Miguel
Digest
This podcast episode features a variety of segments, starting with Ryan Reynolds promoting Mint Mobile's affordable wireless service. It then transitions to financial literacy tools for kids with the Greenlight app and a promotion for the social casino MyPrize.us. The conversation shifts to social etiquette regarding invitations before diving deep into an interview with artist Miguel. They discuss his early career, the inspiration behind his music, his use of Portuguese lyrics, and his journey to musical success. The interview also touches upon parenting philosophies, childhood discipline, and the challenges of fatherhood, drawing parallels with Miguel's own upbringing and his father's influence. Later segments include discussions on honoring mothers, promoting an audiobook club, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, holiday shopping at Ross, and reflections on musical interludes and album concepts. The latter part of the podcast focuses on Miguel's new album, his hiatus from music, the integration of Spanish, and his artistic motivations. The episode concludes with advice on navigating creative processes, audience expectations, and career pivots, emphasizing authenticity and personal growth.
Outlines
Wireless, Finance, and Social Casinos
Ryan Reynolds promotes Mint Mobile's $15/month wireless service. Greenlight is introduced as a financial literacy app for kids. MyPrize.us is promoted as a free-to-play social casino.
Social Dynamics and Early Music Discovery
The podcast touches on the etiquette of event invitations and the host's early discovery of Miguel's music on MySpace, specifically mentioning his hit song "Sure Thing."
Musical Inspiration and Artistic Identity
Miguel discusses the humorous mistranslation of Portuguese lyrics in his song "Strawberry Amazing," his childhood conviction about his musical talent, and his career strategy influenced by faith. The conversation also touches on the impact of artists like DeAngelo and the timeless masterpiece "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
Album Concepts and Creative Collaboration
The idea of an album composed entirely of interludes is explored, and Miguel discusses his upcoming album, hinting at collaborations and the potential for the host to be featured. They also touch on nostalgic DJ tags and the host's desire to be a voice on an album.
Vocal Techniques and Parenting Reflections
Miguel shares insights into vocal coaching, warm-up techniques like jump rope, and the humorous concept of a "cussing bin." The conversation then shifts to his new album and his experiences with fatherhood, discussing the joys and challenges.
Family Heritage and Parenting Philosophy
Miguel reflects on his father's supportive parenting style, shaped by his own challenging upbringing. Details about his parents' backgrounds and their migration from Mexico are shared, alongside a lighthearted discussion about conception timing.
Teaching, Discipline, and Personal Growth
Miguel's father, Mr. P, is celebrated as a retiring second-grade teacher. Miguel discusses his approach to parenting, emphasizing learning his child and fostering individuality. The conversation also touches on the difficulty of saying "no," the role of therapy in self-discovery and boundary setting, and the importance of positive parenting.
Real-Life Parenthood and Discipline Strategies
The podcast contrasts idealistic parenting notions with reality, discussing stress and the desire for compliance. Miguel shares his mother's methodical and non-angry approach to discipline, involving discussion and scripture, and the effectiveness of delayed discipline is explored. The impact of parental disappointment versus anger is analyzed, with disappointment deemed more effective for self-reflection.
"El Blito" and Reconnecting with Music
Miguel identifies "El Blito" as the soul of his new album, a self-reflective track about his journey and pride. He discusses the natural integration of Spanish in his music, stemming from a reframed identity and renewed motivation after stepping back from the pressures of the music industry.
Artistic Motivation and Audience Connection
The artist discusses the motivation behind releasing new music after an eight-year hiatus, focusing on connecting with the audience and personal growth. They differentiate between being a songwriter and an artist, emphasizing authentic expression and building an audience that values their unique voice.
Navigating Creative Careers and Pivots
Advice is given on navigating the creative process for a one-woman show, balancing audience expectations with artistic vision. The discussion also covers career pivots from unfulfilling industries, emphasizing the need for drive, delusion, internal peace, and gratitude before making significant changes.
Keywords
Mint Mobile
A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) known for its affordable wireless plans, often promoted with celebrity endorsements. It operates on T-Mobile's network, offering competitive pricing by cutting out traditional retail overhead.
Greenlight
A financial technology company offering a debit card and money management app for children and teens. It aims to teach financial literacy through features like earning, saving, spending, and investing, with parental controls.
MyPrize.us
A social casino platform offering free-to-play games like slots and table games. It emphasizes a fun, engaging experience with opportunities to win prizes, operating under sweepstakes rules.
Invitation Etiquette
The social norms and expectations surrounding the sending and receiving of invitations to events. It involves considerations of politeness, inclusivity, and managing social dynamics to avoid awkwardness or offense.
Miguel (Artist)
A Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful R&B music, distinctive voice, and genre-bending style. His career began in the early 2000s, gaining significant traction with hits like "Sure Thing."
"Sure Thing" (Song)
A breakthrough hit song by Miguel, released in 2010. Its smooth R&B sound and catchy melody contributed significantly to his rise in popularity and established his signature style.
Portuguese Language in Music
The incorporation of Portuguese lyrics or phrases within songs, often to add cultural flavor, express specific emotions, or connect with a particular audience. It can sometimes lead to humorous mistranslations if not handled carefully.
Lauryn Hill
A highly influential singer, rapper, and songwriter, best known for her critically acclaimed album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Her work is celebrated for its lyrical depth, musical innovation, and spiritual themes.
Musical Interludes
Short musical pieces within an album that serve as transitions between tracks or sections. They can range from spoken word to instrumental passages, often adding thematic depth or atmosphere to the overall work.
Parenting Philosophy
The underlying beliefs and principles that guide a parent's approach to raising children. It encompasses views on discipline, education, emotional support, and fostering individuality.
Childhood Discipline
Methods and strategies used by parents to guide children's behavior and teach them right from wrong. This can include positive reinforcement, setting boundaries, and, in some cases, physical discipline.
Parental Disappointment
The feeling a parent experiences when a child's actions or choices fall short of their expectations. It can be a powerful motivator for a child to reflect on their behavior and strive for improvement.
Asserting Boundaries
The act of establishing and communicating personal limits in relationships and social interactions. It is crucial for maintaining self-respect and healthy connections, and is often a key focus in therapy.
Fostering Individuality
Encouraging and supporting a child's unique personality, talents, and interests. This approach aims to help children develop a strong sense of self and pursue their own paths.
De Angelo (Musician)
A highly respected and influential soul singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his innovative approach to R&B and soul music, his work has inspired many artists, including Miguel.
"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
Lauryn Hill's seminal 1998 solo album, widely regarded as a masterpiece. It blends hip-hop, R&B, and soul with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards.
Album of Interludes
A conceptual album where the primary focus is on short, transitional musical pieces (interludes) rather than full-length songs. This format allows for a different kind of artistic expression and narrative flow.
DJ Tags
Short audio clips, often featuring a DJ's name or a catchphrase, that are inserted into songs or albums. Historically used to promote DJs and add a signature sound to mixtapes and albums.
Vocal Warm-up
Exercises and techniques performed before singing to prepare the vocal cords and improve vocal performance. This includes breathing exercises, scales, and articulation drills.
Cursing Bin
A humorous concept where participants in a conversation or podcast are playfully fined or penalized for using curse words, often contributing to a collective fund or for comedic effect.
Fatherhood
The role and experience of being a father, encompassing the emotional, practical, and social aspects of raising children. It involves nurturing, guidance, and providing support.
Mexican-American Heritage
The cultural identity and experiences of individuals of Mexican descent living in the United States. This often involves navigating dual cultural influences and family traditions.
Immigrant Family Stories
Narratives detailing the experiences of individuals and families who have immigrated to a new country, often highlighting challenges, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life.
Childhood Memories of Discipline
Personal recollections and reflections on how parents or guardians disciplined children, including the methods used, the emotional impact, and the perceived effectiveness of those approaches.
Parenting Styles
Different approaches and philosophies that parents adopt in raising their children. These styles can range from authoritarian to permissive, with variations in discipline, communication, and emotional support.
Self-Reflection in Children
The ability of a child to think about their actions, understand their consequences, and consider alternative behaviors. This is a key developmental milestone fostered by effective parenting.
Assertiveness Training
A type of therapy or training that helps individuals learn to express their needs, feelings, and opinions directly and respectfully, without infringing on the rights of others.
Personal Identity Development
The ongoing process through which individuals develop a sense of self, including their values, beliefs, goals, and sense of belonging. This is influenced by personal experiences, relationships, and cultural factors.
Spanish Language in Music
The integration of Spanish lyrics or phrases into songs, reflecting cultural heritage, artistic expression, or a desire to connect with a Spanish-speaking audience. It adds a distinct linguistic and cultural dimension to the music.
Audience Connection
Building a genuine connection with listeners by sharing personal experiences and emotions, fostering a loyal following that appreciates the artist's authentic expression beyond just their music.
Artistic Expression
The unique way an artist conveys their inner world, emotions, and experiences through their work, emphasizing authenticity and personal growth over external validation or trends.
Career Pivot
A significant change in one's professional path, often driven by a desire for greater fulfillment, alignment with passions, or escape from unvalued situations, requiring careful consideration of challenges and resources.
Creative Process
The journey of developing and executing artistic ideas, involving navigating personal vision, audience expectations, and the evolution of one's craft, especially after achieving a new level of public recognition.
Personal Growth
The ongoing process of self-improvement and development, often reflected in an artist's evolving music and public persona, encouraging listeners to connect with their own journey of change and self-discovery.
Q&A
What is Mint Mobile's main selling point according to Ryan Reynolds?
Mint Mobile's main selling point is its affordable premium wireless service at $15 a month, coupled with a no-stores policy that appeals to introverts by eliminating small talk.
How does Greenlight aim to teach financial literacy to kids?
Greenlight teaches financial literacy through a debit card and money app that allows kids and teens to earn, save, spend wisely, and invest, all under parental guidance with real-time notifications.
What is MyPrize.us?
MyPrize.us is a free-to-play social casino where users can enjoy slots and table games with bonuses, offering the chance to win real prizes.
What advice does the speaker give regarding event invitations?
The speaker advises listeners to be understanding and avoid confrontational behavior if they are not invited to an event, suggesting that it's okay not to be invited to everything and to maintain dignity.
What was the host's early experience with Miguel's music?
The host discovered Miguel's music on MySpace around 2007-2008, specifically mentioning the song "Sure Thing" and feeling like they had "discovered" his talent early on.
What is the significance of the Portuguese phrase in Miguel's song "Strawberry Amazing"?
The Portuguese phrase, mistranslated by a friend, was intended to mean "I want to flee" but was humorously used by Miguel to mean "I want to fuck," fitting the song's context of wanting to escape.
When did Miguel realize he had significant musical talent?
Miguel reflects that as a child, with the belief of others and his own unwavering conviction, he never doubted his path, despite lacking industry connections.
What was the host's strategy for pursuing an acting career?
The host's strategy was to move to Los Angeles, study biology as a pre-med student to appease her family, and then explore opportunities in the TV and film industry.
Why is it important to honor mothers, even on a podcast called "Thanks Dad"?
Mothers are crucial figures, often fulfilling both parental roles, and their contributions are significant and deserve recognition, even when the focus is on fathers.
What is the main theme of Miguel's album "El Blito"?
"El Blito" is described as the soul of the album, a self-reflective track about sacrifices made to achieve goals, pride in identity, and the enduring strength of one's soul.
How has Miguel's identity influenced the use of Spanish in his new album?
Miguel's renewed motivation led to a deeper self-understanding and a reframing of his identity, making the inclusion of Spanish feel natural and prideful, reflecting how he thinks in the language.
What is the most impactful form of discipline for a child, according to the discussion?
Parental disappointment is considered more impactful than anger, as it implies a higher expectation and a perceived shift in the parent's view of the child.
What is the host's approach to parenting her son?
The host's approach is to remain a student of her son, nurturing his individuality and affirming who he is, while acknowledging the challenges of real-life parenting.
What is Miguel's father's approach to parenting and his own upbringing?
Miguel's father, despite a challenging relationship with his own stern father, became a supportive and encouraging parent, pushing his children just enough while being understanding.
What is Miguel's father's profession and upcoming retirement plans?
Miguel's father is a second-grade teacher who is retiring this year after a long career, and they plan to throw a party for him.
What is Miguel's perspective on doing drugs or drinking with family?
Miguel believes it is more fun and safer to engage in activities like drug use or drinking with family, as they can provide support and ensure safety.
What is the most effective way for a child to self-reflect or change behavior?
The discussion suggests that hearing "I'm disappointed in you" from parents is more effective than hearing "I'm mad at you," as it implies a deeper impact on the parent's perception.
What is the host's biggest regret regarding her early predictions of musical success?
The host regrets not betting money on her prediction that Miguel would become a mega-star, as her college friend, who was rich, disagreed with her assessment.
What is Miguel's favorite track on his new album and why?
Miguel considers "El Blito" the soul of his album, a self-reflective song that encapsulates his journey, sacrifices, and enduring pride in his identity.
How does Miguel feel about the use of Spanish in his new album?
Miguel feels proud and natural about using Spanish in his album, seeing it as a way for his audience to get to know him as a human being beyond just his musical abilities.
What is the artist's primary motivation for releasing new music after an eight-year hiatus?
The artist's motivation was to connect with their audience on a more personal level and to understand their own growth and experiences, rather than solely aiming to please existing fan expectations.
How does the artist differentiate between being a songwriter and being an artist?
A songwriter aims to create universally appealing songs, while an artist reflects their personal experiences and emotions to connect with people on a deeper, human level, transcending differences.
What advice is given regarding career pivots?
A career pivot is exciting but challenging. It requires drive, delusion, and energy. Assess current satisfaction and resources, and ensure internal peace and gratitude before making a change to avoid repeating past issues.
What is the significance of building an audience that is "in love with your expression"?
Building an audience that values authentic expression is crucial for ownership and control of one's work and career, allowing the artist to evolve without alienating their core supporters.
Show Notes
This week on Thanks Dad, Ego sat down with Grammy award-winning artist Miguel! Ego shares how she’s been a fan since her Myspace days, and they talk about how Miguel’s wonderful parents have shaped his approach to raising his own son. With everything from a tribute to D’Angelo to memories of getting whooped as a kid, we cover all! Finally, Miguel gives some advice to Ego and a lucky caller.
Get tickets for Miguel's global CAOS tour at officialmiguel.com
Want some advice from Ego and her guest? Leave a message at (502) 849-3237 (THX-DADS)!
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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