Ced With Intention

One year in and I wanted to bring back one of my favorites to celebrate.When I first sat down with Dr. Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and bestselling author, I had no idea how much this conversation would shape the direction of this podcast. A year later, it's still one of my favorites and I knew I had to bring it back.We get into what happiness actually is versus what we've been told it is, why the people who chase success the hardest are often the least equipped to receive love, and the idea that we're all dealt a hand of cards at birth and what we choose to do with them is everything. We also talk about the science of falling in love, why your brain is literally working against your happiness, and what it actually takes to build a life you're proud of.

Jensen McRae is a singer-songwriter whose music has a way of putting words to feelings you didn't even know you had — and this conversation is no different. We got into everything from why so many of us mistake chaos for love, to what it actually means to feel your feelings versus just think about them, to how being alone can be the most powerful thing you do before falling in love again. Jensen is one of those people who is so deeply in tune with herself that you walk away from this conversation feeling like you understand yourself a little better too. Follow Jensen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensenmcrae/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/

Get Harmony Coffee Beans here: https://roasterympls.com/collections/frontpage/products/harmony-blendWhat do race, culture, and identity have to do with your relationships? More than you think. Blair Imani Ali is an educator, author, and creator of Smarter in Seconds, known for making complex topics around identity, history, and culture accessible to millions of people worldwide. In this episode, we get into the conversation most people never have about knowing yourself before stepping into a relationship. We talk about how your history, your family patterns, and your cultural identity show up in who you choose, what you tolerate, and how you love, whether you're aware of it or not.

Get Harmony Coffee BeansMost of us want to show up well in our relationships, but being “strong” or “kind” can start to feel heavy when it turns into overgiving. In this episode, Cedric sits down with therapist, Zak Hazlett to break down what emotional strength actually looks like, the boundary shifts that prevent resentment, and the skills that make any relationship feel safer and stronger.Whether you’re single or partnered, this conversation will give you practical tools to set healthier limits, handle conflict with clarity, and show up without losing yourself.Follow Zak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_outdoor_therapist/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

Why do couples keep having the same argument, even when they both care? In this conversation, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explains the hidden cycles that keep relationships stuck, how your nervous system shapes your reactions, and what real repair actually looks like after conflict.If you’ve ever wondered why small moments escalate or why it feels so hard to stay calm, this episode will give you language and practical tools you can use immediately. For more from Dr. Tracy, check out her book I Didn’t Sign Up for This, where she goes deeper into navigating relationships with clarity and accountability.

In this episode, Cedric sits down with biblical scholar Dan McClellan to unpack some of the biggest questions people carry about faith, the Bible, and power. Together, they talk about what the Bible actually is, why there isn’t just one single “biblical” view on many issues, and how scripture often gets used to shape authority in relationships, churches, and politics.They also explore what it looks like to question what you were taught, how to think clearly when faith and power collide, and why compassion, mercy, and real-life relationships should guide our decisions more than ideology or public displays of piety.27:30 - Bible and Relationships37:20 - Christianity in the mainstream media, politics and megachurchesCheck out Dan's Book: https://a.co/d/09JRyACl

What if the way you react isn’t your personality… but something you learned in survival mode? In this episode, Cedric sits down with hypnotherapist Jim Curtis to talk about identity, subconscious patterns, anger, and the emotional habits we pick up just trying to get through life. They explore why so many people grow up feeling on edge, why survival strategies start to feel like who we are, and how small shifts in awareness can begin to change everything.Jim also shares insights from his upcoming book The Book of Possibility, along with the practices he uses to help people reframe their identity and create real change.Check out Jim's Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Book-of-Possibility/Jim-Curtis/9781668246498

In this episode, Cedric sits down with relationship expert, Sabrina Zohar to talk about the patterns that quietly shape our relationships...attachment styles. They explore why emotional intensity often gets mistaken for connection, how past experiences influence who we’re drawn to, and what it looks like to slow down and choose healthier relationships with intention. This conversation is for anyone who’s tired of repeating the same cycles and wants something more grounded and secure.

Most conversations don’t fall apart because of what’s said, they fall apart because someone doesn’t feel understood. In this episode, Cedric talks with Jefferson Fisher about what’s really happening beneath defensiveness and emotional reactions, and how to respond calmly without giving up your boundaries. They break down how validation works, why slowing down matters, and what confident communication looks like in real relationships especially in marriage, parenting, and leadership.

Change is unavoidable, but the way we respond to it often makes it harder than it needs to be. In this episode, Cedric sits down with cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar to explore why change feels so destabilizing, how uncertainty affects our nervous system, and what actually helps when your mind starts to spiral. They talk about identity beyond titles, why fresh starts are usually internal, and how small shifts in perspective can make change more manageable without forcing optimism. Maya also shares some really practical insights from her new book, The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans, which was released last week! Make sure to go check it out.Check out Dr. Maya's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729180/the-other-side-of-change-by-maya-shankar/

Survival mode can carry you far—but it can’t carry you forever.In this episode, Cedric and Jessica Long talk about what happens when pushing through stops working. They explore the difference between endurance and healing, how strength and anger can help you survive without becoming your identity, and what it really means to feel “enough” after years of proving yourself.Check out Jessica's Book: https://www.jessicalong.com/booksFollow Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicatatianalongFollow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

In this episode, Kendall Toole talks about self-trust, boundaries, resilience, and what it really means to “fake it till you become it.” We talk about her journey as a former Peloton instructor, how stepping away reshaped her identity, and why learning to keep small promises to yourself can change everything. She also shares what inspired her new wellness app, NKO Club (Never Knocked Out Club), and how it’s helping people rebuild confidence from the inside out.Check out Kendall’s app — NKO Club: https://www.nkoclub.com/Follow Kendall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendalltoole/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

In this episode, Cedric sits down with author and pastor Jon Fogel to question what many of us have always been taught about faith, parenting, happiness, and what it really means to grow. Jon opens with honest perspectives on modern Christianity and why so many pastors may be less educated today than in previous generations, then moves into how neuroscience, psychology, and values-based parenting can help us rethink discipline, happiness, and what we pass on to our kids.They explore how asking hard questions instead of blindly accepting what we’re told is the only way to build a belief system that feels true and sustainable. From parenting to personal development to the history of how religion and science divided, this conversation pushes deeper into how we think, what we believe, and how to become better humans.Check out Jon's book here: https://a.co/d/0n6SrBEFollow Jon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholeparent/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

In this conversation, Cedric sits down with writer and mindfulness teacher Cory Allen to unpack the inner work most of us avoid — control, fear, bravery, intuition, and what it really means to feel your feelings. Together they explore how childhood conditioning shapes adulthood, why so many of us mistake control for safety, how “small-t” traumas compound over time, and why looking inward is often the hardest step toward becoming the person you want to be.

In this episode, Beth Leipholtz (from beth_and_coop) sits down with Cedric to share the story behind raising her son, Cooper, who experiences the world differently and uses cochlear implants to hear. What began as an unexpected journey became an opportunity to help others understand difference, belonging, and what inclusion can really look like in everyday life.Buy her book here: https://bethandcoop.com/order-the-abcs-of-inclusion/Follow Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beth_and_coopFollow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/

At 16, John Furniss lost his sight after a suicide attempt that changed everything. Today, he’s known as The Blind Woodsman, an artist who creates by feel, sound, and intuition. In this episode, Cedric sits down with John to talk about rebuilding confidence when the world doubts you, finding purpose after pain, and what it really means to see life differently.

Friendship gets tested when silence feels like betrayal or when a joke cuts too deep. Cedric and his friends break down two real moments where things could’ve gone wrong and how they used honesty, vulnerability, and trust to come out stronger. It’s conflict resolution in real time, with lessons anyone can use.

He grew up in Detroit surrounded by violence. Now he climbs volcanoes, surfs 50-foot waves, and teaches others how to seek challenge instead of danger. In this episode, Cedric sits down with explorer, athlete, and speaker Andrew Alexander King to talk about growing up in two different worlds, breaking the cycle of survival, and the mindset it takes to rewrite your story.

Bob Goff doesn’t just believe in love, he lives it, every single day. From putting his phone number in the back of 3 million books to building a school in Uganda, he’s spent his life choosing purpose over performance, presence over plans, and people over everything. This episode is a deep, honest look at what it really means to love others, even when the world feels too heavy to hold.

Devon Levesque has bear crawled a marathon, summited Everest, and built a life around doing the hardest things imaginable. In this episode, he sits down with Cedric to talk about the power of transitions, the importance of values, and how pain can become a doorway to purpose.They dive into what it takes to push past the limits of your mind, how to build a life rooted in community, and how those exact values eventually led Devon — alongside Jesse Itzler — to create Runningman, a festival where people come together to do something hard, reset, and remember who they are.Learn more about Runningman here: https://runningmanfestival.com/Follow Devon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonlevesqueFollow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

Most people recognize Michelle Young from The Bachelorette, but what stood out in this conversation was who she was before the show, and who she’s become since. A driven athlete, a passionate teacher, and someone who never lost sight of her values, even when the spotlight tried to reshape her.Check out Michelle's foundation: https://www.themichelleyoungfoundation.org/Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleyoungFollow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Kultgen, a writer, creator, and co-host of Necessary Conversations, the viral podcast where he and his sister have honest, uncomfortable talks with their conservative parents. We talk about what it’s like to unlearn the things you were raised with, how to keep showing up for family even when it’s hard, and why grace doesn’t always mean agreement.Follow Chad's Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryconversationpod/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

JunaBee thought she was just helping her own kids but it turned into something much bigger. In this conversation, we talk about how she found her voice, what led her to start creating content, and how she’s filling a gap that’s been missing for a long time. Her story is one of those quiet reminders that doing what feels small can end up meaning a lot. And while people call her “the Black Ms. Rachel,” there’s much more to who she is and what she’s building.

In this episode, hospice nurse Julie McFadden shares what really happens in the final moments of life and why it’s often more peaceful than people think. From the body’s natural process of shutting down to the emotional truths we avoid, Julie offers an honest, compassionate look at dying that challenges common fears and misconceptions. Whether you’ve experienced loss or simply want to understand this part of life, this conversation will change the way you see the end of life.

Cedric sits down with developmental psychologist, Dr. Aliza Pressman, to talk about what it really takes to raise good humans. They explore how your past shapes your parenting, why emotional safety matters more than perfection, and how small shifts in self-awareness can change your relationship with your kids. It’s a conversation about reflection, regulation, and becoming the parent you want to be.Follow Minaa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/

Your siblings shape you more than you realize. Cedric sits down with therapist and author Minaa B to explore how birth order, childhood roles, and family dynamics influence who we become as adults. They talk about why sibling relationships are often overlooked, how old patterns follow us into adulthood, and what it takes to grow into your true self without losing family ties. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or trapped by your family role, this episode will hit home.

Why is it so hard for men and women to understand each other, especially in relationships? Cedric talks with Jordan Candlish to unpack emotional disconnect, masculine vs. feminine energy, communication breakdowns, and what it really means to be a present partner.They explore why men often shut down, why women feel unseen, and how to bridge the emotional gap with self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional connection.

Cedric never expected to question who he was until the thing that defined him was gone. In this episode, he and Suzy Welch explore what it really takes to stop performing and start becoming. It’s a conversation about values, self-awareness, and the uncomfortable truth that most of us are living misaligned.

She was called “The Female Barry Sanders”, a human highlight reel on the field and a disruptor in women’s sports. But when injury hit and the noise faded, Santia Deck faced an identity crisis, silence, and the hard truth about what happens when the game ends. In this conversation, she opens up about the mental battle of her ACL injury, the pressure of being ‘too masculine,’ and how she rebuilt herself into an author, entrepreneur, and brand of her own.

What does it really look like to strip everything down and start discovering who you are—outside of expectations, relationships, and routine? In this episode, Cedric sits down with Hannah Lee Duggan, a content creator known for her raw, beautiful documentation of van life, solo cabin living, and the quiet, often messy process of personal growth.Together, they dive into the deeper story behind the content—the relationships that shaped her, the mental health battles she’s navigated, and the radical self-discovery that comes with choosing a different path. Hannah shares what it means to be alone without being lonely, how nature and solitude became her greatest teachers, and why breaking away from the noise was necessary to hear her own voice.If you've ever felt the urge to redefine your life, question your patterns, or simply make space for healing, this episode is a powerful, vulnerable invitation to do just that.

What happens when the crowds quiet down but an elite athlete, now entering his 11th year, begins to explore life beyond his enduring career? In this episode, Cedric sits down with Nebraska legend, NFL veteran, and current running back Ameer Abdullah for a candid, introspective conversation about identity, legacy, and purpose on and off the field.Drafted into the NFL after a standout college career, Ameer reflects on the journey of becoming a professional athlete and what it’s like to still be competing a decade later. As the youngest of nine siblings, he credits his upbringing for cultivating grit, humility, and a grounded sense of self. Despite continuing success, including potentially suiting up this season, he shares how his true calling transcends stats and spotlight.Together, they explore faith, family, ego, and what it really means to craft a life defined by meaning rather than medals. Whether you're chasing longevity or contemplating life beyond your prime, this episode offers a heartfelt reminder: your worth isn’t tied to your performance but to the purpose you choose to live by.

What does it mean to live with purpose in a world that constantly pulls us toward distraction and ego? In this episode, Cedric sits down with world-renowned photographer, director, and conscious storyteller Alexi Lubomirski. Known for photographing icons including the British Royal Family, Alexi shares how his creative journey has always been guided by something deeper than the spotlight.Together, they explore the power of intentional living, the spiritual side of creativity, and what it truly takes to manifest your dreams. From behind the lens to moments of stillness, Alexi reflects on the responsibility of the artist, the importance of humility, and how aligning with your values can change not only your path but the impact you have on others.

What happens when you take an unflinching look at the patterns that shaped your relationships—from childhood to now? In this episode, Cedric sits down with renowned relationship coach and teacher Jillian Turecki for a powerful, vulnerable conversation about how our earliest experiences shape the way we connect with others—and ourselves.Jillian brings her two decades of insight and emotional clarity to help Ced unpack the way he was raised, the impact of his parents, and how those dynamics continue to influence how he shows up in love. But this isn’t just about Ced—it’s about all of us. Together, they explore why self-awareness is the foundation of healthy relationships, how we unconsciously repeat what we don’t repair, and why true intimacy starts with radical honesty.They talk about identity, childhood wounds, emotional resilience, and what it actually looks like to rewrite your story in real-time. If you’ve ever wanted to understand yourself more deeply or love more intentionally, this conversation is a must.

What does it take to find out who you really are—when no one’s watching, and everything in you wants to quit? In this episode, Cedric sits down with endurance athlete Mark Dowdle, who ran 158 miles over 38 hours to win the Last Man Standing race. But this conversation goes far beyond running. Together, they explore what it means to rebuild yourself after failure, why so many men tie their worth to performance, and how choosing discomfort on purpose can be a path to clarity. They talk about emotional awareness, identity outside of achievement, and the mental tools that help you keep going when doubt gets loud.

You’ve probably seen Justin Vagle in a viral skit with his wife Ally (The Vagle Family)—but in this episode, Cedric sits down with him to talk about the real stuff behind the videos. They get into what it actually looks like to grow in marriage, why listening as a husband is way harder than it sounds, and how creating content together helped Justin and Ally understand each other better. 

Taylor Heise, the #1 overall pick in the PWHL draft, joins Cedric for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to be great. She opens up about the pressure that comes with being at the top, the sacrifices no one sees, and how she’s built real confidence through years of hard work. From missed milestones to navigating criticism, Taylor shares what it means to pursue greatness without losing who you are.

What if uncertainty isn’t something to fear, but something you can actually trust? In this episode, Cedric sits down with Hindz to talk about how we build real peace, confidence, and direction without needing everything figured out. From growing up without a clear path to learning how to be still, Hindz opens up about the habits and mindset shifts that helped him embrace change, drop the labels, and find clarity in the unknown.

It’s been 11 years since I sat down with my childhood friend Poppa. We grew up in the same LA streets, playing football, running from fights, and figuring life out the best we could. But as we got older, life pulled us in different directions. In this conversation, we talk about where we’ve been, what almost broke us, and how we’re trying to become better men, as fathers, as friends, and as people.

In today's episode, I sat down with two of my closest friends, Ricardo and Kosey. What starts as a talk about loneliness and stress turns into a great discussion on pride, pressure, and why opening up is difficult… even with the people you trust most. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’m good” when you weren’t, this one’s for you.

Cole Cuchna is the creator and host of Dissect, the award-winning podcast that breaks down albums like Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers track by track. In this conversation, we go deep on what makes Kendrick one of the greatest artists of our time, how music becomes a mirror for our lives, and why what we listen to matters more than we think.

Boston Marathon winner Des Linden opens up about the mindset behind elite performance and what keeps her going when some of her biggest wins have already happened. We talk about how she got into running, where her motivation comes from, and how discipline and purpose help her navigate life both on and off the course.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eli Harwood, licensed therapist and author, for a powerful conversation about healing the parts of ourselves shaped by childhood and relationships. We talk about how attachment impacts adulthood, what it means to repair with our kids, and how growth really happens when we face what’s underneath our reactions. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you didn’t choose, this one’s worth your time.

This episode started with a moment that’s been sitting heavy. We found out we’ll have to put our family dog down soon. What it stirred up caught me off guard. I sat down with my friend and business partner, Alex Soholt, to process what that brought up: how to be human in front of your kids, how to feel things you don’t have language for, and what growth really looks like in moments you don’t see coming.

What if the problem isn’t that you don’t have enough time, but that no one taught you how to use it in a way that actually works for your life? In this episode, I sit down with author and time management expert Laura Vanderkam to talk about how to build discipline, create balance, and make time for what matters without burning out or over-scheduling yourself. Her book Tranquility by Tuesday had a real impact on how I manage my time, especially as a husband and dad, and it changed the way I think about making space for the things that matter most.

Joseph Solomon is a poet, musician, and creative who’s been asking big questions out loud for a long time. In this episode, we talk about creativity, curiosity, and what it means to unlearn who you thought you were. It’s not about having answers, it’s about staying open enough to keep asking the questions.

I sat down with Dr. Chip Dodd, a counselor, author and mentor. Dr. Dodd's podcast and books have had a big impact on me and my relationships over the past year. We talked about what it really means to feel hurt, why anger isn’t always a bad thing, and how true gladness is something deeper than just chasing happiness.Check out Dr. Dodd's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/76VrPBsIGv5A4YLyWY4Xga?si=29f431a344aa4b94

Cedric talks with NFL veteran and content creator Isaac Rochell about life after football, therapy, faith and what it means to grow as a man, husband, and leader at home. He reflects on the challenges of breaking generational cycles and learning how to show up with more intention in marriage, growth that’s clearly present in his relationship with Allison Kucharczyk.Check out Isaac's new podcast, Don't Worry I'll Ask.

Dr. Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and best-selling author, breaks down how things like our upbringing, relationships, and purpose shape the way we experience happiness. This isn’t a conversation about chasing a feeling, it’s about building a life that actually feels good and meaningful. From the stories we carry from childhood to the pressure we put on marriage to make us whole, this episode gets into what really matters when it comes to lasting happiness.

Mary-Kate Morrissey didn’t just play Elphaba on Broadway. She studied, trained, and pushed herself to become one of the best to ever take on the role. In this conversation, she shares the intense ambition that drove her, the behind-the-scenes discipline most people never see, and how she stayed grounded while becoming a character from Wicked that means so much to so many.

We all carry mental, emotional, and relational weight, but what happens when the labels we accept start shrinking what we’re capable of? In this episode, I’m joined by RaQuel Hopkins, a capacity expert. Together, we explore the difference between mental load and mental capacity, how emotional patterns from our past shape us, and why it’s time to outgrow the labels that hold us back.Follow RaQuel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel_the_capacity_expert/Follow Ced on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ced/Listen on all audio platforms: https://m.mtrbio.com/more-than-what-made-meMusic by: https://www.instagram.com/christianahmed_/