Unprepared Men

In Part 3 of our Heirloom Live Special series, we sit down with Carlos and Mario from Qiensave to talk about their roots in the local community and how growing up here helped shape their sound. We get into their musical influences, the style of music they’re bringing to the scene, and what it’s like being part of a band made up of brothers creating music together. Carlos and Mario also share their...

In Part 2 of our Heirloom Live Special, we sit down with local artist Kaefan, who’s bringing his own style and flavor to cumbia while keeping the tradition alive. He talks about his family’s deep roots in cumbia music, how those influences shaped his sound, and how he’s helping inspire younger artists in the local community to follow their passion. We also try to get him to admit he’s the favorite...

We kick off our Heirloom Live Series with one of the most active names in the local scene — DJ Baby Dizzle. Recorded live during Heirloom’s final show, we talk about the grind behind the decks, the reality of juggling a packed DJ schedule, and what it takes to keep the local music scene alive. Beyond DJing, Baby Dizzle is also behind the scenes promoting events that bring the community together, i...

In this episode, we sit down and break down what Transcendental Meditation (TM) actually is — no incense required (unless that’s your thing). We talk about how the technique works, the science behind it, and why millions of people swear by just 20 minutes, twice a day. We dive into the real-life benefits: reduced stress, better focus, improved sleep, emotional control — and yes… we explore whether...

In this episode, we sit down with Amapola Ramirez, MS, MSW — also known online as La Chicana Therapist — a powerhouse of compassion, community, and (let’s be honest) emotional labor. Amapola shares what inspired her to step into social work and mental health advocacy, how deeply she’s involved in supporting our local community, and how she uses TikTok and Instagram to spread awareness, resources,...

This week on Unprepared, we sit down with tattoo artist Mariah Mermaids and dive needle-first into her journey from apprentice to full-blown tattoo slayer. We talk first tattoos (the good, the bad, and the “why did I agree to that?”), new tattoo techniques, and what it really takes to turn art into a career. Mariah breaks down shop life, learning the craft, evolving your style, and trusting the pr...

RG the Barber sits in the chair and breaks down his journey from military life to building his own barbershop. We talk about how discipline from the service shaped his grind, the realities of running a shop, and the early days of learning the craft—when cousins were the first to volunteer for some very experimental haircuts. RG also shares his philosophy behind the chair, including why the custome...

In this episode of Unprepared for Battle, we sit down with author FK Menzz to talk about his debut fantasy novel, Battle of Verdants — the first book in When the Crown Bleeds series. We dive into the world behind the book, the characters, and the inspiration that sparked it all. What began as short stories written for his daughter while she was away at college eventually grew into a full-scale fan...

This episode is all about the holidays—the good, the weird, and the “why do we still do this every year?” moments. We dive into our favorite holiday traditions, memories that still hit us right in the feels, and the ones that make us laugh now that enough time (and food) has passed. From childhood magic to adult responsibilities sneaking in uninvited, we talk about what the holidays meant then, wh...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Guillermo Rodriguez to talk openly about his battle with addiction, the rock-bottom moment that forced real change, and the long road that followed. Dr. Rodriguez shares what addiction took from him—and what recovery gave back. From surviving his lowest point to earning his doctorate, becoming a professor and social worker, and dedicating his life to...

This week we’re joined by Chicago-based stand-up comedian Gabriel Alvizo, who brings sharp wit, unapologetic honesty, and absolutely zero fear of dropping an F-bomb. We dive into his comedy influences, trading stories about the legends who shaped his style, the wild hecklers who accidentally become part of the show, and how his Salinas roots still sneak into his jokes — whether he wants them to or...

This week we’re joined by Ben Flores, a firefighter from Seaside, who walks us through his journey into the fire service — from the moment he knew this was the job to the grind of actually getting there. We talk holiday fire prevention (because nothing ruins Christmas like a kitchen fire), the reality of first calls, and the unforgettable moment of getting stuck inside the fire engine when the adr...

You can’t prepare for what’s waiting in the dark. Join the Unprepared Men crew as they sit down with American Paranormal Investigations crew API, who chase the unexplained — from haunted homes to spirit-filled battlefields. Hear how they work as a team, their most chilling encounters with the other side, and the moments that made even the skeptics believe. We’ll revisit Poltergeist, ask how the sp...

This week, the crew gets spooky with Spooky Girl 831 — the local legend who knows every haunted corner of the Central Coast. From ghostly sightings in Salinas to eerie encounters on backroads you definitely shouldn’t drive alone at night, we dive into the creepiest stories the 831 has to offer. 👻 She shares her own hair-raising experiences (literally), and we trade some of our own spine-tingling...

This week, the crew dives deep into some Would You Rather chaos that only we could make this ridiculous. Would you rather always be late or painfully early? Be forever rich or have superpowers? Add a few zeros to your account or live forever to regret it? Yeah… it gets that real. We’re joined by our good friend Masa, who not only helps us keep the laughs rolling but also does so much for the local...

In this episode, we sit down with special guest Lauren Stroud for a real (and really unfiltered) conversation about mental health. We open up about our own struggles, ask the big question—are those voices in our heads actually real?—and explore what it means to be human in the middle of the chaos. It’s not all heavy though: there’s laughter, honesty, and practical ways to support the people around...

This week on Unprepared Men, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of Reddit’s “Am I the Asshole?”—where strangers ask the internet to judge their life choices. From refusing to take off shoes in someone’s house, to buying knockoff sneakers, to the high-stakes battlefield of diaper duty, we break down the drama with zero qualifications and maximum opinions.

We made it to Episode 10! 🎉 To celebrate, we dove headfirst into the mysteries of the multiverse—asking if it’s really just another form of time travel, or something stranger. Right at the very beginning, an unexpected blooper set the tone before we even got started. From there, we pondered where our lives might be if we’d just made different choices, making this milestone episode one of our most...

In this episode, the boys crack open the vault of shame and pour out their wildest drunk adventures. From calling 911 to sober up (pro tip: don’t), to chasing friends with your pants down, to finding out just how hands-on the judicial process can be in Tijuana—this one’s got more twists than a tequila hangover.

We revisit the movies that left us speechless, scarred, or straight-up scared to open a closet door for a decade. From childhood classics that low-key traumatized us to modern films that make us question reality (looking at you, A24), we unpack how cinema has evolved—and how our trust in animated animals never recovered. Also: shoutout to the listeners who blast our nonsense in the gym while worki...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wild world of conspiracy theories—Bigfoot, time travel, UFOs, the Matrix, and the most controversial question of all: does Will even believe in dinosaurs?

This Father’s Day, the Unprepared Men get real about the guys who raised us — the good, the wild, and the “don’t tell your mother” kind of dads. We talk about how our fathers influenced us, how we’ve definitely inherited their quirks, and how we’re navigating fatherhood ourselves. Plus, we settle the age-old debate: when you’re in trouble, who do you call first — Mom or Dad?

In this episode, we dive into the awkward art of making friends as adults—because it turns out, it’s not as easy as bonding over snacks at recess. We talk about how life, jobs, and drama changed our childhood friendships, and why adult connections sometimes feel like social side quests.

In this episode, the guys dive nostrils-first into the world of Mexican mom medicine. From the miracle powers of Vicks VapoRub to putting tomatoes on your feet, we unpack the family remedies that healed everything from colds to bad vibes. Plus, Esteban drops a surprise recipe that may or may not be FDA approved. Herbal wisdom, spicy takes, and plenty of childhood flashbacks—this one’s for everyone...

This week we break down different parenting styles—what we’ve tried, what failed spectacularly, and what kinda-sorta works when no one’s watching. Whether you’re a seasoned dad, a sleep-deprived rookie, or just here for the birth control, this episode’s got something for you. Because when it comes to parenting, none of us are experts… we’re just Unprepared Men.