The Voncast Show

In this episode Von and guest Nora discuss the journey of aging gracefully, the societal pressures surrounding midlife, and the importance of redefining success. They explore personal growth, the impact of capitalism on perceptions of aging, and the significance of mental health support. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, therapy, and self-acceptance as they navigate the complexit...

Von and Pat Francis explore the world of rock music, podcasting, and the evolution of both over the years. Pat shares his journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming a well-respected podcast host, discussing his early influences in music, the impact of MTV, and the grunge movement. They also delve into the importance of mental health in the music industry and share valuable tips for aspi...

Jake Palumbo discusses the intersection of mental health and music, exploring themes of healing, grief, and the importance of therapy. He shares personal experiences with loss, panic attacks, and the challenges of isolation, while also emphasizing the value of coping mechanisms and the therapeutic process. The discussion culminates in insights about his upcoming album, 'Euthanasia for the Stupid',...

Von shares his personal journey with ADHD, discussing the importance of therapy, the challenges of impulsivity, and the impact of his diagnosis on his self-esteem. He reflects on coping mechanisms, including video games, and emphasizes the need for accessible mental health resources. Von also addresses the complexities of managing ADHD without medication and encourages listeners to seek help when...

Alan Aquino,a professor of Asian American Studies at CSUN, shares his journey from childhood aspirations to becoming a community organizer and poet. He reflects on his upbringing in Panorama City, the cultural shifts he witnessed, and the impact of gangs in the 90s. Alan discusses the importance of education, representation in media, and the role of Asian American Studies in fostering community an...

 George Lee Jr., an LA elementary school teacher, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Koreatown to becoming an influential educator. He discusses the importance of mentorship, understanding students' backgrounds, and the impact of education on personal development. George emphasizes the need for teachers to connect with their students beyond academics and to create a safe and suppo...

Von reflects on the societal obsession with youth and the natural process of aging. He discusses personal experiences with aging, the responsibilities that come with adulthood, and the wisdom gained over the years. Von emphasizes the importance of embracing aging, recognizing the positives that come with it, and learning to appreciate the present moment. He shares insights on how his perspective h...

Von reflects on his 20-year journey with social media, discussing its evolution from MySpace to Instagram and the impact it has had on his mental health. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences on various platforms, the challenges of navigating social media, and how his relationship with it has changed over the years. Von emphasizes the importance of being mindful of social media usage...

John Dich shares his profound journey of healing and self-forgiveness after experiencing incarceration. He discusses his upbringing in an immigrant family, the search for validation that led him to a gang lifestyle, and the challenges he faced in prison. John reflects on his transformation, the importance of impulse awareness, and the steps he took towards self-care and emotional healing. He empha...

Von shares his personal experiences with self-sabotage, online dating, and the challenges of approaching 40. He reflects on his past, including moments of nostalgia and the impact of his choices on his current mindset. Through candid storytelling, he explores the complexities of self-doubt, the fear of success, and the importance of mindfulness in overcoming negative thought patterns. Von emphasiz...

In this conversation, Michael shares his life story, detailing his journey from Vietnam to the United States, the challenges he faced growing up, and the life-altering decisions that led to his incarceration for nearly 20 years. He discusses the cultural adjustments he had to make, the influence of gangs during his high school years, and the harsh realities of prison life. Michael reflects on the...

In this conversation, Von interviews April Ella, the director of operations at A New Path, a San Diego-based organization focused on harm reduction and advocacy for therapeutic drug policies. They discuss April's journey from fashion to harm reduction, the impact of fentanyl and the emerging drug Trank, the concept of harm reduction, the historical context of the war on drugs, and the importance o...

In this conversation, Nora shares her personal journey with ketamine therapy, discussing its therapeutic effects on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The discussion delves into how ketamine works in the brain, the importance of ongoing treatment, and the societal stigma surrounding drug use. Nora reflects on her experiences, the impact of ketamine on her daily life, a...

In this episode of the Voncast Show, host Von reflects on his return to podcasting after a two-month break, discussing the importance of mental health, personal growth, and the balance between podcasting and life. He shares his experiences during the break, including reconnecting with friends, watching shows, and playing video games, which helped him manage anxiety. Von expresses gratitude for his...

In this conversation, Von and Yessica discuss their personal journeys through addiction and recovery. They share their experiences with substance use, the challenges they faced, and the turning points that led them to seek help. The discussion highlights the importance of community, self-awareness, and the ongoing process of recovery, especially in the context of new parenthood. They emphasize the...

 Leah, the founder and CEO of Pineapple Support, discusses her journey in the adult industry and the importance of mental health support for sex workers. She highlights the stigma faced by individuals in this field and how it impacts their mental health. Leah elaborates on the various services provided by Pineapple Support, including therapy, support groups, and educational resources aimed at brea...

In this engaging conversation, host Von speaks with actor, writer, and director Abby Rey about her journey into the world of acting, her experiences with mental health, and the importance of community in the arts. Abby shares her personal story of overcoming shyness, the challenges of auditioning, and the significance of supporting aspiring actors. They discuss the emotional aspects of acting, inc...

In this solo episode, Von shares his journey of sobriety, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past two years. He discusses the reasons behind his decision to stop partying, the difficulties faced during the first year of recovery, and the emotional struggles encountered in the second year. Von emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and finding peace withou...

Von reflects on his journey, discussing the importance of solo episodes, navigating life's challenges, and the significance of reflecting on personal progress. He shares insights on dealing with burnout, the benefits of gym workouts, and the necessity of self-reflection to appreciate how far one has come. Von emphasizes the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive persp...

In this episode host Von discusses the therapeutic use of ketamine with licensed clinical worker Candace Curzon and medical provider Austin Francom. They explore the benefits of ketamine therapy and delve into the administration methods, safety protocols, and the importance of mindset. The discussion highlights the role of music in therapy sessions and emphasizes the need for continued work post-t...

In this episode Von and guest Eric from the Now We're Here podcast dive into their favorite summer songs, exploring the nostalgia and memories associated with music from their youth. They discuss various tracks, including Fat Joe's 'Lean Back',  Young Roscoe’s ‘Summertime’ Lil Flip's 'Sunshine',  Lil Rob's 'Summer Nightss & Due Lipa’s ‘Future Nostalgia’ album. They reflect on how these songs e...

In this conversation, Von Bondoc speaks with Theo Kryzwicki, the CEO of End Overdose, about the opioid epidemic, personal experiences with addiction, and the importance of harm reduction strategies. Theo shares his journey from addiction to recovery, the challenges faced in getting clean, and the rise of fentanyl as a dangerous substance. They discuss the mission of End Overdose, the life-saving m...

Von interviews Megg Jacobs, a North Carolina Metalcore vocalist. They discuss topics such as thunderstorms in North Carolina, Megg's love for metalcore and pop punk, her journey as a vocalist, and the different techniques and styles of screaming in metal music. Megg also shares her experience as a recording artist and balancing her music career with a full-time job. In this conversation, Megg Jaco...

On this episode Von and returning guest/ friend Nora (who is also a DV counselor) raise awareness about domestic violence. They highlight the prevalence of domestic violence and the shame and stigma that often surround it. They define abuse as a pattern of control and coercion, and discuss the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional, verbal, financial, digital, and stalking. Von an...

In this solo episode, Von discusses his experience with nostalgia and how it consumed his life for a few years. He talks about the longing for the past, comparing himself to others, and the difficulty of accepting change. Von shares how he was able to overcome this phase by making new memories, focusing on himself, and accepting the present. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciati...