25 lessons for my birthday.

Just 25 observations I’ve collected through failure, growth, relationships, risk taking, leaving home, chasing goals, and trying to understand what it actually means to be human.

I explored the lessons I've learned about identity, purpose, success, failure, friendship, love, overthinking, ambition, and the trade-offs that come with building the life you want.

Topics covered:
• Why your environment matters, but your decisions matter more
• The hidden benefits of leaving your hometown
• Why people fear success more than failure
• Finding purpose through action
• The importance of hobbies, books, and creativity
• Love, friendship, and emotional vulnerability
• Why we suffer more in our minds than in reality
• The battle between certainty and uncertainty
• The cost of ambition and chasing your dreams

If you’re feeling stuck, questioning your direction, or simply trying to make sense of life, this video is for you.

What is social media really doing to our mental health? In this episode of After asking my Instagram audience if they wanted an episode here it is.

I talk about positive and negative effects of social media, how platforms are designed to affect attention and dopamine, the comparison culture it creates, and the difference between online perception vs real life reality. I also talk about practical ways to build a healthier relationship with social media and protect your mental health in social media world.

Topics covered in this episode:

The positive side of social media
The negative effects of social media on mental health
Dopamine, attention spans, and the science behind social media
Comparison culture and self-worth
The fake image social media can create
Social media vs reality
Ways to improve your relationship with social media
Mental health awareness in the digital age

If you enjoyed the episode make sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share your thoughts below. What has social media changed most about your life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Oscar Montes, also known as O.M. Photography on Instagram. We dive into his journey of starting out as a photographer with no clear roadmap, and how he eventually found his own style through trial, mistakes, and consistency.

Oscar opens up about the early struggles, the things he got wrong, and what he would do completely differently if he had to start from scratch today. We also get into the real conversations most creatives avoid. the business side of photography, building relationships, and what it actually takes to grow beyond just taking good photos.

Sony vs Canon debate, talk about modeling as a photographer, and how being in front of the camera can change the way you shoot behind it.

This is a raw, honest conversation about creativity, growth, and figuring things out as you go.

If you’re a photographer, content creator, or just someone trying to build something from nothing this one’s for you.

Adefemi Adelekan is a Marine Veteran and now a Multi engine rated commercial pilot. HE is currently a flight instructor in training.

In this episode we cover
-Different type of pilot licenses
-Requirements to become a commercial pilot
- Engine Failures & Emergencies
-Personal minimums for flying
-Conditions for flying
-Why a flight can be canceled or delayed
-Adefemi's plans after flight school and working for a few years

DISCLAIMER:
The Views and Opinions in this Episode do not represent that of the DOW/USMC. They belong to the guest and the host from personal experiences.

The sides you don't hear.

I had the privilege sit down with a former Marine Corps drill instructor who opens up about the side of the drill field most people never see the pressure, the culture, and the reality of it.

What happens when the ones meant to lead start breaking the very people they’re responsible for building?

We talk about:

The mental toll of being a drill instructor
Toxic leadership behind the scenes
Why he didn't create content during his tour
The identity shift after leaving the drill field
Creating comedy content
Living unapologetically
Prioritizing Health


If you want to hear and understand this episode is for you.

Some awesome mentions and shouts from Cristian that have helped him in different stages of his life.

Creator Shouts from Cristian

Carlos “El Top De Los Santos 💪🏽🇲🇽 🤙🏽🇺🇸: https://www.instagram.com/el.top.dls?igsh=MW8xNGhyeWVibGdxbA==

Anclrew0: https://www.instagram.com/anclrew0?igsh=cHl2dWl5bWdkazZ2

Mexusmar_Memes: https://www.instagram.com/mexusmar_memes?igsh=MWpnNXUzaXR4aWliZw==

Tony_can_do_it: https://www.instagram.com/tony_can_do_it?igsh=MTV6OW43ZWh6eHRrMw==

First Guest of Curious Notion. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jimmy a free spirit who truly understands how to live in the moment. Jimmy has serve for 10 years and earned his undergraduate from the University of Michigan, he also earned his Master Degree from Liberty University. But, what sets him apart isn't his resume but his presence.

In a world ruled by constant gratification, endless scrolling, and digital noise, Jimmy has the ability to disconnect from his phone and fully engage with life has it's happening. Living without your phone seems like a new skill to master, to what used to be a normal habit.

We explore how Jimmy lives so intentionally, what it means to be truly present, and how you can apply the mindset of living in the moment to your own life. We speak on the things you can never get back your words, your time, and your opportunities.

Also, cover living a life of action, living despite of what we didn't hope for and friendships.

If you've ever felt like life is passing by quick, this episode is for you.

Thanks for listening to Curious Notion.
If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with someone who needs it.

You can also find my writing on Substack TheMindDumpJournal, where I explore these ideas more deeply.

Feeling alone? You’re not alone.
Curiosity connects us.

This is the first episode of Curious Notion and it didn’t start perfectly.
It just started.

In this intro episode, I talk about overthinking, over preparing, and the fear that kept me stuck launching my podcast. From procrastinating on writing, to hesitating to launch this podcast, I share why the only real way forward is action not planning, not waiting, not perfection.

Welcome to Curious Notion.

Thanks for listening to Curious Notion.
If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with someone who needs it.

You can also find my writing on Substack TheMindDumpJournal, where I explore these ideas more deeply.

Feeling alone? You’re not alone.
Curiosity connects us.

Episode 2 is my friend Jones. He has lived in many different states, served for 8 years, and has experience many different aspects of life. In this episode, we discuss genuine friendships, getting older, realizing your parents were right, parenthood, being thankful for our problems, and the definition of luxury changes with time. A raw, thoughtful conversation about growth, perspective, and the things that matter most as life moves forward.

Thanks for listening to Curious Notion.
If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with someone who needs it.

You can also find my writing on Substack TheMindDumpJournal, where I explore these ideas more deeply.

Feeling alone? You’re not alone.
Curiosity connects us.