August 30, 2023 • 39 mins
Can you imagine a 17-year-old helping his peers navigate the complex world of mental health? Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Filimon Meaza, the creator of The Brief Dive podcast. Filimon shares his personal journey of self-reflection, emotional resilience, and positive self-talk, showing us how he transformed his own mental health and now empowers other teenagers on their journey towards mental well-being.
In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the meditation tools Filimon uses to stay focused, as well as his unique ability to attract an older audience while still focusing on teen mental health. We also discuss his observational skills and script-writing process for his podcast, highlighting the power of open discussions around mental health and the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout. Join us for this incredibly insightful episode where we delve into personal growth and mental health with a young, passionate, and determined individual.
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Music Credit: True Living by Patrick Moore
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Helen (00:11):
Every day people following their passions.
Filimon (00:15):
That's probably like one of the highlights of my life
so far just being able to becreative like that, Something of
a wisp on it And then I decidedto get another hive and that
turned into a lot of hives.
As long as I can do that, iwant to be a good citizen, help
people out.
Helen (00:34):
Putting themselves out there, taking chances and
navigating challenges along theway.
I absolutely identified withhaving stage fright because, you
know, anytime I went on stage,i just felt like I was having a
hot attack Very first lap veryfirst practice session, i
crashed.
Maureen (00:51):
Turned the car upside down, made a spectacle of myself
and I got back on that horseand started riding again.
Helen (00:57):
As they pursue what makes them happy and brings them joy.
As long as people are having agood time and I have the
opportunity to put smiles onpeople's faces, i love what I do
.
I have done things that I neverthought I could do.
This is Assorted Conversations,and I'm your host, helen.
(01:18):
Hello, hello, hello.
Welcome if you're listening forthe first time and welcome back
if you're tuning in for anotherAssorted Conversation.
This week's conversation isactually the last recording
Maureen and I did together inMay or June of 2022.
(01:45):
We get to spend time learningabout our guest's journey of
self-reflection and commitmentto change in order to improve
his mental health At the age of17 years old a ripe old age of
17,.
he now shares what he's learnedand continues to discover on
his podcast in order to helpteens navigate stress, build
(02:08):
confidence and develop emotionalresilience.
He was an incredible guest,incredibly mature and really
just wants to share with otherswho may be struggling with some
of the things that he struggledwith different strategies,
techniques on how to navigatethat stress, get through those
(02:32):
tough times and live a betterlife.
Take a listen to this week'sepisode and I'll see you on the
other side.
This week's guest is helpinghis teenage peers manage their
mental health.
through his podcast, the BriefDive Host, philemon Meaza shares
(02:55):
his perspectives on how ourminds can function to our
advantage or our detriment,while providing his take on
positive self-talk, dailyaffirmations and so much more.
We are so happy to welcome toAssorted Conversations Philemon
Meaza.
How are you, philemon?
I'm good.
Filimon (03:15):
Thank you for asking.
Maureen (03:17):
This is.
I just find what you are doingabsolutely amazing and because
you are sharing some of thedeepest parts of yourself out
with the public, for people whoare in need, and I'm really,
really excited to have thisconversation with you Tell me
how you got started down thisroad of building this podcast.
Filimon (03:41):
Personally, i went through some things.
It sucks when no one is therefor you and that's just the last
thing I want someone to feel,especially at our age and
especially during the quarantinephase.
I chose to start the podcast.
It was big.
It was a big decision for me,knowing that I don't like
(04:04):
putting myself out there, but Ifeel like the reason was more
important than my fear forputting myself out there.
Maureen (04:14):
Oh wow, You overcame your discomfort to help others.
Helen (04:19):
Yeah, i think that's huge and I don't think we've
mentioned it yet, but you are 17years old.
You have that realization thatthe cause is more important, the
potential to help folks is moreimportant than your own fears,
(04:41):
is just incredibly mature.
I don't know what, 17 years old, if I would have made that
decision.
Maureen (04:52):
I'm thinking it over right now.
Helen (04:55):
What did I do?
Filimon (04:57):
I think it started when I moved and it kind of isolated
me from friends anddistractions.
It was a big page turner, ifthat makes sense.
Some said I did a whole 180switch.
I just stopped cursing, istopped playing video games, i
(05:21):
began to have an old soul andbecame more introspective.
I think that's what geared metowards the podcast.
Maureen (05:30):
Wow.
For a lot of people, a changelike moving and moving away from
the comfort of friends andplaces that you know is
incredibly hard.
You saw it as an opportunity.
It sounds like you did a lot ofand, especially because it was
(05:52):
COVID and there was quarantine,there was nothing but time for
you to think about yourcircumstances.
What was it?
What was the thing that youheard in your mind that said
this is the direction I need togo?
Did you see the 180, or didjust other people see the 180?
Filimon (06:16):
It was a build up of a lot of self questioning.
I took a lot of silent walkswhere I just leave my phone at
home and start thinking.
Sometimes I think too much.
I would start asking myselfquestions like why would I make
this decision when I was younger?
How does this affect me now?
What do I want to make myselfor bring myself to the world?
(06:38):
What purpose should I bring?
It was a little too deep for ateam, but it changed a lot.
It was questions like whatshould I have done differently?
What could I be doing now thatcould take me closer to this
destination that I want?
Helen (06:59):
It sounds like you found purpose in those silent walks
and through all of thosequestions, sort of yeah, well,
and you have to have that finaldestination or that purpose in
mind in order to change thingsup, to start the journey closer
to what the new destination?
Maureen (07:18):
is.
Helen (07:20):
What were some of the things, if you don't mind
sharing what were some of thethings that led you to
reexamining them from adifferent perspective?
Filimon (07:31):
I used to be a class clown and I had always asked my
like.
When I was taking these walks,i'd ask myself you know, why
would I have little to norespect for myself?
Because I would do literallyanything for attention, anything
for a giggle or laugh.
There would be moments where Itreated people the way I would
not treat people.
Now I had a potty mouth, i juststart cursing everywhere.
(07:55):
I felt like I had no respectfor myself even when I was with
around my friends and I justfelt like I needed to be bigger
to be respected.
And I just took a look at allthe moments where that came up.
Maureen (08:10):
So looking at how other people treated you and saw you,
as well as how you saw yourself, really made a big change in
your thought process of is thishow I want to be seen going
forward?
What do I want out of life?
Is this how I want to be seengoing forward?
Do I want to be seen assomebody who takes nothing
(08:31):
seriously and can't be takenseriously?
Filimon (08:34):
Yeah, it was exactly like that, where, like I want to
be seen as a person that'srespected and what I used to do
was definitely not someone youknow you should respect And I
think I just did a lot ofisolation and thinking It was a
little too much I can say, butit was enough to turn on the
(08:58):
light bulb, if you call it.
Helen (09:01):
Yeah, yeah, kind of having that epiphany.
Maureen (09:04):
You may have the soul of a philosopher, I know.
Helen (09:08):
I know, At 17 years old, Right, Philemon, what were you
know once you identified?
here's how I was, here's howI'd like to be?
what are some of the tools ortactics you used with yourself
(09:28):
to kind of move in the directionyou saw yourself?
Filimon (09:31):
going Well, mostly like the hardest thing for me to do
is just the doing part.
It's really fun to say the tips, read a book and do all that
stuff, but the second, it cameto actually doing it.
that was like the hard part.
I just did things likemeditating.
I think silent walks wereprobably the best thing for me
(09:56):
because I felt like my thoughtswere like a balloon.
So if I was inside, it just tostay in there and if I went
outside, it was just infiniteAnd I didn't.
I wish I listened to more musicbecause that would have helped.
Yeah, it was just like a lot ofmeditating, a lot of FaceTiming
people that I enjoy talking toand walks.
Maureen (10:18):
I'm impressed that you understood that you could say
the things and it was easy tosay the things.
But to do the things isincredibly hard because you had
developed a habit of doingthings in a certain way and
breaking habits is incrediblydifficult.
So how did you train yourselfto establish a new habit around
(10:45):
the changes you wanted to make,so that it came from being in
your mind to being in youractions?
First, off.
Filimon (10:51):
I'm like I give off the vibe that, like you know, i'm
on top of my stuff.
But you know I can I get reallylazy sometimes.
But on the days where I dopretty good, i think the reason
pushes me the furthest and itjust blocks out the laziness and
(11:13):
everything.
And if I feel like, if thatreason is strong enough, then
motivation will just naturallycultivate and habits like, and
habits sorry habits willnaturally build.
And if you just do it over time, especially during the days
where you just really, reallydon't want to do it, those are
the days that that build you andtest you.
(11:34):
That's how I like to think ofit.
Maureen (11:37):
What's an example of something that you changed, that
you were really excited or youhad like a really good day
around?
Filimon (11:44):
I think I'm going to say it again It's the walks.
It's just the silent walks, Ithink the first one I took I
just left it at home and I feellike When I moved, it just felt
like I was trapped in a houseand I was locked in a box far
away And I felt like outside waslike the only way where I could
(12:05):
feel like we're all looking atthe same sky and the world is
just really big.
Maureen (12:11):
So you felt, while you were by yourself, you felt
connection.
Yeah, That's amazing, yeah,that's very cool.
Helen (12:19):
Yeah, it's funny.
A lot of people, i think, donot Associate being alone with
connection.
It's connection with yourself.
Filimon (12:28):
Yeah, and it's like a lot about getting out of your
head and doing it.
I do have days where, like youknow, i feel lonely and I just
want to soak and I just want tostay in the bed.
I don't want to do anything.
That happens frequently.
That's more of like a me thing.
You know, i'm working on that.
But on the days where I walk, ithink I think when I feel bad,
(12:51):
i just tell myself to walkWithout even thinking Yep, so I
can start the day off better.
Yeah.
Maureen (13:00):
I've seen people who say, like they do that, they do
that as a way to quiet thosenegative thoughts, like I just
kind of clean a slate, as itwere.
Filimon (13:11):
Yeah Yeah, that's how it feels like for me.
I think too short, then itdoesn't feel refreshing, and
then too long, it's just itfeels like a workout.
So a nice sweet spot in betweenis nice.
Maureen (13:26):
I'm with you on that, once it starts feeling like a
workout man.
Helen (13:30):
Yeah, i don't know how long this was.
That's right.
Well, and one of the things yousaid which I think is really
key is that that's how you startyour day And that will set the
tone for the whole day.
I know in in Philemon, you arenot the only person that wakes
(13:50):
up in the morning and goes, ohagain, i have to go through this
BS.
It's starting the day off withthe right tone that will get you
out of that and help you builda better habit.
Now you said you meditated.
Was there a particular time ofday that you did that, or did
(14:12):
you just do it when you feltstressed, to kind of refocus
yourself?
Filimon (14:17):
Normally, when I I feel stressed or just really really
sad, meditating is not the firstthing I think of.
Just the first thing.
I think of just going straightto bed, playing video games,
walking to you And yeah, i thinkI do it after showers,
something about showers justjust feel better.
(14:38):
I like the morning, any time ofthe day when I feel like I need
it before events is a big one.
Maureen (14:45):
So it allows you to?
what does it allow you to do?
Does it allow you to focus onthe event or take stress and
anxiety away from the thought ofthe event?
Filimon (14:55):
It's a little bit of both, because sometimes I get
like intrusive thoughts when I'min the middle of the event And
it doesn't silence it all theway.
They're still there, but I feellike they're a little easier to
control before I walk throughthe door.
Maureen (15:14):
That's awesome.
That's awesome For you.
Are there any tools that youuse when you meditate?
Filimon (15:22):
They say there's no right, there's no wrong way of
meditating, but I feel like I Ithink I had one moment where I
realized I've been doing itwrong for like a year And I was
remembering it myself.
I downloaded this app calledMedito and it really told me
about like it felt like doing itin sets and reps And I felt
(15:44):
like that was an easier way tocount it like.
Count it Okay.
It was like every time you losefocus, you get it back,
realizes it's like it's athought and that's like one set,
and then do that.
Maureen (15:58):
Okay, so it helps you.
to people think, meditation islike oh, you're just kind of
going blank, but our minds justdon't do that.
Yeah, Right.
It's in, and so this is a toolthat you use that helps you to
recognize when your mind isengaging when it shouldn't be,
so that you can set it aside andget back to focusing on the
(16:20):
meditation portion.
That's excellent.
Filimon (16:24):
Exactly.
Maureen (16:25):
Oh my goodness, this is awesome.
Helen (16:27):
After going through all of this, making the transitions
that you've made, learning whatyou've learned, when did the
idea to put together yourpodcast come about?
Filimon (16:40):
I think it started when I was playing games with my
cousins, like video games, andone of them started a YouTube
channel And I've always hadsomething in the back of my mind
of how like I've always wantedto do something and how I wanted
to put myself out there.
And I saw the views on his andI was like, shoot, i got to do
(17:00):
something.
I chose mental health becauseof the need of like, especially
during the quarantine times, andteens, because I'm a teen and I
didn't realize midway throughthe podcast that I attract, you
know, an older audience.
(17:20):
I mean, if I was a teen, iwouldn't listen to a mental
health podcast every day.
So I'm in the middle of, like,figuring out my niche.
I know I like to talk aboutteens and it's from a teen
perspective, but I also like tolike go a little bit older.
I'm in the middle of figuringthat out.
Helen (17:39):
Yeah, and honestly, even though you're 17 years old, you
know a lot of stuff that you'vesaid already can apply to
anybody at any age.
You know because I think theentire world Has been through
the ringer over the past two anda half, three years And I don't
(18:00):
know The like the handful oftimes I turn on the news for
three minutes.
I don't see that it's going tolet up anytime soon.
So I think we're all trying tofigure out how to cope and deal
with pandemic and lockdownfatigue, plus all of the other
issues that are just floatingaround out there.
(18:21):
So I would never discount thefact that you're a teen and
you're talking about mentalhealth.
You know that it wouldn't applyto adults, so I can definitely
see where adults would take aninterest in what you have to say
, not just for themselves.
But you know, maybe they've gotteenagers in their lives that
(18:42):
aren't communicating correctlyor communicating at all about
some of the things that they maybe struggling with, and maybe
folks are trying to get someinsight from a teen to help, you
know, loved ones in their lives.
Maureen (18:58):
That and the fact that so many of us, as adults, never
resolved any of our teen stuff.
So, philomon, i am telling youlike there is no end to the
opportunity to heal.
Yeah, it's to your point.
Like, because you are focusingon this, you recognize you need
(19:18):
to do it on a regular basis Andyou're expressing what you're
experiencing as a teen, canbring up things for people who
are adults and go, hmm, and youknow that may be part of my
ongoing issues.
Helen (19:37):
Exactly.
Maureen (19:39):
So you're expressing it and you're being very public
with it is just a true gift topeople, mm-hmm.
Helen (19:46):
Yeah, and it's not a topic people are comfortable
talking about, especially whenthey're relating it to their own
personal experiences.
Maureen (19:54):
I think that's one of the things I appreciate most
about it, philemon, is that youare helping to take a stigma
away from it, because it's openconversation.
It is something that people candiscuss and should discuss, so
that it's normalized and peopleunderstand how to support each
(20:14):
other through it.
Helen (20:16):
Mm-hmm.
Maureen (20:17):
So that's huge.
Helen (20:20):
So tell us a little bit about the podcast I know you had
mentioned.
it's been out for about a yearand a half.
You've been doing it for a yearand a half.
What's your format?
Do you release weekly?
Filimon (20:32):
daily.
I used to do monthly a longtime ago and then I switched to
bi-weekly and then, like a weekago, i just switched back to
monthly.
I script the episodes.
Some people say it's likepretty tedious, but I enjoy
writing.
I don't really have a problemwith it.
I come up with the topics basedon what I see on my day-to-day
(20:59):
basis.
I see a couple arguing.
The next episode is aboutrelationships.
It just comes and goes.
Sometimes I have like 10episodes racked up.
I make them in batches.
Maureen (21:16):
So you really do a lot of work to prepare and you're
very observant.
You're watching the worldaround you and taking that into
account because it's relevantfor what's happening to people
at least in your immediatevicinity, right then.
and there You have guests aswell.
Tell us a little bit about howyou get your guests, and you
(21:38):
have some pretty interesting,very experienced, very
knowledgeable guests.
Filimon (21:44):
I picked the right apples.
I found them through what wefound each other through through
Podmatch.
I read their description andthese guys were the golden
nuggets.
Helen (22:03):
Who were some of the folks that you were able to work
with.
Filimon (22:08):
One was John Lee, and then Marie Riesberg I'm so sorry
if I'm saying your name wrongAnd then Craig Van Sleik.
Helen (22:24):
And who were these folks?
Filimon (22:27):
It's like a mix.
John Lee is like a co-founderof this app, building this
company that helps you create anapp for your brand.
And then Marie she has like acolorful past where she was like
trapeze, I think, And then shedoes singing and I was like,
(22:47):
yeah, get on the show.
And then Craig, he is aprofessor and I felt like these,
these, how do you say it?
It just felt like coming againA variety.
Yeah, the variety, that's whatit was Yeah, like my English is
not that good now, Yeah, thevariety felt really like needed
for the podcast.
Helen (23:09):
Oh good, so it'll lighten things up, yeah.
Maureen (23:11):
So and you talk, you talk about how hobbies are
important.
Filimon (23:18):
Yeah.
Maureen (23:19):
Talk a little bit about that and how that improves
mental health.
Filimon (23:26):
Well, personally I have a trouble, like I have trouble
finding a hobby.
I just do things and hopefullyit brings me that that flow
state.
But for as for hobbies go likeduring quarantine I kept telling
everyone definitely do a hobby,definitely keep yourself busy.
Because that sort of creativeoutlet in that, that area where
(23:51):
you should just relax the brain,if that makes sense, you know
you come back from a long day ofwork, you just want to read a
book, or you just want to walkthe dog, or you just want to
juggle for tennis balls, i don'tknow.
But as long as you areexpressing that creative outlet,
then one thing could lead toanother.
(24:13):
Maybe, maybe not, but I thinkit's.
I don't think I know it's justreally, really beneficial for
the brain physically And just Ithink it just gives you more
confidence too.
Helen (24:25):
Mm, hmm.
Filimon (24:26):
Yeah.
Helen (24:26):
Mm, hmm.
Filimon (24:28):
In yourself and people can just smell it off of you if
that makes sense.
Maureen (24:33):
They can see that you know what you said.
You can try it and you maybewill like it, you maybe won't,
but it's the trying it andtrying a new thing and a new
thing and a new thing until youfind the thing that works.
The things that don't work tellyou about what you need to
change and do differently.
So, like you know, it's one ofthose things where failure or
(24:58):
doing something that you dislikeis sometimes the greatest gift
that you can get, because you gooh, i know what I don't wanna
do, i know what I don't likedoing, and it helps you better
refine the things that youreally enjoy doing.
Filimon (25:12):
Exactly.
yeah, it kind of like teachesyou like that chipping down
technique, where you're chippingthe rock and getting closer to
what you really want to do.
Maureen (25:24):
It's interesting too, because when you experience
different things you take thoseskill sets to new things.
It kind of elevates the nextthing that you do.
Filimon (25:34):
Yeah, and some of this stuff you don't even put on your
resume.
You know, this is just a youthing And I feel like it builds
character, it builds self-worth,self-identity, if that makes
sense, and you just feel wholeinside if that makes sense.
Helen (25:51):
Yeah, is that what starting the podcast for you has
meant to you?
Filimon (25:58):
Yeah.
Yeah, It felt like a hobby atfirst And there have been
moments where it feels like achore Or you know, It was like a
show of the office.
Helen (26:09):
We can definitely sympathize with that Yeah.
Filimon (26:13):
And the moment I told myself this but sometimes I
haven't followed this rule Isaid the moment that it turns,
you know, not fun and morechore-like, take a break from it
, detach and go do somethingelse, another hobby.
Helen (26:33):
Right, we it's funny, maureen and I experienced it and
have kind of been muddling ourway through since about March.
But like we were meeting everyweek and we were, we started out
as a weekly release And then, ithink in March of this year, it
(26:54):
just I felt like I had twofull-time jobs.
I have a full-time job and thescheduling, the interviewing,
the editing, the social media,the posting, the writing, the
episode descriptions, it justbecame so much.
And then you know, life happensAnd we took an unplanned spring
(27:18):
break for that very reason.
It was like, oh my God, we'reon overload.
It's a lot of fun, but it's alot of work And the fun started
to become the work.
So we did have to step on thestep on the break a little bit.
Maureen (27:34):
I'll tell you what, philemon, after decades of being
in a corporate environment, forboth Helen and I, to be on
constant overdrive is the habitwe've built And you forget like
that only leads to burnout.
So for you at 17, understandingthe concept of taking a step
(27:56):
back can actually renew you andmake you feel closer to wanting
to do something or taking onsomething different.
or changing it up a little is areally, really healthy thing
for you to do, because you getinto a work environment and
oftentimes there is no break.
(28:17):
You know you are just onaccelerator all the time.
So, helen and I, we didn't knowwe were doing it to ourselves.
Helen (28:25):
Right.
Until I looked at the Mac andwent I don't even want to touch
this, or I don't have the time,because I do need to get up and
move.
I do need to go visit friendsor spend time with people.
Filimon (28:41):
Yeah, like I've had moments where I tell myself I'm
gonna record four episodes andonly record half of one, and I
take a break after screaming atthe computer and then the next
day I just record four freshgood cookie episodes.
(29:05):
You know what I mean?
Yeah, right, and if it wasn'tfor that break, or that podcast
detox that I like to call it, iwouldn't have come back stronger
.
Helen (29:16):
Yeah, exactly.
Maureen (29:17):
So, now that you are, because you are a voice for
teens, and Philemon, timemarches on you're not gonna get
to be a teen forever I got you.
Take it from one who stillbelieves she's only a teen.
Helen (29:37):
My body didn't get the memo.
Maureen (29:39):
I know.
Helen (29:40):
My brain is.
Maureen (29:43):
So retain that, retain that happy teen mentality in
your head that you'veestablished, you've worked so
hard to establish.
But as you see yourself growingand moving on in life, how do
you see yourself kind ofchanging the focus?
or do you see yourself changingthe focus?
(30:03):
Do you wanna continue to be avoice for teens, because many
people do as adults?
Filimon (30:08):
I would probably change the age of the demographic,
kinda like you grow up with me,sort of thing.
But like I said earlier, ithink, since it goes to like a
wider range of audience, i'dlike it niche to like a pinpoint
(30:29):
, very specific sort of audience.
but just the way the show is, ifeel like it's more of just
just anyone who needs somethingquick, brief.
you're in a moment that needs arelief, click, play.
And yeah, i think as I grow,maybe hopefully the audience
grows with me And as I get olderI'll probably just learn more
(30:53):
things to share.
Helen (30:55):
That's awesome.
What do you get out of doingthis podcast Like whoa?
what's the feedback been?
Filimon (31:04):
I just like like I get a satisfaction feeling knowing
that I helped someone and I wishI could see them face to face
and see the progress throughoutthe episodes.
Right, because all I see arenumbers And hopefully that hit
someone.
So I'm like the other day I gotfeedback from someone and it's
(31:27):
the stuff like that that makesyou want to continue.
Yeah, that you're making adifference, Yeah even if it's
not that much of an audience, itstill feels good.
Helen (31:37):
Yeah, i know we talked about the challenge of overload
and the importance of press andpause and stepping away for a
little bit.
What other challenges you knowhave you experienced, trying to
get your vision up and off theground, and how have you dealt?
Filimon (31:58):
with them.
Just trying to find new ways tomarket is probably the
challenge, and doing it all onmy own is also a challenge too.
Yeah, Sometimes I just go toyou know my sister and talk to
her like she's a brick wall,bounce ideas off of her, even
though she's just nodding justup and down.
(32:19):
For some reason that helps meget more creative and try to get
that podcast energy flowing,because sometimes it just
doesn't like to move And that'sa real struggle.
Doing it on my own, Yeah.
Helen (32:39):
So, Philemon, where do you see yourself going, not just
with the podcast, but you're 17years old.
I'm assuming you're junior,senior in high school.
Yeah, Where do you see yourselfgoing, you know, with your
career, And does mental healthor does podcasting play a role
in what you see in your future?
Filimon (32:59):
I like to steer towards the counseling route.
but I keep telling myself thisI don't want to close my options
.
Who knows, i could likesomething I don't like, being
too far into something I mightnot like.
Maureen (33:14):
Right, you know what?
Here's the thing you will behappy to hear.
You can change your directionat any time in life, and I have
done it multiple times.
Helen (33:25):
Me too.
Maureen (33:26):
I have different things that just sparked an interest
or built on skills that I had,so don't ever feel like you're
going to get stuck in something.
There's always a way to chooseanother path that's going to
bring you greater satisfactionif you're not currently
satisfied with what you're doing.
You've got this.
(33:47):
Yeah, you've got this.
You don't have to have all theanswers at 17.
Helen (33:51):
Yeah, no.
Maureen (33:53):
And, like as it stands, you have way more answers than
either one of us did, atprobably 30, 40, or 50.
So you're doing very well foryourself.
Yes.
Filimon (34:07):
Thank you.
Maureen (34:08):
And you know, i think about all of the episodes that
you have and what a diary thatis of your experiences in your
life and how you'll get toreflect back on those and assess
, like how have I grown, wherehave I been, what have I done?
Helen (34:26):
Yeah.
So you have an interesting bodyof work, yeah, and that might
even be an interesting episodein itself.
Filimon (34:34):
Yeah, i'd always think it'd be funny if, like I, was
like an old adult breaking downsad about life And I throw my
phone and then an episode ofyounger me is playing on, a
specific episode about like howcan you help?
Helen (34:49):
Right.
Filimon (34:50):
Full circle moment?
I'm not sure.
Helen (34:52):
Yeah, i think that'd be cool.
But you know, film on just tocorrect you.
We're a lot older than you andwe still have the same mentality
.
You'll never get old and sadabout life.
You may have moments that are alittle melancholy, but you got
to hang on to that.
You got to hang on to thatspirit.
Maureen (35:15):
And if you need to just break open one of your old
podcasts, You encourage yourself.
Yeah.
Helen (35:20):
That's right.
Maureen (35:21):
Like, if I could do it, then I can do it now,
absolutely.
Helen (35:25):
Film on Thank you so much for your time.
Where can folks find you online?
We'll have a link to yourpodcast in your episode
description, but do you have anysocial media where folks can
follow along with you?
Filimon (35:43):
Yeah, You can find me on Instagram.
just call the brief dive.
Helen (35:48):
Film on.
Thank you so much for your time, thanks for what you're doing
and talking about mental health,talking about it from a teen
perspective, and we aredefinitely going to stay in
touch and I can't wait to seethe next stop on your journey.
So thanks for your time.
Filimon (36:06):
Thank you for having me , Ed.
Maureen (36:09):
It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you And just
thank you for all that you'redoing.
Helen (36:19):
Such a great conversation with Philemon.
One of the things that stuckout to me was he told us off
Mike that he's a really shyperson, which makes the fact
that he's sharing such personalstuff and broadcasting it even
more amazing to me.
(36:39):
And through our conversation itclearly showed how much he's
worked on coming out of hisshell.
He reminded Maureen and I ofsome lessons we've already
learned.
But reminders are always good,and the one that stuck out to me
was it's easy to plan but it'sharder to execute.
(37:02):
So here's completelytransparent about that, and I'm
sure I'm not the only one thatstruggles along with him.
And throughout the wholeconversation he was just so
sweet and really was questioningif what he had learned really
applied.
A couple of times He waslooking to Maureen and I for
(37:26):
kind of reinforcement And Ialmost wanted to say to him look
, we're all learning.
The learning never stops Andjust because you're a quote
unquote adult doesn't mean youhave all the answers.
We're winging it, just like theteenagers are.
So it was a lot of fun to getto talk with him.
(37:48):
His podcast episodes are quick,five to 15 minute nuggets, easy
to listen to, with a variety oftopics, from peer pressure to
working on your assertiveness,dealing with failure all the way
up to living a purposeful life.
So jump down to the show notesfor links to his podcast and his
(38:10):
Instagram account and get readyto dive in.
To wrap up this week's episode,if you're enjoying the content,
please consider leaving a fivestar written review.
Wherever you download yourpodcasts.
Tell a friend about the pod oryou can support the pod on
buymeacoffeecom.
Connect with me on social mediaFacebook, twitter, instagram or
(38:36):
you can drop me a note ataconvospodcom.
Thanks for listening and I'llsee you in two weeks.
Every day people following their passions.
Filimon (00:15):
That's probably like one of the highlights of my life
so far just being able to becreative like that, Something of
a wisp on it And then I decidedto get another hive and that
turned into a lot of hives.
As long as I can do that, iwant to be a good citizen, help
people out.
Helen (00:34):
Putting themselves out there, taking chances and
navigating challenges along theway.
I absolutely identified withhaving stage fright because, you
know, anytime I went on stage,i just felt like I was having a
hot attack Very first lap veryfirst practice session, i
crashed.
Maureen (00:51):
Turned the car upside down, made a spectacle of myself
and I got back on that horseand started riding again.
Helen (00:57):
As they pursue what makes them happy and brings them joy.
As long as people are having agood time and I have the
opportunity to put smiles onpeople's faces, i love what I do
.
I have done things that I neverthought I could do.
This is Assorted Conversations,and I'm your host, helen.
(01:18):
Hello, hello, hello.
Welcome if you're listening forthe first time and welcome back
if you're tuning in for anotherAssorted Conversation.
This week's conversation isactually the last recording
Maureen and I did together inMay or June of 2022.
(01:45):
We get to spend time learningabout our guest's journey of
self-reflection and commitmentto change in order to improve
his mental health At the age of17 years old a ripe old age of
17,.
he now shares what he's learnedand continues to discover on
his podcast in order to helpteens navigate stress, build
(02:08):
confidence and develop emotionalresilience.
He was an incredible guest,incredibly mature and really
just wants to share with otherswho may be struggling with some
of the things that he struggledwith different strategies,
techniques on how to navigatethat stress, get through those
(02:32):
tough times and live a betterlife.
Take a listen to this week'sepisode and I'll see you on the
other side.
This week's guest is helpinghis teenage peers manage their
mental health.
through his podcast, the BriefDive Host, philemon Meaza shares
(02:55):
his perspectives on how ourminds can function to our
advantage or our detriment,while providing his take on
positive self-talk, dailyaffirmations and so much more.
We are so happy to welcome toAssorted Conversations Philemon
Meaza.
How are you, philemon?
I'm good.
Filimon (03:15):
Thank you for asking.
Maureen (03:17):
This is.
I just find what you are doingabsolutely amazing and because
you are sharing some of thedeepest parts of yourself out
with the public, for people whoare in need, and I'm really,
really excited to have thisconversation with you Tell me
how you got started down thisroad of building this podcast.
Filimon (03:41):
Personally, i went through some things.
It sucks when no one is therefor you and that's just the last
thing I want someone to feel,especially at our age and
especially during the quarantinephase.
I chose to start the podcast.
It was big.
It was a big decision for me,knowing that I don't like
(04:04):
putting myself out there, but Ifeel like the reason was more
important than my fear forputting myself out there.
Maureen (04:14):
Oh wow, You overcame your discomfort to help others.
Helen (04:19):
Yeah, i think that's huge and I don't think we've
mentioned it yet, but you are 17years old.
You have that realization thatthe cause is more important, the
potential to help folks is moreimportant than your own fears,
(04:41):
is just incredibly mature.
I don't know what, 17 years old, if I would have made that
decision.
Maureen (04:52):
I'm thinking it over right now.
Helen (04:55):
What did I do?
Filimon (04:57):
I think it started when I moved and it kind of isolated
me from friends anddistractions.
It was a big page turner, ifthat makes sense.
Some said I did a whole 180switch.
I just stopped cursing, istopped playing video games, i
(05:21):
began to have an old soul andbecame more introspective.
I think that's what geared metowards the podcast.
Maureen (05:30):
Wow.
For a lot of people, a changelike moving and moving away from
the comfort of friends andplaces that you know is
incredibly hard.
You saw it as an opportunity.
It sounds like you did a lot ofand, especially because it was
(05:52):
COVID and there was quarantine,there was nothing but time for
you to think about yourcircumstances.
What was it?
What was the thing that youheard in your mind that said
this is the direction I need togo?
Did you see the 180, or didjust other people see the 180?
Filimon (06:16):
It was a build up of a lot of self questioning.
I took a lot of silent walkswhere I just leave my phone at
home and start thinking.
Sometimes I think too much.
I would start asking myselfquestions like why would I make
this decision when I was younger?
How does this affect me now?
What do I want to make myselfor bring myself to the world?
(06:38):
What purpose should I bring?
It was a little too deep for ateam, but it changed a lot.
It was questions like whatshould I have done differently?
What could I be doing now thatcould take me closer to this
destination that I want?
Helen (06:59):
It sounds like you found purpose in those silent walks
and through all of thosequestions, sort of yeah, well,
and you have to have that finaldestination or that purpose in
mind in order to change thingsup, to start the journey closer
to what the new destination?
Maureen (07:18):
is.
Helen (07:20):
What were some of the things, if you don't mind
sharing what were some of thethings that led you to
reexamining them from adifferent perspective?
Filimon (07:31):
I used to be a class clown and I had always asked my
like.
When I was taking these walks,i'd ask myself you know, why
would I have little to norespect for myself?
Because I would do literallyanything for attention, anything
for a giggle or laugh.
There would be moments where Itreated people the way I would
not treat people.
Now I had a potty mouth, i juststart cursing everywhere.
(07:55):
I felt like I had no respectfor myself even when I was with
around my friends and I justfelt like I needed to be bigger
to be respected.
And I just took a look at allthe moments where that came up.
Maureen (08:10):
So looking at how other people treated you and saw you,
as well as how you saw yourself, really made a big change in
your thought process of is thishow I want to be seen going
forward?
What do I want out of life?
Is this how I want to be seengoing forward?
Do I want to be seen assomebody who takes nothing
(08:31):
seriously and can't be takenseriously?
Filimon (08:34):
Yeah, it was exactly like that, where, like I want to
be seen as a person that'srespected and what I used to do
was definitely not someone youknow you should respect And I
think I just did a lot ofisolation and thinking It was a
little too much I can say, butit was enough to turn on the
(08:58):
light bulb, if you call it.
Helen (09:01):
Yeah, yeah, kind of having that epiphany.
Maureen (09:04):
You may have the soul of a philosopher, I know.
Helen (09:08):
I know, At 17 years old, Right, Philemon, what were you
know once you identified?
here's how I was, here's howI'd like to be?
what are some of the tools ortactics you used with yourself
(09:28):
to kind of move in the directionyou saw yourself?
Filimon (09:31):
going Well, mostly like the hardest thing for me to do
is just the doing part.
It's really fun to say the tips, read a book and do all that
stuff, but the second, it cameto actually doing it.
that was like the hard part.
I just did things likemeditating.
I think silent walks wereprobably the best thing for me
(09:56):
because I felt like my thoughtswere like a balloon.
So if I was inside, it just tostay in there and if I went
outside, it was just infiniteAnd I didn't.
I wish I listened to more musicbecause that would have helped.
Yeah, it was just like a lot ofmeditating, a lot of FaceTiming
people that I enjoy talking toand walks.
Maureen (10:18):
I'm impressed that you understood that you could say
the things and it was easy tosay the things.
But to do the things isincredibly hard because you had
developed a habit of doingthings in a certain way and
breaking habits is incrediblydifficult.
So how did you train yourselfto establish a new habit around
(10:45):
the changes you wanted to make,so that it came from being in
your mind to being in youractions?
First, off.
Filimon (10:51):
I'm like I give off the vibe that, like you know, i'm
on top of my stuff.
But you know I can I get reallylazy sometimes.
But on the days where I dopretty good, i think the reason
pushes me the furthest and itjust blocks out the laziness and
(11:13):
everything.
And if I feel like, if thatreason is strong enough, then
motivation will just naturallycultivate and habits like, and
habits sorry habits willnaturally build.
And if you just do it over time, especially during the days
where you just really, reallydon't want to do it, those are
the days that that build you andtest you.
(11:34):
That's how I like to think ofit.
Maureen (11:37):
What's an example of something that you changed, that
you were really excited or youhad like a really good day
around?
Filimon (11:44):
I think I'm going to say it again It's the walks.
It's just the silent walks, Ithink the first one I took I
just left it at home and I feellike When I moved, it just felt
like I was trapped in a houseand I was locked in a box far
away And I felt like outside waslike the only way where I could
(12:05):
feel like we're all looking atthe same sky and the world is
just really big.
Maureen (12:11):
So you felt, while you were by yourself, you felt
connection.
Yeah, That's amazing, yeah,that's very cool.
Helen (12:19):
Yeah, it's funny.
A lot of people, i think, donot Associate being alone with
connection.
It's connection with yourself.
Filimon (12:28):
Yeah, and it's like a lot about getting out of your
head and doing it.
I do have days where, like youknow, i feel lonely and I just
want to soak and I just want tostay in the bed.
I don't want to do anything.
That happens frequently.
That's more of like a me thing.
You know, i'm working on that.
But on the days where I walk, ithink I think when I feel bad,
(12:51):
i just tell myself to walkWithout even thinking Yep, so I
can start the day off better.
Yeah.
Maureen (13:00):
I've seen people who say, like they do that, they do
that as a way to quiet thosenegative thoughts, like I just
kind of clean a slate, as itwere.
Filimon (13:11):
Yeah Yeah, that's how it feels like for me.
I think too short, then itdoesn't feel refreshing, and
then too long, it's just itfeels like a workout.
So a nice sweet spot in betweenis nice.
Maureen (13:26):
I'm with you on that, once it starts feeling like a
workout man.
Helen (13:30):
Yeah, i don't know how long this was.
That's right.
Well, and one of the things yousaid which I think is really
key is that that's how you startyour day And that will set the
tone for the whole day.
I know in in Philemon, you arenot the only person that wakes
(13:50):
up in the morning and goes, ohagain, i have to go through this
BS.
It's starting the day off withthe right tone that will get you
out of that and help you builda better habit.
Now you said you meditated.
Was there a particular time ofday that you did that, or did
(14:12):
you just do it when you feltstressed, to kind of refocus
yourself?
Filimon (14:17):
Normally, when I I feel stressed or just really really
sad, meditating is not the firstthing I think of.
Just the first thing.
I think of just going straightto bed, playing video games,
walking to you And yeah, i thinkI do it after showers,
something about showers justjust feel better.
(14:38):
I like the morning, any time ofthe day when I feel like I need
it before events is a big one.
Maureen (14:45):
So it allows you to?
what does it allow you to do?
Does it allow you to focus onthe event or take stress and
anxiety away from the thought ofthe event?
Filimon (14:55):
It's a little bit of both, because sometimes I get
like intrusive thoughts when I'min the middle of the event And
it doesn't silence it all theway.
They're still there, but I feellike they're a little easier to
control before I walk throughthe door.
Maureen (15:14):
That's awesome.
That's awesome For you.
Are there any tools that youuse when you meditate?
Filimon (15:22):
They say there's no right, there's no wrong way of
meditating, but I feel like I Ithink I had one moment where I
realized I've been doing itwrong for like a year And I was
remembering it myself.
I downloaded this app calledMedito and it really told me
about like it felt like doing itin sets and reps And I felt
(15:44):
like that was an easier way tocount it like.
Count it Okay.
It was like every time you losefocus, you get it back,
realizes it's like it's athought and that's like one set,
and then do that.
Maureen (15:58):
Okay, so it helps you.
to people think, meditation islike oh, you're just kind of
going blank, but our minds justdon't do that.
Yeah, Right.
It's in, and so this is a toolthat you use that helps you to
recognize when your mind isengaging when it shouldn't be,
so that you can set it aside andget back to focusing on the
(16:20):
meditation portion.
That's excellent.
Filimon (16:24):
Exactly.
Maureen (16:25):
Oh my goodness, this is awesome.
Helen (16:27):
After going through all of this, making the transitions
that you've made, learning whatyou've learned, when did the
idea to put together yourpodcast come about?
Filimon (16:40):
I think it started when I was playing games with my
cousins, like video games, andone of them started a YouTube
channel And I've always hadsomething in the back of my mind
of how like I've always wantedto do something and how I wanted
to put myself out there.
And I saw the views on his andI was like, shoot, i got to do
(17:00):
something.
I chose mental health becauseof the need of like, especially
during the quarantine times, andteens, because I'm a teen and I
didn't realize midway throughthe podcast that I attract, you
know, an older audience.
(17:20):
I mean, if I was a teen, iwouldn't listen to a mental
health podcast every day.
So I'm in the middle of, like,figuring out my niche.
I know I like to talk aboutteens and it's from a teen
perspective, but I also like tolike go a little bit older.
I'm in the middle of figuringthat out.
Helen (17:39):
Yeah, and honestly, even though you're 17 years old, you
know a lot of stuff that you'vesaid already can apply to
anybody at any age.
You know because I think theentire world Has been through
the ringer over the past two anda half, three years And I don't
(18:00):
know The like the handful oftimes I turn on the news for
three minutes.
I don't see that it's going tolet up anytime soon.
So I think we're all trying tofigure out how to cope and deal
with pandemic and lockdownfatigue, plus all of the other
issues that are just floatingaround out there.
(18:21):
So I would never discount thefact that you're a teen and
you're talking about mentalhealth.
You know that it wouldn't applyto adults, so I can definitely
see where adults would take aninterest in what you have to say
, not just for themselves.
But you know, maybe they've gotteenagers in their lives that
(18:42):
aren't communicating correctlyor communicating at all about
some of the things that they maybe struggling with, and maybe
folks are trying to get someinsight from a teen to help, you
know, loved ones in their lives.
Maureen (18:58):
That and the fact that so many of us, as adults, never
resolved any of our teen stuff.
So, philomon, i am telling youlike there is no end to the
opportunity to heal.
Yeah, it's to your point.
Like, because you are focusingon this, you recognize you need
(19:18):
to do it on a regular basis Andyou're expressing what you're
experiencing as a teen, canbring up things for people who
are adults and go, hmm, and youknow that may be part of my
ongoing issues.
Helen (19:37):
Exactly.
Maureen (19:39):
So you're expressing it and you're being very public
with it is just a true gift topeople, mm-hmm.
Helen (19:46):
Yeah, and it's not a topic people are comfortable
talking about, especially whenthey're relating it to their own
personal experiences.
Maureen (19:54):
I think that's one of the things I appreciate most
about it, philemon, is that youare helping to take a stigma
away from it, because it's openconversation.
It is something that people candiscuss and should discuss, so
that it's normalized and peopleunderstand how to support each
(20:14):
other through it.
Helen (20:16):
Mm-hmm.
Maureen (20:17):
So that's huge.
Helen (20:20):
So tell us a little bit about the podcast I know you had
mentioned.
it's been out for about a yearand a half.
You've been doing it for a yearand a half.
What's your format?
Do you release weekly?
Filimon (20:32):
daily.
I used to do monthly a longtime ago and then I switched to
bi-weekly and then, like a weekago, i just switched back to
monthly.
I script the episodes.
Some people say it's likepretty tedious, but I enjoy
writing.
I don't really have a problemwith it.
I come up with the topics basedon what I see on my day-to-day
(20:59):
basis.
I see a couple arguing.
The next episode is aboutrelationships.
It just comes and goes.
Sometimes I have like 10episodes racked up.
I make them in batches.
Maureen (21:16):
So you really do a lot of work to prepare and you're
very observant.
You're watching the worldaround you and taking that into
account because it's relevantfor what's happening to people
at least in your immediatevicinity, right then.
and there You have guests aswell.
Tell us a little bit about howyou get your guests, and you
(21:38):
have some pretty interesting,very experienced, very
knowledgeable guests.
Filimon (21:44):
I picked the right apples.
I found them through what wefound each other through through
Podmatch.
I read their description andthese guys were the golden
nuggets.
Helen (22:03):
Who were some of the folks that you were able to work
with.
Filimon (22:08):
One was John Lee, and then Marie Riesberg I'm so sorry
if I'm saying your name wrongAnd then Craig Van Sleik.
Helen (22:24):
And who were these folks?
Filimon (22:27):
It's like a mix.
John Lee is like a co-founderof this app, building this
company that helps you create anapp for your brand.
And then Marie she has like acolorful past where she was like
trapeze, I think, And then shedoes singing and I was like,
(22:47):
yeah, get on the show.
And then Craig, he is aprofessor and I felt like these,
these, how do you say it?
It just felt like coming againA variety.
Yeah, the variety, that's whatit was Yeah, like my English is
not that good now, Yeah, thevariety felt really like needed
for the podcast.
Helen (23:09):
Oh good, so it'll lighten things up, yeah.
Maureen (23:11):
So and you talk, you talk about how hobbies are
important.
Filimon (23:18):
Yeah.
Maureen (23:19):
Talk a little bit about that and how that improves
mental health.
Filimon (23:26):
Well, personally I have a trouble, like I have trouble
finding a hobby.
I just do things and hopefullyit brings me that that flow
state.
But for as for hobbies go likeduring quarantine I kept telling
everyone definitely do a hobby,definitely keep yourself busy.
Because that sort of creativeoutlet in that, that area where
(23:51):
you should just relax the brain,if that makes sense, you know
you come back from a long day ofwork, you just want to read a
book, or you just want to walkthe dog, or you just want to
juggle for tennis balls, i don'tknow.
But as long as you areexpressing that creative outlet,
then one thing could lead toanother.
(24:13):
Maybe, maybe not, but I thinkit's.
I don't think I know it's justreally, really beneficial for
the brain physically And just Ithink it just gives you more
confidence too.
Helen (24:25):
Mm, hmm.
Filimon (24:26):
Yeah.
Helen (24:26):
Mm, hmm.
Filimon (24:28):
In yourself and people can just smell it off of you if
that makes sense.
Maureen (24:33):
They can see that you know what you said.
You can try it and you maybewill like it, you maybe won't,
but it's the trying it andtrying a new thing and a new
thing and a new thing until youfind the thing that works.
The things that don't work tellyou about what you need to
change and do differently.
So, like you know, it's one ofthose things where failure or
(24:58):
doing something that you dislikeis sometimes the greatest gift
that you can get, because you gooh, i know what I don't wanna
do, i know what I don't likedoing, and it helps you better
refine the things that youreally enjoy doing.
Filimon (25:12):
Exactly.
yeah, it kind of like teachesyou like that chipping down
technique, where you're chippingthe rock and getting closer to
what you really want to do.
Maureen (25:24):
It's interesting too, because when you experience
different things you take thoseskill sets to new things.
It kind of elevates the nextthing that you do.
Filimon (25:34):
Yeah, and some of this stuff you don't even put on your
resume.
You know, this is just a youthing And I feel like it builds
character, it builds self-worth,self-identity, if that makes
sense, and you just feel wholeinside if that makes sense.
Helen (25:51):
Yeah, is that what starting the podcast for you has
meant to you?
Filimon (25:58):
Yeah.
Yeah, It felt like a hobby atfirst And there have been
moments where it feels like achore Or you know, It was like a
show of the office.
Helen (26:09):
We can definitely sympathize with that Yeah.
Filimon (26:13):
And the moment I told myself this but sometimes I
haven't followed this rule Isaid the moment that it turns,
you know, not fun and morechore-like, take a break from it
, detach and go do somethingelse, another hobby.
Helen (26:33):
Right, we it's funny, maureen and I experienced it and
have kind of been muddling ourway through since about March.
But like we were meeting everyweek and we were, we started out
as a weekly release And then, ithink in March of this year, it
(26:54):
just I felt like I had twofull-time jobs.
I have a full-time job and thescheduling, the interviewing,
the editing, the social media,the posting, the writing, the
episode descriptions, it justbecame so much.
And then you know, life happensAnd we took an unplanned spring
(27:18):
break for that very reason.
It was like, oh my God, we'reon overload.
It's a lot of fun, but it's alot of work And the fun started
to become the work.
So we did have to step on thestep on the break a little bit.
Maureen (27:34):
I'll tell you what, philemon, after decades of being
in a corporate environment, forboth Helen and I, to be on
constant overdrive is the habitwe've built And you forget like
that only leads to burnout.
So for you at 17, understandingthe concept of taking a step
(27:56):
back can actually renew you andmake you feel closer to wanting
to do something or taking onsomething different.
or changing it up a little is areally, really healthy thing
for you to do, because you getinto a work environment and
oftentimes there is no break.
(28:17):
You know you are just onaccelerator all the time.
So, helen and I, we didn't knowwe were doing it to ourselves.
Helen (28:25):
Right.
Until I looked at the Mac andwent I don't even want to touch
this, or I don't have the time,because I do need to get up and
move.
I do need to go visit friendsor spend time with people.
Filimon (28:41):
Yeah, like I've had moments where I tell myself I'm
gonna record four episodes andonly record half of one, and I
take a break after screaming atthe computer and then the next
day I just record four freshgood cookie episodes.
(29:05):
You know what I mean?
Yeah, right, and if it wasn'tfor that break, or that podcast
detox that I like to call it, iwouldn't have come back stronger
.
Helen (29:16):
Yeah, exactly.
Maureen (29:17):
So, now that you are, because you are a voice for
teens, and Philemon, timemarches on you're not gonna get
to be a teen forever I got you.
Take it from one who stillbelieves she's only a teen.
Helen (29:37):
My body didn't get the memo.
Maureen (29:39):
I know.
Helen (29:40):
My brain is.
Maureen (29:43):
So retain that, retain that happy teen mentality in
your head that you'veestablished, you've worked so
hard to establish.
But as you see yourself growingand moving on in life, how do
you see yourself kind ofchanging the focus?
or do you see yourself changingthe focus?
(30:03):
Do you wanna continue to be avoice for teens, because many
people do as adults?
Filimon (30:08):
I would probably change the age of the demographic,
kinda like you grow up with me,sort of thing.
But like I said earlier, ithink, since it goes to like a
wider range of audience, i'dlike it niche to like a pinpoint
(30:29):
, very specific sort of audience.
but just the way the show is, ifeel like it's more of just
just anyone who needs somethingquick, brief.
you're in a moment that needs arelief, click, play.
And yeah, i think as I grow,maybe hopefully the audience
grows with me And as I get olderI'll probably just learn more
(30:53):
things to share.
Helen (30:55):
That's awesome.
What do you get out of doingthis podcast Like whoa?
what's the feedback been?
Filimon (31:04):
I just like like I get a satisfaction feeling knowing
that I helped someone and I wishI could see them face to face
and see the progress throughoutthe episodes.
Right, because all I see arenumbers And hopefully that hit
someone.
So I'm like the other day I gotfeedback from someone and it's
(31:27):
the stuff like that that makesyou want to continue.
Yeah, that you're making adifference, Yeah even if it's
not that much of an audience, itstill feels good.
Helen (31:37):
Yeah, i know we talked about the challenge of overload
and the importance of press andpause and stepping away for a
little bit.
What other challenges you knowhave you experienced, trying to
get your vision up and off theground, and how have you dealt?
Filimon (31:58):
with them.
Just trying to find new ways tomarket is probably the
challenge, and doing it all onmy own is also a challenge too.
Yeah, Sometimes I just go toyou know my sister and talk to
her like she's a brick wall,bounce ideas off of her, even
though she's just nodding justup and down.
(32:19):
For some reason that helps meget more creative and try to get
that podcast energy flowing,because sometimes it just
doesn't like to move And that'sa real struggle.
Doing it on my own, Yeah.
Helen (32:39):
So, Philemon, where do you see yourself going, not just
with the podcast, but you're 17years old.
I'm assuming you're junior,senior in high school.
Yeah, Where do you see yourselfgoing, you know, with your
career, And does mental healthor does podcasting play a role
in what you see in your future?
Filimon (32:59):
I like to steer towards the counseling route.
but I keep telling myself thisI don't want to close my options
.
Who knows, i could likesomething I don't like, being
too far into something I mightnot like.
Maureen (33:14):
Right, you know what?
Here's the thing you will behappy to hear.
You can change your directionat any time in life, and I have
done it multiple times.
Helen (33:25):
Me too.
Maureen (33:26):
I have different things that just sparked an interest
or built on skills that I had,so don't ever feel like you're
going to get stuck in something.
There's always a way to chooseanother path that's going to
bring you greater satisfactionif you're not currently
satisfied with what you're doing.
You've got this.
(33:47):
Yeah, you've got this.
You don't have to have all theanswers at 17.
Helen (33:51):
Yeah, no.
Maureen (33:53):
And, like as it stands, you have way more answers than
either one of us did, atprobably 30, 40, or 50.
So you're doing very well foryourself.
Yes.
Filimon (34:07):
Thank you.
Maureen (34:08):
And you know, i think about all of the episodes that
you have and what a diary thatis of your experiences in your
life and how you'll get toreflect back on those and assess
, like how have I grown, wherehave I been, what have I done?
Helen (34:26):
Yeah.
So you have an interesting bodyof work, yeah, and that might
even be an interesting episodein itself.
Filimon (34:34):
Yeah, i'd always think it'd be funny if, like I, was
like an old adult breaking downsad about life And I throw my
phone and then an episode ofyounger me is playing on, a
specific episode about like howcan you help?
Helen (34:49):
Right.
Filimon (34:50):
Full circle moment?
I'm not sure.
Helen (34:52):
Yeah, i think that'd be cool.
But you know, film on just tocorrect you.
We're a lot older than you andwe still have the same mentality
.
You'll never get old and sadabout life.
You may have moments that are alittle melancholy, but you got
to hang on to that.
You got to hang on to thatspirit.
Maureen (35:15):
And if you need to just break open one of your old
podcasts, You encourage yourself.
Yeah.
Helen (35:20):
That's right.
Maureen (35:21):
Like, if I could do it, then I can do it now,
absolutely.
Helen (35:25):
Film on Thank you so much for your time.
Where can folks find you online?
We'll have a link to yourpodcast in your episode
description, but do you have anysocial media where folks can
follow along with you?
Filimon (35:43):
Yeah, You can find me on Instagram.
just call the brief dive.
Helen (35:48):
Film on.
Thank you so much for your time, thanks for what you're doing
and talking about mental health,talking about it from a teen
perspective, and we aredefinitely going to stay in
touch and I can't wait to seethe next stop on your journey.
So thanks for your time.
Filimon (36:06):
Thank you for having me , Ed.
Maureen (36:09):
It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you And just
thank you for all that you'redoing.
Helen (36:19):
Such a great conversation with Philemon.
One of the things that stuckout to me was he told us off
Mike that he's a really shyperson, which makes the fact
that he's sharing such personalstuff and broadcasting it even
more amazing to me.
(36:39):
And through our conversation itclearly showed how much he's
worked on coming out of hisshell.
He reminded Maureen and I ofsome lessons we've already
learned.
But reminders are always good,and the one that stuck out to me
was it's easy to plan but it'sharder to execute.
(37:02):
So here's completelytransparent about that, and I'm
sure I'm not the only one thatstruggles along with him.
And throughout the wholeconversation he was just so
sweet and really was questioningif what he had learned really
applied.
A couple of times He waslooking to Maureen and I for
(37:26):
kind of reinforcement And Ialmost wanted to say to him look
, we're all learning.
The learning never stops Andjust because you're a quote
unquote adult doesn't mean youhave all the answers.
We're winging it, just like theteenagers are.
So it was a lot of fun to getto talk with him.
(37:48):
His podcast episodes are quick,five to 15 minute nuggets, easy
to listen to, with a variety oftopics, from peer pressure to
working on your assertiveness,dealing with failure all the way
up to living a purposeful life.
So jump down to the show notesfor links to his podcast and his
(38:10):
Instagram account and get readyto dive in.
To wrap up this week's episode,if you're enjoying the content,
please consider leaving a fivestar written review.
Wherever you download yourpodcasts.
Tell a friend about the pod oryou can support the pod on
buymeacoffeecom.
Connect with me on social mediaFacebook, twitter, instagram or
(38:36):
you can drop me a note ataconvospodcom.
Thanks for listening and I'llsee you in two weeks.
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