Behind The Story

jelani gonzalez
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    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 itThe difference between performing intimacy and experiencing real pleasureHow trauma and the nervous system affect relationshipsRebuilding self-trust after years of self-abandonmentAttachment styles and their impact on love and sexMoving from shame and performance to presence and authenticityWhat “Nothing Is Off the Table” really means for modern relationshipsThis 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.

    42 min

  2. FEB 6

    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 conversationThe role of creativity in leadership and organizational cultureBuilding continuity after loss — without erasing griefTraining others to hold space with integrity and careWhat it means to keep creating when life changes everythingThis 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.

    44 min

  3. JAN 23

    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.

    37 min

  4. JAN 16

    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.

    48 min

  5. JAN 5

    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.

    1h 17m

  6. 12/24/2025

    Understanding Today’s Real Estate Market with Alex LaChance

    Understanding Today’s Real Estate Market with Alex LaChance: First-Time Buyers, Second Homes & Investment TrendsThe 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_estateLinkedIn: Alex LaChanceHomeChoice Lending Profile: homechoicelending.com/alachance

    1h 3m

  7. 12/19/2025

    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

    48 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    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.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    jelani gonzalez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 jelani gonzalez
  • Show Website
    Behind The Story