Can I walk with you, Prevail?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Can I Walk With You?"

Episode: Can I Walk With You, Prevail?
Host: Thoraya
Release Date: June 2, 2025

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Introduction: A Spontaneous Walk and Conversation

In the inaugural episode of Season One titled "Can I Walk With You, Prevail?", host Thoraya ventures into the bustling streets of New York City to engage strangers in meaningful conversations. The episode captures an authentic interaction between Thoraya (referred to as A) and Tado (referred to as B), a native New Yorker, as they embark on a walk together.

Notable Quote:
[00:00] A: "Excuse me, do you have a moment by any chance? I just asked people if I could walk with them and have a conversation. Would you be down to do that?"

[00:24] B: "Yeah, that's kind of weird."

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Background Information: Tado’s Roots and Reflections on NYC

Tado offers insights into his background, sharing that he was born in Harlem and moved to Brooklyn at a young age. The conversation delves into his perceptions of different neighborhoods within New York City and his comparisons with other cities like San Diego and Los Angeles.

Notable Quotes:
[02:16] B: "San Diego kind of sounds like what we define as Long Island. The laid-back side of New York, where we don't ever consider that a borough for real."

[03:07] A: "San Diego's not like that at all. It's very slow."

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Favorite Local Spots: Culinary and Cultural Recommendations

Thoraya and Tado discuss their favorite local eateries and spots around New York City. Tado recommends “Lighthouse,” known for its excellent fish and chips and chicken sliders, while also mentioning “Ricardo’s” in Harlem and “Su’s Kitchen” in Brooklyn for authentic Chinese cuisine.

Notable Quotes:
[03:26] B: "You should try this spot called Lighthouse."

[04:02] B: "All right, here. This place called Ricardo's. It's really good."

[04:23] B: "It's a really good Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn called Su's Kitchen."

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Navigating the Bustling City: Observations on New York’s Pace

The duo observes the lively atmosphere of New York City, especially on weekends. They comment on the active streets, contrasting it with the stereotypical notion of Sundays being calm.

Notable Quotes:
[04:35] B: "It's a bunch of, like, little shops today."

[04:54] A: "You didn't realize it was like here like this on Sundays?"

[05:02] B: "Everyone's outside, shopping."

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Career Transition: Tado’s Shift from Security to Fashion

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Tado’s current role in security, which he is eager to leave behind as his license is set to expire. He expresses a strong desire to pursue his passion for fashion design but is hindered by fears of failure and the competitive nature of the industry.

Notable Quotes:
[05:14] B: "I do security, but I'm actually about to have my license expired by the end of the year, so I have to find a new career in a month."

[05:27] B: "I'm actually really excited because I'm getting really tired of security. It's driving me nuts."

[05:47] B: "I really want to make clothes, but I'm just so scared of failing."

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Passion for Fashion: Designing with Distress and Comfort

Tado shares his vision for his clothing line, focusing on creating distressed, baggy, and comfortable apparel. He discusses his process of transforming ordinary clothing into vintage-style pieces and the challenges he faces in a saturated market.

Notable Quotes:
[06:06] B: "I would make, like, hoodies like this. I did a ripping on this. I bought this from Urban Outfitters, and then I just ripped it up."

[06:26] A: "I think you should do it, and I think you would be really successful."

[07:07] B: "It's really harder than you think, man. It's so saturated."

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Personal Challenges: Perceptions and Selflessness

The conversation shifts to Tado’s personal struggles with how others perceive him. He grapples with being seen as selfish because of his preoccupation with personal goals, despite his genuine intent to help others through his aspirations.

Notable Quotes:
[11:02] B: "That I'm actually not selfish. I get a lot of times in my life that I'm selfish..."

[12:17] A: "That's such an interesting way to explain it..."

[12:31] A: "Life's not supposed to be like that, you know."

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Encouragement and Support: Thoraya’s Guidance

Thoraya offers unwavering support and encouragement to Tado, emphasizing the importance of surrounding himself with positive influences and trusting those who genuinely wish him well. She advises him to differentiate between supportive and negative relationships to foster his creative endeavors.

Notable Quotes:
[14:37] B: "That's what part."

[14:40] A: "I just wish you had more people around you who would get excited with you."

[15:06] A: "Do you mind if we get your whole outfit on the video, too?"

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Conclusion: Building Connections and Looking Forward

As their walk concludes, Thoraya and Tado exchange contact information, expressing a desire to stay in touch and support each other's endeavors. Both reflect positively on the conversation, appreciating the natural and meaningful exchange they shared.

Notable Quotes:
[16:22] A: "Let me follow you back real quick. And yeah, that's it. Thank you so much for walking with me."

[16:36] B: "I wasn't even gonna say that, but... that was a good conversation."

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Key Takeaways

• Authentic Interactions: The episode underscores the value of spontaneous, honest conversations with strangers, highlighting the diverse stories each individual carries.

• Pursuing Passions: Tado’s journey exemplifies the challenges and fears associated with transitioning from a stable job to pursuing a passion, especially in a competitive field like fashion.

• Support Systems: The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who genuinely wish for one’s success is a central theme, showcasing how encouragement can bolster personal and professional growth.

• Urban Life Reflections: Through their dialogue, listeners gain insights into the dynamics of New York City, from its vibrant neighborhoods to the everyday hustle and bustle that defines urban life.

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This episode of "Can I Walk With You?" offers a heartfelt exploration of personal aspirations, the intricacies of human connections, and the vibrant tapestry of New York City life. Thoraya succeeds in creating a platform where genuine stories unfold amidst the streets, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys and connections.

Transcript

[A]

Excuse me, do you have a moment by any chance? I just asked people if I could walk with them and have a conversation. Would you be down to do that?

[B]

How long is the conversation?

[A]

As long as your walk is like. I would just walk with you wherever you're headed. It's up to you though.

[B]

Yeah, that's kind of. Kind of weird.

[A]

That's kind of what?

[B]

It's kind of weird.

[A]

Weird.

[B]

Okay, I can walk you through this block.

[A]

Yeah. Is it okay if I record the whole thing? Okay, cool. Those are my camera women right there. Give me a second, I'm just gonna mic you up. Let's go over to the side here. So you were gonna walk straight for a while, you said? Yes, we're gonna walk straight for a while. Yeah. Okay. Tado, you wanna get ahead?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Can you tell us again where are you headed today?

[B]

Right now to the second row. I'm just vintage store, basically looking to buy something furlough.

[A]

Do you thrift a lot?

[B]

No, not really. I thrift like every. I'm gonna say every two weeks. But this actually was thrifted.

[A]

Yeah. I saw your outfit, I was like, damn, he seems cool. Let me ask him once a while.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

What shoes are those?

[B]

These are the Virgil made dunks.

[A]

Yeah, I'm noticing that about New York a lot. I thought I dressed nice until I came to New York.

[B]

So where are you from? New Jersey.

[A]

I'm from San Diego. Yeah. Have you ever been?

[B]

No, I've never been. I've never even been on the west.

[A]

Do you want to travel to other places?

[B]

Yeah, I would love to. I would love to.

[A]

Is there a spot you have in mind that you really want to go to?

[B]

I actually really want to go to la. That's funny that you say you're from San Diego, but I really want to go to Cali.

[A]

Yeah, if you go, you should definitely go to San Diego.

[B]

What's so good about San Diego?

[A]

It's just a lot of people, when they want to go to California, they just think like, la, San Francisco. But there's so much about California that is just like way better than those cities. San Diego is like. How would I explain San Diego? It's like just like a nicer version of la.

[B]

It's not like a rat race out in San Diego because that's why I call it out here, like a rat race. Everyone's trying to land.

[A]

Oh, yeah. San Diego's not like that at all. It's very slow.

[B]

San Diego kind of sounds like what we define as li Long Island. The laid back side of New York, where we don't ever consider that a borough for real. But it's actually pretty nice there. Like, it's like beautiful houses. It's, like, really spacious.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, a lot of people just go there just to, like, chill and, you know, drink, eat stuff of that nature.

[A]

What part of New York are you?

[B]

I'm from Brooklyn.

[A]

Okay. You were, like, born and raised here.

[B]

I was born in Harlem. That's up to, like, uptown. And then I moved to Brooklyn when I was. I want to say 3.

[A]

I love East Harlem. I think that's my favorite spot.

[B]

I'm from the west side, but the east is better. The east don't have a hospital.

[A]

They don't have what?

[B]

They don't have a hospital on the east side.

[A]

A hospital?

[B]

Yeah. They have to come to Harlem Hospital. Oh, now they do got a couple hospitals over there, but depending on the fraction of wound, you got to come to Harlem Hospital on the west side.

[A]

Why was that, like, the first thing you thought of? Like, why you thought the big difference?

[B]

Because I just feel like the west side is the best side.

[A]

I'll take your word for it. Honestly, I didn't spend that much time on the west side.

[B]

If you are on the west side, you should try this. You like seafood?

[A]

I love seafood.

[B]

You should try this spot called Lighthouse.

[A]

Lighthouse?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

10. 10.

[A]

What should I order?

[B]

They have, like, fish and chips. They have a really good chicken slider.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Really good chicken slider.

[A]

Are we going this way?

[B]

Yeah, we're going this way.

[A]

Back to the.

[B]

My favorite restaurant and stuff like that.

[A]

Favorite restaurant.

[B]

I just. My first time eating sushi was this year. I've been really, like, really fascinated with that lately. My favorite restaurant. There's so many places I would tell you to try. I'm trying to, like, dub it. I'm trying to, like, dub it down. There's so many places I would tell you to try.

[A]

You can name a few, too, if it's hard.

[B]

Okay. All right, here. This place called Ricardo's. It's really good.

[A]

Where is that at?

[B]

That's in Harlem. That's actually in Harlow, too.

[A]

While you're thinking, can I fix your mic real quick? It's like, facing the wrong side. All right. There we go.

[B]

It's a really good Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn called Su's Kitchen.

[A]

Sue's Kitchen.

[B]

Sue's is just a regular Chinese restaurant. Might get chicken wings, French fries, wontons, things of that nature.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, yo. It's a bunch of, like, little shops today.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Gotta come start. Guys that come out here on Sundays, this is. This is how it goes. It's usually. It's usually like this. Like, off on Fridays, too. Like, Fridays and Saturdays, it's usually like this.

[A]

You didn't realize it was like here like this on Sundays?

[B]

Yeah, like, I thought it would be like. Like, you know, everybody's calm on Sundays, you know, trying to, you know, just relax, enjoy their Sunday. Do their laundry.

[A]

Yeah, I guess not. They're all out and about.

[B]

Everyone's outside, shopping.

[A]

What do you do for work?

[B]

Me? I do security, but I'm actually about to have my license expired by the end of the year, so I have to find a new career in a month.

[A]

How does that feel? Like, are you excited or are you nervous?

[B]

I'm actually really excited because I'm actually getting really tired of security. It's driving me nuts.

[A]

It's just like, a little push for you to figure out something new.

[B]

Yes, but it's actually been stressing me out because I don't know what I want to do as a next career.

[A]

Is there anything you're passionate about? Like, something you've been wanting to do?

[B]

I really want to make clothes, but I'm just so scared of failing. And then it's, like, so many people doing it now, so it's like, it's giving me more of a. More of a reason not to do it.

[A]

What kind of clothes would you make if you made them?

[B]

I would make, like, hoodies like this. Like, I kind of, like, did a. Like, did, like, a ripping on this. I bought this from.

[A]

You did that?

[B]

Yeah, I did this. I did it. I got this from Urban Outfitters, and then I just, like, was just, like, trying to, like, rip it up.

[A]

So you bought it, like, brand new, and you made it look, like, vintage.

[B]

Yeah. Made it look like. Yeah.

[A]

I mean, I'm a stranger. Like, I don't know you, but I. I feel like I could read people pretty well, and I. I think you should do it, and I. I think you would be really successful.

[B]

Yo, everyone says that, but it's really harder than you think, man. It's so. Really.

[A]

What's hard about it?

[B]

What's hard is because everyone's kind of, like, doing the same thing.

[A]

Yeah, I get that. That is the hardest part is the fact that it's just hard. Like, so. It's so saturated. Everything is. But if you really love it, that's what's gonna show, because even though a lot of people are doing it, not everyone's doing it. For the right reason.

[B]

Yeah, definitely.

[A]

And I would hate for you not to do it when I know you would do it for the right reason. You can't let that happen. Life's not supposed to be like that. You know.

[B]

What?

[A]

Tana, the mic. His mic. Yeah, it's off her. It's cutting. Yeah, it's probably the one. Let's keep going. If it still does that, we'll do that. But we're taking a left.

[B]

Where's the other part? Where's the other camera going?

[A]

She's just all the way, like, around.

[B]

Okay, okay, okay.

[A]

I feel like in a few years, if you do it, we could redo this.

[B]

Yeah, we could redo this and I'll give you some merchandise. No, definitely. I'll definitely take that into consideration. Definitely take that into consideration. That's kind of what I want to sell. Kind of like a distress baggy look. Comfortable.

[A]

You're speaking my language. Yeah. Let's walk past his truck first so it doesn't Tata. Does the sound better? His mic. Just his. Yeah, mine's fine. It sounds like it did earlier. It did earlier. Okay. Do you mind if we switch mics real quick?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Because I would rather get your audio than mine. He's like, where's the other girl?

[B]

I thought we lost.

[A]

All right. Put this in your pocket. Now your mic sounds good. Mic's good. Okay. Hell, yeah. I'm gonna cross the street. All right, Todd, are you ready? No, no. What were we talking about? I was about to say something. You were saying.

[B]

I was saying something about the. Just about my future coat of brand. Distress. Comfortability.

[A]

Yeah, you're describing.

[B]

So you said. You think that that's speaking your language.

[A]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, okay, okay. I'm trying to think of the question. I was gonna ask you something. Oh, I know, I know. We can start walking.

[B]

What about your fit? What about some good spots in San Diego?

[A]

Oh, shit. Okay. Well, if you ever come, you should let me know. I'll show you around. But there's this park called Balboa Park. It's where I usually film. I interview strangers a lot for my videos, and I usually go there. It's just really beautiful. It's like the most photographed spot in California.

[B]

So is it like a central park out here?

[A]

Yeah, kind of. Central park is 10 times bigger. Balboa park for. It's very nice. It has, like, a botanical garden. Just like a park where people picnic. It's really like, if you go. There you go. You said you have a girlfriend, right?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

You Guys should do, like, a little date there. Do a picnic.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Okay. Okay. Do you like going on hikes and nature things?

[B]

Hikes? I haven't hiked since I was, like, in middle school. Like, and one time I went. It was like, I felt so awful about it.

[A]

Why?

[B]

Because we were slept. We slept in, like, tents. Ooh, you really.

[A]

You like wild.

[B]

We was, like, really in the woods, like, living the wildlife we were making. We made fire. And I went with my. I went with my school. That was the only reason why I went, for real. I couldn't believe that we was really outside sleeping. Like, that part lost me. I was so scared about bears and, you know, you hear all about this stuff and all these animals in the woods. Why you have us sleeping in there?

[A]

So you didn't like it at all? So you don't. Like. Like, if you did, like, a day hike, you just went up a mountain for a view and came back down.

[B]

You think, oh, I could do that. Staying two days, three days? Nah.

[A]

Yeah, no, I don't do that either. But, yeah, so that's what I was gonna. They have a lot of nice hikes in San Diego.

[B]

Okay, okay. Okay.

[A]

There's this one. It's in Torrey Pines. That's what it's called. And you do, like, a little hike up this cliff, and then you have, like, a beautiful view of the ocean.

[B]

Oh, okay. Okay.

[A]

So those. When. Whenever someone comes to San Diego, those are the two things I tell them. But. Yeah. So tell me a little bit about yourself. What's something people wouldn't believe about you?

[B]

Wouldn't believe about me? Yeah, that I'm actually not selfish. Like, I get a lot of times in my life that I'm selfish, but I really do be thinking about people. Like, it just. I be so caught up in my head sometimes that maybe I don't know how to approach people with things. They kind of take my action the wrong way.

[A]

I see.

[B]

But I really don't be, like, trying to be selfish. I don't be getting. I don't know why I be getting. I get that a lot.

[A]

Have you ever asked people, like, why and.

[B]

No, I get the same. Like, they say, I. I don't. Like, it doesn't look intentional, but it becomes intentional because I keep doing it. Like, if someone is talking to me, like, I'll be spaced out, and then I'll. Like, I'll probably bring up something that I'm going to. But, like, I be so caught up in my head on, like, trying to do this design thing. Working, stressing about just being financially stable, like, in life. Like, people want me to hear them, and it's like I'm trying to hear them, but I'm not hearing them. So I don't know. I get selfish a lot.

[A]

Does that. Does that hurt your feelings when people say that?

[B]

Yes, it does, because I be thinking about people. Like, if I win, we all win. I'm getting the short end of this. Like, the bad end of the stick. Not the short end, but the bad end of the stick.

[A]

That's such a. Interesting. Like, I've never heard someone explain it that way. Because you're doing a selfless thing by, like, making. Trying to make your life better for yourself and them, but as a byproduct, kind of because you're in your head so much. Like, they see you as. Okay, damn, that. That's tough one.

[B]

And I don't.

[A]

Have you tried explaining that to people?

[B]

No, not really. Because I have this thing where, like, I don't be knowing. I be feeling like people don't be really for you for real. Like, it just. People energy be bad sometime. And so it'd be like, if I tell you my plan, who's to say that my plan will go through now? Because you might be with wishing bad on it, not even wishing bad for real, or just your energy just might just be really bad.

[A]

I get what you're saying. It's right there.

[B]

Yes, right there. Like, your energies might just be really bad, and it just might be throwing me off to what I need to do and what I need to focus on.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

How am I supposed to focus if you're throwing me off?

[A]

You feel like you read people's energy pretty good.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Is there anyone in your life where when you share your dreams with, like, it feels like good energy?

[B]

Like, sometimes my friends, but, like, sometimes they give me, like, throwing me off vibes. Like, they might, like, if I come outside like, like this right now with my friends, some might laugh, some might say, yo, bro, what you doing? Like, yo, you got paint on your pants. Like, you look crazy. And it might be something like, nah, that's real. Like, this is how you dress. Like, this is regular him. So it's like I could tell when someone is good for me, but then sometimes I can't.

[A]

Like, sometimes you can't. Yeah, you just like, even that example that you just said, the friends who are, like, all for the outfit, you should just know to trust them. Let me fix your mic real quick. It's like flipping. Sorry, but I get what you Mean, when I come up with new video ideas, I, like, keep them in my head because, like, if I tell people just the way they look at me when I'm saying it, I'm like, oh, shit. Like, I start questioning it.

[B]

That's what. That part. Okay, all right. You say you get me.

[A]

Yeah. I just wish you had more people around you who would get excited with you. You're 25. You're young. The fact that you're able to feel that now, I think the next step in your life, you should start differentiating. This person I trust. Yeah. They're with me. And just tell them. And it doesn't mean you take the other people out of your life. You just know what to do. Talk to them.

[B]

That part. Who's with me, who's not.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. And you should do the clothing line.

[B]

I'm gonna definitely try to get into that.

[A]

Do you mind if we get your whole outfit on the video, too? Shami, do you mind getting his whole outfit, like a zoom. The shot of his outfit? I'll get it, actually. Okay. Yeah. Zoom. Go back and zoom in on his outfit. Yeah.

[B]

Can you. Do you have, like a. Like a YouTube or.

[A]

Yeah, I'll give you it. I don't know why that keeps happening. Yeah, I'll give you my YouTube channel and my Instagram. Stay in touch.

[B]

I definitely want to stay in touch.

[A]

Yeah, let's go, like, on the edge here.

[B]

All right.

[A]

Okay. Yeah. So just explain to me what you're wearing.

[B]

This is golf wing. My girlfriend decorated.

[A]

She. So she tie dy. The tie dye. Is her.

[B]

Yeah, tie dyed. This is BDG Urban Alpha car Heart vintage made dunk off whites.

[A]

And this is the. This was the one that you, like, kind of, like, roughed up, kind of.

[B]

Like distressed it out.

[A]

Yeah, that looks sick. That looks like, like something I would buy. Like, I would see it like that be like that part.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, yeah, I'm definitely gonna try to design something like this now.

[A]

Yeah, I can't wait for it. Where's Tata? Let's go back to the main camera. Oh, she's right there. We'll stay in touch. Let me give you. Do you have your phone on you so I can give you my YouTube channel?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Let me follow you back real quick. And. Yeah, that's it. Thank you so much for walking with me. Yeah, that was so much fun. Did you have fun?

[B]

Yes. That was actually pretty random, but that was good.

[A]

I like your reaction when I asked you. You're like, that's weird.

[B]

I wasn't even gonna say that, but I'm like, you know, that really is weird, but it's pretty cool that I actually want to do that. And it was all natural. That was a good conversation.

[A]

Yeah, it was for me, too. Yeah. Thank you so much, man. Have a good day. Bye.