The Yapathon did not start in a studio. It started in 2020 with Saul asking Juan the same question again and again.
“Bro, let's start a podcast.”
Juan was not feeling it. Podcasts were everywhere at the time, and most of them sounded like people talking just to hear themselves talk. That was never who we were. If we were going to create something, it had to feel real.
The truth is, we have always been sidequest people. Random late night drives. Last minute road trips. Car shows. New cities. New food spots. From 2020 to 2024 we were just living, collecting stories without even realizing it. The jokes, the debates, the chaos, the growth. That was the content. We just didn't have the camera rolling yet.
Then Juan started his videography business. Over time the gear came together. Cameras. Lenses. Mics. One day in 2024, during a random trip to a car show, Juan looked at Saul and said, “Alright. Let's try it.”
But we did not sit at a table and press record. We filmed the adventure the only way we knew how. Running around with a camera, capturing moments as they happened. It turned into a cinematic vlog. It was not perfect. It was not polished. It was honestly just decent.
But we laughed the entire time making it.
And when we dropped it, our friends loved it. Not because it was groundbreaking but because it felt like us.
So we kept going. No big launch plan. No strategy meetings. The Yapathon was just our way of letting our friends keep up with the sidequests. But slowly, more people started tuning in. Messages started coming in. “When's the next one?” “Who are you filming next?”
That is when we realized this was bigger than just us.
We brought in two of our brothers in life, Chris and Big T. Not just to grow a brand, but to build something that meant something. The mission became clear.
Create real connections. Give back to the community that raised us. Inspire people to chase what lights them up. Promote growth, accountability, creativity, and most importantly, enjoy the ride while you are here.
Now, The Yapathon covers multiple lanes and continues to expand, starting from our hometown of Paterson, NJ and pushing outward from there. Everything we do is rooted in the same energy that started it all. Curiosity. Brotherhood. Community. Sidequests that turn into purpose.
This is not just content to us.
It is a reflection of who we are.
Saul grew up watching Paterson be misrepresented and decided to do something about it. Born and raised in Paterson, he believes every block has a story worth telling. His vision shaped the show from day one and plans to not only showcase the city but also give back to it through community initiatives and partnerships.
Juan is the creative engine behind The Yapathon and brings the production instincts to the show. A Haledon & Paterson native, Juan has always been passionate about storytelling and videography. He started his own videography business before The Yapathon and uses those skills to capture the raw, authentic moments that define the series.
Born and raised in Paterson, T is an entrepreneur, DJ, and event curator who's built his life around bringing people together. Whether he's behind the decks or in front of the camera, he moves with the kind of energy that fills a room before he even says a word. T joined The Yapathon to do what he's always done: spread love, keep it real, and make sure everybody leaves with a smile.
Chris is the guy who turns any room into a good time without even trying. A self-proclaimed foodie, he's always on the hunt for the next great dish and the people behind it which makes him a natural fit for a show built on conversations. He brings unorthodox humor and genuine warmth to every episode, the kind that sneaks up on you and sticks.