Story & Lesson Highlights with DJ Hamilton of Monroe

DJ Hamilton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi DJ, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I’ll speak for men specifically. I believe that society places numerous expectations on men to protect, provide, and fulfill other roles more than ever now due to unrealistic expectations due to social media. I feel many men around the world see everything on social media and compare themselves to others and what women are looking for, which is usually men who can provide monetarily first for the most part.

I believe it’s kind of caused a rift and epidemic in society, especially in my generation (Gen Z), as we’re in a microwave society where everyone wants instant gratification when it comes to love, money, their brand blowing up, etc., but that’s just not how life works for the most part.

For us men, we’re expected to do a lot and feel we aren’t appreciated enough unconditionally unless money is involved. I’d say to men who read this to express what you’re going through. There are others out there who can relate to you as well, and I’d say to speak up and know you’re not alone.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone, I’m DJ Hamilton of the DJ’s Sports Show. I was born in Nyack Hospital on July 25, 2000 to my mother, Trecia. During my childhood, my family and I moved frequently, leading me to question whether I would ever form lasting friendships. Fortunately, we settled in Haverstraw when I was 14 and remained there for ten years, which turned out to be a blessing.

I discuss and write about various sports, focusing primarily on the NBA because basketball is my favorite sport. I have also interviewed prominent sports media figures, including Rob Parker and Scoop B Robinson, as well as star local athletes. I played basketball growing up, as I was a basketball fanatic obsessed with the sport and its history.

I am currently working on something to enhance and take my brand to the next level. I’m hesitant to reveal it yet, but it’s progressing well, and I eagerly anticipate the final product that I think sports enthusiasts all over will love.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I realized I was too kind. I often tried to resolve other people’s problems or make them feel better whenever I saw someone who was sad or upset, believing that I could brighten their day. I always tried to be the “hero,” you could say, but as I got older—I’d say around the later years of high school and early college—it just drained me.

I’m glad I realized it at a very young age, but I had to realize you can’t pour into those who don’t pour back into you. You cannot serve as the hero for everyone, as that places an excessive burden on your shoulders, despite your strong desire to help as an empathetic individual.

I also learned that being nice doesn’t mean others will be kind back, which I learned during my high school years, which taught me valuable lessons that prepared me for later chapters of my life.

Occasionally you have to let people you love (family, friends, etc.) face things on their own. I also believe not all opportunities are created equally. I’ve seen people who work extremely hard, network, etc. Do everything right and still try to get where they want to be in their careers while others have an easier path.

Yes, you still need to work hard to achieve outstanding things in life, but you also need to be in the right places at the right time and work strategically. A little luck too.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Phew! That’s a question. One of my wounds is not knowing my biological father. I’ve seen photos of what he looked like, but I don’t really know him. At certain parts of my life, it bothered me, not too much because my mom did her best to take care of me and my siblings as a single parent.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve just learned to accept it, which has helped me heal. Another wound occurred in the winter of 2022 when I experienced my first heartbreak, which left me feeling depressed and dejected. I couldn’t eat or sleep and felt dispirited and wasn’t myself.

2022 was the year that changed me the most; oddly enough, it was also the year I graduated college from New Paltz. As I mentioned earlier, my former desire to be the hero and solve problems for those I love caused me pain, and my attempt to correct things backfired.

It wasn’t just the heartbreak but also the life stress I was dealing with at the time, and losing a loved one prematurely shifted my whole perspective and mindset on life again. I healed those wounds by mastering being with myself, leveling up my mind and body, teaching myself new skills (video editing, cooking, thumbnails), and enhancing my brand.

I also have traveled to different places, which has helped me expand my view of the world, and I have made new friends from networking events and so forth just by being my usual authentic self.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Most definitely. I always promised myself when I was young to stay true to myself and rooted in kindness, authenticity, and so forth. Don’t let social media or anyone force me to masquerade as someone I’m not. Staying true to yourself prevents you from living a lie to yourself and others.

It also helps me identify who my real friends and supporters are by simply being my usual humorous, creative self. Always stay true to who you are, accept your flaws, work on them, and remind yourself to stay true to you.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in one of these elements: exercising, reading, or creating. I love going for a walk, listening to Jay Shetty, Lewis Howes, and Anthony O’Neal for financial literacy, as well as listening to music.

I also love going to the gym, where I go into my “alter ego,” the Black Winter Soldier, when I’m in my workout mode. Lastly, I feel at peace when I’m reading, listening to a podcast, or curating an article or notes for my next podcast episode.

I’ve been in the most peaceful era of my life, I’d say, and it’s felt good.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Todd Pitt (MicVision Studios) for Paige Bueckers, Len Bias, and sleeveless jean jacket photo.

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