Best Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz Podcasts (2025)

1
Marketing Doesn’t Make the Brand — This Does ft. Andy Nguyen | Ep. 90 48:36

Play Pause

1d ago48:36

48:36

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 formul…

1
From Marine to Legacy Builder ft. Matt Tolano | Ep. 89 48:13

23d ago48:13

48:13

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 cuttin…

1
Faith Over Comfort: Finding Purpose, Calling & True Success ft. Aaron Ophaug | Ep. 88 1:04:13

30d ago1:04:13

1:04:13

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 uncer…

1
Faith, Fear & Building a $600M Empire ft. Edwin Arroyave | Ep. 87 1:01:52

1M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

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. W…

1
The Mindset Shift From Marine to Million-Dollar Success ft. Andrew Cruz | Ep. 86 1:01:48

2M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

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 cha…

1
We Are BACK! The Parables Podcast Relaunch w/ Ejay Cruz | Ep. 85 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

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 podcas…

1
084 Serving Those Who Served w/ Roland Vandenberg 1:14:29

5y ago1:14:29

1:14:29

USMC Veteran and entrepreneur Roland Vandenberg , owner of Romeo Echo Real Estate, shares his story and passion to end veteran suicide with his non-profit, Operation Jump 22. Thank you to our sponsor Podcorn: https://podcorn.com Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
083 Automation & Systems w/ Nick Fitzgerald 45:27

5y ago45:27

45:27

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 t…

1
082 Make Good Moves w/ Marissa Garavito 58:38

5y ago58:38

58:38

Marissa Garavito is the founder of Make Good Moves, a nonprofit that helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and the head fitness coach of Self Made Training Facility of West Covina. Thank you to our sponsor: PathWater Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
081 UNF***YOURSELF w/ JP Pena 1:37:26

5+ y ago1:37:26

1:37:26

JP Pena is a Marine combat veteran and the #1 Real Estate Advisor in Los Angeles. Thank you to our sponsor: PathWater Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
Faith, Focus & Becoming Unshakeable ft. Sharran Srivatsaa | Ep. 80 58:51

5+ y ago58:51

58:51

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 t…

1
Discipline, Sacrifice & The Fighter Mindset ft. Josesito López | Ep. 79 55:40

5+ y ago55:40

55:40

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-hea…

1
078 Internal Dialogue w/ Anthony Woods 1:02:19

5+ y ago1:02:19

1:02:19

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 showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
From DIY to Cult Brand ft. Slushgod | Ep. 77 1:48:15

5+ y ago1:48:15

1:48:15

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, t…

1
Fighter Jet Mindset & Building Legacy w/ Bedros Keuilian | Ep. 76 44:09

5+ y ago44:09

44:09

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 m…

1
From Incarceration to Identity & Freedom ft. Chase Hero | Ep. 75 1:13:21

5+ y ago1:13:21

1:13:21

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, mone…

1
074 The Path w/ Shadi Bakour 58:44

5+ y ago58:44

58:44

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 showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
073 Hustle & Network w/ Bryan Pham and Maggie Chui 54:28

5+ y ago54:28

54:28

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 showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
From Struggle to 8 Figures ft. Frankie Quiroz | Ep. 72 1:15:18

6y ago1:15:18

1:15:18

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 h…

1
071 Being Calm & Focused w/ Christopher Duarte 1:32:08

6y ago1:32:08

1:32:08

Pro boxing coach and personal trainer Christopher Duarte shares the mindset behind the sport of boxing and how it relates to life. Thank you to our sponsor Podcorn: https://podcorn.com Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
069 Bedside Nurse Turned Entrepreneur w/ Georgina Villarreal 1:03:40

6y ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Georgina Villarreal is a registered nurse turned entrepreneur. She is the founder of the community She Can Be Both and executive to the nurse start up app Holliblu. Thank you to our sponsor Podcorn: https://podcorn.com Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
068 Looking For Opportunities & Sourcing w/ Nate Sedgwick 1:02:14

6y ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Nate Sedgwick shares how he started Sourcing Mojo, a service firm that helps business owners and entrepreneurs source suppliers, factories, and products from Asia. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
066 Breaking Barriers w/ Ryan Tillman 1:02:24

6y ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Ryan Tillman is a loving family man, police officer, speaker, and the founder of Breaking Barriers United, an organization focused on not only repairing the bond between law enforcement and the public, but on youth and community through impactful workshops and mentoring programs. His work with students, parents, education professionals, community l…

1
063 Growing Through Relationships 2:15

6y ago2:15

2:15

One of the most beautiful things about being in a relationship is the ability to grow. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
064 Taking Initiative w/ Naomi Marin 1:08:17

6y ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Listen during episode 64 as internationally acclaimed beauty educator, Naomi Marin, shares her story of triumph as a modern day entrepreneur. During this discussion, she shares her failures and hardships that helped drive her to start her first unofficial business at 9, to being fired from a corporation and launching her beauty agency and coaching …

1
061 Keep The Promises You Make 4:39

6y ago4:39

4:39

Keep the promises you make to yourself before you demolish your self trust! Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
062 Being of Service To People w/ Jamil Syed 1:24:06

6y ago1:24:06

1:24:06

Jamil Syed shares how he overcame adversity & alcoholism and now serves people through his businesses and non profit. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
Told ‘No’ 80 Times… He Kept Going ft. Sergio Bruna | Ep. 60 1:16:48

6y ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Most people stop when life hits hard. Sergio Bruna kept going — through fear, hunger, setbacks, and over 80 rejections. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Sergio opens up about growing up in Spain, moving to Mexico at 15, becoming homeless twice, and fighting his way into the entertainment industry with nothing but belief and grit. He breaks d…

1
059 You Need To Be 4:37

6y ago4:37

4:37

The only person you should be trying to meet is... the ultimate version of you! Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
058 Raise The Bar 6:21

6y ago6:21

6:21

Raise the bar every year! Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
057 Connecting With People ft. Ben "BTEK" Chung 1:02:06

6y ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Kaba Modern, Jabbawockeez, and Kinjaz member / legendary dance choreographer Ben "BTEK" Chung shares how his passion turned into a fulfilling career. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
054 We All Struggle 7:14

6y ago7:14

7:14

We all struggle, don't let other people fool you 👊 . Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
049 Put Yourself Out There 7:56

6y ago7:56

7:56

I promise you there are more good people than bad people in this world. To find those good people, you have to take ownership and initiative and put yourself out there to meet them 🤝. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
042 I Don't Know and That's OK! 7:21

6y ago7:21

7:21

Friends, family, colleagues, peers, society in general can sometimes put so much pressure on us to know what we want, or what our purpose is, or what our goals are, or how we will get there, and when we should get there. Well, I'm here to tell you that IT'S OK NOT TO KNOW! (to a certain extent). I hope ya'll can relate 🙏! Support the show…

1
055 Side Hustles & Downstar w/ Frank Garcia 1:16:32

6y ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Frank Garcia shares how a car build eventually led him start Downstar, a company that specializes in dress-up hardware and engine bay accessories. In addition, Frank shares his perspective as an entrepreneur, podcast host, and family man. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
053 Dealing with Judgement w/ Marc Anthony Paz 55:22

6y ago55:22

55:22

MarcAnthony Paz is a 19 year old entrepreneur who shares his experience of starting businesses at a young age while dealing with the pressures of society. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
040 Progression w/ Andy Audate 1:17:38

6y ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Andy Audate is an author, millennial motivational speaker, and serial entrepreneur who shares how he struggled with bullying at a young age to making his first $1 million dollars and the founder of the Progression Conference. Andy's book: No More Average Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
052 Going All In w/ Truong Kim 1:09:04

6y ago1:09:04

1:09:04

Restaraunteur Truong Kim shares how he went all in on his business ideas and the importance of being happy and fulfilled. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
036 COLLECTIVE THURSDAYS - Stoplights 16:32

6y ago16:32

16:32

We tend to want to reach our destination or goals right away but what we don't realize is the most important part of the journey isn't the destination, but what's taking place during. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
051 Take It & Run With It w/ Jason Tam 1:10:35

6y ago1:10:35

1:10:35

My good friend, entrepreneur Jason Tam shares how he started his career in the fitness industry as a personal trainer at a corporate gym, to now owning his own gym: Self Made Training Facility West Covina here in Southern California. In addition, Jason shares his insight on being a franchise owner, building a team, and leadership. Support the show…

1
050 Unlock Your True Potential w/ Andy Dane Carter 1:02:18

6y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Real Estate expert, author, speaker, podcaster, and mentor Andy Dane Carter shares his story and the mentality leading up to his success. In addition, Andy gives his insight on real estate, the process of unlocking your true potential, and how giving & serving people first has played a vital role in his journey. Andy's book: 100 Doors Support the s…

1
048 Bridging Fitness & Mental Health w/ Lauren Pon 1:07:32

6y ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Lauren Pon is a personal trainer turned entrepreneur and co-founder of Powerwolf Athletics, an organization that empowers it's members to design their own sustainable lifestyle with a mission to bridge mental and physical health. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
047 The King of Covers w/ Jason Ellis 33:14

6+ y ago33:14

33:14

Jason Ellis "The King of Covers" shares how he turned his passion for photography and film into a successful career, w/over 500+ fitness magazine covers, Jason is now directing a new film starring Mark Cuban. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
046 Side Hustle & 365 Driven w/ Tony Whatley 1:05:32

6+ y ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Author, speaker, engineer, and entrepreneur Tony Whatley. Tony's book: https://amzn.to/31wmfSl Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
034 The ReUp with Emmett T. Smith & Brotein Dean 1:47:43

6+ y ago1:47:43

1:47:43

Just got my hands on another mic, so I had to bring back not one, but two The Parables Hall of Famers: Emmett T. Smith from EP. 001 and Brotein Dean from EP. 019. We got a little out of control, but I promise you there is a lot to take away from our dialogue. Enjoy! Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
045 Touching The Dream w/ Edwin Arroyave 1:19:06

6+ y ago1:19:06

1:19:06

CEO & Founder of Skyline Security Management and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Edwin Arroyave shares his story from Colombian immigrant to now operating one of the fastest growing smart home protection companies in the world. Moreover, Edwin shares the winning mindset needed to manifest your goals. Support the show…

1
044 Sales Domination w/ Joe Semaan 1:05:34

6+ y ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Joe Semaan joins The Parables and shares his insight and expertise on human performance in the sales and business universe. Joe has mentored and spoken to over 300 organizations in over 20 industries including audiences for giants like Microsoft, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Equinox and many other leaders in the financial, technology, professional…

1
043 RESETting w/ Mike Gonzalez 1:03:35

6+ y ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Mike Gonzalez shares his journey of leaving his 9-5 job, RESETting his life, breaking into the fitness industry, and creating a unique approach to fitness group classes through his company Thrīvsource Fitness. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
030 Catching Up w/ Paul T. Tran 1:38:59

6+ y ago1:38:59

1:38:59

On this episode, I was able to catch up with my good friend Paul T. Tran from EP. 011. We shared a lot of insight and perspective on various topics including fear, confidence, impact, learning from your past, podcasting, serving your community, and more. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz

1
041 Taking Ownership w/ Brodie Kern 54:25

6+ y ago54:25

54:25

Serial entrepreneur, speaker, and real estate investor Brodie Kern shares how he survived alcohol & drug addiction and how taking ownership has led him to inspire and empower others to overcome their afflictions. Support the showBy Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz