Blank Perception

“Don’t be scared of the shit, go through the experience but when it’s time, build yourself back up and use what you learned“ This week I sat down with my good friend Tom G-N, as we look back at the memories, good and bad, from our time together in high school. In addition to revisiting our past, we discuss Tom's passion for environmentalism and activism and how he is building himself up for a career to further pursue both avenues. Lastly, we get to hear his story of losing his father at an early age, and the experiences that have helped grow his resiliency not only to cope with the loss but also the many challenges life has thrown at him since.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Blank Perception. This week I was joined by my fearless editor Harsha as we sat down to kick off the new season. Harsha and I got a chance to reflect on the past couple months of the show as well as discuss our plans for the future. In addition to talking shop, we had a chance to catch up and even discuss how life has changed for us since Harsha was last on the show at the beginning of last season.

"Whatever you have on your mind, give it a try, even if you fail you will have learned something new"

"Do not be the one that one day regrets not trying. It is better to fail than to live your life wondering what if"

"People are gonna judge what I do and dislike what I do regardless of how I act, so its a lot more fun to act like myself"

I had the absolute pleasure this week of talking to up and coming artist Aiden Smith. Aiden shared her inspiration for her art as well as gave me much needed insight on how to use social media to more effectively grow my own brand. In addition to her artistic abilities, Aiden shared her journey of discovering she is autistic and how liberating it was for her to finally have answers as to why she always felt slightly disconnected from the average neurotypical. She shows how through her art and her platform she is able to bring awareness to such a variety of topics that are otherwise avoided by traditional media. Check out her art and life at www.aidenmarina.com.

"Be curious. Be like a little kid and always ask why"

"Visualizing a scenario before you go into it allows you to prepare for what's to come" An analytical person, Jack Myers shared his philosophies in life and aspirations to be a computer scientist. We got the chance to reminisce on our childhoods as well as discussing modern issues such as the vast divide currently so prominent in the US. 

"Stop stressing over things you cant control, and if you can control it you shouldn't be stressing over it"

Only having met him for 2 weeks, Vaughn and I created a lasting friendship and after many months of trying to have him on the show, I was able to sit down and get to know him better. We talked about our mutual love of travel as well as reflecting on the changes he has seen in himself since becoming a father. Talking to him as inspired me to be a more positive person, and I hope it inspires you all as well. 

For the opening episode of the season, it was only appropriate to have the man editing the show to come on first. Harsha and I reminisce on fun experiences from our childhood as well as discussing some of the more important struggles we have had to face. Harsha talks about how he overcame the mental obstacles so many face today. He reflects on how he has changed, but understands that the work on ourselves is never done. He shares the importance of continuing to work on yourself and helping those around you that may be going through similar situations.