It’s the Season 1 FINALE of MOMager 🎬💥 and this one hits extra close to home—literally!!!

On the same day as the LA premiere of Malachi’s brand new Disney movie Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, the Barton Fam (Felicia, Loren, and Malachi) takes you further behind the scenes than you’ve ever been before!

From epic fails to hard-won lessons, unseen footage to tear-filled reflections...we’re wrapping up Season 1 of MOMager with honesty, heart, and a lot of laughs.

Plus...Malachi catches us up on rehearsing for a 44 city arena tour!

We’re talking:


🎥 Exclusive photos/videos from Z4 & the tour!


😬 Our biggest fails
💬 Learning how to communicate better (the hard way)


😂 Funny moments that didn’t make the pod


🥹 And all the feels as we close this chapter and look ahead to Season 2...

Thank you for coming along for the wild ride of Season 1. We’re dreaming big for Season 2 and cannot wait to introduce you to more incredible guests (and maybe some surprises 👀).

💥 Have the best summer—and don’t forget to come see us on the Descendants Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour! 💥Timestamps:

00:32 - Barton Fam Behind the Scenes

02:00 - MOMager “firsts”

14:33 - Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires Premiere

17:20 - **Exclusive** Zombies Cast Video

18:51 - Descendants/ Zombies Worlds Collide Tour

23:29 - **Exclusive** DZ Tour Cast Video

27:50 - Fits be fittin’

29:26 - Real life check-in

36:44 - “One word” to describe Season 1

41:38 - BTS confessions

45:55 - GAME: Who’s in charge?!?

49:26 - I know I drive you crazy when I…

52:20 - Final reflections and thank you’s!

Descendants/ Zombies Worlds Collide Tour

➡️https://disneydescendantszombiestour.com/

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#MOMagerPodcast #SeasonFinale #MalachiBarton #Zombies4 #DawnOfTheVampires #DisneyZombies #BartonFamily #BehindTheScenes #PodcastLife #DisneyChannel #FamilyPodcast #DZWorldsCollideTour #MomagerSeason1 #Season2Loading #FeliciaBarton #LorenBartonEpisode

Socials:

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MOMager Trailer filmed/edited by:

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🎭 From Broadway to Descendants: The Rise of Red — Joshua Colley is no stranger to the spotlight, and in this episode of MOMager, we go way behind the scenes.

Felicia, Loren, and Malachi sit down with Josh and his incredible parents, Robbie and Brad, for an honest and hilarious convo about growing up in the biz, staying grounded through it all, and what it really takes to raise a triple-threat.

We talk about Joshua’s Broadway roots (Newsies, Les Misérables), his journey into film, and how it felt stepping into the Disney universe as Young Hook.Plus, we dig into family dynamics, audition realities, and what it’s been like for Robbie and Brad to support Josh’s dreams—without losing themselves in the process.

Whether you’re a fan of musical theater, Disney, or just love a good parenting moment, this episode is one for the books.🎬

Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with laughs, heart, and a competitive game of Descendants vs. Zombies!👇 Hit play, and make sure to subscribe for more BTS from the Barton fam.Timestamps:01:20 - Introducing Joshua Colley & his parents09:40 - Journey to Broadway13:36 - Play'N Around - cultivating talent20:51 - Working as a young adult actor22:16 - The voices in Josh's head24:46 - Musical theatre kids36:16 - Game: Descendants vs Zombies42:25 - MOMager "spidey senses"47:03 - Family & friendships on tour51:07 - Broadway or TV/film?53:39 - Robbie & Brad's "MOMager Survival Guide"59:58 - If Josh weren't an actor1:01:25 - Advice for raising a performer1:06:08 - DZ Worlds Collide "tour life"1:10:08 - Twin life!1:14:11 - Staying together as a family1:19:47 - What's next for Josh?!?

Play'N Around Theatre

➡️https://playnaroundtheatre.com/Shop MOMager merch: ➡️ https://momager.printify.me/Join our PATREON now!!!➡️ https://www.patreon.com/momagerpodcastHave you subscribed to MOMager on YouTube?➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@MomagerpodcastFollow us on Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/momagerpodcast/Follow us on TikTok:➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@momagerpodcastVisit our WEBSITE:➡️ https://www.momagerpodcast.com #JoshuaColley #MomagerPodcast #Descendants4 #BroadwayKids #YoungHook #HollywoodFamilies #momager #DisneyChannel #parenting #MalachiBarton #DZworldscollide Episode Socials:@joshuarobertcolley@playnaroundtheatre@momagerpodcast@malachibarton@feliciabarton@lorenbartonofficial@thebartonfamofficialFilming & rough edit:@GlendalePodcastStudioFinal edit, art & color:@camdogfx

It’s a Father’s Day Takeover—and the dads are taking the mic 🔥🎙️

In this special episode of MOMager, Malachi is joined by two generations of dads around the firepit in his own backyard for a transparent (and hilarious!!) conversation about fatherhood, faith, and family.

👥 Malachi introduces us to his Uncle Preston, “Pap” Rick Hocker, and “Papa” Dan Barton, and together with Loren, they get real about raising kids to let them soar…and the challenge of letting them go.

💬 Malachi shares the unforgettable story of his recent rite-of-passage hike with his dad—a symbolic and sacred event marking his graduation from boyhood into young manhood. His Trail of Passage unveils the names and faces of the mentors who have shaped him along the way.

🌌 You won’t want to miss a single detail of Malachi’s solo hike into the darkness...or the powerful moment when a legacy sword is passed from father to son, with the clear message “You have what it takes.”

With heartfelt stories, generational wisdom, and honest reflections on what it truly means to be a man, a father, and part of a family rooted in love and faith—this episode is a celebration of legacy.

But don’t worry—it’s not all serious... 😅

These DADagers also face off in a backyard game of epic proportions: 🔥 “DAD or DUMB?!”

🎧 Pull up a seat by the fire and celebrate Father’s Day with us—MOMager style.

Timestamps:

00:52 - It’s a Father’s Day takeover!!!

01:55 - Getting to know: Hocker dads & Barton dads

06:07 - Malachi’s “Trail of Passage”

12:34 - Caught on video!

15:10 - Malachi’s mentors into manhood

19:20 - The easy path or the hard path—you choose.

23:44 - The Rope Challenge

27:48 - The Sword Ceremony

30:47 - Learning to let go—of adult children

35:22 - Who is Preston’s stylist?!?

36:07 - Legacy of the sword—you have what it takes!

37:17 - Game: DAD or DUMB?!

43:51 - Rapid-fire questions for dads

44:24 - Q1: What does it mean to be a good man today?

46:54 - Q2: Lesson you wish you had learned sooner as a dad?

49:40 - Q3: One thing you hope young men will carry forward?

53:48 - Malachi's scriptures to live by

55:04 - “Your Story” — a father’s poem

57:27 - Creating your own rite of passage

58:47 - Thank you’s & fatherly wisdom

Shop MOMager merch: 

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#MomagerPodcast #FathersDaySpecial #Episode122 #DADagerTakeover #MalachiBarton #FamilyFirst #FatherhoodInHollywood #FaithAndFamily #BackyardFirepitTalks #RiteOfPassage #BoyToMan #LorenBarton #DanBarton #RickHocker #UnclePreston #MentorshipMatters #LettingGoWithLove #DADORdumb #HollywoodFamilies #MomagerMondays #FatherSonMoments #FamilyLegacy

Episode Socials:

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The Barton Fam goes on location at Malachi’s school—Oak Park Independent School (OPIS)—to take you behind the scenes of education in the entertainment industry!

From balancing schoolwork with production demands to meeting state requirements while chasing big dreams, we’re breaking down how it all works.Our expert guest is Kate Thompson, Malachi’s "teacher to the stars" (and basically his 2nd mom!) who’s been guiding his education since 7th grade.

Things get emotional as Malachi opens up about his recent high school graduation, the on-set teachers who have shaped him, and what it means to close this chapter. Tears flow as Felicia talks about the journey of our “star" pupil! 😭

Whether you're a fellow industry family or just curious how student-actors do it all—this episode is for you.

🎓 Hit play to learn, laugh, and maybe cry a little with us.Timestamps:01:06 - Malachi's graduation and a special introduction...02:53 - Kate Thompson's OPIS journey07:03 - OPIS & Kate...Disney legends!!07:41 - School at Stuck in the Middle10:25 - Educating Actors12:22 - Balancing education and acting16:11 - Malachi's favorite set teachers16:48 - MOMager in education17:50 - The value of a teacher who gets you20:10 - Malachi's favorite books!22:56 - Kate's "star students"30:05 - Malachi's POP QUIZ!!!33:28 - Guiness World Record holder35:18 - Professor Barton...back to the quiz!

37:57 - Work permits

41:54 - So you want a real education!?

49:10 - Kate surpises the Barton Fam!

53:06 - Big thanks to OPIS

Interested in OPIS?➡️ https://www.oakparkusd.org/OPISShop MOMager merch: ➡️ https://momager.printify.me/Join our PATREON now!!!➡️ https://www.patreon.com/momagerpodcastHave you subscribed to MOMager on YouTube?➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@MomagerpodcastFollow us on Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/momagerpodcast/Follow us on TikTok:➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@momagerpodcastVisit our WEBSITE:➡️ https://www.momagerpodcast.com #MomagerPodcast #Episode21 #OnSetSchooling #HollywoodEducation #MalachiBarton #OPIS #KateThompson #SetTeacherLife #HighSchoolGradFeels #BehindTheScenes #ChildActors #EntertainmentEducation #StudentActorLife #StarPupil #HollywoodFamilies #FeliciaBarton #LorenBarton #GraduationSeason #MomTears #ProudParentMoment #SchoolOnSet #PodcastOnLocationEpisode Socials:

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Episode 20 already?! We can’t believe it either. 🎉

This week, the Barton Fam—Felicia, Malachi, and Loren—press pause to take a breath and reflect on how far we’ve come since launching MOMager. From hilarious behind-the-scenes moments to heartfelt conversations with some of the most inspiring families in Hollywood, this episode is all about gratitude, growth, and stopping to smell the roses!

We’re watching back some of our favorite clips live on the pod and sharing what we’ve learned from our amazing guests—about parenting, podcasting, and the beautiful chaos of life in entertainment.

Whether you've been here since episode one or have just joined the fam…this one’s for you! ❤️

🎥 Hit play and let’s celebrate 20 episodes of laughs, lessons, and love!

Timestamps:

01:11 - Episode 20…we made it!!!

03:14 - Feelings of gratitude

04:06 - Beating the podcasting odds!

04:34 - GAME: MOMager by Memory

10:29 - So you want to start a podcast?!?

13:10 - Pressing “pause” to reflect

15:18 - Chandler & Taryn Kinney…figuring it out

21:00 - Dexter & “Mama Pat” Darden…more than just a parent!

29:27 - Daniell & Jennifer Fishel…younger me or older me?!?36:59 - Dallas Dupree & Beyonka Young…boyhood into manhood

44:00 - Freya Skye & her mom Sara…a message from Mike

47:59 - Surviving as a family “in the biz”

49:13 - Luke, Aaron, & Kenda Benward…natural in the unnatural.

55:53 - Special thanks to our amazing guests

Shop MOMager merch:

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#MomagerPodcast #Episode20 #BartonFam #PodcastMilestone #GratitudeEpisode #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodFamilies #ParentingInTheIndustry #PodcastReflections #FamilyFirst #EntertainmentLife #FeliciaBarton #MalachiBarton #LorenBarton #PressPause #MomagerMoments #PodcastHighlights #ThankYouFans #CelebratingGrowth #FamilyPodcast #RewatchAndReactEpisode

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Part 2 of our American Idol deep dive is here—and this one hits the heart. ❤️🎤We’re joined by 2024 semifinalist McKenna Faith Breinholt and her incredible mom, Lisa, for a memorable behind-the-scenes look at their Idol journey. From the emotional moment McKenna met her birth family on national TV, to the quiet strength it took to recover from vocal surgery right after the show wrapped—this episode is about perseverance, purpose, and the power of family.Whether you're an Idol hopeful or just love the show, McKenna and Lisa drop some must-hear wisdom for future contestants and their families. Plus, get an honest look at what it really feels like to chase your dreams on the biggest stage in America and how difficult it can be keep chasing that dream when the cameras stop rolling and you're back home to figure out "what's next?"🎧 Hit play for tears, laughs, and the real story behind the Idol spotlight.Chapters:01:48 - Introducing: McKenna and Lisa!04:39 - Why audition for Idol?06:33 - Favorite & most surprising parts of being on TV08:58 - Overcoming vocal injury...and surgery!11:20 - Music business BOOT CAMP12:06 - It takes a family...and sometimes 2 ;)17:48 - Life after Idol23:44 - What's next for McKenna?25:23 - Parenting a "creative"28:42 - If you could rewind the Idol clock...29:54 - Rapid-fire Idol questions!34:56 - Funniest BTS moments on Idol39:15 - Advice for Idol hopefulsHave you subscribed to MOMager on YouTube?➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@MomagerpodcastShop MOMager merch: ➡️ https://momager.printify.me/Follow us on Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/momagerpodcast/Follow us on TikTok:➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@momagerpodcastJoin our PATREON:➡️ https://www.patreon.com/momagerpodcastVisit our WEBSITE:➡️ https://www.momagerpodcast.com #MomagerPodcast #AmericanIdol #FeliciaBarton #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodJourney #IdolHopefuls #MomsInTheIndustry #ABCIdol #MusicDreams #McKennaFaithBreinholt #IdolJourney #VocalRecovery #BehindTheScenes #RealityTV #HollywoodFamilies #MusicWithHeart #AdoptionStory #IdolSemifinalist #SingerLife #DreamBig #BTSIdol #FamilySupport #RealityTVBehindTheScenesEpisode Socials:@mckennafaithbreinholt@lisabreinholt@americanidol@momagerpodcast@malachibarton@feliciabarton@lorenbartonofficial@thebartonfamofficialFilming & story editing:@GlendalePodcastStudioArt, color & intro:@camdogfx

This week on Momager, we’re taking you behind the scenes of American Idol… 👀🎤

Felicia opens up about her unforgettable journey as a contestant on American Idol Season 8—including never-before-shared behind-the-scenes stories, emotional moments, and the rollercoaster of being a young mom chasing a dream. She also gives us a sneak peak into a day-in-the-life with the current American Idol band.

Then, we welcome Megan Michaels Wolflick, the Executive Producer of American Idol on ABC. Megan brings her wisdom as a mom and an executive, sharing what it takes to succeed on the show in 2025—from advice for hopefuls and parents, to how they keep Idol fresh year after year! And you don't want to miss Megan's Memory Challenge...or Malachi's hilarious impersonation of Felicia!

Whether you’ve watched since the early days or have just discovered your favorite Idol this season, this episode is full of nostalgia, inspiration, and eye-opening moments from both sides of the Idol stage.

Chapters:

01:03 - Felicia's journey as an Idol "hopeful"

06:31 - BTS of Idol now!

10:26 - Special guest: Megan Michaels Wolflick

11:45 - Getting to know Megan's family

15:37 - Never-before-seen MOMentos

19:03 - Balancing MOM and Executive Producer

24:24 - Family as a support system

26:56 - Let's talk SANGERS!!!

29:21 - Megan HATES "reality" TV & "contestants"

32:07 - Viral auditions/ Megan's start on Idol

36:48 - GAME: "Megan's Memory Challenge"

49:38 - Advice for auditioning on Idol

51:30 - Developing artists & musicians

55:34 - Advice for parents on Idol

59:17 - Next time on MOMager...

Have you subscribed to MOMager on YouTube?

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#MomagerPodcast #AmericanIdol #FeliciaBarton #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodJourney #IdolHopefuls #MomsInTheIndustry #ABCIdol #FoxIdol #MusicDreams #MeganMichaelsWolflickEpisode

Socials:

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Filming & editing:

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Art & color:

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This episode, we're joined by the incredibly talented Sway Bhatia and her amazing mom, Dharmangi this week! 🎙️✨

You may know Sway as “Vera” in the upcoming Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires—but her career stretches even further, with iconic roles in The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers and Succession. (Yes...she learned from the very best, working alongside legends like Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong—where her love for filmmaking truly took root.)

In this episode, we dive into Sway’s journey from TV star to NYU hopeful to budding filmmaker, unearth some long-held family secrets, and even get a surprise video from her mysterious and hilarious dad, Ranjeet! 😂

Plus, Malachi and Sway face off in a brand-new game called Blurry Mems—can they recognize throwback memories from their Zombies adventures in New Zealand? 👀

Get ready for laughter, surprises, and major behind-the-scenes vibes with this powerhouse family!

Chapters:

01:08 - Intro

02:46 - Succession

08:44 - Parent of the Year award?!?

12:29 - Sway's iconic acting opportunities

14:18 - Balancing education and work

17:14 - Mental health care on set

22:59 - What motivates Sway?

25:37 - Dharmangi on being a "hard mom"

28:08 - Admission video for NYU

31:39 - Fan girl?!?32:49 - Getting to know Dharmangi

42:50 - Wonder wall & "little wins"

44:36 - GAME: "Blurry Mems" Sway vs Malachi

48:45 - Celebrating Holi in New Zealand

51:43 - GAME: "Blurry Mems" continued...

1:00:17 - Who is Ranjeet???

1:13:46 - What to expect from Zombies 4!

1:16:42 - Like sisters

1:17:30 - Thanks for coming!

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#Momager #MomagerPodcast #ChildActor #MalachiBarton #Parenting #TVFilm #Sway #SwayBhatia #Zombies4 #Z4 #Succession #TheMightyDucks #FamilySecrets #BehindTheScenes #DisneyChannel #YoungHollywood #TheBartonFam

EpisodeSocials:

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Filming & shot edit:

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THE BENWARDS ARE BACK...with Part 2 of our heartfelt and hilarious convo with Luke Benward and his parents, Aaron and Kenda! 🎙️

In this episode, we wrap up the legendary Family Dinners—the safe space Aaron and Kenda created for Luke and other young actors in LA during their pivotal teen and early adult years.

Loren opens up about his personal journey with depression, Aaron and Kenda riff on the joys (and nicknames!) of grandparent life, and the episode takes a WILD TURN with "Dinner Table Confessions"—a game where truth and storytelling collide.

Can YOU figure out who’s telling the truth in a room full of actors? 👀

Luke takes us behind-the-scenes of his "Life of the Party" experience (with Melissa McCarthy) and openly shares about his recent sobriety journey. Aaron and Kenda reflect on their own growth—learning to direct and produce tv & film projects from a place of true identity...with family by their side.

This episode has it all: laughter, vulnerability, and a whole lot of love...and you’ve got a seat at the "Family Dinner" table. Chapters:

00:01 - Previously on MOMager...01:03 - Luke's "Family Dinner" experience04:10 - Homeless and still human (Alyson Stoner story)05:43 - Loren battles depression in Nashville08:24 - "Loud thoughts" and "God math"10:52 - The Benward Fam extended...with nicknames!14:18 - GAME: Dinner Table Confessions!!!16:01 - Felicia: "I once stole something from tv/film set"

18:10 - Luke: "I once pranked someone onset & it BACK FIRED!"21:50 - Kenda: "I may/may not have lied on a resume"27:07 - Aaron: "I once dipped out early to avoid clean up"29:58 - Malachi: "A celebrity once blew up our bathroom"33:05 - Loren: "I once blew up the bathroom at Family Dinner"35:55 - Luke: "I bombed an audition w/ a Cockney accent"41:39 - Advice from Luke for Y.A. actors

44:47 - Advice from AB & Kenda for parents of young adults

47:07 - Luke on Sobriety, Directing, & Producing

49:02 - Kenda on directing & producing with family

51:51 - Working with Melissa McCarthy on "Life of the Party"53:30 - AB on "living from true identity"

Inspired by Luke's sobriety journey?➡️ https://www.aa.org/

Have you subscribed to MOMager on YouTube?➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@MomagerpodcastFollow us on Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/momagerpodcast/Follow us on TikTok:➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@momagerpodcastJoin our PATREON:➡️ https://www.patreon.com/momagerpodcastVisit our WEBSITE:➡️ https://www.momagerpodcast.com

#MomagerPodcast #LukeBenward #BenwardFamily #HollywoodFamilyLife #FamilyDinner #DinnerTableConfessions #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #FaithAndFilm #ChildActorJourneyEpisode Socials:@labenward@aaronbenward@kendabenward@momagerpodcast@malachibarton@feliciabarton@lorenbartonofficial@thebartonfamofficialFilming & rough edit:@GlendalePodcastStudioArt & final edit:@camdogfx

🎙️ This week we're joined by longtime friends Aaron and Kenda Benward and their mega-talented son, actor Luke Benward, who "Zooms" in from Nashville! Luke has been acting since childhood (fun fact: he was the original Zed in the Zombies & Cheerleaders pilot 👀) and has starred alongside the likes of Dove Cameron, Maia Mitchell, Channing Tatum, Mel Gibson, and more!

This episode dives into the journey of growing up in the business with grounded, intentional parents by his side.

Felicia and Aaron have written hundreds of songs together—spanning K-pop, country, and everything in between—this conversation hits multiple spheres of entertainment experience and is full of nuggets of wisdom!

Luke's parents Aaron and Kenda have been role models to Loren and Felicia since Malachi was young...in how they navigated Hollywood as a family and in how they parent with purpose. Kenda (whose many "momager" roles included being Luke’s acting coach) brings incredible insight into raising a working actor while keeping his head and heart in the right place.✨

We talk about:

*Luke's evolution from child actor to adult roles

*Mom as an acting coaching!

*The "Family Dinner" tradition Aaron and Kenda started in LA to support young actors far from home

*A heartfelt surprise video tribute to the Benwards...get ready for the tears!

*Words of wisdom from some of the BEST parents in the business!!

This episode is full of laughs, tears, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. ❤️👇 Drop your favorite moment in the comments and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell!

Chapters:01:06 - Intro

04:40 - The original Zed...a Zombies evolution

09:35 - Sticking with your dream

11:35 - "How to Eat Fried Worms"

15:18 - Tales from the audition

24:05 - Getting to know Luke's "momager" Kenda

31:43 - Actors make great directors

34:45 - Getting to know "A.B."

39:05 - "Faith it til ya make it!" -Kenda :)

41:24 - Growing up in an artistic family

43:05 - Hey Luke...let's pull up your music video!! ;)

46:40 - Fantasy Football segue

47:58 - Family Dinner

55:57 - SURPRISE VIDEO from Family Dinner "alumni"!

1:01:39 - The intersection of natural & unnatural

1:05:29 - To Be Continued...

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EpisodeSocials:

@labenward

@aaronbenward

@kendabenward

@momagerpodcast

@malachibarton

@feliciabarton

@lorenbartonofficial

@thebartonfamofficial

Filming & rough edit:

@GlendalePodcastStudio

Art & final edit:

@camdogfx