How To Battle Podcast

How To Battle Podcast

by Carlos Vasquez
Self-Improvement
Season 1

Finding Your Tribe

Strength isn’t built in comfort; it’s forged when everything familiar is stripped away. I sit down with Shirin Hejazi for a raw, honest conversation about what strength and self-discovery really mean. I reflect on solitary confinement, trauma, and the ongoing battle between ego and healing, and how suffering became the doorway to awakening. Drawing inspiration from thinkers like Carl Jung and Eckhart Tolle, I share why learning to observe your thoughts, practice real gratitude, and reconnect mind and heart changed everything for me. From surviving prison to mentoring at-risk youth, I explain how walking through darkness led me to peace and a responsibility to help others find it too. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Leading with heart and mind (04:13) Brotherhood through shared struggles (06:55) Understanding yourself in solitude (12:02) Shared healing through vulnerability (14:36) Finding clarity through solitude (17:51) Processing pain in solitude (21:23) Fascinated by the human mind (23:49) Ego, redemption, and destiny (28:19) Closing thoughts and links to free resources Links mentioned in this episode: Shirin Hejazi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E55
Dec 28, 2025
29:03

Breaking Cycles: Prison, Creativity, and the Power of Personal Narrative with Bryson McCalley

Bryson McCalley is the founder and CEO of LAST OF A DYNG SEED, an author, filmmaker, and mentor shaped by hard-earned experience. Raised amid violence in Long Beach and later serving 15 years in a Level IV California prison, Bryson chose growth over defeat. He shares how trauma and environment pushed him toward incarceration, and how prison became the proving ground where he built discipline, educated himself, and rediscovered his creative edge. From strategic thinking to authentic communication, those skills fueled his success after release. In this conversation, Bryson and Carlos Vasquez unpack discipline, creativity in the age of AI, life inside high-security prisons, and how to build a meaningful legacy… no matter where you start. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Consistency and resilience matter (03:13) Legacy, growth, and identity (09:22) Born a creator with boundless imagination (10:17) Language, the streets, and creativity (14:10) Creating art from lived experience (20:17) Growing up surrounded by violence (23:13) Lessons in mentorship and personal growth (26:08) Life inside a level four prison (32:25) Trauma bonding and self-destruction (34:28) Youth struggles and modern challenges (39:56) How prison saved and transformed me (43:44) Understanding value, discipline, and growth (46:00) Respecting the process of transformation (48:28) Values-driven leadership in business (53:24) Using movie scenes as life lessons (56:27) Obsessive preparation for long-term success Links mentioned in this episode: Bryson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastofadyngseed/ Bryson’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LASTOFADYNGSEED Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information about them, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E54
Dec 24, 2025
59:23

The Battle Within

In this episode, I candidly explore my evolution from the chaos of gang leadership and prison to building a life rooted in authentic inspiration, empathy, and self-mastery. Drawing on my lived experience, insights from my book, and my original PRICE Leadership Framework, I break down what it truly means to lead yourself before you can lead others. Joined by co-host Shirin Hejazi, we challenge common myths around power, unpack the daily battles of self-leadership, and explore the difference between being driven by ego versus guided by purpose. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Leadership vs self-control (05:10) Growth and accountability in prison (09:08) Natural leadership in groups (10:23) From powerlessness to despair (15:03) Writing through pain and hope (19:15) Turning pain into purpose (22:20) From victim to happiness (24:06) Define success in your own way (29:14) Closing and links to free resources Links mentioned in this episode: Shirin Hejazi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E53
Dec 17, 2025
29:58

Fighting for a Second Chance: David Moore on Recovery, Gangs, and Turning Pain into Purpose

Growing up in a neighborhood marked by violence, addiction, and the constant pursuit to fit in, David Moore takes us on a raw and honest journey through his early years – navigating gang life, substance abuse, and the heartbreak of losing his brother at a young age. He shares how his desperate need for respect and belonging led him down a dangerous path, culminating in being shot at just 15 years old. But that’s only part of David Moore’s story. Today, he’s a committed father, husband, and advocate in recovery, serving as the Community Engagement Director for the Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. David Moore opens up about his journey of redemption, pursuing higher education at USC, building a legacy for his children, and using his hard-won wisdom to inspire hope in others battling their own demons. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Healing through community and reflection (06:06) Impact House legacy since 1971 (09:01) Impact's recovery-based workforce (09:49) Struggling to fit in (14:13) Regret and emotional conflict (18:57) How recovery requires ongoing effort (23:20) Work, hustle, no healing (28:53) Mentorship, impact, and educational pathways (31:48) Surviving grit through hardship (34:19) Rock bottom and redemption (38:57) Mentorship and youth support solutions (40:04) Empowering formerly incarcerated through change (45:54) Nonprofits, ego, and fatherhood (46:35) Balancing life's demands and family (51:39) Reframing perspective, embracing possibility (54:51) Closing and links to resources Links mentioned in this episode: Impact Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center: https://www.impacthouse.com/ Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information about them, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E52
Dec 10, 2025
55:35

Taming the Beast

In this Carlos Unfiltered episode, I sit down with my co-host, Shirin Hejazi, to talk honestly about anger – how it once protected me in prison, and how I’ve learned to transform it. I share how my anger started in childhood and became a survival tool in a world where it felt like currency. Over time, I realised it didn’t just destroy, it held energy I could redirect. Now, instead of reacting, I use tools like the STAR method (Stop, Think, Assess, Respond) to create space before I act. Co-host Shirin and I also discuss the routines, like daily workouts, that keep me grounded and support my mental and emotional well-being. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Anger hurts yourself the most (04:59) Channeling anger into change (09:16) Controlling anger for survival (12:37) Learning self-transformation techniques (14:20) Managing stress and expectations (17:44) Be a STAR: anger management (19:32) Speaking becomes second nature (24:16) Closing and free resources Links mentioned in this episode: Shirin Hejazi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E51
Dec 3, 2025
24:59

BEST OF How To Battle Podcast

Welcome to episode 50! Carlos Vasquez brings together the five most-downloaded conversations from How To Battle, diving deep into raw stories of trauma, forgiveness and clawing your way back from the edge. From fractured bonds between fathers and sons to the marks we carry – inked on skin or buried inside – these guests lay it all out: the weight of childhood pain, the moment you choose to walk away from your past and the hope that comes with starting over. Travon Harris, Bryson McCalley, Giane Lollar, Jabarri Pangelinan, Kyle Walker, Adaku Mbagwu and Travis Sanchez share what it really takes to rebuild a life through addiction, incarceration, cultural upheaval and spiritual reckoning. No filters. If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck or ready to rewrite your story, this one’s for you. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) From robbery to reflection (05:17) Tattoos and hood identity (09:19) Denouncing and transitioning from gangs (11:23) Power of support in struggles (15:44) Growth through pain (19:05) From privilege to poverty (19:56) Resentment, reflection and resilience (23:02) Finding true identity Links mentioned in this episode: Beyond the Skate Park: Turning Rebellion Into Responsibility with Kyle Walker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eBlpoXKS38 Tales of Tattoos and Transformation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUb4UC0NlJE Seeing the World (and Work) Differently After 14 Years in Prison with Jabarri Pangelinan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbQxkvvIOMs Unlocking a New Future: From Survival to Thriving with Adaku Mbagwu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nleSrLIXDE Owning Your Story: Travis Sanchez’s Battle Against Victim Mentality and Addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Kw8DbkWNw Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information about them, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E50
Nov 26, 2025
25:29

The Father Wound

I open up about what it really felt like growing up without my father – the confusion, the anger, and the emptiness that followed me into the streets. That pain pushed me toward the wrong crowd and eventually straight into gang life. By 19, I was behind bars. In this conversation, I’m brutally honest about the consequences of that path and what it takes to step up and break generational cycles. I talk about learning to forgive, rebuilding myself from the inside out, and redefining what it means to be a man. This episode isn’t just about where I went wrong; it’s about how far you can go when you choose to grow, to change, and to lead with purpose, love, and sacrifice. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Protecting your child’s future (06:35) Fatherhood, loss and redemption (08:16) My father, my role model (12:03) Curiosity fueled my journey (16:25) Prison reflection and resilience (18:39) Forgiveness and compassion transformed me (22:51) Learning from mistakes (26:36) Faith, purpose and helping others (30:06) Pause, reflect, decide tomorrow (31:32) Fatherhood, mentorship and values Links mentioned in this episode: Shirin Hejazi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E49
Nov 19, 2025
34:20

You Don’t Know Confidence Until You Have to Have It with Travon Harris Part 2

Carlos Vasquez sits down with Travon Harris – once facing a life sentence, now building a thriving business and rewriting his future. Travon Harris candidly opens up about his childhood growing up in South Los Angeles, the pressure and survival instincts that led him into the criminal lifestyle, and the pivotal moments that sparked his transformation behind bars. They explore what it means to find true confidence, rewrite your own story, and battle the internal narratives shaped by trauma and hardship. They also delve into the realities of reentry – the struggles and wins, the lessons learned from rejection in business, and what it truly takes to lead yourself to success after prison. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Confidence and identity (06:15) Facing fear and failure (07:46) Learning confidence and leadership (10:12) Taking responsibility for unmet needs (15:18) Growing through education (17:50) Building resilience through life’s fights (22:39) Survival mindset in prison (23:23) How depression shapes your thinking (28:32) Work, dreams, and keeping balance (31:20) Navigating the parole board (34:48) Personal growth in adversity (37:35) From warehouse job to trucking success (42:16) Addiction and the power of choice (44:31) Becoming aware of a criminal mindset (51:34) Struggling to stay connected (54:58) Free resource and closing notes Links mentioned in this episode: Travon Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travon_harris123 Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass The PRICE Method: How I Turn Pain into Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXMRB613 Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information about them, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E48
Nov 12, 2025
55:41

The Confident Leader

In this Carlos Unfiltered episode, I get real about what leadership actually takes today. Not hype. Not theory. Real-world pressure, real decisions, real consequences. I break down the mindset that’s shaped me as a leader – why empathy isn’t weakness, why compassion is a weapon, and why confidence only matters when it’s tied to purpose. I share lessons earned the hard way running a business and leading in high-stress environments, and I give you the tools that have helped me build tougher, more resilient teams. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Leadership that adapts to change (05:34) How great leaders handle pressure (07:58) What real leadership growth looks like (11:59) The truth about purpose-driven confidence (16:17) Adapt, learn, and build your circle (17:48) Leading through change (21:08) Why putting people first always pays off (24:54) Closing thoughts and free resources Links mentioned in this episode: Shirin Hejazi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinhejaziofficial Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosvasquezofficial Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E47
Nov 5, 2025
42:50

The Mindset Behind Celebrity Trainer, Austin Curry

Celebrity Trainer Austin Curry has trained some of the biggest names in the game – including YouTube giant MrBeast – but his real story isn’t about fame or followers. It’s about fighting through pain, doubt, and failure to rebuild himself from the inside out. Carlos Vasquez dives deep into Austin’s journey, from a rough childhood and low self-worth to mastering the mindset that turned his life around. Austin breaks down how fitness became more than a grind – it became therapy. A way to rebuild confidence, sharpen discipline, and live with purpose. He reveals what it really takes to lead with authenticity, stay consistent when no one’s watching, and turn your hardest battles into fuel for growth. Tune in as we dive into: (00:00) Success is a personal journey (03:43) Embracing growth and learning (09:27) Childhood struggles and transition (11:19) Culture shock and contrast (14:58) Seek help, don’t internalize (18:37) Video games as an escape (22:25) Turning pain into purpose (28:11) From small town to fitness trainer (32:49) Social media: purpose vs presence (37:10) Be mindful, disconnect to connect (40:14) Jimmy’s incredible work ethic (44:21) Empowerment through choice and faith (47:43) Present, authentic, intentional fatherhood (51:01) Power of being present (53:52) Perfect fit for growth (56:18) Embrace vulnerability and self-love Links mentioned in this episode: Austin Curry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austincolecurry/ Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men – Book PDF: https://carlosvasquez.systeme.io/warriorinthegarden Download my Confidence Masterclass: https://carlosvasquezofficial.thinkific.com/products/courses/building-confidence-masterclass Thank you to Legendary Foods and Youth Champions for their support of this podcast. For more information about them, visit: Legendary Foods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendaryfoods Youth Champions Website: https://youth-champions.org
S1 · E46
Oct 29, 2025
58:07
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