#189 - Making Sacrifices, Pivoting, & Persisting w/ Trus Real

In the very wise words of our goddess Aaliyah (RIP) - If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. In theory (and in lyrics/beats that slap thanks to the GOAT Timbaland), it's amazing. In practice, it's pretty freakin' hard. To chase dreams, to pursue life goals, to endeavor the seemingly impossible...in this day and age...in this economy...let's be real, it's easier to just stay in bed and not even try at all. But for better or worse, we push on. In this episode, Minji sits down with her friend and talented rapper Trus Real to talk about his eye-opening journey pursuing, and giving up, a career in music. From playing a little too much to then hustling hard and giving rapping his all to basically giving up everything only to be brought back to it in the most unexpected of ways...as a TikTok creator making "news that rhyme", the path has been tough. Trus and Minji explore the many convoluted ways they've actualized a life that's fulfilling and (hopefully) pays all the bills. They talk about making hard choices, giving up control, taking radical responsibility, and getting scrappy with their creativity to live more authentically and wisely. Follow Our Guest Trus Real: Instagram (@trus_real) patreon.com/trusreal Follow Minji On:Instagram (@minjeezy)Instagram (@firstofallpod)

▫️ Music featured in this episode include "Uzutrap" & “Slow Down” by Trus Real ▫️ NEW!!: Subscribe to First Of All on YouTube & check out our S4 episodes on video! ▫️ Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter and support our Patreon ▫️ This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective Audio Engineer @marvinyueh Producer Da Eun Kim @daeunkm Social Media Manager @JulianaDeer Mentioned in this episode: Watch The Tiger's Apprentice, now on Paramount+! Join the Chinese Zodiac warriors in the Paramount+ Original Movie The Tiger’s Apprentice!

Tom Lee is just an ordinary teen, but his life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians. With his new friend Hu, a mythical tiger, and the other Chinese Zodiac warriors, Tom trains to take on an evil force that threatens humanity.

Stream The Tiger’s Apprentice February 2 exclusively on Paramount+. Head to paramountplus.com to try it free!