This week, we're joined by actor, improv teacher, and creative soul Connor Bond for a deep, hilarious, and honest conversation about what it really means to navigate life, creativity, and identity. We talk about Connor’s journey through different seasons of growth, from teaching improv to kids to finding purpose beyond traditional career paths. He shares the emotional balancing act of doing work that matters—learning to embrace both the anxiety and the excitement that come with it.

We explore how skills from improv and acting can cross over into everyday life, including the importance of connection, vulnerability, and staying rooted in the present. Connor shares his personal philosophies on the relationship between narrative, game theory, and character building, and how letting go of ego has reshaped his approach to both his craft and his personal growth.

Along the way, we dive into everything from existential philosophy to childhood wonder, discussing authors like Wittgenstein and Kierkegaard, the surprising lessons you learn from babies, and the idea that "everything is a coincidence—and that's okay." Connor also reflects on learning to accept life’s ups and downs without labeling every experience as good or bad, and why finding joy in imperfection might be the real secret to it all.

The episode wraps with a fun, improv-inspired challenge, a hilarious reflection on Connor’s early exposure to Eraserhead, and a heartfelt discussion about the struggle—and beauty—of living authentically in a chaotic world.

Find Connor online here: https://www.connorbondactor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bond_connorbond/

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!

This episode is a vulnerable look into the tug-of-war between ambition and self-acceptance. Steve and JP explore the quiet, often overwhelming internal dialogue that comes with trying to grow—physically, mentally, emotionally—while constantly questioning if you're doing enough. From the guilt of taking a day off, to spiraling thoughts about falling behind, to the fear of actually becoming the best version of yourself, this conversation unpacks the complex relationship we have with discipline, identity, and self-worth.

They dig into the concept of imposter syndrome, not just as a label, but as a real emotional experience that colors everything from creative work to personal wellness. There's also an honest discussion about breaking free from the need to control outcomes, and instead learning to live in the gray area—where progress isn’t always visible, but presence is everything.

For anyone who’s ever wrestled with the voice that says you’re not doing enough, or questioned your place in the life you’re building—this one’s for you. It’s a raw reminder that seeking the answers is part of the work.

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!

In this episode, we’re joined by Manny Jimenez — a real estate agent, martial artist, and man of deep faith — for an honest conversation about identity, growth, and staying grounded in a world full of noise. Manny opens up about his personal journey, from navigating insecurities in his youth to becoming a disciplined and purpose-driven man rooted in spiritual values.

He shares how his faith has shaped his approach to life and business, the lessons he’s learned through martial arts, and why vulnerability and emotional honesty are essential to true masculinity. We dive into the challenges of staying authentic on social media, letting go of ego, and learning to embrace the hard stuff — because failure is just feedback.

This episode is a reminder that strength doesn’t mean perfection, and that staying rooted in your values — especially faith and family — is the real foundation for becoming who you’re meant to be.

Check out Manny on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mannysellsupstate

1:00 the willingness to be kind despite people thinking it may not be genuine

3:00 Who is Manny Jimenez? And how did he get here?

4:30 the reality and expectations of social media

5:30 God has already made you “enough” and being your best self

6:30 Don’t let material things change what you are rooted in

7:30 The origin of Manny’s Christian faith

10:00 Your faith is more than your belief, it’s about action

12:00 dealing with insecurity and growing into yourself with family dynamics

14:30 the people who shaped Manny to be who he is authentically today

16:30 the bold moment where Manny faced his insecurity as a teenager

19:00 Failure is feedback

20:00 The discipline and vulnerability of martial arts

29:00 Life is simple, but it’s not easy

32:30 life is just the art of becoming who you are

35:00 the importance of men being vulnerable and having conversations about your feelings

39:30 dealing with the stereotype of what it means to be a man and defining that for yourself

45:00 you need people in your life that don’t let you quit

47:00 being a rooted man in your masculine energy

50:00 asking yourself the question “Is this the man I want to be?”

57:00 You have to know the price of the things you want in life

1:00:00 being your authentic self on your career journey

1:07:00 the origin of the name “Who Thought We’d Be Here?”

1:17:00 Gratitude brings me back to baseline, even in a huge victory

1:25:00 Steve reflects on becoming a father soon

1:30:00 Manny reflects on remembering that our parents are humans who make mistakes too

1:38:00 Manny’s council

1:45:00 Will you say yes to the negative thoughts then they pop into your head?

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

https://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!