Let's Get Real - A Talk Show for Guys

Michael Sharkey

Welcome to the podcast for Let's Get Real. This is a show to help guys get unstuck and figure their sh*t out. Hosted by Michael Sharkey (aka Shark) and Anthony Polichemi (aka Spanish), we tackle everything from hard conversations to struggles with dependency. With over 7000 hours of coaching experience and personal struggles, Michael and Anthony share wisdom and guidance to give men a space to process and get a little bit better every day.Let's Get Real is a weekly, live and interactive talk show on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. Airing at 12N ET on Saturdays, the show can be streamed live on www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming app, like iHeartRadio.

  1. Spanish's Costa Rica Jungle Survival:  Facing Fear & Doing It Anyway

    9H AGO

    Spanish's Costa Rica Jungle Survival: Facing Fear & Doing It Anyway

    What happens when you stop overthinking and just say yes to life? In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Spanish shares the story of going deep into the Costa Rican jungle with an old high school friend who became a full-on jungle survival expert. What started as fear, hesitation, and self-doubt turned into one of the most powerful experiences of his life. From machetes and scorpions to fishing for food and sleeping in the jungle, this conversation becomes about something much bigger: how many opportunities do we miss because fear convinces us we can’t handle them? Shark and Spanish unpack why so many men stay stuck in comfort, why adventure matters more than we realize, and how stepping into the unknown can reconnect you to confidence, purpose, and feeling alive again. If you’ve been putting off something that scares you — a career change, a trip, a conversation, a new chapter — this episode is for you. 👇 Drop a comment: What’s something you know you need to do, but fear keeps stopping you from trying? 🤔 Key Takeaways Fear usually exaggerates what we’re capable of handling Most growth happens outside comfort zones Men deeply need adventure, challenge, and new experiences Saying “yes” to life can completely shift your mindset Confidence is often built through action, not preparation Shared experiences and brotherhood matter You don’t need a jungle adventure to start living differently Small risks can reconnect you to feeling alive Timestamps (auto-generated) 00:00 – Welcome back to Let’s Get Real 00:58 – Spanish explains the Costa Rica jungle experience 01:33 – “You just have to do it” 02:05 – Fear, bugs, snakes, and pushing through resistance 03:01 – Why men talk themselves out of opportunities 04:22 – The beauty of saying yes to adventure 05:12 – Standing at the edge of the jungle 06:04 – How fear convinces us we can’t handle life 07:16 – Why challenge and pressure can feel meaningful 08:09 – Fishing for survival and learning in real time 09:35 – Scorpions, jungle ants, and facing panic 11:38 – The bigger lesson behind the adventure Thoughts to consider while listening: men overcoming fear stepping outside comfort zone men and adventure personal growth for men #MensMentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #MensSupport #Adventure #comfortzone  #facingfear  #Fear #Confidence #Mindset #Purpose #GrowthMindset #MentalHealth #MensPodcast #LifeAdvice #Brotherhood #Authenticity #Motivation #CostaRica #AdventureLife #LifeLessons #EmotionalHealth #SelfDiscovery #Masculinity #letsgetrealradioshow  #TampaBay  #StPete  ❤️ Follow Let's Get Real everywhere! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Let's Get Real for Updates and Surprises ✅ Instagram:  @soul_spanish ✅ Instagram:  @iammichaelsharkey ✅ TikTok:  @iammichaelsharkey "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    12 min
  2. 5D AGO

    What Addiction Actually Sounds Like

    Hey guys...i'm going to be honest, this is a hard clip to post here. On last week's show, a caller, named Greg, called in to simply share that he cannot stop drinking. For the next 15 minutes, I did my best to listen, but also to show him how just by calling a radio station, he had taken a step.  I share this as a podcast not to exploit or to be "sensational" in any way. But to encourage those of you who need to hear this, to simply ask for help. In what might be the biggest struggle of your life, doing it alone makes it almost impossible. As always, thank you for listening and following! Shark Key Takeaways Addiction thrives in isolation  Asking for help is a massive first step  Recovery is rarely a straight line  Shame keeps people trapped  Support systems matter more than people realize  There’s a version of you beyond addiction  Real conversations can save lives Timestamps (auto-generated) 01:36 – Greg admits: “I can’t stop drinking alcohol”  03:17 – Greg reveals he had a seizure and ended up in ICU  04:48 – 25 years of alcoholism  07:16 – “I just don’t know how to stop”  10:39 – Greg opens up about rehab and sobriety  12:43 – “I’m shaking right now”  13:43 – Greg admits suicidal thoughts  14:44 – “Don’t do this alone”  16:56 – The advice: call someone before you drink  17:44 – A reminder that recovery needs support #Alcoholism  #AddictionRecovery  #MensMentalHealth  #SobrietyJourney  #RecoveryTalk  #MentalHealthAwareness  #AddictionHelp  #RealTalk  #SelfDestruction  #HealingJourney  #AARecovery  #RecoveryCommunity  #MenSupportingMen  #LifeAfterAddiction  #EmotionalHealth  #TalkShow  #MensSupport  #DepressionHelp  #SubstanceAbuse  #GetReal  #LetsGetRealRadioShow  #RecoveryIsPossible #soberjourney #TampaBay #StPete "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    16 min
  3. MAY 11

    This Is The Most Mature 15 Year Old You'll Ever Hear

    What happens when a 15-year-old calls into a men’s talk show and sounds wiser than most adults? That’s exactly what happened from last week's Let’s Get Real live radio show. Rio called the show to talk about growing up in today’s world, dealing with fatherlessness, feeling disconnected from his generation, and trying to become a better man despite everything around him. What followed was one of the most honest, thoughtful, and inspiring conversations we’ve had on the show. What stood out most wasn’t just how articulate Rio was at 15 years old — it was his mindset. His willingness to learn. His desire to become a strong man, future father, and leader. In a world that often writes Gen Z off, this conversation reminded us there are young men out there who are thinking deeply and trying to build something meaningful. If you’re a father, a young man, raising boys, or trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is worth hearing. Key Takeaways A 15-year-old caller opened up about growing up without a father and trying to become a better man.  Honest conversation about Gen Z being misunderstood and judged.  Discussion about entrepreneurship, freedom, and creating your own path.  Powerful perspective on homeschooling and self-development.  A deep conversation about mindset, spirituality, and creating your future through your actions.  Encouragement for young men to pursue purpose instead of falling into negativity.  Real talk about how wisdom can come from unexpected places. Timestamps (auto-generated) 0:17 – Rio calls in and begins sharing his frustrations  1:30 – “How old are you?”  1:49 – The moment everyone realizes he’s only 15  2:33 – Rio talks entrepreneurship and wanting to change the world  4:10 – Growing up without a father  4:48 – Homeschooling and finding direction  5:29 – “I want to wear suits and ties”  7:11 – Why middle school can destroy confidence  8:07 – Conversation shifts into spirituality and mindset  11:00 – Rio explains his mission to become better  12:19 – Advice on creating your future through daily actions  13:30 – Final encouragement for the next generation #LetsGetRealRadioShow  #MensMentalHealth  #GenZ  #YoungMen  #Fatherlessness  #EntrepreneurMindset  #SelfImprovement  #Masculinity  #PersonalGrowth  #MentalHealthMatters  #Homeschooling  #Motivation  #PurposeDriven  #MindsetShift  #GrowthMindset  #LifeAdvice  #MensSupport  #FutureLeaders  #EntrepreneurLife  #Wisdom  #GenZVoices  #RealTalk  #BeBetter "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    14 min
  4. APR 29

    Why Guys Shouldn't Bash Their Ex After Divorce 💔

    What's this segment about?  Divorce, Fatherhood, Stoicism, Marriage Communication & Why Talking Bad About Others Hurts You Guys, divorce can bring anger, pain, confusion, and broken families—but how should men really handle it? In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, Shark, Spanish and caller Jonathan have an honest conversation about divorce, fatherhood, emotional strength, and why trashing your ex only reveals your own pain. We talk about being the steady parent your children need during hard times, especially when daughters and sons are struggling emotionally. The guys also break down the difference between healthy stoicism and emotional shutdown. There’s a version of strength that helps your family feel safe—and another version that slowly destroys men from the inside. The conversation also turns to marriage communication, conflict, and what men can learn from arguments instead of just reacting. If you’re navigating divorce, co-parenting, family stress, or trying to become a stronger man emotionally, this episode will hit home. Let’s Get Real is a talk show for men about life, love, emotions, relationships, purpose, and becoming better men. If this hits for you, drop a comment below and don't forget to hit "Subscribe" and turn on your notifications. Thx! Key Takeaways ✅  You don’t gain healing by trashing your ex. ✅  Children need stability more than they need drama. ✅  Healthy stoicism means calm strength—not emotional numbness. ✅  Men must process emotions privately and lead publicly when needed. ✅  Divorce affects kids deeply, even when they don’t show it. ✅  Strong fathers become a safe place to talk. ✅  Conflict in marriage can reveal areas where you need to grow. ✅  Communication is a skill many men need to keep developing. ✅  Speaking badly about others often reveals unhealed wounds. ✅  Emotional maturity is one of the highest forms of masculinity. Timestamps (auto-generated) 00:20 Jonathan calls in and opens up about divorce 00:45 Why he doesn’t want people talking bad about his ex 01:27 The damage of parents trashing each other to kids 02:38 Why bashing your ex does nothing positive 03:05 His daughter is struggling after divorce 03:40 A deputy gives advice on stoicism and parenting 04:19 Healthy stoicism vs unhealthy stoicism 05:14 Being the rock your kids need during hard times 05:50 Sharkey on true stoicism and emotional control 06:30 Why open communication matters with teenagers 07:37 Caller asks about Sharkey’s marriage conflict 08:13 Sharkey shares lessons from an argument with his wife 09:20 Why communication matters in long-term relationships 10:49 Returning to divorce and why mud-slinging never helps 11:14 Talking bad about others reveals your wounds #MensMentalHealth #DivorceAdvice #Fatherhood #Stoicism #Masculinity #MensPodcast #TalkShowForMen #DudesHelpingDudes "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    12 min
  5. Risk Vs. Reward - THIS is the REAL Reward

    APR 25

    Risk Vs. Reward - THIS is the REAL Reward

    Most men don’t avoid risk because they’re lazy… they avoid it because they think risk equals danger. In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, we break down one of the biggest mindset shifts you can make: risk is not the same as danger. That misunderstanding keeps a lot of guys stuck in jobs, relationships, and routines that don’t challenge them—or grow them. We also dive into what “risk vs reward” actually means. It’s not about money, status, or success. The real reward of taking risks is discovering who you are when things get uncomfortable. That’s where confidence, courage, and clarity come from. If you’ve been feeling stuck or waiting for the “right time,” this conversation might be the push you need. Because the longer you avoid risk, the more you avoid becoming who you’re capable of being. 🔑 Key Takeaways Risk and danger are NOT the same thing Avoiding risk often comes from misunderstanding fear The real reward of risk is self-discovery—not money Growth only happens when you step into discomfort Playing it safe can quietly keep you stuck for years Taking risks impacts others—especially your kids Messy is part of the process (and that’s a good thing) ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why you should choose your leap (not be forced) 00:27 – Risk vs danger: the biggest misconception 01:00 – Why people avoid risk altogether 01:30 – What risk actually is (and isn’t) 02:00 – The real meaning of “risk vs reward” 02:30 – Why money is NOT the reward 03:00 – Discovering who you are through risk 03:45 – The “rental car” analogy explained 04:30 – Why avoiding risk limits your life 05:15 – Real story: quitting a stable job 06:15 – The ripple effect on your kids 07:00 – Why messy is part of growth #TakeTheRisk #RiskVsReward #MensMentalHealth #SelfGrowth #MindsetShift #OvercomeFear #PersonalDevelopment #MensWork #ConfidenceBuilding #GrowthMindset #LifeAdvice #LevelUp #SelfDiscovery #Courage #AuthenticLiving #LetsGetRealRadioShow #ModernMan #PurposeDriven #LifeLessons #StopPlayingSmall #FearToFreedom #MensCoaching #EmotionalStrength #LeadershipMindset #RealTalk #BecomeYourself #TampaBay #StPete #TalkShowForMen ❤️ Follow Let's Get Real everywhere! Download "The Exit Plan" - www.sharkeyhelp.com/lgr 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Let's Get Real for Updates and Surprises ✅ Instagram:  @soul_spanish ✅ Instagram:  @iammichaelsharkey ✅ TikTok:  @iammichaelsharkey "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    7 min
  6. We're Just Rentals. (and you only get one "suit")

    APR 22

    We're Just Rentals. (and you only get one "suit")

    "We're Just Rentals" - this is a concept that we've been talking about lately and it's SO POWERFUL! It really helps to frame everything in life. In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, we break down this powerful idea: we’re just rentals. That’s it. This body, this life, this moment—it’s all temporary. And when you really let that sink in, it changes how you think, how you react, and what you choose to care about. This isn’t about not caring. It’s about not getting attached to everything that pulls you down. The stress, the anxiety, the bad days—they feel real, but most of it is created in your own head. And if you can create stress, you can also create peace. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like something bigger is calling you… this conversation might hit harder than you expect. 🧠 Key Takeaways ✅  Most stress is self-created—and that means you can change it ✅  “We’re just rentals” is a simple way to detach from unnecessary pressure ✅  You can care about life without being controlled by it ✅  Bad days happen—but they don’t define your life ✅  You get one shot in this “suit”—make it count ✅  Perspective is everything—shift it, and everything changes ⏱️ Timestamps (auto-generated) 1:20 – The “We’re Just Rentals” idea 2:00 – Why this mindset hit so hard 2:45 – Letting go of stress and attachment 3:30 – “Open to everything, attached to nothing” 4:00 – Why we create our own anxiety 5:00 – Using your mind for peace instead of stress 5:45 – What to do when the mindset doesn’t work 6:30 – We’re all connected (bigger perspective) 7:30 – The deeper meaning behind “rentals” 9:00 – Letting people think for themselves 10:00 – Making this mindset part of your daily life #MensMentalHealth #MindsetShift #SelfImprovementForMen #MenHelpingMen #LifeAdvice #LetGo #Surrender #Overthinking #AnxietyRelief #PurposeDriven #PersonalGrowth #MentalClarity #LifePerspective #DeepThinking #EmotionalHealth #MensWork #AuthenticMen #GrowthMindset #SelfAwareness #LifeLessons #Let’sGetRealRadioShow #SpiritualButNotReligious #InnerPeace #StressRelief #LevelUp #TampaBay #StPete ❤️ Follow Let's Get Real everywhere! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Let's Get Real for Updates and Surprises ✅ Instagram:  @soul_spanish ✅ Instagram:  @iammichaelsharkey ✅ TikTok:  @iammichaelsharkey "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    12 min
  7. Saying "I Love You" MATTERS. (Just ask Spanish)

    APR 20

    Saying "I Love You" MATTERS. (Just ask Spanish)

    Frankie calls the show and shares an impactful moment with Spanish. How something as simple as saying “I love you” on-air made a lasting impact during chaotic moments—and it hits deeper than expected. If you know Spanish, you know this is true. In this emotional moment from Let’s Get Real, we talk about the unseen ways we affect others, why men don’t hear (or say) “I love you” enough, and how small, genuine actions can leave a legacy you didn’t even realize you were creating. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do really matters… this is your reminder. 🔹 Key Takeaways Small, genuine actions can have a massive unseen impact Saying “I love you” can shift someone’s entire emotional state Many men don’t realize the effect they have on others Validation often comes years after the moment Nothing you do—especially with good intent—is wasted Emotional connection is powerful, even in chaotic environments 🔹 Timestamps 00:00 Welcome + Show Intro 00:35 Caller Frankie Shares a Powerful Observation 01:00 The Impact of Saying “I Love You” On-Air 01:30 A Ray of Hope in a Chaotic Environment 02:00 Emotional Reaction + Reflection 02:30 Realizing the Impact You Didn’t See Before 03:10 Messages From Listeners Over Time 03:45 “It Wasn’t a Waste” – Reframing the Past 04:10 Why Everything You Do Matters #MensMentalHealth #EmotionalConnection #MensWork #SayILoveYou #RealTalk #MensPodcast #LetsGetReal #ImpactMatters #LifeLessons #EmotionalHealth #Authenticity #MensSupport #Connection #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #SelfWorth #YouMatter #MentalWellness #GrowthMindset #BeReal #Vulnerability #MensCommunity #PositiveImpact #InnerWork #HumanConnection #ILoveYou #TampaBay #StPete  ❤️ Follow Let's Get Real everywhere! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Let's Get Real for Updates and Surprises ✅ Instagram:  @soul_spanish ✅ Instagram:  @iammichaelsharkey ✅ TikTok:  @iammichaelsharkey "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    4 min
  8. Man...Stop Feeling Guilty! (About food...and everything!)

    APR 18

    Man...Stop Feeling Guilty! (About food...and everything!)

    Why do so many people feel guilty for simply enjoying life—whether it’s food, fun, or even a moment of connection?  In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, we dive into the mindset behind guilt, control, and learning how to actually enjoy the life you’re living. From eating pizza without shame to deeper conversations about attachment, presence, and even facing the end of life without regret, this conversation blends humor with powerful perspective shifts that will challenge the way you think about happiness and what really matters. 🔹 Key Takeaways Feeling guilty about food often ruins the experience more than the food itself Enjoying simple moments (like eating pizza) is part of a full life The meaning you assign to things affects how your body and mind respond Life is meant to be experienced—not overly controlled Practicing letting go of attachments leads to peace later in life Regret comes more from not living fully than from small indulgences 🔹 Timestamps (auto generated) 00:00 The Reese’s Pretzel Story (And a Bigger Lesson) 01:00 Why People Feel Guilty About Food 02:00 “Eat It and Enjoy It” Mindset 03:00 How Your Thoughts Affect Your Body 04:00 Don’t Bring Misery Into the Room 05:00 Pizza, Fun, and Being Present 06:00 There’s Room for Both Depth and Humor 07:00 Life Is a Game (“We’re Just Rentals”) 08:00 Letting Go of Attachments Over Time 09:30 Avoiding Regret at the End of Life 10:45 Being Present With the People You Love #MensMentalHealth #EnjoyLife #MindsetShift #StopOverthinking #LiveInTheMoment #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #MensWork #EmotionalHealth #Presence #LetGo #Happiness #LifeLessons #GrowthMindset #InnerPeace #NoRegrets #MensPodcast #LetsGetRealRadioShow #AuthenticLiving #BePresent #MentalFreedom #LifeAdvice #Mindfulness #SimpleJoy #LiveFully #Guiltyfeelings #Tampabay #stpete  ❤️ Follow Let's Get Real everywhere! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Let's Get Real for Updates and Surprises ✅ Instagram:  @soul_spanish ✅ Instagram:  @iammichaelsharkey ✅ TikTok:  @iammichaelsharkey  "Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET If you'd like to listen to the show live, stream at www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming radio app, like iHeartRadio or Audacy. We also post unique segments from every show on our YouTube channel. Click here to subscribe and get new content! To join the Lets Get Real community for exclusive content, click this link, enter your name and email and you're in! Please give us a 5-star rating and a written review to help others discover this show! And tell a friend to tell a friend about Let's Get Real! Thanks for listening!

    10 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the podcast for Let's Get Real. This is a show to help guys get unstuck and figure their sh*t out. Hosted by Michael Sharkey (aka Shark) and Anthony Polichemi (aka Spanish), we tackle everything from hard conversations to struggles with dependency. With over 7000 hours of coaching experience and personal struggles, Michael and Anthony share wisdom and guidance to give men a space to process and get a little bit better every day.Let's Get Real is a weekly, live and interactive talk show on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. Airing at 12N ET on Saturdays, the show can be streamed live on www.theboneonline.com or on your favorite live streaming app, like iHeartRadio.

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