Episodios

  • 📖Hal Eisner: Writing the First Draft of History

    📖Hal Eisner: Writing the First Draft of History
    Feb 22 2026
    The best journalists don’t just cover history — they witness it, shape it, and sometimes survive it 💥

    On this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven welcomes legendary broadcast journalist Hal Eisner, whose remarkable 58-year career spans radio, television, breaking news, and some of the most defining moments in modern American history.

    From his early days in Dallas during the assassination of John F. Kennedy to covering landmark events in Los Angeles for CNN and Fox 11 Los Angeles, Hal has had a literal front-row seat to history. Fires, riots, celebrity trials, natural disasters, and national tragedies — he has reported them all.

    Now, in his memoir, An Accidental Career: My 58-Year Adventure as a Broadcast News Reporter, Hal reflects on the unexpected postcard contest that launched his career, the “accidents” in life that can change everything, and the moments — big and small — that stay with you forever.

    In this heartfelt conversation, Hal shares:
    • How witnessing the JFK assassination as a teenager shaped his worldview
    • The high school radio contest that redirected his life
    • Why journalism is about capturing moments, not just headlines
    • A moving story from Hurricane Harvey that still touches his heart
    • What it was like to be struck by a drunk driver while reporting in Hollywood
    • The resilience that brought him back to the camera
    • Why retirement, for him, is simply a new chapter — not the end of the story
    Through humor, humility, and honesty, Hal reminds us that careers are built one moment at a time — and that even life’s detours can lead to extraordinary destinations. This episode is a masterclass in storytelling, perseverance, and paying attention when opportunity knocks unexpectedly.
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    15 m
  • 💞Deborah Roberts: Celebrating the Power of Sisterhood

    💞Deborah Roberts: Celebrating the Power of Sisterhood
    Feb 21 2026
    True sisterhood isn’t just about shared DNA — it’s about showing up, holding space, and lifting one another when life gets heavy 💖

    On this heartfelt episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven welcomes award-winning journalist, longtime ABC News correspondent, and co-anchor of 20/20, Deborah Roberts. With more than 30 years in broadcast journalism and multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards, Deborah now turns the spotlight toward one of the most powerful bonds in our lives — sisterhood.

    Her new book, Sisters Loved and Treasured, is a moving collection of essays celebrating the beauty, complexity, and resilience of sister relationships. Featuring intimate reflections from remarkable women including Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Arianna Huffington, the book explores the emotional depth of bonds that shape who we are.

    In this conversation, Deborah opens up about growing up as one of six sisters, the research that inspired her to explore the emotional and mental health benefits of sisterhood, and why even imperfect relationships can be profoundly meaningful. She shares powerful stories from women of all walks of life — from celebrities to young sisters making a difference in their communities — highlighting that sisterhood can be messy, protective, joyful, and transformative.

    Whether you have a sister by blood or by choice, this episode is a reminder to treasure those connections, honor the struggle, and celebrate the strength found in shared history.

    In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
    • What inspired Deborah to write Sisters Loved and Treasured
    • The surprising research linking sisters to emotional well-being
    • Why sisterhood doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful
    • Behind-the-scenes insights into stories from Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and more
    • How struggle can deepen and strengthen sister bonds
    • The importance of representation in storytelling
    • The legacy Deborah hopes this book will leave for families everywhere
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    13 m
  • 🌟Mike Manning: From Real World to Real Impact

    🌟Mike Manning: From Real World to Real Impact
    Feb 20 2026
    In this exciting episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven rolls out the red carpet for two-time Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, and activist Mike Manning — a performer whose career continues to evolve with heart, courage, and purpose ✨

    Mike first captured national attention on The Real World: Washington, D.C., and since then has built a dynamic career spanning television, film, and documentaries. From powerful roles on Days of Our Lives to fan-favorite Smitty on Beyond the Gates, Mike has proven his versatility — seamlessly shifting between villainous intensity and heartfelt charm.

    Now, he’s stepping into an entirely new universe in the sci-fi adventure film Unexpected Treasures, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. In the film, Mike plays Sam — a telepathic alien fugitive whose optimism and humanity help restore hope in an unlikely friendship set against the mystical backdrop of Joshua Tree. The project premiered at Comic-Con, marking a dream milestone for the lifelong sci-fi fan.

    Beyond the screen, Mike uses storytelling as a tool for advocacy. As a producer, he has helped spotlight meaningful causes through documentaries, proving that entertainment can inspire real-world change. In this conversation, he opens up about choosing roles that scare him, the power of representation, and why storytelling still matters in a social-media-driven world.

    In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
    • How The Real World changed Mike’s life and sense of purpose
    • Why he chooses roles that challenge and stretch him
    • The inspiration behind playing an alien in Unexpected Treasures
    • What fans can expect next on Beyond the Gates
    • His passion for science fiction and superhero mythology
    • How storytelling can influence culture and human rights
    • The balance between acting, producing, and activism
    • What keeps him excited after more than a decade in the industry
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    16 m
  • 🌟The Power of the Journey: Richard Lawson on Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance

    🌟The Power of the Journey: Richard Lawson on Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance
    Feb 19 2026
    In this powerful two-part conversation, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes legendary actor, mentor, and author Richard Lawson for an inspiring discussion about resilience, artistry, and living a purpose-driven life ✨

    With more than five decades in entertainment, Richard shares the lessons he’s learned from a career that spans film, television, and mentorship — and how those experiences shaped his mission to empower others to pursue their dreams.

    Part One focuses on Richard’s remarkable acting journey, his philosophy of resilience in the entertainment industry, and his role as Norman in the hit Netflix series Beauty in Black. He discusses character development, the importance of preparation, and the inspiration behind his book The Artist’s Roadmap: Navigating Your Career in Show Business. Richard also shares practical wisdom about managing relationships, staying grounded in faith, and navigating the ups and downs of a creative career.

    Part Two dives deeper into Richard’s personal story and legacy beyond the screen. He reflects on life-changing experiences — including surviving Vietnam and a plane crash — and how those moments strengthened his intuition, faith, and sense of purpose. He also discusses mentoring young artists through Richard Lawson Studios, encouraging people in every stage of life to pursue their dreams, and the importance of making the most of the “dash” between birth and legacy.

    Together, these two episodes offer a masterclass in perseverance, creativity, mentorship, and living with intention.

    In these episodes, you’ll hear:
    • Reflections from Richard Lawson’s 50+ year acting career
    • Behind-the-scenes insight into Beauty in Black and the character Norman
    • The inspiration behind The Artist’s Roadmap
    • Lessons about resilience, rejection, and growth
    • The importance of mentorship and empowering young creatives
    • Why dreams don’t have expiration dates
    • How life-changing experiences shaped Richard’s purpose
    • The meaning of “shut up and show up”
    • Learning to trust intuition and listen to your inner voice
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    43 m
  • 🎥Daniel Roebuck: Faith, Film, and 50 Years of Showmanship

    🎥Daniel Roebuck: Faith, Film, and 50 Years of Showmanship
    Feb 18 2026
    In this heartfelt episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven rolls out the red carpet for veteran actor Daniel Roebuck, whose remarkable career spans more than four decades in Hollywood — and over 50 years in show business ✨

    From unforgettable roles in The Fugitive to appearances across iconic franchises like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Rob Zombie’s The Munsters, Daniel has built a legacy rooted in versatility, preparation, and perseverance.

    But this conversation goes deeper than credits and career highlights. Daniel shares the powerful story behind his newest film, The Hail Mary — a project he wrote, directed, and produced as a tribute to the Catholic sisters who shaped his early life. In an emotional reflection, he recounts how a first-grade teacher’s encouragement transformed him from a dreamer into a doer, setting the course for a lifetime in the arts.

    Through humor, humility, and unwavering faith, Daniel opens up about self-creating opportunities, trusting God’s direction, and using film not just as entertainment — but as a movement rooted in redemption, purpose, and community impact.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • How Daniel Roebuck began performing at just 12 years old
    • The faith foundation that has guided his 42-year Hollywood career
    • Behind-the-scenes stories from working in legendary film franchises
    • Why preparation and hard work matter more than luck
    • The inspiration behind The Hail Mary
    • How one teacher changed the trajectory of his life
    • Why he believes film can be a tool for ministry and transformation
    • What it means to build a legacy, not just a résumé
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    10 m
  • 🎬William Stanford Davis: The Power of Persistence in Performance

    🎬William Stanford Davis: The Power of Persistence in Performance
    Feb 18 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Raven the Talk Show Maven sits down with veteran actor William Stanford Davis, whose decades-long career across film, television, and theater reflects discipline, dedication, and a deep love for storytelling ⭐

    Audiences know and love him as Mr. Johnson on the award-winning comedy series Abbott Elementary, but William’s journey spans powerful performances in films like Ray, Ant-Man, Doctor Sleep, and Snowpiercer.

    During the conversation, William shares what continues to motivate him as a working actor, how training at the Actors Studio shaped his craft, and why meaningful storytelling matters more than awards. He also discusses his role in the emotional boxing drama Undercard, a film already earning strong audience recognition for its heartfelt story about family, redemption, and resilience.

    With humility and humor, William reflects on longevity in the entertainment industry, the importance of collaboration, and the joy of connecting with fans who appreciate authentic performances. His story is a reminder that success in the arts is built over time — through patience, passion, and perseverance.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • What drew William Stanford Davis to the film Undercard
    • Why audience reactions matter more than industry recognition
    • Lessons learned from training at the Actors Studio
    • How discipline and consistency shaped his career
    • The impact of Abbott Elementary on his life and visibility
    • His philosophy on staying grateful and continuing to work
    • The importance of strong writing and collaboration in choosing roles
    • Advice for actors pursuing long-term careers in entertainment
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    27 m
  • 🎭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