Crafted

This week’s episode explores the expectations we carry in love, parenting, and culture. We unpack whether Valentine’s Day reflects genuine love or social pressure, share practical ways to make school mornings calmer and more connected for families, and break down the cultural impact of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. 💍♥️ Forever Segment: Is It Love? Or Is It Pressure? Valentine's Day Expectations Is Valentine’s Day really about love? or has it become about pressure and expectations? In this segment, we unpack the meaning behind the holiday and whether it truly reflects the health of your relationship. From social media influence to unspoken expectations, we explore how couples can shift the focus back to genuine connection instead of performative love. 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment: How To Make School Mornings Easier School mornings can set the tone for your child’s entire day, and for yours. We share practical routines, mindset shifts, and simple strategies to reduce stress and bring more peace into your mornings. From preparation to giving grace, this conversation is about creating structure while keeping your relationship with your child at the center. 🌍 Lifestyle Segment: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show We break down the Super Bowl halftime performance by Bad Bunny and why it meant more than just entertainment. From cultural representation to unforgettable moments and guest appearances, we discuss the highs, the critiques, and what this performance says about culture, identity, and global influence. Today we’ll be touching on: Knowing Songs Word for Word (Even Bad Bunny's) Jewel Ham and Spotify Wrapped (Black History) Is It Love? Or Is It Pressure? Valentine's Day Expectations How To Make School Mornings Easier The Benito Bowl: Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week’s episode explores what it really means to invest in what matters most. We talk about why marriages need intentional care to grow, how parenting requires releasing control as kids mature, and we unpack the Glambot controversy. 💍 Forever Segment: Reasons to Invest in Your Marriage Marriage doesn’t thrive on autopilot. In this segment, we talk about why investing in your marriage matters just as much as investing in your health, faith, or career. Growth requires intention, effort, and consistency and relationships are no different. We break down why choosing to pour into your marriage is essential if you want it to get better, stronger, and last. 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment: Releasing Control as Kids Get Older As kids grow, parenting has to shift. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to release control as children get older; knowing when to step back, when to guide, and when to trust. We discuss how letting go in healthy ways helps build independence, confidence, and resilience in your kids without abandoning your role as a parent. 🌍 Lifestyle Segment: Cole Walliser, The Glambot Emails & The Apology We unpack the controversy surrounding Cole Walliser, the face of the viral red-carpet Glambot camera seen at major award shows. From leaked emails to online backlash, we discuss public reaction, accountability, and whether his apology felt sincere, or simply strategic in today’s cancel-culture climate. Today we’ll be touching on: Vacationing In Fictional Places The Tomb of Qin Shi Huang Investing In Your Marriage: The Reasons Why? Releasing Control as Kids Get Older Cole Walliser, The Glambot Emails & The Apology Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week’s episode covers love, legacy, and culture from three powerful angles. 💍 Forever Segment: The Divorce of Kristy and Desmond Scott — Choosing Each Other Every Day Every marriage faces crossroads. In this episode, we reflect on Kristy and Desmond Scott’s divorce and discuss what “choosing each other” actually looks like in real life. From communication to commitment, we break down practical ways to protect love before it starts slipping away. 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment: Present on Purpose — How Not to Abandon Your Children Abandonment doesn’t always mean leaving, it can mean being physically present but emotionally absent. In this segment, we talk about what it really means to show up for your kids with intention, attention, and love, even in the middle of busy life. 🌍 Lifestyle Segment: iShowSpeed Touring Africa — Changing the Narrative iShowSpeed’s tour of Africa is shifting how the world sees the continent. In this segment, we talk about how his journey highlights beauty, culture, joy, and diversity. . . challenging the outdated “save a child” narrative often pushed in Western media. Today we’ll be touching on: -Have You Ever Won A Contest? -How Long Can A Dolphin Hold It's Breathe? -The End of Kristy and Desmond Scott: Could It Have Been Avoided? -Present on Purpose: How Not to Abandon Your Children -iShowSpeed Touring Africa Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

To close out the year and step into a fresh start, we’re dropping a special mini pod in honor of the New Year. Shorter than our usual episodes, but packed with reflection, honesty, and intention as we look back on 2025 together. 💍 Forever Segment — Marriage Audit We take a real look at our marriage in 2025. Did we grow closer? Where were the highs and the hard moments? What lessons did the year teach us about communication, partnership, and love moving forward? 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment — Parenting Audit Parenting comes with constant learning curves. We reflect on how we showed up for our kids this year, what worked, what needs adjusting, and if our kids could grade us, what they might say. We also talk about intentional changes we want to make in the new year. ✨ Lifestyle Segment — Top 3s of 2025 To keep it light, we wrap up the episode sharing our Top 3 Movies, Music picks, and Favorite Moments from 2025. The things that made us laugh, think, and pause along the way. As we head into the new year, this episode is all about reflection without judgment and growth without pressure. Here’s to learning from the past and moving forward together. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week we’re looking at love, legacy, and life with kids. From getting married young, to deciding whether children are truly a “benefit,” to finally taking on the most magical (and exhausting) place on Earth as a family. 💍 Forever Segment — Was Young Love Destiny or a Developmental Delay? We tell the truth about getting married young. Was it fate, immaturity, divine timing, or all of the above? We unpack what couples gain (and lose) when they commit early, how maturity affects marriage, and what we’ve learned along the way. 👶 Roots & Bloom Segment — Becoming Parents: Is There Really a Benefit to Having Kids? Kids are expensive, emotional, hilarious, stressful, life-changing but are they actually a benefit? We explore personal meaning, family legacy, fulfillment, and whether parenting makes life richer or just busier. 🎢 Lifestyle Segment — Disney World vs. Disneyland: The Orlando Review We recap our first family trip to Disney World Orlando. The highlights, the frustrations, the magic, and the meltdowns. What did we love? What could’ve stayed in Florida? And how does it compare to our California classic, Disneyland? Today we’ll be touching on: What Random Things Annoy You? The Birth of Nintendo Married Young: Destiny or Developmental Delay? Parenting: Is There A Benefit to Having Kids? Disney World vs. Disneyland: The Orlando Review Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week, we’re diving into the realities of marriage, the long-term heart work of parenting, and a quick tease for what’s coming next! 💍 Forever Segment — Marriage: Benefit or Burden? We unpack the age-old question: Is marriage something that elevates your life or something that weighs you down? We explore how perspective, partnership, and personal expectations shape the way couples experience marriage and why the answer isn’t as simple as it seems. 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment — Raising Children Who Keep Coming Home, Pt. 2 In part two of our series, we talk about what it really takes to build a bond with your children that lasts long after they’ve grown up. From emotional safety to shared experiences, we dig into how parents can cultivate lifelong connection. 🎢 Lifestyle Segment — To Be Continued… We ran out of time this week but be sure to catch our next episode where we break down our full Disney vacation experience! From rides to parenting wins (and fails), you won’t want to miss it. Today we’ll be touching on: Who Was Your Favorite Rapper Before The Age 13? The South Korean Military Marriage: Benefit or Burden? Raising Children Who Keep Coming Home Pt. 2 Our Disney Trip (To Be Continued) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week’s episode is all about connection: rediscovering it in marriage, sustaining it with our children, and questioning it in the age of viral faith and social media. 💑 Forever Segment — The Silent Drift & The Intentional Return We’re unpacking one of the quietest relationship killers: emotional distance. How do couples go from passionate partners to polite roommates and, more importantly, how do they find their way back? We talk about the small choices that rebuild intimacy and the daily habits that turn drifting into direction. 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment — Raising Children Who Keep Coming Home What does it mean to raise securely attached children who still want to be around you when they’re grown? We explore how emotional safety, consistent love, and healthy boundaries create relationships that last well beyond childhood. 🙏 Lifestyle Segment — The Appalachian Grandpa & The TikTok Church Experiment “The Appalachian Grandpa” and the “TikTok Church” experiment. Would your church give a single mother a can of formula for her starving child? What do these trends say about faith, influence, and the way people are finding (or performing) spirituality online? Today we’ll be touching on: The Mary Crystie mystery The Silent Drift & The Intentional Return: The Roomate Marriage Raising Children Who Keep Coming Home The TikTok Appalachian Grandpa Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week’s episode dives deep into faith, family, and fun; from navigating the hardest moments in marriage to learning how to regulate our emotions as parents, and even a firsthand look at a major music festival experience! 💍 Forever Segment — When the Fantasy Fades, Does Your Faith Remain? We explore what the “worse” in “for better or for worse” truly means. When life tests your marriage through loss, stress, distance, or disappointment. . . how do you safeguard your relationship before those moments arrive? This segment is all about building faith-based resilience when the fantasy fades. 🧘🏾‍♀️ Roots & Bloom Segment — Pause, Breathe, Then Parent Parenting starts with emotional regulation. . . ours. We discuss the power of pausing, breathing, and modeling calmness for our children. How do our emotions shape theirs? And what steps can we take to make emotional balance a daily practice, not a reaction? 🎶 Lifestyle Segment — The ONE MusicFest: Atlanta Edition Keonte shares his surprise birthday trip to Atlanta, GA to attend his very first music festival! From legendary performances by Outkast and Mary J. Blige to the rising sounds of newcomer Leon Thomas, he gives us the full behind-the-scenes on what the experience was like and whether he’d ever do it again. Today we’ll be touching on: When's The Last Time You Did Something For the First Time? Raising People From The Dead: The Essie Dunbar Story Why Are Kids So Messy? Help! For Better or For Worse: When the Fantasy Fades, Does Your Faith Remain? Emotional Regulation In Parents ONE MusicFest: Outkast, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige & Swag Surfing In Atlanta Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week, we’re unpacking love, protection, and accountability. From how effort shows up in relationships, to the realities of parenting in an unpredictable world, to why honesty seems to be on life support in today’s society. ❤️ Forever Segment — Effort, Energy, and the Myth of Perfect Love “If he wanted to, he would.” We’re breaking down this viral phrase and talking about what real effort looks like in marriage. How does social media shape our expectations of love? Should we ever compare our relationships to others? And how do you show your spouse love beyond words and likes? 🏡 Roots & Bloom Segment — Protecting Our Kids in a World Full of Neighbors Inspired by Netflix’s chilling documentary The Perfect Neighbor, we reflect on parenting in a time when safety isn’t guaranteed, even close to home. How do we teach awareness without fear, and make decisions that prioritize our children’s security and well-being? ⚖️ Lifestyle Segment — America’s Accountability Problem From politics to personal life, lying has become the national pastime. We’re asking why people keep denying the truth even when they’ve been caught, and how the “innocent until proven guilty” mindset affects our culture’s relationship with accountability and integrity. Today we’ll be touching on: Which Countries Would You Live In? Why & When Was Morse Code Created? If He Wanted To, He Would: A Deep Dive Into "Perfect Love" Culture Netflix's The Perfect Neighbor Caught Red Handed And Still Lying: America's Accountability Problem Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week, we’re unpacking love, growth, and grace; from how we build safety in marriage, to how we nurture our children’s strengths, to how we respond to public opinions about other people’s relationships. 💞 Forever Segment — Safe Love: Building Security in Your Marriage What makes love feel safe? We explore attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful avoidant) and discuss how understanding your own can help you build deeper trust and connection in your relationship. 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment — Grow What’s Strong: Strengths-Based Parenting Instead of focusing on what kids can’t do, what if we built around what they do well? We dive into the power of strengths-based parenting, how to balance encouragement with accountability, and ways to help kids thrive by leading with their gifts. 💬 Lifestyle Segment — Ayesha Curry vs. The Internet Did Ayesha really say anything wrong? We break down the social-media outrage, explore why people are so invested in other people’s marriages, and talk about what this says about our culture, comparison, and public vulnerability. Today we’ll be touching on: Do Animals Speak Different Languages? Prison Breaks (How Often Do They Happen?) Safe Love: Building Security In Your Marriage Grow What's Strong: Strengths Based Parenting Ayesha Curry Vs. The Internet Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week, we’re mixing real talk about marriage, a nostalgic look at Black parenting wisdom, and a timely conversation about faith and misinformation online. 💔 Forever Segment — Love Beyond the “Like” What happens when you love your spouse but don’t actually like them in the moment? We talk about navigating those seasons of tension, finding your way back to connection, and remembering why you chose each other. 👨🏾‍👩🏾‍👧🏾 Roots & Bloom Segment — Black Parent-isms “Money don’t grow on trees.” “Because I said so.” We’re unpacking the iconic sayings and phrases Black parents raised us on and laughing (or cringing) at how often we catch ourselves repeating them with our own kids. 🙏 Lifestyle Segment — The Rapture & Social Media Are you still with us, lol? We dig into what the Bible actually says about the Rapture, why people are so quick to believe false information online, and how faith and discernment matter in a world full of viral half-truths. Today we’ll be touching on: Funny Movie Scenes (That Are Not Meant To Be Funny lol) What Came First, The Fruit Or The Color Orange? Love Beyond The "Like": What To Do When You Done Like Your Spouse Black Parent-isms: Am I Boo Boo The Fool? The Rapture Brought To You By TikTok (He's Coming Back!) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

Ep. 82: Can You Predict Divorce? Parenting A Digital Childhood & Charlie Kirk, Iryna Zarutska & America's Mental Health This episode is full of hot takes, tough questions, and a little pop culture fun as we tackle marriage debates, family dynamics, and celebrity relationships in the spotlight. Forever Segment — Marriage Doom or Bloom? We unpack Dr. John Gottman’s groundbreaking research on how he can predict when a marriage is headed toward divorce. What are the red flags to watch out for, and how can couples shift toward growth instead of separation? Roots & Bloom Segment — Gaming, Tech & Kids: A Digital Childhood Roblox, YouTube, and endless screen time, how do we parent through the digital world? We share insights, strategies, and struggles for raising kids in a tech-saturated generation. Lifestyle Segment — Iryna Zarutska, Charlie Kirk & America’s Mental Health Crime Crisis We discuss the tragic demise of Iryna Zarutska, Charlie Kirk, and examine the larger issue of mental health and crime in America. What does this mean for families, communities, and the future? How do we fix this? Today we’ll be touching on: Our First Favorite Show (No Cartoons, Disney or Parent Influenced) Oumuamua & 3I ATLAS: Aliens? Marriage Doom or Bloom? How To Tell If You're Headed Towards Divorce Gaming, Tech & Kids: A Digital Childhood and Parenting Iryna Zarutska, Charlie Kirk & America’s Mental Health Crime Crisis: How Do We Fix It? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

Ep. 81: Taylor Swift Is Engaged! Taboo Marriage Questions & Nick Cannon Vs. The Nuclear Family This episode is full of hot takes, tough questions, and a little pop culture fun as we tackle marriage debates, family dynamics, and celebrity relationships in the spotlight. 💍 Forever Segment — The Split Decision We’re answering trendy but taboo marriage questions in 30 seconds or less! From joint vs. separate bank accounts, to spotting red flags, to whether too much sex talk is too much — we don’t hold back. 👨‍👧‍👦 Roots & Bloom Segment — Nick Cannon vs. The Nuclear Family Is a present father who isn’t in the home more helpful or more harmful? We dig into modern family structures, the idea of “presence,” and what really matters for kids’ well-being. 🌟 Lifestyle Segment — Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce: Love in the Public Eye With the engagement news shaking the internet, we talk about what it means to build a relationship under the spotlight. Can love truly thrive when the world is watching? Today we’ll be touching on: -Terrible Food Combinations -The Dancing Plague of 1518 -Taboo Marriage Questions Answered In 30 Seconds or Less -Nick Cannon & Cam Newton Vs. The Nuclear Family -Swifties Assemble! Taylor Swift Is Now A Fiancé Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week, we’re mixing playful debates, practical parenting tips, and a little hip-hop heat. From “baddie” culture to back-to-school hacks to rap royalty comparisons, we’ve got something for everybody. 💄 Forever Segment - Baddies vs. Cutie Patooties Do women who call themselves baddies get an unfair reputation in society? Are cutie patooties just baddies with a shy streak? We break down the stereotypes, ask which one we’d marry, and figure out where we land on the spectrum. 📚 Roots & Bloom Segment - Back to School The school year is here! We’re sharing our best tips and tricks to help kids start strong, from routines to organization to keeping that first-day excitement going all year. 🎤 Lifestyle Segment - Jay-Z vs. Black Thought: Who’s the Better Emcee? The social media streets are buzzing, who holds the crown between Jay-Z and Black Thought of The Roots? We weigh in on skills, influence, and why this debate says a lot about hip-hop culture today. Today we’ll be touching on: Once And A Lifetime Concerts/Show Who Is The Only Rapper To Have A Song With 2pac, BIG, Jay-Z & Pimp-C? Baddies vs. Cutie Patooties Back To School: Them Kids Are Gone! Lol Jay-Z Vs. Black Thought Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

This week, it’s all about vacations, balance, and blockbusters! From kid-free getaways to full-on family adventures, we’re talking about what it takes to keep the spark alive in marriage and create core memories with your kids. 💑 Forever Segment - Gone, But Not Missing Them Kids! We recap our recent kid-free trip to Salt Lake City, Utah — and why stepping away from parenting mode helped us reconnect, reset, and remember why we actually like each other. 🚂 Roots & Bloom Segment - Tired Parents, Happy Kids! We’re breaking down our family train trip up the coast to San Luis Obispo; the chaos, the joy, and why vacationing with your kids is just as important as time away from them. 🎬 Lifestyle Segment - Fantastic Four: First Steps We’re diving into the newest Marvel film and sharing our honest takes. Does Fantastic Four: First Steps live up to the hype or does it fall flat? Today we’ll be touching on: Where Else Would You Live In The World If You Could? NFL Players Going Broke Gone, But Not Missing Them Kids!: Married Getaway Tired Parents, Happy Kids!: Family Vacay Fantastic Four: First Steps Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

Ep. 78: A Trip To Turkey, Greece & Time Apart! How Distance Impacted Our Marriage, Kids, and Mindset On today’s episode, we’re diving into some real conversations that challenge and inspire families to grow together! 💍 Forever Segment: Solo Flight, Shared Life! We reflect on what it meant for Kristin to travel alone as a wife and mom, plus what it taught us about trust, independence, and the strength of our marriage as we approach our 15-year anniversary. 👩‍👧‍👦 Roots & Bloom Segment: Refreshed Mom, Stronger Family! Being away from your kids is no joke! The guilt, the freedom, the constant mental check-ins & time away. We talk through the emotional roller coaster of mom travel and how stepping away can actually lead to deeper family connection. 🌍 Lifestyle Segment: Turkey & Greece: The Highlights (and Lowlights) Kristin shares her favorite moments (and a few not-so-favorite ones) from her travels, from ancient ruins and rooftop views to unexpected surprises abroad, we discuss it all. Today we’ll be touching on: Our Top 3 World Monuments The City Of Chicago Did What? Solo Flight, Shared Life: Traveling Solo While Married Refreshed Mom, Stronger Family: How Long Is Too Log To Be Away From Your Kids? Turkey & Greece! The Highlights And The Lows Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

Ep. 77: What Do Women Bring To The Table In a Relationship? Boys Playing With Girl Toys? & Nas Vs. Jim Jones On today’s episode, we’re diving into some real conversations that challenge and inspire families to grow together! 💑 Forever Segment — Tables Turned!: What Do Women Bring To The Table In a Relationship? We’re flipping the script on the age-old question often aimed at men. What do women bring to the table and why does this conversation keep coming up? We break down value, partnership, and how couples can avoid transactional mindsets. 🧸 Roots & Bloom Segment — Boy Toys, Dolls, and Kitchens: Where Do We Draw the Line? Should boys play with dolls and toy kitchens? Should girls play with trucks and action figures? We’re digging into gender norms in childhood, how toys shape identity, and where parents stand on letting kids explore freely. 🎵 Lifestyle Segment — Nas vs. Jim Jones: Who’s the More Influential Rapper…and Why Are Our Legends Being Disrespected? We’re discussing Keonte's favorite Emcee of all-time, Nas and why Jim Jones thinks that he is a better Rapper than him present day. We discuss their influence, their legacies, and why hip-hop elders often face public disrespect. Is it just generational gaps, or something deeper? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

On today’s episode, we’re diving into some real conversations that challenge and inspire families to grow together! 💛 Forever Segment — Keep That Same Energy! Celebrating Father's Day, Mother's Day & Beyond We’re unpacking the importance of consistency when it comes to celebrating all holidays not just Father’s Day & Mother's Day. How do we make sure our spouses feel valued year-round, not just on special occasions? 🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment — The Ultimatum: An Absent Father, A Present Mother & Their Child's Wedding We’re tackling a tough question: Should non-active parents be invited to their child’s wedding? What’s best for the couple, the family, and the future? We explore the emotional layers and share thoughts on setting boundaries. 🎬 Lifestyle Segment — STRAW & The Tyler Perry Film Formula We’re breaking down Netflix’s new film STRAW and reflecting on Tyler Perry’s track record. Is it time for something new in his storytelling? Let’s talk about representation, impact, and what’s working, or not in Black cinema today. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

In this episode we kick things off with our Forever Segment, where we dive into Opposite Day; a fun and intentional tradition where we model each other’s love languages for an entire day. We share the surprising ways this deepens our connection and gives us a renewed perspective on how to truly fill each other’s love tanks. Next, in our Roots and Bloom Segment, we get real about Love Lessons; the importance of modeling healthy relationships in front of our kids. We open up about the habits, conversations, and even the hard moments that help our children see what love and mutual respect really look like. And finally, we pivot to the Lifestyle Segment, where the 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder takes center stage. I'll also take you on a journey on how a kid growing up in Los Angles in the 90's, became one of the most loyal Indiana Pacers fans out there. From Reggie Miller to Tyrese Haliburton, this one’s for the hoop lovers. Whether you’re here for relationship gems, parenting insight, or playoff passion — this episode brings it all. Tap in! 💬❤️🏀 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations

In this episode, we dive into Netflix’s latest hit Forever, the coming-of-age drama that’s capturing hearts and sparking real conversations. Hosted by your favorite married duo, we break down the series in three powerful sections: Young Love: We unpack the show’s portrayal of early relationships and first impressions, what felt real, what hit close to home, and how the teenage version of love still manages to teach us about ourselves today. Parenting: As parents of teenagers ourselves, we reflect on the emotional tug-of-war of raising teens while still trying to stay connected as individuals and partners. We talk about how Forever nails the highs and lows of modern parenting and how we can relate. Mara Brock Akil: Finally, we spotlight the visionary mind behind the series. From Girlfriends to Being Mary Jane, Mara Brock Akil’s storytelling has shaped how we see ourselves on screen. We discuss her signature style, recurring themes, and why Forever might be her most personal work yet. This episode is part love letter, part real talk. Grab your favorite drink, tune in, and join the conversation. 💬✨ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/crafted/donations