Real Talk. with John Rudnicki

Send us a Text Message.Here is a short solo episode about how to navigate the uncertainty and shock of life post-college and making your way into the workforce. 

Send us a Text Message.Here's a little reflection on when I traveled Europe for 9 weeks by myself. Trying to do more solo episodes, hope you enjoy

Send us a Text Message.Here's a link to the Mark Groves episode I found inspiration from -- Click hereAnd here's a link to the episode I recorded with Mark Groves just a few timely months back as well -- Click hereFeel free to leave a reply and a review of the podcast, and as always, thanks for tuning in. 

After some people asking for more individual episodes, here is one coming at a perfect time for me. While traveling solo for 9 months, I'm a week in and have some thoughts from my experiences so far. Hope you enjoy. 

For this episode, and first ever "A coffee conversation", I'm honored to have relationship expert and experienced podcaster Mark Groves on the podcast. As shown in the title, we discuss things like creating your self-worth, how to regain agency regarding social media's algorithms, and the best way to navigate breakups. 00:00:00 intro00:04:20 "summer-chasing" culture00:05:05 social media colonizes us00:08:30 boredom can feel like failure00:10:00 idea of productivity00:13:50 breakup advice00:17:45 what perfectionism is00:19:00 envy00:21:25 sensitivity is not a problem00:24:50 hookup culture00:26:00 social status of romance00:27:30 having to "fix"00:30:45 learn how to grieve00:31:00 being curious00:36:00 healthy shame00:42:00 victim mindset00:46:00 don't follow others' limiting beliefs00:48:50 how mark created his brand00:50:00 danger of social media for young people00:52:50 money just amplifies your character00:57:55 social media is an abusive relationship01:01:00 advice for starting your own thing01:11:00 navigating your self-worth01:17:55 afraid of commitment?01:24:00 setting boundaries01:27:05 mark's story of getting married01:36:33 "missing someone doesn't mean you want them"01:35:00 advice to 21 year-olds01:46:00 outroMark Groves createthelove.comCheck out Mark's Podcast! -- The Mark Groves PodcastNEW BOOK - Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love That You DesireInstagram: @createtheloveJohn RudnickiCheck out the Podcast!! -- Real Talk. with John RudnickiInstagram: @realtalk.withjr // @john.rudnicki

Hi there, here's another episode for ya. But instead, this one is a rant. A rant about breakups. Here are the show notes:0:00 ~ intro2:16 ~ cutting off contact3:55 ~ setting boundaries4:35 ~ great quote by Andrew Huberman6:15 ~ "what's the right way to get through this?"7:38 ~ illusion of time expectation8:05 ~ my personal breakup experience10:00 ~ time off social media11:14 ~ it can be a grey space15:30 ~ hookup culture17:00 ~ self worth goes bye bye17:05 ~ the significance of feeling18:05 ~ no one tells you to feel your feelings21:05 ~ spiritual bypassing22:50 ~ advertisement25:38 ~ breakups are good.28:05 ~ final quoteAlso, thanks again to Magic Mind for sponsoring the episode!Visit https://www.magicmind.com/realtalk and get up to 50% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code REALTALK20.

For this episode I got to speak with Jake Luna, former accountant at Deloitte and creator of the wildly successful Newport Run Club, and get into his story over a few nitro cold brews. 00:00 ~ Intro05:45 ~ Navigating quality over quantity in sponsorships08:50 ~ Background10:55 ~ Jake's honest take on doing accounting as a career15:20 ~ The birth of Newport Run Club17:45 ~ Quitting Deloitte18:20 ~ Not doing your calling = anxiety 24:18 ~ "If you are so smart, why haven't you learned to be happy?"26:16 ~ When people first started showing to run club28:50 ~ Navigating fear of rejection38:00 ~ Talking about music47:55 ~ advertisement52:05 ~ The mind is able to adapt54:39 ~ Jake's inspo for running a marathon56:50 ~ Being selective with partnerships59:45 ~ There is no real strategy // keeping the club's integrity1:08:20 ~ If you're unhappy, listen to this...1:13:55 ~ Truly, no one knows what they're doing1:19:42 ~ Jake's final messageAlso, thanks again to Magic Mind for sponsoring the episode!Visit https://www.magicmind.com/realtalk and get up to 50% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code REALTALK20.  

In this episode, Brett Lux and I get a little bit into his aspirations to become a firefighter, his experience falling short and having to cope with it. We also dive into all topics around fitness, not knowing what you want next in life, and mental health in general. BUT, here are the timestamps of some particular topics:00:00 ~ intro03:20 ~ a lot of people tell you how to live your life in college06:35 ~ Brett grew up SET wanting to be a firefighter08:40 ~ failing classes forced Brett to reevaluate his future plans09:30 ~ telling the whole world he wanted to be a firefighter and then falling short was hard to cope10:00 ~ the value in just going for a run when feeling down13:30 ~ why it's shameful to open up about not having a job14:05 ~ tallying the small wins14:40 ~ the power of association16:15 ~ "you're in the middle of the times you used to pray for"17:55 ~ invisible growth & and the staying in your own head18:25 ~ people don't give a shit20:50 ~ the body is a temple28:00 ~ living a hybrid fitness lifestyle29:15 ~ the pressure of self-help culture online30:15 ~ staying true to yourself30:30 ~ Brett on men's body image issues32:30 ~ people who are more real are the most inspiring33:30  ~ we live in a more introverted era 38:45 ~ people pleasing43:40 ~ you are in control of your life44:45 ~ final quoteAlso, thanks again to Magic Mind for sponsoring the episode! Visit https://www.magicmind.com/realtalk and get up to 50% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code REALTALK20.  Instagram: @realtalk.withjrTikTok: @realtalk.withjrYoutube: @realtalk.withjrPersonal: @john.rudnicki 

For this week, I got the honor to chop it up with Finland-based professional soccer player and coach, & founder of Sisu Soccer Coaching: Klaus HuovilaHere are some of the takeaways and approximate time stamps of where they are in the episode:~ 3:40 | school shuts down, do I give up on my dream?~ 7:00 | the pain of learning something new~ 11:30 | combining athletics with trying to also play professional in the US~ 15:00 | how is the school system in Finland compared to the US?~ 20:00 | ikigai and how Klaus came up with his business idea~ 23:00 | successful entrepreneur story ~26: 30 | first showing the world what you can do~ 29:00 | biggest challenge so far with starting the business~ 33:00 | you've first got to go through the uncomfortable to get to the gold~ 44:00 | create your own path.  

For this week, I interview a new friend of mine, UW soccer player Levi Hawk, where we discuss his life experiences in and out of soccer, traveling, his time so far at UW, injury, and the life lessons he's taken from it all. Here are more takeaways in bulleted fashion for you visual learners (including myself):"You can create your own luck" -- 12:00Choosing professional versus choosing college -- 19:00The balance of school and sports -- 20:00The difference between arrogance and confidence -- 22:00Honest perspective around school -- 36:00The NIL space -- 40:00The importance of expressing your feelings -- 51:00 Gratitude, and Levi's two favorite pieces of advice he's received -- 1:02:00Thank you for reading this, thank you for listening, and thank you sincerely for supporting the podcast. Only more to come.. 

Hi everyone,For this week, I host a good friend of mine from the University of Washington, a recent graduate of the Foster School of Business: Kaitlyn Milliken. With both of us graduating recently, we decided to have a "reflection" kind of conversation around our experiences through college, during graduation, and the stress we feel about moving out of the school phase of life. Through the episode, I refer to the last episode where I interviewed Rolf Potts about traveling, the importance of a travel gap year, and post-grad life. If you'd like to check it out, click this link. But to keep the show notes short, here are the rest of the takeaway points through the episode:Grading successHow it feels to "take a break"Relationships are inevitably going to changeThe value of doing nothingHandling healthy conflictChanging your identity that might've always identified with schoolMorally neutral tasksFinal show quote from Tony Robbins

This one was special. Thank you to legendary travel writer, essayist, lecturer, and awesome human Rolf Potts for sitting down and having this vulnerable and incredibly insightful conversation with me. To keep the show notes short and sweet, here are some of the main topics discussed in the episode:The idea of time wealth (achievement culture in the US)Find ways to WASTE your 20s!Failing to write a travel book at 25 and the critical lessons learned in that experienceLearning how to lean into the uncertainty of travel and of lifeThe importance of taking a travel gap year (undergraduate students listen up!!!)Some travel tips!Being vulnerable with your friends at home and the strangers you meet on the roadWhat Rolf would say to his 20 year-old self nowIf you enjoyed the episode, feel free to leave a review (written would be super super special) on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help these episodes get into more people's ears and allow me to see genuine feedback. Thanks to you all for listening, seriously. 

For this episode, I connected with well-renowned Pilates and dance instructor based out of LA, Alexis Fischer (Lexi for short), and had a really vulnerable and informational conversation about a multitude of things. We discuss Lexi's story of how she pivoted her career in dance towards Pilates, her difficulty with identity in her early years, how hard it is to be intentional, how movement has been her greatest healer, and her up and down relationship with social media. It was a really informational talk that taught me so much, so I am happy to share it and hope whoever decides to listen feels less alone and learns maybe a thing or two. Don't forget to leave a review!!

For this week, I was honored to have on a really special guest, Rome Odunze, who is not only a top wide receiver at the UW, but also a wonder off the football field as well. We discus topics around his story falling in love with football, learning to handle the expectations from others as a top wide receiver in college football, the overall increase in player accountability under a new NIL landscape, and take time to reflect on all the ups and downs of his life too. It was a really vulnerable, introspective, and constructive conversation that I hope to whoever is listening, can take something away from. Thank you to Rome again for coming on and providing an honest lens into his unique experience. Make sure to leave a rating and review so that I continue to improve and work on my craft.  Enjoy!!

This week, long-jumper for the Washington men's track team, Prestin Artis, joins the podcast to share his recent unfiltered experience in college athletics.Specifically, we dive into Artis's initial struggle with transitioning into the demanding lifestyle of a Division 1 track athlete, provide a fresh and vulnerable perspective of what that lifestyle actually looks like day-to-day, and the valuable life lessons learned in the process of its ups and downs. From the outside, it's always easy to assume one's path to success and afterwards is smooth. However, this podcast intentionally challenges this notion by showing courage in conversation through sharing vulnerable stories and feelings we would usually keep to ourselves.

For this week's episode, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with TedTalk speaker and experienced practitioner around topics of masculinity, conflict transformation, facilitation training. For this episode, we get into messages such as "be strong, don't be weak", where and when the self-help world of positivity falls short, how to navigate the transition into adulthood, and how to hold space of vulnerability for both yourself and others. I have personally struggled with a lot of these topics in the past and hope those listening can find a sense of relatability in the expert advice and stories shared this episode. If you want to check out the TedTalk in which David Hatfield discusses similar topics, the link is shared down below. Clips of this episode will also be available on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram at Real Talk. with John Rudnicki.  Honoring and working with male vulnerability | David Hatfield | TEDxEdmonton

Hi everyone!Welcome to the fourth official season of this podcast! After a minor break from the mic, I figured it was time to bring back amazing guests for more raw, interesting, educational, and fun conversations. This week I am honored to host future track star, STUDENT-athlete at THE University of Washington, and my friend: Prestin Artis. We cover his life in athletics, his ups and downs through the times of COVID-19, having an offer and losing it, and eventually working his way back into the UW track coach's office for sprints and long jump. We also get into the nitty and gritty of what it takes to be a STUDENT first (there's a reason why I'm capitalizing this), while still managing a job and working towards being a dominant athlete. These are only a few of the talking points with much more waiting in the actual episode. Anyways, I hope you find inspiration in his story and are also able to have a few laughs. Make sure to leave a five star review if you love it!

Hi everyone! For the last episode of Season 3, I decided to make it a special one that sits closest to my heart. The very reason I started the podcast in the first place was to create an environment for the harder conversations to be had, open people up to vulnerable connection, and allow for listeners to feel that they aren't ALONE. Because you aren't alone. It can be easy to fall into those feelings and validate that you're the only one going through what you're going through. But all it takes is hearing one other story that is similar to yours. Another story that you can personally resonate with. So for this week, I went through all 23 previous episodes and compiled my favorite and most vulnerable stories that have personally helped me through my own difficult moments of FEELING ALONE and hope can help you in your own times of feeling lonely too.Here is the specific story timeline:Tyler Oakson on giving up DI Soccer to find fulfillment | 2:43Sam Perez on breaking down and receiving support from counselors at school | 5:24Jaskrit Bhalla on reaching a breaking point as a yoga teacher | 7:43Tony Stark on quitting a program in the Coast Guard | 9:25Nelson Tabarez on quitting college soccer and switching schools | 11:28Atay Bulut on staying committed to what he loves despite the doubt from others| 12:42Sam Smith on staying true to yourself and persevering through life's challenges | 14:24

For this week, my friend Jean Robinston from the University of Washington joins the podcast and shares her experience with being multicultural in America, the impact it's had on her life, and how to embrace your differences and uniqueness.Here are the main takeaways:A day in the life in India The difference between being born in India and moving to America v. being born in AmericaHaving to mature earlier than othersThe transition into an entirely different culture and how to adapt to a conflict of cultureThe challenges with being multicultural and juggling separate identities The “me” versus “we” culture and toxic comparison in IndiaHow to embrace your uniqueness and accept your differences Find Jean at...Instagram: @jean.robinstonFind MORE of Real Talk. at...Instagram:  @realtalk.withjohnrudnickiPodcast: Real Talk. with John RudnickiYouTube: Real Talk. with John Rudnicki

Hi everyone!!This week's episode is something entirely new and was fun to create. A podcaster I look up to, Mark Groves, will come out with a "solo episode" once in a while that I really enjoy because it's an "educated rant" that discusses one topic in particular that he is thinking about or working through at the time. For me, something that has bugged me and has been a challenge to recently push through is BURNOUT. I define the term and provide the key symptoms and critical causes from one particular video What does it mean to have "burnout"?  by How To ADHD on YouTube. But through the episode, I tailor my own experience and share some stories that resonate the most from notable people around this experience of burnout and how to overcome it. If you love the episode, please leave a 5 star review, SHARE with friends and FOLLOW Real Talk. with John Rudnicki on Instagram and YouTube. Thank you to everyone...I appreciate all the love and support each and every week. Enjoy!

Hi everyone!For this week, I have long-time friend and former soccer teammate Nelson Tabarez on the podcast. Previously, a collegiate soccer player at Concordia University of Irvine and former D1 State Champion for San Clemente High School, Nelson is a direct product of the world of sports and top soccer. For this episode, we dive through his life up until college, looking into his eventual decision to drop out of collegiate soccer. Here are some of the key takeaways: Losing senior high school season due to COVIDRushed and stressful college recruitment process The ups and downs of collegiate soccerDropping out of the team at CUI & making that BIG decisionMoving to Arizona to attend the University of ArizonaTrusting yourself and only listening to the opinions from those close to youMuhammad Ali quoteFind Nelson at...Instagram: @nelson.tabarezFind more of the podcast at...Instagram: @realtalk.withjohnrudnickiYouTube: Real Talk. with John RudnickiPodcast: Find on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other major platforms!

Hi everyone! For this week, University of Washington gymnast Gabi Wickman joins the podcast! For many athletes, there is a level of stigma around speaking out and sharing honest experiences, including both of the ups and downs. But in this episode, we both work towards debunking this stigma by being open to honest conversation and sharing our stories from the sports world.Key sections:Initially lacking love for the sport The person must be prioritized over just being an athleteSpeaking up as an athlete Reaction to "Athlete A" & long-standing abuse by USA GymnasticsInjuriesA gymnasts' typical day/schedule The power of choiceMind over matter mentalitySimone Biles quote Find Gabi at...Instagram: @gabi.wickmanFind us at...Instagram:  @realtalk.withjohnrudnickiPodcast: Real Talk. with John RudnickiYouTube: Real Talk. with John Rudnicki

Hi everyone!This week, I have one of my good friends Tony Stark back on the podcast for the second time. A lot has changed since the last time we talked..and we dive right into it. 7 months ago, Tony decided to begin his training for the Coast Guard, preparing for boot camp and all of the necessary steps to work through the nationally acclaimed ANNEX-X program. Through these months of training, Tony met a lot of obstacles, many of which he overcame. However, through the unique experience of failing, Tony shares all of the ways he continues working towards a career that fits him the best and makes him happiest. Some of the main topics are:Joining the Coast GuardThe struggle through boot campThe physical, mental, and emotional challengesThe notion of failureHow to learn from failureAdvice for those who are on the verge of taking a riskFeel free to leave a review if you loved or hated this episode!! I hope you enjoy it!

Hi everyone!For this week, I have one of my second siblings on the podcast, Matthew Rudnicki. He's someone who I've watched grow a ton in the past two years, and I felt it was only fitting for him to come on and share what he's learned about paradigms and how to change your own. Matthew brought this topic to my attention recently and I thought it would be a wonderful conversation and perfect opportunity to do an episode. First we define what a paradigm is, how it impacts your life on a daily basis and then how to modify and change paradigms in a way that most benefits your well-being. It's a very insightful conversation that I hope you all can learn a little from. Enjoy!!

Welcome to Season 3!!! To kick off the winter season, a previous yoga instructor who has become a great friend and mentor of mine, Jaskrit Bhalla, joins the podcast. Personally, I have my own unique and relatively bitter relationship with yoga that has its positives, but also its negatives. And in talking with Jaskrit about her own experience with yoga and the concerns we both shared regarding spiritual bypassing and toxic positivity, we finally committed to making an episode.On this episode we address: Jaskrit's lifelong relationship with yogaWhy she got into teachingSpiritual bypassingCommodification of yoga practice in the WestReasons for eventually quittingAdvice for those interested in trying yoga and diving into spiritualityOn this episode I genuinely learned so much and am way too eager to share this conversation with you all. I hope you enjoy it!!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the SEASON 2 FINALE!!! First of all, thank you to everyone who has shown support and love through this season and the last. It truly means a lot and inspires me to continue producing content. Regardless, I am beyond excited and ready for all of you to listen to this episode. For this week, I have my hiking buddy, gym partner, and one of my closest friends from the University of Washington, Teagan Mace, on the podcast. This topic in particular has been on my mind for the past couple of weeks and I've been itching to record an episode. Personally, exercise has always been a critical part of my life, sometimes for healthy reasons and sometimes not. In this episode, Teagan and I dive into the ways exercise can dramatically benefit your life, particularly 7 benefits, the slippery slope that classifies a healthy relationship with working out, and the deeper relationships that can come with working out with others.We also touch on the ways credible scientists have conducted experiments and studies around exercise that validate the therapeutic and mental benefits alongside the physical benefits.Anyways, I really loved recording this episode and hope you all enjoy it. 

In the news of rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and the burning of forests, there is a tendency to fall into an everlasting state of learned helplessness. But through stories of culture, tradition, and community we are able to relearn the ancient practices that brought the sustainability we once knew.For this week, the very knowledgeable, passionate and influential Aisha Rashid joins the podcast to dive deep into these stories of tradition and culture. Aisha is a former President of the Model United Nations Chapter, technical editor for the Khancept Collective, Sustainability Curriculum Development & Educator in training, and is pursuing Marine Biology and American Indigenous Studies at the University of Washington. In her free time, you might catch her going for a hike or looking for whales while running her Instagram account @aishabytheocean. If you couldn't guess already, Aisha loves the ocean (especially hermit crabs), learning and sharing cultural traditions that are of service to the earth, and speaking up where there is climate injustice.In this episode, we specifically address where society falls short in explaining climate change to the general public, how cultural traditions and indigenous tribes are essential to sustainability, how we all can positively impact and contribute at a small scale, the emotional tolls of eco-anxiety and where to go looking for hope. Personally, this conversation gave me a newfound sense of hope and faith in our world being able to recover from the perils of climate change that are dwelled on today. Hopefully in your experience with the episode, you are able to reestablish your own sense of autonomy as a human with the influence to make real change. I know you are going to enjoy this one.

Hi everyone!I am so so excited for you all to listen to the wisdom of one of my beloved friends from the University of Washington, Yahoo! Sports graphic designer, Atay Bulut. For this week, we dive into his journey with falling in love with graphic design and how he applied terms like manifestation and the law of attraction to landing his dream job. From finding his passion in 8th grade to working through high school and linking up with prestigious companies such as Wilson, Bleacher Report and Yahoo! Sports....it's safe to say Atay has been on a MISSION. I love his story because through the ups and downs and people telling him "no", he's always led by example in continuing to work for what he LOVES, something so brave but also so beautifully simple. I really hope you all enjoy this episode and maybe pick up a habit or two from this man...because I know I did at least. Enjoy!!!

For someone who is looking to start their own podcast, this episode is for you. This week, the tables have turned, literally. Ryan Glenn, a friend of mine from my hometown in San Clemente, California puts me in the Hot Seat and asks away about why I started the podcast, how to get started in the podcasting world, and other passions outside of podcasting. Ryan aspires to start a podcast of his own, which provokes some really great questions and conversation that could be very helpful to those who are also interested in getting started or are just interested in all of the "behind the scenes" details. It was a really fun and insightful conversation that I hope you all enjoy!

Hi everyone!For this week, I have one of my good friends from the University of Washington on the podcast to talk about risk-taking, confidence, and the overwhelming pressures that come with being in your 20s. Through storytelling, we share different moments of getting out of our comfort zone that turned into magical moments and opportunities to learn from. It's the opportunity and risk that reaps the ultimate growth you always hope for. Personally, these conversations are difficult to have when everything in the world makes us prone to comparing ourselves to one another. Admitting the truth and coming together as a community through stories is the greatest antidote to these constant pressures.And in this episode, we do just that. Or at least we try our best to...I hope you enjoy!

Hi everyone! This is a special episode to all of those who have suffered or continue to suffer from severe food allergies. For this week, I have on one of my friends from back home and who I also go to school with at the University of Washington, Sean Guevarra. It is definitely encouraging to see the improvements schools continue to make in spreading food allergy awareness so that kids like myself and Sean don't feel like the outcasts and scapegoats for peanut free tables, classrooms, and parties. However, there is ALWAYS MORE that we can do to help those who might not have the best support system, who might not have the school policies to keep them safe, and who might not be able to afford restocking their epi-pens so frequently. Because of food allergies, I have almost lost my life several times and am blessed to have the support system of my family and friends around me. Food allergies are nothing to mess with, especially if they are on the more severe side. The least we can do is be there for those who suffer from food allergies and make them know they aren't alone.And that is what this episode is about. Sean and I share our stories and experiences with severe food allergies through the years of elementary school to living on our own in a completely different state. It was a really fun and meaningful conversation for Sean and I and we are beyond excited to have others be apart of it. I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Hi everyone! It's a new week and another banger of an episode!! This week, I have two of my closest hometown friends, Connor Stoll and Ethan Grush, on the podcast, in which we deep dive into the butterfly effect and in result, all of the ways in which our stories intertwine and have affected one another. It's the first podcast roundtable that I have experienced and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The dynamic of a three person conversation takes it to another level in which our three stories are able to play off one another simultaneously, just like they do when we have our conversations off the record. The butterfly effect is...overtime a small cause may have large, unpredictable effects (APA Dictionary of Psychology). Therefore, we dissect each of our individual stories in how we came to love the game of soccer, eventually bringing all of us here together to sit down and record this episode. Honestly, it was just a really impactful conversation that taught me a lot and I'm so excited for others to be able to listen to it as well. If you love it, LEAVE A 5 STAR REVIEW!!!!!! ENJOY.

Hi everyone!!! It is SEASON 2 and I am BEYOND stoked!!The first go-around already had so many magical moments with such wonderful people...I just can't imagine things getting better. But they already are. The little podcast harmony finally works and I am able to put it both at the beginning and end!! This might seem irrelevant but to me this is a HUGE milestone. HUGE.Regardless, on this podcast we all unite behind vulnerability, honesty, compassion, introspection, and having a good laugh. For Season 2, we kick off with a person that I feel epitomizes all of these pillars and has had her own moments of introspection and growth. Claire Lee, University of Washington undergrad, shares her entanglement with rapidly changing friend groups, social media, and figuring out her true identity when all the lights of attention dim at the end of the day. Her story is very compelling and filled with nuggets of wisdom, gifting the podcast a truly special and entertaining conversation. I hope you all enjoy!!!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the Season 1 Finale!!!I am deciding to make separate seasons for time to reset while being able to balance school work and just time with friends. So this summer's set of episodes count towards Season 1, while the next set of episodes will make up Season 2 and so on and so forth. For this week, I bring on Tyler Oakson, a collegiate soccer player at Concordia University Irvine to share his experiences with his rise to top soccer, injuries, and his eventual calling for a different path. The overall focus is exploring and picking apart that "gut feeling" when it arises. Tyler and I address those moments when you have a pulling truth within you, or however you choose to describe it, and the fear that comes with it. Although it is a feeling with maybe a loss of certainty, it can spur immense growth and self awareness depending on how you choose to listen. This happens with Tyler into his first year at a Division 1 soccer program and he shares the ups and downs he faced and how he led himself towards a much better situation. Anyways, it was a really insightful and fun conversation that I felt I learned a lot from and I hope you all listening can enjoy!!!

Hi everyone! It's another week and another very special episode. This week, Tony Stark (not the fictional character unfortunately) joins me from Austin, Texas. Tony is one of the first people I met and grew close with in my first year at UW. He showed me the reigns of podcast hosting and editing, making this a full circle moment having him on in which he opens up about his life experiences.The focus for this episode is diving into Tony's life story thus far, in which we dissect all of the ways in which "Plan A, B, or C" didn't come to fruition and how a change of perspective gives way to a better "Plan Z". We also touch on the notion of plan, how it can be destructive or constructive, and the lessons each of us have learned in experiencing a plan completely fall apart. I feel this is a very relevant topic, ESPECIALLY for college students in which there are far too many expectations by others. Sometimes having a plan is just to have an answer to your parents or loved ones, to seem like you have things figured out. But once you realize NO ONE has it all figured out and neither do you, you are able to ground yourself and set realistic and healthy expectations. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

Hi everyone! First of all, sorry for the short delay on this episode. There were other conflicts that forced me to push it back a week. But all has been handled so we are in the clear! For this episode, I have one of the biggest influences in my life and one of the most spectacular people I know, my older sister Chloe.A term that we felt fell directly within the realm of our own experiences and struggles is the "imposter syndrome". By simple definition, it is feelings of incompetence and undeserving success and happiness in all contexts. It is feelings of being an imposter or fraud, due to limited beliefs that you are not as great as others perceive you to be. To give a level of perspective, Chloe and I take a deep dive into our stories through high school and open up about experiences that have showcased these patterns of thinking and behaving. However, we take it a step further in giving practical tips and strategies to start perceiving yourself in a different and much healthier way. It's most important to realize how many of you this might impact either consciously or subconsciously. According to the International Journal of Behavioral Science, 70% of people experience the same feelings. I hope you all can understand that if you've been or are in these patterns of thinking, you are not alone. I hope you enjoy!

Hi everyone! It's another Friday, and another amazing conversation with one of my closest friends at the University of Washington, Andoni Telonidis.From Utah, Andoni came down to Southern California to stop by JUST to get an episode in for you all. I know, I know...how nice of him.  Specifically, we discuss the notion of success and address our personal experiences through high school and how this notion has been modified through our first year in college. Sometimes "feeling successful" depends on the grades showcased on your report card, buying your dream car, feeling happy all the time, or even just making your parents happy. But it's helpful to take the time to dive deep and unravel the unhealthy, subconscious patterns in which we sometimes confuse "success" for external validation. It's truly one of those discussions that once you start, it's so difficult to end it, just as we showcase on this episode. I hope you enjoy!!

Hi everyone! This week, I have Kristin Gabriel with me, one of my old high school friends who I now have the pleasure to work with at The Ecology Center. This episode, we discuss a concept that isn't talked about often but is very common: codependency. The simple definition of codependency is complete emotional and psychological reliance on a partner in a variety of settings, resulting in the loss of a sense of self and confidence through "people pleasing" and other unhealthy behavior patterns.Recently, Kristin and I met over some coffee and shared our own experiences in the past with codependency, quickly realizing how often our stories paralleled in similarity. This realization inspired us to commit to creating an episode for you all in which we open up about our own struggles with "people pleasing" that most likely will hit a little close to home in resemblance with maybe some of your own experiences. I hope you enjoy the episode!!

Hi everyone! For this week's episode, we dive deep into the life of Sam Perez, one of my oldest friends and truly one of the most genuine people I know. Like everyone, he has a story, a truly inspirational one that I believe everyone is deserving of listening to. On this episode, we unravel the challenges he's overcome throughout his unique upbringing while also showcasing the ways he's become the mentor he never had for those in need in his community. With all of the odds against him throughout his life, he still managed to find a way to find himself, be happy, and help others. And MORE. I hope you all can take a little something from his story and give yourself more credit for all of the shit you've been through and recognize your own progress as Sam himself has done here on the podcast. I hope you enjoy!!

On this week's episode, I bring on one of my newly reconnected friends, Ethan Grush, in which we address introspection as a whole and his own experiences with it. In particular, we talk about "lighting your own torch" and how it is your job and nobody else's to begin processing experiences, insecurities, failures, and successes in a more self aware way. I'm sure all of you have had a memorable experience in which feelings and worries about where you are in your life, what you stand for, and how you hold yourself are triggered and prompt deeper thought. Well, at this moment your torch has been lit and the fire set ablaze, granting you the opportunity to look deeper within.Throughout the episode, Ethan and I share our own struggles with awakening to unexpected and more complex thinking while also providing some practical strategies to move more smoothly through these confusing and sometimes overwhelming times.

For the first episode ever, I am so excited to introduce myself and one of my dearest friends, Sam Smith from the University of Washington. When it comes to a bad relationship, a friend that doesn't serve you anymore, a difficult experience like missing the game winning shot of a game or not getting into your dream school, letting go is what everyone tells you to do. They expect you to have it all figured out when actually, you most likely don't. That is normal and ok.On this episode, Sam Smith and I have a real conversation about his experience with letting go and the difficulties he faces on a day to day basis regarding the loss of important people in his life and the expectations of others. As young people trying to navigate the world, we are just trying to find our way and ourselves in the process. So cut yourself some slack if you don't have it all figured out. You're not supposed to!!I hope you enjoy the episode!