This week we're having a heart-to-heart chat with doula, Brandi Jordan, and her partner, Michael. We explore how to be the best partner for your partner, supporting them through pregnancy, and we even debunk some common misconceptions about childbirth. We also get real about the unique challenges of raising interracial children and the unfortunate bias black women face in the healthcare system. But don't worry, it's not all serious stuff – we also get to some of your listener questions and Brandi shares her expert doula advice. This one is for all of the parents and parents-to-be. I hope you enjoy!   Love iskra and Philip Xoxo   Follow Brandi on IG @brandi_jordan_official

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about your parenting skills? Well today we're sitting down with parenting expert, Dr. Aliza Pressman, who shares her wisdom and insights on the journey of raising children. We explore the challenges that come with it, how to become a better parent, and bust some common myths surrounding parenting styles.   Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and help you feel more confident in your parenting journey. I hope you learn as much as we did!   Produced by Dear Media

It's not that I want to change my partner, but I've been trying to figure out how to get him to do things I want him to do. For a long time, I couldn't find a way that worked; the timing was wrong, my approach was incorrect, and I just came across as bossy and demanding. So, I sat down with my partner, Philip, to get to the bottom of it. I feel like I'm always helping and doing things for our family as the homemaker, wifey, and mama, and even though Philip is helpful, there are times when I want to ask him to do something. In this episode, we dive in and hopefully, it will help you feel more balanced in your relationship and enable you to ask for what you need, too.   Sending so much love Iskra & Philip xoxo   For more of us follow @iskra & @philipapayne on TikTok and IG   Produced by Dear Media

On this episode we sit down with relationship / dating podcast royalty, Lindsey Metz, of We Met At Acme. We Dissect the 3 major red flags that she uses to test whether he’s someone to date, and we got to answer one of your audience questions that definitely shocked us all!   Then we tackle jealousy and the mindset it takes to really take dating to the next level - it’s a good one hope you enjoy it and we’ll be back next Friday.   Love iskra and Philip Xoxo For more of Lindsey Metz follow @wemetatacme @lindzmetz on IG You can find me @iskra and @philipapayne on TikTok & IG   Produced by Dear Media

It’s unrealistic to think you’ll go through any relationship without jealousy existing or impacting how you feel, but there are ways to make it productive. In today's episode we share personal anecdotes (honestly I cringe that I share this story) that made jealous moments actually bring us closer together.   Because it’s BS to think a jealous moment is enough to break up a relationship - you just have to know how to react and move forward. And in this episode that’s exactly what we aim to do, give you the tools to navigate jealousy productively and save your relationships from breaking point to growth.   For more of us follow @iskra @philipayne on IG and TikTok   See you next week!  xoxo   Produced by Dear Media

This episode is so fun. Joslyn is a friend of mine and an actual ball of sunshine, and it was so wonderful getting to go deeper and learn how committing to their church, taking pre-marriage counseling and the importance of communication has made it possible for them to start a super successful home flipping business with over 13 projects in just a few short years - all while they film the whole process on YouTube so we can try do it too.    I know you’ll be smiling through the whole episode and maybe even laugh as hard as I did.   For more of Joslyn on IG @joslyndavis and YouTube @MissJoslynDavis, And Chris on IG @chrisrisi   And you can follow me Iskra on IG, TikTok and YouTube @iskra and Philip on IG and TikTok @philipapyane   We hope you’re having a great week sending all our love Iskra and Philip xoxo   Produced by Dear Media

For most people finding out you’re pregnant with someone you just met (on a trip to Costa Rica) would scare the crap out of you. But what if you were so aligned with your soul that you trusted your heart and knew they were your person and that this is exactly how it was meant to happen?   In this episode Mel and Sean share their very “unconventional” love at first sight story, how to fall in love with yourself first so you’re ready for earth-shattering love and how they both healed from previous relationships and divorce.   As well as sharing how they supported each other through an unexpected premature pregnancy and over 2 months in NICU with their baby, Skye.   This conversation is for you if you need to believe in the magic of love or if you’re already there and want to unapologetically share it with the world like Mel and Sean.   These two are truly an entrepreneurial power couple. Mel has two highly acclaimed books, created The Goddess Collective with an online membership and retreats all over the world and her own highly successful podcast, Love, Sex & Magic.   Sean is the founder of Meet Pitsy, a natural deodorant, and actor who also creates conscious parenting content that’s so needed!   You can follow Sean on IG: @seanjenkinz And Mel on IG: @iammelwells   For more of us on TikTok and IG you can follow @iskra and @philipapayne   Thank you for checking in with us every week we love connecting with you   Iskra and Philip xoxo   Produced by Dear Media

After the recent news of Twitch’s passing our hearts break for his family and wife, Allison Holker, and it made us double take and realize we haven’t had an open conversation about depression publicly and there felt like no better time to really check in - especially when Philip has started to come to terms with his own feelings of depression and how we are working through it as a team, because far too often we put on a brave face or we avoid discussing it completely.   But on Coupelish we check in and we hope we can inspire you to too!   If you are struggling with your mental health you are not alone. It’s ok to not be ok. You are still worthy of love, and if you need help and support ask for it or call 800-783-0607   For more of us follow @iskra @philipayne on TikTok and IG   See you here same place next week, we love you.. Iskra and Philip xoxo   Produced by Dear Media

From fun on weekdays as friends to living together and becoming dog parents, Jenna and Connor know how to have a good time but are also entrepreneurs building powerful brands that they’re passionate about.   We loved getting to know how Connor's experience on the Hannah Browns season of The Bachelor impacted his perspective on love and how Jenna had to navigate falling in love with the world watching.   If you haven’t seen them online before - they are TikTok stars who keep it real and share their everyday relatable moments as well as sharing Connor’s success with his hydration supplement business, Water Boy, and Jenna’s podcast and merch for Fun on Weekdays. Oh, and she throws amazing irl events in Austin, Texas too!   Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the episode. We love reading your reviews :)   See you same time next Friday, love Iskra and P   You can find Jenna on TikTok and IG @jennapalek and Connor on IG @consaelaway & @connorsaeli on TikTok   For more of us follow @iskra and @philipapayne on IG & TikTok   Produced by Dear Media

I hope you share this episode with everyone who may need to hear it because mental health and eating disorders do not discriminate and even if you haven’t experienced it first hand I’m sure someone you know has or is and doesn’t feel able to open up about it.   Because of my own experience with disordered eating and body dysmorphia I really wanted an expert to come on and have an insightful discussion to reply help navigate how you can show up, support or if you’re experiencing an ED ask and get help. So we invited Dr Sam Decaro onto the pod today and she shared so much wisdom and provides tools and tips that really can help so much.   I hope this episode provides support but if you need more help please visit www.neda.org for free online support and resources.   And just know you’re always enough, sending big hugs xoxo   You can find Dr Sam Decaro on IG @dr.samdecaro and on TikTok @renfrewcenter   If you want more of iskra and Philip find them on IG and TikTok @iskra @philipapayne   Produced by Dear Media

I’m fangirling hard that we have Victoria, host of the Real Pod, and her hubby Max on to talk about newlywed life, how they worked together to support their mental health, athletic careers and creating a life together that’s imperfectly real af.   I knew I was going to love this conversation and I know you will too, but seriously - I feel like I relate to Vic so much from her eating disorder and social media realness, while Philip and Max both connected on sharing these intense athletic careers that ended not by their choosing and trying to figure out who they are without sport and what to do next.   I can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode leave us a review. We read em all!   You can find Victoria every week hosting the Real Pod, on IG & TikTok @victoriabrowne and Max on IG @maxbrowne TikTok @brownemax   And for more of us follow @iskra & @philipapayne on TikTok and IG :)   See you next Friday xoxo   Produced by Dear Media

This episode is dedicated to all fertility warriors - you are not alone. We hope this conversion with TikTok sensations, Demi & Tom, gives you hope and support if you are navigating IVF, PCOS, MS or miscarriage.   And even if you aren’t going through any of the above, these conversations are so needed and we are so grateful for how vulnerable and open Demi & Tom are with us and how they show up online.   There are some really powerful takeaways in today's show that we know can help shed a light on something that’s so common but often shrouded in shame to discuss, as well as insight into how these two teachers from Pittsburgh built a huge TikTok following in less than 2 years and some updates they haven’t even shared publicly yet!   Thank you for listening would love to know your feedback and reviews mean the world to us we read every single one and are so grateful for all your support.   You can find Demi & Tom on IG @demischweers @Tom.schweers and TikTok @demiandtom   And for more of your hosts you can find us on TikTok and IG @iskra and @philipapayne   Produced by Dear Media

On this episode of Coupleish we're talking all about how having set expectations before a relationship can get in the way of your own happiness.   We also give a listener advice on what to do if you feel like your partner just isn't taking the relationship seriously enough. You can submit your very own question at www.speakpipe.com/coupleish   For more of us follow @iskra and @philipapayne on IG   Produced by Dear Media

Want to know how to date men or how to date women? Today's episode is for you. We bring on Violetta Benson whose been studying the art of dating for years, and interviews countless experts on her own podcast, Almost Adulting, and shared hilarious relationship and sex memes on her IG, Daddy Issues.   You’re going to hear why it can be so hard to date or find a compatible partner, and learn the tips, tricks and tools to recognize red flags, communicate to save your relationship and identify a partner who's actually going to be good for you.   And if you want more from Violetta you can listen to her podcast, tune into her live show “Hey Besties” on Spotify, and follow her on IG @violetbenson @daddyissues_ and @almostadulting   If you’re not following Philip and Iskra they are on IG & TikTok @iskra & @philipapayne   Thanks so much for listening we really appreciate your downloads, subscribes and reviews it means so so much!   See you next Friday xoxo   Produced by Dear Media

We are often told you have to sacrifice your career or slow down to make room for a relationship and that it’s impossible to balance both (queue Hollywood movies showing unhappy, unfulfilled couples that work too hard and don’t have enough time for their relationships).   Honestly I think it can be challenging… BUT, what if you find your person, and they are equally ambitious and can actually help support you and your career? Well, get ready to meet a couple that has done just that.   Nichole is a fashion designer with her own label as well as a creative director, author and motivational speaker. Tony Robinson, aka The Closer (find out what that’s all about in this episode), transferred his success in real estate into creating powerful, wealth-generating courses for all called Rona Proof. He’s challenging the concept that only wealthy people can get into real estate, and Nichole is showing Black women that they can be their own boss and create the brand of their dreams.   I hope you’re as inspired by their love story and the way they support one another's thriving businesses and ambitions in a non competitive loving way.   You can find Nichole at @nicholelynel on IG/Tiktok, her brand at @nlthelabel, and her shop at @shopnicholelynel   Tony is on IG at @tonythecloser_ @ronaproof and Tiktok at @tonythecloserofficial   Produced by Dear Media

Get ready for all the feels! We are so grateful that Scheana and her new husband, Brock, were willing to get so vulnerable with us. Maybe it’s because they’re used to having the whole world watch them on Vanderpump rules - but we actually feel like they know this conversation could help others not think love, relationships and parenthood has to be perfect.   The highlight of this episode is when Scheana admits sometimes she doesn’t feel like a good enough Mom and that had Iskra tearing up because it’s so relatable and yet there’s so much shame around saying it.   Excited for you to listen and let us know in the reviews your thoughts!   Check out Scheana's podcast and follow @Scheana & @brock__davies for more Scheananigans.   Thank you so much for downloading, your support means the world - for more of us follow @iskra and @philipapayne on IG and TikTok.   Produced by Dear Media

Our first ever Coupleish guests are our friends, Amber and Ethan, who met 9 years ago on the first season of MTV's “Are You The One?”. Then, Ethan surprised Amber on the reunion show by proposing, and fast forward - they now have two beautiful daughters and live here in Austin, Texas. We are so grateful to know them because they truly are the most kind, loving family and we can’t wait to share this episode with you. We not only talk about the reality of reality TV and the manipulative ways they produce and edit the show, but the near death experience that changed Ethan’s life and how they raise their daughters to respect and cherish their Taiwanese and American heritage. You can find Amber, Ethan and their adorable family on IG https://www.instagram.com/amberleediamond/ https://www.instagram.com/ethan.g.diamond/ And follow for more of our couples content on TikTok + IG @iskra & @philipapayne Can’t wait to hear what you think of the episode, see you next week! And if you have a burning question or a jaw dropping confessional you’d like to keep anonymous drop us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/coupleish   Produced by Dear Media

This is a fun one because we do not agree (which is ironic seeing that it’s all about how to win a fight). You’re going to have to listen to actually hear what we think, but let’s just say I’m all about deescalating and being a team player - BVE - big Virgo energy. But seriously, we feel like in previous relationships neither of us knew how to fight, disagree and resolve, but we worked on it and we wanna share with you what's been working!   Oh and we have a WILD confessional question for one of you we will be answering at the end of the episode, so stay tuned and you can submit yours at www.speakpipe.com/coupleish   For more of us follow @iskra and @philipapayne on IG   Produced by Dear Media

How it all began in 2018 on a magical night, aka the Grammys, when she wore a sparkly outfit and Philip found Iskra after having a crush for 5 years. Little did she know that crush would turn into a relationship and only 2 years later - a baby.    But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There’s an Ex, long distance and a lot of outside opinions that could have ended this love story before it even began.   So if you’ve followed them for years or never heard of Iskra and Philip this is the place to start to get to hear their story - in the first ever episode of Coupleish where we love love and check in with each other weekly.   So happy you’re here - for more of us follow @iskra and @philipapayne on IG    Produced by Dear Media

Check out Dear Media's new show, Coupleish, hosted by Iskra Lawrence and Philip Payne - Coming October 14th!   Coupleish is your invitation to check in with your partner or ask yourself if you’re fulfilled in your relationship in a judgment-free zone where no question is off limits. We know there’s no rulebook to relationships, but we’re here to dish out those tips and tricks to help you become real life relationship goals. We’ll be bringing on your favorite celebs, experts and guests to deep dive and figure out what being a couple actually means. Don’t wait until it’s too late - listen weekly and make it cool to give af about your relationship, or finally find your power to walk away because you deserve better. Leave us a voicemail, comment your question and tune in to hear us answering all your “I can’t believe they said that” moments.   Produced by Dear Media