Podcast Summary: "Can I Walk With You?"

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

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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?"

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."

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.

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.