You Gotta Love LOVE

In this week's episode, Elliot and Michele discuss what has effected 99% of the world-- Covid-19 Pandemic. They discuss the Pandemic is having on marriage and family based on what others are saying and even their own personal experiences.

In this week's episode Elliot and Michele talk about setting goals for the new year. They discuss ways to goal plan for your marriage, family, and individual self. They also share some ways in how they goal plan for themselves.

This is a dual episode with our brother podcast Life's GPS. We were fortunate to have Ken and Janice back on for a second show, but this time we focused on parenting and in their case parenting with adult children. It was a great episode with many ah-ha moments (as Oprah would say). In this episode we discusswhat a quality parent was to them when the kids were babies and now as grown menraising African-American boysraising boys to become menhow respect is maintained in the homeparenting adult childrenKen has a new children's book out titles "The Me That Needs To Be". You can purchase on Amazon.Janice is a interior, floral, and event designer. You can see her amazing her on her FB or IG page Janice Harvey Designs. You can also visit her website www.janiceharveydesigns.com for more information on how to work with her.

Hello everyone! Team Allen is back in the building and You Gotta Love LOVE podcast is back! We've missed you all! In today's episode we just kept it short and sweet to say hello and let you know what we are planning for Season 3. You Gotta Love LOVE Podcast is hosted by married couple Elliot and Michele Allen. It's a podcast meant to shine a light on love and share that marriage is alive and well. You can email any questions or feedback at yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.comYou can listen to current and past episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or directly on our website www.mentalconditioningmovement.com

In today's episode we answer a questions a podcast friend asked on his social media pages..."Why aren't marriages lasting like our grandparents generation?". Boy did he get some responses. So lets dig into this.

In this week's episode we had the pleasure to have on Christopher and Adrian Goodwin. They are such a dynamite couple that shared so much with us. We covered quite a few things includingHow did they meet?What was their mindset before even dating?Transitioning from friendship to datingWorking in the same careerHaving a successful blended familyTransitioning from dating to marriedAny difference in feelings once married?Dealing with the natural add-on's in lifeWhat the phrase "Ride or Die" means to them?Adrian's businesses:Jeweled Hair Lounge and Beauty Spa: IG @jeweledhairlounge; FB Jeweledhairlounge; Twitter @jeweledlounge; www.jeweledhairlounge.coMaster Negotiator www.adriansgoodwin.coChristopher's business:Goodwin & Grimes Private Investigations, LLC www.goodwinandgrimespi.comLinkedin: Christopher T. Goodwin

Who hasn't heard the phrase "Ride or Die?" at some point in life. The question is...what does that term really mean? You've got to know that we have our opinions and a different point of view to this phrase.

In today's episode we speak with the Rodney's about their experience with the entire family being diagnosed with Corona Virus and it's effect on the marriage and family. This interview is needed today. To hear from people that are living this. Please listen and share with others as we all are effected by the pandemic in some way. We thank Team Rodney for sharing their story with us and being transparent. We covered a few things including...Pre-diagnosis thoughts/beliefs about Covid-19SymptomsFear factorDay to Day experienceExplaining to the kids about Covid-19Recovery processHow Covid-19 effected their marriageAthenia's original podcast episode on You Gotta Love LOVE was Season 1 Episode 6 titled "How Friends Became More Than Friends"

Hey everyone! Join us today as we reminisce about our gown/tux wedding day on 5/6/2006. We also cover what our thinking was at that time in our young lives and the challenges of planning a wedding. Join us on this memory train.

Today's episode is something a little different. My wife and I have been dying for a vacation and lets be honest....after all this Covid-19 pandemic. Due to Covid-19 we won't be able to have our annual Family Fun Challenge as usual. So we decided to do something a bit different and challenged our kids to plan our family vacation for 2021. Whoever has the better presentation is the trip we will do next year in 2021. Today's episode is each of us presenting our trips. We also wanted to include you all, the listeners, to join us two ways on this challenge. First we encourage you to also to do a similar challenge with you family. Each of you come up with a family vacation for next year. Email us how that goes. Second we are asking you all to email which vacation presentation from our family do you think is best. We would love to hear your opinion. email: mentalconditioningmovement@gmail.com

Hoping you all are staying safe during this Corona Virus pandemic times. We are going to re-air a set of shows that originally aired a year ago that we think are relevant to what's going on today and to the added stressors onto our marriages and relationships. These are stressful times and I know many marriages are strained right now so we hope this Blesses someone today and give them a different way of thinking about their marriage or maybe even save their marriage. In today's solo episode, Elliot and Michele talk about how they choose to balance marriage and finances/careers. They both get transparent and let you into areas they are working on in their marriage.

In today's episode Michele and Elliot discuss a "What Would You Do?" letter and a study discuss the sexual peak of men and women.

Hello family! Elliot and I are hoping this episode reaches you and you're doing well. While we are going through this Corona Virus Pandemic and many states are on a quarantine (including out state of NY) we wanted to bring some sunshine to your day. This was something we found trending on the internet and enjoyed breaking it down. Let us know who your Champion group was. Can you guess who ours was?

In today's episode, we are airing the episode from my husband's podcast Life's GPS. We conclude our Millennial Men's Panel. These young men really came with some great perspective. We coveredAs a man what is femininity to you?What is masculinity?Gender rolesAre there "quality women" out here today?Social media and datingDealing with the independent of womenFinancial stability in relationshipsBeing "submissive"Thoughts on marriage today

In today's episode, we are airing the episode from Elliot's solo podcast Life's GPS. I finally am able to bring the men's millennial panel to complement the two part women's millennial panel that aired a couple weeks ago. All I can say it's another great episode with some amazing young men. We covered many topics includingWhat is a quality man?How important is appearance as a man?Are there any pressures from peers/family/society as a man?What's giving you that drive to stay focused?What's a quality woman?Maturity level of young men today

Hey guys! We can't believe it's been 1 full year (2/13/2020) that we have been podcasting and specifically podcasting this show. Amazing! Thank you all soooo much for rocking with us this past year. So much more to come. Stay tuned!In today's episode we talk aboutYGLL one year recap and lessons learnedCouples Night of Love Experience Feb 2020 recapList some things that can contribute to the breakdown in marriages

So today we continue with our female millennial panel conversation from last week. We light the fire even higher with part 2. Take a listen! We covered:How men respond to independent womenMale vs female maturity todayDating today with the invention of social mediaHow men deal with women making moneyMen executing or not executing their goalsThe idea of "submission"The idea of wanting to be married today

Today we continue with the male/female panels discussing relationships and life in today's society. For the next two episodes we will play a panel we had with younger women from the Millennial generation and their take on things. Some questions repeat from the first panels but it's eye opening to hear their take on the answer to these questions posed to them. What is a quality woman?Challenges with being a quality woman todayWhat makes a quality man?What is femininity?What makes a man masculine?Deciphering what a "bad boy" isDo men today show qualities of being a quality man?What is important to you in a relationship?How friends/family effect your dating life

In today's episode we had to take a moment and speak on the tragic untimely death of former NBA player Kobe Bryant, his 13 year old daughter Gigi and their friends in the helicopter crash from over the weekend. I think we can all agree this news hit us different. Let talk about it and try to process this devastation together. Our prayers go out to all the lives lost in this accident and to the living families left behind that will have to figure out how to continue living in honor of their loved ones.

In today's solo episode Michele and Elliot discuss how marriage is viewed and shown today vs past generations. They ask the question if people are even getting married anymore in today's world compared to 50 years ago.

In today's episode, we sit and talk with a couple that has over 30 years of marriage on their life's resume. Jeremiah and Verdel were such a treat to have on. Make sure to have you pen and paper ready because they drop some jewels today! We coveredHow the metMindset of dating while in high schoolComing from different family structuresBreaking up and getting back togetherJeremiah joining the militaryVerdel finishing up collegeBeing so young and getting marriedDealing with life add-on's to the marriageAdvice they gave us on preparing to become empty nestersYou can learn more about Verdel's online show Conversations with Verdel Jones by visiting her website www.verdeljones.com

In this week's Rewind for the holidays we chose to replay our most downloaded episode in YGLL podcast history! Take a listen! We enjoyed Dudley and Magdalina. Today we will hear an interview with Dudley and Magdalina Sylvain. This young couple has a great story/testimony as to how they became to be. So much so that Magdalina wrote a book titled "How I Lied My Way To The Altar...And Now I'm Happily Married". In this episode we spoke about....moving cities to find love and marriagehow Dudley and Magdalina metthe importance of self-evaluation and self-transformationthe challenge of celibacygetting pregnant soon after meetingknowing your worthmanifesting your visionthe "change" after getting marriedTo work with Magdalina or purchase a copy of her book visit her website: www.allwayzredd.com How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

Happy Holidays everyone! Today's episode is a rewind of one of our favorite couples we interviewed. These marriage veterans dropped many nuggets so make sure to take a few notes. In this episode we had a candid conversation with Former NFL Linebacker Ken Harvey and his amazing wife Janice Harvey. Full disclosure...these wonderful people are Michele's aunt and uncle. LOL!Some things we covered included...How they metTheir hilarious engagement storyBeing married to a professional athleteHave a trusted inner circle of married friendsLearning to fight/argue fairlyHandling this new season of being empty nestersMentioned in the episode: @kenharvey57 on InstagramJanice Harvey Designs- Janice's interior design and event design business @jhdesignsteam on IGStudio 2857- Janice's boutique with close friend Jewell Green @studio2857_decor on IGCorrection: our website is www.mentalconditioningmovement.com

In today's episode Michele and Elliot talk about the importance of "liking" your spouse and supporting your spouse. Words we don't usually hear often when speaking about what you want in a relationship.

In our first episode in the Informational series for Season 2, Elliot and Michele sit with NY state licensed realtor Yadlynd Cherubin-Eide and discuss the in's and outs of home ownership. These informational episodes are meant to educate. No one knows everything so these episodes are to help you learn. In this episode we covered:How and Why she became interested in real estateThe process of becoming a realtorHome buying processPre-approval processCredit ScoresReal Estate taxesDown payment amountsHome selling processShort SalesYou will find out Yadlynd has realtor connections in other states so if you're interested in buying/selling a home contact her. email: yadlynd@gmail.comwebsite: www.yadlynd.comFB: Yadlynd Cherubin-Licensed Realtor IG @yadlynd

In today's episode, we talk with Sean and Michelle Clarke (founders of Double Dutch Aerobics). They were so great to speak with and their story is even more profound. We cover a lot of things but some areas covered includeHow "jail time" brought them togetherHow Michelle didn't realize she was in a relationship with SeanTheir mindsets before getting togetherImportance of being happy for yourselfPraying for their next relationshipsBecoming more than friendsKnowing when it's rightArguing clean as a married coupleCreating Double Dutch AerobicsCombining business and marriageWebsite: Double Dutch AerobicsIG @doubledutchaerobicsFB: Double Dutch Aerobics Atl & NYCToday's episode is sponsored by Couples Night of Love. For more details on this romantic evening for married couples visit link here

In today's episode, Michele and Elliot have a very transparent moment and discuss Michele having a midlife crisis this past summer.

In today's episode, Team Allen interviews a former high school classmate of Michele's. When we say this episode was a powerful testimony for marriage. It was a Blessing to interview these guys and we know it will Bless you also. Some things covered in this episode include:How a cat brought them togetherMindset prior to meetingLove of 90's musicHow a breakup sealed their commitment to one anotherStarting couples therapy while datingPopping the question and elopingMindset going from engaged to marriedSharing tools learned in therapyDealing with a cancer diagnosisJoys of snow boarding

In today's episode Elliot and Michele give their thoughts on how the State of Womanhood and State of Manhood Panels went. They answer a few of the questions given to the panels likeWhat is a quality man?What is a quality woman?What do you think about Fantasia's comments regarding "submission"?Roles in a marriage

In today's episode it's part 2 of the Women's panel discussing the state of womanhood. Man the grease gets even hotter than part 1. In this half we cover...The decision making process in your marriageDiscussing Fantasia's comments about submission in marriageHaving vision and importance of men having visionWhat are the gender roles in marriage

In this episode Elliot and Michele recap last two episodes which was an all male panel discussing manhood.

In today's episode, we are airing the last half of the all male panel conducted by Elliot discussing manhood today. We continue on the topics for part 1 but also dive into the topics of:Singer, Fantasia Barrino, statement made during an interview about submission in marriageStatement made on radio about marriage rates decliningIs having a career oriented woman a problem?

Welcome back to the first official episode of You Gotta Love LOVE podcast second season! We are starting it off with a bang. We doing a cross-over episode with Elliot's podcast Life's GPS. In this episode Elliot has a panel of men and they discussed the state of manhood today. Some topics in this episode include:What do you consider to be a "real man"?What do you look for in a woman?What are you looking for your daughters to be as women?How has social media/TV altered the definition of what a quality man or woman is?What is the decision-making process as a man?Take a listen and join in the conversation. Comment, inbox, or email us your thoughts. We love open dialog. How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In today's episode, we discuss growing into your marriage. There is levels to this. Some topics we cover include:Signs that you are growing into marriageIs growing into your marriage automatic?What are some tips to help you grow into your marriage?Can you grow out of your marriage and how do we protect ourselves against that?

In this episode, Elliot and Michele interview Bidjamson (aka BJ) and Jessica Darius. Topics covered:How BJ pursued JessicaTheir longest date everTricks they use to keep their marriage freshLaying standards for their relationship way before marriageWhat they do every morningDiscuss their vlog Darius DestinationsYou can follow BJ and Jessica on IG/FB/YouTube @dariusdestinationsHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In today's episode, we discuss detailed tools we use for our marriage to deal with the issues in life that can impact a marriage including health, finances/career, drama, infidelity.

In today's episode we speak about the importance of communication based on events that have been happening around us the last few weeks. We break it down and talk aboutWhat is communication and why is it important?How do we establish communication in the different levels of our relationships/marriagesAs you advance to marriage is communication easier?What are some things that can break down communication?Is it possible to get back on track after losing communication?

In this episode we discuss how we got together and share with your a brief overview of our love story. Let's see who remembers what after being married for 14 years in September 2019. LOL!How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a commentFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In today's episode we spoke to Benjamin and Rita Pardo. Rita is my naturalista sista and also has her own natural bath, body, and home line. I love her products and support because she makes quality products. In this episode we cover:How and wehere Rita and Ben met Dealing with current relationships before they could be togetherHaving internal conflict while wanting to please GodBreaking up and getting back togetherBen's life changing accident in 2017

In today's solo episode we are discussing on the topic of learning to deal with aging parents and how it can and will effect your marriage. We discussHow our parents effect our mentalitiy on relationshipsHow our parents effect our mentality on datingThe role our in-laws play in our marriageHow our aging parents effect our marriageSome things to help make the caring for loved ones a bit easier

Today we speak with licensed psychologist Dr. Laura Louis, founder of Atlanta Couple Therapy. Dr. Laura specializes in couples counseling especially in the area of infidelity. After episodes 11 and 13 discussing common factors that cause divorce we wanted to have a professional on the show to discuss the state of marriages today. In this episode we discussSigns you may need to seek professional marriage therapyBecoming comfortable with the therapy to open upWho usually puts in more work with the therapy (men vs women)#1 reason couples are going to marriage counselingWhat the role of the therapist is in couselingLevels of intimacyBody Mapping exerciseDr. Laura's contact info:www.atlantacoupletherapy.comHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In this episode we discuss our views on taking vacations as a married couple. Do you believe it's important to take vacations just the two of you? Where do you like to vacation together? Mentioned in episode:Carnival Cruise LineWalt Disney WorldLas Vegas, NevadaDisney Vacation ClubHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

Today we will hear an interview with Dudley and Magdalina Sylvain. This young couple has a great story/testimony as to how they became to be. So much so that Magdalina wrote a book titled "How I Lied My Way To The Altar...And Now I'm Happily Married". In this episode we spoke about....moving cities to find love and marriagehow Dudley and Magdalina metthe importance of self-evaluation and self-transformationthe challenge of celibacygetting pregnant soon after meetingknowing your worthmanifesting your visionthe "change" after getting marriedTo work with Magdalina or purchase a copy of her book visit her website: www.allwayzredd.com How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

Solo episode today! We talk about the importance of a strong foundation for any relationship. Topics Covered:What is important in laying your marriage foundationDiscussing how social media and cell phones impact our foundations dailyBeing an individual in marriageElliot's reaction to Michele's Ayesha Curry moment recentlyHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In this episode we speak with Mike and Myisha about their love. We cover:How they got together with family nudging and Divine interventionHandling a long distance relationship pre-social mediaBeing open for love after heartbreakWhen Mike realized Myisha was "the One" while attending a weddingTheir proposal storyLearning to prioritize date nightBeing an example for our children and the worldMike's podcast: Black Fathers Now!How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

We are re-airing our most downloaded episode of the YGLL podcast to date. Let's keep the spark in our marriages LIT! Enjoy!!!How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In this episode we discuss the top 10 reasons divorce happen according to an article found on marriage.com10 Most Common Reasons for Divorce by Shellie WarrenHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In this episode we had a candid conversation with Former NFL Linebacker Ken Harvey and his amazing wife Janice Harvey. Full disclosure...these wonderful people are Michele's aunt and uncle. LOL!Some things we covered included...How they metTheir hilarious engagement storyBeing married to a professional athleteHave a trusted inner circle of married friendsLearning to fight/argue fairlyHandling this new season of being empty nestersMentioned in the episode: @kenharvey57 on InstagramJanice Harvey Designs- Janice's interior design and event design business @jhdesignsteam on IGStudio 2857- Janice's boutique with close friend Jewell Green @studio2857_decor on IGCorrection: our website is www.mentalconditioningmovement.com How to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In this episode we discuss the top 10 reasons divorce happen according to an article found on marriage.com10 Most Common Reasons for Divorce by Shellie WarrenHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen

In this episode, Elliot and Michele interview Bidjamson (aka BJ) and Jessica Darius. Topics covered:How BJ pursued JessicaTheir longest date everTricks they use to keep their marriage freshLaying standards for their relationship way before marriageWhat they do every morningDiscuss their vlog Darius DestinationsYou can follow BJ and Jessica on IG/FB/YouTube @dariusdestinationsHow to support the podcast:Subscribe to this podcast on and share with others. Don't keep us a secret! Leave a comment in Apple podcastsFollow us on IG @yougottalovelovepodcast for up to date info on upcoming episodes and daily motivation to strengthen your marriages. Send in questions or comments to yougottalovelovepodcast@gmail.com and it may be chosen to be read on the air. Thank you in advance for the support! We appreciate you! -- Michele and Elliot Allen