An open and honest conversation with two young and healthy 20 something year old men. Kristoff is my stepson and currently a semi-permanant fixture in the household. Taking some time away from the university life and experiencing a fulltime job with crazy schedules. Jake- one of Kristoff's best friends, is also living out the blue collar lifestyle. Taking it on the chin like the rest of us, when life dishes it out. We discuss what life is like in the current world of fast technology, social media, political controversy, and fading traditions. How faith has been a pivotal piece for each of us in our survival of mental health challenges. Jake and Kristoff (the 20 somethings) grew up together and both found refuge in the sport of baseball throughout their high school career. Which obviously was't that long ago. Although humor seems to be the initial hardware used in navigating such vulnerability, it isn't long before each of us begin to expose our deepest programming. From surviving our childhood to understanding the scope of fatherhood as we have experienced it. This discussion dives deep into our own personal experiences. Ultimately, it is an ivitation to all men to welcome their own vulnerability into the conversation and fearlessly lift one another up.

Retired Sheriff's deputy Matt Skidgel, has had many humbling experiences protecting communities in the bay area. Peacefully enjoying his retirement, these days Matt has been crafting a life with just as much color but armed with paint brushes and digital cameras. For the last few years, Matt has utilized his creativity to keep himself occupied and mentally sound as he is reminicent of the hardships in police work. We talk about his methodologies in his artistic expression and how he goes about selling and sharing his work. Matt is admittedly, an non-religious God believer and at some point in this interview we discuss how Faith, as he understands it, translates to his everyday life. The biggest common factor in our likeminded approach to faith just might be our appreciation for all the beauty in God's creation.

Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattskidgel?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Recently, as I scroll through TikTok I come across a rapper's profile that caught my attention. His name is Robert AKA "Castor Pollux". A true lyricist to the fullest degree. As someone who aspires to own the experience of performing a hip hop song on stage at somepoint, I am thoroughly intrigued. His appearance as a performer not exactly reflecting your standard Hip Hop representative, led me to believe he may have something to offer with his vocalized talent. HE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.

Specifically, I'm fed videos of him behind a desk in a office cubicle. Wearing a cheesy polo apparently, lipsyincing to his own recorded songs. His chin draped in this ZZ top like beard narrowly avoiding a dip in his cup of Joe. I love the contrasting nature of his style. Reminiscent of a popular Hip Hop duo in the 90's titled "The High and Mighty", the sound of his unique voice and catchy cadence hypnotize the little chubby Hip Hop fan that resides within. Naturally, we hit it off as we journey into the past where it is revealed that our substitution for lack of a digital landscape fulfilling our need for adventure becomes the streets and it's inhabitants surrounding our broken family homes. A sacrifice of safety for a taste of the poetic yet dangerous side of reality. What better way than to transform the trauma into poetry.

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