Damn We Grown

Mike + Tiff

A grown podcast for grown people. A real relationship, real bills, and real life convo. Damn...we grown!

  1. 2d ago

    Anime Deep Dives, Indie Comics & Surviving the "AI Slop" with Sean Cross

    What is up, y’all! Mike and Tiff are back in the studio for a brand new episode of Damn we Grown. This week, we finally dragged the ultimate creative mastermind out of his studio cave: Sean Cross (aka Konami Homi). As the driving force behind 99 Hearts Entertainment, Sean is out here building entire universes from scratch, and we are getting into all the beautiful, messy details of the creative hustle.Whether you're an old-school anime head, an aspiring comic book artist, or just trying to figure out how to navigate the wild west of AI, this episode is a whole vibe. Grab your coffee (or your matcha), get comfortable, and let's get into it!Inside This Episode:The Ultimate Anime Starter Pack: We nerd out over the classics. From Dragon Ball Z and Lupin the Third to the endless ocean of One Piece and the gritty perfection of Hunter x Hunter, Sean breaks down the shows that shaped his artistic eye. (Plus, Tiff tries to keep us from talking about cartoons for three hours straight).Birth of Afro Boy: We get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the first official issue of Sean’s original comic, Afro Boy. We talk character design, world-building, and what it really takes to self-publish a comic in today's market.Fighting Spirits in The Adventures of the Neon Wolf: Sean gives us the scoop on his upcoming third-person horror-action video game. Think Kingdom Hearts meets Silent Hill—reaping souls, fighting demons, and trading ghosts to merchants. It's as wild as it sounds.The "AI Slop" Debate: Let's keep it real. As creatives who actively use AI to streamline music production and content workflows, Mike and Sean have an honest conversation about the fine line between using AI as a brilliant tool and just being lazy."You gotta know when to use the tool, and when to get out of the bed and do the work yourself. Don't just be out here making AI slop!" ---Stay Connected with the Crew:Follow Damn we Grown: Catch us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TikTok, and Instagram at @DamnWeGrown.Follow our Guest: Support Sean's art, games, and music by following him everywhere at @99HeartsEnt @KonamiHomi and check out 99 Hearts Entertainment

    42 min

  2. Jun 17

    The AI Cheat Code: Context Engineering, Dubai Drops & Bossing Up with Pro

    What happens when you go from ditching the last day of high school for McDonald's to jumping out of airplanes over the Palm Islands? It’s a Damn We Grown Wednesday, and Mike and Tiff are bringing you some serious soul, laughs, and business strategy this week. We’ve got Pro from Bigger Vision Agency in the studio, and he’s breaking down the realities of entrepreneurship—from Fatburger to running a digital marketing empire. If you've been wondering whether Artificial Intelligence is the devil or your new best friend, this episode is your definitive answer. We're talking about how to leverage tech to scale your workflow, why you can't let AI replace your kids' real-world experiences, and the heavy realization that running a business is just waking up to a whole lot of responsibility. Plus, we get into the comedy of aging (who hid the reading glasses?), pulling weeds in the backyard, and the raw fear of skydiving in Dubai. Grab your notepads, because Pro drops a literal cheat code for turning your brain dumps into standard operating procedures. Dubai Skydiving & Island Hopping: Pro’s adventures from skydiving over Palm Island to eating red snapper in Turks and Caicos. The Comedy of Growing Older: Why we can never find our glasses when we need them, and the trauma of pulling weeds in the summer heat. AI for Business Growth: Is AI a threat, or the ultimate cheat code? How to start using tech to elevate your productivity. Prompting vs. Context Engineering: Why giving AI the right context is the secret sauce to making it work for you. The Reality of Entrepreneurship: From working at Fatburger to owning an event venue, a photography rental shop, and a marketing agency. Why scaling up means leveling up your network. Parenting in the Digital Age: Why kids need practical, real-world learning before relying on AI. (Try this prompt out) "Take this transcript, act as an expert operations manager, and turn this into a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)." Guest Info:Tap in with Pro and level up your digital presence over at BiggerVisionAgency.com. Stay Connected:Hit us up at damnwegrown@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts on AI, skydiving, or where your reading glasses are hiding today. Make sure you're subscribed on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your soul and strategy! What We Get Into This Week:💎 Pro’s "Cheat Code" AI Prompt:

    50 min

  3. Jun 10

    Flipping the Script on Generational Trauma & Setting Boundaries with Therapist Shimeka Arnold

    What's up, y’all? Welcome back to Damn We Grown! On this beautiful Wednesday, Mike and Tiff are sliding some serious soul into your feed, and they didn’t come alone. This week, they are joined by the soulful, sultry, ready-to-save-the-world therapist extraordinaire, Shimeka Arnold!The couch gets real comfortable real quick as Shimeka drops absolute gems on everything from her early days as an elementary school conflict counselor (shout out to the yellow shirts!) to the profound impact of epigenetics and generational trauma in the Black community.But the real breakthrough happens when the conversion flips to relationships, mental health, and the specific pressures Black men face. Mike gets put in the hot seat about his own hesitation toward therapy, leading to a powerful, paradigm-shifting breakdown of what "strength" actually means. Shimeka completely deconstructs the colonizer-ingrained mindset that men have to carry everything alone, explaining why vulnerability isn't a weakness—and why a true partner is there to help share the emotional weight.From hilarious breakdowns of "energy vampires" and how to hit them with boundaries, to a legendary analysis of a classic James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni discussion, this episode balances deep, therapeutic wisdom with the signature comedic chemistry you love.Plus, Shimeka leaves the listeners with some powerful, free energy-work mantras to help shift your mind, protect your peace, and transform your daily life.Contact Shimeka for all your therapy needs and energy work.www.LovelyDayFamilyTherapy.com@LovelyDayFamilyTherapy

    45 min

  4. Jun 4

    SOCIETY HAS BRAINWASHED US AGAIN

    Are you truly grown, or are your kids just completely running your life, your timeline, and your bank account? This week, Mike and Tiff are back on a Damn We Grown to break down the hilarious, exhausting, and expensive realities of being club volleyball parents. From dealing with absolute audacity and tween-attitude at 6:30 in the morning to Mike walking a country mile in the blazing sun just to dodge a $20 parking fee—the struggle is real.But Mike found the ultimate tournament cheat code, and he’s not gatekeeping. Hint: It involves a trunk, a hidden electric scooter, and complete evasion of club sports system fees.Later in the episode, Tiff drops a devastating reality check: their daughter has officially declared that she can no longer call Mike "Daddy". The painful evolution from "Dada" to "Dad" is a right of passage, and Mike is trying to process the sting.Plus, they dive into Part 2 of the top luxury expenses society has brainwashed us into thinking are "normal". If you are financing a depreciating car every three years, saying "yes" to every single group chat vacation, or door-dashing a Starbucks order—we are looking directly at you.Grab your favorite drink (made at home to save that coin!), tap in, and let’s grow together.💡 Key Takeaways & Grown Moments:The 6:30 AM Timeline Debate: Tiff explains why being 10 minutes early to a game still counts as just being "on time," while Mike firmly stands his ground on it being early.The Tournament Cheat Code: Why you need to buy an electric scooter to completely bypass the $20-a-day club sports parking trap.The "Daddy" Retirement: Navigating the awkward moment your pre-teen puts a strict boundary on your childhood nickname.Wealth Destroyers: Breaking down why rolling negative equity into a new car finance plan every few years is keeping people broke.Saying "No" to the Group Chat: Staying disciplined with your savings goals even when your friends are dropping links to Big Bear or expensive weekend getaways.Cutting the Invisible Bills: The real math behind dropping a $25 Netflix subscription or a $6 daily coffee habit to stack real cash.📬 Connect With The Show:Have a parenting story, a parking lot cheat code, or a hot take on the "early vs. on time" debate? Don't gatekeep—reach out to us!📧 Email: damnwegrown@gmail.com📱 Socials: Follow the vibe on TikTok and Instagram @damnwegrown🎧 Streaming: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the video version on YouTubeIf you love the show, do your people a favor: hit that Follow button and leave us a Review on Apple or Spotify to help us move up the ranks!

    41 min

  5. May 28

    The 40s Ain't Fast—But They Are Expensive!

    What is up, y’all? We are back in the house! This week, Mike and Tiff are sliding into your feed fresh off a busy Memorial Day weekend to talk about the beautiful, chaotic reality of being deep in their 40s.Between running a gauntlet of neighborhood graduations, catching a late-night screening of The Mandalorian (yes, Mike managed to stay awake past 11:30 PM!), and managing a massive Sunday cookout featuring every protein known to man, the grown-man and grown-woman lifestyle is in full effect.But once the barbecue was packed away, things got real. Inspired by a deep dive on Instagram, Mike and Tiff are unpacking the first half of a list that will make your pockets hurt: 30 Luxury Expenses That Society Has Tricked Us Into Thinking Are Normal.In this episode, the couple tackles the first 10, including:Wedding vs. Marriage: The age-old debate of spending $6,000 on a single day versus putting it down on a roof over your head. (Shoutout to Tiff for choosing the house!)The Siphoning of "Back Home": Navigating the delicate cultural expectations of sending money away while keeping your own financial house in order.The Tip-ocalypse: Why are we prompting a 30% tip at a counter where we stood for 15 minutes waiting for our own pizza?Leasing the Illusion: Rolling around in a $1,200-a-month luxury lease just to look wealthy while building zero equity.From student loan traps to why society expects us to pay out the nose just to look successful, Mike and Tiff bring the soul, the truth, and the laughs."We've had waiters go above and beyond, and I'm happy to tip. But don't give me the tip screen just for doing the absolute bare minimum!"Hit Us Up!Which of these societal "norms" do you think is the biggest scam? Drop a comment below, and don't forget to leave us some love (even if it's just a heart emoji!) to help the podcast grow.Email: damwegrown@gmail.comSocials: @damnwegrown on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTubeKeep choosing joy, y'all. Peace!

    30 min

  6. May 20

    Expat Dreams, Parenting Teens, & Rapid-Fire Q&A

    Welcome back to Episode 255 of Damn We Grown! This week, Mike and Tiff sit down for a cozy and candid conversation about navigating adulthood, parenting, and the realities of modern life. The episode kicks off with a relaxing weekend recap, featuring a successful yard sale hunt for a bamboo circle chair and a trip to the local farmer's market for fresh fruit, Mediterranean dips, and garlic spread. The conversation then shifts to a review of the movie Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, sparking a thoughtful discussion on parenting and the societal double standards of showing violence versus intimacy to teenagers. Later, the discussion moves to the music industry, touching on recent releases from Drake and Kanye, and whether legacy artists like Andre 3000 are aging gracefully by transitioning into new genres like instrumental flute music. Digging into real-world news, the hosts analyze Census Bureau data showing a rise in Americans leaving the U.S. due to the high cost of living, exploring the appeal of the expat life and moving to places like Thailand. To wrap things up, Mike and Tiff test their dynamic with a hilarious rapid-fire Q&A. They debate beach vacations versus snowy cabins, reveal their biggest pet peeves, and reminisce about their first date in Santa Monica. Episode Highlights: Weekend Recap: Yard sale wins, a free Mid-City LA music festival, and artisanal farmer's market finds. Parenting in the Modern Age: Navigating appropriate movie choices for tweens and teens. Hip-Hop & Getting Older: Thoughts on Kanye, Drake, and Andre 3000's evolving music styles. The American Exodus: Discussing the rising cost of living and the reality of moving abroad. Couples Rapid-Fire: A fun Q&A covering relationship habits, favorite features, and everyday preferences.

    1h 9m

  7. May 13

    Mother’s Day Surprises: Kauai, Connections, and the Ethics of Love

    On this week’s episode of the Damn We Grown podcast, Mike and Tiff are slapping some soul onto your Wednesday with a much-needed, post-Mother’s Day catch-up.Tiff shares all the wild and beautiful details from her tropical girls' trip to Kauai, Hawaii. Her island adventures included dodging rogue feral chickens and getting stopped by airport security because her jewelry collection was mistaken for a weapon. Meanwhile, Mike held it down at home, creating new memories with the munchkin, trying viral sushi, and reviewing the new Zazie Beetz action movie, They Will Kill You.But it wouldn't be Damn We Grown without some real talk about marriage and growing older. The duo celebrates their ultimate "grown moment" of the week: hitting a new level of romance by getting their cholesterol and bloodwork done together. Things get deep—and incredibly comedic—when Mike and Tiff break down a viral quote about love being ethical before it is emotional. They dissect the truth about what it really means to be a "high-value man," the lack of effort in modern dating, and why certain intimate things absolutely do not count as a holiday gift.From crazy stories about tourists catching $50,000 fines for messing with Hawaiian wildlife to dropping absolute gems on long-term relationship survival, this episode has everything you need to get through the week. Put down that weird discount root beer, turn up the volume, and tune in to the realest marriage podcast on the internet!

    1h 8m

  8. May 10

    Finding Your Tribe in Your 40s

    What is up, y'all! Welcome back to another Damn We Grown Wednesday. Mike and Tiff are in the building, and this week we’re getting into the real, hilarious, and sometimes exhausting realities of being grown. From aging parents and careers to raising kids who are way better at sports than we ever were, we are covering it all. Grab your coffee (or your wine, no judgment), sit back, and let’s talk about what happens when you finally realize you can't just do whatever you want anymore—because you got bills! 🎧 What We’re Getting Into This Episode: Volleyball Glow-Ups: Maddie is killing it on her club team! We talk about the realities of being club sports parents and watching your kid genuinely level up. The Biopic Debate: Tiff reviews The Bride and we debate the Mount Rushmore of musical biopics (Are we putting the Jackson 5 over Bohemian Rhapsody? Let’s argue). Gas Prices & Politics: LA gas is touching $6 and flirting with $8. We’re ranting about inflation, the "Frat Boy" political cabinet, and the wild news cycle we are all trapped in. Making Friends in Your 40s: Let's get real—why is making new friends as an adult so awkward? We talk about outgrowing your 20s friend group, the "Blue Zones" (shoutout to Loma Linda!), the "Melanin on the Mountain" hiking crew, and why we are not the parents trying to play with other people's kids at the indoor playground. 🤎 The Soulful Moment: We pulled a card from the "Rethink Conversation Starters," and things got deep: What was the moment you knew you were in love with me? Mike takes us back to the early days, living check-to-check and beat-to-beat in Riverside, and the exact moment he knew Tiff was the one. Tap in, drop a comment, and let us know: How are y'all making friends out here in these adult streets?

    58 min
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4.7
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

A grown podcast for grown people. A real relationship, real bills, and real life convo. Damn...we grown!

Information

  • Creator
    Mike + Tiff
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mike + Tiff
  • Show Website
    Damn We Grown