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The Open Exchange with Paul Martinez

The Open Exchange Podcast shares real conversations with people from different backgrounds who have something meaningful to say. Paul Martinez hosts each episode with curiosity and honesty, asking questions that lead to deeper stories and personal truths. Guests include creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday individuals who talk about growth, failure, faith, identity, and discipline. Episodes capture honest moments, unexpected lessons, and practical takeaways without forcing a narrative. The focus is on connection, reflection, and the value of listening to someone’s journey without rushing past the details.

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The Open Exchange with Paul Martinez

Growing Up Without a Blueprint | Zaga (ADHP Podcast)

January 12, 2026 • Paul Martinez

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Adulting isn’t real — and most of us feel behind because we were told it was supposed to look a certain way.

In this episode, I sit down with Zaga, co-host of the Adulthood Pending Podcast, for a real conversation about trauma, ADHD, identity, and the pressure millennials carry into adulthood without a blueprint.

Tony opens up about growing up in the Bronx, experiencing 9/11 firsthand, surviving a life-altering accident at 13, and how those moments shaped his outlook on responsibility, success, and what “being an adult” actually means.

We break down why so many people feel behind even when they’re doing fine, how social expectations distort reality, and why adulthood is less about rules and more about owning the choices you make.

If you’ve ever felt like you missed a memo on how life is supposed to work — this one’s for you.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ZAGA

Podcast: Adulthood Pending Podcast

Instagram: @adhpshow

TikTok: @adulthoodpending

YouTube ⁨@ADHPshow⁩

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Why “adulting” feels fake
02:10 – Meeting through podcasting & chasing the same vision
04:30 – Millennials, FOMO, and buying things we don’t need
07:15 – Growing up in the Bronx & early childhood trauma
10:45 – Hip hop, environment, and identity formation
13:30 – Experiencing 9/11 from the Bronx
17:45 – Curiosity over fear: learning instead of reacting
20:10 – Getting hit by an F-250 at 13 (the full story)
28:40 – Humor, trauma, and perspective
31:10 – “Adulting is relative” explained
34:20 – The biggest lie millennials were sold
37:10 – Why people feel behind even when they’re doing okay
40:15 – Awareness vs responsibility in adulthood
43:10 – Non-negotiables when you choose responsibility
46:20 – ADHD, discipline, and staying on track
49:30 – The evolution of Adulthood Pending Podcast
53:10 – Being yourself on camera vs real life
56:30 – Final thoughts: adulthood has no blueprint

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Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com
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🎙️ Other ways to listen:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST

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