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[0:06] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to The Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the sky a better place to be. I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:40] Robert Peterpaul: New York, New York, for an exciting red carpet event. Stay tuned on that, and I stopped by the most wonderful street vendor to get a snack. Ever since I was little, it thrilled me that you could be walking on the sidewalk and every block or so bump into a cart brimming with goodies. Street vendors are all over the world, selling everything from food and drinks to flowers and merchandise. I'm sure you've come across them on your own journeys. Well, according to research, a lot of the time these vendors are immigrants just trying to get by and support their families. This week I had the privilege of speaking with a man who makes it his mission to help those vendors. I'm talking about TikTok sensation, changemaker and all around force for good, Jesús Morales, aka Juixxe.

Juixxe has been inspiring his 4.2 million followers to spread kindness since the 2020 shutdown. He uses TikTok to crowdfund donations for local street vendors who struggled during the pandemic and also to uplift the Latinx community in general. Juixxe surprises these vendors by handing them everything from a large amount of money to a car. He captures such wonderful and positive videos that will make your heart soar. Juixxe recently teamed up with the new Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas Drink to surprise street vendors by buying out their carts and giving them each $5,000. He also flew them to the Modelo launch party in Las Vegas. Join us as we chat with Juixxe about his commitment to kindness and making a positive impact both on social media and the world.

Normally I would tell y'all to stay tuned after the interview for your kindness tip of the week. But what's normal? Anyway, I don't have a kindness tip because honestly, I've been running on empty. We moved this week, we've been working, we got our cats neutered. I had to go into the city. I mean, it's been great, great. Sorry, I'm telling you too much TMI, too much information. But you know what? Maybe this is your kindness tip. To give yourself grace. And I'm going to give myself grace by not making myself record a kindness tip, which I love doing, but I just I need to relax. Anyway, I love you all. I hope you enjoy this wonderful interview. You can find us on social media at Art of Kindness Pod and at Robert Peterpaul to see more behind the scenes content and just weirdness in general. Without further ado, please enjoy the joyful Juixxe.

[3:33] Jesús Morales: Thank you. That means a lot. I'm excited for this interview.

[3:36] Robert Peterpaul: So well, as you probably know, this is the Art of Kindness podcast, so I would love to just start our chat today by getting your definition of kindness. Someone who's always spreading kindness, I would love to know what it means to you.

[3:48] Jesús Morales: To me, I think it's just like surprising somebody. Like my favorite thing is to just like totally throw somebody off and put a smile on their face with just like a small act of kindness. So like my favorite thing to do is that like whenever I can. Like if I'm at the grocery store and somebody has like one item or two small items, I just pay for it. And then just seeing their smile like light up because they're like, wait, what? Like, this has never happened to me before. Yeah. I don't know. It's just like the small things to me, I think are the ones that really make like those long-term effects. And I think that's what kindness is like really about.

[4:24] Robert Peterpaul: I agree. Yeah, it's all these small things add and make a big change.

[4:27] Jesús Morales: Yes.

[4:28] Robert Peterpaul: And have a huge ripple effect. And it is funny because when you surprise people, they don't believe it. It's so funny that the first thought is, is this real? Is someone tricking me? You know what I mean? It's like it's hard to accept that. Have you? I'm sure you found that. I'm just watching your videos. I see a lot of people taken aback and they don't believe it's real for a second, you know?

[4:45] Jesús Morales: Yeah. No, yeah, that's my favorite. And like, yeah, I mean, that's like that's the coolest part, you know, because like I guess it's just so un it sucks, but it's kind of uncommon for like good things to happen to people sometimes. And so like that's what throws people back sometimes. They're like, what? Like, why are you giving me this? Or like why are you doing this, you know? But um, but yeah, I mean, it's just it's just absolutely beautiful to be able to surprise people and like have them, you know, actually believe in these things, you know. The that maybe they only see online and then it finally happens to them, and they're just blown away by it, you know.

[5:21] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Well, speaking of the surprises that you've gotten so good at over the years, I would love to kind of get down to the why. I know you've talked about it a little and I've read about it and heard about it from the different shows you've been on. But if you could just tell our listeners why you do what you do, I think it's such a beautiful story.

[5:37] Jesús Morales: Yeah, yeah. So um I was actually sitting at home during the pandemic in 2020. Um, I didn't have a job, I was furloughed at the time. And I remember I was creating videos on TikTok just for fun, you know. I was just kind of something to pass the time. However, there came a point in time with like what I was creating just it didn't fulfill me. And like I kind of hit like a wall. And it wasn't until I came across other creators online that were using their platform to give back to their community in some way or another. I just thought that was so amazing. And I thought to myself, like, how can I do that? How can I do that? And then it just clicked because I would see my local elote man coming up and down the street every single day, same time, and it was like around 3 p.m. And I was like, dude, this guy does not stop hustling.

And like, you know, we're in the middle of a pandemic and he's just trying to make a living. And I was like, you know what? Like, what if we helped out the street vendor community? Like, I can only imagine how much they're hurting. And so, you know, these other creators were giving away thousands of dollars, but you know, I was literally unemployed at the time. So I was just like, you know what? Like, I'm gonna give this guy a hundred dollars. Like that's the most I can do, but like it's something. And so I remember I recorded that video, and you know, the support that I got, people that's that's where it really all started, you know. People were just like, yo, like how can we help? Like this is amazing.

But I don't know, it for me, the street vendor community kind of just like hits home because like if you've ever been to Mexico, like Mexico, there's street vendors all over the place. And so it just reminds me a little bit about my roots. You know, my parents are both from Mexico and they came here. And although they weren't street vendors themselves, I actually just recently found out that my grandmother, may she rest in peace, was a street vendor when she was much younger.

[7:32] Jesús Morales: Wow. And so I when my mom told me that, and like I literally just found that out this year, it was kind of just like a whoa, like a full circle moment because it makes her really emotional when she told me that because you know she she is gone now, but like what reminds her and like what like makes her really happy is that like you know, she kind of brought this full circle moment where like me unknowingly, you know, helping out the street vendor community, you know, it I don't know, it just all ties it together and it's just it's just like really emotional. But yeah, I mean, it there's so many levels to it as to why I do it, you know, it just also brings me a few like this this happiness when I'm able to surprise somebody, and yeah, I mean, there's just multiple reasons to it, but the main reason why is just it just kind of hits home for me.

[8:22] Robert Peterpaul: So it's in your blood.

[8:24] Jesús Morales: I mean, we're also glad you do it, and it's wonderful to watch these videos, and we need more people doing this stuff out there. You know, I was on TikTok in the pandemic, just doing weird dances and stuff. I mean, you know, so right. I think it's it's amazing that you you turned that platform into something so positive and powerful. Your next big positive, powerful thing is with Modelo, and I would love if you could just talk us through that partnership. It sounds like it's gonna be so epic.

[8:44] Jesús Morales: Yes, yeah. So um, as you as you've heard, Modelo launched their new drink, Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas, which were inspired by the street vendor community. Um, and I just think it's uh, you know, this partnership is just absolutely beautiful. Like the I think it we're completely aligned on the on the mission here, you know. I think it's amazing because they actually gave me the opportunity to invite five real street vendors, you know, to come try out this new drink that was inspired by them, you know, these people with the fighting spirit. And um, yeah, so not only that, but Modelo also had a surprise for them. Um, and they actually have given them five thousand dollars each just for coming on to the trip and coming out with us and you know, just having a blast, enjoying the new drinks and just being in Las Vegas for the day.

[9:37] Jesús Morales: So I think that really just says a lot about the brand, you know, because it's not every brand that would do something like this. And actually, you know, not only did they create a product that was inspired by street vendors, but they actually brought real street vendors to come out and try it for themselves. And you know, everybody loved the drink. It was absolutely amazing. It was just such a good time. And I'm just really grateful for the opportunity that I had with Modelo here.

[10:00] Robert Peterpaul: Do you have a sort of a favorite reaction from I know over the years you've surprised so many people, but from just this initiative?

[10:07] Jesús Morales: Oh yeah. Um, I remember it was at the end of the night. So, you know, we had a full day of activities. We were all just hanging out after the Modelo launch event. And uh, we headed back to my hotel um and I said that you know, we were just gonna have some food and just call it a night. But I told them I had one more surprise for them, but they had absolutely no idea. And then when I pulled out all the money, everyone was just like, no way. Like they were just so blown back because I had no idea that this was coming. And I just told them, like, hey guys, like this is on behalf of Modelo. They want to surprise you with five thousand dollars each. And um, I mean, all of the reactions were priceless.

Uh, however, it was uh one of the vendors, his name was Christian, uh, who owns the taco stand that we invited. And then his mom also came on the trip because she's actually the cashier for his stand. And it was just such an emotional moment because you could tell, like Christian was so blown away, and then his mom was just like in tears, literally, uh, just so happy. And she's like, No, like I can't believe it. Like, I love you, Mijo. Thank you, thank you. And um, what also, you know, really like kind of uh gave me a little bit of a chill is that Christian mentioned that he actually recently had his food truck, not well, not his food truck, but the truck that he used to put all of his equipment in to go to take it to his stand had recently got stolen.

Um, and so he had to buy like the super beat up truck uh for the time being, and you know, it was a you know, it's not something that he was expecting to spend on, but it just kind of came out like the perfect time. And so yeah, I don't know. It was just it was an amazing moment, and I was just so excited for that because I just knew that these vendors were gonna be so grateful for that.

[11:51] Robert Peterpaul: It's meant to be, and I think one of the most amazing parts of initiatives like that and everything you're doing is that it then inspires the receivers to be kind, so you'll never even know how many people you're actually touching, because then they'll go and do even if it's just an act of kindness, not monetary, whatever people can do, you know. I think it's such a beautiful ripple effect. And I'm thinking everybody out there, you know, when you take a sip of this amazing new drink, it's it's like kindness every sip. You gotta you have that extra reminder, you know what I'm saying?

[12:18] Jesús Morales: You know, you oh yeah, obviously are helping so many people, and we just talked about that ripple effect. But I would love to know an act of kindness that you've experienced that kind of changed your life if you have a story to share.

[12:31] Jesús Morales: Yes. Um, also like another full circle moment. Um are you familiar with the YouTuber FaZe Rug?

[12:39] Robert Peterpaul: A little bit.

[12:40] Jesús Morales: I know a lot of the yeah, so yeah, no, it's all good, it's all good. Well, uh FaZe Rug is actually a really big YouTuber, and um, he lives here in San Diego, California as well. And I've been like a fan of him for like probably like four or five years, and he actually ended up giving me a Tesla on one of his giveaways on YouTube, and it was I was like blown away. Like to this day, like I still can't believe it. And I never imagined like to until that day, I didn't think those things were true until it happened to me, and it's just to this day been like the craziest moment of my life. Um, you know, getting a car from a YouTuber, more importantly, one of your like favorite YouTubers. Yeah, so that one is like something that I still can't believe to this day sometimes, and it's something that since that day I've been wanting to do the same for somebody else. So, like one day, if all works well, I want to give away a Tesla to someone as well, like somewhere in the future.

[13:41] Robert Peterpaul: So I love that full circle.

[13:44] Jesús Morales: Yeah, and you've given away cars and you've done this for so many people. So I love that you can experience the opposite end and and feel that, you know. I think that's super special and very important. And I hope everybody as they're drinking this lovely new drink can go out there and do an act of kindness too. You know, I really would love to know, I guess, going forward, if you have well, I guess you sort of just mentioned it, but if you have like an ultimate surprise plan that you would love to pull off.

[14:12] Jesús Morales: You know, the thing is, my brain's like always like thinking of like new ideas. And so I'm always trying to find new ways to surprise, you know, our street vendors or just people in general. Um, so I can't think of one off the top of my head because for like the last few months this this Modelo surprise has been like the only one that has been on my mind. And so um I honestly I'm just excited to share with the world uh very soon on social media, like that surprise in itself. But um, but yeah, I mean I think I mean, other than that, Tesla, um I guess we'll just have to find out because I I really don't have anything planned as of right now, but I know I'll think of something and uh we'll we'll have some new surprises sometime on uh you know my social media soon.

[14:55] Robert Peterpaul: Oh that no, that's so exciting. You know, and the amazing part of it I think that really hits home for people is that you do have this genuine through line of specifically uplifting street vendors and also the T-Nex community. Any advice out there for listeners on how they can do that in their own life?

[15:11] Jesús Morales: Yes, yes. Um I actually get this question quite often, and you know, I think it's just it's just a matter of starting somewhere, you know. I remember like when I first came across those uh other creators online, I was just so inspired and I was like, I literally want to do that. Like, how do I do it? I I was asking myself the same question, but I didn't have a thousand dollars, you know, to my name at the time. Like I couldn't just give that away, even as even as much as I wanted to. But um, I started with what I could. So I would just recommend like for anybody out there, like if you want to start, you know, something similar to this, it's just start wherever you can. It doesn't have to be anything huge, it doesn't have to be anything super significant.

Like just do what you can with what you have. And if you really are very like genuinely passionate about it, there's always going to be a way for you to continue doing it. And if you're consistent with it, you'll eventually, like, especially if you do this online, you will eventually find your community and you will find people that are willing to want to help and that will believe in you and that will take you to places that you may never have expected to be in, such as myself. Like I'm in this position right now in this interview with you right now, Robert, talking about a partnership I'm I've done with Modelo, which is my favorite brand. And it's like it's just this, it's crazy. To this day, I can't believe like the places that I've been.

I never expected anything in return, but I feel absolutely blessed. And I just, if anybody's out there listening to this, your life can be changed with social media. And you can also change the lives of others through social media. It doesn't all have to be, you know, uh just that, you know, you see a lot of bad stuff online, but you can be that positivity, you know, for someone, even if it's just with one video, even if you just give them a smile for a moment, uh, stranger online. Not only do you help someone like on the street, if you decide to help someone on the street, but if you, you know, you post these videos, um, someone sees it and you can also make someone online smile. It there's a lot of controversy behind that, you know, like posting the acts of kindness, but I think it inspires people at the end of the day.

And no matter what, um, I think people just should go for it. If this is something that they want to do, go for it. And at the end of the day, you are spreading kindness and joy, I think, no matter what. So that's what the whole controversy boils down to for me.

[17:34] Robert Peterpaul: And I love that you just approach it with such a genuine attitude. I feel like I've just been saying wow, this whole conversation. So everybody take a sip of Modelo every time I say wow, because I've said it about you're probably drunk. Um no, you're not. But yeah, I I just really am in awe of you. And I was gonna ask you for you know a final question, a kindness tip to share, but I think that probably is one, just spreading positivity on social media. And I know we're almost out of time. So, you know, I I appreciate that. I think that was really powerful advice. And you know, everything you're doing is so wonderful. So keep doing it because we need people like you in this social media universe that are spreading the sunshine.

[18:11] Jesús Morales: I appreciate that, Robert.

[18:12] Robert Peterpaul: No, well, thank you so much for your time. And yeah, I mean, it was a blast talking to you, and uh definitely make sure to check out your podcast because uh yeah, definitely want to check us out. We've actually Isaiah, Isaiah Garza, a fellow kindness social media was on here.

[18:26] Jesús Morales: We've also missed people yeah, you know, you guys are just you're like Titans.

[18:30] Robert Peterpaul: So thank you so much. Keep doing what you're doing, and I appreciate all of you.