Episodios

  • 🌟Hanako Greensmith: Courage, Compassion, and Finding Your Voice

    🌟Hanako Greensmith: Courage, Compassion, and Finding Your Voice
    Jan 22 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven the Talk Show Maven sits down with actress and artist Hanako Greensmith, best known for her powerful portrayal of paramedic Violet Mikami on NBC’s hit drama Chicago Fire 🌟.

    Hanako opens up about the responsibility and honor of portraying first responders, especially during real-world crises, and shares how hands-on training and ride-alongs with real paramedics shaped her performance. From her multicultural upbringing and deep-rooted humility to her lifelong connection to music—yes, including her classical cello background—this conversation reveals the grounded, thoughtful woman behind the fearless on-screen character.

    She also reflects on self-belief, overcoming uncertainty early in her career, and learning to trust the journey even when the future feels unclear. With warmth, honesty, and grace, Hanako offers insight into staying authentic, embracing vulnerability, and letting your light shine without apology.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • What it truly means to portray a paramedic on a high-stakes TV drama
    • Behind-the-scenes training and ride-alongs with real first responders
    • How music and the arts shaped Hanako’s foundation as a performer
    • The story behind Violet Mikami’s character and cultural identity
    • Lessons on humility, self-trust, and navigating career uncertainty
    • Why honesty and authenticity create deeper human connection
    This episode is a heartfelt reminder that strength and softness can coexist—and that courage often begins with simply being yourself.
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    23 m
  • ⚔️Gary Dourdan: From CSI to Castles, Music, and Destiny

    ⚔️Gary Dourdan: From CSI to Castles, Music, and Destiny
    Jan 22 2026
    In this captivating episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes award-winning actor, musician, and creative force Gary Dourdan for a powerful conversation about art, longevity, and embracing life’s challenges 🌍.

    Gary reflects on a career that has spanned decades, from his iconic role as Warrick Brown on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation to unforgettable performances in A Different World, Alien: Resurrection, and And Just Like That…. Now, he’s stepping into a bold new chapter with his starring role in the mystical, romantic thriller The Lost Princess, filmed in Morocco and available on digital and video on demand.

    In this intimate interview, Gary opens up about his first love—music—training with legendary mentors, and the importance of breath, balance, and challenge as tools for growth. He shares behind-the-scenes insight into playing a complex character across multiple stages of life, composing music for the film, and why stepping outside comfort zones is essential to evolution.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • How music shaped Gary’s artistic foundation before acting
    • Lessons learned from legendary teachers and directors
    • Behind-the-scenes stories from CSI and navigating sudden success
    • What drew him to The Lost Princess and filming in Morocco
    • Why breathing is the key to overcoming life’s challenges
    • How embracing uncertainty leads to growth, purpose, and longevity
    This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and staying open to life’s next great adventure.
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    39 m
  • ✨Lauren Buglioli: When You Think You’re Broken, You’re Being Built

    ✨Lauren Buglioli: When You Think You’re Broken, You’re Being Built
    Jan 20 2026
    In this inspiring and deeply heartfelt episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven the Talk Show Maven sits down with powerhouse actress, mentor, and advocate Lauren Buglioli to talk about purpose, perseverance, and living a heart-led life 💛.

    Lauren opens up about her role as Vanessa McBride in the groundbreaking new CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates, a historic series centering an African-American family at the heart of its story. She shares behind-the-scenes insight into the fast-paced world of soap operas, filming hundreds of pages a day, and why this role arrived exactly when it was meant to.

    Beyond the screen, Lauren reflects on her personal journey—overcoming health challenges, navigating rejection in the entertainment industry, and discovering the power of perspective. From her early beginnings to standout roles in Florida Man, A Jazzman's Blues, FBI, and The Monkey, she reveals how mindset, service, and authenticity have shaped both her career and her calling.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:
    • Why Beyond the Gates is a historic moment in daytime television
    • The meaning behind Lauren’s mantra: “When you think you’re being broken, you’re being built”
    • How perspective and mindset can turn pain into power
    • Balancing a demanding acting career with mentoring and advocacy
    • The importance of staying grounded, heart-led, and connected to your values
    • Why who you are—everywhere you go—can be an act of service
    This conversation is a reminder that the journey matters, growth isn’t linear, and your authenticity is your greatest strength.
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    18 m
  • 🎤Arrion Love: 50 Years of Soul, Survival & Smooth Classics

    🎤Arrion Love: 50 Years of Soul, Survival & Smooth Classics
    Jan 20 2026
    In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven rolls out the virtual red carpet for Arrion Love, founding member of the legendary vocal group The Stylistics, whose timeless music has defined love, soul, and harmony for more than five decades 💿.

    Arrion takes listeners behind the curtain of soul music history, opening up about the group’s evolution, the emotional moment when Russell Thompkins Jr. departed, and how resilience, humility, and brotherhood kept The Stylistics moving forward. He also shares the excitement behind their long-awaited new album Falling in Love With My Girl, released after nearly 20 years, featuring an all-star lineup including Shania Twain, Ronnie Wood, Gene Simmons, members of the Elton John Band, and Tower of Power.

    With honesty, wisdom, and warmth, Arrion reflects on longevity in the music industry, performing worldwide well into his 70s, staying grounded, and why passion—not ego—is the secret to a lasting career.

    In this episode, you’ll hear about:
    • The real story behind The Stylistics’ evolution and perseverance
    • Creating new music after nearly two decades
    • Collaborating across genres with rock, pop, and country legends
    • Performing globally for generations of fans
    • Staying healthy, humble, and inspired after 50 years in music
    • What’s next, including a major UK tour showcasing the new album
    This episode is a masterclass in legacy, grace, and staying true to your sound while embracing what’s next.
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    17 m
  • ✨Catalina Sandion Moreno: From Bogotá to Ballerina – Fearless, Fierce, and Unstoppable

    ✨Catalina Sandion Moreno: From Bogotá to Ballerina – Fearless, Fierce, and Unstoppable
    Jan 18 2026
    Step onto the red carpet with Catalina Sandion Moreno, the Oscar-nominated Colombian actress who has captivated audiences from Maria Full of Grace to the high-octane John Wick universe 🎭. In this inspiring episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven sits down with Catalina to explore her journey as a global icon, the lessons she’s learned from resilience and patience, and how she continues to break barriers while staying true to herself.

    From her early days in Bogotá to Hollywood stardom, Catalina shares how collaboration, mentorship, and fearless dedication shaped her path. She talks about preparing for her role in Ballerina, balancing intense action with emotional depth, and her love for storytelling across genres. Plus, get a glimpse of the woman behind the roles through a rapid-fire segment revealing her favorite coffee, songs, and travel bucket list!

    In this episode, you’ll discover:
    • Catalina’s journey from Bogotá to Hollywood and Oscar-nominated success
    • How resilience and patience became her guiding principles
    • Behind-the-scenes of Ballerina and working in the John Wick universe
    • The importance of collaboration and mentorship in film
    • Her upcoming projects, including From Season 4 and directing aspirations
    • Fun rapid-fire insights: Queen songs, hiking with her son, and bucket-list adventures
    Catalina’s story is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and pursuing your dreams without compromise. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring actors, fans of global cinema, and anyone inspired by women making history with elegance, grit, and presence.
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    19 m
  • 🎤Inside Tupac’s Untold Story with Jeff Pearlman

    🎤Inside Tupac’s Untold Story with Jeff Pearlman
    Jan 18 2026
    True legacy isn’t built on myth—it’s built on truth, complexity, and humanity 🔥. In this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven the Talk Show Maven sits down with New York Times bestselling author and fearless storyteller Jeff Pearlman for a deeply revealing conversation about his groundbreaking biography Only God Can Judge Me: The Definitive Biography of Tupac Shakur.

    Known for chronicling legendary athletes and cultural icons, Pearlman takes listeners inside his most challenging work yet—his first non-sports book—based on more than 650 interviews and years of meticulous research. Together, Raven and Jeff peel back the layers of Tupac Shakur, exploring the artist beyond the stereotypes: the sensitive theater kid, the son of a Black Panther, the poet shaped by trauma, brilliance, and contradiction.

    This episode goes beyond headlines to examine Tupac’s upbringing, his creative evolution, his time in prison, the forces that shaped his choices, and the tragic final days that cut his life short at just 25. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about art, identity, systemic injustice, and why Tupac’s voice still resonates in today’s world.

    In this episode, you’ll hear about:
    • Why Jeff Pearlman chose Tupac as his most personal and demanding subject
    • The biggest misconceptions about Tupac Shakur
    • Tupac’s roots in theater, poetry, and Black empowerment
    • How trauma, poverty, and instability shaped his artistry
    • The impact of prison on Tupac’s creative output
    • The truth behind his final days in Las Vegas
    • Why Tupac’s legacy remains urgent and relevant today
    This episode is essential listening for fans of hip-hop, culture, biography, and anyone interested in understanding the man behind the music.
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    22 m
  • Jenn Lyon: the Art of the Comeback & Cullen Jones: From Near Tragedy to Olympic Legacy

    Jenn Lyon: the Art of the Comeback & Cullen Jones: From Near Tragedy to Olympic Legacy
    Jan 16 2026
    True resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about rising with new purpose 🌊. In this compelling dual-interview episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, host Raven the Talk Show Maven brings together two unforgettable conversations that celebrate grit, heart, and impact.

    First, award-winning actress Jenn Lyon opens up about her journey from Broadway and dramatic powerhouse roles to leading NBC’s comedy Stumble. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, Jenn shares what it really takes to survive in the entertainment industry—embracing uncertainty, staying grounded, and finding joy, family, and purpose even in the hustle.

    Then, four-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones delivers a deeply moving conversation about perseverance, representation, and legacy. From a childhood near-drowning experience to Olympic podiums, Cullen reveals how his life was transformed—and how he now uses his platform to save lives through water safety advocacy and his work with Diversity in Aquatics.

    Together, these interviews remind us that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about lifting others, daring to be different, and using your voice to create lasting change.

    In this episode, you’ll hear about:
    • Reinvention, resilience, and redefining success
    • The realities behind creative and athletic careers
    • Family, faith, and chosen community
    • Representation and access in underserved spaces
    • Turning adversity into purpose and service
    • Why consistency and perseverance build real legacy
    This episode is inspiring, heartfelt, and deeply human—perfect for anyone seeking motivation, clarity, and a reminder that purpose often rises from challenge.
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    38 m
  • 🎶Full Circle Moments: Shaun Cassidy on Reinvention, Legacy, and The Road to Us

    🎶Full Circle Moments: Shaun Cassidy on Reinvention, Legacy, and The Road to Us
    Jan 15 2026
    Sometimes a voice from the past doesn’t fade—it grows stronger with time 🎤. In this unforgettable episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes the one and only Shaun Cassidy—a true renaissance entertainer whose career spans chart-topping music, iconic television, Broadway, and acclaimed work behind the camera.

    From sold-out arenas and multi-platinum hits like “Da Doo Ron Ron” to becoming a household name on The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Shaun reflects on his early fame and the pivotal decision to step away from the spotlight to focus on writing, producing, and family. He shares candid insight into why reinvention mattered more than staying in one lane—and how that choice led to creating powerful series such as Cold Case and American Gothic.

    Now, decades later, Shaun returns to the stage with The Road to Us, a deeply personal, story-driven North American tour that blends his classic hits, new music, and stories honoring his legendary family—including his mother Shirley Jones, father Jack Cassidy, and brother David Cassidy. He also discusses his passion project, My First Crush wine, a heartfelt venture rooted in connection, creativity, and giving back. In this episode, you’ll discover:
    • Why Shaun chose writing and producing over staying a full-time performer
    • How stepping away from singing helped preserve and strengthen his voice
    • The creative freedom found behind the camera
    • The meaning and inspiration behind The Road to Us tour
    • How family legacy shapes his storytelling today
    • Why fulfillment comes from the journey—not just the destination
    Warm, reflective, and deeply inspiring, this conversation celebrates growth, courage, and the power of staying creatively alive at every stage of life.
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    12 m