Episode 9 - Money Won't Save You: Growth Will This week on On the Way to the Bodega, Ray Etc. and Lotto Marie dive deep into real money talk—what happens after you come up, why flex culture misses the bigger picture, and why true wealth is measured in growth, not designer labels. They share wild real-life lottery stories, the importance of valuing your time, staying grounded even as you level up, and the difference between looking rich and being rich. Plus, Lotto kicks off her new Lotto Knows segment with a messy letter about loaning money to a "friend" who forgot to pay her back. It’s hilarious, relatable, and full of real gems for anyone chasing bigger dreams without losing themselves. Tap in, ride with us, and share this with somebody who knows money ain't everything! #OnTheWayToTheBodega

In this episode, Lotto and Ray dive deep into real conversations about success, mindset, and staying true to yourself. They open up about the realities of being attractive but still facing relationship struggles, how hard work beats shortcuts (even when it comes to body goals), and why chasing popularity over purpose is a trap. They explore what true success looks like on your own terms — not by comparing yourself to others — and why staying focused on your journey is the only real way to win. From gym struggles to money lessons, parenting gems to avoiding social media distractions, this one is packed with real talk, laughs, and motivational game. If you’re ready to laugh, reflect, and get re-inspired to chase your dreams without the fluff, this episode is for you!

This week on On the Way to the Bodega, Lotto Marie and Ray Etc. get all the real about the single life, evolving relationship standards, and why not settling is the ultimate power move. They dive into the highs and lows of finding genuine connections, the importance of true communication, and how personal growth after breakups sets the tone for better love ahead.

They also reflect on why Black men deserve more appreciation, discuss the pros and cons of sharing your relationship with the world, and even touch on keeping it authentic in the comedy game.

It's real, it's raw, and it’s hilarious — the type of conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Tap in, laugh with us, and share this with somebody who's out here raising their own bar too!

#OnTheWayToTheBodega

🎙️: It Ain’t Trickin’ If You Care, Can’t Finesse a Giver

Lotto Marie and Ray Etc are back at Table 22—no food this time, but the conversation? Full course meal. From dating dilemmas to doing too much too soon, this episode dives into what it’s like catching real feelings in a world full of “what are we?” texts and ghosted good mornings. Lotto gets candid about liking someone new and fighting the urge to give everything too early. Ray dishes out honest advice as a married man, dropping gems about discernment, deservingness, and why givers gotta protect their energy. The two debate Steve Harvey's infamous hot dog test, the importance of cooking with intention, and when it’s time to pull out the NDAs (yes, non-disclosure agreements in relationships!). They also dive into the Travis Hunter internet drama, fame vs. normalcy, and the cost of loving someone in the spotlight. Per usual, expect some jokes, a few rants, and a whole lot of truth.

🔑 Topics Include: Dating while being a giver Tricky love languages & relationship boundaries NDAs, super fans, and being two people in one The internet’s obsession with other people’s relationships Why hot dogs might be the new love language (or not) This episode is for the emotionally mature, the mentally exhausted, and everyone who's ever questioned if they’re doing too much—or not enough—in love.

#OnMyWayToTheBodega #LottoKnows #Table22Talk

Lotto Marie and Ray Etc are back at the bodega with chicken, waffles, and some real relationship truths. In this episode, Lotto opens up about being a natural giver, building a man from scratch, and finally closing down her Build-a-Bae Workshop. They get into the highs and lows of dating as grown folks with standards, and why being single can be easy—but dating? Whew, that’s the real challenge. From the danger of dating super fans to the struggle of finding someone who sees you beyond your stage presence, they share hilarious, heartfelt stories that hit home. Plus, Ray ETC breaks down the art of thoughtful giving, why Trader Joe’s chili oil might just be love language, and why comedians need professional headshots (no more sticker pics!). 🔑 Topics Include: Why being a giver is beautiful—but exhausting without reciprocity The difference between support and smothering What it really means to “add value” to someone’s life Dating as a public figure vs. being loved for your private self Comedy hustle, community, and giving credit where it’s due This one’s for the healed, healing, and hilarious. Pull up a plate and press play. #OnMyWayToTheBodega #BuildABaeIsClosed #LottoKnows

🎙️ Episode 4: When Arguing Ain’t Worth the Energy – Arguing Less & Living More

In Episode 4, Lotto Marie and Ray ETC get real about protecting their peace and letting go of arguments that ain’t worth the energy. From learning how to walk away from drama to recognizing the power in staying soft in relationships, they break down how growth shows up in unexpected ways. They dive into relationship standards, parenting in freedom, being full-time entertainers, and the joy of being present. Plus, the two go head-to-head in a hilarious chili debate: beans or nah? 👀 Sprinkled with wisdom, wild throwback prank stories, and raw laughs, this episode feels like a therapy session and a family cookout all in one.

🔑 Topics Include: Choosing peace over being right What being “soft” really means in modern relationships Comedy as a calling, not just a hustle Why every man ain’t gotta be handy… just handy enough The new prank culture vs. the old school Beans in chili… yay or nah?

#OnMyWayToTheBodega #LottoKnows #RCRealness

In Episode 3 of On the Way to the Bodega, Lotto Marie and Ray Etc. dive into real, raw, and hilarious conversations about confidence, dating, sex, and parenting. They debate if confidence can outshine shortcomings (literally and figuratively), why intimacy hits different when you actually like the person, and the lessons they learned from their parents that now shape their lives. Plus, the importance of teaching kids value and responsibility while still showing them love. It’s the wildest, funniest, and most honest talk at Table 22 — you don’t want to miss it.

Why do we pick the wrong people? Can mama really see through souls? And how are money, gender roles, and generational expectations changing the way we love and live? We’ve got hilarious stories, spicy truths, and some unfiltered wisdom you don’t want to miss.

Hit play for laughs, lessons, and a fresh take on relationships. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us for more raw, real talk about love, life, and everything in between. Let’s ride this journey together! ❤️

#Relationships #Dating #ModernLove #Situationships #OneNightStands #Podcast #MamaKnowsBest #DatingAdvice #moderndating #crackingthemancode #highvaluemen #singlelifeinsights #toxicbehaviors

CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:21 - Single Life and Relationships 02:02 - Meeting Potential Boyfriends 05:45 - Changing Gender Roles 06:54 - Money vs Health Debate 11:36 - Personal Change and Growth 14:09 - Understanding Gentrification 17:23 - Dealing with Intra-Racial Racism 19:35 - Exploring God’s Judgement 36:00 - Outro 37:44 - Final Outro Follow Us on All Platforms

One-Night Stands, Situationships & The Ones We Threw Away

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Ray Etc & Lotto Marie