

Journalist Shaun Robinson Shares The Real Reason She Left 'Access Hollywood' After 16 Years
After 16 seasons on NBC's, Access Hollywood, working countless red carpets, and interviewing hundreds of A-List celebrities, Emmy-award-winning journalist Shaun Robinson has proven that she is the G.O.A.T.
With this being said, you can only imagine the excitement (and nerves) I experienced when the opportunity arose for me to speak with the Detroit native who has interviewed legends including the late Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, and countless others.
Eager to uncover the beautiful woman behind the microphone that has mastered using her charm to woo celebrities into opening the window to their glamorous lifestyles, we started our conversation from the beginning.
For her, it all started when she was a young girl in her grandma's living room watching the evening news, and a Black anchor, Beverly Payne, appeared on the screen. "I was mesmerized. She was the only woman of color [on the news] and I knew she was different because she looked like me," Shaun shared with xoNecole exclusively. "She set me on the path towards journalism."
While studying at Spelman, Shaun lucked up and landed her first big break, a television job as a host on a cable station talk show. While recapping her first experience, she made one thing clear: it wasn't all glamour.
"Now, this wasn't cable like today's cable, this was like Wayne's World cable," she remembers. "This was a local-local cable show."
Filled with the jitters, she remembers thinking, Is this something I can do? Trusting the process, it proved to be the right decision.
"I was working at a local, Black-owned channel in Detroit and I was so glad to be in my hometown because it meant that my parents would see me on TV. It was a wonderful and tremendous training ground for me because I gained experience in how to write, report, edit, and anchor a show. Eventually, I got a talk show there and that opportunity prepared me for my future."
Using her on-air talent, she found herself dubbed "Detroit's Oprah" in a local newspaper feature, making her a true hometown success.
Venturing out, Shaun later moved on and began working in Milwaukee, WI as a medical reporter, but in 1999, she found herself gracing international TV screens when she landed her position with Access Hollywood. With 16 seasons and thousands of interviews under her belt, there is one interview that she remembers like yesterday. Speaking one-on-one with singing legend Whitney Houston, right before her passing in February of 2012.
"It was at the Fox Theater in Detroit and I had my parents with me," she explains. "She seemed so happy and ready to get her life back on track. I was thriving off her good energy because she was so excited to be doing movies and her future was so brilliant."
Shaun still has fond memories of that day with Whitney taking a picture with her parents and treating them like family. "I'm just glad I had that opportunity to speak with her."
After gracing our screens every day for years with the celebrity tea, in 2015, Shaun saw fit to pass over her mic and give the opportunity to the next person in line. While many people were shocked to see her leave, she felt it was time to flex her many other talents.
"With me, that box has been checked. I had aspirations of being on a national entertainment show during a time when there was no cable or internet. It was at a time when it was too hard for a Black woman to get a job in the media profession. I was thinking too big but I was on one entertainment show longer than anyone except Mary Hart," she points out about her major life's accomplishment.
"I had aspirations of being on a national entertainment show during a time when there was no cable or internet. It was at a time when it was too hard for a Black woman to get a job in the media profession."
As a living legend in the world of entertainment news, she humbly accepts being considered a Black woman that broke the mold.
"After I left Access Hollywood, young Black women would tell me how much of an impact I had on them and their careers, and how I inspired them to pursue careers in journalism."
Just as she was inspired by Beverly Payne, Shaun takes her position as a role model very seriously. "The role of inspiring young women to pursue their dreams is something I take to heart. Like my grandmother said to me, 'If God gives you a platform, use it to help others.'"
Shaun took her grandmother's word to heart and began to work on making a difference in the lives of others in a major way. The 56-year-old Motor City native launched the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls, that now creates grants and opportunities for young women that have an interest in these five key areas: STEM, Health, Art, Unity, and Neighborhood.
"If there is a non-profit doing work in one of these five key areas, we could possibly be a resource for them," Shaun explains. "I want to help little girls and young women of color by leveling the playing field for them and supporting them in order to compete in a world that is not always receptive to women being, let's say, engineers. We help organizations that deal directly with girls and young women so that they can have an impact on their communities and then the world."
Besides being a philanthropist and the author of Exactly As I Am, Shaun has been flexing her production skills and creating movies that are soon to be released. "My lawyer said, 'Shaun, don't be just talent,'" she shared.
And to prove that she is more than just a pretty face interviewing on the red carpet, she signed a deal along with pastor and filmmaker, T.D. Jakes, to bring movies to our at-home screens via the Lifetime Network. "We will be producing a series of books by Victoria Christopher Murray called, The Seven Deadly Sins."
Although she was not able to share all the juicy details with me, she can share that she is thrilled beyond measure to be doing this with a Black cast and crew. "This world and this business have a way of trying to tear people down and tell them that they're not good enough," she says, speaking from the heart. "I was on AH during its heyday, when it was one of the only games in town, and I was the only Black face working media on the red carpet. The entertainment industry business has changed a lot."
Shaun recalls an interview she did with Oprah Winfrey for her book, "She gave a wonderful quote, 'You're valuable because you were born.' I always thought that was a powerful quote because you don't need outside validation, you don't need social media validation or anything like that. Just know you're valuable because you were born and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."
"Just know you're valuable because you were born and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."
To catch up with Shaun Robinson and her latest ventures, follow her on Instagram (@msshaunrobinson) and to learn more about her organization, visit shaunfoundationforgirls.org.
Featured image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Is Once Ever Enough To See Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour?"
Many have wondered if one time is ever enough to see Queen Bey. Some argue yes. However, many of us on the opposite end of the spectrum, including myself, would disagree. Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour" is a universal yet varying experience for everyone who attends. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, the concert is "transcendent." For millennials, we have over two decades of her catalog that has served as the soundtrack for many of our lives and painted a personal portrait of our most coveted thoughts. Her music provides mental clarity and self-expression by serving as a universal language that has united fans from all walks of life through community, fashion, self-acceptance, and healing.
With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood