Episodios

  • 🎭Stephen Lang: Strength, Storytelling, and the Soul of a Character

    🎭Stephen Lang: Strength, Storytelling, and the Soul of a Character
    Feb 16 2026
    In this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes acclaimed actor Stephen Lang, whose commanding performances across film, television, and theater have captivated audiences for decades ✨

    Best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Colonel Miles Quaritch in the blockbuster Avatar franchise, Stephen shares insights into his remarkable acting journey, his creative process, and the passion that continues to drive him after more than 50 years in the craft.

    The conversation centers on his role as the Prophet Samuel in the historical drama series House of David, where he explores new emotional territory by portraying a leader in the twilight of his life. Stephen discusses the challenge of balancing strength and vulnerability in the character, drawing inspiration from biblical texts, intuition, and decades of performance experience.

    He also reflects on his acclaimed one-man stage performance Beyond Glory, the universal bond actors share across cultures, and the excitement of continuing his journey in upcoming films and projects. With humor, humility, and wisdom, Stephen reminds listeners that every new script is an opportunity — a “gift under the Christmas tree” — waiting to be discovered.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • How Stephen Lang prepared to play the Prophet Samuel
    • The artistic challenges of portraying aging, wisdom, and vulnerability
    • Behind-the-scenes reflections on working with international casts
    • The story behind his solo performance Beyond Glory
    • His philosophy on playing antagonists with humanity and depth
    • What keeps him inspired after five decades as an actor
    • A preview of what’s ahead in the Avatar saga
    • Why actors must trust intuition and imagination in every role
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    15 m
  • 🌹From Reality TV to Real Purpose: Ben Higgins’ Journey Beyond the Spotlight

    🌹From Reality TV to Real Purpose: Ben Higgins’ Journey Beyond the Spotlight
    Feb 15 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven sits down with Ben Higgins — former star of The Bachelor, entrepreneur, author, husband, father, and mental-health advocate — for a powerful conversation about identity, vulnerability, and purpose 💬

    Ben opens up about the emotional reality behind public recognition and private loneliness, sharing the deeper story that led him to write his memoir, Alone in Plain Sight. He reflects on how his experience with sudden fame helped him better understand connection, self-worth, and the importance of honest conversations about mental health.

    The discussion explores how stepping outside of comfort zones — including his decision to join The Bachelor — ultimately helped shape his personal growth and prepared him for life as a husband, father, and purpose-driven leader. Ben also talks about using his platform, including his podcast Almost Famous, to encourage others who feel unseen or disconnected.

    Through stories of faith, struggle, and growth, Ben reminds listeners that purpose often emerges through life’s most difficult seasons — and that everyone deserves to feel seen, known, and valued.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • Why Ben Higgins chose to take a chance on The Bachelor
    • The emotional challenges of fame and public identity
    • The inspiration behind Alone in Plain Sight
    • Ben’s journey into marriage, fatherhood, and personal growth
    • How loneliness can become a pathway to empathy and purpose
    • The importance of mental-health advocacy and authentic storytelling
    • Advice for discovering purpose through life experiences
    • Encouragement for anyone struggling to feel seen or understood
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    19 m
  • 🎭Grace, Grit, and Great Roles: Margaret Colin Reflects on a Life in Acting

    🎭Grace, Grit, and Great Roles: Margaret Colin Reflects on a Life in Acting
    Feb 14 2026
    In this heartwarming episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes award-winning actress Margaret Colin, whose remarkable career spans Broadway, television, and film. Known to many as Eleanor Waldorf from Gossip Girl, Margaret shares stories from decades in the entertainment industry and reflects on the roles, relationships, and experiences that shaped her journey ✨

    From her early days on Broadway portraying Jacqueline Kennedy in the Tony-nominated production Jackie: An American Life to appearing in iconic projects like Independence Day, Veep, Blue Bloods, and As the World Turns, Margaret reflects on the joy of storytelling and the evolution of meaningful roles for women in their 60s and beyond.

    She also talks about the warmth and humor of working on Hallmark’s Three Wise Men film trilogy, where she embraces playing mother and grandmother roles that resonate deeply with audiences. Margaret shares how her upbringing, family values, and love for classic cinema shaped her approach to acting — bringing authenticity, humor, and emotional honesty to every performance.

    The conversation highlights gratitude, longevity in show business, and the importance of continuing to grow creatively at every stage of life.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • Margaret Colin’s reflections on a decades-long acting career
    • Her experience playing Jacqueline Kennedy on Broadway
    • Behind-the-scenes memories from film, television, and stage
    • Why roles for women are evolving in meaningful ways
    • The joy of working on Hallmark’s beloved Three Wise Men trilogy
    • Lessons about family, gratitude, and artistic longevity
    • A funny Broadway mishap and rapid-fire personal stories
    • Advice for navigating the business side of show business
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    15 m
  • 🐒Master of Modern Horror: Osgood Perkins Unleashes The Monkey

    🐒Master of Modern Horror: Osgood Perkins Unleashes The Monkey
    Feb 13 2026
    On this electrifying episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven sits down with acclaimed writer and director Osgood Perkins, the visionary behind chilling films like The Blackcoat's Daughter, Gretel & Hansel, and Longlegs.

    The son of legendary actor Anthony Perkins, Osgood has carved out his own bold and haunting cinematic identity. In this conversation, he opens up about legacy, creativity, and stepping confidently into his own artistic path — even appearing alongside his father in Psycho II early in his career.

    Raven and Osgood dive into his newest dark comedy horror film, The Monkey, based on a story by master storyteller Stephen King. Osgood shares how the project came to him, his unique writing process (spoiler: no isolated cabin in the woods!), and why he prefers the hum of a busy coffee shop over total silence.

    He candidly discusses the discipline of writing, the importance of “showing up,” and how creativity is less about forcing brilliance and more about allowing inspiration to flow. He also reflects on what it means to grow up with an iconic parent — and how legacy can either feel like pressure or fuel in your engine.

    Plus, Osgood reveals why The Monkey isn’t just terrifying — it’s fun. Inspired in part by childhood memories of seeing Gremlins with his parents, he hopes families with teens will gather, laugh, gasp, and maybe even hold onto each other in the theater 🎬

    In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
    • How Osgood Perkins became attached to The Monkey
    • The challenge of blending horror and dark comedy
    • His honest take on the writing process (and why it’s harder than it looks)
    • Why he writes in busy coffee shops instead of quiet cabins
    • What he learned from growing up with Anthony Perkins
    • How legacy can inspire rather than intimidate
    • Why The Monkey is meant to be a thrilling family movie night (for teens!)
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    8 m
  • 🌍Healing, Humanity, and Hope with Hamza Haq

    🌍Healing, Humanity, and Hope with Hamza Haq
    Feb 8 2026
    In this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes award-winning actor and advocate Hamza Haq, star of the acclaimed medical drama Transplant. Through storytelling rooted in empathy and purpose, Hamza shares how portraying Dr. Bashir Ahmed — a Syrian refugee rebuilding his life in Canada — has transformed his understanding of resilience, identity, and representation ❤️

    Hamza reflects on the responsibility of telling refugee stories with authenticity, the emotional preparation required for the role, and the importance of creating space for complex, human portrayals of Middle Eastern and Muslim characters on screen. He also opens up about balancing a demanding acting career with fatherhood, gratitude for the show’s global impact, and why storytelling can be a bridge to compassion and understanding.

    From the realities of displacement to the universal desire for belonging, this conversation highlights how art can inspire empathy and remind us of our shared humanity.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • Hamza Haq’s journey starring in the award-winning series Transplant
    • The emotional responsibility of portraying refugee experiences
    • How empathy and research shape authentic performances
    • Balancing family life with a demanding acting career
    • The importance of representation in television and film
    • Why stories about resilience and belonging matter now more than ever
    Hamza’s hopes for how audiences connect with Bashir’s journey

    We also have a flaverful second interview with Bay Area chef and entrepreneur Ericka Means, founder of Catering by Erica, to talk about passion, perseverance, and the power of cooking from the heart ❤️

    Ericka shares how a single catering experience in 2007 inspired her to leave her job, attend culinary school, and build a thriving catering business known for soulful flavors, joyful energy, and exceptional service. With over a decade of experience and more than 100 five-star reviews, she reflects on the lessons food has taught her about focus, confidence, creativity, and legacy.

    From adapting to new dietary trends to building self-belief as a business owner, Ericka opens up about the real journey behind entrepreneurship — and why she’s determined to pass her knowledge and recipes down to the next generation,
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    39 m
  • 🎧Healing Out Loud: Ta’Rhonda Jones on Grief, Growth, and Finding Her Voice

    🎧Healing Out Loud: Ta’Rhonda Jones on Grief, Growth, and Finding Her Voice
    Feb 7 2026
    In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, host Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes actress, artist, and philanthropist Ta’Rhonda Jones for an unforgettable conversation about loss, healing, and purpose ❤️

    Best known for her role as Porsha Taylor on the hit series Empire, Ta’Rhonda shares the inspiration behind her emotional music project, Dearly Beloved — a tribute to her late mother that blends hip-hop, soul, spoken word, and real-life recordings. She opens up about grief, forgiveness, family dynamics, and the journey toward emotional freedom through creativity.

    Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Ta’Rhonda reflects on how her life experiences shaped her artistry, resilience, and commitment to helping others. She also discusses her philanthropic work supporting youth, promoting emotional intelligence, and advocating against gun violence.

    This powerful conversation reminds listeners that healing is not silent — it’s honest, courageous, and deeply human.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • The story behind Ta’Rhonda’s album Dearly Beloved
    • How music became a tool for healing and self-expression
    • Lessons learned from losing a parent
    • Growing up in Chicago and developing emotional resilience
    • The importance of vulnerability in art and life
    • Ta’Rhonda’s philanthropic work with youth and community organizations
    • Why giving loved ones a “voice” can be part of the healing process
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    18 m
  • 🎬From Detroit Dreams to the Director’s Chair with Lawrence Lamont

    🎬From Detroit Dreams to the Director’s Chair with Lawrence Lamont
    Feb 7 2026
    Success in storytelling begins with imagination, perseverance, and believing in your voice — even before the world does ✨

    In this episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes Lawrence Lamont, Detroit-raised director and screenwriter whose creative journey has taken him from directing music videos for Grammy-winning artist Big Sean to helming the hit feature film One of Them Days.

    Lawrence shares how early inspiration from family, church plays, and recording movies on VHS sparked his storytelling imagination. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into the film industry, the importance of perseverance, and how confidence and passion helped him move from music videos and television directing into feature filmmaking.

    The conversation also highlights the success of One of Them Days, the buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA, which has resonated with audiences nationwide and brought fresh representation to the big screen. Lawrence discusses collaboration, building the right cast, and creating films that balance humor, heart, and cultural relevance.

    This episode is a motivating reminder that every “no” can lead you closer to the right “yes.”

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • Lawrence Lamont’s journey from Detroit to Hollywood directing
    • How directing music videos helped shape his cinematic style
    • The inspiration behind One of Them Days
    • Why perseverance matters more than comparison
    • Overcoming imposter syndrome in creative careers
    • The importance of representation in comedy and film
    • Advice for aspiring filmmakers, writers, and creators
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    16 m
  • 🌱Common Ground for the Future with Ian Somerhalder & Rebecca Tickell

    🌱Common Ground for the Future with Ian Somerhalder & Rebecca Tickell
    Feb 5 2026
    What if the solution to climate change was right beneath our feet? 🌍

    In this inspiring episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes Ian Somerhalder and Rebecca Tickell, two passionate storytellers and environmental advocates using film, business, and activism to spark global change.

    Ian Somerhalder — known by many for The Vampire Diaries — shares how his journey expanded from acting into environmental leadership through projects like the documentary Kiss the Ground and regenerative farming initiatives connected to Brothers Bond Bourbon. Rebecca Tickell, award-winning filmmaker and co-founder of Big Picture Ranch, discusses how storytelling can transform awareness into action through documentaries like Common Ground, Fuel, and The Big Fix.

    Together, they explore how regenerative agriculture can restore soil health, strengthen farming communities, and help balance the climate, while reminding listeners that meaningful change starts with awareness and small, collective action.

    This conversation is hopeful, practical, and deeply human — showing that when storytelling meets purpose, real transformation becomes possible.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • How Ian Somerhalder transitioned from actor to environmental advocate
    • Rebecca Tickell’s mission to create documentaries that inspire action
    • The impact of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground
    • What regenerative agriculture is and why it matters now
    • How farmers, scientists, and communities are working together
    • Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for global change
    • Simple ways individuals can support a healthier planet
    This episode reminds us that hope grows when people come together with purpose.
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    14 m