How To Battle Podcast

How To Battle Podcast

by Carlos Vasquez

Self-Improvement

Season 1

75. I Just Wanted Love

Some of the hardest conversations… are the ones we never had. In this deeply emotional episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos opens up about his childhood, running away at 13, and the relationship he had with his mother. This is not a conversation about blame: it’s about understanding, healing, and releasing resentment. Carlos shares what his younger self truly needed—love, security, and protection—and how the absence of those things shaped his path into the streets, gangs, and ultimately prison. But more importantly, he reveals how he found peace by reframing his past—not as something that broke him, but as something that led him to his purpose. This episode is for anyone carrying pain from their childhood, struggling with forgiveness, or learning how to move forward without resentment. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: What children truly need: love, security, and protection How childhood pain can shape life decisions The difference between running away vs being pulled toward something How to release resentment toward your parents Why your past may be part of your purpose How to forgive without needing closure The impact of absent or struggling parents Why you shouldn’t blame your parents forever How to create your own family and reality The power of acceptance and gratitude in healing 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof 👉 New books: The PRICE Method: How I Turn 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/ #Healing #MotherWound #PersonalGrowth #Forgiveness #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #Mindset #TraumaHealing #SelfDevelopment #InnerChild

74. Outgrowing People | When to Let Go of Friends, Family & Relationships

Not everyone is meant to go with you to the next level of your life. In this deeply honest episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos breaks down the reality of outgrowing people, letting go of relationships, and accepting that some connections are only meant for a season. From friendships and romantic relationships to family and even business partnerships, Carlos shares powerful lessons on growth, identity, and the emotional weight of walking away from people you love. He explains why you shouldn’t view relationships as “investments,” how to release people without resentment, and why acceptance—not control—is the key to peace. This episode is a must-watch for anyone going through transformation, feeling disconnected from old relationships, or struggling to let go. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why you naturally outgrow people as you evolve How to let go of friendships without resentment The difference between seasonal and lifelong relationships Why not every relationship is meant to be saved How to accept endings you don’t understand When it’s time to walk away from someone you love The emotional cost of growth and transformation How to release guilt when relationships end Why some people aren’t aligned with your next level How leaders make tough decisions in relationships and business Thoughts 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 those who need to hear it. 👉 Try the “Find Your Fire” AI App (Free): https://findyourfireai.com 👉 Follow Carlos & Shirin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof 👉 New books: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ The Leader's PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYXQ1H1F 🙏 Sponsors Section Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions – Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ #PersonalGrowth #LettingGo #Relationships #SelfDevelopment #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #Mindset #Healing #Growth #Leadership

73. Protect Your Energy | Mental Health, Boundaries & Emotional Strength

Are you constantly feeling drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted? In this episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos breaks down how to protect your mental and emotional energy, set real boundaries, and stop carrying what doesn’t belong to you. Carlos shares deep insights on empathy, compassion, mental health, leadership, and emotional resilience—explaining why empathy without action can become dangerous, how to set boundaries with people you love, and how to take control of your mental health before it spirals. He also explains why mental health is no different than physical health—it requires consistency, discipline, and daily work, not just reaction when things fall apart. If you’re an empath, leader, or someone who gives a lot to others… this episode is for you. In This Episode You’ll Learn: When empathy becomes unhealthy How to protect your mental & emotional energy Why boundaries are necessary (even with people you love) How to stop absorbing other people’s pain The difference between empathy and compassion Signs you’re carrying emotional weight that isn’t yours How leaders handle emotional pressure Why mental health requires daily discipline How to transmute pain into purpose Why choosing yourself is necessary for growth 👉 Try the “Find Your Fire” AI App (Free): https://findyourfireai.com 👉 Follow Carlos and Shirin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof 👉 New book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions – Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ #MentalHealth #ProtectYourEnergy #Boundaries #SelfGrowth #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #Healing #Mindset

72. How to Grow Into Your Best Self | Personal Growth, Purpose & Success

How do you truly grow into the best version of yourself? In this episode of the How To Battle Podcast, Carlos shares deep insights on personal growth, discipline, distractions, purpose, healing, success, and what it really takes to evolve in today’s world. Carlos explains why most people stay stuck, how distractions destroy self-awareness, why discomfort is necessary for transformation, and how success is often misunderstood. He also shares lessons from spending 17 years in prison and 3 years in solitary confinement—where he was forced to confront himself and grow from within. If you feel lost, stagnant, distracted, or hungry for more in life—this episode will help reset your mindset. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: What real personal growth looks like daily Why most people never take time to know themselves How distractions block transformation Why discomfort creates growth The danger of comparing yourself to others Why success is deeper than money How to measure your own growth Why purpose matters more than status Habits that actually matter in life How to live aligned with who you truly are If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is serious about growth and becoming their best self. 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 on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof 👉 New Book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ 🙏 Thank You To Our Sponsors Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions – Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #CarlosVasquez #HowToBattle #Purpose #Mindset #Success #Discipline #Healing #Transformation

71. Travon Harris: What It Means to Be a Man in 2026 | Prison, Purpose & Masculinity

What does it truly mean to be a man in today’s world? In this powerful episode of How To Battle Podcast, Carlos sits down with longtime friend Travon Harris for a raw and honest conversation about masculinity, identity, prison, entrepreneurship, purpose, loyalty, discipline, relationships, and growth. After spending years incarcerated, both men reflect on how pain, mistakes, and survival shaped their early understanding of manhood—and how they had to rebuild a healthier definition rooted in accountability, discipline, peace, purpose, and self-respect. They discuss why many men feel lost today, the dangers of social media identity, how to rebuild after failure, and why your past does not disqualify you from becoming the man you’re meant to be. If you’re a man trying to level up, heal, grow, lead, or redefine yourself—this episode is for you. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: What being a real man actually means today Why some men stay stuck in immaturity How prison changed their view of masculinity How to rebuild identity after mistakes or incarceration Why many men feel lost in modern society The power of delayed gratification Entrepreneurship lessons from struggle Why discipline creates confidence How to stop living in shame What men need emotionally but rarely discuss If this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone. 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 & Travon: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial https://www.instagram.com/travon_harris123 https://www.instagram.com/community1st_powerwashing 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof 👉 New Book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose https://thepricemethodbook.com/ 🙏 Thank You To Our Sponsors Legendary Foods – Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions – Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ #HowToBattle #CarlosVasquez #Masculinity #WhatIsAMan #MensGrowth #Purpose #PrisonToPurpose #SelfImprovement #Leadership #Manhood

70. Love, Leadership & Business: How to Thrive as Partners in Life and Work

Can love and business truly coexist? In this episode of Carlos Unfiltered, Carlos and Shirin explore the unique dynamics of building a meaningful relationship while working together professionally. They discuss how to balance leadership and partnership, maintain trust within a team, and ensure that the mission remains greater than any individual. From navigating potential favoritism to creating healthy boundaries between personal and professional roles, this conversation offers powerful insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and couples striving to grow together. The episode also challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance, emphasizing that when your work aligns with your purpose, it becomes a harmonious extension of your life. Whether you're building a business with your partner or simply seeking a deeper connection in your relationship, this episode provides practical wisdom and heartfelt reflections to guide your journey. Try the Find Your Fire AI App (Free): https://www.findyourfireai.com Follow Carlos Vasquez: / carlosvasquezofficial Follow Shirin Hegazi: / shirinhejaziofficial Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof... New book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://thepricemethodbook.com/ Visit: Legendary Foods: Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions: Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ Alchemie Spa: Health & Wellness https://www.alchemiespa.com/

69. Carlos Unfiltered - Death of Your Former Self

Who are you… really? In this episode of Carlos Unfiltered, we dive deep into identity—what it means to let go of who you were and step into who you’re becoming. Most people believe they need to “find themselves.” But what if the truth is… you don’t discover who you are—you uncover it? Carlos shares his personal journey of shedding identities tied to his past—former inmate, gang member, limited thinking—and how developing new skills, healing, and self-awareness allowed him to step into a new version of himself. We also explore how to deal with people who try to keep you in your old identity, why growth can feel isolating, and how to stay focused when no one else understands your vision. Your past is part of your story—but it doesn’t have to define your future. 💡 In This Episode: ◼️ Why your old identity must be replaced—not destroyed ◼️ The difference between discovering vs uncovering yourself ◼️ How trauma and environment shape false identities ◼️ Why developing new skills changes who you become ◼️ Letting go of labels like “ex-con” or “former self” ◼️ How to handle people who don’t accept your growth ◼️ Why growth makes others uncomfortable ◼️ The danger of staying the same ◼️ Why your past is power—not something to hide ◼️ How to stay focused when you’re evolving alone Try the Find Your Fire AI App (Free): https://www.findyourfireai.com Follow Carlos Vasquez: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Follow Shirin Hegazi: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezof... New book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://thepricemethodbook.com/ Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods: Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions: Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ Alchemie Spa: Health & Wellness https://www.alchemiespa.com/ #FindYourFire #Identity #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #Transformation #Purpose #Mindset #HowToBattle #CarlosUnfiltered

68. Adisa Fatiu: The Truth About Manhood Most Men Never Learn

What does it really mean to become a man? In this powerful conversation, Carlos sits down with Adisa, a man who spent 17 years in prison—and used that time to completely rebuild himself from the inside out. Instead of letting his circumstances define him, he chose to face himself, break destructive patterns, and step into purpose. We talk about identity, discipline, mentorship, transformation, and the truth about manhood that most men never learn until life forces them to. From growing up in West Baltimore to navigating violence, ego, and survival, this episode dives deep into what it takes to truly change—and why prison became the place that saved his life. This is not just a story about incarceration… it’s a story about accountability, growth, and becoming who you were always meant to be. 💡 In This Episode: ◼️ Why strength is revealed when it’s your only option ◼️ Growing up in West Baltimore and choosing survival over peace ◼️ How identity is shaped by environment and expectations ◼️ The moment he realized he was his biggest problem ◼️ Why transformation requires being “broken” first ◼️ The power of mentorship and men pouring into men ◼️ What prison taught him about discipline, purpose, and self-mastery ◼️ The difference between confidence and arrogance ◼️ Why most men struggle in relationships after prison ◼️ How to rebuild yourself as a man from the ground up ◼️ What true freedom actually means Follow Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Follow Adisa:https://www.instagram.com/actionfigureyo Follow the How To Battle podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howtobattle Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial Get my new book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://thepricemethodbook.com/ Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods: Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions: Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ Alchemie Spa: Health & Wellness https://www.alchemiespa.com/ #HowToBattle #Manhood #Transformation #PrisonStory #SelfMastery #Leadership #MentalStrength #Purpose #MensWork

67. Shaun Collins: How I Survived the Murder of Both Parents

In this deeply moving episode, Carlos sits down with Shaun Collins, a man whose resilience is nothing short of a miracle. By the age of six, Shaun had lost both of his parents to murder—his mother strangled when he was four, and his father stabbed just two years later. Growing up in Compton amidst emotional neglect and the heavy stigma of mental health, Shaun found his lifeline in sports and eventually, a radical journey of self-mastery. Together, they explore the "Deep Soul" work necessary to break generational cycles and why true survival isn't just about living through the fire, but refusing to let that fire live through you. Key Insights: The "Deep Soul" Journey: Shaun shares how he moved beyond traditional medicine to master himself through dedicated study, breathwork, and meditation. Surviving the Streets: How Shaun avoided the gang culture of Compton by staying relentlessly focused on sports and positive mentorship. Breaking the Silence: A raw discussion on the stigma of trauma in the community and the importance of addressing "body-level" healing. Radical Resilience: The mindset shift required to turn unimaginable childhood tragedy into a platform for global change. Follow Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Follow Shaun: https://www.instagram.com/realshauncollins Follow the How To Battle podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howtobattle Subscribe for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial Get my new book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://thepricemethodbook.com/ Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods: Protein Snacks https://www.eatlegendary.com/ Youth Champions: Youth Empowerment https://youth-champions.org/ Alchemie Spa: Health & Wellness https://www.alchemiespa.com/ #Resilience #TraumaHealing #Compton #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthStigma #DeepSoul #OvercomingAdversity #CarlosVasquezOfficial #HowToBattle #podcast #Breathwork #Meditation #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #SurvivalInstinct

66. Carlos Unfiltered: Where Happiness Comes From

Carlos breaks down where happiness really lives, why most people chase it in the wrong places, and what it actually takes to experience peace, joy, and fulfillment. From prison and pain to purpose and presence, this conversation goes deep into sacrifice, detachment, ego, relationships, business, and the daily inner work required to live a meaningful life. In this episode, Carlos shares why happiness is not found in money, status, relationships, or material success, but in the space between stimulus and response. He explains the sacrifices required to become your highest self, how letting go of attachment changes everything, and why resilience, values, and day-to-day alignment matter more than any external goalpost. Follow Carlos: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Follow Shirin: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Follow the How To Battle podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howtobattle?igsh=NTB6dnYxM3l0YWl6&utm_source=qr SUBSCRIBE to my mailing list for weekly insights: https://substack.com/@carlosvasquezofficial?r=5i5pke&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=image. Get my new book: The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://thepricemethodbook.com/ Thank you to our sponsors for their support! Legendary Foods: / legendaryfoods Youth Champions: https://youth-champions.org/ Alchemie Spa: https://alchemiespa.com/ #HowToBattle #Happiness #InnerPeace #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset

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