Cruz Control: Navigating the Chaos, One Conversation at a Time

AW & AC
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health

Cruz Control is an ongoing, long-form conversation with Aaron Cruz. A man of many lives and disciplines. Aaron is a son, brother, father, and friend. A competitive bodybuilder and mixed martial artist. A nutritionist, iron worker, business owner, researcher, philosopher, archaeologist, and spiritual explorer. Each episode moves between the physical and the philosophical, training, discipline, combat, and nutrition alongside spirituality, astrotheology, ancestry, and the search for purpose. These are not interviews chasing headlines or hot takes, but thoughtful conversations about identity, resilience, and what it means to build a life with intention. Cruz Control explores the body, the mind, and the spirit,and how to navigate the chaos one conversation at a time.

Episodes

  1. Aug 28

    "I’m Done Hiding" Felicia ManyBeads’ Story

    In this deeply personal episode of Cruz Control, Felicia ManyBeads sits down with Aaron and Arrington to tell her story, much of it publicly for the first time. Born into a close-knit Navajo family and raised with deep ties to culture, tradition, family, and community, Felicia shares memories of a beautiful childhood alongside the painful experiences that would shape much of her life. She speaks openly about surviving sexual, physical, mental, and spiritual abuse, the lasting effects of manipulation and control, and the difficult process of learning to see herself beyond what happened to her. But this episode is not about the people who hurt Felicia. It is about Felicia. It is about finding her voice, reclaiming her life, choosing happiness, breaking cycles, and taking the first steps toward a future lived on her own terms. In her own words: “I’m ready. I’m done hiding.” Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, and emotional trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, the StrongHearts Native Helpline provides free, confidential, and anonymous support 24/7 at 1-844-762-8483 (1-844-7NATIVE).

  2. Aug 15

    The Peptide Boom: Miracle, Medicine, or Hype?

    Peptides are everywhere, but are they really the breakthrough everyone says they are? In this episode of Cruz Control, we dive into the exploding world of peptides, from GLP-1 medications and weight loss to muscle preservation, recovery, inflammation, longevity, and the growing wellness industry surrounding them. This time, the conversation gets personal. After years of resisting the trend, John shares his early experience with tirzepatide—what surprised him, how his relationship with food and cravings has changed, and why he’s beginning to look beyond the number on the scale. Aaron brings his perspective as a trainer and longtime skeptic-turned-believer, while emphasizing research, credible sources, and medical oversight rather than relying on “Billy Bob at the gym.” Is this simply the latest health craze, or are we witnessing the beginning of something much bigger? Disclaimer #1: Aaron’s microphone decided not to cooperate with us during this episode. If he sounds distant, unusually quiet, or Arrington seems to be talking to himself at times, we promise there were two people in the room. Thanks for bearing with us! Disclaimer 2: This episode reflects personal experiences, opinions, and an open conversation about health and wellness. Neither host is a medical doctor, and nothing discussed should be considered medical advice. Peptides and medications can carry risks and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment.

  3. Jun 21

    Identity, Family, and Transition

    In this deeply personal episode of Cruz Control, Aaron Cruz sits down with Kiki Solano for an open and honest conversation about identity, family, and the journey of transitioning from female to male. Together, they reflect on self-discovery, growing up, navigating today's world, and the challenges and rewards of understanding one another through change. Along the way, they explore how family relationships evolve, what it means to be seen for who you truly are, and the importance of curiosity, communication, and compassion. This isn't a political debate or a discussion of headlines. It's Kiki's experiences, perspective, and lessons learned along the way. At its heart, this episode is about family, identity, and the courage to become who you are.

  4. May 31

    Cops. Guns, and Color

    In this episode of Cruz Control, we tackle three subjects that are often discussed separately but deeply intertwined in American life: cops, guns, and color. Drawing from their different backgrounds and life experiences, Aaron and Arrington explore how race, law enforcement, and firearm culture have shaped their perspectives. Aaron reflects on navigating the world as a man of mixed heritage, while Arrington shares his experiences growing up and living from a different vantage point. This is not a debate, and it’s not an attempt to provide easy answers. Instead, it’s an honest conversation about perception, personal responsibility, fear, trust, identity, and the experiences that shape how we see one another. As with every episode of Cruz Control, the goal isn't to win an argument, it's to better understand the human experience through open dialogue, curiosity, and respect.

  5. May 9

    Behind the Velvet Rope: Bouncing, Myths, and Reality

    In this episode of Cruz Control, Aaron Cruz takes listeners behind the velvet rope and into the unpredictable world of nightclub security. Drawing from his years working as head of security in strip clubs, Aaron reflects on violence, ego, control, loneliness, and the psychology of nightlife. What begins as a conversation about security work quickly becomes a deeper exploration of human behavior, how people act when desire, alcohol, money, and emotion collide. This isn’t a collection of wild stories. It’s a thoughtful conversation about masculinity, confrontation, power, and what working in chaos teaches you about people and yourself.

  6. Apr 11

    Gods in the Sky: From Religion to Astrotheology

    What happens when the beliefs you were raised with stop making sense? In this episode of Cruz Control, Aaron Cruz explores his journey through organized religion, questioning long-held ideas and searching for meaning beyond traditional frameworks. From early faith to personal deconstruction, the conversation moves into deeper territory via Vision Quest. Examining belief, doubt, and the role of astrotheology in understanding ancient systems of thought. This is a conversation about faith without dogma and curiosity without certainty. Of note, we will continue this conversation in future episodes.

  7. Apr 2

    Fueling the Machine: Nutrition, Discipline, and What Actually Works

    Everyone eats. Almost no one agrees on how. In a world full of conflicting advice, nutrition has become more confusing than ever. In this episode of Cruz Control, Aaron Cruz breaks down what actually matters, cutting through diet trends, misinformation, and extremes to focus on the fundamentals of fueling your body. From consistency and discipline to mindset and performance, this conversation explores how nutrition impacts not just how you look, but how you live. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about building something sustainable.

  8. Mar 20

    Desert Stories: Palm Springs Origins and the Tahquitz Canyon Witch

    What does it mean to be shaped by the desert? And the stories it holds? In this episode of Cruz Control, Aaron Cruz reflects on growing up in Palm Springs and how the landscape, culture, and isolation helped shape his mindset and identity. The conversation then turns to one of the Coachella Valley’s oldest legends: the Tahquitz Witch. A powerful Cahuilla shaman, said to have turned dark and been banished to the San Jacinto Mountains. Blending personal history with archaeology and myth, this episode explores the line between story, truth, and what ancient legends might reveal about human nature.

  9. Mar 15

    Meet Aaron Cruz: Strength, Spirit, and the Long Road In

    Who is Aaron Cruz? And how did he become the man behind the disciplines? In this opening episode, we lay the foundation. From family and identity to work, belief, and the contradictions that shape a life, this is an unfiltered introduction to the ongoing conversation. Not a highlight reel, an origin story.

    Meet Aaron Cruz: Strength, Spirit, and the Long Road In
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Cruz Control is an ongoing, long-form conversation with Aaron Cruz. A man of many lives and disciplines. Aaron is a son, brother, father, and friend. A competitive bodybuilder and mixed martial artist. A nutritionist, iron worker, business owner, researcher, philosopher, archaeologist, and spiritual explorer. Each episode moves between the physical and the philosophical, training, discipline, combat, and nutrition alongside spirituality, astrotheology, ancestry, and the search for purpose. These are not interviews chasing headlines or hot takes, but thoughtful conversations about identity, resilience, and what it means to build a life with intention. Cruz Control explores the body, the mind, and the spirit,and how to navigate the chaos one conversation at a time.

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