Born To The Game Podcast

Are you really okay? You can show up for work, take care of your family, meet everyone's expectations, and still be struggling on the inside. So how do you recognize when something isn't right? And how do you start taking care of your mental health when you're just trying to get through the day? In this special episode of Born to the Game: Where Legacy Speaks, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton sit down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Miral Malik for an honest, practical conversation about mental health, anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and the pressures we carry. Together, they explore: Recognizing the signs: How changes in sleep, mood, energy, and behavior can signal that something isn't right. Managing pressure and expectations: How social media, family, and the need to succeed influence how we see ourselves. Separating identity from achievement: Why your accomplishments don't define your worth. Learning to ask for help: How to take the first step, even without access to therapy or a strong support system. Protecting your mental health: Simple daily practices that can make a difference. Navigating difficult relationships: Recognizing when friendships and romantic relationships are affecting your well-being. Breaking free from inherited expectations: Honoring where you come from without letting it determine who you become. Dr. Malik also shares a powerful reminder: Our thoughts are not necessarily facts. Sometimes changing the way we speak to ourselves can change how we experience the world around us. Whether you're navigating anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, questioning your identity, or simply trying to find balance, this conversation offers practical tools and a reminder that you don't have to figure everything out alone. Connect with Dr. Miral Malik: https://www.lanserwestmanpsych.com/drmalik Instagram: @dr.miralmalik About Born to the Game: Hosted by Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton, Born to the Game: Where Legacy Speaks explores the intersection of family, legacy, identity, and the experiences that shape who we become. Follow and subscribe to Born to the Game for more authentic conversations about life, family, identity, and everything beyond the game. Mental Health Resources: This episode discusses mental health challenges and emotional distress. If you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Outside the U.S., contact your local crisis support service or emergency services. This conversation is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your dad is a two-time World Series champion, but his most memorable advice has nothing to do with baseball? Actress Raquel Justice, daughter of MLB legend David Justice, joins Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton on Born to the Game to talk about growing up with a famous last name, finding her own identity, and the unexpected lessons that shaped her confidence. From her father's hilarious dating advice — "Men are purses" — to navigating heartbreak, therapy, and the pressure of being labeled a "nepo baby," Raquel opens up about learning to know her worth without needing anyone else's approval. She also takes us behind the scenes of Dexter: Original Sin, explains why she initially kept her famous father away from set, and shares what it really takes to build an acting career when people already think they know your story. Plus, David Justice himself makes a surprise appearance, and Raquel reveals why her grandmother's influence may be the most important legacy she's inherited. In this episode: David Justice's unforgettable dating advice and the three types of people in your life The truth about nepotism and proving yourself in Hollywood Raquel's journey from child actress to Dexter: Original Sin Heartbreak, therapy, and overcoming people-pleasing Celebrity privacy, social media, and the pressure to share everything How family, culture, and her grandmother shaped her identity Why building a meaningful legacy matters more than fame Because being born into a legacy doesn't mean you can't create your own. Born to the Game is produced by ARCA Media Group in collaboration with Inflection Network and distributed through iHeartMedia. Follow Born to the Game for more honest conversations about family, identity, pressure, and the people behind famous names. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if some of the hardest lessons in life could have been avoided if someone had simply talked to us about them sooner? This week Mariah and Temara get honest about the things they wish they understood earlier — from knowing when to speak up and when to stop explaining yourself, to setting boundaries, letting go of people who no longer align with you, and resisting the urge to fix or change the people you love. They unpack why constantly trying to be understood can sometimes weaken your position, why “falling for potential” can keep you stuck in the wrong relationships, and how self-respect sometimes means accepting people exactly where they are — and continuing your journey without them. This conversation explores relationships, identity, confidence, people-pleasing, therapy, boundaries, self-worth, and the wisdom that often only comes with experience. What’s one thing you wish you had learned sooner? Tune in to Born to the Game for honest conversations about identity, relationships, family, pressure, mental wellness, and navigating life when the path isn’t always as simple as it looks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tera Crews knows what it's like to inherit a legendary name — and still have to prove you belong outside of it. In this episode of Born to the Game, Tera, daughter of Terry Crews, opens up about growing up Crews, from being on set for White Chicks and Everybody Hates Chris to getting trampled by fans and feeling hyper-aware any time her dad gets recognized. She talks about what it was really like having a famous father who was quiet at home, often away filming like a military dad, and the best advice he ever gave her: don't put yourself in a position where you're already defeated. Tera also gets candid about building her own lane in LA nightlife, from promoting at The Reserve to launching her brand What's the Tee?, learning to spot posers, advocating for women DJs, and why having her money in order mattered more than connections. She shares her honest journey with body image, gastric bypass, liposuction and GLP-1s, body dysmorphia, growing up in a predominantly white area, and letting go of good hair pressure, plus hot takes on nepo babies, privilege, and why LA nightlife is more about being seen than having fun. This is a conversation about identity, pressure, family, purpose and learning how to honor where you come from without letting it define who you become. Subscribe for more conversations about family, identity, pressure, purpose and the truth behind legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Osborne Jr. knows what it’s like to inherit a legendary name — and still feel the need to prove you belong. In this episode of Born to the Game, Jeffrey opens up about growing up as the son of R&B icon Jeffrey Osborne, why he often introduces himself simply as “Jeff,” and the complicated truth about having a famous parent while trying to build an identity and career of your own. He also gets candid about whether R&B was better in the ’80s and ’90s, why connections can sometimes matter more than talent in today’s music industry, and his journey from college basketball to making music. From growing up around Lakers games, Magic Johnson and Johnny Gill to discovering his own purpose through self-mastery, fatherhood and creativity, Jeffrey reflects on the lessons his parents gave him and the legacy he wants to pass on to his own children. He also shares his approach to being a present father, the simple “seven-minute” parenting practice he uses with his kids, his passion for filmmaking and flute-making, and what’s ahead as he prepares to release new music — including “Exposure.” This is a conversation about identity, pressure, purpose, family and learning how to honor where you come from without letting it define who you become. Born to the Game is produced by ARCA Media Group in collaboration with Inflection Network and distributed through iHeartMedia. Subscribe for more conversations about family, identity, pressure, purpose and the truth behind legacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.