#59: Jacob Kanunu Potts - Interview With a 20-Year-Old, Hawaiian Culture, and the Importance of Networking

In this episode, host J.R. Yonocruz engages in a humorous, heartfelt, and insightful conversation with his younger brother, Jacob Kanunu Potts. The discussion traverses Jacob's journey from Fremont, California to his current life as a senior college student in Hawaii, majoring in accounting. Through a blend of light-hearted trolling and serious discourse, the brothers reflect on Jacob's growth, his aspirations, and the importance of respecting and understanding Hawaiian culture. They also revisit past interviews from 10 and 5 years ago, delving into Jacob's evolving thoughts on topics like politics, videogames, morning routines, and life aspirations. The episode offers a mix of laughter, personal anecdotes, and valuable life lessons, making it a special treat for the shared audience.

Guest bio:
Born and raised in Fremont, California and now a full time college student living in Hawai'i. Jacob is in his final year for his undergraduate degree with a major in accounting. He’s loved playing sports all his life and enjoys going to the beach whenever he can.

• Instagram: @k4nunu / https://www.instagram.com/k4nunu/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanunu/

Links/resources:

• Blind date video (via @cheyneegitsham on IG)

Transcript

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J.R.: [00:00:00] Hello everyone and welcome back to 1000 Gurus with me, your host, JR Yono Cruz. Today's guest is Jacob Kanunu Potts. Jacob was born and raised in Fremont, California and now a full-time college student living in Hawaii. He's in his final year for his undergraduate degree with a major in accounting. He's loved playing sports all his life and enjoys going to the beach whenever he can.

J.R.: This episode features my little brother, whom I adore deeply, obviously. But this was my first real deep conversation with him since he's become an adult. So it was such a treat for me to really pick his brain and see the kind of person he's grown into over the years.

J.R.: I still see him as this little baby that I used to carry in my arms when I was in high school. So it's such a trip to see him as a grown man and talk to him as I would a peer. But needless to say, this was a fun and funny episode for us in particular, but hopefully our brain rot back and forth will make you laugh too.

J.R.: It's totally not serious. Hopefully no one takes it the wrong way. But the first two thirds of this recording was a continuation of a series that has started with him almost 10 years ago. So I did interview with an 11-year-old in [00:01:00] 2016, interview with a 15-year-old in 2020, and now we're doing interview with a 20-year-old, though he'll actually be 21 by the time this episode launches.

J.R.: Even though it's mostly me just trolling my little brother with leading questions, this is a special episode because I don't really get to see my little bro often. So this series is something fun we can look back on fondly in the future. When we do get to the standard guru episode formats, we talk about his own life journey and aspirations, moving from the Bay Area to Hawaii, his career goals, extracurricular activities, and how people should treat Hawaii.

J.R.: Its people and the culture. He's now the youngest guest I've had on the show, but I was so proud of him and the mindset he has for approaching life despite being only 20 years old. And you can clearly tell we're related if you listen to how he thinks. So without further ado, hope you enjoy this episode with Jacob Kanunu Potts.

J.R.: Hello, and welcome back to 1000 Gurus. Jacob, welcome to the show. Thank you for having me. Appreciate it. Insert applause. All right, cool. So yeah, again, welcome to the show, Jacob. For those of you who [00:02:00] don't know, I would've already read Jacob's bio, but Jacob is my little brother.

J.R.: I'll go into how I know him. But I've been looking forward to this recording for a while now. And for those of you who don't know this lore, it might be only like two or three people who know this, but about almost 10 years ago, I did an impromptu interview with an 11-year-old when my brother was 11.

J.R.: He's 20 now. Just in the backseat of a car. We were hanging out with our family and then it was fun. It was like super random and kind of trolley. And then we did a follow up during the pandemic when he was 15. And so those were fun and those ideas, I guess it was planted in my head. And so I think there's a lot of factors that contributed to me wanting to do a podcast.

J.R.: And then as I'm interviewing these people, I'm like, wait, I did this a long time ago with my brother. Like just obviously a funny version. But so yeah, so after I connected those dots, I'm like, man, it'd be so cool to have Jacob on the podcast. And luckily since I switched to hybrid format, now he's [00:03:00] able to do it.

J.R.: He's in Hawaii. I'm over here in SoCal. So, I'm pretty excited for this. How are you feeling, Jacob? 

Jacob: Feeling good. Yeah. Like you said yeah. Only a couple people know that lore from those interviews. And then, yeah, I'm glad to, kind of run it back, see where we're at right now and catch up.

Jacob: Yeah. Obviously, like you said, now I'm in Hawaii so it's like a distance. But it's cool to be here virtually and still be on the podcast, so. 

J.R.: Yeah. Nice. I have weekly calls with mom. Do you call her too as well? Do you guys talk like every so often?

Jacob: Yeah, definitely. At least at least every couple of days. But yeah, we do try to set like that weekly time usually like Sundays or Mondays whenever works. Yeah. 

J.R.: Yeah. So it's funny because so yeah, I, my scheduled call with her is on Fridays and it's funny 'cause I think a couple weeks ago we were talking about that video that she posted, the one that you had with the interview.

J.R.: Yeah, yeah, yeah. For, we had a long conversation about that 'cause it was just so funny. Maybe I'll link to it if you don't care, but I don't know the person, but from what I know, he does interviews and I think he does it around your campus and like random stuff. But the video that mom posted and then I watched the whole thing [00:04:00] was like, it was a blind date sort of thing where you, you guys are blindfolded, then you guys met without seeing each other.

J.R.: Then you guys kind of talked and he was a mediator in between asking questions and then afterwards you guys took off your blindfolds and then you're like, and he was like, oh, so you guys wanna go on a future date? And you were like, yeah, sure. We're open. And then so it was a whole fun thing. Let's see how much I wanna reveal my conversation with mom. But it was like, it was so funny how, and I know this was edited, but it was like, she was like, yeah, looking for a guy who's goes to the gym and is tall and all this other stuff, and you're like, oh, I wanna, I want like a lady who's like kind and compassionate and we can have a life together. And I'm like, this is a little different. Yep, yep. But that's, yeah. And she, mom was saying how I think you told her that, of course, like it's edited out and to make it like, seem a certain way, but I think that sort of difference was like, oh, okay. It was pretty funny, but I don't know how, how, how was it for you?

Jacob: Yeah, it was definitely funny overall. So yeah, just to clarify more, it is a guy on campus. He does like a number of videos, [00:05:00] but he's more famous for going up to people and asking on the spot what song you're listening to. Oh. But yeah, occasionally he'll do these blind dates. And this is actually my first day of the semester back on campus.

Jacob: And I was walking back home from my class and then he stopped me and asked me if I wanted to be in the video because he actually posted on his story the day before that he was gonna be doing that on campus the next day. And he stopped me and asked me if I wanted to do it. And I was like, kind of nervous, but I was like, you know what?

Jacob: It's fine. Get on my comfort zone, go on this blind date, see how real, this thing is, so, yeah, we ran it. It's all like real and legitimate. I didn't actually see the person. We went on the day, asked the questions never got to see them. And then there's the reveal part, and that was funny afterwards, not too much was really cut.

Jacob: I think it was all like, pretty much like everything that was shown was how it went. But yeah, it was like, funny because yeah, like you said, the standards are kind of different or I guess the visions like. It's no disrespect or no hate to the other person. But yeah, I mean, they got caught out a lot. Just like the, you know, I want someone that's tall part and I was like, trying to think of more like personable [00:06:00] answers. Right, right. And but keeping it truthful at the same time. 

J.R.: Yeah. 

Jacob: But yeah, it was pretty funny. But yeah, I've gotten a lot of of my friends and people that have seen it on a family too, so.

J.R.: I think it's, it was super funny because it's not like myself or mom or whatever, we don't see these videos often because that content of interview style. And then of course sometimes those channels will lean towards okay, here's dumb answers from people on the street or it's funny answers, right? Because it's entertainment. But then now it's okay, this girl again, no shade, she just gives standard answers. College students this is what I'm looking for. And then there's this guy who mom and I know like you, and it's all these like genuine, sweet, kind answers. And I'm like, there's a little bit of a difference here. And I'm like, yeah, that, that sounds right. That's what Jacob would say. But it was just, I thought the, it was the juxtaposition was super funny to me. Plus we know you personally, so Yeah, it was, it was hilarious.

J.R.: Okay, so yeah, sorry I didn't go into how I know you so go. Just running that back. So I've known you since you were born. Mm-hmm. You currently go to [00:07:00] school in Hawaii, you're studying accounting right. We're brothers of our mom's two sons. You are the handsome, athletic, talented son, and I am the funny low maintenance one.

Jacob: That's how mom says it then. Yeah. 

J.R.: So she never said funny or low maintenance. I'm kind of just like putting the words out there because, like I'm funny, but also I don't know if you've seen the interview where I was asking mom, like who her favorite child is. And I was giving her all these leading questions. And I'm like, oh, okay. So I asked for the least amount of money, so I'm the lowest maintenance child, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so she's like, well, you did, you have never really asked me for money. I was like, yes, I got something. So yeah, I'm claiming funny and low maintenance. 

Jacob: She'll never admit it because it's been a topic that you've probably asked since I was born too, before I could even talk. I'm being honest. But yeah, you just gotta kind of lead her and kind of like squeeze a little answer outta her and then make the assumptions from there. Like you said, the maintenance, the funny, whatever. Yeah. 

J.R.: Yeah. She'll always be like, Sonny, I [00:08:00] don't have a favorite, you know, mom's mannerisms.

Jacob: Yeah. Oh yeah. Sweetheart. Or Sunny. Yes, sweetheart. Yeah. Yeah.

J.R.: So, yeah, the last thing I was gonna say is so your nickname is Sweetheart and mine is Sonny, by the way. For those of you guys who don't know. That's what our mom calls us. Yeah. Cool. All right. Any clarifications or what else are you up to before we jump in?

Jacob: Not too much. It's pretty much surface level. Obviously you've known me since I was born. Born and raised in the Bay Area, California Fremont. And then I moved out here a couple years ago when I started college. In my senior year actually right now studying accounting. And yeah, I think that's pretty much a good intro. Nice. So far. 

J.R.: Cool. All right, so now our segue into interview with a 20-year-old? This is the, yep. This is kind of the main event actually, at least in my brain. Okay. So.

J.R.: Maybe I should throw in disclaimer here before the intro, but these are very weird questions. And it was obviously a troll interview nine years ago. I just wanted to get my little brother's [00:09:00] response and then we did an updated one, so don't take this seriously.

J.R.: But yeah, please. So we'll lead it, we'll lead it with that. All right. First question, what is your name, age, grade, and ethnicity? 

Jacob: My name is Jacob Kanunu Potts. You guys, mom and all of you know me as Jacob, but a lot of my friends and other family know me as Kanunu. I am in college, a senior in college.

Jacob: Ethnicity I'm mixed between Filipino, Hawaiian, and white. And was there any other details to describe?

J.R.: No, just, yeah. Name, age, grade enthicity. Yeah. For the audience I was listening to his old interviews so I wrote down his answers so I can compare current answers. I don't know if you've looked at it, but I'm gonna compare your current answers to your old answers and then maybe just throw it out there. I was kind of dying yesterday listening to your 15-year-old one.

J.R.: All right. Second question, are you racist? And follow up to that is how do you define racism? 

Jacob: This, yeah, I was looking through this and I was seeing the answers and a lot of it doesn't I was like, man, this is really [00:10:00] different times. Am I racist? No. I dunno. How say to answer like that. How do I define racism?

Jacob: I guess really it's treating any specific race or ethnicity any different way, just based on that, race itself. I think a lot of times in our society it's portrayed in a negative way. And used as like more of a hate and like a way to discriminate people. But I like, don't think I am.

Jacob: I like try not to be. Mm-hmm. And in all seriousness, but yeah. Yeah.

J.R.: So is there a way to portray in a positive way or are you saying it's just definitively negative? Positive racism is what we talked about in your last interviews. 

Jacob: Yeah, I think it's how people take it and how you phrase what you're saying.

Jacob: Obviously a lot of people, and especially that topic of like different races and how to treat people is pretty sensitive. And I'd say most of the time it definitely is taken as negative. But I mean, it could be like for jokes. I mean, I'm a pretty sarcastic person myself, and as long as you're, not saying anything too offensive or you don't have really strong, like hateful meaning towards [00:11:00] it. I think it's funny as long as again, they're, you're talking to the right people that understand it's not with any negativity right, so.

J.R.: So like context and intent. 

Jacob: Usually. Yeah. Yeah. That's what I'd say. 

J.R.: Mm. Okay. So the thing I brought up last time in this idea of positive racism, if that does even exist, is if you compliment someone, and it could be sound racist, like, oh, you're so great at eating lumpia because you're Filipino. Is that racist?

Jacob: I mean, it. I think most people would say so, but I would hope that they wouldn't take it in a bad way if you mean it in the best way. But like the way like,

J.R.: Wow, you're so good at eating lumpia. Wow. It's your culture.

Jacob: I say most people would take it negative. But I mean, I think if I, if I said it to you, you said it to me, I mean, I wouldn't be like, man, this guy is so racist. But that's 'cause I know you right? Mm-hmm. But I'm not gonna go to someone random and use it in like some hateful way.

J.R.: Right. So. I think last time you said, attitude and tone matter, but also tone doesn't matter because what if you say something like, [00:12:00] oh, you eat dog, and then it's like, what, what? I'm confused by the smile and the tone. Yeah. But what you said I think is negative. 

Jacob: Definitely context. Yeah, because yeah, it depends how you say it. But you could try to be positive and it comes off like be very sarcastic. So I mean, if it's better to not be racist or treat someone or say something different based on their race, because most of the time it will be taken negative. I mean, like you said, it's a hard way to twist it if you say, oh, you must love lumpia because you're Filipino. Yeah. It's it's pretty hard to twist it in a positive way in my mind. But so better safe than sorry to be honest.

J.R.: Yeah. Yeah. Have you ever heard of that rule where it's okay, with the, with making these generalizations in ethnical or racial context or whatever, if you're not a part of that group, it's kind of like a hard and fast rule that you can't make commentary about groups you're not a part of, right? If you are a guy, you can probably make commentaries about men or if you're Filipino or et cetera. But you can't make commentary about groups that you're not a part of because it [00:13:00] might land if you have context and rapport with a person, but if you have no context or rapport it definitely is at a high risk for not landing.

J.R.: I think that's like how I approach comedy too. 'cause I think I learned that from like a comedy, like learning about standup comedy is like, yeah you're pretty much free to say anything about your own groups. And then people can be like, oh, that's racist. But it's but that guy is, he's Asian or whatever. But as soon as you're like, oh, but women, and you're like, Hmm, it better be good. You're about to say something negative, yeah. So, yeah, that's kind of how I see it. I don't know if you had thoughts on that, but.

Jacob: Yeah. It's it's a big part of context and that's one thing that was going in my mind too.

Jacob: If you're just a random person that doesn't have, like people don't know you or you don't, I guess, have that type of status or that persona that you're making, those type of jokes then yeah, it's, you're definitely treading a thin line. But, if you're a comedian that jokes about his own race or his own, I guess, like whatever, like characteristics you wanna identify with, I think people are more lenient, especially say if you're a comedian or you make comedy and people go out to watch you or view you or pay to see [00:14:00] you. I think you're asked asking for it almost. Yeah. Or you're going with the intent to not be offended in any way. Mm-hmm. But . The, I guess in my mind, like you said, the rule, the further away you tread from like your, what you identify with, I think, yeah. I think you're playing more of a dangerous game, but I guess comedians are hopefully an exception, but even they get hate sometimes too. So hopefully. 

J.R.: Yeah, hopefully. But I don't think so sometimes. But see now I think, well, you are Filipino, Hawaiian whites. You can make three times as many jokes as I can by math.

Jacob: Yeah. I mean, I guess it's, yeah, I guess I'm at an advantage in that way. But also, people like, don't typically see that sometimes. I've also gotten, like, when people try to guess, like my ethnicity or where I'm from, it's all different answers depending on where I'm at. Mm-hmm.

Jacob: Like when I'm in Hawaii or if I'm in California or anywhere else, people always guess different things. And then based on those like guesses or assumptions, they kind of just already put me with the group. So if I, if they don't think I'm like, Filipino or like white or anything, and I make a joke about it, then I'm like, like [00:15:00] they're like, this guy is not that. Like why is he joking about that group of people? Right, so. 

J.R.: Yeah. Weird context, but do you know Logic, the rapper. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, I was watching an interview recently because I recently downloaded one of his songs with Eminem. I forgot which one it was called. But anyone who knows the logic, like he looks really white, right?

J.R.: But he's mixed, but he says the N word. And I was like, is that, is he allowed to? Because I'm like, I thought he was just a white guy. But then I listened to some interviews and he's like mixed, like he's half, I think. And then he's like, yeah, in my household, we would say that word. But I know that I definitely don't look black, so I can't always go into different, even if it's my community, I can't just go out there and just say that.

J.R.: Even if I do in my household, right? And so he has to tread this line of being more conscious, even though he's technically a part of the group. It's the outward perception of what people think you are is also matters. And that's like the, the tricky part, right? Mm-hmm. Definitely. Yeah.[00:16:00] 

J.R.: Yeah. So I guess if Jacob goes out, becomes a comedian and says all these Filipino jokes, people will be like, what is this guy Filipino? I'm not, no Joe Coy. But yeah, you have to walk around. You have to walk around with like a bucket of lumpia and be like, look guys, I'm Filipino.

Jacob: Oh my gosh. Yeah. I had to wear some obvious things. 'cause yeah, people, that's actually what people guess least like commonly about like my nationality when they guess. I definitely don't look, I guess, as much like traditionally looking. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

J.R.: Cool. All right. Oh, sorry. I guess context for this, the questions are the exact same from 10 years ago, but I'm kind of tweaking them 'cause obviously nine years have passed.

J.R.: So for example, I asked Jacob when he was 11 and 15, thoughts on all the protests going on. And my follow up was, are there protests going on? And which is weird because it's like, it seems like there's always protests going on. So what are your thoughts.

Jacob: Just in general about anyone? Like any specific like movements or, 

J.R.: That's the question is [00:17:00] thoughts on all the protests going on?

Jacob: I'm trying to think because we interviewed me when I was 11 and 15, so I'm trying to think of what move. 11 I might not have known, but when I was 15, that was around COVID time. 

J.R.: Yeah. So I think when you were 15 it was like the George Floyd Prote protest in 2020. Mm-hmm. And then in, when you were 11 it was 2016 and that was like right before Trump got elected.

Jacob: Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah.

J.R.: That's why a lot of these are. Okay, if you didn't know, Jacob as an 11-year-old. These were all very political and current events related. But obviously my 11-year-old brother would not know these things, so I thought it would be funny to ask him questions and then get his perspective. So yeah, on any protests that may, there actually are protests going on internationally against like fascists and authoritarian regimes. But anyways.

Jacob: Yeah. Usually I don't really kind of give my opinion on politics too much. I try to stay neutral because people always tend to judge a lot.

J.R.: Of course. Course. Yeah, if, and then again, if you don't have to answer anything, you can always pass. You can be like, I [00:18:00] don't really have an opinion. Totally cool. 

Jacob: Yeah. I wanna say I don't have an opinion, but can we go back to the notes on what I said from the other ones? Yeah, yeah. What I said. Of course. Hopefully it's not too like. 

J.R.: So you said wasn't sure how you as 15. I wasn't sure how much good it would do, but I think it's overall positive. Some of the violence and looting is unnecessary, but the cause was good. Maybe it's longer than it should be. Just another thing going on right now, but more good than bad generally.

J.R.: Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Which I mean, that's a, that's a fair an yeah, that's a fair answer. What do you think should happen? Yeah, that was a follow up question. 

Jacob: Yeah. Yeah. I feel like it's such a very surface level answer, but I think obviously kinda like I said when I was 15, like violence and protests and things that are unnecessarily, outside of the cause and the protests that people are like, fighting for. I think it's unreasonable.

Jacob: I think we live in a world that's just full of like hate and negativity in so many ways, right. But no [00:19:00] matter what it was, we're like comparing I guess the BLM movement from, I think we're referencing when I was 15 to the elections to all like the fascist movements and everything internationally.

Jacob: I don't have much of an opinion. But I think a lot of movements like that just get outta hand a lot of times. It's pretty unfortunate. In a perfect world, obviously, people will just stick to what they want and then both sides can like, come to an agreement. But we don't live in a perfect world. So I guess that's pretty much just my take on that question as a 20-year-old. 

J.R.: Yeah, of course. I think my would be, 'cause we talked a little bit about police brutality and then what police brutality and racism. And so I think last time you said I don't think police brutality can ever be solved. Do you remember there was that one city that kind of got rid of police, but I don't think that would work. Not sure what a reasonable outcome would be all around and ideally we would have less racism, but I don't think it would necessarily go away ever. Do you have any changes on those thoughts?

Jacob: Honestly, I probably feel the same way as I said just to kind of expand on it, I [00:20:00] guess, and how I am now. Yeah it's hard to judge like a certain group of people that's that's very like prejudice, I guess, in a way to treat someone differently, whether they're like a police officer, whether like the color of their skin. Right. And I think, there's always like problems with any group necessarily. Just because you're like, have some certain occupation or like you're some political party or you identify with some political party or, you're some type of like ethnicity. There can always like be events or, negative news that comes up and then you're categorized with that, like police or like people of color, such and such.

Jacob: But it's unfair to, I guess, predetermine, like how you're gonna judge someone based off those characteristics. But, it's just again, an unfortunate part of the world we live in. Yeah. It's hard to not judge police. Especially in those times when like the, like all that news was like just very active and like in our in our country.

J.R.: Well, good to hear that you're consistent in what you think. You haven't been radicalized since [00:21:00] 15. Yep. In any direction.

J.R.: All right. Next question is, what would you do with a million dollars?

Jacob: I would definitely wanna invest it. I wouldn't definitely not try to be careless about money now. Being older now, I would look into investing in a property. Obviously saving as much of that as I can for a payment on a property. I think what I do right now is try to find something I could just buy out with cash and then have it being paid off. But also maybe try to rent it out as well.

Jacob: Since I'm just still in college. And then I'm gonna hopefully start my career within the next year. It'd be like some passive income that I could, still obtain and also own the property as well. I think that'd be my, like first move if there's a good opportunity for that. Yeah. But then invest as much as I can of that.

Jacob: Really just try to like, not use that as spending money. But more just, trying to build just more passive income over time. And then have that investment hopefully just snowball into more money in the future. Try to be smart as I can about it. 

J.R.: Yeah. Nice. Well you had the [00:22:00] same answer as your 15-year-old self. Just a little bit more details, which is great. 'cause you said. You first said I would leave it in the bank or invest in something like properties need to think about it. Maybe a house in the Bay area. Maybe sell if later on, if it's paid off. Some sort of investing in real estate, but I don't really have that much knowledge right now as a 15-year-old. And then when you were 11, you said you'd buy a house in Hawaii or candy bars. 

Jacob: Wow, okay. At least I was consistent somewhat. But you know, maybe I would buy some candy bars just because I know my younger self would like it.

J.R.: Yeah. Okay. You may or may not have been led to that answer anyways. Probably.

J.R.: Question number, question number five. What superpower would you have if you could have any superpower? 

Jacob: Oh, I think I have definitely been consistent with this, at least when I was 15. But I think super speed is definitely a very overpowered one. I don't know how like of an extreme superpower can have, but a surface level one would be super speed. I think there's so many uses you can do with that. If I wanna be like selfish, [00:23:00] obviously I would be like the greatest athlete of all time. I could do any task like in a fraction of what it would take, usually. Whether it was I don't know, just any type of errands or chores or homework or reading or anything you wanna learn. You could do it at such an accelerated rate. But then also, your mind thinks faster too. I'm thinking in the sense of I don't know if you've ever watched like the Flash. Yeah, I think I mentioned that too.

J.R.: You mentioned cW Flash. Yeah. 

Jacob: Yeah, yeah. But I used to watch that growing up a lot. And like the super speed. He would just read quickly and he could also walk, run on water. You could run anywhere. It's almost like teleportation. I think it's super overpowered in my opinion.

Jacob: But if I could just be like insanely overpowered in this hypothetical world, I think like some type of like matter manipulation where I can change anything to anything. If that makes sense.

J.R.: Which you'd be God.

Jacob: Yeah. I mean, I guess so. Or I could be like, like Dr. Strange, if you've seen Marvel. And like just manipulate time, manipulate matter. So I think that could do so much good for the world also for me too, but super [00:24:00] speed. I want us help like people out as well too, so. 

J.R.: Okay, so now it's to bus your chops. If you had super speed, you would not only be the fastest athlete, you would just be the athlete of every sport, but then what? But what would be the point of that then? Because you would just be automatically like first, second, third, fourth through 10th place, and then what's the point of doing any of those things? I mean, what if I just like. Do it very conservatively. But what, okay, so I guess my question is why though? Why do you wanna be the best athlete if you already have supernatural powers? That's true. Is it fame, is it money? You know what I mean? What, why. 

Jacob: Yeah. I think it'd be the security of like the money. Also I like, like sports. But I think, like you said too, if we're being, it's the fun realistic. Yeah. If we're being realistic about the answer, I think like it'll get boring after a while 'cause I'm just in like beyond comparable to anyone else. Right. But I'll definitely find a ways to like actually like just help the world out, you know what I mean?

Jacob: And not for the fame, but just make the world a better [00:25:00] place. Whether it was like, again, like the speed at which I do things would be like just incomparable to anyone else. Right? So I don't know how that would help exactly. But whether it'd be like, I don't know like transporting like things or like

J.R.: Carrying things one by one. Amazon package.

Jacob: I could definitely be of use to the world and so many people if I was fast. I mean.

J.R.: Okay, so you aspire to be useful, but you just dunno the details yet? 

Jacob: Yeah, I mean, word will definitely get out. Say if I were to just automatically just in a second get super speeded.

J.R.: They're like, oh look, there's Jacob. We need to deliver this Amazon package right now.

Jacob: Hey, it'd be there quick. Yeah. Yeah. It'd be express delivery I guess.

J.R.: Well, you definitely make money for sure. But if, okay, so if you had Dr. Manhattan, God powers. Same question. Why? What would you do with it? Make the world a better place. But what does that mean?

Jacob: One thing I think of is just. Less racism. Food. Well, I could do that too. You are less racist. Yeah. [00:26:00] Manipulate mines just like you are not racist. Yeah. You'll not be offended by my jokes. Yeah. I can make any joke I want even if I'm not part of the group. You find me funny. Don't take this. Don't take it seriously. Give me money. 

Jacob: Yeah. But one thing I like instinctively think of is like a world hunger. Obviously it's such a big problem in our world that's pretty hard to solve. But if you can manipulate matter and especially time as well. Again, fictional world and you don't know how exactly that works. But assuming it would just be as simple as that. Yeah. Solving world hunger. Hopefully some type of manipulation to help with like diseases and like curing any sickness. I don't know how that relates to my power. Yeah. But also maybe I was thinking for super speed too, because I have I would regenerate health at a quicker speed as well. Hopefully there's some type of like scientific connection we can make to use whatever I have or donate anything that I have to like

J.R.: Study you as like a Guinea pig.

Jacob: I mean, yeah, hopefully I'm not like, like what if they had to like, put you on a cage and cut you up and be like, how does this speed force work? Yeah, yeah. [00:27:00] Hopefully I'm not like, tortured and it's not I don't know if you've seen who is tortured like Captain America or the Winter Soldier, like Deadpool.

Jacob: We're getting so off track to like other superheroes now. But yeah, like something like that. Hopefully I'm willing to like, they're willing to work it out peacefully or again, I just use my manipulation and be like, you'll not, you know, you'll not torture me.

J.R.: You'll not torture me. In fact, I made all the torture devices disappear. 

Jacob: And that's another thing I could do. Yep. For for any type of manipulation, like with a matter or Adam manipulation. Yeah. 

J.R.: Yeah. Cool. All right. We'll end with, I have a lot more, I could have a lot more follow up questions. I'm like, you know, you're gonna ruin the world economy if you, if you, yeah. If you remove all diseases and all hunger, you do know that all there's money just stops. Right. But I'm up. I'm just kidding. Not kidding. Oh yeah. But it's also real, but also whatever. 

Jacob: Yeah. Superpowers are definitely like mm-hmm. There's a lot more factor in it. 

J.R.: Yeah. There's a give and take man. Yeah. Always.

J.R.: Okay, next question. Do you meditate yet [00:28:00] and has anyone given you the opportunity?

Jacob: You know, I have meditated a couple times. Very rare occasions. I think it's good. Definitely a practice. I should have more honestly. I think meditating and like journaling especially, and all just like trying to be like in touch with your emotions and like your thoughts and just just overall more like present I think is good. I haven't meditated in a while. I know I have a couple of times overall, like in high school and I think once like freshman or my freshman or sophomore year, so a couple years ago I think I was like trying to like study for this exam, pull an all-nighter, and my friend was like, all right do this meditation. You know what I mean? I think I was too stressed to actually focus on it with my full heart and head. But yeah, I think so I've done it, but I guess not to like too much of a serious extent I'd say. 

J.R.: So you want to do it? 

Jacob: Yeah, but like with other people and see.

J.R.: So you wanna do it with other people and you think it has benefits. But you haven't and you haven't given, [00:29:00] well, you haven't minus those few times. Because before you said you would if you were given the opportunity. And then I asked, has anyone given you the opportunity yet? 

Jacob: Not necessarily. It's not anything that's really been brought up by people. It's probably like the first time I about meditation in while, yeah, I mean, I guess if like I had like family or friends that wanted to, or kinda push me to, you know, I'd definitely be open to it, so.

J.R.: So you need some sort of catalyst or some accountability?

Jacob: Just to start maybe, but yeah.

J.R.: Right. So I think what we talked about four years ago is like you meditated sort of once in PE but it wasn't a memorable experience. You might have a few more times after that, but you think you did so well that maybe you forgot.

J.R.: And so maybe I propose the idea, maybe your superpower is you are a master meditator, but you lose your memory afterwards. So you have super memory loss. Post meditation is my theory. 

Jacob: Wow. [00:30:00] It's like one of those superpowers. I've seen things online a lot where it's like you're given a superpower, but people get to pick your, like your weakness, your side effect or your weakness. Yeah. Yeah. And that pretty much cancels out the whole meditation, I guess. So what's the point? 

J.R.: Like it's kind of like that superpower, it's okay, you can be invisible, but no one can look at you. You're like, wait, what? Meaning like, right. Like to cameras or whatever, but if anyone is looking at you, you're not invisible anymore. Like that sort of thing.

J.R.: Oh yeah. I imagine this one is this one is like you, you get the benefits of meditating, right? Like a calm centered presence. But you forgot, you meditated. So you're like, what did I do today? I don't remember, but I feel great. That's how I imagine that superpower.

Jacob: Is that almost like a healthy blacking out then?

J.R.: Exactly. It's like a healthy, that's your superpowers is healthy, blacking out where you feel better, but you still black out. 

Jacob: You know what, that's better than a lot of people. So honestly, if I were given that superpower, I think it'd be a blessing, so.[00:31:00] 

J.R.: Right. I like it. Okay, next one. Fitness goals. Do you have any?

Jacob: Oh yeah. I think consistently I've always wanted to be like very active. I think right now I'd consider myself more like on a bulk. I try to keep like my muscular tone, but at the same time like put on weight. I've always been kind of more on the skinny side and the smaller side in general.

Jacob: But yeah, just trying to stay, like overall just very active in the gym. I try to be consistent with like my four day splits with a rest day or two in between them. But just staying active in the gym and also trying to balance that with cardio. I'm not typically one that just strictly does like running or anything, like super active, so I try to get it in like different ways, like playing basketball or football, anything recreational, even going to the beach as well.

Jacob: My overall goal is just to stay fit and just be, I guess like comfortable with my physique, but also just feel healthy as well. Just feel very active.

J.R.: Okay. So generally you just wanna feel good and be athletic, but no specific goals [00:32:00] other than feeling comfortable with your physique? 

Jacob: I mean, I guess so, yeah. When I am active, it's usually weightlifting in the gym. I guess for example, like my bench press or like any of the other activities, I try to like, set my bar a little bit higher as time goes on with the amount of weight that I move.

J.R.: So you wanna get stronger. Is that a goal? 

Jacob: Yeah. Yeah. Consist like consistently stronger. But at the same time, like keeping like a good I think I've said this before too, like a lean, leaner physique, overall. 

J.R.: Yeah. So your 11-year-old self says you want to get stronger, but you don't really have any goals. Which confused me because that was two separate answers. Your 15, your 15-year-old self said was doing good during football workout and was going to the gym consistently. You want a good lean body but doesn't wanna be jacked like the rock.

J.R.: And then I said, that's racist. And you said you want to look good with your shirt off. And so I was like, oh, so you want to look good naked? And you said you, you want, you don't wanna [00:33:00] be buff, buff, but good, but not fat, but also a good set of visible abs. And then I said, okay, from not like a very lax body versus the rock.

J.R.: And I was like, so you wanna be like right here in the middle? And you're like, no, I wanna be right here. And then you did this finger motion, and then I was like, I don't know what this means, but you wanna be from like fat to the rock, you wanna be right here. So is that still consistent or thoughts?

Jacob: I mean, y yeah, if we're getting straight up about an answer, yeah, I'd say that. I mean, that's a good goal to have, yeah. I was just really just dropping answers like pretty straight up, I guess back then. I guess to be like, on that level, I want to feel healthy and over like how I look, right. If I'm going like off looks, I wanna have a good body that looks good and someone that like you look at you can tell oh, like they're pretty fit and they're active.

Jacob: Trying to think of how my 15-year-old self would think. Like you said, the lax, spotty and like the rock are just like one of the most fit people, you know. Yeah. Like in, in that, like that other half for sure. In like this part right here. Like this Right, right there. Yeah. Like just [00:34:00] this little spiral in the middle.

J.R.: Okay. So say a similar answer then.

Jacob: Yeah, I guess so. We'll go with it.

J.R.: Perfect. I like it. All right we'll check back in to see if you've achieved this. 

Jacob: Yep. The next five years. We'll we'll check in in the next interview. See where I'm at. 

J.R.: Okay. Next question. Morning routine. What is your morning routine, if you have any? And has the order of putting on your clothes changed in the last four years or so? 

Jacob: I guess I can go over like my morning routine. I'd say this is like a typical like day I'm going to school. I'd wake up I'd brush my teeth, I'd stretch a little bit. Usually I'm trying to like, just stretch again, like from coming from the gym or anything active.

Jacob: Usually I take a shower, put my clothes on, eat breakfast, because I would say this because I know in the younger ones you're very like, critiquing if what order I put my things on or if I eat my breakfast naked or you know, if I forget to put my clothes on. So I gotta make sure I stay all the steps in there.

Jacob: Put my clothes on, eat [00:35:00] breakfast. And then, like any type of like skincare just moisturizing my body, whatever personal, hygiene is affiliated with my mornings. Put my socks on, my shoes on, get my things ready and then, go about my day.

Jacob: Whether it's like going to school, like running errands or just just getting up and ready. I try to be consistent, even if it's like the weekends or if I don't have plans, still be in like a good routine and always just get myself like ready and like presentable for a new day, so.

Jacob: But I'm curious to see what my younger self said and how that conversation kind of, reverted. 

J.R.: The biggest thing I was listening for is making sure that before you leave your place, you have clothes on. See, I knew otherwise I would be, I would've been, I would've been like, oh, nope, he hasn't figured it out yet. Still. No. Nope.

J.R.: So your your 11-year-old self said you've put on your shorts and your underwear and then your shorts and underwear again, and then you go do something else. And I'm like, wait, but you're topless still. And then what's your shower routine? And breakfast. And then I propose that maybe you've been a superhero in training for a while [00:36:00] and then you spit out your water.

J.R.: 15-year-old self, you wake up, shower change, eat school. Summer, changed a lot. You wake up later or something like that. Lots of eating and sleeping and obviously you're indoors. 'cause those during the pandemic. Then I told you what you, your 11-year-old self, you also spit out your water again.

J.R.: And then I'm like, maybe your superpower is just spitting on people. So that could just be that this is bad timing to take a sip of my water. I guess what's one thing that's consistent with your Jacob since you were a baby is you are really good at drinking your water and also spitting out your water.

Jacob: Yeah. So much for drinking it, I guess. 'cause half of it just ends up coming out and you like Yeah. 

J.R.: Half goes out. Half goes in. Yeah. Okay. So pretty standard routine and you're now putting on your clothes more efficiently, right?

Jacob: Yes. Hopefully. I'm trying to figure that out still. Maybe a little bit, but we're there. Yeah, for the most part, I think.

J.R.: Yeah. Cool. Well, as long as that interview that you had you had clothes on, so I was like, all right. He has this day figured out at least. Yeah. Yep. Mm-hmm. And today too, so. And today, that's two outta two, man. [00:37:00] Yeah.

J.R.: Okay, next question. School, is it valuable or a scam? And then the followup to that is how would you contrast middle school versus high school versus college?

Jacob: Is school valuable? I think yes, as long as you make your worth out of it. If you go into school like lighthearted, whether it's, middle school, high school, or even college and you don't make the most of it, you have your priorities not set on learning and trying to get out of it what you should or what you're aiming for in life. Then I think it's not so much a scam, but more of a waste. But I think it definitely can be useful. I think more traditionally okay, like you should go middle school, high school, you should go to college, get a degree and something you wanna pursue. And after that, go into the job field. With that mindset, I try to make use of my college. Being an accounting major, I try to make my connections as I can learn from the classroom, learn from internship experiences. And through middle school and high school. Obviously not as much sure as what I want to do in the future, but still trying to make the most of learning, like knowledge that I can carry on.

Jacob: So in my mind it's not a scam again, like what you put into it is what you get out of it. So if you really [00:38:00] put like your effort into making the most of it, trying to learn, be like a better version of yourself, obtain knowledge, but also spread it on hopefully in the future. I think it's not a scam at that point.

Jacob: But the second part was just middle school versus high school versus college. Yeah. I don't really remember too much for middle school other than like.

J.R.: Your meditation, your blackout meditations. That's why.

Jacob: Yeah, I know. I guess I was meditating a lot. You'll never know. You were nonstop meditating. Yeah. But middle school is I guess more of the the bridge between elementary and high school. And then reflecting on that now I think is pretty accurate. And then college is kind of more of a, all right, this is what you're signing up for, you're paying for this, you're investing your time into it, and it's your choice. 'Cause everyone has to typically go through middle school and high school. But college is different. Like you're putting your own money and time. But I think all steps are useful. You can learn from everything.

J.R.: Okay. So generally you're saying that no matter what you do, it's the intent that you have going into it and that's what makes it valuable, right? I would say so, yeah. Yeah. I like that.

J.R.: I guess the spirit of the question, if it's more [00:39:00] serious is more because people who are a little bit ahead of you, meaning like they are graduated and people in the workforce now in the early twenties. They propose the idea, and again, I'm not just agreeing or disagreeing that college is a scam because in the days of like the fifties to the nineties, a college degree would actually mean something. You would get a good job, you can get a job that can pay for a house like in two years or so.

J.R.: But now because the job market sucks because the bachelor's degree doesn't guarantee a job. And you still get entry level job and even then people can't even get entry level jobs. And so that's kinda where the spirit of the question is. Which is okay, looking back, a lot of people who are currently working are like, dude, that was a scam. I don't even use anything from college. It was more just a checkbox. And so, again, no right or wrong answers and I don't agree or disagree, but what do you think about that?

Jacob: Yeah, I think everything you do in college, especially like a lot of the courses you take and the requirements you need to fulfill to obtain your degree, you're not gonna use a hundred percent of that. And a lot of it is [00:40:00] just literally checking the boxes.

Jacob: I think there is used to it. Just being in, like in business, I've made the most of networking as much as I can. Like the knowledge I've gotten from classes and a lot of that you can't really get from not going to college. Making those connections, being in that kind of environment. And also just fostering my learning and my curiosity in that sense.

Jacob: But yeah, I think I'm just more traditional thinking that college is not necessarily a scam, but I feel like it's just needed if you're gonna go a traditional route trying to get a job. The regular job market, like you said, there's no right or wrong answer. There's no right or wrong path or views. Like you said in older generations it was like a lot more valuable to have a college degree and it's not as much so now.

Jacob: But you know, I think there's still use and there's still purpose to college. And if it aligns with what you see for your future. For me, I'm pretty set on going this path. Obviously graduate next year. But yeah, no right or wrong answers, but that's just how I feel.

J.R.: I like it. Yeah, and I don't, again, I don't disagree with what you said either. I think it's true. Even if people are [00:41:00] correct and it is not as valuable as it was before this, the reality of the system is that you still need one in order to get your foot in the door. Even if your ROI is not really that good out the gate, because you might be spending tens of thousands of dollars over the course of four years to get a maybe job, not really, entry level. But even then, if you didn't have a college degree you wouldn't even get your foot in the door or your resume looked at. And then on top of that, like you said, there's inherent value in being a part of that community of learning and being exposed to things in networking.

J.R.: Let's see. I think well there, there wasn't too much that you said in here, but it was more just you said the exact same thing. Middle school was a bridge to high school. High school helps you be more prepared for life and then college is more serious. So I think it's pretty much the same. Okay. Yeah, and then how it's everything is just how you see it, so Yeah. Consistent. At least I'm consistent in some ways. Yeah, you're very, you're very consistent.

J.R.: Yeah. Okay, so next question is, well, it was advice for middle school students who are struggling or high school students or college students that are [00:42:00] struggling. So whatever stage you are at, the people who are before you are coming after you, what advice would you have for those students who are struggling?

Jacob: First things that come to mind is try to be as proactive as possible based on your passions or whatever you have in your life. Middle school, high school, college, whatever. First thing I think of is don't procrastinate. If you have schoolwork, projects, events and you like thing you wanna plan don't procrastinate because you know the due date and the timeline always moves so much quicker than you think.

Jacob: But try to be proactive I think is a good thing too. Not to just wait for someone to tell you to do something or don't wait to try to, based on other people's terms or what they think, but more so be proactive for yourself. Also trying to be intellectually curious is another thing as well. I think people are always very fixed in their own box, in their own world. They don't try to venture out. They don't try to be curious and learn new things. Especially not putting themselves out there for talking on like a social level. Which I've [00:43:00] learned in college too, which I think is kind of different from middle school and high school.

J.R.: Yeah. Going on blind dates.

Jacob: Yeah. Yeah. Getting, that's one example I guess 'cause high school me or even like younger under class for me, probably wouldn't have done that. Take risks, as long as you're passionate about it and really try to see it through and, have some motivation behind it.

J.R.: Yeah, that's solid. Alright, let's move to the next one. So what do you think about girls? And then I said mad, I said also, mom is a girl, so be careful what you say, and she's gonna, she's gonna listen and watch this, so.

Jacob: Yep. Hi mom. Well, we're back for round three of this answer, I guess. God, that's so vague. You know, I saw the questions from what we said as an 11, 15-year-old, but I didn't really look into the answers too much. I think respect everyone, whether it's whatever gender. I respect and love my mom obviously. I think everyone deserves some level of respect, you know?

J.R.: So you're pro equality then? 

Jacob: Yeah. Yeah. I think everyone should be treated equal. I think just spread kindness and be positive. Don't just make assumptions on people [00:44:00] as well. 

J.R.: Okay. So treat everyone equally regardless of girls or not girls or wherever you are. So that's your general thoughts on girls then? You don't really have thoughts on girls. You just have thoughts on people and just being respectful.

Jacob: That's a hard question. What are your thoughts on girls? I don't, I don't really know. I'm kind of stumped on what to say unless you're gonna go somewhere more specific with it. But. No. I don't know. 

J.R.: But you're consistent with your answer 'cause you also were not sure the last two times you're like, I dunno. I mean, I mean it's very broad. And I was like, well, mom's a girl. And then you're like, well, yeah, I guess they're nice. Yeah. And then you claim that you're not racist or sexist or gender racist. I was really being set up when I was 11. You were definitely being set up. Yeah. Yeah. So, okay. So you're no longer racist or sexist or gender racist. Right?

Jacob: No longer still being set up, aren't I? Oh my God.

J.R.: Okay. All right. We can move on. Okay. Okay. So on the topic of [00:45:00] girls what is your type? 

Jacob: It's funny, I was asked this on the interview. The blind date one I had. But I'll keep it pretty much consistent. I look for someone that's has fun with life, that's not afraid to just laugh, enjoy little moments. Someone that has similar interests as me. Someone that can really show or express like loyalty over time I think is a big thing. I definitely value personality and what's inside versus outside. Because obviously looks gets your attention. But it's what inside that makes you stay with someone. Also someone that's smart in a way. You know what I was looking back, I know what you're gonna ask next, but someone that I guess is more like, they could stand in their own two feet and be like independent. Someone that's not like too chaotic, I guess I'd say. 

J.R.: Okay. I feel like your answers are consistent, obviously more mature and refined, but still consistent. You still mm-hmm. Like internal beauty such as organs and livers. And you like smart girls, not dumb [00:46:00] girls.

Jacob: So again, we don't, we don't, we don't judge people, right. Especially girls. But I'd say if you show smarts in a new way, like street smart or book smart, it's definitely a attractive feature.

J.R.: Okay, so you like beautiful organs, which include beautiful brains. I mean, the brain is an organ, right? Right. So typically it, right, okay. It fits the category. So you like internal beauty, which in includes that. Okay, cool. I think that's, yeah, that is pretty much the same. Yeah, internal beauty organ livers. And I know, but you're like, oh, well I don't really care about you said I don't really care about organs. And I'm like, okay, so are organs optional or what? So I don't know if you had a stance on an organ, pro organs or anti organs. Did you, has it changed? 

Jacob: I'm pretty pro organ. You're pro organs. Okay. I would ideally hope you're healthy and have your organs to function. Right. But it's not a, it's not, it's not a deal breaker. I [00:47:00] mean, I don't, I don't like actually look at your organs and be like, if your, if you know if your liver is not intact or if your brain is, I don't know, you know what I mean?

J.R.: So your type is girls, not that it's a big deal, but you like girls, right? Yeah. Do you still, you're like, I'm trying to, I'm looking out for the landmines here. Before you say your type is Hawaiian, but not necessary, has that changed?

Jacob: If you're talking physically? I don't say I have a set type. You can find anyone from any background, any race attractive. So you're less racist now? Yeah. Yeah. See, I'm trying to change my ways a little bit. I realized I was so racist the first couple times. I gotta make a better image for myself.

J.R.: Dr. Manhattan, his own brain be less racist. Yeah. Yeah. You don't know. I actually have superpowers and I'm just, you just forgot. Yeah. Also forget that I just changed my racism. Nice. Yeah. Cool. I'll make, I'll make everyone watching this. Forget that I've said anything racist. I said nothing problematic or racist.

J.R.: [00:48:00] Cool. The next question is Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. And I guess I have a follow up to that one. The follow-up is Joe Biden or Donald Trump. And I guess the follow-up, follow up to that is anyone or Donald Trump.

Jacob: Wow. Like I said, I don't really go into politics too much. Well obviously Trump is our president now. And especially back then, I wasn't too into politics. But I think ever since our last President Biden was in office. I think I try to keep up a little bit more. I think there is no like perfect candidate for being president.

Jacob: But just for me personally and just my beliefs try to be like, as neutral as possible, but still try to give something. I'm not like, too I guess happy with the last presidents. There's no ideal world, like I said, where everyone is pleased. A lot of things have gone on in the country that kind of are kind of unfortunate that, people always relate to the president for.

Jacob: I guess overall I'm not the biggest Trump fan personally. But I'm also not like a big like Biden fan or like anyone from like the Democratic party. I'll just keep it at that. Yeah.

J.R.: So you're not a fan of [00:49:00] politicians, not the ones that have been at least current politicians. Yeah, I guess so. I think it's just super, complicated. So you're politician racist? 

Jacob: Yeah. If we, if had to be something then I guess I'm not racist, not sexist, but politician. Racist. Politician. Okay. That's fair. All jokes. 

J.R.: Okay, so follow up to that one. How do you feel about Walls, emails and being sleepy?

Jacob: Does this all relate to each other? Walls email being sleepy. 

J.R.: I'm just asking questions, man. I don't, how do you feel about walls and emails and being sleepy?

Jacob: Walls? Like physical walls? Also what you asked before. Walls they're good. I mean, this kind of a different perspective. But now that I've been out in Hawaii, there's these places called walls where a lot of people jump off of to jump in the ocean. A lot of my friends always ask oh, if you like go walls there's what key walls, there's China walls. Any like walls you can jump off of. That's what comes to my mind at first. So I like walls. I, I'll keep it that you pro wall.

J.R.: You're pro walls and [00:50:00] especially pro jumping off walls.

Jacob: Yeah, yeah. If we're talking in that sense. Yeah. Because I love jumping and in that, in that wall. And then email, one thing about email I think it's great emails. I think it's, yeah, definitely pro emails. I think it's a good way of communication. Could be very formal. It's different from like text or face-to-face. It, it has different kind of tones or like vibes to it.

J.R.: What about being the third one, sleepy pro? Are you pro sleepiness or antis sleepiness? 

Jacob: I mean, sleepiness is just a normal feeling for humans. So it's not necessarily good or bad. As long as you get your rest, I think it's important you sleep, get your rest so that your sleepiness doesn't affect like, your performance or hopefully not your attitude as much or your perspectives in any way.

J.R.: Last question then is are you pro-joy or anti joy? 

Jacob: I'm definitely projo. I think people should be, hopefully find their happiness in ways they can, given that it doesn't affect other people or take away from their joy. So projo. 

J.R.: Cool. All [00:51:00] right. Next question. Do you like Mexicans?

Jacob: Yes. I don't discriminate. I, yeah. Okay.

J.R.: So you like and appreciate Mexicans? 

Jacob: Yeah we love and appreciate Mexicans. Did my 11 or 15-year-old say something different? I'm scared I did. 

J.R.: No, I think you were just confused. You said, you previously said, I don't don't like them. Oof. And as an 11-year-old, and then you said as 15-year-old Depends on the person. Okay. I think meaning, meaning you're like, I'm not trying to generalize, but I think it depends on the person, no matter what their in ethnicity is. I, this is what you were saying, I think. 

Jacob: Yeah like I'm not gonna judge you on your race, like if you're Mexican or anything else. But if there's something else to judge you off of that isn't something predetermined, then yeah.

J.R.: Yeah. Okay. I think it's a good answer. Yeah. You got, you're pretty much consistent just this time around. You were just straight. Yes. I like Mexicans. So, Hey, we do, yeah. Nothing to, nothing to hide, so there you go. Cool.

J.R.: Next [00:52:00] one is too much video games, good or bad? 

Jacob: Too much I'd say is more bad. It could be like distracting. It could depending on what you're playing. It could, alter your brain and how you think and how you view things. You know what I mean? And this is the sense of you're doing too much. By all means, a healthy amount of playing games is good, but if you're doing too much time towards that and not spending it towards anything else, I think it could be bad.

J.R.: Okay so follow up to that, what is too much?

Jacob: I think too much is just, where it becomes more of an unhealthy habit. Takes time away from people that matter or activities that matter, or personally taking care of yourself.

J.R.: So you're saying there's no timeframe that you are saying, but you're saying relative to your other priorities, it shouldn't overtake your priorities in your life? 

Jacob: Yeah, I guess in my mind that's a better judgment of like too much.

J.R.: Right, right, right. 'cause it's specific. And then now you said type of games and so we specifically talked about GTA and you said before that your 11-year-old self [00:53:00] says don't play GTA, but play educational games. Then I asked you what you play and you said, I play GTA, not really educational games. And then you said, to this day, I haven't played GTA for a while. And then I responded, wow, that was such a politician answer. So maybe you're not anti, maybe you're not politician racist. Maybe you are a politician.

Jacob: Hey, we'll leave it up to the viewers to, to judge I guess.

J.R.: Okay. And then your 15-year-old self says there aren't a lot of educational games. Too much is bad because of addiction and being lazy 'cause you're not gonna be healthy, fit or productive. You play video games sometimes GTA, maybe two or three hours because you can't go outside that much. And then ask you, would you GTA in real life? And you said, oh, you're not supposed to GTA in real life. And I was like, wait, but what do you do in GTA? And you're like, oh, unlawful stuff. And I'm like, I do lawful stuff and I play GTA. And then I asked you, is real life better than virtual life? And you said Yes, but as long as it's not unlawful. So how does you, what are your thoughts on that? 

Jacob: [00:54:00] I think GTA in the name itself, grant Theft auto is definitely a very unlawful game.

J.R.: I dunno how I drive around and I stop at red lights and I go grocery shopping. I'm not doing anything unlawful. 

Jacob: That is absurd to say if you play GTA lawfully because it game is meant to break the laws. So someone's playing it, you're playing it like I've never heard anyone else play.

J.R.: Okay, so you're saying we're supposed to break the law GTA.

Jacob: I mean, if you're playing the game on how it's supposed to be played, then yeah. Because if you quite literally play the story mode, like you have to do many, many, many unlawful things. So it's pretty hard to play the game and not break any laws. 

J.R.: Okay. So are you pro playing GTA?

Jacob: Yes, as long as you have the basic maturity to not replicate a lot of the unlawful things in real life.

J.R.: Okay. I was gonna ask, so are you pro real life or pro virtual life?

Jacob: I'm, I'm more pro real life. And you have control your own life, but are [00:55:00] you not pro real life GTA? Depends how you play. See if we play GTA like you do apparently lawfully stopping at red lightning, go to the grocery store. Yeah. Pro real life GTA. But if you play like how pretty much everyone else plays GTAI would say no. 

J.R.: Okay. So you're, so you're pro GTA lawful playing GTA, but you're not pro GTA real life if it's how it's supposed to be played. 

Jacob: Yeah, because there's no one that realistically plays GTA fully abiding by the law. So. Yeah.

J.R.: Fossil fuels or renewable energy?

Jacob: Renewable energy. 

Jacob: I mean, if it's just like that easy and straight up answer. Yeah. Renewable energy. Climate change is real in my opinion. We gotta take care of the world we live in.

J.R.: Nice. The only difference is that when you were 11 you didn't know if fossil fuels were fair. But I think you're pretty consistent.

J.R.: Okay. Next question. Any favorite books? 

Jacob: [00:56:00] Wow. I know I definitely did not read when I was 11 or 15 as much. So you did know how to read? No, no, no. I did know how to read. I just chose not to read. Actually, I'm not really like too much for a reader as in like recreational reading. You're more of a GTA. Yeah. In a real life. GTA actually. Yeah. But I mean I definitely read my books through high school. I think one that I've always kinda thought about, I guess was like The Great Gatsby. It's like a pretty, pretty popular book. That's a movie too. I don't know if I have a favorite book, but I guess that's one of the more like, memorable ones.

J.R.: So are you, if you don't read, are you anti books? I'm not anti books, actually. But you don't read it and you don't believe in it?

Jacob: Oh, oh. I believe in books obviously. I think reading has its benefits. I'm just, I think I've like just read a lot, like forcefully through like school that like, I don't have my motivation to read outside of it, but maybe that's just me. I'm just not like a reader myself. I would much rather just watch a movie than read books.

J.R.: [00:57:00] So you're, you're pro force reading, but you're more pro GTA than books. 

Jacob: There's a lot of pros and like antis I'm trying to keep up with, so I make sure I'm pretty consistent.

J.R.: Or just tell the truth. You don't have to be consistent. If you tell the truth, then it's consistent.

Jacob: No, i'm, I'm telling the truth, but I'm like, wait, I'm thinking back and I'm, you sound a sound a politiciany and for someone who's anti politician. Yeah. See, see, I know I'm, I'm keeping the truthful, but at the same time I'm like, yeah. I was like, I did say that earlier, huh.

Jacob: Not anti reading. Reading is good by all means. I'm gonna do a lot of reading and writing. Just not for you. Accounting. Reading is good. Just not for you, I guess not my first choice at least. But someone convinced me to read a good book read it. 

J.R.: Okay. All right. We can leave it at that. Do you have any favorite movies and or any recommendations for someone who is a different ethnicity and just came to this country? 

Jacob: Huh. I like really all types of movies. I'm a big like Marvel fan, but I [00:58:00] like horror and comedy in action I think are kind of my top ones. I'm trying to think of what the last movie I saw was. But no, like nothing favorite, I guess in that sense. But for your second question, what I recommend for someone coming to this country. I guess it would depend where they're coming from, but if I had to say like overall.

J.R.: From Philippines.

Jacob: What's that Jo Koy movie? Nah, nah, I think Joe Coy actually did come with the movie Easter Sunday. Actually didn't watch it. Easter. Easter Sunday. Yes. Yes. That one. Uhhuh.

J.R.: So you would recommend a Filipino watch Easter Sunday after coming to the us? See, not, not in a racist way, but maybe just. How is that, how is that Not in a racist way, man.

Jacob: No. Okay. Let's backtrack this. You know what's funny, I think as a funny movie is coming to America is a good one. If you've seen that one with what's his name? Eddie Murphy. Yeah, Eddie Murphy. I think that's a funny one, but you know, it's an older one for sure, but one of my favorite like comedy movies for sure. 

J.R.: Okay, so just to step back, if someone is coming to [00:59:00] America, you recommend that they watch the movie to America?

Jacob: It, it's, it's pretty fitting, I guess. I mean, hey, that I, it doesn't matter where you're coming from, you're coming to America, so.

J.R.: It's like, it's like you, I don't know what that's like, but the first thing that comes to mind is okay, you just, you meet someone who has superpowers and you're like, Hey, watch this Marvel movie. Like, the fuck, like. What kind of movie rec is that? 

Jacob: I, I'm just trying to make, maybe because who knows what they, they know. I mean, I'll keep it. Yeah. Usually I keep it lighthearted. I mean, if you're asking me like on the top of the dome right now first thing that comes to mind, I mean, that comes to mind. 'cause they're literally coming to America. 

J.R.: You know, mom listening to this right [01:00:00] now would be so proud. She's like, wow, my sweetheart recommended Joe Coy for a Filipino and. Yep. Eddie Murphy coming to America for someone who came to America. She would, that's, that's why's there, she's, you're definitely, you're definitely the favorite now she's the better son. Yep. I know. You're definitely the better son now.

J.R.: Okay. Yeah, for sure. Okay. Let's see. I'm gonna move, do, wait. Do you play video games or still currently? 

Jacob: Yeah. Not as much recently, but yeah, I still play once in a while.

J.R.: Any recommendations? 

Jacob: I like sports games, so usually if I'm like hopping on like my console, I'd play like Madden or NB 2K or UFC. Once in a while I'll play GTA, just, for the fun of it.

J.R.: Once in a while. Air quotes once in a while for the fun of it. You're more real life now, huh? 

Jacob: Yeah, I transition to real life for GTA specifically. Perfect. I knew it. But yeah, more sports games is my kind of vibe now. 

J.R.: Okay, next question, left turn. What is the purpose of life? 

Jacob: Whew, [01:01:00] man. That's pretty hard that there's never a consistent answer to. In my mind I think a good purpose for life for people to have is to just like truly find happiness and make the most of what you have in life. I think everyone has different upbringings, comes from different, like places, different families, different like wealth and countries. Making the most out of your life, like in terms of making yourself happy and finding your joy, but also trying to find ways to spread that to other people as well. And try not to put people down while you're fighting your joy.

J.R.: Nice. It, well, it kind of did change similar vibe. So before your 11-year-old self said whatever you want, as long as it's not bad. Live your life the way you want. Give people an opportunity to live in a free world. And then your 15-year-old self says, live it like you want it, and freedom again. And then I'm like, okay, so is the purpose of life to be American? 'cause that's totally what we are is we're about freedom. And you're like, yeah. And then as long as your [01:02:00] government lets you and so basically chase as much as you can. So basically your answer was freedom, but now you're saying it's more like happiness and joy in helping people out.

Jacob: Yeah. I'd say like I said, like everyone has different upbringings and different circumstances that you know, they have on themselves.

J.R.: Yeah. I mean, that's fair. Very miss America answer, so good job. Yeah, for real. All right. And last question, career aspirations, and I think your 15-year-old self split this up into realistically versus if you had a choice. So however you wanna answer that. 

Jacob: Realistically, I think just being like 20 now, gonna graduate in a year. I wanna graduate in my bachelor's in accounting. I wanna see myself at a public accounting firm hopefully after I graduate. Obtain my CPA and then from there branch out to either private accounting or staying in public. But somewhere down the road I wanna be more ambitious and try to start my own business. And then hopefully that would work out, like financially and set myself [01:03:00] up good. If not, like I'm perfectly like comfortable staying in accounting and having a good solid career and that throughout my life.

Jacob: But if I'm thinking in some fantasy world, I'm an athlete. I love playing football, especially. I'm in the NFL, I'm a top quarterback and I'm making millions of dollars. I'm like living the life. But I guess more semi realistic, I get to be like involved some way in sports. Whether it's some type of sports agent, working with athletes directly. Something in the media whether it's someone that just makes content with people. I think that's always been an interesting job.

J.R.: Nice. I like that. It's a good balance. And you added that third semi realistic version, so that's good. You said the same thing. You said if you could choose some sort of athlete realistic well, when you're 15, you said maybe medical field, you're not really sure, obviously. We talked about, helping people directly because you wanted to help people, like kids for example. But you wouldn't wanna be a brain surgeon 'cause you couldn't handle it. Probably better at handling with kids as opposed to [01:04:00] brains. So you're pro kids, you are anti brains and you would prefer to work with good kids, not disobedient kids. 

Jacob: Wow. Well, I'm actually pro brain now. Okay. If you can tell from my answer before about my type. Oh, that's true. Would I operate on them? No. But am I pro brain? Yes. 

J.R.: I see, I see you're pro people having brains, but not you touching them. The brains. 

Jacob: Yeah. Yeah. You have whatever brains. But I'm not gonna touch 'em or operate on them. If, and if you have a problem with your brain, I'm so sorry. I'm the last person to go to. Nice to fix you.

J.R.: I like it. Cool. Okay, now we end with riddles. So the first riddle is yours. So a plane crashes. Where do you bury the survivors?

Jacob: Did I say this before? Oh yeah. Okay. This sounds like something I would say you don't bury them anywhere because they survived the plane. If they're survivors Yeah.

J.R.: You, but You could though if you had the right attitude. If you believed in yourself. 

Jacob: Like bury them alive. 

J.R.: However.

Jacob: I mean, [01:05:00] typically you wouldn't bury the people alive. You could, I guess, if you wanted to. 

J.R.: Yeah. If you believe in yourself, I'm sure you could.

Jacob: Yeah. And if I physically can, yeah. I mean they, it's a plane crash, so mm-hmm. Yeah.

J.R.: I mean, it's tragic all around. So if you have to bury the survivors, might as well. 

Jacob: Might as well keep the whole situation just tragic from start to finish. 

J.R.: You're like, well, the plane is buried and here you go, you can go with the plane.

Jacob: Yeah. Actually, yeah. New way of looking at it.

J.R.: Next one is I am a fruit. Kind of self-explanatory if you're one of us, but this is the riddle. Do you know what you wanna, I'm talking about? 

Jacob: If it's like you remove letters, I'm this, this, and this.

J.R.: Yeah. You remove that. Yeah, exactly. So I'm a grape. What? So what are you're a grape. I'm a grape. You're not a Jacob?

Jacob: No, because if you remove my first letter, I don't know what I could possibly wait. So you're a fruit. You're not a human. I'm a human, but that's what confused me because I use it. I'm a fruit and I'm like, I [01:06:00] thought you were a person. Man, my, my younger self was confusing. Remember? You're confusing me. I'm confusing. You're you are fine. I was just trying to see how you took my confusing questions. You were picking my brain for sure. But I'm a human, but in the riddle, I'm a grape.

J.R.: You're a grape. Okay, cool. All right. Now, do you have any questions, just to end it?

Jacob: I don't know. What are your thoughts on like the interview now versus like from the last couple times? 

J.R.: Hmm, good question. All equally fun and I think the biggest thing like we were saying is I think it's interesting to see how consistent you are, but it's also not surprising. But it is nice and refreshing to know that your answers are mostly consistent. But obviously more mature because you have plus five years of experience on each of these things. And then, yeah obviously less susceptible to my weird questions, but yeah. Still fun though. 'cause now I get to figure out how to [01:07:00] still make it weird and trolley.

Jacob: You still find your ways, don't worry.

J.R.: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Still creative. It pushes me creatively. Cool. Anything else?

Jacob: Nah, it was a fun interview. Nice. Glad to reflect back on those questions. 

J.R.: Cool. All right. Again, we can go into our regularly scheduled program now. We'll see how long this takes. Maybe we don't have to like, hit everything, but we'll just run through it. Really quick. TLDR. Where did you grow up? How was life like, what were your main influences?

Jacob: Yeah, like I said earlier in the intro I was born and raised Fremont, California. But growing up I was back and forth a lot between where I was raised in Hawaii. Every trip that I had or every excuse me, every break that I had, I would take a trip out here. Whether it was most of my, like my Christmases, my spring breaks, summer breaks big influence on like my dad's side and all of like our family out here.

Jacob: And I think it was growing up a lot of both cultures. My influences obviously, were my mom and dad in California and like my family in California. But then coming back, it'd be like kind of refreshing to get like this whole [01:08:00] different kind of perspective and like this whole different I guess culture in a sense from my family out here.

Jacob: So all of like my uncles, aunties, cousins, like any relatives out here. And even like the ones that aren't really like blood related, but at the same time you still consider them family as like chosen family. A lot of family to go through. Both in Hawaii and California. Made me I guess very, more culturally aware of like the differences that there are, like, throughout the world, even though it's only just between two places.

J.R.: We kind of already covered the next sort of thing, but the general flow of this conversation is connecting who you are when you're raised to where you are now. The next question would've been like why did you choose to go to Hawaii? Why did you choose accounting? And what was kind of like your career aspirations? How did that change over time?

Jacob: Yeah. I knew growing up in high school, like I wanted to go in the medical field and like work as a pediatrician because I do enjoy working with kids and it's like a very direct way of helping them. But I think as I got just more serious and realistic towards going into college and like my career aspirations. I think overall the medical field and med school and that whole path [01:09:00] wasn't for me. So I thought about business and then as I went through college it landed me in accounting and I think it's, a good, stable, consistent career that I can definitely see myself in after taking some classes. And then also just being in business as well, I try to think more from like a entrepreneur perspective.

J.R.: I mean, I can make assumptions, but why Hawaii for school?

Jacob: Yeah, probably your assumptions are correct. I mean, I've been back and forth, like I said a lot growing up. I love just everything about here. I love like my family that I have out here I love like the culture, the food, the weather, the vibes. There's a lot of people view as an island, but to me it's so much more. It's like the people that are here and like everything that the island has to offer and like just the culture. And have a big support system out here with family. And I knew how it was coming out here. So I had a good, image of how it'd be moving out here or being here like full-time at least for college. And it worked out with school as well. I got into this direct admit program into the school of business, so I got to start business classes early. I got scholarships to come out [01:10:00] here academically too. So I think it's just overall just a blessing to be here. 

J.R.: Yeah. And people vacation to Hawaii. So to be able to go to school there, I'm sure it's amazing and it's part of your heritage, right? As someone who is not Hawaiian has not been there. How accurate is Lilo and Stitch?

Jacob: It's about as accurate as people that vacation here. There's always the oceans and the tropical kind of vibe that people assume about Hawaii. There's a lot more to it. There's a lot of history. There's a lot of political problems and a lot of unfortunate events that happen here. But living here you especially notice it. And also having family more from like the political side, you really see how much kinda like struggle there is. For Hawaii and the people that are from here.

Jacob: From that vacation standpoint, you don't really see that. And you get to enjoy the things that are posted on postcards and that are advertised as like a tropical vacation. So people don't really see, actually how Hawaii is. It's accurate if you're gonna come to do the stereotypical vacation out here. I think it's accurate ish besides the aliens and everything.

J.R.: [01:11:00] Dammit. Okay. Sorry, I was about to get you on that. I was like, so you're saying there's aliens there? I know, I was looking, I was like, I, because you, you did not say, oh yeah, no, Lilo ditch is not accurate 'cause we don't have aliens. You're like, no, it's pretty accurate, but there's some other things to it. I'm like, alright, okay. Whatever. Cool. Yeah, the political answer, huh? Gotcha. Gotcha. See, you're a politician man. Maybe we should, after all your accounting stuff, just be a politician. 

Jacob: Maybe I'm not anti politician, I guess. 

J.R.: Yeah. I guess, if you have A-T-L-D-R, how was the transition from, bay Area, California to Hawaii? I know you mentioned you've been going there back and forth since you've been growing up, but I guess the macro question is were there any culture shocks or things that you have gotten used to or have not gotten used to, if any? Maybe you're just so acclimated or you don't really notice. 

Jacob: Well for me personally, when I was back and forth growing up, it would be like all consistently with family on other parts of the island where like my family like resides and where they're from.

Jacob: But coming out here for college, I go in with the assumption and already knowing that oh, my family's here. I know how the [01:12:00] culture is here and everything. Which hasn't changed and wasn't much of a cultural shift from that standpoint. But I live by the university so it's not necessarily a lot of people around in my area that are like, they're all local or they're all Hawaiian or they're all from here. It's like you get a mix of a lot of different cultures. People coming from all over the world even. So I guess that was more of a culture shock, especially 'cause I am like living out here like by myself without my parents. Getting used to that independence while having one, upbringing out here versus the college part of it mm-hmm. Experience I think is like something to balance. Yeah. Like the college experience and like meeting friends.

Jacob: It was a lot to take in, my first semester year even now. As long as everyone's respectful and appreciates the land. Leaves things better than how they found it, is a good motto I like to try to tell people about. That goes for like the land, but also the people you interact with too. If you don't know things, just try to learn or go to people that like know, in terms of family values or like cultural values that we have out here.

J.R.: I like it. So you're saying it was more, I mean, you're familiar with Hawaii and now you're more familiar with kind of both sides of the [01:13:00] university experience. It sounds like it's more of you transitioning into independent adulthood and college was more of a shock rather than this, i've been to Hawaii, I know what it's like. But this area with these people is obviously different than what you're used to, right?

Jacob: Yeah, definitely. 

J.R.: Now we transition to college and figuring out life and then maybe things afterwards. I wanna go into a little bit about your business club or any sort of other activities you do outside of the accounting path and figuring out career. You mentioned you had multiple board positions. I guess maybe a better question would be like, what have you done outside of your academics and career trajectory, and what have you learned from those responsibilities and commitments?

Jacob: Yeah. Obviously going into like business clubs and running as an executive board position and trying to participate in other things. Like I've done intermural sports as well too. Like football and basketball. I think it's good. It's part of the balance of college. There's the academic side, but also the social side and more than just outside the classroom [01:14:00] activities. I think staying busy is a good part. 'cause one, it gets to network with a lot of people, which especially is more applicable to my business club. But also it goes along with just having fun. Trying to find ways to just enjoy life. Pursue your passions. Even if it's not something long term, like some career job. Relating it to my business club I went into it with the purpose of developing professionally. But as time has went on, especially serving as a board with these, responsibilities to maintain the club overall. I've gained so much more, socially as well. I made a lot of genuine friends, made a lot of connections. But professionally I think it's very much tweaked me and the ways to be more professional and make better connections and take that more serious as college went on.

Jacob: But then I have activities like intramurals, hanging out with friends, going to the beach a lot. And that's, another side of me too that I like to enjoy outside of classes or school and then, outside the club, just recreational activities. Finding a balance in my opinion is super important.

J.R.: Yeah, I like that. This might be a slight tangent, but you mentioned passion. How do you think about people finding their passion? 

Jacob: I think [01:15:00] finding your passion, obviously one, it involves some sort of risk taking. But also some type of commitment because nothing is gonna be handed to you. I think if you want something or you're passionate about something, you get to really go out and be proactive about it 'cause no one's gonna make decisions for you. Whether that passion leads to something career-wise that you do full-time and for the foreseeable future. Or whether it's just something that you like to balance in life. I think it's good to go out and explore. I know I've definitely tried a lot of things out here. Being out here has gotten me outta my comfort zone a lot. And even if you pursue a passion and it doesn't work out, long term, I think it's good to just really explore. You realize a lot of things about yourself that you wouldn't if you didn't just, be proactive and be outgoing. 

J.R.: We might have already touched upon this, but any general advice for people who want to pursue a similar career trajectory as yours? 

Jacob: For me, going into accounting, I say networking is a super big thing. It really is for like most other, like job fields or any other type of career you wanna have.

Jacob: So really [01:16:00] just try to make the best impression for yourself as possible. Be genuine at the same time, but you know, try to meet as many people as you can. 'cause at the end of the day, it's not about who you know, but it's about who knows you and who is going to, say what about you when you're not in the room? I think honesty really goes a long way. And people can tell too when you're being truthful.

J.R.: Cool. I want to move forward to community culture in Hawaii. I know we've been talking about this back and forth and you mentioned being respectful, learning about a culture. If you don't know ask. I don't really have a jumping off point except for giving back to the community and culture in Hawaii. But do you have any thoughts on that general topic that you think would be important for the audience to hear about?

Jacob: I think respect for the land for the people goes a long way. Especially try to be like too I guess ignorant or not too knowledgeable, but try to do your research beforehand. Talk to people that are aware of the culture here. Leave places better than, when you first originally came there. Just don't talk to the wrong people. [01:17:00] Just be safe. Just have general awareness. Overall, I guess more just common sense. If you're coming out here, just enjoy what the island has to offer, but just be conscious that the land, the people and the culture is like very sensitive to disrespect.

Jacob: And giving back to is a big thing that I've learned. Being proactive to volunteer in any ways you can give back and just don't contribute to the harm of like our landmark people is a big thing as well.

J.R.: I guess just one follow up to that is, is there something in particular or specific that you think people get wrong about how they should approach respecting Hawaii, the culture, et cetera?

Jacob: I think just doing your research and don't go to places that you aren't familiar with or that you aren't with people that you trust that know what they're doing, because there are, I guess more established rules here. Like some things you don't touch, some places you don't go, or you should or should not go. You have the more touristy areas and you can venture outside of those, by all means. But there's some places that are more sacred or like [01:18:00] kapu is what we call that you don't wanna tread into. You don't wanna be in the wrong place at the wrong times. Yeah, just overall being respectful because you wanna make the most of your time here by all means.

J.R.: So basically just be aware of the spaces that you're entering, the context and sort of unspoken rules or even just protected spaces that you may not know about. So do your research and be more informed before you go there, right?

Jacob: Yeah. I think it's more just like common sense. But you'll be surprised on how many people you see that are disrespectful. Another thing too is our ecosystems here are very fragile. A lot of people come out here and touch a lot of the animals and the sea creatures out here and turtles. That's a big big no no. Definitely keep your space, keep your distance, be respectful. In my mind it's just more of a respect thing. But don't be too nosy, don't be too intrigued. Just enjoy what you've had in front of you. Enjoy what the island has to offer. 

J.R.: Okay. Anything that I might've missed on any of those topics? Otherwise we'll move into rapid fire.

Jacob: No, I think that's pretty much good. I think I think we touched on a lot. Definitely. Yeah. So yeah, we can move to rapid fire. 

J.R.: Sweet. [01:19:00] Yeah, no, we did touch upon a lot. I think a lot of what you said was gold and I think it was all inclusive, so we're good.

J.R.: Okay. Rapid fire questions. First question, billboard question. If you could put up a sign for millions of people to see non-commercial and metaphorical, what would it say?

Jacob: My first instinct is just to give a positive message. I don't wanna like force religion on people, so I wouldn't say anything like religious. Something that could just be super inclusive. Something along the lines of spreading just love and peace and just like loving one another. But not putting it in a biblical term. Because I wanna respect everyone's beliefs. Something along those lines, just spreading positivity or some inspirational quote that I can't think of right now because it's too rapid.

J.R.: Something inspirational and nice. Okay. Yeah. Cool. All right, next one. What is one of the hardest challenges you faced in your life, and what did you learn from it?

Jacob: I think one of the hardest challenges, I mean I already said it before, but I guess moving out here by myself. I mean, I'm set up super nice and I'm grateful for the situation I'm in like with family and like financially as well. But I think it's just kinda like a learning curve. A lot of people go through it. But I think I [01:20:00] learn just like how to be more independent in a sense. More like how to be proactive and how to not procrastinate on things. Trying to be on top of your things and just be more of like an independent and I guess like adult. I guess it's just more adulting.

J.R.: If you could redo one thing, what would you do differently?

Jacob: That's a good question because I can nitpick like little things. But I'd say overall, maybe not just because every choice I've made has gotten me to this point right now. To be healthy and still here and like today on this podcast. I could tweak like little small things, but I would say big picture, no.

J.R.: As a thought experiment. If you could redo something, what would you redo? Like besides the whole, I'm grateful for everything. That's how it's turned out. Yeah. Yeah. And it's great, but I really wish I didn't do this because then this broke or something. I don't know.

Jacob: Too much regrets. I feel like maybe. I mean like, there's like little things. I'm trying to think. Sorry. It's so rapid fire. It's all good. Um hmm. 

J.R.: You don't need an answer. You just be like, look, my life is great.

Jacob: Honestly, I'm not trying to say it's, I'm just the perfect person.

J.R.: Hey, no. [01:21:00] Yeah. You're not perfect. But if you're just have too much overwhelming gratitude, you know, we like that. 

Jacob: I'm a pretty grateful person. I mean, it is a center of this podcast and like what our mother taught us, obviously gratitude. 

J.R.: Yeah. But it's less fun answer. Okay. I know. I'm, I'm trying to think my back. We can move on. We can move on. It's all good. I'm just joking.

J.R.: If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be? Or do you have any words of advice or wisdom that has impacted you the most? 

Jacob: If I can go back, tell my younger self something, don't go in an interview with your brother. 'Cause he will twist things and make you seem racist and sexist.

J.R.: No, we're not. We're you're definitely gonna, we're still gonna do the interview. Nope.

Jacob: I'm, I'm gonna make sure I'm like, whatever you do, don't fall for it. Try to just not fall for it. 

J.R.: You know, he's gonna be like, but what are fossil fuels? And you're gonna be like, don't worry about it.

Jacob: Yeah. I'm gonna be like, whatever you do, just trust, trust me. Don't, nah, nah, nah. All jokes.

Jacob: But I tell my younger self, just honestly don't be too hard on yourself. There's so much learning to be had. And I like to think that I've tried to take every experience to the best I [01:22:00] could in terms of moving forward with the best foot from it. Whether it was good, bad, or even just like really ugly. Life happens sometimes things occur, but it's what you do with it and like what you do afterwards that I think really shape you as a person. But it doesn't make it any easier to go through certain things. Just try to enjoy your life, but stay on track. You know what I mean? 

J.R.: Do you have anything for the best advice or words of wisdom that has impacted you?

Jacob: Some things I've heard before that I've been told so many times. You get outta something what you put into it, and that goes with literally anything. It goes with school, hobbies, relationships, family, like whatever it is. If you're gonna put half your effort into it and not make it a priority, you are not gonna get the a hundred percent results that you want. And I think if something's important enough to you, then you'll put in that effort and you'll put in that commitment to get the best results you want of it.

Jacob: Another thing too, I was told by this really smart guy that when I was doing an internship, he was giving us like a lecture on like his like position and what he does. And his advice just to be like intellectually curious.

Jacob: [01:23:00] But just those two words have always kind of stuck with me. Because there's always things to learn, there's always takeaways to be had. There's always lessons to be shared as well. So being intellectually curious especially for yourself, always just be willing to learn and always just question things. Hopefully later down the road to be able to pass on knowledge to other people. It could be for anything. It could be like professionally or academically. Or it could just be socially like, someone's experiences. Passing on that type of mindset. Giving advice. There's always something to learn from everyone, which I guess is the point of your podcast as well.

J.R.: I was gonna say, I feel like we might be related, based on your answer just now. You know what? That would be funny if we were, huh? I know. It'd be really interesting. Well, let's ask mom. Let's ask mom if we're related.

J.R.: Cool. How do you define success? 

Jacob: Success I would just define it as happiness and like how much you really enjoy life. I think a lot of people view that as financially. Like money makes 'em happy and, it's not anything bad to feel that way. But there's also so [01:24:00] much more takeaways to be had than just money, right? You can find happiness in people and where you live and who you like, associate with. What you like, do with your life. And whatever makes you happy, I think makes you successful.

J.R.: Cool. Oh man. I'm looking through these and I'm like, we've hit most of these questions actually already. Yeah. From the interview, the 20-year-old and from the other one. So let me skip around.

J.R.: What is something you've been pondering recently or something that you think about often, deeply?

Jacob: Honestly, I think about what I really want for a future. I know that sounds so surface level, but in what? In what way? I think I have a trajectory for what I want professionally. But just being like back and forth, like growing up, between Hawaiian and California. What I want, like for a family, like long term. Where I wanna be how I wanna raise like my kids. 'cause hopefully I, I hope to have kids in the future. What I look for and like in a family. It's not like anything uncommon. But now that I'm just getting older, I feel like it's like just really good to always keep that in mind and like always be in tune with what you [01:25:00] want and what you see for the future.

J.R.: So just generally thinking about what you might want in the future? 

Jacob: Yeah overall. And obviously perspectives change and shift depending on where you're at, who you're like associated with. Always something I keep in mind. And then, once in a while you just sit down and really just think about it more often than not.

J.R.: I like it. Okay. I know you're a future politician, but do you have a favorite hot take or something you think most people won't agree with?

Jacob: Maybe more of a funny answer. Hot take. I hate pickles. Oh yeah. Yeah. I just, anything in particular about them? I don't know, something throws me off. It's not like I'll eat like anything else that's pickled. But something about pickles. I just don't like pickle and it's a hot take because a lot of people like pickles and that's always kinda a fun fact I have. I'm not a pickle person.

J.R.: So you're anti pickle, you're pickle racist? 

Jacob: I'm anti pickle. Anti I'm not racist towards pickles. I mean, I'm not gonna, okay. Maybe I'm pickle racist.

J.R.: You're definitely pickle racist. 

Jacob: You know what? Yeah. There's no way of twisting it. I don't like pickles. So.[01:26:00] 

J.R.: You're discriminating against pickles. You are definitely pickle racist. 

Jacob: Man. I know. I'm making y'all forget. Okay. These are my powers.

J.R.: So you liked pickled and vinegar things and you like the flavor of vinegar and pickled stuff, but you just don't like pickles in particular? 

Jacob: Because I'll eat like pickle, like I love like pickle like mangoes, I like, like kimchi or like whatever is associated with pickles. Yeah. But if it's on my burger, if it's with my meal, I'll usually not eat it.

J.R.: Okay. Okay. And, okay, so vinegar, the vinegar sort of taste is fine for you and then other forms of pickled stuff is fine, just not pickles? Yeah. Yeah, usually. Okay. Okay. Yeah. 'cause like some people they don't really like that flavor palette of the vine sort of pickle taste, yeah. But you're saying that's not really you, it's more just like specifically pickles? 

Jacob: Yeah, just yeah. Pickles specifically.

J.R.: Mm-hmm. Okay. Gotcha. Pickle racist. Okay. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made in either time, money, energy, et cetera?

Jacob: I would say just college [01:27:00] overall. I know we talked about it earlier, but I think I've just gained so much, like professionally and socially from college and it's a big investment. It's basically like four years of my life. I've learned so much a lot of experiences and overall the investment of just coming out here to Hawaii.

J.R.: Alright, well that is rapid fire. Don't worry. We have a lot of other good answers, so don't feel too bad. Okay. Okay. Sounds good. Yeah, you, I think half of your answers are just like, wow, that's actually really good advice. And then the other half is just us messing around. So I think we're good. Yeah. Okay. Sounds good.

J.R.: Cool. All right. We made it. Congrats Jacob. You made it to the end. I know. We just have ending questions. So this is the mom section. So gratitude, what are you grateful for? 

Jacob: First of all, shout out, mom. Thank you for this. Grateful for her, obviously. Aw sweetheart. I know sonny now that you said that. But grateful for like my health, obviously. That'll always be like my first answer. Grateful I'm healthy, I get to be here today. That I'm functional all the ways that I am. Grateful for family. I'm grateful to just, live another day with, not just, just myself living another day, but also having so many like [01:28:00] good people to surround myself with. So many people that like, I love and care for that will always be there for me. I'm grateful for where I get to live right now in Hawaii. I'm grateful for I guess our planet like has to offer, but I guess more specifically Hawaii.

J.R.: Any final ask from the audience or any final takeaways you'd like them to have from this conversation?

Jacob: I would say overall, just don't be afraid to take risks. I know I'm definitely like one of the younger people that's been on this podcast. So maybe not as insightful as like other people that I've been through so much more life and so much more like professionally and socially as me. But I guess me right now, my mindset's just really enjoy life.

Jacob: Just surround yourself with good people because inevitably you are who you hang out with. Surround yourself with good people that care for you and love you and appreciate you.

Jacob: Always find time to really appreciate the things in life you have because there's always people wanting what you have. Even though there's always things that you want that other people have. There's always the other end of the spectrum, so be grateful for what you have.

Jacob: But be adventurous, be curious. Just try to [01:29:00] find it in you to be as outgoing as you can because you're never gonna know what's out there or what opportunities or what connections you may have if you're not putting yourself out there.

Jacob: And I think that could go for really any stage, whether you're even younger than me, my age, older than me. There's always things to learn. There's always things to be proactive about and there's always experiences to not only be had, but to be shared eventually.

J.R.: I love it. Nice. Last thing is where can people find you if they want to either check up on what you're up to or connect or anything like that? 

Jacob: Yeah. Usually the media I check the most is my Instagram. It's at k4nunu. Usually like on these platforms, I go by my middle name. That's what most people know me as, regardless. Maybe that might change, but that's my Instagram handle for now. You can always just search up Kanunu Potts. I'm on LinkedIn as well. I think my LinkedIn is just like slash canoe at the end, but you can only search me up. I have a TikTok but I don't really be posting on it and I don't follow too much people. But yeah, that's where you can find me, reach me.

J.R.: Sweet. Awesome. Yeah, and I'll link everything in the show description so you guys can check out those [01:30:00] links. Alright, Jacob, thank you again so much for being here. I really appreciate it. Hopefully you had a lot of fun. I know I did.

J.R.: I think our mom's probably gonna love this episode the most, obviously. 'cause usually she just watches it for me and then she's like, oh, well now both my sons are on it. So it's my favorite episode. I already, we already know. And I'll do my final sign off to the audience.

J.R.: So thank you guys for being here. I really appreciate it. Be sure to like, follow, subscribe, all this other stuff. Leave my little brother love in the comments. Let us know what you liked about this conversation.

J.R.: And reminder to always be kind to other people, especially yourself. And if you go to Hawaii, always be kind to Hawaii. And remember that you can always learn something from someone if you take the time to listen. So thank you guys for being here.

Jacob: Thank you so much for having me. And thank you everyone that's watching this. I really appreciate it. Thank you Kuya.