Shows
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuBONUS EPISODE 1: The Bus to Forever Pre-Interview with Fila EstradaBONUS 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:
2023-08-2038 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Bus to Forever: Fila Estrada, Undocumented to DreamerIn 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...2023-08-1734 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Depression & Demons with Artist Brandon TorresIn 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...2023-08-0122 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on South Asian Stereotypes: Raj ShahThe 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...2023-07-2714 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Mistaken Identity: When I was Mistaken for a Woman with Cooper DeArmondIn 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. I...2023-07-1911 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on African Americanism: A Hot Mic Conversation with Robert Bjorn TaylorThe 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...2023-07-1132 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Sewing Like A Man, Substance Abuse to Fashion Design: The Journey of Brian ChavezIn 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...2023-06-091h 20
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on The Ukrainian War: Vulnerability, Philanthropy, and Mental Health with Ivan Danishevsky of Ukraine's National eSports FederationIn 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...2023-05-0649 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Anxiety & The Coma: Zach Paul's American Hero Dream Shattered by a Drunk DriverIn this episode of the Lurning Man Podcast, host Omarr welcomes Zach Paul, a brain injury survivor, and former US Navy SEAL, to discuss his life story and expertise in dealing with anxiety. Despite an unfortunate end to his dream of becoming an American hero, Zach shares his journey of resilience and how he now helps others through life coaching. Trigger warning for anxiety and suicide.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
[00:01:25] Overcoming anxiety after trauma.
[00:04:47] Overcoming Adversity.
[00:07:35] Becoming a Navy SEAL.
[00:10:44] Rite of passage for men.
[00:14:22] Surviving Navy SEAL bootcamp.
[00:17:25] Life-changing brain injury.
[00:20:58] Brain injury...2023-04-211h 05
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Checking Yo Nuts: A 3x Testicular Cancer Survivor Story with Mason MooreIn this episode of the Lurning Man podcast, host Omarr Cantu talks with Mason Moore, who is a three-time testicular cancer survivor. The episode is titled "Check Yo Nuts" in honor of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Cantu and Moore discuss the importance of regular self-examination and early detection, as well as Moore's personal experiences with testicular cancer. They also touch on the stigma surrounding men's health issues and the need for open and transparent conversations about these topics. Overall, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves and advocating for our own health.2023-04-1552 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Masculine & Feminine Energy: Learning from Abusive Fathers with Grant DziakOn The Lurning Man podcast, Grant Dziak discussed his personal journey and experience balancing feminine and masculine energy within himself. As a former Ohio State University football player, Grant and his now-wife, Celest Bonin a WWE Diva Champion, discussed how growing up with a single mother and her side of the family left an impact on his life and how the combination of these two energies work together.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Masculine vs Feminine Energy.
[00:05:25] Masculinity and Feminine Energy.
[00:10:36] Sexual assault and protection.
[00:14:17] Keeping quiet about others.
[00:15:04] Masculinity and femininity.
[00:19:47] Masculine and feminine...2023-04-071h 07
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Trauma & Triumph: The Strength of Leroy the Machine WalkerIn this episode of the Lurning Man podcast, host Omarr Cantu interviews Leroy "The Machine" Walker, one of the strongest men in the world. Leroy shares insights and wisdom beyond his impressive physical strength and talks about the traumatic abuse events that launched his career. He holds the world record for strict curl and is one of the top 10 strongest men in the bench press. Despite his towering size, Leroy is known to be an intelligent and eloquent individual who is willing to share his experiences with his listeners.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
[00:02:54] Childhood...2023-04-011h 00
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Gender Identity: Growing Up in the Wrong Body with Inara TabirOn The Lurning Man podcast, host Omarr Cantu interviews the first female on the podcast Inara Tabir, a trans activist and a leader in the aerospace industry who comes from Vittlidge, Germany. Tabir discusses her journey of transitioning and the importance of promoting equality. She currently is the CEO of Galaxis Aerospace, executive director of Gaaays in Spaaace, and founder of the Foundation for the Future.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
00:03:57 Be yourself unapologetically.
00:06:35 Belonging is hard to find.
00:11:49 Foster care system is broken.
00:17:44 Adults can be dangerous.
00:23:00 Gender identity is innate.
00:26:02 Transitioning is a journey.
00:34:29 Get a...2023-03-171h 11
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Clever Hard Wood: Exploring the Art of Furniture Making with David LundellIn today's podcast, Omarr Cantu interviews furniture maker and content creator David Lundell, who is known for his intricate puzzles and hardwood designs. They discuss his experience within the Mormon church, his family size, and his passion for creating furniture that is both beautiful and functional.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
00:03:08 Make drawers delightfully complicated.
00:09:57 Make what you love.
00:16:30 Take risks to succeed.
00:17:03 Gain an audience for passion.
00:27:41 Experience different cultures.
00:34:04 Believe what makes you happy.
00:39:41 Experience culture shock.
00:44:30 Different cultures can surprise.
00:50:03 Create stories to entertain people.
00:57:48 Woodworking can be lucrative.
01:03:22 Do research and find mentors.
01:04:23 Find people who...2023-03-111h 06
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Compassion & Force: Retired LAPD Officer Erik MilosevichIn this episode of the podcast, host Omarr Cantu interviews Erik Milosevich, a retired LAPD police officer. Eric has taken a different approach to law enforcement, working to use his influence and experience to promote love and compassion in stressful situations. They also discuss a person's journey of vulnerability and connecting to their inner North Star.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
00:00:30 Compassion and love in high stress.
00:10:43 Stay calm and connect.
00:13:30 Practice peace and compassion.
00:21:06 Train officers in peacekeeping.
00:27:51 Connect with humanity.
00:33:18 Homelessness is a snowball effect.
00:38:37 Get help for mental illness.
00:43:09 Transform lives through compassion.
00:45:19 System unfairly incarcer...2023-03-031h 09
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Race Identity: Navigating Life as a Half Black, Half Jewish Man with Elijah MayThe Lurning Man talks to Elijah May about race identity. Although May was raised by a single, strong feminist mother, he was still the only black person growing up in the mountain town of North Carolina. He discusses how his identity and experiences shape the way he interacts with today's world.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
00:00:08 Explore race identity thoughtfully.
00:09:37 Race impacts life opportunities.
00:15:41 Navigate differences with empathy.
00:17:07 Racism still prevalent in society.
00:27:52 Mom rescues animals, people.
00:32:37 Symbols can have hidden meanings.
00:36:30 Acknowledge different struggles.
00:44:30 Create a supportive community.
00:47:09 Don't...2023-02-2558 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Episode on Culture Shock: A Conversation with Joshua LegierOn this episode of the Lurning Man podcast, host Omarr Cantu interviews Joshua Legier, a male feminist, black community leader, entrepreneur, consultant, and business expert. Joshua talks about his experience of growing up and dealing with culture shock, and he provides an analogy about a fish out of water flopping around in search of air. They discuss the idea of pushing oneself out of familiar areas to gain new perspectives, learning how to handle failure, and challenging one's limits.
Episode Topic Timestamps:
00:04:00 Grow through discomfort and failure.
00:10:45 Survive and be smart.
00:13:00 Control yourself to...2023-02-2556 min
The Lurning Man with Omarr CantuThe Lurning Man with Omarr Cantu TeaserDo you ever find yourself questioning if you’re living a life well-lived? If so, you’re not alone. For many of us, there are moments in life that challenge our perspective and force us to re-evaluate what is most important to us.
At 40 years old, I have faced several monumental life events - the birth of my first child, the death of my father, issues with relationships, being laid off twice within one year, and the loss of my once-in-a-lifetime dog. These events prompted me to search for answers by connecting with others on a deeper leve...2023-02-2501 min