Born To The Game Podcast

Are you really okay?

You can show up for work, take care of your family, meet everyone's expectations, and still be struggling on the inside. So how do you recognize when something isn't right? And how do you start taking care of your mental health when you're just trying to get through the day?

In this special episode of Born to the Game: Where Legacy Speaks, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton sit down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Miral Malik for an honest, practical conversation about mental health, anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and the pressures we carry.

Together, they explore:

• Recognizing the signs: How changes in sleep, mood, energy, and behavior can signal that something isn't right.

• Managing pressure and expectations: How social media, family, and the need to succeed influence how we see ourselves.

• Separating identity from achievement: Why your accomplishments don't define your worth.

• Learning to ask for help: How to take the first step, even without access to therapy or a strong support system.

• Protecting your mental health: Simple daily practices that can make a difference.

• Navigating difficult relationships: Recognizing when friendships and romantic relationships are affecting your well-being.

• Breaking free from inherited expectations: Honoring where you come from without letting it determine who you become.

Dr. Malik also shares a powerful reminder: Our thoughts are not necessarily facts. Sometimes changing the way we speak to ourselves can change how we experience the world around us.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, questioning your identity, or simply trying to find balance, this conversation offers practical tools and a reminder that you don't have to figure everything out alone.

Connect with Dr. Miral Malik:
https://www.lanserwestmanpsych.com/drmalik
Instagram: @dr.miralmalik

About Born to the Game:
Hosted by Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton, Born to the Game: Where Legacy Speaks explores the intersection of family, legacy, identity, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Follow and subscribe to Born to the Game for more authentic conversations about life, family, identity, and everything beyond the game.

Mental Health Resources:
This episode discusses mental health challenges and emotional distress. If you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Outside the U.S., contact your local crisis support service or emergency services.

This conversation is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health care.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your dad is a two-time World Series champion, but his most memorable advice has nothing to do with baseball?

Actress Raquel Justice, daughter of MLB legend David Justice, joins Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton on Born to the Game to talk about growing up with a famous last name, finding her own identity, and the unexpected lessons that shaped her confidence.

From her father's hilarious dating advice — "Men are purses" — to navigating heartbreak, therapy, and the pressure of being labeled a "nepo baby," Raquel opens up about learning to know her worth without needing anyone else's approval.

She also takes us behind the scenes of Dexter: Original Sin, explains why she initially kept her famous father away from set, and shares what it really takes to build an acting career when people already think they know your story.

Plus, David Justice himself makes a surprise appearance, and Raquel reveals why her grandmother's influence may be the most important legacy she's inherited.

In this episode:

• David Justice's unforgettable dating advice and the three types of people in your life

• The truth about nepotism and proving yourself in Hollywood

• Raquel's journey from child actress to Dexter: Original Sin

• Heartbreak, therapy, and overcoming people-pleasing

• Celebrity privacy, social media, and the pressure to share everything

• How family, culture, and her grandmother shaped her identity

• Why building a meaningful legacy matters more than fame

Because being born into a legacy doesn't mean you can't create your own.

Born to the Game is produced by ARCA Media Group in collaboration with Inflection Network and distributed through iHeartMedia.

Follow Born to the Game for more honest conversations about family, identity, pressure, and the people behind famous names.

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What if some of the hardest lessons in life could have been avoided if someone had simply talked to us about them sooner?

This week Mariah and Temara get honest about the things they wish they understood earlier — from knowing when to speak up and when to stop explaining yourself, to setting boundaries, letting go of people who no longer align with you, and resisting the urge to fix or change the people you love.

They unpack why constantly trying to be understood can sometimes weaken your position, why “falling for potential” can keep you stuck in the wrong relationships, and how self-respect sometimes means accepting people exactly where they are — and continuing your journey without them.

This conversation explores relationships, identity, confidence, people-pleasing, therapy, boundaries, self-worth, and the wisdom that often only comes with experience.

What’s one thing you wish you had learned sooner?

Tune in to Born to the Game for honest conversations about identity, relationships, family, pressure, mental wellness, and navigating life when the path isn’t always as simple as it looks.

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www.patreon.com/jenkinsandjonez to unlock more episodes

We talked about the 1996 Bracket ending, the fake 49ers player, and our Dookie Butts of the Week.

YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/Y0_NaK71Ync?feature=share

Find the Show: Jenkins & Jonez Podcast

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Tera Crews knows what it's like to inherit a legendary name — and still have to prove you belong outside of it.

In this episode of Born to the Game, Tera, daughter of Terry Crews, opens up about growing up Crews, from being on set for White Chicks and Everybody Hates Chris to getting trampled by fans and feeling hyper-aware any time her dad gets recognized. She talks about what it was really like having a famous father who was quiet at home, often away filming like a military dad, and the best advice he ever gave her: don't put yourself in a position where you're already defeated.

Tera also gets candid about building her own lane in LA nightlife, from promoting at The Reserve to launching her brand What's the Tee?, learning to spot posers, advocating for women DJs, and why having her money in order mattered more than connections.

She shares her honest journey with body image, gastric bypass, liposuction and GLP-1s, body dysmorphia, growing up in a predominantly white area, and letting go of good hair pressure, plus hot takes on nepo babies, privilege, and why LA nightlife is more about being seen than having fun.

This is a conversation about identity, pressure, family, purpose and learning how to honor where you come from without letting it define who you become.

Subscribe for more conversations about family, identity, pressure, purpose and the truth behind legacy.

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Jeffrey Osborne Jr. knows what it’s like to inherit a legendary name — and still feel the need to prove you belong.

In this episode of Born to the Game, Jeffrey opens up about growing up as the son of R&B icon Jeffrey Osborne, why he often introduces himself simply as “Jeff,” and the complicated truth about having a famous parent while trying to build an identity and career of your own.

He also gets candid about whether R&B was better in the ’80s and ’90s, why connections can sometimes matter more than talent in today’s music industry, and his journey from college basketball to making music.

From growing up around Lakers games, Magic Johnson and Johnny Gill to discovering his own purpose through self-mastery, fatherhood and creativity, Jeffrey reflects on the lessons his parents gave him and the legacy he wants to pass on to his own children.

He also shares his approach to being a present father, the simple “seven-minute” parenting practice he uses with his kids, his passion for filmmaking and flute-making, and what’s ahead as he prepares to release new music — including “Exposure.”

This is a conversation about identity, pressure, purpose, family and learning how to honor where you come from without letting it define who you become.

Born to the Game is produced by ARCA Media Group in collaboration with Inflection Network and distributed through iHeartMedia.

Subscribe for more conversations about family, identity, pressure, purpose and the truth behind legacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to keep showing up for your family after unimaginable loss?

Shaya Bryant — daughter of NBA and European league legend Joe "Jellybean" Bryant and sister of Kobe Bryant — returns for Part 2 of her deeply personal conversation with Born To The Game, going even deeper into grief, healing, and legacy.

In this episode, Shaya opens up about: Losing seven family members in six years — including her father, brother, niece, grandmother, and in-laws Grief as waves, not a straight line — why some days are harder than others, even years later Leaning on therapy monthly and using the gym as her own form of therapy Why she refuses to grieve alone — relying on her husband, kids, and sister for support Raising her sons knowing they may be compared to their uncle Kobe on the basketball court Celebrating her daughter Autumn's birthday — which falls on Kobe's birthday — while holding both joy and grief Redefining legacy as unconditional love, good energy, and being remembered as the family's "unicorn" A surprise video message from her children and an emotional legacy objects segment to close out the conversation

This is Part 2 of 2 — catch Part 1 if you missed the first half of Shaya's story.

New episodes are live every Tuesday. Full videos are live every Wednesday on YouTube.

Subscribe to Born To The Game for more honest conversations about culture, family, entertainment, ambition, and legacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's it really like growing up as the daughter of an NBA player and the sister of a global icon?

Shaya Bryant — daughter of NBA and European league legend Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, and sister of Kobe Bryant — joins Born To The Game for Part 1 of a deeply personal two-part conversation about family, legacy, identity, and life behind the fame.

In this episode, Shaya opens up about: Growing up in a basketball family and moving overseas to Italy and Switzerland as a kid Learning Italian in months and the culture shock of returning to Philadelphia Her tight-knit bond with Kobe growing up — "thick as thieves," pranks, and no real fights Kobe's early work ethic, 6am gym sessions, and the moment that shaped the Mamba Mentality Her father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant as a present, playful dad and the lessons he instilled Navigating fame, privacy, and protecting her peace from public perception Motherhood, grief, and carrying her family's legacy forward on her own terms

This is Part 1 of 2 — Part 2 drops next week with even more of Shaya's story.

New episodes are live every Tuesday. Full videos are live every Wednesday on YouTube.

Subscribe to Born To The Game for more honest conversations about culture, family, entertainment, ambition, and legacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to hold space for celebration, grief, community health, and legacy all in one week? Host Mariah Woodson flies solo this episode — Tamara Peyton couldn't make the trip — to reflect on a jam-packed week at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Mariah walks through the events, moments, and conversations that shaped her week, including: Attending the NBA Legends Annual Event and watching her father fellowship with the pioneers of the game,

A surprise, full-circle moment when former guest Olden Polynice praised "Born to the Game" to a room of NBA legends

Missing the "She's Got Time" summit — founded by Swin Cash to empower women across sports and entertainment — and committing to attend next year.

 A candid conversation with her dad and her husband about how Summer League is really used to evaluate young talent, not just wins and losses

An unforgettable "10 out of 10" Jeezy concert experience in Vegas

A critical PSA from the National Basketball Wives Association summit: per the CDC, Black women account for over half of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. despite being just 13% of the female population — and why safe sex, regular testing, and ending the stigma matter

Processing what it means when fans stop her in person to say the show matters to them

A first look at an upcoming Summer League behind-the-scenes YouTube series

New episodes are live every Tuesday.

Full videos are live every Wednesday on YouTube.

Subscribe to Born To The Game for more honest conversations about culture, family, entertainment, ambition, and legacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to carry your family’s legacy while building an identity of your own?

Iyana Halley and Manny Halley Jr. — siblings raised around music, acting, television, and entertainment — join hosts Mariah Woodson and Tamera Peyton for a candid conversation about family, grief, identity, motherhood, and finding your own path in the industry.

The siblings reflect on growing up as the children of talent manager and television producer Manny Haley, their close bond as children, and the experiences that shaped them after the loss of their mother, Yolanda Haley.

In this episode, Iyana and Manny Halley Jr. open up about:

Growing up in the entertainment industry and navigating life as industry kids
Moving from Brooklyn to Atlanta and adjusting to a new world
Sharing a room, having late-night talks, and praying together as children
The legacy of their parents and the impact of their mother, Yolanda Haley
Processing grief and learning to cope with loss in different ways
Iyana’s acting journey, including her experience on Abbott Elementary
Balancing motherhood, identity, and a growing entertainment career
Manny Halley Jr.’s work in music, acting, and television producing
Touring with Keyshia Cole as an opening act
The unforgettable Fabolous phone call arranged by their father
Their upcoming BET project, Lot Patrol
Advice for aspiring actors, musicians, producers, and entertainment professionals
Why family, purpose, and personal growth matter when building your own legacy

New episodes are live every Tuesday. Full videos are live every Wednesday on YouTube.

Subscribe to Born To The Game for more honest conversations about culture, family, entertainment, ambition, and legacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.