Behind the Filter

Johnette Cruz

We love authenticity....we love a centrist point of view and we don’t follow a specific narrative. We're about having real, unfiltered conversations about society, culture and life! Behind the Filter is about creating strong connections, having meaningful discussions and sharing stories that can cultivate a sense of community. Follow us and subscribe to get the latest content and news related to lifestyle along with trending topics and viral stories Learn more at johnettecruz.com

  1. 3D AGO

    Healing is Not a Straight Line: Navigating Setbacks and Sickness

    In this episode of Behind the Filter, I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you a "fly on the wall" seat at my latest appointment with functional health expert Ashley from Total Body Wellness. We get real about navigating a three-week holiday setback and how recent illness impacted my lean muscle mass and lab results. Ashley explains the fascinating science of the gut-brain axis, revealing how my gut health is directly tied to my struggles with anxiety and "brain fog." We also map out the next phase of my journey, including a new protein-focused strategy, split-dosing for inflammation, and the "stair-step" supplements helping me reclaim my energy.

    33 min

  2. JAN 29

    After Dark Edition :: The Return of Ashley, Strange Addictions & New Year Actions

    The duo is finally reunited! After a chaotic holiday break and a string of "on-the-go" travels, Ashley is back—though she’s sporting a raspy new voice and a post-laser glow. In this unfiltered "After Dark" session, we go down the deepest rabbit hole of My Strange Addiction yet. From the "semen facial" anti-aging hack to the 2022 trend of "vabbing" (vaginal dabbing) making a comeback, we’re questioning everything about the current dating and beauty landscape. Finally, we get real about 2026 goals. Is this the year of minimalism or the year of "Action"?

    59 min

  3. JAN 20

    Unfiltered Weekly: "Sin" Taxes, Singlehood, NEO, the Robot Maid and Chatfishing

    In this week’s episode, we’re unpacking the headlines that are blurring the lines between the digital and the physical. We start in Florida, where a controversial 50% "OnlyFans Sin Tax" has sparked a viral feud, the launch of NEO, the robot maid, and 5 red flags to spot "Chatfishing".

    43 min

  4. JAN 9

    Unfiltered Weekly : RFK’s Beef, $40B Playdates, and the Death of the "Karen"

    This week on Unfiltered Weekly, we’re diving into the new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines released by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., we look at the $40 billion industry that has turned your child's Saturday soccer game into a private equity playground, a Detroit family is finally getting closure from a horrible loss, Karen is OUT and Jessica is IN, and the craziest things people are addicting to thanks to TLC.

    32 min

  5. 12/27/2025

    Unfiltered Weekly: The Mercedes Wells Story

    This week we sat down with Mercedes and Leon Wells to discuss the traumatic event that sparked a national outcry and federal legislation. After being discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point Indiana while in active labor, Mercedes was forced to give birth in the front seat of her husband’s pickup truck just eight minutes later. We dive deep into their personal experience of "medical gaslighting," the viral footage captured by Mercedes’ mother, and the systemic health disparities that leave Black mothers in Indiana three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their White counterparts. Special thanks to this week's episode sponsor: Sold Fast Home Buyers. Thinking about selling your home but feeling overwhelmed by repairs? Sold Fast is a local Indiana team with over 40 years of experience helping homeowners move on their own terms. Whether you want an immediate cash offer "as-is" or want to use their Fix2List program to remodel and sell for top dollar, they provide options most agents can’t.

    46 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    After Dark Edition :: Indy’s Hidden Oasis

    This week, we’re on-location at Elysian Medspa & Rejuvenation Center on Indy’s Northeast side. We explore this "hidden gem" in the trees to talk about everything from revolutionary dry eye therapy to their brand-new, cash-based Primary Care facility. Then, Ashley and I get into the "After Dark" tea: The 159,000-text stalker, a wild, unfiltered story from a night at Yuletide and is the word "boyfriend" now officially cringe?!

    1h 7m

  7. 12/11/2025

    Unfiltered Weekly : Disparities, Debates, and Deadly Missteps

    This episode of Behind The Filter: Unfiltered Weekly tackles three major stories: the escalating HIV crisis among Black women in the Southern U.S. due to limited access to care and political hurdles; the political battle over menopause care funding in California, highlighted by celebrity criticism; and a detailed look at the affidavit in the tragic Whitestown shooting where a homeowner fatally shot a woman who mistakenly went to his house believing it was a model home to be cleaned.

    39 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    After Dark Edition :: The Only Facial

    Step Behind the Filter with us as we visit The Only Facial in Indianapolis! After Dark Edition chats with owner Madison about how she brought the highly-rated concept to Indy. Discover what makes their experience unique: a single, customized 11-step facial for $125 with gratuity and all add-ons included—meaning no tipping, no product pushing, and truly stress-free relaxation. We also discuss viral stories, trending topics and more!

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We love authenticity....we love a centrist point of view and we don’t follow a specific narrative. We're about having real, unfiltered conversations about society, culture and life! Behind the Filter is about creating strong connections, having meaningful discussions and sharing stories that can cultivate a sense of community. Follow us and subscribe to get the latest content and news related to lifestyle along with trending topics and viral stories Learn more at johnettecruz.com

Information

  • Creator
    Johnette Cruz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Johnette Cruz 2024
  • Show Website
    Behind the Filter