The story begins with loss and lands in purpose. We sit down with world-traveled bucket drummer and MC Elec Simon to unpack how a best friend’s death pushed him to build work that preserves life—school assemblies turned “motivational musical,” community shows that reach kids where they are, and a personal code that values impact over applause. It’s a conversation that blends art, mental health, and mentorship with a clear message: authenticity isn’t a brand strategy, it’s a lifeline.

Alex gets real about the lure of clout, the habit of chasing celebrity attention, and the moment he chose to double down on his own voice. That pivot reshaped everything—from booking shows without begging gatekeepers to watching bigger stages open when the work spoke for itself. We explore the uncomfortable math of social media, why most people forget your wins in a week, and how posting what you genuinely love attracts a tribe that sticks. If you’re building a platform in music, education, or wellness, this is a field guide to staying human while you scale.

There’s also a powerful detour onto the jiu-jitsu mats: training through travel and injuries, facing fear under arena lights, and winning gold by leaning on pressure, patience, and discipline. Alex draws a direct line from competition to career—turn off distractions, flip the internal switch, and trust timing when a door isn’t your door. Along the way, we spotlight our shared mission to reduce loss from suicide, homicide, and domestic violence, and to replace shame with support through real conversations and consistent action.

If purpose, resilience, and honest growth matter to you, press play, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. Then tell us: what’s one place you’re choosing authenticity over approval today?

Shop: www.bfempowerment.com/shop

Follow: @powerfullybroken | @queenblparker | bfempowerment.com/pbp
Book: A Powerful Divorce
Therapy: BF Empowerment Center 526 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311

Watch Powerfully Broken Podcast airing on Fridays at 9am.