PODCAST · business
THE PARABLES®
by Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz
THE PARABLES®: Where Inspiration Meets Action—and Enjoyment. Hosted by Ejay Cruz, this podcast is your gateway to powerful stories and life-changing conversations, all delivered with a dose of vibrancy. Each episode features lively, engaging discussions with extraordinary guests—trailblazers, visionaries, and unsung heroes—who reveal the experiences and lessons that shaped their paths to success. But it doesn't stop there. Ejay also dives deep into his own life, sharing candid thoughts on personal growth, current events, and the challenges we all face. Whether you're looking for motivation, insight, or just a good time, THE PARABLES® is your go-to source for inspiration, wisdom, and actionable advice. This is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement. Don’t just listen; enjoy it, and let it transform you.
Episodes
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From Discipline to Calling: A Life Built on Purpose ft. Bruce Cardenas | Ep. 96
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...
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Build Better: Standards, Integrity, and Long-Term Success ft. Ahmed Seifari | Ep. 95
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...
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Why Authenticity Is the Real Growth Strategy ft. Moncy Trejo | Ep. 94
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...
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Faith, Identity & Discipline With Michael “Gas Money” Gastelum | Ep. 93
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...
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He Risked Everything and Built a Multi-Million Dollar Business ft. Frank Gutierrez | Ep. 92
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...
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The Mindset Behind an Undefeated Life ft. Brandun Lee | Ep. 91
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...
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Marketing Doesn’t Make the Brand — This Does ft. Andy Nguyen | Ep. 90
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…
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From Marine to Legacy Builder ft. Matt Tolano | Ep. 89
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...
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Faith Over Comfort: Finding Purpose, Calling & True Success ft. Aaron Ophaug | Ep. 88
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...
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Faith, Fear & Building a $600M Empire ft. Edwin Arroyave | Ep. 87
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...
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The Mindset Shift From Marine to Million-Dollar Success ft. Andrew Cruz | Ep. 86
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...
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We Are BACK! The Parables Podcast Relaunch w/ Ejay Cruz | Ep. 85
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...
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From Combat to Calling w/ Roland Vandenberg | Ep. 84
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…
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083 Automation & Systems w/ Nick Fitzgerald
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…
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She Built Purpose Without Chasing the Spotlight ft. Marissa Almendarez | Ep. 82
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...
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081 UNF***YOURSELF w/ JP Pena
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
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Faith, Focus & Becoming Unshakeable ft. Sharran Srivatsaa | Ep. 80
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...
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Discipline, Sacrifice & The Fighter Mindset ft. Josesito López | Ep. 79
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...
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078 Internal Dialogue w/ Anthony Woods
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
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From DIY to Cult Brand ft. Slushgod | Ep. 77
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...
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Fighter Jet Mindset & Building Legacy w/ Bedros Keuilian | Ep. 76
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…
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From Incarceration to Identity & Freedom ft. Chase Hero | Ep. 75
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...
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074 The Path w/ Shadi Bakour
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
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073 Hustle & Network w/ Bryan Pham and Maggie Chui
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
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From Struggle to 8 Figures ft. Frankie Quiroz | Ep. 72
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....
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071 Being Calm & Focused w/ Christopher Duarte
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 show
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069 Bedside Nurse Turned Entrepreneur w/ Georgina Villarreal
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 show
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068 Looking For Opportunities & Sourcing w/ Nate Sedgwick
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 show
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066 Breaking Barriers w/ Ryan Tillman
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...
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063 Growing Through Relationships
One of the most beautiful things about being in a relationship is the ability to grow. Support the show
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064 Taking Initiative w/ Naomi Marin
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...
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061 Keep The Promises You Make
Keep the promises you make to yourself before you demolish your self trust! Support the show
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062 Being of Service To People w/ Jamil Syed
Jamil Syed shares how he overcame adversity & alcoholism and now serves people through his businesses and non profit. Support the show
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Told ‘No’ 80 Times… He Kept Going ft. Sergio Bruna | Ep. 60
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...
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059 You Need To Be
The only person you should be trying to meet is... the ultimate version of you! Support the show
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058 Raise The Bar
Raise the bar every year! Support the show
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057 Connecting With People ft. Ben "BTEK" Chung
Kaba Modern, Jabbawockeez, and Kinjaz member / legendary dance choreographer Ben "BTEK" Chung shares how his passion turned into a fulfilling career. Support the show
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054 We All Struggle
We all struggle, don't let other people fool you 👊 . Support the show
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049 Put Yourself Out There
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 show
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042 I Don't Know and That's OK!
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).…
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055 Side Hustles & Downstar w/ Frank Garcia
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 show
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053 Dealing with Judgement w/ Marc Anthony Paz
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 show
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040 Progression w/ Andy Audate
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 show
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052 Going All In w/ Truong Kim
Restaraunteur Truong Kim shares how he went all in on his business ideas and the importance of being happy and fulfilled. Support the show
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036 COLLECTIVE THURSDAYS - Stoplights
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 show
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051 Take It & Run With It w/ Jason Tam
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…
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050 Unlock Your True Potential w/ Andy Dane Carter
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...
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048 Bridging Fitness & Mental Health w/ Lauren Pon
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 show
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047 The King of Covers w/ Jason Ellis
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 show
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046 Side Hustle & 365 Driven w/ Tony Whatley
Author, speaker, engineer, and entrepreneur Tony Whatley. Tony's book: https://amzn.to/31wmfSl Support the show
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
THE PARABLES®: Where Inspiration Meets Action—and Enjoyment. Hosted by Ejay Cruz, this podcast is your gateway to powerful stories and life-changing conversations, all delivered with a dose of vibrancy. Each episode features lively, engaging discussions with extraordinary guests—trailblazers, visionaries, and unsung heroes—who reveal the experiences and lessons that shaped their paths to success. But it doesn't stop there. Ejay also dives deep into his own life, sharing candid thoughts on personal growth, current events, and the challenges we all face. Whether you're looking for motivation, insight, or just a good time, THE PARABLES® is your go-to source for inspiration, wisdom, and actionable advice. This is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement. Don’t just listen; enjoy it, and let it transform you.
HOSTED BY
Ejay Cruz | @itsejaycruz
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