Vinny Brusco decided to build the fix. He's a certified life coach, Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, host of The Council of Dudes podcast, and founder of Agora Social Club — a physical space in Westchester, NY built specifically to give men a place to connect, grow, and stop white-knuckling life alone. No bar. No ego. No small talk. Just intentional brotherhood.

In this episode, Vinny gets into why modern convenience is killing character, what it actually means to be a father versus just a dad, and why most men are ruled by their thoughts instead of leading from them. This is a conversation about what men are missing and what it takes to build it back.

This Episode Explores:

✅ The male loneliness epidemic: depression, suicide rates, and the failure to launch

✅ Why comfort is the enemy of the character men actually need

✅ Meditation, sensory deprivation, and BJJ as tools for staying grounded under pressure

✅ Dad vs. father: the difference between being fun and being intentional

✅ How Agora Social Club became the modern fourth place men are desperate for

✅ Self-sabotage, the lure of comfort, and why the journey never gets easier, you just get stronger

🔗 Connect with Vinny Brusco

Instagram: @vinnybrusco

Website: vinnybrusco.com

Agora Social Club: agorasocialclub.com | @agora_westchester

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

Ian Garfinkel is a Neural Performance and Executive Function Specialist and founder of Evolution Mindset. He works with high-pressure leaders and teams on the things most coaches won't touch. He focuses on identity reconstruction, nervous system regulation and what he calls purpose engineering. His core conviction: your thoughts mean nothing if your body hasn't felt them first.

In this episode, Ian breaks down why the highest performers are often the most wired for self-sabotage, how unregulated nervous systems kill focus and execution and what it actually takes to build habits that hold under real pressure, not just in calm conditions.

This Episode Explores:

✅ Why thoughts without feeling are just noise

✅ How your nervous system overrides your best intentions

✅ The neuroscience behind why high performers plateau and stall

✅ Identity reconstruction and changing who you are, not just what you do

✅ Purpose engineering and why most people are executing the wrong mission

✅ What nervous system regulation looks like in high-stakes environments

🔗 Connect with Ian Garfinkel: / iangarfinkelevolutionary

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast Instagram: / realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: / theseanmartin

In this episode, Traci breaks down why most people are living a story they never chose and how to change it. She gets into the scarcity mindset that runs through high-achievement spaces, the power of sitting in silence and what her mother taught her about not letting other people's reality become your ceiling.

Now a narrative coach and keynote speaker, Traci helps people stop being invisible and start designing the story they actually want to live. Her new book, Design Your Mindset, is the blueprint.

This Episode Explores:

✅ First Black family in an all-white neighborhood and a mother who refused to break

✅ The scarcity mindset in media: "There's only room for one of us"

✅ Why your brain sees filters, not facts

✅ Silence as a pattern-interruption tool

✅ How to stop living someone else's story

🔗 Connect with Traci Mitchell:

Instagram @iamtracimitchell

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

This Episode Explores:

✅ Half marathons EVERY DAY (131 indoor laps) for a moving world record

✅ Praying for injury to escape pain—then adapting through it

✅ IV drugs daily for 3.5 years: heroin, meth, anything to escape

✅ Kicked out homeless at 24: "I'm a complete loser" wakeup

✅ $120K sales to partnership: "If it's my money, it's my rules"

✅ No high school diploma? "School told me I'm an idiot"—sales was his out

✅ Why pain lowers standards (even porta-potty sprints) and how to hold yours

✅ "Opportunity finds money"—why broke people miss breaks

✅ 3 years of two-a-days + writing "The Journey to Becoming Remarkable"

Real pain, real resilience, real wealth—when breaking your word hurts worse than running 13.1 miles daily.

🔗 Connect with Trevor Cowley

Instagram: @trevorleecowley

@realbusinessowners

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

Trevor Cowley, Real Business Owners Podcast, Easier Accounting, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, half marathon every day, world record running, addiction recovery, heroin to millionaire, IV drugs story, homeless to entrepreneur, business turnaround, extreme discipline, radical ownership, stack cash opportunity, pain adaptation, detox cold turkey, no degree success, sales to CEO, St George Utah entrepreneur, resilience mindset, world record chase, two-a-days streak, becoming remarkable, business ownership, mental toughness, poverty to wealth, facing demons

This Episode Explores:

- "Financial debris": Lessons from her messy business exit

- Self-sacrifice as the #1 entrepreneur killer—and how to heal it

- "Your bank account is a mirror" of hidden interpersonal issues

- God as provider: Making hard calls without carrying your team's burden

- Saving vs. serving: Why over-helping creates dependency

- From corporate pay gaps ("My boobs kept me from earning") to franchise success

- Building culture in restaurants amid COVID chaos

- Faith beyond religion: Spirituality for business and life

- Evolve event: Immersive growth for faith-based leaders (March 2026, Savannah)

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🔗 Connect with Angela Goodman

Instagram: Instagram.com/msangelagoodman

Evolve Event: evolve-us.org

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

📚 Book: "Beyond the Bronx: From Prison to Purpose" https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook/

Grab Your Copy 👉 https://a.co/d/gKLMhg9/

🎙️ Podcast: R.E.A.L Mentors Podcast (New episodes every week)

💬 Money Mindset Movement

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Tags & Keywords

Angela Goodman, Evolve Through God, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, faith-based entrepreneurship, self-sacrifice entrepreneurs, financial debris, business exit lessons, God as provider, saving vs serving, personal development coach, HVAC corporate to franchise, restaurant business culture, core wounds healing, spirituality vs religion, Evolve event Savannah 2026, entrepreneur self-leadership, cash flow mirror, people-pleasing trap, faith and business growth, women's entrepreneurship, male-dominated industry, burnout recovery, purpose-driven scaling, resilience, mindset shift, non-denominational faith, high-performer retreats, Valkyrie Ventures

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This Episode Explores:

- "Personal science": Map your life, family, and spaces for instant clarity

- Why Silicon Valley tech fails but colored pencils build high-performance bonds

- SEAL truth: "Know yourself and your team or lose the battle guaranteed"

- Betty's story: Ditch "Super Betty" pretense, unlock family help

- Expert confession: Health pros had "zero data" on daily life

- Camaraderie code: Collective reflection trumps carrots, sticks, retreats

- Lead small: Start with 3 people, inspire change through stories

- Upcoming book: Camaraderie – Foundations of joyful teams (July 2026)

- Real talk on ditching experts, tapping innate skills, and forging teams that thrive under pressure.

🔗 Connect with Rajiv Mehta

Website: https://mappingourselves.com

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rajivmehta0

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

About the Guest – Rajiv Mehta

Rajiv Mehta is a speaker, consultant, and personal science pioneer. Trained at Princeton and Stanford, he advanced aerospace at NASA Ames and innovation at Apple before shifting to human-centered tools via Mapping Ourselves. His analog frameworks empower leaders—from execs to house cleaners—to map relationships, environments, and days for deeper self-knowledge and team camaraderie. Author of forthcoming Camaraderie: Rethinking High-Performing Teams, he's spoken at corporations, SEAL teams, and communities worldwide.

Tags & Keywords

Rajiv Mehta, Mapping Ourselves, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, NASA engineer, Apple innovation, personal science, know yourself, team camaraderie, high-performing teams, self-awareness tools, care maps, collective reflection, SEAL leadership, Super Betty story, colored pencils vs tech, Silicon Valley reject, offsites fail, expert myths, bloody nonsense science, house cleaners to CEOs, Princeton Stanford, business culture, leadership bonds, joyful teams, personal development, emotional intelligence, NASA to mentorship, podcast guest, motivation, growth mindset

In this episode of The REAL Mentors Podcast, host Sean Martin sits down with Erika Rothenberger—civil engineer, corporate director at Henkels & McCoy, keynote speaker, author of Audacious Expansion, and the woman behind "Erika's Law," a bill pushing Pennsylvania to make strangling a stranger a felony instead of a misdemeanor. They go deep on the brutal 2022 attack that nearly killed her, the backyard moment where she chose to thrive instead of break, the childhood trauma she'd been burying for decades, and the exact frameworks she uses to rebuild identity after devastation. This isn't a story about "staying positive." It's a blueprint for what to do when life hits you in the face—literally.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The minute-by-minute story of Erika's attack by a stranger in a quiet Pennsylvania suburb—and the survival instinct that saved her life

✅ Why her attacker—a man imprisoned 12 years in NY who assaulted multiple women and prison guards—received concurrent sentencing of only 15–20 years

✅ The backyard decision: how hearing her kids laugh three days after the assault rewired her entire identity

✅ Why she told her attacker "I forgive you" in court—and why forgiveness is a selfish act (in the best way)

✅ The disturbing PA law loophole: strangling a stranger is a misdemeanor, but threatening to strangle someone carries a harsher sentence

✅ Her BOLD framework—Believe, Ongoing, Lean on Others, Develop Others—and how it was already in place before the attack prepared her to survive it

✅ The 3-3-30 method

✅ Why she calls midlife an "awakening," not a crisis—and what finally made her leave the corporate comfort zone

✅ The Triangle of Life (from her mother): Health → Family → Passion—and how to keep it upright when everything tilts

✅ How childhood trauma from growing up with two alcoholic parents resurfaced after the assault—and why she says therapy should be as automatic as going to the doctor

Who This Episode Is For:

If you've ever felt like your past, your trauma, or your circumstances are permanent roadblocks—this one's for you. Whether you're justice-impacted, rebuilding after a setback, an entrepreneur from a chaotic background, a nonprofit leader, a social worker, or just someone who keeps waiting for the "right time" to go after what you actually want—Erika's story will challenge every excuse you've been telling yourself.

This is not motivational fluff. This is a woman who got beaten unconscious by a stranger, showed up to court 11 times over three years, forgave the man who nearly killed her, wrote a 222-page book, sold out a 180-woman summit, and is currently getting a law changed in Pennsylvania. Real story. Uncomfortable truth. Usable framework.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

01:15 – Erika Rothenberger: engineer, speaker, assault survivor, and legislative advocate

03:34 – What Audacious Expansion is really about and why she wrote it now

07:03 – The "beautiful life" illusion: corner office, MBA, corporate ladder—but something was missing

07:50 – June 16, 2022: the pink blazer, the parking lot, the punch

10:55 – The attacker's story: 12 years in a NY prison, multiple assaults, premature release

11:45 – The backyard moment: hoodie in June, kids laughing, the decision to thrive

13:18 – "Erika's Law": why strangling a stranger in PA is still just a misdemeanor

19:09 – The BOLD method and the 3-3-30 daily framework explained

25:15 – Childhood trauma, alcoholic parents, and why everyone needs a therapist

28:19 – The Triangle of Life: Health, Family, Passion—keep it upright

About The REAL Mentors Podcast:

REAL = Real Examples Altering Lives. Hosted by Sean Martin—Bronx-born, formerly incarcerated, college-educated, ex–six-figure earner, now coach, mentor, and author of Beyond The Bronx. Raw, honest conversations with people whose lived experiences inform the work they do now.

SEO and Tags:

assault survivor story, trauma to purpose, women in construction, audacious expansion book, strangulation law Pennsylvania, Erika's Law PA, forgiveness after violence, midlife awakening women, BOLD method framework, 3-3-30 daily method, domestic violence advocacy, self-imposed prison mindset, breaking trauma cycles, women empowerment podcast, survivor to thriver, legacy after trauma, women's month

Former choir director Matt Berthot joins Sean Martin on the REAL Mentors Podcast to reveal how vocal power unlocked Sean's prison story, sparked life-changing breakthroughs, and fueled Matt's own radical reinvention. From small-town Kansas wrestler and state champ to getting fired as a "toxic male" after 19 years teaching, Matt now coaches leaders to master Craft (technique), Artistry (storytelling), and Performance Magic (hypnotic flow) that commands rooms and creates goosebumps.

Discover the 2013 Mariah moment where Matt intuitively "saw" her hidden visualization, the wrestling finals comeback aligning mind-body-spirit, and his 4-step framework (meditate, energy, visualize, act) downloaded before a London presentation. This is raw reinvention: divorce, job loss, walk of shame — transformed into better fatherhood, coaching pros like Ed Mylett, and wealth as byproduct.

This Episode Explores:

- How voice technique + emotional frequency = mind-reading intuition

- Performance Magic: Goosebump flow like Mahomes or Jordan

- Fired at 40+: Trading comfort for soul-level calling

- "Energy is frequency" — why regulated emotions hypnotize audiences

- 4 questions to find your purpose: Love, tick, roles, why you're here

- Reinvention pain: Losing job/marriage, gaining coaches and clarity

- Full-circle friendship: Matt sparked Sean's first public prison story

Perfect for entrepreneurs, speakers, leaders, and anyone scared to shed their old identity for vocal mastery and unstoppable presence.

🔗 Connect with Matt Berthot

Website: voicebymatt.com

Instagram: instagram.com/voicebymatt

Email: voicebymatt@gmail.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: instagram.com/theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

Matt Berthot, Voice By Matt, voice coaching, vocal power, performance magic, speaking coach, energy frequency, Joe Dispenza, emotional regulation, reinvention after 40, fired to freedom, small town success, Kansas wrestler, choir director story, UnMute event, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, public speaking mastery, flow state speaking, hypnotic presence, storytelling framework, vocal athlete, personal growth, leadership communication, entrepreneur voice training, overcoming fear, finding your calling, mindset shift, self-development, emotional intelligence, peak performance, spiritual awakening, authenticity on stage

You’ll hear why he believes the real “freedom ticket” is learning to sell, how he uses the Bible as a decision filter for money, marriage, and parenting, and what it actually looks like to build millions without sacrificing your family. Chaz also breaks down his “grateful but not done” mindset, how he engineers challenge for his kids (like making them buy their own bikes), and why most people stay stuck in scarcity even when they don’t have to.

This Episode Explores:

- How belief and courage become the real cheat code in business and life

- Growing up with a single mom, welfare, and the moment that changed everything

- Why “sales is the first freedom ticket” for non‑traditional and non‑college founders

- Using faith as a practical decision‑making filter for money, marriage, and legacy

- Scarcity vs. abundance, and why most people’s brains fight their own goals

- Raising resilient, ownership‑minded kids in a comfortable, affluent environment

- The “grateful but not done” framework for high achievers who already “won”

- Protecting your marriage and family with daily intentional habits

- Building businesses that support an exceptional life, not replace it

If you’re an entrepreneur, parent, or leader who knows you were made for more — but refuse to lose your family, health, or soul along the way — this conversation will challenge your beliefs and push you to go all‑in on you.

🔗 Connect with Chaz Wolfe

Website: https://www.chazwolfe.com

https://www.youtube.com/@UCM1-6UfgrdBzqk1k20VJgXQ

Gathering The Kings: https://www.gatheringthekings.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gtkfamilymastermind

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

Chaz Wolfe, Gathering The Kings, Driven To Win podcast, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, entrepreneurial mindset, self‑belief, belief in yourself, cheat code to life, faith driven entrepreneur, Christian entrepreneur, generational wealth, legacy, family first entrepreneur, marriage and business, raising resilient kids, abundance mindset, scarcity mindset, sales skills, freedom through sales, personal development, high performance, intentional parenting, fatherhood, husband, purpose driven business, business and faith, self confidence, courage, leadership, growth, mindset, exceptional life

In this conversation, Andelina explains why she believes Gen Z is “a generation that lacks faith,” how believing “this is all there is” leads to despair, and why vulnerability is actually a biological and spiritual advantage—not a weakness. She breaks down what a day in depression really looks like, why just getting out of bed counts as a win, and how she uses scripture, slow mornings, and community to navigate PMDD and emotional storms. This episode is a must-watch for parents, young adults, and anyone who wants to better understand the inner world of struggling Gen Z kids—and how faith, honesty, and connection can bring them back.

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This Episode Explores:

- Why Gen Z is facing record levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts

- How a friend’s suicide and her own dark season led Andelina to write Sanity in the Storm

- The role of Christian faith and seeing Jesus as Lord and Savior in finding hope

- Social media “highlight reels,” comparison, and why “for the most part, social media is a lie”

- PMDD, hormones, and what monthly “suicidal rage” actually feels like for her

- Why vulnerability lowers anxiety and puts your brain into a growth mindset

- The power of redefining success: why “just getting out of bed” is sometimes a real win

- Creating a positive algorithm: using timers, boundaries, and curation on your feed

- Learning to focus on what you can control instead of global chaos and politics

- Turning grief, OCD, ADHD, and depression into tools that can help others heal

This episode is about honest faith, messy feelings, and the courage it takes to tell the truth about your mental health so you—and the people watching you—can finally start to heal.

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🔗 Connect with Andelina Storm

Website & Book (Sanity in the Storm): sanityinthestorm.com (book also available on Amazon)

​

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceInTheStormPodcastt

https://open.spotify.com/show/58blc3GLDLM4M0dCO0FQTl

​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andelina.storm

https://www.instagram.com/peaceinthestormpodcast/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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Tags & Keywords

Andelina Storm, Sanity in the Storm, Peace in the Storm podcast, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Gen Z mental health, Christian mental health, faith and anxiety, depression, PMDD, OCD, suicide prevention, grief, small wins, vulnerability, growth mindset, social media and mental health, TikTok depression, Instagram comparison, Gen Z faith crisis, Jesus, hope, coping skills, Bible and mental health, college mental health, Michigan State student, emotional health, resilience, authenticity, transparency, purpose, young adult struggles, parents and teens, mental health toolkit, Christian Gen Z speaker

Get the playbook on off-market sourcing, CapEx execution, upgrading your network, and why authenticity filters the right partners for long-term wins.

This Episode Explores:

- Self-storage vs multifamily: lower costs, faster rate growth, bigger exits

- 13 off-market flips: turning sub-50K sq ft assets into REIT magnets

- "No consistent paycheck" mindset

- Dad's rule: "The worst thing is success while looking over your shoulder"

- Albanian family values fueling discipline, honor, and deal-making

- From baseball scholarship to $1B+ valuation expert

- Value-first sales: breakfasts with billionaires, zero hard pitches

- Mentoring young entrepreneurs through social media and proximity

- Why authenticity repels wrong clients, attracts lifetime partners

- Immigrant hustle: 65 cousins, hard-working parents, uncles as blueprint

- Perfect for real estate investors, brokers, developers, and anyone trading time for money.

🔗 Connect with David Perlleshi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-perlleshi-7b632985

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlleshi_cre/

Franklin Street: https://franklinst.com/user_profile/david-perlleshi/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

David Perlleshi, self storage investing, self-storage broker, Franklin Street, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, storage vs multifamily, real estate investing, off-market deals, relationship selling, business integrity, immigrant entrepreneur, Albanian success story, real estate mentorship, CapEx strategy, storage development, REIT pipeline, value-add investing, network building, no paycheck lifestyle, authenticity in sales, Bronx real estate, Westchester entrepreneur, commercial brokerage, storage expense ratios, institutional self-storage, deal sourcing, sales philosophy, family business values, entrepreneurial mindset

You'll discover:

→ Why her brother (dark-skinned, Black Puerto Rican) was scapegoated by their own family while she (lighter-skinned) got opportunities

→ The "arrested development" phenomenon: how incarceration freezes emotional growth at the age you entered

→ Why schools and families don't teach emotional regulation—and how this fuels the prison pipeline

→ How Newburgh, NY (violent crime 198% above national average) became her training ground for justice work

→ The gratitude practice Sean used in his prison cell that works anywhere

→ Her brother's redemption arc: from decades of cycling through incarceration to age 55, now working at Fortune Society

→ Why "the answer is in the community"—and why distant experts keep failing marginalized youth

The uncomfortable truth: Most youth don't need punishment—they need adults who've been where they are. CCFY meets families at crisis moments (first arrest, probation) before deep system involvement creates compounding barriers: homelessness, employment discrimination, fractured relationships, shame.

Host Sean Martin (formerly incarcerated) creates the rare space where both guests speak the same language—lived experience of trauma, systems, and redemption. As Sean shares: he didn't learn about processing FEELINGS until prison anger management workshops. That's how emotionally stunted poverty and chaos make us.

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Community Connections for Youth:

📍 149th & 3rd Ave, Bronx, 7th floor (walk-ins welcome 9am-5pm)

🌐 www.cc-fy.org | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cc4y/

📧 Serving South Bronx families for 16 years

💼 Programs: Youth diversion, parent support, court advocacy, transformative mentoring

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: www.instagram.com/theseanmartin

Beyond The Bronx Book: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook/

Grab Your Copy 👉 https://a.co/d/gKLMhg9/

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Opening: "The Bronx is crushed. But I see beauty in that."

02:22 - Growing up in Newburgh, NY (one of America's most dangerous cities)

04:44 - Church as sanctuary during 1980s racial marginalization

09:14 - Faith as justice framework: Christianity without dogma

10:09 - The day her mother died and her brother disappeared

15:02 - "His experiences were a grown man's. Who he was was a child."

17:18 - Why prison taught Sean about feelings (after earning six figures)

20:30 - Rock bottom before finding purpose at CCFY

22:05 - Brother's journey: 33 when they reconnected, 55 when he found stability

25:25 - How credible messengers work: 80% staff are program alumni

30:03 - Self-actualization: "You want to get this clean or get this filthy?"

31:52 - Emotional literacy as violence prevention

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About The Real Mentors:

REAL = Real Examples Altering Lives. Host Sean Martin interviews leaders and people whose lived experiences—incarceration, addiction, poverty, trauma—inform their work transforming systems. Authentic conversations about redemption that don't sugarcoat the struggle.

Subscribe for stories proving transformation is possible no matter where you're starting from.

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Tags and Keywords

Belinda Ramos, Community Connections for Youth, credible messenger, youth incarceration alternatives, recidivism reduction, formerly incarcerated, South Bronx, criminal justice reform, The Real Mentors, Sean Martin, reentry programs, juvenile justice, emotional literacy, redemption stories, alternatives to prison, trauma recovery, nonprofit leadership, community organizing, restorative justice, formerly incarcerated mentors

In this raw, no-BS episode, Sean sits down to get interviewed about his journey from the Bronx projects to building a multi-million dollar ventures and the uncomfortable truths about mindset, sobriety, and identity that he's never fully shared before.

If you think your background, your mistakes, or your circumstances are permanent roadblocks, this episode will change how you see everything.

📺 In this special episode, host of the REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin gets interviewed by Dan Sachkowsky ("Big D"), and it gets real:

✅ Why Sean turned himself in for attempted robbery—and how prison became his greatest teacher

✅ The harsh truth about why 20+ years of high-functional alcoholism masked his potential

✅ How getting sober completely changed his business trajectory

✅ The 3 invisible ceilings that keep entrepreneurs stuck between $500K and $2M (and how to break through them)

✅ Why Sean LEFT AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) after 6 months

✅ How he went from Bronx poverty to a multi-million dollar life

✅ The mindset shift nobody talks about that separates 7-figure from 8-figure entrepreneurs

✅ His mission to impact 10 million inner-city youth—and why it matters

This isn't motivational sh*t. This is the real story, the uncomfortable truths, and the framework Sean uses to coach entrepreneurs who are ready to scale.

This episode is for:

🚀 Entrepreneurs stuck on a revenue plateau – Making $500K to $2M but can't break through, working 60+ hours, feeling like something's missing

📈 People ready to scale from 1 to 10 million – Looking for the framework that actually works

🔄 Anyone in recovery or facing a major life change – Struggling with identity and wondering if there's another way

💪 People from disadvantaged backgrounds – Who've been told their circumstances determine their ceiling

🧠 Those interested in mindset work – Tired of tactics; ready for the psychology that actually shifts results

👥 Leaders and future leaders – Who want to understand how to mentor, inspire, and think bigger

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Follow Sean Martin:

📱 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theseanmartin

📚 Book: "Beyond the Bronx: From Prison to Purpose" https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook/

Grab Your Copy 👉 https://a.co/d/gKLMhg9/

🎙️ Podcast: R.E.A.L Mentors Podcast (New episodes every week)

💬 Money Mindset Movement

Follow Dan Sachkowsky:

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_big_dan_official/

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🎯 ABOUT R.E.A.L MENTORS PODCAST

Real Examples Altering Lives

To share real stories from real people who've gone from zero to hero, failure to success, stuck to unstoppable.

Every episode breaks down the invisible ceilings that keep people stuck and gives you the framework to break through them.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creator, someone in recovery, or just someone ready for a change, this podcast is for you.

New episodes every week. No BS. No hype. Just REAL conversations.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

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📊 SEO TAGS

#SeanMartin #RealMentorsPodcast #EntrepreneurshipPodcast #PrisonToSuccess #MindsetShift #Sobriety #RealEstate #BusinessCoaching #Motivation #SuccessStory #PodcastEpisode #MoneyMindset #ScalingBusiness #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #DanSachkowsky #BeyondTheBronx #InnerCityYouth #BreakthroughMindset #RecoveryJourney #Mentorship #FromZeroToHero #BusinessGrowth #IdentityShift #AlcoholRecovery #9FigureRealEstate #MillionaireCoach #EntrepreneurMindset #SuccessPodcast #MotivationalSpeaker #MentorshipMatters #ProblemsToSuccess #SelfMade #BronxToSuccess #FinancialFreedom #RealStories #ChangeYourLife #MindsetMatters #CoachingPodcast #GrowYourBusiness #BreakThePattern #UrbanEntrepreneur #RoleModel

📌 TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Intro & Why Sean Credits Prison to His Success

2:08 - The Advantage of Coming from Nothing

3:12 - What Really Happened During Those 2 Prison Years

6:00 - The 3 Invisible Ceilings Keeping Entrepreneurs Stuck

7:43 - How Sobriety Changed Everything (Clarity Over Everything)

9:05 - Why Sean LEFT AA After 6 Months (Controversial Take)

11:14 - Meeting Tony Robbins (His Childhood Hero)

13:04 - The Real ROI of Personal Development

15:59 - Scaling from $1M to $10M: What Has to Die & What Has to Be Born

18:12 - Childhood Programming & Why You're Running Someone Else's Code

20:34 - His Mission: Impact 10 Million Inner-City Youth

23:37 - The #1 Thing Stuck Entrepreneurs Need to Do TODAY

26:07 - Family First: Integration Over Balance

28:02 - Why Your Dreams Need to Be Big Enough for Others

From NYPD's violent 46th Precinct ("the Alamo") to White Plains PD's Mental Health Outreach Team, Jason reveals how cops compartmentalize gunshot victims, cope with morbid humor on severed limbs, and fight loneliness after losing street friends. He slams "defund the police" as "dumbest sh*t," shares his Honduran roots policing "from the middle," and opens up on peer support, generational shifts in recruiting, and building men's mental fitness via Agora Social Club.

This episode uncovers policing's human side: soul-draining calls, split-second life-or-death choices, and staying compassionate amid stigma.

This Episode Explores:

- Bronx project's heavy-handed cops vs. respected neighborhood officers

- NYPD rookie shock: "Guys get stuck seeing holes in them"

- Cop bars, alcohol, and dark jokes on accidents/dead bodies

- "Uniform = tool of death": Why officers cry post-shootings

- Policing "from the middle": Bridging streets and blue

- Mental Health Outreach: Housing unhoused, aiding mentally ill

- Losing friends as a cop: "Instantly you sell out?"

- Generational cop shift: Remote jobs over pensions

- Agora Social Club: Jujitsu, co-working for men's mental health

- Real talk on cop trauma, reform realities, and reclaiming humanity under the badge.

🔗 Connect with Jason Lacayo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/therealjumpmanjay

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealjumpmanjay

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: instagram.com/theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

Jason Lacayo, White Plains PD, NYPD 46th Precinct, SWAT operator, mental health outreach, cop mental health, defund the police, policing from the middle, Bronx Alamo, morbid cop humor, police trauma, first responder wellness, peer support, generational policing, Agora Social Club, Reps for Responders, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, ex-NYPD, police reform, criminal justice, Honduran American, men's mental fitness, jujitsu community, bodycam realities, cop loneliness, uniform humanity, second chances law enforcement, Westchester PD

Co-founder of Bronx Native, Amaurys Grullon shares how he and his sister turned "no Bronx merch" into a Mott Haven flagship store, Nike collabs, Yankees deals, and a movement blending creativity, entrepreneurship, and community giveback. He gets real about "crabs in a barrel" gatekeeping, scarcity mindset pulling down local success, and why staying rooted blocks from Cardinal Hayes beats escaping. From Pentecostal single-mom roots and dad’s pool hall hustle to NYT fame off pop-ups, Amaurys reveals his "more is more" blueprint for thriving in the BX.

This Episode Explores:

- Bronx Native origins: Apartment shelf to global brand in 2015

- "Crabs in a barrel": Community pushback and gatekeeper lows

- "No pressure, no diamond": Embracing struggle for growth

- Scarcity mindset vs. optimism—protecting "precious energy"

- 2016 breakthrough: Events, networking, NYT feature, pop-up magic

- "Most beautiful place on earth": Reframing Bronx pride amid stereotypes

- Building creative ecosystem (GET Studios, Tag Up, Change the Narrative)

- "Comfortable in your uncomfortability" staying local while scaling

- Father hustler lessons, early art commissions, school-to-SVA journey

- Future 2026 vision: Books, docs, festivals, drives for BX unity

- Real talk on Bronx entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, cultural pride, and rising above—perfect for hustlers chasing legacy from the streets.

🔗 Connect with Amaurys Grullon

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amaurysgrullon

Bronx Native: www.bronxnativeshop.com

www.instagram.com/thebronxnative

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: @theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

Amaurys Grullon, Bronx Native, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, Bronx entrepreneur, Boogie Down pride, section 8 success, crabs in a barrel, scarcity mindset, Bronx hustle, cultural brand, Mott Haven store, Nike Yankees collabs, entrepreneurship Bronx, gatekeepers old heads, no pressure no diamond, more is more, precious energy, Cardinal Hayes, Bronx Community College, SVA design, community giveback, Bronx merch movement, personal development NYC, resilience mindset, creative entrepreneur, Hunts Point roots, change the narrative, BX unity

Luis opens up on channeling grief into art, unlearning trauma, and why drive trumps talent.

This Episode Explores:

- Bronx roots: Public assistance to LaGuardia High and first single at 19

- Warner deal at 23: 3 albums, Olga Tañón duet #30 Billboard hit

- Post-9/11 pivot: From global stages to survival jobs amid reggaeton rise

- Divorce trauma, depression, and therapy's game-changing lessons

- Turning friend’s cancer death into a 5-part film outlet

- La India duet disaster—and opening for her next

- Indie ownership: Songs, videos, YouTube, no label chains

- 2026 NY salsa comeback with Negron & Jimenez Rat Pack vibe

- Fatherhood first: Hiding pain to protect his kid

- Drive over talent: "I wanted it so bad, nothing stopped me"

- Real talk on pain, persistence, and rhythm as medicine when life tests your limits.

🔗 Connect with Luis Damon

Instagram: https://instagram.com/luisdamon

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@luisdamon1

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

Tags & Keywords

Luis Damon, salsa singer, freestyle artist, Real Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, Bronx musician, Lo Nuestro nominee, Warner Brothers salsa, Son By 4, NY salsa revival, music comeback, therapy after divorce, fatherhood struggles, post-9/11 survival, indie artist ownership, Frankie Negron collab, Papote Jimenez, Rat Pack salsa, Billboard Latin hits, reggaeton era pivot, channeling pain into art, music therapy, drive vs talent, Puerto Rican American artist, LaGuardia performing arts, Olga Tañón duet, La India concert, personal growth, resilience, Latin music 2026

Scoggins discusses the five constraints that hinder leadership and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of humility, presence, and faith. He reflects on his experiences with faith, personal challenges, and the transformative power of intentionality in relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of focusing on personal growth and the impact of mentorship in overcoming life's obstacles.

This Episode Explores:

- Emphasizes the importance of calling leaders higher.

- Homelessness from pride: Rock bottom to resilience

- The 5 Constraints costing millions, divorces, and legacy

- Presence is crucial in personal and professional relationships.

- Insecurity decoded: "Ego is inside you." Build compounded confidence.

- Faith reset: Truth over wounds, breaking church hurt

- Inner alignment: From chasing toys to "I am whole"

- Fatherhood hacks: "Let me tell you about you" affirmations

- Business flow: Scale without burnout or betrayal

- The power of intentionality in relationships and personal growth.

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🔗 Connect with Stephen Scoggins

Website: https://stephenscoggins.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephen_scoggins

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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Tags & Keywords

Stephen Scoggins, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, homelessness to millionaire, 9-figure exit, 5 constraints, arrogance humility, presence parenting, insecurity ego, faith journey, business scaling, fatherhood lessons, generational healing, inner wholeness, leadership alignment, podcast motivation, entrepreneur mindset, resilience story, personal development, family legacy, spiritual growth, business failure lessons, overcoming fear

From welfare rejection and imposter syndrome in male-dominated corporate spaces to doubling her income at a Flatbush car lot, Jessica reveals how she broke free from toxic bosses to coach high-performers at Turner Construction, LVMH and Chase. She gets real about self-betrayal, identity work and stopping generational trauma before it hits your kids.

This podcast episode explores:

1. When you first betrayed yourself (and how it’s still sabotaging you)
2. Leading $4B revenue teams as the only woman of color
3. From broke at 30 to homeowner and high-earner as a single mom
4. Why "polished" brands fail. Be bold, not copy and paste.
5. Ending generational trauma: Stop passing your pain to your kids
6. God’s poke-push-kick to your true purpose
7. Building authentic communication from identity, not scripts
8. A masterclass in grit, self-awareness and turning survival into soul-aligned success.

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🔗 Connect with Jessica Rivera

Instagram: @jessicarivera.co

Website: https://jessicarivera.co/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

Book Beyond The Bronx: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook/

Get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Bronx-Purpose-Sean-Martin/dp/B0G549HF8Y/

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Tags & Keywords

Jessica Rivera, JRCC, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, self-betrayal, generational trauma, imposter syndrome, Latina leader, corporate coaching, identity work, single mom success, food stamps to millionaire, toxic boss, Brooklyn grit, Queens Village, Long Island entrepreneur, communication coaching, leadership development, breaking cycles, purpose alignment, work ethic, Puerto Rican roots, corporate ladder, authenticity branding, people pleasing recovery, soul work​

From a tough Long Island upbringing with no direction, Josh built a rebellion against failing gyms by prioritizing accountability, street smarts over book smarts, and an unbreakable mindset. He shares firing 70 trainers before breakthroughs, no sick days ever, and raising "no softies" kids who stock vending machines. Faith, execution over busyness, and discomfort as fuel drive his unstoppable empire.

This Episode Explores:

- Believing to achieve. Faith and mindset are foundational; without belief, success stays out of reach.

- Mindset mastery: "If you're not first, you're last"

- Street smarts vs. school: Why grades don't predict success

- Hard beginnings fuel wins. Turn tough upbringings and bad cards into positive drive, never drugs or excuses.

- Rebellion against gyms, apps, treadmills

- Raising driven kids with no softness to create good leaders.

- The power of not quitting to achieve success

- Business systems and perfect processes before franchising; delegate weaknesses to smarter people.

- Real grit, real scale, real results when you do what others won't.

- How comfort kills growth.

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🔗 Connect with Josh York

Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshyorkgg

https://instagram.com/gymguyz

GymGuyz: https://gymguyz.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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Tags & Keywords

Josh York, GymGuyz, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, in-home fitness, fitness franchise, mindset mastery, street smarts, never quit, 70 trainers failed, no sick days, GymGuyz scaling, fitness rebellion, accountability training, Long Island entrepreneur, faith in business, raising driven kids, AI workouts, discomfort growth, execution over busy, unstoppable discipline, personal training business, franchise success, anti-gym movement, early riser hustle, protein over donuts

After nearly losing his marriage to church-approved workaholism, Jake was confronted with a brutal reality: you will never transform a marriage unless you have the man’s heart. In this episode, he unpacks why a man has to go first, why 50/50 relationships don’t work, and how one decision—not leaving—can course-correct a high percentage of marriages over time.

Alongside his wife Nicci, Jake opens up about father wounds, shame, work, faith, and rebuilding a marriage that had become “not a marriage.” They break down how childhood patterns show up in conflict, what women really want (security and stability), what men really want (desire and respect), and how to build a relationship and a life that are led, not controlled.

This Episode Explores:

- “You will never transform a marriage unless you have the man’s heart”

- The stat that most marriages eventually course-correct if the man simply decides not to leave

- Why a man has to go first—even when he doesn’t feel like it

- Why 50/50 relationships fail and pull women out of their feminine

- What women really want vs. what men really want

- Workaholism in church culture and how “serving” can quietly destroy your family

- How Jake and Nicci rebuilt from “I’m not divorcing you, but this ain’t a marriage”

- Calling men up vs. calling men out (and why shame doesn’t work)

- “Whatever we don’t transform will be transferred” to our kids and relationships

- Building a business and mission with your spouse without losing the marriage

- Embracing tension: why there is no “arrival” and purpose is a spiral, not a finish line

This episode is about real manhood, real pressure, and the courage it takes to stay, lead, and transform when everything in you wants to run.

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🔗 Connect with Jake and Nicci Hamilton

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejakehamilton | https://instagram.com/niccihamilton

Behind the Fight: https://thisisthefight.com/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

Book: https://instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook

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Tags & Keywords (for YouTube / podcast backend)

Jake Hamilton, Behind the Fight, Real Mentors Podcast, Beyond The Bronx Book, Sean Martin, masculinity, manhood, marriage advice, marriage transformation, relationships, husbands, wives, traditional relationships, 50/50 relationships don’t work, feminine and masculine energy, security and stability, desire and respect, workaholism, church culture, Christian marriage, faith and family, fatherhood, father wounds, generational trauma, emotional health, men’s mental health, men’s group, men’s work, calling men up, leadership, purpose, legacy, building a business with your spouse, rebuilding marriage, staying not leaving, how to be a man in marriage

As a 20-year veteran Program Director at EAC Network, Demishia has helped divert thousands of Long Island youth from incarceration. In this raw episode, she reveals the strategies behind her programs' 90% success rate and shares the personal story—from kidnapping survivor to community leader—that fuels her work.

We dive deep into the realities of the foster care system, the "forgotten" teenage demographic, and why mentorship is the single most powerful tool for changing a life. Demishia also challenges parents to do their own work, explaining why "change can't occur without change."

Key Takeaways:

- Trauma to Triumph: Navigating life after kidnapping and assault.

- Mentorship 101: Why a simple text message can save a foster kid's life.

- Program Success: How AFY and Home Base keep kids out of jail.

- Parental Responsibility: The hard conversations parents need to have.

- Burnout Hacks: Strategies for staying healthy in high-stress careers.

- Community Action: How you can join the NY Teenage Toy Drive.

Whether you're a social worker, parent, or someone looking for purpose, this conversation offers a blueprint for making a real difference.

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🔗 Connect with Demishia Owens & EAC Network

Website: https://eac-network.org

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/demishia-owens-a7572034

Volunteer: https://eac-network.org/volunteer

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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About the Guest – Demishia Owens

Demishia Owens is a distinguished leader in youth advocacy and social services. As Program Director at EAC Network, she manages critical initiatives including Alternatives for Youth (AFY), Home Base, and Chance to Advance. With a Master’s in Human Services and decades of field experience, Demishia specializes in crisis intervention, foster care mentorship, and family support, earning recognition from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for her community impact.

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Tags & Keywords

Demishia Owens, EAC Network, mentorship, foster youth support, juvenile diversion programs, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, social work burnout, trauma recovery, parenting teens, community leadership, Long Island charities, volunteer opportunities, PINS program, youth empowerment, breaking generational cycles, nonprofit management, emotional intelligence, crisis intervention, family therapy, social justice, advocacy.

At 300 pounds, Patricia made a decision on July 12, 2013, that changed everything. She lost over 100 pounds naturally, became a bodybuilding competitor, found her faith, and turned her personal healing into a movement. Today, she's a Suffolk County crossing guard, award-winning nonprofit founder, and the woman inspired by a viral act of kindness that sent her 800 miles to Kentucky.

This Episode Explores:

- How 34 pajamas became 20,000 lives changed in 14 years

- Her weight loss journey: from 300 pounds to transformation and purpose

- Food addiction and the struggle nobody talks about

- Losing her mother at age 3 and becoming a mother figure to thousands

- The viral bus driver story that sparked a movement across 8 states

- Her faith journey: from pain to baptism to purpose

- Building a nonprofit while working as a crossing guard

- The award-winning work recognized by Suffolk County Sheriff and Town of Brookhaven

- Why one pair of pajamas matters more than you think

- Turning trauma into triumph and passion into mission

- What it takes to think bigger and refuse to stay small

- Family, faith, and the power of paying it forward

This episode is about real transformation, authentic purpose, and the quiet strength it takes to see a need and answer it—one pair of pajamas at a time.

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🔗 Connect with Patricia Millicent Poggi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejspjspajamadrive/

Website: https://ejspjs.org

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/REALMentorsPodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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About the Guest – Patricia Millicent Poggi

Patricia Millicent Poggi is a community leader, nonprofit founder, and living example of transformation. After overcoming food addiction and losing 100+ pounds naturally, she channeled her personal healing into EJ's PJs—a nonprofit that started with 34 pairs of pajamas and has now touched nearly 20,000 lives across 8 states. As a Suffolk County crossing guard, award-winning social entrepreneur, and woman of faith, Patricia has been honored by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, recognized by the Town of Brookhaven, and funded by the Starbucks Foundation. Her work proves that purpose doesn't require perfection—it requires heart, consistency, and the willingness to see people others overlook.

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Tags & Keywords

Patricia Millicent Poggi, EJ's PJs, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Long Island entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, weight loss transformation, food addiction recovery, community service, Suffolk County crossing guard, social impact, 20,000 pajamas, viral kindness, Kentucky distribution, faith journey, second chances, purpose-driven mission, family values, authentic leadership, trauma to triumph, giving back, holiday charity, women entrepreneurs, small business growth, grassroots nonprofit, Starbucks Foundation grant, community impact, personal transformation, motherhood, resilience, integrity, legacy building, inspirational story, social equity, local hero, life purpose, gratitude, compassion, empowerment

In this conversation, Myq unpacks the creator economy like never before—from why going viral is a trap to how clout without strategy leaves you broke. He shares brutal truths about the influencer space, reveals why your circle is your ceiling, and explains the three non-negotiable steps every creator needs to scale sustainable income.

Myq also opens up about building a brand-first mindset, the importance of execution over ideas, and how fatherhood shaped his philosophy on integrity, relationships, and long-term wealth building.

This Episode Explores:

- Why clout is not currency—and how to convert attention into real money

- The viral trap: why going viral without preparation is a disaster

- The creator economy opportunity: $500B+ industry by 2030

- Three essential steps to building a profitable personal brand

- How your circle downloads your limitations

- The business side of content creation most creators ignore

- Execution is the real flex—why ideas mean nothing without follow-through

- Integrity, transparency, and servant leadership in business

- Balancing fatherhood with entrepreneurship and ambition

- The difference between chasing quick money and building a sustainable brand

This episode is about real strategy, real accountability, and the discipline it takes to build lasting wealth in the creator economy—not hype, not shortcuts, just honest insight from someone managing millions in creator deals.

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🔗 Connect with Myq Rodriguez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myqsuccess/

The Content to Cash Bible: Available on Amazon

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

Book: Beyond The Bronx (Coming Real Soon)

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About the Guest – Myq Rodriguez

Myq Rodriguez is a branding strategist, entrepreneur, and creator-economy expert with over 20 years of experience in entertainment, influencer management, and digital growth. As Founder and CEO of The Brand Success LLC—a NYC-based talent management and marketing firm—Myq has helped urban and multicultural creators scale to millions of followers and secured over $15 million in brand partnerships for his clients.

He is the co-author of The Content to Cash Bible, a comprehensive guide to monetizing content and building wealth in the creator economy, published in 2024. Through his work with leading influencers and his public speaking engagements, Myq advocates for business literacy, integrity-driven leadership, and the power of personal branding. A Bronx native and father, Myq emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and building careers—not just moments—in the digital age.

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Tags & Keywords

Creator economy, content monetization, personal branding, influencer management, content to cash, Myq Rodriguez, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, building wealth online, creator business strategy, brand development, content strategy, digital growth, social media influencer, monetizing content, urban entrepreneur, NYC branding, creator income, digital entrepreneurship, content creator success, brand strategy, audience growth, influencer deals, building a personal brand, entrepreneurship mindset, content creator economy, sustainable income, creator wealth, online business, influencer partnership, brand deals, digital marketing, creator monetization strategies, building an audience, content creation business, turning content into money, creator success stories, business integrity, leadership mindset, fatherhood and business, NYC creator economy, Content to Cash Bible, The Brand Success LLC, urban creators, multicultural entrepreneurs, online income streams, creator education, modern entrepreneurship

But this episode isn't just about pins and profit. It's about the Bronx kid who became the youngest dean ever hired in the NYC public school system, who still teaches kids K-8 by day, coaches basketball through the Omari Lawrence Foundation, and just launched his podcast to inspire the next generation.

Topics:

• Crisis counselor to luxury designer
• Fire escape moment at 22
• Youngest dean ever hired in NYC
• Pandemic scraps to $10K pins
• Adam Lefkoe collaboration (NBA broadcast)
• Authentic craftsmanship & storytelling
• Why only 30% of kids have both parents
• Mentorship & what men owe their communities
• Dominican heritage & family values
• Real talk on mental health & medication

This episode is about real struggle turned into art, real impact on young lives, and the responsibility of men who make it out to bring others with them.

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🔗 Connect with Melvin Thomas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.thomasnyc/

Podcast (New!): "What's the Deal with Mr. Thomas?" | https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedealwithmrthomas/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin

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About the Guest – Melvin Thomas

Melvin Thomas is the founder and principal artisan of Mr. Thomas NYC, a luxury brand redefining handcrafted accessories through one-of-one lapel pins and brooches. Born and raised in the Bronx to Dominican immigrant parents, Thomas broke barriers as the youngest dean ever hired in the New York City public school system at just 23 years old.

With degrees in Sociology and English from Lehman College, Thomas began his career as a psychiatric social worker on a mobile crisis team at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn—a position that shaped his understanding of human connection and resilience.

During the pandemic, while working as a dean, Thomas discovered his artistic calling through therapeutic metalwork using construction scraps. What started as pandemic therapy evolved into a luxury pin business that caught the attention of NBA broadcaster Adam Lefkoe, leading to a collaboration with celebrity jeweler Aunt Tasha Diamonds on a solid gold, glow-in-the-dark piece featured on national television.

Today, Thomas operates Mr. Thomas NYC with a waiting list of clients, coaches basketball through the Omari Lawrence Foundation, and serves as a dean in Spanish Harlem working with K-8 students. He recently launched his podcast "What's the Deal with Mr. Thomas?" to amplify voices of people of color in entrepreneurship and leadership.

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Tags & Keywords:

Melvin Thomas, Mr. Thomas NYC, lapel pins, luxury brand, handcrafted accessories, Real Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, Bronx entrepreneur, youngest dean NYC, Dominican heritage, psychiatric social worker, pandemic business, crisis counselor, mentor, fatherhood, community impact, second chances, purpose-driven business, authentic craftsmanship, education, leadership, New York City, artisan, luxury accessories, wearable art, storytelling, confidence, mental health, immigrant mentality, generational wealth, FDNY, NYPD, Adam Lefkoe, Aunt Tasha Diamonds, basketball coaching, Omari Lawrence Foundation, inspiring next generation, social impact, redemption, transformation, resilience, personal growth, business mindset, authentic leadership, Latino representation, inspirational podcast, entrepreneurship, cultural authenticity, community mentorship, male role models, school system, urban youth, meaningful work, legacy building

In this conversation, SPYNFO breaks down how he built 4 thriving businesses simultaneously, why he refuses to focus on money while making serious wealth, and what happens when you stop chasing success and start building community. He also gets deeply vulnerable about parenting, breaking generational cycles, and the real cost of growth—including the friendships that don't survive it.

This Episode Explores:

- How an $8/hour janitor became an Emmy-winning entrepreneur (without leaving the Bronx)

- Building 4 businesses simultaneously: Hot 97 radio, Sankofa Haus, Mr. Matrimony weddings, and Airbnb

- The generational trauma that shapes every decision (and how to transform it)

- Why "manage your attention" beats "manage your time" every single time

- The uncomfortable truth about why friendships end when you succeed

- His Pitbulls DJ Crew induction by Funkmaster Flex and 20+ years at the top of hip-hop

- Creating experiences over chasing money—and making more money doing it

- Parenting with intention: saying "I love you" twice daily and breaking cycles

- Manifesting what you want by thinking differently about the multiverse

- The South Bronx real estate opportunity nobody's talking about

- Building cultural spaces that preserve identity while transforming neighborhoods

- Discipline over motivation: the framework that changed everything

This episode is about staying rooted while reaching your peak, building legacy in your own community, and understanding that the real wealth is what you create for people, not what you keep for yourself.

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🔗 Connect with DJ SPYNFO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djspynfo/ | https://www.instagram.com/mrmatrimony | https://www.instagram.com/sankofahaus

Sankofa Haus: sankofahaus.com

DJ Services: https://www.djspynfo.net/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin

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About the Guest – DJ SPYNFO

DJ SPYNFO (Michael Eagen) is an Emmy Award-winning DJ, Hot 97 radio personality, and South Bronx cultural entrepreneur. Inducted into Funkmaster Flex's elite Pitbulls DJ Crew, SPYNFO has performed on BET's Rap City and collaborated with major hip-hop artists including Ludacris, Nas, and Keyshia Cole. As founder of Sankofa Haus—a transformative 2,400+ sq ft cultural event space in Mott Haven—he creates platforms for emerging artists while preserving neighborhood identity. SPYNFO also runs Mr. Matrimony Entertainment, a premier destination wedding DJ service, and operates a profitable Airbnb in the South Bronx. His Emmy-winning documentary work with NYC Tourism's "Local Legends" series showcases his commitment to reclaiming South Bronx narratives. SPYNFO is proof that you don't have to leave your community to elevate it.

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Keywords & Tags

DJ SPYNFO, Michael Eagen, Hot 97, Emmy Award winner, Sankofa Haus, South Bronx entrepreneur, real estate development, generational trauma, parenting, Pitbulls DJ Crew, Funkmaster Flex, entrepreneurship podcast, multiple income streams, Airbnb business, wedding DJ, cultural spaces, community building, legacy wealth, Bronx development, social impact, hip-hop culture, business mindset, family values, generational wealth, NYC business, urban development, manifestation, discipline, intentional parenting, emotional intelligence, business philosophy, Real Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin

What You'll Learn:

✅ How to break into the music industry from outside entertainment

✅ Music contract negotiation strategies for independent artists

✅ Building a music distribution company from scratch

✅ Latin music industry insights from Ozuna, Bad Bunny, and top artists

✅ Club promotion to music executive career transition

✅ A&R secrets from Konvict Music and AudioMack experience

✅ Dominican artist challenges: splits, publishing, and organization

✅ Using AI (ChatGPT) to navigate contracts and learning

✅ Renegotiating bad music deals with leverage tactics

✅ Building legacy and long-term success in entertainment

Connect with Max Escobar:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxescobar/

1844 Tech: https://www.instagram.com/1844.tech/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

Book: Beyond The Bronx (Coming Soon!)

About Max Escobar - Music Executive & Entrepreneur

Max Escobar is the founder and CEO of 1844 Tech, a music distribution company focused on Latin artist independence and ownership. Before founding 1844 Tech, Max built AudioMack's entire Latin music division, working directly with superstars including Ozuna, Bad Bunny, Mike Towers, and Farruko. His music industry career began at Konvict Music as an A&R, where he signed Omega El Fuerte. Prior to music, Max was a professional baseball player signed to the Cincinnati Reds organization. Today, 1844 Tech has distributed 4,500+ songs for 400+ artists and maintains a partnership with Universal Music Group.

Related Topics & Keywords:

Music business, music executive career, Latin music industry, music distribution company, AudioMack, Bad Bunny success, Ozuna, Dominican artists, music contracts explained, music publishing, A&R career, Konvict Music, Akon, music entrepreneurship, independent artist tips, music marketing strategy, Bronx entrepreneurs, Cincinnati Reds, career pivot, club promotion, DJ management, music industry secrets, contract negotiation, Universal Music, 1844 Tech, Dominican trap music, Lobo Montana, United Palace, music legacy, fatherhood and business, baseball to music, athlete entrepreneur, Latin trap, reggaeton business, music streaming, artist ownership, music masters, splits and publishing, ChatGPT for contracts, renegotiate music deals, music lawyer alternatives, artist empowerment, Dominican Republic, New York music scene, Bronx hustle, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin podcast, entrepreneur interviews

Today, he’s the co-founder and CEO of Happy Munkey, a cannabis lifestyle brand and dispensary that’s redefining what it means to “choose happy” while leading the movement for equity, culture, and inclusion in New York’s legal cannabis market.

This episode explores:

- Growing up in Harlem’s Sugar Hill during the 80s and 90s—and what the “Dominican version of A Bronx Tale” looked like

- Early exposure to drugs, hustling, and survival—and the turning point that led Vlad toward cannabis instead of cocaine

- Being arrested 22 times and why that “street education” became his real MBA

- The birth of Happy Munkey: from underground parties to the “Studio 54 of cannabis”

- How a pandemic, politics, and perseverance led to legalization in New York

- The fight for equity—why Vlad and his team pushed for the MCA bill over big-money lobbyists

- Choosing Dyckman over downtown: why he built the first dispensary above 125th Street and kept it in the community

- How representation, legacy, and access change entire neighborhoods

- The lessons from single motherhood, community respect, and moral integrity that shaped his leadership

- Overcoming imposter syndrome, staying authentic in every room, and turning pain into purpose

This episode is about transformation, advocacy, and ownership—how a kid from Sugar Hill turned the very thing that once got him locked up into a bridge for education, opportunity, and cultural pride. Vlad’s story will challenge you to rethink what equity truly means and remind you that legacy isn’t about money—it’s about coming back home to build something bigger than yourself.

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🔗 Connect with Vladimir Bautista

Instagram: @vladimirbautista123

Happy Munkey: https://happymunkey.com

🎙️ Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: @theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Vladimir Bautista

Vladimir Bautista is the co-founder and CEO of Happy Munkey, a New York-based cannabis lifestyle brand and dispensary dedicated to culture, community, and social equity. Born and raised in Harlem’s Sugar Hill neighborhood to Dominican immigrant parents, Vlad’s life reflects both the hardship and hope of New York’s inner city. After multiple arrests for cannabis-related offenses, he transformed his experience into advocacy—becoming a voice for legacy operators and disenfranchised entrepreneurs in the new era of legalization.

From underground events dubbed the “Studio 54 of Cannabis” to public speaking engagements across the U.S., UK, and Spain, Vlad continues to use his platform to bridge the gap between culture and commerce, reminding the world that the future of cannabis must include the people who built it.

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Tags & Keywords

Vladimir Bautista, Happy Munkey, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, cannabis legalization, social equity, Harlem Sugar Hill, Dominican American, New York dispensary, cannabis entrepreneur, legacy to legal, Studio 54 of cannabis, social justice, War on Drugs, restorative justice, advocacy, Bronx entrepreneurs, representation, community impact, street hustle to CEO, resilience, mentorship, culture, Dyckman, New York cannabis industry, purpose-driven business, empowerment, legacy building

Since his first appearance, the founder of ConBody and ConBud has faced new challenges — this time from the state itself. After building three licensed cannabis shops in just 15 months, Coss and more than 150 other small dispensary owners were hit with sudden rule changes that could force them to shut down.

In this conversation, Coss breaks down what’s really happening behind New York’s cannabis laws, how politics and power plays are crushing small businesses, and why he refuses to give up. He also opens up about fatherhood, faith, and what it means to build a family and business with transparency, trust, and love.

This Episode Explores:

• The state’s last-minute regulation change threatening 150+ dispensaries
• The lawsuit Coss filed to protect small, justice-impacted entrepreneurs
• Lobbyists, corporate influence, and the politics behind New York’s cannabis rollout
• Lessons from his father’s Bronx bodega and what real work ethic looks like
• How honesty changed his relationship with his son after prison
• Raising kids with openness and empathy
• Building ConBud and ConBody with integrity and community in mind
• Working full-time with his wife and balancing marriage with mission
• Staying grounded when everything you built is on the line

This episode is about real pressure, real growth, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when everything you’ve worked for is tested.

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🔗 Connect with Coss Marte

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cossmarte

ConBody: https://conbody.comhttps://instagram.com/conbody

ConBud: https://instagram.com/conbudny

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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About the Guest – Coss Marte

Coss Marte is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for second chances. After serving time in prison, he turned his life around by launching ConBody, a fitness brand employing people with past convictions, and ConBud, one of New York’s first justice-driven cannabis dispensaries. His work has been featured on TEDx, Forbes, CNN, and The Today Show. Today, Coss continues to fight for fairness, opportunity, and the communities he came from.

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Tags & Keywords

Coss Marte, ConBody, ConBud, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Bronx entrepreneur, second chances, New York dispensary law, cannabis business, prison to purpose, criminal justice reform, immigrant story, family values, transparency, integrity, redemption, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, resilience, legacy, purpose-driven business, mindset, marriage and business, NYC small business, political reform, community empowerment, social equity, leadership, growth, life after prison

A proud Puerto Rican from Bayamón who rebuilt his life from zero, Hugo embodies what it means to bet on yourself. From construction and dry-cleaning businesses to creating a global consulting platform, he proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—or to win big by believing bigger.

This episode explores:

• Growing up in Puerto Rico and the early habits that shaped (and tested) his path
• Losing both parents while serving time—and what it taught him about purpose and perspective
• Coming home after 20 years to a world that moved on—and why he refused to stay behind
• Spotting opportunity in what others ignored: “Nobody wanted to work. I saw work everywhere.”
• The leap from dry cleaning and construction to founding a tech company
• How he raised $1.2M without venture capital—using micro-investing and pure hustle
• Building MOTI: a video-and-payments platform for coaches, consultants, and creators
• Why data privacy, human trust, and simplicity beat hype and trends
• Creating a billion-dollar mindset from nothing: “MOTI only needs 100,000 users—that’s a $300M app.”
• Lessons on betting everything—his house, car, and savings—to prove what’s possible
• Age, faith, and fire: why 57 is the new start line, not the finish

This episode is about resilience, reinvention, and the price of waiting.

Hugo’s story reminds us that comfort is costly, timing is an illusion, and your biggest asset isn’t money—it’s belief.

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🔗 Connect with Hugo Sánchez

MOTI App: https://motiapp.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hugos.moti

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Hugo Sánchez

Hugo Sánchez is a Puerto Rican entrepreneur, visionary, and the Founder & CEO of MOTI, a multi-million-dollar tech startup designed to help professionals and creators monetize their time through seamless video calls, payments, and scheduling.

After rebuilding his life from the ground up, Hugo turned his experience into a philosophy: time is the most valuable currency. His no-excuses approach to life and business has inspired thousands to stop waiting, start moving, and take control of their financial freedom—one call at a time.

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Tags & Keywords

Hugo Sánchez, MOTI App, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, entrepreneurship, Puerto Rican tech founder, micro investing, startup funding, creator economy, time monetization, video consulting, fintech, resilience, second chances, comeback story, self-belief, legacy, faith, human connection, data privacy, reinventing yourself, motivational stories, Bronx podcast, tech innovation, digital entrepreneurship, rebuild your life

Raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey by immigrant parents who taught him to work hard but think small, Dan learned early that breaking generational limits meant unlearning everything he’d been told. At 15, his father told him, “we’ll never be rich.” That moment lit a fire that would define his life.

Today, he’s a serial entrepreneur, real-estate investor, and performance coach known for helping business owners buy back their time, build real systems, and lead with purpose.

This episode explores:

• Growing up in Elizabeth, NJ and discovering the gap between survival and success
• The 15-year-old moment that redefined his belief in what was possible
• Finding mentors who said “I believe in you” and how that changed everything
• Building a thriving construction business—then losing it all at 24 during the 2007 crash
• Lessons from bankruptcy, humility, and rebuilding with five income streams
• Faith through crisis: his son’s near-death accident and rediscovering God
• Why failure tolerance is the ultimate entrepreneurial skill
• Competing with yourself, not others, and designing a “life blueprint” instead of just a business plan
• The power of saying no—and how discipline and structure create more yeses
• Fatherhood, responsibility, and teaching kids gratitude in a world of excess

This episode is about breaking cycles, redefining wealth, and learning that saying no isn’t rejection, it’s alignment. Dan’s story will challenge you to trade busyness for balance, ego for faith, and comfort for calling.

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🔗 Connect with Dan “Big D” Sachkowsky

Website: dansachkowsky.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_big_dan_official/

🎙️ Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Dan “Big D” Sachkowsky

Dan Sachkowsky is an entrepreneur, investor, and business coach who built and scaled multiple construction companies before launching Big D Coaching, a platform that helps business owners regain focus, systemize growth, and live with intention. His coaching philosophy blends faith, structure, and high-performance strategy—teaching that true freedom comes from discipline, not hustle. Through his story of failure, faith, and rebuilding, Dan helps others design lives that work as hard as they do.

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Tags & Keywords

Dan Sachkowsky, Big D, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, entrepreneurship, business coaching, mindset, discipline, faith and success, bankruptcy recovery, time management, systems and processes, construction business, leadership, mentorship, resilience, the power of saying no, legacy building, fatherhood, immigrant mentality, self-development, personal growth, real estate investing, purpose over profit

Raised with strong family and faith values but no entrepreneurial wealth, Chad learned early that true success isn’t just about a big bank account—it’s about being present at home and building wealth that lasts across generations. His books Smart, Not Spoiled and Why Work-Life Balance Is a Lie reveal how to raise grounded kids, manage money differently, and create both financial freedom and family legacy at the same time.

This episode explores:

• Growing up in a family that valued presence and faith over money—and how that shaped his path
• Turning down lucrative Wall Street jobs as a newlywed to prioritize marriage and fatherhood
• Leaving Merrill Lynch after 9 years despite high performance, and the freedom entrepreneurship unlocked
• Why entrepreneurs are “wealth wired differently”—and why traditional advice fails them
• Smart, Not Spoiled: practical ways to raise kids who understand money, work ethic, and value creation
• Why financial literacy should be taught in schools from 1st grade through college
• The viral Babysitter Guide that became a parenting and leadership lesson
• Missing the Kentucky Derby “main event” to make his son’s playoff game—and why he’d do it 100 out of 100 times
• Work-life integration: putting family on the calendar first, then business
• How money mindsets are inherited—and how anyone can rewire theirs to build wealth
• Why financial freedom is possible for everyone, regardless of background

This episode is about faith, family, and freedom. Chad’s story will challenge you to stop chasing hustle culture, start defining success on your own terms, and create wealth without sacrificing the relationships that matter most.

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🔗 Connect with Chad Willardson

Website: https://chadwillardson.com

Book: https://fullyinvested.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/chadwillardson

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host - Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Chad Willardson

Chad Willardson is the President & Founder of Pacific Capital, a fiduciary wealth advisory firm in Southern California. With 23+ years advising entrepreneurs and families, Chad is a trusted voice on financial freedom, family legacy, and entrepreneur-focused wealth strategies. He’s the author of five books, including Smart, Not Spoiled and Why Work-Life Balance Is a Lie. His work has been featured in major outlets, and his viral parenting and money frameworks have reached millions. A husband, father of five, and entrepreneur, Chad leads with faith, integrity, and the belief that real success means thriving in both business and family life.

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Tags & Keywords

Chad Willardson, Pacific Capital, Smart Not Spoiled, Why Work Life Balance is a Lie, Fully Invested, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, financial freedom, wealth management, entrepreneur money mindset, family legacy, parenting and money, financial literacy, entrepreneur wealth, fiduciary, Wall Street to entrepreneur, money mindset, wealth wired differently, faith and business, work life integration, freedom and family

This episode explores:

- Growing up in Puerto Rico and the Bronx, and how his mom’s strength shaped his path

- Becoming a young father at 19, raising a daughter while still trying to figure out life

- The “get money era” of the 90s—hustling cabs, street temptations

- Starting the “Calls from the Inside” segment to give incarcerated voices a platform

- Why peace is more valuable than wealth—and why authenticity always wins

- Lessons on networking, impostor syndrome, and building a Bronx-rooted community through podcasting

This episode is about resilience, authenticity, and using storytelling as a tool for impact. Abbie’s journey will challenge you to rethink what “success” looks like, to stop chasing validation, and to start building your own lane—by any means necessary.

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🔗 Connect with Abbie Ayala

Instagram: https://instagram.com/abfive_podcast

YouTube: @LIVEWITHABFIVE

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Abbie Ayala

Abbie Ayala is the host and creator of the ABFive Podcast (Live with AB5ive), a Bronx-born show spotlighting real stories from hustlers, entrepreneurs, DJs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary journeys. Inspired by Fat Joe’s IG Lives, Abbie launched his podcast with raw conversations—beginning with his own daughter—and grew it into a 70+ episode platform built on authenticity and impact. A proud father, Bronx native, and union doorman, Abbie blends street lessons, family values, and guerrilla-style production into a one-of-a-kind show that proves you don’t need a studio to make an impact—you just need heart, hustle, and a tripod.

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Tags & Keywords

Abbie Ayala, ABFive Podcast, Live with AB5ive, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Bronx podcast, Bronx hustle, Bronx storytellers, Fat Joe IG Live, young fatherhood, parenting in the Bronx, street hustle, 32BJ doorman, authentic storytelling, guerrilla podcasting, Bronx DJs, Funk Flex interview, Toughie, Major Galore, South of Girls, Calls from the Inside, impact over money, chasing peace, keeping it real

This episode explores:

• Growing up in Harlem, food stamps, and immigrant grit
• Cutting his thumb in the kitchen and choosing discipline over excuses
• Winning a full scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America
• Becoming the youngest executive chef in NYC at 22
• Competing on Chopped, winning Beat Bobby Flay with his signature arepa, and landing on Forbes 30 Under 30
• Building La Marina’s legendary Uptown kitchen crew and creating Tasting Tuesdays
• The private chef chapter: from Jose Reyes to Jennifer Lopez, and why he walked away
• Opening doors for the next generation and eliminating “gatekeeping” in the industry
• Why family and partnership with his wife are now his greatest ingredients for success

This episode is about grit, mentorship, and redefining what success tastes like. Chef Kelvin’s story will challenge you to see setbacks as seasoning, believe in the power of discipline, and remember that the perfect bite isn’t just on a plate—it’s in the life you build.

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🔗 Connect with Chef Kelvin Fernandez

Instagram: https://instagram.com/chefkelvin

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Chef Kelvin Fernandez

Chef Kelvin Fernandez is a Dominican-American chef raised in Harlem, New York. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Kelvin became the youngest executive chef in New York City at 22, and has since led kitchens at La Marina, Blend, and The Strand Hotel. Known for his elevated Latin cuisine and signature arepas, Kelvin is a Beat Bobby Flay winner, a Chopped finalist, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. His career spans restaurants, celebrity private chef work, and mentorship programs that open doors for the next generation of culinary talent. Today, Kelvin continues to innovate through pop-ups, private events, and his upcoming sports bar venture, while championing collaboration and authenticity in every kitchen he touches.

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Tags & Keywords

Chef Kelvin Fernandez, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Forbes 30 Under 30, La Marina, Dominican chef, Harlem success story, Latin cuisine, arepas, culinary mentorship, discipline, gatekeeping, hospitality, Jennifer Lopez chef, Alex Rodriguez chef, CIA scholarship, immigrant story, resilience, New York chefs, mentorship, food entrepreneurship, private chef, Uptown chefs

This episode explores:

• Growing up in Cleveland, family hardship, and the Blizzard of ’77 moment that changed everything
• From “Big Man Words” with dad to the power of communication and leadership
• Early hustle to first business at 14—and the lessons (and lines) not to cross
• Losing it all in his 20s, moving into the basement, and rebuilding from zero
• The 24-unit apartment deal that produced ~$850K tax-free in 18 months (and how he structured it)
• Seller financing, options, wraparounds, subject-to, and master-lease plays explained simply
• Why immigrants often “see” U.S. real estate more clearly—and how land ownership changes outcomes
• How to add value if you have time but no money (and vice versa)
• The current CRE landscape: banks, auctions, cap rates, and why creative finance wins now
• Building Commercial Academy’s diverse, pay-it-forward community (and how to plug in with integrity)
• Mindset over mechanics: authenticity, starting small, and taking the first step—today

This episode is about resilience, ethical deal-making, and compressing time with the right strategy and people. Scott’s story will challenge you to stop “thinking with your wallet,” start thinking with your plan, and use integrity-based collaboration to change your financial trajectory, one signature at a time.

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🔗 Connect with J. Scott Scheel

Website: Commercial Academy

Instagram: @officialjscottscheel

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host Sean Martin: @theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – J. Scott Scheel

J. Scott Scheel is a commercial real estate investor, educator, and entrepreneur from Cleveland, Ohio. A proud capitalist who leads with service and faith, Scott has built and repositioned assets across multifamily, retail, office, and land—often using creative finance to unlock value where others see roadblocks. He’s the founder of Commercial Academy, a training and deal-making community that has guided 100,000+ students with a practical, integrity-first approach to acquiring, financing, and managing commercial property. Scott’s “One Deal, One Time” framework demystifies complex deals into actionable steps, helping everyday operators, W-2 earners, and seasoned investors compress years of progress into months—without betting the farm.

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Tags & Keywords

J. Scott Scheel, Commercial Academy, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, one deal one time, commercial real estate, creative finance, seller financing, master lease, options, subject-to, triple-net (NNN), due diligence, cap rates, interest rates, immigrant mindset, resilience, ethical capitalism, leadership, mentorship, Huge Profits Podcast, Cleveland success story, wealth building, financial independence

This episode explores:

• Growing up in a family where blindness was generational
• Finding out at he was going blind and watching his baseball dream die
• From Division I athlete to founder of Callagy Law, a 100+ person firm
• Building a 40-person firm in just two years with no money and no business card
• Securing two Top 100 National Jury Verdicts — while legally blind
• Inventing the medical revenue recovery industry, recovering over $600M for healthcare providers
• The influence of Tony Robbins, including spending 15 days in Tony’s bedroom
• The creation of Unblinded and the Results Formula
• Why everything in life comes down to your ability to create a “yes”
• The balance between business success, family, faith, and philanthropy

This episode is about resilience, influence, and leading with both heart and strategy. Sean’s story will challenge you to see beyond your limitations and recognize the power of integrity-based influence to transform business and life.

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🔗 Connect with Sean Callagy

Website: https://callagylaw.com

Unblinded: https://unblindedmastery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanrcallagy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seancallagy

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Sean Callagy

Sean Robert Callagy is a keynote speaker, attorney, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has built multiple enterprises while navigating life legally blind. He is the founder of Callagy Law, a multi-state firm with more than 100 team members, and the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Unblinded, a training company focused on integrity-based human influence and business growth.

He is one of only two attorneys in the United States to achieve two Top 100 National Jury Verdicts between 2014 and 2016, and the only one to do so while legally blind. He is also credited with pioneering the medical revenue recovery industry, helping healthcare providers recover over $600 million.

A former Division I baseball captain at Columbia University, Sean is now a sought-after speaker and trainer, having delivered over 2,000 talks in just two years to audiences of up to 15,000 people. He has shared the stage with Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary. A former Trustee of the American Foundation for the Blind and founder of the Callagy Christian Foundation, Sean continues to use his story, strategies, and faith to help people create more money, time, and impact through the power of integrity-based influence.

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Tags & Keywords

Sean Callagy, Callagy Law, Unblinded, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, integrity-based influence, Sean Callagy blind attorney, Top 100 Jury Verdicts, medical revenue recovery pioneer, influence mastery, sales training, leadership, personal development, Tony Robbins, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, resilience, business growth, self mastery, Jersey success stories, motivational podcast, Sean Martin podcast

On this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin sits down in-studio with Scout (Vice President & New York State Secretary) and Uprizer (Public Relations Director/Secretary/Road Captain) from the B.A.C.A. Long Island Chapter, to reveal how bikers are flipping the script on stereotypes and using their presence to turn fear into courage.

This episode explores:

• The origins of B.A.C.A. and why it was founded by a child therapist in 1995
• Breaking the biker stereotype
• How 30–40 bikers escorting a child into court changes everything
• The strict vetting and training process (FBI checks, 60+ modules, 1–1.5 year probation)
• Why B.A.C.A. is structured like a corporation but runs 100% on volunteers
• How community, presence, and love are breaking cycles of abuse worldwide

This episode is about shattering stereotypes, standing up for the voiceless, and proving that presence can heal what pain tried to destroy.

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🔗 Learn more about B.A.C.A.

Website: https://bacaworld.org

Instagram: @bikersagainstchildabuseintl

🔗 Connect with REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guests – B.A.C.A. Long Island Chapter

Scout is the Vice President of the B.A.C.A. Long Island Chapter and the newly appointed New York State Secretary for the organization. A U.S. Army veteran who served 7.5 years active duty and 7 years in the reserves, Scout has also spent 27 years at Connection Network, a nonprofit supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Previously, he served as acting director of a domestic violence organization. A lifelong servant-leader, Scout discovered a new mission in his 60s: empowering children to live without fear.

Uprizer is the Public Relations Director, Secretary, and Road Captain of B.A.C.A. Long Island. Joining in 2019 before the pandemic, Uprizer has become a primary contact for multiple children, often going above and beyond — from late-night phone calls to personal mentorship. He embodies the B.A.C.A. creed: bikers are not here to intimidate, but to empower the most vulnerable by standing with them through their healing journey.

Together, Scout and Uprizer represent how B.A.C.A. blends brotherhood, discipline, and compassion into a powerful force for child protection.

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Tags & Keywords:

Bikers Against Child Abuse, BACA Long Island, Scout BACA, Uprizer BACA, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, child abuse prevention, child advocacy, biker community, nonprofit Long Island, Emagine Awards, motorcycle club stereotypes, child trauma recovery, courtroom escorts, volunteer bikers, community impact, grassroots nonprofits, second chances, biker brotherhood, people who hate child abuse, child empowerment

#REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BACA #BikersAgainstChildAbuse #ChildAdvocacy #BreakTheCycle #GuardiansOnWheels #PeopleWhoRide #StopChildAbuse

This episode explores:

• Running a school “distribution” network at 16 and making $600 a day
• Choosing responsibility young, inspired by his younger brother and hustler mom
• Going from criminology degree → NYPD → walking away from the force
• What cuffing a 16-year-old taught him about purpose and systems
• Sleeping in his car for a year while out-earning his NYPD salary
• From fitness entrepreneur to dump trucks to Drive Forward Academy
• How DFA trains formerly incarcerated and underserved communities tuition-free (government funded)
• Why he believes mentorship + financial literacy + CDL training is the key to breaking cycles
• Building a team, raising standards, and scaling to a $10M vision

This episode is about second chances, resilience, and building purpose-driven systems that transform lives. Saddiq’s journey will challenge you to rethink hustle, leadership, and what it really means to leave a legacy.

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🔗 Connect with Saddiq Ali

Instagram: https://instagram.com/saddiq.al

Drive Forward Academy: https://instagram.com/driveforwardacademy

Website: https://driveforwardacademy.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Saddiq Ali

Saddiq Ali (born Haleem Saddiq Livingston Jr.) is the Founder & CEO of Drive Forward Academy, a Bronx-based workforce training program providing CDL licenses, mentorship, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship education to underserved and justice-impacted communities.

A former NYPD officer who served in the 41st and 43rd Precincts, Saddiq left the badge to become an entrepreneur and educator, building ventures in fitness (Rack-Squad Fitness), trucking (Trace Coalition Logistics), and logistics before launching Drive Forward Academy.

He has already helped more than 150 participants earn their CDL permits and careers, with a mission to impact 10,000 lives by 2027 and grow into a $10M+ organization. Known for turning his early $600-a-day high school hustle into a lifelong drive, Saddiq now focuses on second chances, reentry programs, and economic mobility for Bronx and NYC communities.

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Tags & Keywords:

Saddiq Ali, Drive Forward Academy, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Bronx entrepreneur, NYPD stories, CDL training, second chance programs, resilience, mentorship, community impact, trucking business, $600 a day hustle, Bronx success stories, reentry programs NYC, Sean Martin podcast

#SaddiqAli #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #DriveForwardAcademy #SecondChances #Entrepreneur #FormerNYPD #Resilience #Mentorship

Her story is one of impossible odds transformed into record-breaking achievement. After police rebuilt her crash 50 different ways — every outcome ending in death but the real one — Jenn decided she would no longer wait for “someday.” She committed to living fully, showing her seven children what it means to chase the life you love, and proving that the biggest mountains aren’t just on a map.

From building a multimillion-dollar financial services business in her twenties to writing goodbye letters in a storm at 16,000 feet, Jenn shares how she’s balanced motherhood, business, and extreme adventure while navigating fear, ego, and purpose. She reveals why she walked away from a second world record attempt, the lessons mountains teach that no boardroom can, and how surviving near-death has shaped every decision since.

In this episode, they talk about:

• The car accident that should have killed her — and the moment she decided to start living now
• Going from no mountaineering experience to summiting the Seven Second Summits
• Balancing risk, motherhood, and a purpose-driven mission
• Why climbing the second-highest peaks is more dangerous than Everest
• How business skills helped her survive the mountains (and vice versa)
• The near-death storm on Mount Logan where she wrote goodbye letters to her kids
• Walking away from a second world record attempt after questioning her “why”
• Turning failure into momentum through quick wins and reframing losses
• The lessons mountains teach about leadership, resilience, and humility
• Why she believes showing your kids you love your life is the greatest gift

This episode is about courage, clarity, and the relentless pursuit of what matters most. Jenn’s story will make you rethink what’s possible — in the mountains and in your own life.

🔗 Connect with Jenn Drummond

Website: https://jenndrummond.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejenndrummond/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jenn-drummond/

🔗 Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/

🔥 About the Guest – Jenn Drummond

Jenn Drummond is a world record–holding mountaineer, speaker, author, podcast host, and mother of seven. She is the first woman in history to complete the Seven Second Summits — the second-highest peaks on each continent. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2018, Jenn committed to living fully and showing her children the power of resilience, courage, and chasing audacious goals. Her story has been featured on Good Morning America, Women’s Health, and in global media.

Tags & Keywords:

Jenn Drummond, Seven Second Summits, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, first woman to summit, mountaineering, world record climber, survival story, car accident survivor, motherhood, risk and reward, mountain climbing, Mount Logan storm, near death, resilience, leadership, Everest, Denali, K2, purpose-driven life, balancing family and ambition, mental toughness, adventure inspiration, business and mountains, personal growth, goal setting, overcoming fear, determination, summit success, life lessons from the mountains

#JennDrummond #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #SevenSecondSummits #WorldRecord #SurvivorStory #Mountaineering #LifePurpose #Resilience #Courage #Adventure #Inspiration

Her path is one of grief transformed into fierce purpose. Dr. Iza reveals how her nephew’s tragic death inspired her life’s mission, and how personal adversity, family sacrifice, and unwavering faith became the fuel behind a revolutionary model of care—where just $10 a day saves a life.

From being bullied and doubted in college to bootstrapping a hospital on less than most Americans spend on coffee, she takes us inside miracles, heartbreaks, and game-changing innovations—like the 1:3 “hospital mama” care ratio and the Child Vitality Index—proving that real leadership is born far from the spotlight.

They talk about:

• The moment a stranger’s question changed Iza’s life forever
• Facing F’s in chemistry, dyslexia, and brutal bullying at university
• The devastating loss that inspired OVI Hospital’s founding
• How OVI rescues kids abandoned in bus stations and orphanages—sometimes at death’s door
• Building a $9,000/month pediatric hospital in rural Kenya ($10/day per child!)
• Hiring and empowering widows and survivors to become “hospital mamas”
• The power and pain of running a hospital as a single mom, working telemedicine at night
• Surviving on miracles: anonymous donors, royal family interventions, and impossible odds
• Using data (the Child Vitality Index) to choose who lives — and why
• Why the charity model is broken, the orphan crisis can end, and “humanitarian aid can make things worse”
• How you can make a real difference for the price of your morning latte

This episode is about radical compassion, systems thinking, and the courage to act when everyone else says it’s impossible. Dr. Iza’s story will break your heart—and rebuild your belief in the impact of ordinary people who refuse to quit.

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🧒🏻 Sponsor a Child: https://ovichildrenshospital.org/give

🔗 Connect with Dr. Iza Correll & OVI Children’s Hospital

Website: https://ovichildrenshospital.org/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ovichildrenshospital

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@ovichildrenshospital

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Dr. Iza Correll

Dr. Iza Correll is the youngest-ever recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Global Citizenship. She’s a survivor, single adoptive mother, and the founder of OVI Children’s Hospital in Migori, Kenya—East Africa’s first ever long-term care home and hospital for terminally ill, orphaned, or abandoned children. She’s building a blueprint for ending the orphan crisis worldwide, one miracle (and one $10 sponsorship) at a time.

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Tags & Keywords:

Iza Correll, OVI Children’s Hospital, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, Kenya hospitals, pageant queen to humanitarian, abandoned children, orphan care, child abuse, hospital mamas, Migori, rural Kenya, faith miracles, widows empowerment, telemedicine, pediatric palliative care, innovation in charity, nonprofit leadership, $10 donation, global healthcare, data-driven giving, story of hope, purpose-driven life, Kentucky inspiration, system change, miracle stories

#IzaCorrell #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #OVIChildrensHospital #MuhammadAliAward #AbandonedChildren #FaithAndPurpose #HealthcareInnovation #ChangeTheWorld #RealMentors #MiracleMakers #EndTheOrphanCrisis

From being cast in Juice alongside Tupac Shakur, to co-founding T&T Casting with his brother Jessy Terrero, to building Acting Rehab for the next generation, his story is one of faith, resilience, and purpose.

He opens up about why Latinos had no place in the business when he started, how divine intervention shifted his path from airlines to casting, and why support—not scarcity—is the key to changing representation in Hollywood.

They talk about:

- Growing up Dominican in the Bronx and Jamaica, Queens

- Getting cast in Juice and the reality of Latino underrepresentation

- Behind-the-scenes stories of Tupac freestyling and the set of Kids

- How a Pan Am layoff became the sign to pursue casting

- Launching Acting Rehab to give actors real training and real jobs

- Mentoring Michael K. Williams and the heartbreak of his passing

- Why Latinos still struggle for marquee roles in Hollywood

- The upcoming Fat Joe series on Starz, and why it’s a potential game changer

- Surviving eight near-death experiences and finding deeper faith

- Why fame is never the goal — and purpose is everything

This episode is about representation, faith, and building spaces where authenticity thrives — proving that even when the industry says there’s no place for you, you can create one.

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🔗 Connect with Ulysses Terrero

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulysses.terrero

Email: ulysses.terrero@gmail.com

Acting Rehab: Semester enrollment opens September & December

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Ulysses Terrero

Ulysses Terrero is a Dominican-American casting director, producer, and acting coach with over 34 years of experience in film, television, and music. He co-founded T&T Casting with his brother Jessy Terrero, working on classics like Juice, Kids, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and The Squid and the Whale.

As the founder of Acting Rehab, he has trained and mentored countless actors, including the late Michael K. Williams. Today, he continues to push for Latino representation in Hollywood, while developing groundbreaking projects like the upcoming Fat Joe series on Starz.

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#️⃣ Tags & Keywords

Ulysses Terrero, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Jessy Terrero, Fat Joe, Tupac Shakur, Juice movie, Kids movie, Ghost Dog, The Squid and the Whale, Latino representation in Hollywood, Dominican Americans, Acting Rehab, Michael K. Williams, casting director, urban casting, Bronx stories, faith and purpose, never Latino enough, Pan Am Airlines, divine intervention, purpose-driven success, Fat Joe Starz series, Nicky Jam Netflix, real change, mentorship, Hollywood barriers, support over scarcity

#UlyssesTerrero #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #LatinoRepresentation #HollywoodStories #JuiceMovie #MichaelKWilliams #FatJoeSeries #ActingRehab #FaithAndPurpose #Trailblazer #BreakBarriers #SupportEachOther #RealOnes

He opens up about how choosing drums changed everything, why he never smoked or drank in an industry that thrives on image, and how he turned down short-term fame to walk in alignment with what God called him to do.

They talk about:

- What it was like growing up on 169th and Washington Ave in the Bronx

- How being different became his greatest strength

- Playing for legends like DMX and Busta Rhymes—and getting ripped off early on

- Why he never writes speeches, and how he speaks purely from spirit

- The pressure of sharing space with producers like Pharrell, Just Blaze, and Kanye

- The power of faith, discipline, and making music that serves a bigger purpose

- How he's now mentoring youth, speaking at graduations, and using his story to build legacy

This episode is about owning who you are, trusting the gift you were born with, and knowing you don’t need permission—or a co-sign—to walk fully in your calling.

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🔗 Connect with Dr. Amadeus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amadeuspbm

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr.

Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr., Ph.D., is a multi-platinum producer, professional drummer, motivational speaker, and the CEO of Platinum Boy Music Inc. He is the music director and touring drummer for Trey Songz, a published author (The Story of Amadeus: And the Beat Goes On), and was recently honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame.

Raised in the heart of the Bronx, Amadeus built his career on faith, discipline, and service—working with artists like Chris Brown, J.Lo, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne, while staying rooted in purpose. He’s now focused on impact—mentoring youth, speaking in schools, and proving you don’t have to compromise who you are to become who you’re meant to be.

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Tags & Keywords:

Dr. Amadeus, Antwan Thompson, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Trey Songz, Platinum Boy Music, Bronx, music industry, producer life, motivational speaker, hip hop producer, faith-based success, confidence, mentorship, real stories, growing up in the Bronx, never smoked, never drank, Christian creatives, God-given talent, legacy building, personal discipline, youth mentorship, graduation speaker, music and purpose, behind the beats, real change, never wrote a speech, servant leadership, real Bronx energy, second chances, influence over fame

#DrAmadeus #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BronxStrong #HipHopProducer #LegacyWork #PurposeOverFame #FaithAndFire #PlatinumBoyMusic #RealOnes #BuiltDifferent #MusicThatHeals #RealStories #BreakTheCycle #NeverFolded #MentorshipMatters

They talk about:

- The dangerous allure of the mob lifestyle—and why it feels like a "family" you can’t escape

- How addiction and ego fueled his most destructive years

- The turning point that forced him to choose between life or death

- The challenge of rebuilding his identity after leaving organized crime

- Why service and helping others became his true path to freedom

- How he's now using his story to mentor, counsel, and save lives

This episode is about the power of choice, the courage to walk away from an identity that once defined you, and the belief that no one is too far gone to change—if they’re willing to do the work.

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🔗 Connect with Anthony Ruggiano Jr.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyRuggiano

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reformedgangsters

Website: https://www.anthonyruggiano.com/ | https://www.reformedgangsters.com/

Email: anthonyruggianojr@gmail.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Anthony Ruggiano Jr.

Anthony Ruggiano Jr. is a former proposed member of the Gambino crime family who turned his life around after decades of addiction and crime. The son of "Fat Andy" Ruggiano, Anthony grew up in the shadows of Brooklyn’s underworld, idolizing mob figures and absorbing a dangerous code of survival.

After years spent chasing fast money, drugs, and street status, he found himself facing long prison sentences—and his own mortality. A call to a cocaine hotline saved his life, setting him on a path to recovery and self-reinvention.

Today, Anthony is a substance abuse counselor, speaker, and host of the Reformed Gangsters Podcast, where he shares raw lessons on transformation, accountability, and hope. His story proves that no matter how deep your past runs, there is always a way forward if you’re brave enough to choose it.

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Tags & Keywords:

Anthony Ruggiano Jr., Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Gambino family, mafia, organized crime, addiction recovery, sobriety, redemption stories, second chances, true crime, mentorship, substance abuse counselor, reformed gangster, Reformed Gangsters Podcast, Brooklyn mob, transformation, faith, fatherhood, rebuilding your life, 12 steps, resilience, real stories of change, life after crime, overcoming ego, service to others, living beyond the past, healing generational wounds, New York underworld, mob insiders, personal growth, breaking the cycle, proof you can change

#AnthonyRuggiano #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #GambinoFamily #ReformedGangsters #AddictionRecovery #SecondChances #MobLife #TrueRedemption #RealOnes #BreakTheCycle #Transformation #ServeOthers #RealStories #FaithAndCourage #BeyondTheMob #NeverTooLate

They talk about:

• How to start from zero and build trust in a niche, high-stakes industry like stunts
• Why "never stop being a white belt" is the mindset that drives every part of his life
• The power of humility—and how ego can be your biggest enemy (or your greatest teacher)
• Balancing fatherhood, family, and a career that demands risk and constant travel
• His upcoming Star Wars short film—and why he believes you have to create what you want to see in the world
• How martial arts philosophy translates into business, leadership, and storytelling

This episode is about showing up first, serving before asking, and embracing discomfort as the path to mastery— on set, at home, and in life.

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🔗 Connect with Tim Kittelstad

Instagram: @timkittelstad

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @theseanmartin

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⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

🔥 About the Guest – Tim Kittelstad

Timothy Kittelstad is a stuntman, fight choreographer, and Wing Chun instructor who believes that humility and service are the keys to growth—whether you’re in front of the camera, running a business, or raising a family.

After a career-ending sports injury, Tim rebuilt himself through martial arts, eventually becoming a head instructor and a sought-after stunt performer. He’s performed live shows in China and Orlando, trained under world-renowned sword masters, and now helps build the next generation of film fighters through community training in Florida.

Beyond stunts, he leads digital marketing initiatives at Torch Designs, mentors young performers, and brings his family into his creative world—turning backyard "action!" calls into lifelong memories.

Tim’s story is proof that when you lead with integrity and stay a lifelong student, you can craft a life far beyond what you imagined.

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Tags & Keywords:

Tim Kittelstad, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, stunts, fight choreography, martial arts, Wing Chun, digital marketing, lifelong learning, humility, fatherhood, Star Wars fan film, sword training, action design, community building, never stop being a white belt, purpose-driven storytelling, servant leadership, faith and creativity, mentorship in film, raising strong families, integrity in business, Florida stunt community, entrepreneurship through martial arts, living your passion, building trust, real stories of transformation, from setback to impact, Ip man, jackie chan, star wars, bruce lee, MMA, real fight

#TimKittelstad #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #StuntLife #WingChun #MartialArts #NeverStopBeingAWhiteBelt #FaithAndFamily #ActionDesign #LeadWithIntegrity #PurposeDriven #Storytelling #FilmIndustry #MartialArtsPhilosophy #RealOnes #BreakTheCycle #ServeFirst #StayHumble #LiveCurious

They talk about:

- What it’s really like to come home with no money, no help, and no chances

- The moment in solitary confinement that changed his life forever

- Starting a business from nothing—and how to keep going when no one believes in you

- Why he only hires people with records—and why that’s his biggest strength

- Opening three dispensaries in 15 months and beating the system at its own game

- What second chances really look like—and why purpose hits different when you’ve been through hell

This episode is about how you turn rock bottom into a foundation—and prove the world wrong by staying true to who you are.

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🔗 Connect with Coss Marte

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cossmarte

https://www.conbody.com

https://www.conbud.com

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Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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🔥 About the Guest – Coss Marte

Coss Marte is the founder and CEO of ConBody, a New York City fitness studio that employs formerly incarcerated trainers, and ConBud, a cannabis dispensary built on equity and second chances. Once running a $2M drug operation and serving time in prison, Coss turned his life around through faith, fitness, and purpose.

Today, he’s helped thousands transform their lives through his programs, created jobs for dozens of returning citizens, and built multiple businesses from the ground up—all while advocating for criminal justice reform and equity in the industries that once excluded him.

Coss’s story is a testament to what’s possible when hustle meets healing—and when you stop running from your past and start building with it.

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Tags & Keywords:

Coss Marte, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, ConBody, ConBud, prison to CEO, formerly incarcerated entrepreneur, second chances, reentry programs, cannabis equity, legal weed NYC, prison reform, redemption stories, ConBody workouts, NYC fitness, criminal justice reform, cannabis licensing, social equity cannabis, passive income, hiring people with records, bodyweight workouts, legacy through impact, prison business ideas, real stories of change, entrepreneurship after prison, faith and transformation, LES success story, from the system to success

#CossMarte #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #ConBody #ConBud #SecondChances #PrisonToPurpose #JusticeReform #LegalWeedNYC #FitnessAfterPrison #HustleAndHeal #RealOnes #BreakTheCycle #LeadWithPurpose #FromCellToCEO #EntrepreneurAfterPrison #NYCCannabis #OwnYourStory #RealMentorRealTalk

In this episode, Jennifer Hernandez joins Sean Martin for a gripping conversation about abuse, survival, and the frontline fight to protect the most vulnerable, before it’s too late.

Jennifer shares how ECLI-VIBES started from the trunk of her car and grew into a life-saving nonprofit serving over 2,500 survivors each month. She opens up about the real cost of escaping abuse, the dangerous myths around healing, and why her team’s first priority is simple: make sure the people who need them don’t die.

They talk about:

• Why leaving an abuser is the most dangerous moment
• The truth about what survivors actually need first
• How crisis intervention can’t wait for red tape
• Why healing means food, housing, and safety—before therapy
• Building a team that leads with love, not just credentials
• Her vision to make trauma-informed care accessible to every community

This episode is about what it really takes to help abuse survivors—not in theory, but in practice, when every hour could be the difference between life and death.

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💜 Support the Mission

If this episode moved you, don’t just listen—act.

Donate, advocate, or volunteer to support survivors through ECLI-VIBES. Your time, skills, or financial contribution could be the lifeline someone’s been waiting for.

🔗 Donate or learn more: https://www.eclivibes.org

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🆘 If You or Someone You Know Is in Danger

You are not alone. Help is always available.

📞 ECLI-VIBES 24/7 Hope Line (Long Island-based):

(631) 360-3606

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.):

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

📱 Text “START” to 88788

🌐 https://www.thehotline.org

Your safety matters. Your life matters. Reach out—there’s a whole community ready to stand beside you.

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🔗 Connect with Jennifer Hernandez and ECLI-VIBES

Website: https://www.eclivibes.org

Instagram: @ecli_vibes

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Jennifer Hernandez

Jennifer Hernandez is the founder and executive director of ECLI-VIBES, a Long Island nonprofit that provides trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse.

What started with just a few volunteers and a trunk full of donated supplies has grown into a multi-million dollar organization helping thousands of survivors every month. Her team offers crisis response, legal advocacy, counseling, housing assistance, food, mentorship, and more—all grounded in compassion and built on community.

Jennifer’s leadership is unapologetically human. She believes love is a strategy, boundaries are protection, and healing starts with basic needs. Beyond keeping survivors alive, her vision is to help them thrive—and to create a national model for survivor-centered care.

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Tags & Keywords:

Jennifer Hernandez, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, domestic violence help, abuse survivor support, ECLI-VIBES, trauma-informed care, nonprofit leadership, sexual abuse survivors, human trafficking recovery, women’s shelter, crisis intervention, holistic healing, housing support for abuse victims, abuse recovery stories, real stories of survival, family violence, nonprofit impact, Long Island nonprofits, community outreach, survivor advocacy, healing through love, supporting survivors, youth mentorship, child abuse recovery, immigrant story, trauma recovery services, empowering survivors, abuse prevention, emotional healing, crisis response services

#JenniferHernandez #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #ECLIVIBES #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivorSupport #FromCrisisToHealing #LeadWithLove #HelpingSurvivors #HealingTakesCommunity #SupportNotShame #AbuseRecovery #EndDomesticViolence #HumanTraffickingAwareness #ChildAbuseSurvivors #SurvivorStories #TraumaInformedCare #RealMentorsRealTalk

In this episode, Andrew Sallee joins Sean Martin for a raw conversation about building wealth, surviving abandonment, and redefining what it means to leave a legacy.

Andrew shares how he was emancipated at 15, raised in trailer parks by deeply religious parents who believed wealth was the devil. He opens up about being left alone as a teenager, working three jobs just to survive, and still graduating high school with a 3.6 GPA—before going on to flip over 1,000 properties, build 985 apartment units, and transition into a $100M+ portfolio of medical buildings, grocery stores, and national retail tenants.

They talk about:

• Growing up in poverty—and learning to make peace with success
• The trauma of being left by your own parents and still finding purpose
• Why building wealth isn’t the same as feeling worthy of it
• How he walked away from 985 apartments to chase peace over money
• The secret behind triple net investing and building freedom through commercial real estate
• The long road to healing—and why legacy starts within
• This episode is about what happens when no one believes in you… and you figure it out anyway.

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🔗 Connect with Andrew Sallee

Instagram: @andrewjsallee

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

🔥 About the Guest – Andrew Sallee

Andrew Sallee is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and legacy builder. He flipped over 1,000 properties and developed nearly 1,000 apartment units before transitioning into commercial real estate. Today, Andrew owns a $100M+ portfolio that includes medical buildings, grocery stores, and national retail tenants like Walgreens and Buffalo Wild Wings, specializing in triple net leases that give him income without the stress of management.

But Andrew’s story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about redemption. Emancipated at 15, raised in poverty, and left to figure life out on his own, Andrew built his success brick by brick. After surviving traumatic family experiences and years of grinding, he reached financial freedom—but still felt empty. That’s when he chose peace over pressure and legacy over ego.

Now, Andrew mentors others in real estate, teaches the game behind wealth-building through triple net investments, and uses his platform to help others build lives that last—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually.

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Tags & Keywords:

Andrew Sallee, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, real estate investing, triple net leases, $100M portfolio, abandoned at 15, emancipated teen, apartment flipping, commercial real estate, passive income, wealth and trauma, healing journey, building legacy, from nothing to millionaire, poverty to peace, business and faith, real estate success, investor story, real estate mentorship, nnn investing, grocery store investing, trauma and entrepreneurship, freedom through investing, real estate coach, trailer park upbringing, inner healing, entrepreneur story, wealth mindset, faith and finances

#AndrewSallee #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #FromTrailerParkTo$100M #TripleNetInvestor #NNNInvesting #LegacyBuilder #EmancipatedAt15 #RealEstateJourney #FaithAndFinance #PeaceOverPressure #BuildLegacy #FreedomThroughRealEstate #RealEstateCoach #AbandonmentToAbundance #InnerHealing #EntrepreneurLife #FromNothingToSomething #CommercialRealEstate #PassiveIncome #OwnYourStory #RealMentorRealTalk #GrantCardone #TonyRobbins #DeanGraziosi #Mastermind.com #RobertKiyosaki

In this episode, Luis Omar Figueroa joins Sean Martin for a raw conversation about resilience, reinvention, and rewriting your story when every door seems shut.

Luis shares how being denied a mortgage— despite having $50K in the bank— lit the fire that pushed him from liquor store owner to real estate powerhouse. With no training, no roadmap, and no mentors, he went from $10K a year to making $80K in 3 months, eventually founding HGRN Capital and Hudson Group Realty Network to help others get the funding they were told they didn’t qualify for.

They talk about:

• Why rejection is often your redirection
• The lessons Luis learned from losing friendships and partnerships
• How he transitioned from street hustle to structured business
• Why “I go get it” became the mantra that built his empire
• Real estate, lending, and ownership when you start with nothing
• Why financial success starts with emotional maturity
• How being raised in the Bronx shaped the way he moves through every room

This episode is about betting on yourself even when no one else does— and knowing that when the bank says no, it’s time to start building your own.

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⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

🔥 About the Guest – Luis Omar Figueroa

Luis Omar Figueroa is a Bronx-born entrepreneur, seasoned real estate financier, and the founder of HGRN Capital and Hudson Group Realty Network. With over 15 years of experience in lending and real estate investing, Luis built his business from the ground up after being denied the opportunity to buy his first home. Today, he helps others secure funding and create ownership— especially those who don’t meet traditional requirements.

His story is one of grit, self-education, and never waiting for permission. He’s passionate about mentoring others from underserved communities and proving that your background doesn’t define your ceiling— your actions do.

From street smarts to building a legacy, Luis is living proof that with the right mindset and relentless execution, you can make your own way, no matter where you start.

🔗 Connect with Luis

Guest: @askluisomar

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Tags & Keywords:

Luis Omar Figueroa, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, HGRN Capital, Hudson Group Realty Network, real estate journey, denied by the bank, Bronx entrepreneurship, self-made success, financial literacy, street to structured, ownership mindset, startup hustle, real estate funding, commercial lending, mentorship, emotional intelligence, small business stories, legacy builders, building from nothing, from the Bronx to boardroom, Latino entrepreneur, business with heart, real estate mentor, faith and finance, real talk podcast

#LuisOmarFigueroa #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #HGRNCapital #FromTheBronx #RealEstateJourney #DeniedToFunded #LegacyBuilding #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialFreedom #StreetToSuccess #LatinoExcellence #BusinessWithPurpose #SelfMade #OwnershipMatters #ResilientEntrepreneur

In this episode, Josh Zieglowsky joins Sean Martin for a powerful conversation about risk, faith, relationship capital, and why your biggest breakthrough is often one more conversation—or one more failure—away.

Josh opens up about going bankrupt at 22, starting over with nothing, and building his way into becoming a multi-business entrepreneur and key player behind the $300M success of ERC Specialists. From mortgages to masterminds, from student to partner at Commercial Academy, his journey proves one thing: you don’t need to know everything— you just need to know your people.

They talk about:

• The truth about failure and how to bounce back stronger
• Why "Who Not How" is the secret to scaling anything
• How relationship capital built a multimillion-dollar business
• Lessons from raising four kids while building empires
• What to look for before saying yes to a business opportunity
• Why investing in yourself will always be the best ROI
• How faith, family, and personal belief fuel every level of success

This episode is about learning how to take your shot—even when the scoreboard says you're behind—and trusting that with the right people, mindset, and mission, it’s never too late to win.

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🔗 Connect with Josh Zieglowsky

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoshz

Podcast: The Flat Bill Investor Podcast

Website: https://ercspecialists.com

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Josh Zieglowsky

Josh Zieglowsky is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, business mentor, and co-founder of ERC Specialists, the nation's leading firm for Employee Retention Credit funding. He is also a partner at Commercial Academy, a national platform for commercial real estate education, and co-host of The Flat Bill Investor Podcast, where he helps entrepreneurs and visionaries discover their unique edge.

From humble beginnings in Morgan, Utah, to orchestrating multimillion-dollar ventures, Josh credits his success to relationship capital, his commitment to daily learning, and his unshakable faith in God, family, and people. He’s passionate about mentorship, fatherhood, and building legacy—one opportunity and one connection at a time.

Whether he's helping business owners recover funds they didn’t know they were owed, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or investing in the next big venture, Josh is a living example that grit, gratitude, and the right partnerships can transform any life—no matter where you start.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Tags & Keywords:

Josh Zieglowsky, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, ERC Specialists, Commercial Academy, Who Not How, relationship capital, entrepreneur mindset, Flat Bill Investor, real estate mentor, from bankruptcy to business, faith and business, taking your shot, business comeback, mentorship, entrepreneurial journey, family and entrepreneurship, parenting and business, mastermind success, network equals net worth, business partnerships, humble beginnings, business podcast, Flat Bill brand, startup lessons, generational wealth, Utah entrepreneurs, purpose-driven business, emotional resilience

#JoshZieglowsky #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #TakeYourShot #RelationshipCapital #FaithAndBusiness #WhoNotHow #BusinessComeback #FlatBillInvestor #EntrepreneurLife #LegacyBuilding #FamilyFirst #MentorshipMatters #ResilientMindset #RealEstateJourney #CommercialAcademy #BusinessWisdom #FailForward #NetworkToGrow #MillionaireMindset #GrowthDriven #FromTheGroundUp #REALMentors

In this episode, Jade Simmons joins Sean Martin for a real conversation about race, labels, stereotypes, and the silent pressure to conform—especially for people of color.

Jade opens up about being judged for showing up “too Black” after growing up being told she was “too white.” Together, she and Sean break down how respectability politics, cultural expectations, and internalized bias continue to shape how we see ourselves—and how we limit ourselves.

They talk about:

• The pressure to shrink and fit into roles that weren’t made for us
• Racism, labels, and the mental cost of performing identity
• How race and appearance still define perception and access
• Why boldness is more than a look—it’s a tool for freedom
• Why you have to stop performing someone else’s version of you
• Navigating business, culture, and politics while staying authentic

This episode is about doing the work to unlearn who they told you to be—so you can finally become who you really are.

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Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/officialjadesimmons/

https://jadesimmons.com/

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Jade Simmons

Jade Simmons is a transformational keynote speaker, concert pianist, CEO, author, and former presidential candidate. She’s also a trailblazer in pageantry—crowned Miss Illinois 1999 and named first runner-up at Miss America 2000, where she performed classical piano on a national stage and redefined what it meant to be a Black woman in pageantry.

A graduate of Northwestern University in piano performance and founder of Jade Media Global, Jade has created a category of her own with her signature “keynote concert adventures”—high-energy events that blend powerful storytelling, classical music, mindset shifts, and audience transformation. She’s been called “Classical Music’s Number One Maverick”, with performances at the White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and global corporate stages for brands like Dell, Pfizer, and NBC Universal.

In 2020, she ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States under Operation Restoration, bringing a fresh, nonpartisan voice to American politics focused on purpose, unity, and people over party.

Jade is also the author of Purpose the Remix and Audacious Prayers for World Changers, and she continues to speak on leadership, race, reinvention, boldness, personal branding, and unlocking potential through authentic expression.

Whether it’s breaking racial and cultural stereotypes in classical music, challenging conformity in corporate spaces, or using her voice to push for social and political change—Jade Simmons is a force for disruption, purpose, and liberation.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Tags & Keywords:

Jade Simmons, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, race and identity, breaking stereotypes, internalized racism, keynote speaker, bold leadership, personal development, conformity, labels and expectations, people of color, racial identity, stereotypes, cultural pressure, self-expression, showing up fully, authentic leadership, diversity in corporate culture, transformational speaker, classical pianist, keynote concert, purpose-driven speaker, imposter syndrome myth, unlearning bias, Jade Simmons presidential candidate, women of color leadership, Black speaker, music and mindset, unconventional leadership, speaking industry, corporate events speaker, motivational concert, Jade Smalls, Miss America

#JadeSimmons #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #RaceAndIdentity #BreakTheBox #BoldLiving #AuthenticityOverApproval #NoMoreConforming #BlackExcellence #JadeSmalls #Unapologetic #PresidentialCandidate #WomenOfColor #LeadershipWithoutLabels #RepresentationMatters #TransformationalSpeaker #PurposeDriven #SpeakerLife #DiversityAndInclusion #CultureAndIdentity #KeynoteConcerts #BeBold #RealTalk

In this episode, Dr. Carvalhal shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant child in Brooklyn to becoming a thought leader in higher education. As the founder of ANC Consulting, she is on a mission to transform the higher education landscape, focusing on student success, enrollment strategies, and bridging the gap between academic and business practices.

Dr. Carvalhal explores the real challenges institutions face today, such as dwindling enrollment numbers and the struggle to keep students engaged. She reveals the importance of treating education as an investment rather than just a transaction and provides insight into how universities can evolve to meet the needs of today’s digital-native students.

Additionally, she discusses the rising importance of entrepreneurship in education and the shifting expectations of students, who are no longer just looking for degrees but real, applicable skills that will lead to future success.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dr. Carvalhal transitioned from a passionate educator to a consultant driving change in the industry
• The impact of treating education as a business and why students should see themselves as investors
• The biggest challenges facing higher education today and how to overcome them
• Why universities need to adapt to the needs of modern students or risk becoming irrelevant
• How the future of higher education will be shaped by AI and digital learning platforms
• The importance of family involvement in education and how it affects student success

This podcast is for you if:

• You’re interested in the future of higher education and student engagement
• You’re questioning whether college is still worth the investment
• You’re passionate about shifting traditional educational models for a more relevant, inclusive future

Dr. Carvalhal’s story proves that the future of education isn’t about adhering to old systems— it’s about innovating, adapting, and empowering students to become the leaders of tomorrow.

🚀 About Dr. Angelina Carvalhal

Dr. Angelina Carvalhal, a visionary Guyanese immigrant and higher education expert, founded ANC Consulting to transform academia through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Her leadership at ANC Consulting merges data-driven strategies with advanced technology, shaping the future of education with accessibility and excellence at its core.

Dr. Angelina and her team are launching an auxiliary enterprise ecosystem to revolutionize campus retail, putting the institutions back in the driver's seat. Details and launch date coming soon!

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🔗 Connect with Dr. Angelina Carvalhal

Instagram: @ancconsulting1

LinkedIn: Dr. Angelina Carvalhal

Website: ANC Consulting

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords & Tags:

Higher education, student engagement, education investment, ANC Consulting, future of education, enrollment strategies, AI in education, entrepreneurship in education, REAL Mentors Podcast, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal, Sean Martin

#AngelinaCarvalhal #EducationReform #HigherEducation #EducationInvestment #REALMentorsPodcast #EntrepreneurshipInEducation #FutureOfLearning #StudentEngagement #AIinEducation #SeanMartin

In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from a party promoter to the founder of IE Group NYC, a leading event production company that works with top-tier celebrities and influencers. He dives into the challenges of building relationships in a high-stakes industry and how authenticity and humility have played a key role in his success.

Jeff also talks about the launch of FanRoom Live, a platform that offers fans unique virtual meet-and-greets with their favorite stars, and how he navigated the shift from live events to digital experiences during the pandemic. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at producing A-list events and the importance of staying grounded, regardless of the glamorous surroundings.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Jeff transitioned from party promoter to successful entrepreneur
• The key to building strong relationships in the entertainment industry
• How FanRoom Live was born and how it’s changing virtual fan experiences
• The struggles and rewards of producing high-profile events
• Why authenticity is more important than status symbols in business
• The impact of staying grounded in an industry focused on image

This podcast is for you if:

- You’re interested in the event production and experiential marketing world

- You want to learn how authenticity can help you succeed in a high-stakes industry

- You’re a fan of celebrities and curious about the behind-the-scenes of their events

Jeff’s story proves that true success doesn’t come from superficial status, but from creating genuine connections and staying true to who you are.

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🔗 Connect with Jeff Krauss!

Instagram: @iegroupnyc

🛜 IE Group Website | FanRoom Live | QuoteNotes

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Keywords & Tags:

Event production, experiential marketing, IE Group NYC, FanRoom Live, celebrity events, authenticity, event planning, entrepreneurship, relationship-building, virtual fan experiences, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin

#JeffKrauss #EventProduction #AuthenticityInBusiness #FanRoomLive #EventPlanning #Entrepreneurship #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #Wrestling #WWE #BIGSHOW #UNDERTAKER #THEROCK #CMPUNK

In this episode, Sasha shares how her journey in television led her to become a passionate advocate for natural birth and women’s health. After learning about the challenges women, especially women of color, face during childbirth, Sasha co-founded Birth Pods, a project designed to offer mothers a safe, natural, and supportive birth environment.

Sasha talks about how she used her experience in TV production to make a real impact, the importance of creating a space where women feel heard and empowered, and how manifestation has played a big role in her personal and professional life. She also shares her personal journey of sobriety, fitness, and finding her true purpose.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn:

- How Sasha went from TV producer to maternal health advocate

- The vision behind Birth Pods and how it’s changing birth experiences

- Why manifestation and hard work is key to Sasha’s success

- The struggles women face in childbirth, especially women of color

- How fitness and self-care help Sasha stay balanced and focused

- The power of finding your purpose and using your platform for change

This podcast is for you if:

- You’re passionate about making a difference in healthcare or women’s rights

- You’re looking to create change in your own life and the world

Sasha’s story is a reminder that when you find your purpose, you can change lives — including your own.

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🔗 Connect with Sasha Mitchell-Fuller

Instagram: @myharmoniouslife

Website: https://sofierceproductions.com/ | https://thebirthpods.com/

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords & Tags: Emmy-winning producer, maternal health, Birth Pods, natural birth, doulas, midwives, wellness, motherhood, activism, women’s health, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin

#SashaMitchellFuller #BirthPods #MaternalHealth #NaturalBirth #Activism #Wellness #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin

Known for defending both the innocent and the guilty with unmatched integrity, Jaime opens up about the hard truths of criminal law, how he reconciles morality with duty, and the deeply personal reasons behind his fight for justice.

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What’s inside this episode:

• Why Jaime left a $250k Wall Street offer to become a $34k prosecutor
• The truth about defending guilty clients (and how he still sleeps at night)
• The role of accountability vs. justice in criminal vs. civil cases
• His transition from lawyer to judge at just 34 years old—and how he made history
• Real talk on bail reform, broken systems, and criminalizing poverty
• Why mentorship and second chances are central to his mission
• The powerful story of a client accused of vehicular homicide after smoking weed
• And how Jaime is now inspiring the next generation—including his own children

This podcast is for:

• Aspiring lawyers, community leaders, and changemakers who want to serve with integrity.
• Anyone who's felt counted out but still dreams of making an impact.
• Youth from the inner city, men and women navigating second chances, and the people who believe in them.
• And for those hungry for real talk, real leadership, and real examples altering lives.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

@santanalawfirm

📞 (212) 448-0055

📩 jaime@santanalawpartners.com

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags:

Jaime Santana, Santana Law Firm, criminal defense, civil rights attorney, Bronx judge, Latino leadership, Puerto Rican lawyer, Castle Hill Bronx, criminal justice reform, accountability over justice, guilty clients, personal injury lawyer, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, second chances, Bronx lawyers, legacy building, family, mentorship, inner city law

#JaimeSantana #REALMentorsPodcast #BronxToBench #LatinoJudge #DefendingTheGuilty #JusticeAndAccountability #FromTheBlockToTheBench #CriminalDefenseTruth #SecondChances #LegacyAndLaw #SeeYouAtTheTop

In this raw and real conversation, Jennelle shares how she reclaimed her body, her spirit, and her purpose through Tantra, somatic healing, motherhood, and radical truth. She opens up about escaping the life by faking her own death, finding unexpected mentorship, and discovering that what once brought her shame became the very path back to God.

Jennelle doesn’t hold back — from calling out modern narratives around womanhood and feminism, to explaining why sex is not sinful, but sacred. If you’ve ever battled shame, questioned your worth, or felt disconnected from your spirituality, this episode is for you.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn:

- How Jennelle’s trauma shaped — but didn’t define — her

- Why she says "sex isn’t dirty, shame is"

- The shocking truth about what Tantra really is (and isn’t)

- How she healed while raising a newborn — with no money, no support, no blueprint

- Why modern society keeps women in debt, disempowered, and disconnected

- What it means to find God through the body — not beyond it

- How her retreats and book are helping others break free from shame and reclaim their sacred power

This podcast is for you if:

- You’ve battled shame around sex, spirituality, or your identity

- You’re healing from trauma and want to reconnect with yourself and God

- You’re curious about Tantra, sacred intimacy, or embodied healing

- You want to break cycles, speak your truth, and fully reclaim your power

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too broken, too lost, or too far gone — Jennelle’s story will remind you: you’re not.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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🔗 Connect with Jennelle Gordon

Instagram: @shaktimastery | Website & Retreats: https://www.shaktisliving.com/

Book: Unf*ck Your Sex Life -- Available Now!

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords & Tags:

tantra healing, Jennelle Gordon, spirituality and sex, divine feminine, trauma recovery, sacred sexuality, healing shame, women empowerment, breathwork, somatic healing, tantra for beginners, REAL Mentors Podcast

#JennelleGordon #SpiritualityAndSex #TantraHealing #TraumaRecovery #SacredSexuality #DivineFeminine #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BeyondTheBronx #HealingJourney #ShaktiMastery #UnfuckYourSexLife

What’s inside this episode:

- How a social media post sparked a life-changing partnership

- Violeta’s rise from abuse, abandonment, and teen motherhood

- How she built KR3TS from scratch while raising 3 boys—including In the Heights star Noah

- Why dance saved lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually

- The behind-the-scenes battle to secure a dance space for the next generation

- Their plans to turn the new KR3TS space into a true East Harlem community center

- The truth about running a nonprofit in the inner city

- And what’s next for Violeta, KR3TS, and the mission to raise future legends

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🎉 KR3TS 35th Anniversary: "THE JOURNEY"

🗓 April 25–26, 2025

📍 Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, Bronx, NY

🎭 Friday: Performance Night (feat. Ruperto Vanderpool)

🥂 Saturday: VIP Gala + Performance + Afterparty (feat. Kurtis Blow, D-STROY & more)

🎟 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kr3ts-35th-anniversary-show-the-journey-tickets-1268232811479

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🔗 Connect with our guest, Violeta Galagarza!

Instagram: @violeta_kr3ts | KR3TS Dance Company

Website: https://www.kr3ts.com

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Keywords and tags:

KR3TS, Violeta Galagarza, dance mentorship, youth empowerment, nonprofit leadership, East Harlem, Bronx, 35th anniversary, real stories, community impact, healing through dance, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, In the Heights, Noah, cultural legacy, inner city changemakers

#KR3TS35 #VioletaGalagarza #DanceForChange #REALMentorsPodcast #YouthEmpowerment #EastHarlemStories #CommunityLeadership #TheJourney #LegacyMakers #FromPainToPurpose #SeeYouAtTheTop

wOg0rog8XXevh2HZ4X5B

In this powerful episode, Aaron opens up about his journey, the challenges facing inner-city youth, and why he’s on a mission to recruit mentors from the very communities they aim to uplift. From combating imposter syndrome to navigating generational poverty, Aaron shares raw truths, real solutions, and a blueprint for how anyone—regardless of their background—can help shape the next generation.

💡 You'll learn:

• How Aaron went from mentee to mentor and VP at BBBS of NYC
• The purpose behind the “Be Bronx Be Big” initiative
• Why the Bronx has the fewest mentors despite high demand
• The harsh realities of imposter syndrome in underserved communities
• What being a mentor really looks like (hint: just 4 hours a month!)
• How mentorship creates ripple effects for generations
• Practical ways you can get involved—even if you have limited time or money

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about youth development, breaking cycles, and making a difference in their own community. Aaron’s story is proof that when you become who you needed, lives are changed.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

Aaron Frager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-frager/

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC: https://www.instagram.com/bbbsnyc/ | https://www.bigsnyc.org

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags: mentorship, Aaron Frager, Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC, youth empowerment, community leadership, Bronx stories, inner city impact, breaking the cycle, imposter syndrome, purpose-driven life, REAL Mentors Podcast

#Mentorship #AaronFrager #BigBrothersBigSistersNYC #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityLeadership #BronxStories #BreakingTheCycle #REALMentorsPodcast #InnerCityChange #BeBronxBeBig

After experiencing betrayal from someone close to him and facing the harsh realities of prison life, Jason discovered his true purpose while incarcerated. His movement "Off The Count, Making It Count" is now dedicated to providing hope, resources, and guidance to those navigating the challenging transition from prison to freedom.

💡 You'll learn:

• Jason's journey from nightlife promoter to surviving a shooting that left him clinically dead
• How he transformed his prison experiences into a mission to help others stay out of the system
• The shocking truth about recidivism rates and why 44% of former inmates return to prison
• Practical advice for formerly incarcerated individuals on how to successfully reintegrate
• The importance of "staying focused, disciplined, and patient" when rebuilding your life
• Why "behind every incarcerated person there is a family member doing an unseen sentence"
• How Jason is working to develop resources including his upcoming book and podcast

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in criminal justice reform, personal transformation, and the power of finding purpose through adversity. Jason's story proves that no matter your past, your future can be rebuilt with determination, resilience, and a willingness to help others avoid the same pitfalls.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

-----

🔗 Connect with our guest:

Jason Abreu: @MadeUpNorthNYC

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin-----

Keywords and tags: prison reform, recidivism, Jason Abreu, Made Up North NYC, criminal justice reform, redemption, mentorship, personal transformation, breaking the cycle, leadership, nonprofit impact, inspiring stories, empowerment, REAL Mentors Podcast

#PrisonReform #Recidivism #JasonAbreu #MadeUpNorthNYC #CriminalJusticeReform #Redemption #Mentorship #OffTheCount #PersonalTransformation #SecondChances #REALMentorsPodcast

In this episode, Jaymie opens up about her traumatic upbringing, overcoming abuse, and how she turned her pain into her greatest power. She shares her personal transformation, the role of mindset in achieving success, and the tools that helped her heal and thrive. Now, she uses her coaching programs and experience to empower others to step into their true potential.

You’ll learn:

• Jaymie’s inspiring journey from trauma to success
• The importance of identity work and emotional release in personal growth
• How to shift your mindset from lack to abundance
• Why silence and physical movement are key to emotional healing
• The transformative power of coaching and mentorship

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels stuck, unsure of their path, or is struggling with their past. Jaymie’s story shows that no matter where you come from, with determination and the right mindset, you can create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

Jaymie Lee Gerena:  

 / jaymieleegerena   | https://www.jaymiegerena.com/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:  

 / realmentorspodcast  

Host:  

 / seanmartinmotiv8   |  

 / theseanmartin  

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Keywords and tags: transformation, personal growth, Jaymie Lee Gerena, mindset, identity work, emotional healing, coaching, mentorship, overcoming trauma, abundance, personal empowerment, REAL Mentors Podcast, self-development, mindset shift, mental resilience, healing journey, overcoming adversity

#Transformation #PersonalGrowth #JaymieLeeGerena #Mindset #Coaching #EmotionalHealing #Abundance #SelfDevelopment #REALMentorsPodcast #OvercomingTrauma #MentalResilience #Empowerment #Mentorship

In this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, Jitesh takes us on an incredible journey where the microcosm meets the macrocosm — how the stars, the universe, and the frequencies we vibrate at are all intricately connected. From the science of physics to the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology, Jitesh explores how understanding these forces can unlock our true potential.

As an electrical engineer by trade and a passionate practitioner of breathwork, meditation, and spiritual growth, Jitesh shares how aligning your mind, emotions, and breath with the universe can lead to profound transformation. Drawing on his experiences and the teachings of the Art of Living Foundation, he unveils the power of intuition and how it connects us to a higher frequency of existence.

💡 You’ll learn:

• How the microcosm and macrocosm shape our lives and decisions
• The incredible ability to harness your intuition and read while blindfolded
• The role of breathwork and meditation in aligning with the universe’s energy
• The science behind how your emotions affect your mind and your surroundings
• How to tap into your intuition to make better decisions in life and business

This episode is perfect for anyone curious about the connection between the stars, energy, and our minds — and how unlocking this connection can lead to real transformation in your life.

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🔗 Connect with our guest

Jitesh Vaswani: Instagram | LinkedIn

The Art Of Living: @theartofliving | Website

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags: Intuition, Breathwork, Universal Frequency, Jitesh Vaswani, Art of Living, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Microcosm Macrocosm, Personal Transformation, Meditation, Intuitive Power, Energy Alignment, Self-Awareness, REAL Mentors Podcast

#Intuition #Breathwork #JiteshVaswani #UniversalFrequency #Mindfulness #PersonalTransformation #EnergyAlignment #Meditation #Globe #ArtOfLiving #SelfAwareness #REALMentorsPodcast #Spirituality #MicrocosmMacrocosm #UnlockYourPower

In this episode, John shares his story of resilience, redemption, and how he turned a life of crime into a life of purpose. After serving nearly two decades behind bars, John’s involvement in the Defy Ventures program helped him discover the power of entrepreneurship, leading to his current role where he mentors others and empowers them to break free from their past.

💡 You’ll learn:

• John’s journey from prison to Executive Director of Defy Ventures Utah
• How Defy Ventures helps incarcerated individuals transform their hustling skills into legitimate businesses
• The importance of personal ownership and self-forgiveness in making lasting change
• Insights into breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating second chances for others
• How mentorship and entrepreneurship can redefine someone’s future

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about second chances, personal transformation, and the power of entrepreneurship to change lives. John’s story proves that no matter your past, your future can be built with determination, resilience, and a willingness to change.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

-----

🔗 Connect with our guest!

John Jackson: LinkedIn

Defy Ventures: Website | LinkedIn

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags: second chances, entrepreneurship, John Jackson, Defy Ventures, criminal justice reform, redemption, mentorship, personal transformation, recidivism, breaking the cycle, leadership, nonprofit impact, inspiring stories, empowerment, business transformation, REAL Mentors Podcast

#SecondChances #Entrepreneurship #JohnJackson #DefyVentures #CriminalJusticeReform #Redemption #Mentorship #Recidivism #PersonalTransformation #NonprofitImpact #REALMentorsPodcast

In this episode, Neela opens up about her journey—from being deeply rooted in service to leading one of Long Island’s most impactful organizations. She discusses the power of community support, mentorship, and service in changing lives.

You’ll learn:

- Neela’s journey from social work to becoming CEO of EAC Network

- How EAC Network impacts over 65,000 people annually through services like mental health programs, vocational services, and alternatives to incarceration

- The importance of mentorship, especially in helping at-risk youth

- Neela’s leadership lessons from navigating funding challenges and community needs

- Insights into creating sustainable, impactful programs that truly serve the community

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about community empowerment, nonprofit leadership, and the transformational power of service. Neela’s story shows how dedication and vision can help build stronger communities and provide people with the tools to create lasting change.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

Neela Lockel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelamlockel/

EAC Network: https://eac-network.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/eacnet/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/eac-network/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/seanmartinmotiv8/ | https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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Keywords and tags: nonprofit leadership, community empowerment, Neela Lockel, EAC Network, mentorship, criminal justice reform, human trafficking, social services, mental health, alternatives to incarceration, youth programs, empowering communities, leadership, nonprofit impact, transformational leadership, social work, helping at-risk youth, mentorship matters, REAL Mentors Podcast

#NonprofitLeadership #CommunityEmpowerment #NeelaLockel #EACNetwork #Mentorship #SocialServices #TransformationalLeadership #YouthPrograms #MentalHealth #HumanTrafficking #InspiringStories #REALMentorsPodcast

In this episode, Jennifer opens up about her journey—from hitting rock bottom to rebuilding her life through Soulful Prosperity. She shares how she transformed her pain into power and now guides others to do the same.

💡 You’ll learn:

- Jennifer’s powerful story of overcoming addiction and homelessness

- The impact of Soulful Prosperity on her life and business

- How she rebuilt after the collapse of her real estate business

- The importance of self-love, shadow work, and embracing your struggles

- Practical tips for aligning your life with your true purpose

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in life. Jennifer’s story proves that no matter where you start, you can always rise, rebuild, and transform your life.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

Jennifer Maher: @prosperousjenn | https://www.prosperousjenn.com/

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags: Soulful Prosperity, overcoming addiction, homelessness to success, personal transformation, Jennifer Maher, real estate collapse, self-discovery, rebuilding life, purpose-driven business, shadow work, addiction recovery, motivational stories, personal growth, overcoming struggles, resilience, entrepreneurial success, overcoming failure, mental health, inspirational podcasts, REAL Mentors Podcast

#SoulfulProsperity #OvercomingAddiction #Resilience #JenniferMaher #RecoveryStories #Transformation #MotivationalPodcast #OvercomingStruggles #PersonalGrowth #RebuildingLife #PurposeDrivenBusiness #REALMentorsPodcast

In this powerful episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin sits down with Adam Jablin, a man who knows firsthand the devastation of addiction and the strength it takes to overcome it. Adam’s story isn’t just about hitting rock bottom—it's about rising from it. After years of struggling with alcoholism and addiction, Adam found his path to recovery and now dedicates his life to helping others break free from the chains of addiction.

Through his Hero Project, Adam is transforming lives, guiding individuals on their own journey of self-discovery and sobriety. His mission is simple: to help people reclaim their lives, face their fears, and unlock their true potential.

In this episode, Adam opens up about his battle with addiction, the life-changing moment that pushed him toward sobriety, and the mindset shift that led him to become a mentor for others. He shares his insights on how the addictive mind can actually be a strength if channeled in the right direction.

You’ll learn:

- The truth about addiction and how it can sneak up on anyone

- Adam’s personal journey from addiction to sobriety

- The Hero Project and how it's changing lives beyond addiction

- How to use the strength of addiction to fuel success and growth

- The importance of purpose in recovery and how it drives transformation

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who’s struggling with addiction, looking for inspiration, or seeking a deeper understanding of how to break free from unhealthy patterns. Adam's story is proof that it’s never too late to start over and build the life you were always meant to live.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

Adam Jablin: https://www.instagram.com/adamjablin/ | https://adamjablin.com/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/seanmartinmotiv8/ | https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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Keywords and tags:

addiction recovery, addiction awareness, sobriety journey, overcoming addiction, Hero Project, Adam Jablin, transformation, personal growth, recovery mindset, breaking free from addiction, addiction recovery stories, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, overcoming struggles, addiction to success, addiction transformation, purpose in recovery, mental health, addiction support, inspiring recovery, recovery stories, real life recovery, motivational podcasts, addiction recovery podcast

#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #RealMentorsPodcast #AdamJablin #AddictionAwareness #HeroProject #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryMindset #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #AddictionSupport #RecoveryStories #MotivationalPodcast #RealLifeRecovery #MentalHealthMatters

In this eye-opening episode of the Real Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin sits down with Rob Scheer, a man who knows this heartbreaking reality all too well. Rob was one of those children, forced to carry his belongings in a trash bag, shuffled in and out of strangers' homes, and left to navigate a broken system. At 18, he found himself homeless with no support system, but Rob didn’t let this define him.

Instead, he turned his pain into purpose, founding Comfort Cases, an organization that provides backpacks filled with essentials for children entering foster care.

Rob's mission is to ensure no child ever feels disposable.

In this powerful episode, Rob opens up about his life in foster care, his journey to overcoming homelessness, and how he turned his personal struggles into a platform for change. He’s now helping thousands of foster children find hope and dignity, one backpack at a time.

You’ll learn:

•⁠ ⁠The shocking truth about the foster care system and how it continues to fail kids today

•⁠ ⁠Rob’s inspiring journey from foster care to founding Comfort Cases

•⁠ ⁠How Comfort Cases is bringing dignity and hope to children who need it most

•⁠ ⁠The importance of empathy and why every child deserves to feel seen and loved

This episode is for anyone who’s passionate about social justice, foster care reform, or making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. If you’re looking for a story of resilience and how one person can create lasting change, this is a must-watch.

🔗 Connect with our guest:

Rob Scheer: https://www.instagram.com/rob_scheer/

Comfort Cases: https://www.instagram.com/comfortcases/ | https://comfortcases.org/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

Host: https://www.instagram.com/seanmartinmotiv8/ | https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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Keywords and tags:

foster care, Comfort Cases, Rob Scheer, foster care reform, foster children support, homeless foster youth, children in foster care, foster care system, dignity for foster children, foster youth homelessness, child welfare, Real Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, foster care awareness, nonprofit for foster care, changing foster care, supporting foster children, how to help foster kids, foster care issues, Comfort Cases nonprofit, Rob Scheer Ellen Show, Rob Scheer The Today Show, Rob Scheer NBC Nightly News, Rob Scheer CNN Heroes, #FosterCare, #ComfortCases, #RobScheer, #FosterCareReform, #FosterYouth, #RealMentorsPodcast, #SeanMartin, #FosterChildren, #NonprofitImpact, #EllenShow, #TheTodayShow, #NBCNightlyNews, #CNNHeroes

Clarisa dives deep into the lack of communication, transparency, and community involvement in the decision-making process around this new shelter proposal. She addresses the frustrations of the Bronx community, who have been left in the dark about the decision, and stresses the need for engagement and transparency in local governance.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- Why the migrant shelter plan is creating division in the Bronx.

- The importance of community involvement in decision-making.

- How the Bronx community has been impacted by lack of resources, and what can be done to change it.

- Clarisa’s vision for a Bronx-led leadership that prioritizes the people’s voice.

Clarisa is here to expose the truth about decisions being made without consulting the community and the need for real solutions for the people who call the Bronx home. She challenges the political system and offers a solution-driven approach to governance.

🔗 Connect with our guest:

Clarisa Alayeto: @clarisaforcouncil

Follow us!

@REALMentorsPodcast

Sean Martin: @seanmartinmotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords:

Bronx migrant shelter, Bronx community engagement, Bronx political issues, migrant crisis Bronx, South Bronx shelter crisis, East Harlem migrant shelters, Bronx transparency in government, Bronx voter engagement, community decisions Bronx, Bronx resource allocation, Bronx public safety, Bronx community leadership, Bronx housing crisis, Bronx social issues, Bronx public health, Bronx infrastructure problems, Bronx election 2024, migrant shelter New York City, Bronx local politics, community-driven change Bronx, Bronx residents voice, Bronx community activism, Bronx political transparency, Bronx trust in government, Bronx civic engagement, Bronx migrant shelter controversy, Bronx community development, Bronx voter turnout, Bronx leadership accountability

In this episode, Jimmy shares his incredible journey and legendary stories featuring a who’s-who of celebrity icons. You’ll hear about hosting the likes of Bill Cosby, Khloé Kardashian, Michael Jordan, Diddy, JLo, and Stevie Wonder, as well as unforgettable moments with Prince, David Bowie, French Montana, Tito Puente, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and even the New York Yankees. 🎤

👀 What will you discover in this episode?

•⁠ ⁠How Jimmy helped others make money and build wealth through mentorship and guidance in the restaurant industry.

•⁠ ⁠Iconic stories with celebrities like Bill Cosby, Khloé Kardashian, Michael Jordan, Stevie Wonder, Prince, David Bowie, Diddy, JLo, and more.

•⁠ ⁠The rise and reinvention of Jimmy’s Bronx Café, Sofrito, Don Coqui, and other restaurant ventures.

•⁠ ⁠The art of mentorship, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

•⁠ ⁠Insights on leadership, resilience, and how to adapt in a changing world.

This episode is perfect for future entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, and anyone looking to learn from the best in the business. Expect real talk, business tips, and some unforgettable celebrity stories!

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What is the REAL Mentors Podcast?

The REAL (Real Examples Altering Lives) Mentors Podcast brings you the wisdom of successful leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers who’ve turned their dreams into reality. Hosted by Sean Martin, this podcast gives you actionable advice, inspiring stories, and life-changing lessons from real people who’ve been through it all.

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About Our Guest, Jimmy Rodriguez:

Jimmy Rodriguez is the legendary force behind some of New York City's most iconic restaurants, including Jimmy's Bronx Café, Sofrito, Don Coqui, and more. From hosting major celebrities like Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, and Khloé Kardashian, to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, Jimmy's impact on the restaurant and hospitality world is undeniable. In this episode, Jimmy shares stories of reinvention, mentorship, and how he’s helped others make millions along the way.

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Keywords and Tags:

Jimmy Rodriguez, REAL Mentors Podcast, Restaurant empire, NYC restaurant industry, Entrepreneurship mentorship, Bill Cosby, Khloé Kardashian, Michael Jordan, Stevie Wonder, Prince, David Bowie, French Montana, Tito Puente, Yankees, Eddie Caban, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Diddy, JLo, Mentorship in business, Legendary restaurant stories, Creating wealth in hospitality, Sofrito, Jimmy’s Bronx Café, Don Coqui, Restaurant business mentorship, New York City dining, Celebrity restaurant stories, Hospitality industry secrets, Entrepreneurial mentorship, Business tips, Celebrity encounters, NYC restaurants, Entrepreneur advice, Hospitality success stories, Business reinvention, Mentorship lessons, Leadership in hospitality, Building wealth through hospitality, Mentorship and success

If you’ve ever wondered about the real story behind Jimmy Rodriguez’s legendary empire and its massive success, you’re in for a treat.

🤔 What will you discover in this episode?

• The one mindset shift that set Jimmy’s success in motion, and how you can apply it to your own life.
• The real story behind how his legendary restaurant started and almost didn’t happen.
• Behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else—from dealing with celebrities to surviving literal business threats.

👤 Meet our guest, Jimmy Rodriguez:

Jimmy Rodriguez isn’t just the owner of iconic spots like Jimmy’s Bronx Cafe, Sofrito, and Don Coqui—he’s a visionary who saw opportunity where others saw only struggle. Raised in the Bronx, he went from hustling on the streets with his father to transforming the restaurant business into a cultural movement. He’s built an empire that spans four decades, faced endless obstacles, and shaped New York’s hospitality scene with a vision that goes beyond food—it’s all about creating experiences.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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🔗 Connect with our guest

Jimmy Rodriguez: @jimmys_sofrito | @jimmysbronxcafe

Sobro Garden: Instagram @sobrogarden | Website

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Tags/Key Terms:

Jimmy Rodriguez, Jimmy’s Bronx Cafe, Sofrito Restaurant, Don Coqui, Real Mentors Podcast, Bronx restaurants, Restaurant business tips, Hospitality industry, Latin food restaurants, Bronx entrepreneur, Business mentorship, Overcoming adversity in business, Personal reinvention, Leadership in business, Mentorship advice, Entrepreneur podcast, NYC restaurant scene, Resilience in business, Bill Cosby restaurant story, JLo at Jimmy’s Bronx Cafe, Business tips from restaurant owners, How to build a brand, Restaurant empire creation, Business risk-taking, Creating a successful restaurant, Professional reinvention, Celebrity stories podcast, Bronx entrepreneurship, Food industry leadership, Consistency in business, Diddy, David Bowie, Mary J. Blige, Ricky Martin, Fat Joe, Tito Puente, Derek Jeter, Shaquille O'Neal, Prince, Jada Pinkett Smith, Stevie Wonder, Mark Anthony, Celia Cruz, Martha Stewart, Ivana Trump, Michael Jordan, Bernie Williams, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Bob Marley, Cardi B, A-Rod, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Nas, Selena Quintanilla, Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio, French Montana, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kanye West, Pitbull, Usher, Alicia Keys, Nicky Jam, Don Omar, Pitbull

In this inspiring episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, our host Sean Martin is joined by Clarisa Alayeto, a community advocate and leader from the Bronx, shares how she is empowering her neighborhood and making a lasting difference. With over 20 years of experience in youth development, public health, and community activism, Clarisa has been on the front lines of tackling gun violence, improving public health, and creating safe spaces for Bronx youth.

💡 What you’ll gain from this episode:

• The ongoing struggles the Bronx faces: poverty, lack of resources, community violence, job scarcity, and why they continue to persist.
• How Clarisa Alayeto’s initiatives like Mott Haven Runners of Color and Yo Thatz Peace are tackling violence and providing hope for the future.
• Clarisa’s leadership approach, and why real change comes from local leaders who understand their community's struggles.
• The importance of youth empowerment and how Clarisa’s work is creating safe spaces for young people to grow and thrive.
• ⁠How grassroots efforts and community collaboration can bring about lasting change in neighborhoods that have been neglected for far too long.

🤔 Who is this podcast for?

• Bronx residents who want to see their community thrive and are ready to take action for positive change.
• ⁠Activists and community leaders looking for inspiration on how to make a real impact in underserved neighborhoods.
• Anyone who believes in the power of community-driven leadership and is passionate about tackling violence, job insecurity, and injustice in local areas.
• Those who want to understand the realities of life in the Bronx, and how the people here are fighting for a better future.

This episode will leave you inspired to make a difference in your own community, wherever you are, and prove that even the toughest challenges can be overcome when people come together to create lasting change.

⭐️ Who is Clarisa Alayeto?

Clarisa is the founder of Mott Haven Runners of Color, a grassroots initiative focused on improving health and wellness in the Bronx, and Yo Thatz Peace, a program designed to help end gun violence and support youth through mentorship and outreach. Through these efforts, Clarisa is helping create a stronger, safer Bronx—one step at a time.

🔗 Connect with our guest

Clarisa Alayeto: Instagram

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords:

Bronx leadership, Bronx activism, gun violence prevention Bronx, affordable housing Bronx, youth development Bronx, Mott Haven, Yo Thatz Peace Bronx, Clarisa Alayeto, Bronx public health, Bronx community safety, South Bronx leadership, making a difference Bronx, Bronx social justice, Bronx community change, Bronx solutions, Bronx youth programs, Bronx violence prevention, East Harlem community, Bronx grassroots, youth empowerment Bronx, gun violence South Bronx, Bronx neighborhood programs, Bronx inequality, South Bronx youth initiatives, Bronx leadership programs, Bronx empowerment, Bronx social change, community activism East Harlem, rebuilding Bronx, Bronx resilience

In this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, host Sean Martin sits down with Joe Rivera, a resilience coach, motivational speaker, and founder of Reforge Academy, as he shares his powerful journey from addiction to sobriety and redemption. Joe opens up about his life in the fast-paced financial world, how his addiction nearly destroyed him, and the pivotal moment that turned everything around. He reveals how he used his struggles to fuel his purpose and build a life that’s now dedicated to helping others overcome adversity and find their true path.

But here’s the thing—Joe's journey also questions the glorification of Wall Street success and the idea of “hustle culture.” Is the pursuit of money truly worth sacrificing your health, happiness, and relationships? Joe challenges the conventional notion that you have to burn yourself out to succeed. His story might make you rethink the real cost of chasing wealth and success—something many entrepreneurs aren’t willing to talk about.

💡 What you’ll gain from this episode:

• Joe’s personal story of overcoming substance abuse and rebuilding his life.
• How Joe went from making seven figures on Wall Street to starting his own business and achieving financial success.
• Lessons on resilience, the importance of developing a mindset that thrives in adversity, and how to use failure as a stepping stone to success.
• How Joe transformed his pain into purpose through coaching, motivational speaking, and building a successful business.
• Real, actionable advice on how to overcome addiction, break free from self-limiting beliefs, and achieve true success in both life and business.

🤔 Who is this podcast for?

• Anyone who has struggled with addiction or is seeking to overcome personal challenges in order to live a fulfilled life.
• Entrepreneurs or aspiring business owners looking for inspiration on how to build wealth and achieve success beyond the typical “get rich quick” mindset.
• People who want to learn the real secrets of financial success and how to become successful by focusing on personal growth, resilience, and creating a purpose-driven life.
• Anyone inspired by stories like Wolf of Wall Street or Jordan Belfort who wants to learn how to turn adversity into opportunity and get rich the right way.
• If you’ve ever felt like you were lost in the pursuit of success or wondering if change is even possible, Joe’s story will inspire you to believe that transformation is not only possible, but it’s your next step toward achieving wealth and living a successful life.

🌟 Who is Joe Rivera?

Joe Rivera is a resilience coach, motivational speaker, and the founder of Reforge Academy, where he empowers individuals and entrepreneurs to overcome adversity, achieve financial success, and align their lives with purpose. Joe’s journey from hitting rock bottom with addiction to building a successful life in business and coaching has made him a leader in personal development. His mission is to help people create lasting transformation by overcoming their limitations, turning pain into purpose, and building a life of true fulfillment.

🔗 Connect with guest Joe Rivera on Instagram | Website | Reforge Academy

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Tags:

#REALMentorsPodcast #JoeRivera #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Resilience #PurposeDrivenLife #ReforgeAcademy #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #Transformation #OvercomingAdversity #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #SpiritualAwakening #MotivationalSpeaker #FinancialSuccess #SelfDiscovery #RecoveryJourney #FaithInBusiness #SuccessStory #OvercomingLimitingBeliefs #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #Addiction #WallStreet #LifeCoach #Inspiration #Motivation #TurningPainIntoPurpose #BusinessSuccess #SecondChances #SpiritualGrowth #LifeTransformation #HowToGetRich #EntrepreneurMindset #MakeMoney #GetRich #WealthBuilding #BusinessCoach #HowToMakeMoney #SuccessTips #WolfOfWallStreet #JordanBelfort #FinancialFreedom #RichMindset #SuccessMindset #BecomingSuccessful #MotivationalPodcasts #BusinessPodcasts #LongFormInterviews #EntrepreneurPodcasts #LeadershipPodcasts #AddictionRecoveryPodcasts #SelfImprovementPodcasts #LifeCoachingPodcasts #MindsetPodcasts #PersonalGrowthPodcasts #MotivationalSpeakerInterviews #SuccessPodcasts #InspirationalPodcasts #BusinessSuccessInterviews #HowToBuildWealth #RecoveryInterviews #FinancialSuccessInterviews

Search Terms/Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, How to make money, How to get rich, Financial success, Business success, Wall Street success, Motivational speaking, Addiction recovery stories, How to become successful, Overcoming addiction to achieve success, Resilience in business, Business and wealth building, How to build wealth, Mindset for success, Getting rich the right way, Personal development for entrepreneurs, Starting a business after addiction, Lessons from the Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort lessons, From addiction to success, Addiction recovery and wealth building, Turning pain into profit, How to thrive in business after failure, Transforming adversity into opportunity, Podcasts, Podcast interviews, Motivational podcasts, Inspirational podcasts, Long-form interviews, Business podcasts, Success podcasts, Life coaching podcasts, Personal development podcasts, Self-improvement podcasts, Entrepreneur podcasts, Mindset podcasts, Leadership podcasts, Recovery podcasts, Business success interviews, Addiction recovery podcasts, Motivational speaker interviews, Success story podcasts, Entrepreneur success stories, Personal growth interviews, Motivation and success podcasts, Interview series, Podcast listeners, Watch long interviews, Watch motivational videos, Long-form content, Transformational podcasts, Business leadership interviews, Inspirational interviews.

In this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, host Sean Martin sits down with Robert Stricoff, the Chief External Affairs Officer at EAC Network, as he shares his incredible journey from being a political leader to shifting his focus toward nonprofit work. Bob opens up about the challenges he faced in politics, including being "bullied out of his job", and how his experience led him to make an even bigger impact through EAC Network, an organization dedicated to creating lasting change for 65,000 people annually across Long Island and New York City.

What you’ll gain from this episode:

•⁠ ⁠How Bob’s early passion for politics shaped his life’s mission.

•⁠ ⁠The powerful lessons learned from being a political leader for over two decades.

•⁠ ⁠Insights into why Bob made the bold shift from politics to nonprofit work.

•⁠ ⁠A closer look at EAC Network’s mission to create lasting impact, not just provide temporary solutions.

•⁠ ⁠Real, actionable advice on creating change in your own life by aligning your purpose with your actions.

Who is this podcast for?

•⁠ ⁠Anyone passionate about serving their community or creating change.

•⁠ ⁠Leaders looking for inspiration on how to make a lasting impact beyond their career.

•⁠ ⁠People interested in hearing about a career shift and the challenges and growth that come with it.

•⁠ ⁠Nonprofit professionals or those looking to get involved in social good and public service.

•⁠ ⁠If you’ve ever wondered how one person can make a real difference, Bob’s story will remind you that sometimes the most impactful shifts happen when you least expect them.

🌟 Who is Bob Stricoff?

Bob Stricoff is the Chief External Affairs Officer at EAC Network, an organization helping thousands of people each year. With over 21 years in politics and 14 years leading within his party, Bob’s expertise in public service and community change has reshaped the way nonprofits can address social issues. His journey from political leadership to nonprofit service shows how purpose-driven leadership can transform lives.

Connect with our guest:

🔗 Bob Stricoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertstricoff/ | https://www.instagram.com/robert_stricoff/

EAC Network: https://eac-network.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/eacnet/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/

🎧 Host: https://www.instagram.com/seanmartinmotiv8/ | https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/

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Tags:

#REALMentorsPodcast #PublicService #NonprofitLeadership #MakingADifference #Leadership #PoliticalJourney #SocialImpact #CommunityService #ChangeMakers #EACNetwork #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #Mentorship #PurposeDriven #SocialGood #NonprofitWork #CareerGrowth #CareerShift #Inspiration #LeadershipLessons #CreateChange #TransformativeLeadership #PublicServiceJourney #PoliticalLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LastingImpact #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, host Sean Martin sits down with Alison Lager, a 30-year mental health expert who has helped countless people break free from emotional patterns and limiting beliefs. Alison brings clarity to why so many of us feel stuck, revealing the powerful science behind personal transformation and sharing the practical tools needed to create real change.

What you’ll gain from this episode:

- A deeper understanding of why we get stuck in patterns and how to break free.

- The science behind mindset shifts and reprogramming your beliefs.

- Insights into why traditional approaches to healing often fall short—and what truly works.

- Strategies to turn pain and challenges into opportunities for growth.

- A renewed sense of hope and actionable steps to transform your life.

Who is this podcast for?

- Anyone feeling stuck or repeating the same patterns.

- People searching for deeper meaning and clarity in their personal growth journey.

- Those who feel like traditional therapy isn’t giving them the breakthrough they need.

- Listeners ready to challenge their mindset and take control of their lives.

- Entrepreneurs, leaders, and go-getters looking to unlock their full potential.

If you’ve ever felt like real change was impossible, this episode is your wake-up call.

🌟 Who is Alison Lager?

Alison Lager is a powerhouse in the mental health space with over 30 years of experience transforming lives. Alison isn’t just a therapist—she’s a disruptor, a guide, and someone who knows how to break down the invisible barriers keeping people from becoming their best selves. Her no-nonsense approach to mental health, combined with deep compassion and scientific insight, has made her a sought-after voice in the world of personal growth and healing.

Connect with our guest:

🔗 Alison Lager

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonanswers/
• Lager Counseling Services: https://www.instagram.com/lagercounseling/
• Website: https://www.lagercounseling.com/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

📸 Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

🎧 Host: @seanmartinmotiv8

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Tags:

#GrowthAndHealing #MentalHealthExpert #BreakingPatterns #PersonalDevelopment #EmotionalHealing #MindsetTransformation #OvercomingTrauma #SelfImprovement #MentalHealthAwareness #ResilienceAndGrowth #AlisonLager #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #LagerCounselingServices #HowToGetUnstuck #WhyAmIStuckInLife #ReprogramYourMind #OvercomeSelfDoubt #EmotionalMastery #MentalHealthTools #SelfGrowthJourney #HealingFromWithin #UnlockYourPotential #BreakingNegativeCycles #TherapyAndGrowth #MindsetReset #PodcastEpisode2024 #MentalHealthJourney #PodcastForPersonalGrowth #InspirationalPodcast #LifeChangingPodcast #MentalHealth #GrowthMindset #PodcastEpisode #HealingJourney #TransformationTuesday #Inspiration #PodcastCommunity #LifeLessons #SelfHealing

On this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, we bring you the incredible story of Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson, a mother, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader who turned obstacles into opportunities. At just 16, Sam faced challenges that could have defined her, but instead, she used them to fuel her journey to success. From launching a nonprofit with only $** to becoming a celebrated community leader, Sam’s story will inspire you to push through whatever’s holding you back.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Starting from zero: How Sam launched a nonprofit with just $** and built it into a thriving organization.

✅ The truth about failure: Why failing forward is the key to discovering who you really are.

✅ Building a legacy through resilience: How Sam overcame societal shame and personal struggles to lead with purpose.

✅ Lessons for aspiring leaders: The biggest mistakes to avoid when building nonprofits and organizations.

✅ Faith and perseverance: How trusting the process and staying grounded can help you overcome any obstacle.

🎧 This episode is for you if:

•⁠ ⁠You feel stuck or held back by your current circumstances.

•⁠ ⁠You want to start something impactful but don’t know where to begin.

•⁠ ⁠You’re looking for inspiration to turn your struggles into strengths.

•⁠ ⁠You believe in the power of faith, resilience, and leadership.

•⁠ ⁠You’re ready to learn from someone who’s been there and made it happen.

🌟 Who is Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson?

Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson is the founder of YHP Cares and Yung Hip Professionals Inc., organizations focused on healthcare advocacy and community empowerment. From her journey as a teen mom to receiving prestigious awards like Long Island’s 40 Under 40 and recognition from Forbes BLK, Sam’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, leadership, and building a life of purpose.

As the host of "The That's Sam Law Show," Sam amplifies voices from younger generations and their champions. A member of Forbes BLK and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC Inc.), a TEDx speaker, former Chair of DEI at Melville Chamber of Commerce, published model, and marketing professional. Her education includes a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from LIU CW Post and a Bachelor of Art in psychology from SUNY Old Westbury.

Sam's achievements include: Schneps Media "2024 Power Women Long Island", Long Island Business News' 2024 "40 under 40" award, the 2024 Entrepreneur Award from NANBPWC Inc., Bridges Ministries’ “Catalyst for Change” award and Suffolk County's 15th District "Rising Star Award" in 2020. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and health care equity, Sam remains dedicated to building an equitable future for Long Island.

Connect with our guest:

🔗 Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson

Instagram/TikTok: @thats_samlaw

Website: https://www.thatssamlaw.com/

YHP Cares: https://www.yhpcares.com/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

📸 Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

🎧 Host: @seanmartinmotiv8

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to turn your passion into a career: Chef Jose shares how he followed his love for food despite the odds.

✅ Overcoming cultural expectations: Learn how Chef Jose navigated family and societal pressures to stay true to himself.

✅ Insider secrets from Hell’s Kitchen: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environment.

✅ The art of standing out: Discover how to use your unique background to create opportunities in competitive industries.

✅ Lessons on resilience and reinvention: Hear how Chef Jose adapted and thrived through life’s toughest challenges.

🎧 This episode is for you if you’re:

• Need inspiration to turn your passion into a profession.
• Are curious about what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
• Feel like your circumstances are holding you back.
• Interested in learning how to turn struggles into strengths.
• Ready to hear actionable advice from a self-made success story.

🌟 Who is Chef Jose DeJesus?

Chef Jose, aka Trill Cooker, is a Bronx-born culinary innovator, competed on Gordon Ramsay's Hell’s Kitchen Season 18, Beat Bobby Flay, and served A-list clients including Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. His unique ability to blend cultural heritage with fine dining has made him a rising star in the culinary world and an inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion.

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Connect with our guest:

👨🏻‍🍳 Chef Jose DeJesus (Trill Cooker)

IG: @cheftrill.cooker

Book Chef Trill: https://oneelevencorp.com/

👤 Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @seanmartinmotiv8

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Tags: Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Jose DeJesus, Trill Cooker, Bronx chef, fine dining, pop-up restaurants, culinary innovation, Michelin-level dining, cooking competition, food entrepreneur, resilience, breaking barriers, Bronx pride, culinary artistry, professional chef, creative cooking, food stories, cultural heritage in cooking, REAL Mentors Podcast, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Beat Bobby Flay, kitchen secrets, food culture, inspiring chefs, culinary mentorship, chef success stories

In this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, we sit down with JD Mitra, a Bronx-born real estate investor, entrepreneur, and mentor with a story that inspires action. From navigating the challenges of growing up in an immigrant family to building a thriving real estate empire, JD brings decades of experience, wisdom, and proven strategies to the table.

Packed with actionable advice and insider strategies, this episode is perfect for aspiring real estate investors, young entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to break into real estate with minimal savings.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to start investing in real estate with little to no money: Understand FHA loans, creative financing, and leveraging resources.

✅ Secrets to finding the best real estate deals: Learn the 4 Ds of Real Estate—and how to uncover hidden opportunities.

✅ The importance of leveraging rent increases for equity growth: Maximize property value without overcomplicating the process.

✅ How to break free from cultural and societal expectations: JD shares his journey to authenticity and financial independence.

✅ Real estate hacks for young investors: From buying your first rental property to building a portfolio step-by-step.

Perfect for viewers interested in:

🏠 Real estate investing

💸 Passive income ideas

💰 Financial freedom through real estate

🌎 Building generational wealth

🔑 First-time homebuyer tips

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Connect with our guest, JD Mitra

IG: @thisisjdmitra - https://www.instagram.com/thisisjdmitra/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joydevmitra09

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JD_Mitra

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

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Tags:

Real estate investing, Passive income, Generational wealth, Real estate strategies, First-time homebuyer tips, FHA loans, Multifamily investing, Financial freedom, Real estate hacks, Real estate for beginners, Building wealth, JD Mitra, REAL Mentors Podcast, Real Estate Podcast

Key topics discussed:

🏈 Gary's path from community college to the NFL

💪 Lessons learned from NFL legends like Reggie White

🏆 Winning the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers

🦵 Overcoming paralysis and learning to walk again

❤️ Founding Dream 68 Foundation to help underprivileged youth

Gary takes us through his early days in Brentwood, NY, and how his father's influence shaped his work ethic. He shares candid stories about his time in the NFL, including his first encounters with football legends and the "Mamba Mentality" he observed in champions like Jerry Rice.

The conversation then shifts to Gary's life-changing injury and his inspiring recovery. Gary discusses how this experience led him to create the Dream 68 Foundation, which now serves hundreds of families in need. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the power of giving back to the community.

This episode is a testament to resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the impact one person can have on countless lives. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about finding purpose and making a difference.

Connect with Gary Brown

Instagram: @gary_brown_dream_68

Website: ⁠https://garybrowndream68.com/⁠

Email: gary.bigbrown68@gmail.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

#REALMentorsPodcast #GaryBrown #NFLLegend #CommunityHero #Dream68Foundation

🔥 The hidden mindset shifts that can accelerate your path to wealth

👨‍👦 How sobriety and self-improvement can transform family dynamics

💼 The secrets to building genuine, lucrative business partnerships

🧠 Why personal development trumps chasing dollars every time

Key topics:

• Shattering limiting beliefs and societal expectations
• Balancing financial success with personal growth
• The crucial role of vulnerability in leadership
• Raising children with a healthy perspective on wealth

Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or aiming to elevate your success, this episode offers raw, actionable advice from those who've walked the path.

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🔗 Connect with our guests!

Jarek Tadla: @tadlajarek | Website

Andrew Sallee: @andrewjsallee

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Tags: #REALMentorsPodcast #RealLifeExamplesAlteringLives #JarekTadla #AndrewSallee #SelfMadeMillionaire #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift #FatherSonRelationship #Entrepreneurship #FinancialFreedom

Chrystina discusses:

🍳 How she discovered her calling as a chef

🌱 The importance of whole, seasonal foods for health

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Using cooking to build generational wealth and community bonds

💪 Overcoming cancer and abuse to find her purpose

🎓 Teaching 120 students about healthy cooking and nutrition

Key topics:

Transforming pain into purpose through food

The connection between nutrition and overall well-being

Breaking the cycle of food-related illnesses in communities of color

The power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity

Building a business that aligns with personal values

Don't miss Chrystina's insights on how food can be a powerful tool for healing, community building, and personal growth.

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Connect with Chrystina Casado:

Instagram: @chefchrystina

Website: www.brunchatzions.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

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#REALMentorsPodcast #RealLifeExamplesAlteringLives #ChristinaCasado #CommunityChef #CancerSurvivor #FoodAsHealing #NutritionEducation #BlackOwnedBusiness #CommunityEmpowerment #HealthyEating

For 35 years, Violeta has been the heartbeat of East Harlem's KR3Ts (Keep Rising To The Top) dance company, proving that one person's dedication can reshape an entire community's destiny. Violeta's story is a masterclass in resilience and purpose:

🔥 Founding KR3Ts at 17, defying all odds

💃 Weaponizing dance against poverty, crime, abuse, and despair

🏆 Rising above personal tragedies to lift others

🌟 From street dancer to collaborator on Grand Theft Auto

Key themes that will inspire you:

- Transforming pain into unstoppable purpose

- The revolutionary power of showing up, day after day

- Balancing grassroots impact with broader visibility

- How authentic leadership can alter countless lives

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a call to action. Learn how Violeta's real-life example is altering lives! Subscribe now to witness how real-life examples are altering lives, one story at a time!

Connect with Violeta Galagarza:

Instagram: ⁠@violet_kr3ts⁠ Keep Rising To The Top | ⁠www.kr3ts.com⁠ | Instagram: ⁠@kr3ts⁠

Connect with REAL Mentors Podcast:

Instagram: ⁠@realmentorspodcast⁠

Host: Sean Martin ⁠@theseanmartin⁠

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Tags: #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #RealLifeExamplesAlteringLives #VioletaGalagarza #KR3Ts #CommunityHero #DanceRevolution #EastHarlemPride #NonprofitWarrior #YouthEmpowerment #UrbanRenaissance#EastHarlem #DanceEducation #NonprofitLeadership #HipHopCulture #JLo #Beyonce #AlvinAiley #TikTokDance #StreetDance #GrandTheftAuto #GTA #GTA6 #GTAVI #NYCLife #LatinxCulture #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackLivesMatter #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityOutreach #SocialJustice #Entrepreneurship #WomenEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #ArtTherapy #Resilience #SuccessStories #PopCulture #NYCDanceScene

Brad shares his remarkable story, including:

🔥 His journey from special education to corporate success

🎤 Discovering his calling as a motivational speaker

💪 The importance of faith and family in personal growth

💼 Transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to full-time speaking

👨‍👩‍👦 Balancing career ambitions with family life

Key topics discussed:

- Turning pain into purpose

- The value of mentorship

- Overcoming self-doubt

- Building a speaking career from the ground up

- The power of authenticity in public speaking

Don't miss Brad's insights on male role models, the importance of mindset shifts, and how to find guidance when you lack positive influences in your life.

REAL Mentors Podcast: REAL stories lead to REAL change. 🌱

——

REAL Mentors Podcast

IG 👉 @realmentorspodcast

YouTube 👉 @REALMentorsPodcast

Sean Martin

IG 👉 @theseanmartin

Brad Butler II

IG 👉 @bradbutlerthe2nd

——

#REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BradButlerII #Motivation #FaithAndWork #OvercomingObstacles #Inspiration #PersonalDevelopment #LifeLessons #Empowerment #SuccessStories #YouthMentor #CommunityImpact #BelieveAndWork #RealLifeHeroes

🔥 Key topics covered:

- Rediscovering your masculine EDGE

- The four B's of success: Body, Being, Business, Bonds

- Overcoming challenges and building resilience

- Balancing family life with personal growth

- The importance of mentorship and brotherhood

👉 Don't miss Raul's upcoming Leadership Summit: [⁠https://www.nextlevelleadershipsummit...⁠] 🎙️ Connect with Sean Martin: Instagram: @theseanmartin

🔗 Follow REAL Mentors Podcast on Instagram: @realmentorspodcast 📱

Raul and EDGE 100 Challenge on Instagram: @raultheedge & @edge100challenge

WEBSITE: [⁠https://edge100challenge.com/⁠]