Couples Unfiltered

In this episode of Couples Unfiltered, we sit down with Mila and Donnell—hosts of La Vida Blended—a beautifully honest and culturally rich podcast about love, parenting, and the realities of building a blended family. Based in Portland, Oregon, this mixed-race couple (she's Mexican, he's Black) opens up about navigating identity, second marriages, and the deep emotional terrain of pregnancy loss, having endured the heartbreak of nine miscarriages together.

Both social workers by profession, Mila and Donnell bring an unmatched level of emotional intelligence and cultural insight to the conversation. They share how their backgrounds influence their parenting, how they maintain a loving co-parenting relationship with Donnell’s ex-wife, and what it really means to create a home full of healing, communication, and respect.

From cultural expectations to grief, from honoring ex-spouses to redefining what “family” looks like—this is an episode that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Their transparency is a gift, and their story will inspire anyone navigating love after loss or learning to embrace the beautiful complexity of blended families.

🔗 Follow Mila & Donnell on IG: @LaVidaBlended 🎙️ Subscribe to their podcast: La Vida Blended on all streaming platforms!

This one’s a slow pour. Sip accordingly.

We’re on location at San Diego Magazine headquarters, sitting down with the couple behind the city’s most beloved lifestyle brand — and yes, we’re posted up at the iconic Happy Half Hour podcast scene. This episode? It’s a vibe. It’s a journey. And it’s a love story told in bylines, risk, and shared leftovers.

Troy Johnson — Food Network star, writer, host of Crave, Guy’s Grocery Games judge, co-host of Campus Eats, and the sharp pen behind San Diego Magazine's cultural voice — joins us with his wife Claire, the media-savvy CEO who left Brooklyn and a powerhouse career at NBC Universal to build something new in SoCal.

In 2021, the Johnsons bought San Diego Magazine — yes, during a pandemic — and began the wild process of transforming a legacy print publication into a thriving, multi-platform media brand. We talk about the chaos, the chemistry, and the conversations that made it all possible.

And maybe the most unforgettable part? On their first date, before they even talked business or brunch, they bonded over something deeply personal: both grew up with gay parents — a reality that shaped their resilience and worldview in a world that wasn’t always ready for it.

Claire, who is 14 years younger than Troy, jokes she thought, “What’s the worst that can happen?” when she took the leap and moved across the country with him. Spoiler: it turns out, a lot. But most of it’s pretty amazing.

If you’re into stories about building something meaningful, creating against the odds, and holding onto love while holding down a business — this episode will fill your cup.

⚠️ Long episode ahead. But worth every delicious minute.

https://sandiegomagazine.com/

https://www.couplesunfiltered.comhttps://www.instagram.com/couples_unfiltered/

From friends to young lovers, Alex and Melissa’s story is anything but conventional—and that’s what makes it unforgettable. In this heartfelt episode, they take us on a journey that spans decades: from high school sweethearts navigating unexpected parenthood, to co-parenting while living separate lives, and finally reuniting to build a marriage and business together.

They open up about what it took to rekindle their relationship after years apart, how they embraced doing life "out of order," and why starting over was the best decision they ever made. Now as empty nesters, they’re finally enjoying life as newlyweds—this time with deeper love, a stronger foundation, and a shared passion for culinary hospitality.

Whether you're in a relationship, healing from one, or wondering if second chances are real—this episode is a raw, inspiring look at love, timing, resilience, and rewriting the rules.

This episode was filmed at Fox Point Farms in the Carriage Home (Available to rent for weekend stay) IG post 

Fox Point Farms- Bringing people together through experiences

Fox Point Haven Farm+Table

Fox Point Brewing 

Fox Point Roasters

Harvest Market

Huerta Taco Stand

The Bake House

Heal Botanics

The Farm

Fox Point Farms

1200 Fox Point Farms Lane

Encinitas, CA 92024

760-704-8333

@foxpointfarms on IG 

 After three years of chance encounters, missed timing, and life getting in the way, Mike and Casey finally decided to explore the connection they couldn’t shake. In this heartfelt episode of Couples Unfiltered, they open up about the roadblocks that kept them apart, what finally brought them together, and how they turned a long wait into a lasting love. From unexpected run-ins to building a life and starting a family, this is a story of patience, timing, and trusting the journey.

✨ Whether you're a believer in fate, timing, or just love a great love story — this one will stick with you.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an unfiltered conversation about love, growth, and everything in between.

The Watering Haul is a beverage catering company providing bar service for small gatherings to large scale wedding and events

https://www.thewateringhaul.com/

@thewateringhaul

The Hug Button is a comfort bracelet designed for children and caregivers to nurture a secure attachment, emotional regulation and independence. 

https://www.thehugbutton.com/

@thehugbutton  

In today’s deeply moving episode, we’re joined by Eric and Iris Dargan, a couple whose journey through grief and loss is nothing short of inspiring. Both widowed after many years of marriage, Eric and Iris have faced heart-wrenching challenges, but they’ve come out stronger, proving that love and happiness can be found even after the darkest of times.Their story is a testament to the healing power of love and resilience. Through pain, rediscovery, and growth, Eric and Iris learned that happiness isn’t a destination—it’s something we create, even when life feels unfair. Their journey is one of transformation, and it’s a reminder that we can turn our pain into purpose and rebuild our hearts.In this episode, they share how they found each other, their powerful connection, and how they’re creating a new life together. Their story will inspire anyone who’s experienced loss, and anyone who’s ready to believe that love can heal even the deepest wounds.

Follow us @couples_unfiltered on IG

In this heartwarming episode of Couples Unfiltered, Suz and Bob share their inspiring story of finding love later in life. With 11 years between them and a lifetime of experiences before they met, their journey proves that it's never too late to pursue love, happiness, and your wildest dreams. Brought together through a mutual friend, Suz and Bob discuss how their connection blossomed despite the age gap, offering valuable insights into relationships, second chances, and the power of shared dreams. Tune in for a candid conversation about embracing love at any stage of life, overcoming challenges, and living life to the fullest. Whether you're in a relationship or looking for love, this episode will inspire you to keep an open heart and believe that love has no age limit.Suz will be doing live Stand Up on Dec 4th at The Film Hub in Vista, CA 

Suz's first ever stand up

@eccentricsuz

 Terzuola Designs   A Sharp Life @terzuola_design 

The Knife Wife Podcast episode with Lionel and Natalie

In this powerful episode of Couples Unfiltered, hosts Lionel and Natalie dive deep into how cultural and ethnic backgrounds influence romantic relationships. They explore the importance of understanding how race and ethnicity shape both individual and shared experiences. From having the difficult yet necessary conversation about race with your partner to unpacking family traditions and language barriers, Lionel and Natalie offer actionable tips on navigating these sensitive topics.

They emphasize the importance of open dialogue about each partner's upbringing, experiences with racism or stereotypes, and how cultural influences may impact parenting styles. The couple also touches on how media—like the movies and music from their childhood—helped form their identities and shaped their worldview.

Tune in for practical advice on how to approach discussions surrounding cultural differences, build mutual respect, and create a more inclusive and understanding relationship.

In this season finale, we take a moment to reflect on our individual journeys, share the lessons that stood out the most this year, and look forward to what’s to come. 

To our listeners, thank you for hanging in there with us while we explore our vulnerability and allow us to heal through healthy conversations and connections. We will be back with new episodes in 2025. We invite you to subscribe to our Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts and to continue the conversation with us in the new season! See you next year!

Team thank yous

Zeke Corely our Producer at A different Day Radio

Lauren Fehlhaber owner and CEO of The Film Hub

Star Fox Media Crew 

Marketing Principle- Jeff Fox

Project Manager- Carlos Hernandez

Video, Audio and Sound Editing by Nashelle Brown, Mateo Schmidt, Jacob Friedrichs

This podcast is sponsored by @BetterHelp. If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Click https://betterhelp.com/couplesunfiltered for a discount on your first month of therapy.

Beatriz Palmer has become a powerful voice for change. But it’s the partnership between her and her husband John—where mutual respect and trust thrive—that truly enables them to make an impact. Together, they remind us that great change is often built on the foundation of love, support, and collaboration.

John may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but behind the scenes, he plays an indispensable role in Beatriz’s success. His love, dedication, and belief in her work gives her the foundation she needs to lead with courage and conviction. Together, they exemplify the power of partnership, where each person brings their unique strengths to the table, and mutual respect and trust create the space for greatness.

Learn more about Bea’s work: 

Operation HOPE North County https://operationhopeshelter.org/

North San Diego County NAAC board https://www.nsdcnaacp.org/

The Alliance for Regional Solutions https://www.regionalsolutions.net/

North San Diego County Promise https://www.nsdcpromise.org/

Serves on the UCSD Chancellor's Community Advisory Board https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/

Serves on the TrueCare Board of Trustees https://truecare.org/

This podcast is sponsored by @BetterHelp. If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Click https://betterhelp.com/couplesunfiltered for a discount on your first month of therapy.

In this raw and personal episode, we (Lionel and Natalie) dive into a topic that’s reshaping our lives and our marriage—perimenopause and menopause. This transition is often under-discussed, yet it affects not just a woman's body, but her mind, emotions, and the dynamics of the relationship as a whole.

The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver