winning works in television, radio, film, digital media and comedy. Plus, she is the author of a romance suspense novel, titled, DESTINY LINGERS, which is endorsed by her Godmother, the late Dr. Maya Angelou. The National Book Club Conference awarded Rolonda with the Bebe Moore Campbell Award for Excellence in Storytelling. Plus, she received the Editor’s Choice Award, as well as the Rising Star Award.

Rolonda launched her own eponymous, internationally syndicated talk show, ROLONDA, which ran from 1994 to 1998, and produced by her company, Watts Works, in association with King World Productions. Interestingly, Rolonda began her television career as a local CBS news reporter at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, North Carolina, before she landed a television gig in New York City, and the rest is history1 Today, she continues to hone her many talents as an actress, comedienne and voice coach.

I’m so happy to have my home girl in the chat today!! ROLONDA WATTS!!

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026
5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET

LISTEN LIVE ON ZOOM:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9597586957?pwd=ckFYT2xPa0FiZUFPZXhZQVpMSVJCdz09

Meeting ID:  959 758 6957

Passcode: tpgdjHE17@

See you in the chat!!

FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH!

by 2 Comments

ODE TO ANGEL AVILES, Life Coach, Influencer + Author

On the heels of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the “chingona” in my life. I got to give a shout out to my friend, my neighbor, my confidante and at times, my life coach! That is, Angel Aviles!

The best neighbor ever,  we exchanged  pots of food for the soul and our bodily nourishment. We borrowed each other’s clothes  and jewelry for celebrations and special events. We celebrated #girlpower with impromptu glasses of wine on a girls night. It was soooo empowering to hear the hopes and dreams of another woman of color. As a Latina, she offered a different perspective; but we shared the same experience as a woman.  But most importantly, she was one of the few people I could share my secrets, my intimate thoughts and my insecurities.

This year, Angel became an empty nester.  With two kids in college, she decided it was time for a life change, and sooooo she and her hubby, Rey, packed up for a temporary move to Mexico City! She wanted to experience life in a new way. I miss her!! But I can’t blame a girl for living her life like it’s golden! A look at her Instagram at @AngelAwakened tells me she’s happy as can be!

Angel is a Latinx  life coach,  influencer and the author of the new self-help  book,  “Too Happy to Be Sad Girl.”  I became her publicist when her new book dropped. For Mental Health Awareness Month, she was recognized by Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez —  the first woman and only woman of color to hold this position in the City of Angels.  The title is a nod to the famous role Angel portrayed in the 1993 cult film “Mi Vida Loca,” directed and written by award-winning filmmaker Allison Anders.

My Byline Is Back!

by Leave a Comment

In the news!! I was happy to have a front page story in Inglewood Today about award-winning radio host Dominique DiPrima and her new gig as the morning drive talk show host of the new KBLA Talk 1580.

At the stroke of midnight on June 19, 2021 – that is, Juneteenth 2021 — LA will have its first and only “Unapologetically Progressive” talk radio station for the AfricanAmerican listening audience!! Helmed by Tavis Smiley of Smiley Audio Media, KBLA Talk 1580, is the only Black owned and operated talk station in Southern California!! #Blackownedbusiness.

It’s fitting on that on this holiday, she will make history as the first Black woman on Los Angeles commercial talk radio to host her own morning drive show! #BlackExcellence #BlackGirlMagic Congrats Dominique!

I’m running out to get hard copies of the newspaper, meanwhile … extra, extra … read all about it here!

Continue Reading

Black History Is Being Televised, Just In Time for Juneteenth, Part 2

by Leave a Comment

It’s been a year since I’ve posted anything, but I survived the pandemic, and I’m back with some really great news!! I’m soooooo so excited to be working with Tavis Smiley on his latest venture. He’s back and doing big things! Still educating and empowering Black folks!

At the stroke of midnight on June 19, 2021 – that is, Juneteenth 2021 — LA will have its first and only “Unapologetically Progressive” talk radio station for the AfricanAmerican listening audience!! Helmed by Tavis Smiley of Smiley Audio Media, KBLA Talk1580, is the only Black owned and operated talk station in Southern California!! #Blackownedbusiness BLOOP! The studios of KBLA Talk 1580 are located in historic Leimert Park.

Talk about a comeback! #BlackExcellence strikes again!

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT KBLA TALK 1580!

  • After 16 years, award-winning radio host Dominique DiPrima left her show, “Front Page” on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH-FM to anchor morning drive with the new show on KBLATalk 1580, “First Things First With Dominique DiPrima.” She’s the only African American woman in Los Angeles to host her own commercial talk radio show!
  • Don Amiche, a longtime fan favorite returns to the LA radio scene, bringing his boldness and brashness to late night talk, focusing on news, politics and pop culture. Get ready!
  • Comic and political commentator DL Hughley finally lands in Los Angeles. Although his afternoon show is heard around the country, listeners can now tune into Hughley in the City of Angels.
  • A regular on NPR’s “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me,” and the season three  winner  of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Alonzo Bodden brings his comedic commentary to KBLA Talk 1580 with his own show, “Alonzo Bodden: Who’s Paying Attention?”
  • After an almost four-year absence, Tavis Smiley is back on the air with his own show. But, this time he’s not just talent, but owner of LA’s first Black-owned talk radio station. He’s built a career empowering, enlightening and encouraging fellow citizens, and is excited to bring an “Unapologetically Progressive” talk radio stationto African American and progressive listeners
Continue Reading

JOIN MY MAILING LIST!

If you want to get some more juicy bits about the work I do in Hollywood, please subscribe here.

Thank you for reading my rantings from the red carpet! xo

Tags

#CALLMEWYLLISA #PODCAST 40 Million Dollar Slaves BET Awards BET Experience Beyonce Black Actress Black Girl Magic Black Hollywood Black Lives Matter Black Movies Blackout for Human Rights Clippergate Congresswoman Maxine Waters Dick Gregory Dominique DiPrima Donald Sterling Hands Up Harvey Weinstein I Can't Breathe Juneteenth KBLA Talk 1580 LA Clippers Lena Waithe Love in the City Lupita Nyong'o Mad Men Maya Angelou Most Beautiful NAACP Natural Hair Police Brutality Publicist du Jour Racism Rest in Power Rev Martin Luther King Jr RIP Sexual Harassment Single Life Tavis Smiley The Affair TMZ V. Stiviano Wyllisa Wyllisa Bennett