Your Fellow Human

How important is it for you to feel valued, to feel that the person before you, no matter their role, sees you as equal?

What would it look like if we valued others regardless of their position, regardless of our position, regardless of what they know but rather by how they interacted with humanity?

Today I want to introduce you to Sebastian, Sebastian is a man that has taken his love for nature and humanity and brought them together in how he runs his restaurant, how he pours his heart into what he shares from his kitchen, and how he is present with those in front of him

He shares with me how he and his partner value the environment they work in and the people that are a part of that family, how they heart in those people matters over the knowledge they may have, and why the key to success is to preserve humility and respect, and to treat others as equal; that no one is lower than you in life or in work

We talk about the importance in sitting with a place and its people, why its important to enjoy life in its entirety, to focus on its joys often, and to not wait for something specific

He shares how his time out of Bolivia gave him perspective and in so many ways validated what he knows, and in other ways gave him gratitude for what is present in his life

Sebastian is not unlike many others I met in Bolivia in his warmth, he is a man with a kind smile almost always about his face, eyes that seek to see and know who stands before him, and a heart focused on the ways he can give of who he is to those he loves and those in his life

So tune today and meet Sebastian, one that I admire for his courage to share who he is with someone he barely knows, someone who does not fear sharing his heart, someone who is willing to push himself beyond what may be easy to connect and share what life has taught him with humility and love in a way I am honored to share with you

And to you Sebastian thank you, thank you for your willingness to be so patient with my flawed Spanish, for your graciousness in welcoming me into your home at Ancestral and the way your heart pours so beautifully into the food you shared with me. It was an honor to be welcomed and I look forward to seeing you again my friend @sebasancestral

Have you ever heard that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach?

What if food was also a way to get to know the heart of a person or a country?

Today I want to introduce you to Mauricio someone who does just that, Mauricio is one of the incredible head chefs at Ancestral located in La Paz, a city so full of diversity, vibrance, beauty, and life; and Mauricio does an incredible job of bringing each of those qualities into the food he creates

Yet in addition to being an incredible chef, Mauricio is also a man who values and does not take lightly the impact that role has on those around him

He shares the joy he feels in cooking and working with his hands but also the deeper joy in seeing his guests enjoy what he has created for them

He shares how he’s learned to care for the parts of the restaurant beyond the kitchen, the reminder that the restaurant is a business as well as a place of creativity, the importance in seeing those two areas separately and clearly, and as the important things that they are 

We talk about the culture within Bolivia, its ability to grow and change with the world and the way its diversity is something he is grateful for 

Mauricio is one that pours so much into his work, but also one I have a ton of respect for in the way he runs his “ship” there is a tangible sense of care and respect amongst the family surrounding him in the kitchen and on the floor, a sense of character and calm that is rarely present in a restaurant environment, and an attention to detail that creates space for passion to be present in every dish that leaves the kitchen

So tune in today and meet Mauricio, the man that reminded me just how possible it is to be passionate,  present, and productive in what we do

And to you Mauricio thank you, thank you for allowing me the honor of getting to know you, for the chance to hear more of who you are, what matters to you, and what has impacted how you show up in this world, thank you for your patience and presence, and of course for sharing the way food turns into art in your kitchen @mauriciolopezancestral

Have you ever met someone that was accomplishing more than felt humanly possible?

You know the kind of person that doesn’t have no in their heart for what they are passionate about?

Today I want to introduce you to Sumaya, Sumaya is a woman that I gained an immense respect and admiration for very quickly after spending our first meal together, she is one that views her life as an opportunity to do good, to see those who are hurting, and to love those in her life

She shares with me what it was like embracing big roles in her career at a young age, why she doesn’t get sick because she doesn’t have time for such things, and why giving the extra step is something she fears she may at some point be unable or unwilling to do

We talk about how we can give others an opportunity to be reminded of who they can be and who they are, why dreaming and doing are connected, and why she believes that if you can dream it you can do it

She shares why she believes our role when someone says “you can’t” is to show them they are wrong, why fear or not, we should approach whoever we need to make something happen for the sake of what is needed, and why we must not allow ourselves to be blind to the realities around us, no matter how ugly they may be

Sumaya is one that lives as a vehicle for change, one that uses everything at her fingertips to remind others of who they can be, one the welcomes struggle, and one that believes if something is done in love, we have no need to worry about offending those we seek for help

So tune in today and meet Sumaya, a woman who commands respect without asking because of the love she gives

And to you Sumaya thank you, thank you for the way you have shared so much of your life work with me, for the deep honor of meeting your kids, for the way you have reminded me to not fear those in power more than we fear letting down those in need, for the opportunity to see a small part of your world through your eyes, and the gift of knowing you; you are, against your will, a remarkable and incredibly valuable woman @pradosumaya

Have you ever met someone that without thinking twice spoke to you like a friend, helped you like a friend, and showed you around their home with the joy of a friend finally sharing their city?

Today I want to introduce you to Jose or Joe as some of his friends call him, Jose is many things, hardworking, warm, kind, a man that carries himself in a calm and observant confidence, one that is gently aware of those around him, and one that values new opportunities even if they are a little scary

He shares the value he places on time, the impact of what we can control within that and what we cannot control and how those two ideas coexist

We talk about the importance of loyalty, the depth that comes from trust and relationship with others, and the impact finiteness has on our human bodies

He shares about three areas in his life that allow him to feel most at peace when they are in balance, and why he doesn’t look forward to things as much but appreciates what’s happening in the moment and how that has brought him more joy 

Jose is one that I learned a lot from in my time with him, things like remembering to not overthink the future, that being present and there for others is sometimes silent, and that sometimes the things we are most proud of is simply knowing we are capable of more 

So tune in today and meet my friend Jose, a man you should get to know

And to you Jose thank you, thank you for going out of your way to share your country with me, for helping me as you would a close friend before you knew me, for sharing time with me, and for the chance to get to know you, I’ve left Bolivia a better person for knowing you my friend @storytellernomad

Do you ever wonder what makes you who you are, what attributes others see in you that define who you are to them?

What if you could change that?

Today I want to introduce you to Brandon, Brandon is one that is not afraid to say yes and see where life leads, he is one that pours everything he has into whatever he does, and one that is not afraid to change who he was to become who he wants to be

He shares how his friendships and ability to have deep conversations led him to chase a dream, how those same conversations allowed him to value who he was and worry less of what others thought, and how times of struggle have made him a better and more creative person 

We talk about what it means to “create” art, who its created for and why it can be encouraging to create for those outside of our community

He shares why part of this trip was scary for him but also why so much of it, stress and all was worth it

We chat some of our major “L’s”  during our time in Bolivia, how connection and collaboration are a big part of success and growth as a creative, and the joy that comes from bringing something to life

Brandon is one that takes his time in a way I’ve appreciated, one that doesn’t rush into letting outside circumstances impact immediate action, one that values having a plan, but also one that is admirably able to throw the plan out the window and chase a dream 

So tune in today and meet Brandon, one that will challenge you, remind you to find joy in who you are becoming, and one that will inspire you by the art he continues to create 

And to you Brandon thank you, thank you for going on this wild last minute ride to the end of the world with me, thank you for reminding me to trust in who I am, for dreaming with me, for putting up with all the stress and helping me bring a dream of mine to life. It is an honor to call you friend and I can’t wait to see what adventures are ahead, this world is a better place with you in it and I am a better person for knowing you @Brandonroyce

What do you do when there’s a pause in conversation?

Do you wait or fill the silence?

Today I want to introduce you to Gilmar, Gilmar is one that is known by others as one of the nicest people they’ve met, and it’s something I can verify

As someone who loves connecting with others myself I’m really grateful for this conversation and the ways Gilmar shares his perspective on communication

He shares how he has begun to allow himself to let silence happen; weather it’s himself taking a moment to think of what he wants to say or allowing another the space to do the same

We talk about the strengths, balances, and the parts of us our partners bring to the surface

He shares why he looks up to his dad and the lessons he’s been taught about hard work, the pride in being able to start his own business, and why he likes to look forward to things in stages

Gilmar is one who speaks and listens with sincerity, one that is not afraid to pursue his dreams, and one that finds purpose helping others

So tune in today and meet Gilmar a friend from the towne

And to you Gilmar thank you, thank you for sharing perspectives that have given me a new way to pursue connection, for the effort you so quickly give to support your friends, and for the chance to share a part of your fun and kind soul with others

follow Gilmar HERE and check out his clothing brand HERE 

There is an unspoken lesson I learned from Stanley; but one I want to share with you all

His gentle demeanor 

His natural inclination to smile at and share what he has with a stranger 

His reserved nature and the reminder that what is yours, that your story, it remains with you on your terms

That sharing it with another is a deep form of trust and that everyone doesn’t deserve that trust

My first time meeting Stanley reminded me of that feeling when you are in a place your feel a bit, out of place, like everyone around you is in a world you maybe just don’t fit into, and then you look up and find that someone else shares that same feeling

That feeling that one stranger choosing to see you and in a simple act of sharing a smile can communicate a thousand words, a thousand feelings, and one invaluable human gift… the chance to be seen and understood 

So often we go through life in our own space, in our own world, looking up from time to time to be sure we are still on the right path, but I’ve found so much more in remembering that our world is shared

That it’s more important to fix our gaze and attention around us, that once in a while taking time to look down, reflect, and process is ok, but that we miss so much more when we fix our eyes on ourselves, or our phones

I shared a brief moment with a stranger, which turned to a conversation, which allowed me to know a bit of what has made him who he is, which led to me sharing the tiniest bit of who he is with you…

All because of a smile, a muffin that gave an excuse for conversation, and a gaze that wanted to see the world we share

So that lesson; look up, smile, don’t be afraid to connect with another over a simple moment in life, such moments are never a waste of time

So tune in today and meet Stanley, a man the values showing up for others because we can, a man with many dreams yet to be realized, and a man that believes in not giving advice but one that wants us to remember to think about whatever it is we need to do or become

And to you Stanley thank you, thank you for being one that looks at those around him, that gives a smile quickly, that doesn’t fear letting someone else know him, and for sharing time in a coffee shop with me

What do others feel when they spend time with you?

Have you ever met someone and felt accepted, welcomed, and wanted? 

Today I want to introduce you to John, a man that effortlessly and effectively makes others feel welcome, his genuine smile, and joy for life are things he shares so quickly and so tangibly with anyone around him

He shares with me how life as a professional free diver has allowed him to connect with and learn from others, how home is so much more than a location but is anywhere he is present with his family; both blood and those in his community 

He shares about a terrifying time being kidnapped in his early 20’s, the feeling of having his life in the hands of evil men, but how that experience changed the way he looks at life and opportunity for the better

We talk about the importance of loyalty, trust, and how the act of breathing is something we can each re learn how to embrace

John is one that can change the mood of a room for the better, soften a hard or difficult moment with sincerity, and remind us all what effort and dedication to what we love can lead to

So tune in today and meet John, a man who warmly spreads knowledge with humility, believes in the value of experiencing life and learning, and one I have witnessed be a tangible source of kindness to those around him

And to you John thank you, thank you for the warmth you share with others, for the way you and your wife always made me feel at home with you, for your joy that you so humbly share, and for the chance to train alongside you; you are a kind a warm soul and I am better for knowing you my friend @johnmochi

What if you couldn’t breathe?

Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? You know that feeling of gasping for air, but nothing comes?

Today I want to introduce you to Sahika, someone who has found the absence of breathe to be her scariest and most peaceful moments

We talk about how what has happened in her home is so heavy in her heart, why she knows there is meaning in where we each come from, and why what she does in competition for her country is more than just for her

She shares why the ocean saved her life and  how getting to be a U.N. ambassador for ocean conservation allows her to help protect something that gave her so much

We talk about what it’s like breaking world records as a diver but she also shares how failing a record attempt taught her so much more than succeeding ever could

Sahika is one that is passionate and  dedicated to whatever she does, and one that hopes her life inspires others to never give up on their own dreams

So tune in today and meet this sweet friend of mine and learn why her life started the moment she held her breath

And to you Sahika thank you, thank you for sharing so much if your heart, your time, and your knowledge with me. Thank you for the fun late night laughs, the joy and energy you always bring with you, you are a passionate, empathetic, and thoughtful soul, and I am so grateful to know you 🤍 @sahikaercumen

Today I want to talk to you about current events and humanity 

On February 6th a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck turkey and Syria with over 2 thousand subsequent tremors occurring in the next days and weeks, tremors reaching 6.4 and 5.8 re devastating and leveling cities along the Turkish and Syrian border 

The Cities of Hatay, shanli-urfa, gaziantep, ossmaneya, adiyaman, and Aleppo have been completely destroyed

And the following quakes leveling the province of Hatay less than a couple weeks after the initial shock 

To date over 47,000 people have died between Turkey and Syria with over 43 thousand in Turkey alone 

Leaving countries, cities, and homes in ruins

And to this I would ask you to tune in and allow me to share why this matters to all of us, what we can do, and what our actions say about our part in humanity

There are two ways you can help, first there is an urgent need for tents that are acting as homes for families right now, $530 USD will provide a tent for a family; a home for them as theirs has been destroyed by the damage from the earthquakes. If you are able to give anything towards these efforts all donations will be sent directly to Hatay. For this you can send your donation to my Venmo link HERE just mark it for Turkey support.

If you prefer to donate to the efforts at large you can find a link HERE if you are able to give anything towards the rescue and rebuilding efforts as so many take a step forward after such a devastating loss.