Reforge Your Life with Joe Rivera

Joe Rivera
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The "Comeback Coach" Joe Rivera hosts a program that features individuals that have made their own comeback story. Learn from these inspiring individuals who share how they rediscovered their purpose and shown resilience so you can Reforge Your Life.

  1. Ep 46: Life After Football: Mondoe Davis on Identity, Faith, And Creating Lasting Impact

    6D AGO

    Ep 46: Life After Football: Mondoe Davis on Identity, Faith, And Creating Lasting Impact

    What if losing your lifelong dream is the key that unlocks your true destiny? On this jaw-dropping episode of the "Lou Diamond" podcast, host Joe Rivera sits down with former NFL player turned life strategist and renowned coach, Mondoe Davis. From his shocking childhood injury—where a single mishap literally ripped his finger off—to being crushed on the field with a devastating ACL tear just as his NFL career was starting, Mondoe holds nothing back and gets raw about the adversity, loss, and rebirth that led to a life filled with purpose beyond anything football could offer. You’ll hear how Mondoe’s identity and worth survived the collapse of his pro football ambitions, how he rebuilt himself as a husband, father of 11 (!), head coach at Rise Up Kings, and global mentor to men seeking faith, family, fitness, and financial breakthrough. Mondoe drops serious wisdom on separating your identity from your performance, finding your mission in your pain, and the daily priorities that turn ordinary men into impact-driven leaders. Key highlights include: The freak accident that shifted Mondoe’s life trajectory at 14Losing 30+ high school football games in a row—but refusing to quitThe emotional spiral after his NFL dreams crashed, and how he broke free from a performance-based identityHis spiritual breakthrough, life-changing mentorship, and global travels as a coach and pastorLessons on how every setback carries the seeds of a higher purpose—if you’re willing to be “reforged”Powerful advice on faith, core values, and keeping your family prioritized above career (yes, including having 11 kids)The secret to leveling up your life by choosing your environment and companions wiselyIf you feel stuck, burnt out, or devastated by life’s curveballs, this episode proves that your pain can become your greatest superpower. Let Mondoe’s story ignite your own comeback and show you the real meaning behind being “reforged.” Episode Overview 00:00 – Introductions & Mondoe’s early life: discipline, adversity, and a shocking injury 03:45 – High school football: losing streaks, resilience, and redefining dreams 07:00 – NFL journey: the emotional rollercoaster of making it—then losing it all 10:00 – Navigating injuries, international football, and hard choices for family 14:00 – Identity vs. performance: how Mondoe escaped depression and found his true self 23:00 – Building new belief systems and uncovering life-changing core values 27:00 – Faith, family, and fitness as the foundation for lasting success 30:00 – Prioritization over balance, raising 11 kids, and building a legacy 33:20 – The meaning of true purpose, and how pain forges greatness 35:00 – The “reforging” process: eagle wisdom and personal transformation 38:00 – Practical advice for anyone looking to reforge their life right now 40:00 – Final thoughts, how to connect with Mondoe, and what’s next Ready to see how an ex-NFL star turned personal pain into world-changing purpose? Hit play and get inspired to reforge your own life—no matter what you’re facing.

    42 min
  2. Ep 45: Trusting Your Inner GPS: Lesley Sprague on Leaving Family Business and Finding Authentic Success

    OCT 2

    Ep 45: Trusting Your Inner GPS: Lesley Sprague on Leaving Family Business and Finding Authentic Success

    What if the one thing holding you back from your true calling isn’t fear—it’s ignoring that tiny whisper within? In this episode of the Reforge Your Life Show, Joe Rivera sits down with intuitive business coach and podcaster Lesley Sprague, who reveals how surrendering to intuition (instead of the status quo) can be the key to completely transforming your life and your work. Lesley shares her extraordinary pivot from the security of a family-run dairy transportation business to the uncertain—yet deeply fulfilling—world of entrepreneurship. She dives into the real story behind this leap: burnout, grief, gut feelings, and the relentless voices (from herself and others) telling her to stick with the “safe” path. You’ll hear Lesley’s practical advice for building your intuition like a muscle, how to quiet both the external naysayers and the inner critic, and how powerful a single, unwavering decision can be in creating massive change. Key highlights from this episode: Lesley’s unexpected path from running a dairy transportation company to coaching others on intuition and business (03:38)The moment burnout and grief combined to force a life-altering decision (07:09)Why you don’t have to know the “how” to take your first step toward purpose (41:02)The power of mentorship—and why having support is essential for real growth (13:24)How fear actually signals growth, and how to reframe it as a beacon for expansion (16:06)Lesley’s powerful grounding and intuition-building exercise you can do right now (34:00)The importance of faith, core values, and decision-making in overcoming “limited beliefs” (22:34 & 27:59)Practical advice for anyone ready to reforge their life—no matter how small the first step (42:16) Tune in for a deeply authentic, actionable conversation that will help you trust yourself, unlock your intuition, and make the leap toward your true purpose. Episode Overview: [00:00:04] - Introduction by Joe Rivera[00:01:24] - Lesley shares her background and entrepreneurial journey[00:07:09] - Facing burnout, grief, and the turning point to make a change[00:10:25] - Early exposure to personal development and intuition[00:13:24] - The role of mentorship and battling self-doubt[00:16:06] - Reframing fear as a sign of growth[00:22:34] - Breaking through limited beliefs and identifying core values[00:27:59] - The transformative power of decisive action[00:34:00] - Guided intuition exercise with Lesley[00:39:27] - Defining purpose and “reforging” your path[00:41:02] - Advice for anyone wanting to reforge their life[00:42:56] - What brings Lesley joy and closing remarks Make sure to like, follow, subscribe—and most importantly, share this episode with someone who needs that nudge to reforge their life!

    46 min
  3. Ep 44: Beating the Odds: Norberto Troncoso’s Journey from Coma to Coaching Others

    SEP 25

    Ep 44: Beating the Odds: Norberto Troncoso’s Journey from Coma to Coaching Others

    How would you respond if you were told you had a week to live—at just 23 years old? On this powerful episode of the Reforge Your Life Show, host Joe Rivera sits down with Norberto Troncoso—a performance coach, public speaker, and survivor of a life-threatening brain tumor. Norberto’s journey takes us from the streets of the Bronx to the brink of death, and then through a relentless comeback that redefines what’s possible when you refuse to surrender to your circumstances. Key highlights from this episode: The Unbelievable Diagnosis: Norberto shares the harrowing moment he was told he had a cancerous brain tumor and the denial, fear, and surreal humor that initially clouded his mind.Fight for Life: Listen as Norberto recounts slipping into a coma, being medically dead for 11 minutes, and the grueling road to recovery that followed—including relearning how to move, speak, and even eat.Faith Over Fear: Discover how Norberto’s unwavering faith became his anchor in the darkest times—when he couldn’t even trust the team trying to save his life.Victim Mentality vs. Victory Mindset: Norberto opens up about battling not just physical limits but also the mental barriers of becoming “a shell” of his former self, and how he made the choice to do it anyway—even when terrified and uncertain.Rebuilding Purpose: From walking without a cane in the midst of COVID to paying forward his lessons as a coach and mentor for youth, Norberto’s story is a masterclass in gritty resilience and serving others. Other highlights include: Joe and Norberto’s candid talk on letting go and letting God, powerful lessons on perseverance, core values for bouncing back, and the secret to finding purpose—even when you’re starting over from scratch. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:16 – Norberto’s Story: Growing Up in the Bronx, the Tumor Discovery 04:27 – The Life-Changing Diagnosis & Emergency Surgery 10:04 – The Reality of Facing Death 15:03 – Waking Up as a Shell: The Hardest Part of Recovery 20:36 – The Rehabilitation Process, Motivation, and Medical Prognosis 26:38 – When Mindset Changes Everything 31:00 – After the Comeback: Walking Again, Working Again, Serving Again 36:18 – New Core Values: “I’m Doing It Anyway” 40:11 – Norberto’s Mission Today & Where to Find Him 41:42 – Defining Purpose & The Meaning of “Reforge” 44:26 – Norberto’s One Piece of Advice & Hidden Hobbies 46:56 – Closing Thoughts Get ready to be moved by a comeback that proves: you may not have all the time you think—but you have all the potential you need. Don’t just listen. Be inspired to reforge YOUR life.

    48 min
  4. Ep 43: Faith Over Fear: Michelle Hammons’ Blueprint for Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs and Naysayers

    SEP 18

    Ep 43: Faith Over Fear: Michelle Hammons’ Blueprint for Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs and Naysayers

    What if the very thing you fear most is the key to unlocking your greatest potential? In this episode of the Reforge Your Life Show, host Joe Rivera sits down with Michelle Hammons—a certified high performance executive coach who walked away from a thriving corporate career not once, but twice, to care for family and answer a deeper calling. Michelle shares her courageous journey from “safe” corporate roles to the unknown territory of entrepreneurship, revealing the setbacks, fears, and mindset shifts that forged her resilient path. Prepare to be inspired as Michelle opens up about how a 95-year-old grandmother and a cancer-stricken mother became the catalysts for her boldest career moves, why narrowing your focus is essential for success, and how faith—no matter what you call it—can drive you through the greatest uncertainties. The conversation dives into overcoming limiting beliefs, the power of decision-making, and why resilience and creativity are non-negotiable in building the life and business you truly want. Key highlights include: Why ignoring your “how” can be the best strategy for entrepreneurs stuck in fearMichelle’s candid look at pivoting into coaching and redefining professional identityHow to silence “dream stompers” (even if they’re close friends and family)Core values and practical rituals Michelle uses to ground herself when doubt creeps inThe real difference between excellence and perfection—and which one leads to fulfillmentA fresh perspective on faith vs. fear (and how both require belief in the unseen)Actionable advice for anyone ready to reforge their life—but unsure where to start Ready to break free from old stories and reforge your future? Michelle’s wisdom and practical tips might just be the spark you need to make your next big leap. Timestamped Overview: 00:00:04 – Introduction by Joe Rivera 00:00:53 – Michelle Hammons shares her story and journey from corporate to entrepreneurship 00:04:05 – Discussing the difficulties and mindset shifts in making big career pivots 00:06:37 – Navigating unknowns and narrowing her focus in a new industry 00:09:17 – Overcoming fears, reliance on faith, and authenticity in business 00:13:14 – The impact of naysayers and creating a solid transition plan 00:15:59 – Letting go of limiting beliefs and cultivating self-belief 00:22:09 – The importance of core values and Michelle’s top values for growth 00:27:05 – Building resilience through intentional discomfort and perseverance 00:29:38 – How Michelle supports clients and where to find her online 00:32:04 – Defining purpose, individuality, and divine design 00:34:06 – What “reforge” means to Michelle 00:35:22 – Advice for someone ready to reforge their life 00:37:02 – Michelle’s passion for helping others believe in their dreams 00:39:05 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Joe and Michelle Don’t miss this episode if you’re seeking clarity, confidence, and that final push to turn fear into your fuel for an extraordinary life!

    40 min
  5. Ep 42: From NFL Dreams to Life Purpose: Jeremiah Brown’s Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

    SEP 11

    Ep 42: From NFL Dreams to Life Purpose: Jeremiah Brown’s Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

    What if the dream you grew up chasing was ripped away in an instant—and your entire identity with it? On this powerful episode of Reforge Your Life, host Joe Rivera sits down with professional speaker Jeremiah Brown, a former NFL athlete whose career ended abruptly with a devastating concussion. But what happened next is not just about survival—it's about transformation, crushing limiting beliefs, and finding a new purpose on the other side of heartbreak. Jeremiah opens up about the emotional toll of losing his lifelong dream and how depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts almost took over. He reveals the critical turning point that changed everything: redefining his identity beyond what he did on the field, and embracing a new calling in education and leadership development. Key highlights from this deeply honest conversation include: The moment Jeremiah realized his identity was too tied to football—and who he became when that was gone.How growing up “in the trenches” of Brooklyn planted seeds of drive and resilience.Game-changing lessons on confidence as a learned skill, and the power of communication and boundaries.The importance of understanding your core values—and why your environment might be keeping you stuck.How to take inventory of your life’s most painful experiences to unlock your real purpose.Why “putting your mask on first” is essential before you can uplift anyone else.Practical advice for anyone seeking to “reforge” their life after a loss, setback, or crisis.From escaping the survival mindset to building a new legacy as a transformational speaker and educator, Jeremiah shares how faith, family, and relentless personal development guide every step forward. If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, struggled with change, or felt crushed by adversity, this episode will remind you that your comeback is possible—and your story is far from over. Episode Overview [00:00:00] Intro and Jeremiah’s background[00:02:37] Growing up in Brooklyn and finding purpose in football[00:03:21] Concussion, loss, and spiraling into depression[00:06:21] The impact of childhood and environment on identity[00:14:50] Facing skill gaps: confidence, communication, and building a supportive circle[00:19:05] The power of changing your environment and re-aligning your circle[00:26:24] Discovering and living through core values[00:33:47] Jeremiah’s current mission: leadership, speaking, and legacy-building[00:37:42] Defining purpose, living “reforged,” and actionable tips for transformation[00:41:49] Fun facts and closing reflections Don’t forget: Like, follow, subscribe, and share—someone you know needs the message in this episode!

    45 min
  6. Ep. 41: Martial Arts, Ministry, and Mindset: Torrey Montgomery’s Tools for Reinventing Your Life

    SEP 4

    Ep. 41: Martial Arts, Ministry, and Mindset: Torrey Montgomery’s Tools for Reinventing Your Life

    What if the defining moment of your life wasn’t your biggest failure, but what you chose to believe about yourself afterward? In this episode of Reforge Your Life, host Joe Rivera sits down with coach, speaker, pastor, and author Dr. Torrey Montgomery for an electrifying, heartfelt conversation. Torrey shares how being told he wouldn’t amount to more than a fast-food manager after failing to graduate high school nearly shattered his self-worth—and how he spent years lost in anger, mediocrity, and self-doubt. But one powerful message about discovering purpose flipped the script forever. Together, Joe and Torrey dig deep into the dangerous power of other people’s words, living as a “hidden version” of yourself, the crisis of purpose, and how indomitable spirit and radical self-discovery helped Torrey transform from a dropout in a small town to a global leader, church planter, and motivator impacting thousands. Listen in for practical advice, raw storytelling, and proven strategies to break through your own limiting beliefs, redefine your story, and find the courage to imagine—and become—your best self. This is not just an episode about a comeback. It’s a masterclass in re-forging your very identity. Key Highlights: The shocking moment Torrey was told he wouldn’t graduate (and how it haunted him for years)How negative words and identity crises can sabotage your entire futureThe pivotal lesson that changed his life: "The greatest tragedy in life is life without purpose."The painful impact on faith, relationships, and self-belief—and how Torrey rebuilt each oneRevolutionary vs. evolutionary change: why most people get “left behind”The martial arts values that became the foundation for Torrey’s success (and how you can leverage them)Practical steps for starting your own transformation, even from rock bottomTorrey’s journey from working at Pizza Hut to global leadership, authorship, and church plantingWhy writing down your vision and editing your environment is critical to breaking free Timestamped Overview [00:00:04] Joe introduces the show and his guest, Torrey Montgomery[00:01:38] Torrey shares his powerful story: failure to graduate, identity crisis, and years stuck in mediocrity[00:05:56] The message from Dr. Miles Monroe that sparked Torrey’s pursuit of purpose[00:08:31] How internalized negative words create invisible barriers[00:12:18] Faith without self-belief, and how Torrey’s relationship with God was affected[00:15:32] Embracing change, escaping the comfort zone, and making a true decision to transform[00:22:02] The breakthrough: Torrey’s first sermon and discovering true calling[00:25:45] Core values, martial arts, and what “indomitable spirit” really means in life and business[00:31:10] Torrey’s journey today: global speaking, authorship (“Go Next”), pastoring, and leadership coaching[00:35:22] Defining purpose, the meaning of “reforge,” and actionable advice for listeners seeking a comeback[00:39:47] The two-step plan to start reforging your life right now—and why imagination matters Are you ready to challenge who you think you are and take the next step in your own reinvention? Hit play and join the conversation!

    44 min
  7. Ep. 40: Chasing Dreams: Lessons from Motorsport and Life with Jessica Soodeen

    AUG 28

    Ep. 40: Chasing Dreams: Lessons from Motorsport and Life with Jessica Soodeen

    What if the only woman on a European race engineering team told you that your greatest strength starts with self-doubt—and that compassion can outpace technical skills at 200 km/h? In this electrifying episode of Reforge Your Life, host Joe Rivera sits down with keynote speaker and emotional intelligence educator Jessica Soodeen, whose journey from motorcycle racing to race car engineering in Europe’s most elite tracks is nothing short of extraordinary. Jessica reveals how she turned her outsider status—from being a woman in male-dominated engineering and motorsport, to moving alone to Basque Country, Spain—into a foundation for growth, leadership, and inspiration. Key Highlights: Breaking barriers: Jessica dives into her beginnings as one of the few women in mechanical engineering and why starting motorcycle racing in her late 20s was both “terrifying” and transformative.Learning from failure: She recounts critical mistakes made in high-stakes race situations and how they led to powerful systems of improvement and team trust.Battling loneliness & self-doubt: Jessica opens up about loneliness, imposter syndrome, and the surprising power of her mother’s voice in helping her realign with her purpose.Compassion as a core value: Discover why compassion is Jessica’s superpower in toxic or high-pressure environments, from European racetracks to corporate boardrooms.Emotional intelligence at work: Jessica shares actionable insights on emotional regulation, pattern interrupts, and practical tools for leaders who want to boost team synergy, resilience, and productivity.Forgiveness, resilience & purpose: Hear Jessica’s advice for anyone feeling stuck or lonely, and the importance of loving—and forgiving—yourself as the starting gate to reforging your life. Whether you're a dream-chaser afraid to take the first step, or a leader navigating adversity, Jessica’s brutally honest stories and energetic wisdom will fuel you to see mistakes as launchpads and compassion as your most powerful tool. Episode Overview: [00:00:04] Introduction & Welcome[00:01:16] Jessica’s unique journey into motorsport & engineering[00:02:45] Challenges: Being the only woman, starting “late,” language barriers[00:04:40] Navigating mistakes under the spotlight[00:08:29] Isolation, loneliness, and tools for self-realignment[00:14:51] The impact of parental influence and shifting your self-narrative[00:23:32] Uncovering and leveraging personal core values[00:25:31] Compassion in leadership and teamwork[00:29:49] Practical applications of emotional intelligence in corporate settings[00:33:15] Pattern interrupts: How to de-escalate high-emotion situations[00:38:48] Vulnerability, grief, and the power of sharing hard stories[00:46:08] Ego, pride, and the courage to ask for help[00:47:16] Practical advice for anyone looking to reforge their life[00:49:50] Surprising facts: Jessica’s creative side[00:50:34] Closing thoughts, takeaways, & how to connect with Jessica Tune in and discover why the comeback isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable, when you learn to lead with your true story.

    52 min
  8. Ep 39: Growing Beyond Pain: Dr. Tamir Qadree’s Story of Hope and Purpose

    AUG 21

    Ep 39: Growing Beyond Pain: Dr. Tamir Qadree’s Story of Hope and Purpose

    What if everything you thought was holding you back—painful childhood trauma, getting caught with the wrong crowd, a stint in jail—were the very things that could fuel your comeback? This week on Reforge Your Life, host Joe Rivera sits down with Dr. Tamir Qadree, a double doctorate in metaphysics turned result strategist, for a conversation that pulls zero punches and proves that setbacks don’t have to define your destiny. In this truly raw and inspiring episode, Dr. Qadree shares his journey from a crowded, underprivileged home in Chicago, through gang influence, youthful mistakes that landed him behind bars, and the deep scars of childhood abuse. But instead of being broken, Dr. Qadree reveals how he used these adversities to develop an unshakeable mindset, transform his pain into power, and ultimately become an acclaimed speaker, author, and coach. Key Highlights: The shocking truth about Dr. Qadree’s early life, including abuse and incarceration—and how it shaped his future (00:02:18)A powerful demonstration of the mind’s ability to visualize, persist, and overcome obstacles, from believing as a teen he could escape his environment to actually moving across the country against all odds (00:03:27)The role that environment and the people you surround yourself with play in your ability to break free from self-sabotage (00:19:25)The difference between self-confidence and self-esteem, and why knowing your unique value trumps comparison (00:23:22)Dr. Qadree’s actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck in their personal, financial, or relational life, including the vital importance of habits and self-analysis (00:35:32)Why failure is just a “first attempt in learning” and how to keep pushing forward even after you stumble (00:37:19)How embracing your authentic self (rather than copying others) actually serves the world—and how to pay homage to those you learn from (00:26:07) This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to rebuild their life, shift their mindset, and turn adversity into their greatest asset. Dr. Qadree’s story is living proof that with the right attitude, environment, and relentless willpower, you can reforge your life—no matter how broken it may seem. Episode Timestamps: [00:00:04] Introduction & setting the stage[00:02:18] Dr. Qadree’s early struggles and the power of belief[00:09:28] How jail became a turning point for self-development[00:10:25] Overcoming trauma and self-limiting beliefs[00:19:25] The critical impact of environment and community[00:23:22] Building self-esteem vs. self-confidence[00:26:07] The importance of authenticity and learning from mentors[00:35:32] Dr. Qadree’s practical advice for those looking to reforge their life[00:37:19] Redefining failure and perseverance[00:38:58] The power of communication and meaningful connections[00:39:52] Closing thoughts & Joe’s final words Tune in for a conversation that will challenge your limits—then give you the blueprint to break through them.

    40 min
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The "Comeback Coach" Joe Rivera hosts a program that features individuals that have made their own comeback story. Learn from these inspiring individuals who share how they rediscovered their purpose and shown resilience so you can Reforge Your Life.

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