Your Fellow Human – Details, episodes & analysis

What if you weren’t worried about being enough for someone else? What if you lived fully as who you were meant to be?

Today I want to introduce you to Becca, I met Becca on a creator trip I hosted last year, and her joining for another one here in Bolivia was something truly special 

I believe we meet people for a reason, but I also believe we don’t always meet people as our best selves; but who we are is always present, the root and the heart of what makes us who we are, it is what another gets to know

If I’m being honest, when I met Becca I was in a different head space that I am now, but something about her, her intentionality to know who someone is, her ability to be seen for who she is, I’m truly grateful to know her and call her a friend

We chat about EVERYTHING! Literally, from health to what keeps us up at night, to why she loves meat sticks, and why the authentic joys of life lead to accepting yourself for who you are

She shares about the pain and growth in loving someone fully, and the importance in giving yourself that same love, the joy in laughing till you cry, and the reality of silencing self doubt

Becca is someone I admire, look up to, and value as a human in my life. She is one who understands that fear is an invitation to move forward and see what comes of life, and one that knows growth is on the other side of what we fear 

So tune in and meet Becca, one who will tell you so sincerely that you deserve to experience life, all of it, so so fully, and one who will remind you not to dim your light for anyone 

And to you Becca thank you, thank you for the late night chats, the raw and real soul that you so sincerely allow me to know, the laughter, oh the endless laughter, and that absolute gift of calling you my friend. Love you endlessly 

What if we were allowed to be imperfect and to change?

Today I want to introduce you to Mariale, I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet girl on a day in Lima Peru, if you listened to last weeks episode than you heard a bit of Alex as well, these two welcomed me into their lives for the day as if we were old friends reuniting

She is someone who holds to a gentle spirit, one who values the joy of each day, and one who shares what it can be like when fear can get in the way of how we are present with those we love

We chat about the value of trust, not just in relationships but in life, in how without it we cannot move forward in a job, in a relationship, or any aspect of life. 

She shares about a time that landed her in tears on national television, how strangers came to help her, and how it changed the way she views what truly matters

We chat about what it means to value your place in life, but to never ask for love or to fight for the right to be valued for who you are.

Mariale is someone I instantly treasured, someone I believe made me a better person for the single day I got to share with her, someone who I think shares some of the most impactful advice for humanity, and someone I have a profound respect and love for

So tune in today and meet this sweet soul, hear what it is to view our parents as humans, what it means to smile at the man in the bank, and why what is personal is ours to give power to

And to you Mariale thank you, thank you for your genuine open heart, for your way of allowing me to know you and seeing me as well, and for the way you choose to show up in this world. You are a human I am honored to call a friend and cannot wait to see again soon

Do you feel like art holds value in your life?

Today I want to introduce you to Lexi, Lexi is an artist, and as much as I often say that we are not merely defined by “what we do” there is something in the heart of an artist, something in the way they see the world, in the way they see humanity, and they way the allow their own emotions to take form in what they create. In so many ways being an artist is a term that actually defines and does not contain a person so fully all at once 

I had the pleasure of working alongside Lexi in Mexico on a recent project of hers, both shooting BTS and modeling for her, she is an incredibly encouraging person to work with and one that truly inspires and motivates you to do your best, while all along knowing she is going to encourage you and be her kind self no matter what

Lexi and I chat about what it is to pursue a passion project, why women in water has been her focus and what moments in her career have felt like the most success. 

She shares the fear she feels going into a big project knowing it needs to produce pieces she can use, that failure is both terrifying and beautiful all at once. Lexi uses the phrase “happy accidents” a lot, in a really sweet way, that the weather, the rain, the darkness, and the things we cannot control are all things that can lead to “happy accidents” in her art. I really love the way she views her work, the way she approaches those she works with when it comes to creating her work, and the way she feels pressure, but does not let it consume who she truly is.

Lexi is one that thinks so much of what she is does, on the impact she has on those and what is around her, she feels deeply, connects wholly, and is one that I believe lives with a sense of desire for her work, but not one that places that above the value of who stands in front of her.

So tune in today and meet Lexi, an artist, a determined soul, a heart full of beautiful things yet to be seen by the world. 

And to you Lexi thank you, thank you for letting me push you to have this conversation, for the honor of getting to work alongside you, model for you, and be encouraged by you as I pushed my own abilities as well. You are a truly lovely soul and I am grateful for the time with you. Looking forward to our next adventure together.

How important is it for you to feel valued, to feel that the person before you, no matter their role, sees you as equal?

What would it look like if we valued others regardless of their position, regardless of our position, regardless of what they know but rather by how they interacted with humanity?

Today I want to introduce you to Sebastian, Sebastian is a man that has taken his love for nature and humanity and brought them together in how he runs his restaurant, how he pours his heart into what he shares from his kitchen, and how he is present with those in front of him

He shares with me how he and his partner value the environment they work in and the people that are a part of that family, how they heart in those people matters over the knowledge they may have, and why the key to success is to preserve humility and respect, and to treat others as equal; that no one is lower than you in life or in work

We talk about the importance in sitting with a place and its people, why its important to enjoy life in its entirety, to focus on its joys often, and to not wait for something specific

He shares how his time out of Bolivia gave him perspective and in so many ways validated what he knows, and in other ways gave him gratitude for what is present in his life

Sebastian is not unlike many others I met in Bolivia in his warmth, he is a man with a kind smile almost always about his face, eyes that seek to see and know who stands before him, and a heart focused on the ways he can give of who he is to those he loves and those in his life

So tune today and meet Sebastian, one that I admire for his courage to share who he is with someone he barely knows, someone who does not fear sharing his heart, someone who is willing to push himself beyond what may be easy to connect and share what life has taught him with humility and love in a way I am honored to share with you

And to you Sebastian thank you, thank you for your willingness to be so patient with my flawed Spanish, for your graciousness in welcoming me into your home at Ancestral and the way your heart pours so beautifully into the food you shared with me. It was an honor to be welcomed and I look forward to seeing you again my friend @sebasancestral

Have you ever heard that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach?

What if food was also a way to get to know the heart of a person or a country?

Today I want to introduce you to Mauricio someone who does just that, Mauricio is one of the incredible head chefs at Ancestral located in La Paz, a city so full of diversity, vibrance, beauty, and life; and Mauricio does an incredible job of bringing each of those qualities into the food he creates

Yet in addition to being an incredible chef, Mauricio is also a man who values and does not take lightly the impact that role has on those around him

He shares the joy he feels in cooking and working with his hands but also the deeper joy in seeing his guests enjoy what he has created for them

He shares how he’s learned to care for the parts of the restaurant beyond the kitchen, the reminder that the restaurant is a business as well as a place of creativity, the importance in seeing those two areas separately and clearly, and as the important things that they are 

We talk about the culture within Bolivia, its ability to grow and change with the world and the way its diversity is something he is grateful for 

Mauricio is one that pours so much into his work, but also one I have a ton of respect for in the way he runs his “ship” there is a tangible sense of care and respect amongst the family surrounding him in the kitchen and on the floor, a sense of character and calm that is rarely present in a restaurant environment, and an attention to detail that creates space for passion to be present in every dish that leaves the kitchen

So tune in today and meet Mauricio, the man that reminded me just how possible it is to be passionate,  present, and productive in what we do

And to you Mauricio thank you, thank you for allowing me the honor of getting to know you, for the chance to hear more of who you are, what matters to you, and what has impacted how you show up in this world, thank you for your patience and presence, and of course for sharing the way food turns into art in your kitchen @mauriciolopezancestral

Have you ever met someone that was accomplishing more than felt humanly possible?

You know the kind of person that doesn’t have no in their heart for what they are passionate about?

Today I want to introduce you to Sumaya, Sumaya is a woman that I gained an immense respect and admiration for very quickly after spending our first meal together, she is one that views her life as an opportunity to do good, to see those who are hurting, and to love those in her life

She shares with me what it was like embracing big roles in her career at a young age, why she doesn’t get sick because she doesn’t have time for such things, and why giving the extra step is something she fears she may at some point be unable or unwilling to do

We talk about how we can give others an opportunity to be reminded of who they can be and who they are, why dreaming and doing are connected, and why she believes that if you can dream it you can do it

She shares why she believes our role when someone says “you can’t” is to show them they are wrong, why fear or not, we should approach whoever we need to make something happen for the sake of what is needed, and why we must not allow ourselves to be blind to the realities around us, no matter how ugly they may be

Sumaya is one that lives as a vehicle for change, one that uses everything at her fingertips to remind others of who they can be, one the welcomes struggle, and one that believes if something is done in love, we have no need to worry about offending those we seek for help

So tune in today and meet Sumaya, a woman who commands respect without asking because of the love she gives

And to you Sumaya thank you, thank you for the way you have shared so much of your life work with me, for the deep honor of meeting your kids, for the way you have reminded me to not fear those in power more than we fear letting down those in need, for the opportunity to see a small part of your world through your eyes, and the gift of knowing you; you are, against your will, a remarkable and incredibly valuable woman @pradosumaya

Have you ever met someone that without thinking twice spoke to you like a friend, helped you like a friend, and showed you around their home with the joy of a friend finally sharing their city?

Today I want to introduce you to Jose or Joe as some of his friends call him, Jose is many things, hardworking, warm, kind, a man that carries himself in a calm and observant confidence, one that is gently aware of those around him, and one that values new opportunities even if they are a little scary

He shares the value he places on time, the impact of what we can control within that and what we cannot control and how those two ideas coexist

We talk about the importance of loyalty, the depth that comes from trust and relationship with others, and the impact finiteness has on our human bodies

He shares about three areas in his life that allow him to feel most at peace when they are in balance, and why he doesn’t look forward to things as much but appreciates what’s happening in the moment and how that has brought him more joy 

Jose is one that I learned a lot from in my time with him, things like remembering to not overthink the future, that being present and there for others is sometimes silent, and that sometimes the things we are most proud of is simply knowing we are capable of more 

So tune in today and meet my friend Jose, a man you should get to know

And to you Jose thank you, thank you for going out of your way to share your country with me, for helping me as you would a close friend before you knew me, for sharing time with me, and for the chance to get to know you, I’ve left Bolivia a better person for knowing you my friend @storytellernomad

Do you ever wonder what makes you who you are, what attributes others see in you that define who you are to them?

What if you could change that?

Today I want to introduce you to Brandon, Brandon is one that is not afraid to say yes and see where life leads, he is one that pours everything he has into whatever he does, and one that is not afraid to change who he was to become who he wants to be

He shares how his friendships and ability to have deep conversations led him to chase a dream, how those same conversations allowed him to value who he was and worry less of what others thought, and how times of struggle have made him a better and more creative person 

We talk about what it means to “create” art, who its created for and why it can be encouraging to create for those outside of our community

He shares why part of this trip was scary for him but also why so much of it, stress and all was worth it

We chat some of our major “L’s”  during our time in Bolivia, how connection and collaboration are a big part of success and growth as a creative, and the joy that comes from bringing something to life

Brandon is one that takes his time in a way I’ve appreciated, one that doesn’t rush into letting outside circumstances impact immediate action, one that values having a plan, but also one that is admirably able to throw the plan out the window and chase a dream 

So tune in today and meet Brandon, one that will challenge you, remind you to find joy in who you are becoming, and one that will inspire you by the art he continues to create 

And to you Brandon thank you, thank you for going on this wild last minute ride to the end of the world with me, thank you for reminding me to trust in who I am, for dreaming with me, for putting up with all the stress and helping me bring a dream of mine to life. It is an honor to call you friend and I can’t wait to see what adventures are ahead, this world is a better place with you in it and I am a better person for knowing you @Brandonroyce

What do you do when there’s a pause in conversation?

Do you wait or fill the silence?

Today I want to introduce you to Gilmar, Gilmar is one that is known by others as one of the nicest people they’ve met, and it’s something I can verify

As someone who loves connecting with others myself I’m really grateful for this conversation and the ways Gilmar shares his perspective on communication

He shares how he has begun to allow himself to let silence happen; weather it’s himself taking a moment to think of what he wants to say or allowing another the space to do the same

We talk about the strengths, balances, and the parts of us our partners bring to the surface

He shares why he looks up to his dad and the lessons he’s been taught about hard work, the pride in being able to start his own business, and why he likes to look forward to things in stages

Gilmar is one who speaks and listens with sincerity, one that is not afraid to pursue his dreams, and one that finds purpose helping others

So tune in today and meet Gilmar a friend from the towne

And to you Gilmar thank you, thank you for sharing perspectives that have given me a new way to pursue connection, for the effort you so quickly give to support your friends, and for the chance to share a part of your fun and kind soul with others

follow Gilmar HERE and check out his clothing brand HERE 

There is an unspoken lesson I learned from Stanley; but one I want to share with you all

His gentle demeanor 

His natural inclination to smile at and share what he has with a stranger 

His reserved nature and the reminder that what is yours, that your story, it remains with you on your terms

That sharing it with another is a deep form of trust and that everyone doesn’t deserve that trust

My first time meeting Stanley reminded me of that feeling when you are in a place your feel a bit, out of place, like everyone around you is in a world you maybe just don’t fit into, and then you look up and find that someone else shares that same feeling

That feeling that one stranger choosing to see you and in a simple act of sharing a smile can communicate a thousand words, a thousand feelings, and one invaluable human gift… the chance to be seen and understood 

So often we go through life in our own space, in our own world, looking up from time to time to be sure we are still on the right path, but I’ve found so much more in remembering that our world is shared

That it’s more important to fix our gaze and attention around us, that once in a while taking time to look down, reflect, and process is ok, but that we miss so much more when we fix our eyes on ourselves, or our phones

I shared a brief moment with a stranger, which turned to a conversation, which allowed me to know a bit of what has made him who he is, which led to me sharing the tiniest bit of who he is with you…

All because of a smile, a muffin that gave an excuse for conversation, and a gaze that wanted to see the world we share

So that lesson; look up, smile, don’t be afraid to connect with another over a simple moment in life, such moments are never a waste of time

So tune in today and meet Stanley, a man the values showing up for others because we can, a man with many dreams yet to be realized, and a man that believes in not giving advice but one that wants us to remember to think about whatever it is we need to do or become

And to you Stanley thank you, thank you for being one that looks at those around him, that gives a smile quickly, that doesn’t fear letting someone else know him, and for sharing time in a coffee shop with me