Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim – Episode: Miguel

Release Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Ego Nwodim
Guest: Miguel
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts / Big Money Players Network

Episode Overview

This episode of “Thanks Dad” welcomes Grammy-winning artist Miguel. Host Ego Nwodim, an avowed 'Miguel mega-fan,' digs into the singer’s roots, parenting philosophies, the emotional evolution behind his new album "Kaos," and candidly explores their mutual experiences of family, creative journeys, and the complex role of fathers. The episode is filled with humor, warmth, and unvarnished dialogue about ambition, artistic authenticity, and intergenerational wisdom. It also features practical advice in response to a listener's career crossroads.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Invitations and Social Grace

• (00:28) Ego riffs on the etiquette of being left out and why pressing about a missed invite is never cool.
  • Quote:
    • "Let it rock. Say you hope it was a good time. Maybe you'll get invited to the next one. But cornering a person who was throwing an event and being like, where's my invite?... that's not cool." – Ego [01:24]

Coffee, Drugs & 'Do You Like Drugs?'

• (04:14) The conversation opens with the role of coffee as a drug, which spirals into playful banter about the D.A.R.E. program and Miguel’s song “Do You.”
  • Both admit to enjoying recreational substances (mushrooms get a nod from Miguel).
  • Quote:
    • "Would you say, is it fair to say the D.A.R.E. program didn’t work for you?" – Ego
    • "It didn't work, but I did good in the course." – Miguel [04:29]

Ego’s Fandom & Miguel’s Early MySpace Roots

• (05:36–11:10)
  • Ego recounts her discovery of Miguel’s music on MySpace, specifically with "Sure Thing" on her profile, and how he messaged her with gratitude.
    • Quote:
      • "Your voice, the production on that… you did that in your bedroom?" – Ego
      • "Yeah… in my bedroom… but that’s Happy Perez on the beat." – Miguel [07:08]
  • They reminisce about the importance of MySpace for early artists and the impact of fan support.

The Power of Delusional Ambition

• (11:10–14:30)
  • Both discuss how belief in themselves (sometimes bordering on delusion) was essential for pursuing unconventional creative paths.
    • Quote:
      • "I was delirious. I'm sorry. I was delusional… But you have to be in order to achieve the success that you have." – Miguel & Ego [12:21]
  • Ego details her journey from Baltimore to LA, guided by both strategic choices and gut feeling, negotiating family expectations as a first-generation Nigerian American.

Shoutout to Moms

• (16:08)
  • Despite the show’s father-centric premise, both pause to give thanks to their mothers and acknowledge the roles of single moms and mothers who play both parental parts.

“Who Do You Want to Say Thanks To?”

• (17:49–19:58)

  • Miguel expresses gratitude to the late D’Angelo, reflecting on heroes, loss, and how timeless music can shape an artist’s worldview.
    • Quote:
      • "There are musicians that will always be my heroes, and D’Angelo is one of those… I never thought we would lose this soon." – Miguel [18:04]

• Ego and Miguel discuss “Nothing Even Matters” (Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo) and the power of perfect musical moments.

Artistry, Creative Process, and Interludes

• (20:10–25:12)
  • The two muse about the magic of album interludes and lament short tracks, floating ideas about an album composed entirely of interludes.
  • Ego voices her bucket list wish to cameo on a hip hop album as a comedic tag; Miguel enthusiastically invites her to join his studio.

Warm-Ups, Technique, and Cussing Bin

• (25:12–26:07)
  • Miguel shares his unique warm-up (jump rope for diaphragm control) and laughs about keeping sessions light and profanity flowing, with Ego mock-charging guests for cursing on air.

Miguel on Fatherhood

• (26:07–29:22)
  • Recent fatherhood is brand-new for Miguel. He describes sleepless nights, blackout curtain life hacks, and his joy in being a dad.
  • Miguel’s own father is celebrated for his humor, support, and measured encouragement.
    • Quote:
      • "I just always wanted to be a dad… I had a really dope dad, have an amazing dad." – Miguel [27:54]

Family Origins & Generational Influence

• (29:22–32:21)

  • Miguel recounts his family’s immigration story (dad’s side from Michoacan, Mexico) and parents’ meeting at Inglewood High.
  • Discusses the mix of cultures and values informing his upbringing.

• Miguel reveals how his father’s approach to parenting broke cycles from the stern style of his own father (Miguel’s “tata”), focusing on nuance, flexibility, and encouragement.

  • Quote:
    • "I would attribute his approach with us to the things that he wanted to get with his dad." – Miguel [32:16]

Parenting Philosophy: Preserving Authenticity

• (33:45–37:04)
  • Miguel and Ego agree on “shepherding” children into becoming their authentic selves, eschewing pressure to conform except where necessary for socialization.

Spanking, Discipline, and Intergenerational Lessons

• (38:01–42:42)

  • Miguel debates whether or not he'll spank his son—he wrestles with generational habits versus modern parenting beliefs.

• He relays his mother’s approach, which combined delayed discipline with conversation and biblical principles, aiming to discipline without anger.

  • Memorable Exchange:
    • "Were you ever seventeen?" – Ego
    • "No, because by the time I got to, like, thirteen, I just stopped reacting… you just take it." – Miguel [41:58]

Drugs, Teen Rebellion, and Trust

• (43:29–45:25)
  • Miguel notes that although his upbringing was strict, when it came to drugs, his dad offered a safe space, telling him, “If you ever do decide to do drugs, do them with me.”
    • Quote:
      • "Do them with me. Because then you’ll be safe… I can make sure you’re okay… At least I’ll be able to see if anything goes wrong." – Miguel [44:13]

Authenticity in Art—From Audience Pleasing to True Expression

• (48:14–58:23)

  • On the new album "Kaos," Miguel notes the pivotal track is El Plato:
    • “It’s a self-reflection… all of that wrapped into one. Looking back, looking at now, and looking forward… my soul is still standing.” – Miguel [48:14]

• Discusses embracing his Mexican heritage by weaving more Spanish into his music, and how a multi-year break allowed him to find motivation and connect more deeply with both himself and his audience.

• He distinguishes between audiences who love the song vs. those who love the artist, explaining his desire to build a more personal connection with fans.

  • Quote:
    • "I wanted my own audience… people fell in love with my songs, but it wasn’t that they were into me. And for me, that’s not sustainable." – Miguel [53:35]

• Explains that teaching at NYU as a scholar in residence lets him share the hard-won lesson: cultivating an audience who values your expression and journey.

Advice Segment: “That’s Nice, But What About Me?”

Ego’s Dilemma (58:23–61:46):

Ego asks how to navigate performing a new one-woman show and balancing personal growth with an audience’s expectations.

• Miguel’s Advice:
  • "If I could do it all over again, I would give my audience as much context as I possibly could on where I'm going while I continue to be present for them… I would have kept in closer communication… While educating them on where you're going, bring them into the process." [59:51]

Listener Advice—Career Pivot (62:02–66:05):

Anastasia, a listener, asks how to approach feeling stuck at work and whether to pivot careers.

• Miguel:

  • "A pivot... is exciting... But keep in mind that after the excitement... you’re going to be met with challenges. Don’t pivot thinking it’s going to be any easier..." [63:13]

  • "If you absolutely cannot get that from where you are, then… do you have the delusion and the energy... to make the pivot?" [64:26]

• Ego:

  • "I do believe... no matter where you go, there you are… Focus on how you want to feel and then figure out what those things are that make you feel that way…" [65:47]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "My dad’s the shit. Mr. P. He’s a teacher." – Miguel [32:46]
• "You don’t have to be invited to everything. And… if you didn’t get an invite, guys, let it rock…" – Ego [01:24]
• "A lot of people in therapy—myself included—it’s learning how to be yourself again, and to assert your own boundaries…" – Ego [34:50]
• "I want to be the kind of parent that reaffirms… bolsters, reassures… fosters... and enforces outwardly on his behalf, his own personality." – Miguel [35:32]
• "The song that holds the album together: El Plato... my soul is still standing." – Miguel [48:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Invitations & Social Etiquette: 00:28–04:13
• Coffee/Drug Banter: 04:14–05:26
• Ego's Fandom & MySpace: 05:36–11:10
• Belief & Delusion in Success: 11:10–14:36
• Thanks To… Segment (D’Angelo): 17:49–21:24
• Warm-Ups & Artistic Process: 25:12–26:07
• Miguel on Fatherhood: 26:07–29:22
• Family Background: 29:22–32:21
• Parenting Philosophy: 33:45–37:04
• Discipline & Upbringing: 38:01–42:42
• Drugs & Parental Trust: 43:29–45:25
• Artistic Authenticity: 48:14–58:23
• Advice to Ego (“That’s Nice, But What About Me?”): 58:23–61:46
• Listener Advice (“Anastasia’s Pivot”): 62:02–66:05

Episode Tone

• Warm, funny, and deeply candid.
• Conversational banter with emotional depth and mutual admiration.
• Invites vulnerability about family, goals, and the creative grind.
• Interspersed with comic relief (cuss jars; “do you like drugs?”) and gentle ribbing.

Takeaways

• Family influence is a recurring theme—Miguel’s pride in his father, Ego’s praise for her mother, and reflections on generational cycles.
• Authenticity and courage underpin Miguel’s artistic philosophy—choosing to cultivate an audience that values the artist, not just the hit.
• Parenting wisdom is both practical and philosophical: nurture a child’s individuality, set boundaries with grace, and learn alongside your child.
• For listeners facing crossroads: Contextualize where you’re going, communicate with those who support you, and don’t confuse a desire to escape with genuine purpose.

Memorable Moments

• Ego’s giddy, candid admission of being a Miguel “mega fan.”
• Miguel’s recollection of his dad telling him to do drugs with family if he must, prioritizing honesty and safety.
• Playful back-and-forth about MySpace, interludes, and aspiring to be the “DJ Drama tag” voice on a record.
• Insights into the sometimes-paralyzing pressure to live up to audience expectations—and strategies for bridging the gap.

Closing Recommendation

Miguel closes by encouraging listeners to check out his new album “Kaos” (preferably on vinyl!).

• "Get it on vinyl or CD… That’s sexy." – Miguel [66:44]
  Ego and Miguel toast to more music, creative risks, good tequila, and the imperfect art of showing up as yourself.