Tell me more (más) Because I truly want to know
Why This? Why Now?
Why do we undertake projects? What make us decide on starting something new? Some might say that we have an innate desire to create. Could it be boredom, restlessness, or perhaps a midlife crisis?
I suppose it could be for any number of reasons and is probably worth the time investigating what makes us come up with an idea and finally take action. (Great podcast topic, by the way!)
It's 2024, and I can say the world probably doesn’t need another podcast. In speaking to others about the genre over the last few years, I often heard, “everyone has one” or “any idiot can start one” or “no one will listen unless you’re a celebrity.”
Perhaps, that is all true or perhaps, it’s not. But you know what? Who cares?
Seriously, who cares?
I simply had to do it. At this point in my life, I truly had no other choice. Enough talking. Enough simply posting. Let’s just do it. For us. Us referring to myself and that voice – that annoying voice in my head that I can never seem to shut up regardless of whatever distraction tactic I employ.
I decided it’s time. I decided to take action on an idea I’ve had for a number of years but never dedicated any real effort towards. Over many alcohol-infused happy hour brainstorm sessions, many of you sat through my pitch, and I thank you for your candid feedback and your almost universal “yeah, Vic, it’ll be great.” I’ll also always be here to support your ideas and work. Well, except that one guy. You’re honestly so negative! Smile man, smile.
So why am I putting myself out there potentially embarrassing myself? Why am I putting myself on camera and recording myself believing someone might care to watch and listen in spite of my “terrible voice, low budget and overuse of verbal crutches”?
Because for me, sitting, waiting, planning, dreaming of a someday that won’t arrive on its own is no longer an option.
That “someday” is today.
An Insatiable Desire to Learn
The long days of Covid-19 lockdown provided the opportunity for many of us to learn about new things. Some learned to make sourdough bread. Some learned to knit, paint or finally learn a few chords on that old guitar.
While I doubt I’ll ever look back at the Pandemic era with fondness, I discovered something about myself that was always there but honestly never considered much less embraced and harnessed it.
I discovered that one of the things that makes me truly happy in my entire existence and makes me take action is simply learning. Learning. That’s all. How did I discover it? YouTube!
Between wiping down groceries with Lysol and missing my family, I came across so many creators that developed content around things that they were so passionate about.
When I saw their videos, I was entranced even though I didn’t have any prior interest in that particular subject or perhaps had misconceptions about it.
Through my meanderings down YouTube rabbit holes, I learned about all of the following and more:
The Ethics of Hunting
Every which way to dry age and grill a steak
(although nothing stands up to my dad’s backyard bbq and my mom’s lomo saltado!)How a Muslim prays
Water delivery systems in sub-Saharan Africa
Oh yeah, and how to start a podcast.
And yes I know – watching a video isn’t the same as doing. But I’m 100% sure I could now maybe harvest a deer in the event of an apocalypse.
It was the authentic passion, generosity and knowledge of these creators that drew me in. I can honestly say they inspired me to learn more and acquire a more nuanced view of so many issues and topics.
So that’s what “Tell Me Más” is about. When I’m truly engaged with anyone teaching me something, whether I agree with them or not on a particular issue, I always want to hear more.
“Why don’t you agree with me politically on x issue?”
“Why do you have such a passion for astrophysics?”
“Why on earth do you love backgammon?”
“Really? The etimology of that word is fascinating! I had no idea!”
“Why, why, why?”
Please, tell me more (más). I want to listen. I want to debate and question.
I’m doing this because it will enable me to grow into a more real “me.” A more authentic “me” for my loved ones and my kids.
A Misrepresented Perspective
Perhaps my perspective is not all that unique, but I know that there is an audience that can relate.
Now, I’m not talking about the “copy & paste” demographic audiences defined by the media industry:
Males 18-49 with an average household income of $85,000 living in this or that zip code, yada yada … (and supposedly representative of the entire population based on a lazily constructed and limited study).
No, I’m talking about an audience comprised of avid learners. Those who want to view a topic, issue, hobby, career path, etc. from an authentic desire to listen with a truly open mind.
I’m also appealing to those kinda like me. An audience I know is very underrepresented and often misrepresented.
That audience is that of a first-generation, bilingual, bicultural Latino.
I’m the proud son of Peruvian and Chilean immigrants who truly lived out the American Dream. With much sacrifice and against all odds, they raised me and my sister in the “best neighborhoods” with the “best schools.” (Essentially this meant growing up in a world where no one looked like me.)
My parents’ dedication to preserving our cultural heritage while embracing our full American identity changed the trajectory of my life.
It shaped my identity, language, political views, musical tastes, faith and my relationships.
This experience is not necessarily uncommon for Latinos growing up in the states, but it’s not true for all Latinos. But what is universally true for all Latinos is that their culture affects how they view and experience the world.
As an enormous consumer of content across all outlets and as a 20-year veteran in the Multicultural advertising, marketing and media industry, I know that my existence is rarely covered and often times, misrepresented.
My existence is that of an ever-growing and fundamental portion of this nation. We’re not all the same by any stretch of the imagination. It makes sense to try to simplify it, but Latinos are not all from the same country or region. We don’t all like the same sport. We don’t all celebrate the same holidays. We’re not all Catholic. We also don’t all vote or view current issues the same way.
It’s not that simple. We’re not that simple.
So What Will It Be?
I hope to make Tell Me Más a platform where we learn from each other, debate issues from an authentic place and provide viewers and listeners of any background an additional point-of-view. A point-of-view that is growing and shaping the fabric of our beautiful nation.
There’s so much to learn. Truly. There are so many things that I’ve learned and want to share. There are so many things I didn’t learn or didn’t have access to, but I know there are countless humans that want to share their knowledge and experiences with me and with you.
I hope you’ll join me in creating that platform, and I welcome all of your feedback.
p.s. Learning the new skills necessary to create this podcast have made me happier than I ever could imagine. That alone, already makes it worth it!
