Lina and JC reunite with old friends Ashley and Kelsey, the duo behind GRRRL Music (formerly hosts of Bops n Bangers), for a high-energy, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to build a music brand from scratch. They talk friendship, pandemic pivots, live streaming vs. podcasting, listening to 1,200 albums a year, and launching their own music distribution company. Along the way, they unpack burnout, boundaries, community, motherhood, and why passion and consistency still matter more than overnight “success.” If you’re a producer, indie artist, or creator trying to figure out your next move, this episode is a roadmap and a reality check. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com Some notable moments from this episode include: 00:23 – Welcome Back: Bops n Bangers Energy in the Studio 02:54 – Where to Find GRRRL Music & Their New Distro Era 05:26 – Best Friends Since Kindergarten & the Birth of GRRRL Music 09:51 – Babies, Life Changes & Building a Legacy Through Music 18:58 – 1,200 Albums a Year: The Reality of True Music Curation 21:57 – Monday.com, Google Drive & Staying Organized as a Creative Duo 26:39 – Inside the Street GRRRL Team: 200 Young Creators Worldwide 30:27 – Industry Chaos, TikTok, Streaming & the Money Question 39:34 – So You Want to Start a Podcast? Expectations vs. Reality 44:30 – At Home With, Distro, Red Carpets & What’s Next for GRRRL Music  

This special simulcast brings together two powerhouse Olas Media shows—Cannabis Enlightened and I Just Wanted to Push Record—for an unfiltered, uplifting conversation about creativity, community, and the real work behind podcasting. JC sits down with Dr. Leroy and Diannte “Mr. Wowzer” Grayson to revisit their first episodes, the emotional moments that shaped their friendship, and the generational lessons that influence how they show up as hosts, fathers, Black men, and storytellers. From the roots of cannabis education to the evolution of Southeast San Diego’s culture, this is a deeply honest and often hilarious dialogue about passion, vulnerability, and finding purpose through the stories we choose to share. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com Some notable moments from the episode include: 00:00 – Setting the Stage: Why This Simulcast Matters 01:38 – Mr. Wowzer Arrives: “Easy, Killer” 02:34 – Introducing Dr. Leroy (But Don’t Say Brady) 04:08 – How Cannabis Enlightened First Came Together 07:17 – Titles, Status, and Showing Up as Yourself 08:59 – Diannte’s Origin Story & the First Emotional Interview 13:03 – Three Generations, Three Realities 17:44 – Classroom Rules vs. Real-Life Emotion 23:18 – “Why You Need My Schedule?” – Communication Across Generations 30:46 – JC Closes the Door: The First Producer Reality Check

Lina and JC are back in the studio, coffee in hand and stories to tell. In this episode, they reflect on the first quarter of 2025, celebrating wins, navigating chaos, and venting (just a little) about the creative challenges that come with building a studio and managing multiple shows. From working with celebrity chef Pati Jinich to wrangling too many “chefs” in the production kitchen, they share the reality behind the scenes at OLAS. From workflow lessons to ego checks, this conversation is equal parts hilarious and honest. And yes, they finally hit record. Listen to more episodes at olasmedia.com Want to know more about our services? Book your free call with our producers: https://bookus.page/olasmedia/Podcast/producers Thanks to our amazing sponsor Mixed Grounds Coffee Here are some key moments of the conversation: 00:00:56 – Kicking Off the Year on Fire (Literally & Creatively) 00:02:34 – Celebrity Guests and the Pressure to Get It Right 00:04:29 – When Everyone Has an Opinion... and a Microphone 00:07:28 – Why Good Workflow Saves Sanity (and Friendships) 00:10:06 – Collaboration or Chaos? Sometimes Both 00:13:17 – New Studio, New Vibes, Same Coffee Addiction 00:14:10 – Making Magic Means Breaking a Few Things First 00:18:05 – The Clients Who Want the Mic and the Steering Wheel 00:21:14 – If You Could Only Make One Show, What Would It Be? 00:24:43 – Real Talk, Big Laughs, and Some Creative Truths  

From Sunday night dedications to building his own country, R-Dub isn’t just a voice on the radio — he’s a global phenomenon. In this episode, we dive into the wild journey of the Slow Jams king who’s syndicated in over 200 cities, visited all 193 countries, and then… decided to declare himself Supreme Sultan of his own nation: Slowjamastan (no Crocs allowed). We talk about radio's future, near-arrests in Africa, diplomatic waters, and the power of personality in a digital world. You’ve never heard a story like this. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow at olasmedia.com Here are some laughable moments: 00:00:00 - He’s On Your Radio… and Now Has His Own Country 00:03:30 - The Jacket of 193 Flags (and Endless Stories) 00:07:00 - Radio Dreams & Quiet Storm Beginnings 00:10:00 - How Slow Jams Took Over 250 Stations Worldwide 00:13:00 - The Future of Radio in a Spotify World 00:16:00 - Guess That Accent: R-Dub’s Global Superpower 00:20:00 - Wild Borders, Police Escorts & Beer Diplomacy in Africa 00:24:00 - The Truth About Somalia vs. North Korea 00:29:00 - From Global DJ to Humanitarian: Wells in Uganda 00:33:00 - Welcome to Slowjamastan: The Nation With No Crocs 00:38:00 - Micronation Madness: Tanks, Passports, and Satire 00:44:00 - Crocs, Courtrooms & The Porter-Batrol 00:48:00 - Final Thoughts: Radio Royalty with a Rebel Spirit

Not all zebras are created equal. In this episode, JC and Lina dive into the beautifully chaotic world of podcast production—where clients dream of unicorns, show up with painted donkeys, and somehow we still deliver magic. Through hilarious analogies (yes, we’re talking about zebra donkeys in Tijuana), real-world client stories, and behind-the-scenes moments, they break down how podcasts are more than just content—they’re full-on marketing tools. From branding breakdowns to music beds and show formats, this episode is a goldmine for anyone thinking about launching a show—or wondering why their three-episode meteorologist podcast didn’t go viral. It’s smart, it’s silly, and it’s the real talk you didn’t know you needed. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow at olasmedia.com Here are some laughable moments: 00:01:15 – The Striped Donkey Revelation 00:02:42 – Funky Brainwaves & Dysfunctional Genius 00:04:28 – Podcasting or First Date? 00:05:04 – Let’s Name This Baby 00:06:59 – Everyone Wants to Be Target 00:08:13 – Design Roulette 00:08:55 – Clients, But Make It Daycare 00:13:30 – Just Ask the Producer 00:17:40 – Three Episodes to a Million Listeners? 00:23:17 – Painted Donkeys Don’t Become Zebras

What happens when two friends with different perspectives sit down for an honest, no-holds-barred conversation? In this episode of I Just Wanted to Push Record, host JC welcomes author, entrepreneur, and conservative advocate Broderick Thomas to discuss his thought-provoking new book Five Questions for America from the Mind of a Black Conservative. From his military service to his work in media and community advocacy, Broderick shares what inspired him to ask the tough questions shaping America’s future. He opens up about his experiences in politics, why he believes conservatism needs a rebrand, and the importance of questioning mainstream narratives. But this isn’t just about politics it’s about values, legacy, and how personal experiences shape our perspectives. Expect candid moments, strong opinions, and a reminder that real conversations, especially the ones we may not always agree on, are what push us forward. Whether you’re conservative, liberal, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge you to think critically and engage in meaningful dialogue. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow at olasmedia.com  #IJustWantedToPushRecord #PodcastConversations #PoliticalDialogue Key moments in this episode include: 00:00:56 - A Black Conservative’s Perspective 00:03:30 - A Nation at a Crossroads 00:06:08 - Breaking the Narrative: Who is Broderick Thomas? 00:15:28 - Why I Wrote Five Questions for America 00:21:58 - Is the Media Controlling Your Perspective? 00:24:21 - The Five Questions That America Must Answer 00:37:58 - Can We Still Have Honest Conversations? 00:45:34 - What’s Next for Black Conservatives? 00:54:54 - The Future of America Under Trump 00:56:45 - Final Thoughts: The Conversation Isn’t Over

Lina welcomes actor, Michael J. Underhill! Michael’s career spans from his extensive training at the University of San Diego and the Old Globe Shiley Actor Training Program to his impactful contributions in making theater accessible. Michael shares his insights on the craft of acting, emphasizing the importance of routine, mental preparation, and physical warm-ups that help him stay present on stage. He also opens up about his bold move from Boston to San Diego, where he spent five days driving across the country to pursue professional growth. From his work with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to his relocation for new opportunities, Michael’s dedication to theater shines through. Tune in for a deeper understanding of acting and the intricate mental and physical practices that fuel success on stage. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or a theater enthusiast, this conversation is packed with valuable tips and inspiration! Don’t forget to subscribe and follow to keep up with all the latest episodes at OlasMedia.com #Theater #ActingCraft #ActorLife #PerformingArts #MichaelUnderhill #TheaterProfessionals The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:53 - Introduction to Michael Underhill 00:02:41 - Michael's Journey into Acting 00:08:53 - Acting Experience with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company 00:10:36 - Transition to San Diego and Graduate Program 00:14:57 - Overcoming Stage Fright 00:18:11 - Embracing Collaborative Arts 00:20:05 - Fun Behind the Scenes 00:22:59 - Importance of Intimacy Coordination 00:29:46 - Preparation Rituals 00:30:31 - Establishing a Daily Routine 00:32:09 - Importance of Visualizing the Play 00:36:23 - Defining Success and Finding Fulfillment 00:37:21 - Future Plans and Moving to New York 00:40:34 - The Candyman Superhero

In this episode of I Just Wanted to Push Record, Lina and JC take you on a journey through the origins of Olas Media. From the wild early days of makeshift studios to becoming a creative powerhouse, they share the highs, the hiccups, and the heart of what makes Olas Media unique. Discover how a passion for storytelling, collaboration, and a lot of trial and error turned an idea into a thriving hub for creators. Whether you're a fan of behind-the-scenes stories or looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen! Don't forget to Follow and Subscribe at Olasmedia.com The key moments of this episode are: 00:00:00 - Welcome to "I Just Wanted to Push Record" 00:00:23 - The Olas Media Origin Story 00:05:50 - From Campaigns to Podcasts 00:10:18 - Building the Studio 00:15:05 - Growing Through Challenges 00:18:01 - Supporting Creators with Low Barriers 00:22:12 - Inside the Crime Files: A Success Story 00:26:32 - Reflections and Future Plans 00:30:48 - What’s Next for Olas Media? 00:33:22 - Thank You and Closing Thoughts

In this very personal interview Lina chats with Jonathan Nussman, an influencer in the San Diego’s music scene and an incredible educator. As a student in his class, Lina has experienced firsthand how Jonathan’s teaching and mentorship can be life-changing. From earning his Doctorate at UCSD to working with Project [Blank], the non-profit focused on giving back to the community, Jonathan is on a mission to make music education accessible to all.  Tune in for a personal, powerful conversation about how Jonathan’s passion for the arts is transforming lives and uplifting the next generation of artists in San Diego. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:22 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:03:04 - Jonathan's Musical Journey 00:08:56 - Teaching at UCSD 00:13:08 - Teaching Philosophy 00:16:59 - The Vulnerability of Singing 00:19:27 - Finding Your Own Voice 00:21:10 - Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt 00:23:37 - Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Expression 00:27:26 - Coping with Emotional Challenges 00:31:11 - The Role of Singers as Actors 00:32:23 - Future Plans and Projects 00:35:19 - Project Blank - A Nonprofit Organization 00:39:17 - Grant Writing and Accessibility 00:44:33 - Shout Out to Mix Grounds and Conclusion 

In this episode of 'I Just Wanted to Push Record', hosts Lina and JC discuss the complexities of podcast production--especially when working with multilingual guests and emotionally charged stories. They reflect on a recent recording that tested their skills, with challenges ranging from language barriers and tight timelines to the delicate art of keeping the conversation on track. Along the way, they highlight the value of solid pre-production planning and the need to stay flexible when things don't go as expected. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, this episode offers relatable insights, practical advice, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments that prove the best stories often come from the unexpected. Don't forget to Follow and Subscribe at Olasmedia.com The key moments of this episode are: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcasting Journey 00:01:11 Navigating Complex Guest Dynamics 00:03:32 The Challenges of Multilingual Production 00:06:37 Emotional Elements in Podcasting 00:09:02 Reflecting on Production Challenges 00:12:09 Improving Pre-Production Strategies 00:14:30 Logistical Considerations for Future Episodes 00:16:28 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned

Believe it or not, podcast producers feel the pressure of juggling multiple shows. If you didn’t know that, you're not alone! The fast-paced world of podcasting can make it challenging to keep up with promotions, community engagement, and consistently delivering high-quality content. It’s easy to lose track of episodes and struggle to find engaging topics, all while striving to elevate your production value. In this episode, eavesdrop on JC and Lina as they talk about the realities of managing a busy podcasting schedule, sharing tips and strategies to help you streamline your workflow and enhance your creativity. Listen as we uncover the common hurdles faced by producers and discuss how to effectively navigate the complexities of running successful shows without feeling overwhelmed. Tune in for insights that will empower you to take control and thrive in the podcasting landscape! Don't forget to Follow and Subscribe at Olasmedia.com The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Losing Sight of Daily Work 00:00:21 - Challenges of Fast-Paced Work 00:01:40 - Recognizing the Effort Behind a Show 00:02:37 - Creating Community for Spanish-Speaking Kids 00:08:53 - Tips for Content Creators 00:12:23 - Commitment and Collaboration 00:13:08 - Impactful Storytelling 00:13:56 - Constant Evaluation 00:14:53 - Cultivating Community 00:15:56 - Recognition and Impact

JC sits down with CrossFit champion Sam Dancer and Kim McLaughlin from Invictus San Diego. This engaging conversation takes you through their inspiring journey in the world of CrossFit and functional fitness. JC shares his delightful discovery of the Invictus gym nestled in downtown San Diego, sparking a newfound passion for functional fitness that many can relate to.  Together, they explore the vibrant community at Invictus, highlighting how resilience and mental well-being are at the heart of their mission. This episode not only connects with CrossFit athletes but also resonates with all San Diegans who appreciate the power of fitness to transform lives. Tune in to feel the energy, share the stories, and discover how Invictus San Diego is fostering a supportive and empowering environment for everyone! Be sure to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:12 - Introduction to Invictus 00:03:34 - What is Functional Fitness? 00:09:06 - Sam Dancer's Journey 00:12:05 - Kim McLaughlin's Journey 00:13:21 - Understanding CrossFit 00:14:19 - Finding Your Passion in Crossfit 00:17:54 - Crossfit Is for Anyone and Everyone 00:20:32 - The Fun and Therapeutic Aspect of Fitness 00:23:38 - The Power of Community and Support 00:27:17 - The Drive for Excellence 00:27:52 - Finding Purpose and Discipline 00:29:06 - Achievements and Community Support 00:32:09 - Balancing Family and Commitment 00:34:36 - Integrating Fitness into Daily Life 00:38:35 - Progression and Injury Prevention 00:41:30 - Customized Fitness Programs 00:43:35 - Sam's Competition Journey 00:45:46 - Community Events at Invictus 00:47:58 - Inclusivity and Diversity at Invictus 00:50:27 - Impact of Sharing Stories