The Love Intention by Steve Strother
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Oui Talk Raw, host Jennifer Busco sits down with author and coach Steven Strother to dive deep into the emotional terrain of love, judgment, and what it really means to live with an open heart. Strother, whose new book The Love Intention: One Man’s Treasure Hunt for Life’s Big Answers is now available on Amazon, brings a calm, grounded energy to the conversation that’s as inviting as it is insightful.
The conversation opens with Jennifer reflecting on the “absence of love” she feels in judgmental spaces. Quoting a beloved teacher, she says, “Judging is a form of attack, underneath the attack is pain, and underneath the pain is a cry for love.” It’s a vulnerable moment that sets the tone for the rest of the talk, where she and Strother explore how judgment and pain often mask an unmet need for love and compassion.
Strother shares candidly about his own personal journey, including how unaware he once was of his own judgments. Coming from a childhood not fully surrounded by love, he had to teach himself how to become more self-aware. He reflects on a recent encounter with a woman in a bar in Dallas who came off as judgmental and aggressive—but instead of reacting, Strother chose to stay open, which allowed the interaction to turn into a meaningful dialogue. That openness, he says, is something he’s had to cultivate deliberately.
Jennifer agrees, adding that her go-to antidote for judgment is curiosity. “Instead of thinking, ‘Why is she wearing that outfit?’ I think, ‘That’s interesting.’” She calls it a shift from judgment to wonder, sprinkling compassion on top—“like a cupcake that gets you out of the judgment bakery,” she jokes. Strother loves the metaphor and agrees that curiosity is key in developing self-awareness and emotional resilience.
The conversation takes a relatable turn when road rage enters the chat. Strother confesses he still gets angry in traffic, especially when someone cuts him off—but now he catches himself quicker. “I don’t know what’s going on with that person,” he reminds himself. Maybe they’re rushing to see a loved one or trying to make an important meeting. That small act of empathy, he says, helps him release anger and stay connected to love.
Jennifer links this to the concept of surrender and divine love. “The opposite of control is surrender,” she says, tying in Strother’s book chapter, “God’s Party,” which she loved. “Is there wine at God’s party?” she teases. “Red wine—definitely,” Strother replies with a grin. The playful tone underscores a deeper message: even amidst chaos and stress, we’re all invited to experience the joy and love of life.
To wrap up the episode, Strother shares a powerful spiritual tool he uses in moments of tension. Inspired by Paul Selig’s The Book of Love and Creation, he repeats silently to himself, “I am love through [person’s name], love. I am love with this intention.” It’s not about forcing love in tough moments, he clarifies—it’s about staying connected to our shared humanity. Jennifer adds her own take, saying if it’s too hard to extend love in a heated moment, “love the tree, the stranger on the street, or your Diet Pepsi”—anything to keep the heart open.
The episode closes with Strother discussing the symbolism behind his book cover, which features a compass rather than a heart. “Love isn’t linear. It’s a journey,” he says. The compass speaks to his treasure hunt for meaning—one that winds through all directions, just like life.
With warmth, laughter, and grounded wisdom, this episode is a beautiful reminder that love is a choice—and one we can make, moment by moment.
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