Episode 2: Walking and Talking About Life, Leadership, and Coffee

In this episode of Walkie Talkie, I’m joined by one of my best friends Aaron as we stroll through the community of Otay Ranch. We dive into everything from the evolution of our friendship, to the intricacies of leadership, the reality of being neurodivergent, and of course, our shared passion for specialty coffee. Aaron opens up about his journey from working at Apple as a Genius to becoming the Media Director at Pantano Christian Church, where he’s now leading and empowering a team of creatives. We also chat about the challenges and joys of fatherhood, the art of brewing a perfect cup of coffee, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It’s a conversation full of laughs and insights. Don’t miss out on this one!

Episode Highlights:

- [1:15] – Catching up with Aaron and reminiscing about our chaotic first episode.

- [3:45] – Aaron's move from Apple Genius to Media Director at Pantano Christian Church.

- [10:22] – The shift from doing to leading: Aaron’s take on leadership.

- [20:30] – Understanding neurodivergence and how it impacts life and work.

- [30:12] – Fatherhood, marriage, and the importance of finding what works for your family.

- [38:55] – Our love for specialty coffee and how it all started.

- [50:20] – Closing thoughts: marching to the beat of your own drum.

Links & Resources:

- Explore James Coffee, one of our favorite specialty coffee shops, here.

Thanks for walking with us on this episode of Walkie Talkie! If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and continue to bring you great conversations. And remember, life is better when we walk and talk together!

In this trial episode of Walkie Talkie, Dylan and Joe take a walk with Sam Vale through North Park in San Diego. From poking fun at California's unpredictable weather to sharing stories about his roots in Pennsylvania, Sam's walk is full of laughs and candid moments. As a Marine Corps defense counsel, he gives us a peek into his life, from balancing his Jewish faith to his adventures on the golf course and wild college days. Join in for a laid-back chat filled with unexpected twists and plenty of laughs, as Sam shares his dreams, including a childhood ambition to become the governor of Pennsylvania.

Welcome to 'Walkie Talkie: Let's Talk About It' 🚶‍♂️🎙️! Join us on short walks with diverse guests sharing their stories. Foster empathy, understanding, and connection. Together, we'll experience life's joys, challenges, and everyday moments. Subscribe now and come along with us as we explore the beautiful complexity of being human, one step at a time. 👣