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Carlos Aguilar: Part 2
SGV Philosophy & Freeways
Episode 166
Carlos “Big Brown Dad” Aguilar hails from La Puente, CA, where he has carved out a remarkable career as a multifaceted multimedia producer, writer, and content strategist with over two decades of experience crafting compelling narratives for broadcast and digital audiences.
His journey is marked by a diverse portfolio: from directing and producing gripping documentaries on subjects ranging from American Idol to NASCAR and Oprah Winfrey, to shaping narratives as a Senior Story Producer for Bristol Palin’s Lifetime reality series and contributing to the Daytime Emmys. Carlos has also spearheaded the development and launch of content platforms for iconic figures like Mariah Carey, Magic Johnson, Honda, Becky G, and Steve Harvey.
Beyond his work with celebrities and brands, Carlos Aguilar has left an indelible mark in publishing. His insightful writing on music, religion, education, and youth culture has graced the pages of Christianity Today, Sojourners, Prism, Flama, and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. As the driving force behind BigBrownDad.com, a prominent Latino fatherhood blog, he eloquently explores the joys and trials of modern parenting.
Carlos is not just a storyteller but also a creative force in music, performing as the acclaimed hip hop artist known as Bookworm Brown across continents, including the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, China, and Japan. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his latest venture, Mestizo, a specialty coffee brand blending comedy and hip hop into its unique offerings.
Carlos “Big Brown Dad” Aguilar’s career embodies a fusion of creativity, cultural resonance, and entrepreneurial vision, making him a dynamic presence in media, entertainment, and cultural discourse. His journey continues to inspire through his relentless pursuit of innovative storytelling and community engagement.
Website: bigbrowndad.com
Carlos Aguilar: Part 2 Takeaways
Carlos Aguilar’s Upbringing and Career Motivations:
Carlos Aguilar, also known as Big Brown Dad, grew up in Bassett, which is near La Puente. He felt a significant cultural and economic gap between his community and the glamorous world of Hollywood. This sense of disconnect served as a driving force behind his career choices. Desiring to be part of the “cool stuff” he saw on TV as a child, Carlos pursued careers in entertainment and advertising. These fields allowed him the opportunity to work on television shows, collaborate with celebrities, and engage with well-known brands, thereby realizing his dreams and closing that perceived gap from his childhood.
Educational Experiences and Philosophy:
Carlos’s educational journey is marked by his attendance at Occidental College and later, Biola University, where he studied philosophy. His deep interest in philosophy was initially fueled by his conversion to Christianity at the age of 17. This transformation led him to delve into Christian apologetics, a discipline focused on defending the historical claims of Christianity. Over time, however, Carlos found a disconnect between his lived experiences and the doctrines he was studying. This realization prompted him to question and eventually move away from his evangelical identity, choosing instead to follow a more nuanced and personal pursuit of truth.
Craft Beer Collaborations:
In addition to his work in entertainment and advertising, Carlos has also ventured into the craft beer industry. In collaboration with Norwalk Brewhouse, he has launched two notable beers that resonate with cultural significance. One beer was developed in partnership with Olympic gold medalist Brenda Villa, allowing Carlos to connect with his childhood fascination with the Olympics. Another beer was created in collaboration with Don Clemente Loteria, a traditional Mexican board game, which holds sentimental value for many Hispanic families. Carlos’s contributions to these projects include writing meaningful messages, or benedictions, on the cans, further embedding cultural relevance into the products.
Comedy and Stand-up:
Recently, Carlos has embarked on a journey in stand-up comedy, viewing it as the highest form of philosophy. Despite having extensive experience in public speaking as a teacher, rapper, and poet, Carlos finds stand-up comedy to be uniquely challenging and nerve-wracking. Each performance brings a fresh wave of anxiety, but the drive to share his jokes and insights with an audience outweighs the fear. This new venture allows him to explore deep philosophical ideas through humor, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging.
Philosophical and Religious Transformation:
Throughout his life, Carlos has undergone significant philosophical and religious transformations. Initially committed to an evangelical Christian identity, he spent about a decade deeply involved in teaching, preaching, and defending Christian doctrines. However, his continuous quest for knowledge and truth led him to reevaluate his beliefs. Carlos now advocates for a flexible, questioning approach, emphasizing the instrumental value of belief systems. He suggests that while certain doctrines can be beneficial for personal and communal growth, one does not need to fully subscribe to their metaphysical claims.
Instrumental Value and Broader Pursuit of Truth:
Carlos emphasizes the concept of instrumental value, which refers to the practical benefits of adopting certain belief systems or practices, even if one does not completely agree with their foundational principles. For example, he acknowledges that religious systems like Christianity or Buddhism can provide structure, ethical guidelines, and a sense of community, contributing positively to individuals’ lives. This practical approach allows for a balanced view that appreciates the benefits of these systems without demanding ideological conformity.
Reflections on Cultural and Social Dynamics:
Carlos often reflects on the cultural and social dynamics within the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. He acknowledges the shifts in cultural hubs, such as the decline of mall culture and the rise of new community spaces. His involvement in diverse projects, from educational tours to craft beer collaborations, showcases his commitment to fostering cultural connections and enriching the communal fabric of his surroundings.
Carlos Aguilar: Part 2 Quotes
On His Motivations:
“Hollywood was a million miles away in a lot of ways, you know. So really kind of one reason why I got into entertainment and now in advertising was to kind of participate in the cool stuff I’d seen as a kid. You know, the cool TV shows like I want to do that. Like I want to be part of all this.”
– This quote highlights Carlos’s motivation driven by childhood aspirations and a desire to bridge the cultural gap he felt growing up.
On Philosophy:
“The Socratic method is dope. I just wrote a piece that I published on LinkedIn called the Socratic… I titled it, Choose Your Method, Socratic versus Miyagi.”
– Carlos appreciates the Socratic method for its emphasis on dialogue and questioning, which he considers essential for exploring and discovering truth.
On Sermonizing and Stand-Up Comedy:
“If the freeways in the San Gabriel Valley were three stooges… The 605 is the neglected one, so that’s Shemp. The 10 Freeway… I guess we said Larry is the unkempt, dirty, do the job… I guess that makes Curly the guy who leads to adventure.”
– Through humor, Carlos draws analogies between local freeways and the Three Stooges, illustrating his unique way of engaging with the familiar elements of his environment.
On His Career:
“I think I need to say my jokes that badly. I need to go almost… there’s no better explanation, regrettably. That’s it. I have this joke and I need to say it.”
– This quote encapsulates Carlos’s deep-seated need to express himself through comedy, even when it comes with the anxiety of performing.
On Religious Beliefs and Conversions:
“And I kind of disavowed that identity, that evangelical identity, after having spent, you know, a good 10-15 years of my life. Examining it. Yeah, living it, preaching it, teaching it, defending it, articulating it.”
– Carlos reflects on his significant shift away from his evangelical identity after years of deep involvement, emphasizing his commitment to an ongoing search for truth.
Show Notes
Music Credits
Intro
Like it Loud, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Indecision, Dyalla, YouTube Audio Library
![Picture of Carlos Aguilar: Part 2](https://mysgv.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Carlos-scaled.jpg)
Carlos Aguilar: Part 2
West Covina Fashion Mall
The West Covina Fashion Plaza holds significant nostalgic value for Carlos. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, mall culture was a major social and cultural hub for many youths, including Carlos. The mall was a place where he would walk to, symbolizing his desire to be part of a larger world and community. Despite the decline of mall culture today, Carlos still feels a strong connection to the West Covina Fashion Plaza, where the familiar scents and sights evoke memories of his youth.
Chatterbox
Chatterbox, a dive bar located on Citrus Boulevard in Covina, is renowned for its open mic events and has gained a reputation as one of the top comedy spots in Los Angeles County. Carlos values this venue for providing a platform to practice and refine his comedic skills. The bar attracts an audience that appreciates quality comedy, making it an ideal place for Carlos to test his material and grow as a stand-up comedian.
Basset High School
Bassett High School is deeply embedded in Carlos’s family history and personal life. It’s not just where he went to school; it’s where his parents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives also studied and taught. Carlos’s grandmother even served on the Bassett Unified School Board. The school represents a legacy of education and community service, and Carlos maintains a connection through his wife’s involvement with the Harvey Mudd College Upward Bound program that supports Bassett students.