At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Manuel Amezcua
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At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Hosted by CEO and entrepreneur, Manuel Amezcua, At The Podium features conversations with high-performance people in sports, business, and life who have done the work most won't do to experience life in a way most never will. We recognize their unique sacrifices lessons and stories, all of which we celebrate with them At The Podium.

  1. OCT 31

    The Reality of Being a 5 Star Recruit and Why Rocco Spindler Chose Notre Dame

    In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with Notre Dame Football starting guard Rocco Spindler. Rocco Spindler is the son of Marc Spindler, a former NFL defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions. He shares with us his upbringing, how wrestling made him a great football player, the reality of being a five star recruit in high school, and the promise he made his grandfather to join the Fighting Irish. Rocco Spindler is a true man's man and is honoring the legacy of his family each and every day at Notre Dame – there’s so much to draw from the lessons in toughness, grit, and compassion that he has learned along the way, so sit back and enjoy! 0:00 - Intro 2:36 - Early Life and Family Impact on Athletics 4:57 - Dad’s Impact on His Football Life and The Value of Wrestling 8:50 - Impact of Sisters Athletic Gifts 11:59 - High School Football Memories and Influences 16:30 - Reality of Being a 5 Star Recruit in High School 20:34 - Process of Choosing Notre Dame 25:12 - Rocco’s Grandfather’s Influence 31:30 - Day One at Notre Dame 37:33 - What’s Coach Freeman Like? 39:04 - Overcoming Obstacles and Injuries 47:44 - What Does the Future Hold? 49:12 - Advice for Student Athletes 51:12 - What’s Something People Don’t Know About Rocco Spindler? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    54 min

  2. OCT 3

    The Comeback Blueprint: How Wallo267 Transformed from Prison to Mogul in 7 Years

    In this episode of "At the Podium" with Manuel Amezcua, Wallo267 shares his incredible transformation from serving 20 years in prison to becoming a successful entrepreneur and social media influencer within just 7 years outside of the system. Wallo talks about the importance of having a clear end game, setting goals, and making lists to keep on track with your final end vision. He emphasizes the value of genuine mentorship and how to discern true leaders from modern-day unqualified motivational speakers. Known for his raw and unfiltered approach, Wallo reveals how he leveraged his hardships to inspire millions and form partnerships with major brands and corporations. This episode offers a candid look at resilience, purpose, and navigating the challenges of personal growth in a world full of superficial advice. CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua 0:00 - Introducing Wallo267 2:17 - Look at My Story Not My Glory 5:40 - Stop People Pleasing 7:56 - You Need an End Game 10:01 - All The Ingredients to Win Are in America 11:08 - Why Do People Care So Much About Fitting In? 14:25 - Loyal People and the Illusion of Success 17:23 - Wallo’s Brothers Death and Living vs Dying For People 19:22 - The Prison System is Corrupt 20:59 - Mentorship, Anthony Bourdain, Setting Goals and Creating a List 23:54 - The Power of the Mind and Self Study 25:07 - Fake Motivational Speakers 28:35 - People’s Struggles Are the Same and Stress on Steroids 32:06 - Mastermind Grifters 33:47 - Wallo’s Foundation For Kids 35:09 - People Are Afraid to Take it to the Next Level 36:23 - How Will You Know You Made an Impact 37:08 - “Pride” in Being From the Hood Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    45 min

  3. SEP 12

    Leaving a Legacy on and off the Field with Josh Ross

    In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with Josh Ross, linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and former Michigan Wolverine.  Josh takes us through his journey from Southfield High School to standout performances at Michigan to his ongoing career in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. Josh shares the importance of family pride and how his family's unwavering support has played a crucial role in his success and development as both a man and an athlete.  He talks about the belief in oneself and how that mindset, reinforced by his family's encouragement, has helped him face challenges on and off the field.  Despite not being the most naturally talented, Josh's relentless work ethic sets him apart, driving him to excel and leave a lasting legacy for the name on the back of his jersey. Josh also dives into the mental side of football, highlighting how crucial mental toughness and focus are in today’s game.  He explains how the mental game often makes the difference between good and great players, and the strategies he uses to stay sharp, resilient, and ahead of the competition.  Additionally, Josh discusses the importance of time management as an athlete, sharing how balancing training, recovery, and personal life is key to maintaining peak performance and overall well-being. Whether you're a sports fan or someone looking for inspiration, Josh’s story highlights the impact of determination, resilience, effective time management, and the power of a strong support system. CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua 0:00 - Introducing Josh Ross 4:54 - Childhood, High School, and Michigan Wolverines 11:18 - Being a Hard Worker and Honoring His Family Name 13:39 - Individualism in the Modern Game 16:28 - Having a Clear Standard For Yourself and His Father’s Impact 23:25 - Choosing Michigan and Favorite Michigan Memory 33:34 - Grinding to Become a Starter with Devin Bush 40:28 - Football is Intense But Mostly Mental 44:43 - What Should Young Athletes Start Doing NOW to Be Better? 48:05 - Message For Kids Thinking About Entering the Game of Football 51:20 - Sound Mind Sound Body’s Impact Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    56 min

  4. AUG 29

    Michigan RB Donovan Edwards Has Huge Plans for 2024

    In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with National Champion, NCAA ‘24 cover athlete, and aspiring philanthropist Donovan Edwards. Donovan Edwards is entering his final year at Michigan, and is looking to help the Wolverines defend their national championship for the 2024-2025 season. With his head coach Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL’s LA Chargers, many thought that Edward’s would follow suit and declare for the draft, but as you’ll hear in this episode, he feels that he has unfinished business in Ann Arbour.  Donovan shares with us in this episode the sacrifices that his father made after his mother’s untimely passing, how he grew as a leader, and how he’s looking to make an impact in his community before leaving for the big leagues. Donovan is an inspiration to young players around the country, and an example of what it means to constantly seek personal growth. CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua 0:00 - Introducing Donovan Edwards 3:08 - Donovan’s Childhood and His Early Trials 7:30 - How Donovan Chose Michigan over Other Major Programs 11:53 - What Made Jim Harbaugh a Great Coach to Play For? 16:11 - Reaction to Harbaugh Leaving for NFL and Coach Moore 18:21 - How Donovan Went From Bad to Great Leader 25:11 - Donovan’s Growth and Purpose Outside of Football and His Charity 33:56 - How You Speak to Yourself and What You Focus on Shapes Your Reality 36:27 - Donovan’s Goals Entering His Senior Year 37:45 - Donovan’s Daily Routine, Diet and Speed 41:27 - Staying Focused on the NOW 43:08 - Spread Love and Be the Change You Wish to See 46:26 - Follow the Show and Donovan! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    48 min

  5. AUG 15

    Forging Your Own Legacy ft. Brenden Rice

    Brenden Rice is a professional football player for the LA Chargers, former Colorado Buffalo and USC Trojan, and the son of the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice. In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny and Brenden go deep on Brenden’s upbringing in Chandler, Arizona, the pressure involved in being the son of an NFL legend, his time at USC with Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley, and his plans for life after his NFL career comes to an end. This episode was recorded just days before the NFL draft, and will give you some insight on who the Chargers are inheriting into their organization. CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua 0:00 - Introducing Brenden Rice 1:43 - Staying Focused During the NFL Draft Process 2:20 - The Impact of His Mother on His Maturity 3:32 - Brenden’s Backstory, His Influences, and Love For Football 5:37 - The Pressure of Being Jerry Rice’s Son 7:03 - Growing Up in Chandler Arizona 8:16 - Why Brenden Originally Committed to Colorado and Why He Transferred 10:35 - How USC Improved His Game and Playing with Caleb Williams 14:36 - The NFL Combine Process and Building His Support Team 18:12 - Who Did Brenden Want to Play For as a Kid? 19:15 - Brenden’s Plans in His Rookie Season 21:37 - Life After Football? 26:01 - Staying Locked in Leading Up to Training Camp 28:27 - Advice for Student Athletes and Parents of Athletes Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    31 min

  6. AUG 2

    Set Big Goals If You Have Big Dreams | How Alexander (A.J.) Johnson Paved His Way to the NFL

    In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with Alexander (A.J.) Johnson. A.J. is one of Tennessee's greatest linebackers of all time, is a member of Gainesville’s Hall of Fame, and is a professional football player in the NFL. Manny and A.J. discuss how A.J. set clear expectations for himself from a young age. As you’ll hear, A.J. believes that in order to reach your dreams in life, you have to set your goals, and set them high. A.J. shares how the support of his mother, and the community he lived in, helped to mold him into the person he is today, and how his mother’s support in his dreams helped build the belief he already had for himself. In this episode, Manny and A.J. also discuss A.J.’s plans for life after football ends, and the real estate portfolio that A.J. has slowly been building during his time in the NFL. If you have big dreams, this episode is for you – Alexander Johnson is a testament to the mental toughness that it takes to overcome the obstacles that are bound to present themselves when you’re chasing after what you desire most. Some of these obstacles have included false accusations against Alexander Johnson, which left him out of the NFL for 4 years before he was acquitted, as well as a torn pectoral muscle, and most recently an achilles injury. Despite all of this, A.J. is still working towards his comeback and plans to play another 4 years. There’s so much to take from this man, so please enjoy this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua. CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / podium_podcast LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua Time stamps: 0:00 - Set Your Goals and Set them High Intro 1:56 - A.J.’s Upbringing, Influences, and Setting Goals From a Young Age 7:28 - Mental Toughness is Built From Life Experiences 9:15 - High School Football at Gainesville (Deshaun Watson, Blake Simms) 12:28 - Getting Inducted into the Gainesville HOF 13:30 - Impact of High School Team and Brotherhood 18:07 - Getting Recruited to NCAA Schools and Choosing Tennessee 21:18 - Expecting to Be Great and Setting Your Goals 21:50 - Eric Berry 23:20 - Advice for Student Athletes 25:32 - Leading Tennessee in Rushing Touchdowns 27:33 - NFL Draft and False Allegations 32:30 - Getting Picked Up By Broncos After 4 Years 38:00 - Playing For Broncos and Great Teammates 39:30 - Fighting Back From Injuries 44:23 - Life After Football and Building a Real Estate Portfolio 46:30 - What Does He Want His Kids to Know About Him Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    50 min

  7. JUL 11

    Victory Outside the Arena with Bill Burke

    On this week’s episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny is sitting down with Bill Burke, former Michigan State Spartans quarterback. Currently, Bill works with The Podium Group and is the author of Victory Outside the Arena: How Athletes Can Go From Isolated to Inspired Once the Applause Begins to Fade.  Before this new phase of his life though, he learned the power of focusing and giving your best effort for the task at hand from his head coach, Nick Saban. Bill’s insight to the reality of being a high level athlete, and the lessons that he’s taken from the greatest college football coach of all time, have formed the contents of his latest works, and today he is here to share that perspective with you. If you’re enjoying the podcast please consider sharing it with someone who you think would love it, and if you want to find Bill’s book or his podcast please see the links below! CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / podium_podcast LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introducing Former MSU QB Bill Burke 4:03 - Bill’s Post Football Life Mission  6:41 - Bill’s Podcast, Kirk Cousins and Jim McMahon 9:54 - Where Did Bill’s Belief in Becoming an NCAA QB Come From? 13:20 - Being Prepared for Life After Football 14:49 - High School Football, Wing-T, Winning Starting Spot 16:55 - Finish What You Start, Don’t Quit 22:05 - Nick Saban, Getting Recruited, and Saban’s Best Lesson 29:54 - Perspective on Achieving Dreams 34:00 - MSU 1999 Season, Beating Tom Brady, Drew Brees 36:54 - Sports Open Doors in Life, Value of Teammates 39:00 - Nick Saban’s Process before He Was Successful 45:29 - Beating Ohio State in 1998, the Work No One Sees, Citrus Bowl 50:00 - Expect Adversity 54:14 - Bill’s Book (Who’s it for?) 57:37 - Leaving a Legacy for his Kids 1:04:40 - Follow Bill and ATP! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    1h 6m

  8. JUN 27

    How to Build a Millionaire Mindset with Amir Syed | At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua

    Today on At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with a long time friend of Manny’s, Amir Syed. Amir is the child of Iranian immigrants who fled in the midst of war. The Syed family ultimately settled in Chicago where Amir’s father Hassan undertook many small business opportunities to keep food on the table and support his family. Through these experiences, Amir earned an MBA in street knowledge, and learned the value in being a businessman that someone else can refer to and trust. Amir has now grown multiple businesses to achieve massive success - these ventures include funding over $1 billion dollars in home loans, and his newest project, Go Coaching. In this episode you’ll find gems in the form of practical business lessons, but more importantly, you’ll get a first hand account of the philosophy and mindset it takes to take your business to the next level. CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / podium_podcast LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua Time stamps 0:00 - Introducing Amir Syed 3:30 - Growing up as a poor immigrant in America 5:54 - How a friends father encouraged Amir to be great 8:58 - How being a child of immigrants formed Amir’s work ethic 9:25 - Amir’s Father’s Car Lot Taught Him Business 14:39 - Be someone who customers refer and you’ll never need to advertise 17:09 - The pillars of every business - Marketing, Sales, Ops, Leadership 19:17 - What Leadership in Business Actually Looks Like 21:37 - Impact is Greater Than Income 22:37 - The seduction of success can weaken you 26:45 - Pay for skill transference 33:16 - How Amir knew he wanted to coach 39:36 - You need to care first 40:28 - Book Smarts only take you so far 41:12 - Advice to student athletes 42:35 - Champions do the unseen 43:29 - Follow Amir on social media! CONNECT WITH MANNY Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/ Instagram: / podium_podcast LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    45 min
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About

Hosted by CEO and entrepreneur, Manuel Amezcua, At The Podium features conversations with high-performance people in sports, business, and life who have done the work most won't do to experience life in a way most never will. We recognize their unique sacrifices lessons and stories, all of which we celebrate with them At The Podium.

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