Five Things Podcast

Brian Smith

Welcome to the Five Things Podcast, where we delve into the realms of politics, business, and life in general. Hosted by high-performing individuals, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and other industry leaders, our show aims to open your eyes to a multitude of perspectives and insights. Each episode is designed to enlighten, educate, and inspire, offering valuable takeaways on life, business, and much more. Tune in to the Five Things Podcast and join us on a journey of discovery and growth.

  1. MAR 25

    3x NCAA Wrestler Mike VanBrill on Wrestling Discipline & Mindset

    Mike VanBrill, a 3x NCAA qualifier and Big Ten medalist, breaks down the discipline it takes to compete at a high level in wrestling. From strict routines and weight management to staying locked in through close, grind-it-out matches, Mike explains how consistency and structure shaped his success on the mat. He also dives into the mental side — visualization, gratitude, and finding flow state — and how those same principles carried over into business after his wrestling career. From Rutgers wrestling to entrepreneurship, this conversation shows how discipline isn’t just something you turn on for competition — it’s how you live every day. #FiveThingsPodcast #MikeVanBrill #Wrestling #UFC #MMA

    37 min

  2. MAR 18

    Martin Lopez on Recovery, Resilience, and Fighting Through Life

    Martin Lopez shares his inspiring journey of resilience, overcoming a brutal car accident in his youth that left lasting physical challenges. He found refuge and strength in MMA, turning a traumatic experience into a lifelong passion. In this episode of the Five Things Podcast, Martin talks about how martial arts helped him rebuild his confidence, his mental and physical health, and how he now dedicates his life to helping others in similar situations.From the emotional hurdles of recovery to the discipline and focus of MMA, Martin reflects on the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, purpose, and giving back. This conversation is a testament to turning adversity into action, showing that obstacles don’t define you — your choices do.#FiveThingsPodcast #MartinLopez #MMA #Resilience #PersonalGrowth

    53 min

  3. MAR 11

    Aljamain Sterling Breaks Down UFC, Funkmaster Cigar and his Funk Harbor Rum

    UFC Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling opens up about his journey from a challenging childhood in Uniondale to becoming a top fighter in the UFC. He shares lessons on discipline, work ethic, and the power of delayed gratification, while drawing parallels between success in MMA and business.Aljo also dives into his entrepreneurial ventures, including his Funk Harbor Rum and Funkmaster Cigars by Triumph Cigars, and talks about how mentorship, positive relationships, and focus helped him navigate both the fight world and life beyond the cage. Whether you’re a fighter, an entrepreneur, or just looking for motivation, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.#FiveThingsPodcast #AljamainSterling #UFC #MMA #Entrepreneurship #Discipline #FunkmasterRum #Aljo #Podcast #Vegas

    1h 5m

  4. JAN 6

    Nick Kalikas on UFC Betting, Judging Chaos & Finding Line Value

    Nick Kalikas breaks down how a lifetime in martial arts turned into a career at the highest levels of MMA sports betting. From training at a young age to living in Costa Rica and setting betting lines, Nick explains how fight IQ, analytics, and film study shape the way he evaluates fights. He dives into how odds are created, how value is found in the market, and why understanding fighter psychology matters just as much as stats.The conversation also gets into the realities of betting — inconsistent judging, bankroll management, the mental side of gambling, and how betting can impact personal relationships. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories with fighters, thoughts on how MMA striking has evolved, and what separates smart bettors from emotional ones. #FiveThingsPodcast #NickKalikas #UFC #MMA

    1h 15m

  5. 12/17/2025

    Jason Link: Black Hawk Down, Delta Force & Healing After War

    Jason Link shares the unfiltered reality of military life — from growing up troubled and searching for direction, to serving in Delta Force and experiencing combat firsthand. He opens up about Black Hawk Down, the mental toll of war, and what it really takes to transition from the battlefield back to civilian life. #FiveThingsPodcast #JasonLink #Military #DeltaForce #Veterans #MentalHealth

    1h 15m

  6. 12/12/2025

    Ian Butler: Building Young Champions, Business & The Fight Game

    Ian Butler shares his journey from navigating a tough childhood to becoming a fighter, mentor, and entrepreneur with a mission. He breaks down how mentorship shaped his path, why discipline and hard work matter more than talent, and how the lessons from wrestling and MMA helped him push through adversity. Ian opens up about embracing failure, building a champion mindset, and using every setback as fuel for personal growth. He also talks about the purpose behind his wrestling clubs — creating a space where kids can grow through structure, education, and community support. From business principles to life lessons to the importance of giving back, Ian’s story is all about resilience, responsibility, and using your experiences to lift others up. #FiveThingsPodcast #IanButler #UFC #MMA

    48 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Ode Osbourne on Triumph Cigars, UFC Mindset & Building a Fighter Brand

    UFC fighter Ode Osbourne joins the show to talk mindset, discipline, and what it really takes to keep evolving in one of the toughest sports in the world. He breaks down training, staying healthy, recent UFC fights, and why loving the process matters more than anything else.Brian and Ode also share how Triumph Cigars came to life, the value of real relationships, and how fighters can use the UFC platform to build brands and opportunities beyond fighting. A conversation about growth, giving, and staying all-in on your plan.#FiveThingsPodcast #OdeOsbourne #UFC #MMA

    1h 28m

  8. 11/26/2025

    Vince Morales: Surviving A Decade In The UFC

    Vince Morales opens up about the reality behind a decade in MMA — from starting his career later than most to pushing through constant injuries and using an 0–12 wrestling beginning as the foundation for his mental toughness. He talks about the support that kept him grounded, the influence of family, and how his bond with cousin and UFC fighter Ricky Simón shaped his growth inside and outside the cage.He also shares what life looks like beyond fighting — training and building a home with his wife, balancing personal goals with the demands of the sport, and thinking about the next chapter while still chasing big moments in MMA. At every step, Vince’s story comes back to the same mindset: keep showing up, keep working, and keep evolving.#FiveThingsPodcast #VinceMorales #UFC #MMA

    57 min
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About

Welcome to the Five Things Podcast, where we delve into the realms of politics, business, and life in general. Hosted by high-performing individuals, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and other industry leaders, our show aims to open your eyes to a multitude of perspectives and insights. Each episode is designed to enlighten, educate, and inspire, offering valuable takeaways on life, business, and much more. Tune in to the Five Things Podcast and join us on a journey of discovery and growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brian Smith
  • Show Website
    Five Things Podcast