

Entergalactic actress Laura Harrier’s career continues to expand as she lands big-name projects that show her range. You may know her from Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home, but her latest roles can put her on track to becoming a household name. Currently, she is starring in Hulu’s Mike Tyson biopic series Mike as Robin Givens and she will also be featured in the White Men Can’t Jump reboot.
The former soap star’s personal life is just as exciting as her career as she is also engaged to be married. With so many life changes happening at the same time, it is important for Laura to be centered. In the coverstory with Cosmopolitan, the 32-year-old opened up about her upcoming marriage to French freelance creative consultant Sam Jarou, being a Black woman in the entertainment industry, and how she takes care of her mental health.
Laura On Her Engagement
“It was really simple and sweet in Paris. I never wanted one of those big showy public engagements. That’s just not my personality.”
Laura On Knowing That Her Fiancé Sam Was the One
“The cliché of when you know, you know. I never really believed it until that happened to me. It’s a funny feeling when you just find peace and calm.”
“I also really do believe that you need to be ready within yourself before you can find somebody else to be with, which I also always thought was a cliché until I felt secure within myself and the person I am and where I’m at in life.”
Laura On Colorism In Hollywood
“Some of the most successful actresses of color tend to be on the lighter side and that’s definitely not okay. There are so many facets to the Black experience. There are so many ways that Black people look, and only having one narrow view is something that I think is ultimately putting everybody at a disadvantage—we’re only shortchanging ourselves when we don’t show a diverse range of stories and a diverse range of people onscreen. I do think it’s something that’s slowly starting to change, but even when we were doing Spider-Man, I would get called 'Zendaya' all the time. People wouldn’t even take the time to differentiate us.”
Laura On Black Women Taking Up Space In Hollywood
“Yeah. I’ve definitely seen it on both sides, which is really exciting and promising. Within the past few years, I’ve noticed a lot more female showrunners, female directors, female writers in ways that I was not seeing at the beginning of my career. It was so rare to walk on a set and see women, especially women of color, even people of color in general. The sets in Hollywood have been so white-male dominated for such a long time. I have seen that change recently, which is really cool and exciting.”
Laura On Using Therapy As An Act Of Self-care
“I’ve learned tools through therapy. I really am a big advocate for therapy and for mental health care, especially in the Black community. That’s something that’s really improved my life and really helped me in significant ways, especially with dealing with my anxiety and panic attacks.”
Laura On Prioritizing Mental Health
“I definitely believe that mental health care should be prioritized just as much as physical health. There’s been such a long history of ignoring mental health problems, of saying, 'Oh, just suck it up' or 'I’m a strong Black woman. That doesn’t happen to me.' All of these tropes that we’ve been taught over generations, when actually, I think given generational trauma, of course there are a lot of mental health issues within the Black community. I’ve been working with a really amazing Los Angeles–based organization called BEAM, which stands for Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. They help people find resources, therapists, and also natural care, like Reiki.”
Laura On Meditation
“I try to meditate. I can’t say that I’m the best with my track record of doing it every day, but I try to at least do some deep breathing. I noticed I literally forget to breathe, which sounds wild, but sometimes I’m like, 'Wait, I haven’t taken a real breath all day,' and just taking 30 seconds to sit and do deep belly breathing is a game changer. Also, I think it’s so common to talk only about self-care as meditation, yoga, and working out, which are all important, but sometimes self-care is having a glass of wine with your best friend and laughing and watching sh–ty reality TV. Watching The Bachelor and drinking wine with my girls is awesome. Sometimes that’s the self-care that you need.”
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From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Mid-Week Slump? Try These Motivational Quotes From Amazing Black Women
Never take for granted the power of a good motivational wordto speak life into your mind and spirit. I know things can get a bit corny and cliche when you see motivational speakers or quotes on social, and maybe you're on that de-motivation train. But sis, it's good to pour into ourselves with positive words, affirmations, and truths.
While I'm not too keen on self-help or the hell-fire preaching type of motivational speeches, I absolutely love wise, encouraging, and thought-provoking insights from women based on their experiences, education, training, relatability, or life stories. For me, it's all about who the message is coming from, the context and energy behind it, and the actual impact the women have made on the world. Here are a few motivational quotes that I often reference when I'm feeling that mid-week slump:
"I don't ever see myself in a position of controlling how other people think or how other people view me... What's most important is how I see myself." —Actress and Educator Phylicia Rashad
"That's how I go into every situation. I treat it as if nothing is impossible, so I don't let anything limit me, let anything stop me, let anything scare me." —Rapper and Producer Megan Thee Stallion
"I hate to lose, but I think losing is what brought me here today...And some of them are extremely painful, but I wouldn't take any of them away because every time I lose, it takes a long time for me to lose again because I learn so much from it. If you lose, learn from it. Don't live in the past. Live in the present. And don't make the same mistakes in the future." —Tennis champion Serena Williams
"We all have an idea of our plan, like, 'This is how it's going to work out.' And then we all see that the plan is not always what we think it will be. ... Never more have I learned to bet on myself. You have to bet on yourself." —TV Host and Journalist, Tamron Hall
"I believe that nobody can be the best you but you. So you might as well show up and show out." —Author, Host and Actress, Bevy Smith
"How I choose to affect change is by speaking up, by being a first, and by being a domino. ... Being the domino for me looks like speaking up and doing the things that are really difficult, especially when they're really needed, with the hope that others will follow suit." —Author and Entrepreneur, Luvvie Ajayi Jones
"And finally I said, 'God loves me.' It still humbles me that this force, which made leaves and fleas and stars and rivers and you, loves me—me, Maya Angelou. It's amazing. I can do anything and I can do it well...any good thing... because God loves me." —Author, Actress and Poet, Maya Angelou
"Give yourself a thousand second chances. Realize that you've got a thousand times to get it right. Life is about practicing and replaying... Life is not about perfection." —Author and Speaker, Lisa Nichols
"Don't hate on yourself. Don't speak negatively about yourself. Don't be your own worst enemy. It's about just having the courage and knowing who you are ... This is a gift. Have the courage. Just do it." —Singer, Author, and Actress, Mary J. Blige
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Originally published on May 10, 2023