Relative Roads

An open and honest conversation with two young and healthy 20 something year old men. Kristoff is my stepson and currently a semi-permanant fixture in the household. Taking some time away from the university life and experiencing a fulltime job with crazy schedules. Jake- one of Kristoff's best friends, is also living out the blue collar lifestyle. Taking it on the chin like the rest of us, when life dishes it out. We discuss what life is like in the current world of fast technology, social media, political controversy, and fading traditions. How faith has been a pivotal piece for each of us in our survival of mental health challenges. Jake and Kristoff (the 20 somethings) grew up together and both found refuge in the sport of baseball throughout their high school career. Which obviously was't that long ago. Although humor seems to be the initial hardware used in navigating such vulnerability, it isn't long before each of us begin to expose our deepest programming. From surviving our childhood to understanding the scope of fatherhood as we have experienced it. This discussion dives deep into our own personal experiences. Ultimately, it is an ivitation to all men to welcome their own vulnerability into the conversation and fearlessly lift one another up.

Retired Sheriff's deputy Matt Skidgel, has had many humbling experiences protecting communities in the bay area. Peacefully enjoying his retirement, these days Matt has been crafting a life with just as much color but armed with paint brushes and digital cameras. For the last few years, Matt has utilized his creativity to keep himself occupied and mentally sound as he is reminicent of the hardships in police work. We talk about his methodologies in his artistic expression and how he goes about selling and sharing his work. Matt is admittedly, an non-religious God believer and at some point in this interview we discuss how Faith, as he understands it, translates to his everyday life. The biggest common factor in our likeminded approach to faith just might be our appreciation for all the beauty in God's creation. Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattskidgel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  

Recently, as I scroll through TikTok I come across a rapper's profile that caught my attention. His name is Robert AKA "Castor Pollux". A true lyricist to the fullest degree. As someone who aspires to own the experience of performing a hip hop song on stage at somepoint, I am thoroughly intrigued. His appearance as a performer not exactly reflecting your standard Hip Hop representative, led me to believe he may have something to offer with his vocalized talent. HE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. Specifically, I'm fed videos of him behind a desk in a office cubicle. Wearing a cheesy polo apparently, lipsyincing to his own recorded songs. His chin draped in this ZZ top like beard narrowly avoiding a dip in his cup of Joe. I love the contrasting nature of his style. Reminiscent of a popular Hip Hop duo in the 90's titled "The High and Mighty", the sound of his unique voice and catchy cadence hypnotize the little chubby Hip Hop fan that resides within. Naturally, we hit it off as we journey into the past where it is revealed that our substitution for lack of a digital landscape fulfilling our need for adventure becomes the streets and it's inhabitants surrounding our broken family homes. A sacrifice of safety for a taste of the poetic yet dangerous side of reality. What better way than to transform the trauma into poetry. Spotify TikTok YouTube

The hot topic of ridding TikTok in the U.S. A discussion of how relavant the controversial platform really is in our personal lives. We will soon be transitioning to a seperate show for this format of the podcast between myself and Ricardo. Relative Roads will still exist and continue produce interesting content on a more intimate level with select guests. Stay tuned for details!

It is becoming a regular activity to sit in a vehicle and discuss world topics/ issues with my fellow road warrior, Ricardo. So, we might as well make a whole new podcast out of it! Stay tuned for all possibities! In this particular conversation, some of the topics discussed are: Raising children to be good people Warner Bro's filming in Sacramento Anti religious social media posts Religion and how it relates to parenting Homelessness Politics and our limited trust and understanding Leonardo DiCaprio sitting on Ricky's lap Please note, the opinions shared in this podcast are for the purpose of comic relief between two good friends. Promoting our own spiritual and mental health. It is NOT our intention to offend any particular person or people. Our goal is to share the laughter with hopes of providing audible entertainment to those willing to listen. Thanks for all your support! 

Myself, a fellow mixer driver/ YouTuber (Ricardo Flores), and an ex-Sheriff’s deputy/ Artist (Matt Skidgel) discuss many controversies riddling society today. From childhood to child rearing as well as politics, war, and mass shootings. These opinions are based in the experiences of men sharing the roads with the community members they are desperately trying to understand and love.  You can find content created by these men listed here: Matt Skidgel’s Instagram: @mattskidgel Ricardo’s YouTube (Mixer Mafia): https://youtube.com/@Mixermafia23?si=dy_onGtMm4c0k7Zt

Eric had an accident at the workplace that almost took his life. Nearly ripping his foot into shreds, he survives the catastrophic event only to withstand the aftermath of jobloss, divorce, and a mental breakdown. He has taken every humbling and painful step to rebuild his life and his relationships. An admirable man in the midst of a long journey of healing. 

Local Musician Ray Sansom, helps me to understand his artistry as a self taught guitar player and singer, song writer. When faced with a life and death moment, Ray reaches deep within to discover that his love for music and desire to share his creations helped save his life. You can find Ray's work on youtube. Please stay tuned after the podcast conversation for the full song "Trannysouras Rex"   https://www.youtube.com/@grizzlywhiskers2952

A conversation with a fellow photographer about our love for capturing images. Matt is a multitalented artist. Music being his first priority, he merely loves connecting to nature thru his lens. You can follow him @mattskidgel on IG. Matt’s Instagram

John Morris Ross is a professional comedian that has been working in the industry for over 18 years. Recently, he has experienced a personal revelation. He has discovered an inner voice that requires his direct attention. His inner child. He has put a pause on his standup career to allow this spiritual awakening to take the stage. He recently posted a video on his social media sharing this profound experience with his many followers, including myself. It hit me right in the soft spot. I am certainly an advocate for self awareness in the community. John, is an example of an artist painting a picture through a self-healing story.

An interview with an ex-law enforcement officer about life, death, self-awareness, and the beauty of a positive prospective. Matt Skidgel has had a few life experiences riding dangerously close to a self destructive end. He is an amazingly talented artist that can express his creative vision across many platforms. This open and honest conversation is exactly what you would wish for from any representative of the law or, even a member of the community. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to connect to such a beautiful soul. Please check out Matt's instagram page: @MattSkidgel Upcoming musical performance at "The Waterman Brewery" in Elk Grove 5/6/22 6:30 - 9:30pm

Please enjoy this talk between myself and another artist. And for God's sake, PAINT SOMETHING!   Thanks so much for listening!!! Please checkout Henry's work on instagram @aemeka89 

Mike and Reg grab a couple instruments, play some hip hop instrumentals, and let the magic unfold! Please enjoy this feel good episode that will put a smile on your face! Thanks for listening!

Within 6 years of hard work, laser focus, and a strong belief of self discovery, Felipe has earned himself a career on the fast track! Please check out his amazing work on his social media sites: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowclonefilms/ Instagram: @shadowclonefilms 

Tara Harbert is a Spiritual Healer and Life Coach based in the greater Sacramento area. Her amazing resources can viewed and accessed at: www.TheTenderHeartedHealer.com   IG: @the_tender_hearted_healer We have an enlightening conversation about the difficult challenges exiting relationships that no longer serve your deeper purpose. If you find yourself in search of inner strength and the encouragement to grow, this episode will reaffirm, YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT ROAD. If you like the episode, please check out the other amazing connections and their beautiful recordings on this show! Be Well, Be Safe, Be World Peace.

In this  lengthy episode: Mike and Reg sit and talk to Josh in his garage about, well...everything. Listen in as we get into one of those rambling conversations people used to have in Friends' living rooms during house parties and gatherings before Covid dropped the hammer on us!

Join us for another End-of-the-year podcast; We talk to Jonathan Flom about having started a new career in communications right before the Lockdown earlier this year, then we get Mikes take on having had the Coronavirus!

Join Mike and Reg for about an hour of thought provoking (at times hilarious) Improv! 

In this episode of Relative Roads, we get to know Luis, and introduce him to the wacky world of Improv