So the brand new show Euphoria starring Zendaya just premiered on HBO and there is a ton that we can talk about when it comes to mental health as well as addiction. What is up everybody? This is Chris from the Rewired Soul where we talk about the problem but focus on the solution. And if you're new to my channel what I like to do is take a look at what's going on in movies, TV shows, pop culture, the YouTube community and try to see what lessons we can learn from them. But I'm also extremely passionate about mental health as well as addiction recovery. So if you're into any of that stuff make sure you subscribe and ring that notification bell. And if you didn't get the memo make sure you're following me over on Instagram and Twitter at the Rewired Soul because my brand new book Rewire Your Anxiety is coming out very very soon and I'm giving away a bunch of free copies. So follow me over on Instagram at the Rewired Soul and on Twitter. Alright so let's talk about Euphoria. So whenever a show comes out that's depicting mental illness or addiction I'm always looking to it to be like okay how accurate is this alright? Is this stigmatizing mental illness, is this stigmatizing addiction or is it fairly accurate right? Because one thing that a lot of people are looking for is like things that they can relate to. So this show Euphoria with Zendaya has been extremely hyped alright? Maybe it's just hyped at me because my beautiful girlfriend Tristan and I we watch a lot of HBO and we keep seeing the previews for it. But yeah like for right now like episode one has premiered and I highly highly highly recommend it. Check it out alright? But there's a few things that were accurate some things that weren't so accurate. So there will be some spoilers if you haven't watched episode one yet. So if you want go check that out come back to this video. So I might do more videos in the future like maybe following the first season. This kind of reminds me of 13 reasons why so there is an opportunity to do different character breakdowns. So if that's something that you'd like me to do like let me know down in the comments below. But anyways I want to focus on Zendaya's character whose name is Rue alright and I might use Rue and Zendaya interchangeably throughout this video. So anyways she is the main character of the show Euphoria and basically the way the show starts out is that she was experiencing symptoms of OCD as well as anxiety as a child. She talks a lot about panic attacks and things like that. So one of the things is that when she's getting first diagnosed like they're throwing like a million diagnoses at her. Okay so like I was just talking to Tristan about I'm like okay so what was her exact diagnosis alright. So it seems like the two primary ones are obsessive compulsive disorder as well as some kind of anxiety disorder but OCD there's a lot of you know anxiety symptoms that go along with it as well. But the doctor is like they're saying oh it might be bipolar it might be this and da da da da and they like medicate the hell out of this young girl. And this is something that is quite common right like when a child starts acting just kind of different or weird or whatever it is sometimes and there's a huge issue we have in the United States we over medicate the hell out of them and sometimes the diagnosis isn't even correct at that age. So typically like you need to follow a case as a child gets older to see what the actual symptoms are. But anyways the over medication is like a main theme that kind of it kind of turns into why she ends up becoming addicted and things like that. So what we see later on is Rue played by Zendaya ends up stop taking her medications alright. And this is something that a lot of people do. And I actually have a whole chapter on medications and rewire your anxiety and here's the thing like it is important to talk to your doctor and everything like that and try to a minimize your medications if at all possible but be like sometimes certain medications we just have bad reactions to and they might make you feel numb they might make you feel like a zombie they they might do all sorts of things like there's all sorts of side effects of these medications can have but rather than like just not taking them like make sure you're talking to your doctor now if you're a teenager watching this and I would love to know from you in the comments below like what demographic is actually watching this show so if you're watching the show and you're cool with it let me know how old you are down in the comments because this is like a show about teenagers but there's a lot of adult content in it but anyways if you're a teenager don't do this keep taking your medications because what ends up happening is Rue ends up stop taking your medications but she's still having her symptoms alright her symptoms of OCD and anxiety panic attacks and everything like that that's what she finds drugs okay and this is very very very common okay self-medicating mental illness the two leading causes of addiction are untreated or undiagnosed mental illness and those of you who are just now meeting me hi I'm Chris I'm a drug addict and alcoholic and pretty soon I'm celebrating seven years so we're actually in less than a week alright and this like I can really relate to this show because around high school that's when my symptoms of anxiety and depression really started to hit hard and that's when I started to self-medicate with alcohol because it's it's the only thing that kind of quieted my mind so unlike the character Rue from this show like I didn't have like a doctor or anything like that prescribed me any medication so the only quote-unquote medication I found were substances so anyways Rue ends up we find out that she overdosed and her sister finds her like that was a pretty powerful scene when they kind of like remembered that because it's it's really common like when we're in our act of addiction we're not thinking about how it's affecting everybody else you know so after Rue overdoses she ends up going to rehab and and yeah so as soon as she gets out this is something that I saw quite a few times not only while I was working at a drug and alcohol rehab but I've also seen it in my addiction recovery so when Rue gets out like she's talking well she's narrating the show and she's talking about how she has no plans of staying sober and like I can relate to that because when I first got sober like I was forced into it like many people are and I had no plans on staying sober no plans I was just gonna I was gonna stay clean for a little while kind of let the heat die down you know that was gonna go back to what I was doing you know what I mean and thank God like I learned that I didn't have to live that way anymore and that life could be better without substances but in the show it doesn't look like Rue figured that out because as soon as she got out she was seeking drugs again so one thing I want to talk about is there's a scene where like she's like joking around like with one of her dealers or something like that she's like oh I went to rehab and you know I took my will of my life over to Jesus Christ my lord and savior and everything so what Zendaya is referring to in that scene is the third step in 12-step programs and that's not what it is okay something that I have to teach a lot of people like when I was working in the treatment center and people who are newly sober is 12-step programs are spiritual not religious if you're not down with religion don't worry all right is about finding spirituality and there are plenty of people a great book by the way is waking up by Sam Harris and it's about finding spirituality even if you're an atheist so like I just want to touch on that because there's a lot of shows out there that don't depict 12-step programs in the right light so I just want to jump in there and clear some things up real quick all right but anyways not long after that there's a scene where Rue and her mother get into a fight right after she gets home after she got high and everything like that and her mom wants to randomly drug test her so by the way if you're a parent watching this randomly drug test your kids if you're suspicious of it okay like a lot of parents like well well I want them to know that I like trust them and everything like that like listen most teenagers already think their parents don't trust them okay so if you're suspicious feel free to drug test them and it's a great deterrent too because when teens are out partying or with their friends and they offer them drugs or whatever your teen has a good out to not use drugs because they're like oh sorry my parents drug test me randomly you know what I mean that way it's like they're not like looking like a little punk you know what I'm saying but anyways like Rue is very upset about her mom like not trusting her so two things here one of them is this is very very common with addict behavior all right addicts when we know we're guilty we get overly defensive okay I can't believe I can't believe you would even ask me that and like you see with Rue she was high and she ends up going get her friends P but anyways this is something I always teach people new in recovery as well like a lot of people they just get clean they just get sober and they're wondering why nobody trusts them right and like let's use Zendaya or Rue if you will as an example like before she went to treatment her little sister found her overdose right covered involvement okay and then she gets all defensive later on about why don't you trust me something that I had to learn because it's something I got very defensive about as well was like I gave people reasons not to trust me and it was going to take a while to earn that trust back one of the things that I thought was pretty funny I'm like by the way like if you're wondering if you're a drug addict like this scene like will teach you if you're a drug addict and it's this when when Rue was sitting outside with her dealer and her dealer is like oh you know like it seems like you're using a lot and you know what's going on with you or whatever and like that's something like that kind of like hit me after I got sober when I was looking back at it like when you're a drug addict and your drug addict friends are saying that you have a problem like there might be an issue right like if you're hanging out with a bunch of people who do drugs or even if they drink and they're noticing that you do a lot more than them like there's an issue and there's something that I dealt with like when I got into cocaine and we would go to bars and like go you know sport some lines in the bathroom or whatever like I was always doing way more than everybody else you know and people like Chris you kind of do a lot of drugs all right so if you're drug addict friends think that you have a problem you might have a problem and the last scene I want to talk about is is right there it's in that same scene where she's talking to her drug addict buddy who's a dealer as well and she talks about her first panic attack and she thought thought that she was dying and her parents took her to the hospital and they gave her liquid value and like the way she describes that like when I share my story about the first time I got drunk like like this is what happens to so many of us all right especially if addiction runs in our family like sometimes we are hooked from the get-go so she talks about how they gave her liquid value and everything just got quiet and she was like ah like this sense of relief and that's what she was looking for and like that's when we know we're hooked right because that's what happened to me the first time I got drunk like I had this noisy brain for most of my life and the first time I got drunk I found this relief right I found this relief through alcohol which later turned into drugs and my whole life just turned into this this whole you know trying to quiet my brain and everything but the problem with self-medicating with substances is the substances start becoming the primary source of all of your problems all right so now that I've been sober for almost seven years like I still have a noisy brain I still have my generalized anxiety disorder but I can no longer turn to mind-altering substances to quiet that down which is one of the reasons why I'm writing the book rewire your anxiety because I've had to develop a ton of different coping skills on how to manage my anxiety without turning to substances all right and like this is this is huge because even even though i'm on an anti-anxiety medication it only does so much so I had to learn other ways to manage my anxiety all right but anyways anyways euphoria right now two thumbs up go check it out if you've watched the first episode let me know your thoughts about it down in the comments below okay and like I said if you're into this show if you want me to do more episode breakdowns or like character breakdowns like just let me know down in the comments below like I'm here for you baby all right so anyways that's all I got for this video if you like this video please give it a thumbs up if you're new make sure you subscribe and ring that notification bell because I make a ton of videos and a huge huge thank you to everybody supporting the channel over on Patreon you are all amazing and if you would like to become a patron and a one of the tiers you get all of my books for free and future books so become a patron click or tap right there all right thanks again so so much for watching I'll see you next time


and Jeff, welcome to TFNN. Thank you for having me. Absolutely. So tell us, why should we vote for you? Well, there's so much going on in the city right now. And like you said a minute ago, I was on city council before. At that time, we were rewriting the land codes that paved the way for the development we're seeing today. Yes. So the fact that it's here now, having someone with experience to manage it, get the best out of it that we can, not lose the character of our city, just be a part of it is just a good idea. And what do you think, Jeff, are the biggest challenges for all of us in St. Pete right now? What I hear the most, people concerned about the cost of housing, rents are going up dramatically, not wanting to push out our kids and hospitality workers and people that just want to stay here. And it's becoming more challenging every day. And there's never, you've been around long enough, I've been around long enough, the people listening to you have been around long enough. It seems like this is a problem everywhere in the whole country. We've been here in about 50 years and trust me, I agree with it. And it always seems like, OK, so what is some of the solutions for that? Well, I think part of it is we have opportunities. And again, where my experience comes in, with zoning, there's places we can change the zoning to encourage development that will be affordable. We've certainly got plenty of underutilized retail corridors now that used to be filled with Kmartz and Sears and strip malls that have the opportunity to be apartments and mixed use developments. So it's not like St. Peter's Park is built out and there's no place to go. Yeah, now this is so cool what you're saying, because what happens, folks, down here is that we have Fort Street that's getting built out. We've got Central, but it's just as Jeff said, there's no doubt that there's plenty of other places that aren't even close to being built out because there's so much bread that has been in the downtown corridor. Let me ask you this, the violence aspect in St. Pete, what can we do about that? Because it's pretty intense. I was basically interviewing Driscoll yesterday, Gina Driscoll. And as there's interview, unfortunately, another young kid 16 years old gets killed because he's basically has an air rifle up, shooting, well, amen at a cop. So talk to me about what can be done here. Yeah, this is a national trend. Violent crime is up 30%. It is. Quite a bit of it is just, I think, COVID related. People have been stuck in their houses. They've been without jobs. They're stressed out. So we're going to have to deal with it in a lot. There's certainly no one silver bullet that's going to fix it. I think we've got a good police chief. We've got a good network of community leaders that will help us make those decisions as to which direction to go with. I'm a big proponent of community policing. I think getting police in the neighborhoods as part of the neighborhood structure so they know what's going on on a first name basis with everyone is a big help.  Because, you know, I remember when I was a kid, the bottom line is that, you know, from 14 to 19, things are very violent. It was the most violent age then. And then the demographic went down. And, you know, I remember reading all these articles that, oh, everyone's doing a great job. But my take is that when you have more kids, there's more violence, man. And we, demographically, we definitely have more kids now. And, you know, so it's like, that's part of it. There's no doubt. Frustration's another part of it. Let's talk a little bit about preschool, like programs, OK? Because it would seem that, you know, if you can get someone young, well, maybe they'll have a shot to do better things. Yeah, again, and I think that goes, again, back to the community policing. Teaching kids at a young age. And I witnessed this. I live in historic Kenwood, which is a popular stable neighborhood. It wasn't the case 30 years ago. And witnessed firsthand kids that, you know, when the police officer come up to my house, because I was involved with the Neighbor Association to drop off something for the newsletter, half of them would run and hide. Teaching them and watching them come around to see that this isn't a bad guy. If you stick around, you can check out the inside of this car, play with the lights, get a sticker badge. They learn that a young age isn't a bad guy. He's here to help you. He's on your side. It's a good way to start your early years out. Yeah, there's no doubt about that. And it's a shame that even across the country, that community policing hasn't been kept up. That's what it seems like.  We had it. This drive is crazy, man, kicking us off every corner. But the bottom line is that it did make a difference. There's no doubt about that. Where are you with the rays, the rays field?  Having 85 acres in the heart of a popular downtown to redevelop is just an opportunity that's amazing. And I don't think most people have realized just how big that opportunity is. It's actually 12 or 13 projects wrapped into one. Yes. The razor definitely can be a component of it. I like the idea of a mixed-use stadium. We don't need two stadiums, nine blocks away from each other in downtown St. Pete. It would free up some waterfront land if the rowdies moved in with the rays. But the hospital district expanding, USF expanding. Again, there's nothing in the country anywhere near 85 acres that's on the horizon for any city right now. No, there absolutely isn't. Listen, folks, you can go to Jeff Daner. That's d-a-n-n-e-r-i-dot-com. Check out Jeff. Jeff, I wish you luck. Look forward to having you on again. All right, thank you very much. Thanks so much. Have a great one. Have a safe one. Thank you. Stay right there, folks. We'll come right back.


Since State Tech Hawaii, community matters here. Aloha and bienvenue to Hispanic Hawaii and Rachel Concepcion. Today's guest is Manuel Baez. He retired from the military, from the army as a war officer, after 20 years of service. Now he's a professional actor who works in many films here in Hawaii. He is an inspiration and he's here to share with us his personal experience. He transitioned from the military to civilian and his future plans. Bienvenido, gracias por estar aquí con nosotros. Gracias, un placer estar aquí. Alright. First of all, I want to say thank you for your service. As we have already served in the same unit and actually deployed into Iraq, I can honestly say this is an honor to be here. I'm just so grateful for everything that you're doing for local actors. I think that it is important that we take the lead in wanting to do things that are positive and let people know that the military is not the end. That there's still more that we can do and we can promote just community. And in this case, acting. I say nothing. Alright. So let's talk about you being in the military.  Tell me about your military experience and how was that transition from the military to civilian? Well, to be quite honest, I went into the military with the intent of only doing three years as an infantryman and went to basic training and it was just too easy for me. That's good. Well, I can see why, right? You're in good shape. So definitely there was a foundation in the background, right? I got to thank my father for his strict upbringing, you know, being from the Dominican Republic. We tend to be a little bit more stringent in the way we're supposed to conduct ourselves. And it's just one of those things. So upon going into basic training, things were pretty simple. And as time went by, I was like, you know what, this is actually pretty easy. I think I can go ahead and re-enlist and so forth. Now, once I started going to Iraq, that's when things got a little real. So I went twice as an infantryman and earned the covered in combat infantry badge. And I figured, you know what, it's time for me to change over and do something greater, I suppose. But really, it was because I wanted to keep my mom calm.  And we come from a very strong and honor spiritual believing background. And we believe that with faith, everything is always possible and safety being one of those. Of course. But do you still miss the military? You know, when I look back at those days, there are some things I miss or some things. I'm not going to say that I miss it completely. I feel that at the point that I chose to retire, because I had a choice. I could have continued going or just stayed in. But I think God had called me that it was time for me to exit out. And you know what, it was awesome. After I became an officer, I went three more times to Iraq. Yeah, I remember we were together. And we were together in a couple of those. So, you know, I think it was definitely time to start a new endeavor. And I tell you that, that in itself, we try to plan things and control how we want to, and what we want to do when we exit out. And, you know, sometimes it doesn't work out that way. And upon retiring, you know, they had the sequestration. So for like eight months, I believe. I do remember that. Oh. So for like eight months, yes, it was kind of tough because I'm like, okay, I love living in Hawaii, but how am I going to make this? Very responsive, yeah. And again, you know, I had to humble myself and talk to God and ask Him, hey, so what do I do right now? And I believe that, you know, things really do happen for a reason. Because I was working out at the 24-hour fitness in Pearl City here. And some of the people that knew me from then, they were like, hey, so we see that you're getting ready to exit from the military and we need a presence like yours here.  And when it ended up happening, I became a personal trainer within less than two years. I became a master trainer. So you see, even though it's a new career path, I'm still exhaling, still trying to do the best I can because that was the motto when you and I went in the military. Yeah, never, never ended. You're always progressing, you're always moving. You're progressing. You have to be the best you can be, right? True. Be all you can be. Be all you can be. Exactly. That was the motto. Be all you can be. So what is your advice to those who's getting ready to retire from the military? My advice is that don't stop believing. Don't stop believing. Whatever dreams you've had, anything that you felt at a younger age, even before you went into the military, don't forget those dreams because those dreams are still significant for what's to come. It's still a possibility. For me, my dreams, I wanted to be an action star.  I'm like, wow, you know, I can do that. Little that I know that as time went by, look what I did in the military. So, you know, you start thinking, well, maybe I was just going to do this for real. And not just the movies, but things took a different twist. Meeting good people in the gym, they actually, and in fact, I'll go ahead and give her credit. Her name is Minnie Kwan. She's no longer on Island, but thanks to her and actually asking me, how do you feel about doing stunts? That's how I started. So we went and did some stunts with a local stunt team, the Ninja Monkeys. All right, guys? The Ninja Monkeys. Yeah, I heard that maybe before. So we went over there and, you know, they like what I had to bring to the table and they indoctrinated me into the team. So eventually one day they were like, hey, you know, we are getting ready to film this movie. Would you like to be a part of it? And I'm like, sure, why not? That's my dream. Here's the start, right? I'm like, what do I got to lose, right? Who knows? I like to, another, you know what? Another advice, it's okay to take risks as long as it's not a risk where you're endangering yourself, but to take a risk for a career path. Who knows? I mean, to me, I felt like acting could be an hobby because I really loved what I was doing. There was a passion igniting there. So to be invited to be a part of a production, I'm like, whoa, I'm living my dream now. So the same day that we went to shoot, and I was just playing an extra, I was playing this bodyguard to a boss. You know, I'm just kind of sort of in the back, but it was still fun, you know, even though not so much, but still it was fun. Yeah, I remember those days of being an extra. A lot of work, but it's fun. It's still fun. Well, you can see we're showing right here about Hawaii file. I know you're telling me this story, but now that we have this picture right here about Hawaii file.  Tell me about it. Richard, let me tell you that was definitely like the climatic point in my career because never did I thought I would be on national TV, international at that. That's true. And now webbed, you know, now everybody gets to see this. And it was a surreal experience. I am so grateful for the the Ohana casting who took the opportunity to select me and be part of, you know, their production. And to be honest, I just went over there for an audition. I submitted some paperwork and see that's the other thing too. You got to be motivated to push the limits because when I heard that they were recruiting people extras, I was like, I really don't want to do extras. I kind of sort of just did this role in Popolo, by the way. Of course. So, you know, I play this starting role and I'm like, do I really want to do extra? But then I had to realize, you know what? I got a diverse of five regardless. So I saw the email and I said, you know what?  So I sent them my real, sent them my resume and pictures, of course. And they called me in within like two days, went over there, spoke to the casting directors and they were like, yep, can you come in? So went over there, spoke to them, did my lines and about three days later I get the phone call and they were like, we're sorry to tell you, but you didn't get the role that you auditioned for. And I was like, oh, okay. However, there was no but. However. You would say, however. Yes. Something's coming. Something's coming.  However, we're going to give you the lead role of the villain. I was like. Wow. What was the feeling? What was the feeling at that time when, however, and then that came to you?  You said yes? Oh, immediately? Of course.  Of course. I was just like, yes. I want that right now. And they were like, okay, go then. We start tomorrow. I'm like, okay, no problem. I'll be there. Tell me about the main characters. When you first started to show up, you know, getting ready for the roles, you know, how they receive you? Well, you know, I think in this case, at least for Hawaii 5-0, you know, I play the role of this, you know, we got to play the role. We played the role, yeah. It's not hurting anybody, I believe, but I played the role of Hector Frontera, and he was this drug dealer, you know, creating a channel for, you know, between Central America and Hawaii.  And pretty much when you watch this episode, and by the way, season 7, episode 3. Don't miss it. You know, don't miss it, right? But when you watch this episode, you understand what's happening. Although I didn't get to have a speaking role, when I spoke to the directors, what they were saying was, you know what? It's actually more difficult to divert information when you're not speaking, but we believe that with your mannerisms, your body language, you'll be able to process very well what we need you to do.  I think I've seen many, you know, I've seen some star faces. We've seen a lot of those movies already. I've seen plenty of movies like that, so I'm like, I think I can play that. Okay.  So it worked out, it worked out. That's good for you. That's a great inspiration. Yes. But I want to ask you, how do you prepare for the role? So in preparation for the role, I like to, depending on what it is, of course, I mean, if I'm going to have some speaking parts and naturally, I like to rehearse those and go over and over again. And one of the things that I learned to do was to write it out, write it out so that way it'll become more naturally fluid. The other thing is, I remember one of the things that, one of the main actors for Popolo had told me, and that's Quante Love, he has said, you know, Manny, for you, all you have to do is be you. And I believe that when you receive a niche and how can you promote or speak a word or perform an action, you have to be able to reach down and recognize that you can do this. And I think that for me, that's what did it. It was knowing the fact that by me being who I am and understanding the different parameters of communication, I could do the part. So I'm not going to say that it was simple, simple preparation, but I think just being aware of the roles that you're playing and just being diversified, you know, being able to, movies, watching movies, watching soap operas, commercials, all these things play a role in how you conduct yourself whenever you're trying to catch on to that character. That is true. You accomplished so much and that's why we have you here because you're an inspiration. But we are going to take a quick break and we're going to combine, continue talking story with Manuel Baez, a professional actor here in Hawaii. We'll be right back. Hello, everyone. I'm DeSoto Brown, the co-host of Human Humane Architecture, which is seen on Think Tech, Hawaii every other Tuesday at 4 p.m. And with the show's host, Martin Desbang, join us, architecture here in Hawaiian Islands and how it not only affects the way we live, but other aspects of our life, not only here in Hawaii, but internationally as well. So join us for Human Humane Architecture every other Tuesday at 4 p.m. on Think Tech, Hawaii. Welcome back to This is Fatty Hawaii and here with Manuel Baez, a professional actor. We're talking story about Hawaii file. Got that right. All right. Thank you so much for what you do. And I want to ask you, so you were telling me about how you memorized the role. Did you ever forget your lines when you performed it? Well, I mean, I think there is definitely a bitter reality in that. There's been some moments, you know, forget the lines and it's like, ah, line. And it's like you got to recap again, you know, but I think that my advice is remain calm. Okay. Because the moment you get too excited about that and it's like, oh, I can't believe I just forget. You know, don't panic. It's more of a line. And once you get the line, then recollect yourself and say it out loud. So I think staying calm is always important. You know, that's what we did in the military, you know, under stress. That's a great advice. Whatever happens, stay calm. Remember the whole tactical patience thing. It's like, oh, okay. So, yeah, I would say that that's one of the things that I apply in all and everything. So do you apply the same principle when you do stunts and tell me about what training you do as a stuntman?  I think stunts is kind of a simple task. Well, I don't want to put it too simple. Well, a lot of people have to take classes to learn, right? You know, classes, and the thing is just go for it. That's the thing. The minute you hesitate in doing a particular action, if you don't understand, like, for instance, how to fall, that's a big one. How to roll. Big ones. I mean, you'd be surprised how many people don't know how to tumble. Oh, wow. So those are things that you want to make sure you understand because in any action film or even just drama film, you know, you might have to break a fall. So you might need to practice those things. You don't want to catch a fall with your hand, break a wrist, break an elbow and arm, and I believe the more you practice, the better you get at it. So just if you can find a place where you can learn stunts, definitely take advantage of learning as much as you can because it can be useful, helpful. And even, you know, just techniques on how to fight, what to do when you're on camera, how you're supposed to throw a punch.  You can sell a punch, you know, but do you really want to throw a real punch, right?  So, for me, I think that's huge. It's all natural. It's all natural, yes. I'll stay away from you then, right? Well, you can be my bodyguard, hopefully, right? Well, you know, if I have to, yes. I'm qualified, I believe. Let's talk about the marketing point of view, right? I said after Hawaii and Latino, how difficult to be able to find a job. You know, I think just like anything else in life and when it comes to jobs, it does have its challenges and sometimes it's just being at the right place in the right time and boom, it's like you connect, right? And you start your network. I think it's important that as... up-and-coming actors, we remain as humble as possible. And what I mean by that is, you know, we can't be demanding so much when we haven't even started crafting what we want to become one day. So I think we had to just make sure that no matter what set, no matter what production, you always keep yourself humble because there's always more to learn. And I think that that's one of the most important features that as an actor we need to have. We have to be able to comprehend what needs to be learned and how we need to behave when we start looking at the marketing, I guess, strategy, it can be challenging.  It can be very challenging. Because I've been acting out for almost four years. I've been on six productions and I think that's pretty good. Well, tell me more about those productions. I want to know. Keep it a secret. Tell me. I want to know those productions. So, you know, it's been nice and like I said, what I've learned about each one of those is the fact that being at the right place at the right time and being able to communicate and just being good people, it's almost like the golden rule, you know? Treat others as you would want to be treated. And I think that that's been a great help. I thank God that I learned that kind of early in my life. But let's go back to that question. I want you to tell me some of your production. Tell me some of those productions. So, yes. So, my first production, main one was Popolo, and that was a feature film, independent film, and that was with director Eder Natacha and Quante Love.  And it was surreal. It was surreal. I never thought I'd be in a feature film off the bat from playing a quick extra film, you know? And by the way, that extra film for that short was Battle of the Minions 3. Still in post-production. However, moved on from there. You see, it's a stepping stone. It's a process. It's definitely a process. It's not like you want to make a movie today and it's going to be out tomorrow. Exactly. It is a major process. So again, it comes back to that patience and it comes to that point of being a humble person and just go with the flow. You said earlier, sometimes you just got to go with the flow. So that's what ended up happening. So from Popolo, I went to another short film and web series. So one of them, the web series is Paradise Justice. That was actually pretty cool.  Thank you. Thank you for making me part of your production. He's been quite amazing. He's another entrepreneur who's producing web series, other films, and he's up and coming as well. See, there's a lot of talent here in Hawaii. And it's like, oh! You just got to put it together. Yes, yes. You got to put it together and we just have to do our best to be a part of that. Because see, that's the other part of it. How can you be a collaborator within the film industry, especially locally? I mean, it's already a challenge in itself. We're so far away from Hollywood and there's so many aspiring directors, producers, actors, crews. We have to think about how can we collaborate together? How can we make that happen? Hollywood comes over here, uses what they can find, and it's like, all right, so... I'm still here. Yeah, then leave while we stay here. Don't leave me, you know I want to be part of this. But, so let's see. So it was Paradise Justice, then another short film, Ninja EX. That is a horror film with a little bit of action, martial arts, and that was actually pretty cool too. Oh yes. It's one that you was working as a pirate. So tell me about that. Don't leave the one out. I won, I won, I promise I won. So then, yes, I was a pirate and the name of this film, still in post-production, it's Foo Island and it's also by Sean.  He is making it happen. I played the role of Santiago de la Marca. I actually came up with that name. What a name. Perfect for you. Yes, so Santiago de la Marca, you know, I thought about being this Spaniard pirate, you know, and in this island, we have different factions, different pirates from different locations and they're all fighting to find this treasure where it is the fountain of youth. But what keeps happening in this island is, every day they relive everything that happens in just a different way because what happened is, all these pirates came to this island and now they can't get out. I can't wait to see that movie. Oh, I tell you. Well, you're working one more production right now. So right now, without telling the secret about this production, just tell me just a little bit about that. Okay, okay, so yes, working again with Mr. Ero Natasha and Quante Love and this one is called Devata and I think this is going to be very epic. It's going to be a series of films, so there's going to be different parts and I think the cool thing about this is I play the role of a monk. I can see it. Well, you know, I guess, yeah. Well, that's being that, right? Yes. You'll be able to perpetrate anything and everything. That's right. So I'll be playing the role of a monk who has martial arts skill. I'm actually taking training right now for that to be fighting like a monk and I will tell you, the challenge there is act, I mean, to be a monk is you have to change a lot of your... Behaviors. Behaviors because it has to be a peaceful outpouring but at the same time it has to be a direct outpouring. Definitely your personality. Thank you. Yes, yes, yes. So that's, we should be starting some shooting here pretty soon. And just grateful to be part of another production. And then, you know, with the people who got me started into the whole industry, I just, I couldn't ask for more. It's truly a blessing. It's truly a blessing to be part of that. And then to portray such a character, I mean, I'm going to school right now getting my master's in Christian ministry. Not that I have a calling and becoming a pastor or anything. That's what I want to ask you. What is the future for you? So, you know, for me, I chose to go that route because after going through a whole military career and my goodness, five deployments, five times I rack, I'm like, okay, hold up a second. Not a praying. A lot of praying, right? So I'm like, yeah, I want to learn a little bit more about God and instead of just going to learn another skill set, you know, I want to learn about God who I feel is in control of our lives and setting us straight in what we need to do and how we need to follow and what our calling is and how we are to help one another.  You know, and why did you chose that route? Why did you go to school to be there? Are you going to be a pastor?  It's not that I want to become a pastor. It's just that I want to learn about God so that I can better intelligently be able to talk about God and understand the biblical principles that many people, you know, have different opinions about it. And I think it's important that as we continue to learn, you know, with the whole theology side and understanding faith, we give the respect to the people to see that. It's not about me introducing my belief into your life. It's not about that. It's about the love that he actually has for us and how we're supposed to work with one another. You know, nobody would believe me if I was to tell them, but, you know, when they see me, they're like, wow, I knew there was something different about you. That is true. That's impressive. Well, we have about a minute left. Okay. I would like to know what did you find a thousand recommendation and advice to the viewers? Well, I want to tell you something. I think that the best thing you can do is just be humble, be willing to learn, be aggressive in your learning, but be patient. At the same time, and I think this is huge, believe in your dreams. Because if you don't believe in your dreams, you know, you'll be in a state of trance, trying to figure out where is it that you want to go in life and what is it that you want to be?  Believe. You have to believe in something. That is true. Because there's no belief? What else is there? Well, I want to say thank you so much for sharing your personal experience, your recommendations. Yes. I want to say thank you so much for watching Hispanic Hawaii. And don't forget that you can re-watch this program at Think Tech Hawaii and many other programs. Gracias y hasta luego.


Ordo City has experienced a significant increase in net primary productivity, NPP, over the past two decades due to the expansion of its usable grassland area, as well as increases in annual mean precipitation and fixed asset investments. However, this growth has been accompanied by a rise in anthropogenic carbon emissions, population growth, and other factors which have contributed to a decrease in NPP. To mitigate these effects, planting and protecting green plants, as well as developing effective energy extraction strategies, can help to reduce carbon emissions and promote carbon sequestration in the region.


The United States, Britain and the European Union should act jointly to put more pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and his government. T. Kaskunaya made the comment during a visit to Warsaw and Poland ahead of a summit of the G7-rich countries in Britain next week, at which she hopes issues raised by the Belarusian opposition will be addressed. Belarus has shot up the international agenda since it forced down a Ryan Air flight over its airspace and arrested a dissident journalist last month. I have to say that pressure is more powerful when countries are acting jointly. And we are calling on this UK, the USA, the European Union, the Ukraine have to act jointly so their voice will be heard. I think that everybody is in danger now, but we have to move forward. More so in danger, since what happened with the plane with Roman? You know, I think that we started to pay more attention to security, but again, this is a strategy of regime to frighten people, to feel them uncomfortable, to reduce the war possibilities, you know, just… but people…