Creating Deep Thinkers

The delicate thing we call life is that we only experience it once, so how do we live it with purpose and passion? This week, co-host AYD once again joins us as we discuss how to find our purpose, how it reflects growth, and the internal conversations we must have to determine the things, people, places, and ideas that give genuine meaning to our lives. It is common to be stuck in a routine, living on autopilot and uncertain in a busy world to survive, adhering to a cycle where you are inhibited from accessing, exploring, and understanding what exists within you. MJ and AYD share that to understand your purpose, you need to understand who you are first. As an example, both share that this podcast gives them purpose, knowing that through this platform, they gain the ability to interact with, learn from, and grow alongside others, as opposed to what they were routinely used to before starting the podcast: constantly living to work, instead of working to live, preparing for a mundane schedule that did not allow them the freedom to grow and learn. Both AYD and MJ encourage us to challenge who we are to navigate our purpose. Although it may feel uncomfortable, you learn to let go of the things that no longer serve you to make room for the things that matter.

For the first time, MJ's mother, Silvia, joins us on the 40th episode of Riding The Wave. MJ asks a series of profound questions regarding his mother's tenacity and perseverance during her darkest times, which involve the passing of her friend and that of her husband in later years.It is no easy feat discussing these matters; however, MJ, followed by his sister Mo, after several decades, finally learns about their mother's point of view, feelings, and thoughts on these unfortunate experiences. MJ closes off with a question that few take the time to ponder: if a loved one who passed was sitting right in front of you, what would you say?

On this week’s podcast, we feel nostalgic as we learn to interpret the world through the intricate lens of a child. We are joined by MJ’s very own bright, enthusiastic, and youthful eight-year-old son, Aaron. Although we cannot take back time and revert to our years of childhood, the children around us can offer and teach us many valuable lessons about the world we now live in. Aaron takes us back to the basics and discusses how to have fun, the importance of friendships, being a good person, being an exceptional young scholar, growing up with a loving and supportive family, and managing emotions. Ultimately, Aaron teaches us to recenter ourselves and pursue our goals with tenacity, reminding us that the inner child permanently resides within us no matter how old we grow. 

This week, we are joined by returning guest Mo as we explore the topic of cheating within relationships, its psychological effects, and some personal anecdotes. The most prominent question asked is, why do people cheat? Do people cheat because of insecurity, lack of commitment, lack of self-respect, ego, or retaliation? Cheating within a relationship is an action that demonstrates a lack of commitment, accountability, and respect, consequently leading to severed trust. Mo and MJ then ask the audience, should one take back their partner after cheating? How do you forgive a partner who has violated your trust? They delve into emotional cheating and physical cheating, reiterating the importance of self-control and the implications your unfaithful actions have on your partner’s mental health. Ultimately, a relationship requires constant communication, vulnerability, being present, sorting through struggles, and not seeking validation from another person outside the relationship. It is also important to emphasize that if you are cheated on, do not blame yourself or ponder what you should change about yourself. Ultimately, a cheating partner’s insecurities and selfishness do not define who you are, as you should respect yourself by moving on and appreciating yourself instead of surrounding yourself with someone who does not.

In this episode on Riding The Wave, we are joined by a resilient and knowledgeable guest, Rick, a financial advisor who has been in the industry for 17 years. Raised by a single father who was a war veteran and not culturally accustomed to what it meant to live according to city life because of his non-stationary lifestyle, Rick persevered through a myriad of existing adversities. Said hardships were a result of childhood traumas; many of which stemmed from his mother’s rejection, and growing up alongside a father who was going through mental struggles after the Vietnam War. Despite his internal struggles, Rick breaks down the wall to be there for his wife and daughter, ensuring that he presents the best version of himself for them. Rick teaches the audience the importance of coming to terms with the nature of reality; to sit with and acknowledge your grief, but not let it occupy a permanent spot in your life, to dismantle cycles of abuse, unhealthy familial relationships, and harmful practices. Rick leaves a message for the audience to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, encouraging others to seek help and, more importantly, forgive themselves. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our next star, talented vocalist and musical genius, Violet Melody! Although working a corporate office job by day, Violet Melody makes time for her musical passions and hobbies during her free time, encouraging others not to abandon their creative pursuits and talents in lieu of adhering to a 9-5 work lifestyle where there is often little to no room for creativity. Violet Melody, inspired musically by the R&B genre through her tunes, seeks to encourage self-confidence. She reminds her audience and fans to remain genuine, as there is no textbook definition of what an artist should look or sound like. Stars in our galactic ocean are born through belligerent stages in their formation. The result, however, becomes a bright light in our opaque universe. Violet Melody is no different.Stay tuned for Violet Melody's live performance at the end of the episode!

Welcome to Luigi’s Barbershop, where special guest Luigi joins us as he gives MJ his fresh cut. Luigi is a Whittier native whose journey began as soon as sixth grade with a pair of clippers as a result of his desire to achieve the perfect cut for himself and eventually for others. Becoming a certified and trusted barber proved difficult, having worked several other jobs previously. However, Luigi testifies to the importance of continual practice and sticking through to your passion even during challenging times, such as working through COVID. Admittedly, Luigi confesses to having messed up during several haircuts during his inception as a barber but uses that analogy as proof that you must be willing to learn and be an apprentice to achieve your highest form in your desired zone.

In this week’s podcast, we change the scene as we are accompanied by Rudy, The Vicious Barber, in the place where he perfects his craft best, his barbershop, while also giving A.Y.D a cut. Rudy talks of his inception as a barber, from starting ground zero and how, through the help of his brother, YouTube searches, and the willingness to learn and put in relentless hours of work to improve, he was able to obtain his barber license this year. Rudy teaches us the importance of aligning with our values and sticking through with our passions despite adversities and periods of disillusionment because, ultimately, the work put in will yield the results we seek to achieve.

This week, we are joined by special guest Misael, who goes by the name of “Wheels” as a result of having endured a motorcycle accident at the age of 16, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. Despite this complete shift of lifestyle during the early years of his adolescence into adulthood, Misael is a testament to the power of strength as he does not let his condition limit, discourage, or deter him from pursuing his aspirations and accomplishing his day-to-day tasks. Through his sense of humor and dedication to his physical and mental well-being, Misael seeks to challenge those who perceive individuals with disabilities through a deficit lens. He encourages all to remain committed to their overall health and goals.

This holiday week on Riding The Wave Podcast, we are joined by a special guest seeking to change the world through the power of education, Dr. Ji Son. Well-rounded and invested in continual growth, Dr. Ji Son is a Cognitive Science Professor, Scientist, Researcher, Author, and Psychologist. UCLA Alumna with a PhD from Indiana  University and proud of her Korean roots, Dr. Ji Son continually follows her curiosity and interests, as advised by her hardworking parents. Dr. Ji Son discusses changes in learning during the digital age and what it means to maximize happiness. Dr. Ji Son encourages others to seek agency, ask questions, and actively pursue new knowledge for cognitive growth.