Jake Pearson  00:00

Are you trying to figure out the secret to happiness? We're here at What Makes You Happy with Jake Pearson. We want to make that happiness more accessible for you in your life. So stick around as we interview everyday people, inspirational leaders and your favorite celebrities on what makes them happy.

Welcome back to the podcast where we ask the question, what makes you happy?

My name is Jake Pearson. And today we have with us the frontman of the rock band, "Hot Apollo" Jaymes Buckman, from Ontario, Canada all the way across the world. How are you, James?

Jaymes Buckman  00:42

I'm pretty well, I'm feeling happy right now.

Jake Pearson  00:45

Thank you for coming on the podcast and sharing all things that make you happy. What does make you happy?

Jaymes Buckman  00:51

First and foremost, performing my music that is like, it might be like the one thing I do, where-- there's almost no chance of overthinking, it's the prime material for just living in the moment. And that's not always something I'm great at, like my mind is generally going in all sorts of places. It's like racing across multiple dimensions, all through the cosmos. And that is like, when I'm on stage, I'm just there. I'm like, raw and primal and it's the easiest spot for me to be that, and I think that might be the reason for which is a pleasure like no other in life.

Jake Pearson  01:41

I really liked that being, it really helps you be present, doesn't it?

Jaymes Buckman  01:45

Yes. What's the thing? I'm always present. The problems that I'm present in too many places? Like, I don't know, I don't have trouble in cherishing what's going on around me. Like, I'm pretty good at that. But I'm just bad at shutting everything else out. No, it doesn't really detract from, like my life experience [phonetic 02:05] so much, someone's like, I like it. But it does mean that I'm not always singularly focused in the way that people are. I know that I am basically built to be the antithesis of a monk. [Phonetic 02:22]

Jake Pearson  02:21

And how long has music been sort of a part of your life for you, that has helped with that happiness. 

Jaymes Buckman  02:28

Honestly, I've always loved performing in one way or another as soon as I can remember, even remembering grade school, I had a habit of jumping up in my desk, whenever there was quite a moment in classes, singing out some lyrics [phonetic 02:48] or something. But I really started taking it seriously towards the end of high school, beginning of college. And that's when I decided to form a like a band.

Jake Pearson  03:00

Thank you for sharing that James. That's beautiful that you found that music is just giving you that something to pursue that really brings you happiness in your life. What would you say to our listeners right now who may be struggling to find a little bit of happiness in their lives?

Jaymes Buckman  03:16

Well, I feel-- like friends who have asked me that exact question. And some of them feel really bad, almost guilty. Maybe they feel it's too late. And it's not like, I think it was easier for me to find that than it is for some people and for that. I feel extra blessed. But I do think that there's no reason for which anyone can't find that, it might take some more doing, might take more effort, trial and error. But it's never impossible. It's never too late. And it's worth it. It's hella worth it!

Jake Pearson  03:51

I really resonate with that. It is never too late to find something or try something in your life. And you'll speak to a lot of people that are a lot older than us. And they'll say I have a lot of regrets. I wish I'd just started sooner for a lot of different things in their life, whether it was pursuing their health or a passion of theirs or traveling. And yes, so I like to lean into that. If you feel like you want to start something, don't let yourself be in the way of that.

Jaymes Buckman  04:20

I'm an artist right and never really know how arts going to turn out in this sort of material sense. Like you might hit the big time or you might just be carving out your own corner of relative obscurity forever. But as long as you know that VR [phonetic 04:44] you're making is spiritually fulfilling you then like there's not much regret.

Jake Pearson  04:50

I have something in my life that I jumped into. Very similar was boxing for me. And I always went What if I get in the ring, what If I get in the ring, and then someone said to me, Aren't you too old? And I was like hell no. And I don't want to have any regrets. And I started and about getting ready for the first fight that I'm going to have. And I'm like, I'm so glad I had that moment where I'm like, I don't want to regret for the rest of my life thinking what would have happened if I'd done that. So yes, trying to lean into things that you would regret not doing could definitely lead to a little bit of happiness in your life and leave you feeling fulfilled which is great, too. 

Jake Pearson  05:30

Thank you so much for coming on the podcast. And if you'd love to connect with James, and learn more about the music of your rock band, which is...

Jaymes Buckman  05:38

Hot Apollo.

Jake Pearson  05:39

Beautiful. Connect with James via the podcast episode description below and check out Hot Apollo and everything about their music. Thank you so much, Jaymes. Lovely to connect. 

Thanks for listening to the podcast. We hope it gives you something to think about on your quest to discover what makes you happy. Don't forget to leave a review or a comment and follow us on all our social media platforms so you can see our upcoming guests calendar. Thanks for listening. We'll see you next time !