First Off Podcast

Season 5 of  First OFF  is here, and we're kicking things off with a fun, silly, and surprisingly insightful episode featuring some very special guests — our kids! This week, we share our Parenting Score, discuss what we're watching during Screen Time, and dive into conversations about estate planning, home-going wishes, and what each of us plans to do this week to support our mental healt...

In this episode of  First Off , we dive into one of the most important parts of parenting— how we respond when our kids feel like they’ve disappointed us . We explore ways to nurture  emotional intelligence , build trust, and create a safe space where our children feel supported, not defined by mistakes. We also share what we’re currently reading, highlighting  books that are shaping our mindset  ...

In Episode 412 of  First OFF , Sadhana and Joseph Vivens recap their experience at the  Maryland Film Festival , sharing highlights from the premieres of  S.O.S.  and  The Solanges: Angels of the Sun . This special  crossover episode with #SOSsaturday  dives into the filmmaking journey, the power of the theater-going experience, and what it felt like to hear audiences react in real time. From laug...

Topics Covered: BlackPlanet nostalgia & the “Think-Real” identity Why boredom might be a hidden privilege Parenting reflections & self-evaluation What we’re watching right now (Screen Time picks) This week on  First Off , Joseph taps into his BlackPlanet roots and introduces his alter ego,  “Think-Real,”  setting the tone for a deeper, more philosophical conversation. Joined by Sadhana, th...

First OFF — Raising Leaders, Costumes & Screen Time In Episode 10 of  First OFF , Sadhana and Joseph Vivens talk about  raising leaders in today’s world  and the importance of building confidence, responsibility, and character in children. Joseph shares how he accidentally dressed up like  The Very Hungry Caterpillar , and dive into this week’s  Screen Time  — discussing  Good Sports  and  Mal...

In this episode of  First OFF , Sadhana and Joseph Vivens recap their experience at  Awesome Con  in Washington, DC — from the costumes they wore to the incredible looks they saw throughout the convention. They share highlights from the event and reflect on the importance of spending quality time together as a family. A fun and heartfelt conversation about pop culture, creativity, and making memor...

In this episode of  First OFF , Sadhana and Joseph Vivens talk about embracing  “MomStyle,”  navigating the feeling of disappointing our parents, and the music that moves us emotionally. For  Screen Time , we discuss the new series  All Her Fault  and Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-nominated  Frankenstein . A thoughtful and honest conversation about parenting, identity, culture, and the stories that s...

In Season 4 Episode 7 of First Off , we reflect on the parenting traits we inherited from our own parents and how those lessons shape the way we raise our children today. From communication to compassion, we explore the values that carried over—and the ones we’re learning to rethink as modern parents. We also discuss whether parenting is hard work or a lot of work. We also dive into an honest conv...

In this episode of  First OFF , Sadhana and Joseph Vivens reflect on taking their kids to a live musical, recap Valentine’s Day, and share thoughts on  Weekend at Bernie’s . They also discuss how clothing affects confidence and mood, and break down their weekly Parenting Score, highlighting the wins, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. An honest, fun conversation about modern family lif...

In this episode of First Off, we talk about Valentine’s Day, romance, and what love looks like in real life. We reflect on being of service to those in need, finding our parenting core at a camp for children who are cancer survivors, and exploring what romance truly sounds, feels, and looks like beyond the clichés. It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, purpose, and connection. 🎧 List...

In Episode 404 of  First Off , we take a fun and honest look at life’s everyday challenges and traditions with laughter, nostalgia, and real talk. We begin by reminiscing about  going to Blockbuster Video  and the joy of browsing old movie aisles—a reminder of simpler times before endless streaming took over. From there, we dive into the modern challenge of  too much screen time . We also revisit...

In Episode 3 of  First Off , we jump between the everyday and the existential. We talk about  work emails  and how they affect our mental load, the importance of protecting  mental health , and what it really means to  stay present  in a world that’s constantly pulling us backward and forward. The conversation also takes a fun turn into  time traveling , and why being grounded in the now can be so...

In this episode of  First Off , we switch things up and invite our kids to join us for a fun, laughter-filled game of  “Do You Really Know Your Family?”  What starts as a playful challenge quickly turns into surprising answers, heartfelt moments, and a few unexpected revelations. This episode is all about  family connection ,  communication , and the joy that comes from simply spending time togeth...

Season 4, Episode 1 | Happy New Year Welcome to  Season 4, Episode 1  of  First Off  — and  Happy New Year! In this episode, we kick off the new year by catching up on life, family, and everything that’s been happening behind the scenes. We talk about our kids teaming up to surprise  Sadhana  for her birthday, reflect on our  parenting score , and share some laughs around gift-giving, games, and t...

This week on First Off, we unpack an incredible trip to MIPCOM—what we saw, who we met, and how global storytelling is evolving. We also dive into the realities of solo parenting, the emotional and logistical challenges, and how it shapes our creative drive. Then, a deep look at two powerful projects from Joseph’s company: 🎬 The short film S.O.S. – a genre-bending thriller. 🎥 The Solanges: Angel...

In this episode, we’re celebrating the little wins and the big joys: 🎉 ​ Our all-time favorite TV show theme songs (get ready for some nostalgia 🎶) ​ The ups and downs of math tutoring with kids 📚 ​ Taking a moment to pat ourselves on the back for progress 🌱 ​ And a deep dive into why Severance has become one of our favorite shows on Apple TV+ 🍎📺 It’s a mix of parenting, music, and TV talk—w...

In Episode 5, we celebrate the joy of progress—the little wins that keep us moving forward. 🎉 We also dive into music talk, from Anita Baker’s legendary track “Rapture” to Joseph’s own song “RapTour,” which samples that timeless classic. 🎶 Then we switch gears into what’s on our screens this week: ​ Dept Q on Netflix ​ Foundation on Apple TV+ ​ Alien Earth on FX It’s a fun mix of music, movies,...

We’re back with Part 2 of our parenting conversation—and this time, we’re diving even deeper. In this episode, we continue exploring what it means to watch our kids take ownership of their actions, and how that reflects the lessons we’re trying to teach as parents. We also talk more about being present in a world full of distractions and why it’s so important to move beyond the automatic “I’m fine...

In this episode, we’re back on the parenting journey and celebrating one of those powerful moments: watching our kids take ownership of their actions. 🙌🏽 It’s the kind of growth that reminds us we’re doing something right. We also explore what it means to truly be present—with ourselves, with our families, and in our conversations. Why do we default to the canned “I’m fine” when someone asks how...

This episode explores how we navigate parenting in today’s world—from creating honest, open communication with our kids to how we feel about children wearing revealing clothes. We also dive into the new Jussie Smollett documentary and discuss the deeper issues of identity, truth, and media perception. A thoughtful, funny, and unfiltered conversation about parenting, culture, and everything in betw...

In this heartfelt episode, we honor the birthday of a beloved family member who has passed on. Through laughter, memories, and a few tears, we celebrate their life, their impact, and the love that still surrounds them. This episode is a cathartic blend of joy and reflection—an intimate reminder that love never leaves us, even when the people we cherish do. If you’re navigating grief, celebrating s...

In this special anniversary episode, we’re celebrating another incredible year of marriage—and we’re bringing you along for the ride! Join us as we open up about our relationship, share the lessons we’ve learned, the laughs we’ve had, and a few of our favorite “marriage secrets” along the way. Whether you’re married, dating, or just curious, this honest and heartfelt conversation is one you won’t...

Joseph and Sadhana ride the wave in this conversation that ranges from dreams, rap beefs, parenting, and OJ's death. Visit AreYouAFanYet.com for more great content.

This is the pilot Episode for a podcast that Joseph Vivens has developed called, Wizarding Black Lit. Every episode Joseph takes a piece of black literature and imagines it being adapted into a film or TV show. In this pilot he wizards “Cotton Go’n Kill Me Yet” by Chester B Himes (1909-1984). FirstOff will be back with new episodes soon, but for now enjoy this pilot and stay tuned for an official...

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