Beauty and The Beastmode

Big Jeff and Yaya start to build out one of the shows main characters.

Big Jeff and Yaya start the process of character work for their screenplay.

Big Jeff and Yaya are kicking off the new year with a big project.

Big Jeff and Yaya review their top picks from television and film and reveal a big project for 2026!

Big Jeff and Yaya start putting the pieces together for a new audio drama.

We chop it up with Comic book writer Jonathan Hedrick to talk about new projects, the writer's journey, collaborating with his wife, characters he deeply connects with, and the importance of celebrating small victories. Jonathan’s Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanhedrick?fbclid=PAdGRleANqFx5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp0CsoWmg6p3AvikuLbLgGIRAIWaMZsFj3eNzY1zG8Ba_uZ2ZxlbigjfUws7E_aem_nZrYx6YH6YQS7JJU5F-Z3g Footpath: Dangerous Nights on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanhedrick/footpath-dangerous-nights Visual Storytellers Comic Showcase 2025 on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bradscottart/visual-storytellers-comic-showcase-2025 Horror Not Hate on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/slowfeetcomics/horror-not-hate Jonathan’s Website: https://jonathanhedrickcomics.com/ BlackBox Comics: https://blackboxcomics.net/series/dream-master/ Scout Comics: https://www.scoutcomics.com/search?q=Jonathan+Hedrick+

Yaya and Big Jeff discuss their preferences for calm and relatable TV shows and movies, contrasting them with chaotic or action-packed content. Big Jeff shares his interest in collaborating with Yaya on writing projects, mentioning a potential story involving an alien and elements of "The Boys" and "The Punisher." The two encourage sharing ideas more openly, even if initial reactions seem a little negative. They also discuss how similar ideas can independently emerge in different places, highlighting the value of persistence in creative endeavors.

The "official" return to recording after a period of personal and professional changes. Listen for what's new. We talking movies. Spike Lee's latest. Is it worth your time? An old 70s watch for Yaya and Jeff's recommendations for the weekend.

Big Jeff introduces us to the world of Funko!

Since we last spoke, Jeff has become a social media influencer.

Big Jeff and Yaya discuss diversity in Star Trek characters. Big Jeff talks about the art of collecting Funko...and it's soooo fascinating...if you're into that. Yaya is back in school. And Big Jeff talks about who he would cast in a new Star Trek movie next to Denzel, of course.

Big Jeff tries to explain why Henry Cavill is on par with Denzel Washington and Yaya tees up a big conversation around what it takes to forgive. Jeff's Joint takes on a new twist.

If there's one thing we know about Jeff, he has a heart of gold. And, when he's dealing with challenges, we all feel it. This is a powerful episode about taking care of family when called on and real-life challenges, the power of listening, and friendship. We leave you with this...show your loved ones as much love as humanly possible.

Big Jeff and Yaya talk about the power of words through the lens of Langston Hughes. Jeff's Joint is not Nickelback this time. The times they are a changin'. Yaya closes the episode with some powerful poetry from Langston Hughes.

Big Jeff and Yaya share childhood stories. Jeff and his friends were attacked by bees! Yaya talks about White Boy drew picking him up in a van with no windows to go play basketball. Jeff's Joint is again on point...I think. You be the judge.

Jeff and Yaya talk about legacy with their friend Carlos De Leon of Monte De Leon Cigars. Jeff talks about his recent anniversary trip and a visit to a barbershop that's like a scene out of My Blue Heaven.

Jeff and Yaya are back for Season 5. Jeff gives us some amazing voiceover action and grills Yaya on comedy. Jeff's Joint is back (and has a new playlist on Spotify). And Yaya also brings back the BeastMode Moment. Feels good to be back!

On this episode Big Jeff is solo and gives some updates for Yaya and himself, a brief discussion on it never being too late and sometimes feeling broken.

Jeff is getting the band back together. That's right. After all of these years of talking about Jeff and his band, he actually has a reunion date set to rock out one last time. On World Mental Health Day, Yaya talks about taking a step back in order to take two steps forward. Yaya dives deep into what it means to take a Braincation (trademarked by Beauty and the Beastmode). During the Beastmode Moment we put on our "I can do this jackets" and Jeff's Joint Celebrates Us Home.

Jeff and Yaya are back with another Faces in the Crowd interview. Two humble candle makers who both love candles-Jon and Jess-have created a local phenomenon known as Grumpshine Candles. The two vibrant, inspiring, and intelligent business owners chat with Jeff and Yaya about the uniqueness of their candles, how they started, embarrassing moments like-dropping boxes of candles at local market, how a business partnerships work, and what inspires them. This is a heartfelt episode that would truly benefit young entrepreneurs and those looking for inspiration to leap into their passion.

Jeff and Yaya are joined by Beauty and the Beastmode regulars, Cody the Caterer and The Professor. A discussion about the caterer's new pursuits leads the crew to discuss their creative pursuits. The gang weighs in on the difference between motivation and passion, and how they may feed into each other. When the topic develops into a lively discussion, Jeff taps into Facebook live to hear the input from you, the listeners.

Jeff has been out of commission for a bit of time due to a pedicure gone wrong. Kidding....Jeff has a serious foot condition and has been at home for the past two months watching boxing videos. Therefore, the guys decide to reference George Foreman's triumphant return to the ring at 45 years old and his match against then heavyweight champ Michael Moorer to talk about perseverance, blind spots, listening to the voice of reason, and what happens when you succumb to your own ego. Also, if anyone knows how we can get in touch with Teddy Atlas, please let us know. We love you, Teddy!!

Faces in the Crowd interview with Amanda Payne. Amanda is a Mom and therapist and joins us to talk about mental health. In this episode of Amanda's couch, she talks about the benefits of therapy, why it's important to stick with therapy, and gives us a few meditation tips to work on. Jeff and Yaya are also joined by The Professor and The Caterer!

What's on the inside that you want? It's mental health awareness month. Jeff, Yaya, and the Professor discuss the impact of therapy on their personal lives.

Sometimes we set goals for ourselves and then BAM! life gets in the way and it's hard to get back on track. Well, on today's episode Big Jeff decides to get back on track. Yaya and our guest the Professor challenge Jeff to two months of an active lifestyle. Will Big Jeff accept? You'll have to listen to find out...

Big Jeff couldn't make it today but have no fret. We pulled the Professor out of our live studio audience to co-host. And we introduce the Professor's Points. Yaya and the Professor discuss the decline of social media and how much they both hate bikes...well at least Yaya hates bikes.

Jeff and Yaya dish out what might be the hugest dose of positivity to date. If you are looking to be catapulted into the next stratosphere of positivity then this is your episode. Jeff talks about how Dungeons and Dragons sparked the fire in his belly. Yaya talks about the pursuit to work in Major League Baseball. Listen to this episode if you are ready to take action or looking for ways to overcome your fears.

Jeff and Yaya are joined by a few BandBM favorites, the Professor and the Caterer.

Jeff and Yaya recap memorable moments from 2017. From heartfelt conversations, heated moments, funny antics and phenomenal guests, there was so much to celebrate about 2017.

Jeff and Yaya talk about how encouraged they are by the women that are stepping out against despicable men in positions of power. They invite Bryan the Professor to the discussion. Jeff talks about the struggle of performing a voiceover gig while stuck in traffic. Yaya's Beastmode moment is assisted by Marc Ecko. Jeff's Joint is a beautiful ode to all of the Superwomen out there. And, both Jeff and the Professor jump down Yaya's throat for being naïve about a truck jingle.

Jeff and Yaya invite a special guest to talk about how to dig your way out of negative spaces. Jeff talks about being reinvigorated at his job. Yaya talks about the power of positive intent. Special guest, Bryan talks about how to get over the obstructions that we are often faced with. Also, the entire crew reminisce on the eighties and talk about cheesy 80's movies and even play a guess the cheesy movie game. The Beastmode Moment is about not putting too much pressure on yourself. Jeff's Joint takes us all back in time.

Yaya and Jeff talk about the personal impact of the devastation in Puerto Rico. Yaya talks about bottling up all of the goodness in the world. Jeff talks about his latest adventure: voiceover acting. Jeff gives us a sample of his voiceover skills by introducing Yaya's comedy to a non existent crowd (and thank goodness there was no crowd). Yaya's Beastmode moment is about common ground and Jeff's Joint brings it all home with a classic Stevie jam.

Jeff and Yaya took a short vacation but are back in the saddle again. They run the race in this one catching up on Yaya's recent trip to Thailand, The Beauty and the Beastmode Comedy Show, Jeff's upcoming anniversary and so much more. The Beastmode Moment is all about character and Jeff's joint is a ska song...you read that correctly.

Jeff and Yaya talk about zen moments. What is the first thing that they think about when they wake up? How do they connect to what inspires them? Jeff catches us up with what's been happening in Casa de la Fremed. Yaya talks about opening up for Paul Rodriguez. Yaya tricks Jeff into doing the Beastmode Moment and Jeff's Joint brings it all Home.

Jeff and Yaya discuss the current state of their current state. Yeah, doesn't make sense to us either. Yaya invokes Jeff into a conversation about politics and Jeff obliges with a well thought out, inspiring and passionate message about hope. Jeff's Joint brings Yaya back to his childhood and Jeff ends on a Michael Jackson quote. Enjoy.

Jeff and Yaya recap all of the goodness in 2016. We talk about some of our favorite moments from 2016 and jump into our resolutions for 2017. We discuss the Beauty and the Beastmode 1 year anniversary Comedy show that will be happening in St. Augustine, FL on Feb 10. We finish up the episode with Yaya introducing the idea that good might be a little bit better than great. Jeff's joint is right on the money. How do you measure, measure a year?

The first episode of 2017 kicks off with a quick Faces in the Crowd interview Peter-the guy that delivered our Chinese food. He gives everyone a shout out for the Chinese New Year. Jeff and I briefly discuss the path ahead for Beauty and the Beastmode.

On this episode we introduce you to the multitalented writer and actor Pete Cataldo. Pete is the creator of Daddy Mind Tricks blog and host of the Parental Advisory Podcast on iTunes. Pete's unique, humorous, and brave perspective on fatherhood and parenting is refreshing...and gives up hope that amidst all of the distractions of social media, the future doesn't seem so bad after all.

We speak with Dan Nevins about growing up in Maryland, joining the Army and his time in the reserves, how yoga changed his life as well as becoming a yoga instructor and creating Warrior Spirit Retreat. If you know Dan, Yaya and Big Jeff you know they like to have fun and laugh which they do this episode, but the conversation gets very real and the topics discussed are very important. From not knowing how he would go on laying in a hospital bed after losing both his legs overseas to yoga being a big tool in releasing the past and saving others, this is an emotional and inspirational episode.

During this episode we speak with Adam Silva about volunteering as a character development coach for young men, Adam's definition of "being a man", as well as the two words Adam feel's should never be spoken and much more.

Faces in the Crowd joint interview with Nick DiPalo and Charlie Immordino. Both Nick and Charlie were in New York City during the attacks on 9/11; Nick as an NYPD officer and Charlie as a stock trader, and these are there stories.

We sit down with Comedian...or comic, Will Blaylock. Will is a young up and coming Comedian from Jacksonville, FL. Lots of laughs were tossed around even some good ol' roasting of one another. Wills story is an inspirational one. "Drugs were more accessible than books." Will exclaims when speaking of his upbringing. Hold onto your seats and tuck the kids in this episode is definitely for adult ears.

We sat down with James Herrera former Olympic BMX Coach, Leadership Coach, Father, Adventure Enthusiast and Fitness Professional. James doesn't hold back when it comes to talking about how a not so great relationship with his Father ultimately led to him discovering his true passions. James shares fascinating stories about his time as an Olympic Coach, working with CEO's, and drops knowledge bombs for anyone that might be struggling with weight loss and exercise.

We've got a new intro!!! If we are being honest then we can't turn a blind eye to the current state of our Nation. We discuss what it takes to be open enough to listen and understand another person's point of view. It starts with letting your guard down and actually wanting to listen to what someone else has to say. The Beastmode Moment is all about learning and Jeff's Joint sums up the episode quite nicely.

Yaya and Jeff travel back in time. We talk about where we would go and who we would talk to if we had a time machine.

"Do you hear Jimmy? Are you listening to Jimmy?" The basis by which Adam Silva lives his life is the ability to love and be loved and commitment to a cause greater than oneself. To some, Adam Silva may be just another face in the crowd but to those that know him he is a Mentor, Coach, and Leader. We were absolutely fascinated with Adam's storytelling ability. His passion seeps through when he talks about his loving Vavós (grandparents)and his beginning days as a Lacrosse coach. Adam drops knowledge bombs throughout this entire episode (So much so that we'll have him back for many more episodes). If you are ready to be inspired then this episode is definitely going to catch your attention.

Jeff launched a social experiment on his Facebook page and the results are interesting to say the least. And then it gets deep when Jeff and Yaya discuss gun ownership.

Jeff and Yaya are joined by a Live Studio Audience. Friends join in on the podcast and topics include the unfortunate events in Orlando, Facebook Trolls, Social Media, and even Tupac and Biggie. This was a fun episode and it was great to include a few Beauty and the Beastmode Listeners. Knowledge Bombs were being dropped all podcast long. Also, pay close attention to a future college athlete and his perspective on social media and what it takes to be successful.

Jeff and Yaya play catch up about the last several weeks. This episode is the most important episode for B&BM. Jeff and Yaya talk about the Stanford rape case. The content within in this podcast is important but certain language may not be suitable for all. The Beastmode moment and Jeff's Joint are unlike any that you've ever heard on the show. After Jeff's Joint, Jeff opens up about his past with a moment that will hopefully reach and help other victims.

In Episode 12 Jeff and Yaya sit down with Mark Cubbedge. Mark is a father, an author, and a professional photographer. One defining moment sent Mark's journey on a different course (pun intended). From writing for the NFL and PGA, to eventually writing his first book, Mark's story has chapters that could stand alone as their own book. Mark's new book 'Faces of Freedom' is due out this Summer. Faces of Freedom shares the stories of Veterans from WWII to Operation Iraqi Freedom, that would otherwise be untold.