Love is the Reason | Joey Oteng

Gratefully Geeked | Reflections on Season 3

Hey y'all! In Season 3 of Love Origins, I talk with authors and cultural commentators involved in the sharing of fictional love stories and exploring how fictional stories impact our perspectives on real life love stories and vice versa. In this episode, I share the origin of the idea for this season, the behind-the-scenes, and my highlights from this season. I also talk about future seasons and whether I'll do this kind of season again. Connect with me:- Instagram: @candaceaspencer

Leaning into Love | Glenn and Toni Shiloh

Hey y'all! In Season 3 of Love Origins, I am talking with authors and cultural commentators involved in the sharing of fictional love stories and exploring how fictional stories impact our perspectives on real life love stories and vice versa. In this episode of Love Origins, I interview the Shilohs, a couple whose unique love story began in the military. They discuss their contrasting backgrounds, the challenges they faced in communication, and the importance of love as a choice. The conversation also delves into Toni's journey as a romance author, her writing process, and the impact of their love story on her work. Connect with Toni: - Instagram: @tonishiloh - Website: tonishiloh.com Connect with me: - Instagram: @candaceaspencer

Love is the Reason | Joey Oteng

Hey y'all! In Season 3 of Love Origins, I am talking with authors and cultural commentators involved in the sharing of fictional love stories and exploring how fictional stories impact our perspectives on real life love stories and vice versa. In this episode, Joey Oteng - lawyer, educator, and romcom connoisseur - explores the intersections of love, media, and personal experiences. Joey shares his multifaceted background, his defining moments shaped by loss and community, and his journey through law school and academia. Connect with Joey: @drotengii Connect with me: - Instagram: @candaceaspencer - Website: candaceaspencer.com

A Journey through Life, Love, and the Law | Jayna Breigh

Hey y'all! In Season 3 of Love Origins, I am talking with authors and cultural commentators involved in the sharing of fictional love stories and exploring how fictional stories impact our perspectives on real life love stories and vice versa.This episode features Jayna Breigh, former attorney and romantic legal drama author. Our conversation delves into the intersection of love, law, and writing. We explore how law and love intersect, why she left her legal career to write deeper truths, and how her multicultural marriage shaped both her writing and her understanding of love. Connect with Jayna: - Instagram: @jaynabreigh - Website: jaynabreigh.com Connect with me: - Instagram: @candaceaspencer - Website: candaceaspencer.com

Authenticity in Action | Dara Alston

Hey y'all! On Season 3 of Love Origins, we are talking to authors and cultural commentators involved in the sharing of fictional love stories and exploring how fictional stories impact our perspectives on real life love stories and vice versa. This episode features Dara Alston, author and leading Hallmark commentator. We explore how fictional love stories impact real relationships, Dara's journey from Hallmark fan to Fan Leader, and her self-discovery through writing. Our conversation covers her transformative college experiences, the role of faith in her life, and why diverse storytelling matters—especially on Hallmark. Connect with Dara: - Instagram, YouTube, podcast: @dearhallmark - Chasing Wind and poetry collection: Amazon.com: Dara Alston: books, biography, latest update [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dara-Alston/author/B07VLBJVX7?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1756254744&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true] - Moon Talks: Moon Talks: a collection of nighttime reflections - Kindle edition by Alston, Dara. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. [https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Talks-collection-nighttime-reflections-ebook/dp/B08S6K8X76/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JEK7CI8XK2BN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rhjN68YZ1Qbr6-kkYSoAzw.zlTJbThCIZaCSlsys2qVgPajl3-GRXNBEI_3ieU5jT8&dib_tag=se&keywords=moon+talks+by+dara+alston&qid=1756255054&sprefix=moon+talks+by+dara+alston%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1] Connect with me: - Instagram: @candaceaspencer - Website: candaceaspencer.com