Destination Talk

John Poznanski & Harry Ambrosino
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Welcome to The Destination Talk – a podcast hosted by former All American College Wrestler John Poznanski and Speed Training coach Harry Ambrosino where sports and life skills intersect to drive personal growth and lasting transformation. In each episode, we explore the journeys of athletes, coaches, and sports experts, uncovering their achievements and the resilience, discipline, and life lessons that shaped them. From overcoming setbacks to building mental toughness, you'll gain insights that go beyond the game and into every area of life. Join us on this path to sharpen your mindset, fuel your motivation, and become your best self. Let’s take that first step—your destination awaits!

  1. 2d ago

    Destination Talk: Episode 67 Welcome Mike Ortega

    Episode 67 of Destination Talk features Cornell University wrestler Mike Dellagatta.What does it really take to reach the Division I level—and what happens when the sport that has shaped so much of your life eventually goes away?Mike Dellagatta joins us for a conversation about his wrestling journey, the road that led him to Cornell, and what life is actually like competing in one of the most demanding environments in college wrestling.We talk about the expectations that come with wrestling at this level, handling pressure, continuing to develop when everyone around you was one of the best wrestlers where they came from, and the mental side of a sport that constantly tests you.We also put Mike on the spot with some questions that every wrestling fan can debate:Who belongs on wrestling’s Mount Rushmore?What separates the truly elite from everyone else?And maybe the biggest question of all—who are you when wrestling is no longer there?This episode is about wrestling, but it’s also about growth, identity, perspective, and figuring out who you want to become beyond the mat.Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. Episode 67 | Mike Dellagatta — Cornell University WrestlingWatch and listen to Destination Talk on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio.Subscribe to Destination Talk and follow along for more conversations with athletes, coaches, and people willing to share the journey behind the results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Sep 27

    Destination Talk: Ep 66 Welcome Pat Glory

    72 years. That’s how long Princeton wrestling waited for another NCAA National Champion. Pat Glory became the man who ended that wait. On Episode 66 of Destination Talk, we sit down with Princeton wrestling legend and NCAA National Champion Pat Glory to talk about everything that went into reaching the top—and what happens after you finally get there. Pat takes us back to where wrestling started for him, his New Jersey roots, his decision to attend Princeton, and the expectations that came with competing at one of the most demanding universities in the country. We get into the parts of the journey that weren't easy: an undefeated season cut short when the 2020 NCAA Championships were canceled, losing to Nick Suriano in the 2022 national final, and returning for one last run with a championship as the goal. Then came 2023. Pat went undefeated, reached the NCAA final, defeated Matt Ramos, and became Princeton’s first NCAA wrestling champion since 1951. We talk about that night, watching the expected matchup with Spencer Lee disappear when Ramos pulled off the upset, whether part of Pat wanted the opportunity to beat Lee himself, and what it actually felt like when the clock hit zero and 72 years of Princeton wrestling history changed. But this conversation isn't only about becoming a national champion. What does losing teach you that winning can't? How much belief does it take to become elite? Who are you when your sport stops introducing you? And maybe the hardest question of all—what do you chase after you've already accomplished the thing you spent your life chasing? This is Pat Glory’s journey—from New Jersey wrestling to Princeton, from heartbreak to the top of the NCAA podium, and into the next chapter. Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard.  Episode 66 — Pat Glory Watch and listen to Destination Talk on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio. Subscribe to Destination Talk on YouTube and follow the show for new episodes, clips, and conversations. #PatGlory #PrincetonWrestling #NCAAWrestling #CollegeWrestling #Wrestling #DestinationTalk #NationalChampion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Sep 20

    Destination Talk: Ep 65: Welcome Joey Ortega

    Joey Ortega’s story is still being written. The Clark, NJ native and ALJ graduate joins Destination Talk to talk about his path from New Jersey high school wrestling to competing at Kutztown University and earning a trip to the NCAA Division II Championships. Joey takes us inside the jump from high school to college wrestling—the moments that exposed where he needed to get better, the work people don't see, and what he learned when he finally stepped onto the national stage. We also get Joey’s perspective on some bigger questions facing wrestling today: How important has club wrestling become? Do young wrestlers now need a club to compete at a high level? And as someone who came through a public school at ALJ, how does he view the ongoing public-versus-private debate in New Jersey wrestling? But the most interesting part of Joey’s story may be what hasn't happened yet. How good can he become? What is he willing to sacrifice to find out? And when wrestling eventually ends, who is Joey Ortega without the sport? This is a conversation with a young athlete who has already gotten a glimpse of the NCAA stage—and now has to decide how far he wants to take it.  Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. Watch and listen to Destination Talk on:YouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicAudibleiHeartRadio Subscribe to Destination Talk on YouTube and follow the show for more conversations with athletes, coaches and people with stories worth hearing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Sep 13

    Destination Talk: Ep 64 Welcome Parker Keckeisen

    Parker Keckeisen has reached a level in wrestling that very few ever experience — but the journey behind the success tells an even bigger story. Episode 64 of Destination Talk drops Sunday, September 13 at 9 AM. In this episode, Parker joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about becoming an NCAA champion, the sacrifices behind reaching the highest levels of the sport, handling pressure and expectations, and figuring out who you are when so much of your identity has been built around competition. We also get into his experiences sharing the mat with some of the biggest names in wrestling — including Aaron Brooks, Carter Starocci and Kyle Dake — and what competing against athletes of that caliber taught him about greatness and about himself. And yes, we may have revisited a couple of old matches with his former opponent — and our co-host — John Poznanski. We’ll let the two of them decide how they remember those. Parker takes us inside his Real American Freestyle journey, the opportunities RAF is creating for wrestlers after college, and where he believes the sport could be headed. But some of the most interesting moments have very little to do with wins and losses. What does success give you — and what doesn’t it give you? What happens when the goal you’ve spent years chasing becomes reality? Who are you when the sport eventually goes away? And after everything Parker has experienced, what would he tell the younger version of himself about the road ahead? Episode 64 with Parker Keckeisen drops Sunday, September 13 at 9 AM. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio. Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Sep 6

    Destination Talk: Ep 63 Welcome Marlon Yarbrough

    NCAA qualifier. Ohio state champion. Division I wrestler at the University of Virginia. But ask Marlon Yarbrough who he is when wrestling is gone — and the conversation changes. Marlon joins Destination Talk for Episode 63, and we get into the parts of the journey that don’t show up next to your record. The jump from being one of the best wrestlers in high school to walking into a Division I room where everybody was “the guy.” Beating All-American Aaron Nagao 13–5 on the NCAA stage. Then having the sport taken away by injury. And eventually having to answer a question every athlete will face: Who are you when they stop introducing you as a wrestler? We had some fun too. Mount Rushmore. The state of college wrestling. NIL. The transfer portal. And a few opinions that might get wrestling fans arguing in the comments. Marlon Yarbrough. Episode 63. WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE — DESTINATION TALK   LISTEN ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS, AMAZON MUSIC, AUDIBLE & iHEARTRADIO Search Destination Talk Podcast and Episode 63. Built Beyond the Mat. Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. #DestinationTalk #MarlonYarbrough #UniversityOfVirginia #NCAAWrestling #CollegeWrestling #WrestlingPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Aug 28

    Destination Talk: Ep 62 Welcome Horacio Vialpando

    Wrestling will test you. Adversity will shape you. What you do with those lessons afterward is what matters. This week we sit down with Horacio Vialpando, former Division I wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado, for a conversation about the grind of college wrestling, the challenges that shaped him, and how those experiences helped turn him into the coach he is today. We also get into something Horacio is passionate about — the growth of girls wrestling. The opportunities being created, where the sport is headed, and why this is only the beginning. Wrestling. Coaching. Resilience. Purpose. Built Through Adversity. Destination Talk Episode 62   Sunday, August 23   9 AM Don’t miss this one. Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. #DestinationTalk #Episode62 #HoracioVialpando #Wrestling #GirlsWrestling #WomensWrestling #CollegeWrestling #BuiltThroughAdversity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Aug 16

    Destination Talk: Ep 61 Welcome Patrick Gorbatuk

    What does it take to lead young athletes in a world filled with distractions, social media, and constant pressure? In Episode 60 of Destination Talk, we sit down with Patrick Gorbatuk, Head Wrestling Coach at Manville High School (NJ), for a conversation that goes far beyond wins and losses. Coach Gorbatuk shares his philosophy on building strong athletes, developing resilient young people, and creating a culture that prepares wrestlers not just for competition—but for life. We discuss the challenges facing today's high school athletes, the impact of social media on confidence and identity, and how coaches can help young people navigate both the opportunities and pitfalls of the digital world. The conversation also explores what college-bound wrestlers need to know before making the jump to the next level, why so many successful high school athletes struggle with the transition to college, and how humility, discipline, and consistency become even more important when everyone in the room was once "the best." We also dive into the current state of New Jersey wrestling, the future of high school athletics, the growing influence of NIL, recruiting, and what Coach Gorbatuk believes the sport must do to continue moving forward. Whether you're a wrestler, coach, parent, or simply someone who believes in the power of sports to shape character, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend well beyond the wrestling mat. In this episode: • Coaching today's athletes in the age of social media • Building confidence without comparison • Preparing wrestlers for college success • Why humility matters after high school • The realities of NIL and recruiting • The state of New Jersey wrestling • Developing character through competition • Lessons that last long after the final whistle Listen on: • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Music • iHeartRadio • Pandora • Audible If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful stories and conversations to athletes, coaches, and communities everywhere. Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Destination Talk: Ep 61 Welcome Patrick Gorbatuk

  8. Aug 9

    Destination Talk: Ep 60 Welcome Amaya Tillman

    What happens when you've achieved the dream that so many athletes spend their entire lives chasing... and you decide to walk away? In this episode of Destination Talk, we're joined by former Louisville volleyball standout and current University of Kentucky assistant coach Amaya Tillman. While her accomplishments on the court speak for themselves, this conversation goes far beyond volleyball. Amaya opens up about the sacrifices required to become a Division I athlete, the pressure of having your identity tied to your sport, and the difficult decision to turn down opportunities to play professionally in order to pursue a greater purpose through coaching. This is a conversation about identity, leadership, resilience, and discovering who you are when the jersey comes off. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone navigating life's next chapter, Amaya's perspective is one that will stay with you long after the episode ends. In this episode, we discuss: Why volleyball became her life's passionThe unseen sacrifices behind Division I athleticsMental challenges and overcoming self-doubtSeparating identity from athletic performanceThe decision to walk away from professional volleyballFinding purpose through coaching and mentorshipAdvice for young athletes chasing big dreamsWhat success means beyond wins and championships Listen & Watch Destination Talk: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music iHeartRadio Pandora If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Comment, Subscribe, and Share. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful stories and authentic conversations to athletes, coaches, and everyday people whose journeys deserve to be heard. Destination Talk — Where ordinary people have the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories. Because every journey has value, every lesson deserves to be shared, and every voice deserves to be heard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Destination Talk: Ep 60 Welcome Amaya Tillman
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About

Welcome to The Destination Talk – a podcast hosted by former All American College Wrestler John Poznanski and Speed Training coach Harry Ambrosino where sports and life skills intersect to drive personal growth and lasting transformation. In each episode, we explore the journeys of athletes, coaches, and sports experts, uncovering their achievements and the resilience, discipline, and life lessons that shaped them. From overcoming setbacks to building mental toughness, you'll gain insights that go beyond the game and into every area of life. Join us on this path to sharpen your mindset, fuel your motivation, and become your best self. Let’s take that first step—your destination awaits!

Information

  • Creator
    John Poznanski & Harry Ambrosino
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 John Poznanski & Harry Ambrosino
  • Show Website
    Destination Talk