My eyes keep wandering into this amazing music taste you have.
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00:00:03.336 --> 00:00:06.306 So I wonder how much does music
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00:00:06.306 --> 00:00:09.376 play in your approach as a media psychologist?
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00:00:09.376 --> 00:00:12.612 So different things to breaking down and what is that music role?
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00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:13.813 Man, that's huge.
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00:00:13.813 --> 00:00:18.151 So I started singing at church at age five.
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00:00:18.318 --> 00:00:18.985 Hallelujah.
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00:00:20.787 --> 00:00:21.488 So music
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00:00:21.488 --> 00:00:25.325 is like, Yeah, it is deep in my DNA.
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00:00:25.325 --> 00:00:26.393 Yeah. You know?
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00:00:26.393 --> 00:00:29.729 And so from the age of five, singing in church
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00:00:30.163 --> 00:00:35.163 went off to college and traveled and toured with a small ensemble.
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00:00:35.201 --> 00:00:39.139 And so there's not a single day when, before we got started here today
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00:00:39.172 --> 00:00:40.373 music was playing.
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00:00:40.373 --> 00:00:45.278 I'm very intentional about certain song choices with what I post on social media
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00:00:45.745 --> 00:00:50.050 You only get a few seconds when it comes to compelling someone.
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00:00:50.050 --> 00:00:50.583 Yeah.
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00:00:50.583 --> 00:00:53.586 And so music is a huge,
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00:00:53.720 --> 00:00:56.322 you know, integral piece of getting people.
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00:00:56.322 --> 00:01:00.794 Like if I'm trying to teach you something or open your eyes to something,
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00:01:01.194 --> 00:01:06.194 music can be a conduit to, to inviting you to stay locked in to that message
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00:01:06.332 --> 00:01:07.267 and that information.
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00:01:07.267 --> 00:01:12.267 So yeah, it's music is like the the heartbeat, the pulse of my life.
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00:01:13.907 --> 00:01:16.476 There's not a single day that goes by that I don't listen to music.
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00:01:16.476 --> 00:01:21.476 So I hear that overarchingly, you're creative like how you say you like to sing
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00:01:21.848 --> 00:01:24.818 you also like to write and like producing to me that give like creative.
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00:01:25.118 --> 00:01:28.755 I'm curious about how your role as a media psychologist allows you to, like,
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00:01:29.089 --> 00:01:32.092 remain a creative because creatives create.
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00:01:32.192 --> 00:01:35.128 Like what does that look for you like for you remaining in that space?
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00:01:35.128 --> 00:01:36.196 Part of me.
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00:01:36.196 --> 00:01:39.933 So I just reached my ten year anniversary living in Los Angeles,
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00:01:39.933 --> 00:01:43.937 and a big part of me staying as long as I have stayed
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00:01:43.937 --> 00:01:47.140 is I have gotten so many opportunities to be creative.
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00:01:47.140 --> 00:01:50.477 Whether it's helping other people craft their shows
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00:01:50.477 --> 00:01:53.580 and their scripts to my own, you know?
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00:01:53.580 --> 00:01:57.750 So like right now my creative energy is kind of split,
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00:01:57.750 --> 00:02:01.588 I would say, between two projects that I'm working on right now.
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00:02:01.588 --> 00:02:05.158 One is my first manuscript, so publishing my first book
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00:02:05.492 --> 00:02:09.329 as well as my first comedy TV pilot,
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00:02:09.496 --> 00:02:14.496 So as a media psychologist, I get to infuse what I know, what I study,
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00:02:14.801 --> 00:02:19.801 what I'm seeing into my writing, both with books and screenplays.
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00:02:20.373 --> 00:02:24.477 So it's it's a huge part of my daily day to day work.
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00:02:24.811 --> 00:02:26.012 I want to actually ask you
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00:02:26.012 --> 00:02:29.015 since we're talking about media, about like seeing ourselves, particularly
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00:02:29.249 --> 00:02:33.419 as it pertains to black people, particularly black men in media.
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00:02:33.486 --> 00:02:36.556 And I'm just kind of like curious, like if you have any thoughts around that.
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00:02:36.923 --> 00:02:40.560 So this is this is such a surreal moment to be sitting with you
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00:02:40.560 --> 00:02:44.931 gentlemen and having this conversation and being asked that question,
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00:02:45.498 --> 00:02:50.003 because being a creative there are ebbs and flows, right?
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00:02:50.170 --> 00:02:52.772 Not everything you put out is going to be a big hit.
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00:02:53.106 --> 00:02:55.742 Not everything you put out is going to go viral.
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00:02:55.742 --> 00:02:59.646 And I share that to say four years ago, no five years ago now,
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00:02:59.812 --> 00:03:03.049 very first script I ever began writing.
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00:03:03.049 --> 00:03:07.053 And I didn't go to, you know, USC and study film
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00:03:07.387 --> 00:03:10.323 writing or anything like that, but
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00:03:10.323 --> 00:03:13.226 I knew I wanted to create a show
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00:03:13.226 --> 00:03:18.226 where black men could turn on the television and see us.
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00:03:19.866 --> 00:03:22.135 In all of our fullness, right?
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00:03:22.135 --> 00:03:25.104 Coming from every background that we come from.
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00:03:25.572 --> 00:03:29.342 And I've worked that thing right, and I've sent it out
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00:03:29.342 --> 00:03:32.345 and got notes and went back and made it tight.
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00:03:32.612 --> 00:03:36.416 Still hasn't landed anywhere, but I believe in time it will.
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00:03:36.716 --> 00:03:40.753 And so to your point, that was that was really a big
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00:03:40.753 --> 00:03:45.158 part of me staying here was I need to tell our story.
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00:03:45.325 --> 00:03:49.329 Like, I still don't feel at almost age 42
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00:03:49.629 --> 00:03:52.632 that I've really seen a true
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00:03:53.266 --> 00:03:54.867 representation
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00:03:54.867 --> 00:03:55.802 of us.
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00:03:55.802 --> 00:03:58.071 Cause like a lot of times it's bits and pieces.
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00:03:58.104 --> 00:04:01.074 It's bits and pieces were in the background right.
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00:04:01.074 --> 00:04:05.712 I use the example of Insecure when I talk about my show.
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00:04:05.712 --> 00:04:10.049 I was like, what could that do to culture and relationships
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00:04:10.350 --> 00:04:15.188 for us to see our stories play out in such a intimate portrayal?
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00:04:15.321 --> 00:04:20.321 And the intricacies of our lives, cause It's not, we're not laughing all day. No.
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00:04:21.060 --> 00:04:21.894 Yeah, yeah.
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00:04:21.894 --> 00:04:24.163 Every day. Through all of these experiences.
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00:04:24.163 --> 00:04:28.668 And so I think that we we need to be able to just share the fullness
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00:04:28.868 --> 00:04:31.237 of who we are in a televised way.
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00:04:31.237 --> 00:04:33.139 You know, something that can become a legacy,
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00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:34.507 I think about right now.
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00:04:34.807 --> 00:04:39.445 You know, we recently lost John Amos from Good Times and Coming To America.
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00:04:39.545 --> 00:04:42.515 You know and so we are, it's time to usher
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00:04:42.515 --> 00:04:47.220 in more characters, you know, more leadership.
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00:04:47.220 --> 00:04:47.587 Yeah.
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00:04:47.587 --> 00:04:51.291 And when it comes to these roles and I think we're the generation to do it,
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00:04:51.291 --> 00:04:55.295 I think we have risen to level of self awareness
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00:04:55.295 --> 00:04:59.098 and emotional intelligence that, again, needs be televised.
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00:04:59.365 --> 00:05:02.969 And so I'm excited to be part of hopefully a class of creatives
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00:05:03.369 --> 00:05:05.071 that's going to bring that to light.
 

As a media psychologist, my day typically revolves around exploring how TV, film, and social media shape perceptions and influence learned behaviors. Whether I’m analyzing the psychological effects of mass media, conducting research, or engaging in conversations about the intersection of media and behavioral science, my work is all about uncovering how what we consume shapes who we are.

Media Psychologist

Interests & Hobbies

Passion

Values

Creativity Plays A Huge Role In My Career

How are you guys keeping
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00:00:01.134 --> 00:00:04.037 a healthy balance between your personal and professional lives?
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00:00:04.137 --> 00:00:09.137 For me, I just had my first child, so learning to truly cut it off.
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00:00:09.676 --> 00:00:12.445 I was cutting it off, but like to really, really cut it off
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00:00:12.445 --> 00:00:14.948 because like, that's time you just don't get back.
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00:00:15.081 --> 00:00:17.217 At home, I really don't do much.
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00:00:17.851 --> 00:00:21.721 That's kind of why we have an office, because I was like a big proponent of it,
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00:00:21.721 --> 00:00:25.225 because I want to work here and I want to live there.
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00:00:25.392 --> 00:00:27.894 I do not like personally working from home.
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00:00:28.228 --> 00:00:29.763 Everyone else can.
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00:00:29.763 --> 00:00:33.033 But for me, it's like if I get up and all I have to do is walk across the hallway,
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00:00:33.933 --> 00:00:35.869 something feels like this isn't work.
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00:00:35.869 --> 00:00:38.238 It's actually just one thing and I want to separate the two.
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00:00:38.505 --> 00:00:39.339 And then I coach.
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00:00:39.339 --> 00:00:41.574 So I coach track and field at a collegiate level.
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00:00:41.641 --> 00:00:43.543 That's like my passion, really.
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00:00:43.543 --> 00:00:48.081 And that keeps me super like, not just one track minded on Qualifi.
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00:00:48.081 --> 00:00:49.416 It's like we have other things
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00:00:49.416 --> 00:00:52.652 that we're good at, that we do, that we enjoy, that we love.
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00:00:52.919 --> 00:00:54.054 And that's my other outlet.
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00:00:54.054 --> 00:00:59.054 So it's a literal intentional break between work and home.
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00:00:59.559 --> 00:01:01.628 As track is right in between the two.
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00:01:01.628 --> 00:01:04.064 And so I get to split it apart.
 

I'd recommend computer science, finance and accounting, or sales. These are all great skills to have. Entrepreneurship is more about willingness than anything, so no major will give you that.

How I Create A Work-Life Balance As An Entrepreneur

How do you navigate prioritizing your own self-care and what does that look like for you? &gt;&gt; I don't try to pretend I'm awesome at prioritizing my own self-care. But I do know that I don't function unless I am healthy and eating well and sleeping well and all that. And you can do it and I've done it. I was actually explaining to someone that there's a six-week period in medical school where I slept one hour every night and it was gross, it was really gross. And I was explaining it in the context of them how I smacked my head into a wall and had a major accident, because that will happen. So you can do it but it comes at a cost. But I do fundamentally understand that I need to pace myself in the long run. And when I was a kid, I just liked sports, I was a sports kid. There was one year I didn't do sports in college, and it was the one year I really struggled. And then when I went back to doing tennis, everything clicked. Ultimately, it's when you do sports, your body gets its release and your brain works better. It just legit works better. It's sort of that simple. So it's like even if I'm selfishly wanting to work all the time, I actually know that I have to incorporate my body into it. So how do I do it now? I bike everywhere wherever I can, whenever I have a one on one meeting, it's a walking meeting. It's just like putting it into your life. It's like you said, it's like not saying, there's this pilgrimage I'm gonna do the gym. It's just, I'm just going to be physical wherever I can, and I'm just gonna be constantly in touch with my body. 

Find the space where you're energized to do the work, not expending energy to do the work. I'm able to do so much work because I get energy from doing it. If it starts taking more energy than it's giving, then I know it's time to move on. So find whatever that space is for you. Figure out how you like to spend your day. What can't you take your mind off of? That's your flow state. What are you thinking about when you're not even thinking? That's how you'll know what you're supposed to be doing.

I run a lab and have about 40 people who work with me on computational genetics and experimental genomics. In computational genetics, we take the data in our genomes and use computers to try and decipher those codes. My lab is broadly focused on human health with a primary interest in infectious disease.

Principal Investigator

Adversity

Focusing On Self-Care

How did you just avoid burnout or try to, even when you were burnt out, get through it? &gt;&gt; I kept a list of the things that I loved doing because sometimes when you're really burned out, it's easier to just stay in bed [LAUGH] and do nothing or binge watch something on Netflix. [LAUGH] And so I had a list of things that I liked to do and one of them is running, and so running has been my way of grounding myself. And back then when I was in college, I did a lot of exercise, and it's how I kept my brain moving, my body healthy. And then it helped me also sleep at night, especially when I was stressed about finals or other big projects coming up. That said, I will say, [LAUGH] one funny thing is, so I took the MCAT twice, that's the test you take to get into medical school. The first time I took it, I was so stressed out. I think I maybe slept two hours. And on my way in to take the MCAT, I hit the car in front of me [LAUGH] by accident. And I had to walk out a couple of times to vomit, [LAUGH] because I was so nervous about the test. And then the second time I took the MCAT, I decided, you know what? If this is the past I'm meant to be on, it will be meant to be, and I need to not stress out so much about this. But stress is real. So I think identify the strategies that help you de-stress and very intentionally make those things happen for yourself when you know you're feeling stressed. 

It's important to look for opportunities to get hands-on experience while in college. I suggest looking into getting certified and working as a certified nursing assistant. You can also gain experience in phlebotomy or as an EMT. These are great ways to gain actual experience in the healthcare field while you're working towards becoming a physician.

As Latinas, we face fatalism. When there aren't many of us, we think, "I'm never going to get there, so I'm not going to try." We need to change that narrative. Realize that there will be challenges, but we will persist and find the right path.

I struggled with imposter syndrome when I started my career. I considered others to be smarter and more qualified than me. I eventually told myself that I need to push through it. Push yourself forward and remind yourself that you can do this.

Internal Medicine Doctor

If I follow this path to medicine, I'm going to spend 10 years focusing on getting there so it has to be right.

Overcoming Burnout And Stress

A trend that you see from the data that you collect is that people are looking for a greater work-life balance. How does that pertain to your life and how do you balance work and life? &gt;&gt; Sometimes I am terrible. I'm not the best at the balance thing sometimes, but I like to think that it all ends up working out very well. I try to separate things, right? You see me working. I'm actually at home, right? and the only reason why you see that is because we have a little puppy that we got during the pandemic and somebody has to let her out. But for the most part I try to be in the office I try to have a routine, right? And to me that's part of the separation, right? Part of knowing that I have a place where I go to work and here I'm with my family and do other things. But it works differently for everybody. All of that said, I have certain interests, like reading on particular things on the news. Or looking at certain data and sometimes I'd be sitting down, watching TV, and something occurs to me and I go in and look for it. In my case, it's a little fluid, right? So I have a lot more free time to dedicate to whatever I wanna do. And that sometimes includes putting a little bit extra time in learning things that will help me do better at work. 

When I came to the United States, I was undocumented, so I had to pause my educational journey for seven years and work restaurant jobs. It was discouraging but I kept sight on where I wanted to be and was eventually able to earn my degree.

Regional Outreach Director

How I Manage A Work-Life Balance

Throughout this entire journey of engineering and HR, I've been singing. So I started singing from a very young age, but it really didn't capture my heart until I kinda got to Wichita State University and did my first national anthem for a Wichita State shocker basketball game. And it just kind of lit this fire of, okay, I'm gonna pursue this engineering degree because I love airplanes and I wanna fulfill this. Even though it's challenging, even though it's hard, I wanna reach that dream, but also wanna sing professionally. And so, it's been an incredible journey of pursuing both and getting to reach many different dreams on both sides. But that was a very scary thing for me to start, if I'm being honest. I think for me as an engineer, I got into engineering because I love airplanes. So that's why I got into it. And so when I was thinking about starting to music, I think I have this idea where I could teach students, kids about STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math, through music, and in particular be black, Puerto Rican, and Mexican. You just don't see a lot of people who look like you within the engineering field or the STEM industry. And so I think for me in college, that was a huge passion, I was a part of National Society of Black Engineers. And also, how can we reach them at a younger age, cuz part of it is exposure. How am I supposed to know what that is? And so how am I supposed to know that those opportunities exist for me? And so that is the thing that really pushed me over the edge. And so, I launched STEM music in the fall of 2019, and our mission is to inspire the next generation of multicultural STEM professionals through engaging and entertaining music. It's the joy of my life, I'm starting to do some of the shows on the road now. And wow, it's just amazing to see all of the gifts combining to do something that I'm so passionate about to let these students know that, hey, if this is something you're interested in, you can do it. I'm living proof, and let's think about it, and have a good time. 

Focus on taking a variety of math and science classes while in high school, including physics, chemistry, geometry, algebra, and calculus. When you get to college, I recommend majoring in mechanical engineering if you're not sure what exactly you want to do. Mechanical engineering is a very broad field of study and can open doors to a lot of different careers.

Aerospace Engineer & Talent Acquisition Specialist

Teaching Youth About STEM Through Music

How do you have a good work-life balance? Cuz I think I'm kind of struggling with that. I feel like, especially when you're just entering your career, kind of related to imposter syndrome. I feel like I need to work super hard and work on the weekends if I want to, and do my research after hours, not even on the clock. You know what I'm talking about, I guess? So I am putting a lot of pressure on myself. &gt;&gt; That's step one is recognizing that you are putting that pressure on yourself. &gt;&gt; For sure [LAUGH] &gt;&gt; So part of it is are you looking to have a year, where you exceed expectations and you are viewed as a rock star? If you are, sometimes, the extra hours are worth it. If you're not, if you just want to be seen as a good employee and contributing to the overall company goals, then it's probably not necessary. And so it's really useful to, especially with your manager, with your program manager, define what successful looks like. And then if your expectation of what successful looks like is much higher than what the job actually wants from you, that's where you have to do that internal work and say, I need to deliver what the job wants me to deliver. And then it's recognizing what pressure are you putting on yourself, and where is it coming from. And if it's coming from the job, then consider if that's a place you wanna be. And if it's not coming from the job, go start pursuing things that aren't computer science-related in your off hours, but you have to find it. You have been in a world where this is your whole life. You have to go find those hobbies now. Don't get to my age and not have any interests whether that's cooking, or mountain biking, or painting. Find something that you can do by yourself in your off time that brings you Joy. 

One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success is to find a mentor. And you'll find that most people actually do want to be a mentor—it's not as big as an imposition as people think it is. Tech can be a difficult field, so having a mentor in this space who can relate to you on that level is incredibly helpful.

I've struggled with imposter syndrome. It helps to realize that everyone is going through the same thing. Everyone is figuring out their own piece. You may be an imposter but so is everyone else. Give yourself enough time and you won't be anymore.

Group Lead for Quality and Continuous Improvement

Is my skill set up to par? How am I as an engineer? Is this really what I should be doing?

Pressure

Support & Encouragement

Advice For Maintaining A Healthy Work-Life Balance In Tech

What was it like going from the day job to just full time entrepreneur things? What was the thought process behind it and what made you take the leap? &gt;&gt; The company I was working for went under and I had a year's worth of unemployment. So I was like, cool, I've got a year to see if I can make this work. And if I can then I'll keep it going, and if I can't I'll just get another day job. I started making clothes and then I'd wear them and I'd go hang out with my friends or I'd go out and people would ask me, where did you buy that? And I'd be like, I made it. And they were like, will you make me some? And I'm like, sure, so I started just giving stuff away, then I was like, I need to start making money. So I started selling clothes to people. And then I got into a really big art show and craft fair in Milwaukee, and I have five months to just make a much inventory as I could. So I get a bunch of clothes and dress shirts and messenger bags and pillows and stuff that was really weird and crazy fabrics and really inappropriate things braided on there cuz I thought it was funny. And it sold really well. I started broadcasting my workshop on Twitch cuz I was so bored just every day for five months in my workshop just sewing. So I started broadcasting and people could watch me live and they could chat with me and I could talk to them. And I was very shy at first I thought it was super awkward, but I got more comfortable. Then I started recognizing people's names and I started playing music and dancing and telling jokes and it became really fun. And then I had met a lot of these people at other conventions and I started competing, and just I got into this community of artists really quickly. So at that point, I had already figured out kind of accidentally two or three sources of income. I was selling stuff, I was monetizing my broadcast, and companies were approaching me about using their products. And before I knew it I was successful, I was making a profit. 

2021 DAHO Roadtrip
school-drop-out
entrepreneur
video-profanity

If you want to be a creator, it's important to just be the most authentic version of yourself because that's how you'll attract similar people to you. People don't just buy from me because I make good products—they buy from me because they also like me. You'll grow a following and be able to sell your craft if you're authentic, passionate, and persistent.

While struggling with addiction, I hated myself. I even put myself in the hospital because of it. I eventually accepted that I was a flawed person. I sought out recovery and got sober at 17 years old.

I struggle with anxiety and depression but I found passion and drive in making clothing, costumes, and props. I'm so excited to get up and work at this every day.

Owner

Getting a sewing machine is a waste of time. Don't do that.

Interests & Hobbies

Creativity Plays A Huge Role In My Career

Creativity Plays A Huge Role In My Career

Corey Emanuel

181 videos on Interests & Hobbies: