Interview with Relationship Expert- Genesis Games 

Season Finale

We've heard from four amazing and beloved couples and now we are at the season finale of Open Heart Raw Story. I couldn't be more excited to close out this season with a top-tier relationship expert - Genesis Games.

Genesis is a Licensed Mental Counselor with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from University of Central Florida. She is also certified in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida.

She’s also a trained level 3 Couples Therapist from the esteemed Gottman Institute and has a specialty in phototherapy techniques.

In this episode, Genesis and I talk in detail about what makes a relationship work, the key taboos we need to dismantle in relationships, the common relationship problems couples seek help for, and advice Genesis provides for singles, those who are dating, and folks in new relationships.

You'll also get to hear about my dating and relationship experiences and how this conversation has helped me practice a better way to date and eventually be a great partner in my next relationship.

Love Story of Matt and Jenny

"The Cosmic Cuties"

So excited to share the love story of two people who have been so instrumental in the yoga community on a national level and they are just down-right great people to know and to listen to, Matt and Jenny Jared.

This dynamic duo are the founders of United We Om; a registered 501(c)3 non-profit charity, sharing trauma-responsive yoga, meditation and breathing practice in communities without access. 

This episode explores their love story, starting with how they met, why it took some time to get together, how they maintain their strong and profound love and how they inspire and reflect growth upon each other, fostering individual betterment. The episode also delves into their parenting journey with their two children, the intentional efforts to prioritize each other, and the realization that they were destined to be together, growing in love, support, and self-discovery both individually and as partners.

The Story of Carlos Del Valle and Melissa Marin

The Progressives

Excited to bring this dynamic duo who both work in the entertainment industry as major movers and shakers. 

Labeling them as the Progressives, this episode will explore the full story of how Carlos (Los) and Melissa (Mel) met and how both have created a footprint in the entertainment industry. Los is a producer, athlete, and host of No Sleeping in the Trophy Room, which is a conversation series fueled by motivation, experience and truth and he is also the creator of the brand, No Sleeping in the Trophy Room. Mel is a creative director and CEO and visionary of Mel Vision, which creates exciting and electrifying content, brand development, artist management and vision production.

Los and Mel talk about how they started with a friendship that progressively and organically grew into a loving relationship. They also touch on the moment that could have broken them but instead used that as fuel to further cement their relationship, centered in love, support, respect and forward movement together. They also talk about their engagement and what they are looking forward to in their beautiful relationship. Hint hint, it is their son, Sol. 

**Of note, this episode was recorded before the arrival of their son. 

The Story of Rob and Christina Rodriguez 

"The Altruists" 

Excited to bring a return guest on the show from Season 1, Episode 2, one of which makes up one-half of a couple who have been together for over 15 years - Rob and Christina Rodriguez.

Labeling them as the Altruists, this episode will explore the full story of how Rob and Christina met and how both have dedicated their lives to helping others, Rob as the triathlete, motivational speaker, U.S. Amputee Soccer player, disability advocate and founder of non-profit Limb Possible, and Christina as a phenomenal nurse who served on the front line during the most gut-wrenching, life-threatening times in our world's history - COVID-19.

They will also talk about why people need to break the taboo of getting married after kids and how they are parenting their two amazing children. Most importantly, Rob and Christina discuss how they create a supportive and loving partnership and work individually and together to bring their best selves to life and their relationship.

The Love Story of Michael and Angela Booker

"The Legendaries" 

There is no better way to kick off this season than to launch with a banger. I'm thrilled to present the love story of Mr. Michael and Mrs. Angela Booker.

Mr. and Mrs. Booker have shared a powerful, enduring love for over 40 years, having met in high school. Michael and Angela began dating shortly after their initial meeting, and from day one, they became life partners.

Tune in to tomorrow's episode to hear the full story of how they met, why Mr. Booker asked Mrs. Booker twice for her hand in marriage, how they broke generational cycles and navigated individual challenges with each other's support. They also discuss how they took on roles as parents of three children and consistently strengthened their relationship through communication, support, and a unified bond. Additionally, they share valuable insights on how couples can sustain a strong, enduring, and healthy relationship.

SEASON 2: EP. 10

Story of Davon Livingston 

Theme: The Gift of Grace 

On this episode, Jennifer interviews someone who she considers is motivation in a bottle, Davon Livingston. 

Davon is the CEO & Founder of Lose-N-Tone Total Body Sculpting & Nutrition with over 14 years of experience. He is also a wellness coach and entrepreneur who is helping other trainers scale their businesses.

SEASON 2: EP. 9

Story of Shelly Omi Bell 

Theme: Confidence is Your Superpower

On this episode, Jennifer interviews the multi-hyphenated powerhouse, Shelly Omi Bell. 

Shelly is a system disruptor, business strategist, serial entrepreneur and computer scientist with a background in K-12 Education and IP Strategy. She specializes in helping Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and executives turn great ideas into disruptive strategies to increase revenue. She was named as one of the Top 100 Powerful Women in Business by Entrepreneur Magazine. In addition to her professional career, she is also the founder and CEO of Black Girl Ventures Foundation, a social enterprise that transforms entrepreneurship by reimagining the way black and brown women founders get access to financial and social capital.

Shelly talks about her childhood, growing up with a big imagination, with her family in North Carolina, navigating being a mom of two in her younger years and stepping out on faith and determination to start her own business and help other entrepreneurs especially women to find community, support and advice to help their business dreams come true.

This episode concludes with a guided meditation focused on the theme of the episode.

SEASON 2: EP. 8

Story of Pam Concannon 

THEME: Don't Discount Your Truth 

On this episode, Jennifer interview someone who is the true definition of living your best life by serving others, Pam Concannon. 

Pam is a bomb-ass yoga teacher with 5+ years of teaching experience, while being a full-time corporate finance professional. She has also dedicated her life to service, leading over 25 volunteer projects a year ranging from assembling baskets for underserved mothers for Mother’s Day to assembling backpacks full of school supplies for low-income students and even teaches a donation-based class with proceeds going to United We Om. She also participated in a mentorship program for Hope for Youth focused on STEAM for the youth ages 15-20 who are in foster care.

Pam talks candidly about her childhood growing up, experiencing grief with the loss of her mother and middle sister and how she found her purpose through the pain by giving back, volunteering and becoming a yoga teacher. 

This episode concludes with a guided meditation focused on the theme of the episode 

SEASON 2: EP. 7 

Story of Stephanie Jones 

Theme: See You're Beautiful

On this episode, Jennifer interviews another one of her soul sisters, Stephanie Jones. 

Stephanie is the business owner of Studio 1031, a thriving Long Island-based hair salon and owner of Cora Naturals, an all-natural hair and scalp oil company. 

For the first time, Stephanie tells her full story of how she navigated growing up with her mother, being the victim of rape and having a child at a young age to falling back in love with her purpose and passion of cosmetology and committing her life to helping beautify women both inside and out with her expertise and therapeutic advice.

This episode ends with a guided meditation focused on the theme of the episode. 

Trigger Warning: The episode talks recounts a story about rape and abuse. 

SEASON 2: EP. 4

Story of Ebone Woods

Theme: Your Intuition is Your Best Guide 

On this episode, Jennifer interviews well-accomplished attorney for the U.S Department of Education in the Civil Rights Department and her soul-sister Ebone Woods. 

For the first time, Ebone publicly discusses her childhood, growing up in a single-family home, being a victim of molestation by her step brother and how she reached a place of self-love, deep healing, and finding her purpose to be the voice of the voiceless for children both in her career and her personal life. 

This episode concludes with a guided meditation focused on the theme of the interview.