In this Side Salad, I challenge the reflex to reduce people to labels.

What if the “liberal,” the “illegal,” the “piece of…” or the stereotype you casually assign doesn’t tell the full story? What if the person you’ve minimized excels in ways you’ve never considered?

This episode asks a harder question:

What does it say about our character when we choose dehumanization over curiosity?

Sometimes labels protect our comfort. But dignity requires something deeper.

A short reflection on character, projection, and the discipline of seeing people as human.

In this special episode of The Salad Bowl Podcast, I’m sitting down with someone who isn’t just a guest — he’s one of my bestest friends, my brother in life, and someone I’ve been proud to know for nearly 20 years: Brandon Mitchell. This conversation hits different because Brandon and I don’t just talk… we reflect. We challenge. We laugh. We unpack what it really means to become a man, a leader, and a champion — in every sense of the word. Brandon shares his perspective on:

🏆 What it means to truly win in life

🔥 Becoming a champion without following the “straight line” path

🛤 Stepping off the beaten military track to chase his hoop dreams

🎖 Leaving the Marine Corps… and later returning as a commissioned officer

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Staying authentic as a father, husband, and leader in today’s world

This episode is about identity, evolution, purpose, and the courage it takes to bet on yourself — even when the world expects you to stay inside the mold. If you’ve ever felt called to something bigger… or wondered what it looks like to chase your dream while staying grounded in who you are — this one is for you. Welcome back to the Salad Bowl.

In a world full of influencers and misinformation and before you let someone’s words shake your confidence, your clarity, or your sense of self—pause.

In this Side Salad, we unpack a truth most of us learn the hard way:

position does not equal qualification.

From bosses and parents to leaders, pastors, friends, and celebrities, we’re often taught to trust the loudest voices in authoritative spaces. But what happens when confidence masks insecurity… or access gets mistaken for insight?

This episode challenges you to consider the source without dismissing the message—because sometimes wisdom arrives through imperfect messengers, and sometimes discernment matters more than agreement.

This is a conversation about balance.

About listening without surrendering your power.

About growth that requires both courage and humility.

Pull up a seat.

This Side Salad might sit with you longer than you expect. 🥗