Co Parenting Ain't For The Weak ( Jess Hilarious and Rome interview )

This episode of The Breakfast Club features a raw, intimate live conversation between comedian and author Jess Hilarious and her son Ashton's father, Rome (also known as Jerome), moderated by Lauren LaRosa. The discussion centers on their co-parenting journey, unpacking the trauma, generational patterns, and emotional complexity of raising a child together after a tumultuous relationship. Jess opens up about being 19 and pregnant, her fear of abandonment, and the emotional toll of navigating young adulthood with an unplanned child. Rome reflects on his early maturity, shaped by observing his father’s emotionally distant parenting, and how that influenced his own approach to fatherhood. They candidly discuss painful moments—like Jess’s ex-boyfriend leaving their son unattended for hours in LA—and how honesty, communication, and intentional healing have allowed them to grow beyond their past. The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional softness, breaking generational cycles, and using their story as a guide for their son Ashton, who is now a teenager. The episode underscores that co-parenting is not just about logistics, but about emotional maturity, accountability, and love that transcends romantic failure.