Built Not Born

Khushbu Modi is a yoga instructor and a leader in the yoga community in the Boston area. Khushbu grew up in the south where she struggled to assimilate to the traditional Indian upbringing her parents were trying to incorporate while trying to live a very American life outside her home. Eventually she move to Delaware, where one day a friend invited her to her first yoga class in college. She was amazed how yoga calmed her mind and strengthened her body.Khushbu not only discovered that yoga could provide mental and physical benefits, it also provided a path to leadership and helping others.Khushbu and I talk about the power of journaling, why she does not touch her phone first thing in the morning & and yoga's powerful mind /body connection. If you like, what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews like this one to come. And remember, "Life is Built, Not Born. "IG: Khushbu Modi

Drew Vogel is the owner and head instructor of Framework BJJ in Seattle, Washington.Drew and I discuss: life jujitsu, family, the COVID-19 shutdown, and what it was like to be an entrepreneur who moved across the country to follow his dream to open his own Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy only to face a global pandemic just as his business was starting to grow. Drew and I discuss how jujitsu, like life is all about peaks, valleys, & plateaus. And how both BJJ and life benefit from having a long-term perspective. Drew discusses how fatherhood has changed his daily routine and what it was like to be a small business owner during the COVID-19 shutdown.Drew is one of my mentors in Brazilian jujitsu. He's a phenomenal teacher that has the ability of making complex techniques simple and simple techniques fascinating. Thank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please Hit the Subscribe Button. Enjoy my conversation with Drew Vogel, third degree black belt in Brazilian jujitsu, owner of Framework, BJJ in Seattle, Washington, entrepreneur and family man.And remember, "Life is Built, Not Born."Links:IG: Framework BJJFacebook: Framework BJJLinkedIn: Drew Vogel

Mo Barrett is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a TEDx speaker and author of the book. Pardon my Quirk. Mo has been keynote speaker at the US Air Force. Academy's National Character and Leadership Symposium. Mo categorizes herself a successful failure. She was the first member of her training team to receive an "Unsatisfactory" rating.She still went on to earn her wings and become an Air force pilot. After September 11th, Mo was part of a team to serve in Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to convert fields to aircraft hubs.Mo has had a distinguished career of overcoming adversity, dealing with shame and the stigma of being a life long non-conformist. Mo is remarkable person with an amazing story to tell. Hope you enjoy our conversation!Please Hit the Subscribe Button. We have a bunch of cool interviews like this one to come. Enjoy my conversation with retired US Air force, Colonel Mo Barrett, TEDx speaker, author and lifelong non-conformist. And remember, "Life is built, not born."Links:US AIr Force Symposium Talk: US Air Force Colonel (Ret.) Michelle "Mo" BarrettTEDx Talk: Mo BarrettBook: Pardon My Quirk LinkedIn: Mo BarrettWebsite: Mo Barrett

John Livens was born in Latvia in Eastern Europe in 1933 and survived both the Soviet and Nazi occupations in World War II. John was on the KGB most wanted list at the age of seven. His father was abducted by the Soviets and sent to Siberia where he died in a Gulag, John and his family were then smuggled through the Czech border into Germany with the help of an American GI and his mom's ingenuity into Germany.Then one day, John's family boarded, a refugee ship and headed off to off to America where he settled in Boston and lived the American dream. John attended. Harvard has two degrees from Harvard university.John went on to have an incredible career in Wealth Management. John Livens amazing journey is captured in his autobiography, "An Unexpected Journey"..Thank you for listening. If you like, what you hear, please HIT the Subscribe Button. We have a bunch of cool interviews like this one to come. And remember, life is "Built, Not Born." Book: An Unexpected Journey

Jason Goldsmith, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist focused on gastrointestinal regeneration, inflammation, immunology, cancer, and host-microbiome interactions. Dr Goldsmith is the host of The Immunology Podcast. A weekly podcast that reviews the latest research on COVID-19 and interviews a famous scientist each week.Dr Goldsmith graduated medical school from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, did his residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan and earned his PhD in pharmacology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr Goldsmith also conducted post-doctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Immunology and is a trained Immunologist.On this podcast, Dr Goldsmith and I discuss:·     Listener’s questions on all thing COVID-19.·     Dr Goldsmith gives us the medical perspective on such topics as vaccines, booster shots, supplements, masks and how virus variants evolve to help clear up confusion on COVID-19.·     Dr Goldsmith is a trained immunologist, has done medical research on COVID and has treated COVID patients in the ER / ICU while working in an ER in the Philadelphia area.Hope you enjoy.To learn more about Dr Jason Goldsmith:PODCAST: The Immunology PodcastTwitter: The Immunology PodcastLinkedIn: Jason Goldsmith, MD, PhD

Ricardo Migliarese is the co-owner and head instructor at Balance Studios MMA in Philadelphia. Ricardo is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Relson Gracie.On this podcast, Ricardo Migliarese and I discuss:Why his late father taught him the game of chess at an early age to teach him the art of maneuvering.How his father taught him and his brother Phil that hate is derived from ignorance and why to never shy away from anything that is going to teach him a lesson.Why the most important person we should be competing with on and off the jiu jitsu mat is the person we were yesterday.How he and his brother Phil met Steve Maxwell and how they started the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene in Philadelphia. The lessons he learned from moving to Los Angeles to train directly under the Gracie family.  To learn more about Ricardo Migliarese & Balance Studios:Website: Ricardo MigliareseWebsite: Balance Studios Gracie Jiu Jitsu / MMA

Sophie McClain is an international speaker and author of the book, "The Elegance of Simplicity". Sophia was born in Algeria. Grew up in Casablanca, Morocco, where she was given the nickname, "The Crazy One" by her parents, because she literally questioned everything as a child.Sophie experienced more tragedy by 28 years old more than most people do in their entire lives. Within one year she lost a child, found out she no longer could have children and had her husband die on their honeymoon five days after their wedding.By the age of 32, Sophie says she was a dead woman walking, which brought about what she calls "five-year nightmare". At the end of her rope, she decided it was better to wear out than to just fade away. Sophie decided to backpack around the world to find her new life.Sophie found her best life filled with adventure. She was shipwrecked on Easter island. She worked on a Kevin Costner movie. She learned how to fly helicopters with members of the Royal air force.She became an author and went on to lead and instruct over 80,000 people worldwide through her courses and seminars. She is someone that not only overcame her obstacles, but actually became better because of them and is now finding ways to help others. So thank you for listening. If you like, what you hear, please Hit the Subscribe Button. We have a bunch of cool interviews like this one to come Website: www.SophieMcLean.comBook: The Elegance of Simplicity

Ron Skotarczak is Executive Vice President for Marketing Sponsorships for the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation.In his role, Ron leads two of the three sales teams responsible for promoting four professional sports teams (NY Rangers & NY Knicks), seven venues (MSG, Radio City Music Hall) and two regional sports networks. On this podcast, Ron and I discuss:·     His journey from growing up in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia that ultimately led him to Madison Square Garden. ·     How he initially struggled transitioning from sales person to sales leader.·     Why great leaders need to be great listeners.·     Why we can’t get shell shocked by failure.·     How to develop vision and create a winning culture on your team. ·     Why Ron looks at every day like a 15 round heavyweight fight·     Why human relationships are the most import thing in the world.·     Lessons learned from the COVID-19 shutdown. Thank you for listening!Please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON to hear more cool conversations like this one.To learn more about Ron Skotarczak and Madison Square Garden:Website: Ron SkotarczakWebsite: Madison Square Garden  

Melissa Sprau is a thought leader in the world of interior design, wife, mother of two, artist and mental health advocate.  On this podcast, Melissa and I discuss:·     Her journey of battling depression since the age of 11 years old that ultimately led her to psychedelics.·     How being diagnosed as “gifted” as a child helped fuel her depression.·     Though Melissa excelled academically, she was a lonely child who struggled to fit in socially. ·     How Melissa found herself not wanting to succeed because when she did, she felt more isolated from her peers. ·     During a family vacation, her father literally broke up with her at 11 years old, by telling Melissa he was choosing his new family over her.·     Postpartum depression after the birth of her second child led her to the breaking point and how it made her rethink the rest of her life.·     How Psychedelics, specifically ketamine, helped her get past her depression and back to living her best life. To learn more about Melissa Sprau:LinkedIn: Melissa Sprau

Phil Migliarese is the co-owner of Balance Studios MMA & RiZen Metrics both located Philadelphia. Phil is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Relson Gracie.Phil was born into an entrepreneurial family and has been fascinated with Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Ashtanga yoga & digital marketing since childhood. On this podcast, Phil Migliarese and I discuss:·     How a car accident two days after Phil turned 17 changed the course of his life.·     How Phil discovered Gracie Jiu Jitsu and what it was like training and living with the Gracie family in Los Angeles and Hawaii.·     How he lived in India and trained with the founder of Ashtanga yoga Pattabhi Jois.·     Why Phil believes time is the most sacred resource on the planet and why we must use time wisely. ·     What it was like to open his first BJJ academy Balance Studios at 26 years old and dead broke. ·     Why the biggest hurdle Phil ever faced was to get past is himself.·     That Gracie Jiu Jitsu is more than a set of techniques, it is a mindset and a lifestyle that will lead you to your own personal definition of successes.To learn more about Phil Migliarese, Balance Studios & RiZen Metics:   Website: www.PhilMigliarese.comLinkedIn: Phil Migliarese

Admiral Michael Mittelman is the President of Salus University in Pennsylvania.  Admiral Mittelman served in the US Navy for 30+ years and retired as a Rear Admiral. His Navy career featured a series of firsts.On this podcast, Admiral Mittelman and I discuss:·     How he became the US Navy’s first aerospace optometrist.·     What it was like working for Marine Corp. General Jim Mattis while serving as the first non-medical doctor as the command surgeon for the U.S. Joint Forces Command and Allied Command Transformation (NATO).·     Why all leaders need great mentors.·     The lessons he learned directing the comprehensive U.S. military medical response as part of Operation Tomodachi (Operation Friends) following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant.·     Leadership lessons learned while serving as Deputy Surgeon General of the Navy. To learn more about Admiral Mittelman & Salus University:Website: www.Salus.eduLinkedIn: Admiral Michael Mittelman

Episode 29 - "Attitude of Gratitude". As we head into the holiday season and Thanksgiving week, I just wanted to say thank you to the 28 amazing guests that took time out of their busy schedules to share their remarkable stories on the podcast. And, I like to thank you the listeners. Each guest has inspired and helped me look at the world in a better way and helped me see it more clearly than ever before. Each each of you have influenced me more than you realize. I'm so grateful that our paths have crossed and really hope we stay in.I also wanted to say a HUGE thank you to you listeners. Everybody is busy. There are so many demands for our time and attention. I really appreciate you trusting me with a few minutes of yours each week. I will do my best to keep earning your trust and attention each week by sharing the amazing stories of everyday people rocking it out and living remarkable lives.Currently I am recording the next round of interviews per season two. I'm going to drop those interviews right after the holidays. stay tuned. Next season we have some world champions in jujitsu. We have leaders in the field of medicine. We have some entrepreneurs just crushing it and doing really creative, unique things in their industry. I'm really looking forward to sharing their stories.But before we did, I just wanted to share some gratitude with you.Gratitude is something I've struggled with throughout the course of my whole life. I take way too much for granted. I take my health for granted, my family, my friends. It's a long list and it's a constant struggle to be grounded and to be grateful for what you have.As we head into Thanksgiving, I just wanted to say, thank you. Thank you for your trust. I will do my best to keep earning it week after week. So thank you for listening. If you like what you heard in season one, the first 28 episodes.Please hit the subscribe button. We have a bunch of cool interviews that are going to drop in the next few weeks.I wish you much success, health and prosperity during the holiday season and in the new year, I really appreciate you tuning in each week. So Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year. And remember, "Life is built, not born. .."

Today’s guest is Alberto Robayo.       Alberto Robayo is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Rorion Gracie, the eldest son of Helio Gracie, the founder of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Alberto is the owner and head instructor at Miloki Flow BJJ academy with locations in Philadelphia, Miami, Florida and soon Charleston, SC. Alberto, born in Bogota, Colombia has a fascinating story that he shares that takes us from his hometown of Bogota, Colombia, to Australia, Mexico, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and now Charlestown, SC. Alberto graduated college with a business degree in Colombia, then soon ventured off to Australia where he earned a degree in Film and TV production. While in Australia, Alberto worked on feature films and documentaries, while also working as a divemaster and scuba diving instructor. Then one day he discovered BJJ. Alberto tells the story of how a brief stopover in Los Angeles resulted in him meeting the Gracie family, his future wife and changed the course of his life. Alberto found himself living in Los Angles and training full time at the Gracie Academy in Torrance. Not having any money to pay the tuition at the Gracie Academy, Alberto worked as a janitor cleaning the school to pay for his tuition. In our conversation today, Alberto shares with us the life lessons he learned from training with the Gracie family, why when he is making a difficult decision, he first decides what he does not want to do to help him decide the best course of action. Alberto and I also discuss why training BJJ can be such a powerful, positive force in people’s lives.Alberto also shares with us the story of a motorcycle accident he was in back in 2016 that required multiple surgeries and years to recover from and why he thinks that accident was “great thing” that happened to him and how that accident brought about positive and needed changes into his life.We also discuss what lessons he learned from being a small business owner during a global pandemic and what life lesson he took from the COVID shutdown that he is carrying forward with him into the future.I was so excited when Alberto agreed to come on the show and share his remarkable story. Alberto is just an awesome guy. He is candid, speaks with emotion and passion. He is one of the most interesting people you will meet: beside being a black belt in BJJ, he is an entrepreneur, family man, he speaks 3 languages, has produced movies and documentaries, been a dive master, scuba instructor and even jumps out of airplanes. So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Alberto Robayo, Rorion Gracie Black Belt, divemaster, documentary maker, and head instructor and owner of Miloki Flow Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode:LinkedIn: Alberto RobayoWebsite: www.Milokiflow.comIG: Miloki Flow BJJ AcademyFB: Miloki Flow BJJ AcademyBook: The Alchemist (by Paolo Coelho)Book: Breath (by Rickson Gracie)Book: Acres of Diamonds (by Russell Conwell) 

Today’s guest is Jessica Berman, MD.     Jessica Berman, MD is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist practicing in the Philadelphia area at Abington Hematology Oncology Associates.Dr Berman, a native of Manalapan, NJ, is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall with a degree in English & Biology. Dr Berman attended medical school at UMDNJ in New Jersey. She did both her residency and her Fellowship training in Hematology/Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.Dr Berman treats patients at Jefferson’s Abington Memorial Hospital, Holy Redeemer Hospital and Chestnut Hill Hospital. Her areas of interest & Expertise: Breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and other gastro-intestinal cancers, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, benign conditions such as anemia and iron deficiency such as from bariatric surgery.In our conversation today, Dr Berman and I discus why it is so important to stay a step ahead of cancer by taking the simple steps of prevention, early screening and if needed, early treatmentsWe discuss the importance of diet and exercise. We get into when we need to get screened for common cancers and what to do if you have a family history. Dr Berman was kind enough to let me conduct a Q&A with questions sent in from listeners and past podcast guests. I was so excited when Dr Berman agreed to come on the show. It’s hard to find anyone on the planet that cancer has not touched in some way. Everyone has a parent, grand parent, brother, sister, uncle, friend or co-worker that has battled some type of cancer.So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Dr Jessica Berman, board certified hematologist and Oncologist, multiple Best of Philly winner for Oncology, as she helps us stay a step ahead of cancer.And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode:Bio: Jessica Berman, MDPractice Website: www.CancerPA.net

Today’s guest is Maliq Harris.   Maliq Harris is the owner of King’s Corner Boxing Gym located in Lansdale, PA.   Maliq shares his remarkable story of how he is transforming young kid’s lives through the art of Boxing. Maliq works with kids struggling with disabilities such as ADD, ADHD, Parkinson's & bullying. He shows them how to take the negative energy they may be experiencing and channel it in a better direction. Maliq Harris was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia by his mother and grandfather. His father was not a part of his early life due to drug and alcohol abuse.Maliq found himself in trouble when he was a kid and even spent some time in the juvenile detention centers at Glenn Mills.He then discovered boxing as a way to channel his energy in a positive direction. Then one day at the boxing gym, Maliq was asked to help coach some fighters and soon realized he had a gift for teaching. Since then Maliq has been using boxing as a way to mentor kids who have any type of challenge they need to overcome.  He converted his two-car garage at his home in Lansdale, PA into King's Corner Boxing Studio to provide one-on-one instruction for youth and adults.When Maliq Harris is not only helping kids in the boxing ring, he and his wife are raising their 12 children, 7 of which they adopted out of foster care, along with their five biological kids, for a total of 12 kids that they raised.Maliq and I discuss his remarkable journey from juvenile detention center to boxer to trainer, to foster parent to 7 adopted children. Maliq shares why he believes idle time is the worst possible thing to give a child, why a combat sport like boxing is so beneficial for kids and why every needs to find something they love to do and put their whole heart into it.Maliq also tells us what it is like to be at the dinner table with 12 kids, the amazing community service project called Momentum he and his business partners are working on and who he thinks would win if Mike Tyson fought Muhammad Ali in their prime.So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Maliq Harris, owner of King’s Corner Boxing, mentor to young adults, community leader and one of the most energetic, positive people you will ever meet.And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode:Facebook: Maliq HarrisIG: King’s Corner Boxing6 ABC (Philadelphia) News Story: Maliq Harris & King’s Corner BoxingBook: Who Moved My Cheese

Today’s guest is Dave Duda. Dave Duda is the Athletic Director of Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania. Dave, a native of Norristown, PA, shares his remarkable story of resilience and leadership, both on and off the basketball court. In high school, Dave was stand out basketball player at Bishop Kenrick under legendary coach Phill Martelli.  At the age of 15, during his sophomore season, Dave tragically lost his Dad, to a sudden heart attack. Overnight, Dave went from idolizing his father to becoming the man of the house.After HS, Dave continued his basketball career at Spring Garden College where he was a two-time honorable mention All-American. Upon graduating from Spring Garden College, Dave Duda began his coaching career as the top assistant to Naismith Hall of Fame coach Herb Magee, the all time winningest coach in NCAA Division 2 history at Philadelphia University. During Dave’s seven seasons at Philadelphia University, the Rams had their most successful period in school history, and were the winningest Division II school in the country during with a 171-35 record, including a ridiculous 80 straight wins at home. Dave then took his first head coaching job at Delaware Valley University.  Where he took over a team which had been 0-23, leading it to a 12-12 mark for the first non-losing season in 11 years. He earned the Freedom Conference Coach of the Year award in 1998. His career coaching record in 10 seasons is 159-99.Dave then was hired by hired as the head coach of Widener University. Under Head Coach Duda Widener enjoyed its greatest, when the team finished 23-6, won the Commonwealth Conference regular-season title and made the school’s first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance since the mid 80’s. Duda earned Coach of the Year honors for both the Commonwealth Conference and the NABC Mid-Atlantic Region.David Duda then reunited with Coach Phil Martelli and spent 13 seasons as head assistant coach for the Saint Joseph University Hawks.During his time at St. Joe's, the Hawks made three trips to the NCAA tournament, including 2 Atlantic Ten Championships. Dave also served as the program's lead recruiting coordinator and developed 12 all-conference players, including NBA players Langston Galloway and Deandre Bembry.Dave and I discuss what he learned from spending over 20 years with 2 legendary coaches, why leaders have to learn to put their ego’s aside and learn the art of delegation and why the best leaders lead by inclusion.We discuss the importance of learning and understanding the basics in both sports and life.So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Dave Duda, 2x All- American, Athletic Director of Delaware Valley University, former head basketball coach of Widener University, & former Head assistant for the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks.   And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned in the Episode:College: Delaware Valley University People: Coach Phil Martelli People: Coach Herb MageeBooks: Staring Down the Wolf (by Mark Divine)  

Today’s guest is Clayton Prince. Clayton, a native of the Germantown section of Philadelphia was acting in off Broadway shows with the likes of Robert Downey Jr at the age of 17.Graduating HS, Clayton received a scholarship to study math at Temple University but dropped out when a professor would not let him reschedule a final exam when the time conflicted with an audition he needed to attend. At that moment, Clayton decided to go all in and purse his dream of becoming an actor. Clayton gave up his scholarship, dropped out of college and moved to NYC vowing never to return to Philly until he succeeded. At one point, Clayton was sleeping on the couch in a crack house in Brooklyn and living on $7 a day when his big break came.Clayton auditioned for and won the role of Lisa Bonnet’s (Denise Huxtable) boyfriend on the second season of The Cosby Show. Clayton not only got the part but he literally stole the show. He ad libbed the scene and became known as the Reggae singing boyfriend in an episode that not only broke a Neilson ratings record but became the #1 rated Cosby show all time. Overnight, Clayton went from struggling actor to needing police to help him get out of the NYC subway the day after the episode aired. Clayton and I discuss the tough road he traveled to make it as an actor. how he and fellow actor Blair Underwood had to sell children’s to support them themselves between acting gigs, and what it was like to star in cult classic movies like The Last Dragon and Hair Spray.Clayton tells us what it was like growing up with a father coming in out of his life and why he believes parents should let their children find their own way and not have expectations on path their kids need to take. We also talk how Clayton got into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the lessons he learned in BJJ that helped him succeed in acting and what it was like to get his blue belt from UFC legend Royce Gracie. Clayton shares an amazing story of his Dad’s secret business and the time when his Dad was confronted by the Philadelphia mob.Clayton also talks about his new tour company came and what it is like to be an entrepreneur.   So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Clayton Prince, star of The Cosby Show, The Last Dragon and Hair Spray, student of Brazilian jiu jitsu and entrepreneur. And remember… “Life is built, not born”.Mentioned In this Episode: IMDb: Clayton PrinceFacebook: Clayton PrinceYouTube: The Cosby Show – The Reggae Boyfriend  Clayton’s Tour Company: The Musical History Tours

Today’s guest is Lieutenant Dan Asper, USMC.Lt Dan Asper, a native of Upper Dublin, PA, is a first Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Lt Asper is a motor transport platoon commander and leads a platoon of 35 Marine tactical vehicle operators.Lt. Asper is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he earned a degree in Political Science. Lt Asper also attended Montgomery College Community College for 2 years prior to transferring to Texas A&M. In our conversation, Lt Asper describes how spending 2 years at home working, coaching for a competitive swim team and focusing on his grades at MCCC was one of the most transformative periods of his life.  I ask Lt Asper how he would compare his local community college to a famous school like Texas A&M. I think his answer may surprise you. We also discuss what it is like to lead 35 Marines and what the day in the life of a US Marine platoon commander requires.Lt Asper tells us how his childhood conversations with his grandfather, who was a surface warfare officer in the US Navy in the 1950’s led to him to serving in the Marine Corp.We also get into the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded people, like Lt Asper did when he entered the ROTC program at Texas A&M and the value of leaving the little bubble of your hometown to get a new and fresh perspective on the world. We also get into his personal definition of leadership, what historical leader he looks up to and how a leader must synthesize information into timely and actionable items so their team can move forward and accomplish their mission.We also touch on why no matter if you are in the Marine Corp or work a corporate job there is nothing more powerful establishing great relationships and why being a good person, with high character will take you further than any complex strategy or competitive mindset will in the military and in life.  So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Marine first Lieutenant Dan Asper, motor transport platoon commander stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode: IG: Lt. Dan AsperBook: Mornings on Horseback (by David McCullough)Book: The Last Stand of Fox Company (by Tom Drury) 

Today’s guest is Matt Marcinek.Matt Marcinek, a native of Scranton, PA is a Certified Mental Performance Coach, a motivational speaker, and a brown belt in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Matt is the owner of the No Limits Grappling Academy located in Blakely, PA. Matt is a graduate of Marywood University with a BA in English and earned a Masters degree in Education from the University of Missouri.And that I not even half of Matt’s incredible story…At 9 months old, Matt Marcinek was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At that time a neurologist recommended to Matt’s parents that they “place him in a facility where he would receive round the clock care and they should never look back.”Lucky for Matt and his students today, his parents said “No”. And gave Matt the opportunity to fight through almost insurmountable odds to create his remarkable life.  Matt discusses the amazing gift his parents gave him throughout his life, a gift which is so rare today -  His parents allowed him to fail.​Matt’s shares his story of how he has conquered seemingly insurmountable adversity and created his life – from becoming an Eagle Scout, to talking his way on to the HS wrestling team to opening up his own BJJ Academy. Talking to Matt it’s not hard to understand when he tells you that he does not even look at himself as disabled.Like Matt says in our discussion: “That there is no playbook to operate as a disabled person, so do your best with what you've been given and then go from there.”And this gem “If you want to do something, figure out a way to do it and just get it done.”So…Thank you for listening. If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on with Matt Marcinek, Mental Performance Coach, Motivational Speaker, Brown belt in BJJ and Judo, owner of the No Limits Grappling Academy and someone who flat out defies the oddsAnd remember, “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode: Website: www. MattMarcinek.comMatt’s BJJ Academy: No Limits Grappling Academy (Blakely, PA)Book: It’s Takes What it Takes (by Trevor Moawad)

Today’s guest is Kristi Artz, MD. Dr Kristi Artz is an emergency medicine physician based in Grand Rapids Michigan. She is a graduate from the University of Michigan with a BS in Biology, she attended medical school at Wayne State University. Dr Artz did her residency in Emergency Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she also served as Chief Resident.  Dr Artz also lived in and treated patients in New Zealand where she did everything from deliver babies, treating injuries from NZ’s Iron Man competitions, and working on the medivac treating patients in remote locations on the island. Kristi now focuses her clinical practice working with patients to stay out of the emergency room in the first place by helping them adapt a Whole Foods, plant-based lifestyle. Dr. Artz also holds certificates in Plant Based Nutrition and Culinary Medicine. She is a certified diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, member of the Advisory Board for Health Meets Food.Kristi and I discuss the latest science that promotes fasting, the different types of fasting out there and what we need to know to get started. During our Q&A Dr Artz tells us why fasting is a powerful tool for not only preventing chronic disease that run in so many families such as high blood pressure, heart disease & diabetes, but even reversing those conditions with patients that are already suffering from those diseases.   Dr Artz shares a bunch helpful tips and ideas of how we can individualize a fasting plan that works for us and how fasting can help us live a longer and healthier life.So…Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation on “The Science of Fasting” with Dr Kristi Artz, an emerging thought leader in Lifestyle & Culinary medicine. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode: Website:  www.SpectrumHealth.org/lifestylemedicineBook: The Longevity Diet (Valter Longo, PhD)Book: How Not to Diet (Dr Michael Gregor)

Today’s guest is Bassil Hafez.Bassil Hafez is a professional mix martial arts fighter living in Denver, Colorado, training out a Factory X MMA.  A native of Philadelphia, Bassil is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Phil and Ricardo Migliarese of Balance Studios. Bassil and I discuss his journey from growing up in the tough streets Philadelphia, to his childhood family trips to father’s homeland of Egypt and mother’s homeland of Syria, to the trouble he got into on his way to becoming a professional fighter.Bassil also shares what it was like to see each of his parents fight through and ultimately lose their battle with cancer at way too young an age.Bassil tells the story of his near-death car crash during Hurricane Harvey that put him in the ICU for 2 weeks and required multiple surgeries he had to overcome to get back into the ring again.Bassil discusses his journey of being a professional MMA fighter: from how he got started, to him winning the CFFC Welterweight Championship of the World, to losing the title on a split decision and what it is going to take for him to reach his ultimate goal of fighting in the UFC.Bassil also shares bits of wisdom he’s learned from his fighting coaches, along the way, like this gem Coach Marc Montoya told him, “If you want to live an elite life, you have to show up elite every day.”So…Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Bassil Hafez – Professional MMA Fighter, black belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu, former CFFC Welterweight Champion of the world and one of the toughest dudes you will ever meet.And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode: IG: Bassil HafezWebsite: Balance Studios (Best of Philly BJJ)Website: Factory X MMA / Muay Tai  (Englewood, CO)

Today’s guest is Mike Trombetta.Mike Trombetta, a native of Flemington, NJ, grew a passion for mountain living, skiing, and gourmet cooking. After attending culinary school in Vermont, Mike headed west to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to start a new life in Truckee, California.Mike has a fascinating and adventurous career path. He is a ski patrolman and a wilderness first responder and a member of a mountain search and rescue team in Lake Tahoe, California. In the summers, Mike does what he calls “low stress” guiding for hiking, mountain biking, and kayak tours for Tahoe Adventures, and he is also a professionally trained gourmet chef.But the main reason I asked Mike to be on the show is that for 8 weeks each year, Mike is a helicopter ski guide in Alaska for the Alaska Rendezvous company in Valdez, Alaska, where he leads guests from their resort in Alaska on and off the helicopter then down the mountain for what Mike calls the “greatest skiing on earth.” Mike is a certified Wilderness First Responder and is Level III American Avalanche Institute certified. Mike is also a proud member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team and an entrepreneur with his gourmet catering company he named “Farm to Belly.”Mike and I discuss what it is like when a helicopter drops you off on a remote mountain in Alaska and there is nothing but you, your guide, and the mountain for as far as you can see. Mike shares some amazing stories of recusing a friend from what calls “the biggest avalanche he has ever seen”, almost a mile in length down the bowl of the mountain. He also shares some survival tips that every skier needs to know if they ever find themselves caught in an avalanche.Mike and I also cover the book he goes back to most often, why he keeps a daily journal, and what it is like trying to grow a small business in a resort area like Lake Tahoe.Also, mike discusses his philosophy why a guide and first responder “needs to be an asset, not a liability” and what it is like training his first ever avalanche rescue dog, a black lab named Graupel.So…Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Mike Trombetta – Ski patrolman, wilderness first responder, Alaska Helicopter Ski guide, gourmet chef, and entrepreneur. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode: Website:  Alaska Rendezvous Heli Skiing Website: Tahoe Adventure Company Website: Farm to Belly Trip Advisor: Truckee, California Trip Advisor: Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada Book: Wild Rescues: A Paramedic's Extreme Adventures in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton (By Kevin Grange)

Today’s guest is Barry Butler.Barry Butler is an internationally published landscape photographer. Known as “Chicago’s Picture Poet”, Barry Butler’s remarkable photographs have appeared everywhere: from television, books, billboards, to album covers of rock bands. His images have been featured on the Weather Channel, CNN, and every local news affiliate in Chicago.  The Huffington Post has even recognized Barry’s work as top’s in Chicago photography.Born in Ireland, Barry Butler immigrated to Chicago as a child with his parents in search of a better life.Barry describes his life as series of “turning negatives into positives.”A self-taught photographer, Barry picked up a camera for the first time after a breaking his collar bone playing ice hockey to stay active while he recovered from his injury. Barry started taking images of the Windy City to practice his new hobby. He started to post them to social media where they soon started drawing local, national, then international attention. It’s not uncommon for Barry to post a photo on Facebook and it received thousands of likes and hundreds comments in only a few hours.Barry and I discuss what it was like to immigrate to the USA, how a series of “negative” events led has to positive outcomes and why his late father is still his hero.Barry shares how he starts each day 2 hours before sunrise and why the Chicago winters, sometimes -50 degrees below zero are his favorite time of the year.Barry also shares some tips on how the average person can take professional looking pictures We also get into some serious deep life questions like who a better front man for Van Halen was – David Lee Roth or Sammy Hager, the book that most inspires him and how photography (like life) is all about persistence and creativity.So…Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Barry Butler – Amazing Landscape photographer, and author of the book “Chicago, A City Above All.”And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode: Website: www.BarryButlerPhotography.comBook: Green Eggs and HamAlbum: Best of Both Worlds (Van Halen’s Greatest Hits)Lowlights: 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Finals 

Today’s guest is Mike ThomasMike Thomas a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he was a 7x All-American swimmer and a member of Cal Berkeley’s 2019 NCAA National Championship Swim Team when the Cal Bears defeated the University of Texas Longhorns.Growing up, Mike attended Hatboro Horsham High School outside of Philadelphia, where he broke the National 100m Backstroke record during his junior year and was one of the top swim recruits in the nation coming out of high school. After an impressive 4 year swim career at Cal Berkeley, where he also competed at the Olympic trials, Mike Thomas traded diving into the swimming pool for jumping into wild fires.Mike began training to become a wildland firefighter for Cal Fire. And soon found himself on the front lines battling some of the largest wildfires in California State history.Mike and I discuss what it's like to be on the front lines of historic wildfires, his training to become a Swiftwater and flood rescue technician and his current job of paramedic.Mike and I also get into what he calls the toughest challenge he ever faced, the untimely death of his dad who was diagnosed and battled with leukemia during his junior year at Berkeley. Man, that’s got to be really hard.Mike and I also discuss the importance of establishing a nighttime routine that sets your next day up for success, the book that most influenced his life and why hard work and humility are the trademarks of a champion.At 24 years old, Mike is the youngest guest we’ve had on the podcast and one of the most impressive. You can’t help but be impressed and motivated after you speak with him. It’s remarkable how he tackles the obstacles life throws at him and the tenacity and focus he attacks the goals he places in front of him.Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Mike Thomas, 7x All American, member of Cal Berkley’s 2019 National Championship Swim Team, Wild Land Fire Fighter and Paramedic. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In This Episode:Video: 2019 NCAA National Swim Championships Book: The Power of NowWebsite: Cal Fire

Today’s guest is Joe GozdieskiJoe Gozdieski is the Senior Director of Commercial Effectiveness and Training for a specialty pharmaceutical company in San Diego, California. Joe has about as an impressive of a resume as you are going to see in the corporate world and a remarkable story to tell.. Joe is a US army veteran and commissioned officer through the ROTC program where he was the cadet battalion commander for 13 schools. Joe earned two undergraduate degrees at the same time from 2 different colleges:  A mechanical engineer degree from Seaton Hall (where he played D1 soccer and was a member of SH’s 1991 Big East Championship team) & a physics degree at NJ institute of technology. He also has an MBA from USC.  Joe and I discuss how failure is our greatest teacher and what he learned from he calls his greatest failure & regret – dropping out of the Army’s Ranger School. And how that changed his mindset about preparation and making sure the people he leads in the corporate world today are prepared and equipped with everything they need to succeed.  We also get into how seeing his mom suffer from mental illness led him to the world of pharmaceuticals so he could have a positive impact and help other families and patients suffering from mental illness. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Joe Gozdieski.And remember… “Life is built, not born".Mentioned In this Episode:Book: GRIT (by Angela Duckworth)Book: Failing Forward (by John C. Maxwell) Book: The Daily Stoic (by Ryan Holiday)

Today’s guest is Marco “The Professor” Perazzo.Marco Perazzo is a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, owner and head instructor New Jersey Marital Arts located in Maple Shade, NJ. Marco known in the BJJ community as “The Professor” has been cornerman for MMA fighters competing in the UFC and in Bellator. Marco is also the  is co-host (or likes to say the main cohost of the popular Ninja Rob Podcast) where he discusses all things MMA.Marco, a native of South Philadelphia, spent his early years between his home in South Philadelphia, and visiting Argentina (where his mother was born), and Italy (where his father was born).After graduating high school with no real direction or long-term plan, Marco attended then quickly dropped out of Temple University. Marco started working a health insurance company until one day in the early 1990’s his life changed direction forever when he went over a friend’s house and watched a bootlegged recording of the first UFC that showed a undersized Royce Gracie easily defeating bigger, stronger, faster opponents using the then little understood techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Marco describes what it was like starting his BJJ training with Steve Maxwell at Maxercise and how he met Phil and Ricardo Migliareese, who he established a 30+ year friendship and how he still continues to learn from the brothers to this day. Marco describes the conversation early on in his BJJ journey that led him to lose 70 pounds. Marco and I also discuss his philosophy of the business world, BJJ and life is built on establishing great relationships and being able to work with people. We discuss why a teacher student relationship is built on trust and we get into what he believes are the amazing mental and physical benefits of training a combat martial art like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We get into what it was like to lead a small business through a global pandemic and how the pandemic taught him when times get tough, it’s no the time to be a boy scout.Marco describes the rush of emotion of what it is like to walk your fighter into the ring of a UFC fight and why some of his greatest learnings in BJJ and life are from noticing the little details.We also touch on “The Professor's” bout with COVID-19 that sent him to the hospital for multiple days .So…Thank you for listening.  We just past the 1,200 download mark. To everyone who has texted and messaged encouraging messages and things I need to do better…I really appreciate it.  If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with “The Professor” Marco Perazzo – BJJ blackbelt, entrepreneur, UFC Cornerman, and main host of the Ninja Rob podcastAnd remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In This Episode:Marco's BJJ Academy: New Jersey Martial Arts (Maple Shade, NJ)Marco's Podcast: The Ninja Rob Podcast: Book: Into the Wild (Jon Krakauer)

Today’s guest is Dr David MeltzerDavid Meltzer, OD is a US Army veteran of the Iraq War and an optometrist at Salus University in Philadelphia. David Melter has literally looked into the eyes of killers and lived to tell the story. David is a native of Rockville, Maryland. After spending the better part of his high school days skipping school and getting bad grades, he was rejected form the University of Maryland.So, at 17 years old, on a whim, David decided to join the Army, where he was assigned to a healthcare unit.After his army training, attending optometry school and Hahnemann University, David found himself being shipped off to Iraq as part of a surgical team attached to the US Army’s 1st Armored Division. Being one of only a few eye doctors early in the Iraq war, David frequently got calls to treat not only injured members of the US military, but high value prisoners after they were captured and needed medical care.David treated multiple members of the infamous Iraqi “deck of cards”, including none other than the Ace of Spades himself - Saddam Hussain. David also treated Saddam’s top general “Chemical” Ali and the Iraq’s Foreign Minister and chief propagandist Tariq Aziz.David shares some fascinating stories of what it was like to literally look into the eyes of killers.David describes what happened when “Chemical” Ali, known for using chemical weapons against the Kurdish people, came face to face in a hallway with a Kurdish translator, who was working with the American forces, whose entire family was killed in those attackDavid also tells us about the time he was called to a prison to treat Saddam Hussain only a few days after he was captured.After the war, David tells stories of the multiple leaders at he was called to treat during his time at Walter Reid Hospital, including the then Vice President Joe Biden. David and I also discuss his time treating at the US Military Academy at West Point how he started the sports vision program there for the cadetsDavid and I also discuss how he got connected to Dr Dan Laby - a thought leader in the field of vision - and how that collaboration has led to David becoming the Spring Training eye doctor to multiple major league sports teams like the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs.We end our chat with how David got involved with the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and how he plays ice hockey on an injured warriors hockey team that takes the ice vs. NHL legends like John LeClair, Mark Howe, Danny Brier and Kjell Sameulson. We wrap things with David’s thoughts on why today’s high school students could benefits from that military services can provide today’s college age students.So …Thank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Dr David Melter – Iraqi war veteran, hockey player, and eye doctor to the famous and infamousAnd remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In This Episode:LinkedIn: David Meltzer, ODBook: Rich Dad, Poor DadEye Clinic: Salus University (Philadelphia, PA)Iraqi Deck of CardsEye Clinic: Sports Vision NYC - Dr Dan Laby

Mike Collins is the head baseball coach at Bloomsburg University. Coach Collins is the all time winningest coach in program history. He is a 3x winner of the PSAC Coach of the Year and in the Spring of 2021 lead the Huskies to their first ever back to back PSAC Championships when they knocked off #6 in the nation Seton Hill on their home turf. Mike, a native of Scranton, PA, graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts in politics. At Saint Joe’s, Mike played Division I baseball where he was a two-time team captain and four-year letter winner.After suffering a season ending knee injury during his senior year, Mike spent a lot of time during his rehab just sitting in the dugout and observing and learning the game from a different perspective. He then got the idea that he wanted to become a baseball coach after his playing career was over. After graduating college, Mike Collins had to put in long hours and even longer cross-country drives to make his dream of being a head coach a reality.Mike’s first coaching job was at Keystone junior college, where he not only had to build a program, but had to work blue collar jobs when not on the field to help pay the bills.  Then Mike moved on to Binghamton University where he served as assistant coach and head of recruiting. His recruiting duties at Binghamton found him living out of his car and driving across the country scouting prospects from PA to California. It was not unusual for Mike to leave the field after a game, jump into his car and drive across country to go recruit. In 2005, Mike Collins was offered the head coaching job at Bloomsburg University, a program that at the time was in need of a rebuild.  Mike and I discuss what he looks for in the student athletes and how his program at Bloomsburg has evolved into a Division 2 powerhouse in the highly competitive PSAC.Coach Collins also tells us why he believes a successful college program is not defined by wins and losses only. We discuss his “40-year Plan” that focuses on helping his players develop into future leaders that will play a positive role in the local communities and helps them succeed in life long after their playing days are over. Coach Collins also discusses why it's so important his players play a positive role in their local community and how the program engages their alumni to help work with their current players as they get ready to enter the work force. We also get into why positivity plays such an important role in his leadership style, what book has influenced him and the intangibles that make a great collegiate baseball playerThank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation with Mike Collins - 3x PSAC Coach of the Year and all-time winningest coach in program history. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode:Website: Bloomsburg University HuskiesTwitter: Coach Mike CollinsIG: Coach Mike CollinsAuthor: Jon Gordon Book: The Power of Positive Leadership 

Today’s guest is Nadine Kelly, MD.Nadine Kelly, MD grew up on the South Side of Chicago as the eldest daughter to Haitian Immigrant parents. Dr Kelly is a graduate of the University of Chicago. After graduating from medical school, she did her residency training in pathology. Dr Kelly then she spent 7 years as a practicing pathologist.Dr Kelly says she never really have a deep love for practicing medicine, but she kept pushing through because she believed that she was not allowed to not fail, she was not allowed to give up, because of the strong work ethic and high expectations placed on her by her up bringing. Then one day her husband noticed something was wrong. He asked Nadine to make an appointment with their family doctor. Nadine did was diagnosed with major clinical depression.   After spending time getting herself healthy, Nadine then reinvented herself, her career, and her mission.Dr Kelly started taking yoga. She then jumped headfirst into a 200 hour Yoga teacher certification and became a yoga instructor. Dr Kelly also became an ACE Certified Health Coach. In 2018 she took up podcasting and became the host of the YOGI MD podcast.  Nadine had finally found her calling. Now Nadine Kelly empowers mature women, through yoga, to maintain healthy minds and bodies so that they may live life on their own terms.   Dr Kelly’s yoga practice also includes teaching yoga to special populations with various physical and mental abilities, including patients with dementia.In our discussion, Dr Kelly tells us why she believes that good health cannot be constrained by the simplistic formula of diet and exercise alone and why she helps her patients and podcast listeners to expand their definition of health to include not just physical, but mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. Dr Kelly discusses why we first have to first become the best version of ourselves, so we can be the best possible person for the people who rely on us most. Dr Kelly also tells us why we must be able to adapt to change and learn to evolve if we want to have a positive impact with our families, friends, and community. We also discuss the power of podcasting, and how starting the YOGI MD podcast helped her let go of a lifelong struggle of perfection and become brave enough to share creative work with her community.So …Thank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation - with Nadine Kelly, MD – Retired pathologist, ACE Certified Health coach, Yoga instructor, and host of the YOGI MD podcast. And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In the Episode:Guest: Nadine Kelly, MDIG: The YOGI MD LinkedIn: Nadine Kelly, MDBook: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey)  

Matt Seabrook is the owner of Dresher Physical Therapy. Matt founded Dresher PT in 2001 and has built it into two highly respected community-based rehabilitation centers in suburban Philadelphia.Matt discuses what he and his wife Chris calls “the most challenging thing we ever went through in our lives", when their first child was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Hurler’s Syndrome. Matt also describes how he signed his first lease for his PT Clinic a few weeks after 9/11 in a location that was notorious for having one failed business after another. We discuss Matt's leadership principles, the book he keeps going to when he needs to clear and refocus his mind and why he created a family mission statementMatt also talks about what it was like to lead a small business through the COVID-19 shutdown and the opportunities that COVID opened up for his business. Connect with Matt Seabrook, MPT: Matt's PT Clinic: Dresher Physical Therapy (Dresher, PA)Matt's IG: Dresher PTBook: The Power of Now "Life is Built, Not Born."Joe Ciccarone

Cara Ooi, MD is a sleep physician and psychiatrist working in Toronto, Canada. Dr Ooi works with teens with insomnia, delivering a modified version of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).Dr Ooi obtained her medical degree from the Western University. She then went on to complete her residency and subspecialty training in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ooi then completed a fellowship in Sleep Medicine, during which she received training in cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (or CBT-I) from clinical psychologist Dr. Colleen Carney, a world renowned expert in the field. Cara is also the host of the new podcast, "Find the Eight", and she just released a 13-episode series, where she breaks down key sleep concepts and strategies in 10 minutes or less.  Dr Ooi likes to say that “the worst version of ourselves is usually appears when we are sleep deprived and exhausted.”Dr Ooi shares a ton of amazing tips, strategies and concepts that will help you, your kids or significant other get a better night sleep.We also discuss how sleep disorders affect anxiety, depression and other physiological disorders.No matter who you are, from CEO to Sunday school teacher, from an MMA fighter to a parent trying to help their teen find a better rhythm for a good night’s sleep this episode has something for you.A good sleep is the first domino we need to have in line so we can be the best version of ourselves for us and those who rely on us most.Thank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation - with Cara Ooi, MD – sleep specialist and creator of "Find the 8" Podcast. and learn how to find the best version of yourself one great night sleep at a time.  And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned in the Show:Website: "Find the 8" PodcastIG: "Find the 8" PodcastMore Info: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Mark Ciccone is a Vietnam veteran, where he served 12-month combat tour as an officer in the US Army Rangers. During his tour in Vietnam, Mark led infantry units through heavy combat in the jungles of Vietnam. In our conversation, Mark shares remarkable stories of the Tet Offensive, what it was like to come face to face with a 10 foot king cobra while walking point in the jungle, and his last mission, taking place less than 2 weeks before he was scheduled to come home, where he was asked to lead  group of Southern Vietnamese troops during a two day mission that resulted in then Colonel Frederic E. Davision, who would go on to become the US Army’s 1st ever black Major General, to land his helicopter during the operation just so he could shake Mark’s hand to thank him for the way he was leading his team during the missionMark shares with us how his entrepreneurial spirt lead him and a friend to start Surfer Supplies, the first surfing supply store on the east coast in OCNJ, how he became the owner of the dominate helicopter service during the radio traffic war’s in the 1990’s.We get into what led Mark to become a pilot and how he became the pilot to the rich and famous. Mark has flown President Gerald Ford, Phil Collins, Mick Jagger and Tina Turner. Mark and I also discuss how he became the personal pilot to the then owner of the Philadelphia Eagles Leonard Tose, his time of being the helicopter pilot ABC TV’s show Dirty, Sexy Money, where he got to fly and hang out with Donald Sutherland and why he decided it was time to finally retire at 75 after being asked to fly the artist Pitbull home from the Vegas strip at 2am.This was an amazing to have a conversation with a person who has said “Yes!” to just about every opportunity ever presented to him. Regardless of if he knew the answer or had any idea how he would succeed, or sometimes even survive.Thank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Enjoy my conversation - with Mark Ciccone – Army Ranger, Vietnam Veteran, pilot to the rich and famous, entrepreneur, family man, and a great friend.   And remember… “Life is built, not born…”Mentioned In this Episode:TV Show: Dirty, Sexy, Money Trailer Blog Post: Seth Godin on "Buzzer Management" US Army 9th Division US Army Major General Frederic E. Davision

Tania Del Rio is the author of the book “Happy, Healthy & Zen in Paris” and the creator of the podcast “Postcards from Paris”. She is sought-after wellness and mindfulness coach for busy executives and professionals. Tania has been leading wellness workshops and health programs in Paris since 2012. Tania specializes in showing high-performing professionals how to succeed in their new assignment living abroad by teaching them how to rewire themselves (and their habits) to thrive in their new environment. Tania was born in Mexico City, received her bachelors of science degree in Biomedical Research from Mexico City’s National University. Tania then went on to NYC and became a trained scientist by earning her PhD in Biology from New York University (NYU).  Tania then went on to a career of research in the field of molecular biology and genetics but as it does so many times, life had other plans for her.Tania went through some health issues that included dealing with anxiety, which caused her to transition from being a scientist to a health and wellness coach.Tania and I have a far-ranging discussion that covers how our lifestyle and our daily choices play a huge part our ability to keep both our physical & mental performance in order and the impact that chronic stress has on our bodies.Tania tells the story of the day she discovered YOGA and how her daily YOGA practice has changed her life forever. We also get into an in-depth discussion on the power of consistency, 2 books that had a BIG impact on both our lives and how devoting just a few minutes each day to a mindful activity can not only change your mindset but change your life.Thank you for listening.If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.Let's take a walk past the Eiffel tower and maybe stroll over to the Louvre.Please enjoy my conversation - with Tania Del Rio, author of "Happy, Healthy & Zen" and “Post Cards From Paris.”  And remember…"Life is built, not born." Mentioned in this Episode:Book: "Happy, Healthy & Zen in Paris"Podcast: "Post Cards from Paris"Website: Tania Del Rio - "Happy, Healthy, & Zen"Book: "Atomic Habits" (James Clear)Book: "The Practice" (Seth Godin)Book: "Bird by Bird" (Anne Lamott)Akimbo "The Podcast Workshop"

Sammy Oropeza is a former mixed martial artist, who competed in Bellator's middleweight and welterweight divisions. "Sammy O" had 16 professional MMA fights, racking up an impressive 13-3 record. With some of the meanest knockouts you’ll ever see on YouTube. Sammy and I have a far-ranging conversation: from what it was like growing up as the youngest of 6 kids, to what it was like losing his Dad to liver failure at age of 10 and how his Dad’s untimely death became the event that shaped his life forever.Sammy O explains why one of the primary goals of his MMA career was to tell the story of his father’s life before one of his fights and what it was like when he finally had that opportunity. We discuss what it felt like when he became a parent himself and the values he tries to pass on to his own daughter. We also get into a great discussion on why Sammy believes the greatest gift he got from his MMA career is learning how to live in the present moment and how his most crushing defeat in the ring led to his greatest opportunity – his emerging career in the Philadelphia real estate market. Sammy Oropeza has a remarkable story to tell.Sammy is a microcosm of the great city he lives in.He is authentic, hard working, high energy, and passionate. These traits come through in everything he says and does.   Thank you for listening!If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. Remember, "Life is built, not born."Mentioned during show:Book: Spin Selling (by Neal Rackam)IG: Sell With Sammy OYouTube: Sammy O Mixtape of his MMA Career

Kristi Artz, MD is an emergency medicine physician based in Grand Rapids Michigan. She is a graduate from The University of Michigan, attended medical school at Wayne State University. Dr Artz did her residency in emergency medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.Kristi shares her story of how she became the first physician in her family, how she wound up in Emergency Medicine and why in the middle of two successful careers she & her husband decided to uproot their family of 5 to the north island of New Zealand and spent a year treating an underserved population in an rural hospital’s emergency room. Her time in NZ included everything from treating Iron Man competitors to working on the helicopter transport team.Kristi’s biggest pivot and the primary focus of our conversation, is in the emerging field of Lifestyle & Culinary medicine. Kristi now focuses her medical practice on working with her patients to stay out of the emergency room by helping them adopt a whole foods, plant based lifestyle.We discuss the current science that promotes WFPB diet as a tool for not only preventing chronic disease, such as high blood pressure, heart disease & diabetes, but even reversing those conditions.We discuss why Dr Artz hates the word moderation and why centering diet on a whole foods diet is the most powerful lifestyle change a person can make.Dr Artz shares a bunch helpful tips and ideas of how you and your family can live a longer and healthier life.Thank you for listening!If you like what you hear, please hit the subscribe button.We have a bunch of thought provoking and cool interviews, like this one, to come.Healthy Resources:www.Nutritionfacts.orgwww.ForksOverKnives.comwww.MasteringDiabetes.orgBook: How Not To Die Book: How Not To DietBook: Fiber Fueled

Tom Garvey is the author of The Secret Apartment: Vet Stadium a surreal memoir. The book tells the story of Tom secretly living inside of Veterans stadium, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles & Phillies, for almost 3 years. Our conversation starts off by what made Tom storm out of a college classroom at Widener University, walk down to the post office and volunteer for the Army Airborne during the Vietnam War. Tom's time in the Army led him to becoming an Army Ranger, then to a special forces unit, leading an "A"-Team on the Cambodian border during 1969.It took 40+ years and meeting his wife Peggy before he was able to write his first book Many Beaucoup Magics, the memoir about his experiences in Vietnam.  From rollerblading around the 600 level at night, to sleeping under the stars in centerfield, to hanging with Phillies Legend Tug McGraw, Tom's stories keep coming. Thank you for listening!

Andreia Torain is a classically trained musician. Andrea teaches violin in the city of Philadelphia. She is also a student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Andreia describes the connection between classical music and jiu jitsu.  Andreia also discusses what it is like being a women training in a mostly male dominated combat sport like jiu jitsu.We take a deep dive into our shared experience of suffering bad knee injuries only few months apart, what it was like spending months watching class while rehabbing our injuries (sometimes together) and then finally breaking that fear factor of stepping back on the mat to train again. Andreia shares with us her teaching philosophy: a teacher’s first job is to teach their students to become good human beings.  We end with why Andreia has read Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mocking Bird" over 15x and the lessons that we can still learn from that book.Thank you for listening!

Jim Trunick is the author of the acclaimed book The CORE of Leadership™, keynote speaker and leadership consultant. Jim discusses growing up in Ohio, how he took a degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University and created 30+year career in the pharmaceutical industry in southern California. We talk about Jim's work as a leadership coach and mentor to C-Suite executives. We also discuss why a leader's first job is to define their priorities and know their core values. Jim describes the life lesson's he learned after the untimely death of his first wife from leukemia that left him to raise his 3 children while trying to keep his career going. We also talk about how Jim overcame the odds and recovered from a bicycling accident that left him in a coma during the spring of 2020. COURAGEOUS, KIND, and SELF-AWARE are just some of the words that describe Jim Trunick. Thank you for listening and please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON to hear more great conversations like this one.

David Kaplan is Chief Operating Officer of WatchBox, the largest buyer, seller, and trader of pre-owned luxury watches in the world.David discusses growing up in Long Island, his time at Duke University, and how he first got into watches. We also discuss the importance of building trust as a marketer, how leaders must learn from past failures and what baseball can teach our kids about life.Thank you for listening and please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON to hear more great conversations like this one.LinkedIn: David Kaplan

Shawn Nesbit is the CEO of Good Karma Cafe, a chain of coffee cafes in Center City Philadelphia.Shawn discusses growing up in foster care, spending 20 years in corporate America before "Going for Now" as an entrepreneur in a big city like Philadelphia. Shawn speaks to what it is like to lead a small business through a global pandemic and social unrest. We also cover lessons learned from training Brazilian jiu jitsu, his favorite failure, and one of our favorite books. Thank you listening and please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON to hear more great conversations like this one.

Welcome to Built Not Born! The story of EVERYDAY PEOPLE creating REMARKABLE LIVES.Each week we bring a REMARKABLE story of an ordinary person that overcame the odds, fought through adversity and positively impacted the lives of countless people in their community.From the BOARD ROOM to the BATTLEFIELD, from the JIU JITSU MAT to the field of MEDICINE we will discuss the LESSONS learned, the CHALLENGES faced, and the HABITS utilized that made our guests who they are todayHIT the FOLLOW BUTTON and see why life is "BUILT NOT BORN".