A Selfish Endeavor

A Skater And A Jock: 90s High School Stories

Axel Media — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:13:40 -0800

High school is crazy. From awkward crush moments to trying (and failing) to fit into social hierarchies. In this episode, we swap hilarious and honest stories about navigating teenage life, learning how to talk to girls, dealing with cultural differences, and figuring out where we belong. If you're into personal growth, new perspectives, or just love hearing guys unpack their past in a fun and playful way, this one hits home.

We dive into everything from avoiding locker-room showers, feeling out of place, family reputations, moving between cultures, and the first sparks of confidence that come when you finally find “your people.” Along the way, we explore why everyone’s version of “normal” is totally different and why that’s actually a beautiful part of growing up.

👉 Subscribe for more personal growth conversations and fresh perspectives

Best Friends / Ups and Downs

Axel Media — Mon, 12 May 2025 23:58:48 -0700

In this episode, we dive deep into what friendship means to us. Tatsuya opens up about the challenges of connecting as a neurodivergent man. Arthur shares his need for loyalty and someone who would go to battle for him. Grant reflects on how shared history builds the strongest bonds. Three men, three very different answers — but one common search for belonging and trust. This is a conversation about understanding, acceptance, and the different ways friendship can save us.

Ami "Nothing Shakes Me" | A Mother’s Journey of Faith, Loss, and Unbreakable Love

Axel Media — Thu, 01 May 2025 05:00:00 -0700

In this profoundly moving conversation, Ami shares her extraordinary life story—from growing up in Tokyo as the daughter of a rock star, surviving a near-fatal childhood accident, and finding faith through a miraculous healing, to facing heartbreak, divorce, and the unimaginable loss of her 14-year-old daughter, Skye, to a rare cancer.

🔹 Key Moments:

A Miraculous Healing: After a devastating accident left her with third-degree burns as a child, an unexplainable recovery led her family to Christianity.
Love & Loss: Her journey through a troubled marriage, divorce, and single motherhood—learning to rebuild after pain.
Skye’s Battle: The heartbreaking yet inspiring story of her daughter Skye’s fight against NUT carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, and how her unwavering faith and strength touched countless lives.
Finding Light Again: How love, faith, and purpose helped her heal—including a serendipitous new love story sparked by an unexpected introduction.
Skye Strong Foundation: Honoring Skye’s legacy by supporting families battling childhood cancer and advocating for research.

💔 Why It Hits So Hard:
"It’s one thing to lose a child; it’s another to witness that child face death with more grace than most adults ever could. Sky’s story isn’t just about tragedy—it’s about how love persists beyond loss, and how the bonds we think death breaks actually only deepen."

From Skye’s daily declaration "I can do all things through Christ" to her final whispered "I love you, Mommy," this interview reveals how courage and love can outlive even the darkest moments.

💬 "I’ve lost the most precious thing, but I’ve also gained so much. God’s love carried me through."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Childhood in Tokyo & family’s musical legacy
02:07 - The accident that changed everything
04:06 - Miraculous healing & turning to faith
10:14 - Struggles in marriage & becoming a single mom
20:22 - Skye’s cancer diagnosis & battle
23:15 - Facing the rarest cancer: NUT carcinoma
29:22 - Skye’s courage & legacy
45:09 - Grief, healing, and finding love again
52:00 - The Skye Strong Foundation & helping others

📌 Follow Skye’s Legacy And Help Beat Cancer:
Skye Strong Foundation: https://www.skyestrongfoundation.org/

Dana Farber Cancer Institute: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=1200&pg=team&team_id=5241&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_campaign=JFFS062518A&s_src=JFFS062518A

No One Fights Alone Podcast: https://youtu.be/Ym5OlPypR38?si=TfCeewZlNO4AvyGY

Skye Strong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyestrongtogether/

#Faith #Hope #ChildhoodCancer #GriefAndHealing #UnbreakableLove

The Power of Discomfort: What Growth Actually Feels Like

Axel Media — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:29:21 -0700

Discomfort is the cost of growth. In this episode, we talk about the moments that challenge us most — the ones we choose to step into and the ones forced on us by society, culture, or just the chaos of life.

From parenting struggles and internal self-work to confronting racism on the job site, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to evolve.

We talk about going out of our way to make ourselves uncomfortable just to improve, and what it’s like when you’re put in difficult spaces just for existing. Either way, growth never happens in comfort zones.

💬 If you've ever felt stuck or wondered why you're so hard on yourself — this one's for you.

A Selfish Endeavor: Exploring Mental Health and Personal Growth

Axel Media — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:44:45 -0700

Welcome to "A Selfish Endeavor," a podcast where I dive deep into mental health, personal growth, and the human experience. This isn’t just about me—it’s about being open, honest, and learning from the incredible people I talk to. From inspiring individuals who’ve overcome unimaginable challenges to lighter conversations exploring why we are the way we are, every episode brings a new perspective. My goal is simple: to do the inner work so I can show up better for myself and those I care about—and hopefully, help you do the same.

Join me on this eye-opening journey, and let’s explore what it means to grow, heal, and live a healthier, happier life.

How to Trick a Republican Into Understanding Transgender Identity

Axel Media — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:27:16 -0700

In this episode, we take a unique approach to discussing transgender identity—one that might just trick a conservative into understanding it. Tatsuya shares his personal experiences with identity, language, and the way people perceive him in America. We also tackle a heated debate: Should foreigners aim for a “perfect” American accent, or does authenticity matter more? With humor, deep insights, and personal stories, we explore what it means to truly belong.

Social Withdrawal in Japan vs. the West: Hikikomori and Incels

Axel Media — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 23:18:28 -0700

Why are so many young men around the world choosing to withdraw from society? In Japan, they’re called hikikomori—reclusive individuals who shut themselves away, sometimes for years. In the West, we see a similar phenomenon with incels, men who feel rejected and isolated, often turning to online communities that reinforce their loneliness and anger.

In this video, we explore the cultural roots and psychological factors behind these two growing social crises. What makes a hikikomori in Japan different from an incel in America? How are they the same? And what does this tell us about modern life, masculinity, and the pressures facing young people everywhere?

This is a deep dive into the global epidemic of social withdrawal—one that crosses cultural boundaries and challenges how we think about connection, purpose, and belonging.

Learning Not to Care What People Think | Cross Cultural Talk

Axel Media — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:45:50 -0700

Explore the journey of personal growth as we discuss cultural differences, shared experiences, and the power of self-expression. Join us for honest conversations on authenticity, being true to yourself, and overcoming social pressures. This video dives into emotional growth, creative expression, and finding life meaning through being real and embracing honesty. Don’t miss this impactful discussion on embracing who you truly are!

I Love How You Put Me Down

Axel Media — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:32:37 -0800

In Japan, people apologize too much. In America, not enough. Tatsuya navigates this cultural divide while also getting a crash course in what it was like growing up as a guy in the U.S.—where showing affection to male friends was often off-limits, except through harsh insults and the occasional scuffle.

Is Your Wife Lucky To Have You?

Axel Media — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:41:01 -0800

What started as a lighthearted attempt to boost our own egos as amazing husbands took an unexpected turn when we realized Tatsuya doesn’t quite feel the same way. He opens up about his struggles with guilt after moving from Japan to America and wonders if his wife is truly lucky to have him. Is he being too hard on himself, or is this just Japanese humility at play? Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation as we unpack why this topic is so difficult for him to talk about.

Do We Need More Identity Labels?

Axel Media — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:47:44 -0800

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexity of labels and identity. We explore how the current labels for nationality and ethnicity fall short in capturing our true identities. Together, we question whether it’s time to create new, more precise language that truly reflects the diversity of experiences people go through. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power and limitations of labels in today’s world.

Tomeccia "What is Feelings?"

Axel Media — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:21:42 -0800

A Selfish Endeavor. Episode 2 “Tomeccia”.
Tomeccia became my therapist two years ago, stepping into my life at one of its lowest points. In just three months, she helped me turn everything around, setting me on a path of growth that has only continued since. Through countless conversations, we uncovered powerful breakthroughs—but the most life-changing moment came when she shared her own story with me. That single revelation reshaped my perspective forever.

Now, Tomeccia has graciously sat down on camera to share her story once again, hoping to inspire and uplift others. She also offers a rare glimpse into the life of a therapist, opening up about the personal challenges she faces even as she helps others heal. Her journey is one of resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to understanding.

Arthur "Killing Is An Option"

Axel Media — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:28:41 -0700

Arthur and I became acquainted through our wives and children. At first, I thought of him as just another "dad friend" until he began sharing stories about his upbringing and subsequent career path. His graphic, violent stories didn't align with his calm and seemingly happy demeanor. Confused by this, I asked him how he was able to endure those experiences and still remain a happy person. He responded, "If you knew how I was raised, you'd see it's not a big deal." You can imagine what my next question was.

The more I learned about his past, the more intrigued I became by how he ended up being so seemingly happy and stable. I felt a strong desire to learn from him. How could he appear happier than I did when my problems seemed so much smaller? I wanted to gain perspective like his, and I wanted to share that perspective with anyone else seeking happiness.