In a special solo episode, J.R. shares the story of his treasured dog and soulmate Romeo. Spanning his puppyhood to his recent passing, Romeo made J.R. a better man, a better father, and a better friend by teaching him the power of unconditional love. Examining the deep bond between human and dog, J.R. gives an unfiltered account of all the wonderful moments he and his family shared with Romeo, moments he is grateful to reflect on as he grieves this painful loss. Underscoring all of this is the idea that dogs bring us so much joy, which is why our hearts shatter when they pass on. J.R. welcomes everyone to this episode, extending a special invitation to anyone who has lost their soulmate, be is a four-legged friend or a two-legged love, reminding them that they are not alone.

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Eric Deggans has a dream job; he's the first full-time TV Critic for NPR. He's also a contributor and media analyst for MSNBC/NBC News who is advancing equality for Black journalists. Being a TV critic actually comes with great responsibility because everything happens on television, and it can function as a mirror to what is happening in our society. Eric, who had a previous career as a musician signed to Motown Records, tackles the issues with his thoughtful and incisive commentary and he shares his thoughts on racism, prejudice, code switching, cancel culture, tolerance, acceptance, and how to have difficult conversations... Find out more about Eric's journey and what he has to say about the the hot topics affecting all of us in this week's episode.

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Jose Arellano grew up in a home filled with generations of gang members. Despite making a promise to never join a gang, he was drawn in the life, and cycled in and out of the prison system. However, Jose was able to turn his life around and is now part of the leadership at Homeboy Industries, where he is the Director of Case Management. Homeboy Industries helps high-risk youth, former gang members, and the recently incarcerated with mental health counseling, legal services, tattoo removal, education, work-readiness, and more. Find more about Jose's journey and the many blessings he's encountered along the way in this week's episode.

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Tommy Riles is a husband, father, and founder of Life of Dad, the largest community of dads and fastest growing parenting social media brand in the world. He is also the long-time audience warm-up comedian for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." He started the Life of Dad community from a hospital room as his daughter was awaiting open-heart surgery at only three days old. In today's episode, Tommy shares how he got other dads to be vulnerable and resolve issues between spouses through his series Mom vs. Dad. They also talk about cargo shorts, grocery shopping, and the benefits of being a dad!

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Mom vs. Dad: The Not-So-Serious Guide to the Stuff We're All Fighting About By Lucy and Tommy Riles

J.R. loves empanadas and today's guest, Natalie Morales, has the right recipe for him! Natalie Morales is an American journalist who is a co-host and moderator of the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk. She was born in Taiwan, to a Brazilian mother, and a Puerto Rican father who is a Lieutenant Colonel. Growing up in a military family, Natalie talks to J.R. about how her upbringing made her interested and curious about the world that eventually led her to her career as a journalist.

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Shaniqua McClendon is a political strategist and sought-after speaker and commentator on media, politics, voting, and race. She is the Senior Political Director for Crooked Media and currently a fellow at the USC Center for the Political Future. At Crooked Media, Shaniqua leads their political strategy and civic engagement program (Vote Save America), and also created their successful 2020 volunteer engagement and fundraising program (Adopt a State). In today's episode, J.R. and Shaniqua talk about politics and each one's role to create change and impact towards a solution.

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Merryl Tengesdal is a retired Air Force Colonel, veteran, and (Naval/Air Force) aviator. She is also the first and currently only African American woman to fly the U-2 Aircraft and has over 3,400 flight hours in six different aircraft and over 300 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, Merryl is a fitness trainer at a local sports club. In this episode, Merryl talks about finding enjoyment in the small things, how to keep yourself motivated and moving forward, and her extensive career in the military.

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Billy Harris has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years and has raised millions of dollars in the name of charity through his role as a host. As someone who has hosted live-events throughout his entire career, Billy shares in this week's episode how COVID forced himself to think creatively to help build connection, enjoyment, and entertainment to digital audiences. Billy also talks about his biggest rebirth moment to this date, and how getting paid to perform and make people laugh has been an entertainer's dream come true.

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Today's guests are not only gifted storytellers but also community conscious creatives. Matthew Postlethwaite and Sunny Vachher wrote and produced, The Great Artist, to create awareness around mental health. This multi-nominated and awarded film was produced during the Covid-19 pandemic and enjoyed a successful festival run, which began virtually on December 31, 2020 in that month's edition of the 2020 TopShorts Film Festival. J.R. talks to them about their inspiration to change the narrative around mental health issues and inspire others!

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Dustin Tavella is a Magician best known for winning the 16th season of America's Got Talent. Dustin goes beyond just performing tricks. As a big advocate for giving back, Dustin works extensively with the homeless and pregnant women with complicated backgrounds. He shares his story and why he's so passionate about lifting others up, no matter where they are in life.

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