It is common to be stuck in a routine, living on autopilot and uncertain in a busy world to survive, adhering to a cycle where you are inhibited from accessing, exploring, and understanding what exists within you. MJ and AYD share that to understand your purpose, you need to understand who you are first. As an example, both share that this podcast gives them purpose, knowing that through this platform, they gain the ability to interact with, learn from, and grow alongside others, as opposed to what they were routinely used to before starting the podcast: constantly living to work, instead of working to live, preparing for a mundane schedule that did not allow them the freedom to grow and learn. 

Both AYD and MJ encourage us to challenge who we are to navigate our purpose. Although it may feel uncomfortable, you learn to let go of the things that no longer serve you to make room for the things that matter.

It is no easy feat discussing these matters; however, MJ, followed by his sister Mo, after several decades, finally learns about their mother's point of view, feelings, and thoughts on these unfortunate experiences. MJ closes off with a question that few take the time to ponder: if a loved one who passed was sitting right in front of you, what would you say?

Although we cannot take back time and revert to our years of childhood, the children around us can offer and teach us many valuable lessons about the world we now live in. Aaron takes us back to the basics and discusses how to have fun, the importance of friendships, being a good person, being an exceptional young scholar, growing up with a loving and supportive family, and managing emotions. Ultimately, Aaron teaches us to recenter ourselves and pursue our goals with tenacity, reminding us that the inner child permanently resides within us no matter how old we grow. 

Cheating within a relationship is an action that demonstrates a lack of commitment, accountability, and respect, consequently leading to severed trust. Mo and MJ then ask the audience, should one take back their partner after cheating? How do you forgive a partner who has violated your trust? They delve into emotional cheating and physical cheating, reiterating the importance of self-control and the implications your unfaithful actions have on your partner’s mental health. Ultimately, a relationship requires constant communication, vulnerability, being present, sorting through struggles, and not seeking validation from another person outside the relationship. It is also important to emphasize that if you are cheated on, do not blame yourself or ponder what you should change about yourself. Ultimately, a cheating partner’s insecurities and selfishness do not define who you are, as you should respect yourself by moving on and appreciating yourself instead of surrounding yourself with someone who does not.

Despite his internal struggles, Rick breaks down the wall to be there for his wife and daughter, ensuring that he presents the best version of himself for them. Rick teaches the audience the importance of coming to terms with the nature of reality; to sit with and acknowledge your grief, but not let it occupy a permanent spot in your life, to dismantle cycles of abuse, unhealthy familial relationships, and harmful practices. Rick leaves a message for the audience to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, encouraging others to seek help and, more importantly, forgive themselves. 

Stay tuned for Violet Melody's live performance at the end of the episode!

Through his sense of humor and dedication to his physical and mental well-being, Misael seeks to challenge those who perceive individuals with disabilities through a deficit lens. He encourages all to remain committed to their overall health and goals.

UCLA Alumna with a PhD from Indiana  University and proud of her Korean roots, Dr. Ji Son continually follows her curiosity and interests, as advised by her hardworking parents. Dr. Ji Son discusses changes in learning during the digital age and what it means to maximize happiness. Dr. Ji Son encourages others to seek agency, ask questions, and actively pursue new knowledge for cognitive growth.

Hungry for the sport and proud of his persistence, Lennon demonstrates that age is just a number for achieving your goals. Not only is Lennon challenging his opponents in the ring, but academically, he is thriving by inputting the same technique into his studies. With the backing of a supportive coach, relentless determination, and the willingness to continually learn, Lennon teaches us how to condition our minds to respond successfully to life’s struggles inside and outside the ring. 

Living in a single-mother household and being part of the foster care system placed Fedna and his siblings under circumstances where they learned to become independent and self-sufficient –despite having been under the care of a mother who was trying to do her best with what she had. Fedna aspired to be much like those who cared for him growing up, such as his foster father, prioritizing the desire to provide his loving wife and children with constant and unconditional love, appreciation, safety, and security. Although Fedna emphasizes the importance of forgiving and growing from past traumas, he shares how his processing of emotions came to be and how he has learned to cope with them to serve as a mentor for others going through similar situations. Having been in the army as well, Fedna learned not to be complacent with the placement of things, using his new career as a coach to continue teaching others to challenge and confront their inner critics, reminding them that “anytime they find themselves in trouble, turn right and go straight.”

Learning how to deal with the loss of a parent is an incomprehensible feat, especially at a young age. Many questions remain unanswered, and complete closure feels as though it can not be sought. As children, we craft our parents to be the ideal role models and, to preserve the innocence that comes with being of young age, information is often kept out of the loop. Fedna describes how learning how his father truly passed, as a result of his participation in a cartel, did not yield anger and resentment, although initially, he felt confused and discombobulated; rather, it taught him how to forgive. He remained determined to seek to learn more about his father’s existence, with the help of some of his siblings, acknowledging that although the route his father took was not the best, his intentions to protect and provide for his family were there. Fedna’s calm, stoic demeanor and presence demonstrate the importance of learning to navigate and learn from hardship. Now, as a father, Fedna works hard to provide for his children by being present socially and emotionally, providing for them what he lacked as a child, and instilling moral values and unconditional love in them.

“El mundo es de los audaces”, a Spanish mantra that translates into, “The World is yours for the taking.” Seeking to challenge the scarcity mentality that her father’s family once upheld, Monica fervently applied the lesson learned from this motto into her life by pursuing a post-secondary education at UC Riverside, despite being discouraged by other family members. The business world is complicated to navigate, as it presents the challenge of severing ties with even those one thinks are there to support them socially and emotionally, such as family, in order to protect and maintain one’s inner peace when those individuals choose not the embrace and encourage one’s success. Monica also provides in detail the pressures that come with being a first-generation college student, sharing with us heavy and unrealistic expectations that were placed on her, and the importance of pursuing goals and aspirations that are meaningful and specific to who you are and what you represent in order to attract what you want out of your life. Monica’s journey serves as a testament to the fact that despite adversities, hardships, and challenges, persistence and dedication are key, and ultimately, the universe will align you with your passions, aspirations, and what is meant for you. She teaches us to work on believing in ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, and surround ourselves with other successful people to manifest the destiny that we want to create for ourselves and the vision of success that is true to us.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Furthermore, the force of authority interferes during the last minute of the episode, to which MJ complies and ends the episode with less than 10 minutes of the interview. Want to know what happens next? Stay tuned for next week's episode as we follow up with Rooster and the alleged accusation by the 5-0.

Living an adult life at such an early age means compromising much and missing out on many early archetypal childhood experiences. Sergio testifies to this as he details being shot and wounded at an early age, maintaining unhealthy drug habits, and finding it difficult to abandon a dangerous lifestyle he came to accept as normal. Sergio soon came to realize, as he was reminded by a close friend, that he had a lot to lose by engaging in practices that served no purpose or goal. The multitude of adversities that existed within his life motivated him to do better for his kids to dismantle the chain of trauma and trouble. Through adhering to his newly established faith in the findings of God, and his search for redemption, Sergio achieved forgiveness. Attaining absolution allowed Sergio to be a strong figure for his family and members of his community, where he now promotes compassion and motivates others to seek their purpose and calling in life.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Family dynamics differ across all households. Although Sergio notes that the absence of a father figure whilst growing up did cast an ache in his heart, he was able to compensate for his father’s absenteeism through his integration into the church, through laughter, and the support of his loving mother, siblings, children, and friends. Despite having been abandoned by those whom he thought should have cared for him most, learning of a sibling he did not know existed, and surviving a gunshot wound, Sergio remained resilient and solidaristic. Through Sergio’s radiant energy, despite hardship, one comes to realize that surviving, learning from, and growing through life’s hardest battles create individuals with strong character, perseverance, and faith.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Boxing has become a channel through which many can confront their internal struggles, existing turmoils, and self-doubt. Both Spencer and Flaco encourage the youth to pursue this sport at an early age as a means of establishing self-discipline, learning how to problem-solve, and developing a sense of respect for their mind and body. Through this establishing of productive habits early on one learns to fight through and cope with their pain and vices healthily. Everyone goes through hardship, and along the way, vices may become part of one’s daily routine, but Spencer and Flaco encourage all people to acknowledge their discomfort and ask for help because there are people who care. It is through this resilient mindset and willingness to participate in your character development that you will put yourself in a position where you cannot fail.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Boxing involves combat, confidence, passion, technique, and training. Without these skills and without the guidance of a strong coach who acts as the anchor, it is difficult to deliver in the ring. More importantly, Spencer and Flaco discuss the importance of seeking comfort within the gym setting and within one’s own skin to navigate the ring and the sport that is boxing and life. Although the sport may not be for everyone, boxing helped many like Spencer abandon fear and addiction. With his interest in boxing stemming back to his grandparents, he came to develop a respect for the sport that taught him how to build confidence, technique, and persistence. Ultimately, the sport of boxing has helped many realize that challenges should be embraced and welcomed, in and out of the ring, as they help combat the limitations we place on ourselves.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Cultivating, working towards, and maintaining an active and fit lifestyle requires more than just engaging in strenuous workouts that apply pressure and force to the body and joints. Being able to maintain a healthy mind and healthy workout habits also requires being able to tap into your mind and remind yourself of the little things. These little things manifest themselves in the form of warming up through low-impact movement, creating breathing techniques, and prioritizing your sleep and diet. When you structure your goals, restore and regulate your mind, and remain consistent in your health habits, it is then that your discipline and resilience will create the desired results you have created for your mind and body. 

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Motivating the mind and body to remain consistent when it comes to prioritizing health and fitness can prove to be both challenging and daunting. In this week’s episode –Part #1–, Canidate emphasizes the importance of cultivating a consistent mindset to ensure a successful workout, as well as delineating the equally significant role that focusing on nutrition plays. Canidate reiterates the importance of setting goals, how much intensity is necessary when working out to ensure our ligaments and bones remain protected, and the neurological thought process that goes into training your body into a habit. As Canidate highlights, remember to ask yourself during your health and fitness journey: What can you do to support the thought and manage the action when it comes to remaining physically and mentally fit? 

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

It can be universally agreed that when one has a child, the child becomes the priority and the parents therefore must present the best versions of themselves to their child. Feelings will get hurt, challenges will be presented, and boundaries will be tested, but what matters most is putting one’s pride and ego aside. What happens, then, when parents continue to hold discordant opinions concerning how they believe their child should be raised and cared for? Join us in this episode as we talk about options such as taking matters to the court, the significance of being accommodating and communicative, and the importance of taking control of your emotions to channel your time and energy into your child. 

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Co-parenting can prove to be difficult to navigate through –especially when both parties possess differing opinions on what it means to successfully raise and be present for their child. Does effective co-parenting then mean being able to put your ego, pride, and emotions aside to assure that your child is not burdened emotionally by the stress of two bickering parents? Or does it simply entail setting aside differences and adopting a mature mindset? Join us in this episode as we explore how renouncing, identifying, and improving upon self-centered co-parenting attitudes can ultimately help protect the well-being of the child.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Red Flags cover a broad spectrum of topics, but how do we define them, identify them, and work toward improving ourselves? We hear this popular term commonly used in this generation; but does this subjective topic mean the same to everyone? Join us in this episode as we discuss the connection between intentionality, communication, and effort to Red Flags and whether our definition resonates with your own! 

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024, and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

AYD and Tasha don't shy away from the heavy stuff. They open up about past struggles, including AYD's drinking and emotional challenges, and how they've worked through them together. But it's not all choppy waters – they share some killer tips on how to keep your relationship stoked, like showing affection and making time for each other. Plus, they tackle the unique challenges of blended families and how they've made it work.

This episode is packed with real-world advice for anyone looking to strengthen their relationship. Whether you're just starting out or you've been riding the marriage wave for years, AYD and Tasha's insights will help you navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of love and commitment. So grab your partner and tune in for this awesome conversation.

Our hosts get real about dating in 2024, covering everything from the impact of social media on our romantic expectations to balancing parental responsibilities with the search for love. They share personal experiences and offer wisdom on how to build meaningful relationships.

Key takeaways:

- Be intentional and honest when dating

- Understand your needs and boundaries before getting involved

- Respect others' time and feelings

- Be aware of red flags and trust your instincts

- Heal from past experiences before entering the dating scene

In conclusion, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their approach to dating and relationships. Whether you're single or partnered, MJ and the crew provide practical advice on approaching relationships with intention, honesty, and self-awareness.

The episode kicks off with everybody sharing their current emotional states. They then transition into practical tips, tackling everything from how to prepare beforehand to conversation starters and choosing the perfect location. Listen in for advice on how to showcase your best self while staying true to who you are, and how to navigate the sometimes-tricky end of the date.

Whether you're a single mom with kids who are venturing out into the dating world for the first time, or someone looking for a refresher on first-date etiquette, this episode is packed with relatable anecdotes, humor, and actionable advice. So grab your headphones, Queens and Kings, and get ready to ride the wave of your next first date with confidence!

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

In a symbolic move, AYD removes a mask he's worn throughout the podcast, explaining it represents an internal struggle he's been working through. He feels more comfortable showing his true self now. MJ expresses his support and highlights the importance of seeking help when needed. They then share some of their personal challenges with change. AYD struggles with coming up with alternative plans and experiences panic as a result, while MJ thrives on routine and struggles when his schedule changes.

The conversation explores the reasons why change can be difficult, including fear of the unknown and negative self-talk. They then use personal goals as examples of how to make positive changes. The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of self-kindness and embracing change. It suggests using life lessons learned from past experiences to navigate future challenges.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

Surprisingly, creating this podcast has been a key factor in AYD's own journey towards happiness and self-discovery. AYD discusses the turning point where they realized the importance of not letting negative people influence their happiness. AYD talks about the mask he wears on the podcast and how it helps him be himself, regardless of anyone else's opinion, and how doing the podcast is helping him grow as a person. 

The episode tackles a common misconception – that money equals happiness. AYD emphasizes that material possessions have limitations when it comes to true fulfillment. The conversation shifts to MJ's personal story of overcoming weight struggles and how feeling healthy helped him regain control over his life. This relatable anecdote showcases the challenges and triumphs on the path to happiness.

Lastly we get to some practical applications. MJ and AYD both share their daily routine for starting the day on a positive note, highlighting the importance of setting intentions.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

AYD vulnerably shares his experience of losing his first love in a tragic car accident.He doesn't shy away from the raw emotions and the significant impact this event had on his life. AYD explores how he navigated the emotional storm and began to move forward with his life.

Co-host MJ joins the conversation by sharing his own struggles. He opens up about his partner leaving him and his son without notice. MJ describes a seemingly random encounter with AYD that served as a turning point during his time of difficulty. This heartwarming moment showcases the power of connection and support.

MJ delves deeper into his struggle, revealing how a fire changed his entire life. He emphasizes the additional emotional weight of this experience, particularly the impact on his son.

Despite the challenges, both AYD and MJ emphasize the importance of perseverance. They share a powerful message of hope and encouragement, urging listeners to "never give up" in the face of adversity.

The episode wraps up with a final message of inspiration. AYD and MJ leave listeners with a sense of empowerment, reminding them of the strength they possess to overcome obstacles.

The episode tackles tough topics: boundaries with irresponsible biological fathers and navigating first meetings with new father figures. Laurel explores the complexities of having a second child with an absent father and shares an emotional message for her daughter. The episode concludes with a message of empowerment for young people to find their voice.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.

We kick things off with a discussion on the importance of being present for your children. AYD then shares his heartwarming story of unexpected fatherhood, followed by a sensitive look at considering abortion from the father’s and mother’s perspective. 

A pivotal moment arrives as AYD recounts meeting his son for the first time, prompting a powerful reflection on how men often chase women but struggle to be there for their children. We then transition to the joys of fatherhood, with AYD sharing what he loves most about being a dad. MJ chimes in with their own experiences raising a son.

No journey through fatherhood is complete without considering the practicalities. We explore the complexities of the court system and scheduling before diving into the biggest challenges AYD and MJ have faced as dads. The episode concludes with a powerful message on the importance of fathers sticking around, no matter the circumstances.

Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about the unique joys and challenges of fatherhood!

0:00 Intro
2:04 This week's topic of being a present parent
7:47 AYD's fatherhood story is GOOD
14:08 Considering Abortion from both perspectives
17:24 Drinking during the relationship
22:05 AYD meeting his son for the first time
28:37 Men are willing to chase women, but won't fight for their children
30:23 What do you love about being a dad?
34:41 MJ's story with their son
37:36 How's the court process and scheduling?
40:02 What has been the biggest challenge of being a Dad?
44:56 Why is it important for Dad's to stick around?

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show. 

00:00 Intro
02:33 What question would you ask your Dad? 
06:09 What advice do you have for people who got unlucky in life? 
08:27 What life changes do you need to make right now? 
11:46 How did your spiritual beliefs manifest? 
13:23 How to overcome involvement with drugs
18:08 How do you handle anger? 
22:47 CJ's career in music
24:47 How have you grown to be resilient? 
28:13 How did you start CJ's Seafood Boil? 
37:48 Our hopes for Riding the Wave podcast 
42:54 Outro

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show. 

00:00 Intro
00:45 Todays topic: Overcoming Anger
02:58 Getting to know CJ
07:42 What's been weighing heavy on you?
08:57 Shout out moms
16:23 Having your first child at 19
22:14 When did you recognize you had anger issues?
25:42 Have you forgiven your Dad?
26:13 Rather have a relationship than a grudge
27:38 They never asked about my problems, they just assumed I was the problem
28:52 Is corporal punishment ever okay?
31:15 How did you get through growing up in an abusive home?
37:09 Its not unmasculine to express how you feel
42:04 Were you jealous of your brothers?
44:25 If your Dad was here right now what would you tell him?

We share stories of our own journeys, from the pivotal moments when we began to prioritize self-care to the challenges we encountered along the way. Through astrology, relationships, and moments of solitude, we uncover the myriad ways in which self-love manifests and evolves.

Central to our conversation is the importance of self-awareness and accountability. We explore the signs of self-neglect and the impact of triggers on our well-being. With candid honesty, we confront our past struggles and share strategies for cultivating resilience and compassion. Ultimately, we emphasize the empowering nature of self-love, encouraging listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery with courage and compassion.

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show. 

01:23 Topic of the day: Self Love
04:06 Whats your sign?
07:17 When did you start loving yourself?
12:25 What are the signs that someone is not loving themselves?
15:33 AYD's history with alcohol
21:07 Taking accountability
26:22 Having a solid support system
35:52 Triggers
37:40 Learning to be alone
38:21 MJ time
43:26 When do you notice you're not loving yourself?
49:35 Final thoughts

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show. 

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show. 

Riding the Wave puts our audience first. We want to hear your high and low tides. No judgment! DM us on Instagram @ridingthewave2024 and we will respond to your questions in a future show.