While We're Waiting... The Podcast

Happy Valentine’s Day, Waiters!

It’s Z—your favorite podcast host. Welcome back!

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV): “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:12, Chapter 3 of The Real Love Series, A Cord of Three Strands – Building Strong, God-Centered Marriages, explores the strength found when marriage is rooted in unity, faith, and God’s presence.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had real, honest conversations with married couples as we examined how inviting God as the third strand transforms relationships—bringing resilience through trials, deeper connection in everyday life, and hope for every season of marriage.

To keep the real love flowing on this special day, I’m excited to share that we’re closing Chapter 3 with a twist!

As I’ve shared before, this series is dedicated to my parents, Mr. David and Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, who are celebrating 33 years of marriage this year. After thinking about how to end this series on a love note—ha, see what I did there?—I couldn’t think of a better way than to have my parents be my first-ever co-hosts, and bring back previous guests: my godparents, the Hammonds' and the Hinsons,' to share their thoughts on love from both a friendship and couples perspective.

Enjoy this episode entitled “JOY: The Secret Key to Real Love,” brought to you by While We’re Waiting… The Podcast. This is Chapter 3 of The Real Love Series, “A Cord of Three Strands – Building Strong, God-Centered Marriages.”

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged—you don’t want to miss this one!

Special thanks to this chapter’s featured couples: The Warrens,’ Praters,’ Hammonds,’ and Hinsons,’ for sharing their real love stories. 

Thank you, Waiters, for your patience and continued support. I’m so excited for Season 3 of While We’re Waiting. Trust me when I say—new episodes to keep us encouraged on this waiting journey are coming very soon!

Until then, do something nice for yourself this Valentine’s Day—you DESERVE it! 💖

Ecclesiastes 4:12 ~ “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (NIV) 

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Hey, Waiters!

It’s Z-your favorite podcast host.  

Inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:12, Chapter 3 of The Real Love Series (TRL) entitled, "A Cord of Three Strands – Building Strong, God-Centered Marriages," explores the strength found when marriage is rooted in unity, faith, and God’s presence.

Through honest conversations with married couples, we examine how inviting God as the third strand transforms relationships—bringing resilience through trials, deeper connection in everyday life, and hope for every season of marriage.

Whether you’re single, engaged, married, or even navigating life after divorce or loss, there’s something in these stories for all of us. You’ll learn not only the importance of leaning on each other, but also the power of leaning on God to navigate this crazy journey called life—and to walk, lead, and experience real love.

To keep the real love flowing, I’m excited to introduce our second couple: Mr. Charles & Mrs. Josie Prater!

Now, that last name may sound familiar because Mr. Prater was featured in Season 2, Episode 13, “You’re My Rock… The Foundation of Friendship.”  Yes, we go way back, and I feel like I’ve known the lovely Mrs. Josie Prater just as long!

On this episode, you’ll hear their story, their wisdom, and their insights on how they’ve adjusted to married life—while striving to achieve real love by keeping God at the center of their relationship, no matter how hard life gets.

Enjoy this episode entitled “Be Where You’re Supposed to Be,” brought to you by While We’re Waiting… The Podcast. This is Chapter 3 of The Real Love Series, “A Cord of Three Strands – Building Strong, God-Centered Marriages.”

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged—you don’t want to miss this one!

The Real Love Series is dedicated to my parents, Mr. David & Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, celebrating thirty -three years of marriage this year. I sincerely thank all of the couples featured in this chapter!

This Chapter's Theme Song is entitled, "I Thank God For This Love," Written by Z. Johnson, Host of While We're Waiting... The Podcast

Inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:12, Chapter 3 of The Real Love Series (TRL)—A Cord of Three Strands: Building Strong, God-Centered Marriages—dives into the strength that’s found when marriage is rooted in unity, faith, and God’s presence.

Through honest, heartfelt conversations with married couples, we explore what happens when you invite God in as the third strand. From finding resilience in tough seasons to experiencing deeper connection in everyday life, this chapter reminds us that real love is built—and sustained—by God.

Whether you’re newly married, years into your journey, single, engaged, or even navigating life after divorce or loss, there’s something here for you. These stories offer biblical wisdom, real-life testimony, and practical encouragement to help you walk in love, lead with faith, and trust God through every season.

To kick off this chapter, I’m excited to introduce the flyest entrepreneurial couple I know: Mr. Kevin & Mrs. Mikaya Warren. Fun fact—they met at 18 and have now been married for 18 years! Their journey, transparency, and wisdom set the perfect tone for this powerful series. Their story is proof that real love is possible when God remains at the center—no matter what life throws your way.

Get ready for an amazing podcast episode entitled, Marriage Is a Mission, brought to you by While We’re Waiting… The Podcast.

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged—you don’t want to miss this one!

The Real Love Series is dedicated to my parents, Mr. David & Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, celebrating thirty-three years of marriage this year. I sincerely thank all of the couples featured in this chapter!

This Chapter's Theme Song is entitled, "I Thank God For This Love," Written by Z. Johnson, Host of While We're Waiting... The Podcast

Hey, Waiters!

Welcome back to the third season of While We're Waiting... The Podcast.

It's been a minute since you've heard from your favorite podcast host, Z, but I'm back with amazing guests that will inspire and encourage you to keep going as we wait together.

Today's special guest is Kendra Johnson, a fellow podcaster who is committed to helping women--mothers especially--take care of themselves holistically.

We discuss the importance of being honest with your inner child; noticing the good and bad signs of a potential suitor/parent; and, the necessity of having a strong "village."

In all, this episode is for every Waiter excited about intentionally preparing while waiting for a special chapter in life called 'parenthood.' Enjoy this much-needed conversation entitled, "H.S.M.: Honesty, Signs & Motherhood," featuring Kendra Johnson.

Follow Kendra Johnson on these platforms: Podcast⁠ / Website / Socials - FB & IG /

Happy Valentine's Day, Waiters!

It’s Z-your favorite podcast host. This is While We're Waiting... The Podcast's final episode of the The Real Love Series - Chapter 2.  

I’m so excited to introduce our series’ youngest featured couple, Mr. & Mrs. Fred & Keongela Randle! Last month, they celebrated one year of marital bliss.  

Keongela and I have known each other for over 12 years and she always said that she planned on being the last friend to get married. Her wise, hilarious and tenacious husband, Fred, knew without a shadow of a doubt that Keongela was “his one,” and after hearing their episode—you'll see why Keongela didn’t mind moving around her “life events timeline,” to change her last name. My biggest takeaway from the interview? Heal! You and your spouse needs it!

Enjoy our last featured couple, Mr. & Mrs. Fred & Keongela Randle, entitled “The Requirements of Marriage: Compromise, Vulnerability, and Healing.” 

The Real Love Series is dedicated to my parents, Mr. David & Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, celebrating thirty years of marriage this year. I sincerely thank all of the couples featured in this chapter, The Hunters, Hammonds and Randles, for sharing their real love stories!

Hey, Waiters!

It’s Z, your favorite podcast host. 

Welcome back to another special edition of While We’re Waiting’s The Real Love Series - Chapter 2.

I hope  the premiere episode featuring The Hunters helped you realize that marriage is not only an amazing adventure, but it also requires dedication and commitment. 

Celebrating 25 years of holy matrimony this May, our second featured couple, Mr. & Mrs. Todd & Stacia Hammond, met at Florida A&M University. Music, friendship and of course—real love—brought these two together. But, their marriage has stood the tests of time due to hard work and unity. In this episode, they made it clear that spouses should keep the “d word”--divorce-out of their vocabularies. Also, discuss why getting pre-marital counseling should be the standard for all couples ready to walk down the aisle! Waiters, before you start getting sad about not having a “bae” for Valentine’s, listen to this episode first. Trust me, waiting for your destiny partner is worth it! 

Enjoy Mr. & Mrs. Todd & Stacia Hammond's episode entitled, “The Requirements of Marriage: Friendship, Investment and Unity,” brought to you by The Real Love Series, a While We’re Waiting... The Podcast Valentine's special!

The Real Love Series is dedicated to my parents, Mr. David & Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, celebrating thirty years of marriage this year. I want to sincerely thank this season's series couples: The Hunters, Hammonds and Randles, for sharing their real love stories!

Hello, Waiters!  Welcome back to While We’re Waiting (W3)... The Podcast!   It’s your favorite podcast host, Z!   I'm excited to bring back Chapter 2 of W3’s Valentine’s Holiday special, The Real Love Series!  I knew that we needed more couples to give us hope in spite of how crazy these dating streets are right now! For the next three Tuesdays leading up to February 14th, you’ll hear from The Hunters, Randles and Hammonds, as they share what they believe are “The Requirements of Marriage.” Our first featured couple is Mr. Robert & Mrs. Amanda Hunter. With over thirteen years of marriage, their key message was that the husband and wife are both responsible for giving and taking. This unselfish mindset means having the willingness to take care of each other and, the only way to do that is to first establish a friendship before dating. Also, that whatever you do pray for is what you will get—so pray wisely, Waiters!  Enjoy While We’re Waiting’s The Real Love Series - Chapter 2 premiere episode entitled, “The Requirements of Marriage: Grace, Communication & Reciprocity,” featuring Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Amanda Hunter!  The Real Love Series is dedicated to my parents, Mr. David & Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, celebrating thirty years of marriage this year. I sincerely thank this chapter's series couples: The Hunters, Hammonds and Randles, for sharing their real love stories!

Hey, Waiters! 

I'm your host, Z. Welcome back to While We're Waiting (W3)... The Podcast.

Season 2 of W3 and the 2022 year will always be memorable moments in my life. Through the highs and lows, I'm grateful that I was able to end December in Jamaica. I couldn't leave the Waiters behind so I decided to bring one of Season 1's favorite guests, Mrs. Paula DeBoles-Johnson, back for an exclusive recording! 

Entitled "Did You Drink Your Water, Sis?," mom and I discuss how water--symbolizing gratitude, humility, and of course, self-care--can positively or negatively impact your wellbeing. "No talk," reciprocity, and people pleasing bondage are just a few of the topics discussed in this well-overdue episode. Holding nothing back, my mom transparently shares how she's been guilty of not always "drinking her water" and why it's time that she and every female Waiter starts doing so now! 

Enjoy "Did You Drink Your Water, Sis?," a W3 special brought to you by Therapeutic RxConsulting's Protecting Joy Society, featuring Paula DeBoles-Johnson. 

*Disclaimer: This episode was recorded by the Caribbean ocean. Please pardon the background noise!

Hey, Waiters!

I'm your host, Z and this is While We're Waiting... The Podcast!

2022 is coming to a close and we know what that means--holiday shopping! 

But, Waiters, have you all made your budget list and checked it twice? If you haven't done so already, it's time to invest in yourself! 

I'm sure you've taken advice from Dave Ramsey or Suzie Orman before. But, it's time to add another financial expert to your podcast playlist! With over 25 years in the financial industry, I'm pleased to introduce Mr. David Johnson. 

You guessed it! Yes, he's my dad and he's also the reason I graduated from a six-year college program with NO student loans!

Waiters, grab your paper and a pen as you hear my dad's recommendations on savings, credit cards and retirement topics. This is a can't-miss episode!

Enjoy "Invest in Yourself," featuring from my dad and amazing "money guy," David Johnson.

Waiters, do you have a money question for my dad? Send your to email ([email protected]), and I'll share it with him!