Growth & Jams

This week I sit down with my sister Sofia, a sophomore at Western Washington University. We talk about a variety of things, which include her first year of college and changing her major, self-esteem and confidence, mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. Enjoy the show.

Today I am joined by Patrick, a great guy who is striving in all aspects of his life. He is a first generation Nigerian-American, a UT-Austin alum, a former UT-Austin football player, a recent graduate of UTRGV School of Medicine, an Orthopedic Surgery Resident, and a former UT System Student Regent. We discuss his upbringing in the Rio Grande Valley, his educational journey, the importance of family, faith, and culture in shaping his identity, relationship advice, his long-term goals, and we end the discussion with his artist recommendations. Enjoy the show.

This week I sit down with my sister Andrea, a PhD student at Harvard University. We talk about a variety of things, which include her educational path, challenges she faces as a woman in STEM, relationships, family dynamics, and her long-term plans. Enjoy the show.

Today I sit down with one of my biggest role models in life - my brother Jay. We discuss the chronology of his life from childhood until now, which includes the lessons he has learned as a result of mistakes he has made along the way. Without revealing too much, topics covered include: mistakes in varying degrees of severity, self-reflection, a return to faith, counting your blessings, combatting ego inflation, and relationship advice. I hope you enjoy the show.

Today I sit down with a fiercly independent and successful woman - my sister Victoria. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a certified personal trainer, a TCU alumna, and a TWU DPT alumna. We discuss the role fitness has played in her life, mental health, things she has learned as a result of her education, starting her career, what she learned after living in South Africa and working as a physical therapist for the national rugby team, and relationship advice. I hope you enjoy the show.

Carissa Taylor functions as the host of this podcast and asks me a series of questions that she collected from social media and from supporters of the podcast. Enjoy the show

Today I sit down with the incredible Joshua Garcia. We discuss his struggles and victories with a variety of topics that have helped shape him into who he is and have allowed him to find his place in this world. Topics covered include: his education path and struggles with dyslexia, his mental health journey and how it fits into his career path, his current job as an NMA for a current Texas Ranger, and his sexuality. I hope you enjoy the show.

Today I am joined by two friends who are truly striving in their faith. We discuss why faith is such an integral part of their lives and the role its played in hard situations, Lent - what it is and what it means for all people, God's prescence in life paths and obstacles, and Catholicism 101. We end with several resources to grow in faith and give music suggestions. Enjoy the show.

Today I sit down with the wonderful Katie Tucker. We discuss her independence/individualism, travel and what she has learned from those experiences, the gain and loss of friendship, and to end we give book and music suggestions. I hope you enjoy the show.

This week I am joined by good friend and past roommate, Jason Chia. He is a Texas Ex and is currently employed at one of the big four accounting firms. We discuss his work ethic, being first generation and his Malaysian roots, studying abroad/travel, the working life, and he shares some general advice that he's learned over the years. Enjoy the show.

I am joined by good friend, Clay Roberts to discuss his lifestyle, approach to adversity, ego, and mistakes. We also discuss the impact visiting Japan has had on him, books, and music. Enjoy the show.

Joanne is a FOCUS missionary at Tulane University. We discuss her first semester as a missionary, her decision-making process to become a missionary, how this decision has affected her life path, our word of the year, and our goals for the year. Enjoy the show.

2020 was a difficult year for everyone and touched the lives of all people in several ways. I detail my struggles of the last year and what I look forward to in 2021. Happy New Year and enjoy the show.

I am joined by San Antonio artist BRIAN PLANET$ to discuss his new single Grape from the Vine. We also discuss comparison, insecurity, faith, and his creative inspiration. Enjoy the show.

Monica and I sit down to review Kid Cudi's highly anticipated Man on the Moon III: The Chosen. We highlight some of the big themes present within the album, his personal growth, and dissect each track on the album. Enjoy the show.

I am joined by Em Cardenas to discuss what she has learned from difficulties within life, living alone, loss of friendships, online school, and past actions. Enjoy the show.

This week I am joined by my good friend Jacob Castro. We discuss moving out, ambition, relationships, mental health, and music. Enjoy the show.

This week I discuss living according to a rule of life, life paths, honest assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and kindness after the election. Enjoy the show.

Today I am joined by my sister in Christ, Taylor Garcia. She strives for sainthood in her daily life and has an outlook on life that we could all learn from. We discuss faith, openness to religious life, mental health, and our top three praise and worship songs. Enjoy the show.

This week I sit down with Julian, a long-time friend and hardworking individual. We discuss the transition from college student to the workforce, the demands of adulthood, sneakers, and music. Enjoy the show.