THE PARABLES®

Some lives are planned. Others are called.

In this episode, Ejay sits down with Bruce Cardenas to unpack a journey shaped by discipline, service, and faith. From a difficult childhood to the Marines, LAPD, entrepreneurship, and helping build Quest Nutrition into a household name—Bruce shares the truths forged under pressure.

This conversation isn’t about hype. It’s about identity, resilience, and answering the call when life demands more.

We cover:

• 🙏 Faith as an anchor during uncertainty
• 🧱 Adversity as the forge of identity
• ⚔️ Discipline as a daily decision
• 🧠 Mindset shifts that change outcomes
• 🧭 Calling discovered through service
• 🏛️ Legacy built quietly over time

If you’re chasing purpose and legacy — take notes.

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Some people chase success.
Others quietly build standards that last.

In this episode, Ejay sits down with Ahmed Seifari to talk about what it really means to build — in business, in relationships, and in life. From real estate development to personal growth, this conversation unpacks why forcing outcomes fails, how community accelerates growth, and why integrity always compounds.

This isn’t about hype. It’s about doing things better — and letting that speak for itself.

We cover:

• 🧱 Why raising standards changes everything
• 🧭 How purpose is revealed through problem-solving
• ⚔️ Why discipline beats motivation every time
• 🧠 How ego quietly sabotages progress
• 🤝 Why community is the antidote to entrepreneurial loneliness
• 🏛️ How legacy is built through consistency, not shortcuts

If you’re building something — and want to build it right — this one’s for you.

📺 YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EjayCruz

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https://www.instagram.com/ahmedbuildsbetter

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Authenticity isn’t a branding tactic, it’s a calling.

In this episode, Ejay Cruz sits down with Moncy Trejo to unpack why real growth only comes when you stop performing and start telling the truth. From faith and identity to personal branding and relationships, this conversation challenges the polished, fake version of success most people chase.

Moncy shares her journey from adversity to building a seven-figure, referral-driven business — and why being raw, disciplined, and authentic is the real strategy.

We cover:

• 🙏 Why faith requires truth, not performance
• 🧠 How identity shapes influence and visibility
• ⚔️ Why relationships must be nurtured, not leveraged
• 🔥 How adversity refines leadership and character
• 🧭 What it means to honor your calling publicly
• 🏛️ How legacy is built quietly over time

This episode is for anyone ready to stop pretending and start becoming.

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When Michael “Gas Money” Gastelum hit rock bottom, he didn’t ask for success — he asked God to rebuild him. What happened next changed everything.

This episode dives deep into faith, identity, surrender, and the discipline required to become the highest version of yourself. Michael shares how he transformed his life after losing nearly everything — and why reconnecting to God became the turning point for his purpose, business, leadership, and peace. We break down the spiritual and practical steps anyone can take to rebuild confidence, eliminate vices, and step boldly into who God designed them to be.

Whether you’re rebuilding or rising, this conversation will challenge and strengthen you.

We cover:

• 🙏 The moment surrender unlocked clarity, peace, and direction
• 🔥 How adversity exposes ego and forces internal transformation
• 💪 Why discipline is spiritual, not just physical
• 🧠 Identity shifts that rebuild confidence and self-belief
• 🛑 How to drop vices and reclaim control of your life
• ⚔️ Becoming the leader your family and calling require
• 🧭 Aligning purpose with God’s promises and your actions

If you’re chasing purpose, clarity, and the courage to become your highest self — this episode is for you.

📺 YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EjayCruz

💪 Follow Michael “Gas Money” Gastelum

https://www.instagram.com/gasmoney1

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#FaithAndPurpose #PersonalRebuild #SpiritualGrowthJourney

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Some stories aren’t built on hype — they’re built on faith, failure, and obedience.

In this episode, Ejay sits down with Frank Gutierrez to unpack the real journey behind building companies, serving people, and staying grounded through adversity. Frank shares how faith, discipline, and responsibility shaped his leadership, and why calling is louder than comfort.

We Cover:

•  🙏 Faith as a daily decision, not a surface-level identity
•  🧱 Pain as a tool for growth rather than something to escape
•  ⚔️ Discipline built through solitude, repetition, and personal standards
•  🧭 Purpose that demands sacrifice instead of convenience
•  🔥 Leadership formed through pressure instead of praise
•  🏛️ Legacy built through humility and long-term integrity

 If you feel called to more than comfort, this episode will speak to you.

📺 YouTube:
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🚚 Follow Frank Gutierrez:
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#PurposeDrivenLife #FaithInLeadership #DisciplineAndGrowth

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A warrior’s mindset isn’t built in the spotlight — it’s forged long before anyone is watching.

In this episode, undefeated boxing phenom Brandun Lee opens up about identity, discipline, independence, adversity, and the samurai-like code that drives his life. This is far beyond boxing — it’s a blueprint for anyone seeking purpose, resilience, and a higher standard of living.

We Cover:

• 🙏 How faith strengthens clarity under pressure
• 🔥 How adversity builds identity and mental toughness
• ⚔️ How discipline becomes a lifestyle, not a phase
• 🧠 How champions think before the world sees results
• 🧭 Why purpose matters more than talent
• 🏛️ How legacy is built through humility and loyalty

If you're rebuilding, leveling up, or stepping into your highest self — this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

📺 YouTube:
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🥊 Follow Brandun Lee
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#WarriorMindset #ChampionMentality #MindsetMastery

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What does it really take to build a brand that lasts — one that outlives the hype and becomes part of culture?

In this episode of THE PARABLES®, Ejay Cruz reconnects with Andy Nguyen — the creative force behind Afters Ice Cream, Hello Kitty Café, MATTE BLACK Coffee, and the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria.

Andy breaks down the real formula for building brands that last — the one no marketing course can teach. From creative breakthroughs and failed ventures to collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg and Nickelodeon, this episode dives deep into what separates short-term hype from legacy-level impact.

We cover:

·  💪 Overcoming failure and pivoting when things fall apart

·  💡 Turning ideas into culture-shifting brands

·  🔥 The truth about marketing, timing, and staying authentic

·  🤝 Why loyalty and integrity build lasting success

·  👨‍👧 How fatherhood shaped Andy’s business mindset

·  🚀 The mindset behind creative longevity and legacy

If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or visionary who wants to build something real, lasting, and authentic — this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

📺  YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EjayCruz

🍕 Follow Andy Nguyen:

https://www.instagram.com/andythenguyen

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#BrandBuilding #EntrepreneurMindset #CreativeEntrepreneur #Business #MarketingStrategy

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Success isn’t just money — it’s who you become while building it.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Matt Tolano, USMC veteran and founder of Legacy Jewelry LA, to talk about discipline, purpose, rebuilding your life from the ground up, and earning trust in an industry where integrity is everything. From surviving adversity at home to cutting out the middleman and building a luxury brand from scratch, Matt shares the real mindset behind legacy and long-term success.

We cover:

• 🎖 Discipline & identity shaped by the Marines
• 💎 Earning trust in business — and why it’s your greatest currency
• 🚪 Leaving toxic environments & starting fresh
• 🧭 Building a life aligned with who you truly are
• 🔥 The mindset required to build something that lasts
• 🤝 How humility, service, and respect open doors

If you’re building your identity, your future, or something you hope to pass down — this conversation will give you strength, clarity, and conviction.

📺 YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EjayCruz

💎 Follow Matt Tolano

https://www.instagram.com/legacyjewelryla

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What does it really mean to live with purpose — to answer your calling, lead with faith, and find meaning beyond success?

In this soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Pastor Aaron Ophaug — leader, speaker, and senior pastor of Friends Church Eastvale — to talk about faith, calling, and the journey of trusting God’s plan even when life feels uncertain.

We dive deep into what it takes to stay grounded in a world chasing comfort and convenience, and how faith can redefine leadership, success, and identity.

We cover:

• 🙏 Overcoming doubt and stepping into God’s calling
• 💪 Finding purpose in seasons of uncertainty and discomfort
• 🔥 Why your burden reveals your purpose
• 💎 Leadership lessons on humility, growth, and staying authentic
• 🕊 How to stay spiritually grounded in a culture of hustle
• 💬 The truth about faith, success, and God’s assignment for your life

If you’re someone who’s been searching for clarity, calling, or a deeper sense of purpose — this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

📺 YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EjayCruz

✅Follow Aaron Ophaug

https://www.instagram.com/aaronoph

⛪Friends Church Eastvale

https://www.friends.church/eastvale

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What does it really take to build a $600M empire while staying true to your faith, family, and values?

In this powerful conversation, Edwin Arroyave — entrepreneur, leader, and visionary — is back on the podcast to talk about the journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of a company that’s generated over half a billion dollars in sales.

We cover:

• 🔑 How faith and mindset shaped Edwin’s success
• 💡 Why fear is the secret ingredient to courage and growth
• 💼 The lessons learned from building and rebuilding businesses
• 📈 How to raise your standards, develop resilience, and unlock your true potential
• 🙌 Fatherhood, leadership, and living with purpose beyond material success

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone who knows you’re meant for more — this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

📺  YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@EjayCruz

✅ Follow Edwin Arroyave

https://www.instagram.com/edwinarroyaveofficial

🛡️ Edwin’s Business:

https://www.skylinesecurity.com/

✅ Follow Ejay Cruz

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