Self Isolation Podcast Episode 1

Meet Will — aka International Papi — a thinker, creator, and mental health advocate inviting you into Self Isolation, the podcast where truth flows unfiltered and healing comes with humor and heart.

In this debut episode, Will opens up about his journey from LA to NYC, ATL to the DMV, and the lessons learned along the way. From redefining identity to finding purpose through pain, he reflects on what it means to grow, connect, and build peace within.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in one lane, this space is for you.

Tap in, take a breath, and let’s start the climb — one step at a time.

Transcript

[Opening Music Fades]

Host:

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about the people I meet along the way—how everyone I come across isn’t going to be in my life forever. It’s a humbling realization, but there’s peace in it too. The way I see it, every encounter holds a purpose. Each person I meet is here to teach me something, whether it’s about myself or the world around me. I’m constantly learning, adapting, growing—becoming a better version of myself each day.

But here’s the thing: it’s not always easy, right? I mean, I’m someone who knows what I’m looking for—what kind of connections I want—but sometimes it feels like that’s getting harder to find. It’s not that I want to be isolated or alone, but I also don’t want to lose the ability to connect with people, to have those moments of companionship—even if it’s just for a little while.

Because, at the end of the day, you never really know how long you have with someone. Life is unpredictable, and people come and go. But the beauty in that is realizing that every moment, every relationship, no matter how brief, has the potential to create peace. To create something meaningful. It’s like when you share that intimate space with someone, and for a fleeting moment, you’re both just… present. And that’s enough.

It’s a beautiful thing to experience. To share those moments with others. And I guess that’s what I mean when I say we can always create peace in our bond—no matter how long or short it might last.

[Pause]

I feel like these conversations and representations are so important, especially when it comes to adulting and navigating life. We don’t always have spaces that focus on that, so I think it’s crucial to bring those discussions to the forefront and make them more centered on our experiences.”

I’ve always believed in the power of genuine connection. It’s not about just meeting people—it’s about meeting them in a way that’s authentic, no matter the duration. Whether it’s a lasting bond or just a simple friendship, there’s beauty in those pure, platonic connections. We don’t always need to have that physical element. Sometimes, it’s just about sharing space, having a conversation, or simply existing together. And that’s okay. Relationships don’t always need to be defined by longevity or physicality; sometimes, they’re just a shared moment in time.

And here’s where it gets interesting—the key is finding balance. Some connections might take you closer to others, while some might lead you to part ways, and that’s healthy, too. Life isn’t about forcing connections to last forever; it’s about the lessons we learn, the growth we experience, and the peace we find along the way. For me, the goal is to be at peace with myself, to align with energies that help me evolve and become a better version of myself each day.

This brings me to something deeper—the idea of building a home, not just physically, but within myself. I think every person we meet, every experience we have, sharpens us a little more, preparing us for the future. Each interaction is like a small tool that helps us build the foundation for our own growth and purpose. So, while these encounters may seem fleeting, they’re all part of the larger journey toward becoming the person we’re meant to be.

And speaking of growth, I want to touch on something a bit more personal, something that encapsulates the journey I’ve been on lately…

⸻

[Pause for uplifting, reaffirming closing monologue]

And with that, I encourage you to continue showing up for yourself and for others. Let your light shine, and be that spark that brings others to life. Stay aligned, stay accountable, and trust that everything you’re working toward will come into fruition in its own time. The journey is yours to create.

As we close out today’s conversation, I want to leave you with a powerful reminder. In this journey of life, we’re constantly balancing our needs and wants, and it’s up to us to create space in our 24 hours to fulfill them. But it’s not just about us—it’s about the people we interact with, the communities we nurture, and how we shine light on one another. Don’t let anyone dim your light, and don’t let their struggles define your worth. It all comes down to self-awareness and accountability. If we take the time to check in with ourselves, to really understand what we want, and commit to making those changes, we can start to attract the energies and connections that align with who we’re becoming.

Life is a journey, and yes, it’s easy to feel misunderstood, but remember: people are doing their best with what they know, and sometimes they just need space to grow. Keep in mind that the energy you put out, through your thoughts and words, is powerful—it’s like speaking your dreams into existence. So, as you move forward, focus on what’s in your control, do your best, and know that your best is always enough.

Take it one step at a time, hold yourself accountable, and watch how everything starts to align in ways you never expected. The power to shape your life is within you—make every moment count.

“Before we wrap up, I just want to take a moment to express how much I truly appreciate this beautiful dialogue we’ve shared. This is how we should always converse—without defense, without prejudice, just open, free-flowing exchange of ideas that helps us grow and expand our perspectives. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Host:

Anyway, I just wanted to share that thought. Something I’ve been reflecting on lately.

while you’re at it, hit that like button, drop a comment, and subscribe to the podcast for more exclusive content. Download, like, comment, and subscribe today! You might have missed it or you missing it but you can still download Lil Baby 

outro music  GOOO