Unprepared Men

In this episode, we sit down with the band to talk about how everything started—just a group of childhood friends from the same streets in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles turning their shared love for music into something bigger. Growing up in the same neighborhoods and surrounded by their strong Mexican roots, they built a sound that reflects both their culture and the community that raised them.We also dive into the unique inspiration behind their style and even their name. The band shares how Spaghetti Western films influenced their sound, attitude, and overall vibe—blending cinematic western energy with their own musical identity. From neighborhood beginnings to crafting a sound inspired by classic western storytelling, it’s a conversation about friendship, culture, and the creative influences that shaped the band.It’s a fun, laid-back interview about music, roots, and how a group of friends from Boyle Heights and East L.A. turned their influences into a sound all their own.

In this episode we sit down with Valley Wolf, a rising band straight out of Modesto, California. We talk about how the group first came together, the story behind the name Valley Wolf, and what it means to represent their hometown wherever they go. The band shares stories from life on the road, the grind of playing shows, and the passion that keeps them pushing their music forward. It’s a fun and honest conversation about friendship, music, and carrying that Central Valley pride everywhere they play.

In Part 3 of our Heirloom Live Special series, we sit down with Carlos and Mario from Qiensave to talk about their roots in the local community and how growing up here helped shape their sound.We get into their musical influences, the style of music they’re bringing to the scene, and what it’s like being part of a band made up of brothers creating music together. Carlos and Mario also share their perspective on the local music scene and why supporting local artists is so important.It’s a fun, entertaining, and insightful conversation about family, music, culture, and community, and how bands like Qiensave are helping keep the local scene alive.

In Part 2 of our Heirloom Live Special, we sit down with local artist Kaefan, who’s bringing his own style and flavor to cumbia while keeping the tradition alive. He talks about his family’s deep roots in cumbia music, how those influences shaped his sound, and how he’s helping inspire younger artists in the local community to follow their passion.We also try to get him to admit he’s the favorite kid in the family… but he stays loyal to the sibling code and refuses to take the bait.Another great conversation highlighting local talent, culture, and the music keeping the dance floors moving.

We kick off our Heirloom Live Series with one of the most active names in the local scene — DJ Baby Dizzle.Recorded live during Heirloom’s final show, we talk about the grind behind the decks, the reality of juggling a packed DJ schedule, and what it takes to keep the local music scene alive. Beyond DJing, Baby Dizzle is also behind the scenes promoting events that bring the community together, including shows like the fan-favorite “Luv Sux” Anti-Valentine’s event.And of course… things take a turn when Baby Dizzle calls out Will about our latest promo video, leading to some unexpected and hilarious moments.Music, hustle, local culture, and a little friendly confrontation — the perfect way to launch our 5 Episodes • 5 Days series from the artists of Heirloom’s last show.

In this episode, we sit down and break down what Transcendental Meditation (TM) actually is — no incense required (unless that’s your thing). We talk about how the technique works, the science behind it, and why millions of people swear by just 20 minutes, twice a day.We dive into the real-life benefits: reduced stress, better focus, improved sleep, emotional control — and yes… we explore whether it might finally help Will manage his legendary road rage. Because inner peace hits different when someone cuts you off on Highway 101.We also talk about Jo Ann Gesner, her role in bringing TM to the community, and how this practice is making an impact locally. From high-pressure careers to everyday parenting stress, we explore how TM can be a practical tool for real life — not just monks on mountaintops.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, short-tempered, or just curious about meditation without the fluff, this episode is your introduction.Sit back. Close your eyes. And try not to honk at anyone on the way there.

In this episode, we sit down with Amapola Ramirez, MS, MSW — also known online as La Chicana Therapist — a powerhouse of compassion, community, and (let’s be honest) emotional labor.Amapola shares what inspired her to step into social work and mental health advocacy, how deeply she’s involved in supporting our local community, and how she uses TikTok and Instagram to spread awareness, resources, and real-talk about mental wellness.We dive into the community events she organizes to help make mental health support more accessible, why showing up matters, and how small actions can create big change. Plus — because we had to ask — she gives us the inside scoop on how often she’s providing free therapy for her husband (spoiler: that man is living on the premium plan).It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about service, self-care, and what it really takes to uplift a community — with laughs along the way, of course.

This week on Unprepared, we sit down with tattoo artist Mariah Mermaids and dive needle-first into her journey from apprentice to full-blown tattoo slayer. We talk first tattoos (the good, the bad, and the “why did I agree to that?”), new tattoo techniques, and what it really takes to turn art into a career.Mariah breaks down shop life, learning the craft, evolving your style, and trusting the process — plus we somehow detour into a very serious debate about how to properly eat nachos (spoiler: structure matters).

RG the Barber sits in the chair and breaks down his journey from military life to building his own barbershop. We talk about how discipline from the service shaped his grind, the realities of running a shop, and the early days of learning the craft—when cousins were the first to volunteer for some very experimental haircuts.RG also shares his philosophy behind the chair, including why the customer is always right… even when the cut they want might not be the cut they should get. Real stories, real laughs, and real insight into the life behind the clippers.

In this episode of Unprepared for Battle, we sit down with author FK Menzz to talk about his debut fantasy novel, Battle of Verdants — the first book in When the Crown Bleeds series.We dive into the world behind the book, the characters, and the inspiration that sparked it all. What began as short stories written for his daughter while she was away at college eventually grew into a full-scale fantasy epic.FK shares his journey as a pastor from Ghana, how faith, imagination, and storytelling intersect in his life, and how his background has shaped the themes within his writing. Beyond the pages of the book, he is deeply committed to giving back to his community in Ghana, leading initiatives that support and uplift others.This episode is an inspiring conversation about family, faith, culture, service, and building entire kingdoms — both on the page and in real life. And yes… he’s incredibly smart.

This episode is all about the holidays—the good, the weird, and the “why do we still do this every year?” moments. We dive into our favorite holiday traditions, memories that still hit us right in the feels, and the ones that make us laugh now that enough time (and food) has passed. From childhood magic to adult responsibilities sneaking in uninvited, we talk about what the holidays meant then, what they mean now, and how traditions change but the memories stick. Cozy vibes, honest laughs, and a reminder that the best parts of the holidays usually aren’t wrapped in paper—they’re wrapped in stories.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Guillermo Rodriguez to talk openly about his battle with addiction, the rock-bottom moment that forced real change, and the long road that followed.Dr. Rodriguez shares what addiction took from him—and what recovery gave back. From surviving his lowest point to earning his doctorate, becoming a professor and social worker, and dedicating his life to giving back to the community, his story is raw, honest, and deeply human.This isn’t a highlight reel or a feel-good shortcut. It’s a real conversation about accountability, resilience, and choosing to keep going when quitting would be easier.If you or someone you love has been touched by addiction, this episode is proof that change is possible—even when you feel completely unprepared.

This week we’re joined by Chicago-based stand-up comedian Gabriel Alvizo, who brings sharp wit, unapologetic honesty, and absolutely zero fear of dropping an F-bomb. We dive into his comedy influences, trading stories about the legends who shaped his style, the wild hecklers who accidentally become part of the show, and how his Salinas roots still sneak into his jokes — whether he wants them to or not.It’s raw, it’s hilarious, it’s chaotic in that perfect “Unprepared” way… and yes, there’s plenty of cussing. Like, a lot. Consider yourself warned.Tap in, laugh hard, and maybe clutch your pearls just a little.

This week we’re joined by Ben Flores, a firefighter from Seaside, who walks us through his journey into the fire service — from the moment he knew this was the job to the grind of actually getting there. We talk holiday fire prevention (because nothing ruins Christmas like a kitchen fire), the reality of first calls, and the unforgettable moment of getting stuck inside the fire engine when the adrenaline was already maxed out.It’s equal parts informative, chaotic, and hilarious — a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a firefighter from someone who actually lives it… not just someone who owns a red toy truck.

You can’t prepare for what’s waiting in the dark.Join the Unprepared Men crew as they sit down with American Paranormal Investigations crew API, who chase the unexplained — from haunted homes to spirit-filled battlefields.Hear how they work as a team, their most chilling encounters with the other side, and the moments that made even the skeptics believe. We’ll revisit Poltergeist, ask how the spirits of loved ones still reach out, and uncover why some stories refuse to rest in peace.If you’ve ever felt a cold spot when no window was open… you might already be one of us.

This week, the crew gets spooky with Spooky Girl 831 — the local legend who knows every haunted corner of the Central Coast. From ghostly sightings in Salinas to eerie encounters on backroads you definitely shouldn’t drive alone at night, we dive into the creepiest stories the 831 has to offer. 👻She shares her own hair-raising experiences (literally), and we trade some of our own spine-tingling tales. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this episode will make you think twice before turning off the lights.Grab your sage, your flashlight, and maybe your mom’s rosary — things are about to get haunted.

This week, the crew dives deep into some Would You Rather chaos that only we could make this ridiculous. Would you rather always be late or painfully early? Be forever rich or have superpowers? Add a few zeros to your account or live forever to regret it? Yeah… it gets that real.We’re joined by our good friend Masa, who not only helps us keep the laughs rolling but also does so much for the local community — from supporting events to lifting people up every chance he gets. Basically, he’s the hero this podcast doesn’t deserve.And yes, Will faces the haunted bathroom, proving that bravery isn’t about saving lives… it’s about surviving questionable plumbing.Tune in for wild debates, ghost stories, and our most unhinged hypotheticals yet.

In this episode, we sit down with special guest Lauren Stroud for a real (and really unfiltered) conversation about mental health. We open up about our own struggles, ask the big question—are those voices in our heads actually real?—and explore what it means to be human in the middle of the chaos.It’s not all heavy though: there’s laughter, honesty, and practical ways to support the people around us who might be going through the same battles. Whether you’ve faced mental health challenges yourself, or you just want to better understand how to be there for others, this episode is for you.

This week on Unprepared Men, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of Reddit’s “Am I the Asshole?”—where strangers ask the internet to judge their life choices. From refusing to take off shoes in someone’s house, to buying knockoff sneakers, to the high-stakes battlefield of diaper duty, we break down the drama with zero qualifications and maximum opinions.

We made it to Episode 10! 🎉 To celebrate, we dove headfirst into the mysteries of the multiverse—asking if it’s really just another form of time travel, or something stranger. Right at the very beginning, an unexpected blooper set the tone before we even got started. From there, we pondered where our lives might be if we’d just made different choices, making this milestone episode one of our most unprepared yet.