Club Shay Shay - Miguel Part 2

Summary

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Club Shay Shay – Miguel Part 2 (November 5, 2025)

Podcast: Club Shay Shay
Host: Shannon Sharpe (with guest Miguel)
Episode Theme: Growth, Identity, Family, and the Music Industry

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Episode Overview

In this in-depth conversation, R&B star Miguel joins Shannon Sharpe for part two of their discussion, diving deeply into themes of money, family, artistic evolution, collaboration, the creative process, identity, and fatherhood. With candid reflections and personal stories, Miguel explores how upbringing shaped his relationship to money, artistry, biracial identity, and sense of purpose. They also discuss health in Black and Latinx communities, industry dynamics, and the importance of authentic collaboration.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Perspectives on Money and Success

• Money as a Tool, Not a Goal:
  • Miguel shares how he views money as a tool for freedom and providing for loved ones, not as an end in itself:
    • "Money is just a tool. It's the pursuit of money and making that the all end-all, be-all goal... that's what becomes the root of all evil." (Miguel, 04:06)
• Providing for Family:
  • Both Shannon and Miguel talk about prioritizing their families’ well-being, often foregoing material indulgences for themselves.
    • "I've always been a provider... I never want my family to have to worry." (Shannon, 05:00)
    • "My biggest accomplishments is buy my mom a house... fixing this thing at Pop's house or hospital bills... I feel more accomplished being able to do those things." (Miguel, 08:23)

2. Reflecting on Regrets and Growth

• No Erasers, No Regrets:
  • Miguel and Shannon agree that, despite hard moments or mistakes, they wouldn’t go back and change past decisions.
    • "Everything that I thought I would do differently has built character and gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I'm proud of myself... I wouldn't take that eraser." (Miguel, 10:15 & 11:44)
• Value in Struggle:
  • Both see their hardships as contributors to their current sense of self.
    • "You miss all of the great things that you got in that shape and make us who we are." (Shannon, 12:22)

3. Experience & Lessons from the Music Industry

• Collaboration Philosophy:
  • Miguel describes his approach to sessions with icons like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, J. Cole, and others:
    • "I never... I'm gonna walk into a space, I'm gonna be myself. Whatever happens, that's all we ever did." (Miguel, 18:08)
    • "When I step into a room, I'm an enabler… What is the most potent, wild, pure honest thing that we could say?" (Miguel, 21:33)
• Notable Anecdote (Alicia Keys Session):
  • "She brings you into her world... she has a vision... she's an album artist–she's really cheffing.” (Miguel, 20:22)
• Favorite Potential Collaborations:
  • Miguel is interested in a full album with J. Cole and another with Blue, referencing a long history with up-and-coming and established artists:
    • "A collab album with Cole is one that they've been asking for... I think Cole would be really special." (Miguel, 28:29)

4. Songwriting for Others

• Writing Across Perspectives:
  • On writing for artists like Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige:
    • "I think of what excites the artist... I'm a fan first, so I'm thinking about them in a fan way... Like for Rocket for Beyoncé: 'Let me sit this ass on you' – which of us ain't thinking that?" (Miguel, 33:48)
• Adapting Songs:
  • Songs may start as personal but become collaborative:
    • "Beautiful [for Mariah Carey] started as a song for my album. We adapted it to fit Mariah, and she wrote on the record to make it hers" (Miguel, 35:53).

5. Identity, Representation & Biracial Experience

• Navigating Biracial Identity:
  • Miguel discusses childhood feelings of not being “enough”—for Black or Mexican peers—and later finding pride in both heritages:
    • "Too proper for the Black kids, too Black for the Mexicans, too square to be a hood... Now I'm really proud to be both. I get to rep for both." (Miguel, 68:28)
• Fatherhood and Heritage:
  • As a new dad, he reflects on how to instill confidence and wholeness in his son, who is of mixed Black, Mexican, and Chinese heritage:
    • "I will do my best to instill in him that he is more than enough and he's human." (Miguel, 98:51)

6. Family Legacy and Fatherhood

• Influence of His Father:
  • Deeply emotional, Miguel credits his father with instilling confidence and vision:
    • "My dad was like—my dad's the shit. He really believed, and he always told me I could do it." (Miguel, 83:19)
    • "He never took away... the convincing that we deserve, and that we are." (Miguel, 83:58)

7. Society, Politics, and Current Affairs

• Systemic Issues and Desensitization:
  • Discusses the growing societal numbness to injustice, drawing parallels to history:
    • "There are people being pulled out of their homes... It's like Gestapo type shit..." (Miguel, 92:28)
    • "Are we becoming more desensitized? Now we see it and just keep it moving..." (Shannon, 93:48)
• Civic Discourse & Division:
  • Reflects on America’s increased polarization:
    • "It used to be okay, we agree to disagree. Now we can't disagree—if we disagree, I hate you." (Shannon, 97:38)
    • "There's so much information that it's hard to see the truth... information in its pure state, uncut, unstepped on, is a task... It's easy to maneuver people." (Miguel, 96:08)

8. Artistic Integrity and Collaborations

• Selective Collaborations:
  • Prefers collaborating with those he genuinely connects with:
    • "I've decided in my life I don't want to make music with people I can't go have coffee with or have a drink with." (Miguel, 44:55)
• On being “the King” of Hip Hop Collabs:
  • "I wouldn't say the king. I'm definitely... I definitely have some special ones." (Miguel, 30:26)

9. Artistry, Genre-blending & Musical Influences

• Eclectic Inspirations:
  • Miguel highlights his punk, hip-hop, and classic rock influences, shaped by growing up in San Pedro’s art-punk scene.
    • "Punk music, classic rock... and then soul music all have a big influence... that's why you hear a lot of heavy guitar in my music." (Miguel, 55:32)

10. Health Within Black and Latinx Communities

• Personal and Systemic Health Challenges:
  • A candid conversation on cancer, preventive testing, and systemic hurdles to healthcare:
    • "Our health is being tampered with every day... water, produce, our air... our health is being manipulated." (Miguel, 38:35)
    • "Growing up, there are not a whole lot of Blacks that could afford insurance... we didn't go unless Jesus was sitting at the foot of the bed." (Shannon, 41:40)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Money:

  • "If I gotta eat ketchup with a knit needle, that's what I'll do...I just need to. I don't ever want my family ...to worry. Let me stay up at night." (Shannon, 06:00)

• On Collab Writing:

  • “Let me sit this ass on you is the first line [in ‘Rocket’ for Beyoncé]. Which one of us is not thinking? ...what do her audience want to say for themselves, too? What’s exciting? Shit, let me sit this ass on you. That’s where Quickie came from.” (Miguel, 33:48)

• On Biracial Identity:

  • “Too proper for the black kids. Too black for the Mexicans. Too square to be a hood. What's normal anyway?” (Miguel, 68:28)

• On Parenting:

  • "He really believed, and he always told me I could do it." (Miguel on his father, 83:30)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Money Philosophy & Family Providing: 03:15–09:02
• Regret and Learning from the Past: 10:02–14:18
• Breaking into the Industry, Writing for Others: 17:33–36:33
• Genre Adventures & Artistic Influences: 54:41–56:33
• Identity & Biracial Experience: 67:26–70:15
• Healthcare in Minority Communities: 38:29–41:59
• On Collaboration and Authenticity: 44:55–45:16
• Fatherhood and New Life Perspective: 78:13–87:22
• Performance: ‘New Martyrs’ & Social Commentary: 87:15–95:29

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Memorable Final Reflections

• On Partnership and Marriage:

  • "I'll probably never get married again...I believe in locking in with somebody and having partnership, whatever that means for anyone out there." (Miguel, 86:18–87:15)

• Sending His Son a Message:

  • "He is everything, all powerful, all knowing already...as long as I can help protect that...we won." (Miguel, 98:51–100:44)

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Episode’s Tone

The conversation is candid, introspective, and warm. Both Shannon and Miguel are open about vulnerability, struggles, pride, and growth, infusing seriousness and humor in equal measure. Miguel’s thoughtful, heartfelt answers—especially on family, identity, and artistry—set the episode’s reflective and soulful tone.

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This episode is a must-listen for fans of Miguel, creatives navigating industry challenges, and anyone interested in the intersections of art, race, parenting, and personal development.

Transcript

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[Miguel]

I turned off news altogether.

[Colin Coward]

I hate to say it, but I don't trust much of anything.

[Miguel]

It's the rage bait. It feels like it's trying to divide people.

[Colin Coward]

We got clear facts. Maybe we could calm down a little.

[Miguel]

NBC News brings you clear reporting. Let's meet at the Facts.

[Colin Coward]

Let's move forward from there.

[Miguel]

NBC News reporting for America.

[Colin Coward]

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[Interviewer]

Thank you for coming back. Part two is underway. What is money? What is what? What have you learned about money?

[Miguel]

You got to make money work for you. The saying is true often that, you know, you gotta, you gotta. You gotta put up big money if you want to win big money.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

Debt is good. Crazy.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

The right debt.

[Interviewer]

You're right.

[Miguel]

And of course, like, like you said. I love that you said this early, that it's a tool. The great thing is that even though I was raised really religiously, somehow I didn't ever feel that money was bad. It was the pursuit of money that was bad.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

And. And I think a lot of my friends and I think culturally, often what we get is that money is the root of all evil. And it's actually not. It's just a tool. It's the pursuit of money and making that the thing, the all end, all be, all seeing, all being goal. That's what becomes the root of all evil. It's the pursuit of that at any expense. So, you know, just remaining remaining balanced in the. In the perspective that it's a tool and that the ultimate, the ultimate, like you said, is like freedom. Is that what we're really looking for is freedom?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

And what does that actually mean? And everyone has a different definition of what that is, right?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Yeah. How about you? Like, what's the. What is money for you?

[Interviewer]

I buy very little for myself.

[Miguel]

A.

[Interviewer]

Sister, a mom, my brother, my kids. I live. I got a house, I got two cars. Hadn't bought a car in five years. Probably gonna be another five years before I buy a car. Cause I just get in the car and drive the same car. My battery's dead in my car now. Cause I haven't driven, I haven't been home. So me, I've always. I'm a provider. I've always been that. From the time I was five or six years old, I was working in the field. I would come home and give my grandmother $10 and $10 back in 75, 76, 77 was a lot of money, but it was the fact it made Me feel a sense of accomplishment.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So I still feel that now that I'm able to provide for my family and take care of my family. So that's what it. That's what it. For me. That's what it Provide. Yes. I've got to provide for my family. I got to make sure they're okay. Me, I'm going to be fine. Cause if I got to eat ketchup with a knit needle, that's what I'll do.

[Miguel]

Word.

[Interviewer]

But they.

[Miguel]

Cereal with the fork.

[Interviewer]

I just need to. I don't ever want my family. I never wanted my grandmother to work. I worry. I never wanted her to worry. I never want my sister, my kids, my brother, my mom. I don't want them to worry. Let me stay up at night. I don't sleep anyway. I got insomnia. So let me worry about all that stuff that you guys get to rest, comfortable worried about. It's like Colonel Nathan Jessup said when he had Kathy and they, hey, you need me on that wall. They need me on that wall so they can rest comfortably.

[Miguel]

Word.

[Interviewer]

So that's what. So what are some of the purchases? When you got some money, you like.

[Colin Coward]

Damn.

[Interviewer]

Growing up in Inglewood and San Pedro, you like, give me some bread. What I'mma do. What I'mma do.

[Miguel]

I've never. In the same way, though. I've actually been kind of the same vibe, like, growing up. First job, as soon as I could, 15, I was a tutor. You know, my parents were split up, and my dad was a teacher, but my mom quit her job to make sure that we were on a. We didn't get. We didn't go too far.

[Interviewer]

You didn't get sidetracked.

[Miguel]

Yeah, we didn't get to. And I was a knucklehead. I wasn't, like, bad, but I was mischievous.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

And so sometimes I would find myself in the wrong crowd, and my mom just wouldn't have it, you know? And I think when she caught wind of that, my tendency to kind of like, oh, let's go. You know, let's go have some fun. This and that. She was like, no. So in a lot of ways, I took on responsibility early on to help with my brother, to help with my own. And I've in the same way, been. I've taken the same view. So I don't really buy a lot for myself, man. The only car I bought, I bought as a gift. I did as a gift to myself. It was an old F430 Ferrari. It's a car I wanted when I was younger and it was already old. Yeah, it was already old, but it's the only car I've ever bought. And it's still there, right? Still got it. I drive it every once in a while, but I'm not really big on.

[Interviewer]

You're not big. Big on material things, huh?

[Miguel]

I'm not really a big. I don't collect watches. When you see me, it's pretty. Pretty chill.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Yeah, I do. I do care deeply about how my family is, so I think my biggest accomplishments, the biggest things, is buy my mom house. Like you said, like, that's a. I think all of us is like, yeah, you got mom a house.

[Interviewer]

You got getting. Getting, you know, out of poverty, bro.

[Miguel]

Like, fixing. Fixing this thing at Pop's house. Or like, let's. You know, like, oh, you want that? Okay, bet at the crib. Got you. Let's do that. Or my cousin needed to bail my cousin out or hospital bills, or. I actually feel more.

[Interviewer]

That's. I am.

[Miguel]

I feel more accomplished being able to do those things.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

Especially because it means so much more with your family. We're losing. I feel like I'm, like, losing my family so fast. And when my grandmother's pat. When my grandparents started to pass and I started to see, like, my. I really started to pay attention. Like, everyone's getting older.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I feel the same way because I'm at the. I'm at the age where, man, they old. That's me.

[Miguel]

Yeah, we're the same age.

[Interviewer]

That's me. Like, oh, wait, that ain't old all of a sudden.50s is not old anymore. It used to be, man, you got older.

[Miguel]

So old. Yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

Few. Half a hundred.

[Miguel]

You almost there. Shit. You almost.

[Interviewer]

Now all of a sudden, man, That's a long way, man. That's.

[Miguel]

You got plenty of time.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

So much time.

[Interviewer]

That's how we look at it now.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

It's real.

[Miguel]

It's real. But, yeah, those are my. More. My. I prefer to save my money for those things. And then in the meantime, again, in terms of, like, I want to put it to work. I want it to work so when things happen, you're able to. Okay.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. If you could go back at any point in time, I'm gonna give you a pen or an eraser.

[Miguel]

Right.

[Interviewer]

And you can go back and erase and do anything over. Would you?

[Miguel]

No, I think everything that I thought was kind of one of those ones that I was like, I would do it differently. It's built character, and it's actually fortified my sense of self and it gave me an opportunity to prove to myself that I'm proud of myself, to do things that make me proud of myself, to hold myself accountable or to. To go, hey, that wasn't right, man. Get it together. And then to go, okay, I'm gonna do it like this now. And to have the conversations and to go, you know, I'm deeply sorry when I was wrong to. When I make. You know, when I. Anything that I felt was like, oh, I wish I could do it better. I look at it with so much gratitude now. More so because I've taken time to kind of go. I've learned a lesson from it, and I have an actionable way by which I will do it different. Now, will that yield the result that I'm looking for? I'm learning in real time. But I know one thing. I'm proud of myself at paying attention to how I am to see things that do. Just like I said, when you're saying whatever advice that you were giving, it's really like, look at your. Look at. Look at my. My. My morals and my. The things that I'm operating from, you know, and that's what's actually informing all of all of my action now. So, no, I wouldn't change it. I wouldn't take that eraser.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Cause who's to say that I would ever get to this point where I.

[Interviewer]

Would be like, nah, I was thinking the same thing. Had I. If I could go back and change some things. I don't go to Savannah State. I probably don't meet the people that impacted me the most in my life. I had some great professors at Savannah State, from Haynes Walton to Norman Elmore to Joanne green to Joyce McLemore. I don't meet these people, and maybe I don't go on the path that I'm on. So I don't want to change it. Even if I could, I don't want to change it.

[Miguel]

Right. You miss all of the great things that you got in that shape and.

[Interviewer]

Make me make us who.

[Miguel]

It is. Probably the coolest thing in looking back now, because I think before, when I would look at things with a little bit of sadness, I think in the beginning of the eight years between my last album and now looking back was painful, and I think now it's with so much like, okay, gratitude. I see where I was. I see what I was doing. I understand. Took me some time to really, like, uncover, like, what was going on there. All right, Mike, you were. You were going through this. You had resentment about this. You really were Trying to figure yourself out here and to look at all of the things and go, man, through the chaos, through the chaos, you've actually found a part of yourself that is worthy of celebrating and building on and preserving. I look at you, you're a good human being, man. You're able to address your wrongs. You're able to stand up on the things that you're right about. And you fight for what you believe in. You speak out about what you see. That's not right. You're deeply passionate, you're deeply happy. You have a pureness about what you do and how you approach things that mean that you care about this world and preserving something, that it matters, that there's real hope and there's faith to that is to be, like, nurtured regardless of what's happening. And somehow you've been able to do all that. Damn, you got a great family. Your dad is the best teacher. Your mom is the most beautiful, incredible, supportive person in the world. You got a great Latino family who gave you all. You know what I'm saying? You got poured into all of it like your nan. Just sacrifice. You just start. I go back now with so much more like, gratitude. I couldn't take that eraser to that. Couldn't do it.

[Interviewer]

Do you ever find yourself sitting back? I find myself and I really do it. Like when my brother and I talk, because we talk a lot about how we grew up and growing up and him being there and he was always there for me. Do you find yourself looking back and like, damn, I come a mighty, mighty, mighty long way.

[Miguel]

Even.

[Interviewer]

Even in that dream, the gift that I gave to myself, it wasn't this good word.

[Miguel]

Woo. Say that. Cheers to that.

[Interviewer]

It wasn't.

[Miguel]

Salute to that. Cheers to that. I will say, man. Third and center. I grew up on third and center in San Pedro. I don't know if anyone from la. Most people from LA don't even know where San Pedro is or where that is in terms of, like, how deep and how far away that is from this that we're experiencing it. It's one of the most obscure places. And from there, by way of, like, delusion and passion and nurturing, lots of bad decisions, Lots of great decisions.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

A lot of lost sleep and sacrifice that we've talked about, man. I look at it and I go, who. Who could have ever imagined? And yet I knew.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

And. And how dope it is. Like when you. When you work with young, up and coming talent on the field, off the field, how important it is to have that. And I think that's like the. I think why I watch, you know, Shay Shay, is I love to see how incredibly delusional everyone had to be and all the things they accomplished and the greatness that they've achieved to be. To sit here across from you. You know what I mean? It's like we've devoted ourselves and everyone that we get to work with is why, when I step into a room, I never. I don't treat people more or less. Everyone is the.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, everybody's here for a reason.

[Miguel]

We all have a real purpose. And that's the thing. That's the beauty of this whole thing. And that's why, you know, I'll never want to take the eraser and, you know, and do it. You know, we. We worked hard to get here, and I believe that that's a. That's. That's what this whole thing is about. You know what I'm saying? It's about looking at all the chaos, all the chaos that we experience in each iteration of our life and taking that and building on it and refining and honing on what is valuable and what's worth preserving and what's worth letting go. So, you know, whether it's. Whether it's, you know, becoming the kind of voice that says, okay, this is not right in the world or what have you, or if it's just about every day going, this is not right. Right here, let me address it right. I think the purpose is. Is always. We're getting better and we're doing it better. And I'm so blessed to be around so many who do it every day. Every day. You know what I'm saying? That's the best part.

[Interviewer]

You work with Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Travis Scott, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, asap, Rocky, Lil, Yachty Wale, obviously, that's a very eclectic, very, very different group.

[Miguel]

All bangers, all kids.

[Interviewer]

So when you go work with somebody, what's your mindset? Okay, we going in. So today is the day, and. And tomorrow I'm going to meet with Mariah. I'm going to meet with this Alicia Keys, or I'm going to meet with this person. So what's your mindset? The night before you go meet with said person to sit down and try to come together on a project.

[Miguel]

I don't even. I never. I'm more like, I'm gonna walk into a space, I'm gonna be myself whatever happens. That's all we ever did.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

That's all we ever had to do, is to just go in and go, I did the work. I trust the work. You know, I trust the work. So I've been really, really fortunate to kind of like get these moments where with people who also believe in their craft in the same way. And also there's a lot of trust.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

It's like when you get on the line, you know what I mean? It's like anytime you line up and everybody's on the same accord and we like, all right, well, shit, we done rehearsed this. We ran this play a million times.

[Interviewer]

Nothing better than when a playing comes together.

[Miguel]

Hey, I trust you. I trust you. We, let's go. We gonna do it. You know, and so I think there's a little bit of all of the work that gets anyone into a session that leads to them being in that room and going, hey, I fuck with you. I love what you do, trust what you do. It's gonna be dope. I'm gonna do what I do. It's gonna be dope. Let's make the best shit that we can.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, so is that. So I read that you and Alicia, your project, you guys were in Jamaica. So how does that, how does that, how does that work? So when you guys come together, they invite you, they say, miguel, we want you on this. We want you on this project. So do they tell you before you get there what they're thinking is what they're trying to do? You don't realize what's good. You don't understand what, the direction that they want to go until you actually get there.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And then you hear their vision for this project and you like, okay, okay, okay.

[Miguel]

Yeah, the like, for that, for. In that example, this is different because Alicia's, she's going to, she's like, bring you into her world, you know? And so at this time, we got on the plane and we got on a prop plane. Me and Drew was on the plane. Like, the dude with the, with the, the dude took our bags. He was like, welcome. Thank you very much. Took our bags, put them in the back of the plane, took off the, the, the, the vest and then jumped in the pilot seat. And we looked at the seat. Are we going to be all right?

[Colin Coward]

Hold on.

[Interviewer]

We understand that Jamaicans have a lot of job, but this ain't what we. This ain't what we meant.

[Miguel]

I love that they're hard working and everything. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

You take advantage and you fly in the plane.

[Miguel]

I said, okay, wait a second. We prayed. We prayed a prayer. It's a three person prop plane. And we go. And finally we get there, and of course, Alicia's there with the biggest smile and she's super welcoming. Swiss is there, we eat great food, and she brings you into her world. That's a different thing. She's. She has a, you know, a vision and she's. She's. For her, she's an artist. She's an album artist.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

You know what I mean? And Alicia obviously has had massive songs, and of course. But she's one of those artists that is, like, she's crafting, she's really cheffing. When she gives you an album, that experience is different than, you know, when you go in and it's like, okay, we trying to make us. Like, we trying to make a banger. We want us. We want a song that's going to hit everything and everybody and they're going to love and they're going to go crazy. Different headspace. But I always. I always go in with, like, what's. What is the. What is the. What is at the fringe of what you want to say and how you want to feel, and, like, how can I actually just be the person to say it? And that always has worked out. So, yeah, I just want to. Want to. I'm an enabler when I step into the room, even if I'm not on the record, right? When I step into a room, I'm an enabler, right? I'm like, what is the. What is the most potent, wild, pure honest thing that we could say or you could say right now? That is like, no, we want to hear that. We want to feel that as a fan, right? You know, so that's how I step in.

[Interviewer]

I read you say Kendrick is one of your inspirations.

[Colin Coward]

I mean, this is Colin Coward from the Colin coward podcast on Fox 1. Now you can stream your favorite live sport, so you can be there live for the biggest moments. That means NFL Sundays in college college football games, NASCAR Major League Baseball, postseason, and more. With Fox one, you get it all. Live, edgier seat plays, high octane moments, and that feeling like you're right there in the action. Fox one, we live for live streaming now.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins, just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o.com does.

Anything go better than Lego and Star Wars? I don't think so. Kids will love becoming a part of the galactic action while playing out their favorite adventures like with Jango Fett Starship. I mean, this Lego set is fantastic. It features a detailed recreation of Jango Fett's Starship with four stud shooters, a seismic charge dropping function and wings that rotate with gravity. Plus it has three Jango Fett with two blasters and a jetpack, Young Boba Fett and Llama Sue. Perfect for endless play. Now for the big fans, there's Jango Fett's Firespray class starship from the Ultimate Collector series. Packed with details and surprises for fans, this large scale set is perfect for anyone hunting for a mindful building escape. Plus, you end up with a fantastic display piece. You can build this while your little ones build the kid set. You'll be like Jango and Boba building an adventure shop. Now for Star wars lego sets on lego.com or in lego retail stores.

[Ed Helms]

Hey, everyone. Ed Helms here.

[Colin Coward]

And hi, I'm Kalpen and we're the hosts of Irsay The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Jenny Garth, host of the iHeart podcast. I choose me to discuss the new Audible adaptation of the timeless Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. This is not a trick question. There's no wrong answer. What role would I play?

[Miguel]

You know what? I can see you as Mr. Darcy. You got a little Colin Firth.

[Ed Helms]

Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that, but are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennett here. Listen to Earsay the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Interviewer]

I think Kendra's from Compton, right? Yeah, Compton. You're from, like, Inglewood. Grew up in San Pedro. Did you know Kendrick before? Like, were you familiar with him before?

[Miguel]

No, no, no, no. I met Kendrick through music, and I would say, like, he's one of. One of many. You know, I would say a lot. I'm inspired by my peers in the. In the sense that I love watching them go. I love watching the. The world growing because of them. You know, I think Kendrick put a lot of people on to Compton in a different way in this generation.

[Interviewer]

Yes, yes.

[Miguel]

You know what I'm saying? And that's real. That's the world, you know, knows about Compton. And he reps it super hard. But it's the same way that there's plenty of artists who rep where they come from and have put those places on the map that I just. I just go, like, man, I'm inspired by that. I love the education part of bringing people into your world. And, yeah, I'm working constantly to refine how I do that.

[Interviewer]

So, yeah, of all the artists that you've worked with, who would you like to collab and do an album with? Of all the artists that you've worked with, they say, you know what? You know what, Miguel? You know What? Let's do this album, man.

[Miguel]

I was just texting Cole.

[Interviewer]

Really?

[Miguel]

I was just texting Cole. This weren't. I think a collab album with Cole is like, one that they've been asking for. Oh, bro. I'm sitting here on Shay. Shay.

[Interviewer]

Tell him you welcome anytime.

[Miguel]

Yeah. In an interview real quick. But Shay said what up? I think Cole would be. Would be special. I want to do another project with Blue. I did a project with. I'm on a project with Blue. I don't know if you know who Blue and Exile are. Blue. I met Blue when I was maybe, like, 14. We went to high school together.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Okay. I thought you were gonna say Blue Cantrell, but clearly you talking about somebody else.

[Miguel]

No, no word. But Blue is like. Has a classic hip hop album. Blue and Exile Below the heavens. Shay, listen to this album.

[Interviewer]

Okay, I'm gonna take it out.

[Miguel]

This is a one. This is like when you get on the plane, you can listen to.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, see, I like to slow it down. I mean.

[Miguel]

Yeah. And it's got a whole lot. It's super. It's. It's. It's a good one. And it's like. It's a headphone album, so it's good for travel. So when you go back to the crib.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

And have to charge your car back up. Yeah, but it's. But I want to do it. I want to do another album with Blue.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Miguel]

But I wanted a proper album. But I love doing with Cole. I think Cole would be really special, especially because I think we're aligned in a lot of the human ways, you know, it's like, nah. Like we're trying to be good human beings, you know? Not that anyone else isn't, but I just know I know him enough that way, where I'm like, oh, no. Yeah, it'll be dope. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Are you the king of hip hop collabs?

[Miguel]

I don't know. I wouldn't say. I wouldn't say the king. I think there's a. I'm definitely. I definitely have some special ones. I got some special ones for sure.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Like you wrote for Usher, I think. Did you write for us or Mary J?

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

I did.

[Interviewer]

Jaheem.

[Miguel]

Yes, I did. Uh huh. Jaheem. Mary J.

[Interviewer]

Music. Soul child.

[Miguel]

Yeah. Yeah, we've done some ones. Did I. I don't think I do it for. I don't think I did for music, though.

[Interviewer]

You didn't do anything for music.

[Miguel]

I don't think so. Can we double check that? There might be records. I've written records, and I don't even.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Miguel]

It's true.

[Interviewer]

Make sure you get that credit now.

[Miguel]

That's why I turn. When you turn 40, you forget things.

[Interviewer]

You make sure you get that credit. How is it? Cause it's very interesting to me. Cause, like, when I get a script, let's just say I gotta read something for this product, and it comes out a certain way, but I have to add some of it. I ad lib because I needed to sound like I talk.

[Miguel]

Yeah, it's. Yeah, it's you.

[Interviewer]

So when you write, let's just say, for the sake of argument, you're writing for Mary J. You're male, she's female.

[Miguel]

Yeah. Or Beyonce.

[Interviewer]

Beyonce, Right.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

How?

[Interviewer]

Because it's funny how you're able to do that. Cause I look at hov he wrote still D R E for Dr. Dre. You couldn't tell me Dre didn't write that because it found you. I'm like, how the hell. That takes a special talent to write a song that you're not gonna sing. Someone else gonna sing it, but you're writing it in their voice.

[Miguel]

Valid. Yeah, valid. And it takes a special talent to be able to take that and make it their own.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

So there's a art to that as well.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

I think.

[Miguel]

I always. I think in terms of, like, I said, I'm an enabler. I'm, like, mischievous, though. Like, I'm your friend. That's gonna be like, yeah, we should, though, like, let's go. If you have an idea. And you're like, man, I don't know if I should do this, like, but I kind of want to go do this.

[Interviewer]

You. That little thing on the shoulder, like, yeah, we should do this.

[Miguel]

I'm the friend, but not in a way that's, like, I'm also realistic, and I'm also, you know, I'm paying attention to all the things. But I think that there's something special about excitement, and I honor excitement.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

When you're excited about something, that is an indication that you're it. It's like, hitting your spirit.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

It's like, you're like, oh, I'm like, I want to do this. You know, And. And I think more. I didn't realize this one. Sorry, it's Cole. Sorry.

[Interviewer]

He calling?

[Miguel]

Yeah, I just told him. He just. He just hung up. There's something about excitement that's special, and I. I really do honor. So I. I think about what excites the artist, what would excite the artist. And I'm. I'm a fan first. So I'm thinking about them in a fan way and what I know about them and what they seem to resonate with the most. And I'm thinking of anything that may excite them, and then I'm thinking of what their audience may be excited by. So, like. Like, for example, for Rocket. For Beyonce.

[Interviewer]

Yes. And I was going there next, but.

[Miguel]

Let me sit this ass on you is the first line.

[Interviewer]

Damn.

[Miguel]

What meant. Which one of us is not thinking? And I'm sorry, this is. This is a long time ago. Don't. Also the whiskey kind of the. What's it called? Might have me, you know, speaking. But I'm thinking in terms of, like, as a man listening to Beyonce.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

What do I want to hear? What excites me? And then I'm going, what is she trying to convey? And at the time, I think she was wanting to. She was. From what I understood is that she really wanted to lean into the fact that she's a grown woman and that she was in. You know what I mean? So I'm listening to her tell me, like, okay, this is where I'm at. I'm going, okay, what's exciting to her? Exciting was showing that she's, like, you know, leaning into her feminine and she's being sexual. I'm grown, and I'm owning my sexuality and this and that. And I'm going, well, shit, I'm a fan. And I'm what guys, like, what do we want to. And what do girls even. What do women want to hear? What do her audience want to say for themselves, too? What's exciting? Shit, let me sit there. Let me sit this ass on. You bet. I'm gonna go with the thing that sounds the most exciting. So that's where Quickie came from. That's where.

[Interviewer]

Do you ever get afraid that you're gonna write something? Like, what are you thinking? No.

[Miguel]

Yeah. That's why a lot of songs are not out. We'll keep those in the vault. We'll keep that in the vault. But no, I think that's where I come from. Excitement. Like, what's he saying?

[Interviewer]

Because that's interesting. Because writing a song for a woman when you're a male. And I not say, obviously, there are a lot of male songwriters that write for women, but how difficult is that? Because you don't think, like they think. You don't see things how they see them. But on this song, I've got to.

[Miguel]

Right. I've only written 4. 4. 4. Specifically. Maybe, like, again, the, like, beautiful. I Didn't start that song thinking about writing for Mariah Carey. I wrote that song actually as a song for my album, and it actually didn't. It didn't fit the tone overall. And then I. We adapted it to better fit Mariah, and she wrote on the record to make it fit. Fit her same thing with. With B, but B was a little closer because she was telling me, like. And she was telling all of the people that she was working with where she was at and what she was looking for. So I think it's a. It's just. It just depends on the situation. And I think with. With female. Which is one of the things I like, I want to explore more is working with more, like collaborating more with just artists in general. But, like, I feel like there's an EP with female artists, like in there writing on their behalf. I think is about the conversation that we have and what they want to communicate. So it's more about them and what they want to say. And then me enabling.

[Interviewer]

That was rock it inspired by d'. Angelo. Rest your soul, Rest in peace. D. How does it feel?

[Miguel]

What ballad at this point is not inspired by Untitled? Like, there's really. I think we'll always go back to the church of d'. Angelo. And that song is a. It is a. Some. Some artists have songs that are like statements of their artistry and what they represent. And that's a. That's his. That will forever be like, a mainstay of the power and soul and funk in connection to the legacy of all of those things in his predecessors. Our predecessor. Right. That live forever in his music and also his ability to do it in his own new, new way. It's what makes him. Yeah. It's his. It's a. What is the word for that? There's a word for when things are just theirs, but it's one of those. You know, it's that. So. Yeah, for sure. I mean, there's probably not a session that I don't go into where we're not, like, just even in conversation talking about Untitled and Voodoo.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. It is so sad that such a young man gone at such a young age.

[Miguel]

But isn't this crazy, though? Like, our health is this. This could go in a million different directions. Shay. Like, we could talk about how systematically, you know, our health is being tampered with every day, and it has been for decades, especially amongst blacks, you know, you know, the Tuskegee, those experiments. We're all aware about that. But are we paying attention to how the water's being Tampered with. Are we paying attention to how the, the produce in this country is not nearly at the level of the potency in terms of vitamin and all that stuff. It's not as potent as it was before decades ago. We've got things in our air that are being sprinkled from above, aluminum and so on and so forth. And that's verified. We have our weather being manipulated. We have. You know, it's a lot of things that have to do with our health. That is crazy.

[Interviewer]

Right?

[Miguel]

You know, it's. And, and so when, when I, when we hear an artist like this being, you know, having passed so early because of cancer. What is it? What's this? That's crazy, man.

[Interviewer]

It is.

[Miguel]

That's crazy. Also. It says a lot about how we, we got to. We should, we should be talking about our health more often. I think there's a big bit. I mean, look, I'm going to talk. I haven't. I'm turning 40. I have yet to go do like prostate, all that stuff. I'm late.

[Interviewer]

I'm a prostate cancer survivor, man. But I.

[Miguel]

When did you find out?

[Interviewer]

Well, I started getting. I started getting tested early. I started getting testing at the age of 35. My dad died at 39 and he.

[Miguel]

From prostate cancer.

[Interviewer]

No, he had oral canc. Throat cancer.

[Miguel]

Okay. So it was in the eye.

[Interviewer]

And he had two brothers that didn't make it to 50. So it ran in my family. So let me. I started getting testing at 35 and went in for a routine colonoscopy. And my doctor, I knew something was wrong when my doctor didn't call me.

[Miguel]

Back, I'm like, it's only been. It's already been some days. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

This was in 2016. I was diagnosed in 2016, had the surgery in 2017, and I've been clear ever since.

[Miguel]

Wow, man. Yes.

[Interviewer]

Oh, man. I go to the doctor now. I go to the doctor for what they call what this premium cost. Well, I'm going.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

I call.

[Interviewer]

Let me go to the doctor.

[Miguel]

Listen. But hey, I'm gonna take advantage of it for real.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Like, listen.

[Miguel]

Come on. It's crazy. It's not a part of the conversation. On both sides of my family, there. There's been cancer, so I should be paying attention. And yet I know and I have not. You know. And why is it not something that we are talking about more? It's crazy.

[Interviewer]

Well, we couldn't. Well, growing up, there are not a whole lot of blacks that could afford insurance. So we didn't go to the doctor unless Unless Jesus was sitting on the foot of the bed.

[Miguel]

That's valid.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I mean, okay, I saw him at the foot of the bed. I got to go to the doctor now. But before then, we weren't going because we didn't have health insurance. We weren't. You. You put your family in debt forever and forever to pay those bills, and we weren't gonna burden. We didn't. We looked at it as a burden. The one thing we're not gonna do is burden our family with debt.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So we wouldn't go.

[Miguel]

That's it.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. So now I'm going. I'm going. I go through my deductible. First two months of the year, I'm going through my deductible.

[Miguel]

Let's run it. Run it. That's why you gotta go to Thailand and get all your shit checked out.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Knock it off.

[Interviewer]

Too much.

[Miguel]

Look it up. I'm telling you, for real.

[Interviewer]

You wrote for Titi Teyana Taylor.

[Miguel]

Did I?

[Interviewer]

No. She covered your song. The Girl with the Tattoo.

[Miguel]

Yeah, that's right.

[Interviewer]

How does that feel? Let me ask you. How does that feel when someone covers one of your songs? You just like.

[Miguel]

That's ultimate. That's ultimate. Like, nod. You know, it's like a tip of the cow. Yeah. It's a really dope nod. And. And also, she. She's. Her voice is incredible.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Yeah, I love. I love.

[Interviewer]

She's incredible with everything.

[Miguel]

She's like.

[Interviewer]

She can do what all.

[Miguel]

She can sing, she can dance.

[Interviewer]

She can choreograph.

[Miguel]

I honestly think when I. I think she's gonna.

[Interviewer]

She can act.

[Miguel]

Oscar is in.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Yes.

[Miguel]

Tayan is. That's like.

[Interviewer]

She can really.

[Miguel]

She can.

[Interviewer]

She can. Theoretically, she can get an egot for sure. Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Oscar. She can. She can do it all. There. There's really nothing she can't do.

[Miguel]

Exactly. Like, creative directing, too. I'd be like, man, she's shooting other people's videos, directing other people.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, she's talented.

[Miguel]

Man. When you. When. When someone covers a record or like, even. Even when they're asking for, like a. You know, they want to clear. Clear a sample or a song, I think that's like a nod to I. I talk to my younger self.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

And I go, see? You were right. And then that in itself is like a. Keep going. Whatever you're doing now, just keep going. They'll figure it. They'll. It will. It will. It will be heard and felt by who it's meant to be felt by. And. And that's what's what's the most, like, gratifying?

[Interviewer]

You covered scissors the weekend. Would you. Would you like to do something with Sizzles?

[Miguel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Why not? Why not? I love that. I think the fans would love that.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

But there's a lot of people. I think there's a lot of. Like I was saying, there's a lot of collabs that should happen. There's a lot that should happen.

[Interviewer]

Do you have your people reach out to their people or if you bump into them, let's do something together.

[Miguel]

It's always like that. Everyone's always like, let's do something together.

[Interviewer]

But, you know, sometimes they just be playing like, hey, man, give me a call. Hey, here's my number. And you change the number tomorrow.

[Miguel]

It be like that. It's like that. Come on, man. It's like that in every. All of our industries, that people be like, y', all, y', all, I'm here with you.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah. I'm a good boy.

[Miguel]

Look, I'm gonna tell you, I've done it before myself. I have also been the one that's been like, yeah, yeah, yeah, cool, cool.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

I'm trying to happen. That's not gonna happen.

[Interviewer]

I don't know that, fool.

[Miguel]

You know what, though? I've actually decided in my life now that I don't want to make music with people that I can't go have coffee with or have a drink with.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Miguel]

I'll probably be more likely to be like, shay, let's jump in the studio.

[Interviewer]

That what I'm talking about. You got. We having a drink together.

[Miguel]

You feel me? Like, it'll. Salu. Salu. A couple drinks now.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Yeah. Then I would with some. Some artists. Because what I've learned is, like, what happens is you get in the studio, and then you start to learn the motivation is different. Their motivation is what they're looking for out of this. Out of this thing may be different than what you're looking for.

[Colin Coward]

This is Colin Coward from the Colin coward podcast on Fox 1. Now you can stream your favorite live sport so you can be there live for the biggest moments. That means NFL Sundays and college football games, NASCAR Major League Baseball postseason, and more. With Fox one, you get it all. Live, edgier seat plays, high octane moments, and that feeling like you're right there in the action. Fox one, we live for live streaming.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Now, this podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different than for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software instead of growing your business. This is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling log. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o dot com.

When you say Lego Star wars the first thing you think of is imagination or action.

[Miguel]

Or both.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Definitely both. Like with Jango Fett's Starship. I mean with Stud Blasters, seismic charges and three minifigures your kid is Going to be creating stories until the banthas come home. And for yourself, there's the Jango Fett's fire spray class Starship Lego set from the Ultimate Collector series. Enjoy some Jedi Master level mindfulness during your building time. Shop now for Star wars lego sets on lego.com or in lego retail stores.

[Ed Helms]

Hey, everyone. Ed Helms here.

[Colin Coward]

And hi, I'm Kal Penn, and we're the hosts of Irsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Jenny Garth, host of the I Heart podcast. I choose me to discuss the new Audible adaptation of the timeless Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. This is not a trick question. There's no wrong answer. What role would I play?

[Miguel]

You know what? I can see you as Mr. Darcy. You got a little Colin first.

[Ed Helms]

Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that. But are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennet here. Listen to Earsay the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Miguel]

Or what you're actually showing up for. And then once the music is made, then you got to show up for the video, and then you got to show up for the. You know, you want to. You want to promote it and this and that. And then if the song isn't really representative of what you both actually are, like, if there's not a real thing that you really are, like, oh, no, we're trying. We're trying to make music that matters, right? If they're like, nah, I just want the hit, and you're like, well, I want to say something that is different, that's interesting or, like, hasn't been done before, you know, whatever.

[Interviewer]

Oh, wow.

[Miguel]

Look, would love to be impactful, but I'm not chasing that. Well, then you come out with a product that ends up being some weird mix, and then you still have to promote it, and I'm.

[Interviewer]

You're not there anymore.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

You did a karaoke of Rihanna, My girl. You want to work with me?

[Miguel]

You know what? We've talked about working so many times, bro. I would kill that. Like, I would produce an entire album for her that would go crazy.

[Interviewer]

You think, man? Re she like, really in the family. She got kids now.

[Miguel]

I don't know if she's really into it, right? Really like that. And actually, what would be crazy, I would EP an album for her and Rocky. That would be insane because I have both, right? I have both, right? I can do, like, the energy I'm like, oh, no. And I've. I've worked. I would crush an album for both of them for sure. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

I know you saw when Jamie did Sure thing and blame it, bruh.

[Miguel]

I just saw Jamie at the Blue Note, too.

[Interviewer]

He. You know what? It's funny. We used to have a southern spot at Savannah State called the Blue Note where you go get fried chicken and gizzards, livers and fries. It's in Thunderbolt, Georgia. It's right walking distance from Savannah State campus. So when you said the Blue Note, it made me think of that, bro.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Did you.

[Miguel]

For real gizzards? For real?

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Oh, you don't eat gizzard?

[Miguel]

Not really.

[Interviewer]

Not really, huh?

[Miguel]

I've never had gizzards.

[Interviewer]

Really?

[Miguel]

How are they prepared?

[Interviewer]

Fried.

[Miguel]

Everything fried is good.

[Interviewer]

The right.

[Colin Coward]

Right?

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Hey, man, what is that? It's fried. Okay. It's good.

[Miguel]

It's good.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

It's busting.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But would you do something with Jamie Fox? Yeah.

[Miguel]

In a. In a. That's also one of those people where you can sit and talk. Like, Jamie is one of the coolest.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

He is.

[Interviewer]

All he want to do is joke, though, man. He got. Can we have a conversation without you joking all the time?

[Miguel]

Yeah. But I mean, it's the best. It's the best.

[Interviewer]

He is, man. He unbelievable.

[Miguel]

I would love to write with him, work with him. I think he's also one of those ones that's like. He's one of our talents that I feel are even still unrealized in terms of.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. People don't realize how it is, their impact. Yeah.

[Miguel]

Like, Jamie on the Jamie Foxx show was incredible.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Jamie before that on Living Color. On. In Living Color and standup. Incredible. Then you move forward and you're like, his career as an actor, incredible. And then in music, incredible. So you're just like, ah, man, this.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I don't know. I don't know. He might be one of the most talented people that's ever been created.

[Miguel]

And not really, like, trying to be like, nah, I am. I'm the.

[Interviewer]

He really does. But like you said, I mean, from stand up to acting, I mean, when he did Ray Bruh and he did. What is it? The pianist was the piano. When he was the guy. The homeless guy. I mean, what can he do?

[Miguel]

He's. Yeah, the range. That range is like.

[Interviewer]

I don't know if we've seen someone with range like that. It's like when we say acting range, when you look at a Tom Cruise or you look at Robin Williams, rest his soul. You look at a Samuel L. Jackson, guys that I'm talking about can make you laugh, can be serious.

[Miguel]

Robin is actually a great one. Cause that's like. Yeah. Cause that's the kind of. Like, he could do a kids movie and he could be a villain, and he can make you laugh like it's your family, you know, it's like. It's crazy.

[Interviewer]

He was incredible. What's your favorite song right now? Like, who you listen? Who's Miguel listening to in the car right now?

[Miguel]

I've been listening to Show Me the Body, which is a. And I'm waiting for them to put new music out. I think they just dropped an album. But Show Me the Body is a. Is like a punk band from New York. Yeah. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So you got a very eclectic taste of music. Because, I mean, a lot of you were not.

[Miguel]

I was like, you were not expecting that.

[Interviewer]

No, I was not expecting that. Because some of the groups that you're naming, I like. I ain't never heard of it.

[Miguel]

You know what the new. The new Turnstile album is? Fire.

[Interviewer]

What?

[Miguel]

Turnstile?

[Interviewer]

No.

[Miguel]

Punk band. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So you're. You're in the punk band.

[Miguel]

I grew up in San Pedro, which is a art punk haven. So when punk music was really, like, kind of hitting its peak, San Pedro in the United States was a place where, like, the more avant garde punk music was really, like, flourishing.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Miguel]

There's a band called the Minutemen that come from San Pedro, and I grew up maybe four blocks away from, like, one of the premier venues that they would come and play. It's also like a. It's also a big skate city, so a lot of skaters would come to San Pedro. And I also grew up kind of at the apex of where all of that comes together. So punk music, classic rock from my family, from my father's side, and then soul music all have a big influence. And just alternative music overall have a big influence on the sound. And that's why you hear a lot of, like, heavy guitar in my music. Why, even melodically, I approach music the way that I do.

[Interviewer]

Would you do a cover song?

[Miguel]

Yeah. What did I cover more recently? I covered Careless Whisper for the Rock.

[Interviewer]

George Michael, huh?

[Miguel]

Yeah, yeah, we did that. But like, on record.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. Because, I mean, you got. Hey, look, you gotta be doing. You gotta be really, really good when you do a cover, or people gonna say, you should have left that alone.

[Miguel]

That's valid. That's true. They get real, like.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

And I'm also protective of my favorite artist. You should have left that. Don't touch that.

[Interviewer]

Like that. Now, the guy that did the COVID and you, like, he sounded better is Luther or Whitney. Cause Whitney take your song. He like.

[Miguel]

Whitney took a Dolly song.

[Interviewer]

It took Dolly. I'll Always Love youe. That was Dolly Parton.

[Miguel]

Come on.

[Interviewer]

And Luther took like seven or eight. You like. I don't know who sung that before Luther, but they should have left that alone.

[Miguel]

I don't think I have the voice for that. Honestly. I don't think that I'm even. But see, like, d' Angelo covered. He always had a cover on his records. You know Cruising.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

You know Smokey Robinson.

[Interviewer]

Yep.

[Miguel]

You know Africa. We're looking. We're listening to records. And Africa on Voodoo is like a one. It's a. It's very. It's like, I will always go to that record on a Sunday, you know, I don't know. I don't know that I have the voice for it, but I. I would. I have. I don't know if I have. I'm brave enough to put it on record.

[Interviewer]

Record.

[Miguel]

Record. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Cause, hey. Cause people gonna say, you should leave that alone, man.

[Miguel]

That's rough. Like, what would I cover? That's a good question.

[Interviewer]

Let me ask you this. When. When people. Cause it's funny. Cause I talk to LL and I talk to a lot of different people that have had people do their songs or sample their songs. And I say, let me ask you this. When someone comes and says, I wanna do this, do you have to hear their song before you? Like, you give it clearance? So if somebody came to you and they say, man, let's check this. I want to do with it.

[Miguel]

Take your song and do with it. Do something with it. Hell, yeah. No, I gotta hear it. Nah.

[Interviewer]

Cause I had Bobby Brown on it. Bobby said, man, if I had known, I wouldn't let Britney do my paragraph. I said, come on. Bobby's like, nah. Bet.

[Miguel]

I mean, it kind of fit, though. Yeah, it kind of fit. I get it. I get it. In terms of, you know. You know, also.

[Interviewer]

But I mean, he probably liked the check, though.

[Miguel]

The check was probably nice.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Really?

[Miguel]

Listen, we not mad at the bag, but. Yeah, sometimes it's not really worth it, but yeah, I do have to hear it.

[Interviewer]

Right?

[Miguel]

I gotta hear it. Because sometimes they. They are not.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, they'd be joking. They'd be trying to joke on your song. And I ain't for that.

[Miguel]

No, we can't do that. You're not about to take this. Nah.

[Interviewer]

Have you ever had a song Stolen song.

[Miguel]

Stolen. No, but I've been a part of like some songs where I didn't get credit that I thought I should have. Nothing that I would, I would, I'll never say it, but, but you know, I came up as a writer, right? It was the way that they, they explained to me that I would actually make my way to being an artist. You know, people, what you're trying to do is to. To left you're. No one knows what you look like or what you are. Like, you're too ambiguous. And you know, nigga, you weird dressing weird shit. So they were like, right, right. Be a writer and that's how you'll carve a path for yourself. And in that process, I definitely missed some credits that I should have gotten. But, but there's always get back, you know, I think it always comes back. So, yeah, you know, this is a part of the, part of the thing. And that's why I started S1C. I started S1C for the same reason. For the same reason of like, don't want people to be taken advantage of, be educated about the industries that we are, that are a part of making our work seem. And that really enable the stories to be told, but go in with leverage and knowledge about how they work.

[Interviewer]

Right?

[Miguel]

So we're never agreeing to or acquiescing to things that in the long term don't benefit the creative freedom or the financial freedom that we deserve.

[Interviewer]

You know, so let me. Was your introduction to mainstream reality TV when you was on bet?

[Miguel]

Yes. Well, I'd already seen. We had seen like, you know, the Real World. There were a couple seasons of Real.

[Interviewer]

World that was the first introduction of reality tv. The Real World.

[Miguel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But, but in terms of being on television and being a part of that process and like, narrative, being a part of someone's narrative that you have no clue about. I just.

[Interviewer]

They don't paint you as favorable, bruh.

[Miguel]

I was, I was the villain.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, but they told, they told you up.

[Miguel]

Yeah, they did. But, you know, I, I again, I always say, like, it always comes back. Like, it always works out. That's why when you asked earlier, you were like, would you take an eraser to it? I'm like, you know what? No. Because in the end, I always end up. The truth always is always like, look, when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong.

[Interviewer]

I was wrong.

[Miguel]

Hey, and look, if people are gonna hate me for that when I was wrong, that's their prerogative. That's cool, everybody. That's Supposed to be with me and pay attention and support and whatever. They here because they really care, and that's what they want to do. I actually would be wasting my time trying to convince people who don't want to.

[Interviewer]

Correct.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

So cool.

[Miguel]

That's great. That's fine. But it always comes back around. I was. I was on this show, and they painted me as a villain, and they told me that I was walking into a situation, that they were looking for a lead singer.

[Interviewer]

Huh? How you go from a lead singer to a villain?

[Miguel]

So I walked in, and they're like, yo, so we're looking to, like, bring in a lead singer. We found all the supporting members. We just need a lead singer. And I'm 14. I'm like, bet. 15. I'm good.

[Interviewer]

I'm like, you got the right one.

[Miguel]

All right. Bet. I'm down. I'm ready. I never considered being in a group, but I'll be a lead singer. Bet. So I go in and, yeah, it's a thing. They had already had their group together, and to them, it was painted as this guy's coming in to take someone's spot. Oh. So we don't know who it's gonna be, but we're gonna see. And one of you is gonna have to go home.

[Interviewer]

Really.

[Miguel]

And so their whole interfacing with me from JUMP was like, who's this? Like, who are you coming in? We've been hanging out. We've been. We earned our spots here. And who are you to come in here? And that was the position that they took. It's so crazy that that's kind of, like, still one of those things. But, yeah, that was my introduction. I learned very quickly the. It's TV and editing.

[Interviewer]

Right?

[Miguel]

You know what I mean? It's editing.

[Interviewer]

So they made you look really bad. They tore you up, though.

[Miguel]

I don't think they made me look that bad, though.

[Interviewer]

They did, they did, they did.

[Miguel]

But, you know, shit, we here.

[Interviewer]

So let me get your image. When you first came out, they had you with tall tees.

[Miguel]

Yeah, bro.

[Interviewer]

You not a rapper.

[Miguel]

Yeah, definitely not.

[Interviewer]

But that was the image they wanted to portray if they thought that's what would sell.

[Miguel]

Man. I think even I was like, okay, this is me, you know?

[Interviewer]

Bro, you trying to get on. You accepted everything.

[Miguel]

19. I'm looking at it like, okay, well, shit, I'll put on a. Like, I was already wearing, like, big T shirts.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Miguel]

You know what I'm saying? It wasn't like. It was like, I all of a sudden became a different person right? But when you look at what I was choosing in that time versus the real person behind the music and like, all of the things that inform, like, who I. My identity, who I am, it definitely was like one of those ones where I was like, all right, well, I'm trying to figure it out, but I mean, how did you dress 20 years ago? You know, it's like, good and terrible, you know what I'm saying? Good and terrible.

[Interviewer]

That's how, you know, I think the thing is, like, when you get some. You have an idea of how you want to dress. If I ever got some money, right. You know, I wore summer clothes when I was a kid. I wore summer clothes year round. Some of my brothers, some of my uncles, some of my cousins, you know what I'm saying? So I had summer clothes. So I always said, if I got me some money, I'm wearing Michael, I would get me something nice.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And so when I started making money, I dressed, you know. You know, I went through the fan, where I had all the throwback jerseys, the Dave Winfield, the Kareems, all that stuff. And then you go through the big oversized jeans, the red monkey.

[Miguel]

That was the era.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And so you go through that phase and then you realize, like, bro, leave that for them young kids, man. You in your late 30s. You can't be dressing like D kid. And so now, you know, you just. I dress. I'm comfortable. Everybody. Man, you dress like a yoga teacher, bro. I'm 57. What I'm supposed to dress like?

[Miguel]

I'm relaxed, yo.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, I'm just trying to figure I earned this.

[Miguel]

Yeah, you earned it.

[Interviewer]

Dress like, what, you want me to dress like Kendrick? You want me to dress like. You know, who am I supposed to dress like, right? I'm gonna dress like a 57 year old.

[Miguel]

Right?

[Interviewer]

Right. And so that's. That's the thing. It's just like, okay, just accept who you are and dress what makes you feel comfortable.

[Miguel]

I think the key was really figuring out, like, my. I was figuring out my voice even as a writer, okay. As an artist at the time. And I was working with a lot of people who, again, I was telling you, I was like, coming from being a writer, it was a lot of people who are like, you should do it like this, do it like this. And just trying to find my identity and find my way. So, yeah, when I started out, you guys, I mean, anyone watching you can go back, look at the get your hands up video, you know what I mean? I've got. I've got the Fitted on. I've got big, big shirt on, big, big pants on. But, you know, everyone. Every artist has their journey. That's. That's where I was at at the time. The journey is everything, right? The whole journey is everything. It's about. It really is about like honing and refining. Right.

[Interviewer]

Have you ever been starstruck?

[Miguel]

Yeah. First time I met Jay, for sure, I was like, man, this is like reasonable doubt. This is like, whoa, okay, blueprint. I'm, I'm. And I'm a. I'm a. I'm a student of hip hop. I come from hip hop. Like, really? So I think the. One of the biggest artists I met at the time, you know, one of the first was meeting Jay and I was like. And it wasn't. It wasn't that I was fumbling. I just was like, oh, shit. I'm really in this room with Jay Z. Wow. With ho. I'm. You know what I mean? And it was a. Oh, I'm. The work is here. It's put me here. So it was cool also. Ye was there, you know, it was a lot. It was a lot.

[Interviewer]

How hard was it? I guess the music industry looked at you said, here's a guy, he's half Mexican, he sounds black, he looks Filipino.

[Miguel]

Right?

[Interviewer]

So.

[Miguel]

So. So what?

[Interviewer]

So what? We do it here.

[Miguel]

That's the as. That's been the hurdle. I've been. I've been. I've been, you know, trying to. Trying to clear this whole time. Look, man, I'm. I would say I'm like, I'm the cutting edge man. What can I say?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Shout out to my parents. They were forward thinking.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

Big shout to my parents. They were way ahead of their time.

[Interviewer]

You know, your mom is black, your dad is Mexican.

[Miguel]

Yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer]

But you got coming up being biracial. You're not black enough. You're not Hispanic enough. So you kind of in purgatory. It's like, I mean, how did you. How did that, like, as a child? Because, you know, a lot of biracial kids, especially if you're black or white, you're not black enough. You're not. You're not white enough.

[Miguel]

Well, I've gone through a lot of my life trying to. Trying to figure out how to make. Make. To get myself to a place where I felt like I was enough. Enough is the right word because that is the feeling. I wrote a whole song about this called what's Normal Anyway on Wild Heart. And I put out called Wild Heart. And it very much starts too proper for the black kids. Too black for the Mexicans. Too square to be a hood. West Normal. Anyway, you know, that's how it felt growing up, I think now I don't. I'm really proud to be both. I'm so proud to be like, man, I get to. I'm repping for both. I don't feel like I have to. I don't have to be any more or less, you know, than anything. I think there's a tremendous amount of work in that feeling. So I'm grateful for that. And, man, shout out to everybody out there. You know, multicultural. It's definitely. It's a challenge because the way that we're. The world is. Feels like you're supposed to choose.

[Interviewer]

Yes.

[Miguel]

And sometimes it's insinuated that you have to be a certain way. But what I found in the. In these last eight years was a tremendous amount of acceptance. First and foremost, like, of myself, which allowed me to see that I was already accepted as both from both. You know what I mean? It was already there, but I had to claim it for myself.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

Which is. Which is an important learning. So. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Bad Bunny performing the Super Bowl.

[Miguel]

Oh, thank God, bro.

[Interviewer]

You know, a lot of people ain't happy about that.

[Miguel]

Yeah. And watch the money flow to where he's performing. The real thing is, like, we're seeing how it's really all about money. When you were asking about money, I wanted to talk about this, but my view of money is that is the. That's the motive for everything. And understanding that it can't be the daily. The goal. Like that can't be our motivation for money, but understanding its significance in the paradigm and how that affects everything. So it trickles down when we hit money, when we touch the money, and when we stop viewing things and then it starts. That's why when you see Jimmy Kimmel and they cancel him and they bring him back because the viewership goes down. Crazy. That hit the money.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

You feel what I'm saying? So, you know, the super bowl, having Bad Bunny, they're probably gonna make the most money they ever made.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

I almost would go on whatever betting site and be like, I bet you they make the most money they've ever made to date because of his performance. But ultimately, the whole thing is, you know, it really comes down to the money. And when they see that bet you they bring another Latino.

[Interviewer]

On your new album, Chaos, you do a couple of songs in Spanish.

[Miguel]

Mm.

[Interviewer]

Why'd you do it this time? Why'd you do it?

[Miguel]

That's like that that's the accepting and feeling accepted and discovering a new, like, it's discovering a new sense of identity, a more proud sense of identity that feels like I can be proud to be this, you know, and that I don't have to prove anything. I am, you know, that felt natural. And I think also that has to do with becoming a father. Really does give you a different appreciation for where you. How you were raised and your parents and your upbringing. And looking at. Well, it has for me. It's made me look at my, My experience growing up with so much gratitude. And in that is my, my gratitude for my. For the culture I was given on both sides.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

And that made me feel even more empowered and more like, no, this is very natural for me. And what it did was writing in Spanish, unlocked, saying some things that I didn't know that I needed to say, some things that paid homage to, like, my family, that I needed to say.

[Interviewer]

You mentioned, touched on it. You, a father now got a new baby and you posted it on social media, blurred out the face. But. But you didn't. Why?

[Miguel]

Why? Why?

[Interviewer]

I mean, what made you. What made you decide? Because a lot of times when people.

[Colin Coward]

This is Colin Coward from the Colin coward podcast on Fox 1. Now you can stream your favorite live sport so you can be there live for the biggest moments. That means NFL Sundays and college football games, nascar, Major League Baseball, postseason and more. With Fox one, you get it all. Live, edgier seat plays, high octane moments, and that feeling like you're right there in the action. Fox one, we live for live streaming now.

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[Ed Helms]

Hey everyone, Ed Helms here and hi.

[Colin Coward]

I'm Cal Penn and we're the hosts of Irsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club.

[Ed Helms]

This week on the podcast I am sitting down with Jenny Garth, host of the iHeart podcast. I choose me to discuss the new Audible adaptation of the timeless Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. This is not a trick question with no wrong answer. What role would I play?

[Miguel]

You know what? I can see you as Mr. Darcy. You got a Little call in first.

[Ed Helms]

Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that. But are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennett here. Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Interviewer]

They don't post their kids or they'll blur out the face, but you like a. It's like, hey, here's my offspring.

[Miguel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The. So in the. In the album. Not just in the album, in my life, it was having my son that really triggered a lot of the work that I needed to do. And the realizations that I kind of had, it really triggered a lot of things that make this album whole. And it wasn't until writing Angel Song and seeing him for the first time and forgetting the madness that's playing out in front of us that I felt a different kind of hope and faith that I haven't felt in a long, long time. And so that really just gave me a whole other perspective of life, and it made me be able to finish some songs. It was so significant. Then also, I know that I've lived out a lot of my. My relationship in the public, and this was a. This was so significant that I felt if I didn't express the immense, like, how proud I was to be a father, how impactful it's been on my life, and also how impactful it's been on my creativity, I would have never. I couldn't put out an album if it. Honestly, I couldn't have put this album out if I didn't have my son. I wasn't going to do another album. I was. I don't think I would have had the. At the. The way that I was moving or avoiding the work that needed to be done, I would not have had the fortitude to put another album out. And that's because, you know, the moment you do something in the public, you become public scrutiny. Everything you do becomes public scrutiny. And I'm tremendously sensitive about my work. And the last time I did this, I just was like, man, you know what? I could see my influence, and not just mine, but the influence of me and my peers in the work now. And at the time, they said I was a weirdo. They said this and that, and I had all these feelings and all these emotions, and I said, you know what? I've been lucky enough to do this, and I'm okay. I can provide for my family. And I'm about. Like I said about my mom crib, I can look out for my pop. I'm doing. You know what I'm saying? I can provide for myself all of these things. If anybody comes to me, I can do, man, I did it. Do I really want to deal with everybody about this and that with no context, with. With also the. The insensitivity of, like, I'm a human being, just like you. I've actually, at every point, I've given myself to this, and I put it in front of you just because I'm like, man, I'm. I want to live it out, out loud. And that's. That takes a lot of energy. Anybody that you've met here knows that. You know that. You know that.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

So I didn't know that. I want to do this again. And it was him that actually gave me the fortitude. It was him. It was having him that gave me the. It was the domino that made me look at myself, that made me find the pride and the gratitude that I needed to push me into prioritizing. This is what's the most important moving forward to finding that I want to give my time and attention to things that are impactful to other people. So when I am away, I can justify it and go, daddy, Papi was away, but, you know, we got to do this for these people, and look. Look what we're doing, and look at the time that we spent. You know, I'm so sorry I was away, but this is how it. I can justify that. You feel me?

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

It was the domino, and I found so much learning and empowerment through it that I couldn't not keep it a secret.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Miguel]

There was no way. It was such a. It's a. It's such a significant part of my growth.

[Interviewer]

So, yeah, that was a side of money.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

How different are you raising your son to what your dad did for you? Money aside, do you see similarities in things that your dad said to you that you now say to your son? Obviously, he's very, very young.

[Miguel]

Yes.

[Interviewer]

But how different or how similar are you gonna raise your son to way you were raised?

[Miguel]

I would say similar. I would say my dad was like. And is. My dad is like. My dad was like my. He didn't have the most support from his father. Not that I. I don't think my tata. My grandfather didn't want to support him. I think there was a lot of. They were very similar. So they butt heads.

[Interviewer]

But, man, I see you get emotional when you talk about this.

[Miguel]

Man, my dad's the shit.

[Interviewer]

He's your hero, isn't he?

[Miguel]

He's the man. Mr. P is the shit, man. You know, He's. He's. He really believed, and he always told me I could do it.

[Interviewer]

He gave me a lot of things, but I think the thing. The most thing that he gave you was confidence in you.

[Miguel]

That's right.

[Interviewer]

Of all the things that he's given you. Yeah. Life. And he was your father. He's been in your life. But he convinced you that you could do this.

[Miguel]

It's valid. It's super valid. He never took away. I think we. We're born with the convincing that we need, that we deserve, and that we are everyone. All. Each and every one of us, you know, but my father was. He was aware enough in his youth. He was only 23, 22, going on 23. He was aware enough to not rob me of that, but to main. But to reassure me that I could. And, I mean, that makes me one of the luckiest people in the world, you know?

[Interviewer]

Did you always want kids?

[Miguel]

Yeah, I always thought I. Because my dad was so dope and look, my mom is amazing, don't get me wrong. But I think very often we forget that dad is. You know, when we have. I was lucky, you know, So I just. I.

[Interviewer]

Cause everybody's like, hi, Mom, Happy Mother's Day. We do all this stuff. We do all this stuff for the moms, and we should. I don't want to say. But listen, I love shit.

[Miguel]

My mom is the shit. I like my mom is. Especially now in my life, I'm like. It's a whole different kind of. I love her in a way where I felt maybe I couldn't have even. I couldn't have understood the sacrifice of her body, of her time and her, you know, that she put in. But, yeah, my dad was the shit in terms of, like, this vision and me being the man that I am and becoming who I am. A lot of it is from him, you know, a lot of that. Both of my parents. But my dad believed heavy and said verbally, you can do whatever you. What do you want to do? Like, he was like, what do you want to do, papi? Do you want to go to the moon? You want to be an astronaut? You want to be a fireman? You want to be a teacher? What do you want to be? You can do it, whatever. If I said today, if I said anything, he would be like, you can do that.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Miguel]

You can do it, right? And he'll be real about it, you know? So I have a tremendous. There's a special thing about my father. He's just. He's the shit, man.

[Interviewer]

You gonna get married again? Your ex. You and your ex. You dated 10. You dated 10 years before you got married. You was married for eight, nine years. You see marriage in your future again.

[Miguel]

The real short answer is no, probably not. I'll probably never get married again. I think I'm open to it if I feel that the real partnership supports it, and that's really the thing. But right now, I'm very happy to love someone, and I'm very happy to be loved, you know, and. And to really be able to lock in, especially on behalf of our son. So where. Even though I may not believe in the construct of marriage because of what it actually has become as a marketing thing.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Miguel]

I believe in the. In the partnership part.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

You know what I'm saying? So I may not call it marriage.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

But I do believe in locking in with somebody and having partnership, whatever that means for anyone out there. You know what I'm saying? However that looks.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

You're gonna bless us with another song from the track on the album Chaos. It's called New Martyrs.

[Miguel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We gotta do it. Let's do it. Yeah.

[Singer/Performer]

I got a chip on my show? I got the blick on my waist? I check the time on my phone? I put this mask on my face? If you tell me that you're with it, babe? Are you with it, babe? Tell me that you're with it, babe? Cause I'm with it, babe? I got my pride on my sleep? I got my seat on my mind? If this shit don't go, it's planned? Swear I won't leave, leave you behind? If you tell me that you're with it, babe? Oh, are you with it, baby? Tell me that you're witty, babe? Cause I'm witty, babe? She said I'll ride for you? I ride to you? Oh, I ride to you? Tell me that you're with it, baby. Cause I'm with it, honey? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now.

[Miguel]

Here we go, babe, you ready?

[Singer/Performer]

I put two shots in the air Tell everybody to drop? They hit that silent alarm? Just keep your eyes on that clock? I watch them while you get it back, yeah, Giddy, babe? No matter what they call us lawless, A new model they say God never gives? Oh, any more than we can.

[Miguel]

What?

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Wow.

[Singer/Performer]

How much can I lose? Without changing who I am? Yeah, yeah. Give me what's mine? Oh, we going to take it, take it, yeah, yeah? Give me what's mine? Oh, and if I hit hear sirens outside And I Can see the lights flash Let me kiss you goodbye, you know I'm ready to blast. And she said I'll ride for you Yeah, I ride for you Oh, I ride for you Tell me that you with it, baby.

[Interviewer]

Wow.

[Miguel]

Yeah. Yeah. Banger.

[Interviewer]

New martyrs. Yeah. How did that song come about?

[Miguel]

That song is just about being angry. It's about being angry with all of the. All of the injustice that we're seeing, especially like on a human level. And like how we're also seeing extreme action being taken that's relatable, that feels, that could be felt as like justified. I think we're going to see more and more of that as we go on because we're just watching the systems by which we're meant to express our wants, our demands, what we deserve out of this country. We're going to see, as we're seeing that fail, we're going to see more and more people taking extreme action. I mean, it's wild to watch people be killed on tele, you know, in the news, you know, people who are making decisions that affect people on an everyday basis. Making decisions that affect their pockets at the expense of human beings, you know. So I think this song comes from just that anger of watching that happen in front of us. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

How difficult is it to see a lot of people. Some people have been here 10, 15, 20 years, 30 years, hard working people that have paid taxes and families being ripped apart.

[Miguel]

Man, there are people being pulled out of their homes. We're talking about citizens being pulled out of their homes. This is like, this is like Gestapo type shit that we're seeing. And the question is, what does it look like not today and tomorrow, but what does it look like in a year from now, 5 years, 10 years? How does it look 10 years from now? And what does that mean for us? You know, that's the question. When you look at the parallels in terms of Nazi Germany and the, the just the signs that were kind of like pointing towards where the, where the energy was, was going. There's a lot of parallels. It's a lot of parallels. The institution of kind of a private force kind of enforcing the. Enforcing that nationalistic sort of narrative that immigrants shouldn't be there, you know, and to the point where they were. It was. It's very similar. It's very similar. So, you know, it's a scary time. It's a trip as a society.

[Interviewer]

Are we becoming more desensitized? It used to be when we saw something on television, I can't believe that we were shocked. It would shock the very conscience of our soul. Now we see it and we just.

[Miguel]

Like, oh, okay, man, everybody got a million things going on, so it's easy. And then the scroll is. So it's just like, you know, this.

[Interviewer]

Is every day it's not impacting me, so I just keep it moving.

[Miguel]

That's how. And to a degree, you can't really. This is systematic, though. We have to like, pay attention to the fact that it's like, been systematic. It wasn't always like this exactly. It's just every, you know, just a new update, new, new thing. They rolling out a new initiative. It's a new thing. It's just inch by inch. Then you figure out, then you realize how far away you were from the goal, you know. So I do think it's, it's with intention and I, and it's with a long view, you know, I think this is.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, this is not a short term. No.

[Miguel]

Yeah. This is not a short term play. So look, I'm not, I don't pretend to be like I'm, I know all the history and all that, but I, I've, I've done a little bit of research and, and I know how I feel. And that's where the song really actually comes. Comes from. It comes from, man. You know, it's really feeling like something's off.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

And I would, I would wager most people feel like something's not right, you know, Something's not right. So, you know, the song is really meant to just reflect the angst I think that we're all feeling that we deserve better and, and I'm really happy that, you know, we're able to perform in today.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

So.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

Miguel, you're part Hispanic. When you see Hispanics for Trump and you see what's happening in your community, like you said, some law abiding citizens, some people have paid taxes for 20, 30 years and some. This is the only home they know. They don't know Mexico or wherever they came from.

[Miguel]

Got it.

[Interviewer]

They know this.

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

And they're being pulled apart. When you see Hispanics for Trump and you see what's happening in your community, do you feel a certain type of way?

[Miguel]

I'm not here to judge anybody. You know, I think everyone is, is allowed their own perspective. That's the whole beauty of what was supposed to be, you know, a democratic system in America.

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Miguel]

Listen, you're free to believe and, you know, believe as you, as you will and express, you know, with the due process, your, your opinion. Right. I do think that There's. There's so much information that it's hard to see the truth. And even the truth, you have to do a lot. You have to search for where the truth is coming from. I think also systematically, how we get information is being controlled, what information we get, and seeing the information in its pure state, uncut, unstepped on. You feel me? It's a task, and we're already so tired. So I understand that people can be. It's easy to maneuver people and skew the truth in a way that maybe appeals to, you know, certain people. I don't judge anybody for how they feel. Look, I'm gonna tell you, I have Democratic beliefs and I have, you know what I mean, Republican beliefs. That's. And I think the bipartisan system overall, is really at the core of the. Look, we. A lot of that is. It's rooted in a lot of the same spirit executed in a different manner, you know, and so.

[Interviewer]

But we used to be able to talk. Now we can't even talk. Oh, you over there. We'll stay over there. I'm over here. I'm gonna stay over here.

[Miguel]

That's it.

[Interviewer]

And I just speak to you over the. Cuz you got your. It used to be okay, we agree to disagree. Now we can't disagree. Yeah, we disagree. I hate you.

[Miguel]

It's become too sensitive. Everything I think is everyone is very sensitive or overall, there's a sensitivity that actually works against getting to a solution. And the greater ones always say that they're willing to come to the table, that they want to have conversation in order to find a solution. And I think anyone who takes a strong stance in terms of our representatives so as to sort of, like, rule out having real conversation, constructive criticism and conversation around issues is a red flag.

[Interviewer]

You know, I'm gonna get you out of here on this. Your father was black.

[Miguel]

My father's Mexican.

[Interviewer]

Mexican. Your mother's black?

[Miguel]

Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So you're biracial. And then his mom, Your son's mom is Asian.

[Miguel]

Chinese. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

So are you gonna sit down and explain to him you're part Asian, you're part Hispanic. You have the best of both worlds. You don't have to choose a side.

[Miguel]

You have the best food from all places. Like, yeah, you about to have all. You got the enchiladas, and you got all your stuff. I will do my best to instill in him the. The fact that he is more than enough and he's human. And from what I've learned through art is that this whole experience is about humanity. And all of the things that people think are different about you, a reflection of their interfacing with this world and with this thing. But really what I hope to instill in him is that he will have to find his wholeness and in this whole thing or maintain it. And I more than anything want to bolster that. I want to protect that. He always feels whole and never feels any question but. But no one can make anyone feel more or less that they don't decide to subscribe to. You know what I'm saying? It's like so what I hope to do is just instill in him that man, he is everything, all powerful, all knowing already, you know what I mean? He's got it in him. He's a reflection of the source. I mean, we are made in his image. And as long as I can help protect that by just, by, you know, reminding that he's. Everything is possible. All things are possible if you can feel it and see it and imagine it clearly and to move in that direction with like real principle. I think we won, you know.

[Interviewer]

This is Miguel. His album drops chaos. Make sure you go stream it and buy it. Grab your tickets for his North American tour with kicks off February 10th of 2026 and he's a scholar at NYU. Miguel.

[Miguel]

That's right. Thank you so much, man. Thanks man. Appreciate it.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

All my life been grinding all my life Sacrifice, hustle, paid the price wanna slice, got to roll a dice that's why all my life I've been grinding.

[Miguel]

All my life all my life been.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Grinding all my life Sacrifice, hustle, pay the price.

[Colin Coward]

This is Colin Coward from the Colin coward podcast on Fox 1. Now you can stream your favorite live sport so you can be there live for the biggest moments. That means NFL Sundays and college football games, NASCAR, Major League Baseball, postseason and more. With FOX 1 you get it all live. Edge of your seat plays, high octane moments and that feeling like you're right there in the action. FOX one we live for live streaming now.

[Interviewer]

We finally switched to T Mobile because.

[Ed Helms]

With them we can be connected here and there.

[Miguel]

Dad, the cousins in Mexico have a surprise for you.

[Interviewer]

And enjoy the gift of staying connected.

[Ed Helms]

Switch and start saving today. Get four Samsung Galaxy S25 phones with Galaxy AI on us and four lines for just 25 bucks per line plus non stop talk, text and data between us and Mexico. Visit a store t mobile.com or call 1-800-t-mobile 1-800-t-MOBILE. See details@t mobile.com hi, it's Colin from.

[Colin Coward]

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[Miguel]

I'm Rodney Williams. And I'm Travis Holloway. Welcome to the wealthbreak podcast. A real convers about finance. Let's be honest, building weft doesn't look.

[Interviewer]

The same for everyone.

[Miguel]

I feel like sometimes being broke is a cycle and that we might have.

[Interviewer]

To revisit that and we're not stopping at success stories.

[Miguel]

What happens when it doesn't go right? How do you cope with it? Because wealth isn't just about money. It's about creating a life where you.

[Interviewer]

Thrive and help others do the same. Listen to the Wealth Break podcast on the iHeartRadio app.

[Colin Coward]

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