Hi Amigos!

Welcome back!

Today’s guest is one of the first friends I made in LA. Isaac Valenzuela is a producer/songwriter who has worked with Lil Yachty, Alessia De Gasperis, (fka kai) AUDREY NUNA, Louis The Child, Julia Michaels, NIKI, August 08, Uffie plus more. One of the recurring themes in this episode is - self acceptance. Coming to terms with who you are and what you would like to create.

Isaac is a force to be reckend with. If you’re an artist, songwriter, producer that is wanting to know more about the music industry. If you want to learn about publishing, royalties, more about the inside world of music, you need to listen to this episode. We dive into some of the nitty gritty details about the music industry.

The ins and outs of what it’s like to be an artist in today’s day and age if you will. He recently released his EP “Rediscovery” and is looking forward to continuously learn and make art that comes from the heart.

I can’t wait for you to hear his story!

• Follow Isaac Instagram || Rediscovery EP

Hi Amigos!

Welcome back!

Today’s guest is a good friend of mine. Her name is Katherine Mendez. We met through her boyfriend Joel Woods, who is a co-writer of my song, “What’s The Point”. This episode was especially important to me because we got to talk share a mutual love - the significance and impact we have when telling other people’s stories. Giving a voice to the voiceless! Not only that but we also got to talk about being Latina and representing /highlighting people of color and minorities.

Katherine is a film director, writer, producer, and creative director. She is a powerhouse and has created her own movement and continuously builds teams that have let her take steps towards her goals of representing women of color. She is a badass Latina making strides in the industry. “If we highlight people that look like us, you can see we’re all the same.” This episode is full of important remarks. She is not only representing Latinas and people of color but she is also representing WOMEN. She mentions in this episode that our work may not look the same as people are used to, but we’re there and she’s representing us. Women are paving their own way. If you’re looking to OWN who you are and what you have to bring to the table - this episode is for you!

She is currently working on a 10 minute digital short form series, called “Glimpse” to highlight everyday people. If you feel called to donate to her campaign please visit the links below.

I can’t wait for you to hear her story!

• Follow Katherine Instagram || Glimpse Fundraiser || Glimpse IG

If you’re looking for a sign to go do that thing you’ve been wanting to do, then this is it! If you’re scared, anxious, don’t know how that thing can possibly happen, check out today's episode. These 2 sayings helped me put into perspective a big decision of moving from LA to Madrid. In this episode I talk about making that choice, owning it, and looking for the good in it. Opportunities arise from those brave actions. You can do it!

I made a big decision 3 days ago, and if you follow me on social media then you know, I’m moving to Madrid for the rest of the year! This decision didn’t come easy. It was about 2 years in the making actually. I was riddled with fear and the pandemic certainly didn’t help with that. These 2 sayings have been in my head ever since. “Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay then it’s not the end” by John Lennon. We always have the choice to make things different and make things happen. To believe in ourselves and give ourselves permission! And the second saying is “Dont say no, say how”. Find ways to MAKE it work for you. One step can make all the difference! I felt like sharing this because it is true to my heart. I have needed the push to actually do this and sometimes all you can do is make one small step that will take you a bit further. If this is the push you needed, here it is! Go do that thing you’ve been wanting to do. If I can do it, so can you!

• Instagram:  @drealopz / @thejourneyofpursuit

Today’s episode is a quote by rainbowsalt which is one of my favorite writers. I think she’s incredible I’m a huge fan of everything she writes and you should follow her if you don’t already. In this quote she talks about how happiness has nothing to do with what you have or what you do. It’s all about an inner knowing and the person you are becoming, and I felt that that was really true to the podcast because it’s all about the journey of pursuing what you love to do and I realized that on the show I usually ask 2 questions. I ask “what is your biggest lesson”? And “what is your biggest win?” Every time I ask the second question, no one ever says anything materialistic. Everyone always says something along the lines of “I learned who I am or, “I grew as a person” but it’s never anything tangible like a trophy. I find this super fascinating and I decided to dedicate today’s episode to that quote because it was so inspiring to me that I felt like I needed to share it with the people that listen to the podcast. It’s really relevant to us creatives who are on this journey and we’re trying to figure out what we love and what makes us happy, what keeps us going and gives us energy to continue creating and doing this ting that sometimes feels like a waste of time. You sometimes think, “Should I keep going?” “Should I give up and get a 9-5?”. What should I do? What’s next? But it’s never really about the end goal although those can serve as motivation. It’s all about the journey and who you’re becoming while you get there. We have to be proud of ourselves and keep going and be inspiring to others and connect with other people and cultivate all the goodness while you’re getting to that end goal. Even when you get to that end goal, there will be more so it’s all about learning who you are and what makes you happy and makes you a good person forever. If you enjoyed this kind of episode, please let me know or feel free to leave us a review! 

• Rainbowsalt

Todays episode is one of my favorite episodes. Many people know Tefi as HelloTefi on TikTok. I have known her since I was 15 and the stories I have with her are both hilarious and forever ingrained in my memory. If you follow Tefi than you know her for her pop culture savyness, her funny remarks about everything, her beautiful long hair and infectious personality. I have known her as the kind, loving, and empathetic friend. She always puts people first. She is the definition of a true friend. Someone who takes time out of her day to not only think of others but feel for others. When I call her, she always answers, when I go to NYC she not only makes me stay with her, but checks up on me about 20 times a day just to make sure I haven’t gotten lost in the subway or something. I’m so happy to have her on the podcast. I truly believe she is a great example of how someone can remain authentic in the spotlight. 

In this episode we talk about a variety of things such as: moving from Miami to New York, old jobs, getting her own YouTube show, losing it all to COVID, and then growing to 100k followers on TikTok in just 4 weeks! How does one do that you ask? Authenticity. Embracing Failure. Being Brave. Never giving up. And always showing up with love.

Here’s a glimpse of her bio: Tefi Pessoa is a pop culture fanatic born and raised in Miami, FL. Unbelievable to the naked eye, she is actually 31 years old (wow). She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and she is probably making a TikTok right now as you read this. Can’t wait for you all to listen to this episode :) !

• Follow Tefi Instagram || TikTok || TedTalk || YouTube || Twitter || Merch

Who says we have to stick to one profession? Why can’t we be both an actress and a songwriter? Why is it one or the other? How does a 26 year old singer/songwriter go from singing with Sheryl Crow to booking a lead role in the new Netflix Documentary Series, HEIST? My friend Emree Franklin tells all in this episode!

• Follow Emree Instagram || Website || Watch HEIST on Netflix

We’re back with another episode of The Journey of Pursuit Podcast! Wow have I missed saying that. It feels so good to be back! As you may have noticed I haven’t released a new episode in quite some time. I wanted to think about what I want this podcast to continue to be now that this is our 20th episode!! Can’t believe I’m saying that! I am so excited for the guests we have lined up. Today, however, is going to be a solo show. I’m gonna talk to you guys about a few things I realized while I was off the podcast. I’m gonna start with a couple of questions: Have you ever felt that you stop creating because you get too overwhelmed or uncertain? That your overwhelmed feelings or uncertainty are more powerful than the feelings you get to actually create? I talk a bit about what I’ve realized and when I knew that my creativity is actually my source for happiness and purpose.

♥️ Episode dedicated to my childhood pup, Manolo ♥️

• Instagram:  @drealopz / @thejourneyofpursuit

Hi Amigos!

If you need someone to convince you to take pilates, listen to this episode. I’ve never known someone to love it as much as Francine!

Today’s guest is a straight up hustler who has gone above and beyond to live her passion. How does a former lawyer follow her heart, leave the corporate world and open her own pilates studio? How did she deal with opening her studio months before having to close due to COVID-19? Francine’s journey is inspiring and so bad-a**. Talk about dedication and persistence. If you’re like me, you’ll leave listening to this episode excited and ready to work!

Francine is an entrepreneur, wellness professional, and family woman. She owns Code of Life Lifestyle Brand, which includes Code of Life Pilates and Barre studio, Code Wellness (offering healthy meal delivery and health coaching), and Code Activewear (resurrecting soon!). Her studio, Code of Life, was just named one of the “Top 10 Miami Pilates Studios to Visit in 2021” by the reputable fitness publication, Stayfit305, Miami-Dade county’s official fitness news source. After graduating from law school and negotiating television contracts in Beverly Hills, California, Francine left the corporate world to move to Spain and soul search. Fast forward- she has taught Pilates all over the country - in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Augusta, Georgia, and of course Miami - and has even taught a master class in Paris, France, in French! She has modeled in Miami Swim Week and has been interviewed on television shows and magazines, including national news source EntertainmentTonight.com about Pilates and following your dreams.

Today’s episode is full of “wows”. Francine’s story, both personally and professionally, are admirable. Not only has she powered through the obstacles, but she has endlessly given back to her community and supported others during this time as well. Safe to say, she is awesome and I can’t wait for you guys to listen to her story! Let’s dive in.

• Follow Francine Instagram || Studio Instagram || TikTok || YouTube || Website 

Today’s guest is someone I have known since the beginning of my journey in LA. We met working next door to each other when I first moved to LA. We got to talking and realized we both are songwriters and love music. We’ve been friends and have been supporting each other ever since! This episode is jammed packed with info for songwriters: why are PROs so important? How do you get into a session/writing room? What’s the writing process like? We also talk about how important it is to celebrate the little victories and focus on growing each and every day. The main goal should be growth and becoming better than you were yesterday. 

Emily Fullerton is originally from Washington DC, moved to Nashville for music college at Belmont and then moved to LA afterwards. She has co-written a finalist song for NBC’s 1st season of Songland, called Crowded Places with Rynn. She has been involved in a couple different workshops and pitch sessions with ASCAP, Warner, Sony/ATV etc over the years and has co-written some singles for artists like Zoya, Callaghan Belle, upcoming releases with Bailey Baum, and me!!! And many others :) She is currently working on a lot of songs for pitch, dipping into the Kpop world a little and also a long term solo project. Emily is seriously one of the most talented songwriters I’ve had the privilege of writing with and I can’t wait for you guys to meet her! Let’s dive in.

• Follow Emily Instagram || Twitter || TikTok

Hi Amigos!

Today’s guest is a very close friend of mine, Nicholas Veinoglou. We met in an Escape room in LA. Yep, you read that right. We met through a mutual friend and were thrown into an escape room together and had to figure out how to get out without even knowing each other’s names. True story. He is someone that I truly care about and admire for not only his hard work, dedication, and love for music, but for the way he cares about those around him and for always making his friends laugh.

Born in Great Barrington, MA, Nick began his hopelessly romantic exploration of the guitar at age 10. Highly influenced from Blues, Classical and Jazz. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2015 from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Guitar Performance and a minor in Harmony. Currently, Nicholas is working as a musical director, songwriter, educator, producer, and guitarist in Los Angeles. He tours both nationally and internationally working with artists such as Bazzi, Jordan Fisher, Dove Cameron, Cimo Frankel, and many more.

We talk about all kinds of things in today’s episode: = what’s it like to tour with big names like Jordan Fisher and Bazzi? What does he think about going to music school? What were his biggest takeaway from Berklee College of Music? How’s life in LA as a guitarist/musician? We also talk about growth and the opportunity to support and learn with your community instead of compare and disconnect from your peers. Amongst many other things, my personal favorite was hearing him talk about following his intuition and letting it guide him towards the next step.

• Follow Nick on Instagram || Website || YouTube