Better Call Daddy

What happens when deep grief meets the journey of healing, honesty, and vulnerability? In this heartfelt episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reconnects with Malisa Hepner grief expert and host of Emotionally Unavailable who has faced unimaginable loss. Malisa shares her profound journey through the heartache of losing her child, revealing the layers of grief that come with such a loss and how it has shaped her understanding of emotional availability. Malisa opens up about her experiences with loss, including the passing of her parents and her child, and how these events have reshaped her perspective on vulnerability and connection. Reena and Malisa dive deep into authentic communication, the discomfort that often accompanies grief, and the necessity of allowing yourself to feel every emotion without judgment. They also talk honestly about the adjustments that come with major life changes how grief forces you to rebuild your sense of normal, and what that process actually looks like day to day. They discuss how societal expectations often lead to dismissive responses to grief, the importance of creating safe spaces for those who are mourning, and the power of vulnerability and community support. Sharing one's story, they explore, can be a healing act not just for the person grieving, but for everyone who hears it. 🎙️ WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE: Malisa's journey through grief and loss The impact of emotional availability on relationships Strategies for coping with loss and fostering connection The importance of authentic communication in healing How to support someone who is grieving Navigating the adjustments and changes that come with major life shifts The role of community and nourishment in the grieving process Navigating vulnerability and fear in conversations about grief 💭 MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM MALISA:"If we can't have an authentic conversation, I'd rather us just pass each other, not say a word.""The only shift really has become more of, like, yeah, me too.""I just want to connect with people. Whatever we're talking about, I want to connect.""I can't do anything that doesn't just give me light or is part of my life force." ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction to Malisa Hepner(05:15) Malisa's experiences with loss and grief(15:30) The importance of vulnerability in communication(25:00) How to support someone in mourning(35:45) The healing power of sharing stories(45:00) Reena's reflections on grief and connection 🔗 CONNECT WITH MALISA HEPNER:Instagram | Linktree 🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram Join us for this enlightening conversation that reminds us of the power of connection, empathy, and the importance of sharing our stories in the face of tragedy.  

Reena goes on the other side of the mic and brings it back home. This one's a flip of the script. Robert Plank — podcaster, interviewer, and WordPress wizard who's sat across from over a thousand guests — turns the tables and interviews Reena on his own show. Then Wayne tunes in, weighs in, and Reena wraps it with a custom intro just for the Better Call Daddy family. The conversation covers what happens when you spend years behind the mic before you ever step in front of it: how early experiences in entertainment shaped Reena's approach to storytelling, why vulnerability is the through-line of every great interview, and what it actually takes to find your voice as a podcaster. Robert brings the craft perspective — Reena brings the heart — and Wayne brings the commentary only a dad can. 🎙 HOW THIS EPISODE WORKS:Robert Plank's show interviews Reena → Wayne listens and weighs in → Reena adds a custom BCD intro 🔑 WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:• What shaped Reena's storytelling instincts — and where the Better Call Daddy concept actually came from• Why vulnerability is the non-negotiable ingredient in any interview that sticks• Blending education with entertainment — lessons from 1,000+ interviews on Robert's end• How to research guests, find your voice, and actually connect with your audience• The evolution of Better Call Daddy — from concept to community• Networking, relationship-building, and why the conversations you have off-mic matter just as much ⏱ TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Reena's custom intro for the BCD audience(05:15) Robert's background and how he got to 1,000+ interviews(15:30) Making podcasts fun without sacrificing substance(25:00) Reena's time in entertainment and what it taught her(35:45) Practical advice for aspiring podcasters(45:00) Wayne weighs in — dad's take on the whole thing 🔗 CONNECT WITH ROBERT PLANK:https://robertplank.com/ 🔗 CONNECT WITH REENA FRIEDMAN WATTS:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

What happens when everything you've been taught to believe is built on fear? In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts sits down with cult survivor Ryan Anthony Hernandez, host of the Truth That Heals podcast, to discuss his journey out of a controlling religious community and into a life of freedom, healing, and self-discovery. Ryan shares what it was like growing up in a high-control religious environment where questioning authority came at a cost. He opens up about the promises of belonging, purpose, and certainty that initially drew him in, as well as the manipulation, fear, and emotional consequences that followed. Together, Reena and Ryan explore religious trauma, faith deconstruction, identity reconstruction, and the courage it takes to leave behind everything you've ever known. Ryan reveals how storytelling became an essential part of his healing process and how he's learning to trust himself after years of conditioning. The conversation also dives into relationships after trauma, redefining spirituality, and the search for authentic love and connection. With thoughtful insights from Reena's dad, the discussion highlights the importance of loyalty, self-worth, and living in alignment with your truth. Whether you've experienced religious trauma, left a high-control group, questioned your beliefs, or are simply searching for deeper authenticity, this episode offers hope, perspective, and healing. "Leaving a cult is a lot like leaving a religion. You're taught fear before freedom." — Ryan Anthony Hernandez In this episode:• Ryan's experience growing up in a cult-like religious environment• The psychology of indoctrination and fear-based control• What it takes to leave a cult and rebuild your identity• Healing from religious trauma and spiritual abuse• Reclaiming your voice after years of conditioning• Faith, deconstruction, and redefining your relationship with God• Dating, relationships, and vulnerability after trauma• Why storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for healing Keywords: cult survivor, religious trauma, spiritual abuse, healing from a cult, faith deconstruction, identity reconstruction, personal growth, self-discovery, emotional healing, truth that heals, overcoming fear, cult recovery, trauma recovery, spirituality, freedom from control, Better Call Daddy podcast.   Connect with Ryan Anthony https://www.facebook.com/ryan.anthony.hernandez.2025 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-anthony-h-b209b7174/ https://www.youtube.com/@TheTruthThatHealsPodcast

What happens when Kentucky roots, a life in radio, and a passion for understanding people come together through the power of voice? In this down-to-earth episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reconnects with Jonathan Mertz host of It’s Your Break for a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and what it truly means to use your voice with purpose. From Kentucky roots to radio beginnings, Jonathan shares how his journey has taken him through IT, consulting, voice work, and even working in a jail each chapter shaping how he sees people and the stories they carry. “There’s power in speaking and even more power in learning to understand people.” Jonathan opens up about fatherhood, mentorship, weight loss, knee surgery, and the uncomfortable seasons that force growth. He reflects on his late grandmother’s influence, the importance of education, and how family continues to ground his creative path. The conversation also explores his wife’s experience discovering her biological father later in life, highlighting themes of identity, connection, and healing through truth. Reena and Jonathan dive into the art of voice acting, podcasting, and storytelling discussing how tone, presence, and authenticity shape the way we connect with others. This episode is a reminder that every voice carries weight and every story has the power to change how we understand one another. 🔑 Episode Keywords Better Call Daddy, Family Relationships, Parenting Advice, Generational Trauma, Jewish Culture, Personal Development, Emotional Healing, Forgiveness, Life Lessons, Family Dynamics, Bar Mitzvah, Motherhood, Storytelling, Self-Discovery, Legacy Building, Communication Skills, Relationship Building, Healing Through Art, Navigating Divorce, Childhood Memories 🎙️ In This Episode: Kentucky roots and early radio beginnings Reinvention through IT, consulting, and voice work Lessons learned from working in a jail Fatherhood, mentorship, and personal growth Family legacy and his grandmother’s influence Identity, adoption, and reconnecting with family The craft of voice acting and storytelling Why discomfort leads to growth ⏱️ Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy (05:15) From radio to reinvention (15:30) Working in a jail & understanding people (25:00) Fatherhood and family influence (35:45) Identity, connection & discovery (45:00) Voice acting, creativity & storytelling If you’ve ever wondered how your voice, your story, and your experiences connect you’ll feel right at home in this conversation. Connect with Jonathan  https://itsyourbreak.com/   Connect with Reena https://www.youtube.com/c/bettercalldaddy https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/ instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts  

What does it really take to be a high achiever without losing yourself in the process? “Feel your feelings and embrace your journey.” — Victoria O. Makanjuola "I want to be independent, I want to do things on my own. I kind of want to figure things out."   In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts welcomes the inspiring Victoria Makanjuola, a Gen Z podcaster and high achiever, to discuss creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Victoria shares her journey of growing up influenced by her father's love for music and education, which shaped her unique perspective on success. As a proud graduate of USC, she reflects on the challenges of pursuing her dreams, including earning two master's degrees and delivering a commencement speech alongside industry legends. “I want to bridge the gap between mental resilience and high achievement.” — Victoria The conversation dives deep into the importance of vulnerability, the impact of generational differences in relationships, and how curiosity fuels Victoria’s podcast, “Feel Your Feelingz.” With a focus on mental health, she emphasizes the significance of connecting with others and sharing experiences as a means of growth. Reena and Victoria also touch on the nuances of being an introvert in a world that often values extroversion, the beauty of creativity, and the lessons learned from navigating life’s transitions. This episode is a celebration of self-discovery, community, and the journey of embracing one’s true self amidst the pressures of society.In This Episode: - Victoria’s journey from student to podcaster- The influence of family and culture on personal growth- Exploring the intersection of mental health and achievement- Understanding generational differences in relationships- The importance of vulnerability and community support- Creative expression as a tool for healing- Navigating life transitions and finding independence- Building a platform for high achievers Episode Highlights:- (00:00) Welcome to Better Call Daddy(05:15) Victoria’s background and influence of her father(15:30) The journey to earning two master’s degrees(25:00) Embracing vulnerability in creative spaces(35:45) Generational differences in dating and relationships(45:00) The power of community and connection If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations or sought to understand your identity in a fast-paced world, this episode will resonate with you. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the importance of feeling your feelings and pursuing your passions. Connect with Victoria https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-o-makanjuola/ https://www.instagram.com/astoldbyvictoria_/ https://www.instagram.com/fyfzpod_/ Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube