Listen Now

In a special solo episode, J.R. shares the story of his treasured dog and soulmate Romeo. Spanning his puppyhood to his recent passing, Romeo made J.R. a better man, a better father, and a better friend by teaching him the power of unconditional love.  Examining the deep bond between human and dog, J.R. gives an unfiltered account of all the wonderful moments he and his family shared with Romeo, moments he is grateful to reflect on as he grieves this painful loss. Underscoring all of this is the idea that dogs bring us so much joy, which is why our hearts shatter when they pass on.  J.R. welcomes everyone to this episode, extending a special invitation to anyone who has lost their soulmate, be is a four-legged friend or a two-legged love, reminding them that they are not alone.  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel  

Eric Deggans has a dream job; he’s the first full-time TV Critic for NPR.  He’s also a contributor and media analyst for MSNBC/NBC News who is advancing equality for Black journalists.  Being a TV critic actually comes with great responsibility because everything happens on television, and it can function as a mirror to what is happening in our society. Eric, who had a previous career as a musician signed to Motown Records, tackles the issues with his thoughtful and incisive commentary and he shares his thoughts on racism, prejudice, code switching, cancel culture, tolerance, acceptance, and how to have difficult conversations... Find out more about Eric’s journey and what he has to say about the the hot topics affecting all of us in this week’s episode. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Eric Deggans on Instagram Eric Deggans on LinkedIn Eric Deggans on Twitter ericdeggans.com

Jose Arellano grew up in a home filled with generations of gang members. Despite making a promise to never join a gang, he was drawn in the life, and cycled in and out of the prison system. However, Jose was able to turn his life around and is now part of the leadership at Homeboy Industries, where he is the Director of Case Management. Homeboy Industries helps high-risk youth, former gang members, and the recently incarcerated with mental health counseling, legal services, tattoo removal, education, work-readiness, and more. Find more about Jose's journey and the many blessings he’s encountered along the way in this week’s episode. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Homeboyindustries.org Jose on LinkedIn    

Tommy Riles is a husband, father, and founder of Life of Dad, the largest community of dads and fastest growing parenting social media brand in the world. He is also the long-time audience warm-up comedian for “The Ellen DeGeneres Show." He started the Life of Dad community from a hospital room as his daughter was awaiting open-heart surgery at only three days old. In today’s episode, Tommy shares how he got other dads to be vulnerable and resolve issues between spouses through his series Mom vs. Dad. They also talk about cargo shorts, grocery shopping, and the benefits of being a dad!   Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Lifeofdad.com Life Of Dad on Facebook Life Of Dad on Instagram Life Of Mom on Facebook Life Of Mom on Instagram Mom vs. Dad: The Not-So-Serious Guide to the Stuff We're All Fighting About By Lucy and Tommy Riles

J.R. loves empanadas and today's guest, Natalie Morales, has the right recipe for him! Natalie Morales is an American journalist who is a co-host and moderator of the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk. She was born in Taiwan, to a Brazilian mother, and a Puerto Rican father who is a Lieutenant Colonel. Growing up in a military family, Natalie talks to J.R. about how her upbringing made her interested and curious about the world that eventually led her to her career as a journalist.  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Natalie on Instagram Natalie on Twitter

Shaniqua McClendon is a political strategist and sought-after speaker and commentator on media, politics, voting, and race. She is the Senior Political Director for Crooked Media and currently a fellow at the USC Center for the Political Future. At Crooked Media, Shaniqua leads their political strategy and civic engagement program (Vote Save America), and also created their successful 2020 volunteer engagement and fundraising program (Adopt a State). In today’s episode, J.R. and Shaniqua talk about politics and each one’s role to create change and impact towards a solution.  Continue on Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Shaniquamcclendon.com Shaniqua on Instagram Shaniqua on Twitter Shaniqua on Linkedin

Merryl Tengesdal is a retired Air Force Colonel, veteran, and (Naval/Air Force) aviator. She is also the first and currently only African American woman to fly the U-2 Aircraft and has over 3,400 flight hours in six different aircraft and over 300 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, Merryl is a fitness trainer at a local sports club. In this episode, Merryl talks about finding enjoyment in the small things, how to keep yourself motivated and moving forward, and her extensive career in the military.  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Merryltengesdal.com Merryl on Wikipedia Merryl on Instagram Shatter The Sky Mission22.com Legacyflightacademy.org

Billy Harris has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years and has raised millions of dollars in the name of charity through his role as a host. As someone who has hosted live-events throughout his entire career, Billy shares in this week’s episode how COVID forced himself to think creatively to help build connection, enjoyment, and entertainment to digital audiences. Billy also talks about his biggest rebirth moment to this date, and how getting paid to perform and make people laugh has been an entertainer’s dream come true.  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Billyharris.com Alexslemonade.org Nokidhungry.org Lafoodbank.org

Today’s guests are not only gifted storytellers but also community conscious creatives. Matthew Postlethwaite and Sunny Vachher wrote and produced, The Great Artist, to create awareness around mental health. This multi-nominated and awarded film was produced during the Covid-19 pandemic and enjoyed a successful festival run, which began virtually on December 31, 2020 in that month's edition of the 2020 TopShorts Film Festival. J.R. talks to them about their inspiration to change the narrative around mental health issues and inspire others!   Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Matthew on Instagram Matthew on Twitter Sunny on Instagram Sunny on Twitter Sunny on Facebook

Dustin Tavella is a Magician best known for winning the 16th season of America’s Got Talent. Dustin goes beyond just performing tricks. As a big advocate for giving back, Dustin works extensively with the homeless and pregnant women with complicated backgrounds. He shares his story and why he’s so passionate about lifting others up, no matter where they are in life. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Dustintavella.com Dustin on Instagram Dustin on Facebook Dustin on YouTube Americasgottalentauditions.com

Eric Bigger is a Personal Fitness Instructor, Television Personality, Author, and nationally recognized Motivational Speaker. Eric is currently going through his own personal rebirth as he finds how to add value to other people while also taking care of himself. Learn about Eric’s upbringing, the things he’s had to overcome to be the person he is today, and where Eric’s next rebirth chapter is leading him in this week’s episode.  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Ericbigger.com Eric on Instagram Eric on Twitter Eric on YouTube 100 Days of Wisdom by Eric Bigger Didi Hirsch's Suicide Prevention  

Today J.R. invites Stipe Miocic, an American professional mixed martial artist who is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. He is widely regarded by critics, commentators and media as the greatest UFC heavyweight fighter of all time. Outside the Octagon, he is a dynamic dad and a dedicated firefighter and paramedic at the Oakwood and Valley View Fire Departments in Ohio. They talk about fatherhood, how he became a UFC Champion and how he goes above and beyond in everything he does nowadays! Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Stipe on Instagram Stipe on Twitter J.A.B’s Podcast

Becky Robinson is an LA-based comedian, writer, actor and voice-over star. Becky’s unique TV character antics and viral videos now make her one of the youngest headliners on the circuit. In this episode, Becky shares how she knew that she wanted to be a comedian since she was 6 years old, what it’s like receiving ‘notes’ from casting directors, and why at the center of it all, you have to believe and have confidence in yourself to conquer your toughest challenges.  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Beckyrobinsonthegreat.com Becky on Instagram Becky on Twitter Becky on Facebook

Victoria Arlen is an ESPN personality, Actress, Speaker, and former American paralympian swimmer. At 11 years old, Victoria was diagnosed with two rare autoimmune conditions and was  locked in her own body for four years. Unable to communicate with the outside world, Victoria had to find her own path and inner light to keep moving forward. She shares her story in this week’s podcast  Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Victoriaarlen.com Victoriasvictory.org Victoria on Twitter Victoria on Instagram Victoria on Wikipedia

Megan Devine is a Psychotherapist, Writer, Grief Advocate, and Communication Expert dedicated to helping others live through their hardest experiences. She created an online community and resource that helps people learn the skills they need to love themselves – and each other – better. In this episode, J.R. talks to Megan about her journey and how we can be OK when we’re not okay and be an effective support to those in grief. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Refugeingrief.com Refugeingrief on Twitter Refugeingrief on Instagram Here After Podcast It’s OK Not That You’re Not Okay How to Carry What Can’t Be Fixed: A Journal for Grief  

Raphael, Donatello, Pinky and Carl Wheezer get to introduce J.R.'s guest this week, Rob Paulsen! Rob is one of the most beloved voice actors of all time and is best known for his roles such as Raphael and Donatello from the animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yakko Warner, Dr. Otto Scratchansniff, and Pinky from Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain and Carl Wheezer from Jimmy Neutron.  He wrote a memoir titled, Voice Lessons: How a Couple of Ninja Turtles, Pinky, and an Animaniac Saved My Life, after surviving cancer. Tune in and know more about him! Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Rob on Instagram Rob on TikTok! Rob on Twitter Rob on Facebook Voice Lessons: How a Couple of Ninja Turtles, Pinky, and an Animaniac Saved My Life Headandneck.org

Cristela Alonzo is a stand-up comedian that made TV history in 2014 by becoming the first Latina to create, write and star in a network TV sitcom named “Cristela”. Cristela was also the first Latina to star in a Disney Pixar movie when she starred as Cruz Ramirez in “Cars 3.” In this episode, Cristela shares some of the initial guilt she had when it came to spending her hard-earned money on ‘bougie’ things, especially when her family grew up poor. She also shares how she discovered comedy, why representation is so important, and so much more! Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Cristelaalonzo.com Cristela Alonzo on Twitter Cristela Alonzo on Instagram Cristela Alonzo on Wikipedia Cristela Alonzo’s Podcast  

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is a Canadian-American Pediatrician, Author, Award-Winning Scientist and a mother of four boys.  She has been the Surgeon General of California since 2019 and is the first person appointed to that position. In this episode, J.R. interviews Dr. Harris about ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), toxic stress, and what are its harmful effects to health later in life. Dr. Harris shares her journey towards this study and the story behind Numberstory.org and why it is important to understand and explore our traumas. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Numberstory.org Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on Twitter Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on Instagram California Surgeon General on Instagram California Surgeon General on Twitter

J.R. wants to start a band and asks his guest, Kechi Okwuchi, to join him. Kechi is a Singer, Motivational Speaker, Bullying Prevention Advocate, and a 2017 America’s Got Talent finalist. In this episode, J.R. chats with Kechi on how she grew her passion for music and went on to audition for America’s Got Talent. Kechi shares her recovery from a traumatic plane crash accident and her journey of reconciling her faith and uncovering what it really means to be a Christian. Kechi is also out with a new book, More Than My Scars, which takes a hard look at what truly defines you. Continue On Your Journey JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel Kechiofficial.com Kechi on Instagram Kechi on Facebook Kechi on Twitter Refined for Rebirth Book by Ijeoma Okwuchi We.org/en-US Bestrong.global

Petal Modeste is an Associate Dean at Columbia Law School, overseeing Professional Advancement, Graduate Degree Programs and Executive Education. She is also the creator and host of the Parenting for the Future Podcast, which gives parents a new lens through which to understand the forces that shape our world as well as cutting-edge parenting tools to help them raise the next generation of powerful, purposeful people.   She serves on the boards of several nonprofits dedicated to positively impacting the lives of families and children. Petal shares her rebirth story, why it’s important to have open conversations at the dinner table with your children, and the first time she realized she was a second-class citizen.   Key Takeaways A little bit about Petal and where she is from.  Studies show that teenagers that have at least 1-3 meals a week with their families, they’re less likely to do drugs. By talking to members of your family, you can get a bigger picture of the world at large. Not everyone in your family thinks the same and it opens you up for more dialogue. Good conversations start at the dinner table. So many people don’t actually know how to have a conversation. With so much social unrest happening, people are confused about how to even start the conversation if they’re not sure how to even address it themselves. Parents are way more powerful than they recognize. Our children are living in a completely different world than what we’ve experienced as children. It’s almost hard to relate. It’s important to teach your children that it’s easy to communicate with you, even if it’s not always pleasant. We really have to be thoughtful and mindful of WHO our children are hanging out with. What do they believe? Are they a positive or toxic influence on your family? JR has put himself in an interesting position with his daughter. They’re so close and have a great friendship that she sometimes forgets that he’s her parent. Why did Petal go to law school? Petal never let other people define her. She is her own woman. Look out world! Petal left corporate America so that she could be a more present mother. Why did Petal start her podcast, Parenting for the Future? JR noticed that he has a difficult time apologizing because that’s something that was not modeled in his household. What is something that Petal has discovered since having her podcast? We have a lot to teach our children, but we also have to actively engage in who they are. Really get to know their personality. They’re not a direct reflection of you.   Continue On Your Journey   Petalmodeste.com Parenting for the Future Acalltomen.org Petal on Instagram Petal on Facebook   JRmartinez.com J.R. on Instagram J.R. on Facebook J.R. on Twitter J.R. Youtube Channel   Did you enjoy today’s episode? If so, please head over to iTunes and leave a review. Help others discover the REBIRTH podcast so they, too, can be inspired and motivated by the stories shared in these episodes.