Let's Be Friends: Dr. Earvin Paul
Let's Be Friends is an interview series with people who inspire me to log off
Feeling fatigued by the barrage of people trying to be someone online? Me too (though, I totally fall under that category). Welcome to Let’s Be Friends: a series of interviews with people whose jobs, interests, and stories give them unfiltered, IRL allure.
When I launched the first iteration of my blog in 2017, I didn’t give much thought to audience. Every armchair expert peddling $1000 “turn your blog into your job” guidebooks said that would be my downfall. But all I knew was if I thought about who was going to read it, or numbers and growth, I would miss the point entirely. Today is an important day on this wonky little journey—my first male feature. It seems trivial, but it’s really a testament to things coming together in a way I’ve always imagined: creating art that speaks to the everyday stories and relationships that bind us. I love my male-identifying readers. I want to show up for them in more meaningful ways. If you’re looking for a “men are trash” agenda, you’re in the wrong place.
I met Earv in college. We both went to Bloomsburg University where he was on the track team and I was partying occasionally with his friends. There was a unique chill and optimism to this guy, the kind that signals much beneath the surface. Anyone who knows Earv will vouch for his je ne sais quoi. Now a chiropractor in NYC, I thought this was the perfect way to reconnect and see what he’s been up to. Welcome Dr. Earvin Paul to the chat.
Pronouns: he/him/his
Age: 29, basically 30
Location: Hoboken, NJ
I don’t love the obvious, “So, what do you do?” Give us a rundown of what occupies your time, gives you meaning, and how you got there:
What usually occupies my time is music and anything health and fitness related.
I spend hours listening and thinking about music of all genres. At times I think I should have worked in the music industry (maybe I still can), but rapping/singing isn’t my strong suit. I remember being a kid and recording songs on a cassette from the radio or begging family members to buy me the latest cd. When Spotify came out, I signed up quickly and it changed my life. Having access to so many songs and different artists was gold. I recently bought a record player to start a vinyl collection. I also started learning how to play the drums. Whenever I listen to a song, the first thing I notice is the beat and how it makes me feel.
I take my health and fitness pretty seriously. I was an athlete in high school and college, so I grew up watching and playing sports most of my life. I realized in college I wasn’t going pro, so I decided to major in exercise science and get my doctorate in chiropractic. I figured if I can’t be a pro athlete, I can at least help treat them, or share my knowledge with other people. I constantly preach about how you can solve most of your problems with a natural approach using simple diet, exercise, and self-care. (I also have to throw a disclaimer that medicine does wonders and should be used if absolutely necessary.)
Pandemic-related or not, what’s a realization you’ve had in the past year that’s impacted your outlook on life?
During the pandemic, I didn’t work for over 7 months with NYC being basically closed. I played hours and hours of Xbox, binge watched every show, and built up a good amount of anxiety with all the uncertainty going on. I had a lot of time (maybe a little too much) to ponder about life. This showed me how fragile life can be, and changed my perspective. My life before the pandemic just consisted of work and going to the gym, and both were taken away. I had to learn how to adjust and do other things with my time. I had to put the idea in my head that my occupation doesn’t define me. I learned to be more thankful. I show more appreciation for the friends and family I have while they’re still here with me.
Favorite place you’ve traveled and why:
I don’t get to travel that much outside the US (which I’m trying to change), but there’s this one place in Ithaca, NY that I traveled to when I was in graduate school: a lake you have to hike to, filled with a bunch kids hanging around, cliff jumping, playing frisbee, and drinking beers. It was something out of a movie, and it felt liberating to take a jump from a 70 ft cliff into that water after sitting in a library.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?:
I always struggle with this question but…
Both of my parents were born and raised in Haiti. I’m first a generation American. English is my second language, with Creole being my first.
I only got into reading novels last year and ended up starting a book club with a few friends to keep myself motivated to read more.
I’ve never had a serious girlfriend.
Paint us a picture of a scenario that makes you feel alive:
I love being in a setting where music is on full blast. Whether that is at a concert, sitting in my car, or even in my apartment by myself. Give me a good sound system, good company, and I’ll be set.
Let’s talk beverages. How do you take your coffee and what’s your chosen boozy nightcap?:
I’m actually a big tea drinker. I drink all kinds of tea from green to chamomile. I’m not too picky when it comes to alcoholic beverages and it sounds lame, but I’ve been taking a break from drinking.
What song defines your workout playlist?
Vince Staples - Big Time. Love anything with a hard-hitting bass or hard bars that makes me want to run through a brick wall. I can pretty much listen to anything working out, depending on my mood. Lately I’ve also been big into Skepta and the UK grime scene.
Three qualities you seek in a partner:
Someone who has good taste in music. It doesn’t have to be the same as mine, but someone who can really appreciate the art of music. I could also settle with someone who is also just really passionate about anything if it’s not music.
Someone who is independent and can take care of themselves. I personally like to have my alone time, so it would be ideal to have partner that doesn’t need me there at every moment.
Someone who is bold and courageous. I like a girl that’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind.
What makes you feel sexy?:
Putting on a fitted suit. Now that my friends are starting to get married, I love having a reason to dress up and impress. In the wise words of Jidenna in his song Long Live the Chief, “I don’t want my best dressed day in casket.” If I could, I would wear a suit every day.
What color best represents all that is Earvin Paul and why?:
Green. I used to love wearing blue, but whenever I wear green I get the most compliments.
What’s the last thing you read that really impacted you? (book, article, poem, quote, lyric, tweet, etc.):
I saw a Freddie Gibbs tweet that said, “I don’t love money, I love life. Careful of someone that loves money.” It made question my motives and the motives of others and ask, “Is this being done out of love, or for money and fame?" Don’t get me wrong, money is important; money pays for the things I enjoy in life, but there are people out there who get lost chasing it.
Anything else we should know?:
I’m glad I got to do something like this and think you do amazing work. Love your authenticity and you inspire me to be vulnerable and show my true self.
Follow Earvin on Instagram @earvswerve.
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