Immigration, Identity, and Philosophical Musings with Aigor

IDK My BFF Jil with Jiliane Patriarca

The gem drop from Aigor: "When you're a kid, you don't really understand the impact of your actions. It's not until you grow older that you realize the weight of your words and how they can affect someone's life.”

In this episode, Jiliane sits down with her long-time friend Aigor to explore his inspiring journey from Spain to the United States. Join the conversation as they discuss the challenges of cultural adaptation and the value of having diverse perspectives.

Born and raised in Spain, Aigor encountered challenges early on, facing bullying as a child. However, he refused to let those experiences define him and consciously chose to rise above them.

Throughout his life, Aigor has demonstrated a deep sense of self-awareness and a thirst for personal growth. He believes in the power of resilience and emotional management, recognizing that children can often be cruel due to a lack of understanding and the influence of their parents. Aigor's journey from feeling like an outsider to appreciating the diversity and freedom to be himself in the United States showcases his ability to adapt and find strength in his unique experiences.

Aigor's perspective on life has been shaped by a diverse range of influences. From the teachings of philosophers like Descartes and Aquinas (independently of their religious context) to the insights shared by modern-day philosophers, such as self-help authors and comedians, he has developed a deep appreciation for the power of the mind and the importance of self-reflection.

From facing bullying as a child to embracing his uniqueness, Aigor's story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding one's place in the world. His story highlights the strength to overcome adversity and the value of self-expression.

From discussions on healthcare systems to philosophical musings, this episode offers a captivating exploration of resilience, cultural adaptation, and the pursuit of knowledge.

You’ll learn about:

• Immigrant Experience (04:52)

Gain insights into Aigor's journey as an immigrant from Barcelona, Spain to the United States. Learn about the challenges he faced, the cultural differences he encountered, and his evolving perspective on living in a foreign country.

• Resilience and Bullying (05:43)

Aigor shares his experiences with bullying and discusses how he chose not to let it affect him. Learn about his approach to handling bullies, his belief in the importance of emotional management, and the role of parents in shaping children's behavior.

• Cultural Adaptation (22:58)

The conversation delves into Aigor's initial struggle with feeling like an outsider in the United States. Discover how his perspective changed over time, as he began to appreciate the diversity and freedom of self-expression that the U.S. offered.

• Contrasting Lifestyles and Healthcare Systems (39:45)

This segment touches upon the differences between American and European lifestyles and healthcare systems. Gain insights into the challenges of navigating the American insurance and medical systems, particularly for older individuals, and how they differ from the European approach.

• Philosophy and Personal Growth (43:20)

Aigor discusses his favorite philosophers, including Descartes and Aquinas, and highlights the importance of self-reflection and learning from experiences. Explore the power of the mind, the concept of personal growth, and the influence of self-help authors and comedians as modern-day philosophers.

When we flip the script, Aigor asks me about:

Who do you think out of all your family members has been the biggest influence on you?