Brian's World

There's no ring on my finger. I have yet to jump the broom but my mind is constantly in motion about the gesture. It's been like that for me since I was a child and it began watching my parents be the bright and loving couple that they are. The older I got, the more interested I became in the inner-workings of marriage. It could look simple on the surface but I'm really starting to understand that it's way bigger than love. Or, maybe I should say it's more than detailed than just loving someone. 

My curiosity took me to the "Couples Therapy" series on Amazon Prime Video (actually on Showtime but airing for a limited time on Amazon). I clicked the first episode and ended up watching them all. I came out on the other side with a new understanding and appreciation for marriage. Also, it made me appreciate the therapy industry even more. Hosted by Dr. Orna Guralnik, the show follows multiple couples through their therapy sessions as they fight for their love. Their chaotic and sometimes toxic love provided many lessons for me and I hope that it can do the same for you. 

Hit me on Instagram and let me know if you pick up some of these ideals. Here are 6 things that 'Couples Therapy' taught me about marriage. 

He joined us for Episode 137 and now he's back with that same light and spirit. His name is Finesse1111 and our discussion today kind of took a life of its own. It was one that I enjoyed, especially because it highlights one of my favorite parts of the job: building relationships. It was a pleasure to have him back on the show. 

We begin with a discussion about how artists struggle with appreciating DJs and how the narrative should change. Then around the 08:00 mark, our discussion shifts to how he feels that it's important to harness spirituality. He says that's at the core of his idea of humility and the light that he carries throughout his life. "Let go of the ego and get you a bag," said the Atlanta artist during a discussion on humility. It's just one of my favorite parts of this episode. 

Listen in and then hit me on Instagram to tell me how you're digesting it. Also, connect with Finesse1111 on his Instagram as well and stream his upcoming single 'PrayRoll' which drops on Friday. 

Good conversation, right here. Best way possible to end our week of episodes. Let's travel back to Atlanta to link up with Ziggie FR just before the release of his self-titled album on June 7th. 

He introduced an entirely new perspective to the conversation of music's power. As bad as I want to share it all right here, I think it's better if you just hear it for yourself. It was also great to hear how he leads his family and enjoys having a wife and kids. His goal is to take them into a future of generational wealth and satisfy his passion for music in the process. "I went upstairs to my wife. Told her I had been planning on it for two months," Ziggie recalled during the interview while speaking about the importance of communication in his household, and how he asked his wife about beginning a music career. 

Also, catch an interesting story about the early stages of the Migos and how it relates to Ziggie FR. It's the weekend so this episode is without edits. Straight talk, no chaser. 

Pre-order Ziggie FR. Hear 'No Ops'

Let's travel to the east side of Indianapolis to link up with a traveling star on the rise. During my two years in Indy, he was someone who was quite the friend. I've learned a lot from spending time with him and I'm truly proud of his journey, which recently brought him to an expanded creative universe. 

The guy who was easily one of the best basketball players I've ever seen play, has answered the call of the creative world and continues to tell his story through his art. I found it intriguing to hear the parallels between his sports background and life outside of the arena. He even shares with me about how he's learned to face adversity through sports. "Anytime I face adversity in life, I always think back to basketball," he shared during the interview. Those ideals have helped propel him into becoming St. James Jr. The musician, artist, model, writer, and more. 

On this 2AM episode, you'll hear about facing vulnerability in art and the idea of harnessing your own world, creating your own success. Then, tap into his latest single, 'Old Man Marco' and catch a vibe with St. James Jr. 

I've been the old man in the room whenever the discussion about the "new" NBA arises. After spending the last few weeks with my eyes glued to the TV screen, I've decided that I want to learn how to embrace the new rules of the association. Also, I can't help but wonder what the new understanding will bring in terms of learning how to embrace changes that we face in life.

As the Japanese author Kakuzo Okakaura shares, "the art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings." In that same breath, I wonder if not embracing change handicaps growth in our lives. 

Undoubtedly, there are parallels between the sports world and the real world. We're going to explore the parallels of embracing evolution because it certainly is inevitable. We're joined by two NBA analysts and hosts of the "Baseline Extended" podcast, Thurston Alexander and Jinesh Patel. Let's get their take on how the NBA has evolved and then talk about how it can teach us how to embrace evolution within our own lives.  

As always, shoot me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you think about today's episode.

It happened. My freshly-pressed passport received its first stamp after spending a beautiful weekend in Jamaica. The trip was for a best friend's wedding. Congratulations to Rick & Kelsey for their union. If you're a regular around here then I'm sure you've heard me mention Rick's name quite often. 

While it's always a treat to celebrate love, it was also great celebrating God's architecture, which Jamaica showed off. The beautiful mountain-side sung to me every morning as I started my day. The waves crashed against the shore, a passionate kiss from mother nature. It was literally breathtaking to experience what the Jamaican environment had to offer and I learned a lot during my time on the island. 

Here are 5 things that I learned on my trip to Jamaica on Episode 155.

Article Links: If you're looking for the articles mentioned on the show, see below.

Healthline's discussion on work addictions: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more. 

Island Spot's discussion on Jamaica's healthy cuisine. 

Stalk me on Instagram.

He's somewhat of a Nomad. Though he's from Virginia, he has traveled the country to connect the dots of his budding career. His name is AstroMikey and we had the pleasure of speaking about his journey in music and the risks he's taken along the way. Like so many of us, he's had to take a step back and realize how important it is to lay out a plan for success. "Maybe you need to plan s*** out," he shared during our interview while recanting a conversation with himself. 

As a "Showman of the Hustle", you can expect his work-ethic to precede him. It was a pleasure to hear how his story unfolded. The risks that he has taken continue to pay off for the young father who maintains that we cannot be scared to leap. "Take a risk and see where it goes," says Astro. "You've got a lot of life to live so it's ok to make a few mistakes." 

Dive into Episode 154 and meet the Nomad, AstroMikey. Get a preview of his upcoming 7-track EP and get timelines for new releases from his AstroCollective. 

The blue light is on. It's time for another 2AM episode. This time, let's catch a flight down to Arcadia, Louisiana to link up with A1 Da Dawg. He's preparing for the release of his Mid-June EP Dreams 2 Reality and he stops by to bring us into his world. Not many make it from his hometown, but he's primed for the journey to success. "You've got to be willing to go all in. If you ain't willing to go all in, it's not gonna happen," says A1 while describing his drive. To create generational wealth is his goal and he believes wholeheartedly that it'll happen this year.

Tap into the latest story of the climb of the artist. You may find some words of encouragement that'll inspire you. Or, maybe his grit will be contagious. 

Today, we'll uncover the cons of multi-tasking and explore added organization to our days to promote uni-tasking. According to researcher David Meyers, we only achieve about 40% of possible success when we multi-task. Let's take a look at the 'executive functions' of the brain and learn how they can become strained by consistent multi-tasking. To help curb my habit of multi-tasking, I've been using the idea of these 5 Islands of Time Management: 

Island 1 - Love (Familial, Romantic, Platonic).

Island 2 - The 4-Hour Primetime.

Island 3 - The Guilty Pleasure.

Island 4 - The Money.

Island 5 - The Cast Away.

BW News

Hip Hop superstar, J Cole announces his next album. The Dreamville CEO and artist will release The Fall Off on May 14th 2021. 

NFL Superstar D.K. Metcalf will audition for the Olympics this weekend. He will participate in the USATF Golden Games and Olympic Trials' 100-meter dash. 

CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies to begin walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations. This comes after it was reported that they have wasted over 128,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Our world is filled with misguided approaches to unwarranted emotions. I think that conspiracy theories are simply that. Some are the reflection of America's dark history or the poor reputation of a particular organization. Others are white lies painted by an internet troll. No matter the outward appearance, conspiracy theories are the domino effect of fear at its core. A fear of some sort. 

Today, let's explore these thoughts on episode 151. If we don't get a grip on the conspiracy theories, all can be lost. 

Brian's World News

Joe Biden announces removal of U.S Troops from Afghanistan. 

DMX's dark secret.