Navigating the Complexities of Youth and Experience

Tavares Bethel sits down with Dante Redwood (Artist: Vehriion) to unpack his powerful story of resilience, shaped by his Jamaican father's influence and the realities of being a millennial. From a childhood steeped in discipline to navigating the burdens of student debt, Dante opens up about the societal pressures that define his generation.

The conversation touches on family, generational divides, and the need for fresh leadership, offering insights into how millennials can rise above adversity and actively shape the future.

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Episode 2: The Making of Greatness with Dante Redwood

This episode of The Slide Podcast with Tavares Bethel explores the influence of family on our youth today and the unique challenges faced by his generation. The discussion touches on the need for better intergenerational communication, the role of leadership, and strategies for thriving in socio-economic and political landscapes.

This episode contains explicit content. Viewer discretion is advised. The intention of The Slide podcast is not to offend but to provide real conversations into topics affecting communities within the United States. The opinions contained within this episode are solely those who have expressed them. Proceed only if you are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics.

See Time Stamps for this video at the end of this article.

From Family Values to Economic Challenges

Today's millennials face a unique set of challenges when it comes to finding stable employment, affording housing, and navigating the socioeconomic landscape. The job market is increasingly competitive, with many positions requiring advanced degrees or specialized skills, yet wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.

At the same time, student loan debt continues to weigh heavily on this generation, limiting financial freedom and delaying key life milestones, such as homeownership. The housing market is another major hurdle, with skyrocketing prices, high interest rates, and limited affordable options, making it difficult for many young adults to secure a place to live. Additionally, the lack of accessible healthcare, the widening wealth gap, and stagnating wage growth contribute to a sense of uncertainty and financial instability, leaving many millennials struggling to achieve the same economic security that previous generations once enjoyed.

The Role of Family, Upbringing and the Challenges Millennials Face

Dante shares the incredible influence his Jamaican father had on his upbringing and his music. From an early age, his father instilled a relentless drive, using unconventional methods like enticing Dante do sit-ups in the crib. His family instilled a mindset of hard work and excellence that carried him through his football career and now fuels his artistic endeavors.

But, when discussing his aspirations and perspectives on family and relationships, Dante highlights the financial burdens of obtaining higher education and the pressure to balance personal ambitions with financial stability. He notes that many millennials turn to hustling as a means of survival, given the financial hurdles and the challenges of achieving the traditional milestones of adulthood.

"It's tough, 'cause there's a certain set of expectations, like you already said, where we're expected to go to college, right? Four years... find the love of your life in college," said Dante. "Now y'all dating for a few years, you get married and before 30, you at least want to have a child. Right? And it's that set of expectations where it's like, 'Damn, how the hell we gonna do this?'"

Generational Wisdom and Responsibilities:

Older generations carry a vital responsibility to mentor and guide today’s youth, offering the wisdom gained through experience to help younger generations find their path. By sharing their stories of both triumphs and failures, they provide invaluable insights that can illuminate potential challenges and opportunities. This knowledge helps young people navigate the complexities of life, from building careers to overcoming personal struggles. Mentorship from older generations also fosters a sense of connection and continuity, bridging generational divides while empowering youth to avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions. Beyond just advice, these interactions create spaces for learning, support, and growth, helping young adults build the resilience and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Dante advocates for open conversations and mutual support between generations, but admits that there is a disconnect between the political leadership in our country. He and Tavares argue for younger, more relatable leaders who understand the struggles of modern life and can communicate effectively. Dante points out the importance of transparency and relatability in leadership, emphasizing that millennials need leaders who have faced real-life challenges.

Bridging the Generational Gap

In a world where young people face mounting challenges—be it in securing jobs, affording homes, or navigating the pressures of modern society—intergenerational wisdom serves as a crucial bridge to success. The struggles of today’s youth are not insurmountable, but they require guidance, support, and shared experiences from older generations who have weathered their own storms.

By seeking mentorship, listening to the stories of those who came before, and building relationships across generational lines, young people can gain the insight and encouragement they need to rise above adversity. Tips for fostering this connection include joining community groups, engaging with older professionals in their fields, and remaining open to learning from the experiences of others. With determination and the right support, greatness isn’t just a distant goal—it’s within reach.

Meet Vehriion (Dante Redwood)

Vehriion is an independent recording artist. He hails from Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in the famous North Ridgeville, Ohio. Vehriion currently has been releasing new singles on all major streaming platforms, headlined by his new hit single, 'Presidential Immunity".

Follow him on all social media platforms, @vehriion.

Episode Notes:

In this engaging episode of The Slide, host Tavares Bethel welcomes rising artist Dante Redwood, also known as Vehriion, a 27-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio. Dante shares his journey from being a college football standout to chasing his NFL dreams with the Arizona Cardinals. The discussion talks about the challenges faced by the millennial generation, the importance of family and upbringing, and aspirations for leadership and societal change. Tavares and Dante explore intergenerational connections, the need for young leadership, and the impact of local politics on community growth. Join this heartfelt conversation and gain insights on striving for greatness by the next generation in a complex world.

00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Dante Redwood

01:45 Dante's Early Life and Athletic Career

02:20 The NFL Draft Experience

05:27 Family Influence and Upbringing

09:06 Challenges of the Millennial Generation

14:05 Bridging Generational Gaps

15:50 Feeding Each Other: A Metaphor for Generational Support

17:01 Personal Journey: Overcoming Adversity

19:02 The Role of Elders: Guiding the Next Generation

20:42 Youth Leadership: The Need for Relatable Leaders

27:31 Political Engagement: The Importance of Local Involvement

29:01 Conclusion: Embracing Responsibility and Growth