The Positive Gaines

In this episode of the Positive Gaines podcast, I welcome back comedian John Polar Bear Gonzalez. We discuss the significant changes in Jon's life since our last conversation, including overcoming personal struggles and the impact of his best friend's illness. Jon shares his journey of touring with Fluffy, the challenges of comparison in the comedy world, and the importance of faith and tithing in his life. The conversation also touches on the current state of his tour, ticket sales, and his thoughts on the pressures faced by young athletes like Arch Manning.

🎙️ The Positive Gaines Podcast welcomes actor and filmmaker Brandon Hammond, best known for his unforgettable roles in Space Jam, Soul Food, and Menace II Society. In this exclusive conversation, Brandon reflects on his journey as a child star, life after Hollywood, and how he continues to create, inspire, and leave a legacy beyond the screen.From the highs and challenges of early fame to his growth as a storyteller and creative mind, Brandon opens up with honesty, wisdom, and positivity. This is a must-watch for fans of 90s cinema, aspiring actors, and anyone passionate about perseverance and purpose.✨ In this episode we talk about:Brandon’s breakout roles in classic filmsLessons learned from growing up in the industryHis transition from acting to writing and filmmakingWhat drives him today and his advice for the next generation My apologies for the audio issues, Brandon and I were having some audio difficulties. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on The Positive Gaines Podcast!

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with actor Paul Archer to talk about his journey in the entertainment industry, the challenges of breaking into acting, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Paul opens up about his experiences on set, the importance of staying true to his craft, and what’s next for his career.Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a fan of Paul’s work, or just love hearing inspiring stories from creatives, this conversation is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and motivation.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with actors, creators, and innovators!

🎙️ In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Nick Martocci, CEO of Technical Training Academy, to dive deep into the future of technical education, workforce development, and the skills that matter in today’s fast-evolving job market.Nick shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the most forward-thinking training institutions in the industry. We explore how his academy is closing the skills gap, what employers are really looking for, and why traditional education is falling behind.🔧 Topics Covered:The founding story of Technical Training AcademyChallenges in modern technical educationWhat makes TTA different from traditional schoolsCareer advice for aspiring tech professionalsThe future of hands-on training and certificationsIf you’re a student, educator, employer, or just someone passionate about innovation in education, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring interviews and industry insights!

Join me for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Marty McNair, father of Jordan McNair and co‑founder of the Jordan McNair Foundation. In this interview, Marty shares how a personal tragedy transformed into a mission to save lives through athlete safety advocacy.🔥 What You'll Discover:The tragic story of how Jordan McNair died from a preventable heatstroke in May 2018, and how it sparked the creation of the Foundation in June 2018 .Marty’s journey from grieving father to national voice for student‑athlete safety, mental health awareness, and parental advocacy.How the Foundation educates parents, coaches, and young athletes about the early warning signs of heat‑related illness, and promotes prevention across youth, high school, and collegiate sports Insights into legislative efforts like the Safe & Fair Play Act, and how systemic change is being pursued through advocacy and policy.Practical advice for families: key safety questions to ask, recognizing symptoms, and building emergency action plans.✅ Why This Interview MattersWith over 146 student‑athlete heat fatalities between 2000 and early 2023, mostly at the high school level, the Foundation’s work is critical in preventing future tragedies Marty’s message is both hopeful and urgent—this is not just one father’s story, but a call to action for parents, coaches, and institutions everywhere.📌 Remember to:👍 Like the video if you’re moved by Marty’s mission💬 Comment below with your thoughts or questions whether from personal experience or those involved in youth sports🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more interviews, education resources, and advocacy efforts from the Foundation📚 Learn & SupportVisit The Jordan McNair Foundation to access free guides for parents and coaches, explore educational programs, and discover ways to get involved: “Can My Child Play?”, TeamSafe Sports App, Cold Therapy and Heat Illness training resources.Explore Marty’s books:Can My Child Play?  The Questions We Should Have AskedThe 5th Quarter: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Student‑Athletes for Life Beyond the Game — offering deeper insight into preparing families for the emotional, safety, and transition challenges around sports.📣 Let’s Make a DifferenceMarty’s story shows that one life lost is one too many, and his work reminds us all how one family turned unimaginable grief into a powerful movement. If you care about athlete safety or want to protect young people in sports, this interview is for you.Watch now and empower yourself with the knowledge to ask the right questions because when it comes to heat safety, preparation saves lives.

🎬 In this exclusive interview, actor Matt Doherty (best known as Averman from The Mighty Ducks franchise) joins us to talk about life beyond the ice, growing up in the spotlight, and how his journey through Hollywood has shaped him today. We dive into stories from the set, his unexpected career pivots, and what he's working on now.Whether you're a fan of 90s classics, a fellow actor, or just love a great comeback story ! This conversation is full of laughs, insight, and a bit of nostalgia.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with your favorite actors and creatives!📌 Topics Covered:Life on set of The Mighty DucksChallenges of being a child actorCurrent projects and passionsAdvice to young performers🎥 Full interview here — you won’t want to miss it!#MattDoherty #MightyDucks #ActorInterview #HollywoodStories #Nostalgia

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Jenel Stevens Thompson, a talented stuntwoman and actress known for her fearless performances in some of Hollywood's biggest action films. From defying gravity on set to her journey into the world of stunt work, Jenel opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and adrenaline-fueled moments that define her career.We dive deep into her experience working in high-risk stunts, her transition from stuntwoman to actress, and the incredible behind-the-scenes stories that make Hollywood action sequences come to life. Whether you're a fan of thrilling fight scenes or just curious about the life of a stunt performer, Jenel’s insights will leave you inspired and in awe.

#maxpaingriffin #maxgriffin #ufcfight #ufcMax Griffin is back! It’s been 4 years since UFC welterweight Max "Pain" Griffin last joined me on the podcast, and a lot has changed since then. In this episode, we dive into his journey inside and outside the Octagon — from career-defining fights to mindset shifts, personal growth, his upcoming fight against Chris Curtis on July 12th, and what’s next for him in the UFC.We talk training, recovery, life lessons, and everything in between.Follow Max on IG: maxpaingriffinFollow The Positive Gaines on iG: thenewpositivegaines

#katherinenorland I'm thrilled to welcome back the incredible Katherine Norland! Actress, poet, author, and motivational speaker, for another powerful episode.In this conversation, Katherine dives even deeper into her journey in the entertainment industry, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of staying true to your purpose]. Her wisdom, warmth, and authenticity make this a must-watch episode for anyone seeking inspiration and clarity in their own journey.🔥 Whether you're familiar with her work from Dhar Mann Studios, her poetry, or her inspiring social media presence, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.

Listen in as I go in-depth with actor Marty York, best known for his iconic role as "Yeah-Yeah" in the beloved film "The Sandlot." In this exclusive interview, Marty shares his experiences from childhood stardom to navigating the entertainment industry as a child. We dive into his favorite memories from filming, the challenges he's faced, and what he's passionate about today. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering his work, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the life of a talented actor.

Today's exclusive interview features former University of Arizona safety Adam Hall. In this episode Adam shares his journey from a All -American football player to a standout safety at Arizona. He opens up about his experiences on the field, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover his insigfhts on teamwork, perseverance, and what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level. Whether you're a die-hard Wildcats fan or just love football, this interview is packed with inspiration and insider stories you won't want to miss.

Join us for an inspiring interview with Angelica de Paulo, a talented basketball coach whose journey began on the vibrant courts of Brazil. From her early days playing collegiate basketball to her current role as a dedicated coach, Angelica shares her unique perspective on the game, the challenges she faced, and the passion that drives her coaching philosophy.In this exclusive conversation, we delve into her experiences as a player, the cultural differences in basketball styles, and the importance of mentorship in the sport. Angelica also discusses her vision for the future of women’s basketball and how she aims to empower the next generation of athletes.

Join me for an inspiring interview with 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion, Anthony Robles. In this candid conversation, Anthony shares his incredible journey as a wrestler born with one leg, to motivational speaking. Anthony opens up about the ups and the downs of his life. He also shares lessons he's learned along the way including how he turned adversity into triumph. Discover the story behind his powerful movie "Unstoppable," and how he continues to motivate others to overcome their own adversity.

Join in for an inspiring conversation with Ms. Jae Taft, a former collegiate basketball player turned coach! In this exclusive interview, Jae shares her journey from the court to the sidelines, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Discover how her experiences as a player shaped her coaching philosophy and the valuable lessons she imparts to her athletes. Whether you're a basketball enthusiast or simply looking for motivation, Jae's insights on teamwork, perseverance, and leadership are sure to resonate. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true advocate for the game! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories from the world of sports!

Join me for an inspiring and candid conversation with actor Noel G, known for his memorable roles in iconic films such as "Fast & Furious," "Training Day," and "Bruce Almighty." In this exclusive interview, Noel opens up about his journey through Hollywood, sharing his experiences on set and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on his challenging past, including the time he spent homeless, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on life and the industry. Noel emphasizes the importance of keeping God first and how his faith has guided him through both personal and professional challenges.Additionally, he discusses his role as an acting coach, offering insights into the craft and the significance of mentorship in the entertainment world. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a seasoned actor whose story of resilience and passion is sure to inspire you! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content!

Join me for an inspiring episode featuring Sam Salz, the only Orthodox Jewish Division 1 football player. Standing at just 5'6" and 160 pounds, Sam's remarkable journey is a testament to perseverance and determination. With no prior experience in football, he walked on to the prestigious Texas A&M University team, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way. Tune in to hear Sam's incredible story of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds!!

In this follow up interview, I catch back up with UFC Middleweight Fighter Erik Anders. Listen in as we dive into his preparation for the his highly anticipated fight vs. Chris Weidman at Madison Square Garden @ UFC 309. We'll discuss the unique challenges and excitement of fighting in such an iconic venue. Transitioning to his acting career ( season 5 of Cobra Kai) and, how this helped influenced his mindset both in the octagon and out.

Join me in this exciting episode of The Positive Gaines Podcast as i talk with the fierce bare knuckle fighter Elvin Leon Brito. Known for his incredible toughness and tenacity, Elvin shares his journey from the early days of combat sports to becoming a champion. In this interview, we dive deep into his training regimen, mental fortitude, and the challenges he faces inside and out. Elvin also discusses his motivations, past fights, and the importance of discipline and the resilience in achieving success. Whether you're a fan of combat sports or just curious about bare knuckle fighting, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more content!

#biancabethune #badboys #badboys2 #badboys3 #badboys4 #switchedatbirth Today's guest is Actress Bianca Bethune. You may remember Bianca in the Bad Boys Trilogy ( Bad Boys 2, Bad Boys For Life, Bad Boys: Ride or Die) The TV show Switched at Birth, Criminal Minds, Everybody Hates Chris, and much more! In this interview Bianca talks about growing up In NJ, starting in Broadway, and landing the role in Bad Boys 2. We also cover the new flick Bad Boys: Ride or Die, what's next, advice, working as an acting coach, and more! Be sure to follow Bianca on IG @ thebiancabethune_

Today's guest is no stranger to the podcast. 4 years ago Joshua Leonard ( who is a character designer) came on the podcast and spoke about his journey. Joshua has worked with/for many studios, Netflix, Disney, Illumination Entertainment, etc. Since our last talk, Joshua now works full time for Lion Forge Animation and just a few hours a week at Home Depot. He is still pitching his Team Supreme Brand ( animated characters who disabilities are super powers) In this interview we also cover new artwork, new projects, A.I., and much more!