🎙️ Born to the Game — Jessica & Justin Johnson of The Serving Spoon

Legacy, Community & Carrying Forward an Inglewood Institution

What does it mean to inherit more than a family business — to inherit a cultural landmark that an entire city calls home?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Jessica Bane and Justin Johnson, owners of the legendary Serving Spoon in Inglewood, share the incredible story behind one of Los Angeles’ most beloved soul food restaurants and the responsibility that comes with carrying on a multi-generational legacy.

Founded by their grandfather Harold E. Sparks and later run by their parents Angie and JC Johnson, The Serving Spoon became far more than a restaurant. It became a gathering place for athletes, entertainers, politicians, families, and generations of Angelenos looking for comfort, community, and home.

Jessica and Justin open up about growing up inside the restaurant, the realities of taking over a family business, navigating pressure and sacrifice, surviving COVID, and preserving the soul of Inglewood during a time of rapid change and gentrification.

From stories about celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Magic Johnson, and Mike Woodson stopping by “the Spoon,” to emotional reflections on community support during the pandemic, this conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about business — it’s about people.

🔑 In This Episode:

The origin story behind The Serving Spoon in Inglewood
How their grandfather built the restaurant with family recipes from Ohio
Growing up inside one of LA’s most iconic Black-owned restaurants
The emotional moment they realized the restaurant belonged to the community
How COVID nearly forced the restaurant to close
The GoFundMe campaign that saved the Spoon during the pandemic
Stories about celebrities, athletes, politicians, and LA legends who became regulars
The realities and misconceptions of owning a restaurant
Balancing family dynamics while running a multi-generational business
Protecting culture and preserving legacy as Inglewood changes
Why hospitality, service, and community are at the center of everything they do

💬 Key Takeaway:

Legacy is bigger than ownership. When you serve your community with consistency, love, and authenticity, a business can become part of people’s lives for generations.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Kajun Russell

Legacy, Identity & Building Your Own Path Beyond the Game

What does it mean to grow up in the shadow of one of the NBA’s most intense eras—and still carve out your own identity beyond it?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Kajun Russell—entrepreneur, creative, and co-founder of Tuff Crowd—opens up about growing up as the daughter of former NBA player Bryon Russell and navigating a life shaped by basketball, discipline, and high expectations.

From childhood memories inside NBA arenas during some of the league’s most iconic moments, to building her own brand in fashion and entrepreneurship, Kajun shares a powerful perspective on identity, confidence, and what it really takes to step outside of legacy and define success on your own terms.

This is a candid, inspiring conversation about self-worth, creativity, resilience, and the reality of building something meaningful in a world where people often assume your path is already written for you.

🔑 In This Episode:

Growing up courtside during the NBA’s most competitive eras
When she realized her childhood wasn’t “normal”
The transition from NBA life to having her dad home full-time
Lessons on discipline, confidence, and self-worth from her parents
Navigating assumptions and proving yourself beyond your last name
Building Tuff Crowd and finding her creative identity
The realities of entrepreneurship—manufacturing, setbacks, and hustle
Why authenticity, boundaries, and staying true to yourself matter

💬 Key Takeaway:

You can be born into legacy—but your identity is something you build. Confidence, consistency, and staying true to yourself are what turn opportunity into purpose.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Lucky Rose Kyles

Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice Beyond Fame

What does it mean to grow up with one of the most recognizable comedians in the world—and still have to discover who you are beyond it?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Lucky Rose Kyles—founder of Pretty Lucky Lips and daughter of legendary comedian Cedric the Entertainer—opens up about growing up around fame without fully realizing it, and the journey of building confidence, identity, and independence on her own terms.

From navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college, to learning how to say no and stay grounded in who she is, Lucky shares a raw and refreshing perspective on what legacy really looks like from the inside.

This is an honest, uplifting conversation about identity, self-worth, creativity, and the courage to define success for yourself.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Growing up as Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter without realizing his global fame
• The moment she understood what legacy really meant
• Navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college
• The reality of being a “celebrity kid” vs. building real relationships
• Lessons on confidence, identity, and staying grounded
• How she built Pretty Lucky Lips and found her creative voice
• Why authenticity matters more than expectations
• Dating, independence, and trusting your intuition

💬 Key Takeaway:

Legacy doesn’t define you—how you choose to show up does. The most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — 1 Month In

The Grind, The Growth & The Vision | Season 2 Recap

What happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just go for it?

In this special recap episode of Born to the Game, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton take a step back to reflect on the first month of Season 2—what they’ve built, what they’ve learned, and what it really takes to turn an idea into something real.

From filming nearly 15 episodes in just a few weeks to creating a space where guests feel safe enough to open up, this conversation is an honest, unfiltered look behind the scenes of building a platform with purpose. They share the highs, the challenges, the exhaustion—and the moments that reminded them why they started.

This is a powerful conversation about taking action, trusting your instincts, embracing fear, and creating something that’s bigger than you.

🔑 In This Episode:

The reality of building Season 2 in real time
Filming 15 episodes in the first month and the response so far
Creating a safe space for guests to share their real stories
Why “doing it afraid” is better than waiting for the perfect moment
Lessons learned from guests about purpose, action, and identity
Breaking misconceptions about legacy and “nepo babies”
The importance of gratitude, discipline, and work ethic
Balancing growth, creativity, and real life behind the scenes

💬 Key Takeaway:
There is no perfect time to start. The only way to know what’s possible is to take the leap—and build as you go.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Deborah Joy Winans

Faith, Legacy & Choosing Your Own Path | The Winans Family Story

What does it mean to come from one of the most influential families in gospel history—and still carve your own identity?

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, Deborah Joy Winans—actress (Greenleaf), storyteller, and daughter of gospel legend Carvin Winans—opens up about growing up inside the iconic Winans dynasty and the pressure, purpose, and responsibility that comes with legacy.

From being raised in a family rooted in faith and music, to boldly choosing acting over tradition, Deborah Joy shares how she found her voice, navigated expectations, and stepped into her own calling—without losing the foundation that shaped her.

This is a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to honor legacy while becoming your own person.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Growing up in the legendary Winans family and gospel music dynasty
• The pressure and responsibility of carrying a powerful legacy
• Choosing acting over music—and breaking family expectations
• The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and rejection
• Behind the scenes of landing Greenleaf and working with Oprah
• Balancing personal identity with family legacy
• What it truly means to “choose joy” in life’s hardest moments

💬 Key Takeaway:
Legacy isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you define. And sometimes, honoring where you come from means having the courage to go your own way.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Kylee Evans (Recap Episode)
Presence, Storytelling & Being “Up Next”

What happens when raw talent meets authenticity, presence, and purpose?

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton reflect on their unforgettable conversation with Kylee Evans—an emerging creative force whose storytelling, energy, and vision left a lasting impression.

From her natural charisma and multidimensional creativity to her deep sense of presence and connection, Kylee embodies what it means to step into your own lane while honoring legacy. The hosts unpack the moments that stood out most—from hilarious impressions and pop culture stories to powerful insights on vulnerability, confidence, and chasing your dreams.

More than just a recap, this episode is a celebration of a young Black woman rising in the entertainment industry—and a reminder that greatness often reveals itself early.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why Kylee Evans feels like an “old soul” with next-gen talent
• The power of storytelling and authentic self-expression
• Lessons on presence, connection, and being fully in the moment
• Funny, unfiltered moments that made this episode unforgettable
• Why Kylee is “up next” in film and television
• Inspiration for women pursuing careers in entertainment

✨ Whether you’re an aspiring creative, storyteller, or simply someone navigating identity and purpose—this conversation will leave you inspired to show up fully and have fun along the way.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Larry Drew Jr.

Pressure, Identity & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Larry Drew II.—former NBA Player, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Basketball National Champion, and son of longtime NBA coach Larry Drew Sr.—to unpack what it really means to grow up in the game.

From courtside childhood memories with legends like Kobe Bryant to navigating the expectations that come with a name, Larry shares a deeply honest story about identity, pressure, and redefining success on his own terms.

We talk about:

• Growing up in the NBA and realizing your life isn’t “normal”
• The pressure of carrying a legacy—and having the same name as your father
• Being a top recruit and the reality behind college basketball politics
• Winning a national championship… and not feeling fulfilled
• Injuries, mental health, and the hidden struggles athletes face
• Using creativity, music, and wellness as outlets for self-expression
• Transitioning out of basketball and building a new purpose as an entrepreneur

Larry opens up about the moment he realized basketball wouldn’t define his entire life—and how he began rebuilding his identity through self-awareness, creativity, and connection.

This episode is about more than sports—it’s about evolving when your dream changes, finding peace in that transition, and learning how to create a new vision for your life.

💡 Key takeaway: Know your game. Know your people. And don’t be afraid to dream a new dream.

🎧 Tap in for one of our most honest and introspective conversations yet.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — KyLee Evans Recap

Storytelling, Presence & What It Means to Be “Up Next”

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, we reflect on our powerful and joy-filled conversation with KyLee Evans—a rising creative force with a voice, vision, and presence far beyond her years.

From the moment KyLee sat down with us, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Her energy is magnetic, her storytelling is effortless, and her perspective is both grounded and inspiring. In this episode, we break down what made her conversation so special—from laugh-out-loud moments to deeper reflections on purpose, creativity, and what it means to truly be present.

We talk about:

• KyLee’s natural gift for storytelling and creative expression
• The importance of staying present and finding joy in everyday moments
• Her journey as a young Black woman stepping into the film and television industry
• Why we believe she’s next up as a director and creative leader
• The impact of representation and inspiring the next generation

We also revisit some unforgettable highlights—from hilarious impressions to iconic pop culture moments—and reflect on the deeper lessons KyLee left us with: have fun, stay grounded, and don’t be afraid to take up space.

KyLee Evans is more than talented—she’s multidimensional. And if this episode is any indication, her future is limitless.

🎧 If you haven’t already, make sure to check out KyLee’s full episode to hear her story firsthand

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