The Brief Dive

Filimon

This podcast is a mix of topics from mental health to philosophy. You’ll hear topics from anxiety and goal setting to how everything in the world is connected. Filimon shares his ways of self-improvement and how it could help you in the long run. If you’re a teen who wants to take this deep-thinking/self-help skill into their future career with a limited amount of time, The Brief Dive is the place to be.

  1. 3D AGO

    We Learned Too Much About Each Other This Christmas... | Christmas Cousin Chronicles

    In this episode of The Brief Dive, I’m joined by my cousins for a night of games, laughs, and questions that probably should’ve stayed unanswered. We play Who’s Most Likely To, throw out funny scenario-based questions, and dive into some surprisingly juicy personal topics that reveal way more than just holiday vibes. Between the jokes and call-outs, old childhood stories resurface, family dynamics get exposed, and the conversation shifts from pure comedy to moments that actually make you think. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and real — exactly how family conversations tend to go when everyone’s home for the holidays. If you like honest conversations, playful debates, and seeing what questions really reveal about people… this is the Christmas episode to watch. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ON: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4 APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039 FOLLOW ON: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpy SNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fG TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1 INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg== TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1 Timestamps: 00:00 Preview 0:23 Intro 1:07 Question 1 2:33 Question 2 3:31 Question 3 4:47 Question 4 7:01 Question 5 9:11 Question 6 10:21 Question 7 10:36 Question 8 12:30 Question 9 12:56 Question 10 13:22 Question 11 13:44 Question 12 15:06 Question 13 16:23 Question 14 17:47 Question 15 19:36 Question 16 20:10 Question 17 21:04 Question 18 21:11 Question 19 21:23 Question 20 21:29 Question 21 23:46 Question 22 24:40 Question 23 25:57 Question 24 28:09 Question 25 29:13 Question 26 31:18 Question 27 31:43 Question 28 34:07 Question 29 39:21 Question 30 41:40 Question 31 47:35 Dive & Deliver 54:28 Outro

    56 min
  2. DEC 17

    How This Barber Built a Six-Figure Business at 21 | Barbershop, Business, & Balance

    In this episode of The Brief Dive, I sit down with Muneeb Mohammed, better known as MoneybCutz — a 21-year-old habesha barber from the DMV who’s built a six-figure business through consistency, precision, and a deep respect for his craft. We talk about his journey into barbering, the mindset it takes to run a business at a young age, and how barbershop culture shapes trust, discipline, and identity. We also get into imposter syndrome, raising prices, social media, and what it really takes to stay grounded while your life starts moving fast. If you’re a young entrepreneur, creative, or someone trying to build something meaningful without losing yourself — this episode is for you. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4 APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039 FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpy SNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fG TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1 INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg== TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1 MoneybCutz Socials: TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@moneybcutz?_r=1&_t=ZT-92CqfjyQ6gv INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/moneybcutz?igsh=YXFncWM4M2Vpd2Vy BOOK WITH MONEYBCUTZ HERE: https://booksy.com/en-us/instant-experiences/widget/1552975?instant_experiences_enabled=true&ig_ix=true&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAOrJDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadhjS5zie8vwy_1sN7gwafMWheX2ds6uEtmEdaRtjIAOazbnOZHYDmCp1TXWQ_aem_gzRM_v-IqbqnM4TypE8wPw Timestamps: 00:00 Preview0:28 Intro2:11 What Motivated MoneybCutz to Start?4:25 Does He Cut His Own Hair?5:16 The ONE Feeling Every Client Should Leave With?6:45 How Does MoneybCutz Keep Track Of All His Clients?7:56 What Is The Mindset Muneeb Live By Everyday?10:48 Running A Business While Life Moves Fast12:43 The Real Reason Why He Raised His Prices14:26 What He Gave Up To Get Ahead At 2116:50 Networking With Rich Barbers In Miami20:58 What Was The Biggest Haircut Mistake MoneybCutz Made?22:26 Experiencing Imposter Syndrome Mid-Cut???25:15 Easiest vs. Hardest Styles To Do?26:23 Do Barbers Need Their Own 'Signature Cut'?27:53 Following Trends As A Barber28:52 How His Family/Friends Reacted To His Fast Growth?32:30 Cutting Hair From His House To The Barbershop35:06 MoneybCutz' Next Chapter?38:02 Advice For Those Starting In Their Own Business41:40 Outro

    43 min
  3. DEC 17

    Are We Losing Our Culture in College? | Slander, Stories, & Sisterhood

    In this episode of The Brief Dive, I sit down with Nuhamin and Mariamawit, two George Mason University students who serve on the Executive Board of the Ethiopian & Eritrean Student Association (EESA). We get real about what it feels like to lose your culture in college, how to stay grounded in your identity, and what keeps us connected to our roots when everything around us is pulling us in a different direction.But of course… we also got very sidetracked — in the best way possible.We talked about Habesha men slander, why some Habeshas try to “act Black,” crazy travel stories, friendship dynamics, and the hilarious realities of being East African in the U.S.Both guests are also TikTok creators, so we dive into what it really takes to go viral, why they post the type of content they do, and how they balance school, clubs, culture, and the pressure of social media.If you're Habesha, a first-gen student, a creator, or someone who feels like you’re trying to keep your identity alive in a world of distractions — this episode is for you.SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpySNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fGTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg==TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1Both Socials:https://www.tiktok.com/@marynuha?_r=1&_t=ZT-9279pSbdVJWNuhamin's Socials:https://www.tiktok.com/@nuhamin_k?_r=1&_t=ZT-9278yUNZBDZMariamawit's Socials:https://www.tiktok.com/@06maryy06?_r=1&_t=ZT-9278vR8keJDTimestamps:00:00 Preview0:24 Intro3:52 "Who's Most Likely To...?"7:20 Why They Joined EESA at GMU?8:01 How These Two First Met11:18 Is Your Content A Job To You?13:56 Their Favorite TikTok They've Ever Made17:11 Balancing School, Content, & EESA?20:04 Keeping Eachother Accountable24:06 Choosing Their Career Paths?29:38 Friendships Outside The Habesha Community37:40 Why Some Habeshas Try To "Act Black"?46:30 Roller Coasters47:56 How Their Friendship Affected Them49:38 Crazy Travel Stories53:00 Have They Lost Their Culture?56:40 Habesha Community And Their Content?1:06:43 Is This Generation Too Sensitive?1:11:44 Where Did Habesha Men Slander Come From?!1:16:55 Marry Men Back Home vs. Marrying Here?1:20:03 What Helps Them Preserve Their Culture?1:22:40 Showing Affection In Habesha Friendships/Families1:24:57 Last Piece Of Advice1:28:10 Dive & Deliver1:34:39 Outro

    1h 36m
  4. DEC 3

    The Rise of a Habesha Model | Fashion, Culture and Controversy

    In this episode, we sit down with Michael Simon, an Ethiopian model, fashion content creator, streamer, and college student to talk about creativity from a personal angle. Michael talks about his relationship with fashion, how it shapes his confidence, the way it influences how he shows up creatively, and what it’s like to build a personal brand while still balancing real life.Throughout the episode, Michael reflects on growth, self expression, and the lessons he’s learned while building confidence in both his work and himself. It’s an authentic look at growth, style, and learning how to stand on your own as a young creative in today’s digital space.SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpySNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fGTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg==TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1DISCLAIMER: "The Brief Dive" Podcast represents the opinions of Filimon and his guests who are also not licensed professionals. The content provided should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or any sort of medical treatment. This content is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only.Michael's Socials:TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@yung.michael?_r=1&_t=ZT-91qhTbCsXYThttps://www.tiktok.com/@thatgmikeyclips?_r=1&_t=ZT-91qhetVGSAYINSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/michaelsimonx?igsh=MXgya3VwMzRtenljcA==Timestamps:00:00 Preview0:31 Intro2:54 Who Is Michael?5:42 Fit Of The Day6:43 Why Start Content Creation?7:35 Why Get Into Fashion?8:47 How Did You Start Having Good Taste In Fashion?11:16 Are Designer Clothes Worth It?12:30 Why Manipulate Your Clothes?13:20 How Do You Find Your Own Sense Of Style?15:24 Does Attractiveness Override Drip?18:52 Fashion & First Impressions22:03 What's Your Favorite Flic?22:57 The Photoshoot Process25:45 Gaining Confidence During Photoshoots27:34 Habesha Community And Fashion???31:53 Habesha Restrictions On Fashion33:40 Being Habesha In The Fashion Industry34:04 The Problem With Creators In The DMV37:21 What Are Creators You Look Up To?39:08 Is This A Passion, Hobby, A Job?39:40 Taking Photos In Addis Ababa41:57 Do You Believe In Gatekeeping?43:32 What Is Your Dream Shoot/Collab?46:36 Michael's Advice For Future Content Creators47:20 Dive & Deliver50:58 Outro

    52 min
  5. NOV 19

    The Cost Of Ambition (What No One Warns You About)

    At 20 years old, Filimon is learning the real cost of ambition—the long hours, the isolation, and the changes that naturally happen in relationships when you’re focused on growing. In this solo episode, he opens up about losing friends, feeling distant from close ones, and facing doubt during the slow, quiet seasons of self-improvement. This is the side of ambition most people never mention: outgrowing circles, sacrificing time, and carrying the weight of wanting more even when it feels isolating. Filimon reflects on the moments that shape you, the people you leave behind, and the internal battles that happen long before success shows up.SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpySNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fGTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg==TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1DISCLAIMER: "The Brief Dive" Podcast represents the opinions of Filimon and his guests who are also not licensed professionals. The content provided should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or any sort of medical treatment. This content is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    22 min
  6. NOV 9

    What I Learned After 23,124 Hours Of Podcasting

    At just 20 years old, Filimon has spent 23,124 hours podcasting, creating, experimenting, failing, and learning what it truly means to build something from the ground up. In this solo episode, he reflects on the creative highs, the mental lows, and the quiet lessons that shaped his voice on and off the mic. It’s a look at time, purpose, and chasing a dream before the world tells you how it should look. Every hour spent creating taught him something failure never could, something success never promised, and what persistence quietly delivers.Welcome to hour 23,124.SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpySNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fGTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg==TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1DISCLAIMER: "The Brief Dive" Podcast represents the opinions of Filimon and his guests who are also not licensed professionals. The content provided should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or any sort of medical treatment. This content is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only.

    38 min
  7. OCT 22

    The Curse of Creativity: Turning Vision Into Reality | JusCallMeShoots

    THE OBSESSION BEHIND CREATION | JusCallMeShoots on Art, Culture & IdentityIn this episode, we dive into the mind of Yonáthan, an Ethiopian creative whose work spans photography, directing, and magazine contributions for Reebok, Ralph Lauren, Telfar, and artists like Summer Walker and Smino. At just 23, Yoni has already made waves globally, but what truly sets him apart is how he weaves culture, identity, and vision into every project.We unpack the obsession, discipline, and purpose behind his creativity, exploring what it takes to stay authentic in a world that constantly tests artists. From balancing Ethiopian cultural expectations to forging a unique artistic voice, Yoni shares the inner workings of his creative process, the challenges of criticism and social media, and the moments that define his journey.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn vision into something meaningful, how culture shapes creativity, or how obsession can both fuel and challenge an artist, this conversation is for you.SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpySNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fGTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg==TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1DISCLAIMER: "The Brief Dive" Podcast represents the opinions of Filimon and his guests who are also not licensed professionals. The content provided should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or any sort of medical treatment. This content is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only.Yoni's Socials:TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@juscallmeyoni?_t=ZP-90gWUu33X4A&_r=1INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/juscallmeyoni?igsh=MXNreXI0ZjRsdzQ3dg==https://www.instagram.com/juscallmeshoots_?igsh=dmduMndjbjZmeWZwYOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@juscallmeyoni?si=z8gYmDjWkNFIX1FZTimestamps:00:00 Preview0:30 Intro2:21 How You First Got Into Photography/Videography9:25 The Importance Of Credibility11:00 Did You Idea Of Creativity Change Compared To Before?12:00 The Secret Step-By-Step Process15:20 This Will Separate You From Other Creators19:15 Have You Lost Your Vision When You Work With People?24:20 These Tend To Be The Easiest Clients25:20 Have You Ever Been Scared During A Shoot?30:00 Getting Backlash From The Habesha Community42:20 How To Protect Your Energy/Creativity50:20 The Secret Word53:20 How You Make Your Clients Comfortable59:15 Feeling Pressure To Represent Where You're From?1:07:15 How Is Being A Creator In The DMV?1:10:10 Treating Your Work As A 9-51:13:30 What Font Do You Speak?1:19:45 Have You Ever Been Addicted To Your Work?1:22:21 Is Your Work A Representation Of You?1:27:49 Film School VS YouTube1:32:27 Who You Should Get Your Advice From1:33:50 Advice You'd Give Your Younger Self1:37:30 Protecting Your Peace1:38:50 What Is Your Dream Project?1:40:10 Outro

    1h 41m
  8. OCT 8

    The Importance of AUTHENTICITY | Why TikTok Is DESTROYING Realness

    TikToker Reveals Why AUTHENTICITY Is DYING in a World Obsessed With PERFECTION In this episode, we dig into what it really means to be authentic in a world obsessed with filters and curated feeds, exploring why genuine connection feels so rare and why staying true to yourself matters more than ever. I’m joined by Solania, an Ethiopian TikToker from the DMV with over 65,000 followers, known for her unfiltered mix of humor, faith, and genuine storytelling. Together we unpack how she keeps her voice real on a platform built for perfection, the moments that tested her transparency, and why embracing your true self can be both freeing and challenging.Along the way we dive into big questions: why we care so much about others’ opinions, how parents and culture shape (and sometimes stifle) our identity, the role of nonchalance and emotional honesty, and how social media can both inspire and damage our sense of self.If you’ve ever felt pressure to fit in, wondered whether authenticity is harder for men or women, or questioned how culture and faith tie into staying genuine—this conversation is for you. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@thebriefdivepodcast/videos?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cPd9uVZqjmEmM9VF0zuGg?si=ef2246bd89c34b4APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brief-dive/id1551664039 FOLLOW ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebriefdive?igsh=cm5iaWEyazRvMnpy SNAPCHAT: https://snapchat.com/t/zzap27fG TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefdive?_t=8qIJLtOvM0l&_r=1 INTRO MUSIC: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valmaddoxaero?igsh=MWJraWRoYmE4aXN6Mg== TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@val_maddox_music?_t=ZT-8yRqOSfTGFj&_r=1 DISCLAIMER: "The Brief Dive" Podcast represents the opinions of Filimon and his guests who are also not licensed professionals. The content provided should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or any sort of medical treatment. This content is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only.Solania's Socials: TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@iamsoliyana?_t=ZT-90AxO0qUEjV&_r=1 INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/iamso_lanya?igsh=MTZyemt5MWN5dXprNQ== Timestamps: 00:00 Preview 0:23 Intro 1:47 What Does Authenticity Mean? 3:01 Why Are We Running Low On Authenticity? 4:33 Why Do We Actually Care About What People Think?8:20 Losing Yourself In Fitting In 11:50 How Parents Tie Into It 13:50 Why Habeshas Are Afraid Of Being Themselves 21:00 Why Do We Care About What Our Parents Think?24:40 Surrounding Yourself With These Type Of People 29:40 The Only Question You Need To Ask Yourself 33:20 Is It Harder For Men Or Women To Be Authentic? 38:40 Why Are We Being Nonchalant? 43:30 "Cut That Rope"45:09 Emotions=Authenticity? 49:38 The Secret Behind True Authenticity 54:00 Examples We See On Social Media 56:13 "Griefing" An Experience 58:00 Losing Ourselves In Authenticity? 1:02:30 This Damages Your Spirit! 1:04:18 How Culture Affects Authenticity/Identity 1:32:58 Graphic Videos And Desensitization 1:38:25 The Power Behind Showing Your Struggles 1:42:20 How Can We Live An Authentic Life? 1:45:45 Outro

    1h 47m
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This podcast is a mix of topics from mental health to philosophy. You’ll hear topics from anxiety and goal setting to how everything in the world is connected. Filimon shares his ways of self-improvement and how it could help you in the long run. If you’re a teen who wants to take this deep-thinking/self-help skill into their future career with a limited amount of time, The Brief Dive is the place to be.