Part 1: Season 1 Finale w/ Dr. Butynskyi & Jason

Performative Male Epidemic & Being the Best with Laurans Trinh (Paratopia)

In this Episode of Ortega Squared, Jaden and Angel catch up with musician and Temple University PR major Laurans Trinh. We talk about carving your own path in music, running the social media for a band he's a member of Paratopia , and finding ways to stand out without a safety net. We get into how to be the best in anything, the grind of college life, Philly, and his unapologetic stance as an OG matcha enjoyer in the age of performative trends. 🎷 Follow the Jazz Fusion Band Paratopia @paratopia_official on Instagram.🎧 Follow us @ortega2podcast and join the conversation.

Doing Anything & $2200 Film Budgets with Charlie Morton (P51 Pictures)

🎬 In this episode of Ortega Squared, Jaden and Angel sit down with filmmaker Charlie Morton of P51 Pictures to talk about his latest short film Theseus — a military-horror project shot on a real battleship with a $2,200 budget. Charlie shares how he planned the shoot, negotiated with locations, led a full production crew, and now plans to submit to Sundance. The conversation dives deep into legacy, ambition, and the importance of just doing something — whether you're making a movie, starting a podcast, or chasing a dream with whatever you’ve got. You can see the trailer to Charlie's Theseus on youtube. 🎥 Follow Charlie @p51pictures_archive on Instagram and check out his past work on YouTube at @P51PicturesOfficial 🎧 Follow us @ortega2podcast and join the conversation.

Part 2: Season 1 Finale w/ Dom Fig & Niño

In the second half of the Season 1 finale, the conversation shifts toward purpose, personal growth, and how life doesn’t follow a straight line. Nino and Domfig join the table for a raw, real talk on what’s next after high school—and what it really means to live with intention.💭 Topics Covered: * College vs. Alternative Paths: Is higher ed necessary for success? Nino plans to explore California and take care of family. Domfig's heading to West Chester to pursue physical therapy. The team agrees: not everyone's path includes college—and that’s okay. * Mental Health & Mindset: Everyone opens up about going through low points and how football, friends, and faith helped them push forward. “What are you proud of?” becomes a powerful point of reflection. * Identity, Perception & Self-Awareness: Nino shares how people misjudge him based on rumors or past mistakes—but he’s learned to be okay with who he is becoming. * Faith & Belief Systems: The group discusses the importance of belief—whether religious or personal—as a framework for growth, discipline, and purpose. * Social Pressure & Authenticity: They question how much of what we do is influenced by expectations—and why it's important to make choices for yourself. * Friendships & Football: Beyond the field, football created real bonds and valuable life lessons. The group reflects on how these connections helped them grow. “I’m proud that I don’t feel the same way I did last year.” – Nino “I think we should be fulfilled by who we are, not who we pretend to be.” – Angel “Surround yourself with people who want to see you win.” – Dom Fig

Part 1: Season 1 Finale w/ Dr. Butynskyi & Jason

This finale dives deep into self-reflection, personal growth, education, and future aspirations. It’s part philosophical roundtable, part real talk between friends and mentors.🧠 Topics Discussed: * Identity Beyond Labels: Jason is more than an athlete; he’s a thinker with goals in kinesiology and business. Dr. B shares his journey from history buff to professor to wedding officiant. * Defining Success: Everyone reflects on what makes them feel accomplished—whether it's academic, athletic, musical, or personal. * Philosophy & Growth: Dr. B introduces Montaigne’s idea: "To philosophize is to learn to die"—meaning growth is constant until life ends. The group discusses the lifelong journey of self-improvement. * Self-Awareness & Social Pressure: Candid takes on overthinking, self-image, and authenticity in the age of social media. * Choosing Careers vs. Passions: Why some follow dreams (music, media, law enforcement), and others prioritize stability. Jason, Jaden, and Angel explain how mentors influenced their paths. * The Role of Education: Dr. B critiques public education's rigid structure and advocates for creativity, critical thinking, and mentorship. * AI & Creativity: A sharp conversation about how tools like artificial intelligence may dull human creativity if misused. * Conversation Culture: Final reflection on how digital distractions erode social and conversational skills in students today—and why that needs to change. “The best version of myself will be the few moments I have before I die.” – Dr. B

Crowning the Best Sports Playoffs, and Tommy Invincible??? w/Caleb, Dom, and Daniel

In this very serious episode, we bring on special guests Caleb, Daniel, and Dom to settle the ultimate debate: which playoffs reign supreme? NBA, NFL, or... WWE? Things get heated, the takes get wild, and somewhere along the way, a legend named Tommy Invincible enters the chat. If you like chaos, sports, and unfiltered opinions with zero research backing them up, this episode is for you.