Behind the Exploratory Lenses

Ep. 21: From Driving to Managing (feat. Michael Self)

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 16:53:10 GMT

On a special season premiere of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I had the pleasure of interviewing two-time Daytona ARCA winner Michael Self (interview begins at 3:20) about going from being a Venturini Motorsports driver in the ARCA Menards Series to now a General Manager for Silver Hare Racing in the Trans Am Series TA2 category in 2021. We discuss about the transition along with the significance of having a college education like he did back in 2016. Finally, understanding how the business side of racing works from his time representing the Sinclair Oil Corporation brand to coaching drivers like multi-time NASCAR winner Justin Haley. All of that and more on this fascinating episode to kick off Season 2!

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Ep. 20: A Graceful Reflection (feat. Gracie Trotter - Season 1 Finale)

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On the season finale of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I reflect on how life at Age 25 treated me but it's far from the only thing I talk on his jammed pack episode. Other topics include the 2021 NASCAR and potentially IndyCar's calendar, where I have plenty to say but for the most part is positive, showing that I just don't discuss negative details. Last but certainly not least, I have a special guest where we discuss about a significant victory that's caught the racing world by storm. You don't want to miss this finale!

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Ep. 19: Flipping the Switch (feat. T.J. Tranchell)

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On the second part of my interview with author T.J. Tranchell (interview resumes at 16:09), we speak about less serious topics such as writing, music and movies. He tells us about the grind and patience required to get written work published, something that alarmed me and certainly will take note of going forward. He also spoke in great detail why a popular metal album is the worst ever from a specific group which you'll have to listen to know which band he's referring.Also in this episode, I discuss about the announcement of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin forming a NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace as their driver next season. All of that and more on the penultimate episode of the opening season of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 18: Coping with Idaho's Establishment (feat. T.J. Tranchell)

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In my first of two episodes featuring author and teacher T.J. Tranchell (interview begins at 14:09), we talked about how a simple Shawna Robinson 1:64 scale diecast began our respect towards one another. But more importantly, becoming one of my mentors throughout my post-college days where I've learned a lot about how to properly write and understanding how things work out is okay sometimes. This was definitely the case during my time at the University of Idaho when I wrote for The Argonaut from 2015-16. We dove into my troubled past with a sports editor during Fall 2016 that led to one of the reasons why I decided to graduate early. From there, T.J. also discussed about his journey as a media personnel over the past two decades which you'll certainly enjoy. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 17: The Mysterious Case of a Racer and SoCal Venue

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 23:17:16 GMT

On this NSFW impromptu episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I explain my stances on both Hailie Deegan's racing career and aggressive driving style, and the possible fate of Auto Club Speedway where according to The Athletic, the two-mile circuit will convert into a half-mile short track after 2021. Some thoughts may rub people the wrong way, but it's my duty to vent a little about these topics because I had a lot to say on this nearly hour long episode.

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Ep. 16: Dynamite Full of Rage

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On this unedited episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I struggle through some back pain and remembering the last MCU films in order. Not only that, I also discuss heartbreaking stories I've heard. Eventually, I'll discuss one particular topic, but it's not all gloomy as I react to BTS' "Dynamite," k-pop's first number-one single in Billboard Hot 100 history. Yes, those guys finally hit the top spot, so forcefully, I finally checked out if they're worth the hype Billboard have been promoting since 2017. I also discuss other artists that were shoved down our throats and what number-one single (when I was a 14-year-old) supposedly defines my life. It's a bumpy ride, so consider it as a warning.

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Ep. 15: Farewell and Redemption (2020 Indy 500 Review & Prep for 2021)

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

The 104th Indianapolis 500 is finally in the books and Takuma Sato won his second Indy 500. I share my thoughts of some drivers who delivered, disappointed and those involved in accidents. Not only that, I discuss why INDYCAR did the right thing not red-flagging the race following Spencer Pigot's petrifying crash. More importantly, I discuss how I overcame my personal and professional frustrations and what I'll do going forward. Among the ideas is a concept called "FareDemption," where I say farewell to the old and hungry for redemption for the next nine months so the Indy dream can be achieved. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 14: A Much Needed Getaway Trip

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Two weeks removed from "The Trip" in Cle Elum for a friend's bachelor's party, I reflect how therapeutic it was to get away from my hometown and just enjoy life for the first time since February. The topic is STRICTLY from my own perspective and myself only because I keep other people's stories respectfully private. Also, I discuss about the last few number-one hits, including Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion's "WAP," which led to my discussing about how sexuality in music isn't new. Therefore, such topics I discuss are uncensored and unedited. With that being said, enjoy this episode.

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Ep. 13: Back on the West Coast Saddle (feat. Holley Hollan)

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

A shift in the right direction indeed following shooting photos of last Friday's ARCA Menards Series West race at Evergreen Speedway. I discuss about being back in the photography swing of things, but also featuring my first driver guest on "Behind the Exploratory Lenses." My guest is fourth generation racer Holley Hollan, driver of the No. 50 Bill McAnally Racing Toyota in ARCA West. In this interview, she discusses the transition of going dirt to asphalt racing along with the many learning curves motorsports has. Additionally, I discuss about 20-year-old Armani Williams, a driver with autism, finishing 10th in Sunday's national ARCA race at Michigan International Speedway, featuring my questions I asked during the post-race video conference. All of that and much more in this super eventful episode!

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Ep. 12: My Ultimatum with Motorsports

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 20:23:12 GMT

The time has come to say this, I've came up with an ultimatum about discussing motorsports in this show. All in large part of Tuesday's announcement of the Indianapolis 500 will go on without fans, adding more negative to an already disastrous 2020. Going forward, the series will shift into more uplifting topics until racing isn't filled with negatives. Again, this episode its unedited and had to record it twice due to one false information regarding INDYCAR at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

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Ep. 11: The Unknown Future of Motorsports

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In this raw and unedited episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I vent my frustrations regarding the future of INDYCAR and NASCAR on television due to low numbers and poor promotions. I also discuss about cancellations of both Portland and Laguna Seca will mark the first time since 1946 that any form of Indy car competition won't visit the West Coast and it leaves September without INDYCAR racing. Furthermore, why the NASCAR Graduate Level System that Brad Keselowski suggested looks great on paper, but it won't make it past initial discussions. The subject rose following an incident involving NASCAR Cup Series rookie Quin Houff at Texas and where do I stand on the controversial ordeal. Enjoy this thought provoking episode.

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Ep. 10: Indy Views Lasts A Lifetime (feat. Brandon Crosslin)

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

After a few weeks without a guest, this episode will certainly have one and it's none other than Brandon Crosslin from Tennessee. We discuss about the NASCAR All-Star Race leaning towards more of a gimmick marketing approach to start off. Along the way, Crosslin shares his experience of witnessing racing in Nashville and being an intern at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Last but certainly not least, we talk about baseball and how the pandemic has helped him. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 9: Facing Reality (Self-Advocacy vs. Self-Efficacy)

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 18:43:22 GMT

In what can be best described as an extremely frustrating year in my media career, I vent about my struggles of trying to save a lost year in order to have a life in 2021 and beyond. It boils down to self-efficacy and self-advocacy, my subject for my latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 8: Looking Back at Cispus (Pt. 2 - The JC Years)

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On this episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I discuss about my junior counselor (JC) years at Mt. Triumph (reflection starts at 14:38) where I felt my growth as a person and leader grew tremendously. The segment is unedited to capture its pure form of my reflection and why the Cispus Learning Center remains special to my heart. You'll hear my closing speech from my final year in 2015 at full song at the very end of the episode. Also, I shared some music opinions I stand by like why "Round and Round" by RATT is the most overrated metal song of all-time? Not only that, discuss about the world of racing and how I felt about each of those with Formula 1 stealing the show. Hope you enjoy this episode!

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Ep. 7: Looking Back at Cispus (Pt. 1 - The Delegate Years)

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On this latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I discuss three topics that has different emotions. The first being shooting photos outside of my hometown, notably a photo shoot for my recently college graduate brother and why I'll fine him $100. Next, sharing my frustrations of fans and most media not allowed to cover the "historic" Indianapolis Doubleheader this weekend. Last but certainly not least, I start a two-part series on why the Cispus Learning Center has molded me into a different human being. This one focuses on my two years as a delegate (2010 and 2011) where I've learned about the importance of not allowing certain things to define me. Enjoy!

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Ep. 6: A Troubling Landscape Pt. 2 (feat. friskynixon)

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In the second part of my interview with YouTube legend friskynixon, we shifted into a more lifestyle approach, ranging from being introverts and where the inspiration of being referred as Nixon came from. There's more than just being inspired by Richard Nixon. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 5: A Troubling Landscape Pt. 1 (feat. friskynixon)

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

In the first of two parts featuring motorsports YouTube legend friskynixon and we don't hold back. Most notably, the issues the video platform causing both and racing uploaders who are struggling to get our content recognized. I also discuss about multiple PlayStation 5 games, including Grand Theft Auto V (you've heard that right). Last but not least, Nixon and I chat about the "Las Vegas Fiasco" and what ramifications could imply for the media folks. This episode will spark a conversation, so sit back and hear us banter about YouTube.

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Ep. 4: More Than Just A Racing Gamer (feat. Emerson Ardon)

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

This show gets back into the swing of things as my second guest is none other than Extreme World Racing League (EWRL) owner and recent high school graduate Emerson Ardon from Texas. We discuss about his passion for broadcasting, theater and pursuing a career in pharmacy. Along the way, I reviewed Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's "Rain on Me" and DaBaby feat. Roddy Ricch's "Rockstar," and banter about the most popular food chains in the United States, with one in particular not existing in the state of Washington. All of that and more on the latest episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses."

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Ep. 3: We Must Do Better

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 04:45:57 GMT

Raw and unedited thoughts of the emotionally difficult time period we're dealing with in our world.

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Ep. 2: Why I Retired from YouTube (feat. Balto Racing)

Thu, 28 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On this episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," I'll have my first guest featuring Balto Racing. Known for his incredible NASCAR music videos and the "Right Now" compilations, we'll discuss about how his videos come together along with his passions, his favorite NASCAR driver Chase Elliott, banter about our floundering baseball teams and more!In addition of having Balto on my show, I'll share why I'm no longer making YouTube videos under my channel "AutoRockinRacing94" and review "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyonce. Enjoy my conversation with Balto and understand the situation I'm going through regarding my YouTube run.

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Ep. 1: Who Is Luis Torres?

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:00:00 GMT

The moment is here! The pilot episode of "Behind the Exploratory Lenses," where I'll be discussing about the return of NASCAR racing at Darlington. Also, I'll give my thoughts on "The Last Dance" and Ariana Grande w/ Justin Bieber's "Stuck With U." To wrap up the show, I openly discuss about being a journeyman media guy during the current COVID-19 health crisis.

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Behind the Exploratory Lenses - Introduction

Sat, 16 May 2020 03:15:01 GMT

Motorsports media journeyman Luis Torres hosts a tell-all podcast where he discusses his racing ventures, but it's far from the only subject. He'll also discuss about other sports, music and lifestyle. More importantly, he'll spotlight the people who'll share their ambitious journey because every voice deserves to be heard.

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