Personal-Growth on Zonk Media

I Turned Down More Money to Stay With People I Like

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’ve been sitting with this question for a while now, and I finally decided to just talk about it. Over the years, I’ve turned down jobs that paid more money and came with equity stakes—offers that, on paper, should have been no-brainers. But I walked away from them because I didn’t want to leave the people I was working with. My team wasn’t just colleagues to me; they were people I actually respected and enjoyed spending time with. That matters more to me than I can easily explain to someone looking at a spreadsheet.

I Should Stop Vlogging. I Am Simply Not Good At It. I Probably Won't Stop Though.

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’m going to be honest with you—I’m not great at vlogging. I know it. You probably know it. My video titles are clunky, my descriptions don’t exactly scream ‘click me,’ and I’m definitely not following any of the YouTube algorithm best practices that everyone says you should follow. So why do I keep doing this? Well, after taking a 30-day break, I realized something pretty important: I actually love making videos, even if I’m not particularly skilled at it yet.

My Old Movie Theatre And A Stream of Consciousness About Taking Criticism as a Vlogger

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I wanted to talk about my old movie theater job from 1990, but honestly, this video kind of spiraled into something completely different—and I’m okay with that. I started with what I thought would be a nice, structured conversation about working at the theater back in the day, but I ended up going on this wild stream of consciousness about what it’s really like to be a new vlogger and how to handle criticism from people on the internet. It’s messy, it’s unpolished, and it probably goes in about ten different directions, but that’s kind of where I’m at right now.

Justin Scarred Got Vulnerable -- And I Realized I Was Wrong About Everything

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

This weekend, I did something I’ve been putting off for a while—I really sat down and watched Justin Scarred’s content, the whole catalog of it. And I have to be honest, I’ve been completely wrong about how I’ve been approaching this whole thing. For months now, I’ve been trying to understand Adam, trying to figure out what made him so special, why his loss resonated so deeply with so many people. I thought I was getting somewhere with my theories, getting closer to the truth. But watching Justin open up about losing his friend—I mean really vulnerable, raw in a way that felt completely different from anything else he’s put out there—it completely shifted my perspective.

Nobody In My Real Life Knows I Do This

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

In this stream of consciousness video, I open up about a side of my life that almost no one in my real life knows about - my passion for vlogging. I talk about the complicated and rewarding nature of people, and how vlogging has introduced me to some incredible individuals. I also share a work situation that reminded me why people choose this path, and the surprise of a generous offer from a viewer. But the real revelation is the secret I’ve been keeping - the fact that almost no one in my day-to-day life knows about my online video presence. As a creator who’s kept my channel under wraps from those closest to me, this video hits particularly close to home. Through my raw and honest reflections, I invite my audience into this hidden part of my life and hope that others who have kept their creative pursuits private can find comfort and community in my story.

Here's What Inspired Me to Vlog Instead of Worrying About Dying.

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I headed out for a much-needed haircut and used the drive to talk about something heavy that’s been on my mind for most of 2025: death. It started with a close friend being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which stirred up the grief from losing another friend about ten years ago, right after he turned 40. Then my wife Rachel was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, and that was when it really hit home that we’re all here on borrowed time, even the people closest to me. I know death is a reality. I’m just paralyzed by it, and that fear bleeds into my family life and my work.

I Want To Write a Eulogy for Adam The Woo's Father, Mother and Sister To Express My Gratitude

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

It’s President’s Day, the house is quiet, and I’m trying to work but I’m really distracted, mostly by thoughts of Adam the Woo. It’s a little embarrassing to admit, since I don’t know him the way everyone else does, but his content has become a big part of my everyday life. I almost always wind down my day with a video or two or three, whether it’s Adam enjoying the Magic Kingdom on a rainy day or touring his apartment in Celebration. His passing is also what made me get serious about vlogging. I’d had plenty of false starts over the past 10 years of doing YouTube stuff, but seeing the treasure trove he left behind made me want to do the same for my family and friends.

My Wife’s Breast Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Finishing Radiation

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

After a long and difficult journey navigating my wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, I’m excited to share that she has finally finished her radiation therapy. It’s been a whirlwind of surgeries, chemotherapy, and unexpected complications, but we made it through. While the process wasn’t easy, I’m grateful we had access to excellent medical care that guided us every step of the way. Now we’re on to the next phase of treatment, with a newfound appreciation for the little things in life. I hope our story can provide some comfort and insight for others facing a similar challenge.

2026 Plans: Launching an AI Channel & Recovering from a Tough Year

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

2026 is a fresh start for me after a tough 2025 dealing with my wife Rachel’s breast cancer diagnosis. This year, I’m excited to launch a new AI-focused YouTube channel where I can share my insights on the evolving world of artificial intelligence. As a Salesforce engineer, I’ve seen firsthand how ‘Agentforce’ and generative AI tools are transforming software development and the creative process. I’m particularly passionate about discussing ‘Vibe Coding’ - a technique that allows seasoned developers to architect high-quality software at a rapid pace using AI. Beyond the channel, I’m also committed to continuing this personal vlog as a way to leave a digital legacy for my kids and overcome my public speaking anxieties. Finally, I’m focused on stabilizing my career as an independent contractor and leaving the stagnation of 2025 behind. With my wife’s cancer journey improving, I’m optimistic that 2026 will be a much better year.

Tatiana Schlossberg's Story Hit Me Hard And Closing Out 2025 With Hope

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

As I sit here on New Year’s Eve, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The passing of Tatiana Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy family, really struck a chord with me. Her story of being diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia shortly after giving birth to her second child was heartbreaking. Reading about her fears of not being around to see her children grow up hit so close to home, especially given my own wife’s recent cancer journey. This has been a challenging year for me and my family, but we’re determined to end 2025 with a sense of hope. While it’s been tough dealing with my wife’s radiation treatments and the power outages caused by the recent storms, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. And on a positive note, I’ve found my footing as a Salesforce developer, which has been a rewarding experience. As we look ahead to 2026, I’m feeling optimistic about the future and the opportunity to continue sharing our story and advocating for increased cancer research funding. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’m grateful for the chance to archive our lives and move forward with purpose.

Inspired by Adam the Woo's Legacy #adamthewoo #thedailywoo #vlogging

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

The unexpected passing of Adam the Woo, a beloved vlogger and content creator, has had a profound impact on me. Binging his videos over the past few days has filled me with a newfound sense of inspiration and purpose. I’m struck by the idea that life is short, and you never know when your time will come. Adam’s legacy has inspired me to be more intentional about sharing my own raw thoughts and life experiences with the world through my personal vlog. I genuinely believe that the best way to honor Adam’s memory is to encourage others to follow in his footsteps and start their own vlogging journey. There’s something special about people being willing to open up and share their lives, and I want to be a part of that movement. If my videos can inspire just one person the way Adam’s have inspired me, then I’ll feel like I’m making a meaningful contribution. This is a theme I want to explore more in my content going forward - the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and leaving a lasting legacy.

AI Should Be Discussed More on YouTube. #ai #aibenefits #aicontroversy

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Losing Adam the Woo has really made me realize how important it is for me to prioritize creating more content on my YouTube channel. One of the key topics I’m passionate about sharing is the impact of AI - both the benefits and the potential dangers. I think we need to be having more open and honest discussions as a community about how to use AI effectively while also addressing the very real concerns about how it could be misused by bad actors. As someone who is actively using AI in my own creative work, I want to share my experiences and insights to help educate others. At the same time, I know there are a lot of misconceptions out there about AI, so I’m eager to clear those up and have thoughtful conversations about the long-term implications and the need for legislative oversight. It’s a complex issue, but one that I believe deserves much more attention on platforms like YouTube.

Everything Has Changed (At the Park & In My Life)

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I recently returned to Corriganville Park, a place I used to visit frequently with my kids but haven’t been to in years. Walking through the park brought back so many memories, but also made me reflect on how much life has changed. I explored the park’s history as a filming location for old westerns and spoke about my interest in the future of AI technology. Most importantly, I opened up about my wife’s brave battle with breast cancer, and how that has inspired me to start documenting our lives more. This park holds a special place in my heart, and rediscovering it has made me appreciate the importance of being present and making the most of every moment.

My Wife’s Cancer Battle & How Reality Sets In

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

It’s the day after Christmas, and I have a lot on my mind. This year, my wife Rachel was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in April, and watching her handle the treatments with such grace has been humbling. Comparing her journey to that of my childhood friend who is battling pancreatic cancer has really made me realize how random and fragile life can be. This is why I started this vlog channel - after the passing of YouTube creator Adam the Woo, I was inspired by the legacy he left behind just by being present and hitting record. I want to do the same before everything gets swallowed up by AI. I’ve been wrestling with my own mortality and feeling the urge to create and share my thoughts more freely, without worrying about views or compensation. This channel is my outlet to unload my mind and archive my perspectives, just like a blog, without the pressure of perfection.

The Impact of Cancer Treatment on Self Image #breastcancerawareness #cancerjourney

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

You know, one of the toughest parts of Rachel’s cancer journey has been dealing with the physical changes that come with treatment. When she first started chemo, she was really dreading the idea of losing her hair. For a woman, your hair is such a huge part of your identity and self-image. Rachel had always taken pride in her long, beautiful hair, and the thought of it all falling out was devastating to her. But as difficult as it was, Rachel ended up surprising herself with how she handled it. At first, it was a real shock when the hair started coming out. She felt so self-conscious and unsure of how she would look without it. But then she just kind of embraced it, you know? She shaved it all off and wore scarves and hats, and she realized that her appearance didn’t define her. What mattered most was her health and getting through this challenge. It’s been really inspiring to see Rachel navigate this with such grace and resilience. She’s a true warrior, and I’m so proud of how she’s handled everything. Even though cancer treatment can be really hard on your self-image, Rachel has shown that it’s possible to get through it and come out the other side feeling empowered.

Rest in Peace Adam the Woo: Why His Passing Inspired My First Vlog

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

In this first vlog, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to finally document my life - a decision sparked by the tragic passing of vlogging legend Adam the Woo. Although I never knew him personally, seeing a creator my age pass away was a wake-up call. Watching his work, alongside creators like Hey Brickey, made me realize we’re all on borrowed time. 2025 has been a difficult year for me and my wife Rachel. In April, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. While she’s recovering with grace, the fear of that diagnosis changed my perspective. I realized that if we don’t tell our own stories, they might eventually be lost or aggregated into an AI soup. I want my voice and my life to be part of the permanent human record. This vlog is my attempt to stop screwing around and get serious about creating. I’m hoping it will not only help me process the challenges we’ve faced, but also inspire others who may be in a similar situation to start documenting their lives too. After all, life is short - we shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to begin.