Episodes

  • ✨ Faith, Fashion & Fierce Purpose: Rebecca Crews on Sonic Sundays

    ✨ Faith, Fashion & Fierce Purpose: Rebecca Crews on Sonic Sundays
    Mar 7 2026
    In this uplifting episode of Amazing Women & Men of Power: Legends & Icons Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, your host Raven the Talk Show Maven rolls out the red carpet for two powerhouse women of faith and inspiration. 🌟

    💫 Rebecca Crews – wife of Hollywood star Terry Crews, but an icon in her own right – joins us to share her incredible journey as a singer, songwriter, actress, fashion designer, entrepreneur, pastor, and founder of LA Life Church. From launching her online ministry Sonic Sundays to opening her Pasadena fashion boutique, Rebecca shows us how to live with resilience, creativity, and divine purpose.

    Pastor Kathleen Panning, with 45+ years of experience in ministry and host of the Tilted Halo Podcast, takes us deep into the power of gratitude. She shares personal stories of resilience and how practicing gratitude can shift your mindset, leadership, and life itself. This episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your purpose, embrace faith in everyday life, and cultivate gratitude no matter what challenges come your way.

    Key Highlights
    • Rebecca Crews’ journey from music ministry to pastoring LA Life Church
    • The birth of Sonic Sundays and reaching the digital generation
    • How faith fuels family, business, and creativity
    • Pastor Kathleen’s personal testimony of overcoming hardship through gratitude
    • Why gratitude is the shortcut to happiness and essential for leaders
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    39 mins
  • 🌱Faith, Healing, and Legacy: Julie Howard Miller’s Journey of Strength

    🌱Faith, Healing, and Legacy: Julie Howard Miller’s Journey of Strength
    Mar 7 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons—Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, host Raven welcomes Julie Howard Miller, founder of Dramatic Behind the Mic LLC and the widow of legendary soul singer William 'Wee Gee' Howard.

    Julie shares a powerful story of faith, resilience, and transformation. After facing deep personal struggles—including addiction and the pain of losing her husband—Julie rebuilt her life with purpose and determination. Today, she celebrates over 24 years of sobriety and dedicates her life to uplifting others through community programs, youth education, and creative empowerment.

    In this heartfelt conversation, Julie reflects on honoring her husband’s musical legacy while building her own. Through her platform, Dramatic Behind the Mic, she is preserving the voice and influence of Wee Gee Howard—whose music helped define the legendary soul group The Dramatics, known for classics like In the Rain and What You See Is What You Get.

    Julie also opens up about her upcoming book, Find Your Strength, which explores how reframing our thoughts and healing past wounds can unlock a powerful new path forward.

    Beyond music and publishing, Julie is deeply committed to serving underserved communities—teaching youth about creativity, intellectual property, gardening, and the importance of discovering their own gifts. Her message is simple but profound: every person already carries the strength they need within them.

    This episode is a moving reminder that even after life’s darkest seasons, faith and purpose can guide us toward healing—and toward helping others rise along the way.

    Key Moments in the Episode
    • Julie’s journey to 24 years of sobriety and personal transformation
    • The emotional process of rediscovering her late husband’s music
    • Preserving the legacy of Wee Gee Howard and The Dramatics
    • Launching Dramatic Behind the Mic LLC to honor musical history
    • How AI and modern technology are opening new doors for independent artists
    • Teaching youth about creativity, ownership, and intellectual property
    • The inspiration behind Julie’s upcoming book Find Your Strength
    • How faith, recovery, and community work shaped her mission today
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    49 mins
  • 🥊Carrying the Champ’s Legacy: Lonnie Ali on Compassion, Justice & the Ali Center

    🥊Carrying the Champ’s Legacy: Lonnie Ali on Compassion, Justice & the Ali Center
    Mar 6 2026
    In this powerful episode of Amazing Women & Men of Power: Legends & Icons Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, host Raven the Talk Show Maven welcomes two extraordinary guests whose lives are rooted in purpose, compassion, and service.

    ✨ Lonnie Ali — widow of the legendary Muhammad Ali, co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center, and host of the inspiring Ali and Me podcast — shares how she’s carrying forward the Champ’s legacy of compassion, justice, and unity. From the groundbreaking Compassion Report to unheard recordings of Muhammad himself, Lonnie reminds us that kindness is not just a memory — it’s a movement.

    🙏 Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. — retired United Methodist bishop, executive leadership coach, and founder of Impactful Teams LLC — joins Raven to talk about faith, resilience, and compassionate leadership. With stories from his personal encounter with Muhammad Ali to lessons from decades of ministry, Bishop Brown reveals why love and listening are at the heart of true leadership.

    Together, Lonnie and Bishop Brown inspire us to embrace compassion as a daily practice and a force for transformation in our lives, communities, and the world.
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    47 mins
  • 🎬Charles Baker: From Skinny Pete to Stories That Change Hearts

    🎬Charles Baker: From Skinny Pete to Stories That Change Hearts
    Mar 5 2026
    What happens when an actor uses storytelling not just to entertain—but to reveal the humanity in the overlooked? In this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power: Legends and Icons—Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, host Raven sits down with acclaimed character actor Charles Baker, known worldwide for his unforgettable portrayal of Skinny Pete in Breaking Bad. From his early love of music and performance to building a career defined by emotional depth and authenticity, Charles opens up about the experiences that shaped him as an artist and a human being 🌟.

    Listeners will also hear about his latest role in The Pitt, where he plays Digby—an unhoused man living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. His performance brings rare compassion and honesty to stories surrounding mental health and homelessness, sparking important conversations and earning praise from critics and audiences alike.

    Growing up as a military child and living across the world—from Israel to England to Texas—Charles developed the ability to observe, adapt, and understand people deeply. Those life experiences now fuel the layered, vulnerable characters he brings to the screen. Throughout the interview, Charles reflects on his creative journey, the importance of portraying complex characters, and how personal experiences—including growing up with parents who struggled with mental health challenges—helped him approach difficult roles with empathy and truth.

    He also shares an inspiring message about finding beauty in the midst of chaos and learning to slow down, breathe, and appreciate life’s quiet moments.

    Episode Highlights:
    • The surprising path from musician and drummer to professional actor
    • Growing up in a military family and how constant moving shaped his acting style
    • Becoming a fan-favorite as Skinny Pete on Breaking Bad
    • What it meant to join the Star Wars: The Mandalorian universe
    • The emotional preparation behind his role in The Pitt
    • Why he’s drawn to complex, broken, and deeply human characters
    • A powerful reflection on mental health, empathy, and authenticity
    • His advice for finding peace and beauty in a chaotic world
    This episode is a heartfelt reminder that storytelling can illuminate lives we often overlook—and that sometimes the most powerful performances are the ones rooted in compassion.
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    14 mins
  • 🔥Journey to Film, TV & Theater: Actor Merrick McCartha

    🔥Journey to Film, TV & Theater: Actor Merrick McCartha
    Mar 4 2026
    Actor Merrick McCartha joins me for an exclusive red carpet interview on Amazing Women & Men of Power – Legends & Icons Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, to share his inspiring journey, the lessons he’s learned in the entertainment industry, and what keeps him pushing forward! From engineering to the big screen, Merrick’s journey proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion!

    He left a successful corporate career to follow his passion for acting—and now he’s lighting up screens in major TV shows and films!

    Merrick story of his Journey to Film, TV & Theater ls both empowering and inspiring.

    Enjoy this episode of Merrick McCartha interview and please share it with a friend

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • 🎬Melvin Gregg: From Virginia Dreams to Hollywood Screens

    🎬Melvin Gregg: From Virginia Dreams to Hollywood Screens
    Mar 3 2026
    What happens when authenticity meets opportunity and talent meets purpose? Host Raven welcomes actor, writer, and producer Melvin Gregg for an inspiring and candid conversation about finding your calling, embracing creativity, and building a career rooted in truth. Known for powerful performances in Snowfall, American Vandal, High Flying Bird, and Nine Perfect Strangers, Melvin shares how a college acting class sparked a life-changing realization that set him on the path from Portsmouth, Virginia, to Hollywood success. Now, he steps into comedy with a fresh perspective starring as Detrick in Peacock’s new series The Paper.In this episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Melvin opens up about growth, vulnerability, and the courage to pursue purpose without waiting for outside validation.

    In this episode, listeners will discover:
    • How discovering acting in college changed Melvin’s life direction
    • Why trusting your inner calling matters more than outside approval
    • The discipline and mindset required to succeed in entertainment
    • Transitioning from intense dramatic roles to comedy
    • How playing Detrick allowed him to embrace vulnerability and awkwardness
    • The creative fulfillment of building authentic, relatable characters
    • Lessons learned from working alongside a dynamic international cast
    • Behind-the-scenes moments exploring iconic Universal Studios sets
    • Why The Paper serves as a “palate cleanser” during stressful times
    • Melvin’s perspective on compassion, storytelling, and human connection
    Melvin Gregg’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about fitting into expectations—it’s about owning your voice, embracing growth, and creating space for authenticity both on-screen and in life.
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    11 mins
  • ✨Donna Mills: Timeless Grace, Fearless Power & Reinventing Life at Every Age

    ✨Donna Mills: Timeless Grace, Fearless Power & Reinventing Life at Every Age
    Mar 2 2026
    Legendary actress Donna Mills joins Raven Blair Glover for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about longevity, reinvention, and living life fully—both on and off the screen .Best known for her iconic role as Abby Cunningham Ewing on the beloved television series Knots Landing, Donna reflects on a career that spans television, film, theater, and producing, sharing personal stories that reveal the discipline, resilience, and passion behind her enduring success.From her early days as a ballet dancer and soap opera performer to becoming one of television’s most unforgettable leading women, Donna opens up about the defining moments that shaped her journey, the evolution of women’s empowerment in Hollywood, and how purpose continues to grow with age.

    In this powerful episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, listeners will discover:
    • How Donna’s dance background built the discipline that fueled her acting career
    • The unexpected path that led to her breakthrough role in Play Misty for Me
    • Why Abby Cunningham became her favorite character—and a symbol of female empowerment
    • The cultural impact of strong women on television during a transformative era
    • Lessons about ambition, confidence, and standing your ground professionally
    • Her transition into producing meaningful television movies through her own company
    • The realities of aging in Hollywood and adapting to industry changes like self-taping and AI
    • Why lifelong learning and curiosity keep you youthful and relevant
    • Donna’s wellness philosophy, fitness routine, and commitment to staying active
    • Her deeply personal journey into motherhood through adoption at age 54
    • The joy of becoming a grandmother and embracing new chapters of life
    Donna also shares wisdom about evolving rather than “reinventing,” proving that growth doesn’t stop with age—it deepens. Her story is a reminder that passion, purpose, and confidence can continue expanding long after traditional career milestones.This episode is a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and the power of choosing joy at every stage of life.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 🏒From Stanley Cups to the Screen: Jordan Nolan’s Championship Mindset

    🏒From Stanley Cups to the Screen: Jordan Nolan’s Championship Mindset
    Feb 27 2026
    Three-time Stanley Cup champion Jordan Nolan joins Raven for an inspiring conversation about competition, community, and carving out a powerful second act beyond professional sports ⭐.

    Known for his grit and leadership on the ice with the Los Angeles Kings, Jordan now brings authenticity and heart to the hit Hulu comedy series Shoresy, where Season 5 dives deeper into teamwork, loyalty, and protecting the spirit of the game.

    In this engaging episode of Amazing Women and Men of Power, Jordan shares how lessons learned in championship locker rooms translate directly into storytelling, mentorship, and life after hockey.

    Listeners will discover:
    • What fans can expect from Shoresy Season 5 and why it resonates worldwide
    • How blue-collar values and community shape the show’s emotional core
    • The transition from NHL player to television actor
    • Lessons from winning multiple Stanley Cups and building a championship culture
    • Why teamwork on a TV set mirrors the dynamics of a hockey team
    • The importance of identity and purpose after professional sports
    • Jordan’s passion for mentoring young athletes, especially in First Nation communities
    • How giving back creates lasting impact beyond fame or success
    Jordan also reflects on family, working alongside his brother on screen, and why hard work, humility, and strong values remain the foundation of every meaningful achievement.

    Whether you love hockey, comedy, or powerful stories about reinvention, this episode delivers motivation, authenticity, and a reminder that leadership doesn’t end when the final buzzer sounds.
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    15 mins