We were lucky to catch up with John Mike Guzman Jr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
John Mike, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
With such a growing political divide today in America, I joined the Inland Empire group, “Menifee Bridging the Divide.” It brings political neighbors “reds and blues” together for respectful dialogue. They held a social event as well, a Taco Night where Republicans and Democrats were welcomed with a variety of delicious cuisine. Menifee Bridging the Divide, creates monthly face to face interaction where a wide range of issues are discussed in a calm, respectful manner.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
“Tribalism involves thinking you know what other people are like without knowing them. Lacking direct experience of others, you fall back on fearful fantasies.”
Last December I ended my SD Voyager article with this quote shared by Executive Director of The Lift, author Sandra Unger. Unger is author of the book, “Tribe – Why Do All Our Friends Look Just Like Us?”
For those who don’t know John, he’s an international traveler. His sincere desire is for us to get to know someone “not like ourselves” and build bridges with a wide variety of people.
His background includes traveling over half his adult life! He’s met people in over 30 countries, lived in three European countries and Asia (China and Taiwan). He was also a walking tour guide in downtown San Diego.
For a Minnesota interview he was asked, “How do you make friends from all over the world?” He disclosed, “One modern tool which I recommend is the Couchsurfing app, which can connect you to a global community of hosts. Those who have a couch, spare room or an air mattress can invite you to stay for free.”
“This app is more than just a free place to sleep. It actually changed my life in so many positive ways. It’s like a cultural exchange. I’ve also hosted couchsurfers, “CS” travelers in my home,” said John, who uses his middle name “Mike” for his online profile.
“Using the CS app, I’ve reached out to a wide range of political Americans, from conservatives to liberals and religious evangelicals to Muslim people.” Steve, a Christian Couchsurfer in Chattanooga, TN hosted me and cooked the most amazing fried chicken dinner I’ve ever tasted! I think it was an old family recipe.”
John continues to remain in contact with international CS travelers such as Janina. She’s keen on animals, nature, music, dancing! She has been hosted in South America, the Bahamas and eight times in India! Recently, she sent a text in which she called CS “An awesome idea!” and shared some of her travel experiences: “That’s actually the way you really connect to the culture and people in the country… to see how they really live because you live with them and share the food and family…couchsurfing is awesome! I hope I will couchsurf your place one day and I can host you.”
A married Muslim couple Sara and Aqib, originally from Pakistan, belonged to this online travel community and hosted John in their one bedroom apartment in TN. “Not only did they drive me around town, but they invited me to explore their university. The two showcased an educational program on Pakistan at their college and I met their friends on campus. In their apartment, they cooked me breakfast and dinner and taught me some basic phrases in the Urdu language,” as he described his first experience being hosted by the Muslim couple.
“In addition to meeting individuals from countries outside the U.S. I’ve heard from frustrated parents locally who can’t believe what’s NOT being taught in schools today, such as geography” stated John. He shared the story of CS ‘Toke’ who he met in San Diego. “Couchsurfer Toke visited 17 countries and has an MBA. “I was astonished that Toke’s knowledge of geography was excellent; much better than mine! I learned that he was born in Kazakhstan (former Soviet Republic) and was taught world geography. As an adult today, he can still recognize and locate over 100 countries and their capitals on a blank world map.” To home school parents, I say, “Imagine how much more knowledgeable and engaged your children would be if you could find a way to inspire and motivate them.”
“Due to my Pakistani-American hosts in TN, I was aware of the July earthquake which rocked the world’s fifth most populous country – Pakistan. The recent news regarding the catastrophic flooding where I read a third of the country was underwater made me want to do something! Three million people were displaced- more than double the population the San Diego!” John exclaimed.
After Sara replied to his text that her relatives had been affected, John donated financially to help the Pakistani people. “Without any Pakistani friendship connection (via couchsurfing) I might not have even been aware of this humanitarian disaster let alone donate or even be able to find Pakistan on a map.”
Those who are content to remain in the USA and not travel internationally may wonder, “Why this insatiable appetite to connect with others who may not think like we do?”
“Why would I ever want to meet a Muslim?” you might be saying, especially if you’re a Bible believer. Some Christians are encouraging their fellow church parishioner to get to know their Muslim neighbors. One of these individuals is Colorado Christian, Shane Bennett, who has a short weekly blog found at shanebennett.com. His blogs are educational and can be enjoyed in less than five minutes. “He incorporates the lighter side of Islam and as a Christian gives practical advice, how to connect and dialogue with people of other faiths. He’s such a talented writer.” John explained. Through his blogs, Shane connects with his fellow Christians and encourages them to get to know their Muslim neighbors.
Another reason that John, sees such an important reason to reach out is to counter a growing political and religious divide expressed as tribalism here in the USA.
Many theories exist as to why tribalism exists and why Americans are seemingly more divided. Author Jonah Goldberg humorously related a cartoon of dogs playing poker. One dog says to the other, “It’s not just enough for dogs to win. We must also hurt cats.”
More frequently now than in the past, the extreme political red’s and blue’s goals are not only to win elections, but to defeat and hurt, to humiliate those on “the other side.” There’s a huge rise in negative partisanship which Goldberg equates to “millions of people who call themselves Democrats – the only reason is because they hate Republicans.” (And vice versa) “That’s a very tribal way of viewing the world.” Goldberg asserted.
You are probably aware of Edmund Burke’s famous quote, “All it takes for evil to exist is for good men to do nothing.” During a YouTube talk, Goldberg introduced another of Burke’s idea, “Little platoons of a civil society”. What are these? They are institutions which give us a sense of meaning in our lives. An example are houses of worship. One theory that’s proposed is when these institutional pillars start to break down, we “don’t lose our desire for meaning and belonging in our lives. Instead we look to other things to provide them. Historically this has been tribalism or nationalism or populism or simply politics.”
Along with this “very unhealthy way to think about politics” Goldberg alleged that often in this world we’re taught that “we’re owed something. We teach people to be resentful. Resentment is the opposite of gratitude.”
“I have so many reasons to be grateful!” John exclaimed. I’ve been fortunate to travel through Central and South America with limited Taco Bell Spanish as well as traveling in Asia. “True, I arrived in Hong Kong with an extremely limited knowledge of only about a dozen key Chinese words/phrases, but I did my best to study and increase my vocabulary. This paid off big time.”
Despite early language limitations as well as financial constraints when an overseas Chinese ATM machine accidentally ate John’s bank card, he survived. Then he learned to embrace a different culture with the help of activities at the Guangzhou backpacker hostel. He took part in an authentic “Learn to prepare your own dumplings” night. This once “shy guy” also participated in a “Red Bull” energy drink event as the only foreigner alongside hundreds of local chinese at a festival. “I felt like a celebrity – selected to come up on stage – especially after I won the Red Bull contest!” Later he found a job at a backpacker hostel in Qingdao, China, working for $15.00 – double the pay rate that John’s native Chinese co-workers were earning – per day!
“Picture my job as a sort of official english speaking greeter/concierge during the day and an authentic food tour leader at night. My tours were almost always packed. We included people from around the world – Europeans – lots of Germans – Japanese; even met an adventurous Russian named Valentina, who I’m still in touch with today.”
“Back in the USA I’ve been invited to share my travel adventures. I’ve spoken at service clubs, to inspire others and included stories of the kindness of strangers that I’ve met along my journey.”
“I can understand that today, many of our neighbors are quite concerned over hot button topics. I have no foolproof solution but what’s important is our mindset and what we focus on.”
A former comedian who turned pastor reminded his congregation that “whatever you feed is going to grow bigger”. John similarly asserted, “Whatever we spend our time focusing on will grow in our minds and become our view of the world.” His inquisitive mind wonders, “Do you want to feed your fears: fear of the other or fear of the unknown? Or do you want to feed your gratitude and feed your curiosity?”
The challenge is when individuals and groups feel under attack they become stuck in their “reptile brains”. This limited flight or flight brain John calls “the Taliban mindset.”
Another traveler endowed with intellectual curiosity is John’s favorite Swedish friend Moa, who visited Coronado and La Jolla years ago. Her expertise in neuroscience “motoronic systems” allowed her to share her thoughts on an article regarding the human mind. “The amygdala is the brain’s alarm system and is more active in the fight or flight scenario. Increased activity in the amygdala prepares the body for fight or flight which also makes the person more narrow – minded because less input can come in to the system when in (that) fight or flight state,” Moa messaged John.
“I learned a lot from this spontaneous traveler and glad we stayed in touch. When she revisits San Diego, I owe Moa a Double Double hamburger at In-N-Out.”
Humor also helps. The Mayo clinic website stated that a good laugh has great short term effects. It doesn’t just lighten your load mentally. It actually induces “physical changes in your body”. Laughter can “stimulate your organs and relieve your stress response. Additionally laughter can decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result is a good relaxed feeling.”
One of the most successful comedians in the industry today is Gabriel Iglesias known worldwide as “Fluffy”. He has been featured on t.v. specials including, Unity Through Laughter. One of Fluffy’s YouTube videos which John has shared with both conservative and liberals is “Dave the Bus Driver” and has 8.1 million views so far: https://youtu.be/wXIrmzz5fyc
Since the pandemic has slowed international travel for many, John understands and recommends that those armchair travelers discover the world from the comfort of their own living room. He also recommends connecting with neighbors who may not think like you in order to assuage political polarization. To do this, John joined two of largest groups, “Braver Angels” and “Make America Dinner Again”. One leader on a the Braver Angels ZOOM call summed it up when we said, “Whatever your hot topic issues are, they all are built on our ability to communicate. Without communicating none of these other issues can be solved.” Not only do these two national organizations exist, but smaller similar minded groups are also sprouting up across the U.S. as well.
One organization, which John joined is the Inland Empire group, ‘Menifee Bridging the Divide.” It brings political neighbors “reds and blues” together for respectful dialogue. The group held a social, taco night event where Republicans and Democrats were welcomed with a variety of delicious cuisine. This is a place where you can speak your mind and don’t have to worry about being cancelled. Menifee Bridging the Divide, creates face to face monthly meetings where a wide range of issues are discussed in a calm, respectful manner.
There’s a joke that goes “When you speak three languages, you’re tri-linguel. When you speak two languages you are bi-lingual. When you speak just one language… you’re an American.”
What advice and what challenges did John overcome?
In his December 2021 SD Voyager article, John joked one of the benefits learning a second language, “it’s easier to connect with the foreign women!” An inquisitive spirit also assisted him in connecting several years ago in Guangzhou with Fan or “Catherine” which she chose as her American name. While matriculated in a highly competitive university with little time, she still found opportunities to introduce John to Chinese culture, including her hometown local cuisine which what would become his favorite meal in all of China – Guilin rice noodles.
“Without Catherine’s kindness, I don’t know where I would have ended up. She even came to visit me, after Guangzhou when I was working in Taipei. When we first met, I was extremely curious about Chinese culture and Catherine really lent a hand,” John admitted. Again it seemed food and friendship aided in breaking down cultural barriers.
Curiosity brings individuals together as does the cuisine. Sampling exotic foods was a way for this former picky childhood eater to expand his culinary tastebuds.
“Sometimes I saw menus written in broken english in Shanghai. Totally confused, I often couldn’t make out (the meaning of) menus with phrases like “know taste pork meat pie” or “chicken without sexual life” or “fish smells like pork”. “One evening in a Shanghai restaurant on a crowded street, with a group of western backpackers, we all ordered the same colorful menu item advertised, “Donkey Explodes the Stomach!”
Another Chinese person, John met while traveling in mainland China (near Guangzhou) had an english nickname. “I speculate she was named after a red, romantic flower. Her English nickname rhymes with toes.” Originally from a northeast Chinese city located less than one mile from the North Korean settlement of Sinuiju, this Chinese friend of John’s was enterprising and assertive. She learned of John’s quest for the most exotic type of Chinese cuisine he’d be willing to try. They had dinner together when she brought him to Guo Li Zhuang – literally “the strength inside the pot” – a restaurant brand that specializes in dishes prepared from the genitals from a wide variety of male species such as: horses, oxen, donkeys, deer, goats, sheep and more. “She actually wouldn’t tell me which animal pieces I was tasting until I finished my meal!” John broke out laughing.
Any other advice? When you approach a conversational dialogue with someone, (especially if you disagree) attempt to bring out your inquisitive side. One of John’s friends is Alan, a co-host on a radio host who understands “the Federal Reserve in and out”. Alan offered advice to John, “When people disagree with me, I don’t get huffy. I get inquisitive because I want to learn.” Alan further suggested, “When someone tries to dismiss your complex argument by trying to “label you” this is a sign of a very weak argument.” John concedes there is a lot of Talk Radio shows with opinions being tossed around like a football yet, “I really enjoy tuning in to Alan, as he has a conversational, not a combative tone and I always learn while listening to him.”
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
“It’s beneficial to connect with individuals who are successfully doing today what you want to be doing tomorrow. This inspires and encourages us to keep moving forward. One such individual I discovered was Tony Ruiz, living in Texas but who journeys to southern California for his foundation.”
A 2013 San Diego Tribune article about Tony touched John’s heart. “After reading the article, I messaged him sharing my story that as a civilian, I had worked for the U.S. military in southern Germany. My message to Tony read, “Even though I never met your military son, Sgt. Clinton Keith Ruiz, directly, he seemed like an outstanding young man. You mentioned the author, Carl Medearis – a mutual friend – who’s book definitely helped your son relate to others in Afghanistan.”
John shared he and Tony spoke on the phone. “I was impressed understanding not only Tony’s mindset but his heart as well. How Tony reacted is a powerful example, of how with God’s help, we can love others even after experiencing the most devastating loss imaginable – having your 22 year old son killed in Afghanistan.” Tony actually read the book his son had been reading, “Muslims, Christians and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships” by Carl Medearis. This gave Tony the same lens his son had used to see and understand the Afghan people. With these insights Tony founded the Temecula Sgt. Clinton Ruiz Memorial Foundation.” Here’s the SD article which John read.
Sergeant’s death transforms father’s life-The San Diego Union-Tribune.
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- Other articles: Podrishioner Profile: John Mike Guzman Jr. – Woodland Hills Church: https://whchurch.org/podrishioner-profile-john-mike-guzman-jr/