THE PARABLES®

Some lives are planned. Others are called . In this episode, Ejay sits down with Bruce Cardenas to unpack a journey shaped by discipline, service, and faith. From a difficult childhood to the Marines, LAPD, entrepreneurship, and helping build Quest Nutrition into a household name—Bruce shares the truths forged under pressure. This conversation isn’t about hype. It’s about identity, resilience, and...

Some people chase success. Others quietly build standards that last. In this episode, Ejay sits down with Ahmed Seifari to talk about what it really means to build — in business, in relationships, and in life. From real estate development to personal growth, this conversation unpacks why forcing outcomes fails, how community accelerates growth, and why integrity always compounds. This isn’t about...

Authenticity isn’t a branding tactic, it’s a calling. In this episode, Ejay Cruz sits down with Moncy Trejo to unpack why real growth only comes when you stop performing and start telling the truth. From faith and identity to personal branding and relationships, this conversation challenges the polished, fake version of success most people chase. Moncy shares her journey from adversity to building...

When Michael “Gas Money” Gastelum hit rock bottom, he didn’t ask for success — he asked God to rebuild him. What happened next changed everything. This episode dives deep into faith, identity, surrender, and the discipline required to become the highest version of yourself. Michael shares how he transformed his life after losing nearly everything — and why reconnecting to God became the turning po...

Some stories aren’t built on hype — they’re built on faith, failure, and obedience. In this episode, Ejay sits down with Frank Gutierrez to unpack the real journey behind building companies, serving people, and staying grounded through adversity. Frank shares how faith, discipline, and responsibility shaped his leadership, and why calling is louder than comfort. We Cover:  🙏 Faith as a daily deci...

A warrior’s mindset isn’t built in the spotlight — it’s forged long before anyone is watching. In this episode, undefeated boxing phenom Brandun Lee opens up about identity, discipline, independence, adversity, and the samurai-like code that drives his life. This is far beyond boxing — it’s a blueprint for anyone seeking purpose, resilience, and a higher standard of living. We Cover: 🙏 How faith...

What does it really take to build a brand that lasts — one that outlives the hype and becomes part of culture? In this episode of THE PARABLES®, Ejay Cruz reconnects with Andy Nguyen — the creative force behind Afters Ice Cream, Hello Kitty Café, MATTE BLACK Coffee, and the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria. Andy breaks down the real formula for building brands that last — the one no marke...

Success isn’t just money — it’s who you become while building it. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Matt Tolano , USMC veteran and founder of Legacy Jewelry LA, to talk about discipline, purpose, rebuilding your life from the ground up, and earning trust in an industry where integrity is everything. From surviving adversity at home to cutting out the middleman and building a luxury brand f...

What does it really mean to live with purpose — to answer your calling, lead with faith, and find meaning beyond success? In this soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Pastor Aaron Ophaug — leader, speaker, and senior pastor of Friends Church Eastvale — to talk about faith, calling, and the journey of trusting God’s plan even when life feels uncertain. We dive deep into what it takes to stay grou...

What does it really take to build a $600M empire while staying true to your faith, family, and values? In this powerful conversation, Edwin Arroyave — entrepreneur, leader, and visionary — is back on the podcast to talk about the journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of a company that’s generated over half a billion dollars in sales. We cover: 🔑 How faith and mindset shaped Edwin’s s...

From the discipline of the U.S. Marine Corps to building multiple successful businesses, Andrew Cruz has mastered the art of focus, growth, and creating lasting impact. In this powerful conversation, Andrew opens up about the mindset shift that transformed his life, the lessons he’s learned from juggling multiple ventures, and the one move that changed everything. We dive deep into: ✂️ How to iden...

After five long years… THE PARABLES ® Podcast is BACK. 🎙️✨ In this relaunch episode, host Ejay Cruz opens up about the journey that took him from being a registered nurse to becoming an entrepreneur, content creator, and now relaunching one of the most impactful personal growth podcasts in the world. Ejay shares: ·       The untold story of why the podcast stopped in 2020—including the craziest d...

The war doesn’t always end when you come home. In this episode of THE PARABLES® I sit down with Marine Corps veteran Roland Vandenberg to unpack the hidden battles of PTSD, identity loss, and the long road toward healing, purpose, and service after war. This is a conversation about accountability, faith, and choosing life when darkness feels overwhelming. Roland shares the moments that nearly brok...

U.S. Army Veteran turned entrepreneur Nick Fitzgerald went from opening gyms to becoming an e-com genius, running an 8-figure business and working with some of the top influencer brands today. Looking to pay it forward and give back to those looking to reach financial freedom, Nick also has become an industry leader in financial services. Support the show

Not all leaders are loud — and not all impact is visible at first. In this episode of THE PARABLES® , I sit down with Marissa Almendarez to talk about purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, and what it really means to make good moves in business, fitness, and life. This is a conversation about service, humility, and staying true to your values while building something meaningful. Marissa shares ho...

JP Pena is a Marine combat veteran and the #1 Real Estate Advisor in Los Angeles. Thank you to our sponsor: PathWater Support the show

From being bullied and broke to leading a $3.4B company — Sharran Srivatsaa ’s story is a masterclass in discipline, clarity, faith, and the power of focused learning  In this conversation, Sharran opens up about leaving India at 11, overcoming fear, navigating culture shock, getting mugged on day one in America, and building relentless self-belief through action. He breaks down the mindset behind...

From a low-income neighborhood in Riverside, California.. to fighting on the biggest stages in boxing — Josesito Lopez is living proof that discipline and heart can shape destiny. In this raw, inspiring conversation, I sit with “The Riverside Rocky” to talk life, legacy, faith, and the fighter mindset. Josesito opens up about growing up in gang-heavy neighborhoods, finding boxing at eight, overcom...

Three time IFBB Pro Olympian Anthony Woods discusses the mindset and internal dialogue behind training, bodybuilding, and attacking your personal goals. Thank you to our sponsor: PathWater Support the show

What if success didn’t need fame? In this episode, Slushgod — founder of the streetwear brand Slushcult — opens up about his creative journey from DIY beginnings to building a global movement rooted in color, community, and authenticity. Through storytelling and real reflection, he reveals how staying faceless allowed the brand’s values, not ego, to shine. We Cover: • 🧠 The origins of Slushcult a...

From escaping communism to building a global fitness empire — Bedros Keuilian is proof that adversity can shape greatness when you refuse to quit. In this powerful episode of THE PARABLES® , we dive into the disciplines, internal battles, emotional resilience, and “fighter jet” mentality that turned a kid who couldn’t speak English into one of the most influential leaders in business and personal...

What happens when you stop trying to impress the world — and start becoming who you actually are? In this powerful episode, Chase Hero opens up about his journey from incarceration and rock-bottom moments… to building wealth, emotional strength, and a life rooted in self-awareness and authentic success. We talk identity, pain, ego, discipline, money, fatherhood, and the power of becoming unapologe...

Shadi Bakour , CEO & co-founder of PathWater  and Forbes 30 under 30 shares the story behind the water bottle brand that’s disrupting the industry with reusable aluminum water bottles and whose mission is to help end single-use plastic pollution. Support the show

Founders of Asian Hustle Network , Bryan Pham & Maggie Chui , discuss the story and mission behind the fast growing community. Thank you to our sponsor Podcorn: https://podcorn.com Support the show

How do you go from surviving… to leading an 8-figure empire? In this powerful conversation, Frankie Quiroz , founder of Tuned in Tokyo and Drip Creations , opens up about his early struggles, building clothing brands from his dad’s garage, and developing the mindset that turned pain into purpose. Through years of sacrifice, no excuses, and faith in his vision, Frankie reveals what it really takes...