Andy Morales of Bayonne on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Andy Morales and have shared our conversation below.

Andy, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Well that depends. What was the actual act? LOL! When it came to making decisions, I tend to overthink too much, but when I didn’t act right away on them and at times it became an long overdue type of situation, the time to make the decision was too little too late. Again, it depends on what the act was.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Andy Morales, a native of Brooklyn, New York, though I now call Bayonne, New Jersey home—a transition that still feels a bit surreal.
I previously managed the Unraveled Influence platform from 2020 to 2024. Today, I host the Jam Them Down podcast, named after the original user handle I used when I first entered the poetry community. While my time in that community has ended, it was the spark that ignited my love for podcasting and content creation.

Now, I’m fully committed to rebuilding my brand and focusing on telling stories that aren’t being heard. I want to use my podcast to feature new voices, connect, and network with people who share this goal. I’m ready to be the canvas for others to express themselves, provided we all reject gatekeeping. I believe deeply in authentic connection and working together for a better tomorrow, and I know from firsthand experience—even pre-poetry—that there is a crucial difference between necessary discernment and simply closing doors on others.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My wife, Maria, is the centerpiece of who I am today. It’s through our shared relationship with Jesus Christ that we’re able to communicate truly and effectively in ways most couples wouldn’t. The depth of the conversations Maria and I have had, and continue to have, would typically lead others toward divorce.

God certainly has a funny sense of humor, and my son, Lucas, has been instrumental in revealing my true self to me. He’s highlighted aspects of my personality that I wasn’t aware of and need to address. I often find myself saying, “But God Tho!” The truth is, without Him, I don’t know where my life would be. Before finding Jesus, I was broken, lost, and lacked motivation. I believe I could have lost my life many times, but I’m a firm believer that I am here for a reason, even on days when I feel worthless.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2024, while working on my Unraveled Influence Project, I frequently faced frustrating challenges. When the project didn’t receive the attention I believed it warranted, it led to feelings of disappointment. Despite how much I was giving back to the poetry community, I felt a distinct lack of reciprocal support—which may sound harsh, but hear me out: the project was pioneering work in the field.

Unraveled Influence went far beyond the standard features, virtual open mics, or poetry readings. I was building a podcast that showcased poets and diverse art forms, specifically aiming to spotlight the individual creator, not just their art. My ambition extended to organizing in-person open mics and developing plans to produce documentaries for the featured artists, believing their compelling stories needed to be told.

Despite encountering some who seemed to hold the project back, I tried to maximize every positive opportunity. Ultimately, Unraveled Influence ended because it struggled with identity; the substance it offered, though unique, wasn’t sufficient to keep it going. Now, by shifting my focus from the poetry community to broader content creation and podcasting, I’ve discovered unexpected new avenues for impact.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I hold onto a few core lessons, some learned long ago and others quite recently. The most important principle is this: Be true to yourself, and fight with everything you have not to lose yourself. While compromise has its uses, it can also be the greatest lie that pulls you away from who you really are. Remember that you aren’t meant to fit in, we are meant to stand out!

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I am committed to lifting up others. I refuse to be a gatekeeper and I embrace being myself. For me, success is shared: when I shine, we shine together, and I’m always willing to share what I have. I find profound satisfaction in helping others and practicing true empathy and I believe in demonstrating it through action, not just conversation. I prefer that the way I conduct myself should always speak for itself. I don’t need to announce that I’m a good person or a man of God. As my good friend, Stephanie Lamb, wisely advises: “Don’t listen to what people say, listen to what they do, because their actions will show you the real them.”

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