In this captivating episode of the "Wholehearted West Coast Living Podcast," your host Brittani takes you on a journey into the world of Hip Hop culture and its profound connection to personal growth and healing. Recorded at a Riverside studio, the episode features an insightful conversation with the inspiring Michael Arrington.The episode kicks off with Brittani introducing Mike, a multi-talented individual who wears many hats – from being a husband and father to a doctorate student, professor, and emcee. They share how their paths crossed and delve into Mike's background.The conversation begins by exploring the merging of two generations within Hip Hop culture. Despite the generational differences, the essence of Hip Hop remains a unifying force that resonates across time.Together, Brittani and Mike embark on defining Hip Hop culture through the words of KRS ONE: "Hip is to know, it’s a form of intelligence. To be hip is to be updated and relevant. Hop is a form of movement, you can't just observe a hop, you gotta hop up and do it." They break down the core elements that make up Hip Hop: MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti, knowledge, beatboxing, street fashion, language, and entrepreneurship etc.The conversation transitions into exploring the concept of Knowledge of Self, both from a clinical and a Hip Hop perspective. They discuss the significance of understanding one's history, being aware of contemporary forms of oppression, and the components of self-concept, self-esteem, and self-confidence.Sharing their personal experiences growing up within Hip Hop culture, Brittani and Mike delve into how this culture played a pivotal role in shaping their identities. They discuss how Knowledge of Self is a critical aspect of Hip Hop, contributing to its healing and therapeutic potential.Brittani and Mike conclude the episode by reflecting on the artists who have taught them the most about themselves. They sum up the discussion, highlighting the central theme of the episode: Healing through Hip Hop Culture and its profound connection to self-knowledge. As they emphasize, culture evolves, just as individuals do, and our core beliefs are deeply intertwined with our life experiences.Tune in to this dope episode as Brittani and Mike bring you an engaging dialogue about how Hip Hop culture and the pursuit of self-awareness intersect, offering insights into personal transformation, healing, and the power of authentic self-expression.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Wholehearted West Coast Living Podcast. We hope today's conversation left you feeling connected and empowered. To stay connected with us, don't forget to hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast platform. Also make sure to follow us on our social media platforms for behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks into upcoming episodes, and engaging discussions find us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter @bwilliamslcsw