BONUS TRACK: In this podcast, host Omarr Cantu explores the topic of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the experiences of Dreamers, undocumented individuals brought to the United States as children. Cantu, a fifth-generation Texan, shares his perspective and the cultural shock he felt upon realizing that some Hispanic individuals lacked U.S. citizenship. He debunks the misconception that DACA recipients are criminals and explains the costly and complicated process they must go through to avoid deportation. Omarr introduces his friend, Fila Estrada, who shares his own story as a dreamer.

Timestamps:

00:01:51 Dreamers are just as American. 00:08:30 DACA recipients face unique challenges. 00:14:39 DACA provides limited freedom. 00:21:57 Systematic harassment of marginalized communities. 00:30:08 Life-changing experience leads to freedom

Socials:

• Omarr Cantu - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Fila Estrada - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/el_defectuoso/⁠

Keywords: transcript, podcast, episode, learning man, keywords,resign, tests, deportation, attorney fees, kids,episode, bonus episode, pre-interview, production, experience,encouraged, better, pick up, language, essentials, conversation, accent, progress, high school, student, neighborhood, Wheaton, Illinois, west suburbs, Mexico, visit, privilege, driving, vehicles, parents, schoolmates, fit in, short, privileges, saved up, $500, own vehicle, pulled over, realized, documents, signature, rights, arrested, jail, uncle, aunt, bailed me out, thankful, older, job, legal resident, citizen, opportunities, background, documented, working, kitchen, friends, families, fast food restaurants, graduated, apply, FASFA, financial aid, denied, social security, made up number, love, country, freedom.,military, denied, rights, privileges, DACA,advanced parole, jail, humanitarian rights, family, freedom,harassed, targeted, police, suburbs, Illinois,lying, attorney, plea, court, check mark, driving record, pulled over, scared, motorcycle, license, cop, flee, house, jail, attorney, thousands of dollars, county jail, life changing moment, privileges, water temperature, clothes, sun, miss, everyday life, pair of socks, soap, shower, breeze of air, time limit, breakfast, meal, jail, freedom, cell, pod, fights, drive, DuPage County, middle school, high school, graduated,friends, life changing experience, ride a bike, train, work

In this podcast, host Omarr Cantu explores the topic of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the experiences of Dreamers, undocumented individuals brought to the United States as children. Cantu, a fifth-generation Texan, shares his perspective and the cultural shock he felt upon realizing that some Hispanic individuals lacked U.S. citizenship. He debunks the misconception that DACA recipients are criminals and explains the costly and complicated process they must go through to avoid deportation. Omarr introduces his friend, Fila Estrada, who shares his own story as a dreamer.

Timestamps:

00:01:51 Dreamers are just as American. 00:08:30 DACA recipients face unique challenges. 00:14:39 DACA provides limited freedom. 00:21:57 Systematic harassment of marginalized communities. 00:30:08 Life-changing experience leads to freedom

Socials:

• Omarr Cantu - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Fila Estrada - https://www.instagram.com/el_defectuoso/

Keywords: transcript, podcast, episode, learning man, keywords,resign, tests, deportation, attorney fees, kids,episode, bonus episode, pre-interview, production, experience,encouraged, better, pick up, language, essentials, conversation, accent, progress, high school, student, neighborhood, Wheaton, Illinois, west suburbs, Mexico, visit, privilege, driving, vehicles, parents, schoolmates, fit in, short, privileges, saved up, $500, own vehicle, pulled over, realized, documents, signature, rights, arrested, jail, uncle, aunt, bailed me out, thankful, older, job, legal resident, citizen, opportunities, background, documented, working, kitchen, friends, families, fast food restaurants, graduated, apply, FASFA, financial aid, denied, social security, made up number, love, country, freedom.,military, denied, rights, privileges, DACA,advanced parole, jail, humanitarian rights, family, freedom,harassed, targeted, police, suburbs, Illinois,lying, attorney, plea, court, check mark, driving record, pulled over, scared, motorcycle, license, cop, flee, house, jail, attorney, thousands of dollars, county jail, life changing moment, privileges, water temperature, clothes, sun, miss, everyday life, pair of socks, soap, shower, breeze of air, time limit, breakfast, meal, jail, freedom, cell, pod, fights, drive, DuPage County, middle school, high school, graduated,friends, life changing experience, ride a bike, train, work

In this episode, host Omarr Cantu explores the topic of depression and anxiety, drawing on his personal experiences with these mental health challenges. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and destigmatizing conversations around mental health, particularly among men. The podcast includes interviews with individuals who have struggled with depression, including artist Brandon Torres, who shares his story of feeling different and battling anger and self-hatred. Torres also discusses how his depression has influenced his artistic expression and perception of his own work.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

00:02:23 Mental health struggles are universal.

00:15:37 Seek help for mental health.

00:16:09. Change for the sake of family

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Brandon Torres' Socials

• https://www.instagram.com/sketching_light_director/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEYWORDS: podcast, learning man, Omarr Cantu, pandemic, project, struggle, depression, sadness, self-hate, pain, knife, eyeball, wrists, arms, cutter, fear, health care, cost, wife, World Breaker Hulk, time machine, mirror, learning, father, path, difference, anger, better, faster, stronger, cutting, depression, demons, podcast for men, anxiety

The Lurning Man Podcast is a project that started during the pandemic and evolved into a podcast. The host, Omarr Cantu, shares the audio from various interviews in this episode, beginning with an interview with his friend Raj Shah. They discuss stereotypes that Raj, who is originally from Buffalo, New York, and has a South Asian heritage, had to overcome throughout his childhood. The episode aims to promote open and honest conversations, breaking stereotypes, and recognizing our shared humanity.

Overcoming racial stereotypes and expectations is a challenging journey that many individuals face in their lives. These stereotypes can be both negative and positive, but they often limit individuals and create barriers to their personal growth and success. In the podcast transcript, Raj Shah shares his personal experiences and struggles with racial stereotypes as a South Asian man, shedding light on the importance of challenging these stereotypes and embracing one's true identity.

Raj begins by acknowledging that not all racial stereotypes are negative. Some stereotypes about South Asian and East Asian people are positive, such as being good at math, computers, and highly intelligent. However, these stereotypes also come with the assumption that individuals lack social competence, creativity, assertiveness, and are awkward around women. Raj challenges these stereotypes by highlighting his own abilities and interests that go beyond these expectations. He asserts that he is not defined solely by his race and that he is capable of being good at other things, such as drawing and confidently approaching women.

Raj further discusses how he has encountered situations where people expect him to conform to these stereotypes, but he defies them. This often leads to discomfort and cognitive dissonance for those who hold these stereotypes. Raj emphasizes the importance of questioning and challenging these preconceived notions, urging individuals to see others for who they truly are, rather than relying on stereotypes.

Racial stereotypes and expectations can have a profound impact on individuals' self-esteem, sense of belonging, and opportunities for growth. They can create a narrow view of a person's capabilities and limit their potential. Overcoming these stereotypes requires individuals to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves. It involves challenging the assumptions and biases that others may hold and asserting one's own identity and abilities.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

00:04:06 Overcoming racial stereotypes through authenticity.

00:07:25 Breaking free from societal expectations.

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Raj Shah's Socials

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-shah-/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

podcast, podcast for men, learning man, pandemic, documentary, audio, racial stereotypes, negative, South Asian, East Asian, math, computers, highly intelligent, analytical, social competence, awkward, women, creative, outside the box, timid, aggressive, assertive, society, learning, draw, hairy piece of shit, hottest woman, bar, spitting game, Indian men, cognitive dissonance, uncomfortable, scared, understand, dark side, positive racial stereotypes, high school, neighborhoods, Buffalo, New York, MAGA folk, small, Indian guy, loud, crack jokes, put himself out there, rubbed people, the wrong way, high school, different neighborhood, wealthier, white collar, West Lake, positive stereotypes, good grades, chemistry, douche bag, loser, good college, perception, Americans, enforcement, stereotypes, fighting, battle, perception, society, kind, parents' expectations, career, partner, religion, community

In this podcast episode, host Omarr Cantu shares the story of his friend Cooper DeArmand, who was mistakenly thought to be a woman by a client he had a phone-only relationship with. Cooper discusses his gender identity as a man and how he occasionally takes part in feminine activities. He shares experiences of both positive and negative reactions when revealing his true gender to clients. Overall, the episode explores societal stereotypes and the consequences they can have on individuals' identities.

Synopsis: The podcast episode explores the intricate nature of identity and the unforeseen consequences of societal stereotypes. It centers around the personal story of Cooper DeArmand, who recounts a surprising incident where a client mistook him for the opposite sex. This incident raises thought-provoking questions about how societal expectations and stereotypes can shape our perceptions of others and their self-identification. The episode underscores the significance of staying true to oneself and not allowing societal norms to define or oppress individuals. It encourages listeners to embrace their own identity and strength and to not take offense at questions or judgments from others. Ultimately, the episode aims to challenge societal stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and empathetic society.

In this episode, Cooper DeArmand shares a personal anecdote about being mistaken for a woman by a client. Cooper explains that he had a year-long professional relationship with this client, primarily conducted over the phone. Despite their extensive conversations, it wasn't until a year into their working relationship that Cooper discovered the client had mistakenly believed he was a woman the entire time.

Cooper worked for a short-term rental company and frequently interacted with clients over the phone. As clients couldn't see his face, their perception of him was solely based on their conversations. Cooper never explicitly mentioned his gender, assuming that his name, Cooper, would suffice in indicating that he was a man. However, clients interpreted his name as an unconventional choice for a woman.

Rather than correcting this assumption, Cooper chose to go along with it. He noticed that by not correcting them, he received a higher level of respect and better treatment from clients. They were kinder to him and even extended invitations to their homes for vacations, assuming he was a woman. Cooper found this experience flattering and appreciated that his personality alone was enough to make people want to welcome him into their homes, even without seeing him.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

[00:01:20] Mistaken for the opposite sex.

[00:05:47] Assuming gender over the phone.

[00:10:41] Share what topic you want to tackle next.

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Cooper DeArmond's Socials

• https://www.instagram.com/coopydeville/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEYWORDS: podcast, learning man, pandemic, project, documentary, kooky name, close, client, misunderstanding, woman, phone, leadership, account managers, comfortable, man, management, preferential treatment, mistaken sex, better treatment, short-term rental company, relationship, respect, correct, multiple clients, pretty woman, vacation, personality, houses, young Cooper, coming of age Cooper, focus, high school, middle school, adult life, pressure, small town

The Lurning Man Podcast, hosted by Omarr Cantu, originally started as a documentary project during the pandemic. In this episode, Omarr shares the audio interview with Bjorn Taylor, a bartender who has triumphed over alcoholism. Bjorn discusses his background as an African American, highlights the importance of reclaiming identity, and encourages individuals to embrace African culture. The episode also includes a conversation on substance abuse and being a bartender.

Synopsis: The podcast host embarked on his project during the pandemic, initially intending to create a documentary. However, halfway through the process, he realized that certain stories he captured would have a stronger impact if shared as audio interviews. Believing that the audience would have a more immersive experience by hearing the stories and using their imagination, he made the decision to include the audio from these interviews in the podcast.

One of the featured interviews in the episode is with Bjorn Taylor, a bartender who triumphed over alcoholism. While Bjorn's story encompasses his experience as a black man in America, it also delves into his identity as an African American, with his family having immigrated from Africa. The interview explores Bjorn's journey through alcoholism and recovery, revealing that he has been sober for the past six months and is currently in the process of recovery. Additionally, Bjorn shares insights from his perspective as a bartender, shedding light on substance abuse and alcohol. Notably, he recounts a moment at work where he confidently declined a shot, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to sobriety. Throughout the interview, Bjorn emphasizes the importance of balance and his deep appreciation for his craft as a bartender. He believes that alcohol itself is not the enemy, but rather the way individuals conceal their addictions and avoid open discussions about them.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

00:04:10 Expand your identity, find your heritage.

00:07:39 Identity is deeply rooted in culture.

00:12:44 Embrace and celebrate our rich culture.

00:19:21 Importance of addressing addiction.

00:27:46 Recovery brings freedom and honesty.

00:29:33 Be honest and prioritize self-care.

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Robert Bjorn Taylor's Socials

• https://www.instagram.com/kingbjornce/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

podcast, learning man, pandemic, project, documentary,heritage, identity, African, African American, black,bad shit, profiling, divisional, identity, culture,divisional word, black culture, Ghanaian folks, Liberian, West African, camera people, camera room, Ethiopian, South American, South African, black American, African American, Western civilization, white man, valued, worthy, step family, Jim Crow South, Alabama, Mississippi, Chicago, black side, division, segregation, black space, American cities, rich culture, Africans, proud,rich culture, America, people of color, black, nigger,work harder, syllables, tingling, brain, black friends, open dialogue, project, segments, society, identity, history, environment, temperature check, real people, depth, virtual happy hour, storytelling, cocktails, appreciation, cultural mix, hospitality, inclusion, well spoken, engaging, felt, done,balance, sober, contradictory, craft, appreciation,sobriety, recovery, substance, addiction, gambling,tourists, gamble, losing money, worst, stability, drinking, comfortable, control, alcoholism, accountability, household, living on my own, spoil myself, destroy myself, recovery, susceptible, careful, consequences, bars, cocktails, domino effect, cop cars, locked up, embarrassment, proud,addiction, bondage, affliction, practice, honesty,depression, transparent, introvert, social connection, podcast

In this episode of The Lurning Man podcast, host Omarr Cantu interviews Brian Chavez, a fashion designer specializing in denim and embroidery. They discuss a variety of topics including substance abuse, working as a straight man in a female-dominated field, and Brian's journey to finding his purpose in life. Brian also shares insights into his work as a lead tailor at Levi Strauss' Beverly Hills and his own line of clothing under the name Master and Naif.

Synopsis: Brian Chavez is a Los Angeles-based fashion designer who has made a name for himself in the industry with his expertise in denim and embroidery. As the lead tailor at Levi's Beverly Hills, he creates unique and personalized embroidered garments. In addition, he has his own clothing line called https://master-naif.com/, which features reimagined upcycled vintage clothing and graphic tees. His clientele includes some of the top celebrities in LA.

Today, Brian is a respected fashion designer who believes that his past struggles have shaped him into the person he is today. He is grateful for the pain and challenges he faced because they helped him discover his true calling.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

[00:00:37] Stereotypes in the fashion industry.

[00:04:09] Instagram connections in networking.

[00:08:15] Acting for dating opportunities.

[00:13:22] Finding a mentor in fashion.

[00:17:28] Fashion industry toxicity.

[00:23:10] Levi's requires 12-13 machines.

[00:26:35] Falling in love with denim.

[00:30:53] Halloween costumes and traditions.

[00:34:53] High school fashion and assumptions.

[00:39:04] Dressing to Impress.

[00:43:50] Cheating death twice.

[00:48:23] Motorcycle accident and survival.

[00:52:21] Unique cane from a motorcycle accident.

[00:56:49] Shutdown of Promenade store.

[01:01:09] Metro accident and aftermath.

[01:05:21] Help from a stranger.

[01:09:27] Motorcycle accident and recovery.

[01:14:43] Overcoming addiction.

[01:19:00] Unique Japanese-inspired clothing.

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Brian Chavez's Socials

• ⁠⁠https://master-naif.com/
• ⁠https://www.instagram.com/st.selvedge/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEYWORDS: learning man podcast, men, substance abuse, fashion designer, sewing, Instagram, Dante Basco, jacket, photography, grandmother,the fashion industry, tailor, come-up, theater, sewing class, sewing, fashion, class, teacher, future, skid Row, mentor, motorcycle wear, partnerships, fashion, alcohol, job, maturity, differences, skills, serving, sewing, fashion, denim, shop, machines, jeans, denim, bespoke, fashion, denim, fabric, mentor, west side, Levi's, women, home ec, baking, Halloween, costume contest, paper mache, leather, self-taught, women in fashion, ori kelly, flamboyant, gay, fashion industry, judged, assumptions, metalhead, rock stars, high school,fashion, gay, conversation starter, assumptions, sewing, fashion, smell good, look good, feel good, gay, power struggle, safety, motorcycle accident, death, tailor shop, Levi's, bespoke denim, tailor shop, customization, embroidery, motorcycle accident, ran over, couple, saved a life, surgeries, surgeries, antibiotic, pick line, motorcycle accident, cane, promotion, coronavirus, shutdown, partying, fight, BLM riots, George Floyd, studio, chaos, underground metros, staircase, tumble, adrenaline, pain, soiled,blood, bathroom, cleaning, help, hospital, pain, injury, hospital, broken bones, recovery, chainsaw, chafing, weight gain, motorcycle accident, surgery, accident, sobriety, fashion design, pain, experience, trust, mindset, self-destructive, reimagined, vintage clothing

In this episode of The Lurning Man, host Omarr Cantu interviews Ivan Danishevsky, the President of the National eSports Federation of Ukraine. They discuss Ivan's philanthropic work for those fighting the war in Ukraine, as well as topics such as loneliness, mental health, and vulnerability in men. Ivan also talks about using his Ukrainian accent to capture the attention of audiences when he speaks. The episode was recorded at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

[00:00:29] Mental health in Ukraine.

[00:06:00] Professional Gaming Competitions.

[00:08:33] World travel and visas.

[00:12:38] Temporary Protection Programs.

[00:16:33] Traveling without a return ticket.

[00:20:48] Ballistic Quality of Vests.

[00:28:38] LSD treatment for depression.

[00:29:14] Depression and Burnout During War.

[00:33:34] Knitting factories during war.

[00:39:48] Overcoming financial complexities.

[00:42:11] Finding love beyond romantic relationships.

[00:45:47] Wanting to belong to a community.

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Ivan Danishevsky's Socials

• ⁠https://ivan.gg/
• https://www.instagram.com/faeton/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEYWORDS: podcast episode, Ivan Denishevsky, National eSports Federation of Ukraine, war, philanthropy,internet, Ukraine, domain names, music track, ICQ, gaming, Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Quake 2, money prize,transcript, podcast episode, 13 years old, black person, Ukraine, 40 million people, scared, hello, English, translator, weekend, restaurant, hundred bucks, mom's salary, rich, cell phone, 98, states, lost, danger, contacts, chats, icqs, 90s, texting, 20 years, Toronto, visa problems, businesses, English, Ukrainian, Russian, German, school, tech, traveling, fluent.,nervous, fit in, Russian, English, medicine,country, safer, European countries, temporary protection program, refugee status,March 7th, staff, detained, secondary screening, red flag,Kiev, gold reserve, government, bombing, charity work,armor, testing, consultants, metal, education,research, country, job, governments, private planes,depression, mental health startups, medicated, LSD treatment, rewires synapses, non-intrusive anti-depressant, zero resources, lost friends and family members, war, internet connection, Instagram, front lines,posting, busy, side hustle, developing, researching, bulletproof vests, business, war related business, sustainable, overacting, volunteering, hungry, motivation, rescue operations, research, centers, sustainable, knitting factory, technology, vest, factories, work for free, winning, knit factory worker, knitter, knit, vests,sustainable, children, work, money, war,money, motivation, survival, travel, self-saving mechanics,happiness, Vegas, mentally well, money, community,friends, Dreamhack, network, personal connection, vulnerable conversations,transcript, podcast episode, vulnerability, men, friendship