In a powerful return to The Bounceback Podcast, host B-Luke catches up with Stec, a Somerville, Massachusetts native, to spotlight the strides he’s made over the past few years. Since his last appearance two years ago, Stec’s life has transformed, illustrating a story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying busy and positive.
After more than three years on probation and nearly three years out of prison without incident, Stec is carving out a fresh chapter for himself. From his first arrest at 18 in 2009 to this current stable period, he’s hitting milestones that reflect hard-earned personal growth.
Stec has taken full advantage of his time, accumulating a variety of certifications including forklift operation, aerial scissor lift, OSHA safety training, and an IT credential. These achievements, he says, are “ammo in the clip,” arming him with practical skills to boost his career prospects.
Currently, Stec is employed through temp agencies in the construction field, earning $20 to $40 an hour. With union membership in the Laborers’ Union as a long-term goal, he’s focused on steady advancement. Staying busy with work and education was key during probation, helping him avoid old pitfalls.
Beyond construction, Stec is pursuing his passion for content creation with his project “Chopitupwithstec.” This food-centric series blends restaurant visits with interviews, spotlighting local rappers and creators who share dishes that represent their neighborhoods.
Rejecting negativity, Stec emphasizes positive storytelling that unites rather than divides. He’s made it a signature to give his guests a bottle of Lacada sparkling wine as a gesture of appreciation and connection.
Growing up surrounded by a rich mix of Portuguese, Greek, Italian, Irish, Cape Verdean, Haitian, and Chinese communities, Stec developed an eclectic palate early on. During his incarceration, he channeled his love for food by watching cooking shows and jotting down local eateries and dishes.
Stec’s favorite cuisines reflect his heritage and neighborhood influences, Italian tops his list, followed by Portuguese seafood stews and Haitian specialties like rice and kidney beans, fried pork, and goat stew. Local Haitian and Portuguese spots Highland Cuisine and Neighborhood Restaurant hold a special place in his culinary journey.
Stec views the content creation space as abundant, where collaboration outweighs competition. His goal is to succeed without undermining others, and he aspires to reach the visibility of food personalities like David Portnoy or Anthony Bourdain, with hopes of an official endorsement from Lacada.
His outlook on life is grounded in positivity and perseverance. Keeping busy and focusing on solutions rather than problems has been a lifeline, fueling his momentum both personally and professionally.
