We’re looking forward to introducing you to John Ma’ae. Check out our conversation below.
John , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity.
Without it, there is no love, there is no peace, there is no joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m John Ma’ae. I’m the principal songwriter, singer and rhythm guitar player in The Pollen Collective. We’re an Orange County, California Roots Band that’s been around since 2018. We’ve played over 300 shows, everywhere from San Diego to Solvang and stay busy recording our Live Sets while playing throughout the Southland.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Growing up with domestic violence shaped how I see the world. I saw the people in my family as being fragile while also being angry, scared and unable to deal with their complex emotions. This revealed to me just how frail humans are, to varying degrees, and my part and personality in the framework of my family & friends.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Certainly.
It’s easy to walk away and convince yourself you don’t care about what you’re creating, especially when you’re not 100% convinced it’s of any worth, but when you’re a part of a team and see what hard work can achieve, it becomes something bigger than you and what it does for others makes it worthwhile to you as well.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My Family and Faith.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Stop doing?
Not a thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepollencollectiveband.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepollencollective/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePollenCollective/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC4fuVDN4Bb9nrSbUwdTvOA
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3GY0Ov2f3ySv7g7CgSJzJa
Image Credits
All Photos by Julie Wu Morey at Morey Lifescapes
