How To Battle Podcast

How To Battle Podcast

by Carlos Vasquez

Self-Improvement

Season 1

85. Meth addict & gang member at 10 to Criminologist

At only 10 years old, Martha Trujillo entered a gang, began using crystal meth, experienced foster care, and searched for safety in the one place that seemed to accept her, the streets. But Martha’s story did not end there. In this powerful episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Martha shares how childhood abuse, housing instability, family trauma, foster care, addiction, and gang involvement shaped her early life. She explains why the streets can feel safer than home to a wounded child, and why society often labels children as criminals without first asking what happened to them. Martha also shares the turning point that changed her life, the role motherhood and education played in her transformation, and how she became the founder of Full Circle Orange County, an organization supporting foster youth, probation-involved youth, and other vulnerable young people through mentorship, community, and education. Carlos and Martha explore the controversial but important idea of gang trafficking: If children cannot legally consent to other forms of exploitation, should society treat their recruitment into gangs as a voluntary decision? This conversation challenges us to look beneath a young person’s behavior and recognize the fear, trauma, need for belonging, and desire for protection underneath it. In this episode ◼️ Why Martha entered a gang and began using drugs at 10 years old ◼️ How childhood abuse and instability pushed her toward the streets ◼️ Why gangs can provide wounded children with belonging, identity, and protection ◼️ The traumatic experience of entering foster care ◼️ Why children in pain are often criminalized instead of supported ◼️ How journaling helped Martha survive and understand her life ◼️ The night she asked God to help her escape addiction ◼️ How becoming a mother changed the direction of her life ◼️ Why Martha believes there is no such thing as a bad child ◼️ The mission behind Full Circle Orange County ◼️ Why gang recruitment may be a form of child exploitation ◼️ The importance of mentorship, education, community, and consistent adults ◼️ Why you cannot plant a seed until you prepare the soil ◼️ How one caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life If this conversation moved you, subscribe to the channel and share it with someone who works with young people, foster youth, families, schools, or system-impacted communities. 👉 Martha: https://www.instagram.com/fullcircle_orangecounty https://fullcircleorangecounty.org/ https://www.lucidjournal.org/issue-4/my-foolish-life https://newsroom.ocde.us/former-fullerton-student-overcomes-odds-to-promote-from-nicolas-jr-high/ 👉 Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://carlosvasquezofficial.com https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial Thank you to our sponsor: Legendary Foods https://www.eatlegendary.com/

84. Plant Medicine, Consciousness, and the Deep WorK Required to Change Your Life

Healing isn't about pretending the past never happened. It's about releasing the pain that's still controlling your life. In this episode of Carlos Unfiltered, Carlos and Shirin explore what healing actually means, why so many people stay trapped by childhood wounds, trauma, resentment, anxiety, and fear, and how true freedom begins when you're willing to confront what you've been avoiding. Carlos shares how three years in solitary confinement became the beginning of his own healing journey, while Shirin opens up about her struggle with anxiety, depression, and the path that transformed her life. Together, they discuss the role of solitude, self-awareness, forgiveness, consciousness, and why healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about returning to who you've always been. If you've ever felt stuck in your past, overwhelmed by emotional pain, or wondered if peace is really possible, this conversation is for you. In this episode: ◼️ What healing actually means—and why most people misunderstand it ◼️ How childhood trauma shapes the way we experience life ◼️ Why bitterness, resentment, and regret keep us emotionally trapped ◼️ Carlos' transformation during three years in solitary confinement ◼️ Shirin's journey through anxiety, depression, and emotional healing ◼️ The role of solitude, consciousness, and self-awareness in transformation ◼️ Why true freedom begins by facing what scares you most ◼️ How to move from surviving life to living with peace, purpose, and meaning If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's carrying pain they no longer have to carry. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ #Healing #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #SelfHealing #InnerPeace #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Consciousness #EmotionalHealing #Transformation #SelfAwareness #Purpose #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #HealingJourney

83. The Rules Every Man Should Live By | Self-Respect, Discipline & Purpose

Most men are never taught what it truly means to become a strong, grounded, respected man. In this episode of Carlos Unfiltered, Carlos shares the powerful lessons behind his book Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men—written from the perspective of someone who spent 17 years in prison, rebuilt his life from nothing, and discovered timeless principles that apply to every man, regardless of his past. Carlos explains why earning respect is more valuable than demanding it, how solitude can transform your life, why hard work remains one of the greatest advantages anyone can develop, and how becoming the best version of yourself starts long before success arrives. Whether you're a young man searching for direction, a father raising sons, or simply someone committed to personal growth, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building a meaningful life. In this episode: ◼️ Why every man must earn respect—not expect it ◼️ The surprising lessons prison taught about discipline and character ◼️ How hard work creates confidence and opens unexpected doors ◼️ Why solitude is essential for growth, clarity, and self-mastery ◼️ The hidden power of self-respect and personal responsibility ◼️ How to become the kind of man others naturally trust and follow If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is becoming the man they're capable of being. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ #Masculinity #SelfDiscipline #PersonalDevelopment #MensMentalHealth #Leadership #SelfRespect #Purpose #Mindset #Discipline #Success #SelfImprovement #MensGrowth #WarriorInTheGarden #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle

82. Our Blueprint for Conflict Resolution | Carlos Unfiltered

Most relationships don't end because of one big argument, they slowly break down because conflict is handled the wrong way. In this episode of Carlos Unfiltered, Carlos and Shirin explore what it really takes to resolve conflict in healthy relationships. They share personal stories about their own struggles with anger, communication, emotional healing, and learning to move from ego-driven reactions to heart-centered conversations. They discuss why unresolved childhood wounds often show up in adult relationships, how to stop repeating unhealthy patterns, and practical ways to communicate without damaging the people you love. Whether you're married, dating, building a business with your partner, or simply trying to become a healthier communicator, this conversation offers practical wisdom that can transform the way you approach conflict. In this episode you'll learn: ◼️ Why unresolved trauma fuels relationship conflict ◼️ The biggest mistake couples make after an argument ◼️ How ego quietly destroys healthy communication ◼️ Why immediate communication works for some couples—but not everyone ◼️ Practical ways to resolve conflict without resentment ◼️ How meditation, healing, and self-awareness improve relationships ◼️ Why becoming emotionally healthy starts with taking ownership ◼️ The connection between inner healing and lasting love If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to build healthier relationships through better communication. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ #ConflictResolution #HealthyRelationships #RelationshipAdvice #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfGrowth #Healing #PersonalDevelopment #Love #HowToBattle #CarlosUnfiltered #CarlosVasquez

81. Love After Lockup: Building Healthy Relationships After Trauma

Can someone truly build a healthy relationship after years in prison, trauma, or emotional hardship? In this deeply personal episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos and Shirin explore what it really takes to build a thriving relationship when two people come from completely different worlds. Carlos shares what it was like leaving prison after 17 years and navigating love, communication, trust, and emotional growth in a world that had completely changed. Together, they discuss why compassion, patience, continuous learning, and personal growth matter more than perfection. Whether you're healing from incarceration, divorce, trauma, heartbreak, or simply trying to build a stronger relationship, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope that lasting love is possible. In this episode: ◼️ Why relationships after prison can actually thrive ◼️ The biggest learning curve after years of incarceration ◼️ Why compassion is more important than perfection ◼️ How personal growth creates stronger relationships ◼️ The importance of adapting to your partner ◼️ Why communication is a learnable skill ◼️ How prison prepared many people emotionally more than most realize ◼️ Why healing together creates deeper connection ◼️ The role of self-development in lasting love ◼️ How to support someone whose life experience is completely different from yours If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is building a life or relationship after hardship. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsor for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ #LoveAfterLockup #HealthyRelationships #RelationshipAdvice #Healing #TraumaHealing #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #Communication #SecondChances #Transformation #Mindset #Resilience #HowToBattle #CarlosVasquez #Podcast

80. The 3 Mirrors of Relationships

What if the people in your life are showing you something about yourself? In this thought-provoking episode Carlos and Shirin explore the concept of the "Three Mirrors of Human Relationships" and how our relationships, friendships, triggers, and attractions may reveal deeper truths about who we are. Together, they discuss why we attract certain people, how unresolved wounds continue to show up in our lives, the importance of personal responsibility, and why changing your inner world can transform everything around you. Topics include: • The three mirrors of human relationships • Why you keep attracting the same types of people • How your outer world reflects your inner world • The connection between healing and relationships • Loneliness, self-worth, and personal growth • Why some people trigger you emotionally • The importance of intentional relationships • Building a new life through conscious choices • How Carlos rebuilt his network after prison • The power of surrounding yourself with the right people If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is working to build healthier relationships and a more intentional life. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof... 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com If you've ever wondered why certain patterns keep showing up in your life, this episode may help you see yourself—and your relationships—in a completely different way. #Relationships #Healing #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Transformation #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #CarlosUnfiltered #SelfDevelopment #Purpose #Success #HumanBehavior #PersonalTransformation #InnerWork #ConsciousLiving #Psychology

79. "Hope Had to Die So I Could Survive" | 25 Years in Prison | Brandon Baker

Some men break under pressure. Brandon Baker got forged by it. At 18, Brandon was sentenced to 75-to-life. He spent 25 years behind bars — and walked out employed, enrolled in college, published, and on a mission. In this episode, we go deep on what it really takes to survive maximum security prison at 18, why hope sometimes has to die before it can grow, and how Brandon is now training counselors at Rikers Island and performing at theaters across LA. This conversation will hit different if you've ever felt like the system wrote you off, or if you love someone who did time. We talk about: Suppressing hope to survive — then letting God resurrect it Why he says prison prepared him for society His goals: EGOT, doctorate, nonprofit, and generational wealth Why he's an abolitionist for juvenile incarceration The power of speaking things into existence 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. 📖 Brandon's book: Where I Belong — available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/09XB3iSA 📲 Follow Brandon: @bethatsuccessful81 | YouTube: Where I Belong with Brandon J Baker 📚New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F 👉 📬 SUBSTACK LINK: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial 👉 Follow Carlos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial 🙏 Sponsored by Legendary Foods — high-protein snacks done right. www.eatlegendary.com #podcast #prisonreform #redemption #motivationalpodcast #secondchances #faith #incarceration #reentry #mentalhealth #hope #brandombaker #truecrime #purposedriven #blackexcellence #streetstosuccess

78. Loving Someone With Trauma: The Truth No One Talks About

Can love heal trauma? In this deeply personal episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos opens up about the reality of loving someone after childhood abandonment, gang life, prison, violence, and years spent in solitary confinement. He shares how trauma affected his ability to trust, why isolation became his comfort zone, and what it actually takes to build a healthy relationship after a lifetime of survival mode. Together, Carlos and Shirin explore the difficult truths about healing in relationships, the impact of abandonment wounds, why trust issues don't disappear overnight, and how love, accountability, and self-awareness can create lasting transformation. This conversation explores: How trauma impacts trust and intimacy Why isolation can become a coping mechanism The connection between childhood wounds and adult relationships What healing together actually looks like Why love alone isn't enough without accountability The importance of self-awareness in healing trauma How abandonment shapes the way we connect with others Practical ways couples can support each other's healing journey Why healing is possible no matter what you've been through If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is healing from trauma or learning how to love someone through their healing journey. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof... 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ #TraumaHealing #Relationships #TrustIssues #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #CarlosVasquez #ShirinHejazi #HowToBattle #EmotionalHealing #ChildhoodTrauma #SelfDevelopment #LoveAndRelationships #Resilience #Transformation

77. The Magic of Life: Why Some People Attract Miracles and Others Don't

Have you ever experienced a coincidence so strange it felt like the universe was trying to tell you something? In this episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos explores the idea of "magic"—not the kind found in movies, but the extraordinary moments that happen when belief, energy, resilience, gratitude, and intention come together. From lessons learned through entrepreneurship and prison, to finding love unexpectedly, Carlos shares why he believes that miracles, synchronicities, and life-changing opportunities become more common when you develop the right mindset. This conversation explores: The psychology behind synchronicities Why successful people believe before they see results Michael Jordan's mindset around performance How resilience creates opportunities Why gratitude attracts more abundance How to create your own reality The role energy plays in success Why becoming your best self attracts extraordinary people and opportunities If you've ever wondered whether luck, coincidence, miracles, or manifestation are real, this episode is for you. If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that extraordinary things are still possible. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Try the “Find Your Fire” AI App (Free): https://findyourfireai.com 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof... 👉 New Books: The PRICE Method: How I Turned Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions – Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ #Mindset #Manifestation #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #SuccessMindset #Leadership #SelfDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLife #Miracles #Synchronicity #Energy #Resilience #Entrepreneurship

76. What Prison Is REALLY Like (No One Tells You This)

Most people think they understand prison… They don’t. In this episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos shares the raw, unfiltered truth about life behind prison walls—what Hollywood gets wrong, the violence that actually happens, and the unexpected lessons that changed his life forever. From surviving brutal environments to witnessing acts of kindness in the darkest places, Carlos breaks down the real psychology of prison life, including power structures, survival tactics, and the moments that shape transformation. This is not about glorifying prison, this is about revealing the truth so others don’t end up there. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: What prison is really like vs what movies show The brutal reality of violence behind bars What “putting in work” means in prison How prison hierarchy and “shot callers” operate Why kindness in prison is more powerful than outside The psychology of survival in high-risk environments Why some people never escape the prison mindset The truth about redemption and second chances Why some individuals should never return to society How transformation actually happens If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is building a life or business with their partner. Your support helps us continue to bring meaningful conversations to the world. 👉 Try the “Find Your Fire” AI App (Free): https://findyourfireai.com 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial 👉 New books: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com The Leader's PRICE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions – Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ #PrisonReality #LifeAfterPrison #Redemption #PersonalGrowth #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #Mindset #Transformation #SecondChances #Leadership

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