Broke Boyz From Fresno

We sit down with autism advocate and nonprofit founder LaShawn Toney to hear the raw reality of raising a nonverbal autistic teen while navigating a dual diagnosis and constant caregiving. We talk about building Jorgia’s Impact so families feel seen, get real support, and stop carrying the hardest parts alone. • Jorgia’s Impact and why it is named after Jorgia • Autism-friendly events that make families feel safe • Feed a Family and respite support to reduce caregiver stress • What autism is, how the spectrum varies, and what nonverbal can look like • AAC devices and how technology helps communication • The unseen toll on parents, marriages, and autism siblings • Hospital challenges, cystic fibrosis realities, and long stays • Loneliness, burnout, and learning to direct anger at autism not the child • Bullying, disability awareness, and children’s books that teach empathy • School support wins plus gaps in training and safety • Why bus driver training and classroom accountability matter Please give them follow and subscribe to the channel on YouTube at Jorgia's Journey. Instagram and Facebook @Lashawn.Toney and TikTok @Jorgiajourney. Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit down with Kameron Kendrick aka Mr. Feed Tha Block and trace how a barbershop connection turned into real community ties and real support. We talk through the grind of building Feed Tha Block from small sandwich runs to bigger collaborations while staying honest about mental health, consistency, and showing up for your people. • childhood discipline stories and how they stick with you • how the barbershop builds trust and long friendships • hair journeys, dreads upkeep and the real cost of maintenance • cutting hair during COVID as a hustle and why service work is hard • how Feed Tha Block started as Everybody Eats and evolved • first Fresno outreach drives from the back of a truck • building trust through donations, transparency and consistency • grief, setbacks and using faith to keep moving • men’s mental health, therapy mindsets and talking it out • reciprocity in friendships and scheduling time like an adult • collaborating with local businesses and learning from bigger orgs • advice for anyone who wants to give back: start now You can find Kam @feedthablock, or if you want to check out their website for all upcoming events, or if you just want to donate www.feedthablock.org. you can contact them at contact at feedthablock.org Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We trade stories with Lou about faith, timing, and the grind it takes to build a podcast that actually helps people. From corrections work to covering 559 athletes, Lou shows how purpose, patience, and community can turn a small idea into a platform. • origin of Inside the Pod with Lou and early vision • giving voice to officers, ex-inmates, and overlooked stories • shift to high school, college sports, and fight coverage • the unseen work behind podcasting and setup • DIY editing with CapCut and iPhone workflows • why originality beats copying trends • faith, humility, and near rock-bottom lessons • community collabs with car culture and charity events • building a team and managing capacity • recognition moments and quiet supporters • shared mission to spotlight the 559 and its talent Please go ahead and follow him @insidethepodwlou & @insidethepodwloupodcast Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We set up at Warnor’s Theater to capture a Valentine’s showcase where Fresno artists, organizers, and fans turned a historic room into a living network. Conversations with performers and community builders reveal how local support, small venues, and family-led production create real momentum. • live interviews with Ralph Edwards’ collaborators and openers • With Brandon Freeman how Monday Salon evolved into Detention’s growing scene • why intimate venues help artists scale sustainably • family-powered video and photography with Frankie Leal • Mia Mie on college, stage craft, and her Janet Jackson cover • Kenny Iko on post-show momentum and new music • Sadie Dahl on The Voice, pranks, and future collabs • the Morenos on resilience after loss and upcoming dates • the role of curators like Nisha in stitching the scene • crowd energy, dress code vibes, and behind-the-scenes moments Follow all our amazing guest: Cesar - @betweenpodz Ralph- @ralphedwardsmusic Brandon- @brandonfreeman559 Nisha- @allthingsfresno Reggie- @culturefresno Mia Mie- @officalmiamei Frank- @frankielealphotography Kenny- @iamkennyiko The Morenos- @themorenosbandfresno Sadie- @sadie.dahl Adrie- @_trueadrie21 Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit down with Ralph Edwards and the Vibecheck Band to trace their rise from small rooms to city stages, why they practice but rarely rehearse, and how Fresno can grow a lasting music culture. The talk moves through conflict, community, all-ages shows, and a live Valentine’s performance. • origins at Beyond the Wine and Lucy’s Lounge • chemistry built on individual practice and live feel • honesty about conflict and staying mission focused • moving from free gigs to ticketed growth • all-ages access to build future audiences • Lucy’s Lab as a safe space to experiment • asking for gigs and preparing for yes • imposter syndrome and owning your role • shout-outs to local artists and food staples • live performance of a Valentine’s classic Be there!! @vibecheck.theband on IG, FB, TikTok; Vibecheck headlines February 14 with special guests. “Fresno, show up. Support local.” Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit with Brother Luke to trace a Fresno kid’s path from skate decks to songwriting, the small rooms that shaped his voice, and the hard truths about patience, grief, and joy in a local scene that rewards endurance. The talk moves from “Cellular Tree” to writing through loss and lands on clear advice for artists who want to last. • Fresno roots, skateboarding to first bands • learning to write, lead and build projects • the Fresno scene’s range and why access matters • “Cellular Tree” origin and crowd response • writing through miscarriage and finding release • burnout, comparison and returning to the work • joy in small shows, community and craft • practical advice for emerging musicians • where to find Brother Luke’s music Find me on Instagram and Bandcamp. Each album is like two bucks. Instagram, Brother Luke and the Comrades. Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit with Matt to trace a winding path from broke studio days to elite security consulting, unpacking the moral gray of tech, the pressure of monopolies, and the stubborn hope inside making music for yourself. The talk moves fast, stays honest, and ends with a clear compass: align time with what you want. • recording local bands and closing the studio • pivot to offensive security and timing the market • winning conference challenges and consulting work • tech as blessing and curse in daily life • AI’s impact on music and security • monopolies, inequality and political capture • writing process, persistence and plain lyrics • attention economy and social media trade offs • culture, perspective and small levers of control • advice on aligning time with goals Follow @thatsok_andtheiluvyouse Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit in the shop, finish the Betty Boop Raiders piece, and trade real aftercare, real nostalgia, and real talk about creativity, games, and love. The needle hum turns into a long conversation on boundaries, accountability, and choosing yourself without losing your art. • origin of the tattoo and Bay Area family pride • clear aftercare guidance on wraps, healing, and work realities • path to tattooing, early art, and supportive parents • kids, screens, and how AI can help not replace creativity • pain talk: linework vs shading and color blends • music memories, Xbox classics, and GameCube deep cuts • Sonic, Shadow, and crossover racers nostalgia • battle pass fatigue vs earned unlocks and proximity chat • sports games, soundtracks, emotes, and trolling culture • Battlefield roles, vehicles, and skill ceilings • Star Wars love from Clone Wars to podracing and Old Republic • Leo films, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead turning points • time, work, and finding a livable balance • relationships, social media pressure, and reciprocity • attachment styles, space, and accountability in conflict • choosing yourself and learning from heartbreak • studio vibe and artist plug with music running all session Check out Jeeesh at 61 North Fulton next to Fulton 55. Follow @Shith3d_Inkz on Instagram and come see the shop vibe Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit down with Ralph Edwards, runner-up on The Voice season 28, to talk perseverance, Fresno roots, and building a platform that serves the community. From small rooms to national TV, he shares the mindset, mentors, and mantras that keep him moving. • twelve years from first audition to finale • gratitude to Central Valley voters and supporters • giving back through toy drives and warm clothing initiatives • Snoop’s mentorship and model for community programs • moving from TV covers to original releases and touring • assembling Vibe Check and growing from residencies to ticketed shows • handling big crowds, owning small rooms, and performance mindset • lifting Fresno’s music scene with more stages and open mics • resilience through rejection and family support • goals for albums, charts, and national anthems Follow Ralph: @RalphEdwardsMusic on Instagram; @RalphsGonnaWreckItt on TikTok; @vibecheck.theband on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok www.vibechecktheband.com Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We trade jokes for honesty and trace how a Fresno crew built a platform from classifieds and late nights, then pivot into fathers, therapy, and the work it takes to break cycles while chasing big goals and bigger community impact. • scrappy launch of Grizzly Talk with secondhand gear and missed-audio lessons • sponsor wins through Raza Golf and VMG, plus why networking beats clout • Fresno as a creative hub and strategy for local-first growth • stepping back for accountability, returning with clearer roles • childhood instability, father wounds, and forgiveness • how to find a therapist, insurance tips, affordability realities • balancing resilience with empathy to avoid trivializing mental health • making trucking healthier with better food options and movement • risk tolerance, process over perfection, and documenting the journey Thank you guys for staying tuned for another episode. This concludes the three-part series. We love you guys. Much love. Peace. Follow @grizzlytalkpodcast & @davidalvarezf_ Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We trace Fyrfilms’ path from a teen prophecy and a rough upbringing to directing city-defining visuals, leading media at Taco Truck Throwdown, and turning Fresno into a living storyboard. Along the way we break down gear myths, fair pay, and how anxiety becomes a tool for focus and momentum. • putting Fresno in a new creative light • chance meeting to directing Taco Truck Throwdown media • vision, team-building, and executing under pressure • origin story of Fyrfilms and the 28-year decision • immigration, struggle, faith, and discipline • practical systems for anxiety and workflow • lighting over gear and the Fire Lab setup • backstage lessons from working with Pitbull • self-expectations, daily reps, and craft standards • collaboration vs ego in Fresno’s creator scene • fair rates and sustainability for videographers • event safety, communication, and avoiding blame Please check out Luis @Fyrfilms on Instagram and support local creators Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We share the real path behind Grizzly Talk: skipping the traditional route, learning sales, building a podcast with intention, and leaning on community and partners to grow. Mike opens up about burnout, boundaries, love, and the full-circle real estate deal that changed momentum. • betting on sales over college and trusting commission income • early big guest nerves and learning to pivot live • burnout from nonstop sessions and the value of a strong team • vetting guests, avoiding politics, and guarding brand fit • family restaurant roots shaping service and work ethic • a supportive relationship as an actual creator advantage • separating personal life from content with structure • imposter syndrome and embracing culture and identity • partnering with Culture and connecting with Fresno pioneers • real estate strategy, loan assumption at 3 percent, and retirement planning • practical risk taking, contingency plans, and long-game thinking Stay tuned for our three-part Grizzly Talks series—next guest drops soon Go follow them @grizzlytaks @mike.on.the.mike Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We host Modified Luxury Crew at a school-based, permission-first car show that raises funds, highlights local vendors, and proves a car crew can be family-safe, drama-free, and community-driven. Builder spotlights on a ghost-flamed Corvette, a balanced Genesis, and a forged-carbon widebody IS300 show how quality parts, patience, and character create lasting car culture. • Why venue partnerships and permissions matter • How MLC earns trust from veteran shops and sponsors • Fundraiser model supporting Sanger West and local vendors • Quality over clout as a membership standard • Safety, family-first culture and zero drama policy • Detailed Corvette, Genesis and IS300 build highlights • Practical advice for first builds and buying parts right • Plans for new chapters and growing social channels Follow Modified Luxury Crew on Instagram and TikTok @modifiedluxurycrew Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We share a Thanksgiving reflection on gratitude, therapy, and protecting our peace while building a platform that lifts Fresno’s creatives. We talk about boundaries, legacy, and the gap between public success and private pain, and we offer support to anyone who needs to reach out. • sponsor shoutout and holiday safety • gratitude for Fresno, collaborators, and listeners • advice for new creators to start and stay authentic • revealing therapy and the hardest year behind the scenes • defining the protector and learning emotional regulation • setting boundaries with family and friends • choosing peace and curating the inner circle • legacy, digital memory, and purpose moving forward If you ever need somebody to hear you out or need recommendations to feel better, hit me up in the DMs Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

A San Gabriel Valley alt punk band shares how a campus flyer became a touring lineup, why LA competition forces smarter booking, and how grit beats hype when crowds are thin. We rotate through Casey, Angel, Aiden, and Kiwi to hear origins, influences, and road stories. • forming the band through community college flyers and local ties • defining a sound across alternative punk, groove, and hardcore • booking DIY tours with promoters and research • playing empty rooms before backyard shows pack out • navigating LA’s crowded calendar and big-act competition • growth mindset versus viral myths and overnight success • handling sickness on tour and performance anxiety • favorite stops in SF, Reno, Phoenix, and California hubs • instruments, influences, and why drums challenge beginners • homesickness, van life, and keeping morale high • future goals for Seattle, Chicago, New York, and Canada • practical advice on consistency, showing up, and persistence You can find them on Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, and Facebook @vonsisland Music is on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Deezer, and Tidal. Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico linktr.ee/brokeboyz_ff

A Fresno-born producer assembled an artist born in every country to create a true World Album and gave each of them 100% ownership. From sleeping outside the Vatican to finding a North Korean-born artist, we trace the grit, the community, and the vision that turned a blueprint into living proof that music connects us all. • origins in Fresno and the Amsterdam spark • recruiting artists from 197 countries with A&R support • North Korea and Vatican City breakthroughs • 93 languages and 121 genres curated with intent • community accountability and replacing non-responsive artists • Billboard, Rolling Stone MENA, Grammy consideration, and awards • royalties and ownership model that returns 100% to artists • early impact stories from Malawi, Netherlands, Malaysia • festival vision and future project concepts • defining “making it” and sustaining purpose Find the World Album on all platforms by searching “World Album International Artist Project.” Follow on Instagram at @international_artist_project and visit www.internartistproject.org Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We are with Adrie on a Fresno rooftop to talk discipline, recovery, and how a busy mom and coach became a sponsored athlete by pitching the brands she already uses. The story moves from early struggles with running to 4 a.m. miles, HYROX pro prep, and a city’s growing health scene. • balancing roles as mom, coach, and athlete through disciplined routines • Fresno pride, moving gear around the city, and growing local support • how embarrassment sparked a pivot into sustained training • building toward Two Cities half marathon with 75–100 miles per month • securing sponsors by pitching authentic use cases and deliverables • electrolytes for performance and cramp prevention during long runs • cannabis as a focus and recovery tool, sleep and soreness protocols • private gym training for anxiety control and HYROX-specific work • authenticity, alignment, and saying no to off-brand offers • six-year, 125-pound weight loss and the marathon mindset • coaching others with accountability and practical recovery stacks Follow Adrie @_trueadrie21 Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit down with Ryan “the air up there” Hudgens to unpack a viral on-stage clash, the reality of creator access, and the deeper story of Fresno’s creative pride. What starts as a light setup chat becomes a study in respect, process, and full-circle moments. • mobile kit versus full studio trade-offs • turning a studio into a local arts hub • Fresno talent pipeline and overlooked scenes • car culture, father–child bonding, dream builds • newsroom grind to certified drone pilot • breaking news instincts and fast-turn reels • R&B night access rules and miscommunication • the on-stage confrontation and slur with Mario • community response and viral acceleration • backstage respect, Lloyd’s generosity, humility • separating artist talent from tough moments • pricing creative work and sustainable hustle • parenting, values, and teaching craft • culture, numbers, and full-circle milestones • shoutouts to local promoters and performers Follow Ryan @the_airup_there22 Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We post up at MIA Nightclub with Nando and the crew for a raw talk on loss, legacy, and the drive that keeps their circle tight. From SoundCloud heat to stage control, we push on what Fresno sounds like when family and ambition lead. • origins in Lil’ Yase influence and switching from writing to punching in • first shows, SoundCloud growth and building confidence from crowds • current projects, Lost Souls album and new EP plans • Fresno roots, moving schools and learning to adapt fast • hoop dreams to studio life and choosing artistry on purpose • honoring Millie and Domo, Fallen Soldiers as tribute • support at home vs outside numbers and why both matter • does Fresno have a sound, Central Valley lingo and identity • ignoring trolls, choosing discipline and the studio as home base • goals ahead, New York ambitions and repping the 559 Go follow: @otmnando_ @3hunnitblkboy @macmccoy__ Tap in with Never Trusted let them know Broke Boyz sent you!!! Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico

We sit down at Lucy’s Lounge with Brandon “DJ Freezy” Freeman to trace a working music life across Fresno—multi‑instrumentalist roots, self‑taught production, and the power of showing up. Craft, community, and clean socials drive bookings while genre lines blur by design. • Fresno upbringing and early school stories • Choosing music without a degree • Networking as the real ROI of education • Open jams and rebuilding the local scene • First instruments, practice, and restraint • Producing a first song with purpose • Deftones, trip‑hop, and neo‑soul influences • DJ realities, requests, and beatmatching • Reading rooms and creative transitions • Cloudship’s new single with Hope Garcia • Solo releases, algorithms, and marketing • Social media curation that books gigs • Fresno’s EDM ecosystem and community shoutouts Follow him @brandonfreemanmusic Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTok Intro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999) Christmas Intro Song by Nico