It's March 31st 2020 in what feels like the longest month, let alone the most turbulent year ever. Here I am practicing social distancing, talking to myself. Consider this my inner monologue, which I've recently found out a lot of people don't have. I recap the last few months in my life bringing into the picture some big changes followed by what life is like under quarantine and my many reflections about it. All in all, we have to look out for one another because who knows when this will end and what our new normal will look like. We'll be remembered by what we did and didn't do, whether it be good or bad. Stillness is productivity, don't let anybody tell you different. I love you guys and I hope you're healthy. Please stay home. We're all in this together. Be kind to somebody today.

Not a stranger to One Degree of Separation, we have Alyssa back on the podcast 2 years after her last appearance. A year to this day, Alyssa quit her 9-5 job to pursue her creative passions with Coffee & Convos and a freelance career to build brands. Over the past few years, she's pivoted from corporate to self-employed, from working solo to being in a collaborative partnership, and from hesitant to start things to approaching things head on. She also discusses the concept of knowing your "why" and how that should empower you and be your drive. Follow Alyssa and her journey at @alyssamopia @coffeeandconvos @futurespast.co

What's up world? It's 2019 and the podcast is back. On the first one of the year, we have Max Pete aka The One Hand Wonderman with me talking about his creative journey from free work to paid work in music labels and from freelance to full time employment, which is a first for the podcast, usually we're here talking about what it took to finally seek self-employment. Tune in as he drops subtle gems to improve your professional game, create more leads, and how to apply those same methods to joining a community your new to. @onehandwonderman @max_pete @onedegreepodcast @1degreepodcast @veeejzilla onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com

No matter what you do, it would be good to keep in mind not to cut corners. That's what Justin aka DJ Agana (@djagana @dddjagana) encourages new and experienced DJs alike to practice. His consistency and love for music has given him the opportunity to DJ for 10 years now and he has no plans of stopping. In this podcast, we also talk about his early experiences finding likeminded individuals through the early Tumblr days, why the Bay Area is a place that just keeps giving, and technical and business tips for aspiring DJs. http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/ https://soundcloud.com/onedegreeofseparation

At what point does any creative or entrepreneur seek a partner for their business or hustle? On this episode, we have the audio/visual duo, Gold Standard Studios, comprised of Eiman (@hollywoodeiman) and Ian (@fides_rex), who met on a chance encounter and found that their respective crafts complement one another. The art of collaboration is not lost on them, having formed their own joint business despite having only known each other for a short period of time. Join us as we speak on the advantages of working with others, a new way to look at consistency, and how it is to be your own boss.

On this episode, I talk to Rymega (@rymega), a fellow military brat, about his experience as a teacher in these turbulent times. He speaks on the type of values he tries to instill in his teaching methods, his time at March for Our Lives in San Diego, and how us growing up in Japan shaped who we are. http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/ IG: @onedegreepodcast Twitter: @1degreepodcast

Fresh off of tour with Khary, I have my good friend Ian (@fides_rex) sit in and talk about the common struggles we have freelancing and his journey before and during this "lifestyle" choice we chosen to live. You'll hear us talk about what keeps us inspired creatively, how we decompress, and what we consider what the "hustle". What we both bring up are our thoughts on how age comes into play, whether we see a sense of agency or whether or not it's a factor at all. Is it for you? http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/ http://fidesrex.com/portfolio/

And we back! Thank you for tuning into another episode of One Degree of Separation. On this episode, I talk to Jason (@jason_huggins)from 5&A Dime (@fiveandadime). As a guy who's worn many hats over many years, he's seen it all. He talks about his journey through the many scenes and movements he's been a part of and the history of the San Diego staple, 5&A Dime and the journey of adapting to the ever changing streetwear culture and market, and the need for community over competition. We also announce the new monthly spring cleaning swap meet we have going on, Clean Slate, happening February 25th and every last Sunday of the month following. Listen in for more details! Background music by Lakey Inspired http://www.5andadime.com/ http://onedegreepodcast.veeejzilla.com/

What's the connection between astrology and our daily life? Should I go to art school? On this episode, my friend Leslie and I answer these questions for those interested in a different sense of spirituality or route towards their creative goals. She explains to me what alignments are in place with the stars and planets right now and her roots in all things astrological. To each their own, but we discuss our experiences as creatives having years under our belt in our own respective fields. @lesliecolonphoto @lesliecolonfoto

A lot has happened since the last time we talked with Andy (@andyinternets) back in November. We've got a new president, threat of nuclear holocaust seems to be imminent, and he's recently quit his job. In this episode, we talk about the circumstances that got him to a place to pursue his interests and passions full time outside a 9 to 5 workplace and how he's used social media as both for humor and to draw attention to topics he believes are important. https://www.andyinternets.com/

On this episode, we have Grant (@towndust), the creator of Towndust, a brand based out of San Diego with a heavy focus on cut and sew and embroidered graphics. We talk about how he's balanced a job that he loves with something that's completely his, the benefits of being tapped in on the internet, and about his recent trip to Japan. On June 24-25, Grant will have his second pop-up at ACD Gallery in North Park, debuting a short film and his new collection. Beer and tacos provided. Mention the podcast for a free pin!