Feeling BEHIND Everyone Else? Michael B. Jordan on the One Thing to Follow Instead

Being honest with where you stand and. how you feel, it's really giving another. person an option and opportunity to be. as honest with you. And whatever your fear of that is, of. that outcome, is never really as big as. what you make it up to be, you know? It's really not that. Small is not. promised to anyone. But time will move. on, you know? You will move past it. And. if it tomorrow never come, at least you. can know that you said what you needed. to say. Before we jump into this episode, I'd. like to invite you to join this. community to hear more interviews that.

will help you become happier, healthier, and more healed. All I want you to do is. click on the subscribe button. I love. your support. It's incredible to see all. your comments, and we're just getting. started. I can't wait to go on this. journey with you. Thank you so much for. subscribing. It means the world to me. The number one health and wellness. podcast. Jay Shetty. Jay Shetty. The. one, the only Jay Shetty. Everyone, welcome back to On Purpose, the place you come to to become happier,

healthier, and more healed. I appreciate. your ears. I appreciate your eyes. I'm. so grateful that you're here right now, and I thank you for investing in. yourself. You know that this platform is. all about allowing the humans to be. human, to give them a space to share. their heart, share their mind, and share. what's really happening behind the. scenes. I think it's so easy in the. climate we live in to get lost in. clickbait and articles and views, and. often that stops us from actually. getting to understand someone and see. someone for who they are. And today's.

guest is someone that I've been wanting. on the show for years. So, I'm extremely. happy and extremely present even more. than ever because this has been an. opportunity I've been looking forward. to. Today, I'm talking to the one and. only Michael B. Jordan, a director, actor, producer, who's recognized as an. industry leader invested in bringing. social change to Hollywood through his. art and philanthropy. Making his feature. film directorial debut, Michael B. Jordan recently reprised the role of.

Adonis Creed in Creed III. I'm a big. Rocky fan, so when Creed dropped, you. knew I had to see it. Uh which had the. biggest opening weekend for a Creed film. and biggest domestic opening for a. sports movie ever. Ever. Of all time. I. just need to clarify that. Up next, Michael B. Jordan is set to star in Ryan. Coogler's next feature film for Warner. Brothers. And Michael B. Jordan also was. named to one of Time's 100 most. influential people of 2023. He's been. recognized as People's 2020 Sexiest Man.

Alive. My team went on about this. And. one of the New York Times 25 Greatest. Actors of the 21st Century. And now he's. got a new health drink out. And you know. I'm a big fan of health and wellness. It's called MOSS, the first of its kind. sea moss beverage available nationwide. as you're listening or watching today. Welcome to the show, Michael B. Jordan. Mike, it's great to have you here. Well, man. Jay, I appreciate it. That. introduction is great. I just need to. carry you around with me everywhere I go. and just introduce me places. Uh but no, I appreciate it. Thanks for. having me, man.

Well, what I wanted to add also, like in. the few moments we've spent together, even just walking in, you know, if I can add to that intro, you know, extremely humble, gracious, kind, like thoughtful, like it's it's. also nice meeting that. And I And I love. that this platform is a space that can. come out. And we were just talking about. that. You were saying that. you know, you you've almost been looking. for a space where you can share that. because you don't do a lot of press. I. don't. I don't. I think I you know, it's. it's seasons for it. You know, obviously, you know, when you have a. project coming out or something you need. to promote, you know, there's it's a. part of that that news cycle. But for me. personally, I I I try to, you know, kind.

of save it to myself a little bit and. and and um very cautious of how how you. want people to get to know you. You. know, when you have opportunities to. speak and and share things about. yourself. Um and not kind of, you know, be a part of sometimes other people's. agenda, you know? So so that's uh but. but but been a big big fan of yours for. for a long time and the work that you've. done and and and you are currently doing. And um and felt like this was a good. good time that you know to get out and. talk and and. you know share some things about me I.

guess you know I've I've a. it's been it's been a journey you know. it's been it's been a journey so. you know this is a nice little check-in. point I think. Yeah, I love that. Well, I appreciate the trust and I love that. check-in point because it must be. fascinating to look back at something. and then think about where you were in. life what was going on in your mind. So, I wanted to start with there's this one. thing you said in an interview and we. were talking about this earlier this. idea of written versus being able to. explain. and there was this great point you made. that I think people wouldn't recognize. with the amount of success you've had.

the hits you've had you know I think. people want to know about you and learn. about you but you said when you come. from where I come from and everybody. doesn't get those breaks that luck you. start to question why am I successful in. life? Why did I go this way and. everybody went that way? And I just. thought that that was. you know again extremely humble and also. representative of where you grew up how. you came up like which way did everyone. go and where did that luck begin for. you? You know I think coming up in in in.

North New Jersey coming up in that. environment and you know having you know. when you're younger you know you're. living life you know you're you're. taking it a day at a time you know. you're going to basketball practice. you're going to school you know you're. going to church you know you're you're. you're for me it was you know taking a. lot of trips to New York City going on. auditions at a really really young age. and just figuring out what what what. that is having having parents pretty. aware you know and and very present in. my life you know growing up. you know that was that was rare amongst. my family amongst my friend group you.

know having both parents that was there. and very present and. aware of my environment as well you know. what what you know being told to look. out for these things and. make good choices to be disciplined to. be focused on things you know get your. school work you know all the the you. know, the the positives and and and. growing up in in an environment like. that and you know, hats off to my. parents and to to sacrifice so much to. make sure their kids, you know, were. safe and and grew up in a you know, in a. you know, grew up in that environment.

and it easy making ends meet, you know, grew up very poor but didn't feel like. it, you know what I'm saying? It was. very you know, they they did a good job. at hiding those things, you know, I. think as we get older we look back and. like, oh man, we went through that or or. that's why we slept in the kitchen at. one time with the oven open or or that's. when we stayed at Grandma's house for. like you know, a couple weeks when you. you know, so you you you get that. reflection of of how we kind of grew up. and and I think for me. you know, always having a you know, a. bigger purpose I think or just you know, just that optimism, you know, that that. I was big dreamer as a kid and and I.

think. you know, you start to. and not just the focusing on the just. the work of it all but I since I was. working such a young age, that's the. thing that I can kind of point to of you. know, booking auditions and getting this. job and traveling to this place and. experiencing these things and coming. back home with these experiences and not. having a lot of. people who could relate or could you. know, I could soundboard off of and and. I think in feeling like that you don't. want to alienate those people, you know,

and I think and this is all I guess in. hindsight. you don't share these stories as much, you know, maybe you should cuz you don't. want somebody to feel like inadequate or. you know, not being able to have that. experience that you might have had and I. think you know, that snowballs as you as. you get older and from stepping stone to. stepping stone as as as I continue to be. successful at a at a at a young age you. start to question why am I being so. successful and the people that look just. like me that are right next to me in. these everyday things.

aren't necessarily doing that or not. choosing to you know, just didn't have. those options that were laid out to them. and I and I think it. you start to doubt yourself for whatever. reason or feel guilty for the things. that you may or may not have. Even though you know, my parents were. people of service, you know, uh. block parties or you know, cooking. church dinners or you know, whenever you. know, my house was the house that. everybody came to at some point whether. we were going to get pizza that night or.

dad was going to take everybody camping. or going to these things like it was. that was kind of my house within within. my neighborhood and community and and. so I think for me being a person of. service kind of cuz you know, it's kind. of come from how I was raised and and. and those those are the examples that I. knew growing up. I always felt lucky. too. As you become more successful and. and. you you see less people look like you. that are being successful in this in. this realm and you end up being the one. guy that looks like me that's successful.

or the couple guys that or the usual. suspects that you see in the audition. room. or in things of that nature, you know, you start to sometimes question why why. why you? Now I can. feel as though it it was my it was my. path, you know, it was my purpose and. spirituality and growing up in a in a. household that was very focused on, you. know, you know, church and spiritual and. meditation and and and just being aware. of the world that we live in,

you know, I felt I was destined for for. something not knowing what that was but. just something. Wow, yeah, and I mean. when I'm when I'm hearing that. it sounds like I love what you said. You. were like, you know, they they hid we. were poor and we didn't even see that. But this idea of like you sound so when. I when I see you talk about your family. and for those of you watching you can. see it on Mike's face but there's so. much joy and there's bliss and there's. like uh. there's like a happiness when you're. looking back on that time. Like I can. see it's a positive experience because.

of how you feel you've been loved and. cared for and supported even though the. resources may not have been there or the. access or opportunities. And I And I was. wondering when I was listening to you. like, is there a memory or an experience. from your childhood that you think. defines who you are today? Like, was. there a. a memory or a story that you have in. your mind of an experience you went. through that you think brings out maybe. that service element or brings out that. purposeful element? And I think this. this bliss in this this this. appreciation for how I grew up comes in.

hindsight. Mhm. You know, like you know, the first time you have a moment where. you're like. pick up the phone, you know, one morning. you just call your mom and be like, "Yo, thank you. I get it. I I'm And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for for. being that kid at some point. And I'm so. sorry for not understanding. I totally. get what you guys are going through. Sheesh. I love you guys." You know, like. you you have those moments when you get. older, you know, that you just can't. really have that perspective when you. when you were a kid. And I think, you.

know, I was very mischievous, you know, as well. And And And I think there were. moments when. my dad disciplined me, you know, for for. for for whatever the. you know, whatever I did at that time. And then my mom would have a. conversation with me around the why. And. And And then being also forced or pushed. and nudged into a space where. you had to acknowledge your siblings. also, you know, in that situation and. and and the importance of family. Mhm.

And what that means, you know? Uh my. parents have different upbringings, you. know what I'm saying? From you know, uh. and different family structures growing. up. But one thing they've always. provided us with is just a sense of like. family over everything, you know, and. how important that is. And I just kind. of kept the groundedness to me. throughout. So, I think just the. experiences of. of just family. I like your point about. hindsight. I've definitely made that. call to my mom, for sure. Like, yeah, yeah, I made that call to my mom. We're. on the same age, so for me it's like I.

made that call, and I think I made it. probably like 25, 20, 26. Yeah, it was. probably around then when I finally made. that call. And not that I didn't love my mom before. that. Of course I did, but it was like. that honest understanding of just how. hard it was to do what she did, cuz she. was raising two kids. She was. dropping us to school, picking us up. She was the breadwinner of the family. She made us breakfast, lunch, and dinner. fresh every day. Like, and you don't. recognize that as a kid. You don't. realize the sacrifice, the hustle, the.

and and always making you feel loved on. top of doing all of that. It's hard. work. You've talked to You said that now. you feel like you've got to a place that. it's your path. Mhm. What was that. switch for you that went from like, I. don't deserve this, God, like, I feel out of place, I'm. lucky to being like, no, actually now I. see it as this was meant to be my path, because I think a lot of people. and a lot of our listeners will be. there. Like, a lot of people are like, they're making moves, and maybe they're.

the first person in their family to go. to college, or maybe they're the first. person who started up a business as an. entrepreneur, or maybe one of our. listeners is trying to break. generational trauma, and they're the. first person who spotted it. Yes. And. but then they all live in that space. like, can I do this? Like, am I the one. to do this? And so, what was it that. made that switch from like, I'm not sure. I'm the guy, but oh, it is my path. It's. the sum of all things leading up into. that point. I think. it's all the doubt. It's the imposter. syndrome.

It's the the blessings that you can't. really accept fully. And you listen to other people speak who. are successful, or you see examples that. you kind of feel connected to. Like, man, that that kind of feels like me. Mhm. Or Mhm. what he just said, or what. she just said, I kind of I resonate with. that. You know, I feel like that. sometimes. You know, uh. other people who are looking at you. saying, "No, Mike, this is what you. have. This is what you can be. This is.

what you are." Nah, nah, that can't No, that's that's too good No, that ain't. me, you know? Uh you. your own presence in a situation where. you have to step back and look at. yourself and be like, "Am I this guy right now?" Like, "Oh. man, is there room for the people who. showed up. because of something I'm doing and. they're in service or in support of. my idea, my thing, okay?". That looks and feels like I'm the guy,

okay? You're in I'm in the industry. where, you know, you're the success of. your work and your art. has been, you know, dictated and validated by. other people's opinions. And whether those opinions. are factual or projected on you. uh from their own. uh individual. perspective. I think it's it was a it was a. combination of all those things and.

I've always been curious and walked. towards the how do I make myself better? What are the things that I need, the. tools that I need in order to improve. myself, the way I think, the way How do. I maximize myself, you know? So, from I think getting a, you know, an. executive coach, you know, um who talks. to executives all day and and and, you. know, how to create healthy. conversations, the right type of. conversations to have as you're building. a team around you cuz you know, you as.

you know, it's not just us, you know, we. have an entire team of people that. surround us that help us achieve our. dreams and and and get the big idea. done. You know, a spiritual advisor, a. spiritual coach that I have, um who, you know, helps me. uh do my energy work, my spiritual work. and and and and help sift through the. noise and and and and find those things. And I think it wasn't until. I had, you know, roles that challenged. my spirit in myself in a real way that.

that that that in the weight and and. where the attention was so loud that it. was, you know, it was deafening and it. it was and and I couldn't, you know, um. see clearly. And, you know, these champagne problems. You know what I'm saying? I I you know, you know that like you know, we're. blessed. So, but the weight is so heavy. You know? And people would sometimes think and. they see what we have or what, you know, or what we're, you know, what we're. doing and it's like, "Oh,

just be grateful, you know, or just, you know, what are you complaining. about, you know?" And and. you know, most people wouldn't be able. to walk, you know, a block in our shoes, you. know, with with this stuff. And I think. it was. and then you have moments where you you. resent things and you're angry at, you. know, the feelings that you accumulate. for not being clear or or not. understanding, you know, why this you. there's a lot of whys and you're not.

going to get all the answers, but you. want to, you know, be able to get to a. place where you're you're clear. So, to. answer question, when did I decide, when. did I like, you know, when did I feel. like that? Maybe 2 years ago. Maybe a year ago. You. look at where your family has come from. and look at your bloodline, you. know? You look you look at, you know, your community like, "Man, there's a cycle there. from generation to generation that. happens. When you get to yourself and you're. like, "Man, can I stop this? Can I change this?

I could do this. Once you is like once you once you know. better, you got to almost do better. Once you see it, you can't unsee it. And. I would I refuse to ignore it. I refuse. to see it an opportunity that I had to. change things and act like it didn't. exist. Mhm. And I think that was the. thing for me that I was like, "Nah, I. got to I got to. if that's my purpose, if that's my path, is to just see it and I can see the. pieces and then if I can just continue.

to do this or if I stay down the pathway. on that and I I might be able to make a. big difference Mhm. in my nephew's life. or my my my future children's, my future. grandchildren's life, I got to do that. Mhm. Because there's. so been so many people that might that. didn't that that it wasn't the perfect. storm for them to have that opportunity. It wasn't. the right time in the world, technology. wasn't there, the resources, the right. social conversations are being had for.

for us to have these platforms and speak. and be successful the way we are, you know, you you got to you got to do. it. And and I I think that was a big. part of it, you know, um. you know, understanding my own. mortality, Mhm. and and understanding. you know, that you know, life isn't you. know, isn't a forever thing. And I think. that happens when you get older, too. You know what I'm saying? Like, you. know, just turned 37 and it's like, "Wow, I vividly remember, you know, 15. I vividly remember 21. I remember. vividly remember 25, 30, you know?" And.

I used to look at 35, 37 like like. ancient, you know what I'm saying? And. I'm like, "Oh man, we're here." And it's. like, you got to do what you got to do while. you're here and make an impact. You got. to fulfill your you got to fulfill. yourself, whatever that may be, you. know, um. and and I think so yeah, so that that. moment for me where it was like, "Okay, I can do this. I can maybe a couple. years ago." I think it was like. right as I was stepping into directing.

Creed 3. Mhm. And the weight of that and. being the captain of the ship the first. time, being a captain of the ship in a. you know, I've made movies before, you. know, I've I've I've done that. I know. what that's like, but I've never ever. been the director, you know, the the. captain of the ship. And I think that. responsibility, that pressure, that you know, I'm not a dad, you know, but being a everybody's looking to you. for the answer, for the solve, for the.

leadership. And I think that really thrust me into. uh uh my mindset of of uh of leadership. that I never quite had the opportunity. to do before. Mhm. I I I mean, there's. so much in that. Sorry, I know I said a lot. It's great. I like it. I prefer it that way cuz I'm. I'm connecting all the dots as you're. speaking and there's a I mean, there's. so many things I want to unpack with. that. One of the things that really. resonated. is this idea that you had to challenge. yourself. You had to do something out of.

your comfort zone in order to even. recognize that you could become, that. you could be, and that you could. develop. And often we're waiting to. become before we take on the challenge. But it's the challenge that makes us. become that person and I think we. resist. Even what you just said earlier. about the opportunities, this idea that. if you have opportunity and there's a. Eastern spiritual teaching which talks. about if you have opportunities and you. don't take them, that's a disservice to.

humanity because they're opening up to. you without your even without your will. sometimes, right? Like there's some of. us and we'll sabotage ourselves because. we'll say, "Oh, well, I didn't ask for. that. I I I didn't I didn't know that. was for me." And so, I love the idea of. anyone who's listening or watching what. Mike's saying. I love the idea of. leaning into that opportunity that is. opening up for you. And even if you. don't have the skills and you don't have. the talent yet or you don't have all of. the tools and the abilities, it's going. to force you to develop them. For sure.

And and you talked about the coaching. I. want to go back to that and ask you. about that because. you want to be better mentally, physically, spiritually. It's It's a big. part of who you are and even the. projects you take on, which I want to. dive into that. You said roles that. challenge your spirit. Even the idea. that you're looking at a role not as oh, what's the next movie to get me the. thing? It's like oh, that's going to. challenge my spirit. I wanted to ask. what has been your best habit or tool. uniquely that you've developed for your.

body, your mind, and your spirit. individually. What have been things that. you've done with your coaches in. different areas that you think has. brought about new epiphanies, opportunities, and ideas. What have been. those tools and hacks that maybe people. can lock into as well? Uh I think. there's a this woman Ramona Oliver that. I've known me my entire life, you know, she's my spiritual advisor and coach and. and you know, I think starting the day, you know, a meditation, you know, you're.

taking your a moment to clear yourself. and prepare yourself for the day. Um it's so important. to to to step out of your home with. intent and intention. A lot of times. it's. what are you projecting on a situation. to help it manifest instead of. negatively thinking about things that. can help block your blessings. Now, that's a big thing, you know? So I. So I think I think um and we all have. moments of negativity. That's part of. it, you know, it's the yin and yang.

You're never going to fully get rid of. that, but to practice those things in. the morning, I think was a big help for. me. Yeah, huge. Um. you know, you shoot the movies and. you're doing things, you're walking out, you know, there's there's there's you. hear stories of people that just can't. get a break sometimes. And and and for. whatever reason, it could be from. stepping off the curve, twisting the. ankle to, you know, the parking ticket. to the thing to the oh, I just can't get. a break and and there's certain people. that that carry this cloud, you know? And I think. some of that can be contributed to the.

the thought process and the thinking and. the energy that you're putting into. these things. Mhm. And and it's sometimes easier said. than done, but but to to stop and to. reframe and to clear yourself and to. you know, now I'm walking in in this. light today. Mhm. And see how much of a. difference that can make. Mhm. Um and. and more on the structurally side, this. guy Drew Kugler. who um no relation to Ryan Coogler, who was a you know, um executive coach. and and and.

you know, as my ambitions grew from. production company to brand marketing. consultant companies to, you know, just. the products and the businesses. you know, the conversations I need to. have with the team, Mhm. you know, and. leadership and the. um everybody's coming from different. backgrounds and how do you speak. everybody's love language? Cuz everybody. you have to speak differently a little. bit to everybody so they can receive it. the way you meant it, you know? Yeah, yeah. And and I think having the. quality of conversations is Mhm.

something that was really helpful for. me. Meaningful conversations. Mhm. And. giving people the space to. um hear me. and also hold them accountable Mhm. to. the things that I need to hold them. accountable for. Mhm. Um I think though. the combination of the two. uh allowed me to look at situations and. opportunities differently, for people to. look at me differently. Mhm. Because. it's also a troubling thing when you're. walking around as talent for a long. time, that's how they see you. Mhm. You.

know? And you have an identity. I have. an identity. That's how that's what. they're So, there's this there's these. kid gloves that come along with that. Yeah, I'm saying. That is it's not everybody's fault. That's everybody's in a a role. You have. to sometimes just step back and look at. the thing that we're in. You know? Like we're in an industry, you. know, that has generations and. generations of Mhm. taught behavior and practices. that. any positive disruptor has to understand.

those things in order to disrupt them in. a way. and evolve them, you know, and and. things are evolving. You see it, you. know, that today things are evolving in. a way and. if you can look at it in a. you know, in a higher way, I think you. can find your way through that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, that resonates. There's a. you remind me of this beautiful. statement from Mark Twain where he said. that history never repeats itself, but. it always rhymes. And I find that when. you were talking about the industry,

I was thinking about how if you don't. study history, you have the rhyme happening in your. life, but then you can't interrupt the. pattern. So if you were a young star, which you were, like I I love The Wire. as well. I've been a fan of the show. It's like So you start in this industry. early and then you could spend years. trying to figure out why you still have. the kid gloves on. because you haven't studied that wait a. minute, that's what happens that unless. you disrupt the pattern, present. yourself differently, show more of. yourself, people are always going to say.

he's talent. He's he's an actor. That's. that's what he does as opposed to oh, he's a director or he's an entrepreneur. or he's he's an investor, right? I know. you have lots of investments all again. in the health and wellness space, like. sports teams and we're talking about. Mars as well. So it's it's interesting. how much if you don't study the history. of our industry, we get locked in the. identity of the role we've played in. that space. And and it's so easy for us to get used. to feeling and often we do it to ourself.

because. it's comfortable playing the same role. And there's a familiar feeling of when I. play this role and I felt that in my own. small way, like when I went from having. to create content to get my message out. there, even though I wanted to do TV or. film or whatever and couldn't get a. break and so I went to content and then. I launched a podcast and I told you. about why we launched this podcast. earlier. And then I wrote books and it was like. every time it was like oh like oh we.

thought Jay was this but oh he's. actually oh and and and I've had to go. through that and I've realized the. hardest part is you letting go of that. identity. And reinventing yourself. yourself, right? Yeah, no no definitely. like I mean have you ever like you know. has the podcast been something you. always wanted to do and this is me I'm. just just curious or is it something. that you had to read you forced yourself. to re- to reinvent yourself in a way. because this isn't it for you. Yeah. You. know what I'm saying? I know it's not. You know that this is this is a stop for. you. This is this is a chapter in your.

book. Did you ever think I have to reinvent. myself or was that a product of uh the. things that were telling you no or the. things that was challenging? Yeah, it's. a great question. I think it's a mix of. them all but the thing that kind of like. supersedes all of them which I try and. tap into which I think you'll resonate. with because I think that's the. conversation we're having. Is having. a connection with your intuition. Like. for me it's. I'm not looking at like oh what's the. next trend or like how do I disrupt. myself? How do because to me those.

things are still following other. patterns. Got you. Whereas it's intuitively going. like what is what is the thing that I. bring or what do I want to do or what is. the the the missing piece of the puzzle. that I believe I have a unique. qualification to fill. Got you. Because. if I'm always looking around there will. always be a million things. Like I. always say to people if you go to a real. estate conference you'll realize you. don't invest enough in real estate. If. you go if you go if you go to a. cryptocurrency conference you'll feel. like oh crap I didn't do this and if you.

like if I sit with a group of actors. I'll be like oh man I should have. started like you're always going to feel. the deficiency of the trend that you. study. Correct. And so if you live that way around it. gets really complicated cuz then you're. like well do I do this or do I do that? Like whereas when you when you go inward. it's like, "Oh, I feel alignment. Yes. with this right now because it lets. me express myself, it lets me connect. with people in a certain way. I feel I'm. at the right evolution in my journey. where it can manifest." As opposed to.

like, "Oh, yeah, let me just figure out. what the next big thing is." Which. Correct. It makes so much sense, bro. And I I think that's what it is. It's. like your alignment with where you feel. truthful. You know, and and sometimes that always. doesn't. mean you're you're going to be. financially okay totally as well. You. know, you know, like you could feel. spiritually aligned and everything and. mortgage is due. You know, rent is due. You feel me? So so there's that element. of it as well that you have to find your.

your way through. Yeah, that that that. intuition, that that North Star is what. is something that. has led me all types of places uh that I. wouldn't trade in for the world. You. know, just that feeling of this feels. right. Yeah. I I know doesn't make. sense. Probably there's probably some other. things on paper that that seems like the. better option or choice, but this feels. right. And and you know, more often than.

not, you know, it it's it's been the. right move. Yeah, I love what you were. saying earlier about how the thought. process is such a powerful way of. breaking out of the cloud over your. head. Mhm. And I think we all have moments where. the cloud feels like it's never moving. It's constantly raining on you and I. think a lot of people who are listening. may feel that way. Like, have you ever. been in that place? And and how have you. What has helped with your thought. process as you've been tuning that? What's worked for you at least? That's your moment.

That's your moment. It's not that all is. lost. When you're feeling the most trapped and. and down and nothing can't go right, I. feel like those are the moments that. define you. Mhm. Those are those. character cannon moments that are like, what am I going to do now? Mhm. You know? Yeah. How do you respond to that? And. thinking your way, feeling your way, working your way through those things, on the other side, it's like, you know, I don't know who said the saying, but. like usually, you know, you're the. closest.

to getting what you want is always the. hardest. It's always the feeling when. you're getting ready to you know, people. give up right before they get what. they've always wanted to get. People. quit and they give up. And I will not be. the person who quit before I got what I. wanted or what I needed or what I felt I. was supposed to have, you know? Like and. if that wasn't for me, it wasn't for me. I'm going to keep grinding. I'm going to. keep knocking on the door until I get. what I feel That's been something I've. always felt since having the name.

Michael Jordan and understanding that. there was another guy out there named. Michael Jordan that was the best ever to. do something. And being teased and. picked on about that and and and and and. made me for a moment not wanting to play. sports, but then it was like, nah, I'm. actually going to make sure I'm compet-. I'm going to compete at least I'm going. to compete. You're going to at least see. me. I'm going to be somebody that it's. not going to be, oh, his name is this. It's going to be, oh, no, but he can. play. Or oh, no, he can oh, he he had he.

had something about him, something that. is formidable, that is above average, that is that is unique to him. And and I. I it gave me a healthy chip, you know? So so and and I I and for the people who. are listening who, you know, who do have. you know, that doesn't feel like they. can. change the circumstances with the way. they think or they feel, just hold on. Mhm. Just endure. Endure, you know? Uh. Look at things differently. Challenge.

yourself to look at things as the glass. half full. Mhm. Challenge yourself to. think four steps ahead. Think your way. through it. Like now we have so many. tools. We have so much information. It's. a lot of misinformation out there, but. there's but there's so much information. to. to be curious. Find something that you. that does resonate with you. Even if. it's not in the world that you ever. thought you would be in. Find something. that you align with. And cuz everybody. aligns with something. That's not an. excuse I'm going to I'm willing to take. from anybody, you know? Align with.

something. and find your find your positivity, find. your intuition within that thing. And and and be obsessed about it. What. have you been obsessed with lately? Like. what would you say is the thing you're. most obsessed with right now or or that. you have been in the past couple of. years that is kind of just. attracted and I've been obsessed with. getting my team right. I've been obsessed with getting the. right personnel on the right brain. frequency and getting everybody on the.

same page. to to. accomplish these things that we need to. go accomplish because I truly believe. it's going to be better for everyone. I. think it's really going to make an. impact, you know? Um and and so there's. there's a there's a obsessiveness that. you got to have to over communicate, to. follow up, to be redundant, to be. consistent, you know, that you need and. and I'm obsessed about it, you know? Strengthening my family.

I'm obsessed over it, you know? Uh to lead by example. You know, and break generational trauma. and curses. I'm obsessed over it. Um and. I'm obsessed over every project that I. uh lend myself to. So this next movie. that me and Ryan's doing, I'm literally, you know, I'm growing all my stuff out, you know what I mean? My hair and stuff. like that now. I'm becoming obsessed. with it, you know? And that character. and. it's it's a it's an addictive feeling to.

have a thought Mhm. and see it come to. fruition. Mhm. To create something out. of out of, you know, out of an from an. idea. Yeah. Um and to be persistent and. to see it and to manifest it, you know, manifestation. I just love it, you know. what I mean? It's It's just cool. So So. that's something that I've been I've. been really really um. locked in with. and I think it's also something that. it's going to help people, you know? And. there's there's always.

Mhm. I don't want anything that's not. multi-hyphening. Mhm. I I want I want anything that I'm. involved in it it it it has to have. layers to it. Um. you know, how do you help? How do you. educate? What's the leave behind? Mhm. What blueprint am I leaving for the next. generation, you know, I got a nephew. now, you know, that is looking up at me. constantly. Yes, because of height, but. also because of the example. Mhm. You. know, and he's mimicking everything I.

do. He's mimicking anything. I can say. something, do something. I can sit a. certain type of way. Oh, snap, he's doing it, too. It's. crazy. So it clarifies your intention. when you do things because you want it. to have, you know, a purpose and intention, you. know? Um. so those are the things. and I'm obsessed with. being the best version of myself. And that's a daily thing, you know? Um. and some days are better than others. Finding my. myself in a world where.

there's so many. seen opinions about yourself. Uh when everybody's telling you who and. what you are, you know, learning how to live, you know, growing up and in like in in. it's so wild. I've been doing this for. 25 years straight. You know, and that's a wild thing to. think about. But man, more than half of my life has been my. identity was been through the work that. I've been doing. Mhm.

And and growing up in with. you know, social media what didn't exist. and now it does. At a point where I'm. old enough to understand what that can. do. So, I'm obsessed with finding myself now. uh after and and and not having to prove. anything to anybody. other than myself and my family, you. know? But really myself. And realizing that that is enough. Do you know what I'm saying? Like that. like giving your best.

is enough. And and sometimes we lose. track of that, you know? And and yeah, so for anybody out there, you know, you're enough, man. Absolutely. Let's. Let's toast to that. Let's toast to. that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Shake it. up. Shake it up. Yeah, man. And this is the. pure. So, we have three flavors right. now. The mango ginger, the pomegranate, but this is the Cheers. Ah, cheers, my. guy. Appreciate you, bro. I'm excited to. try this. Mhm. Oh, that's good. That's easy. Easy.

It's easy. And anybody else had like. Refreshing. Yes. sea moss in the past, they might not have They might not had a. good experience cuz they either they. like they they kind of you know, tried. to clean it and process it themselves. Smooth. Don't taste like the ocean, but. it tastes a little, you know, it's it's. a little heightened. It's like Mhm. It's refreshing. It's. smooth and it's easy. That's how I feel. about it. So, it's like yeah, I'm like. this is like. And it's a great mixer, you know? You. know, I don't know if you know you want. to do a We call them moss tails, but. like if you want to do like mock tails,

moss tails, you know what I'm saying? Or. if you want to mix them like with drinks. like with with spirits and stuff like. that, it's a really good uh. Yeah, man. I just This. This is 5 years of of obsession. Uh you know, obviously when you know, the health scares all over the place, people you know, not a lot of. information of what's really going on, what can help, what cannot help. I was, you know, finishing up a movie in. Berlin. Um and, you know, doing my own stunts, not sleeping a lot in a foreign place, you know, uh food was really wasn't. really my thing as much and I was.

looking for something to kind of just. help me. get through my shoot days. Mhm. And um and I would just chug sea moss. Like I mean by the jar just to cuz I. mean I was I was up. it's got to be doing good. I know it's. doing good, you know, I just buy the jar. and and and then you know, on the flight. home I was like it's got to be a better. way. Yeah. So I started making. smoothies, started you know, blending. them in and then my sister was pregnant. with my my nephew Lennox at the time. So you know, at that point everybody was. in their own bubble, you know, and you. know, you know, wasn't able to kind of.

visit many people so we would just blend. up smoothies, drop them off at the front. door, you know, that was my little care. package that I would do. I would do I. would do sea moss and I would do like a. you know, a homemade little pasta. and that was my act of service for my. family, you know, so so so that that. labor of love that that that kind of uh. it's started from a place of just trying. to help my family just like you know, stay healthy during a pandemic and it. slowly evolved into something that I. wanted to get. you know, uh make it accessible to. everyone. Yeah, for people who don't.

know the benefits of sea moss, what are. some of the things and the properties? It's that cognitive brain, you know, it's that clarity, uh your your your immune system. So. being able to harvest them in a way that. that gets those nutrients inside of this. drink and your daily dose of moss is. something that I was really really. exciting me um about just like making a. beverage about it. Yeah, the aftertaste is great, too. There's no aftertaste. It's it's there, you know, it makes you want to drink. more of it, you know? yeah. And um and yeah. man. It's good, man. It's good and and it's.

it's uh. Yeah, I'm proud of it. I'm proud of it. congratulations. That tastes good, man. Now we know we got to go to yours, man. What's up? No, we left it to we left it. to a moss tail now with Junior and. Junior and moss. Yeah, yeah. No, but I. love it cuz ashwagandha we got. ashwagandha in ours as well and ginseng. so I mean, you you you got all the. adaptogens in it. So, that's great. Yeah. Yeah. No, it's been it's been a a. labor of love for us, too. It's like me. and my wife always talked about it as. our COVID baby. It's like this is what. we were working on cuz we were the same. We've been addicted to tea our whole.

lives. And we did a hot tea as well, but. we were like, you know, for a lot of. people their hot drink is coffee. And. we're like, well, wait a minute. What if. your soda could be healthy for you and. good for you? And you know, how could we. do it where it has you know, 0 g of. sugar? Like, how do you still get it to. taste great with no sugar? Cuz me and my. wife are both off of refined sugars and. You got it. trying to be healthy and all. the rest of it. Yep. And then you. realize that all the sodas you drink, you know, are full of it. So, how do we. make it easy for people to understand. these herbs and these adaptogens? And.

you know, because a lot of people we. grew up with it. We were lucky in in our. culture. In Indian culture, you grow up. with a lot of these herbs and spices in. your daily food. Exactly. And but a lot of people don't. have access to that. So, it's like, how. do you make it easy and when people may. not have it in their kitchen? So, yeah, man. I'll I'll send you some to try. later as well. No, please do, man. I see you got the. agave in there and everything. And I I. love this, man. I was loving what you. were saying about the building of teams. Mhm. Because and and something you said. was like, how do you keep everyone on. like the free same frequency and like. attract those people? And I went I went.

through a big thing for that in a. certain part of my work around 2 years. ago. A lot of people that are in my. sphere today, some of them have been. around since the beginning and and some. of them came on in the last 2 years. And. it has been life-changing. Yes. Absolutely life-changing from a energy. standpoint, from a spirit standpoint, and from a productivity effectiveness. standpoint. How have you been trained or. what are you How do you sense, beyond. like someone being able to do the job, obviously? How have you been able to. learn how to sense or understand whether.

someone's on that same brainwave and as. you said or brain energy as you are? And. and has that same value set that you. have? I think it's a a lot of. conversations and and and sometimes. trial and error. Uh. I think my my intuition and my gut. is is the first, you know, litmus test, is the first kind of line. of defense, you know, that I that I have. of like energy's vibe, you know what I'm. saying? Like, okay, that that that that. you feel on par, how, you know, how you.

answer a question, what are the things. that you're saying, you know, um. are you speaking from ego? Are you. speaking about, you know, what what is. the what is the thing? You know, you you. you know, we're used to we meet so many. people. We have to use quick judgments. Mhm. And who gets our time, you know, um. who do you open up to, who do you not. And I think when it comes to building. into a team, uh especially nowadays, you're coming. into something that's that's well-oiled. Yeah. You're coming into a machine. already. Mhm. So, you have to fit not.

just with me, but you have to kind of. fit with everybody. You know, you you. you have to know how to communicate the. things you need to know how to. communicate to. You have to the the ego. is something that can get in a lot of. people's way when joining a team or. joining something that's already really. established. And I think I think um. coming to a place of learning and. listening is really important and not. taking things personally. Mhm. Um I I. think I think uh and then there's. something to the people that's already. been in the team to understand that. there's going to be additions and there. is a process of there's a onboarding,

there's a welcome there's a thing that. you have to to bring people into the. fold in a way to get the best out of. them. So, I think there's been there's. been those learning things along the way. that's really that I really helped me. identify people who um that fit and work. well within the circle, you know, um and. and uh yeah, I think that's been my my. kind of process thus far. Uh. and then yeah, I I always want to create. environment where people want to be. Yeah. You know, you're not here for a. check. Yeah. You you're here because you. believe in what we're doing and what we.

want to do. And I'm pretty transparent. about those things, you know, so so I. think I think just being extremely. transparent and and and forward with. those things and and and know that it's. nothing personal if this isn't it, you. know, like I'm I'm the best I'm the I'm. the guy that's always going to give you. a great recommendation. You know what I. mean? Like I'm I want I want people to. win. You know, at the end of the day I. want people to win and and seeing. somebody in their strengths, you know, and being like, "Okay, I I can. use that. That this this this would be. helpful in this way.".

Um and if that works out, it works out. And if not, then man I man I want to see. you do well. Yeah, I love that. Yeah, we. I remember years ago I was listening to. Eric Schmidt who was the CEO of Google. for a bit and he was talking about how. they were looking for smart creatives. and I love that that they had two words. that kind of summed up what they looked. for. They they looked for people who. were smart creatives and for me it. became humble champions. I was like, "I. want humble winners. I want I want the. people who can who want to win and have. that ambition but are able to put their. ego aside because then we're going to.

speed up getting there because the thing. that slows you down from winning is ego. Like the thing that stops you from. passing the ball is ego or you know, bowing out and saying it's your turn is. ego and so but but you still have to. have that champion mindset cuz it isn't. just about oh yeah, no no no, you do. your thing like and that was a big thing. and then the other thing that worked for. me was I was like, "I need to work with. people that I could go to breakfast, lunch, or dinner with if we didn't work. together.". Do I actually want to go to breakfast, lunch, and dinner with this person. because I probably will be when I'm. traveling or on the road.

That means I like spending time with. them which means I'm happy to coach them. and I'm happy to learn from them. Exactly. Whereas if I don't want to and and. initially I was like that. I used to. just hire people who were great at what. they did but we didn't really have. chemistry. Like we didn't we didn't we. couldn't hang out and that wasn't. because they were wrong. It was also. because I wasn't aware. Got you. And and then of course yeah, the mission, the purpose is I mean. that's core and central and Because even. for you, I mean you're spending time. from your family with you know, your. team becomes your extended family. They.

they. they are your family. You're eating like. said, you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you. know? Like, there's there's a part of. you that, you know, it has to feel like I'm. getting a little bit of my family here. And if it's not that, you know, it's. really hard for me, you know? And. obviously, like, you know, you have a. bigger company and there's employees, and you're not going to be as personal. with everybody within the company, you. know, you're not going to have. breakfast, lunch, lunch, or dinner with. everybody. But but there's a there's a. there's a feeling of, you know, I don't mind on a Sunday everybody at my.

house watching the game, spending time, cuz that's when not the 9:00 to 5:00. time to be creative or the 9:00 to 5:00. time to do the job. That's the that's. the extra mile. That's the oh, I had. this idea and I was just thinking, oh, oh, we're looking at something together. and this would be great. Though the best. ideas sometimes come from those just. hang out moments. In those moments where. you're just spending time with with with. people that you work with. So, yeah, I. think that yeah, you're right. That's. That's really important. Yeah, for sure. When I before the obsession point that.

came up, which which is fascinating. I'm. glad I asked you that and you went you. went into it. You're talking about like, you know, you you live in an industry. and you talked about social media where. people have an opinion of you. People. people. even an opinion is like people have a. lens because they've seen you in a. particular light. And I was wondering. like, what do you think something that. people get right about you and what's. something that people sometimes get. wrong about you? Like, what what do you. feel like when it comes to that? Like, I'll tell you mine. Like, I feel like. for me, a lot of people think that I get. like often because of what I teach and.

what I'm sharing and what I'm guiding, it's like, oh, well, Jay must get. everything perfect all the time and. like, you know, he's like super deep and. like always just saying profound things. and and that's not true, obviously, because as much as that is who I am and. that is my heart, I'm not always like. that. Like, I have I have bad days. I. have bad moods. I have off days. I have. I have days when I'm not feeling that. way, right? And so, that's that's. something that people get wrong about me. sometimes in that in that perception. because but I'm dedicated to this work. I'm obsessed with it. I'm obsessed with. being better, but that doesn't remove me.

from having flaws and weaknesses. And And so, yeah. Yeah. do a blooper reel. You. You should do a blooper outtake reel of. those moments. You have your team catch. you in these little moments, and you. should put one out. That'll be fun. That'll be fun. All right. That'll be fun. I think that'll I'll get. on it. Yeah, I like that. I like that. That'll be a good one. I like that. I. think for me it's like. I think I've intentionally stayed out. the way so much where I'm not giving. anybody any anything to go off of other.

than what I want you to know. You know, I think I think that's been it for a. long time. I've always had the approach. of like not speaking on things and not. giving them life, you know? There's. There's There's going to be perspectives. and there's things about you that just. aren't true. Uh do you do you care to. correct somebody or not, you know? Cuz. most of the time people's minds are made. up no matter what you say. It is what. it's going to be, you know? Stay out the. comment section, you know what I mean? You get some great entertainment in. there, but then you can get a lot of. stuff that is just.

people who want to project. the thing that's going to get the most. attention. And the issue that I have with a lot of. that is. they can be completely false, and we. have a a industry of we were talking. earlier, the lack of journalism and the. skill of that that will run with those. things knowing that there is no basis to. them, but now that's a narrative that's. attached to you that you have to be. strong enough and strong-minded enough.

to ignore knowing it's not true or this. human nature feeling of wanting to. know that's not true. I want people to. know this about me. And I've always. walked on that line of. you know, not caring, trying not to care, and. knowing that I'm enough and and and. knowing my truth. And the people who. know me know me. You know, I am. about my community and my people, you. know, wholeheartedly. And.

a lot of the choices that I make and the. things that I want to do and be a part. of is in service of that bigger picture, you know, of of helping that, you know, my community in a in a big way. Um so, I think the biggest thing. sometimes if if they ever feel like. that they're not my top priority is. maybe one of the biggest. misconceptions. Um. you know, the the love I have for my. community. Regardless of people's approach, I think.

everybody has a different strategy and. approach to how they affect and make. change. Everybody It doesn't all look the same. Um. and because it may not be typical. or. the average voice. because the package is different and. the craft in my field is different, so I have a different set of. boundaries that exist in my lane that. I'm maneuver without.

in and out of. Like I love playing chess. I love I love. I love strategy. I love. I love reverse engineering and building. things. So, I I I think I think that's one of. the the biggest things and. you know, sometimes ignorance and a laugh or a. joke or a like or a thing we've. we've encouraged the behavior. of negativity and things and loudness is.

all is the thing and and and that's just. not what that's not what I'm into. Yeah. I'm into the love of things. I'm into. the the humanity and bringing people. together the best way and. but also I'm human. No, I I appreciate that. I mean, I I. also think we've. put a false pressure on the definition. of authenticity meaning you share. everything with everyone. Mhm. And I'm. not sure I. vibe with that definition. Because I. think authenticity by nature is you.

sharing what you feel comfortable with. each person. Like that's what it means. to be authentic and we could argue that. authentic just means being however you. want to be in any given situation. And. so I think there has become a false. pressure of oh you want to show you're. authentic by showing every part of. yourself. And I don't know if that that triggers. anything for you is that what's the. definition of authenticity for you or. for me that's what it is, but what is it. for you? I think it's um. But then in hindsight there's a there's. a piece of it that not even just to go.

back, but there's there's also like. maybe that's my. insecurity framing what. the loudness of the things that. I'm most sensitive of. Mhm. Mhm. Is Is this noise somehow Yeah, it triggers us for a reason. You know what I'm saying? There's some. stuff that you just go oh yeah I don't. care. whatever, but it's like but there's some. stuff that was like man like why does. that why does that bother me so much? Like there's something there's something. about that that because I know what that.

does in the bigger like I'm always. thinking bigger picture. It's very. rarely that I really focus on the thing. It's always about what's the cause of. that in the bigger conversation, you. know? Um. that the authenticity to me. is. being able to sleep at night, being able. to go talk to my mom and and and knowing. that the the people that know me. every fiber of my being, every my. intention knows my heart through and.

through. that they see the same. person. Mhm. They're able to connect. with the same energy and the same vibe. and the same spirit. My energy has never. changed. You know, I think being authentic to. that frequency is super important to me. No matter where I go, no matter how I. evolve, um. and have to mature. and grow up. I want my energy to always. feel the same. That's why when you meet. certain people and it's been years that. go by and you pick right back up where. you left off. It feels like no time is.

lost. That energy is never It's always. the same. And I I love when people I. haven't seen in a long time or come to. me like, "Man, whoa, it feel You know, it's the same." And I And I That That. just lets me know that I'm not losing. myself. I'm not losing track of, you. know, who I am and where I come from. And I I am always going to be a agent of. change. Trojan horse or not, you know. what I'm saying? And And yeah, you know, just in in continue to lead by example.

You know, I I know I know um. the path that I'm on isn't easy. You know, sometimes it may look easy, you know, uh for the successes or. whatever, but but it's uh behind closed. doors I'm doing I'm doing the the the. work so the future generations have it a. little bit easier or have a little bit. more tools to use. Um And they can ask. for certain things that won't be like, "What?" It'd be almost standard for. them, you know? And.

you know, from my vantage point, I'm. able to see a lot of the. within. systems, you know, and and paperwork and. precedents. I've been chipping away at. those. where I can in places. And there's so. many I look. I say I a lot in this interview. There's. so many people out there that are doing. that type of work, you know, that exist, men and women in these places that are. breaking down doors, that are chipping.

away. It's like Shawshank Redemption, you know? Grab rock at a time, gravel at. a time, you know? Eventually, that hole. is going to be open. You know what I'm. saying? Eventually it's going to be. open, but just chipping away and. unfortunately everybody can't be the. loudest one in the room. Mhm. You know, got to be sometimes you got to be the. quiet guy in the room. You got to listen. and and look and pay attention Mhm. and. and and move how you need to move. Uh the chess pieces they they have.

different rules and different movements. for a reason. Mhm. You know, and they're. on the board in different places for a. reason. And and uh I know my place on. the board. Mhm. And I think that's. that's what it comes down to, right? It's like I appreciate you bringing out. that point around how things that. trigger us Mhm. give us somewhere to. focus on Mhm. within ourselves. Like I. feel like that, too. Like I'm like. there's certain things that just don't. phase me at all and I can look like the. most detached guy and like.

I'm I'm, you know, I'm bulletproof. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And then there's. something that gets through that vest. It's just just like and and you know. it's because there's a part of it that. feels true Mhm. and and there's a part. of you that you've allowed for it to. feel true Mhm. because it could be that. you. uh there's there's a part of your. self-esteem you haven't worked on. There's there's something you took from. your childhood and made true for you and. now when someone else says it and you. didn't even know where it came from, but. you know, I was talking to a friend the. other day and we were talking about how. one of his mentors was letting him down.

and Mhm. we discovered in that I've been. friends with this guy for like 20 years. We're best mates. Mhm. And it was like 20 years later we. figured out that he'd made his mentor. his father figure. Okay. And he didn't really put two and. two together until just now and neither. did I for him. And he was like, "Wait a. minute. No wonder I'm feeling so much. pain with this mentor of mine because. I'd made him a father figure and gone. through that feeling of he's Superman. and now realizing he's not even though. I'm a 40-year-old man. Mhm. for him." Mhm. And so it's just so.

interesting how the stuff that gets. under our skin. Yeah. it can just be hidden there and it. gets stale and stuck and and then you. don't look at it because you're like, "Oh, no, no, it's nothing. It's. nothing." But, at one point when you. feel safe enough, you have to kind of. like look under the hood and go. you know, why is that there? But, coming. onto the point you were just making. around. paving the way for others and. setting an example and the. responsibility that comes with and like. you said, there's so many people doing. that. I feel like how would you define.

your current purpose? Like how do you. define with everything you're doing? Cuz. you talked about purpose being a big. thing for you and you talk about the. mission of your company. Like what is. the purpose of that work? Who which. doors are you trying to open? Which. paperwork you're trying to shift? What. systems are you trying to affect? I. think I have my purpose right now. Mhm. Yeah, that's what I mean. Yeah, yeah. I think I think I think I think I have a. a chapter. 25 years acting um. you know, producing, you know, being in. front of camera, being talent. Learning so much about the world, about.

myself, about the industry. You know, I think. being a. a representative as a for my community. in a in a way that. places that a black actor hasn't gone. Mhm. You know, um obviously you have the. greats, you have the Wills and the. Denzels, you know what I'm saying? That. that I look up to in a big way that you. know, that that through their talent, the the the business and the craft has. extended to a new height. Mhm. So, they've opened up doors for me that I. didn't even know was possible. That. night I was like, "Oh, wow, now we have.

this and that. Now I could do that and. do that." So, they've kicked the door. down in a way that's like you know, internally grateful. So, like leading by example is is a big. purpose, you know, to for people to be. able to see it cuz it was big for me to. see it and think that I can do it, too. So, there's that there's that part of. it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. There's the um. the business side of things that I've. got an opportunity to learn. from. investing your money. You know, what do. you do with the the savings and the.

things that you do have. I'm big sports guy, you know, I've. always wanted to, you know, own a team. I'm competitive. I want to be involved. in that in that in that environment, that energy, you know, of sports and. uh found a football team, you know, in. Bournemouth. And a great partner in the. I I've literally had to like, you know, bite my I cannot say soccer anymore cuz. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Uh And and um great great partner in, you know, Bill Foley and he owns the Las.

Vegas Golden Knights and and really. trying to turn that program around and. and just just amplify it in a big way, but learning, you know, how to invest in. those things. You know, uh oh, there's going to be a. new stadium. Oh, there's opportunity to invest in. real estate. Oh, wow, now investing in. real estate in something that's going to. be around for, you know, however many year lease and. this and that. Okay, cool, I can take. that and oh, wow, uh investing in, you know,

started a. uh a JV for, you know, um underneath that umbrella. company. to have your own product. And then from. there you can create another JV. Oh, you. can invest capital. Oh, you can have a. venture for Oh, oh, snap. Okay, wow, this is a whole other game. This is a. whole other nuance of uh acquisitions. and investment and capital that I never. even knew exist I'm I'm used to, you. know, W-9 forms and taxes, you know, like you. know what I'm saying? All that, you. know, on the on the on the on the on the. talent side, there's a whole other game.

to be played. Um. and. and taking that information, just the. information that that exist and what. that would do to, you know, to to the. next generation, you know, knowing. what's available to him, knowing that there's other ways to. maximize my my my brand, you know, your. brand, um. creating things, ownership of things, um as streamers and studios and there's. there's so many other platforms that.

have you know, people are content crazy. You know, podcasts, you know, it's. become a a business as well, you know, a. new you know, a new venture that that. people have been able to monetize their. own their own following, their own their. own likeness in a real way. Retirement. What does that look like. really? You know, do you know, really to. a will. will will leaving a will behind. Like. what? Like I mean no, I mean there's. things that you just don't get taught, you know, there's nobody you know, so so. I've stumbled on it upon it these things. within my success and my intuition and.

my partnerships and my relationships. that but again it goes back to like the. why me, this one guy, you know, that has. got has gotten access to all these. things and. my man over here, my guy over there, nope, they you guys would never know. about none of these things because of. how whatever your life path has taken. you has not been in these areas or. nobody has had the opportunity to say. those things to you. So I put that on me as a purpose to be. able to to give that information, you. know, in a real way. That's real. And. identify the you know, people that are.

hungry enough and you know, that want. it, you know, that want it. They got to. want it and they got to be up. and come on, let's go figure it out. All. right, let me let me let me figure out. how to help set you up with the right. people so you got the right. conversations, you know, and then you. also got to be careful who you help too, you know, you can't you know, you want. to help everybody but you can't help. everybody. Um but you can leave a blueprint for. everyone. You know, sometimes. that's all a person should need. sometimes is seeing it man and being in.

in in in the thought. Then you got to leave it on the person. to do their their part of the work to. lift that part of the weight. to put on that burden to go do that for. themselves, their family, their their. their their people within their. their circle so. Yeah, for sure. I like that, man. That's. I mean. it's super powerful because I think, yeah, so many people don't have access, don't understand, don't have the. language, don't have the vocabulary, and. it's a it's a huge purpose. What do you. do when it all just gets too much? When.

you're like it's a lot. It's a lot, you. know, cuz you're on shoot days, you're. busy, you've got this going on. Like, what do you do when it all gets too. much? What's the first thing? to go to Japan. I try I try to get on the first thing. smoking to Japan. I'm out of here. It's. one of the few places that I've been. that I I feel like I just exist. Yeah. You know what I'm a part of? I've been Growing up, I've been obsessed. with anime. I'm a big anime guy, you. know? So, since I was like, you know, 11, 12 years old, it's been anime, you. know? And that's been my cartoon, comic.

books, anime. I mean, that's just like. my, you know, escapism. Which is I'm I'm. in that. And, you know, growing up. watching those shows, you they There's so much of their. identity and their culture in the. dialogue, and the messaging, and all. that stuff. So, I just had this idea, this place in my head that. had was full of respect and it was. hospitable and hard work and tradition. and, you know, I mean, thousands of. years of, you know, a couple thousand. years of tradition, you know what I'm.

saying? That, you know, and that that. exists. And. and I was like, man, I wonder what if. this place is going to live up to the. expectation. Obviously, the food and the. culture and all that good stuff. And. yeah, when I went, it it it was it was. everything that I thought it would be. and more, you know? Um and obviously, I. went went the right type of way. I, you. know, I created anime as well, you know? I wanted to, like, you know, I So, cuz. they're they're they're so loving and. and and and welcoming in a really big. way. And yeah, for me, going there,

there's not a. you know, a million phones being out. Everybody they're very respectful of. your space. They're um and people are. going to obviously come up and say, "What's up?" You know, that's that's. what's going to happen, but it's it's in. a way where you don't feel like I have. to hide as much. Mhm. I feel like I can walk down the. streets there a little bit more loosely. And that's something that you know, I. don't really have as much here in LA or. you know, New York you get a little bit. more of it, you know what I'm saying? You can kind of like, you know, cuz. people on the East Coast sometimes you. be like, "Ah, whatever.". And we keep it pushing. But it's it's.

it's a it's a different thing. But. something about Japan that was awesome. and. you know, and another place that I can't. wait to really go is Ghana as well. Dad's been spending a lot of time there. Wow. I haven't like for my schedule, for. whatever reason, every time that I'm. trying to go something that I cannot. change pops up. But But that's a place. that. people tell me stories of the similar. feeling of going there and the love and. affinity of being in that place and. really want to go there as well. So So. that that that So if I can't get to.

Japan, I'm usually at the house. I'm. either cooking. or playing like Call of Duty. I'm playing I'm I'm playing Call of Duty. online, you know what I'm saying? With. my boys back back, you know, from from. all over. And uh. And and you know, it's a place where you. can just you know, it's fair game. You. know, it's even playing field, you know. what I'm saying? You know, some. mindless, you know, kind of you know, you you know, camaraderie with your boys. and stuff, you know, it's. I love cooking. Food is a love language. for me, you know, so so being able to. you know, find a recipe or and try.

something new and combine flavors that. probably you never thought would go. together and just creating those those. moments is another form of art, too. Um. and and and I like enjoying people. eating my food, you know? Like like. serving people and being like, "Yo, I normally don't like lamb, but have you. had it like this?". And then. uh and just having people just, you. know, react to that is is a is a um. is something that I enjoy doing, too. Now with Bournemouth, we're going to. have to get you into FIFA as well. FIFA. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I got to get on FIFA. That's the next That's why That's why I.

do it. Okay. That's my That's my guilty pleasure. Easy wins at first. So we'll we'll start. off. Yeah, be Bournemouth. You'll be boring. then. All right, cool. Got. yeah, you bet. You bet. Yeah, we're. good. Dude, I You've been amazing today. I've got a few more questions that I. want to ask you before I let you go. That This question is like what has been. a lesson you wish you learned earlier in. life? Like is there a lesson that you. learned recently that you're like, I. wish I learned this one earlier. I think. being. unapologetically.

honest with. what you want. Mhm. And that And that goes across the board. I was trying to think of something that. kind of. across the board. If you can. communicate your truth. and and and not worry so much about how. somebody's going to react to what you. say. Cuz a lot of times the fear of how. somebody's going to react. to what you you really want to say is. what stops you from saying it sometimes. and you find another way or you put it. off or you don't say it and then.

maybe the situation doesn't change and. and you're you're frustrated and upset. with why this thing doesn't change. because you kind of. maybe you might not have said it the way. you wanted to say it, you know? And I. think there's a, you know, a way to be. unapologetically and still be. respectful. Mhm. And speak your truth. If I think I would have done that. earlier. Well said, yeah. I I I would have. been further along in. relationships that I have with people I. care about. Mhm.

And and and not intimately. I mean I. mean I mean. across the board. Relate work. relationships, business, family, female. friends, you know, whatever it may have. been. I think being honest with with. with where you stand and how you feel. it's really giving another person an. option and opportunity to be as honest. with you. Mhm. And whatever your fear of. that is of that outcome is never really. as big as what you you make it up to be, you know? It's really not that. So, I.

would say I would say maybe just being. being being honest and. and living with the results, you know? And then tomorrow is not promised to. anyone. But, time will move on, you. know? You will move past it, you know? Um. And if a tomorrow never come, at least. you can know that you said what you. needed to say. Yeah. You know, I I So, I. think that's one thing that I feel like. earlier on if I could if I if I had that. Might have been better. Yeah, that's a. thoughtful answer. I was thinking when. you were saying that it's like we we're. so scared of our honesty hurting.

someone, not rea- realizing that us. holding back our honesty is hurting them. even more on longer term. It is. hard It's a hard one because. when you have to be honest, it makes you. look worse, it makes you feel bad, it. makes that person feel bad. It gets It. gets messy on so many levels. But, what if that person needed to hear. it? Yeah. You know, what if that person. never heard that that note or that that. thought or perspective and then they go. on in life, you know, continuing to. you know, move and act and speak in a.

way without that, you're doing almost a. disservice, you know? It goes back to. like knowing. If you know better, you. got to do better, right? Like so so I. think. that kind of maybe speaks to like a. bigger thing with me of like wanting to. just be better. Mhm. And wanting people. around me to be better and grow. You know, because I guess one of the. going back to, you know, just the other. misconceptions like, you know, thing of. people look at me and think I got. everything. I got it all, you know? It's not true, man. Like I'm flawed. You.

know, and I'm and I'm actively trying to. get better daily, you know? And I fail. all the time. And I come up short all the time on even. how to communicate, no matter how much. coaching I go through and, you know, and. practice and and and and and running. conversations through my head, you know, in the shower and like, all right, I'm. going to say this, I'm going to say. that, I'm going to hit that point. Okay, you know what I'm saying? And. you know, I'm just in the I'm I'm trying. to do my best, you know, and and I think. the weight.

to try to live up to everybody's perfect. expectation of me. has been really really heavy for a long. time. You know, and I think the last. couple years I've been trying to. maneuver out of that. Mike, we end every episode of On Purpose. with a final five. Okay. These five. questions have to be answered in one. word to one sentence maximum. Okay. It can be one sentence. I will ask. you to explore it further if there's. something that hits me. All right, so Mike, these are your final. five. The first question is.

The first Your ones have two parts. I've. never done this before, but with you I'm. about to do it because I think there's. some things I really want to know. So, the first question is what is the best. advice you've ever heard and the worst. advice you've ever heard? Best advice is uh if you're unsure about. something, take a moment. You know, if you're unsure uh don't. don't don't answer right away. Take a moment. Think about it. It's. okay. You know, don't answer just because you. feel like you got to be out and be quick. and be fast about it, you know, uh cuz.

you're end up stumbling over your words. and and and and or or not stumbling over. your words, saying something that you. don't really really mean. So, I would say that's probably some of. the best advice I got. Worst advice? Uh buy it now, you'll get it back. Just do what I Just spend it now. You'll. you'll get you'll make it back. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? I I think I. think I. I think that's why I think that's. probably some of the worst advice I've. gotten. That's bad advice. Yeah, yeah, it's going to be like. I think at the time it was close. At the time it was close. It was close.

It was It was It was uh. and I wasn't even really a big clothes. guy at the time. I was like, "Eh, whatever." But it was like. "Yeah, you're right. You know, I'll make. it back. Don't worry about it. Yeah, it's cool. Of yeah, of course I will, you know, like yeah." And then and then, you know, we're on 7-Eleven diet for the. next, you know, 2 months. I love it. Good answers. Good answers. All right, I'm going to give you a. choice. Yeah. You got to pick pick one. of these. You got to choose. You choose. Yeah, whichever one. Whichever Yeah, yeah, all right.

Oh, man. I want to know what the other one is. All right, I'll let you talk about this. one first. This is This is a. How old? Dog It's my dad's dog tags from the. Marines. That linen jacket says. all my children. I'm saying maybe. seven 16 17. Maybe like Disney like.

super soap weekend or something like. that. I think it was like one of those. things where like the soap operas had. this this weekend and and at a I think. it was in Cali. In California. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Disney and um. I want to say this is from that. Is that. Is that No, I don't know. What What advice would you What advice. would you give to him? Uh. Savor those moments of being a teenager. I think, you know, looking back at the teenage years, you.

know, we ain't have a worry in the We We. What What problems we have, you know? It. was high school. You had complained. about homework, you know what I'm. saying? Like it it You know, I was I was. working at that time, you know what I'm. saying? So, but but I I would just say. like enjoy those years, man. You know, of just of just uh. of the the purity of it. You know, I I look back and I was like, man, this is like a this is a this is a. pretty pure innocent kid, you know? Yeah. What would he say back to you?

Now looking at you now. Man, man, I know you could do it. You know, I I think I would tell myself. that you could do it, too. Yeah. I I. think I think. you know, nobody thought I I mean, I. didn't at that time, you know. I think. you know, what what what could have been. what what is. He had a I you know, I I thought I had. an idea of what. could be, you know, I had a I always had. the optimism of what could be. You know, it's just like you just follow that more. maybe.

I love that, man. This is the other one. Oh, this is dope. We got plenty. We just picked these two. These were the two that the team left. know if this is my birthday or my. sister's birthday, but this is my. grandmother's kitchen. And. uh my sister was right there and I think. she was either helping me cut a cake or. something, but. yeah, that's my that's my my my that was. my my my guardian. That was my my my. bodyguard. That was my sister. It's a good one. I love that, I love that, man. Um all.

right, question number. I don't know which question we're on now. cuz I totally ignored my own format, but. it's all right. That's the best. That's. the that's when it's the best. Uh. what's what's the best part of being. Michael B. Jordan and the worst part. part of being Michael B. Jordan? Being. Uncle Mike. Man, it's a feeling of like with my. nephew and my niece that I've never had. I've never loved something so much and. like wow, like whoa. Like I think I. think being Uncle Mike right now is is.

the is the best part of that right now. Um. worst part I love multitasking. I love I. love I love uh. the juggling the the balancing act of. the things that I do. I love that. And. the worst part is the. the loneliness that comes with that. You know, I think there's a there's a. there's a. you know, a loneliness that I have. You know, the the responsibility that. you have and is is is isolating and the.

weight is isolating. So, I think I think. the worst part of that is is is the. the feeling like nobody really. understands. and. sometimes falling into the spaces of. like just. you know, being alone. Mhm. Feeling. alone. Mhm. Thanks for sharing everything today. I. mean, okay, question number four, we're. nearly there, four and five. Question. number four, uh you talked about knowing your team's. love language. This question is my. team's love language. Okay, okay. How does being the sexiest. man alive find love?

From the girls in my team, dedicated to. dedicated to you. So, I revert back to. the last question. It's very It's very. lonely. No, it's. uh. I go back and forth between. wanting. partnership. and then not knowing. what's the best partner for me. Mhm. Like bringing them into my world and. what I got going on isn't easy. Mhm. And. it's it's not just I love you, you love.

me, that should be enough, right? It's not It's not quite that simple. Mhm. You know, I think I think finding. the right person to understand. A all of me, but then all that comes. with me as well. Mhm. And understanding, you know, that balance between. wanting to be available and there for. that person. while I'm juggling everything else and. feeling okay to put the other part of my.

businesses down and you know, the. sacrifice and compromise that comes with. a partnership and a relationship. Mhm. And what is and and understanding how. how how to make that all work is. sometimes gives me anxiety and pause, you know, and and and and. and then also there's a part of me that. has not really lived life yet. Mhm. I I. I haven't really. traveled as much for fun or just like. Japan has been a few times that I've. went where I didn't have a schedule,

where I didn't have to be somewhere for. press, I didn't have to be. these mul- I had to put other hats on, you know, uh. there's so many different places and. people I've never had an opportunity to. happily meet. that I might connect and vibe with that. might be a person that my soul connects. to. You know, um. and and I think you know, those things I. I'm I'm looking forward to that part of. my life, you know, I think the last. couple years I'm starting to get to a. place where it's like, you know what?

I got to start living. Yeah. You know, I've been I've been I've sacrificed and. I've been in locked, zoned in for so. long. It you know, I owe it to myself a. little bit to do that, you know, um. and I think that's a a byproduct of. being a little bit of a, you know, I'm. I'm a delayed satisfaction, delayed. gratification person. Like I can I've. always wanted to lock in for the first. half, do what I got to do, get to where I need. to get to, make sure everything is. straight and set up, and then be a. little bit more to have the freedom to. move how I want to move and or whatever,

so. that's the long-winded answer of uh of. uh. I'm not I'm not looking, but it would. take a very special person to understand. and grow with me, you know, just you. know, you want to create memories, you. know, I want to I want a family, you. know what I'm saying? Eventually, so. we'll see what's up. We'll see what's. up. You are lucky cuz I asked you that. question. The other question was what's. his type, so. I like that answer. I like that. I like. that question. I like that. Oh, you like. that better? I know I know I know I know. I know I know what I'm going to answer.

Yeah, yeah, it's good. It's good. I. asked the wrong question. I I thought I. was reading you. I was like, yeah, like. No, I mean, my type. I don't know. And I. I wasn't asking you for real. Yeah, yeah. I wasn't asking. We can move on for now. Yeah, no, I. wasn't asking for real I'm just messing. with Uh fifth and final question. Uh. if you could We ask this to every guest. who's ever been on the show. If you. could create one law that everyone in. the world had to follow, what would it be? A law that. you couldn't intentionally. kill or cause bodily harm Ooh. to.

anyone. Mhm. I. I think that covers a lot of stuff. I. mean, you still have you got to leave. room people for to be humans to be. humans and everybody's not going to be. good. You know, everybody's not going to. have all that in there, but if we can. eliminate the senseless killing and. you know, the bodily harms, you know, of other. people's bodies in a real way. Mhm. I. think there's. But then there's like the systemic thing. I'm trying to get out of cuz like.

you know, I'm trying to eat I'm trying. to level the playing field. Yeah. You. know, um. So, just the economic opportunities that. disparity, those those systematic. oppression the systematic oppression. that does exist is the thing that I I. most I most want to change. Mhm. So, I'm. trying to think of. It's a good question, man. You keep. thinking about it. thinking about it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Cuz I I like your one cuz it. also applies to like. you couldn't develop products. Mhm. Like.

your your question I mean your answer. applies to food, drugs, medicine, which. is kind of what keeps a lot of people. stuck in the system. That's it. Uh-huh. Cuz if they can own. like bodily harm to me isn't just. physical violence. It's also the kind of. things we ingest and consume. And that. is what keeps a lot of people stuck. because they're eating unhealthy food. cuz that's all they have access to and. that's all they can afford and that that. plays with the econo- I mean that's what. I was hearing, too, on a sub level. Okay. Yeah. All right. I'm with that.

it. Michael B Jordan Michael, it has. been such a joy and honor. We got to do. a part two. I've got I can talk to you. for hours. I've got so many questions, man, like that we could get into, but I. want to thank you for your honesty, your. openness, the fun we've had, bringing Moss along. Everyone, if you're not drinking. already, make sure you drink a Moss. while you listen to On Purpose. And. thank you so much for coming by. I want. audience, please tag me and Mike with. your favorite moments. I know you guys. cut the best clips on Tik Tok and. Instagram. Do that for this episode.

There was so many moments where he was. just downloading and I think it's going. to have a big impact. So Mike, thank you. again. Thank you so much for having me, bro. It's been It's been an honor. It's. the It was worth the wait, man. So I. appreciate you having me and anytime. Appreciate you. Grateful. If you love. this episode, you'll love my interview. with Kobe Bryant on how to be strategic. and obsessive to find your purpose. Our. children have become less imaginative. about how to problem solve and parents. and coaches have become more directive.

in trying to tell them how to behave. versus teaching them how to behave.