Mama We Made It!

Mama We Made It!

By Anoush Moin & Joe RauschBusinessArtsMusic
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Mama We Made It! episodes

  • Episode 25: Marc E. Bassy
    A star can't shine without darkness. It's wild how tragedy often plays such a huge role in someone's success. For Marc, tragedy was almost like a way of life. Growing up in San Francisco, Marc was was raised in one of the most creative and thriving environments in the world. He was surrounded by a supportive family, and inspiring teachers. His mother gave him his music, his father gave him his voice. But it wasn't until his father passed away, when Marc discovered what that voice was. Being introduced to poetry slams, Marc quickly bonded to a community that understood his pain. It was there that he found his stage, and his voice. But just as he found his new self, Marc suffered another tragic moment, this time a life threatening medical issue. As we take you through Marc's story, from overcoming tragedy, to finding music, and becoming one of the illest singers in the game, you'll understand that his life is simply about happiness. Marc lives each day, knowing how little control of our journey we actually have, and doesn't live to become something, but rather lives among everything; and it's at that point where Marc Griffin becomes Marc E. Bassy. #MamaWeMadeIt

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    4 hr 18 min
  • Episode 24: JAYLIEN
    Sometimes, before we reach the top we have to hit rock bottom. As terrifying as that may be, it's often the most pivotal and beautiful part of the journey. For Jaylien, it was simply necessary. Growing up in the heart of Mizzou, and the son of a choir singer and choir director, Jaylien had music in his blood from birth. But, it wasn't until after in high school when he centered in on his skills, and aspired to be the "hottest producer under 21" (shot out to Myspace). Before we go any further, and talk about all the producers he learned from, the hits he wrote, and legends he worked with, take a second and ask yourself - what is it all worth? If you had to sleep on the street, would you? If you had to go days without a bite to eat, would you? If you had to work at McDonalds in the day, and FedEx at night, just to make ends meet, would you? If you had to leave your child, knowing that this is all for her, could you? Ladies and Gentlemen, this is JAYLIEN. #MamaWeMadeIt

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 hr 24 min
  • Episode 23: JD McElroy
    This is for the one-two steppers, Harlem shakers, pop lockers, droppers, breakers, walkers, dabbers and even the Gangnam Stylers. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or what you look like - dance is a true universal language that instantly brings the world together. For some of us, it's an escape from reality, a moment where we can be vulnerable and free. For others, it's just a way to turn up. For JD McElroy, dance was his identity. As a Korean kid, adopted by Irish-American parents from Boulder, Colorado, JD struggled with fitting in. Being bullied and getting into fights, it was tough to feel like he belonged. It wasn't until he discovered dance that he found a new place to call home. It was where he could be cool, accepted, and most importantly, himself. Dance consumed his life, and would soon take him on a journey to see the world with the biggest artists and performers in music. But, it's often in those moments of living our "dreams", we discover they don't always bring us the happiness we're looking for. JD's story takes us through the best and worst of times, in search of what now makes him truly happy: Living through giving. #MamaWeMadeIt

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 hr 11 min
  • Episode 22: Nino Scalia
    Let's be real, skateboarding wasn't always as glamorous as the X-Games, Big Air, and million dollar sponsorships. For most, it was an escape, something that bonded people together, and allowed you to define yourself. Nino Scalia was someone who had little stability growing up. Moving from city to city, there wasn't an opportunity to establish roots, or even have close friends - and if it did happen, it was taken away just as fast. When introduced to skateboarding, Nino instantly found something he could grab on to. As his family finally settled in South Philly, it was just in time for Nino to be a part of what became one of the most influential skateboarding cities in the world. With other greats, like Rob Dyrdek, Josh Kalis, Stevie Williams, and Jason Dill, there was a new age of pioneers to push skateboarding forward. Nino's story takes us through that special era and his days of skating (and getting arrested) at LOVE Park, becoming the Team Manager for the legendary Alien Workshop, and later working with Pharrell in developing the Ice Cream skate team. If you want to get a taste of what this was like, Nino captures it perfectly in the indie-film, Street Dreams. Through all that he's has done, Nino will tell you that he was never ready for any of it. There's no perfect moment, or right time. Just go for it, and if you fall, get back on your board and try again. #MamaWeMadeIt

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 hr 12 min
  • Episode 21: Meko Yohannes
    It's often the most quiet people who have the most to say, so it's not surprising this episode with Meko Yohannes is our longest to date. Some may describe Meko as a creator, artist manager, record label president, strategist, etc. but we'll just call him "the silent assassin". But, before the life lessons of "eat what you kill" transpired, Meko was a young kid from Ontario, CA, who was searching for his identity while constantly being stripped of it. Moving around between mother and father, Ontario and Pasadena, California and Georgia... how can you know who you are, when you don't even know what the f*ck home is? But it's often in our most lost moments where we find ourselves. For Meko, it came down to one thing: he's not a failure. From there, with a little help from his sister, he was able to discover his potential, see possibility, and for once create something that he never had; dreams. Now, as DJ Mustard's manager and 10 Summers record label President, Meko knows exactly who he is, and exactly who he wants to become. He's building his home now, his way.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    4 hr 8 min
  • Episode 20: Jeff Weiss
    Everyone has a voice, and once you find it, sometimes you have to yell if you want to be heard. For Jeff Weiss, he found his voice through writing. However, well before that was a young kid, growing up in LA during the 90s, playing sports, and living among the bold influence of West Coast hip-hop. Jeff will even tell you he tried to be a rapper at one point, but let's be real, we all became rappers after The Chronic was released. It wasn't until a tragedy of a good friend took place, where Jeff began to find himself. Diving into writing his first book, writing wasn't just something he did, it was something that he was becoming. Not one to strive for the conventional life (ask his Dad how many times he fired him), Jeff took every opportunity he could to continue his journey as a writer, learning from the best, while letting his pen guide him. Now, over a decade later, he's created one of the most influential music blogs (Passion of the Weiss), runs the Bizarre Ride column in LA Weekly, and has contributed to Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, Pitchfork, Esquire, Playboy, and the list goes on... Jeff not only continues to be one of the most trusted voices in music, but undeniable force in pushing the industry forward. 

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 43 min
  • Episode 19: Billy Hawkins

    Take a second and think of a time where you had nothing to lose. It's not uncommon to feel like these moments are impossible to come by, when consumed with the fear of losing money, status, and career opportunities. But, if you ask Billy Hawkins, he'll tell you "you're always in a position of nothing to lose". Growing up in Southeast, Washington, D.C., when it was the murder capital, with a massive crack epidemic, Billy spent his days as a dreamer. On the inside, he's a self-proclaimed nerd, but on the outside, he was always looking for the next big hustle. It's hard to believe that a Harvard Law graduate, Morgan Stanley investment banker, and CAA literary agent barely made it through High School, but when you live without rules, the possibilities are endless.  This is a story about surviving, writing your own ticket, living without fear, and becoming exactly who you want to be... and for Billy, he has become a gardener, and Arsenic is his garden.

     

     


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 hr 14 min
  • Episode 18: Robert Santini
    Let's start here, Robert Santini's is a Senior Director at the world renowned agency, PMK*BNC, and his favorite movie is Friday. Born and raised in LA, the son of a Peruvian father and Honduran mother, and one of 5 kids, Robert's early childhood was filled with love and big dreams. But at age 6, his life took a deep dark turn, which changed his trajectory forever. However, lucky for us, Rob is someone who always finds the light within the darkness. He lives each day guided by the relationships he's nourished and the hard work that he dedicates to everything he's a part of. Robert is someone who doesn't take things for granted, and understands how valuable each moment is. With that mindset, he's been able to squeeze the most out of every opportunity along his path, and is someone who defines what it means to overcome. It's so easy to give up when you keep getting L's thrown at you, and spend your days being mad at the world - but not Robert. He keeps fighting despite tragedy, health issues, career challenges, and fears. And that my friends, is real courage and true greatness. 
    3 hr 14 min
  • Episode 17: Brandon "BWC" Wade
    B-Wade's story is like a modern day Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Raised in South Central, CA, by his Belizean mother and grandmother, life was good. Days were filled with reggae music, Belizean cuisine, and playing throughout the neighborhood. But, perspective didn't really set it until he was exposed to life outside of South Central, and into one of the wealthiest areas of LA. Before he knew it, he was playing in a mansion, eating at Whole Foods, and learning Photoshop. Possibility became reality, and his outlier journey began. However, it wasn't about seeking money or abundance for B-Wade. It was about building a better life, one that was guided by his art, while seeking for true happiness. From there, he's been able to work with some of today's illest artists like Big Sean, Travis Scott, DJ Mustard, etc. We are often told to "chase our dreams" and "work hard". But the reality of that can leave us confused, misguided, or unfocused.  The thing with B-Wade is that he isn't chasing anything, he's simply living for everything.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 hr 45 min
  • Episode 16: Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

    Lorenzo is your favorite creator's favorite creator. A classic man, a gentleman, The Essential Man. As an LA Native, living duel lives in South Central, and Culver City, CA, Lorenzo had a unique perspective that allowed him to see the world differently at a young age. Someone who was friends with everyone, but didn't really have friends. Ball is life, or art is life? When you're constantly being pulled in two directions, how could ever know where you really are? Ask Lorenzo, and he'll tell you he's right here, right now, and it's that simple. He takes us through his entrepreneurial journey of finding your identity, influencing a community, and building a brand. This is a story of creating opportunities out of mistakes, and realizing it's the "Simple Things" that truly bring us joy.

     


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 hr 35 min

About Mama We Made It!

From the publisher's feed

Mama, We Made It! is a weekly podcast hosted by Anoush Moin and Joe Rausch, where we have unfiltered conversations with our guests about their journeys. Some of these stories are going to rip at your…