The MGM Show

Episode #65 - Networking Happens Everywhere and Here's the ProofEpisode HighlightCarl is soaking up the Florida sun in Marco Island while Evan holds it down in Buffalo, and despite the remote setup and imperfect audio, this episode is packed. From a chance encounter with the CEO of the 3rd largest egg producer in the country (at a condo printer, of all places), to Evan hosting the inaugural event at the brand-new Williamsville Business Exchange, to real talk about why the best networking moments happen when you stop trying so hard.This one is a genuine, unscripted catch-up that hits on everything MGM is about.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeNetworking without a script — Carl met a potential coaching client at a wedding and a Fortune-caliber CEO at a lobby printer. Neither was planned. Both were gold.The Williamsville Business Exchange (WBX) is open — Evan walks Carl and the listeners through the newly transformed WBX space and recaps the first-ever event: 30 attendees, College Confidence Coach presentations, and a night that exceeded expectations.How to become a Center of Influence — From poker invites to Sabres watch parties, Carl and Evan break down why showing up where you naturally thrive is the highest-leverage networking move you can make.Donald Ross Sportswear is here — The MGM Show's new Official Apparel Partner drops in a big way. Evan hasn't taken off the spring jacket all week, and Carl's box is waiting on his desk back in Buffalo.From a childhood friendship to speaking in Vegas and North Carolina — Carl traces the chain of relationships that landed MGM a spot at the AICPA National Symposium in Las Vegas AND the NCACPA 87th Annual Conference in North Carolina — all starting with one podcast guest.Official Apparel Partner of The MGM ShowThe MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear, the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show.Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style — perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between.MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel. Use Code: MGM20Visit: https://donaldross.comConnect with MGM CoachingMGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/Email: [email protected] Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session?➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

Episode #64 - The MGM Show's Official Apparel Partner!Episode HighlightThe MGM Show has partnered with Donald Ross Sportswear as the official Apparel Partner of the show! At its core, Donald Ross Sportswear is about more than the game of golf—it’s about bringing timeless style and all-day comfort wherever life takes you. With two tailored fits—Sport and Classic—and an expanding product range, Donald Ross offers wardrobe staples that transition effortlessly from work to play, day to night. Our garments are made to move with you.Key takeaway #1 — Physical Space makes a difference in your work! Key takeaway #2 — Why Donald Ross Sportswear is a phenomenal brand to buy!Key takeaway #3 — AI is here, and not leaving, so hop on board...ChatGPT - General Al assistant for everythingClaude - Deep thinking and long documentsWhisk - Create graphics and visual contentNotebookLM- Turn documents into insights/podcastsLovable - Build apps without codingPerplexity Al - Al search with live citationsMidjourney - Generate high-quality Al imagesHeyGen - Create Al avatars and videosReplit - Build and deploy softwareMake - Automate workflows between appsDonald Ross Sportswear - Our Official Apparel PartnerThe MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear, the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show.Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between.MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel. Use Code: MGM20Visit: https://donaldross.comConnect with MGM CoachingWebsite: https://www.mgmcoach.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/Email: [email protected] Matrix:https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session?➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

🎙️ Episode #63 - Building Confidence and The Buffalo Sabres Cannot Be StoppedEpisode Highlight:Culture, Confidence, and Clarity aren't just needed for your business. It's needed for anyone in any situation. Look at the Buffalo Sabres. Tune in to hear how we intertwine MGM Coaching with the Buffalo Sabres and why leadership and organizational culture are vital for teams to not only survive, but thrive. 📚 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The Buffalo Sabres are a wagonWhy MGM Coaching loves what we do Who is MGM's Ideal Client?🔥 Connect with MGM CoachingMGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/MGM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/MGM Email: [email protected] Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more!

🎙️ Episode #62 - Doing What You Want, Taking Risks, and Parenting with Jon LilleyEpisode Highlights:Canisius High School Baseball and how we met Respecting your coaches, teammates, teachers, and elders Careers not always happen on a linear line - there are twists and turnsTaking (calculated) risksLeaning on your partners, mentors, family, and other relationships Asking questions when you don't know something! Parenting through actionPutting yourself in uncomfortable positions to grow, learn, and develop5 Questions with CJ! Lils flipped the script and interviewed me! 🎤 About Our Guest Jon Lilley:Real estate isn’t just about buying and selling, it’s about knowing true property value.Jon spent his first 10 years in the Commercial Appraisal Department at M&T Bank, gaining hands-on experience valuing properties for financial institutions. In 2013, Jon launched Advanced Evaluation Services, Inc., working with lenders, buyers, sellers, and investors to provide accurate commercial evaluations and consulting.He has also helped property owners successfully challenge property tax assessments, reducing costs and correcting inaccurate valuations.As a licensed real estate agent, he now helps commercial and residential clients buy, sell, and invest with confidence backed by real valuation expertise.Please contact Jon with any Real Estate questions:Email: [email protected]: [email protected]🔥 Connect with MGM CoachingMGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/MGM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/MGM Email: [email protected] Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more!

🎙️ Episode #61 - Dream It. Build it. Live it. Episode Highlight:Big changes, big reflections, and big vision in this episode of The MGM Show. CJ and Evan dive into growth—both personal and professional—while celebrating milestones that remind us why intentional living matters.This episode also relives the story of how CJ and Evan met, considering it is the 8th anniversary of the Golf Macker! 📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Moved into our new office at The Walker Center Williamsville Business Exchange is here (WBX) The Lawley Sales Summit 2026 and listened to The Sitkins Group presentEvan Manifesting the ideal office space Golf Macker 2026 is here!8 Years ago, Evan and I "re-met" for the first time Dream of the life you want, then build it. Finding passion and Internal Self-Validation 🔥 Connect with MGM CoachingMGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/MGM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/MGM Email: [email protected] Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more!

🎙️ Episode #60 – How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything with Steve Procknal🎧 Episode HighlightIn this episode, we sit down with Steve Procknal to explore what it truly means to live well — not just longer, but better. We talk about staying active, prioritizing movement, traveling with purpose, and training your body to remain useful for life. This conversation challenges the idea of wellness as a trend and reframes it as a daily commitment to longevity, capability, and freedom.📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why movement is non-negotiableSteve explains how consistent movement — not extreme fitness — is foundational to energy, clarity, and long-term health.• Training to be useful, not just in shapeWe discuss functional strength, real-world fitness, and why preparing your body for life matters more than aesthetics.• Longevity is built through daily choicesFrom travel and activity to recovery and mindset, this episode breaks down how small habits compound into a longer, more capable life.🎤 About Our Guest:Steve ProcknalBuffalo, NY | Wellness Advocate | Active Lifestyle Leader | Fitness Director, Buffalo Club Steve is a Buffalo-based professional passionate about movement, longevity, and living an active, capable life. He brings a grounded, practical approach to wellness — emphasizing consistency, functionality, and sustainability over quick fixes. Steve believes the goal isn’t just to live longer, but to remain strong, mobile, and useful for as long as possible.🔥 Connect with MGM Coaching🌐 MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/📧 Email: [email protected]🧠 Explore the Conative Matrix:https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session?➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

🎙️ Episode #59 - Welcome to 2026, The Year of StrengthEpisode Highlight:Evan and CJ sit down to kick off 2026, discussing it as the Year of Strength, being kind, and showing gratitude. Then we get into goal planning on how you can make 2026 the best yet. 📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:We have dubbed 2026 as the Year of Strength Be a kind human Show gratitude often Be happy with what you have while continuing to grow 🔥 Connect with MGM CoachingMGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/MGM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/MGM Email: [email protected] Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #12: Culture that Wins with MGM CoachingWorkplace Culture needs more investment. We aren't recommending investing more money. We're recommending investing more time and effort. You simply must invest time and effort into building your workplace culture because, without it, you're working on borrowed time. Tune in today to hear how Workplace Culture wins. HighlightsGiving your employees empowerment Building a strong culture Freedom is having the power to do things your way Building up the physical space Hearing no: How do you respond? Follow the "Golden Rule" Having to work on cultureBeing a leader doesn't mean holding a title MGM Coaching's office is moving...! Connect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #11: Your Vision for 2026 with Connor CoxConnor is different than most guests we have had on The MGM Show. That is because he is still a Senior in high school. Connor is a student with us at The College Confidence Coach, and he is on easy street for the rest of his senior year. Why? Because for the last year +, Connor has been dedicated to learning about himself, focusing on his future, and working hard when his classmates were just sitting around. Now, he has all of his college acceptances in, and the tough decision is just saying where he wants to go. His classmates? They're panicked, scrambling, and worried about the future. Tune in to hear how CCC helps your students through the college admissions process, and how Connor can focus on his vision for the new year, rather than worry about what is next. Enjoy! HighlightsStrong family foundationGrowing up in Buffalo, going to Nichols SchoolCoxing at Syracuse and meeting her now husbandGetting dropped off at NYC with no job and First Communion MoneyGetting dinner with JP Morgan Chase CEO, Jamie DimonBelieving in coachingBelieve AchieveLeadership within your communityConnect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #10: Bringing Joy Back to Work with Sara CowanSara Cowan began as a client of The College Confidence Coach. A loving mother who enrolled her daughter for college guidance with our other company. Through the first couple of meetings, she started to show interest in what the company did. Now, 6 months later, we're coworkers, and in her words, she has immense joy in what she does all day long now. Tune in to hear how you, too, can find joy in your day and within the workplace! HighlightsTeaching > Motherhood > Teaching > Coaching Wasn't looking for a new job Wasn't unhappy with her previous job Working with kids and connecting with themUnderstanding yourself and those around you, Conatively How do you find joy in your workplace?Caring about what you doFind your Internal Self-ValidationParenting your kids based on their instincts The little things mean so much Connect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #9: Creating Meaningful Relationships with RJ GicewiczRJ grew up an athlete in an athletic family. In high school, he made the bold decision to commit fully to hockey. That leap paid off in a big way: elite competition, representing Team USA, getting drafted to the Junior League, and competing as a Division I athlete. But the journey wasn’t without adversity. Concussions. Neck surgeries. Setbacks that could have ended it all. Instead of letting those moments define him, RJ transformed them into fuel. He leaned on the relationships he built along the way, and today, he’s paying it forward by shaping the next generation through coaching. Tune in to hear a powerful story of resilience, relationships, and how RJ turned life’s hardest hits into a purpose-driven life.HighlightsDirector of Hockey at The Nichols SchoolHockey Juniors D1 Hockey Injuries changing the course The importance of networking Creating relationships with fellow coaches, players, and stakeholders in the game of hockey How sports help you learn to build relationships Growing up in an athletic family Leaning on authentic relationships in tough times Connect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #8: Financial Wisdom for the New Year with Mike LorigoMike Lorigo has been in Real Estate his entire career, and for the past 15 years, he has owned his own company, Pillar Real Estate. Financially, Mike has lost money and made money, but throughout it all, he kept a clear head so he could take calculated risks. Tune in to hear why learning to budget, your money, understand your investment strategy, and develop your own risk tolerance can play a significant role in unlocking financial clarity. HighlightsValentine's Day, 2008, founded Pillar Real Estate Packaging Engineering Program at RIT Always wanted to work for himself Being a risk-taker and believing things would work out 41 Doors > 2000 doors in 15 years Finding your own investment philosophy Financial advice for your 20's and 30'sLearning to budget your personal lifeHave your money work for you Have you ever lost $1M on a deal?Wealth is built when you can afford to do the things you want to doConnect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #7: Starting a Business with Mike GilbertMike (Gibby) Gilbert spent 29 years in the Sports Industry. Starting in football, then finishing in hockey. A little over 6 years ago, he started his own consulting business because he can help people and companies connect the dots. Gibby knew what his talent was, and he created a business around that. Do you have a talent, idea, or plan that you want to launch yourself? Tune in to hear about how Gibby started his business and where he is today! HighlightsFrom 29 years in sports to starting a consulting businessBuffalo Bills > World League of American Football > Philadelphia Eagles > New Jersey Devils > Buffalo Sabres Grinding at the workplace Building trusting relationships Gibby helps people connect the dots You eat what you kill Nothing is as serious as it seems Giving a thoughtful Christmas gift Having the right attitude Connect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #6: Building Stronger Teams with Sara EckertSara Eckert is the Director of Quality at Keller Technology Corporation, a 100+ year old company, based right here in Buffalo, NY. Sara has been a client of MGM's for the last 5 months or so, and her ability to learn, inspire, and build a team has been apparent from the get-go. Tune in today to learn her go-to tricks and how you yourself can help build stronger teams. HighlightsDirector of Quality at Keller Technology What qualities make a strong team? KTC working with MGM Building confidence in the workplace Being a younger woman in a male-dominated industry Understanding how each team member works Having trust and integrity amongst a team Navigating being a leader while not being someone's "boss""Be your own CEO" - Mike Lawley Being comfortable asking questions when you don't know something Not being the smartest person on your team Episode Resources / Links MentionedLeaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek Connect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!

The 12 Days of Podcasting Presented by MGM CoachingEpisode #5: Turning Setbacks into Strength with Brandon HendersonBrandon Henderson has been a corporate man with the Hershey Company for the past 11 years. He's climbed the ladder, faced challenges, addressed setbacks, and has made it out the other side. Tune in to hear how this Southern Man values fellowship, finding your "constitution," and having the right mindset. Enjoy this episode with Brandon Henderson. HighlightsIf you don't take setbacks hard, you aren't caring...Mindset is EVERYTHING Having Fellowship Being willing to grow What’s your constitution? Connect with MGM CoachingWebsite — https://www.mgmcoach.comInstagram — @mgmcoaching_LinkedIn — MGM CoachingEmail — [email protected] the Series?If you’ve been enjoying The 12 Days of Podcasting, leave a review, share episodes with a friend, or tag us on Instagram/LinkedIn with your biggest takeaway. We want to hear from you!