Crafted

This week we’re tackling some big questions about marriage, parenting, and pop culture! Is it healthy to expect your spouse to be your everything, or are we putting too much pressure on each other? Are today’s kids running the household, and how do we take back control without losing connection? Plus, we dive into the buzz surrounding Jay-Z and the Super Bowl halftime show. From marriage expectations to parenting power struggles and halftime headlines, we’ve got plenty to unpack!

💍♥️ Forever Segment: All of Me, All on You?

Your spouse is supposed to be your person, but are they supposed to be your everything? Best friend, therapist, emotional support, happiness, safe space, and problem solver…that’s a lot of hats for one person to wear! This week, we explore the fine line between healthy dependence and unrealistic expectations in marriage. Is expecting your spouse to fulfill every need the ultimate expression of love, or are we setting each other up for disappointment? Let’s get into it!

🌱 Roots & Bloom: Who Is Raising Who?

Who’s really running the house, you or your kids? Somewhere between gentle parenting, avoiding meltdowns, and wanting our children to feel heard, have we started handing over too much control? We’re talking about setting boundaries, following through with consequences, and raising kids who understand that having a voice doesn’t mean having the final say. Are we raising emotionally healthy children or accidentally teaching them that the world revolves around them? Our resident School Psychologist helps us unpack how to take back the reins without losing the connection.

🎤 Lifestyle Segment: Jay-Z & the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Did Jay-Z really choose himself for the next Super Bowl halftime show? We're diving into the online speculation surrounding the music mogul and his connection to one of the biggest performances in entertainment. From fan reactions and rumored artist selections to the ongoing debate about who actually deserves the stage, we're asking the questions everyone seems to have an opinion on. Would Jay-Z be the right choice, or is there someone else who deserves that spotlight? Let's talk about it!

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

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Song of The Week: Neo "Burst"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/burst/6810303475?i=6810303599

Show of the Week: ER (HBOmax)

Married couples shouldn’t have joint bank accounts. 💳

Women should lead the marriage. 👀

Spending big money on a wedding is a waste. 💍

Have you heard these takes before? or maybe you secretly agree with a few of them? 😂

This week on The Crafted Podcast, we’re diving into some of the internet’s most unpopular marriage opinions and giving our takes after 16 years of marriage. Which ones make sense? Which ones have us side-eyeing? And which ones might actually spark a good conversation between couples?

Then we switch gears because… why does EVERY cruise ship have a morgue?! 🚢⚰️😳 We need answers.

Marriage, money, gender roles, weddings, cruise ship mysteries, and probably a few disagreements along the way. 😂

🎙️ Forever: Unpopular Marriage Opinions

🚢 Lifestyle: Why Cruise Ships Have Morgues

Grab your spouse and come argue... I mean, discuss with us. 😂

What’s YOUR unpopular marriage opinion?

Today we’ll be touching on:

• What Was Your Favorite Cell Phone Ever?
• Cruise Ships Have Morgues Onboard?
• Unpopular Marriage Opinions

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

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Order our New Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

Song of The Week: Kendrick Lamar "Count Me Out"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/count-me-out/1626195790?i=1626196252

Show of The Week: Your Honor (Netflix)

This week’s episode is a mini-pod, but we promise you full size energy & laughs lol.

🎬 Lifestyle Segment: Daejon Love & The Scam of a Lifetime!

We’re diving into the viral story of Daejon Love, a 35-year-old man accused of posing as a wealthy San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and successful real estate investor while allegedly scamming at least 26 women out of a combined $1.3 million. How did he convince so many people? What makes us overlook red flags when money, status, romance, and trust are involved? And the ultimate question; would YOU have fallen for it? Let’s talk about the lies, the red flags, and what this story can teach us about vetting the people we let into our lives.

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: MALIA "Masquerade"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/masquerade/6785619524?i=6785619649

Film of the Week: Spider-Man Brand New Day (In Theaters)

This week’s episode is all about navigating changing expectations in marriage, parenting, and entertainment. We unpack why marriage may no longer feel like the ultimate relationship goal, share practical ways to parent strong-willed and argumentative kids without turning every moment into a battle, and give our take on Netflix’s The Last House. From “I do” to “I’m not arguing with a child” to “Did AI write this script?”, there’s plenty to talk about this week!

💍♥️ Forever Segment: Why don't people want to be Husbands & Wives anymore?

Marriage used to feel like the destination, but has that changed? We unpack why some people still want love, companionship, sex, children, and even a shared home, but hesitate when it comes to becoming a husband or wife. From trust issues and infidelity to dating culture and changing expectations, we ask the bigger question: Why don’t people want to get married anymore?

🌱 Roots & Bloom: I'm not about to argue with a child!

“I’m not about to argue with a child!” But what do you do when your child seems ready to debate everything? We talk about raising strong-willed, argumentative, and explosive kids without turning every disagreement into a power struggle. Our resident School Psychologist breaks down how to stay firm without constantly fussing, avoid arguing and negotiating every boundary, and teach kids emotional regulation, respect, and healthier ways to communicate.

🎬 Lifestyle Segment: Netflix's "The Last House"

We’re heading to Netflix for this week’s review of The Last House. We break down the plot, performances, writing, and the moments that worked and definitely the ones that didn’t. Was it actually good? Could the story have been better? And why did parts of the script have us asking, “Did AI write this?” Tune in for our full review and final verdict.

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: Nick Hakim "Green Twins"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/green-twins/1219744639?i=1219744640

Film of the Week: The Last House (Netflix)

This week’s episode is all about the things that leave a lasting impact. We discuss how feeling seen and appreciated can strengthen a marriage, why social-emotional skills are just as important as academic success in preparing our kids for life, and we share our review of The Odyssey and why Christopher Nolan continues to redefine modern filmmaking. From relationships to parenting to storytelling, this episode is packed with practical insight and meaningful conversation.

💍♥️ Forever Segment: Feeling Seen & Feeling Appreciated 

Feeling loved is important, but feeling truly seen and appreciated can transform a marriage. In this segment, we discuss what it looks like to anticipate your spouse’s needs, notice the little things, and express appreciation in meaningful ways. From everyday acts of thoughtfulness to understanding what makes your partner feel valued, we explore how intentional love strengthens connection over time.

🌱 Roots & Bloom: Why Social Emotional Skills Matter Just as much as School Work

Grades matter, but so does character, resilience, and emotional intelligence. In this conversation, we discuss why social-emotional skills deserve just as much attention as academics. From taking accountability and handling criticism to showing empathy, solving conflicts, and practicing self-control, we explore the life skills that prepare kids not just for school, but for adulthood.

🎬 Lifestyle Segment: Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey"

We share our review of The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, after experiencing it in IMAX during our trip to Portland. We break down Nolan’s unique storytelling, the breathtaking visuals, and his fresh interpretation of Homer’s timeless epic. Was it another masterpiece from one of cinema’s greatest directors? Tune in for our full thoughts.

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: Magnus Ferrell "Asleep Talking"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/asleep-talking/1892157897?i=1892157901

Film of the Week: The Prestige

This week’s episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the realities of relationships, parenting, and today’s culture. We reflect on the unseen moments that have shaped our 16 years of marriage, debate whether traveling with kids is truly a vacation, and unpack the recent racist attacks directed at Chelsea Gray and the larger conversation about accountability in sports. It’s an honest discussion about what happens behind the scenes, both in our homes and in the headlines.

💍♥️ Forever Segment: Behind the highlight reel - What you didn't see during our 16 years of marriage.

Social media captures the highlight reel, but marriage is built in the moments no one sees. In this segment, we pull back the curtain on our 16-year journey together and talk about navigating disagreements, grief, disappointments, and the quiet seasons that never make it online. We share the lessons we've learned about choosing each other, even when life isn't picture-perfect.

🌱 Roots & Bloom: Vacationing with kids Vs. Without

Is traveling with kids really a vacation or just parenting with a different view? We unpack the pros and cons of family vacations versus couples-only getaways, exploring what travel means for your children, your marriage, and your sanity. From making lifelong memories to finding time to reconnect as a couple, we discuss how to strike the right balance for your family.

🏀 Lifestyle Segment: The WNBA and Racism

We discuss the racist messages shared publicly by Chelsea Gray and the broader conversation about online hate in sports. We examine why these incidents continue to surface, the consequences that followed, including the firing of a of a Hilton Grand Vacations employee, and why discussions around race, fandom, and accountability seem to intensify whenever the Indiana Fever are involved.

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: Tony! Toni! Toné! "Anniversary"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/anniversary/1443099999?i=1443100922

Show of the Week: Psycho-Pass (Crunchyroll)

This week’s episode is all about the legacy we leave and the reputation we build. We discuss how the health of your marriage quietly shapes your children’s future relationships, and we count down the biggest branding wins and blunders of 2026 so far; from celebrity controversies to corporate decisions that had everyone talking. It’s a conversation about influence, perception, and the lasting impact of the choices we make at home and in the public eye.

💍♥️ Forever Segment: The marriage you build is the childhood they remember

The marriage you build becomes the blueprint your children remember. In this segment, we explore how the way we love, communicate, resolve conflict, and treat our spouse shapes our kids’ understanding of healthy relationships. We discuss the importance of modeling what we hope they’ll one day become, because our children are learning far more from what they see than from what we say.

🤷🏾‍♂️ Lifestyle Segment: The top 5 Branding Mistakes of 2026 (so far)

From celebrity scandals to corporate missteps, 2026 has already delivered some unforgettable branding disasters. We count down our Top 5 branding mistakes of the year (so far), including honorable mentions like Klay Thompson’s viral controversy and recipe changes that left fans questioning their loyalty. What separates a minor PR hiccup from a full-blown brand crisis? Tune in and see if your picks made the list

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: Vince Staples "Blackberry Marmalade"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/blackberry-marmalade/1887627836?i=1887627837

Show of the Week: For All Mankind

This week’s episode takes a closer look at why patterns repeat themselves; in marriage, parenting, and culture. We explore whether our grandparents’ marriages were truly better or simply built under different expectations, why our kids seem to struggle with the same behaviors despite countless reminders, and the debate surrounding Becky Hammon after the New York Knicks’ historic championship run. It’s a conversation about perspective, consistency, and what happens when the past collides with the present.

💍♥️ Forever Segment: Grandma stayed, but was she happy? Were our Grandparents Marriages really better?

In this segment, we explore the realities behind old-school marriages and compare them to modern relationships. From traditional gender roles to changing expectations around happiness, fulfillment, and divorce, we discuss why many couples stayed together in previous generations and whether longevity always meant satisfaction.

🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment: Same kid, same problem - Why do I keep seeing the same behaviors?

Why does it feel like you’re having the same conversation with your child over and over again? We dive into the frustration of recurring behaviors, the role consistency plays in shaping change, and the common ways parents may unintentionally reinforce the very habits they’re trying to stop. This conversation is full of practical insight for parents who feel stuck in a cycle.

🏀 Lifestyle Segment: The New York Knicks Win & Becky Hammon

The New York Knicks are champions, but the conversation didn’t stop at the final buzzer. We discuss the team’s historic NBA Finals victory and the renewed attention on comments made years ago by Becky Hammon regarding Jalen Brunson. Was her evaluation accurate at the time? And is the backlash she’s receiving today justified, or simply the internet keeping receipts?

Today we’ll be touching on: 

• The Greatest Inventions Ever
• Where Accents Come From
• Grandma stayed, but was she happy? Were our Grandparents Marriages really better?
• Same kid, same problem - Why do I keep seeing the same behaviors?
• The New York Knicks Win & Becky Hammon

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: Vince Staples "Blackberry Marmalade"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/blackberry-marmalade/1887627836?i=1887627837

Show of the Week: For All Mankind

This week’s episode is all about preparing for the future; in our marriages, with our children, and in the culture around us. We tackle the difficult question of when a marriage is worth fighting for and when it may be time to let go, discuss how to equip our kids with real relationship skills instead of just warnings, and explore how a new generation of filmmakers is reshaping Hollywood with creativity, passion, and shoestring budgets. It’s a conversation about wisdom, intentionality, and making better choices for the relationships and opportunities that shape our lives.

💍♥️ Forever Segment: Love, Loyalty & Limits - How much should you put up with before you walk away?

In this segment, we tackle one of the toughest questions in marriage: where is the line between commitment and self-preservation? We discuss how different generations view marriage, whether divorce is still taboo, and the circumstances that may justify ending a relationship. It's a thoughtful conversation about love, loyalty, boundaries, and knowing your limits.

🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment: "Don't get pregnant!" is not a relationship strategy

“Don’t get pregnant” isn’t enough. Many of us grew up with warnings about relationships but very little guidance on how to actually navigate them. In this conversation, we explore how to teach kids to choose healthy friendships, recognize red flags, handle conflict, communicate effectively, and eventually select the right romantic partner. It’s about giving them wisdom, not just warnings.

🎬 Lifestyle Segment: Backrooms & Obsession Takeover!

The entertainment industry is being disrupted by a new wave of young creators with fresh ideas and surprisingly small budgets. We discuss the breakout success of Backrooms and Obsession, how these projects are outperforming films with budgets many times their size, and what this shift means for the future of filmmaking, storytelling, and Hollywood itself.

Today we’ll be touching on: 

• Your Favorite Time of Day
• A Land Animal That Can Hold It's Breathe Longer Than A Dolphin
• Love, Loyalty & Limits - How much should you put up with before you walk away?
• "Don't get pregnant!" is not a relationship strategy
• Backrooms & Obsession Takeover!

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: Sarah Defne Gray "Autumn is a Killer"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/autumn-is-a-killer/1846978126?i=1846978127

Film of the Week: Backrooms

This week’s SPECIAL episode is all about balance; balancing love with boundaries, freedom with structure, and artistry with legacy. We discuss why healthy boundaries are necessary for strong marriages, how to create a fun but productive summer for your kids, and we break down Drake’s surprise album run and what it says about his place in music today. From relationships to parenting to culture, this episode is packed with honest conversation, practical insight, and plenty of debate. + Listen closely for the code word within this episode to be entered to win a special prize from to celebrate our 100th episode.

💍♥️ Forever Segment: Boundaries In Marriage - Love Without Boundaries Turn Into Resentment

We unpack what healthy boundaries actually look like in marriage, why communication is essential, and how protecting your emotional comfort doesn’t make you selfish, it makes the relationship healthier. We discuss balancing love, respect, individuality, and partnership without losing yourself in the process.

🌱 Roots & Bloom Segment: Summer Expectations For Kids - Fun With Structure

School’s out… now what? We dive into the reality of summer parenting and the challenge of balancing freedom with structure. From screen time and snacks to chores and adaptive life skills, we discuss practical ways to create a summer that’s fun for kids while still building responsibility, independence, and healthier routines at home.

🧊 Lifestyle Segment: Drake, ICEMAN & 3 New Albums

We break down the surprise three-album release from Drake, including ICEMAN, and discuss where he stands musically in 2026. Is the music actually good? Has he fully moved past the Kendrick Lamar battle? Our resident self-proclaimed “musicologist” gives his take on Drake’s longevity, cultural impact, and whether he’s still at the top of the game.

Today we’ll be touching on: 

• Funniest Scene From A Movie All-Time
• What Is Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" Actually About?
• Boundaries In Marriage
• Summer Expectations For Kids
• Drake, ICEMAN & 3 New Albums

Anything you want to hear us talk about? Loved a topic we touched on? Let us know in the review section!

___________________________________

Also, Follow us here!

-The Crafted Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/craftedpod/ @CraftedPod

--Kristin:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrulykristin/ @Yourstrulykristin

Cook Book: https://a.co/d/5pqsuYE

--Keonte:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keontemcdonald/ @Keontemcdonald

My Music: https://keonte.bandcamp.com/album/a-loss-for-words

Graphic Design: https://www.behance.net/gallery/170503095/Portfolio

Graphic IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingsmold/ @Kingsmold

Order our Children's Book: "Where Dreams May Take You"

https://a.co/d/3KlouTY

___________________________________

Song of The Week: SIENNA SPIRO "The Visitor"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-visitor/1882146992?i=1882146993

Show of the Week: Solo Leveling (Crunchyroll)