I. Life Updates 🆕

II. Red in Black Podcast #10: Red Young of Down to Earth 🎙️🌍

Hey friends!

While you’re soaking up the sun on this mid-summer Sunday, I want to share some positivity that could inspire you. 

As of today, I can proudly declare that I’ve found my groove.

So, you know that feeling of being in the zone?

In a flow state?

That’s when hard work becomes easy, and friction becomes pleasant.

Now imagine that level of focus plastered across eight months, and that’s been my 2025.

Let me explain first why that is, and then I’ll give you my secrets to accomplish a similar pace.

Things are going well because my body is healthy, and my mind is calm.

On that strong foundation, my work aligns with my purpose.

Each week, you can find me shooting a podcast, organizing a community event, researching a story, or learning something new about health and good living.

Building an empire this way can be a grind, and without this emotional stability, I could be burnt out like a rack of ribs left on a couple minutes too long.

But I’m thriving.

For nearly two years at Down to Earth, my goal has been to elevate quality of life for my readers through newsletters and video content, and now that dream is a simple reality.

And the best part is, I’m just getting started.

There’s so much more in the works (coming very soon!) and best believe you’ll be the first to grow from it. 

Before you dive into the latest Red in Black Podcast, (that features myself) I hope you’ll allow me to tirade about my rules for building this digital + real world empire.

And if you’re looking to embark on a similar journey, listen up! 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Building an Empire in the Digital Age 🏰

Now that everything is online, competition for “success” is higher than ever.

But I’m telling you right now, with absolute certainty, that the “online game” is not about competition.

Your journey is your own, and should not be compared to any others.

So if you’re trying to be the “next” Jake Paul, Joe Rogan or Kai Cenat … don’t

Even if you want to have a platform with similar success and presentation, aim to synchronize with your community, and prioritize your own growth instead.

You’ll find that your own path already exists, and it’s just waiting for you to follow along. 

Along the way, you’ll have an epiphany: It’s not a race. 

There is no competition, there are no rules, and you are your only adversary.

3 Solid Tips: Community Building, Social Life and Spiritual Development 3️⃣

1️⃣ Success isn’t built through viral gimmicks or trend-hopping.

Success is built through honest, hard work and a clear alignment between your thoughts, words and actions.

How you serve others is how you will be remembered. 

DO YOU PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH?

 2️⃣ Building a platform + reputation is a spiritual practice when done right.

What you create (your content or relationships) act as a mirror of your soul.

Developing really good stuff forces self-awareness, consistency, and humility.

Knowledge of self is a priceless virtue. 

 3️⃣ Growth doesn’t come from “doing more”.

We are convinced that we need to work harder, produce more, train vigorously, shred the competition, and relentlessly show up …

But true recognition isn’t achieved by posting for the sake of THE ALGORITHM alone.

Pandering to others’ shallow needs is hapless and ego-driven – rat race stuff.

Let go of unnecessary baggage and friction if you want to climb your own ladder. 

STOP TRYING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE!

Final Thoughts 💭

It’s clear that copy-paste content and rage-bait gets you attention, and maybe even fame, but fame is especially fleeting these days.

If there isn’t any positively-intended value in what you’re creating, it will be forgotten in an instant. 

To make an impact, what you really want is resonance.  

Doing great things and speaking on them truly is the very essence of true creation.

Educating. Entertaining. Building value. That will bring you true, deep success.

Be consistent and approach of integrity.

Your legacy will build itself. 

🎙️Red in Black Ep. #010: The Origins of Red Young

No, I wasn’t interviewing myself in this podcast.

I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve tried that in the past – it comes out kinda awkward.

Behind the camera is an awesome journalist friend of mine who turned the mic on me for once with a stellar interview.

We plunged deep into the caverns of my origins – from my ancestral roots to the place I call home in Hell’s Kitchen.

We then warp thousands of years into a post-AI future where I share a special message for the intelligent beings who will stumble along my podcast.

I gush about my goals of leadership, finding role models, the lessons from the new Mission Impossible movie, journalism’s future, chaotic politics, what I envision my eventual family to look like, and so much more.

I had a great time spilling my mind on camera.

I’m hoping it will inspire you to write and tell your own book of life.

Peace, and Happy Watching! 📺

-Red