Eryn lets us ask her ANYTHING

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Eryn Lets Us Ask Her ANYTHING"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee
• Host/Author: PodcastOne
• Episode: Eryn Lets Us Ask Her ANYTHING
• Release Date: December 6, 2024

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Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Eryn Lets Us Ask Her ANYTHING," hosts Manny MUA and Laura Lee welcome Aaron, Marlee's niece, as their special guest. The episode sets a warm and engaging tone as the trio reconnects and delves into personal stories, mental health discussions, and memorable experiences.

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Personal Journeys and Growth

Growing Up with Challenges

Aaron shares his experiences growing up in a household affected by addiction, highlighting the complexities and emotional struggles he faced during his formative years. He discusses the impact of these challenges on his self-esteem and mental health.

Notable Quote:

"Growing up with parents battling addiction wasn't easy, but it built my character in ways I didn't realize at the time."
(04:43) – Aaron

Overcoming Insecurities

The conversation shifts to Aaron's journey of overcoming insecurities related to his appearance and social standing. He talks about his struggles with self-image during middle school and how therapy played a crucial role in his transformation.

Notable Quote:

"I was very insecure growing up, especially about my teeth and how I presented myself online. Therapy helped me rebuild my confidence."
(54:31) – Aaron

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Mental Health and Therapy

Importance of Therapy

Marlee and Aaron emphasize the significance of therapy in maintaining mental well-being. They discuss how platforms like Better Help have made therapy more accessible and convenient, allowing individuals to receive support tailored to their schedules.

Notable Quote:

"Therapy isn't just for the tough times; it's a year-long journey to understanding and improving yourself."
(11:56) – Manny MUA

Personal Insights from Aaron

Aaron opens up about his personal experiences with therapy, detailing how it helped him navigate through depression and anxiety. He shares the challenges of opening up about his past traumas and the relief he feels in expressing his true self.

Notable Quote:

"Talking about my childhood trauma was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was worth it for the peace it brought me."
(19:05) – Marlee

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Memorable Experiences

Meeting Ariana Grande

One of the standout segments of the episode is Manny's recounting of his chaotic yet serendipitous meeting with Ariana Grande at a movie screening. Despite initial confusion and logistical mishaps, the encounter turned into a heartwarming moment where they connected directly with the pop star.

Notable Quote:

"None of that. But the second we walk out, suddenly Ariana's right there. What the heck? I'm gonna."
(00:00) – Manny MUA

Detailed Account:

Manny narrates the ordeal of receiving an incorrect address for the "Wicked" premiere screening hosted by REM Beauty. Lost and stranded outside Universal Studios, he unexpectedly meets Jackie Aina and her sister. Their shared frustration leads to a trio navigating security challenges together. Just as tensions rise, Ariana Grande appears, offering assistance and turning a frustrating experience into a memorable meet-and-greet.

(31:47 – 44:06)

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Advice and Reflections

Embracing Self-Worth

Marlee imparts a powerful message about self-worth, urging listeners to recognize their inherent value regardless of their background or circumstances. She emphasizes the importance of living authentically and overcoming societal pressures.

Notable Quote:

"Whatever you think you are worth, know you're worth more than that. You are valuable beyond imagination."
(26:00) – Marlee

Navigating Social Media and Personal Growth

Aaron discusses his hiatus from social media, explaining how stepping away helped him focus on personal growth and mental health. He encourages others to take similar breaks when needed and to prioritize their well-being over online validation.

Notable Quote:

"I needed to take a break from the internet to rebuild myself. It's okay to step back and focus on what makes you happy."
(54:08) – Aaron

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Q&A Session: Life Updates and Insights

Current Endeavors

Aaron shares updates about his life, including his return to social media and the positive changes he's experiencing. He reflects on his progress from teenage years to adulthood, highlighting the continuous journey of self-improvement.

Notable Quote:

"I'm back to posting and it's something enjoyable for me again. It feels good to create content without the same anxieties I had before."
(53:28) – Aaron

Advice for Listeners

The hosts ask Aaron for advice based on his experiences. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting realistic goals, and taking things one step at a time to manage anxiety and build confidence.

Notable Quote:

"Just take it one step at a time. Focus on what makes you happy today, and the rest will follow."
(63:07) – Aaron

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Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Manny, Marlee, and Aaron reflect on the importance of vulnerability, honest conversations, and supporting one another through life's challenges. They encourage listeners to seek help when needed and to embrace their unique journeys.

Notable Quote:

"We're all on different paths, but sharing our stories can bring us closer and help others feel less alone."
(29:20) – Marlee

Final Remarks:

The trio reiterates their commitment to fostering a supportive community where individuals can share their truths and grow together. They express gratitude for the opportunity to host Aaron and look forward to future episodes filled with more insightful discussions.

(105:11 – 105:29)

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Key Takeaways:

• Mental Health Matters: Therapy and open conversations are essential for personal growth and overcoming past traumas.
• Self-Worth is Inherent: Recognizing and embracing one's value is crucial, regardless of external circumstances.
• Support Systems are Vital: Family and friends play a significant role in navigating life's challenges.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing personal stories can inspire and help others facing similar struggles.
• Personal Growth is Continuous: Taking breaks and prioritizing mental health leads to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

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This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions, personal stories, and insightful advice shared by Manny MUA, Laura Lee, and their guest Aaron. Notable quotes are included with proper attribution and timestamps to provide a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.

Transcript

[Manny Mua]

No one like gotta take photos with her. No one gotta meet her. None of that. But the second we walk out, suddenly Ariana's right there. What the fuck? I'm gonna. Sarah. Dipkey.

[Marlee]

I would've been like, I need to have a word with you real quick. Let me tell you something, girl.

[Aaron]

Fire the mana.

[Manny Mua]

We need some help. Hey, guys. Welcome back to Full Coverage, your favorite podcast with your hosts, Manny Mua and Marlee.

[Marlee]

And are you guys ready for our special guest today? Cause we got a new one in the house one.

[Aaron]

Hi, guys.

[Manny Mua]

We have Ms. E.

[Aaron]

I love it.

[Manny Mua]

I'm so glad you're here.

[Marlee]

Three people who don't. Well, I have to say, for the three people who don't know, this is my niece.

[Aaron]

Yes.

[Marlee]

I just have to say. Cuz there will be someone who just doesn't know I know.

[Aaron]

Or in the comments, she has a daughter.

[Marlee]

Yes, I get that all the time.

[Aaron]

You guys have been missing out. You missed a huge chapter, babe. A huge chapter.

[Manny Mua]

You guys. Yeah.

[Aaron]

Catch up, Catch up.

[Manny Mua]

Tune in and catch up. You guys. We missed Aaron. We were up in here.

[Marlee]

Hi, guys.

[Aaron]

I'm so excited.

[Manny Mua]

I love having you here.

[Aaron]

I know, it's so good. I mean, I just love talking to you guys. So just sitting and filming and talking, it's not easy. It's so easy. I'm just like, okay.

[Manny Mua]

And we're all yappers.

[Aaron]

I know. I'm a yapper. I'll talk your heads off.

[Marlee]

Oh, I know. And I have to wrangle you. I have to wrangle you. I'm like, ah, ah.

[Manny Mua]

Pull it in, Pull it in.

[Aaron]

You're okay, babe.

[Manny Mua]

Honey, I.

[Aaron]

You don't have to fill in the space.

[Manny Mua]

Laura has to wrangle me.

[Marlee]

That's the number one thing in interviews I do. I'm a wrangler. You don't fill in the space. It's the interviewer's job to fill in the space.

[Aaron]

But I love it. I love a moment of silence. My time.

[Manny Mua]

You're like, either no talking.

[Aaron]

Either mute in the background or I'm talking someone's head off.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

There's no in between. No in between. I can't be subtle, honey.

[Marlee]

Aaron gets with one of my girlfriends.

[Aaron]

Oh. They're my best friend.

[Marlee]

Yeah. All my girlfriends, honey. I see you.

[Laura]

I meet you.

[Aaron]

I'm obsessed.

[Marlee]

You're my best friend.

[Aaron]

I love you.

[Marlee]

Yep. What do you want to talk about? In the corner and baby. Yep. And then I bruises you. Look.

[Manny Mua]

And she's in the corner like that. She's like this.

[Aaron]

Everybody talk to me. Yep. And I'm just slowly merging.

[Marlee]

House party.

[Aaron]

I like a predator. Red.

[Manny Mua]

Fourth of July.

[Marlee]

Oh, yeah.

[Aaron]

Aaron's always Fourth of July. I was having the time of my life. I wasn't even hanging out with Lauren, Tyler. I was just around talking to anyone.

[Manny Mua]

You're a little butterfly.

[Aaron]

I'm a little butterfly.

[Marlee]

He's a very social butterfly.

[Aaron]

It took some time to get me here. Here.

[Marlee]

It did.

[Aaron]

It took me a lot, a lot of time.

[Marlee]

But once I got here growing up, though.

[Aaron]

I know, I know.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

I went through a really bad, awkward face.

[Marlee]

Who doesn't, girl?

[Aaron]

Who doesn't?

[Marlee]

Who doesn't?

[Aaron]

It builds in character.

[Marlee]

It does.

[Manny Mua]

Let me tell you. I look like.

[Marlee]

I think he can confirm.

[Aaron]

I think everyone.

[Marlee]

Manny's never, like a day in his life. I've even seen the emo pictures. He didn't.

[Manny Mua]

The emos weren't they.

[Marlee]

He did not look like.

[Aaron]

No, he slayed. It was for the.

[Manny Mua]

When I was 11. That was fun.

[Marlee]

We were talking about, though, how Aaron went through her hair coloring phase. And me and Ty were like, we're going to let you experiment.

[Manny Mua]

I remember this.

[Marlee]

We're going to let you do it.

[Aaron]

I don't. I feel like a lot of people might not know this. They might not remember. I didn't take many photos of it. 2020, when everyone was dying. Those two front pieces.

[Marlee]

What's it called? The money piece.

[Aaron]

The money piece. But here's the thing. I kept telling Laura, I want more, more, more. And then I just had these two huge, ugly Cheeto orange pieces at the front of my head with brown brunette hair. It was. Well, it was quite horrendous. The dried fried blonde hair. We had pink, we had purple, red, no blue.

[Marlee]

Orange in the front was crazy.

[Manny Mua]

The orange was, like, diabolical.

[Aaron]

I think the orange was the worst.

[Marlee]

You know what I think I called it at the orange?

[Manny Mua]

That was scary.

[Marlee]

I think when we got to the orange, I said, okay, we're done.

[Manny Mua]

You're done.

[Marlee]

We're done, you're done, you're done. No more hair dye, no more scissors. You're done.

[Manny Mua]

One of my favorite Laura sayings is.

[Aaron]

You'Re done, you're done.

[Manny Mua]

Like, it's one of my favorite Lora isms.

[Aaron]

You're done, you're done, you're done, babe.

[Marlee]

Once I call it, it's over and I let you have your hair done.

[Aaron]

You let me experience. You let me have fun. We have to get it out of our system or else I would be 20 right now, doing that to my hair. That's why I think it's important to let them get it out while they're younger. So I'm not 20 right now with those orange money.

[Marlee]

I let you do all that, right?

[Aaron]

Yeah. Because I had to get it out. I would have, no matter what. It was going to happen. So sorry to say it.

[Marlee]

You heard it here first.

[Aaron]

You have to let them live a little bit. And I am one of those people. I have to learn the hard way sometimes. Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

Oh, I know, I know. She's probably told you so many times something, and you're like. And then you do it and you're like.

[Aaron]

And then I was like, listen to.

[Marlee]

She was right the entire time.

[Aaron]

Now I have to go crawl to her and be like, you were right. Fine. You were right. Laura's like, I made a mistake. Literally, just sitting there.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

Sitting next to her bed.

[Marlee]

She's like, just as I suspected. Wrong again.

[Aaron]

Wrong again. Now, weren't you should have listened to your auntie?

[Marlee]

I know. I've done everything. So I feel like you should just listen up.

[Aaron]

Just listen up. Maybe one day.

[Manny Mua]

That's literally the epitome of, like, what parents say, too. Already made mistakes. Like, don't do our mistakes. You just have to live, though.

[Marlee]

Yeah. Live, laugh, love.

[Manny Mua]

You just have to live, laugh, love yourself. And then you're like, damn. I. I really was thinking on my own, huh? I wasn't even swimming, baby.

[Aaron]

I was sinking something. Your brain just says, I'm different. I'll do it differently. I'll do it differently.

[Marlee]

Like, your brain's like, well, they did it wrong. But I'm going to do the same thing because I'll learn from their mistakes.

[Aaron]

No, it's just a mistake. It's literally just a mistake. Don't do it.

[Manny Mua]

No, it will.

[Marlee]

Zoo Z.

[Aaron]

Literally. Z.

[Marlee]

Well, let's start with some peaks and pits. Yes.

[Manny Mua]

You're the guys. Why don't start off with your peeking, pet.

[Aaron]

Okay, so either.

[Manny Mua]

All right.

[Aaron]

I would say the peak would be coming home litter for Thanksgiving, just hanging out. I'm here for a week and it's the best thing ever. I love coming home. And I love hanging out, being social, getting out of the house. My aunt forces me to go out with her, do all these chores. But.

[Manny Mua]

But emphasis on chore.

[Aaron]

Okay, but look, it's different now. It's different. It's, like, fun. I'm stuff. We're hanging out. I'm helping Laura clean. I'm doing stuff with Tyler. And it's just Fun seeing the cats, obviously.

[Manny Mua]

You know what the difference is? You don't live there, I don't live there. That's the difference.

[Aaron]

That's the difference.

[Manny Mua]

When you live under the roof, it's a different thing because you feel like you have to do things.

[Aaron]

Yes.

[Manny Mua]

When you are visiting, you get to visit.

[Aaron]

Yes.

[Manny Mua]

So it's like, it's a nice opportunity. Like me, I'm always very appreciative now when I go back home because I'm like, oh, my God, I love being with you guys.

[Aaron]

They don't live there, and we go out to eat and I don't have to pay for these things.

[Manny Mua]

They pay for all that shit.

[Marlee]

That's right.

[Aaron]

Why is eating out so expensive? Expensive?

[Marlee]

Aaron's like, should we get sushi? Oh, my God. Did someone say sushi?

[Aaron]

Okay, so after this, someone said Korean barbecue, right?

[Marlee]

Ooh, you're about to trigger all of us. Aaron, activate me.

[Aaron]

Someone said Korean barbecue, right to where I'm bloated. I can't walk.

[Manny Mua]

Literally rings that won't even come off your hand.

[Aaron]

Oh, my God.

[Manny Mua]

After K barbecue, huh?

[Aaron]

They're stuck for a month.

[Marlee]

Don't I bring my own soy sauce?

[Manny Mua]

You sure do.

[Marlee]

And you're in the purse. That's right.

[Manny Mua]

She'd go like this. She'll be sitting at dinner. She go like this.

[Marlee]

A full bottle of soy sauce. I have low sodium soy sauce. They don't provide that there.

[Manny Mua]

Provide full sodium.

[Marlee]

It's like, remember the Beyonce? Do you have Tabasco in my bag or something like that. And I'm like. I'm like, soy sauce, sodium free or like low sodium? Yes, I sure do.

[Manny Mua]

I love it.

[Aaron]

I love it.

[Manny Mua]

I love visiting.

[Aaron]

Visiting. Just coming home. It's so good. And the peak and the pit.

[Marlee]

My mic. Oh, my God.

[Aaron]

She said, he said, girl, fix them.

[Marlee]

Oh, wait, tell her, fix my hair.

[Manny Mua]

He goes, your bang.

[Aaron]

You know what? That's a good man.

[Manny Mua]

That's a good man, Savannah. He's a good man. It's your bang.

[Marlee]

It's the bang.

[Aaron]

It's the bang. And my pit of the week would have to go along with the chores and the things that Laura makes me do. And that would be her forcing me to go to hot yoga classes with her.

[Manny Mua]

Oh, that's not even a chore. But that's. That's a tour.

[Marlee]

Death Valley. That's Death Valley. That's Death Valley.

[Manny Mua]

How bad is it for real?

[Marlee]

Okay, tell from your perspective because I like it. I like it.

[Manny Mua]

So I need to hear it from someone. That's not.

[Marlee]

And she's going to hot sculpt, by the way. Not even the hottest.

[Aaron]

Yes. I've done. I've done hot yoga. I've done hot sculpt. I've done the barre class. I love it because I like getting that good sweat in, you know, I truly feel like it's letting out everything. So I love it. Feels good afterwards. But I swear to God, when you are in that class, it feels like death. You. I. I have to sit down so many times. I'm just staring at everyone and I'm just looking up. My only goal each and every single time is to at least just stay in the class. I have my water, I have my cold rag. And literally just not pass out. Literally. Last class, the guy next to me. You good? And I was like, no. This man up here, this evil man up here is just killing me. He is kicking my butt right now. And then I'm watching Lauren Tyler like this.

[Marlee]

I love it.

[Aaron]

And I am in the background dying.

[Marlee]

So when he says, I say, how high?

[Aaron]

Literally, I love it. They're going X Games mode.

[Marlee]

I go X Games mode the whole class. It's zero breaks.

[Laura]

I know.

[Aaron]

And that's why I'm like, they are going beast mode. And I want to do that, but I have to be realistic because if I try to do that, I'm running out of the class and I might be running home as well.

[Manny Mua]

100% because they're not.

[Aaron]

You're not dragging me back in that class. So I will say it's a love hate relationship. Up. Kudos to the people like Lauren Tyler who go each and every single week, who've been doing it for what, like almost two years now. I don't know how those rooms, they feel amazing, but kick your butt.

[Marlee]

They're hard.

[Aaron]

They're hard.

[Marlee]

They're hard. They're hard on your psyche, which is great. That's what makes it so mental workout too.

[Aaron]

Oh, my God.

[Marlee]

Staying there. But if you went consistently like me because you're not here. You know what I mean? But I always make her come with me.

[Aaron]

I might go like once every. What? I visit every like month or two. Yeah, I go like once every month or two. Compared to Lauren Tyler, you go like once every week.

[Marlee]

Three times a week.

[Manny Mua]

Oh, maybe that she lives in that class.

[Marlee]

I live in there.

[Manny Mua]

She's just fine.

[Aaron]

I'm surprised she's not an instructor yet.

[Marlee]

No, I don't.

[Aaron]

That'll be Laura's next era.

[Marlee]

No. Why would I want to do that? I got the Best job in the world. Aaron. You want me to sell the house? No shade to instructors. But I work my whole career for this. Go be an instructor now.

[Manny Mua]

Staying here, baby.

[Marlee]

I'm staying here. I'm staying here.

[Aaron]

It's just on the side.

[Marlee]

Literally on the side. No, I don't want to instruct. I don't want to talk to people. I don't want to tell them what.

[Aaron]

She just wants to be there.

[Manny Mua]

Like, you got this, guys, come on.

[Marlee]

I want to be instructed. I don't want to work there.

[Aaron]

Fair enough.

[Marlee]

I've already turned everything else I love into work. Let me have one thing, please let me have one I don't ever want.

[Aaron]

To do that makes sense.

[Manny Mua]

Just have one thing for yourself, please.

[Marlee]

As for me, let me enjoy one.

[Aaron]

Thing and not let it feel like a job.

[Manny Mua]

Yes. Like you need to just like not show everything all the time.

[Aaron]

I'm doing something for myself, babes.

[Marlee]

Live laugh.

[Aaron]

Live laugh, love.

[Manny Mua]

That was a whole ass story. So that would be my peak. And pit is. I want to talk about the story time.

[Aaron]

Oh my God. I want to hear.

[Marlee]

Is that your peeking pit?

[Manny Mua]

I'm using pit.

[Marlee]

Should I go then?

[Manny Mua]

Yeah, you go first. You do your first.

[Marlee]

This show is sponsored by Better Help. How do you stay cozy in the winter months? For some, it's wrapping up in a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa or watching a movie with their family. Therapy is a great way to bring yourself some comfort and it never goes away, even when seasons change.

[Manny Mua]

I what I love about therapy so much is that therapy is year long. It's all about finding someone that can help you figure out things that you have going on. Whether it's literally seasonal depression, just things happening in your life and they're literally there to help you get through it. It's not just a biased person in your life to try to shut you up. It's literally like, what can we do to help you get through something? And that's why I've always loved about therapy. I've been in therapy many times in my life. And the cool thing about Better Help is that they are online therapy.

[Marlee]

And being online just makes accessible for more people. Sometimes it's so tough to find it in person therapy or be able to take off work and go. But it's online, so it just makes it so accessible for everyone. So if you're thinking of starting therapy, Get Better Help a try. It's entirely online and designed to be convenient, flexible and suited for everyone's schedule. Find comfort this December with better help visit betterhelp.com full coverage today to get 10 off your first month. That's betterhelp h lp.com full coverage. Okay, mine's a little tricky as well, but it's not a story. I just wanted to say so I recently went on the Squeeze podcast. You may be like, why aren't you talking about this more? Well, technically we're in the, we're in the past now, but when this episode launches, my episode, my first part episode will have already launched with them. I have not seen the episode, but I did record it, so it gets deep. Listen, the Squeeze podcast is not a podcast where you go on and he haw and giggle so much. It's more of like an opening up podcast. And I knew that going into it and I did feel like a slight like, damn, one day, one day I, I do want to open up with my audience more and I do want to tell them things that I've never told them and I do want to explain and talk about myself more in that way because I feel like as these years have gone by and after getting in drama online, I've become a bit reclused and I do, I do talk about myself on this podcast every single week. And I tell personal stories and stuff like that. So I definitely do. But this is different. It was episode, the first episode that has launched. Unfortunately I haven't watched it. So like you're like, yeah, I can't speak to it. And next time I film, I will speak on it because both episodes. So part one is me breaking down my childhood. It breaks down what that scenario was like, where my parents come from and how they raised us. And it breaks down my struggles with school and education. It breaks down how hard it was moving to LA and my come up journey on the Internet and how that fastly grew into the beauty community. And then the first episode there kind of stops there and then the second episode breaks down my past drama and cancellation and my apology video and all those really heavy things will come out. The second week of December, losing my mom, the death of my mom, really hard to talk about and where I'm at today. So that would be part two. I will tell you that was a hard, hard.

[Manny Mua]

I mean, let me take my shoes off.

[Marlee]

It was, it was a hard thing to do. I. It was harder than I thought it was going to be. And I thought I was going to be able to talk about all these things, how I'm talking to you right now, but I didn't. And that's the only part that sucked for me. So I don't know. I'm only nervous about that coming out because I cried and I cried a lot. And so I was talking to someone and they were like, well, you cried because 1. You're talking about childhood trauma, but it's probably something you don't talk about every.

[Manny Mua]

Day because you're just living life.

[Marlee]

You know, it happened. And I know that. And I think about it, and I don't get upset when I think about it. You know, like, I'm not hurting because it was on my childhood. You know what I mean? Like, it's just part of me.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

And I also felt guilty talking about it because where I come from.

[Aaron]

A.

[Marlee]

Lot of people had it a lot worse than me. And as I tell my story, you may be like, oh, well, you know, things were really hard. But, like, where I came from, for me to really be hurt and complain about these things, it definitely wouldn't be crazy. But, like, I know more kids on my. That can count with my fingers and toes that. Whose parents were drug dealers and they had to become drug dealers. I know more kids that, you know, had to drop. Were forced to drop out of high school and had to sell drugs to make a. Like, I know kids like where I'm from, whose situation made my situation look like a dream.

[Manny Mua]

Right.

[Marlee]

So for me to go on and talk about it as a trauma, like, talk about my childhood, while my childhood was not easy and that was my experience, I think there's always been a little bit of an underlying guilt there.

[Manny Mua]

Right.

[Marlee]

You know what I mean?

[Manny Mua]

Yeah. But it's like, what's hard about it is that you almost, like, you almost compare traumas in a way, but that doesn't, like, negate your trauma. That's. That's the difference is that I think that's the part that people struggle with, is that, like, they think that something they. Hard is going. That's something that they're going through is hard, but it's not as hard as someone else. So I can't talk about it. So it's like, you can't do that because then it. It. It nullifies, like, what you've been through. And it's like, you can't. You've already. You have. You've experienced that. That. And it was hard. And yeah, some of them might have it harder, but everyone's had it harder.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

Other aspects. It doesn't mean that you didn't have it hard. That's.

[Marlee]

I think that's what's also held me back from Talking about it, because I don't want people to think I'm some victim or this is a sob story for me. No, this was my life, and this is how it affected me. I also don't think people talk enough about what it's like to grow up with a parent of addiction, and Aaron has experienced that on a grand level. And, like, people don't talk about enough that, and they don't talk about how that affects the other human beings and everyone that's around them and how it affects children growing up. And I grew up in a household like that. And so, like, that also was another reason for me. Like, I feel like I have a. I don't want to call my story unique, because, to be honest with me, the households that I know, kids that grow up with addiction is way more common than you think.

[Manny Mua]

But what's unique is where you are now.

[Marlee]

Exactly.

[Manny Mua]

That's the difference. So it's like, that's why I'm speaking who I am, because it's like, you have had a unique experience in your life because you did have it really, really rough and really, really hard, but you literally have made it out, and look at the success you've turned it into. That's unique. Yeah, that's an experience. So that's something to talk about.

[Marlee]

It's very unique. So I went on the podcast. I spilled my guts. And also, I. I have this thing, and I'm sure other people can relate to this. If I talk about, like, my past, my, like, with detail. Like, talk about things that have happened and how things were with detail, just like I did on this podcast. I carry an underlying anxiety with me for a while. So, like, if I had a conversation with one of you guys or somebody about my childhood and we actually talk about some pretty bad stuff that happened, I would probably have anxiety for the rest of the day, and I probably wouldn't be able to eat and kind of feel, like, really, like, shak and, like, not really myself, but because I did this podcast, and I talk about all the hard stuff for, like, almost three hours. Because we did two parts.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

I didn't eat for, like, two days.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

You know, and it's so much going on. And the crazy thing is, and I told Manny this, I was like, I'm actually excited for this podcast. I don't know how it's gonna look. I haven't watched it. I don't know how it's gonna come across. I don't even remember all the things I said. I just know I cried more than I wanted to. Which sucks for me because I wanted to speak from my chest, like, I wanted to be like, this is what happened to me. This is the way it was. But the whole time I'm like, and I hate that. That part I don't love. But it's okay. It is. It is what it is. I'm excited for it to come out because I'm proud of myself for doing it. Exactly.

[Manny Mua]

That's the part that's hard.

[Aaron]

Putting yourself in that situation.

[Marlee]

It's hard. It's hard to do. It's hard to go in a room and just like air your ass out and all your traumas. Okay, that shit's hard. But I did it and I'm proud of it and I'm very, very excited for it to come out. So I want it to be clear, I do not have anx that I should actually, I should have way more because I just have been all over the Internet for so many years. Yeah, I'm okay with it and I'm excited. I think it was just like me talking about those things for that many hours. It.

[Manny Mua]

It brings you to a different place. That's the difference. You're not ever there. Think about that every your day to day. You are not at that place. You're not in that dark place where you grew up and things that happen. And think about rehashing your drama or sorry, your trauma. You're not rehashing your trauma to the day to day. So you're like, I'm not used to being a. At this place. I get it. We all, we all have moments like that. If I'm talking about like hard stuff that I went through my, my childhood, I become a lot more somber. I become a lot more like, serious. I don't. I'm not the like, happy go lucky Manny. I'm like, this was tough for me and I really had to experience this.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

But I'm not used to that because I don't talk about that and I.

[Marlee]

Don'T think about that. I got eaten alive with anxiety and I knew it was going to do it to me. But you know what I said? I said me opening about up about this feel like will help other people. It will give a better understanding of who I am, where I came from and why I am the way I am and. And all the things I've overcome, which will also help other people. So to me, having like carrying the weight of that for two days of anxiety is worth it.

[Manny Mua]

It's just worth it.

[Marlee]

It was hard to talk about also, I like talking about the drama and the perspective I am now. So that was so many years ago. Almost seven years ago, I believe, is so long ago. So it's nice to.

[Manny Mua]

2025 is seven years.

[Marlee]

2025 will be seven years. Seven years. It's crazy. Since we were in drama. So it was really nice. Nice to talk about from where I'm at today, in my perspective, like, opening up about it a little more, just in a way of explaining things further and, like, you know, I don't know, talk about them deeper. So that'll be part two, you guys. Check it out. Show me some love or tell me what you think. I don't care. Like, if you. There's something, you know, like, didn't like, loved, hated. Say it. Great. Because at the end of the day, and I told Manny this, what I said is the truth. It's my truth. It's what it was, it's how it was, and it's exactly how I felt about it. It's just. Just the most unscripted, raw, truthful podcast episode I've ever done in my whole entire life. Like, I didn't have a thought in the world what somewhat how someone may think about that. Yeah, I just said the truth, you know, and that's all you can do. The truth. The truth. The truth. Because I wanted to be so vulnerable and audi. And. And honest. So it. It launched. So it will have launched. Probably. It'll probably have been out two days by the time this episode comes out.

[Manny Mua]

Okay, cool.

[Laura]

Perfect.

[Manny Mua]

Perfect.

[Marlee]

I wish I could.

[Manny Mua]

Yes.

[Aaron]

I just want to give commentary. So I haven't. I have no idea what they're gonna show.

[Marlee]

Yes, exactly. I have no idea. So fingers crossed it goes well. I hope it does, but I'm proud of it. And, yeah, I hope it's great.

[Aaron]

I just want to make one comment. I am happy that you did that episode, especially, you know, you guys both know how I grew up. I mean, obviously, Auntie, you had to take me in, but I find it. It really nice and reassuring when I see other influencers talking about their past and, like, how they were raised and maybe how they've been in similar situations as us. And really just anything, I think it just can help people bring people together and realize you're not alone. And, like, yeah, it's a very hard thing to go through. And sometimes you don't know what to do with those emotions. Huh.

[Manny Mua]

And it shows that you're not a robot, Laura. Like, you're not a robot. Like, we've all like we've all been through. And it's nice because when you share that, that people feel like, oh my gosh, like, I'm not the only one going through some.

[Aaron]

Nobody comes from a picture perfect family.

[Manny Mua]

No one. No one. And it's funny. I was just talking Laura, literally earlier today. I was like, if you're not funny, you probably didn't go through any trauma.

[Marlee]

Oh, he did say that.

[Manny Mua]

I was like, you know why that they're not funny? Because it happened at the trauma the most.

[Aaron]

Like the funniest experiences will cause, will.

[Marlee]

Cause people to give you the funny bone.

[Manny Mua]

They give you the funny bone because you know, like, you know what, what's gonna make me laugh.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

At that point. And it's true. I'm like, and look at us, we're hilarious.

[Marlee]

We're the funniest I've ever met.

[Manny Mua]

I'm like.

[Marlee]

Never met. Yeah. So it's like next episode though, I'll speak on it because. Because some stuff will be out and I can actually, yeah. Commentate on how it goes and what happened. But I, I mean, I didn't want like that to all to drop because it's a big episode for me. And then me upload this podcast and be like, well, doesn't say anything about it. You know, just know we're pre filming here and I haven't seen it, but wish me luck.

[Manny Mua]

That's gonna be great. Right?

[Marlee]

Thank you.

[Aaron]

I am excited. It's gonna be beautiful. Don't worry about it.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

I also have come so far in my life. Like, I've come so far from where I started. Like, like I, I didn't start here with traditional parents and great things. Like my journey is so vast and long and there's so many ups and downs and hills to it. I think at the end of it, at the end of episode two, the closing, the podcast, I really speak about your value and worth regardless of where you come from. And that was one of my wanting to do this, look at people like you. I wanted people to look at me and go, yeah, I'm worth red carpets. I'm worth a huge high paying degree. I'm worth good people in my life. I don't care where I came from. I don't care that I didn't have any of that growing up. I am worth it. And like, that is what I wanted to say. You know, I love that you show.

[Aaron]

That because that's how I felt before I moved out here and living with you, where you're like, you don't have to live like this. You don't have to be this. Like this is the. That's the thought that you're putting in your own mind.

[Marlee]

Yeah, yeah.

[Aaron]

You're holding yourself back. But it's hard when you grow up around people who you literally see living their lives like that. Like, I could never do that. I could never be here. I can't move, I can't work this job, what about my family, all that. Yeah, that's hard.

[Manny Mua]

It's very hard. Oh my God.

[Aaron]

And to also overcome that feeling and have. And the self doubt, the worthiness where.

[Marlee]

Like, yes, your selfworth you are worth it.

[Aaron]

It comes from self love as well.

[Marlee]

It does.

[Aaron]

And your confidence. But so hard to work on it is.

[Manny Mua]

It's like honestly, like some of the toughest, especially when you have to start self soothing at a young age and you have to really figure it out for yourself really young. That's hard. And like you had the same thing. You've had to do the exact same thing. You literally were like, you said like balls to the wind. Like you were just like, you had to figure it out for yourself at times. And the same way I was the firstborn, you know, I was gay growing up, Mormon, the whole thing. Like, I have a lot of trauma from back then, but because of that I had to learn how to self soothe really young. So I'm like, well, no one's gonna love me if I'm gay, so I need to love myself. So it's like you go through those things, but it builds you in such a different way that you would have never thought. Yeah, you would. Now that we're on this end of it, you know, because now that we built the life what we wanted to be, it's like, damn, I almost, I had to go through that trauma.

[Aaron]

I think you don't even think about it until like it might be years later and then you're just talking about.

[Marlee]

It and you're like, totally. Could you live it?

[Aaron]

Yeah, you're just.

[Marlee]

I never lived in my childhood. I never lived in all the craziness and was like, this is such, this is horrible trauma. Like, this is so sad. Like I can't like never.

[Aaron]

And then you wake up, up one day and you think this specific time of memory and you're like, oh my God, I can't believe that stuck with me.

[Marlee]

Years later that happened and I'm now the way I am and it's still affecting me. And I'm just now thinking about it. Totally. Well, let me just say this to end this little chapter. Whatever you think you are worth, whatever you think you deserve, just know you're worth more than that. And you. I don't care if you think you deserve the world. You deserve more. I don't care if you come from great parents. I don't come for you Care from terrible parents. I don't think. Care if you come from nothing or something. You're worth more than you can even imagine in your brain. That's how valuable you are on earth right now. So just know that reminds me of.

[Manny Mua]

Like, going to L'Oreal. Women's worth, you know, that literally, like, again, inspires me.

[Marlee]

I was like, damn, the universe is literally speaking. Because you remember the speech. You are worthy. You are worth it. I had just gave a speech on that podcast, like, two days before about literally that. Literally about that. And then I go in this room where they preach of how worthy you are, and I'm like, babes.

[Manny Mua]

Like, it's crazy.

[Marlee]

Like, she said this.

[Manny Mua]

Like, the world is, like, just so crazy. Like, energy is crazy. You know, things will always come back to you. And, like, you literally talking about that with people, sharing that on the Squeeze. Two days later, we're at it. We're in a room filled with celebrities talking about honoring these 10 women who have done the most incredible things and they're honored by L'Oreal. And it's because you're worth it, you know? And then having these speeches about these people who've literally been trafficked and have been through the craziest things ever.

[Aaron]

She was telling me that I was crying.

[Manny Mua]

No, literally horrible things. And it's like, you can't help but feel inspired. So I know you're going to inspire people on the Squeeze because that's literally.

[Marlee]

That was my point in airing my self and my. Also, just so you guys know, I called my sister, told her everything I said, and she said whatever you said about me was definitely the truth. She's really.

[Manny Mua]

She knows.

[Marlee]

Is my. Is your mom not the funny, funniest person on Earth?

[Aaron]

Oh, my.

[Marlee]

Y'all think I might be funny?

[Manny Mua]

I know. She's a riot.

[Marlee]

She is a riot.

[Aaron]

Hilarious. Just talking to her, I'm like, I can't.

[Marlee]

She literally goes, well, let me tell you, anything you said about me, it was the truth.

[Manny Mua]

You sound like Mater from the close.

[Aaron]

Average intelligence.

[Manny Mua]

That's what it is. That is so.

[Marlee]

She cried me every. When she said that. She cracked me up.

[Manny Mua]

No, I love it. I can't wait to meet her. You know, it's gonna Be so good. I cannot wait. She's.

[Aaron]

I'm literally gonna freak out.

[Manny Mua]

I'm excited though. It's gonna be great. I know it's hard, but like, honestly, I bet you anything the next time you talk about something like that, it's gonna be easier.

[Marlee]

I agree.

[Aaron]

I agree.

[Marlee]

100. 100.

[Manny Mua]

Because when you can talk about things multiple times that make you scared, they no longer make you scared because you see that the anxiety you got from talking about it. Nothing happened.

[Aaron]

Yeah. Like it was anxiety, fear of the future.

[Manny Mua]

And nothing happened in your future.

[Aaron]

And honestly, it might help you make a little. It might help make you feel better talking about it.

[Manny Mua]

Exactly.

[Marlee]

Open up hundreds of thousands of people that's let it out.

[Aaron]

It's like a therapy session for the entire world here.

[Marlee]

And it's so cool because I feel like just because it was so truthful, like it was just like to the core, the truth of everything is like, I don't really, I, I do care how people receive it, but if someone doesn't like something about it, I'm like, I can't help it. That's just, it's just what happens. The truth, you know?

[Manny Mua]

Yeah, but that should make you feel.

[Marlee]

So, like, it makes me feel really happy and confident.

[Manny Mua]

And confident.

[Marlee]

Excited for this episode to release because.

[Manny Mua]

At the end of the day someone doesn't like it, then they just don't like you. Okay, cool. Like, and you cannot like.

[Marlee]

And I do not expect everyone to like me. I don't expect that.

[Manny Mua]

Exactly.

[Marlee]

I don't at all. You got a funny story or is.

[Manny Mua]

That we're pivoting to something a little more funny, Kind of like something lighter.

[Aaron]

I love it. Bring it back.

[Manny Mua]

We're bringing that. Bring it back. Hey, full time listeners, Etsy knows exactly what kind of holiday gifting reactions you are looking for. You guys want squeals of delight, excitement, joy? Well, these are the things you're going to get. These are the reactions you're going to get. You need to make sure everyone on your list heard. With handmade, handpicked and designed gifts from small shops on Etsy.

[Marlee]

Etsy makes it so simple to find original items that were made for whomever you're shopping for. And you're gonna make those people feel extra special because of all the niche, different items that you can buy on Etsy. Me and Manny always go to Etsy for our gift giving, whether it's birthday, especially during the holiday season. And we always find even the perfect stocking stuffers on Etsy.

[Manny Mua]

Shop Etsy this holiday Season for personalized jewelry, custom artwork, cozy style items, vintage pieces, and home decor to celebrate all of your favorite people and their specific kind of special. For original gifts that say I get you Etsy. 1, 2, 3, 4.

[Aaron]

Those are numbers.

[Manny Mua]

But you already knew that. If you want to know what number you're gonna pay each month for your car, use Kelley Blue Book. My wallet on autotrader.

[Aaron]

They're really good at numbers. Autotrader.

[Manny Mua]

So I have a funny story about meeting Ariana Grande. So I just met her like last week and it was trauma. I'm gonna be so not meeting her. Meeting her was lovely. But let me tell you what actually happened. So I got invited to a screening of Wicked with REM Beauty. I'm gonna say their name, cuz honestly, I don't give a.

[Marlee]

Air their asses.

[Manny Mua]

I don't really give a. And Jackie. Jackie already did it. So.

[Marlee]

Yeah, Jackie already.

[Manny Mua]

So is what it is. So I get invited to a screening. Wicked. I've been wanting to see Wicked for ever. I'm a big, like, I'm a stand Wicked.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

So I was like, I can't wait to do it. So they send the invite. I. I say yes. Maybe like two weeks prior, right? The day comes, I figure out a friend of mine's going. She's like, oh, my God, I'm gonna go to this. The screening. I'll see you there. I'm like, sickening. She's there already. And I'm like, about an Uber to get there. And I'm like, where is the address? I look at the invitation, there's no address.

[Marlee]

They say it's at Universal, but just to clarify, Universal is a park, it is a restaurant, and it is a filming studio. Yeah, it is. Is Acres.

[Manny Mua]

The address they give me takes me to Santa Monica. It takes me to Calabasas, and it takes me to some other random spot. It doesn't take me to Universal, but I know it's at Universal because my friend that's there, she's like, I'm at Universal. And I'm like, oh, my God. The address I was putting in, like, I would have taken me to Calabasas. So I'm literally like, drop your pin and I will literally go to your pin. Right? Because I cannot find my address anywhere. It literally just says like a random thing from a place. I'm like, this isn't real. Like, this is not a real place. Yeah, on. On maps. So then I'm Ubering there, right? I get my Uber. I get there. So I'm like, okay. Cool. Like, maybe I'll just, like, let. I'll, like, let the team know that I'm here when I get there. I go look at the. The address and the invite. Not only are there no instructions on where to go, the address is incorrect. There's no number in it. Contact when I get there. And I literally am like, oh, so now I'm starting to get a little freaked out because I get dropped off at gate four.

[Marlee]

I'm dropped off at whatever that that means, babe.

[Manny Mua]

I get dropped off at gate four, right? And I can't get in. The gates completely locked. It's completely closed. And I'm literally like this h. I just got dropped off here, and I don't know what the I'm doing or where to go. So I'm dropped off and I text my friend that's inside. I'm like, girl, I'm here, but I don't know where the freak to go. She's like, you have to. She actually. She didn't even respond to me at the time. So then right as I'm looking up, and I'm like, okay, maybe I can figure out how to get there. Like, And I was like, maybe I'll Google and, like, maybe Reddit will have a thread about it. Like, I literally was like. I was like, what do I do? So I started looking at my phone. In that moment, Jackie Aina pulls up with her sister.

[Marlee]

Praise, baby.

[Manny Mua]

Right into that gate four. And I'm like, praise bab. Like, I literally was like, you guys. And she's like, hey. And I'm like, oh, my God. You just literally saved me because I don't know where the I'm going. Let me just backtrap. The event is from 4:15 to 5:15 cocktail hour. I'm not going for cocktail hour. I don't drink. I'm not doing that. I'm going for the movie. The movie starts at 5:30, 30 on the clock. So we're like, great. I get there at, let's say, 5:10. It's like 5:10 right now. So I'm like, I have plenty of time. I'm gonna go in. I'm gonna be sickening. It's gonna be great. So I get. She's like, I just come in the car. I'm like, I'm getting in your guys'car So I go in the car. Jackie has already been circling for about.

[Marlee]

15 minutes because they're like, we don't know where.

[Manny Mua]

The worker got the same exact instructions as me. They don't know where the Hell, they're going. They went to actual Universal Studios. They went to the actual park. So I'm like. And we're at the actual studios that they make movies.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

God.

[Manny Mua]

So. So I'm like, why don't we just keep going, Try to find the next gate. Gate three closed. I'm like, gate two open. So we pull into gate two, and we're like. We're trying to find where to find watch the Wicked premiere. Like, what do we do? And they're like, you're at the right gate.

[Marlee]

We're like, oh, thank God.

[Manny Mua]

Thank God. So we pull up the security guys. Like, give me all your IDs. Right? Give us all your ids. Or. Okay, great. We give all three of our IDs. They're there, and we're literally like, oh, my God, we're so happy we got. We. We found each other. Like, we're so stoked and ready to see the movie. I would say at this point, they're at, like, 5:15, 5:18 time. Because I need you to understand the timing. Like, around 5, 5, 5:20. Around 5:20, right? So it's been five minutes, and the guy doesn't get back our IDs, and we're like, what's going on? I started to get a little, like, what's going on? So then I look up and I'm like, hey, what's going on? Like, what? Like, the time is truly ticking. Because we were like, there. We're there hella on time. We're literally, like, 20 minutes early, actually. So we're like, what do you need from us? And he's like, them two are not on the list. You are not. Jackie and her sister, they're not on the list. And I'm like, you're. And Jackie's literally like, I RCP'd two weeks ago. And so did her sister. Yeah, two weeks ago. And we're like, hello? So he's like, so actually, because he's on this, you guys are not on the list. I'm actually gonna have to call my supervisor. And I'm like, this.

[Marlee]

Of course.

[Manny Mua]

Of course you need to call your supervisor. Like, what are you calling your supervisor for? Yeah, so he's like, I'm calling my supervisor. We're like, okay. And it's like, 5:21. The time's ticking. And time's ticking. It's going down. Supervisor finally comes up, and he's like, is anyone on the list in that car? And he's like, yeah, one of them is. He's like, great. The Whole car can go through. So we literally at each other. I'm like, you guys saved me. You guys saved me. I saved you. Like, this is. I don't know how this happened, but it just happened. This. This way.

[Marlee]

Thank God you found each other.

[Manny Mua]

Thank God we found each other. It truly was meant to happen. Because literally. And that moment that I got dropped off, maybe three seconds later, she pulled up. So I'm like, whoa. Like, you just, like, actually saved me because I'm. I was lost. And she's like, you look lost. I'm like, I was lost. I didn't know what the to do. I'm literally just stranded outside of Universal Studios.

[Laura]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

So then I'm like. As I'm talking to the guy, I'm like, so where the hell do we go? And now that we're like, the time is ticking. Things are getting a little fierce. It's around 5:25. I'm like, where do we go? Where do we park? Park? How do we get to the spot? So he's like, okay, you're gonna go through here. Go through here. It's basically back at gate two. And I'm like, oh, my God. I'm like, we were just like, eat four. It's fine. So we get through. We're walking over. We're power walking. It's 5:29. We finally get to the place, there's no one there. Oh, we pulled to the Commons, which is what the place is called, which we have no idea what the that is. And there's just a. There's. There's three security guards. Guards. There is a metal detector, and there's no one to be seen. And we're like, hey, we're here for the screening. It's 5:29. They go, you guys can't come up. We said, we can't come up. What do you mean we can't come up? And he's like, you're gonna need to wait another 20 minutes.

[Marlee]

And I'm like.

[Manny Mua]

So we literally are like, what the. But then we look to the side and this. The street that's there. There's. I would say, like five SUVs running still. Okay, five SUVs running. So we're like, I think we know what that means. And I go, is Ariana Grande here? Is she upstairs right now? And they're like, yes, she's upstairs announcing the movie to, like, everyone in the street in the theater. And we're like, dang.

[Marlee]

And you guys aren't in the theater.

[Manny Mua]

To, like, witness her do the thing so then Jackie sister starts crying.

[Marlee]

She's a big fan. She's a huge fan. Like he trying to Oregon and we're.

[Manny Mua]

Also like, okay, so mind you, like, we're like every single level of it. We're getting more and more pent up, a little bit more annoyed, a little bit more frustrated. We're also outside in the app. The actual ass cold. We're not even like inside the building. We're literally outside in the freezing. So she starts crying. Her like makeup literally starts smudging. Jackie's fixing her makeup up and she's like, it's fine. You're gonna be fine. We're gonna meet her again. Like this is just one opportunity. You'll be good. And it's just like we're all frustrated. I literally go in, we do a three way group hug. I'm like, I don't know what's happening to you guys. Like we're so there's showed up on.

[Aaron]

You weren't late. It was just instructions.

[Manny Mua]

No instructions. And like there was also like, you know, like when some places are hard to find, they'll write instructions of like, okay, how to get through common sense.

[Marlee]

Database and address of the people running REM Beauty and who ran that event because locked in jail. Straight to jail. Whoever Batai REM Beauty is responsible for that debacle. Because let me tell you something. Oh yeah, I would have gotten in the car and went home.

[Manny Mua]

No.

[Aaron]

So that's why I was like, like.

[Manny Mua]

And the thing is like, because I.

[Marlee]

Was like, I would have called it.

[Manny Mua]

I want to see. I'm trying to be like a trooper. So then I text my friend that's inside and I'm like, can you ask a someone to come out and like basically get us? Cuz I know you're inside right now. Can you have them come get us? She's like, I tried to find someone. I tried to ask someone. Like I asked someone. Can you owe. Manny and Jackie are outside. No one came out to get us, by the way.

[Marlee]

Oh my God.

[Manny Mua]

No one came out to get us.

[Marlee]

What a wreck.

[Manny Mua]

No one came to get us. So we're literally outside stranded. Jackie's is just still crying. We're literally like, okay. So then my friend text me. She's like, the movie's already started, girl. It's 5:30. It's like 5:35. The movie's already started. Diva. And I'm literally like this. So we've been. We actually have been here for 25 minutes. 30 minutes. And we're stranded outside looking like, idiots just waiting. And the movie has already started. So we're literally at this point, like, actually pissed. So I'm like, so I go up to the security. I'm like, the movie started, so can we come up now or what's going on? She's like, let me go ask my supervisor. Let's figure it out. And like, they were trying to, like, make it work, but their head of security told them, do not let anyone in because it would be a security risk because Ariana is actually there. Mind you, we had no idea Ariana was going to be there. No clue that she was going to be there. If we would have known, we would have gotten there even earlier.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

To show up. You know what I mean? So then we're finally able to get left. We're like, thank God. Like, at least we finally get through. We let upstairs. We're going in. So we're about to go into this theater, right? And we're like, can we get like. Like where's like, the water and like, popcorn? Like, just like, so we can have some, like, something to drink or what? He's like, because this is a two.

[Marlee]

And a half hour movie, right?

[Manny Mua]

240. 240. Divalicious. Diva. So then we're like, hey, can we get like some water? And they're like, oh, you can't have water and drinks in the theater.

[Aaron]

Okay.

[Marlee]

What kind of theater is this?

[Aaron]

And we're like, when this movie is like close to three hours, like, they're like this.

[Manny Mua]

Okay, okay. So me, Jackie and sister. Well, like, we all walk in, we go upstairs, we sit down to my right. The person sitting next to me, they have a drink. No, they have a drink. The girl next to Jackie has a popcorn. No, we literally like this at each other. I. I literally told the girl to next to me. I'm like, who is against us?

[Aaron]

I'm like this.

[Manny Mua]

I'm like this. I'm like, where the did you.

[Marlee]

They invited y'all there to bully at this point. They're like, let's bully, mind you.

[Manny Mua]

We're like 15 minutes of the movie, by the way. It's like 15 minutes.

[Marlee]

The first 15 minutes.

[Manny Mua]

Like, it's already happening. It's already gone. I'm like this. Where'd you get that drink? They're like, oh, it's up. She said this upstairs thing.

[Marlee]

They said, you can't have a drink.

[Manny Mua]

And she's like, oh, upstairs. Like, we got upstairs and I was like, popcorn too. She's like, yeah, all the snacks, everything. I'm like, they just told us outside that we can't have any of these things. So the. Me and Jackie and the, like. So me and Jackie are like, let's just, like, go find it. Like, let's just leave and go find it. I also, like, had to actually pee, like, desperately, because we've been literally going.

[Aaron]

You're waiting outside for 30 minutes, non stop.

[Manny Mua]

So I'm like, let's just go. We already missed 15 minutes. What's. What's 20 at this point, right? We go downstairs and we're like, hey. Like, we walk out of the theater, me and Jackie walk out, and the people that are there, like, the security people from the movie are like, we're like, can we go upstairs to get, like, some drinks and, like, some water? And he's like, no, he can't go upstairs. Oh, my God. You guys can't go upstairs. Sorry. In that moment that they're telling us we can't go upstairs. Ding's elevator right next to us. We look to our right. Ariana Grande.

[Marlee]

I can not. I hope she's listening to this podcast right now. What? She put you guys. Her brand, put you guys through me.

[Manny Mua]

And Jackie like this.

[Marlee]

I bet y'all are good.

[Manny Mua]

The gag is no one met Ariana. Yeah, she went up, did her little.

[Marlee]

Present, and then left.

[Manny Mua]

She presented the movie. No one, like, gotta take photos with her. No one gotta meet her. None of that. But the second we walk out, suddenly Ariana's right there. What the. What kind of serendipity?

[Aaron]

Literally. Thank you, first. No, literally for something.

[Marlee]

Because, babes, it's been a roug night.

[Manny Mua]

No, it's been rough for us.

[Marlee]

I need to have a word with you real quick. Let me tell you something, girl.

[Aaron]

Fire the manager.

[Manny Mua]

We need some help.

[Marlee]

Fire the ch.

[Manny Mua]

Literally, Ariana is like, there. She's like, oh, my God, you guys. What are you guys doing out here? Like, go watch the movie. Like, the first 15 minutes, I'm like, yes, diva. So I go, girl, we got here a little late. We need a pee. We need drinks. She's like, let's get you some drinks. Let's get you some popcorn. Like, she literally was like, the actual sweet. I swear to God, she's like, maybe they can restart it for you guys. She literally said that. Maybe they can reset it for you, you guys. And I'm like, I'm not even gonna cause trouble like that. I don't.

[Aaron]

Know.

[Manny Mua]

Okay. She was like, we can restart it. And I'm like, ariana, that's very nice of you. You're being a sweet angel. She's like, I love your sweater, by the way. And she's like, touching me and I'm like, I'm all blushing. Like, stop. So me and Jackie end up taking a photo with her. We meet her, we kiki with her a full thing. We end up going to bathroom. As we're walking away, she's like, what do I do with my sister? And I'm like, oh, my God. Your sister. That was literally bawling her eyes out. That's in the theater right now.

[Marlee]

Oh, my. We're like this because her sister is a hu of Ari.

[Aaron]

I thought the sister was with you guys.

[Manny Mua]

She's in the theater. Jackie had asked her, like, oh, come with us about. She's like, no, no, it's fine, it's fine.

[Marlee]

She didn't want to miss the movie.

[Manny Mua]

She wanted movie. Literally, as we're meeting her, she's like, do I say anything? I'm like, girl, you have a photo with her. You can't not say anything. What are you talking about? So she's like, okay, this is what we're going to do because Ariana, Ariana, Ariana ended up going into a room and she was like, changing to leave, right? So I'm going to the bathroom. She's like, I'm gonna call my sister. I'm gonna text her and call her to get down here to meet her really quickly. And I can go in as like, she's leaving, right? We can, like, do a little switcheroo moment. So. So she texts her sister. Her sister's not answering. She's watching the movie, doesn't answer. She finally answers, and she's like, what? She's like, get your ass down here right now. Ariana is right here. Get your ass down here. So then literally, the sister goes down to the first floor, takes the elevator down to the first floor, doesn't come out of the theater. She goes to the elevator. So she were like this diva, you went the wrong way, diva. Let's just. Diva. You have to come back up. Go back up. So literally, as we're about to walk into. We're. We're about to walk into theater, her sister, like, finally pops out from the theater. She's like, oh, my God. Thought you meant, like, the first floor. As we're going into the theater, like, Ariana's walking this way. And like, literally, it's like this, like, a grazing moment. So then luckily, her sister got to have a full.

[Marlee]

She got to meet her. Oh, thank God.

[Manny Mua]

She got to Have a full moment. They took videos together.

[Aaron]

Story with. Yeah, she did end up meeting.

[Manny Mua]

It had such a good ending that I wouldn't have told the story.

[Aaron]

Okay, okay, okay.

[Manny Mua]

They ended up. They end up freaking meeting each other and it becomes like a full, like amazing moment. Her sister's literally balling again. Shaking. It's like a full, full, full moment. I end up going back upstairs. Cuz I'm okay, I'm going to go like watch the movie. Yeah. And then so Jackie and her sister end up coming up.

[Marlee]

She's like an hour left of the movie.

[Manny Mua]

No, literally. So she ended up coming up and we're like this. We can't believe that us three met her and like no one met her. Like, how crazy.

[Marlee]

And you guys had the hardest time.

[Manny Mua]

And the, the. We had the most difficult time even getting in. Literally just treated like cast aside.

[Aaron]

That was God giving you a little treat.

[Manny Mua]

He gave more so gave us a morsel. So than Jackie, of course. She was like, you know, I can't watch this.

[Aaron]

You had to go through that in order to meet Ariana.

[Manny Mua]

So we had to experience that. So Jackie's like, girl, I can't watch this whole thing without water.

[Marlee]

Yeah, I could.

[Manny Mua]

I'm like, girl, I feel you. She's like, girl, I gotta go. So they end up leaving. I'll watch it. Yeah, I'll watch at the house. So I was, okay, I'm gonna watch it. I end up watching it. But that was basically the story of like how the actual hell on earth to get in ended up getting us to meet Ariana Grande.

[Marlee]

That's so cool.

[Aaron]

She seems like such an angel though. Like she was Rachel. Oh my God.

[Manny Mua]

And the funny because now I realized that like the intro is actually her, like one of her biggest scenes.

[Marlee]

Oh, shoot.

[Manny Mua]

And she was like, watch me.

[Aaron]

Yeah, like in my mind.

[Manny Mua]

That's what I'm thinking. No, literally I end up finding out that it's like her scene in the beginning. It's like the first. It's like the whole thing.

[Marlee]

And she's like, what are you doing out here?

[Manny Mua]

And of course I missed it. We had already missed it. Obviously. We already sold late, but ended up being like an absolutely amazing experience, I guess technically. Thanks REM for inviting me. But it was such a tumultuous experience that I'm like, do I even think.

[Aaron]

Someone messed up in the management?

[Marlee]

It was not beyond a mess because.

[Aaron]

The entire management, but someone.

[Marlee]

But even on the list it was beyond a mess up because the amount of.

[Aaron]

Because if they didn't show up you wouldn't know where to go.

[Marlee]

I mean it started.

[Aaron]

They wouldn't have gotten it started from.

[Marlee]

The jump from when like with the address they sent on the invite. Like that's where the drama started. So you could have gone all the.

[Aaron]

Way to Calabasas if you were just like. Okay, I'm just, I'm just gonna list.

[Manny Mua]

Only two addresses that would pop up. Was Calabasas, Santa Monica.

[Marlee]

Yeah. So babes. They're a mess. I'm sorry. They're a mess. It's like one thing to be a mess, but two when it involves other people and their time. That's a bigger deal.

[Manny Mua]

It's a much bigger deal. Especially when it's like.

[Marlee]

Cuz let's, let's, let's put out the scenario. You guys met Ariana not because of the brand but by chance.

[Manny Mua]

By chance.

[Marlee]

It just happened by. If that didn't happen then what are you left with? Exactly. And that's on the brand. It's like you guys get that together before you start inviting people to stuff. Because that. It wasn't like one little boo boo. You know what I mean? Like because happens. I get that.

[Manny Mua]

And I'm very baby.

[Marlee]

It was from the junk around the get a recommend.

[Manny Mua]

Absolute get. So I'm like I'm just glad that I got a meter and we got a kiki and that was like a really fun moment and that was really cool.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

And I'm appreciative because she was actually very sweet. Very kind. Kind. And she the main. The movie was incredible. And I'm glad that I was able to like do all those things.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

But it's unfortunate how it really started. I'm just glad it ended. Happy. It like it really was like the.

[Aaron]

Same experience as everyone else. Like you wanted to be there. Have your popcorn because that's what you.

[Marlee]

Were invited for too.

[Manny Mua]

Yes.

[Marlee]

You were not invited to the show.

[Manny Mua]

I was invited to meet Ariana. We just happened to meet her.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

Yeah. That was my story. That was like. That was. I was like that's a long story. So it's me, my peak. End pit. Cuz I wanted to tell it because it was so crazy how it was just happening where we're literally like essentially stranded.

[Marlee]

It's been a long time since the brand's got me like that.

[Manny Mua]

I haven't been got like that in years.

[Marlee]

Not in years, baby. Because that's a good getting right there.

[Manny Mua]

And that's good like that. And the thing is I was talking to Jackie. We were like Just chatting. I was like, I feel like they got the. They really got the wrong ones here.

[Marlee]

Yeah, they do.

[Manny Mua]

Because Jackie can be outspoken as she should be, and I can be very outspoken as I could be as well. So I'm like, I'm not the type that's gonna be like, oh, what was me like, no, I'm gonna talk about it.

[Aaron]

I'm happy.

[Manny Mua]

I want them to know.

[Marlee]

Air it out.

[Manny Mua]

Oh, yeah. And I was like, I want them to know. I was like, I would love a follow up email so I can talk about what actually happened. And right in my little. Because a lot of times brands will be like, what'd you guys think? And I'll be like, that's what I thought.

[Marlee]

Let me tell you.

[Manny Mua]

Because I don't think that people or brands or management, whatever changes or things get better without actual feedback of things. Any criticism, Any criticism. And like, I'm the type that will. Absolutely. Because I've been doing it for. Doing it for so long. I'm like, baby, I will tell you what actually happened. The actual tea, the things that transpired. Because it's not cool and like, it should not be like this for the next experience or the next people you do an event with, whatever it might be.

[Aaron]

Make sure this is a good experience.

[Manny Mua]

For everyone, that you're inviting everyone, everyone involved. And like, again, like, it was just crazy how, like, I would not have been able to get in because I was basically stranded at gate four.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

And Jackie would not have been able to get in because they didn't have on the list.

[Aaron]

Yeah. The popcorn thing would have made me upset as well. And then I go inside and the person next to me is just chugging their water and a nice little.

[Manny Mua]

Not only do they have waters, they have like alcohol drinks. So they have like margaritas. We were like this.

[Aaron]

I would have been butt hurt.

[Marlee]

Nuts.

[Aaron]

I want this.

[Marlee]

We were annoyed as actual dipped out. I'm not even gonna laugh.

[Aaron]

I know. That's why I was like, dude, that's so funny. Because if as soon as I arrive and I didn't know where to go or even the address thing, even the address thing, I would have just been home.

[Marlee]

I would have given up.

[Aaron]

I would have just been like, that's my sign not to go.

[Manny Mua]

All right, that's fine. And the thing is, it's so funny. I really did not even think twice. I'm like, of course Ariana's not going to be there. Like, yeah, yeah, it's her brand, but there's no way she's Going to be there because they're literally doing the tour. Like they're basically doing a tour for the movie. And it was a week movie came out.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

So I was like, oh, they're probably like literally in London right now.

[Aaron]

They're booked and busy.

[Manny Mua]

Booked and busy. There's not. There's no way she's going to be there. The fact that she was there and I was like, damn, we just missed out even to see her introduced to the movie. Which is like, that's cool too. Like, that's awesome.

[Aaron]

We end up meeting her, which is amazing. And I'm happy. It was a good experience.

[Manny Mua]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Aaron]

Yeah, she was sweetie petiti.

[Manny Mua]

Sweetie cutie patootie.

[Aaron]

Dude, cutie patootie.

[Manny Mua]

Okie patootie.

[Aaron]

No, I'm happy. I'm happy you ended up meeting her. You needed that.

[Manny Mua]

It's funny because especially the sister. No, I know. No, I know. And the thing is, Jackie did a story time about it. Her sister did a story to her eyes. I was like, let me just.

[Aaron]

That's so cute.

[Manny Mua]

Come on, let me talk about from my side now. Like, let me just talk about it.

[Marlee]

Yeah, it's so funny. You had told me this story. Obviously you're like, I got. I gotta tell you something.

[Manny Mua]

I got.

[Marlee]

They got me that. They got you. You're like a brand. Got me good. I gotta tell you story. So May had already told me this story, but then I saw Jackie upload her tik tok and she tells the story. And I comment even I was like, manny told me the story. You and Jackie's story is verbatim identical. Like y'all did not miss a beat. Like, I was like, it was so funny watching Jackie's. I was like, yeah.

[Manny Mua]

We got. We trauma bonded.

[Marlee]

Y'all got trauma bonnet.

[Manny Mua]

It's funny because like, Laura was literally like, Manny, you told me the story the exact same how Jackie said. I was like, cuz that's literally what just happened to us yesterday.

[Marlee]

I'm like, damn, y'all really got it right, huh?

[Manny Mua]

Yeah, they really got. Yeah, they absolutely did get us.

[Aaron]

That was not a good time. 30 minutes waiting outside when we arrived on time.

[Manny Mua]

Yes, that's the part that really got me. When we arrived on time. Don't try me a sick. Do not get me like that.

[Marlee]

Aaron has allowed us to now come into her life and tell. Ask her anything. Yes, ask Aaron anything.

[Manny Mua]

Ask Aaron anything. We want to ask her. Just. We want to go in. Yeah, we want to go in and really just have a little Cute. We're having a Q A.

[Marlee]

Essentially, we're doing a Q and A with.

[Manny Mua]

So we still have them.

[Aaron]

I know. They're so cute.

[Manny Mua]

They're just so cute to me. I can't get over them. But we have questions written down. Don't look of what we want to ask you. This full blown Q and A that we got going on.

[Aaron]

I got it going on.

[Manny Mua]

Do you want to start out off?

[Marlee]

I'll start off okay. I think we'll start off soft and we'll just start off with what's new with you. What are you up to nowadays?

[Aaron]

Okay.

[Marlee]

What's life looking like?

[Aaron]

Life has been good. I feel like I've been doing better with a lot of my responsibilities growing up. I've also have finally started getting back on the Internet again. I'm back to posting and it's something enjoyable for me again. Like, it's fun posting. It's fun editing again. Like, I like taking pictures. I like coming up with ideas and like, oh, this is kid. This is kid. Yeah, I'm gonna do this. Like, so I've been getting into that.

[Marlee]

Why did you stop uploading on social media? Because I know in 2020 you were like in a lot of my content.

[Aaron]

Oh, yeah.

[Marlee]

A lot of my videos. And then you had your own thing going on channel everything I did for a long time.

[Aaron]

I mean, mean, since I first moved out here, I'm pretty sure I got started on YouTube as soon as I, like, got out here. The. I don't know, before moving here, I was very insecure and I had a lot of.

[Marlee]

Why do you think you were so insecure? You're really pretty.

[Manny Mua]

Literally stunning.

[Aaron]

I don't know why I was so insecure.

[Marlee]

Really pretty. What's the problem?

[Aaron]

14, like, okay, we were talking about this earlier, like middle school. So rough. I'm not trying to dig in on myself, but.

[Marlee]

Oh, girl, you think you were rough in middle school? I don't think you're rough.

[Aaron]

No, Literally, I have pictures of me, girl, where I got a razor went straight down my eyebrows and they like started halfway. The hair, everything, my teeth. I was very insecure. Care about Laura. Do you not remember how my teeth used?

[Marlee]

Yeah, I got you invisaligned as soon as you came out here. But I didn't know you were that bothered by them. I was just so bothered back then.

[Aaron]

It wasn't even genuine. I was like. It was like my teeth used to be a huge insecurity.

[Marlee]

I knew your teeth bothered you. I guess I just didn't know what degree? You know, you talked to me about your teeth bothering you. I was like, totally. Like, my teeth bother me. We'll do Invisalign, which.

[Aaron]

Thank you. That truly helped my confidence. The accent. When I first moved out here and I feel like I wasn't very well spoken. I was looking at, you know, it was a problem. I was looking at older influencers and I was like, why am I not so well spoken? You know, I sound like an idiot. And So I did YouTube, Instagram, tick tock for, I feel like up until maybe even 2022. But even in between, then I would take long breaks. And that's because, like, towards the end I was having. Even though, like, I felt a lot prettier, but still I just had a lot of insecurities and every single bit of content that I was making, I was always nitpicking something like, you look, you look ugly. Outfit's bad, your hair looks bad, your voice, you sound so annoying. I mean, it was always something so. So it just came to a point where I was like, I have to stop. Like, I have to stop. Also during that time, I was feeling, I don't know if you would say depressed, but I was just not doing well mentally. And I was like, I cannot do this. I literally cannot just sit here and be like, when I could not, I could care less right now. So I knew it was best for me to get off the Internet. Also, Instagram was my enemy. I'm looking at everyone and I'm just constantly, you know, comparing myself to them. So it was hard. It was hard. Now my self confidence. I've gotten so much better thanks to you, thanks to therapy. And I also feel like I've started to care less more, which I like, which I like so much more. Like, I don't care what people think. If I'm like talking too much the way I look, you know anything about that? So it's now, like, I feel like now is a really good time for me to get back on and. And I just feel really good about it. But for a while, it was kind of rough for me.

[Manny Mua]

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[Laura]

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[Aaron]

Yeah, so I had to take a break and I'm happy to be back.

[Marlee]

I think too. Like, and I'm, I'm just speaking from what I saw, I noticed like the closer you got to making changes of growing up, like graduating high school, starting college, like moving on your life. It seemed like that's when your depression. I feel like whenever I got you around the age of 14 that summer you were 14, I remember, obviously I could tell you were definitely depressed and a lot was going on. Lots, lots, lots, lots, lots. And that was huge up to hill battle. But then things got to a really good place and, and you were.

[Aaron]

I was getting in a routine. That's what it was. I was finally getting in a routine.

[Marlee]

But then I felt like, yeah, you.

[Aaron]

Know, I'm, I'm doing good in school. I don't have all Fs like I did before moving in with you.

[Marlee]

Oh, you had A's and B's, girl.

[Aaron]

I had A's and B's. I was killing it. It's my senior year. I'm finally making so many friends. I feel pretty. I'm taking care. I'm in swim, so I'm working out. I'm getting a nice.

[Marlee]

You're making content even though it does you. And like, it was affecting me, but.

[Aaron]

Also, hey, it was also good for me as well.

[Marlee]

But then I think like whenever you were getting closer to graduating and moving off to college, I think you settled back into a depressed state. Like, I feel like, you know, things got heavier for you at that point because I had.

[Aaron]

And I still till this day, I have problems thinking about my future because. And I'm like trying to stop myself. But immediately my brain, I start thinking, thinking about it and my brain just, nope, let's do something. Like, let's clean. Let's. Let's go on tick tock. Literally do something besides think of that. So senior year, all my friends, what are they doing? They're applying for colleging you and they're playing for college. You know, they're figuring out their future. I'm not doing anything. I'm literally sitting beside them on my phone like, girl, look at this. Tick Tock. You know, and then that happens and then I end up going to college and I don't end. And it's just, I'm away from my friends, I'm away from my family. Everything that I'm used to, it was just such a huge change that I truly, I had no idea. I genuinely knew nothing about college either. It was just a really hard experience and I already wasn't in the best.

[Marlee]

Mindset to go into it.

[Aaron]

To go into it. And it was just a really. And then doing social media on.

[Marlee]

I really want you to go to college. And I know, like, looking from the outside in, that sounds crazy for, for me, like not to want a high school graduate to go to college, but.

[Aaron]

You know me, I know college is not meant for everybody.

[Marlee]

And I know. And maybe college is still meant for you. Like, maybe. I'm not saying that. It was just like, I didn't feel like you were ready. You know what I mean? I. I was like, some people don't.

[Aaron]

Go to college until they're like in their ready, later 20s are even way older until they are like, you know what? This is what I want to do. And that's what I should have done. And then I started feeling so much guilt.

[Marlee]

I was like, wanting you to do like, I was like, maybe do like improv, like, maybe do like a small trade school or maybe like try something small in la. Try, you know, something before you go move off to university. Like, everything that I'm seeing here, city.

[Manny Mua]

Away, a whole city away, it ain't.

[Marlee]

Given what it needs to be given to go into that and to do that, because that's a really hard thing to do. So I, I wanted you to do something, start off a little softer, simpler and be home maybe.

[Aaron]

Yeah. But I jumped into it. And I will say, as much as I maybe want to go back and change the choices I made, everything happens for a reason. It already happened. I can't change the past. And I think I really did need that for myself today. I needed to make. Move out. I needed to be responsible for myself with making meals, with eating, with being responsible, doing my chores. And I just needed that because also I feel like towards the end, before I moved out, we were arguing all the time. And that was just because of myself, because I didn't know what I want to do. I was feeling bad and I was just like, God, like, God, why are you telling me to do these things? Like, literally, like, shut up. I just want to watch TikTok and go hang out with my friends. Like why can't I do that? And then. But I needed that. I needed to do that. And I feel a lot better. But for a minute, it was. It wasn't good.

[Manny Mua]

It was touch and go.

[Aaron]

It was like, not good. It was.

[Marlee]

I'm like, oh, y'all popping out babies left and right. They're all gonna be teenagers one day. You thought that was hard. Good luck.

[Aaron]

Good luck, good luck. And good luck to.

[Marlee]

Sorry I had to post a YouTube video. Keep going.

[Aaron]

Okay. And honestly, good luck to those parents and also good luck to those teenagers. Even though I'm only 20, if I had any advice to give to high schoolers.

[Marlee]

Say it, speak it.

[Aaron]

Please stop comparing. Put the phone down. It's not that deep. It's not that major. And take a step back and truly think about yourself, what makes you happy. And it might suck, and it might sound stupid right now, but sometimes you just need to sit down and sit in your thoughts and figure out the person you are, what you like, who you want to be around and what you want to see yourself doing. And sometimes you don't need to make like a five year plan. Just think where do, like, what do I want to be doing next month? What do I want? Some. What's something I want to change? And that's what I'm currently doing with myself. Bits and pieces. I'm not someone who can come up with a five year plan, and I've already figured that out for myself. It stresses me out, starts making me have anxiety. So I'm taking it one step at a time. Okay, I want to cut this out.

[Manny Mua]

Baby goals. Baby goals.

[Aaron]

Baby goals. Take those baby steps.

[Marlee]

So I think it really came to the point where I was like, I. I even said this on the squeeze podcast. I was talking about, like, I could sit here and talk to you all day and I will. You know, I'm always open ear. And your uncle is too. Like, I mean, we are one to just like, we're a family where you just say whatever the you want to say. And I sure we're not. I grew up that way. My house, you never hit anything because the craziest thing you could have done, the cra. You could have robbed a bank. And you come home and be like, mama, I know you're gonna be mad at me, but I robbed a bank and I don't know what to do, you know? And like, that's how I. That's how my house is. You come in there, you say anything. But at the same time, I was like, damn, I noticed like things aren't getting better for you.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

Like no matter how much we talk about them, they stay the same. So that's why I was like, you need a therapist to give you tools to help you, to help you overcome some of this, to help you get through some of this.

[Aaron]

Because it wasn't even like some of the. It's not like I wasn't trying to listen and it wasn't like I wasn't trying to change, absorb what we said.

[Marlee]

It was.

[Aaron]

It was like my brain couldn't comprehend. I didn't know how to make this happen. And it truly seemed like something that couldn't happen. I was like, I don't. Like, even with depression, for a while I was like, I even told my therapist this. I was like, sometimes it feels like it's never going to leave me. Like, it's like I'm good for a bit and then it comes back. And now I will say I feel a lot better. I can't tell you, last time I kind of had those spiral.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

Like a spiral where I'm just, ooh, I'm not feeling good. And I don't know how to help this. I don't know what time to do. I don't know how to get out of it. And that's how I felt for a while.

[Marlee]

Really important. I love you. Feel like therapy helped you work through some of that? There were a lot of things out of that.

[Aaron]

Yeah. There were a lot of things that I wasn't comfortable talking about, things that I avoided even thinking about. Things I wasn't comfortable talking about with you and Tyler. Because, you know, and I feel like a lot of people feel like this. I don't want to be judged. I don't want to get in trouble. You know, I just want a place where I can say anything. I can say anything. Anything. And it's just someone who is just. They're non biased. There we go. That's the word I was looking for.

[Manny Mua]

You pay them to be non biased.

[Aaron]

Yes. And that's what I love. And I have seen some real improvements, especially like with my confidence and with my routine. Truly, if you think you need therapists, just try it out. I use better help. Love it. Yeah, I love it.

[Manny Mua]

Yeah, I love it. I love that.

[Marlee]

And she's even had therapists where she switched therapists and. And it just got better.

[Aaron]

It got better. My first therapist, she was nice, but my second therapist, she'll cut me off and she'll be like, wait, let's go back to that. Or you Know, because I will sit there and just yap and talk about my problems. Like, well, this happened at work today, and I can't believe her.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

But, you know, she. She kind of goes in deeper. And that's why sometimes you just gotta find the person that works for you.

[Marlee]

With therapy, and that takes time.

[Aaron]

Sometimes it does take time. Therapy takes time because.

[Marlee]

Takes work, dude.

[Manny Mua]

It sure does. Active work, too.

[Aaron]

Yeah. Because there are days where I was like, I just don't want to talk. Like, I just don't want to talk about this. Like, why do I have to talk to her? But then afterwards, you feel so much better. Oh, my God, I feel so much better. Yes. It was so worth it. It's so worth it. So I did have to take some time away. I needed to be away from. I think you guys, my friends.

[Marlee]

I think so, too. I think, like, I need to grow up a little bit. On your own. She needed to swim.

[Aaron]

And because I am a person, you know, sometimes I've got to learn on my own. It's hard.

[Manny Mua]

But you honestly, you have to do that stuff to, like, actually learn and grow. What's going to work for you, too? Because at the end of the day, something that works for Laura and Tyler might not work for you.

[Marlee]

Exactly.

[Manny Mua]

And that's the truth. Like, you might just be like, you know what? How you guys think. I don't think like that. So I need to figure out what actually works for me and how to get into routine and what I need to do for myself and my own mental health. Health. So, like, at the end of the day, you have to figure that out for yourself. Like, you. They could tell you until they're blue in the face, but you're not gonna.

[Aaron]

I'm not gonna hear it until you try. Yeah. And that's the hard thing. And that's why I truly believe, like, I needed to get out. Even though in the beginning it was so hard. I hated it. I was doing so bad, but I didn't need it to be where I am.

[Marlee]

We also told her, like, hey, you make this decision. Decision. You're staying out there for, like, you're gonna live in it. This is not. Pull the trigger, cry for a few days and come back home. Like, you're gonna.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

And I feel like that really taught you a lot of life lessons.

[Aaron]

You can't just get up and run.

[Marlee]

Away when it gets uncomfortable and you're not happy there.

[Aaron]

You gotta work it out. Sometimes you just run away.

[Marlee]

If that ain't the most life thing ever, like, this, that's the most I think.

[Aaron]

Yes, that some. You gotta get rid of the baby birds sometimes you gotta let them fly, baby. Yes, you gotta let them fly. And that's the thing. I probably would have never flown. I would have just kept you know going by feeling the same coasting and I would have seen no improvements with myself. And there's still many improvements. I'm way far. But yeah, hey girl, I'm only 20.

[Marlee]

Look how far you've come from 14 to 20. I bet you don't even identify the person.

[Aaron]

I genuinely wish I could sit here right now next to my 14 year old self and I think everyone would just sit here and be like she okay? Cuz like I was so insecure. I had so much anxiety like getting a sentence out of me a lot of that negative.

[Marlee]

But a lot of that comes from how you grew up going on in the circumstances. You don't realize because like through a lot of self work myself I realized like my background caused me to always cry, crave certainty and it makes you do a lot of crazy to certainty. But I'm craving it because my whole life was nothing. Nothing was certain. Home was not certain, parents weren't certain, Power wasn't certain. Water was like everything was like is it going to be there tomorrow? I don't know. It's not certain for me. So what happens when things get a little uncertain? I have this huge anxiety that I carry with me. I will kill, you know, do anything that control and so uncertainty. So it's like these things from your childhood affect everything you do because they, they get into your subconscious, you know what I mean? They affect everything you do in your adult life. Until I got into self help and I got into working on myself and I was like oh my God, I'm craving certainty this whole time. Like everything that is certain, like I crave it. And that's where my problems are lying in because like I'm living life trying to depend on this super certain life and whenever things get uncertain I just fall apart and lose it because it's not the way I want it to because I feel like it's going back to my childhood. It's uprooting some dark. So it's crazy how those things in.

[Aaron]

Your childhood and I'm still trying to figure, I'm still trying to figure out all the things about me, these little things where I'm like okay, this is something like a habit that you like why is it that you're like this and there's still a lot of Things that I'm trying to work through, like my fear of confrontation. I don't know where that comes from.

[Marlee]

Oh, yeah.

[Aaron]

I don't know where that comes from. I literally love to know my mom, my grandma, my aunt, all the women.

[Marlee]

Like.

[Aaron]

And then again, like, I wasn't.

[Manny Mua]

They'll battle, baby.

[Marlee]

We are all battlers, Honey, you look at me the wrong way.

[Aaron]

I've gotten much better at it today. But there are still times where if I don't have a clear opening to where I can talk to someone, I just won't ask and I'll leave. And that's what I mean. There are still things that I'm working on, like, with confrontation. And it's not even confrontations, like, just going up to someone asking a question. I'm. I'm like, okay. And also, you don't have to say I'm sorry before asking a question.

[Marlee]

Yeah, I. I told her that I.

[Aaron]

Always feel like I'm bothering someone. That's a problem.

[Marlee]

You're not sorry. You're not sorry. Don't say you're sorry if you're not actually sorry. Yeah, you're not sorry. I wanted to ask this question.

[Aaron]

I need your help, please.

[Marlee]

Yeah. Like, you're not sorry for asking.

[Aaron]

No.

[Manny Mua]

So the thing is, like, probably based off a lot of your childhood, you don't want to be inconvenience.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

So I think that's a part of why you feel like that. That because you're like, oh, I don't want to inconvenience anyone because, like, everyone's already going through the gigs, so you kind of can. It can, like, seep in. It can seep in. In, like, really weird ways.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

I was a people pleaser because, like, and I still struggle with ideas of people pleasing and making everyone around me happy because I was hiding for so long. So I. Once you realize, like, kind of roots of things, you're kind of like, you're.

[Marlee]

Able to fix them because you realize where they're coming from.

[Manny Mua]

I'm like, oh, my God. That's coming from when I was 12.

[Marlee]

Like, now I'm okay if things are not. Not certain. My life is not bad back then. It's never going to be like that. And there may be uncertain days where certain things happen that we're not certain about. It's gonna be okay. But I was able to work through that because I was able to identify where that's coming from.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

That's for spot. The battle right there is just trying.

[Marlee]

To find out what the.

[Aaron]

It was Literally, like, what triggered me right now. Like, I. That's my problem. It's like I'm. It's not that I'm blind and I don't see the problems I have. It's just I'm also trying to figure, figuring out, trying to figure out where it comes from first of all, and how to slowly, like, get rid of this thought process. Because it's just all in my mind and it's hard to fight those demons and be like, stop, you're fine. You're literally freaking out for no reason. You're doing this to yourself. It's hard.

[Marlee]

Well, that. It's all hard. And let's remember you're 20 years old.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

Give some grace. That's why I'm like, let's give some grace.

[Aaron]

I made huge progress in the past two years.

[Marlee]

So imagine the next two years talking.

[Manny Mua]

Like, like I was when I was 27.

[Marlee]

I know, I know, I know.

[Aaron]

Me and Laura have had conversations about this so many times. Girl, I will go into a mental health talk and I will sit there for two hours just talking about not only myself, but anyone else and just being like, oh my God, like what? Like, totally. Girls, like, sometimes I want to play therapists. Yeah, I don't know.

[Marlee]

That's good though. And like, give yourself some grace because the, you know, work on it. But it's like, like worrying about confrontation. I think that's a pretty common thing that young people coming into an adult hill deal with, you know, getting ran over and not standing up for themselves and dealing with confrontation. This is natural life. So you shouldn't ever beat yourself up and be about. Be like, damn, I'm such a, you know, such an idiot. Yeah, no, you should never do that. You should remember you're 20 and they.

[Aaron]

Just think of it differently. Like, that's just something I can change, something I should work on.

[Manny Mua]

And also remember too, like, societally, let's clock that T. Society is right now is very built on. Like, everyone gets a surprise, everyone gets an award. Everyone gets built on something. So when things don't happen anyway, it almost feels like it's crashing down harder because they're building up in a different way than they used to.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

So just think about like, oh, well, like I might be feeling this because society is painted to be this way. Yeah, that's not the case for me.

[Aaron]

And sometimes it's hard. Like even right now, like as a 20 year old, I'm like looking, looking at, you know, even people that are a bit older than me, but I'M like, oh, how did they do this? Like how they get there? Like even. Not even like with their work or like where they're at with money wise. It's just mental mentally.

[Marlee]

Something I think that's really great to do to an extent to like look at your years and like people ahead of, you know.

[Aaron]

Compared.

[Marlee]

Yeah, maybe compare because. Because listen, no one is on the same journey, so how can we.

[Aaron]

Everyone's right.

[Marlee]

The same, completely different. Yeah. So how can we all expect the same outcome? Outcome.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

I remember hearing this thing. Comparison is the thief of joy.

[Aaron]

It is.

[Manny Mua]

And I've never like, not agreed with that. It really is. It is a thief of joy when you compare yourself to other things and it's like what you have is never going to be enough when you're comparing.

[Aaron]

But people might look at you like that.

[Manny Mua]

So it's like, oh, maybe I. And then you combat that with being grateful for things. So like just reminding, remind. Reminding yourself about gratitude and the things that you have. Like it helps snap you out of the comparison journey.

[Marlee]

100%. Great answers. Love this. Aaron all, you're speaking like a 40 year old on the podcast.

[Manny Mua]

My therapist Y.

[Marlee]

That's great.

[Manny Mua]

That's great.

[Marlee]

Are you going to live in Santa Barbara forever?

[Aaron]

Oh, no, no.

[Manny Mua]

I was like, are you. Are you over Santa Barbara? Like, are you over that life?

[Aaron]

I am. I don't know if I've really ever been into it. I will admit Santa Barbara is a pretty pretty place. Me personally, I don't think I'd ever want to live there. Maybe, maybe if I was like in my 50s, you know, slowing down.

[Marlee]

A lot of people retire there.

[Aaron]

Exactly. And I understand why. It's pretty, you know, it's calm, quiet.

[Marlee]

Tiny, tiny town.

[Aaron]

Tiny, tiny town. You know, for me. No, I just, I miss la. And honestly, I've been thinking about it too. I. I'm like, is there anywhere as of right now that I would like to live besides la? And I can't think of anything. So LA is just the place I want to be. I'm close to everyone that I know and I love. And also it's just so fun. I. You got to remember, I'm from Alabama. I grew up there. I moved here when I was 14. And LA is still this magical, beautiful place where I see just such a huge difference between everyone with what they're doing from their lives. I mean, you got doctors, you got influencers, you got people, people who are just anything. Working at a bank, you know, like everyone's just living their day to day lives and I love to see it. And I just. I'm ready to move back to la. I'm just waiting. Honestly, I was thinking about moving here sooner, but I might just wait till my lease goes up so I don't have to worry about subleasing, getting my deposit back and finding somewhere. Like, that was confusing me as well. I was like, how am I gonna do all this? How am I gonna. It is a lot because I was like, yeah. I'm like, I need to find affordable housing. I need to find a job, I need to find a subleaser. I need to get my deposit back. Hello. And even my therapist, like, just literally take it one step at a time. You're like over stimulating yourself and which is the truth. But yeah, I want to be back here next year or it's the end of this year, but next year.

[Marlee]

Next year.

[Aaron]

Yeah. Please.

[Marlee]

Love it.

[Aaron]

Please. Santa Barbara's beautiful.

[Marlee]

Come on home.

[Manny Mua]

Come on back.

[Aaron]

La.

[Marlee]

I love la.

[Aaron]

I miss the beaches. I don't really like Santa Barbara beaches.

[Marlee]

No, me either.

[Aaron]

I don't. I'm sorry to anyone if that hurts your little Phillies. You love it.

[Marlee]

I don't either. Better here.

[Aaron]

It was good for a change. Move out.

[Marlee]

You got to grow up.

[Aaron]

You got to grow up. I got to experience people. And honestly, people that live in Santa Barbara, because I live in the college town, so I meet a huge variety, like people who are way different even from la. Like, oh my.

[Marlee]

Like when you have universities, it draws in everybody because they come from other.

[Aaron]

States and you want to talk, you want to talk about like looking at other, like families and comparison. I look at these girls and they have a good family. Like their parents are loving. They do everything for them. Yeah, I know this one girl, she just has her dad's credit card and I was like, what? And. But they're so sweet. They literally come visit her and all that. That. And I'm like, that's just so crazy. Good relationship with siblings too.

[Marlee]

Crazy, wonderful, crazy concept.

[Aaron]

And they are just. And they're doing good in school and they have such a social life.

[Marlee]

What's it like, babe?

[Aaron]

What's it like?

[Marlee]

I've never experienced any of that in my entire life. Trust me, Aaron.

[Aaron]

Good family, good grades, good.

[Marlee]

It's mind blowing, isn't it?

[Aaron]

Relationship. You're social, you're working out.

[Marlee]

Like, does anything go wrong for anything go wrong?

[Aaron]

And you're responsible with like everything in your life. I'm like, you need to get away from me.

[Marlee]

Trust.

[Aaron]

You need to get away from Me, because you're going to make me sick, to be honest. Love you, though. Hope you're doing good, boo.

[Marlee]

But sometimes I'm like, God damn, must be nice.

[Aaron]

Must be nice. I just want to flick them away.

[Marlee]

I just. I. I mean, the number one thing for me, I was like, so you just have like this guy that you call when you need money, gas, car, tears up, you're confused. You don't know how to do something. You don't know how to apply to something. You just call this guy and he picks up the phone and he helps you with anything in your life because you are his child.

[Aaron]

Yeah, look.

[Marlee]

And I never heard of that before. And I want to say this, really. I'm like, what is that? I. I do not know what that's like.

[Aaron]

I. I want to go ahead and say this right now. I know if I was in any situation, I have Lauren Tyler, 100%. But I also just want to say, and I'm not saying these people are being babied, but you guys are also like, you're grown up, you know, like, you have a job and stuff. Like, girl, get like, come on. You guys had to work for it, and I'm working for it, and I have no problem with that. But of course, girl, of course I would love infinite money. Come on.

[Marlee]

The credit cards and everything, literally.

[Aaron]

And I just. Quick side note. Card. This girl's card got stolen by a frat guy. She found out who it was, and her dad. Dad literally, literally was like, girl, you're an idiot. And then he just paid them back and was like, just please don't, you know, find me or anything. Isn't that crazy? Oh, but he didn't even get on to her. He was just like. He just said like, you're an idiot.

[Manny Mua]

You're so silly.

[Aaron]

You're so silly. And I was like. I'm like, that's so crazy.

[Marlee]

What is that?

[Manny Mua]

Like, my parents would beat my.

[Aaron]

I know. I was like, how is that the only thing?

[Marlee]

There's a lot of Santa Barbara kids. I am only speaking on Santa Barbara because Aaron has told me her experience there, where the kids are rotten and the parents are wealthy.

[Aaron]

Look, that's all I'm gonna say. I'm not trying to say everyone there is that. And I wasn't trying to lead in with that. But I'm sorry. Some of them are spoiled rotten and they. And I just want to know if you're a parent and you got a kid going to ucsb. I'm telling you this, they might be Having good grades. They're partying every single night. Every single night. Literally. The houses around me. I have, like, six houses around me, all booming.

[Marlee]

How about the kids?

[Aaron]

Every single night of the week, their.

[Marlee]

Parents give them money because the parents just pay off their college. And their parents give them money and they're not even in school. They just take the money.

[Manny Mua]

That's crazy to me. I'm like, girl, but not with my FAFSA multiplying for my grand.

[Aaron]

That was the biggest even comparison to moving to Alabama, to la. That was the hugest difference I've ever seen in life, where I'm like, oh, my God, I thought you guys were fake. Literally, I thought, like, you guys weren't real.

[Marlee]

Like, kids like that.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

Like, I just haven't made.

[Aaron]

Like.

[Manny Mua]

What do you mean?

[Aaron]

That's so crazy to me.

[Marlee]

There are kids out there that got it made in the shade, and they're.

[Aaron]

They don't have to. They don't have.

[Marlee]

And they're rotten for it.

[Aaron]

They don't have to lift a finger.

[Marlee]

Nope.

[Aaron]

And they don't have to worry.

[Marlee]

Nope.

[Aaron]

Not a day in the life.

[Marlee]

Yep.

[Aaron]

I'm not trying to be a hater, you know, it's just jealousy, maybe, but.

[Marlee]

Like, honestly, yeah, I'll be jealous of that. I wouldn't be half the person I am today if I grew up like that. I'm not saying that those people are half the person I am.

[Aaron]

Yeah.

[Marlee]

I'm speaking about myself. I know myself. What I would be if I was raised like that.

[Aaron]

I would be even more lazier than I am.

[Marlee]

Oh, absolutely. I wouldn't have done half the things that have accomplished. Not even half of them.

[Aaron]

No.

[Marlee]

What is one of your worst high school experiences? We have random questions.

[Aaron]

Yes. And I'm loving these random questions. Okay, I want to talk about. In 10th grade, I was in my Spanish class. And this was right before COVID There was this guy in the class. And at first, when I first met him, he was nice. And then he asked for my answer. Instagram. He saw I had a huge following, and then he eventually stalking my page. I think he even asked me, and I was just straight up. And I was like, yeah, like, I do YouTube and stuff. One day I come into class, we have a substitute teacher, and this guy is playing my YouTube videos in the class on his Chromebook, full volume. And if you guys haven't gotten the picture already, during this time especially, I was. I still had a lot of anxiety. Anxiety. Me being an influencer.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

10Th grade, it's rough. I already had a lot of anxiety. I was, you know, I had no.

[Marlee]

Problem still here in ninth grade just to get perspective. This is her second year here.

[Aaron]

Yeah. And I had no problem with doing social media, but if someone came up to me in person and were to ask me about it. Yeah, I'm gonna. I'm literally gonna piss my pants. Not gonna lie. So hearing that, it's so just embarrassing. I have all these kids.

[Marlee]

I mean, he's doing it to embarrass you. Not to friendly. And to be like, oh, I saw your video. He's doing it because he knows it bothers you.

[Manny Mua]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

And he already knows that. And I think he might have done something beforehand. I think he already played my videos in class beforehand. But because we had a substitute who literally did not get up from that desk, only said. Looked up once from his phone, by the way, and was like, hey, turn that down.

[Marlee]

Turn it down. If you're gonna play our videos in class, at least turn it down.

[Aaron]

Which, by the way, skip. Skip it. Like, two years later, it was my swim coach. Isn't that funny? But. But. So he's already doing this, and I am just. I'm sitting in front of him and I'm just, like, freaking out because everyone's just standing around his desk and they're like making comments, laughing, they're huddling, and I already feel all the attention on me. And then all of a sudden, what do I hear in the background? So Laura's apology video.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

Yeah. And. And if you. I'm already. I'm already on the verge of tears like this. I'm literally. I was shaking. I was shaking because I can't. I literally can't do anything. I'm just sitting there petrified, and I'm like, I can't believe this is happening right now. The teacher isn't even doing anything. Everyone's just laughing, and I'm already have tears in my eyes when they're playing my videos. And then I just hear Laura's apology video playing in the background. And when I tell you, I lay my. Why am I about to cry?

[Marlee]

I just did this last week. Oh, my God. So let me tell you, it's just.

[Aaron]

Because it was just so embarrassing. And all you want to do is.

[Marlee]

Run out of the classroom, but you can't.

[Aaron]

You can't. And so I put my head down and I cry and I cry, and I just sat my head down for the rest of the class until the bell rung and I ran out. And thankfully I had my friends and they were so nice and comforting. I go home though. Yeah. I tell them I had an awful day. This ruined the rest of my school day. And I can't imagine, like I can't. I don't even want to think about stepping foot into that class again.

[Marlee]

And I said.

[Aaron]

And Laura got it.

[Marlee]

Let me tell you something.

[Aaron]

She emailed that school, the counselors, everyone laughs.

[Marlee]

This is the last time that this little boy will ever, ever play one of any video of yours. Mine, a cousin, a relative, a friend of mine, he never gonna do it again. I got on my email, it took everything in my body not to drive up to the school and body slam the table, sub myself and the child. And I wrote a fierce, fierce email explaining that if it ever happened again, I'm going to kick the door in on the Spanish class. I'm gonna bust through the door and I'm gonna handle. And be arrested out of your class because I am going to handle this child and this situation myself if it ever happens once. And I included her boss in the email and. And it never happened again.

[Aaron]

I can't. I. I wish I could remember what the next day was like in class.

[Marlee]

And you know, I'm like, what happened the next day?

[Aaron]

I know.

[Marlee]

I text her, what's going on in your class, dude?

[Aaron]

I truly wish I could remember. But I guess that just means nothing happened. But there's another part to the story.

[Marlee]

Which by the way, the. The girl never tells me the second part.

[Aaron]

Yeah. Which I. I don't know why. I literally don't know why. So.

[Marlee]

But he never played her videos again?

[Aaron]

No.

[Marlee]

Or my videos or never tried to pick on you again?

[Aaron]

No, not that I remember.

[Manny Mua]

Did someone tell him?

[Marlee]

I think, I think they called his parents. They called his parents and his parents handled this, Assessed it, the situation. We were able to handle it. Cuz it wasn't a bluff that I wrote in the email. I was going to come in that classroom and raise all Hellman. And let me tell you something real fun to make fun of me in person. Wait till I'm in your face because I really want to know what you have to say then. So.

[Aaron]

Which that goes for everyone.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

So much to say, even myself to talk. We all catch ourselves talking sometimes. But we wouldn't do that in front of that person's face. We shut up and respect.

[Marlee]

Exactly. So he. He never did it again. His parent was called and basically the situation was handled.

[Aaron]

Yeah. So that happened in 10th grade. Covid happens. I was home all junior year as well. And then senior year comes second semester, senior year, this guy is in my.

[Marlee]

Class and Aaron's like, oh God, here we go.

[Manny Mua]

It's like I.

[Aaron]

Like, I can't remember what I first thought when seeing him. I was. I feel like I was kind of nervous just because, because. But he didn't pay me no mind, you know, it's been years and I'm just like, whatever, dude. But this guy, we haven't talked. We have not talked. We don't follow each other, we don't have any mutual friends. I have no relationship connection with him. He comes up to me in this class and he apologizes to me all on his own.

[Marlee]

The guy.

[Manny Mua]

You're lying.

[Aaron]

The guy that played these videos watched me cry in that classroom, put my head down and was so visible, visibly embarrassed and sad. He came up to me and he apologized.

[Marlee]

Two years later, two years later, so ungagged.

[Aaron]

Two years later, I can't remember what I said. Knowing me, I probably just said, it's. It's fine, you know, it's cool. Like, thank you. And he was. And after that, I'm telling you, that entire school or that semester, having that class with them, we would joke with each other, we would have conversations. Conversations. We eventually started following each other on Instagram.

[Laura]

Netcredit is here to say yes to a personal loan or line of credit. When other lenders say no. Apply in minutes and get a decision.

[Aaron]

As soon as the same day.

[Laura]

Loans offered by Netcredit or lending partner banks and serviced by Netcredit application subject to review and approval. Learn [e-mail] partner netcredit credit to the people. Is it time to reimagine your future? The right business skills may make a difference in your career at Capella University. At University, we offer a relevant education that's designed to focus on what you need to know in the business world. We'll teach professional skills to help you pursue your goals like business management, strategic planning and effective communication. And you can apply these skills right away. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University. Learn more at capella. Edu.

[Manny Mua]

Look around. You can find cars like these on autotrader. New cars, used cars, electric cars, maybe even flying cars. Okay, no flying cars.

[Marlee]

But as soon as they get invented.

[Manny Mua]

They'Ll be on autotrader.

[Aaron]

Just you wait. Autotrader.

[Laura]

My brother in law died suddenly and now my sister and her kids have to sell their home. That's why I told my husband we could not put off getting life insurance any longer. An agent offered us a 10 year $500,000 policy for nearly $50 a month. SelectQuote found us identical cover, $19 a month.

[Manny Mua]

Select Quote could save you more than.

[Aaron]

50% on term life insurance. For your free quote, go to selectquote.com that's selectquote.com details and sample [e-mail] when I. That's why I'm like, what a beautiful story.

[Marlee]

You know, I'm like, wow.

[Aaron]

It started like that was just a 10th grade little bully. He was just a little bully. And there is growth for everyone. Even those little mean.

[Manny Mua]

There is even the little rats.

[Aaron]

And it shows. Do it in front of other people too. Like, he was just. He genuinely just came up to me and he apologized and I was like.

[Marlee]

He didn't have to do that either. He could have just. He could have ignored me.

[Aaron]

We could have ignored each other. He could have just acted like nothing.

[Marlee]

Happened and just been your.

[Aaron]

You know how many people do that? They just act like nothing happened. They're just like, hey. And I'm just like, okay.

[Marlee]

And this guy, literally two years later, wanted to take the time, as a kid still in high school, wanted to take the time to come up to you and really apologize for you for what he did. And I. That's just insane to me that the growth that it. Kids don't experience growth till they look back and they're 25 years old and they go, damn. I was really up for that. For him to still be in high school and for him to speak to you and like literally not text you.

[Aaron]

Cuz he didn't do that in 10th grade either. He didn't apologize.

[Marlee]

Not. Not DM you, not text you, walk up to your face and give you the apology that he owes you.

[Aaron]

A lot of people can't do that.

[Manny Mua]

That's so great.

[Aaron]

A lot of people won't if that.

[Marlee]

Doesn'T show growth in a human being. So the story is actually a really beautiful story. It is a beautiful story and I'm really happy for him. I'm really proud of him for doing that. Whoever he is out there. I've never seen. I've never. I know, I know. Cuz the clock was ticking cuz I was about to have a mug shot myself. Like this literally with the last. Let me tell you sh. You messing with the wrong queen.

[Manny Mua]

Wrong queen.

[Marlee]

You got the wrong queen in this house. You be like, Aaron's like, listen, I'm very upset now, but I have this crazy aunt girl and I got a mama that's even crazier, dude.

[Aaron]

Especially in 10th grade, he was just a short little thing like this.

[Marlee]

Good for him. Good for him.

[Aaron]

Oh, my God. I've never was. Suspected it. I wasn't even expecting it. I was just like, whatever.

[Marlee]

I'm honestly really proud of him, to be honest with you. I just am. I'm so happy for him. And I'm proud of him because to walk up to a human being that you did two years ago when you could totally, totally blow it off, or you can send a dm, be like, sorry, bro. Or you can just be nice and just let it pass. No, he was accountable for everything. I'm like, huge props.

[Aaron]

So even just. Even just him doing that, I was like, no, all forgiven for you to even do that. Because it is hard for some people to go up to someone and give a genuine, genuine apology.

[Marlee]

Adults can't even do that.

[Manny Mua]

Adults can't even do that.

[Aaron]

When they make a mistake and they know they made a mistake and they hurt. Hurt you. They. They cannot for the life of them choose to apologize. They rather just let the relationship die. Never speak to you again. Or act like nothing happened.

[Manny Mua]

Their pride is too fierce.

[Aaron]

Their pride is too fierce. And that's why I was like, you know what? You're chill, bruh. You're chill.

[Manny Mua]

Mad freaking props.

[Marlee]

I've never even seen this kid before. Aaron's never showed me.

[Manny Mua]

Right now it's more of an illusion. That's phantom Laura. You can't even know.

[Aaron]

It's so funny. I now.

[Manny Mua]

You can't know.

[Aaron]

I wish I had a picture of him from 10th grade. It might be in my yearbook. Because if I show you what he looked like back then to now, he's tall. He's all built, and I'm like, wow, what happened?

[Marlee]

Good for him.

[Aaron]

Good for him.

[Marlee]

He stopped being an asshole. You can change.

[Manny Mua]

Guys literally grew, mentally and physically.

[Marlee]

And physically, you guys can grow.

[Aaron]

You guys can make a change. Today.

[Manny Mua]

I'm.

[Marlee]

That's a beautiful story.

[Aaron]

It's a beautiful story.

[Manny Mua]

And I love that I have. I have a fierce one. I want to ask.

[Marlee]

Oh, should this be the last one?

[Manny Mua]

This one? I wanted to know something that Laura told you not to do, but you did it. Like, why cares?

[Marlee]

Like which thing?

[Aaron]

Okay.

[Manny Mua]

That you weren't allowed to do it, but you did it.

[Aaron]

Okay. There are definitely some things. Some things that you know what? Give me five more years and maybe I'll share with Laura and Tyler. We got less and more time.

[Marlee]

Or don't.

[Aaron]

Or don't, baby.

[Marlee]

Or just don't.

[Aaron]

No, we don't we don't even need to bring this back. But I want to share this story because, Lauren, Tyler already knew my butt was lying. They knew it, honey.

[Manny Mua]

I know.

[Marlee]

They know the second I. I am a horrible liar. You're really bad at it.

[Aaron]

I'm not gonna sit here for 30 minutes and tell the story. I'll try to give a speedrun.

[Marlee]

Okay.

[Aaron]

I come home one day late in the afternoon. Laura and Tyler in the garage. I am laying back on the treadmill. And when I tell you, as I'm laying back, my head is doing this. Like, I'm not even my.

[Manny Mua]

Laying down on the treadmill?

[Aaron]

Yes, on the treadmill.

[Marlee]

Sitting on.

[Aaron]

No, that's the thing. I was laying like my back was laid out on it. But for some reason we were in the garage. Yes. I was trying to convince myself that I'm up. Like, I'm trying to stay up. Like, I'm not tired. So Tyler's like, are you good? Like, what are you on? Like, what is wrong with you? And I make up some lines. I'm like, oh. Because I said I was spending the night at a friend's house. And I was like, oh, we just stayed up. Like, we pulled in all nighter. They don't fall for it, obviously.

[Marlee]

Come on.

[Aaron]

So I still have not told them the story. And to be fair, I did pull an all nighter. I did not go to sleep once. And it was by that time probably 4pm so I'm spending night at this friend's house and we're hanging out with these two guys. We're not doing anything. We're just all friends. And they pulled the same story as well. The friend says she's spending the night at my house and the guys do the exact same thing. When I tell you we stay out all night, we drive to. I could not even tell you. I. We were so far away in my Fiat, which by the way was an all electric car with that had like 72 miles. And it took like four hours to charge it. If it wasn't the charger I had in the garage. And we go get raising canes. We are up all night and we're just driving around. We're walking around. It's like midnight 1am and we're just walking around these cities all just having. I. I won't lie. I don't regret it because it was probably one of the best nights. It was so fun on. We were idiots. We were such idiots. And then this is where it gets bad and I start literally freaking out. We are driving on the PCH. We're in, like, Malibu. It's 4am Windows are down, music is blasting. We're having the time of my life. Of our lives. I look. Oh, why does it say, like, I have. I want to say maybe like a 20 to 15 mile mile range. And my car.

[Marlee]

A battery.

[Aaron]

Yeah, a battery. And my car. If you're driving uphill, just like gas, but with this. With this car. Down, down, down, down. I'm looking on Google Maps, the closest charging station near me, and I start driving towards it. I realized it's all uphill. And I'm like, by the time we get there, I'm not gonna get it. It's all upheld. Like, I am so close to dying, and in my head, I'm already freaking out. I'm like, if my. My car, like, because I know absolutely nothing. I'm like, if my car breaks down on the side of the road, the road, like. Like, what am I gonna do? Like, I could call aaa. But what if they, like, contact Laura and Tyler? Do we even have aaa? Like, what if the tow company just automatically. Because I'm underage as well? Like, I'm 17. What if they, like, I was already freaking out. I'm like, lauren, Tyler gonna figure out. And then I find this charging station. I know where it's at. And when I tell you it we. I was on, like, three miles at this point. We're going uphill. The two guys get out of the back and are pushing the car as if it does anything, trying to save as much mileage as we can. And when I tell you, which, by the way, this is when I figure out when my car says it's on zero percent, it's lying. I don't know how much miles it has left, but by the grace of God, I drove five more minutes. I went to the charging station. I've been before, and I was like, thank you for being here. And it's literally on zero. And we're driving on for zero. On zero for, like, maybe seven minutes. My friend and this guy stay in the car because they're so tired. And I was like, I just went through so much stress right now. So me and this, the other guy, we go to the beach and we're all hanging out. The two friends.

[Marlee]

And your car is charging?

[Aaron]

Yeah, while my car is charging, charging. And we're just hanging out, and then we all eventually leave. I drop everyone off, and then it's just me and one of the guys hanging out. And. Yeah. And then I eventually go home and that's when I come into the garage and I was like, yeah, I had such a good night. Literally see me knocking out on the treadmill. We didn't do anything bad, though. Like, I wasn't doing. Doing. I don't know. He wasn't doing drugs. I wasn't doing drugs.

[Marlee]

I wasn't.

[Aaron]

Wasn't where I was supposed to be. Pulling an all nighter, lying about where I was out with this friend and with two guys, which, by the way, it's not like we did anything, but if you hear that I'm out all night.

[Marlee]

Yeah, with two guys.

[Manny Mua]

That sounds crazy.

[Aaron]

What does this sound like?

[Marlee]

Did you get grounded for this one?

[Aaron]

Yes, I did get grounded.

[Manny Mua]

Sure the phone wasn't taken away at least?

[Aaron]

Yes, I was grabbed. Grounded for a while. Even though you guys didn't even know the full story.

[Marlee]

You guys, I don't have to because.

[Aaron]

You already knew I was lying.

[Marlee]

I. You don't got to tell me all the details. The punishment's gonna be the same. Yeah, babe, I already know what you've done, what you're gonna do and what you done.

[Aaron]

I know, I know. There are probably some funny points that I am missing, but it was just such a fun night. Night. But my butt definitely got in trouble. It was worth the trouble. So, yeah, during the time. Absolutely not. I was so mad. I was like, what do you mean I can't go hang out with my friends?

[Manny Mua]

Very high school.

[Marlee]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

Literally. You're the worst.

[Marlee]

I hate you. You just don't understand me.

[Manny Mua]

They're like this on their phone. I know, I know.

[Aaron]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, girl. Wrap it up.

[Marlee]

Wrap it up, sister. Wrap it up.

[Manny Mua]

She's like this. She's crying. You're like this.

[Marlee]

Yep, I'm the one. Tell her the worst. You're mad. You're not going to talk for a day. Uhhuh. Where you going? Where you going?

[Manny Mua]

I'm running away.

[Marlee]

Girl, you got 50 miles on your car. Where you going to go? I'm going to Manny's house. Manny, check me in. Yes, yes, you can.

[Manny Mua]

Yes, you can imagine my car.

[Marlee]

You can go to Manny's. You can do that the second she gets her. You're grounded.

[Aaron]

Or if you don't take this heathen.

[Manny Mua]

Back, I'm like, aaron's here.

[Marlee]

You can to Laura. Yeah.

[Manny Mua]

What does she eat?

[Marlee]

Yeah. What do you feed?

[Manny Mua]

What do you feed? What do you feed a teen?

[Aaron]

Help me make nuggets and Dr. Pepper.

[Marlee]

Yeah. Well, Aaron, this was lovely. You talk on a podcast like you host podcast, like you Have a podcast.

[Manny Mua]

Like you literally have one.

[Aaron]

Stay tuned.

[Manny Mua]

Guys, we're just quiet. It's a Get the bias.

[Marlee]

Aaron wants to start her social media journey. She's cooking it back into it.

[Aaron]

Guys, I'm not depressed anymore. Let's go. Hot girl activities are back. We are skyrocketing. I'm about to be 21. Look out for the cler videos.

[Marlee]

Oh, God, please.

[Aaron]

We didn't even talk about that. I'm turning 21 next month. Well, I'm stressed by the time this video comes out. No, I won't be. No, but be prepared.

[Marlee]

I'm going to take her out.

[Aaron]

Yeah. And literally.

[Manny Mua]

Yeah.

[Aaron]

You know what my birthday wish was? I told I was like, laura, I want you to take me to the gay clubs with all your friends. And I want to get. I want to dance to Lady Gaga.

[Marlee]

She waited till I got to turn 21. Maybe you've done this. When I was 30. Girl. We'll do it. We'll do a 1, 2.

[Manny Mua]

We're going to do a 1, 2, and it's going to be sickening.

[Marlee]

Yeah, we'll do.

[Aaron]

And I'll try not to get too drunk. Oh, God.

[Manny Mua]

Even if you do, we will kill you. I don't even drink, so I'm very responsible.

[Marlee]

That's true. Manny's sober.

[Manny Mua]

Maybe you'll be just fine.

[Aaron]

I just don't want to embarrass myself especially.

[Marlee]

Who cares? You're in West Holland.

[Manny Mua]

Especially with us, too.

[Aaron]

Like, I get one night. It's my 21st. Come on. I want to see you on your 21st.

[Manny Mua]

She's gonna be up, too. This one right here on your 21st. She's gonna be 21, Laura. Yeah.

[Marlee]

Recovery ain't the same, two dayer. And even on three day, things are dicey. So I'm prepared. Okay. I might as well have pneumonia.

[Aaron]

I'm prepared to be hung over. I'm prepared.

[Manny Mua]

The flu. Baby got the flu. Oh, my God. Thank you for coming on.

[Aaron]

Well, thank you guys for having me. I love you guys so much. This was so much fun.

[Manny Mua]

It was so fun. It just feels like a chill ass.

[Aaron]

Therapy session, I would say. And dude, this slide, I love it. This sl my world. I needed this. Yeah, I might have. Honestly, I needed this. I'm. I'm going to cancel therapy this week. We're good.

[Manny Mua]

I don't need better help this week.

[Aaron]

I got the auntie and uncle. Come on now. I know that's my right.

[Marlee]

I know that is right.

[Aaron]

I know that's right.

[Marlee]

All right, well, we love you guys.

[Manny Mua]

We love you guys. We'll see you next week's episode.

[Marlee]

Bye Bye guys.

[Manny Mua]

Netcredit is here to say yes because you're more than a credit score. Apply in minutes and get a decision as soon as the same day. Loans offered by Netcredit or lending partner banks and service by NetCredit. Applications subject to review and approval. Learn [e-mail] partners NetCredit credit to the.

[Laura]

People Is it time to reimagine your future? The right business skills may make a difference in your career. At Capella University, we offer a relevant education that's designed to focus on what you need to know in the business world. We'll teach professional skills to help you pursue pursue your goals like business management, strategic planning and effective communication. And you can apply these skills right away. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University. Learn more at Capella Eduardo.