Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy podcast!

In this episode, I chat with David, the founder and an improv teacher at the Pan Theater in Oakland, CA.

We talk about a bunch of things, a few that really stood out to me were:

1. Exercising our imaginative side — to really immerse yourself in a scene, you have to let go a little and lean into the world you’re creating
2. Letting go of your ego on stage — improv is collaborative, if one person tries to control the scene or take it over, it can completely change what everyone has built together
3. How improv can be applied to real life — from being more present to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, taking chances, and learning to keep moving even when things don’t go exactly how you expected

(00:01:23) What Is Improv?

(00:09:03) Why People Get Into Improv

(00:10:48) Imagination and Acting in Improv

(00:16:19) The Power of Silence

(00:22:08) Letting Go of Your Ego on Stage

(00:25:43) “Yes, And…” and Staying Present

(00:30:49) Learning From the Improv Community

(00:33:23) Knowing When a Scene Has Peaked

(00:42:23) Knowing When to End a Scene

(00:48:30) What Beginners Struggle With

(00:57:56) Improv Lessons for Life

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy podcast!
In this episode, I chat with Albert Li, a self-taught DJ based in Berkeley, CA.

We talk about how a random Facebook Marketplace purchase led Albert down the path of DJing, the challenges that come with finding your own voice, reading the room, and dealing with imposter syndrome — all while navigating the never-ending puzzles of adult life.

And how more often than not, the thing you’re dreading ends up becoming a really beautiful experience.

Hope you guys enjoy!

(00:01:01) Never Ending Struggle of Adulting

(00:07:21) Can a Smaller Smartphone Break the Scroll?

(00:13:56) How Albert got into DJing

(00:18:18) Learning how to DJ

(00:20:11) Importance of Reading the Room

(00:26:59) Balancing Authenticity with the Crowd

(00:29:13) Nervousness, Confidence, and Getting the Reps

(00:35:44) From Buying DJ Gear to Building his First Set

(00:40:31) Imposter Syndrome and Finding your Own Voice

(00:49:51) AI Generated Music

(00:52:51) DJ Community, Collaboration, and Sharing Music

(00:58:05) Albert’s First and Final Sets at Missouri Lounge

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy podcast!

Today we chat with Dr. Spencer Gilles, a friend I’ve known for over 10 years. We chat about our continual struggle of actually doing the thing rather than being bogged down by backend items 🫠, how our perspectives have changed since our UCLA days 😅, the struggle of not having a path post college 🥲, and how we’re all meant to shine our own light 🌟

This episode has banter, laughs, and the kind of perspective that makes you think 🤔

(00:01:18) Struggle in Doing the Thing
(00:05:35) When your World gets Smaller
(00:12:05) Basketball Banter and “Ayo Chat”
(00:18:58) A Smaller World, A Quieter Mind
(00:27:10) The Friend who Kept Me Updated
(00:31:38) Fear as Fuel and Finding your North Star
(00:39:28) Long Road through Med School
(00:47:38) The Comfort of Having a Path
(01:05:29) Death as the Ultimate Reality Check
(01:30:02) When Something Feels Off
(01:37:06) Our Deepest Fear Is Not That We’re Inadequate

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Nelson to recap our first international trip together to Peru. We talk about the food, the culture, Cusco, and the 4-day hike to Machu Picchu — which was beautiful, exhausting, and definitely harder than we expected.

We get into the highs, the struggles, and all the little moments that made the trip unforgettable.

IG: @funspicypodcast

Substack: https://substack.com/@jalajpunn

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

I recently spoke to a friend about journaling as a way of self-therapy and I kind of realized how so many of us don't necessarily make time for it even though everyone understands the positives of it. This is a reflection on the importance of journaling and checking in with yourself :)

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

In this episode, we explore how relationships influence personal growth, the power of living simply, and the impact of books and reading on our lives 😄

0:00 - Is Oakland Really Boring?

05:50 - Role of Relationships

11:24 - Living Simply: Finding Fulfillment

22:56 - Books, the Infamous Book Club, and Reading Habits

44:10 - Ethical Shopping

49:56 - Changes in Oakland: Then vs Now

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

I’ve been asking myself why I can’t focus on the things I actually care about. After revisiting the concept of pleasure vs. enjoyment, I realized I might not be missing discipline - I might be missing balance. This is a reflection on flow, distraction, and the “pretty colors” that keep pulling us away.

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

In this episode, we talk through NFL divisional playoff matchups, make our picks for the Broncos–Bills and Niners–Seahawks games, and revisit some memorable playoff players and moments.

We also dive into tech life stories and chat about Varun’s move to the Bay Area, his first impressions, and what living in the Bay is really like.

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

This episode is all about the NFL Wild Card games as Big G and I break down matchups, share our predictions, and talk through playoff storylines.

Expect plenty of football talk with a sprinkle of random riffs and banter along the way :)

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Fun Spicy Podcast!

It’s easy to follow the crowd — but it takes real courage to pave your own path.

Today I’m joined by actor and creator Deepti Menon, who shares her inspiring journey from a STEM-focused high school to art school, and eventually, into the unpredictable world of acting and freelancing.

We dive deep into courage, rejection, resilience, and the realities of adulting — the things no one really prepares you for when you’re chasing a creative life.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

You can follow Deepti on IG and her website

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Let’s jump in!

(0:34) Craziness of Being on Set

(6:34) STEM Focused High School to Art School

(13:34) Path to Acting

(17:24) Career Paths from Art School

(21:48) Struggles & Resilience in Acting

(33:12) Balancing Life, Freelancing, and Acting

(45:31) H.A.G.S and Adulting