Mick Unplugged: Episode Summary Episode Title: Roy Juarez Jr.: If You Can Hate For No Reason, You Can Love For No Reason
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Roy Juarez Jr.

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt engages in a profound conversation with Roy Juarez Jr., a motivational speaker and community advocate from Southern California. The episode delves deep into Roy's life journey, exploring themes of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative power of love and education. Through heartfelt storytelling and invaluable insights, Roy shares his mission to empower youth and redefine modern leadership.

Roy Juarez Jr.'s Background and Early Life

Roy begins by recounting his tumultuous childhood, marked by his parents' violent divorce and subsequent homelessness. [00:00] He reflects, "I think that when you grow up with a tough life, you learn lessons that can never be taught in a book."

At the age of 14, Roy officially became homeless, navigating a life of uncertainty and constant movement to evade his father's aggression. His protective instincts towards his mother and siblings often placed him in precarious situations, forcing him to mature rapidly. Roy shares a poignant moment from his past:

Roy Juarez Jr. [03:18]: "I was standing at the podium and I remember glancing back to the very back of the room where I had sat as a homeless kid... 'don't give up, life will get better. You have to be here to see it.'"

This experience was not just a personal revelation but became the cornerstone of his mission to inspire and support other youth facing similar challenges.

Discovering His 'Because'

Central to Mick Hunt's podcast is the concept of finding one's 'Because'—the driving force that propels individuals toward their goals. Roy identifies his siblings as his primary motivation:

Roy Juarez Jr. [02:01]: "I really think my because is my siblings. That's it. They are the reasons why I fight as hard as I do."

Roy's dedication to his family extended beyond personal survival; it became a mission to support other children in similar circumstances. He emphasizes the universal desire among youth to find belonging and purpose:

Roy Juarez Jr. [09:42]: "Kids never stop loving their parents. It's never their parents fighting... Kids only stop loving themselves... that idea that I'm not good enough..."

Overcoming Homelessness and Building Resilience

Roy's journey from homelessness to becoming a motivational speaker is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to change. He describes sneaking into an Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas, in search of food—a moment that underscored his street smarts and determination to survive.

During a meal at the hotel, Roy was inspired by a keynote speaker, Retired Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbush, whose words ignited a spark within him:

Roy Juarez Jr. [12:15]: "Why not me? I used to dream. Why can't I have my dreams?"

This encounter propelled Roy to take decisive action. He sought assistance from a trusted figure, Pastor Doris, who agreed to help under the condition that Roy return to school. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his formal education and eventual escape from homelessness.

Roy Juarez Jr. [17:29]: "She said, Roy, calm down. All we want is that you go back to school... and that's how I went back to high school."

The Power of Mentorship

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the importance of mentorship. Roy shares his transformative experience with Consuelo Castillo Kickbush, who mentored him beyond traditional boundaries:

Roy Juarez Jr. [20:33]: "She mentored me. I started traveling with her and she was just peeling layers like an onion to try to get to some of the core issues..."

Roy underscores that mentorship is a two-way street, emphasizing trust, dedication, and the responsibility mentees have to honor their mentors' efforts:

Roy Juarez Jr. [25:49]: "Mentors, if you're going to be a mentor, it's about them, not about you. You're not there to be their friend. You're there to help guide them and direct them."

He advocates for a long-term commitment to mentorship, highlighting how it can significantly reduce the struggles individuals face on their personal development journeys.

Founding Impact Truth

Inspired by his experiences and the desire to give back, Roy founded Impact Truth, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through education and support. Roy details his ambitious "Homeless by Choice" tour, where he lived out of his car for two and a half years to reach over 108,000 kids across the nation without any external funding:

Roy Juarez Jr. [21:42]: "I started this journey, and I dubbed it the Homeless by Choice tour because I was homeless again. But this time it was my choice."

Through Impact Truth, Roy aims to provide safe outlets for children to express themselves and realize their potential, thereby transforming their lives and contributing positively to society.

Rapid Fire Segment

In the engaging rapid-fire segment, Roy shares personal anecdotes and practical advice:

• Best Stage Moment: Speaking at the very conference he once snuck into, with his mentor Consuelo Castillo Kickbush in the audience. [29:20]

• Giving Back to Youthes: [30:06] "Look into their local community, find kids who need someone in their life."

• Advice for Parents: [30:32] "Kids don't care if you're perfect. They just want you there and they want you to love them."

• Favorite Meal: Roy expresses his love for Whataburger, particularly the number five with jalapeños, showcasing his Texas roots. [31:01]

Reconnecting with His Biological Father

Towards the end of the episode, Roy shares an emotional story about reconnecting with his biological father after two decades. Through his book "Homeless by Choice," Roy reached out to his father, leading to a heartfelt reunion on stage where forgiveness and understanding took center stage.

Roy Juarez Jr. [34:01]: "If you can hate for no reason in this world, I can love for no reason."

This powerful statement encapsulates Roy's philosophy of choosing love over hate, reinforcing the episode's central theme.

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

Roy Juarez Jr.'s narrative in this episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation. Key themes include:

• Resilience Through Adversity: Overcoming childhood trauma and homelessness through determination and support.

• The 'Because' Motivation: Finding a deeper purpose that fuels continuous growth and impact.

• Mentorship's Crucial Role: The profound influence mentors can have on one's personal and professional development.

• Empowering Youth: Creating platforms like Impact Truth to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

• Choosing Love Over Hate: Embracing unconditional love as a catalyst for personal and communal healing.

Mick Hunt concludes the episode by reaffirming the importance of identifying one's 'Because' and leveraging it as a superpower to effect meaningful change.

Mick Hunt [35:35]: "Remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Mick Unplugged" not only provides an intimate look into Roy Juarez Jr.'s life but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for listeners. Roy's dedication to empowering youth and fostering a community built on love and mentorship exemplifies the essence of Modern Leadership. His journey underscores the belief that regardless of past hardships, one can transform their life and the lives of others through resilience, education, and unwavering support.

For those inspired by Roy's story, further resources and his book "Homeless by Choice" can be found at RoyWattisJr.com or ImpactTruth.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Roy Juarez Jr. [00:00]: "If you can take your education and define those lessons, then there's no stopping you."

• Roy Juarez Jr. [02:01]: "They are the reasons why I fight as hard as I do."

• Roy Juarez Jr. [34:01]: "If you can hate for no reason in this world, I can love for no reason."

Resources:

• Roy Juarez Jr.'s Book: Homeless by Choice
• Websites: RoyWattisJr.com, ImpactTruth.com

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