How We Bounce Back

Talented and well-spoken product designer, Tina Phan, drops all the rules when it comes to valuing careers and how they shouldn’t define us. She also discusses the mental toll after hitting a low point in NYC, the feelings of guilt living far away from her parents and family, and her overall development settling in a big city. Tina also plays a classic game of trivia, answering random questions as if it was trivia night at an East Village local bar.

American Heart Association’s Real Women 2021 ambassador and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Student, Devon Brzezynski, shares an emotional story of heart health from before she was born through today. Along with raising awareness for women’s heart health, Devon also details the steps she took getting into a Doctoral program after many tries. Devon also plays a game “Lightening Scavenger Hunt”, showcasing random items around the house.

An elementary school teacher in Las Vegas, Ms. Bernadette Rulloda, shares her deep connection and joys of being an educator for children, bouncing back from a difficult time in teaching, and the funniest stories about her students. Bernie also shares an incredible story, detailing the steps and hurdles she endured transitioning from an office job to becoming a teacher - with no previous educational background, the will to make her dreams happen.

Lastly - in one of the funniest games we’ve played on this show, Bernie plays a game of “School Trivia or Dance Like Your Brothers”.

Media Supervisor at OMD for the Apple TV account, Lauren McGee, joins us this week to discuss the skill sets you develop working for ad agencies in LA, long-term career ambitions, and experiencing racial biases in college and in the workplace. Lauren also plays a classic game of “Word Sneak” inspired by The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

A family physician at EVMS Norfolk, Doctor JB Navarro, joins us this week to discuss his journey in medical school and the years leading up to it. As a doctor, JB emphasizes the importance of health and ways to improve our quality of life. JB also plays a fun game of “Count the Calories” when looking at pictures of some “good” food and being a big fan of the Washington Football Team.

Senior Product Manager, Devin Edwards, details how he finds his place working as a sales professional. At that same time, the fate of his life with his family started at his workplace. Devin shares his ways of developing confidence at work, the product he implemented and currently leads: Anthem's Virtual Second Opinion Program. A role model for young fathers, Devin discusses balancing his career and family, his IMMENSE love for sandwiches, and a hilarious game of answer the question or take a shot.

We return for the Season 2 premiere in high honor of the beloved, Jim Velasquez, the father of our host James Velasquez. Jim's 1st son pays tribute by discussing his entire life of love, family, friends, 22-year service in the US Navy, sacrifices, and stories of how his father bounced back.

Jaime “Jim” Lavado Velasquez, aged 63, a Woodbridge, VA resident, passed away due to COVID-19 complications on March 2, 2021 at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. He was together with his family in his final moments.

Jim was born on July 27, 1957 in Angeles City in the province of Pampanga in the Philippines. He was born to parents Angela Velasquez (mother) and Cosme Velasquez (father). Jim has 10 siblings with the same parents. He attended RCC high school and FEU college. In 1983, Jim enlisted in the US Navy, which brought him to the United States. Jim was active military for 22 years and achieved his highest ranking as Chief Petty Officer, E7. During his 22-year service with the US Navy, Jim was deployed numerous times to Afghanistan, Japan, Camp Lejeune, San Diego, and South Korea. Most notably, he was deployed to the USNS Comfort for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Jim's honors include Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Received Global Warfare on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals. He earned his MA in Public Administration from Webster University in May 2004 and MA in International Relations at the University of Oklahoma in July 2013. Jim honorably retired from the US Navy in 2005 to continue growing a life with his family.

Jim married his wife, Luz Velasquez in 1988, and raised two sons: James Velasquez (born in 1991) and Jeff Velasquez (born in 1993). He is survived by Luz, James, Jeff, and his future daughter-in-law Rose Mary Garcia. He is also survived by his siblings Amor Velasquez, Frank Velasquez, Ricardo Velasquez, Nestor Velasquez, Robert Velasquez, Jun Velasquez, Bernie Velasquez, Khid Velasquez, and Lhing Velasquez.

In honor of Jim's 22-year service with the US Navy, Jim's final place of rest will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

The legacy of Jim Velasquez will continue to live forever. He will always be with his friends and family.

In our season finale, Luz Velasquez joins us as our surprise guest and the Mother of our Host James Velasquez. Luz reminisces on the fun times immigrating to America, being a frontline nurse going into the final years of her career, and coping with a military husband stationed abroad.

Our guest host, Rose Mary Garcia, interviews her fiancée James Velasquez on similar questions he’s asked all season long.

*This episode is only available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. There will be no video version of the episode.