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Welcome to the Young Nation, the Spirit of Gratitude Podcast on the One Tigreation platform.
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Hello, friends.
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My name is Jorge Patel, and this podcast explores the themes of building self-awareness and the power of our inner spirit, including the silent battles we all face.
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Join me every week as I invite high-profile guests as we explore how adversity shapes us, how gratitude lifts us, and how we can all uncover the inner strength that we all have within ourselves.
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Join the conversation.
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I appreciate you listening in.
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Today's episode is bringing out humanity's best, because my youngest guest might also be one of my most inspiring.
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Meet Trent Kayson, 14 years old, and already nine years into a mission that started at the age of five.
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Unbelievable.
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Making sandwiches for people experiencing homelessness right here in Phoenix.
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That childhood spark became Trent Cares, a nonprofit powered by family, leading with the heart and real-world compassion, bagging meals and hopefully delivering them with gratitude.
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You may have seen Trent on ABC World News with David Muir on an America Strong segment, but what you'll hear today goes deeper than the four-minute episode.
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He's here with his mother, Melissa, and together they prove gratitude isn't just a word.
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It's how you show up and lift others up in their spirit.
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And Trent's leadership will challenge both kids and adults with one question.
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If he can start at the age of five, what's stopping most of us from starting today?
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And with that, and with gratitude, welcome to the podcast, Trent and Melissa.
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Thank you.
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Thank you.
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Yeah, it's an honor and pleasure to have you both here.
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I think this is my first episode where I have two guests in studio.
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So it's a treat for me.
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It's a treat for me.
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Well, Trent, gotta understand what does it feel like to be on national television, my friend?
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Um, for the first time, it's a little nerve-wracking, but after you know, get to it more and more, you kind of get used to it.
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Oh, okay.
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So this is not your first rodeo then?
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No.
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Okay, good.
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You're already experienced.
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So, Trent, can you help us describe Trent Cares and what inspired you?
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Uh, Trent Cares is a nonprofit organization that I started when I was five years old, and I did my first serving on my sixth birthday.
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And it all started about me just wanting to help out my community and help out those in need from uh my city back home.
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Because my community, I just always wanted to help.
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You just always wanted to help.
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Is that something that you learned how to do, or was it something that you already had in you?
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I feel like it's been in me ever since you know I was born.
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Just me growing up, I always wanted to help.
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Melissa, I was just curious to find out.
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As a mother's seeing him, watching him grow, what were the what was that moment like when at the age of five you said to you, I want to help and serve others?
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I was completely sple speechless just because as a five-year-old, what kid is not gonna ask for gifts or the latest toy or shirt or just something like that.
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Or chasing after an ice cream truck like myself, or just money, period, just or just a snack.
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Like he literally wanted to give back to his community, and we're originally from Wisconsin.
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Okay.
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So to be in a community where there's a lot less fortunate, and you know, not saying that we're the richest out there, but you know, just to give something to take from yourself to give back to others, it just left me speechless.
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Trent, was there anything within your parents that you saw this need to serve?
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Did you see, I mean, perhaps before the age of five, did you happen to see them volunteer their time that affected you in that way that you uh that it did?
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Yeah, I feel like my parents always helped.
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Even if it was just like sometimes just inviting family members or just helping out, letting people sleep at the house sometimes, you know, just giving them a warm place to stay, just even for one night.
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I feel like that helped me a ton.
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Wow.
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So this service to others really started with you.
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This foundation started perhaps with you and your husband, Alissa.
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Yeah, I I guess in a sense, yes, because I mean, for us, well, I guess it goes back to my parents then, because I grew up with my parents always being the home where others, you know, when they feel in hard times and needed somewhere to sleep, or they may have needed a couple extra dollars to make ends meet, or they were having car troubles, whatever the case may be, you know, that was my parents.
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So I always knew as, you know, you help our family when you have when you can, you know.
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Right.
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Um, and then as far as the community, it's I feel like it's just right, it's the right thing to do.
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Yeah, you don't even look back.
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No, and I don't think, and then for him, it's like human nature, like he doesn't think twice about it.
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Like there's been times where after school, he's going with his friends to just get a snack in between practices, and he sees someone at McDonald's or Jack in the Box, you know, hungry, asking for food, and him, he's getting him and his friends together to go buy someone food, and he should be thinking about basketball practice.
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Trent, what does that do to you?
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Does it like trigger something within your heart?
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Or what is that what is that emotion like for you when you give back to others?
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And I asked this question for the audience because perhaps I mean, we all can learn from you, right?
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We can all learn from your leadership and your leading with the heart.
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So describe what that feeling is like for you.
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It's actually a great emotion.
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It just brings me like so much joy and just happiness by me just giving them like that little piece of food, that slight gesture, and just seeing them smile and see how much joy it brings them.
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It just makes me extremely happy.
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Yeah, I bet.
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Anything to add to that, Melissa?
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Yeah, because I mean, and it just makes me smile, and it's just like a warm just emotion because it's your child.
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Like, you know, most people they have other adults or friends that that that's their inspiration.
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It's my 14-year-old son that's my inspiration.
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Right, right.
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Because he inspires me to want to do more, he inspires me to want to get better.
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Of course.
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And tell me about the food that you prepare and where do you prepare it?
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Uh I prepare if it's like one of the monthly giveaways, I can do, you know, hot dogs, burgers, or turkey sandwiches.
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Sounds like a great barbecue.
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Yeah.
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But on the annual ones, I usually go out, give out hot chili, and everything that I serve comes from the home of our kitchen.
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Wow, that must be uh you must either have a large kitchen or a large number of volunteers to help you prepare this.
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Yeah, I try to like ask some friends, family if they want to help, and that usually helps a lot.
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So, how many on average do you serve per month and your annual chili cook-off?
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Um, I'd say like monthly, it's about 100 to 150 in the annual.
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It can go to like 500, even more sometimes, just depending on what we want to do for that certain time.
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Okay.
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Wow, that's I don't know what to say.
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I'm kind of speechless.
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I mean, I have my list of questions prepared, that's one thing, but just you know, I'm feeling the energy right from the both of you.
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And hopefully that energy, you know, is carrying across from this podcast so others could feel just as inspired.
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I mean, again, like my question that I posed with your leadership.
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If you started at five, what's stopping us from doing the things that we want to do to help and support others?
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And so, and hopefully there's gonna be a good domino effect that comes out of this episode.
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I mean, if it's if it's not for the entertainment value that what we're talking about today, it certainly gives someone that an initi that inner spark in them to serve and what it means to put a smile on another people on another person's face because it all comes back to you.
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Yeah, right?
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It's energy in my opinion.
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Absolutely.
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Even I feel like with him, you know, wanting to do more and wanting to keep everyone, you know, included, like he also brings in his friends, his teammates, and I feel like that's also helping the youth to where coaches, coat coaches, okay, you know, volunteer anyone who wants to volunteer.
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It's just that he does it, and you know, it kind of makes you take it like even his friends or his peers, like it helps them kind of like get out there and just see like you have a lot to be grateful for.
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What does that word mean to you?
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Gratitude, Trent.
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Gratitude means to me just like trying to make others happy.
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Gratitude means for me to like just bring the joy out of everyone.
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Perfect.
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Like if I'm happy, I just want to do as much as I can to bring the happiness out of them because they might be feeling down someday, you know, might be feeling sad, and I just want to just make everyone happy.
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Yeah, that's and again, we're gonna have a lot of these smiling on proud of you moments in this in this interview.
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Um and then Trent, and actually a question for the both of you.
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I'll start with you, Trent.
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Uh what do you want kids and parents to learn from what from you doing what you're doing?
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What I want them to learn is if you have a dream or anything you want to do, I want you to put your mind to it and work as hard as you can every day to achieve it.
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Because if I started at five years old, and if you have a dream now, being 11, 12, you can strive and you can achieve that goal starting right now today.
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Not bad.
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That's a great answer for a 14-year-old.
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That's well eloquent.
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How about you, Melissa?
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What do you want parents and kids to learn from what Trent's doing?
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Um, I would definitely say parents just be involved with their child.
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Um, even if it's just while you're because you you may never know, they like instead of just sending them upstairs or to their room, let them be involved what you're doing because they'll see that and that can inspire them as well.
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And just having those conversations with your kids, just don't feel because they're a kid that they don't know or they don't understand.
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Because I had those talks with Trent.
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Like, it would be times we would drive through the community, and he just never understood why people were always on the bus stops or why people were always outside, like in the heat too.
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In the heat, or even out here, like, why don't they want to go home?
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I had to explain to him they can go home, they have no home.
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And I always wanted him to understand while we're out there and we're servicing, you know, our community.
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Yes, this is something that we're destined to do, but however, this could be us at any point.
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Mom can lose her dad her job, dad could lose his job, and we can fall on hard times.
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So you never want to take what you have for granted.
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And I've always taught my kids that.
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Yeah, that's uh that's an important life lesson.
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I mean, if it's if a child doesn't hear that from his or her parent, at least you're there as a source of inspiration for other parents to do what is right, right?
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You know, do the right things, but it's also do things right at the same time.
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Absolutely.
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Yeah, it's it's it all comes back, boils down to again this inner spirit, right, that we all have.
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And that's part of what the podcast aims to explore with these.
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And I'll you're a high-profile guest.
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I mean, I'm kind of a little jealous that you're on ABC World News.
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But no, man, all the power to you.
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All the power to you.
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I'm so proud of you.
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And a couple of fun uh uh questions for you now.
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What do you want to do in college?
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Or actually, you play basketball, yes, right?
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Um what what uh position do you play in?
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Uh who's your favorite NBA player?
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Uh I play point guard and my favorite NBA player.
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If we're going out based off all time, my favorite NBA player is LeBron James.
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What are we talking about right now is probably um Shea Gilge's Alexander.
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Now he was in he has an injury, right?
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An abdominal injury, if I'm not mistaken.
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Which is why he couldn't participate in the NBA All-Star uh the week.
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Yeah.
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That just happened.
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Yeah.
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Yeah.
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Okay.
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What do you see in the in Mr.
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Alexander that you aspire to be that caliber type of indiv player?
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His leadership one, like he always, you know, wants to take control.
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Like if it's the end of the game and one shot can win it, he tells his team that he's gonna take that shot.
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It's just his leadership and the way he just like outgoing and just yeah, like basically his leadership.
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Speaking of leadership, I mean that kind of that carries a lot of responsibility.
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Yeah.
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Do you happen to be fearful of uh the shoes that you wear?
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I mean, kind of pun intended with what you're doing with trancairs.
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Does that is there any any pressure on you?
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Um, I don't feel like there's any pressure.
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I mean, I just feel like I have to do the best that I can do because I know that there's people know might be sometimes even doubting me, saying I can't do this and that.
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I just have to show that I can do this and do better.
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So people doubt you.
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How do you get over that?
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I just don't really pay it any mind because I've been doing it for quite some time now, and I mean it hasn't gone backwards, only gone forwards.
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So I just don't really pay it any mind.
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And do you know why I asked that question?
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Why?
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Because there's a lot of kids and adults who happen to be fearful of taking that first step or being criticized.
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You know, because what you're doing is you're putting yourself out there in the world for people to judge you.
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Yeah.
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You know, similar to Rihanna, who wrote the book when she was 15.
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Uh again, she wrote this book, open to criticism, but like you, she didn't care.
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Right.
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And so I that's kind of the lesson that I would like the citizens of Yogg Nation, those are my listeners, I like to call them, to basically take wind of what Trent's wisdom is and apply it to their to their own.
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Because you're right, Trent, it doesn't matter, right?
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Uh it's I always liken it to if a person starts with a five-pound dumbbell at the gym, no one's gonna make fun of that person for starting out at five five pounds.
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It's always gonna be that encourag that encouragement.
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And so, you know, as you grow older into the from the young man to the mature man, you know, just keep this in mind is that uh, you know, like you said, you always want to move forward and not backward.
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Yeah.
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Yeah.
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Yeah.
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Mom, thoughts?
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I don't think anything fear like he's fear I don't think he's fearful of anything.
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I feel like anytime he puts his mind to it, he always figures figures out a way to do it or to come up with a plan.
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And I've always told him, like, you know, you implement a plan and you follow through.
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You put what's most important at at the forefront, and then everything else will fall in place.
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Like, I know there's been times where we're like, okay, I don't know how we're gonna do it.
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You know, we pray about it, and it all works out.
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And I feel like he was created by God and he is letting him do his work that he was put on this earth to do.
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So a lot of faith is what I'm hearing.
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Absolutely.
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Absolutely.
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Tell me about that.
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Um, my spiritual life plays a huge role in everything that I do.
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You know, there might be some times when, you know, we're feeling bad, you know, might even, might not even have enough money to buy as much lunch meat as we want to do for that servant.
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You know, we just sit down, pray about it, and God always makes a way for us.
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So, like everything we do, we try to add God into it.
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Right.
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Well, I hope certainly coming on this podcast gives you another platform for people to reach out to you and see the good work that you're doing.
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Well, the family's doing, I should say, and uh, and your fam and your community of friends and family that are supporting you.
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So you have two older brothers and a younger brother, correct?
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Yes.
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What has what's it been like for them and how have they helped you grow?
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Uh, my brothers play a huge role in everything that I do.
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You know, they always encourage me to do more and like just progress in everything that I do.
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And sometimes they even told me they was like, uh, you know, bro, you play a big inspiration in my life.
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Because my younger brother, he's even starting to like, you know, help out at school.
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Like, he even told me one day he was like, yeah, his classmate had got like a bad grade on his test.
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He like stayed after class and just helped them study.
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So when the next test came by, he got an even better grade.
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So that just brought me so much joy that you know, even my family, they're taking inspiration into what I do and helping them.
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Wow.
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Certainly leadership.
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And then Mr.
00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:32.799
Alexander's a point guard, and you play point guard, right?
00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:33.599
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:36.880
So I guess that kind of goes with the territory, right?
00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:42.960
I've always likened a point guard position to be the floor general on the court, whether it's a Steph Curry.
00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:44.640
That's actually his nickname.
00:17:45.359 --> 00:17:45.920
Uh Trent.
00:17:46.400 --> 00:17:49.519
A lot of coaches and his trainers, they call him the floor general.
00:17:49.680 --> 00:17:50.640
Oh my goodness.
00:17:50.799 --> 00:17:51.599
How cool.
00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:53.359
That's a lot of responsibility.
00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:53.680
Yeah.
00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.960
So how do you handle it?
00:17:55.200 --> 00:18:01.039
You know, sometimes it can get hard, you know, because like all the weight goes on me.
00:18:01.200 --> 00:18:06.559
So I just have to like find a way to control and just always keep my head up and just never let it get to me.
00:18:06.960 --> 00:18:09.119
Normal 14-year-olds wouldn't say that.
00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.559
I mean at all.
00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:18.720
So how do you it's not a matter of only controlling you, but again, inspiring leading the other four on the team.
00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.599
Yeah.
00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:30.880
I just have to always encourage, you know, if he misses shot, tell him keep his head up, get back on defense, you know, just always encourage, never let it get too down, always try to help them get up.
00:18:31.359 --> 00:18:52.960
So I happened to read a biography on uh Duke basketball coach Mike Sheshewski, and the author had pointed out where I think it was a basketball practice, and you know, obviously there's five players on the court, and these five players, when they're they come together, they make a fist, right?
00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.640
I love that analogy.
00:18:55.279 --> 00:19:04.079
So I kind of like liken that to what you're doing, Trent, in terms of being that floor general, being that leader to inspire the other four, right?
00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:10.799
I guess you can you're not the middle finger, I hope, but maybe you are, I don't know.
00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:19.599
But again, but again, just having them come together to make a cohesive unit to get that W.
00:19:20.640 --> 00:19:22.400
And what does winning mean to you?
00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:24.160
Uh winning means a lot to me.
00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:25.680
You know, I always love winning.
00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:29.039
I really hate when I lose, so you know.
00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:38.160
I just love winning so much, it just brings me so much joy to not only me, to my teammates and coaches.
00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:39.599
Does that come into conflict?
00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:45.839
On one hand, you want to win for your team, yet on the other hand, you have this selfless service to others.
00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:48.319
Can they coexist together?
00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:57.359
I mean, sometimes, yeah, they can come in conflict with each other, but I try not to like I try to just keep it always in a positive mindset.
00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:57.920
Right.
00:19:58.079 --> 00:20:04.799
Because I'm just thinking that if you want to win, certainly you say something that upsets another person for the betterment for them.
00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:10.319
So there's gonna be like I I guess the analogy is you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.
00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:10.720
Yeah.
00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:11.119
Right.
00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:28.480
And so does that and I think it goes back to that initial question is that, you know, with your gifts, gifts, I should say, right, of leadership and selfless service to others, does that ever come into conflict with the winning side of you?
00:20:29.759 --> 00:20:34.400
But again, I'm asking the same question, maybe not in a different way.
00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:52.079
But is there anything else you want to add that especially for a young person or even a parent who has children of your age or kids your age, excuse me, to hear you in terms of how that is balanced or aligned?
00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:55.680
I would say like try to always keep it balanced, you know.
00:20:55.920 --> 00:21:02.960
You know you want to win, but you don't want to say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing that can come in conflict with winning.
00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:14.079
So I I would say just always keep a good mindset and just always try to encourage, always try to pick them up because that will give you a better chance of winning than bringing them down or saying the wrong thing.
00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:18.160
Because then that will conflict and make your chances of winning go lower.
00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:20.160
Man, it's just like Ted Lasso.
00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:24.160
Melissa, you're smiling as a mother.
00:21:24.880 --> 00:21:25.680
Thoughts?
00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:28.640
I mean, I think what he's saying is just accurate.
00:21:28.799 --> 00:21:31.279
Like, of course, you know, how can you win?
00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:32.880
You can't win by yourself.
00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:41.359
So if you're constantly, you know, bringing chaos around you, no one's gonna want to help you, no one's gonna wanna donate to your cause.
00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:44.880
You know, they're not gonna wanna see you doing good.
00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:47.599
So it's gonna be just a bad situation.
00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:55.599
And I feel like the way he encourages his friends and on and off the court, it it plays a big part into who he is today.
00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:57.039
Yeah, I bet.
00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:59.359
So what does inspire you now?
00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:05.519
I would still say my family, my friends, encouraging to do encouraging me to do more.
00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:08.400
And just like my community.
00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:15.759
I always want to try and help more and like find different locations to help out.
00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:22.000
Like if I didn't do this location this year, I would make it my plan and my go to get that location next year.
00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:26.640
So just like still my family, my friend just inspire me to do more every year.
00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:27.200
Yeah.
00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:29.119
Again, I don't know what to say.
00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:32.319
That's me a lot of times.
00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:40.400
Yeah, I mean, it's just not even the fact that you're young and mature, but the parents learn from you.
00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:46.480
And I guess that's a question to you, Melissa, and that is, you know, what did you see in him at the age of five?
00:22:47.279 --> 00:23:00.559
And uh was you mentioned that was part of your upbringing, but uh, you know, where did this other spirit of giving come from if he besides learning from you and your family?
00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:12.720
Trent has always just been wise beyond his age, like wanting to just sweep the floor and he can barely walk, or always wanting to help.
00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:19.680
Like I can remember putting him in the tub and he wants to hold the soap, or he wants to hand me something.
00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:23.519
Like he's just always, I'll do it, but he it's bigger than him.
00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:37.440
I remember a time when he was in kindergarten, and you know, back then, or they probably still do it to this day, but you know, they had like snack days or day, like a you know, a snack chart or a snack calendar.
00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:43.759
And we were at a grocery store one time, and he's like, Mom, you know, let's get an extra box of graham crackers.
00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.799
And I'm like, why?
00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:46.000
You only need one.
00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:51.440
And he was like, you know, well, so-and-so in my class, he never has a snack to bring.
00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:56.160
And, you know, when it's his day, he's sad because he doesn't get to pass out a snack.
00:23:56.559 --> 00:24:00.640
And I was like, okay, so we brought the extra pack of graham crackers.
00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:14.000
He took it to school literally within an hour of him being at school, his teacher caught me and was like bawling her eyes out because she's like, I've never had a student in all my years of teaching to do this.
00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:15.839
And she was like, You guys didn't have to.
00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:17.519
I was like, it was not my idea.
00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:19.599
I said, Trend did that on his own.
00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:29.519
And so he came home that day and he was just so excited because his friend, you know, his classmate was happy to be able to pass out a snack because he doesn't get that opportunity.
00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:35.680
So for a kid in kindergarten to be that selfless was just remarkable.
00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:40.880
So I at that point, I like I knew I feel like all my kids are special in their own way.
00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:51.200
Yeah, but Trink, the way he is so grateful and selfless and shows compassion and empathy for others, I just knew he was special.
00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:53.680
Do you think that spirit is in every one of us?
00:24:53.839 --> 00:25:01.119
Because it's all about it's it's all about understanding your gifts and using it to uplift society, right?
00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:05.759
Again, some gifts are like you, some gifts could be others, right?
00:25:05.920 --> 00:25:14.799
Don't know what that is, but as an example, because that's something that I've seen as a common thread, Trent, and that is the high-profile guests that I've had on, right?
00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:17.359
At an early age, they knew what they wanted to do.
00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:23.279
And, you know, fortunately, you were surrounded by love and community, right?
00:25:23.440 --> 00:25:26.240
For you to foster these qualities and these values.
00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:33.200
So, you know, Melissa, I go back to you, and that is do you think everyone has that innate gift within themselves?
00:25:33.359 --> 00:25:38.640
And it's a matter of parents, siblings to bring out the best of that individual.
00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:41.599
Yeah, I I really feel like everyone has it in them.
00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:47.039
Sometimes they may not know what it is, or they may not even know how to demonstrate it.
00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:52.319
So, you know, that's where I go back into parents having those conversations with your kids.
00:25:52.559 --> 00:25:59.839
Because just like with Trent, we were, I was literally sitting on the couch folded in laundry, and he came to me with this idea.
00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:06.160
And he probably when I when he told me about it, he probably didn't think that I was gonna act on it and assist him.
00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:10.880
But, you know, when my husband came home, we sat Trent down and we had that conversation.
00:26:10.960 --> 00:26:16.160
Like, if you're gonna do this, we're gonna do it, we're gonna support you, but you have to be committed.
00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:19.039
And here we are nine years later, he's been committed.
00:26:19.359 --> 00:26:23.440
What's the vision of Trent Cares in the next in the future for the future?
00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:44.799
Uh, my future with Trent Cares is hopefully being able to go globally and go to different places, different states, and help out and just like getting a bigger community to even I I can do it in Arizona, maybe Minnesota, Washington, it could be different Trent Cares organization just helping out in a community.
00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.160
14.
00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:57.119
Wow, yeah, it's uh you definitely one and again, we're here, the citizens, to support you any way that we can, Trent.
00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:58.720
I uh mean that sincerely.
00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:09.039
So um, you know, anything I can personally do to help, uh, because I've got folks in the community that could, you know, I can see themselves partnering with you, or at least getting that introduction.
00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:11.839
So more than happy to do that because we all went together.
00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:15.359
I mean, I always like to believe that rising tide lifts all boats, right?
00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:20.960
If you're good, I'm good, and what does that do to help improve our schools and communities for the future?
00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:22.720
So I get it.
00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.680
I get it.
00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:28.079
And um final two questions for you, Melissa.
00:27:28.160 --> 00:27:31.119
How do you set boundaries on trans usage of social media?
00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:34.559
Um, again, uncomfortable conversations.
00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:36.799
Um What do you mean by that?
00:27:37.039 --> 00:27:44.960
Just kind of making sure he understands my expectations and there may be something he may want to watch, but I feel it's inappropriate.
00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:54.160
So I feel like he knows my expectations, and I also go on and monitor his social media platforms and uh making sure that there's nothing inappropriate.
00:27:54.319 --> 00:28:06.880
And you know, at this age, our kids are innocent-minded, so you know, something he may not think is important, or he may not think that it's inappropriate, or he may think it's okay.
00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:16.559
I just kind of make sure he understands why I said no, or you know, if I feel like he's not ready, kind of just letting him know that aspect of it.
00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:19.200
And is there any arguments or disagreements or friction?
00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:25.359
I mean, but he may give a little pushback as to like, or I wouldn't even say pushback, he may question why.
00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:28.559
And I think that's but just a curious mind that he has.
00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:36.160
Like for him, I feel like he wants to know why, or he may want to understand, so it kind of gravitates in his mind.
00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:41.599
But it's your communication to him as to why you think what you think.
00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.079
Correct.
00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:43.440
It makes him understand more.
00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:44.000
Correct.
00:28:44.079 --> 00:28:45.839
And I tell him you're not old enough.
00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:50.480
You know, you will understand when you get a little older and you're you can really understand what I'm saying.
00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:53.759
But right now, I don't feel like I have to go into detail with you.
00:28:53.839 --> 00:28:54.640
I said no.
00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:56.160
So that's okay.
00:28:56.480 --> 00:29:07.359
Well, again, the reason why I wanted to ask this question point blank is because there is friction between kids and parents and the uses of social media.
00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:14.880
And for you to not necessarily micromanage or even monitor, but just say these are the ground rules, right?
00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.400
Don't step away from it.
00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:16.960
Correct.
00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:20.799
And it's that communication that could be uncomfortable, as you mentioned at times.
00:29:21.119 --> 00:29:21.440
Correct.
00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:31.359
And then if it's something where I feel maybe he didn't follow my direction or his dad's direction, he knows things will get confiscated, or you know, you just won't be able to do it.
00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:33.359
The unveiled or veiled threat.
00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:33.920
Yeah.
00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:35.680
It works, doesn't it?
00:29:36.640 --> 00:29:38.400
Trent, you're silent.
00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:41.039
All right.
00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.960
Fun question, fun question.
00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:49.599
So the tagline for this podcast is gratitude turns stress into strength.
00:29:50.160 --> 00:30:05.200
And I happen to believe that there are five pillars underneath this gratitude foundation, which includes humility, resilience, courage, awareness, and authenticity, or excuse me, appreciation.
00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:17.599
So again, what I want to do is ask the both of you at the same time what is the word that speaks to you in this gratitude foundation.
00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:25.839
So on the counter, I'll say one, two, three, and then you'll say the word, say the word together and see if uh see if it matches.
00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:32.960
So again, I want you to lock in the word that your that best represents your values of of gratitude.
00:30:33.279 --> 00:30:42.079
So again, it's resilience, it's humility, courage, awareness, and finally appreciation.
00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.440
Do you have your word?
00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:44.240
Yeah.
00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:45.200
How about you?
00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:46.319
Oh, I'm just trying to do it.
00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:51.839
Resilience, humility, courage, awareness, and appreciation.
00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:55.599
Don't tell me, just lock it in, lock it in.
00:30:56.400 --> 00:31:00.799
I mean, I I have my word, but I just won't trying to think, because I feel like he'll pick two.
00:31:00.880 --> 00:31:04.319
So I'm just trying to think what's what what most resonates?
00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:07.039
Okay, I know, because he always says this.
00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:07.440
Okay.
00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:08.720
Well, not him, but you.
00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:09.279
What do you think?
00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:10.079
Oh, for me?
00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.039
Oh, okay.
00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:11.759
Well, okay.
00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.960
It's the same though, I think.
00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:13.359
Okay.
00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.400
We'll see.
00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:17.680
One, two, three.
00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:19.200
Courage.
00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:24.720
Courage and appreciation.
00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:26.400
Explain, Trent.
00:31:26.799 --> 00:31:28.000
The courage uh part?
00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:28.480
Yeah.
00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:37.599
I feel like just going past your like comfort zone and just trying to do as best as you can.
00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:46.240
I didn't really understand what you were coming from, where you were coming from.
00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:48.400
I really just gave a word.
00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:49.119
Okay.
00:31:49.680 --> 00:31:55.279
No, again, it's it's it's the it's the gratitude value that most represent that rapper resonates with you the most.
00:31:55.440 --> 00:31:56.720
So you mentioned courage.
00:31:56.960 --> 00:31:57.200
Yeah.
00:31:57.440 --> 00:32:05.440
I say two words because I knew he was gonna pick courage just because he always feels that he has the courage to continue or he wants to do more.
00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:09.680
But I will say appreciative because he's always appreciative of whatever donations.
00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:10.720
Not him, you.
00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:14.000
Well, me, I'm appreciative of him for even coming up with it.
00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:22.240
And I'm just I'm more appreciative of everyone who wants to volunteer, the donations because it's bigger than me, it's bigger than Trent.
00:32:22.400 --> 00:32:25.200
You know, we need it takes everyone involved.
00:32:25.599 --> 00:32:26.720
Thank you for sharing that.
00:32:26.960 --> 00:32:35.440
I just, you know, again, it's kind of get a window to understand, right, the differences between two people in the same family.
00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:36.799
Yeah.
00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.720
Trent, final word.
00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:51.279
Is there anything that I missed on this podcast episode that you'd like to tell the good folks uh on the citizens of Young Nation about perhaps your vis more your vision, what you want to do, how you want to inspire others?
00:32:51.359 --> 00:32:54.079
And so I'll I'll give you the final word, sir.
00:32:54.880 --> 00:33:20.240
What I want to say is if it's any young kids or young teenagers that has a dream or goal that they want to do, all I want to tell you is I want you to strive for that goal, do as best as you can, and work your tail off every day to achieve that goal, and one day it will be even bigger than what you would ever thought it would be.
00:33:20.880 --> 00:33:22.400
Can I get an amen for that?
00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:23.119
Amen.
00:33:24.880 --> 00:33:26.799
Oh, that was beautifully, that was beautiful.
00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:35.200
I mean, a beautiful message, and and I think also it wouldn't be a young adult that can take inspiration from us.
00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:37.680
I think parents can take that inspiration as well.
00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:38.319
Right?
00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:39.119
Absolutely.
00:33:39.359 --> 00:33:40.559
Yeah, yes.
00:33:41.359 --> 00:33:44.240
Melissa, Trent, it's an honor to have you.
00:33:44.799 --> 00:33:45.680
Thank you for coming on.
00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:46.240
Thank you.
00:33:46.559 --> 00:33:48.160
And let's continue to inspire more people.
00:33:48.400 --> 00:33:49.279
Yes, have fun.
00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:50.400
Thank you, and God bless.
00:33:50.640 --> 00:33:51.440
And God blessed.
