Ep. 13: Robert Montez

Matt talks about growing up with a mother who struggled with Borderline Personality Disorder, working through his own issues when it came to depression and self-harm at a young age, and experiencing incredible love and support from a father who walked alongside him through some of the darkest moments in his early teen years. In addition we also talk about mental health, education, and the positive effects that can come from finding a partner who loves and supports you.  I hope you enjoy.  

Sam talks about his strict upbringing, dealing with self-consciousness at a young age, and trying to understand why his father was never around that much while he was growing up. In addition we also talk about Sam's DUI experience and how that influenced him to clean up his act and get serious about his goals in life. Other topics that we discuss are work ethic, the power of kindness, and what it means to be the best version of yourself.  

Talia discusses her experiences with being bullied in high school, feeling suicidal in college,  almost becoming a police officer, and her journey to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition, we talk about raising children, the value of parents healing from childhood trauma, and important factors to consider when maintaining a healthy romantic relationship.

Johnathon talks about being raised by a single teen mother, growing up without his biological father, and working with clients who have experienced serious trauma throughout their lives. In addition, we also talk about our similarities/experiences when it comes to being raised by teen mothers, his  passion for mental health, and striving to have a lasting impact on individuals who grow up in low-income communities.    Ways you can contact Johnathon:  Email: [email protected] Instagram: @notjohnathon 

Nicole is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and a Student Dietitian who has a passion for helping individuals become the best versions of themselves. Throughout this episode we talk about her journey with becoming a CPT, dealing with anxiety throughout her life, and her motivation behind helping others become both physically and mentally stronger. In addition, we also discuss relationships, body shaming, mental toughness, and the importance of implementing positivity within every aspect of our lives.  Follow Nicole via Instagram: @niksalexis Disclaimer: This episode was filmed outside so keep in mind that you might hear the occasional dog bark, plane fly by, and annoying beetle harass us during the recording of this episode. I hope you enjoy :) 

Manuel talks about his early school years being in special education and joining a gang when he was 13 years old. In addition, we also discuss his experience with being physically, emotionally, and mentally abused by his mother who abused heroin. Other topics that we touch on is Manuel's experience with drug addiction, being bipolar, and having moments in his life where he considered committing suicide.  His story is both heart-breaking and inspirational at the same time. He is a true example for anyone when it comes to not giving up on life and believing that there are better days ahead.  I hope you enjoy.   

Sam and I discuss the awesomeness of growing up in the 80s, being raised by a hard-working mother who always had numerous jobs, and his experience with being physically abused as a child. In addition, we also talk about the first time we met, the day I asked him if I could date his daughter, his experience with divorce (and getting remarried), his role as a step-parent, the value of having "thick skin", and the benefit of having a higher power in life to guide you through difficult times.  This is a special one.  Happy Father's Day, Bro- Dad.  

Viv discusses her life growing up and having a mother who was (and still is) her biggest inspiration in life. We discuss her mindset and experience with having to deal with the death of mother during her freshman year of high school due to a serious heart condition, Viv also talks about motherhood and her experience with becoming a mom herself at 18 years old. In addition, we talk about relationships, the value of healing from our emotional pain, working with clients as therapists, and the huge role that Viv played when it came to inspiring me to start the All Ears Podcast.  You can also follow Viviana on Instagram at: @viviana.perea77  I hope you enjoy! 

Ryan shares his story about being a "hard-headed" kid growing up in Pomona, being raised by his mother who was never afraid to show him tough love at times, and even explaining  the value of his faith and how it allows him to strive for his goals and be a better man each day. In addition, we also discuss our years working together in operations, him witnessing the time when I almost flooded the school bathroom (long story), and we even break down Ryan's definition of what it means to be "authentic" in regards to interacting with people who are of a different race, gender, or even sexuality.  I hope you enjoy :) 

Robert is my older cousin (aka big brother in many ways) who has always had my back since day one. We discuss his life growing up being "the baby" of the group and even touch on his unique relationship that he has with both of his older brothers. In addition, we also discuss our relationship and how he played a huge role in helping me appreciate the value of becoming mentally and physically tough at a young age. We also discuss marriage, the joys and (sometimes) struggles of raising 4 kids, and what it means to be grateful about everything that we have in life while also trying our best to maintain a positive attitude every single day.   I love this guy. I hope you enjoy :)