MenaRD's true feelings about Street Fighter 6, becoming the champ, dealing with haters | Trash Talk

[@SA-so9qs]

One thing that sticks out to me is how intelligent Mena is. Not just how he articulates himself but also his understanding of life in general. And his understanding of self. Knowing and admitting to himself that he was an inconsistent/ streaky player definitely contributed to his consistency now. Really the face of the Street Fighter scene in my opinion.

[@ismaeljrp1]

Great parenting and positive support system along with his own intelligence and maturity. You can tell he spends lots of time with older folks.

[@leob4403]

​@@ismaeljrp1good point, he has clear vision when others in his age are just out getting drunk lost in life

[@Monstahpanda]

@@ismaeljrp1 and video games lol

[@astrothelad]

​@@Monstahpanda more like in spite of video games judging by most people's intelligence on display in games online 😂

[@symphonycguy9935]

Brian ive been enjoying Trash Talk so much, i started watching SFV around 2018-2019 and i had no idea of the history of the scene and the history the players have been through. These sessions have been super insightful and has gotten me more active on SF6, keep the good content rolling and i hope i get to see you on some tournament!!! P.S. This episode being 3h long felt like nothing, great insight from both you and Mena, its always great to see the person behind "the player"

[@duckyworthy]

This might be said a lot, and Mena said it too, but your efforts are insanely appreciated Mr. Brian_F. I would've never gotten into the fgc if it weren't for you!

[@Mr0mart]

Pressure is something that you earn because you are expected to win. Fuck man, that changed my perspective around it.

[@kiwidante1347]

Bro i feel the same. I UNDERSTAND IT NOW

[@cubone285]

Gotta echo the sentiment that we're lucky to have Mena in the FGC. Him and the DR community bring so much spirit, that's what always keeps me coming back. Not just seeing my flag, but to see people who look like me up on stage kicking ass and thriving alongside others is a special kind of magic. Thank you for giving these players the spotlight they deserve!

[@gabrielhernandez5249]

As a dominican, MenaRD means so much for our community, he has inspired us to improve in Street Fighter and get more involved with the FGC. Some may see it as an exaggeration but Mena has earned the title of the main figure in the Dominican FGC. Great video as always, Brian

[@Darth_Misa]

Not just the FGC but gaming in general in the DR tbh

[@MrMan-33]

Brian paid me to watch this

[@shan336]

And I was paid to watch the video he said he paid you.

[@xkoan-yy7lg]

Brian these podcasts are awesome. I just got into fighting games in the past 6 months and getting to know top players gives the competitive aspect of this game much more depth. Menard is a great competitor.

[@snootlongbottom]

This is the best fighting game podcast period. Hope down the line you can get KBR on 🤞

[@leob4403]

K-BRad definitely

[@JetSabel]

i would love to see sonicfox. the goat of goats tbh

[@misterkeebler]

The last hour or so in particular of Mena explaining his studying of both the game and fellow competitors reminds me of prep time Batman, lol. He's an interesting guy to listen to. I'm looking forward to see what he brings to Capcom Cup. Awesome episode, Brian!

[@LikexWater]

Fuck the haters 3 hr Trash Talk is what i need in my life!

[@problemsnearyou8899]

Trust people aren’t hating . It’s just not easy to fit 3 hours in your day that’s all . I’m going to keep coming back to this until I’m done !!

[@Marshall__Farmer]

3 hours trash talk AKA my favorite coworker

[@dsc5957]

This is an incredible episode. We’re so lucky as a community to have Mena. Brian is not too bad as well haha

[@nunyabizwacks6711]

yea ole Brian is alright, even if he does talk for way to long at times

[@johnnymo4000]

I appreciate that people like Mena are part of the FGC. He's one of the few bombastic people and we need that back.

[@User-pu3lc]

I LOVE these long form sessions. Thank you both for this.

[@DiscipleOfYahusha]

MenaRD is one of them ones fam. Like real deal 1of1. We needed to hear this story fam. You really a ninja 🥷🏾 bro. Im Rooting for MenaRD everytime

[@111mattbell]

I understand why yyou really wanted to push this. This was a deep dive into what being a pro really is and bit oblt that but constructive ideas on how to make the FGC better

[@tommytran6473]

Your content has made fighting games much more enjoyable by making it easier to digest with all your focus on highlighting stories. Watching your videos during COVID inspired me to dive into street fighter and get excited for SF6. I hope you keep making content and finding fulfillment in doing so

[@Brian_F]

Thank you for the sincere and kind comment.

[@joshrobinson9960]

You should interview Broski next!

[@Raxyz_0]

I think Brian did said he was looking to document mainly NA FGC, but I agree. Broski should definitely feature an episode one of these days.

[@rinoyujin]

Ppz

[@chad8813]

Why

[@makbreaker]

Interview FChamp 💪

[@demonicious_]

@@Raxyz_0 I dont think he said anything about NA specifically, he even said he'd bring in non-SF people if its a success.

[@TEKFROLOGIC]

"Pressure is something that you earn" Jeez, such a life lesson

[@VirtuousContract]

I was at the Kumite in New York, and that day NYC became Menas hometown. It was nice to see.

[@bobbyfrost7573]

Man, I totally can relate to the feeling of not earning the victory you get because of the challenge. Ive been to evo for 3 years now and for the first time this year, i got out of my pools in sf6. But the first guy i would have fought didnt show up, the second guy was better than me but his controller disconnected twice during our set and that last guy was a modern zangief player wearing a wrestling mask and a tuxedo playing for the crowd and just command grabbing and playing wild (great guy btw). Even for someone like me who's a nobody, getting out of pools would have meant a lot to me if I had a more normal "journey" to get there :(

[@BritzBlitz]

nah bro you still deserved it. things happen, but dont let yourself convince yourself that you didnt deserve it.

[@bobbyfrost7573]

@ it's not so much of a "i didnt deserve this" kind of feeling but more of a "that should have been harder and it wasn't as satisfying as it should have been". But thanks bro✌🏻

[@BritzBlitz]

@@bobbyfrost7573 no worries man well next year id better see you in top 100 XD. i believe

[@bobbyfrost7573]

@ ♥️

[@koreyg8552]

Thanks for this interview. “Pressure is something you earn” that’s a dope line, not sure if originated it but dope

[@Optii87]

Bro why did you swap sides with the guest? This is unacceptable . Brian F left side, guest right side

[@theuzi8516]

The podcast vortex.

[@HolySok]

He's looking Camera Left throughout. Can't be breaking that 180⁰ rule!

[@Raxyz_0]

Hit'em with the side switch.

[@briansmith5120]

he's making the guest "player 1" to signify the video is about their story not him as an interviewer

[@Trigun_Bebop]

​@@briansmith5120dang that's deep.

[@michaellawrence9922]

Fantastic interview. Mena is so much more thoughtful and empathetic than his tournament pop offs and smack talk would indicate. Please FIND A WAY TO PAY INCROSS

[@polarchibi]

im here for free brian xoxo

[@Stross8]

need a episode 2 with mena that was soo good

[@riszaperdhana]

Wow, Mena is very mature for a man his age

[@gochuckyourself1892]

Brian, I just wanna say thank you for this type of content. And encourage you to do more!

[@Platanov]

I started rooting for Mena because he was playing Blanka, I love seeing people represent the deeper roster (and thereby represent more unique playstyles), but seeing this video made me realize I really didn't know anything about him as a player.

[@gamergrisalho]

29:58 @Keoma citado! That run was epic for every Brazilian that watched it.

[@IRONSILVER22]

Excelent interview on FGC and life in general. I would be very interested in an interview with SMUG, since I think his story is largely untold.

[@flamoctapus4445]

This episode made me wanna go grind ranked, it's so cool to hear about Mena's mentality like this.

[@graveaxel3607]

Fantastic interview. The moment I heard that Mena put his first Capcom Cup winnings back into his community, he became one of my favorite fighting game players. Great job Brian, and to Mena Im glad you had support and didnt give up!

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

The STRONEST BULL, el Toro, Mena is our hero here in DR and so happy he is getting the recognition he earn, as he have prove time and time again he is one of the greatest players in the current era, along with Punk, Knuckledu, Nephew, Kakeru, Kawano and many new era greats, he is quickly becoming a SF god, so cool to see an episode of Talk Trash with him, again Brian putting the good work.

[@leob4403]

Is Mena almost like mainstream in DR? Like would you see him on tv and stuff?

[@Teddy-k5y]

Thanks for even including tournament clips. Had no idea about the Counterhit pushback tech, and it makes me appreciate Mena even more for how he pushes tech, like with jump cancel SPD in SF6.

[@danimaryam3908]

yo wtf college at 15??? this guys a fuckin born genius, no wonder he's so well spoken

[@vinn4780]

Such a relaxing interview...very genuine and heart felt...it didn't feel like 3 hours 😁😁 respect 🇹🇹🇹🇹

[@sardjack]

90% of the players say the same things that Mena says from 2:21:20 to 2:22:52 since the game released, but the answer is always "stop complaining, the game is good"

[@leob4403]

To be fair, people complain about every single fighting game in existence

[@le0nz]

Great interview, love it. Please don't change sides with the guest, you left guess right

[@despitewisdom]

The advice Mena gave me right before I competed at my very 1st EVO (2022) helped me to make it to 193rd. I will never forget that.

[@Howl_3DN]

My appreciation for both of these guys got a lot bigger

[@schoolwork3716]

Menas anecdote at 18:40 brought a tear to my eye. I’ve never heard someone so beautifully and eloquently capture what makes the FGC so great. Incredible episode.

[@KenM_1987]

Interview Daigo if possible. Get a professional translator. Also I love this interview. MenaRD is a true KING.

[@AB-tb7bt]

I second what a commentator mentioned about how intelligent and observant Mena is. He definitely always strikes as wise above his years, it's always super interesting to hear him express himself in formats like these. Never change Mena! Gotta admit you're one of the main reasons I got into the FGC....Brian is also not bad ;D jk! Brian this content is great, please keep it rolling! Oh and I totally think you should be a commentator btw.

[@108Fire]

The way Mena described the chaos that is SF6 really rang true to me, when he said that not the best player would win, but someone “good enough”. Clearly there’s a threshold of skill that you must have to be a top player, but trying to distinguish yourself amongst them and pull ahead is just not what this game allows. Brian you spoke of there being very thin margins due to everyone being so good, but what I believe and I believe Mena was saying is that the those margins actually do exist and are perhaps larger than we might think, but the chaos of the game masks that. The game allows for matches with a larger variance of results despite what could be considered significant margins of skill differential. Those smaller differences between player skill are flattened out when you get drive rush full screen into corner carry into throw loop city guess for game

[@leob4403]

There's some pretty obvious skill tiers though. Take some random matchup for example, Shine vs Punk, would you expect Shine to win maybe 1 out of 20 matches in that matchup

[@MrMixtape]

I think Booce would make a fantastic guest. Given his age and the manner in which he made his competitive debut, I'd absolutely love to hear his story.

[@luhdee9952]

MenaBR 🇧🇷

[@twoshirts1842]

Why did the thumbnail make me realize his name is Menard. SAVE MORE MONEY AT MENARDS.

[@soapsatellite]

Okay, so it wasn't just me

[@nathanhizon6175]

I love how much gratitude he shows. What an inspiration not just in street fighter, but life in general. Great interview.

[@xhinen8526]

The comments about the format of the competition and the state of the game on a competitive level have been devastating, and the worst thing is that capcom doesn't care.

[@leob4403]

Any way they do it people are going to complain, they can't win. Comparing an individual e-sport fighting game to a team based event like counter strike makes no sense at all.

[@CVE]

Excellent video and interview! I always enjoy the 'behind the curtains' of it all, not just the main show and performance side of things.

[@KhMaIBQ]

Brian, you are killing it with these Trash Talk episodes. This is amazing content. Keep it up and thank you!

[@Tonefoni]

brian your recap / setup for the podcast in the beginning was really great. Love to see you leverage your recap skills to help inform those who aren't in the know. Great stuff man

[@Mone_M1]

I'm only watching this one because of your videos talking about how you paid for views and stuff, the way you said it was an important interview and those things piqued my interest. I never knew much about Mena other than how good he is as a player so I skipped this video when it came out. I didn't know how cool he is as a person, I'm kind of new to fgc. You did really well promoting this episode multiple times (directly (paying) and indirectly (talking about paying KZbin for more visibility)). I writing this as a way to give feedback and to reinforce how important your work to make the scene grow is! I will always be grateful for the effort that people like you make for this community. My deepest admiration for you Brian, thank you for everything!

[@JordanDGAF]

A bull and a goat - still an inspiration for me to this day. Great episode, great work - UpChainLord

[@demonicious_]

2:02:00 About this entire part. This is exactly the role that HLTV fills for Counter-Strike. Now Counter-Strike is probably a lot bigger than SF in terms of competition, but still, HLTV for CS is pretty much the equivalent to ESPN for other sports. They hold award shows, interview players, have their own sponsors, report on every matches, hire journalists for them and all that. I feel like something like this COULD also exist for SF, maybe not for SF specifically but Fighting Games as a whole.

[@vinsmoke2865]

I remember getting back into CS recently a couple years back and remember how seriously in-depth their stats were and how it’s essentially the central hub for professional CS

[@MrFraiche]

Mena RD style and reads are one of the most exciting to watch. It’s got that spark of creativity that’s different. Not just aiming for optimal/mistake free play style that Japanese players employ.

[@nunyabizwacks6711]

yea and hes aggressive and takes risks, but its like the risks he takes are actually less risky for him than for other people because hes so accustomed to his style and it also throws ppl off...you can really throw some of these super safe pros off, who also expect their pro opponents to play the same way, by goin ham on they ass sometimes. Its also like with Punk, what makes him the best in the world is that although hes not as studied as these other pro nerds, doesnt analyze every little thing as much as the others, he just has this natural ability for whatever reason that the universe bestowed upon him that makes him amazing at fighting games. Who else can pick up a new characrer and take them to rank 1 in a day or 2 like Punk lol. Most ppl would be labbing for weeks, studying every last aspect, etc.

[@florianfischer5593]

I never looked at player interviews or so om cuz im new to the fgc but my god i love mena. He is so nice, humble and honest. He deserves the world. I will never get how grown men can hate a 17 year old

[@leob4403]

They are grown men only on paper

[@PAPALIKO]

Tremendously insightful interview and the fact that you guys spoke about the game base on love for it definitely makes this a great podcast to listen to and watch. Good shit señor Brian 👏🏽

[@josquinlanglois2554]

2:21:35 that felt so good to hear from Mena of all people

[@Okletsrumble]

Really appreciate the efforts for these type of videos.

[@Industry207]

51:00 the uncle daigo comment hed me rolling

[@yippo]

damn!! the editing for the intro got so much better! keep up the good work wormlord

[@andyboy624]

I never went online and seriously played any fighting game until Mena won capcup and put my country on the map

[@sojoba3521]

Super enjoyable video. Love your content. As someone who always enjoys your interviews, please consider giving the guest more time to talk.

[@aggressiveskter]

Yo Brian all these episodes have been gold brother and shout outs to my fellow Dominican mena forever I’m super proud of em these are so good… it’s andalaaa btw lol

[@Lannseax]

It'd be hard for it all to come together but an honorary "Capcom Cup 2021" held in DR would be so sick to see

[@Lujeca]

As a casual/low level player, playing SFV was so unfun but it was so exciting as a spectator, SF6 is the opposite for me, love playing it but the spectator experience just doesn’t feel the same

[@kekklesbekkles]

Get my boy Broski on! You're both my favourite SF content creators!

[@bobbyfrost7573]

Loved this Brian, just wondering if you ever plan to interview people outside of street fighter. I mostly play street fighter too but i love this format and would love to hear someone like Arslan Ash talk about their journey

[@NineEight_Nine]

I miss Mena's Birdie..man I MISS BIRDIE

[@Mas1erCJ]

17:56 OmegaDR to this day is one of the best Soulcalibur I've played against. I don't think there is anyone in the scene that comes close to how well he plays Zasalamel. He's also well respected by everyone in the SC scene. I can't think of anyone who talks badly about OmegaDR he's just a really cool guy.

[@blue_go]

100% the community was way too harsh for his Daigo teabag. Like Mena said he was young and young players often have a very competitive mindset. Looking back now, I actually think it was funny as hell. this young kid appears, beats Daigo and ends up tea bagging him. DAIGO of all people. Come on... that's history right there

[@JCNOTGG]

The reality is if everyone online teabagged and did things like that the FGC would be toxic as hell. He deserved the toxicity he got, funny or not. Like Noah popping off on a 13 year old, he is going to go through the same thing.

[@adilky]

@@JCNOTGG kid popping off on a grown man != grown man popping off on a kid

[@reksaba7580]

@@JCNOTGGyou are mad dumb the fgc its arready boring enough because there is nothing to spice it up and people like mena and punk and noah all bring those funny and trash talking moments and if you take those things to heart you are just mad delicate

[@LexusTheArtist]

This is the one Brian F! 3 hours long? we locking in with the popcorn! Look forward to these pods now man good work orchestrating these.

[@frangeek90]

Another banger of an episode. Looking forward to seeing commentators, TOs and other members of the FGC in the future :)

[@JohnDoe42069]

We ate good with this one 💯

[@adamhart2020]

Man great podcast! I hope this podcast will not just focus on SF pro player only but extend it to other FG as well, would love to see BrianF interview Phidx, Arslan and maybe who knows Harada himself or Maximilian!

[@elijahoneill5228]

thia was a beautiful episode, Mena is so intelligent.

[@Leahs_Dad]

I havent finished the vid yet but i think its so awesome you took the time to actually get the footage of the DR goats. I know preserving SF legacy is kind of your niche but that really was something above and beyond.

[@zeywop]

“I don’t think a lot about oh I’m going to be critiqued but I will think about how I critique others publicly”

[@theBeast111az]

Mena is a nice guy.

[@BigMujK]

Great episode, Mena being from a DR and making it to the to level he is at and shining a light on the region is great. Reminds me of Arslan Ash and Pakistan in Tekken

[@CommunitySkratch]

mena came first though ;v

[@sharpywilliam4513]

Great Interview, watching Mena grow and develop to what he is now has been such a great journey man, the bit about him studying the players is just mind blowing for me and makes a lot of sense considering everything he pulls off in bracket. Much love Brian from the DR, keep making quality content!

[@FinalbossLin_Street_fighter]

Both these guys are categorically legends to be honest ✊🏽

[@realest_JoJo]

I have really loved the podcasts, thanks Brian!

[@patosemsapato1470]

menabr the goat

[@lunarteam9003]

mena is PREACHING at 2:22:27. this was a fire episode, i was rolling when he said he's fighting the devs too lmao

[@cellP8]

i am with Mena on this one, this year the SF6 EWC top 8 was a first to 5 and it was awesome af, it should become the standard for a game like SF6

[@fsgjafgja]

Just the string of names /ears from who he defeated his first capcom cup run is insane af

[@TrevorEriksen]

I would never had said it online but I wasn't the biggest fan of Menas play style when he first was up and coming but there was never a chance you could deny he was a legend in the making. He's already that legend in game but this interview has given me so much more respect for him. Love to him, and the DR. They're incredible for the community.

[@Erzito-gg]

Hey Bryan thank you for putting these interviews out. I'm not sure if you are doing this already but the top podcasters in Spain are not putting time stamps in their long videos. Instead they do smaller videos out of what the time stamps would be. Not sure if this would work with you but it's getting lots of views where I live. Peace

[@JimmiePitts]

these podcast are giving me what the protour cannot

[@Bkzflyest0823]

Crazy how far he’s come, i remember he made a reddit post before his first CC win asking for advice.

[@spudboy007]

Ok, so Mena is a child genius, entering university at 15 for software engineering. Makes sense that he can breakdown games and compete at that level.

[@Raxyz_0]

I loved endgame SFV. But I also love the high-octane madness of SF6. There's things to be improved upon and I've no doubt that endgame SF6 will also shape up to be incredibly solid. I think what trips a lot of players over though, it's control. You _cannot_ have control of the match in SF6. It's always out there, you can temporarily have it like a buff, but you can't take it for granted. Mena mentioned gauging Ryukichi's reaction, that's one moment where you can wrestle control for a while. But it wouldn't last had that not been the last set. The game's insanely high mental-stack requirement makes it so that it's almost humanly impossible to always make the optimal decision. And I've no doubt that's exceedingly frustrating, especially for a player like Mena who aims for perfection. *Studying* a game is pretty high effort. Achieving excellence isn't easy and very often isn't fun. The things the game does for it to be fun can be very annoying for the competitive level. Anyways, banger episode as usual! I'm loving these far more than I expected tbh. It's great to hear players' perspectives in both how they make ends meet as how they train to achieve the level they get at. I think it gives a certain human element that has certainly been lacking since 2020.

[@newphonewhodis7152]

I think this was the best episode so far. MenaRD is very well spoken and has a lot of interesting things to say

[@Squiddy00]

This was a genuinely good talk. Like beyond just street fighter. It's a good talk.

[@luisbaerga]

Again an awesome podcast these don't miss. I think one with Mono from PR would be awesome.

[@FinalbossLin_Street_fighter]

Shows you the power of determination and purpose

[@MantisCrawl]

Excellent interview Brian