Hear 4 You

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when creativity, comedy, storytelling, and a little bit of absolute ridiculousness come together? You get a conversation with Skip Morazi!

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with Skip, an actor, writer, producer, improviser, and creative mind behind the animated comedy series Cox in Space.

Skip takes us through his journey in entertainment, from his early experiences in acting to studying long-form improvisation in Chicago at iO and The Annoyance. We talk about how improv shaped his approach to creativity, collaboration, and even everyday life.

We also dive into Cox in Space, an independently produced animated comedy about two rooster brothers traveling through space, spreading happiness across the universe. Yes, you read that correctly! Behind all the hilarious innuendo and ridiculous wordplay is actually a story about friendship, relationships, finding common ground, and making the world a better place.

But there's much more to this conversation than comedy.

Skip opens up about the challenges of pursuing a career in entertainment, the difficulty of finding consistent work, and a period when he stepped away from acting to reevaluate what he wanted out of life. We explore what brought him back to the creative world and how his passion for storytelling eventually led him to write his book, Making the Moment: Introducing George, a Story Calculator for Smaller Fictions.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is our discussion about the improv philosophy of "Yes, And." Skip explains why it's about so much more than simply agreeing with someone. It's about accepting people where they are, recognizing that everyone brings something different to the table, and being willing to build something together rather than immediately shutting down a different perspective.

It's a philosophy that I think applies to just about every aspect of life.

Whether you're interested in acting, comedy, independent filmmaking, writing, or simply learning how other people see the world, this conversation has something to offer.

And as always, this is what Hear 4 You is all about: hearing people's stories, exploring different perspectives, and finding something meaningful in the conversations we have.

CONNECT WITH SKIP & CHECK OUT HIS WORK:

🚀 Cox in Space
Website: https://coxinspace.com

📖 Making the Moment: Introducing George, a Story Calculator for Smaller Fictions
Book information: https://wigwags.us/Making_The_Moment_prebuy_Caleb_Morazi.pdf

🌐 WigWags
https://wigwags.us

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a lifelong passion becomes something you can share with the world?

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with Matthew Coombs, creator of Escape Land and founder of Git Good Games LLC, to talk about his journey from childhood trading card game fan to independent game designer and entrepreneur.

Matt's love of card games began with Pokémon and grew through years of playing Dragon Ball Z competitively, creating content, and eventually working in game development. But after gaining experience in the industry, he decided it was time to build something of his own.

That decision led to Escape Land, a trading card game designed around accessibility, approachability, and bringing people together. Inspired in part by his desire to share his love of card games, Matt set out to create an experience that newcomers could learn quickly without sacrificing the strategy and depth that experienced players enjoy.

We talk about the creative process behind Escape Land, how its mechanics evolved through testing and feedback, the inspiration behind its colorful creatures, and why the game's mission is to rescue monsters rather than simply catch them. Matt also shares what it was like to launch a Kickstarter campaign, build a growing community, and turn an idea into a business.

Along the way, we discuss the lessons that come from making mistakes, the challenges of believing in your own work, and how starting small can help turn an ambitious idea into something real.

In this episode, we explore:

• How a childhood love of trading card games sparked a career in game design
• The inspiration and philosophy behind Escape Land
• Creating a game that's welcoming to beginners while still rewarding experienced players
• Turning a creative idea into an independent business
• Learning from setbacks and growing through experience
• Building a community around something you believe in
• Matt's advice for aspiring creators and game designers
• Why consistency, effort, and how you show up every day matter

Whether you're a tabletop gaming enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative person with an idea, or simply someone who enjoys hearing how people turn their passions into something meaningful, this conversation is for you.

Matt's message is simple: You don't have to know everything before you begin. Start with what you have, keep learning, and consistently put your best effort into the things that matter to you.

Because sometimes, the idea that starts as something personal can grow into something that brings a whole community together.

Discord link

Escape Land website

Youtube channel 

Send us Fan Mail

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING — PLEASE READ BEFORE LISTENING

This episode of Hear 4 You includes discussions of sensitive and potentially distressing subjects, including:

• Childhood sexual abuse and childhood trauma
• Self-harm and suicidal periods
• Emotional and psychological struggles
• Infidelity, betrayal, and challenges within marriage
• Grief and the loss of loved ones
• Religious trauma, questioning beliefs, and difficult family experiences
• Therapy, trauma processing, and emotional healing
• Sexuality, sexual fantasies, and ethical non-monogamy

These subjects are discussed as part of Monica's personal experiences. Some material may be upsetting or triggering, particularly for listeners with similar experiences. Please listen at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and prioritize your well-being.

About this episode:

What happens when you spend most of your life trying to be good, responsible, and everything you're expected to be, only to realize that you've spent years putting your own needs and identity aside?

I sit down with Monica, known online as Monica Is Awake, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about childhood trauma, healing, relationships, and the journey toward understanding who you are beyond the roles you play in life.

Monica shares how her childhood experiences shaped her desire to follow the rules, avoid conflict, and maintain a sense of control. She opens up about confronting painful memories in adulthood, discovering the value of therapy, and using EMDR to process experiences that had affected her for years.

We also discuss a major turning point in her marriage: discovering an affair that had happened years earlier and deciding how to move forward. Monica explains how therapy and honest communication helped her and her husband examine their past, work toward rebuilding trust, and explore questions about intimacy, connection, and ethical non-monogamy.

Along the way, Monica reflects on the loss of family members, questioning the religious beliefs she grew up with, and learning that healing doesn't mean becoming fearless or having every answer. For her, it means understanding herself well enough that old wounds no longer have to dictate who she becomes.

We also talk about the online community she's creating, where consenting adults can explore personal interests and fantasies in a space centered on acceptance rather than judgment.

This episode is a reminder that there isn't one right way to navigate life, relationships, or personal growth. Sometimes, moving forward begins with asking questions we've been afraid to ask, having conversations we've avoided, and giving ourselves permission to become someone new.

Topics we discuss

• How childhood experiences can shape our behavior and relationships as adults
• The lasting effects of trauma and the importance of feeling safe
• Therapy, EMDR, and Monica's personal healing journey
• Discovering a past affair and working through betrayal in a long-term marriage
• Communication, boundaries, trust, and ethical non-monogamy
• Grief, family relationships, and questioning lifelong beliefs
• Creating judgment-free spaces for personal exploration
• Learning to live beyond the expectations placed on us by family, religion, and society
• Why it's never too late to discover who you are

Support and resources

If you relate to anything discussed in this episode, please know that you are not alone. You don't need to have the right words or understand everything you're feeling before reaching out for help.

Sexual abuse and childhood trauma

RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline

• Call: 800-656-4673
• Text: HOPE to 64673
• Online support: https://hotline.rainn.org/

RAINN offers free, confidential support 24/7 for survivors of sexual assault and abuse, including childhood sexual abuse. You can reach out regardless of when the abuse occurred. https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/

Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or emotional crisis

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call or text: 988
• Online support: https://988lifeline.org/

If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts, or struggling to cope, trained crisis counselors are available 24/7. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines

Mental health support and finding treatment

SAMHSA's National Helpline

• Call: 1-800-662-4357
• Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help

This free, confidential, 24/7 service provides information and referrals for mental health and substance use treatment. It's a useful starting point if you're looking for professional help but don't know where to begin. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help

Finding a therapist

Consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional who has experience with trauma, relationships, or the specific challenges you're facing. You can also ask your primary care provider for a referral or explore local mental health services.

You deserve support, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

A final thought

Monica's story reminds us that healing isn't about erasing the past. It's about learning from it, understanding ourselves, and deciding how we want to move forward.

You don't have to have your life figured out at 20, 30, 40, 50, or any age. You are allowed to grow, change, ask questions, and discover new parts of yourself.

Keep listening, keep questioning, and remember: your story matters, too.

Thank you for listening to Hear 4 You.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with Antonin “Tony” Zaklasnik, a 22-year-old podcaster from Brno, Czech Republic, and the creator of LIFE Podcast, to discuss his journey, his ambitions, and his mission to give everyone a voice.

Tony believes that everyone has a story worth telling, regardless of their background, career, or level of success. Frustrated by how much attention traditional media gives to celebrities and public figures, he set out to create a space where ordinary people could share their experiences and be heard.

But Tony's journey into podcasting has a deeper meaning. Growing up with a stutter and speech difficulties, he experienced bullying and struggled with his confidence. Now, he's using his platform to show others that their insecurities don't have to define what they're capable of achieving.

We discuss how podcasting has changed the way Tony communicates and listens to others, how he handles rejection and online criticism, and why he believes confidence grows through taking action rather than waiting until you're no longer afraid. Tony also opens up about the pressure young people face to succeed, his desire to interview world leaders and medical professionals, and his belief that success means creating a place where people feel comfortable sharing their stories.

Beyond podcasting, Tony shares his lifelong passion for football, the pride of winning his first trophy, and his determination to return to the field after suffering a serious knee injury. His ultimate dream is to sign a professional football contract, and he's determined not to give up on that goal.

This conversation is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin, that rejection doesn't have to stop you, and that your circumstances don't have to determine your future.

Tony's message is simple: never let your dreams die.

Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about confidence, perseverance, chasing your ambitions, and giving people the opportunity to be heard.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with filmmaker and writer Vivek Pranavamurthi to talk about his journey from growing up in Houston, attending the Air Force Academy, and serving five and a half years in the Air Force to pursuing his passion for filmmaking.

Vivek shares what originally sparked his love of filmmaking, why he eventually decided to step away from the traditional career path, and what it has been like building his creative career one project at a time.

We spend time discussing his micro-short film Paper Ghosts, a story centered around anxiety, grief, anger, helplessness, and the incredibly difficult process of letting go. The film intentionally leaves its ending unresolved, reflecting Vivek's belief that life itself rarely provides the neat, wrapped-up endings that movies sometimes do.

We also talk about:

• Growing up Indian-American and navigating questions of identity and belonging
• How personal experiences influence his storytelling
• His experiences with acting, improv, and acting training
• How acting experience has influenced the way he directs actors
• Why he believes less dialogue can sometimes create a stronger story
• The challenges of making a film on an iPhone in just two hours
• Building a career as an independent filmmaker
• Finding collaborators and working with limited resources
• His other projects, including Key Suspect, A Never Ending Beginning, and Kanna
• Kanna receiving recognition as a semifinalist in the Nashville Film Festival screenwriting competition
• Why filmmakers shouldn't be afraid to start small
• And his advice for anyone who has a dream but hasn't taken the first step yet

At the heart of the conversation is a simple message from Vivek:

If you really want to do something, just go do it. You'll figure it out along the way.

Sometimes you don't need all the answers before you begin. You just need to begin.

Follow Vivek's Journey on his instagram

Send us Fan Mail

What would it be like to have your life livestreamed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year?

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with Rabbi Rothschild, who has been documenting his life continuously for more than five years. What began during the pandemic as a personal digital diary has developed into an enormous archive of his everyday life—and, in his view, a platform for conversations about the future of humanity.

Rabbi Rothschild explains why he believes his project is connected to his pursuit of world peace and how allowing people to observe his everyday life can demonstrate the similarities that exist between people across different backgrounds.

From there, our conversation takes us in a lot of different directions.

We discuss his life as a rabbi, his interest in technology and futurism, artificial intelligence, surveillance, human enhancement, space exploration, transhumanism, and the possibility of preserving human experiences for future generations.

We also talk about ancient religious texts and different interpretations of subjects such as Ezekiel's vision and the Nephilim, as well as how Rabbi Rothschild's own views on UFOs and extraterrestrial possibilities have evolved over time.

But perhaps one of the most personal parts of the conversation comes when we discuss what this project has cost him. Rabbi Rothschild talks openly about putting dreams of moving to Israel and starting a family on hold while dedicating himself to this ongoing project.

Whether you agree with every idea discussed in this episode or not, there is plenty here to think about.

It's a conversation about faith, technology, humanity, the future, and one person's attempt to leave behind a record of what it means to be human.

And at the end, Rabbi Rothschild leaves us with a simple message:

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Follow the Rabbi on all his socials:

Rabbi Rothschild (#ViralRabbi) Relevant Websites: 

Linktree.com/RabbiRothschild

RabbiRothschild.medium.com

RabbiRothschild.blogspot.com 

Discord: https://discord.gg/pXv9hTu72a 

Discord: Discord.me/Rabbi

24/7 multiple YouTube streams: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rabbi+rothschild&sp=EgJAAQ%253D%253D

Send us Fan Mail

In Part 2 of my conversation with former choir teacher Brad Heckler, we continue the conversation about his 29 years in education and the experiences that shaped him both professionally and personally.

Brad shares some of the students who left the biggest impact on him, including stories of students who were struggling with bullying, difficult home situations, mental health challenges, and finding their place in the world. We talk about the importance of teachers being more than instructors and how sometimes simply providing a safe person or safe place can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

We also discuss the changing role of technology in education, the challenges teachers faced with phones and social media, and Brad's thoughts on how technology has changed the way young people interact with one another.

After retirement, Brad found himself starting a completely different chapter through his house-cleaning business. We talk about independence, finding purpose outside of your career, building positive relationships, starting over in a new community, and learning to embrace change.

Finally, Brad shares some advice for anyone who may be struggling with their own path: keep going when things get difficult, don't be afraid to ask questions, and understand that failure can be one of life's greatest teachers.

A conversation about teaching, friendship, change, resilience, and the people who sometimes don't realize just how much of an impact they've had on someone else's life.

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes the best conversations come from reconnecting with someone who was part of your past.

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with my former middle school choir teacher and friend, Brad Heckler, nearly 22 years after I was one of his students.

Brad spent 29 years in education, building choir programs, working with thousands of students, and experiencing the highs, lows, frustrations, and unexpected moments that come with being a teacher.

In Part One, we take a look behind the curtain at what those 29 years were really like.

We talk about:

🎵 Brad's journey through nearly three decades of teaching
🎵 His years teaching choir and his time at Paredes
🎵 The reality of being a fine arts teacher
🎵 Managing hundreds of students and massive workloads
🎵 Concerts, fundraising, trips, uniforms, and everything students never see
🎵 The challenges of working with administrators and school districts
🎵 The impact COVID had on teaching and choir programs
🎵 How technology changed the way Brad taught music
🎵 Some of the funniest and craziest moments from his years in the classroom
🎵 Why being good at your job can sometimes mean being given even more responsibility
🎵 And ultimately, what led Brad toward retirement after 29 years

For me, this conversation was especially meaningful because Brad wasn't just another teacher. He was someone who helped shape my own musical journey when I was growing up.

What started as a conversation about teaching quickly became a much deeper look at the person behind the teacher.

This is Part One of a two-part conversation with Brad Heckler.

🎧 Listen to Part One now, and be sure to come back for Part Two!

Send us Fan Mail

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month, making this an important opportunity to talk openly about mental health, suicide prevention, addiction, recovery, connection, and hope.

In this special episode of Hear 4 You, we take a step away from the traditional interview format and have an honest conversation about why these subjects matter and why we shouldn't be afraid to talk about them.

We'll discuss:

• Why talking about suicide can be an important part of prevention
• Warning signs that someone may be struggling
• How to check in with someone you're worried about
• Why you don't have to be a mental health professional to support someone
• Addiction, stigma, and the importance of compassion
• What recovery can look like
• Why recovery doesn't have to be a perfect or straight-line journey
• The connection between mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, and recovery
• Why asking for help is a strength
• How connection and community can help people through difficult moments
• What you can do if you're worried about someone you love
• Why hope and recovery should be conversations we have all year—not just in September

❤️ If you need help right now

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or simply feel like you need someone to talk to, you can call or text 988 in the United States to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

You can also use the online chat through 988Lifeline.org.

You do not have to wait until you're at the point of attempting suicide to reach out.

If you are in immediate danger or have already seriously harmed yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

💜 Substance Use & Recovery Support

SAMHSA National Helpline:
1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA's National Helpline provides information and referrals for mental health and substance use treatment.

FindTreatment.gov

You can use FindTreatment.gov to locate substance use treatment services in your area.

SAMHSA also provides additional recovery resources and information for individuals, families, and communities.

🎖️ Veterans

Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can access the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

🌎 Outside the United States

If you're outside the United States, please contact your country's local emergency services or suicide/crisis hotline.

A reminder from Hear 4 You

If you're struggling right now, you don't have to solve your entire life today.

Start with one step.

Tell somebody.

Make the phone call.

Send the text.

Ask for help.

And if someone you care about is struggling, don't underestimate the power of simply being there.

You are not alone. Your story matters. And your story isn't over.

Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call/text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org.

SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA also provides recovery and treatment resources through its national recovery resources.

FindTreatment.gov — a resource for locating substance use treatment services.

The CDC's suicide prevention guidance emphasizes connection, recognizing warning signs, accessing care, and creating supportive environments as important parts of suicide prevention.

If you're listening to this episode and you're struggling, please reach out. You don't have to carry it alone.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a simple desire to do something more with your life turns into years of entrepreneurship, real estate, remodeling, property management, and content creation?

In this episode of Hear 4 You, I sit down with my good friend Shaun Kelly for a long-overdue conversation about his journey from the person I knew years ago to the entrepreneur and content creator he's become today.

Shaun opens up about the pivotal moment in 2010 that changed his mindset and sparked a level of ambition that hasn't stopped since. We talk about his journey into real estate, learning through books and podcasts, buying and remodeling properties, and eventually discovering YouTube almost by accident.

What started with filming a friend's truck bumper eventually grew into a YouTube channel generating millions of views.

But success didn't come without a price.

Shaun and I talk openly about the realities of entrepreneurship, including managing employees, dealing with difficult customers and tenants, property management, burnout, and the challenge of balancing business with family and friendships.

We also dive into the lessons he's learned along the way—including why networking matters, why thinking about the end goal can change how you build a business, how AI is transforming his operations, and why sometimes the smartest thing you can do is slow down and appreciate what you've already accomplished.

Most importantly, Shaun talks about the dreams he's still chasing—from financial freedom to building a tiny-home resort community—and why his biggest definition of "home" ultimately comes down to being with his wife and children.

This is a conversation about ambition, entrepreneurship, failure, success, burnout, family, friendship, and having the courage to actually go after the life you want.

And Shaun leaves us with a simple message:

If you're thinking about doing something, if you have a great idea or an ambition, you have to go for it.

Shaun's Youtube channel - Kelly concepts 

Facebook and Instagram