Explore every episode of the podcast Riding The Wave

On this week’s podcast MJ and AYD are joined by special guest Sergio Vera, a Boyle Heights native centering his energy around God’s plan. Father of three and a dedicated member of his church, Sergio shares with the audience his experience during his transition from the streets into the church, reminiscing on and demonstrating the significance of willpower, and the importance of finding inner peace and strength in the face of life’s adversities. 

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 and sobriety have helped many develop a lifestyle that is conducive to their needs, goals, hopes, and aspirations for the future. On this week’s podcast, we are joined by returning guests Spencer Valenzuela, undefeated boxing champ and longtime persistence and resistance Coach, Flaco, who reiterate how life’s hardest battles that exist within the ring and outside of it become possible to tackle through acknowledging your need for help and establishing a purpose greater than yourself. 

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.

It’s the sound of the bell ringing and immediately all that exists is you, your technique, the adrenaline, and your opponent in the ring. In that ring and in life, we learn that it does not matter how you start, but how you finish. This mantra is emphasized and reiterated further in this week’s episode with guests Spencer Valenzuela, a boxer with an undefeated amateur record and two belts under his sleeve, and his coach, Flaco, a Boyle Heights native who fell in love with the sport of boxing since the age of 10. 

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.

Setting realistic expectations, repeating exceptional performances systematically, and ultimately trusting the process: all of these being effective mindset tools and strategies recommended by our returning guest and personal mind and fitness coach, Canidate (@IamCanidate) to ultimately ensure that your workout plan serves a purpose. In this week’s episode, we revisit the topic of working out the mind and body and the importance of establishing routines to remain consistent in your journey toward wellness and fitness. 

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.

F.I.T. - Foraging Instinctive Thinking- a mind tool and strategy introduced by our special guest in order to train your body and mind into habit. In this week’s episode with MJ and AYD, we are joined by special guest Canidate (@IamCanidate), an OC based fitness guru with 30 years of experience in personal training, coaching, and all areas of fitness. 

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.

Tears will roll! In this week’s episode, longtime parents, Mo and host MJ continue on the topic of co-parenting and provide advice on lessons they’ve learned from their personal experiences when dealing with partners who have been both intentional and immature with their co-parenting approaches. 

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.

Join MJ and returning guest and mother of two (Mo) as we delve into the difficult and ambiguous topic of what effective co-parenting looks like and the implications that different co-parenting styles may have on the child. 

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.

In this week’s episode, we are joined by special guest Mo –Monique–, an insightful and independent individual who helps us venture into the world of Red Flags and how to identify them within relationships, the workplace, amongst friends, and within our own families. 

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.

Noah is an idiosyncratic youngster who does not waste his time! Join MJ and special guest Noah on his voyage to success as he demonstrates his will and commitment to his college career, side hustle, circle of trust, lovable family, and God. How does a 19-year-old manage an equilibrium of the adherences above, in addition to the many barriers that seem never-ending in the second half of 2024? Find out as Noah elaborates on what it takes to become deterministic, diligent, and constantly fight for solidarity in any given situation.

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.

This episode is a DOOZYl, featuring AYD and his wife Tasha dropping some serious knowledge about their 18-year marriage journey. They dive deep into the ups and downs of their relationship, from rocky beginnings to smooth sailing, keeping it real every step of the way.

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.

Hey there, Wavers! Join MJ, Mo, and the crew as they dive into the world of intentional dating. This episode of Riding the Wave Podcast is all about navigating modern romance with purpose and authenticity.

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.

Calling all Kings and Queens navigating the exciting (and sometimes awkward) world of first dates! In this episode, MJ, AYD, and Mo are diving deep into everything you need to know to make that first impression a lasting one.

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.

MJ and AYD are fighting! Tune in this week to hear what's been going on between MJ and AYD behind the scenes of Riding the Wave podcast. We talk about trusting the process as you learn and grow. And how to deal with collaborators and close personal friends who you are involved in a project with. All friends have their highs and lows, it's how you deal with the tough times that matter. Learn from AYD and MJ as they talk about communication, trust, and friendship. 

In this episode of Riding the Wave, AYD and MJ open the show with a more personal tone. They acknowledge that both of them have recently faced challenges, hinting at a deeper discussion for a future episode. MJ gives a shoutout to his nephews for their recent accomplishments, while AYD offers condolences to a friend who experienced a loss. The core topic of this episode is Adapting to Change. MJ admits his difficulty with change and overthinking situations, while AYD emphasizes taking action to show growth. They delve into the reasons why change can be difficult, including fear of the unknown, self-doubt, and negative thought patterns.

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 tackles complacency. Hosts AYD and MJ share personal stories of how complacency impacted them. They define complacency as satisfaction with the status quo, hindering motivation to improve. The episode explores how losing sight of goals can lead to complacency, with MJ mentioning people who struggle after retirement. Overcoming complacency is a key theme. AYD emphasizes setting goals and pushing oneself. The discussion acknowledges the difficulty of recognizing complacency but stresses the importance of self-awareness. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to identify complacency in their own lives and take steps to live a more fulfilling 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.

This episode of Riding the Wave dives into the concept of Happiness. The episode opens with a lighthearted check-in, asking AYD and MJ about their current. What's been going on in the past week? The highs and lows. The conversation quickly pivots to the central theme – what exactly is happiness? And how do we pursue it? 

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.

This week on Riding the Wave, hosts AYD and MJ dive into perseverance, and share their incredible life stories of heartbreak and trauma. They discuss some of the most difficult and challenging moments of their lives, and how they overcame them.

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.

Welcome back to Riding the Wave with your hosts AYD and MJ. This week Riding the Wave explores the complexities of father-daughter relationships with our special guests: Mo, Laurel, and her 15 year old daughter Kayla. We dive deep with Kayla and her Mom on the struggles of growing up with a father who isn’t around as much as he should be. 

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.

In this episode, AYD and MJ delve into the beautiful and messy world of fatherhood.

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?

Tune in to the follow up episode to last week's discussion on overcoming anger. Your hosts AYD (Are You Dedicated) and MJ bring back CJ and have a healthy discussion about absent parents and how to overcome your struggles. Find out what CJ would say to his Dad if he had the opportunity, how he overcame drugs, prison, and found God. We learn how CJ's Seafood Boil became a successful business and what his plans are for future growth. 

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

This episode of Riding the Wave dives deep with CJ. Your hosts MJ and AYD explore CJ's story, from the challenges he's faced growing up, struggles dealing with an absent father, and how he overcame them. We hear about CJ's journey to fatherhood at a young age and the moment he recognized his anger issues. . The episode tackles the pain of feeling unheard and misunderstood at home, sparking a discussion on healthy parenting practices. We learn how CJ navigated a difficult upbringing, proving that expressing emotions is a sign of strength. This episode is a powerful exploration of overcoming anger and the importance of healthy relationships. Tune in and ride the wave with 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. 

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?

This week on Riding the Wave we are joined by Mo (Monique) as we discuss learning to love yourself. Your hosts AYD and MJ guide us through an exploration of self-love in this episode. From personal anecdotes to insightful reflections, we navigate the intricate path towards self-discovery and acceptance.

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

On this episode of Riding the Wave we're hanging out with Bets Mendoza owner of Bets Vintage Toys. MJ interviews his brother in law about how he got into the business of vintage action figures. DM @RidingtheWave2024 on Instagram with the best store name and win an action figure!

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 the second episode of Riding the Wave podcast your hosts MJ and AYD (Are You Dedicated) discuss their childhood upbringing and share some wild stories about growing up in California. 

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. 

Welcome to Riding the Wave podcast! In this premiere episode, your hosts MJ and AYD (Are You Dedicated) talk about why they started this podcast and their intentions and goals moving forward. 

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.