Of Like Minds

In west Fullerton, born and raised On the playground was where Raymar spent most of his days, Chillin out, reading, relaxin all cool,  Always found shooting a bball outside of his school, When the time finally came for Raymar to go to college,  He knew he had to go big and definitely pay homage, That is to follow his dreams, aspirations and intuition, He ended up graduating as a UCLA bruin, Ever since, he went to medical school hoping to fulfill his greatest ambition, Ladies and gents, Of Like Minds presents the OC’s newest Family Medicine Physician #OfLikeMindsPodcast #Doctor #UCLA Intro.: 0:00 How we met.: 0:33 The impact of basketball on your life.: 2:01 What you learned through basketball?: 5:12 Sustaining injuries and the physical/mental recovery.: 8:10 Professional athlete inspirations.: 13:28 Bitter Laker fans.: 19:48 NBA season thoughts.: 21:16 NBA Conference Finals/Finals predictions.: 23:39 Playing IM basketball together!: 29:58 Applying to Med School twice.: 33:24 Making it back to California!: 37:56 Feelings coming back home.: 39:51 Giving Raymar his praise section.: 46:13 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 47:11

Growing up as the independent middle child and anxious about life was what my next guest, Rachel Aquino, was always accustomed to. With everything going on the world, our next guest reminds us it’s not selfish to take the time to feed your soul and define your own happiness. “Stretching before a marathon is never a waste of time”    #OfLikeMindsPodcast #UCLA #Salutatorian Intro: 0:00 Check in!.: 0:41 What it was like growing up?: 1:45 Definition middle child!: 4:40 Commuter life to school.: 8:56 Working at the Student Activities Center!: 11:04 What did you do at UCLA?: 16:37 Script writing for Samahang Pilipino's Culture Night!: 19:06 Matching black shirts tangent.: 22:40 North Campus major and why you chose your major.: 24:00 Prevalence of game theory.: 30:46 Journey to UCLA & navigating postgrad.: 33:07 College applications!: 39:43 Insecurity driving us to be better.: 46:08 What are you currently reading?: 50:38 Residency & Raymar!: 54:43 Behind the scenes look at Aladdin.: 1:02:49 Eating ramen and traveling!: 1:06:25 Adjusting work life balance during covid.: 1:10:00 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:15:18

Billy Hawkins is an interdisciplinary visual artist currently based in San Diego, CA. His work crosses multiple mediums from: Drawing/Painting, performance, video installation and more. Thematically his work explores figuration and the psychology of the subject. Billy represents marginalized identities, such as the black and filipino experience, and people that inspire him in his everyday life.    Tags:  Instagram: billy_onair    #OfLikeMindsPodcast #VisualArtist #Dancer Intro.: 0:00 Where you grew up and what it was like?: 0:20 Living in Japan.: 1:47 Was constantly moving a pro or con?: 4:08 Main support system?: 5:24 Impact of two older siblings and Mother.: 6:45 Identifying with both Filipino & African American side.: 10:04 Adjustments moving back to the US.: 13:36 Living in the South.: 15:56 Origin of becoming a Visual Artist.: 21:05 Deciding to pursue art in higher education.: 31:34 Pros & cons with the regimen in college.: 40:13 Professors/mentors that had a meaningful impact on you?: 46:04 What it's like creating art during covid?: 53:47 Your dance experience overall.: 59:21 Where are you at with dance currently?: 1:05:02 Meaning behind one of us pieces.: 1:09:30 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:13:35 Go checkout Billy's work!: 1:15:28

Kevin is a veteran artist and educator who has dedicated his career to promoting diversity and access to the arts for all young people, and using arts education as a tool for individual and social transformation. He is a long time Angeleno, but originally from the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia. The first in his family to attend and graduate college, Kevin received his Ph.D. in Cultural Studies, with an emphasis in Arts Education, from Claremont Graduate University; an MFA degree in Dance Choreography from the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance (WAC/D); and a BFA degree  in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University. He is currently the Director of the UCLA Visual and Performing Arts Education (VAPAE) Program in the School of the Arts and Architecture, teaches Intro to Theatre classes to 9th graders at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), and designed and directed the award-winning UCLA Summer High School Dance Theatre Intensive program for ten years. As an actor, Kevin portrayed the role of Claude in the European tour of Hair, John Wayne in Making a Disaster at Highways Performance Space, was a featured performer in Flashpoint: Stonewall at the Alex Theater (LA) and Carnegie Hall (NYC), and appeared in several roles in regional and touring companies of A Chorus Line; in addition, he took on featured roles in the film Crazy/ Beautiful and the television program ER, among others. Kevin was also the co-screenwriter for the film Northern Lights, starring Diane Keaton, based on a one person show that he co-wrote and directed. Deeply committed to public education and connected to the Los Angeles Unified School District, Kevin also holds a CA Clear teaching credential and taught English Language Arts, theatre arts and dance for eight years at John Marshall High School, where he founded the Theatre Workshop Program. Through working with hundreds of talented young artists as part of the Theatre Workshop program, Kevin developed unique methods for creating original multidisciplinary performance projects in collaboration with youth. Over the past two decades, Kevin has conceived, created, and presented at least 25 full-length devised, dance theatre, and multimedia video productions that have explored a range of socially relevant themes and topics.    #OfLikeMindsPodcast #UCLA #Professor Intro.: 0:00 Check in, being back on campus.: 0:30 Adjusting to Covid.: 2:10 Potential to return to in person learning.: 5:41 Importance of in class learning.: 13:45 Effective teaching styles incorporated via zoom.: 25:08 Story time with Kevin!: 33:29 What it was like growing up? Arts Education's role in your life.: 41:35 What made you want to give back?: 51:52 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 57:48

Kristopher Wagner, native to San Diego, began dancing at just 2 years old, later taking his career to a professional level at age 8! He began to dance competitively at Rising Star Dance Company, where he trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap and hip hop. He found his love for Hip Hop when he joined Flipside in 2005, under the instruction of Phillip Geniza. He has been represented by Clear Talent Group for the past 13 years and has much success in the industry. Now, he continues to share his knowledge and experiences to the next generation in the San Diego community. #OfLikeMindsPodcast #Dancer #Creative Intro.: 0:00 How you started in dance?: 0:55 Impactful teachers growing up.: 2:40 Being an artist and dancer during COVID?: 7:39 Pullback in terms of training, creating?: 12:20 Teaching dance during COVID.: 15:00 Teaching online and adjustments that worked and didn’t work?: 17:31 What it was like dancing professional as a kid?: 21:31 Being surrounded by older dancers and their influence on you.: 29:00 Being a dancer on the team and then eventually becoming director.: 33:02 Shift in San Diego dance community in 2012.: 39:17 Importance of being well rounded as a dancer.: 43:00 Particular style of dance that is the most special to you?: 46:47 Differences of movement between San Diego & LA?: 48:22 Cattle calls, training with people in LA?: 55:17 Typecasting.: 59:52 Unseen sacrifice.: 1:04:40 Wear n tear on our bodies.: 1:07:03 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:08:30

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Ysa fell in love with dancing at 4 years old. Ysa trained in jazz, lyrical, ballet and contemporary dance. Ysa soon would make the transition into commercial, acting, and modeling by the age of 10. Some of her work in acting includes “Toulane” in American Girl Mckenna Shoots for the Stars, “Camryn Coyle” in Netflix Original Project Mc2, “Maisie” in Brat series Red Ruby, and her upcoming recurring role in Stargirl Season 2 releasing in the Summer of 2021.   In the midst of her acting career, she continues to dance with Choreo Cookies, a professional adult hip hop team and new dance company, Vessel. Ysa hopes to inspire those around her to fight for what they want and to approach life with authenticity, compassion, and love. #OfLikeMindsPodcast #Actress #Dancer Intro.: 0:00 Check in.: 0:27 How Ysa & I met plus Choreo Cookies.: 1:11 First performance with Cookies in Houston 2019!: 6:10 Dance origins.: 9:09 Pushing thru a full time workload as a 9 year old.: 12:53 Personal life affecting the enjoyment of acting.: 17:48 Stargirl & and the amazing cast.: 22:17 Revitalizing her love and passion for acting.: 25:17 Booking your first gig and how that affected you.: 27:14 Family supporting her pursuit of the unconventional.: 31:14 Schooling in an untraditional way.: 34:37 Dealing with people who have hidden agendas.: 41:00 Evolving during covid.: 45:49 Car alarm goes off!: 48:51 Adapting your practice during covid.: 49:42 Your role in Project Mc2 and how that's affected you.: 56:32 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:04:50

Kris Terry, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, began his journey with dance at the age of 15 at a local dance studio. After a few short years, he decided to continue his dance training at Ohio University, where he earned a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. Soon after graduating, he decided to move to Los Angeles to begin his career as a professional dancer and has never looked back.  Throughout his career thus far he has toured and performed with artist such as Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, The Weeknd, and Kelly Rowland. He has also made appearances as a principal performer in “The Bobby Brown Story” and Ariana Grandes “Excuse Me, I Love You,” as well as several other commercials and television programs. Kris also loves to share his passion with the next generation of dancers and professionals by teaching dance classes both in the US and abroad. While dance will always be a large part of Kris’ life, he has also found real purpose as a Mental Health and Wellness Coach. His biggest goal is to use dance, teaching, and coaching to spread love and inspiration to anyone who needs it. #OfLikeMIndsPodcast #Dancer #LifeCoach Intro.: 0:00 Initial exposure to dance?: 0:20 What was the regimen like?: 3:15 Importance of being a well-rounded dancer.: 3:57 Decision to pursue dance and what it has been like?: 7:57 Starting dance late?: 11:08 Point Park Summer Intensive.: 15:45 Postgrad journey and moving to LA.: 18:47 A chip on your shoulder.: 23:20 Audition scene and what that's like?: 26:57 Actions in the audition space.: 30:54 Booking that first gig.: 35:11 Touring with Demi Lovato & tour life.: 40:58 Performing with Ariana Grande.: 44:41 A look at the rehearsal process.: 45:37 Feeding your soul individually as a creative on tour.: 48:53 Mental Health & Wellness.: 52:38 What would you say to someone who is still searching for a passion?: 1:00:44 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:05:00

Anthony Quidachay is a member of Choreo Cookies and the Media Director for Studio FX. At the age of 3, he suffered a car accident which paralyzed his right arm. Even with a disability, he was able to find his passion for dance, video, and all things nerdy. Through hard work and his will to help others, Anthony hopes to inspire anyone to achieve their goals and to do it... with style. #OfLikeMindsPodcast #MediaDirector #Dancer Intro.: 0:00 Dancer/performer vs. behind the camera work.: 0:49 Which realm did you get into first?: 2:06 Starting in videography.: 3:36 Shadowing and learning from others.: 6:52 Adjusting to covid.: 9:31 ******* Cookies journey. Cheers to year 8!: 12:59 Pros & cons of growing up with your Cookies fam.: 18:00 Was there ever friction or competition amongst your peers?: 21:23 Did you feel animosity from others when you got onto Cookies?: 23:20 Where are you at with dance right now?: 25:20 Translating dance aspect of things into gaming.: 28:20 Giving Ant his props for being a gaming God.: 31:55 Ant being an inspiration during rehearsal.: 33:33 Where you grew up and what that was like?: 34:51 Did you feel supported or weirded out from that mini story?: 38:30 Taking us through your workload.: 41:37 Dynamic change of dance studios moving forward.: 46:06 Biggest things you've learned during covid?: 52:17 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 55:46

Timothy Farson is the current Principal at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), a college preparatory, arts-focused Title I public magnet school for artistically passionate students in grades 6-12 located in Southeastern San Diego.  After studying Philosophy at New York University and Kent State University, Mr. Farson earned an M.A. in Philosophy and teaching credentials in English and Science from San Diego State University. He began his educational career as an English and Science teacher at SDSCPA in 2009. Mr. Farson inspires the SDSCPA community through the hope and promise of a transformational art and academic education. With his belief that to engage the mind, we must engage the heart, Mr. Farson has empowered the SDSCPA community to elevate academic and art instruction through (1) the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS) comprehensive review process; (2) implementing an innovative arts integrated academic curriculum through the University of California Curriculum Integration (UCCI), where the arts are used as a means to access and lift academic instruction; and (3) calibrating sequential art and academic instruction through Marzano, Warrick, & Simms’ High Reliability Schools: The Next Steps in School Reform. Mr. Farson has also been integral in shaping the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Strategic Arts Plan for San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), promising equitable access to a high level, arts college preparatory curriculum throughout all SDUSD.  Mr. Farson is excited for the opportunity to join innovative thought partners, leaders, and professionals in discourse through shared beliefs regarding the importance of the arts and education in our society. Mr. Farson is incredibly grateful to the many people who have contributed to his journey as a budding arts leader. #OfLikeMindsPodcast #SDSCPA #Education Intro.: 0:00 SCPA adjusting to Covid.: 0:47 Biggest adjustments for students & staff.: 4:42 How are you connecting with your students? Encouraging pursuit of the arts?: 8:06  Benefits of middle/high school combined?: 14:15 Middle School process at SCPA.: 19:37 Auditions seem elitist?: 21:41 Quality over quantity.: 23:47 Dispelling the stigma attached to SCPA.: 31:14 Transition from Teacher to Principal.: 36:29 Initial inspiration to start teaching?: 43:42 Undergrad journey.: 55:23 Education system moving forward from covid.: 1:00:45 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:06:01

Hi everyone welcome back to the Of Like Minds Podcast! It has been quite a journey as we are nearing the one year mark of the podcast. I have received quite a few nudges to start doing solo podcasts so here's my first crack at it! I did have some notes prepared because I wanted to ensure that I didn't go off on any random tangents. So excuse me looking down for a lot of the video.   Sharing a quick story today of how a Harvard Med Student inspired me. Enjoy! #OfLikeMindsPodcast #Narrative #Storytelling

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Conrad is a product and growth marketer at LinkedIn.. He graduated from UCLA with a Human Biology and Society degree, and worked in public policy, PR, marketing and communications since the. He is currently leading demand generation and launch for one of LinkedIn’s newest product for recruiters- Talent Hub. He danced with Bay Area all-male dance company, Project M, for 4 years, and spends his time outside of work trying new recipes and learning the ropes of being a new homeowner #OfLikeMindsPodcast #LinkedIn #UCLA Intro.: 0:00 Check in.: 0:36 Higher Education during Covid.: 2:40 Covid in 2011, would you still have attended higher education?: 6:05 School journey to UCLA.: 10:32 Adjustments moving from the Philippines to the U.S.: 14:10 Finding your North Star.: 21:58 "Shooting Your Shot" towards Tech.: 25:54 Self assessment and how to pivot.: 30:23 Politics at the collegiate level. Being EVP at UCLA.: 35:44 Postgrad life journey.: 49:48 Company Culture at LinkedIn.: 56:21 Being a new Homeowner!: 1:02:23 Video games memories.: 1:09:18 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:15:07

Johnny Hernandez is an entrepreneur and an LA native, with a great passion for the arts, activism and sports. He has a Bachelors of Arts Degree in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA. He currently works for one of the world’s largest asset management firms. In his spare time, Johnny also dedicates his time to do what he can to give back to the Los Angeles community including being on the Board for a local non-profit. On personal note, he considers himself an exotic animal lover, the biggest fútbol (not football) fan, and a pizza aficionado.   #OfLikeMindsPodcast #UCLA #Entrepreneur Intro.: 0:00 Check in.: 0:32  How is LA during Covid?: 1:43  Journey getting to UCLA.: 3:28 Culture change from small high school to University?: 9:31 Extra curricular's you did at UCLA.: 12:58 Pros & cons of working closely with professors and classmates.: 18:00  Memorable moments in lecture.: 20:49  Describing Senior Narrative titled "Wetback".: 25:35  Process of creating "Wetback".: 30:34 Dance beginnings and the impact of athletics in your life: 38:14  Pivoting from the performing arts.: 42:35  Building over the long haul.: 50:35  Thoughts on being a student during covid?: 53:48  Reminiscing on memorable moments.: 58:04  What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:05:20

Jordon Waters is a comic and video game loving, bi-racial, multi-interdisciplinary performing artist. Jordon graduated from CalArts with his BFA in Dance in 2013. Born in Los Angeles, raised between Minneapolis and San Diego, Jordon moved to NYC with the intention to take over the world and if he couldn't do that, then he would change it. Coming from a family of artists, Mr. Waters thrives to always learn something new from every production he is apart of.   He has starred in Off-Broadway shows, short films, commercials and world tours. He started his own entrainment company, TheyGotTime, where he also produces his own content for multiple streaming platforms and live performances Jordon finds inspiration through the works of Charlie Chaplin, Donald Glover, anime, cartoons and his friends. His latest show is the Traveling Off-Broadway Vaudeville Hip Hop Show called "Rebirth of Rabbit's Foot". The show explores comedy, racial identity and history which drew inspiration from a traditional minstrel show "Rabbit's Foot Minstrel" from the early 1900's. Jordon's motto is  #Cantstopwontstop Peep Jordon's website for all his work and information! https://www.jordonwaters.com/ $OfLikeMindsPodcast #Cantstopwontstop #CalArts Intro.: 0:00 Checking in.: 0:33 How you & I met.: 3:14 A story of rolling up one side of our tights.: 4:55 Being able to express ourselves.: 8:20 Sharing the mainstage.: 13:28 Audition process and transition to CalArts.: 19:01 Applying what you've learned.: 26:27 Postgrad life and booking work!: 30:35 Moving to New York.: 39:28 Inspiration for creating your company.: 46:32 Pitching a show idea.: 52:46 Taking the show to Amsterdam!: 54:35 Collab with Rizzle.: 1:02:03 Influence of you parents and brother on you.: 1:09:16 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:14:53 Outro.: 1:18:49

Ken was born in Indonesia and raised in Taiwan. He is currently working from home as a junior designer for a creative company he has always dreamed of working at, BUCK. While design has always been his career trajectory, he finds himself dancing in his spare time. He’s part of a San Diego based team called GWOWNUPS. Even though his team has temporarily canceled rehearsals due to the pandemic, he still manages to find some time to dance for himself.    Links:  kenni.huangg@gmail.com @unclekimon  kennihuang.net #OfLikeMindsPodcast #GraphicDesign #RISD Intro.: 0:00 How we met!: 0:20 How are you doing?: 1:59 Adjustments to working from home.: 3:08 Working for yourself vs for a company.: 5:37 Working for Playstation.: 8:12 Feeling good vibes from a potential company.: 12:31 Getting his green card.: 15:39 Adjusting to covid.: 24:38 How did you get into dance?: 30:23  Navigating dance class space.: 34:49 What kept you motivated and inspired?: 39:21 Differences of a true teacher and someone that is just teaching.: 43:12 Graphic Design and your journey.: 48:20  What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 56:48 Where can we find your work?: 1:00:17

James Mamaril-Davis is a first-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson (UACOM-T). He is originally from Chandler, Arizona, and received his bachelor of science with a major in neuroscience from UCLA. He is currently working on two research projects, one with neuroradiology and the other with the trauma surgery department. He also serves as a member of the Admissions Committee at UACOM-T, where he hopes to continue fostering a culture of collaboration in picking the next generation of physicians. In his free time, he swims, cycles, and runs, as he routinely trains for triathlons. He enjoys Olympic races the most but also finds plenty of gratification from Ironman 70.3’s. #OfLikeMindsPodcast #UCLA #Triathlete Intro.: 0:00 UCLA experience.: 1:02 What did you major in?: 2:21 Balancing science and religion.: 2:51 Difference between learning and school system?: 4:01 Inspiration for wanting to go to Med School.: 5:56 What the gap years did for you?: 9:52 Finding triathlons during then gap years.: 12:41 How do you train and prepare for a triathlon?: 14:39 When exercises did you do when you started?: 20:26 How you plan your diet/nutrition for training?: 22:44 How this lifestyle change has benefited you in Medschool?: 27:27 Just doing it.: 31:24 What's your motivation to keep the triathlete lifestyle?: 33:50 Maxing out your potential.: 37:27 Interacting with people who don't operate like you do?: 46:14 Other things you do aside from Medschool/being a triathlete?: 53:16 How have you been during the pandemic?: 56:26 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:00:30

LeadingJoseph "Jopet" Dela Cruz was born and raised in Houston, TX and started dancing at the age of 12. He is graduate of the University of Houston, and was a member of the UH's Filipino Student Association (UHFSA), where he co-codirected the Modern Dance team.   Jopet started his dance journey at the age of 12 and idolized his hometown heroes of Wyld Styl and Soreal. Since then, he has danced with Riot Squad, Wyld Styl, Sandlot, UHFSA's Modern Dance Team, and now Galing.  He currently works as a Data Analyst and co-directs a Houston dance team called Galing that is housed by the one and only Soundbox Studios. Jopet is also one of the teachers at Soundbox.  Outside of dance, Jopet likes to stay active by playing sports such as basketball, tennis, or even just doing a 5K around his neighborhood. He's a firm believer that health is wealth, and does his best to take care of his mind, body and spirit. #OfLikeMindsPodcast #Lifestyle #Dance  Intro.: 0:00 Checking in.: 0:28 Workout for the day.: 0:44 Where do you workout during covid?: 1:54 Adjustment wearing a mask while working out?: 8:26 Sedentary lifestyle.: 9:55 Taking care of our bodies.: 12:35 Work flexibility with working out.: 15:19 Minimalist approach and lifestyle.: 17:57 Applying minimalism to other aspects (shoes, hats).: 23:07 A shoe connection.: 24:15 How you got into basketball?: 27:45 Describing your gameplay to a pro baller.: 31:23 Background and how you started dancing?: 35:33 Transitioning into a leadership position.: 45:40 Leading, directing and managing a group during covid?: 53:23 Outlook on the world in the near future?: 1:00:09 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:05:12

Originally born in Cambridge Massachusetts, Nathan moved to San Diego with his family at the age of one. He would then go on to move over 15 times in the next 17 years of tenure all over the County. After graduating high school in 2016, Nathan attended college in the bay area where he attempted a B.S in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of San Francisco. He spent two full years up north, only to find himself moving back down to San Diego while also transferring to the University of San Diego. Having just graduated with a double major in Finance and Real Estate, Nathan will officially kick off his career as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm this December. Nathan hopes to translate his cultural experiences gained from diverse sceneries, communities, and individuals towards the dull realm of public accounting, corporate finance, and commercial real estate.   #OfLikeMindsPodcast #USD #PublicAccounting Intro.: 0:00 What it was like growing up?: 0:38 When did your parents divorce and how did that impact you?: 5:55 How did constantly moving affect your relationships with your friends?: 8:56 Being accustomed to constant change, pro or con?: 12:08 Pursuit of higher education from two different households.: 15:13 Finding business & entrepreneurship.: 19:15 Transition to life in San Francisco.: 23:21 Decision to move back home.: 26:46 Great takeaways from your time living in the Bay Area.: 30:13 Huge adjustment moving back home and college in San Diego.: 34:08 Transition outside!: 38:13 How you got introduced to dance?: 39:16 Our dance family Gwownups!: 42:31 Takeaways from dance applying to other aspects of your life.: 44:59 Mentality going into the job market as a recent grad.: 49:23 A break before work begins!: 54:57 What do you think about how the US has navigated with covid?: 59:20 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:02:00

Carlo Darang started his training in 2008 at Studio 429 where he joined his first dance team, Breakthrough. He later joined Choreo Cookies in 2009, and has continued to be a part of the team till present day. He currently directs the team with Jason Patio and Chris Martin. He also directs another adult team called GWOWNUPS and junior team Syde FX with Amor Ledesma.    Carlo has taught outside of San Diego, both domestically and internationally: Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand. He continues to teach at his local studios, Building Block and Studio FX.    Through teaching and training others, Carlo hopes to give back to his community by helping create an environment in which dancers can flourish and develop their skills while maintaining a positive mindset.    Assistant choreographer/submission work:   Jun K “love letter”  BTS “dope”  Monsta X “RUSH”  Golden Child “Genie”    Music Videos:  Daichi Miura “Right Now”  Shinjiro Atae “Follow me”  Justin Bieber “Runnin’ Over”

Believing in using his talents & resources to promote community outreach, “respect for all people,” artistic expression, and education, Dr. Arnel Calvario has dedicated himself to the CA dance scene since his college days. In 1992, he founded UC Irvine’s own Kaba Modern. In 1998, he joined Culture Shock® Los Angeles. In 2002, Arnel also founded KM Legacy as part of celebrating Kaba Modern’s 10 year anniversary. He managed Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, the Beat Freaks, & Kinjaz and provided consultation services to Quest Crew and Poreotics during their runs on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew. Arnel also helped manage Kinjaz during their 2017 run on NBC’s World of Dance. He currently serves as an advisor for Kaba Modern, as the Board President of Culture Shock International Foundation, and as an active member of the Kinjaz. Arnel has also been featured as a guest writer for the L.A. Times as a critic for America’s Best Dance Crew Season 5, served as co-coordinator for the annual Hip Hop International World Battles for the past 10 years, is the US elite judge for the annual Hip Hop International World Championships, and is a contributing author for the book, EMPIRE of FUNK which was released January 2014. Arnel also launched his “Dance Therapy Program for Children with Special Needs” in April 2014 in collaboration with Culture Shock LA & the DEA. This is a grant-funded, after-school program that serves 1 st , 2 nd , & 3 rd graders enrolled in special day class programs in the Long Beach Unified school district. His hope is to continue to combine occupational therapy techniques with dance art to serve more children with special needs in collaboration with Culture Shock LA and one day extend this program into a summer dance therapy camp. Arnel is also one of the leaders working to expand outreach program development for Kinjaz through their clothing line Kin Aesthetik and also their newly opened space, Kinjaz Komplex. Within the past year, he has been a guest lecturer at UC Irvine, USC, Grossmont College, Cal State Fullerton, and UCLA. He also continues to teach his ROOTS B4 BRANCHES dance workshop and LEADERSHIP TOOLS for the DANCE LEADER workshops, judge dance competitions, and participate in program development internationally today. He does all this while continuing to work full-time as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy for Long Beach Unified School District Related Services. For more information on Arnel, you can check out www.cultureshockdance.org , www.Kinjaz.com , www.kabamodern.com , www.facebook.com/arnelcalvario or his InstaGram account: @ArnelCalvario #OfLikeMindsPodcast #Occupationaltherapy #Doctor Intro.: 0:00 Childhood and what it was like growing up?: 0:19 First influence to dance.: 2:18 Did anything help ease you into hip hop culture?: 4:34 How often did you dance? What did your family think of dance?: 7:07 What it was like to be known as a dancer at school?: 9:16 At what point did you decide to pursue higher education?: 13:47 How did you navigate through your courses when you experienced your fallout?: 16:40 Inspiration & motivation behind creating Kaba Modern?: 23:53 What were the rehearsals like?: 27:49 Did competitions change the rehearsal environment?: 31:08 When was the first Vibe and its evolution?: 34:59 The years in between undergrad and doctorate.: 37:17 How does one self assess and figure out what they want to do?: 45:42 What was it like initially navigating postgrad life?: 49:17 When did performance stop for you?: 54:13 What is so fulfilling for you as an educator?: 58:17 Your thoughts on the term "urban" being removed from the dance community?: 1:01:25 Your day to day activity.: 1:11:21 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:17:11 Closing remarks.: 1:18:53

Karsten Cayabyab, a Bay Area native residing in Torrance, is an ophthalmic technician that is currently working to help grow a new retina practice in West Los Angeles. Moving to Southern California to attend UCLA, Karsten initially struggled to adjust to an independent lifestyle. But through many trials and errors, Karsten continues to grow while striving towards his goals. Surrounding himself with like-minded professionals and friends, he would like to extend a ‘thank you’ to everyone who has made a meaningful impact on his life.    #OfLikeMindsPodcast #UCLA #Ophthalmology Intro.: 0:00 Where you grew up and what that was like?: 0:23 What it's like going to a private school?: 1:34 What resources were available?: 4:09 Pros & cons of being in a smaller school environment?: 6:14 Advantageous of having same teacher for multiple subjects?: 9:57 Relationship with your siblings.: 11:15 Influence of your parents on you.: 19:28 Academic excellence and higher education.: 25:00 Transition from private institution to public university?: 27:24 Your major and what that journey was like?: 32:21 Pivoting in college.: 37:07  Being on leadership.: 42:22 Dance is everything.: 46:50 Balancing school & work.: 1:00:45 Finishing school in 2018.: 1:02:56 A journey to watch ABT's Nutcracker & Misty Copeland.: 1:09:43 What would you say to your thirteen-year-old self?: 1:12:21 Thoughtful sentiments from Karsten.: 1:17:33