Couples Unfiltered

S3 | E1 Understanding Over Communication

Season 3 kicks off with an honest conversation between Lionel and Natalie about what really makes relationships work and why communication alone is not enough. Inspired by a conversation with an older client, they explore the idea that true connection comes from understanding your partner’s past, triggers, fears, and emotional needs. Throughout the episode, they open up about childhood experiences, family dynamics, emotional safety, and how past pain can quietly shape reactions in present-day relationships. Using a real moment involving their daughter and a misunderstood text message, they break down how unresolved experiences from childhood can influence parenting, conflict, and the way couples respond to one another. Lionel and Natalie also share updates on life outside the podcast, including Lionel’s career transition into insurance, their upcoming Juneteenth celebration in San Marcos, and the growth of their community work through Couples Unfiltered. This episode is a raw and thoughtful reminder that healthy relationships require maintenance, patience, accountability, and the willingness to truly listen without ego. From emotional healing to keeping the “new car smell” alive in marriage, this conversation is filled with practical insight, vulnerability, humor, and real-life perspective for couples navigating love, family, and personal growth together. For more information about their Juneteenth Celebration, go to couplesunfiltered.com/juneteenth [http://couplesunfiltered.com/juneteenth] or get your tickets at: https://events.humanitix.com/the-freedom-table/tickets [https://events.humanitix.com/the-freedom-table/tickets]

Season 2 Ep.13 Our First Marriage Disconnect: Triggers, Scar Tissue & Healing

In this deeply personal episode of Couples Unfiltered, Lionel and Natalie sit down, just the two of them, to unpack their very first marriage fight. Or, as they call it, a disconnect. What begins as a moment involving alcohol intoxication quickly reveals something much deeper: unresolved scar tissue from past experiences, losses, and relationships that quietly shape how we react when we feel unsafe, misunderstood, or triggered. Rather than glossing over the moment, Lionel and Natalie courageously slow it down to examine what actually happened beneath the surface. This episode opens an honest conversation about how alcohol, or any substance use, whether it feels “minor” or not, can amplify old wounds and unintentionally create emotional distance between partners. It’s not about blame. It’s about awareness, accountability, and learning how to reconnect when past pain shows up in present-day relationships. This conversation will resonate with anyone who has been impacted by alcoholism, substance misuse, or the ripple effects it creates in marriages and families, whether the issue feels big, small, or somewhere in between. Most importantly, this episode reminds us that disconnection doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With vulnerability, communication, and intention, it can become a doorway to deeper understanding and growth. This is an important episode. A necessary one. And one we hope reminds listeners that they are not alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or substance use, help is available: • SAMHSA National Helpline (treatment referrals & support)📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | 24/7 confidential🌐 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help [https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help] • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)🌐 https://www.aa.org [https://www.aa.org] • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)🌐 https://www.na.org [https://www.na.org] • Al-Anon & Alateen (for families, partners & teens affected by someone else’s drinking)📞 1-888-425-2666🌐 https://www.al-anon.org [https://www.al-anon.org] • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline📞 Call or text 988 | 24/7 support🌐 https://988lifeline.org [https://988lifeline.org]

Season 2 Ep. 12 “Rock & Rules: Etiquette & Artistry with the Swanns”

This episode of Couples Unfiltered is sponsored in part by Color Story Florals in Vista, CA. We’ve partnered with them to feature some of their handcrafted arrangements in our episodes—designed with 80% locally grown California flowers. Use code UNFILTERED10 at croziersflowersvista.com for 10% off your next order or call them today at 760-726-3800 In this episode we sit down with two incredibly accomplished individuals who have built a strong identity in their own fields and an even stronger bond as a couple. Elaine Swann is a lifestyle etiquette expert, speaker, author, and founder of the Swann School of Protocol. Her work helps people lead with confidence and respect in every area of life. Her husband, Christopher Swann, is a gifted musician and creative visionary who spent years performing, producing, and composing — a man who lives and breathes artistic life. Throughout this unfiltered conversation, we dive into how their seemingly different worlds — the structured world of etiquette and the free-form world of rock and creativity — actually harmonize in their marriage and their mission. Elaine shares what’s coming next with Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette, and you’ll want to visit elaineswann.com for more. Christopher’s creative world is just as vibrant at chrisswannmusic.com. For more information and to learn more about this beautiful couple and what they’re doing in the world, be sure to check both sites. And whatever you do… stay for the end. Let’s just say Lionel and Chris found themselves in an unexpected, impromptu jam session — yes, Lionel is an artist too — and the moment they created together is something you have to see to understand.

Season 2 Ep 11. “Table for One: Chef Claudia Dishes Off the Menu”

This episode of Couples Unfiltered is sponsored in part by Color Story Florals in Vista, CA. We’ve partnered with them to feature some of their handcrafted arrangements in our episodes—designed with 80% locally grown California flowers. Use code UNFILTERED10 at croziersflowersvista.com for 10% off your next order or call them today at 760-726-3800 On this episode of Couples Unfiltered, we sit down with someone the world knows as Chef Claudia Sandoval. But today, it's just Claudia. Behind the MasterChef title, the cookbook, and the television presence is a woman navigating life, love, motherhood, and dating in the public eye. This conversation is personal and real. Claudia opens up about what it means to be seen, the weight of assumptions, and the vulnerability that comes with wanting true connection. This episode isn't about food. It's about the human behind the hustle, the soul beyond the spotlight, and the strength it takes to stay open when the world sees only your résumé. Listen in for honest reflections, shared truths, and an intimate look at what Claudia really wants from love and life. This is what it means to keep it unfiltered. Season 6 | Master Chef Winner  Claudia's Story Chef Claudia Sandoval is an award-winning chef, bestselling author, TV host, and executive producer internationally recognized for her modern approach to Mexican cuisine and her deep commitment to community. She launched her career after winning Season 6 of MasterChef U.S., becoming the first Latina to hold the title, and has since built a robust television résumé with appearances on Chopped, Worst Cooks in America, Tournament of Champions, Grudge Match, Easter Basket Challenge, and Top Chef VIP. She has also judged MasterChef Latino (Telemundo) and MasterChef Latinos (Estrella TV). Beyond the screen, Claudia has produced and hosted the docuseries Taste of the Border (Discovery+) and La Mesa Mexa (Bite Originals). In 2025, she expanded her global impact as a Mentor for Team Mexico at the Bocuse d’Or Competition, the world’s most prestigious culinary contest. Founder of Claudia’s Cocina and creator of the acclaimed pop-up bakery Cochi Dorado, she has partnered with leading global brands and helped raise more than $1 million for nonprofits. Based between San Diego and Tijuana, Claudia continues to champion culture, storytelling, and community through every dish and project she touches.

Season 2 Ep 10. “Built to Withstand the Fire” The Washingtons

In this powerful episode of Couples Unfiltered, hosts Lionel and Natalie sit down with Renee and Gerard Washington — a couple whose love story has withstood fire, faith, and fierce challenges. From a chance meeting in Milwaukee to raising a miracle child and overcoming a life-threatening diagnosis, the Washingtons open up about what it means to be truly tested — and to come out stronger. Gerard shares his journey from Firefighter to Fire Chief in Vista, CA, and what it took to climb the ranks — even when he was the most qualified but not always the most accepted. Renee reflects on her growth into “Dr. Renee Washington” and the faith that carried them through it all. They talk about love, cultural identity, perseverance, mentorship, parenting, and what it means to fight for each other. Don’t miss the story behind “10-4,” the head-shaving moment that brought their family closer, and the wisdom they have for couples facing storms of their own. Chief Gerard Washington's bio: [https://myblackcity.org/gerard-washington/⁠] A little San Diego history: [https://sandiegohistory.org/timeline/the-first-black-american-firefighters-join-the-san-diego-fire-department/⁠]