At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Anthony Tomey is a former MLB baseball player turned serial entrepreneur. Anthony is the owner of Detroit-based brands Born in Detroit and 8 Mile Vodka as well as the CEO of The Tomey Group, who owns and operates over 50 Jimmy John's franchises across Metro Detroit. In this episode, Anthony shares:- The mindsets and secrets behind his continued personal and professional growth- The lessons he learned from his family and the role his father has played in his life- The impact of Anthony's experience attending Detroit Catholic Central High School and how Anthony created an opportunity to play baseball at the professional level- Why his Dad told him not to sign a pro contract with the Cleveland Indians and what to do instead- The incredible story behind the start and growth of brands like 8 Mile Vodka and Born in Detroit- How he and his family have gone about building a family of companies and what it's meant to do it the right wayFollow the show on social media for clips and behind-the-scenes content:Instagram: @podium_podcastTikTok: @podium_podcastYouTube: @podium_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podium-ideasEnjoying the Show? Leaving a 5-star rating and sharing with a friend is the best way to support these conversations.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Chris Bertish is a South Africa-born ocean pioneer who is most famously known for his 93-day solo paddle-board trip across the Atlantic Ocean. Chris has been conquering oceans and testing his limits his entire life which has led to setting numerous world records. In this episode, Chris joins Manny At the Podium to talk about: - How Chris grew an initial love for the ocean and all things water- The experiences that led to his signature saying "See it, dream it, believe it, achieve it."- Why Chris doesn't believe in fear and how he considers himself to be very risk-averse- The most terrifying part of his 93-day trek across the Atlantic ocean unsupported on a paddle board- How Chris is applying his uncommon beliefs and thinking toward new endeavors, new challenges, and new world recordsFollow the show on social media for clips and behind-the-scenes content:Instagram: @podium_podcastTikTok: @podium_podcastYouTube: @podium_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podium-ideasEnjoying the Show? Leaving a 5-star rating and sharing with a friend is the best way to support these conversations.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Darqueze Dennard is an NFL player, former Michigan State University standout cornerback, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. In this bonus episode before the next season, Darqueze and Manny talk about: - How Darqueze always heard the narrative that he "wouldn't amount to anything" and how he has overcome it- How Darqueze started as a 0-star recruit and ended up getting drafted in the first round of the NFL draft and the things that led to his success- The moments at Michigan State University that stand out during the days of the "No Fly Zone" and a look inside the locker room at the 2014 Rose Bowl- An inside look at Darqueze's NFL Draft experience and the ups and downs of playing professional sports for nine years- Darqueze's newest initiatives to provide opportunities to his children and his community in Georgia and more on how NFL players give back New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sean Gleason is the CEO and Commissioner of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) which is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation. Sean has been with PBR for 24 years and has played a pivotal role in helping PBR reach millions of fans including the recent launch of the Amazon Prime Video docuseries, The Ride. In this episode: The pivotal move that Sean made that propelled PBR into the limelight and propelled it to a massive national audienceWhy Sean never hires anyone without a PHDThe story behind how PBR started and the risks that PBR took that could have bankrupted the company at any pointThe most common myths associated with bull riding and why this sport is sweeping the nationThe massive opportunity that exists for athletes to consider becoming bull riders and how it could change their life An exclusive look behind the scenes of the new Amazon Prime Video docuseries, The RideNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jim Kielbaso is a speed and strength coach to some of the top athletes in the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA as well as Olympic athletes and thousands of youth, high school, and college athletes. He is the president of the International Youth Conditioning Association and the owner of Impact Sports Performance in Michigan. In this episode: Why people are addicted to fatigue and how it’s ruining our performanceWhy making kids focus on one sport at a young age is a mistakeHow the magic is in the fundamentals and how to not get distracted by new shiny objectsWhy building athleticism is more important tahn building skills for young athletesThe most important ways for parents to support their children’s development as student-athletes Signs to look out for that signify your child could benefit from strength and conditioning training Jim flips the script and asks Manny a question about his motivation behind this podcastNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Maurice "Moe" Ways is a former college football player at The University of Michigan and The University of California, Berkeley. A native of Michigan and alumni of Detroit Country Day School, Ways currently serves as a Senior Business Analyst at ESPN and lives in New York City. In this episode: - The parenting moments that changed the trajectory of Moe’s athletic career and life- The impact of attending Detroit Country Day on Moe’s personal, athletic, and professional life- The secret weapon behind star athletes at the University of Michigan like Tom Brady, Chris Webber, and Desmond Howard and what Moe learned about mindset from him- The simple but clear difference between average performers and great performers at any level - How to leverage your time as a student-athlete to create opportunities after your athletic career comes to an end- An inside look at the business of sports and through the lens of Moe’s work at ESPN 00:00] Why you should know Moe Ways[03:08] From Maurice to "Moe"[05:00] His childhood, parents, and experience at Country Day.[08:50] The 3 principles of the Ways household[12:00] "Me or the White House?"[15:50] "Detroit Country Day changed my life for the better"[24:20] "We Not Me"[28:40] Stories of his journey from Country Day to the University of Michigan[34:58] Locker room experiences and young men he mentored[39:50] Moving West to finish his collegiate career[41:28] Life after football - Working at ESPN[42:36] Advice for young athletesNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Nick Samac is the starting center for the Michigan State Spartans college football program. Hailing out of Mentor, OH, Samac is entering his fifth and final year at MSU and has played in 38 career games at Michigan State. Listen in to hear: - The impact of Nick's childhood growing up in a football family with his father as his first coach- Nick's thoughts on why he decided to enroll in college early and if he regrets it or not- What it was about Coach Mark Dantonio that convinced Nick MSU was the right place for him to play college football- The 2 most important things he had to change to adapt to playing D-1 college football- The #1 Nick underestimated about playing at the college level- What it's been like transitioning under a new coaching regime under Mel Tucker- How Nick is preparing himself for an opportunity to play in the NFLNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

JD Duplain is a current college football player at Michigan State University. JD is entering his fifth and final season as an offensive lineman at MSU and has started 30 straight games for the Spartans. In this episode, Manny and JD discuss: - The impact of the E + R = O equation JD learned from a high school football coach- Why you should trust in the vision your coaches (or leaders) have for you even when it doesn't match what you envisioned - A look behind the curtain into college football recruiting and how JD ended up at Michigan State- How MSU has a lot to prove this year and what to expect heading into the 2023 seasonNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Greg Jones is an entrepreneur,  Super Bowl Champion, and former All-American linebacker at Michigan State University. He was recently inducted into the Michigan State Hall of Fame in 2022. In this conversation, you'll hear:- The story of how Greg went behind his mother's back to start playing football- The people and mindsets that helped Greg defy projections of his ability to compete at the college and professional level - How to know (and prepare) for when it's time to pivot to your next chapter in life- How Greg thinks about the value he brings to the table and why he doesn't focus on football- The intention reason why Greg never wears his Super Bowl ringNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jake Butt is a former All-American tight end at the University of Michigan, retired NFL player, and current College Football Analyst with the B1G Network. In this conversation, Manny and Jake talk about: How Jake thought he would NEVER attend the University of Michigan and his story of getting there.The moments in Jake’s sports career that redefined how he views adversity and rejection. The devastating impact injuries had on Jake’s professional football career and the most important lessons he learned from them.The power of our minds and the tools you can utilize to create the highest possible outcomes in your life.Going inside the journey of becoming a sports commentator on TV after Jake never thought he would join the media.New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Todd Anderson is a performance coach who trains some of the top athletes and executives in the world. After a successful collegiate career at Michigan State University, Todd spent time playing in the NFL before launching his career as a peak performance coach and starting his company, Dream Recovery. In this conversation, Todd shares: How he built confidence in the weight room and used it as a place to gain a competitive edge throughout his lifeThe story of overcoming the odds by walking on to Michigan State’s football team and how he was able to overachieve to earn a spot on an NFL rosterHis greatest memories and lessons during his playing career at Michigan State under head coach, Mark DantonioThe #1 thing you should NEVER sacrifice if you want to perform at the highest level3 ways to optimize your sleep habits to gain maximum performance New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Amir Siddiq plans to find his name cemented on an NFL roster in the coming weeks. After a successful college football career at Central Michigan University and Charlotte, the Detroit-born standout defensive end has entered his name into the 2023 NFL draft. In this episode, Manny and Amir talk about: - The mindsets and actions that led to Amir's rise through college football- The surprising thing Amir is most proud of during his college career- The thought process behind why college football players enter the transfer portal- What Amir's day-to-day life preparing for the NFL draft is like- Amir's advice to young athletes aspiring to play professional sports- How Amir is already preparing for his life after football and how athletes can build their sports career and business career at the same timeNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Anthony Pittman is a Detroit-born athlete who battled his way into the NFL and currently plays linebacker for the Detroit Lions. In this episode, Manny and Anthony talk about: - How Anthony's father and mother separating at a young age impacted his childhood and outlook on life- Anthony's surprising rise to the NFL and the impact of his college experience playing football at Wayne St. University in Detroit- How to make the most of every opportunity you get - no matter how small- The fundamental mindsets and disciplines that have most contributed to his success- His 5 pieces of advice to anyone dreaming of becoming a professional athlete New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mel Tucker is the Head Football Coach at Michigan State University. Tucker's resume includes coaching under legendary college coaches like Nick Saban and Jim Tressel as well as coaching in the NFL. Tucker's early success at Michigan State earned him B1G Coach of the Year honors in 2021. What you'll hear in this conversation:- Tucker's thoughts on how college football is evolving and what it means for teams- The origin and story behind Mel Tucker's 'relentless' motto- The #1 thing Tucker learned from legendary Alabama Head Coach, Nick Saban- The ways in which Tucker has learned to run his football program like a business- Tucker's pressing message to recruits considering playing football at Michigan StateNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jon Gordon is a 14-time bestselling author and world-renowned keynote speaker. His leadership principles, stories, and insights have inspired fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits around the world. Today, Jon and Manny discuss:The keys to positive leadership and why positivity is necessary to be an effective leader3 things every leader should do to grow their business and teamThe core principles behind every unstoppable teamWhere innovation comes from and how to bring more of it into your teamThe power of the one simple truth and how it will change your lifeNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Folks, Season 3 starts with a bang as the host of At The Podium, Manuel Amezcua, is interviewed by guest host, Lauren LoGrasso. Hear Manny dig deep into his childhood, career, family, wins + losses, and more as he shares: What his parents, immigrants from Mexico, and childhood taught him about successThe importance of confronting adversity and glory in lifeThe three most important things that led him from entry-level to CEOWhy failure needs a rebrand and other mindset changes for successHow to overcome adversity and build resilience About Manuel: Manuel Amezcua is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and executive in the wealth management and insurance industry. He currently serves as CEO for MassMutual Great Lakes, one of the leading brands in creating financial security, stability, and success on behalf of those it serves in the United States. Manuel is also the founder of Podium Risk Management which has a concentrated focus on serving professional athletes, business owners, and CEOs.Opinions are of the person interviewed.Manuel Amezcua is President and CEO of MassMutual Great Lakes, a general agency of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual, Springfield MA 01111). CA Insurance License #1969545, domiciled in MI. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. Agency officers are not officers of MassMutual.He is also the founder and Managing Partner of Podium Group, a concierge-level practice that specializes in serving active and retired athletes, entertainers, c-suite executives, and business owners.Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through qualified Registered Representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC (www.SIPC.org). Supervisory Office: 3000 Town Center, Suite 3100, Southfield , MI 48075-1102, Phone: (248) 357-7600. Podium Group is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.CRN202603-4129399New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Message from Manny: "At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua listeners -First I want to express my gratitude to each of U. Thank U for investing your most valuable asset, your time and attention, with us this year as you've tuned into these conversations. As my dear friend, mentor, and advocate, Ben Newman, often says, "Be where your feet are." This holiday season, I will be investing my time and attention where my feet are and I hope the same for each and every one of U as U prepare to attack 2023. We will not be releasing any new podcast episodes until March of 2023. We're excited to start filming new episodes again in the new year and look forward to sharing more dynamic, inspiring, and actionable conversations with high-performance humans in sports and business.Continue to follow the show @podium_podcast across social media platforms as we'll be sharing more content throughout the coming weeks, and if you could take a moment, please leave a rating for the show on Apple or Spotify. It's one of the simplest and most meaningful ways you can support the show. Keep dominating. See U next year." New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How do you want to be remembered? Serial entrepreneur and All-Pro NFL Player, Herman Moore, is writing his own story and defining his brand in his own terms. Football will only serve as a footnote for Herman whose impact off the field has stretched even greater than his incredible accomplishments with the Detroit Lions. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Herman's story. We unpack what it takes to be successful, both on and off the field, the power that comes with education, and how to make the best decisions regarding your future, as well as Herman’s belief that you can control everything in your life. Make sure not to miss this inspiring conversation and learn the recipe for success with entrepreneur and NFL legend, Herman Moore.Key Points From This Episode:Outlining Herman’s professional athletic career and his many successes.The moment when football became an obsession for Herman.How football opened up opportunities for him.Who is the biggest advocate for playing football was.Herman shares a childhood story about when he wanted to quit football.His journey to playing football at the University of Virginia.He shares a moment in his childhood that has impacted him as an adult.Those who helped him go from high school to the University of Virginia.What character traits are needed to reach your full potential.Whether Herman was tempted to pursue a career in track and field.A story about how he committed to Virginia Tech before the University of Virginia.The biggest lessons he learned during his athletic career.Herman shares his favorite Barry Sanders memory.A unique collectible from playing football: his teammate’s shoes.What he regards as the most valuable moment of his career. Details about his book and when it will be released.Advice he has for young men and women to reach their potential.The importance of building trustworthy professional relationships.Diversity, equity, and inclusion and what it means to HermanNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Kalif Raymond is an NFL Wide Receiver for the Detroit Lions. Standing at 5' 7", Kalif defied all odds to make it to the professional level as one of the smallest players in the NFL after a standout college athletic career at Holy Cross. In this episode, Kalif shares what it looked like to put in the work after hours to make his dream of playing in the NFL a reality. He shares the value he gleaned from mentorship along his path and how he sent 840 emails to earn a college football opportunity at Holy Cross. Tune in to find out what sets great players apart, and the mentality that drove Kalif to success. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Kalif RaymondKalif Raymond on InstagramSport of KingsManuel Amezcua on LinkedInPodium Risk ManagementAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on InstagramAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on SpotifyAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on Apple Podcasts——————————————————————————————-NEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.New to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Suzy Merchant is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Michigan State University. She has accumulated 300+ wins as Head Coach at Michigan State and 500+ wins in her career as a head coach.In my conversation with Suzy, we get an inside look at her accomplishments, big decisions, and her powerful core values, covering her time at Michigan State University and beyond. A born winner, Suzy has also fielded her fair share of challenges and hurdles, and it has been her standards and heart that have kept her moving on, reaching new heights at every point. Suzy takes us behind the curtain of how she leads the program, recruits players, and has built a standard of excellence at MSU. Make sure to tune in to hear it all.Key Points From This Episode:Looking back at Suzy's childhood, family, and upbringing in Traverse City. The roots of Suzy's passion and talent for sports. How Suzy's high school basketball coach influenced her philosophy and mindset. Emotional intelligence and finding the right avenue for effective communication with a team and its individuals.Suzy's move to Michigan and the main motivations for this choice.Reflections on time spent at Central Michigan University and some of the losses that stuck with Suzy.The lasting legacy of Suzy's parents' values on her attitude towards winning and sacrifice.Graduation, time in Florida, and Suzy's subsequent move to Saginaw. Competitiveness and guidance; the two things that drew Suzy to coaching as a career.  Some stories from Suzy's time at Eastern Michigan University and the conversations that convinced her to take the job.Advice from Suzy for future coaches regarding authenticity, confidence, and passion.The requirements that Suzy has for players and recruits.Differences between hard work and hard workers; Suzy talks about measuring real dedication.  Challenges in nurturing fighters and champions in the current climate.Suzy shares some standout moments from her Olympic coaching career.Items still on Suzy's bucket list and why travel is at the top.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Sport of KingsSuzy MerchantSuzy Merchant on TwitterSuzy Merchant on InstagramMichigan State UniversityCentral Michigan UniversityEastern Michigan UniversityManuel Amezcua on LinkedInPodium Risk ManagementAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on InstagramAt The Podium with Manuel Amezcua on SpotifyNew to The Podcast? At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features stories & tactical lessons from high performers in sports, business, and entertainment to help you take steps toward achieving your vision for life. Follow us on social media for clips and behind the scenes content:TikTokYouTubeInstagramLinkedinEnjoying the Show? Leave a rating to help us share the podcast with more listeners. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands