Behind The Story

About Behind The Story

Step inside the stories that shape today's culture and innovation. In Behind the Story, host Jelani sits down with extraordinary people-from an American Music Award-winning songwriter to entrepreneurs reinventing skincare, from a sharp-witted comedians and actors to politicians Each conversation uncovers the turning points, challenges, and creative sparks that define their journeys. Whether they're making music, building businesses, or shaping policy, these guests share candid insights on resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to create lasting impact. If you love authentic conversations that inspire and connect, this is the podcast you won't want to miss.

Publisher

jelani gonzalez

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Oct 2025

Latest episode

24 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Feb 2026

   AI Is Killing Coding as a Moat

   In this episode of Behind the Story, host Jelani sits down with Todd Merrill—fractional CTO, software executive, private pilot, and host of Tales from The Sky Lounge—for a practical conversation on what AI is actually changing in business and software. Todd breaks down why we’re entering an era where coding as a moat is fading, how AI coding tools are getting “shockingly good,” and why the real differentiator is context engineering: clearly defining the user, problem, constraints, and outcomes before letting AI generate anything. We also unpack key shifts shaping the AI wave—Model Context Protocol (MCP), tool-using assistants that connect to email/calendar/CRM, and what that means for non-technical founders, startups, and established companies trying to move fast without breaking trust. What you’ll learn Why AI lowers the cost of building software—and unlocks more ideas from non-technical founders How to avoid “vibe coding” and build like a CTO: planning → artifacts → context → execution The leadership gap Todd sees: curiosity at the top vs. adoption friction across teams Trust, safety, fraud, and the human risks we’re not confronting enough yet Todd’s personal grounding practices—and why “touching grass” matters more than ever

2. 

   15 Feb 2026

   Healing Desire & Intimacy with Dr. Tiffany Stanley

   What does it really mean to feel desired, safe, and fully alive in your relationships? In this powerful episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Dr. Tiffany Stanley, licensed psychotherapist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and author of Nothing Is Off the Table, to explore the psychology of desire, intimacy, trauma, and self-trust. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Stanley breaks down why so many women struggle with sexual desire, emotional connection, and self-expression—even in loving relationships. She explains how attachment styles impact intimacy, how trauma lives in the nervous system, and why healing sexual shame is essential for reclaiming pleasure and authenticity. In this episode, we discuss: Why sexual desire often disappears—and how to reconnect with it The difference between performing intimacy and experiencing real pleasure How trauma and the nervous system affect relationships Rebuilding self-trust after years of self-abandonment Attachment styles and their impact on love and sex Moving from shame and performance to presence and authenticity What “Nothing Is Off the Table” really means for modern relationships This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. It’s an honest exploration of emotional healing, feminine empowerment, boundaries, and what it truly takes to create deep connection. If you’ve ever struggled with intimacy, burnout, mismatched desire, relationship anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself—this episode will resonate deeply. 🎧 Listen now and discover how healing begins when nothing is off the table.

3. 

   6 Feb 2026

   Mazarine Memon – Art, Grief, and the Courage to Continue

   What happens when art becomes more than expression — when it becomes a space for reflection, dialogue, and healing? In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Mazarine Memon, visual artist, facilitator, and founder of The Art Brewery, to explore how creativity can open conversations that leadership, language, and structure often cannot. Mazarine’s work lives at the intersection of art, human connection, and inquiry. Through immersive experiences in schools, organizations, and communities, she creates environments where people feel safe enough to pause, reflect, and truly see one another. This conversation is also deeply personal. After the sudden loss of her husband and creative partner — who spent over four decades in advertising and taught entrepreneurship and small business marketing — Mazarine made the decision to continue and evolve the work they built together. While carrying grief, she has been training facilitators, collaborating with experts, and developing a powerful new body of art of her own. Together, we explore: How art can function as a container for meaningful conversation The role of creativity in leadership and organizational culture Building continuity after loss — without erasing grief Training others to hold space with integrity and care What it means to keep creating when life changes everything This is a quiet, honest, and expansive conversation about creativity, resilience, partnership, and meaning — and an invitation to consider how art can help us navigate both personal and collective transformation.

4. 

   23 Jan 2026

   Dating in the Age of Extremes: Dr. Michele Henry on Clarity, Connection, and Modern Love

   Dating advice is everywhere—but clarity feels harder than ever to find. In today’s culture, relationship conversations often swing between extremes: dominance versus independence, emotional armor versus vulnerability, rules versus resentment. The result? Confusion, burnout, and people questioning whether healthy relationships are even possible anymore. In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Dr. Michele Henry, dating and relationship coach, for a thoughtful, grounded conversation that cuts through the noise. Together, they explore what’s actually happening beneath modern dating dynamics—and what both men and women are missing in today’s advice culture. Dr. Henry shares her perspective on: • Why so much dating advice feels empowering online but fails in real life • How modern dating narratives became so polarized • What healthy interdependence really looks like today • The mindset and communication shifts people can implement immediately • How to stay open to love without becoming naive or guarded This isn’t a debate. It’s not about choosing sides. It’s about clarity, balance, and relationships that actually work. If you’re navigating dating, questioning modern relationship advice, or looking for insight that feels real—not performative—this conversation is for you.

5. 

   16 Jan 2026

   Ileana D. Vasquez: The Art, Vision, and Fight Behind LolitaMoon Films

   Award-winning filmmaker Ileana D. Vasquez joins Jelani for a powerful conversation about art, identity, and building LolitaMoon Productions from pure vision and relentless creativity. Ileana is a writer, director, and producer whose work blends theater, photography, and raw emotional storytelling. Her projects have earned the Bronze Telly, Gold Aurora, and Accolade Award, and she’s collaborated with Women In Film L.A., CBS, and international production teams on films like A New Yorker @ Paris. In this episode, Ileana opens up about: • Growing up creative and discovering her storytelling voice • Transitioning from theater and photography into filmmaking • Founding LolitaMoon Productions and developing her cinematic style • The challenges of navigating Hollywood as a woman filmmaker • The emotional truth she seeks in every project • The realities of independent filmmaking—its freedom, pressure, and purpose • What’s next for her as she builds the next chapter of LolitaMoon If you love film, creative journeys, or stories of resilience and originality, this conversation will stay with you. Watch, listen, and go behind the vision of one of today’s bold independent filmmakers.

6. 

   5 Jan 2026

   Tim Ward: Building Sustainable Health Through Balance, Discipline, and the Fitness Quadrant

   In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with fitness coach, author, and founder of Fitness Quadrant, Tim Ward, for a grounded conversation about what it really takes to build sustainable health—without extremes, burnout, or starting over every few months.Tim breaks down the philosophy behind the Fitness Quadrant, a framework designed to help people create balance between physical training, mindset, recovery, and lifestyle. Rather than chasing quick results, Tim focuses on long-term habits, accountability, and identity-driven change.This conversation goes beyond workouts and nutrition. Tim shares his personal journey into coaching, the problems he sees in modern fitness culture, and why most people struggle not because they lack motivation—but because they lack structure and self-honesty. Topics include: • Why most fitness plans fail long-term • The four pillars of the Fitness Quadrant • Accountability without shame or extremes • Building discipline that transfers into life and career • How to stop “starting over” with your healthWhether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or trying to make health a permanent part of your life, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical insight you can apply immediately.

7. 

   24 Dec 2025

   Understanding Today’s Real Estate Market with Alex LaChance

   Understanding Today’s Real Estate Market with Alex LaChance: First-Time Buyers, Second Homes & Investment Trends The real estate market has shifted—and whether you're a first-time buyer, a move-up buyer, or an investor, the rules of the game have changed. In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with New England Realtor Alex LaChance, a trusted expert known for helping buyers and investors win even in the most competitive markets. Alex breaks down: • What’s really happening in today’s housing market • The biggest challenges first-time buyers face (and how to overcome them) • Smart strategies for second-home and move-up buyers • Where investors should be looking in 2025 and beyond • Market trends shaping the next 12–24 months • Actionable advice for every type of buyer and seller Whether you’re preparing to buy your first home, thinking about upgrading, exploring investment properties, or just trying to understand where the market is heading—this conversation gives you the clarity, strategy, and perspective you need. Follow Alex LaChance: Instagram: @603_real_estate LinkedIn: Alex LaChance HomeChoice Lending Profile: homechoicelending.com/alachance (http://homechoicelending.com/alachance)

8. 

   19 Dec 2025

   Heather Zimmerman: The Inner Work of Leadership

   What does real leadership transformation look like—beyond the job titles, the strategies, and the surface-level fixes? In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Heather Zimmerman, executive coach, leadership development expert, and founding partner at Connect the Dots Coaching & Consulting. For more than 20 years, Heather has helped leaders rewire the internal patterns that influence how they think, communicate, build trust, and create culture. This conversation explores: The early experiences that shaped Heather’s passion for understanding human behavior Why self-awareness—not skillset—is the foundation of effective leadership How emotional intelligence and neuroscience play into organizational success The invisible habits that erode trust inside teams What separates leaders who truly transform from those who only “perform” growth Practical mindset shifts anyone can apply in work, relationships, or personal life Heather’s approach goes deeper than leadership theory. She helps people uncover what drives their actions—so they can show up with clarity, authenticity, and impact. If you’re a leader, a coach, a team builder, or someone navigating your own growth journey… this is a conversation you’ll come back to more than once. Connect with Heather Zimmerman: https://www.connectthedotscoaches.com/the-team (https://www.connectthedotscoaches.com/the-team)

9. 

   17 Dec 2025

   The Conversation Nat Bug Has Never Had on Camera

   In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Nat (@natspatshat) — the creator known for his raw honesty, sharp humor, and unfiltered takes that cut straight to the truth. Nat has quickly built a loyal following by saying what most people are thinking but won’t say out loud. Today, we go deeper into the man behind the camera — his journey, the experiences that shaped him, and how he discovered his voice in a crowded digital world. From the challenges of being misunderstood, to growing an online community, to staying grounded while your platform rises — this conversation is real, authentic, and full of moments that will make you think. If you’ve ever connected with Nat’s content, this episode will hit different.

10. 

    12 Dec 2025

    Beyond the Beaches: The Hidden Battles Reshaping the Dominican Republic

    In this powerful episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Mr. T — The Educated Traveler, a respected truth-teller and outspoken voice on the realities of life in Sosúa, Dominican Republic. What begins as a conversation about travel and culture quickly shifts into a raw, unfiltered discussion about the forces reshaping the island: – Government takeovers and political tension – The persecution and displacement of Haitian immigrants – Rapid gentrification and its impact on local families – The truth behind real estate narratives sold to foreigners – How expats, investors, and locals are navigating a changing Sosúa Mr. T brings deep knowledge, lived experience, and fearless honesty to topics many avoid. Whether you’re a traveler, an expat, or someone curious about the real Dominican Republic, this episode cuts through the polished image and exposes what’s happening on the ground. This is the story behind the beaches, beyond the brochures, and beneath the headlines.

11. 

    10 Dec 2025

    Building Discipline, Transforming Lives — The Next World Fitness Story with Trea

    On this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Trea — the powerhouse founder of Next World Fitness, a coaching brand built on accountability, discipline, and real-world results. Trea opens up about the journey that shaped him, the struggles that pushed him, and the moment he realized he was called to help people transform their bodies, mindset, and lifestyle. From tailoring sustainable meal plans to helping clients overcome mental barriers, Trea breaks down the Next World Method — and why he believes fitness is more than reps and macros… it’s personal evolution.

12. 

    3 Dec 2025

    Behind The Story: RajNation

    In this episode of Behind the Story, host Jelani Gonzalez sits down with Rajiv “Raj” Nathan, the dynamic founder of Startup Hypeman, to uncover how storytelling drives startup success. Raj shares how his journey from hip-hop performer to pitch coach taught him that the real hype starts within. He breaks down his storytelling framework, lessons in authenticity, and how to turn a simple pitch into a powerful narrative that investors, customers, and audiences remember. If you’ve ever struggled to explain your vision clearly — or you want to learn how to tell your story with purpose and power — this episode is for you.

13. 

    26 Nov 2025

    How Ceri Jones Tretter Turned Pain into Purpose Through The Collaboratory

    In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani Gonzalez speaks with Ceri Jones Tretter, founder of The Collaboratory, a creative school and trauma healing ministry. Ceri shares her powerful journey from corporate executive to spiritual artist and healer — opening up about loss, faith, and how creativity became a path to healing and transformation.

14. 

    21 Nov 2025

    Behind The Story: Lynne Lambert

    In this episode of Behind The Story, host Jelani Gonzalez sits down with Lynne Lambert, actress turned entrepreneur and founder of NYC Subway Line®, the iconic fashion brand inspired by New York's legendary subway system. From Broadway stages to business success, Lynne shares how she transformed her love for New York City into a global lifestyle brand that celebrates urban energy, movement, and identity. She reveals the creative spark that started it all, her journey navigating licensing with the MTA, and what it takes to build an authentic brand that resonates worldwide.

15. 

    19 Nov 2025

    AI Is Rewriting Marketing: Joe Peña Explains How to Stay Ahead

    In this episode, Jelani talks with Joe Anthony about how AI is transforming digital marketing. Joe explains how AI speeds up SEO, boosts Google Business Profiles, automates tasks, and helps agencies scale with smaller teams. They also discuss AI “stacking,” creating realistic video avatars, tailoring content for each platform, and the importance of strong branding. Joe shares real examples, industry trends, and how staying human, communicative, and strategic keeps marketing effective in the AI era.

16. 

    12 Nov 2025

    From Detroit to Wild ’N Out: The Spanky Hayes Story

    In this episode of Behind the Story, host Jelani sits down with comedian Spanky Hayes to talk about his Detroit upbringing, the grind of breaking into comedy, and the wild journey from open mics to Wild ’N Out. Spanky opens up about family, fame, and the state of comedy today — unfiltered, hilarious, and real.

17. 

    5 Nov 2025

    Custom Music, Powered by AI: Gerard’s Game-Changing Idea (Part 2)

    In this episode of Behind the Story, we sit down with the creator of I Am Motherless, a skincare brand born from personal loss, self-discovery, and resilience. From making candles in his garage to building a viral business on TikTok, he shares his powerful journey of turning pain into purpose, finding identity beyond a famous legacy, and overcoming addiction to rediscover happiness and clarity.

18. 

    31 Oct 2025

    Custom Music, Powered by AI: Gerard’s Game-Changing Idea

    In this episode of Behind the Story, we sit down with the creator of I Am Motherless, a skincare brand born from personal loss, self-discovery, and resilience. From making candles in his garage to building a viral business on TikTok, he shares his powerful journey of turning pain into purpose, finding identity beyond a famous legacy, and overcoming addiction to rediscover happiness and clarity.

19. 

    29 Oct 2025

    The Evolution of a Performer: David Nicoll IV

    In this engaging conversation, David Nicoll IV shares his remarkable journey through the music industry, from his early days as a dancer to becoming a successful choreographer and songwriter for iconic boy bands. He reflects on his experiences with New Edition, N'Sync, and the Chippendales, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the entertainment world. David emphasizes the importance of hard work, creativity, and adaptability in achieving success, while also discussing the evolution of the music industry in the digital age. He concludes with heartfelt reflections on family life and the joy of pursuing one's passion.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.