In this episode, I’m getting real about the hard lessons I’ve learned regarding "leeches" and the narcissistic people who use your kindness against you. I share my experience of trying to help family members with rental properties, only to face entitlement and manipulation. I also open up about my decision to go no-contact with my mother for seven years to protect my children and break the cycle of triangulation. Whether you're dealing with "social policing" in the comedy scene or critics in the back of the room, my message is simple: Stick to your guns, set your boundaries, and keep growing right in front of the people who want to see you fail.

In this episode of "Real Talk," Jesus Hilario, host of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast, pulls back the curtain on the local creator economy. From identifying toxic "triangulation" and narcissism in creative spaces to the exact gear setup (Sony ZV-E10 & DJI Mic) used to build the CCO Network, this is a masterclass in professional growth.

Go behind the scenes with the host of the Corpus Christi Originals Podcast. In this update, we dive into the reality of managing a growing local platform—from handling viral social media clips and Facebook comments to the challenges of monetizing and guest invites. We also discuss recent highlights, including local water crisis discussions, interviews with figures like Rachel Caballero, and the Drift Corpus car culture scene. Whether you're a loyal follower or a local business looking to grow, find out how you can get involved and support the CC Originals network.

In this video, I’m responding to a viewer’s question about a painful but common tactic in narcissistic families: the isolation of siblings to maintain control.

Drawing from my own life, I share how my mother used "triangulation" to position herself as the middleman between my brothers and me. For years, we didn't go to each other; we went to her. I discuss the regret of lost time, the reality of being the "golden child," and the difficult but necessary decision I made at 35 to go no contact.

Healing is a process of unlearning. Even at 43, I’m still identifying those inherited tendencies to ensure they don’t touch my marriage or my children. If you’ve felt pitted against your own family, know that you can bridge those gaps and build something authentic on your own terms.

Month since last open mic. I love my family—sometimes need a breather and that's normal. Went up unprepared, got chuckles. Not seeking approval from other comics anymore—their silence hurts. Just enjoying the ride. Daughter waited up for me. Watching an excellent comedian—reps, practice, iron sharpens iron.

Fixed camera flickering using Gemini AI in 30 minutes. Moving podcast from live stream to weekly Wednesday uploads. Consolidating brand and podcast. Reconsidering stand-up comedy—ADHD dopamine hit then crash. Is it okay to stop after 10 open mics? Focus on one project, not multiple mediocre ones.

At 2:30am on my sofa, I finally had peace about where I'm going after I die. I've feared this since I was 10 years old. I'm ready to go to heaven but it's on God's time. My wife helped me realize we're not actively looking for sin. Faith like a mustard seed.

I don't get social cues and people make fun of me indirectly. My brain doesn't catch up till later. People with ADHD can be taken advantage of in relationships—I went no contact with my narcissistic mother after years. Teaching my daughter about ADHD so she knows what to look out for.

Random thoughts vlog recorded February 22, 2026! In this episode, I discuss taking the Corpus Christi Originals podcast on the road to local businesses, dealing with the annoying guy at the gym who won't stop talking, my one-hour full body workout routine (compound movements only - squats, deadlifts, bench press), and why my wife says I need more cardio. I dive into a stand-up comedy realization: I laugh at my own jokes because I don't want to be left in silence when people aren't laughing, but I need to stop myself and let the audience laugh if it's funny. Learn about acknowledging the room and reading the energy, how the comedian before me set up my "three-minute man" joke that killed, and why low status presence works in comedy. I discuss listening to the Slow Roast podcast and their conversation about Corpus Christi comedians avoiding politics and religion - are we afraid of losing our small open mic audience? Should comics pick a side (red or blue, Christian or Jewish)? Question for comics: why or why not do you avoid these topics? Real talk about learning stand-up, crowd work, gym life, podcast evolution, and comedy in Corpus Christi.

Rough morning canceling work due to babysitter scheduling conflict. I hate letting my employer down—it's taxing on my mind. Dispatchers use words to get in your head and make you backstep. I keep everything on text to stay professional and documented. Driving for owner operator adds pressure.