Beyond The Plate: Ep. 1 – Mr. You Can't

Paul Jacobs and Danielle Patinho host a podcast that delves into the deep connections formed through shared meals, exploring stories that inspire and broaden perspectives. They discuss their personal journeys, highlighting how early passions for radio and storytelling led them to their current roles. Co-host Ian shares his transformative experience in the Peace Corps, emphasizing the power of perseverance against doubt. The podcast aims to uncover profound narratives of resilience and impact, particularly focusing on families in Latin America and the Caribbean, while encouraging listeners to find motivation and community through these shared stories.

• The podcast, "Beyond the Plate," focuses on the human connection fostered through sharing food.
• Hosts Paul Jacobs and Danielle Patinho aim to inspire through conversations that nourish the soul and deepen understanding of lives in Latin America, the Caribbean, and local communities.

"We're all inspired by our human connection that arises when we share food with others."

• Sharing food is a universal act that fosters genuine bonds and community.

"Get ready to satisfy that craving for connection and inspiration as we dive into topics that not only broaden your perspective but also deepen your understanding of lives of families in Latin America, the Caribbean, or even in your own backyard."

• The podcast aims to provide a broader perspective and deeper understanding of various communities.

• Danielle reflects on her childhood passion for radio and how it shaped her career despite various detours.
• Paul shares his journey of becoming a storyteller and public speaker, influenced by mentors.

"My mind today is the seven-year-old me... radio was my thing at seven years old."

• Danielle's early passion for radio began at a young age and significantly influenced her career path.

"I did retail, I worked at a video game store, I did restaurants... but somehow, some way, I was led back to radio."

• Despite working in various fields, Danielle's passion for radio remained, eventually leading her to podcasting.

"I'm 14 years old... telling the stories of Food for the Poor... we get to take those stories and get deeper into them."

• Paul's storytelling began in his teens, focusing on the impactful stories of families supported by Food for the Poor.

• Both hosts emphasize the importance of mentorship in their journeys.
• Mentors helped them understand the power of storytelling and public speaking.

"I had a mentor... Dr. Willie Miles... he helped me understand how to be a storyteller, how to be a public speaker, how to engage an audience."

• Mentorship played a crucial role in Paul's development as a storyteller and public speaker.

"The goal is that we're going to tell a story that you're not going to read on the surface."

• The podcast aims to dive deeper into stories that are not commonly heard, offering unique insights.

• The dinner table serves as a metaphor for the podcast's platform, where everyone has a chance to share their story.
• The hosts liken the podcast to a family dinner where each person speaks and is listened to attentively.

"Think about like a dinner table... everyone had a chance to talk about their day... it's kind of your stage."

• The dinner table metaphor emphasizes the importance of listening and sharing in a communal setting.

"Your Auditorium is the dinner table... your time to speak in front of everybody who's listening."

• The dinner table represents a safe space for open and heartfelt conversations.

• The hosts discuss moments when they or their guests considered giving up on their dreams but found inspiration to continue.
• They highlight the role of divine intervention or meeting someone special who reignited their passion.

"We want to talk to our guests about their moments when they thought, 'I don't think I'm going to follow my dream anymore.'"

• The podcast explores pivotal moments when individuals reconsider their paths and find renewed purpose.

"There was a spark of light... that smacked them in the face and said, 'No, you are going to be what I meant for you to be.'"

• These moments of inspiration often come unexpectedly but have a profound impact on one's journey.

• The podcast also focuses on the mission of Food for the Poor, an organization helping families in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• The hosts aim to raise awareness and encourage listeners to get involved.

"We got to talk about Food for the Poor and their mission... how they help families in Latin America and the Caribbean."

• Food for the Poor's mission is to support and uplift families in need through various initiatives.

"Listeners, I'm talking to you... you can follow some of the prompts we're going to provide for you."

• The hosts encourage listener participation and support for the organization's mission.

• The podcast aims to inspire, connect, and deepen understanding through heartfelt conversations and storytelling.
• Listeners are invited to join the journey and contribute to the mission of helping others.

"Come along for the ride and let's go beyond the plate together."

• The podcast invites listeners to be part of the journey and experience the deeper connections fostered through shared stories and food.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of family and community, noting how these elements contribute to a sense of belonging and support.
• They highlight the role of "Food for the Poor" in providing essential needs like food and housing, which helps families focus on their future.
• The speaker discusses the concept of working together as a family rather than just as co-workers, creating a supportive work environment.

"We talk about family here; we don't talk about co-workers, and that's the blessing that we have here to be family working for other families."

• The speaker stresses the familial atmosphere at work, which enhances teamwork and support.

"They might not be a distant cousin or somebody that we talk to on a daily basis, but they're families that we constantly help through Food for the Poor and their mission."

• The organization extends its support to families in need, treating them as part of a larger community.

"It's because of Food for the Poor and this podcast as well, because that's another goal that we have in mind coming forward."

• The podcast aims to further the mission of supporting families, both near and far.

"They might live in different parts of the country, different parts of the city, but they're never far from my heart."

• The speaker underscores the emotional closeness of family, regardless of physical distance.

• The discussion shifts to the concept of "You Can't," representing obstacles and naysayers that individuals encounter.
• The speaker shares personal stories of overcoming discouragement and using negativity as motivation to succeed.

"We all have those mentors, we all have those ones that kind of cheer us along, but sometimes those 'You Can't' are probably the biggest propellant."

• Negative experiences and discouragement can serve as powerful motivators.

"Let's talk about my 'You Can't,' right? I don't like telling this story because I wanted this 'You Can't.' We're going to call this individual Mr. 'You Can't.'"

• The speaker introduces a personal anecdote involving a significant discouragement from someone they admired.

"He says, 'Do something else.' I mean, literally, I think that if he had a brochure for Real Estate School, he would have handed it to me and said, 'Hey kid, enroll.'"

• The speaker recounts being advised to give up on their dream, which became a source of motivation.

"That 'You Can't,' that thing that came up against me at that moment, which was in the form of somebody I held in high esteem and regard, I said, 'No, I'm going to use that and show otherwise.'"

• The speaker used the discouragement as fuel to prove their capability and achieve their goals.

• The speaker discusses how self-doubt and internal obstacles can be just as challenging as external discouragements.
• The concept of being one's own worst enemy is explored, highlighting the internal struggle many face.

"My 'You Can't' shows up in a mirror. It shows up in the middle of the night when I'm trying to rest, shows up right before a big event, and I'm talking about myself."

• The speaker identifies self-doubt as a significant internal obstacle.

"I was my worst enemy. I would be given an opportunity, and I would sabotage it with self-doubt and fear."

• Self-sabotage and fear of failure are common internal battles.

"I started DJing in high school. It was my thing. I've always loved sound, but I was constantly battling my own self-doubt."

• The speaker shares a personal experience of battling self-doubt while pursuing a passion in DJing.

"A 'You Can't' can also show up in a different form, and sometimes that form is yourself."

• Internal obstacles can be as significant as external discouragements, often requiring self-awareness and resilience to overcome.

• Personal Determination: Despite external doubts, the importance of personal resolve and determination is highlighted.
• Family and Friends' Concerns: The narrative discusses the significant influence of family and friends' concerns regarding major life decisions.
• Pursuing Passion: Choosing to follow a passion or dream despite opposition.

"You can fight it, you can come about and say no like you did on the drive home or wherever you parked and you said you know what, this Mr you can stay Mr youant because I am going to, I can, and I can become a professional in my own world."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of personal resolve in the face of doubt and the decision to pursue one's own professional path.

"I feel like I'm pretty fortunate, very blessed because my family and my friends have always been very supportive. But there was one time in my life where I had to make a huge decision, and they were completely divided."

• This quote introduces the theme of family and friends' support, and the significant moment when their support was not unanimous.

• Initial Career at CNN: Starting as an unpaid intern and progressing to a producer role at CNN Financial News.
• Influence of Mentors: The impact of mentorship on career decisions.
• Desire for New Experiences: The drive to seek new challenges and experiences beyond a successful career.

"I started my career as an unpaid intern at CNN Financial News in New York. I moved up to New York and was there for about six years, things were going well. I moved up, learned production, was a producer with a TV show, and was on camera occasionally."

• This quote outlines the initial career path and growth at CNN, setting the stage for the subsequent career transition.

"I had a friend, one of my best friends who mentored me ever since I started. He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia and would tell me amazing stories about his time there."

• This quote highlights the influence of a mentor and the inspiration drawn from their experiences.

• Application and Acceptance: The process of applying to and being accepted into the Peace Corps.
• Family and Friends' Reactions: The mixed reactions from family and friends upon deciding to join the Peace Corps.
• Commitment to Personal Goals: The decision to proceed with the Peace Corps despite opposition.

"I sent an application to the Peace Corps and all I requested was can you send me to a Spanish-speaking country. They accepted me and said they were going to send me to Nicaragua."

• This quote details the application process and the specific request for a Spanish-speaking country.

"I start telling them I'm leaving my job at CNN, and I'm going to be a Peace Corps volunteer. They felt like this was their opportunity to intervene and stop me from making a terrible mistake."

• This quote captures the initial reaction of family and friends to the decision to join the Peace Corps.

• Immersion in Local Culture: Living with a local family and intensive Spanish language training.
• Teaching and Community Involvement: Teaching in a school, organizing a Surf Club for dropouts, and producing a documentary.
• Long-term Impact: The profound and lasting impact of the Peace Corps experience on personal and professional life.

"They set me up with a family that I lived with. I got six hours a day of Spanish classes, and they really submerged me. At the end of the training, they sent me to my town, Jinotepe, where I lived for two years."

• This quote describes the immersion experience and the initial setup in Nicaragua.

"I had a Surf Club for the kids that dropped out of school, and I produced a short documentary about being in the Peace Corps. I had the time of my life; it was spectacular and definitely changed the course of my life."

• This quote highlights the activities and projects undertaken in Nicaragua and their impact.

• Current Role at Food for the Poor: The transition to a role that combines production skills with humanitarian work.
• Cultural and Linguistic Skills: The ongoing use and appreciation of Spanish language skills developed in Nicaragua.
• Organizational Diversity and Team Dynamics: The diverse and supportive work environment at Food for the Poor.

"Years later, I wound up here at Food for the Poor, and I'm sure it's because of my Peace Corps experience. This is the perfect combination of production and humanitarian development work."

• This quote explains the connection between the Peace Corps experience and the current role at Food for the Poor.

"Our media director, Diana Corrales, is from Colombia, and we chat a lot in Spanish. She said the sweetest thing to me at one point; she said, 'I can hear a Nicaraguan accent in your voice.'"

• This quote emphasizes the continued use and recognition of Spanish language skills in the current professional environment.

• Personal Testimony and Encouragement: Sharing personal stories to inspire others to overcome doubts.
• Team Strategies in Humanitarian Work: Effective communication and rapport-building strategies in humanitarian contexts.
• Empathy and Genuine Concern: The importance of genuine concern and empathy in interactions with those in need.

"When you hear the 'I can't,' you just have to power through it and say 'yes I can.'"

• This quote encapsulates the theme of overcoming doubts and persisting in the face of challenges.

"We developed this strategy: Ian would break the ice in Spanish with a family, and then I would come behind with the translator. It builds rapport and shows genuine concern."

• This quote describes a strategic approach to building rapport and trust in humanitarian work.

"Confianza is really just coming down to a certain level where everybody is the same. When you really just come down to their level and ask '¿Cómo estás?', it shows genuine care."

• This quote explains the concept of confianza (trust) and its importance in humanitarian interactions.

• The podcast discusses various stories of individuals and communities overcoming significant adversity.
• Examples include women in El Jalo who transitioned from abusive situations to becoming international agricultural leaders.
• Emphasis on the role of support and empowerment in transforming lives.

"These are abused women that have come up against a UK can't in the form of their husband who drank away all their money and now they have become international agricultural leaders."

• Highlights the transformation of women from abuse victims to successful entrepreneurs.

"At one point they were getting abused not only physically but also at the markets, you know, giving under underpaying for something that they work really hard for."

• Describes the dual layers of abuse faced by these women, both at home and in their professional lives.

• The podcast shares personal stories of resilience, such as a woman in Chinandega who advocated for her community for 30 years.
• These stories serve as examples of how individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

"We saw a woman that for 30 years advocated for her community, literally just steps away from the garbage dump."

• Illustrates the harsh living conditions and the woman's long-term commitment to her community.

"This woman for 30 years had a UK can't because it's a woman in a community where literally she had everything coming up against her but she fought through it."

• Emphasizes the persistent struggle and determination of the woman despite numerous obstacles.

• The podcast highlights the importance of partnerships and community leaders in driving change.
• These leaders often work in obscurity but have a significant impact on their communities.

"There's partners that we have met with that no matter how they struggle, there's something deeper that keeps them going."

• Acknowledges the enduring motivation and commitment of community partners.

"It's a community leader, a pastor that has fought to make sure that their little community gets noticed because the families need help."

• Highlights the role of community leaders in advocating for their communities.

• The podcast aims to dive deeper into personal and shared stories of impact.
• Each episode will explore what motivates individuals to overcome their "you can't" moments.

"Every episode we're going to dive deeper into those stories of impact, personal stories for us or the stories that we share from around the world."

• Sets the podcast's objective to explore deeper, impactful stories.

"Everyone has a you can't but what do we do on the other side of that?"

• Challenges listeners to think about how they overcome their own obstacles.

• Spirituality is highlighted as a key component of the podcast, with references to religious texts and beliefs.
• The hosts discuss how spirituality and faith can drive individuals to achieve the seemingly impossible.

"With God, all things are possible."

• Cites a biblical scripture to emphasize the power of faith in overcoming challenges.

"There's going to be an element of that on every one of our episodes; you're going to hear the spirituality, you're going to hear the drive."

• Indicates that spirituality will be a recurring theme in the podcast.

• The podcast encourages listeners to be inspired and take action in their own lives.
• It aims to provide stories that not only inspire but also motivate listeners to make a difference.

"You're saying to yourself, I've come up against opposition in places I never thought and it's held me back, but on this podcast, every episode we're going to dive deeper into those stories of impact."

• Encourages listeners to relate their own struggles to the stories shared on the podcast.

"It's not just to look through the window at the party that's going on; it's to see a mirror and say, you know what, that's me, that's going to be me, that's my source of inspiration."

• Motivates listeners to see themselves in the stories and be inspired to take action.

• The podcast concludes on a positive note, emphasizing the importance of action over perfection.
• The hosts encourage continuous evolution and improvement.

"Done is better than perfect."

• Emphasizes the value of completing tasks and taking action rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

"Our first episode is done. It's done. It ain't perfect by a long shot, right, we're not professional podcasts. I don't want it to be either."

• Acknowledges the imperfections of the podcast while emphasizing the importance of progress and evolution.

• The podcast invites listeners to engage, share, and be part of the community.
• Encourages interaction through comments and sharing with others.

"Sharing is caring, we tell our children that, right? So it's not just for you but it's those around you."

• Promotes the idea of spreading the inspiration and impact beyond just the individual listener.

"Join us for our best bite, smash that like button, leave us a comment, tell a friend or five."

• Calls for active engagement and participation from the audience.