One Degree of Separation

It's March 31st 2020 in what feels like the longest month, let alone the most turbulent year ever. Here I am practicing social distancing, talking to myself. Consider this my inner monologue, which I've recently found out a lot of people don't have. I recap the last few months in my life bringing into the picture some big changes followed by what life is like under quarantine and my many reflections about it. All in all, we have to look out for one another because who knows when this will end and what our new normal will look like. We'll be remembered by what we did and didn't do, whether it be good or bad. Stillness is productivity, don't let anybody tell you different. I love you guys and I hope you're healthy. Please stay home. We're all in this together. Be kind to somebody today.

Not a stranger to One Degree of Separation, we have Alyssa back on the podcast 2 years after her last appearance. A year to this day, Alyssa quit her 9-5 job to pursue her creative passions with Coffee & Convos and a freelance career to build brands. Over the past few years, she's pivoted from corporate to self-employed, from working solo to being in a collaborative partnership, and from hesitant to start things to approaching things head on. She also discusses the concept of knowing your "why" and how that should empower you and be your drive. Follow Alyssa and her journey at @alyssamopia @coffeeandconvos @futurespast.co

What's up world? It's 2019 and the podcast is back. On the first one of the year, we have Max Pete aka The One Hand Wonderman with me talking about his creative journey from free work to paid work in music labels and from freelance to full time employment, which is a first for the podcast, usually we're here talking about what it took to finally seek self-employment. Tune in as he drops subtle gems to improve your professional game, create more leads, and how to apply those same methods to joining a community your new to. @onehandwonderman @max_pete @onedegreepodcast @1degreepodcast @veeejzilla onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com

No matter what you do, it would be good to keep in mind not to cut corners. That's what Justin aka DJ Agana (@djagana @dddjagana) encourages new and experienced DJs alike to practice. His consistency and love for music has given him the opportunity to DJ for 10 years now and he has no plans of stopping. In this podcast, we also talk about his early experiences finding likeminded individuals through the early Tumblr days, why the Bay Area is a place that just keeps giving, and technical and business tips for aspiring DJs. http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/ https://soundcloud.com/onedegreeofseparation

At what point does any creative or entrepreneur seek a partner for their business or hustle? On this episode, we have the audio/visual duo, Gold Standard Studios, comprised of Eiman (@hollywoodeiman) and Ian (@fides_rex), who met on a chance encounter and found that their respective crafts complement one another. The art of collaboration is not lost on them, having formed their own joint business despite having only known each other for a short period of time. Join us as we speak on the advantages of working with others, a new way to look at consistency, and how it is to be your own boss.

On this episode, I talk to Rymega (@rymega), a fellow military brat, about his experience as a teacher in these turbulent times. He speaks on the type of values he tries to instill in his teaching methods, his time at March for Our Lives in San Diego, and how us growing up in Japan shaped who we are. http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/ IG: @onedegreepodcast Twitter: @1degreepodcast

Fresh off of tour with Khary, I have my good friend Ian (@fides_rex) sit in and talk about the common struggles we have freelancing and his journey before and during this "lifestyle" choice we chosen to live. You'll hear us talk about what keeps us inspired creatively, how we decompress, and what we consider what the "hustle". What we both bring up are our thoughts on how age comes into play, whether we see a sense of agency or whether or not it's a factor at all. Is it for you? http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/ http://fidesrex.com/portfolio/

And we back! Thank you for tuning into another episode of One Degree of Separation. On this episode, I talk to Jason (@jason_huggins)from 5&A Dime (@fiveandadime). As a guy who's worn many hats over many years, he's seen it all. He talks about his journey through the many scenes and movements he's been a part of and the history of the San Diego staple, 5&A Dime and the journey of adapting to the ever changing streetwear culture and market, and the need for community over competition. We also announce the new monthly spring cleaning swap meet we have going on, Clean Slate, happening February 25th and every last Sunday of the month following. Listen in for more details! Background music by Lakey Inspired http://www.5andadime.com/ http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/

What's the connection between astrology and our daily life? Should I go to art school? On this episode, my friend Leslie and I answer these questions for those interested in a different sense of spirituality or route towards their creative goals. She explains to me what alignments are in place with the stars and planets right now and her roots in all things astrological. To each their own, but we discuss our experiences as creatives having years under our belt in our own respective fields. @lesliecolonphoto @lesliecolonfoto

A lot has happened since the last time we talked with Andy (@andyinternets) back in November. We've got a new president, threat of nuclear holocaust seems to be imminent, and he's recently quit his job. In this episode, we talk about the circumstances that got him to a place to pursue his interests and passions full time outside a 9 to 5 workplace and how he's used social media as both for humor and to draw attention to topics he believes are important. https://www.andyinternets.com/

On this episode, we have Grant (@towndust), the creator of Towndust, a brand based out of San Diego with a heavy focus on cut and sew and embroidered graphics. We talk about how he's balanced a job that he loves with something that's completely his, the benefits of being tapped in on the internet, and about his recent trip to Japan. On June 24-25, Grant will have his second pop-up at ACD Gallery in North Park, debuting a short film and his new collection. Beer and tacos provided. Mention the podcast for a free pin!

On June 4th, we asked the San Diego community to come together. We were joined for a special evening as we gathered to celebrate coffee, a special, clean fuel that energizes artists, musicians, and just about everybody. People cme through and tasted delicious coffee from local roasters and cafes, sampled some delicious paired treats, interacted with artists, enjoyed live music, and formed bonds with fellow coffee-lovers from all walks of life as we see the magic of coffee’s connective power. We held a panel of creative to talk about various topics like how coffee fuels us, collaboration, inclusion, and others that affect creatives. Disclaimer: Sorry for the audio quality. Some parts may not be easy to understand, but there are a few gems to be heard here and there.

On this episode, I have the great pleasure of having one of my best friends and favorite human beings, Vanessa. We talk about how law of attraction has played a role in her life, her creative journey from the start until now, being and feeling lost creatively, how she views her spirituality as simply looking inward, and the state of the art and creative scene in San Diego.

It's been a wild year for my friend JR aka JR Jarris (@jrjarris). Having just come back from playing a show in Tokyo in January and having played big venues like the Observatory and Low End Theory last year, I thought it'd only be right to finally have a conversation with him. He speaks on his origins in music (San Diego people might be familiar with the whole swangin' movement), how Uncommon Value as a group has helped him grow as an individual, and how to make collaborations work even if there's 8 other people in the room.

Love is in the air. This Valentine's Day, One Degree of Separation brings you three podcasts revolving around how love and companionship affects the creative process and journey. With three different couples, who had gotten together under vastly different circumstances, we discuss how they've grown together as individuals and creatively, the intersection between love and creativity, hurdles in today's modern day romance, and love in all its wonder. From this Valentine's Day and beyond, we hope you accept the love that's given to you because the world could always use a little more love. In this episode, I speak to Ian and Alyssa, who have been bestfriends for 2 or 3 years now but just now decided to be together officially. How sweet, right?

Love is in the air. This Valentine's Day, One Degree of Separation brings you three podcasts revolving around how love and companionship affects the creative process and journey. With three different couples, who had gotten together under vastly different circumstances, we discuss how they've grown together as individuals and creatively, the intersection between love and creativity, hurdles in today's modern day romance, and love in all its wonder. From this Valentine's Day and beyond, we hope you accept the love that's given to you because the world could always use a little more love. In this episode, I speak to Lu and Paul who have been together for 10 years, having seen it all in their extensive journey together. You've heard of high school sweethearts, but what about middle school sweethearts?

In this conversation, Kyle, better known as @kylebykyle, talks with me about his constant evolution in art, philosophies he has behind the progression, and how he's used social media to push his art to the masses. He also briefly mentions his new, elusive project, Water Your Plants, and how this simple phrase can apply to you. http://www.kylebykyle.com/

In this very special episode, I talk with YKLaFamilia, my squad and family up in the Bay. As a collective, we strive towards being a creative force for the community through throwing events with a purpose, promoting creatives we want to highlight through our platform, and keeping people informed about music, art, and topics we care about. Though we're a group of likeminded individuals, we are also strong-willed and ambitious individuals that have our own pursuits that we focus on on a day-to-day. We speak on our own individual paths and how crucial it was to have found a tribe like ours and how having each other as a support system has only benefited us individually for the better. @yklafamilia yklafamilia.us

In this episode, I speak to Alyssa, the mind behind Coffee & Convos, her platform for connection, community, and creativity. We talk about transparency in our struggles as creatives (continuing on from my conversation with Sage), investing in relationships and real-life connections, and the common thread between everybody she has coffee and convos with. @alyssamopia @coffeeandconvos coffeeandconvos.com

In this episode, I chat with my brother Sage, a new San Diego resident by way of Houston. We talk about what he's learned from his recent move, how transparency plays a role in his art and daily life, and how he's able to foster and nurture relationships he's made via social media. On top of that, we speak on the connection between being real about our struggles as well as ourselves, aka vulnerability, and our overall wellbeing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. @9thsage @9thsage

Honestly, all Andy's I've come across in San Diego are good people's. In this conversation, I speak to the pulse of San Diego, as @andyinternets called Andy Tran. We talk about how his network expanded as he embraced his connections on social media, his various avenues for writing, and his other involvement in the music scene, coast to coast. @luwejee https://waffleandvibes.com/

In this special episode after the election, I speak with Andres aka Andy aka @andyinternets, somebody I have the utmost respect for because of his role as a pillar of the community in San Diego. Listen in as we talk about Andy going from throwing wild parties to community based art events, how the election will affect us, what we can do now that Donald Trump has been elected, and our thoughts on rap today.

Tune into this conversation with the multi-talented Eli, an artist from New York by way of Indonesia. We talk about the transition from her home country to the hustle and bustle of New York, her multiple personal projects which include a film, zine, photo series, and clothing brand, our experiences with art school, and some philosophies and theories she’s been pondering as of late. @yungwolftown

In this very special episode, I'm in New York talking to one of my oldest friends, Yumi, who knows me best out of everybody I've talked to so far. We talk about our origins in Japan and how being a military brat has affected our perspective as creatives, her stint in professional PR, the importance of having personal projects, and the Asian American experience as told through our generation. @yumitko

In this episode, I speak to the plug aka John Dailys (@johndailys) who runs an apparel manufacturing service and clothing brand out of San Diego. Throughout our conversation, he speaks on what it takes to survive in the clothing game and in business in general, what he's learned from years on both sides of the spectrum as manufacturer and brand, and how a loss can teach you a valuable lesson. atthemoment.us

In this episode, we have Jeni (@jenileered) and Tricia (@__tcrz) to talk about themselves and their collaborative project, Balance and Bloom (@balanceandbloom / balanceandbloom.net). Listen to them speak on the benefits of collaborating, recall lessons from their travels, and touch on the reasons why they want to make it in their hometown first rather than places like New York or Los Angeles.

Tune into a conversation I had with my friend, Quynh. She convinced me to fully commit to the podcast so she gets dibs on first episode. Listen in as we talk about her origins as a music nerd turned full-on creative, being a mom, and the up and coming San Diego creative scene. @qvocado