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His Side S01e10 – Deflection – The Tool for Dodging Difficult Conversations

In this insightful episode of HisSide on the StrongHome Network, host Jeff Reed gets into a topic that often goes unspoken—deflection—with licensed therapist, Lawrence Franklin and producer, JayCee Slade. Together, they explore what deflection really is, why it’s often used, and how it can sometimes be a man’s way of navigating conversations when honesty feels unsafe or challenging.

They break down why deflection can become a go-to tool for avoiding uncomfortable topics, shifting the focus away from personal vulnerability, and protecting emotions in the heat of a tough discussion. Jeff, Lawrence, and JayCee give real-life examples and insights into why many men feel they aren’t allowed to be fully open and honest in conversations, and how this can lead to creative “escape routes” like deflection.

Join the conversation to learn about the subtle art of deflection and its effects on communication and relationships. Remember to like, follow, and subscribe to the StrongHome Network for more episodes of HisSide and other powerful content!

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His Side S01E11 – Reimagining Holiday Service: A Man’s Role in Giving

The holidays are often a season of giving, but for many families, the weight of serving falls disproportionately on women. From preparing meals to decorating the house, hosting guests, and managing the holiday chaos, women are expected to give endlessly while men often take a backseat, simply receiving.

In this eye-opening episode of *HisSide* on the StrongHome Network, host Jeff Reed and guest Dr. Jason Plunkett challenge men to rethink what it means to serve during the holidays. They explore the true heart of service—not for accolades or tradition, but as an intentional act of love.

Drawing on the five love languages, they discuss why serving isn’t just about doing—it’s about the posture of your heart. They remind men that serving isn’t solely a woman’s responsibility and emphasize that real leadership often means stepping up to lighten the load in ways that might not come naturally. Whether it’s helping in the kitchen, leading with grace during family gatherings, or showing gratitude through action, this season offers the perfect opportunity for men to serve differently.

Dr. Plunkett and Jeff also unpack how childhood experiences and societal norms influence how we approach serving, often reinforcing unhealthy dynamics. But this year, it’s time to rewrite the script. What if men served their families and loved ones with humility and intention, modeling Christ-like love instead of passively observing?

This powerful conversation is a call to action for men to re-examine their role during the holidays and step into a new level of purpose, service, and leadership in their homes.

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#StrongHomeNetwork #HisSidePodcast #MensLeadership #HolidayService #LoveLanguages #FaithAndFamily #ServantsHeart #HealthyRelationships #HolidayGiving #IntentionalLiving

Start a new tradition this holiday season: Serve with a heart of love, not out of obligation. Like, comment, and share this episode to inspire others!

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Wounds In The Way | Role Battles: Masculinity, Femininity, and Modern Relationships S01e11

You won’t believe how real they get. On this episode of Wounds in the Way on the Stronghome Network, Apryl Jones, Melissa Reed, and relationship coach Danai Maraire break down the dynamics of femininity and masculinity in today’s relationships. Apryl shares her personal struggle of trying to embrace her femininity in a world that often forces women to lead with masculine energy. The panel doesn’t hold back—calling out the discomfort of women having to “step up” when men don’t, and touching on the awkwardness (and unattractiveness) of a man asking a woman on a date and expecting herto pay.

It’s raw, honest, and filled with the kind of insight that will have you reevaluating your own relationships. Catch the full episode and join the conversation.

Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more powerful content—and follow Stronghome Network on Instagram to stay in the loop.

sponsored by FASHION NOVA https://www.fashionnova.com/

#WoundsInTheWay #StronghomeNetwork #RelationshipGoals #MasculinityAndFemininity #BlackLove #DateNightEtiquette #RelationshipAdvice #SelfAwareness #PodcastVibes

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Wounds in the Way | The Maturity of Men with Mike Hill S01E09

In this compelling episode of Wounds in the Way on the StrongHome Network, hosts Apryl Jones and Melissa Reed sit down with special guest Actor and TV Personality, Mike Hill to tackle the journey of male maturity and the struggles that often come with it. Mike, known for his candid nature, opens up with full transparency about his own story—admitting he didn’t reach true maturity until he was over 40. He reflects deeply on his past relationships, including marriages to three wives, one of whom was supermodel Cynthia Bailey, and reveals how immaturity led to broken trust and infidelity.

As he shares how these challenges impacted his connection with his daughters and was almost the demise of their relationship, Mike describes a turning point in his life where he committed to making lasting, positive changes. He credits a portion of his personal growth and increasing faith to his spiritual connection with Apryl, who helped guide him to church and encouraged his journey toward a stronger relationship with God.

In this episode, they also take on the question: Should a man leave behind his female friends when he finds his wife? And should a woman do the same with her male friends when committed to a man? Tune in for an honest, heartfelt discussion that dives into real-life experiences, spiritual growth, and the journey toward authentic, lasting maturity.

🔥 Don’t miss this impactful conversation! Like, follow, and subscribe to the StrongHome Network to stay updated on more episodes of Wounds in the Way and other great content.

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Wounds in the way Podcast S01E08 Mental Health & Meditation

On this episode of Wounds in the Way, hosts Apryl Jones and Melissa Reed sit down with the legendary Gwendolyn Osborne—one of the most recognized faces from The Price Is Right and the fierce Amazon warrior in Wonder Woman 1984. Gwendolyn opens up about her very public, painful divorce from former NBA star Kenny Smith and how it tested her mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. She gets real about the impact it had on her mental health and how she found peace and healing through meditation and breathwork.

Discover how these practices helped Gwendolyn not only survive but thrive. She shares how meditation saved her sanity, and the importance of breathwork in regulating the body, minimizing anxiety, and focusing on overall wellness. Her story is a powerful testimony of strength, self-care, and growth.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s battles, this episode is for you. Tap in for an honest conversation about mental health in the Black community, the power of healing, and finding your inner peace.

Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to the StrongHome Network for more conversations that feed your soul. Hit that bell so you don’t miss the latest from Wounds in the Way.

#MentalHealth #BlackExcellence #DivorceHealing #GwendolynOsborne #NBAWives #Breathwork #MeditationJourney #AprylJones #MelissaReed #StrongHomeNetwork #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #WonderWoman1984 #MentalWellness #BlackHealing #KennySmith #WoundsInTheWay

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SHN: Deflection Danger Zone: Can Danai Help This Relationship? S01E11

Whew, get ready for some serious heat in today’s episode! 🌡️ Our resident relationship coach, Danai Mararie from the Black Marriage Movement, takes over the hosting duties on the StrongHome Network Podcast and puts your usual hosts, Jeff and Melissa Reed, on the hot seat 🔥. This week, we’re diving deep into deflection—how it sneaks into our conversations, messes with our relationships, and can lead to distrust, shutdowns, and stalled growth. Spoiler alert: things get real tense when Jeff’s impeccable deflection skills come to light, and let’s just say Melissa is not impressed. 😬

As Danai presses Jeff, Melissa’s frustration practically jumps off the screen! She tries to hold it together, but her expressions say it all, pleading with Danai to help her get through to Jeff. And then the twist: Danai actually takes Jeff’s side! 😱 What happens next? You’ll have to watch to find out!

So if you’ve ever had a “deflector” in your life, or maybe you’re one yourself, you won’t want to miss this one. Tune in for tips, insights, and let’s see if Melissa’s patience makes it through this episode!

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Her Side: Is Our Generation Commitment Adverse? s01e08

In this eye-opening episode of HerSide on the StrongHome Network, Relationship Coach Danai Mararie from The Black Marriage Movement, joins hosts Melissa Reed and Paulette Maxwell to tackle the question: Is our generation commitment-averse? Together, they uncover the complex dynamics of modern relationships, exploring why feminism might not be the answer to getting what you want and need from a man. Instead, they discuss the importance of staying in our lane as women and understanding the unique roles we play in relationships.

Want to know how to get a man to commit? This episode uncovers the best strategies and the positions women should take to yield the best results in their relationships. They also take a closer look at the surprising statistics showing that cohabiting before marriage may actually harm your chances of a lasting marriage—and explore why that is.

Don’t miss this candid and thought-provoking conversation! Make sure to watch, like, and subscribe to stay updated with more insights from HerSide. And be sure to follow us on Instagram @StrongHomeNetwork for more relationship tips and advice.

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The Heart to Heal

As we step into 2024, it’s an opportunity for renewal and growth. Reflecting on the challenges of 2023, which brought unexpected surgeries and emotional healing for both me and Jeff, we’ve emerged stronger. Now, we’re ready to face the new year with resilience and optimism. Alongside this personal growth, I’m thrilled to share that the StrongHome Network has launched a podcast series, offering resources to strengthen families. Let’s embrace this new year as a canvas for growth, where every challenge becomes an opportunity to thrive, learn, and improve together as a community.

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Commitment & Consistency

Four years, Fam! Can you believe it? The StrongHome Network is turning four, and if I am being incredibly transparent, most times it just feels like a whirlwind of paperwork, tax filings, relationship building, deal negotiating, juggling job titles, grant writing, damage control, preventative measures, and countless hours of figuring out new things. Seriously, it’s

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