

At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 2, 2024 • 50min
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 MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcastLinkedIn: / mannyamezcuaTime stamps:0:00 - Set Your Goals and Set them High Intro1:56 - A.J.’s Upbringing, Influences, and Setting Goals From a Young Age7:28 - Mental Toughness is Built From Life Experiences9:15 - High School Football at Gainesville (Deshaun Watson, Blake Simms)12:28 - Getting Inducted into the Gainesville HOF13:30 - Impact of High School Team and Brotherhood18:07 - Getting Recruited to NCAA Schools and Choosing Tennessee21:18 - Expecting to Be Great and Setting Your Goals21:50 - Eric Berry23:20 - Advice for Student Athletes25:32 - Leading Tennessee in Rushing Touchdowns27:33 - NFL Draft and False Allegations32:30 - Getting Picked Up By Broncos After 4 Years38:00 - Playing For Broncos and Great Teammates39:30 - Fighting Back From Injuries44:23 - Life After Football and Building a Real Estate Portfolio46:30 - What Does He Want His Kids to Know About HimAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 6min
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 MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcastLinkedIn: / mannyamezcuaTime Stamps:0:00 - Introducing Former MSU QB Bill Burke4:03 - Bill’s Post Football Life Mission 6:41 - Bill’s Podcast, Kirk Cousins and Jim McMahon9:54 - Where Did Bill’s Belief in Becoming an NCAA QB Come From?13:20 - Being Prepared for Life After Football14:49 - High School Football, Wing-T, Winning Starting Spot16:55 - Finish What You Start, Don’t Quit22:05 - Nick Saban, Getting Recruited, and Saban’s Best Lesson29:54 - Perspective on Achieving Dreams34:00 - MSU 1999 Season, Beating Tom Brady, Drew Brees36:54 - Sports Open Doors in Life, Value of Teammates39:00 - Nick Saban’s Process before He Was Successful45:29 - Beating Ohio State in 1998, the Work No One Sees, Citrus Bowl50:00 - Expect Adversity54:14 - Bill’s Book (Who’s it for?)57:37 - Leaving a Legacy for his Kids1:04:40 - Follow Bill and ATP!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jun 27, 2024 • 45min
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 MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcastLinkedIn: / mannyamezcuaTime stamps0:00 - Introducing Amir Syed3:30 - Growing up as a poor immigrant in America5:54 - How a friends father encouraged Amir to be great8:58 - How being a child of immigrants formed Amir’s work ethic9:25 - Amir’s Father’s Car Lot Taught Him Business14:39 - Be someone who customers refer and you’ll never need to advertise17:09 - The pillars of every business - Marketing, Sales, Ops, Leadership19:17 - What Leadership in Business Actually Looks Like21:37 - Impact is Greater Than Income22:37 - The seduction of success can weaken you26:45 - Pay for skill transference33:16 - How Amir knew he wanted to coach39:36 - You need to care first40:28 - Book Smarts only take you so far41:12 - Advice to student athletes42:35 - Champions do the unseen43:29 - Follow Amir on social media!CONNECT WITH MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcastLinkedIn: / mannyamezcuaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 15min
How to Become and Raise the Man the Moment Demands with Jason Wilson
Today on "At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua," we’re sitting down with Jason Wilson.Mr. Jason Wilson is the founder and CEO of The Yunion (pronounced "union"), a non-profit youth development organization in Detroit, Michigan. Since 2003, The Yunion has effectively reached more than 15,000 youth and young adults through innovative prevention programming, trauma-informed care, parental engagement, and counseling. In 2008, Mr. Wilson's dedication to fatherless and misguided Black boys inspired him to create and direct the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy (CATTA).In this episode, Manny and Jason talk in depth about what it takes to become the man that the moment demands.At the core of this discussion is recognizing, confronting, and addressing the childhood experiences and societal pressures that contribute to the growth and suffering of broken men.Jason shares insights on overcoming these struggles and explains why correcting our children with love leads to understanding and inner transformation.Jason has appeared on major shows like Lewis Howes’ "School of Greatness," the Ed Mylett Show, and "The Joe Rogan Experience," and we couldn’t be more thankful for him spending his afternoon with us on "At the Podium."For more information about Jason’s books and his organizations, you can visit the link below!https://mrjasonwilson.com/CONNECT WITH MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcastLinkedIn: / mannyamezcuaTime stamps:0:00 - Introducing Jason Wilson3:14 - Being the man the moment demands8:07 - Jason’s background13:29 - Finding the power to be more than just masculine16:51 - Run towards the battles that create the emotions you try to suppress19:33 - Discipline needs to be rooted in love24:56 - How Jason’s past is guiding his life’s mission26:54 - What peace actually looks like28:29 - How OUR fears infect our children35:00 - The right kind of discipline42:21 - The need to evolve is heavy47:05 - expressing how you feel with composure50:50 - Sadness is OKAY57:20 - Meeting Laurence Fishburne 1:00:46 - You have a calling to do more1:04:11 - Jason’s experience with Joe Rogan and Ed Mylett1:09:36 - Jason’s next book and our book give awayNEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.#mindset #professionalathletes #business #motivationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

May 30, 2024 • 1h 17min
Faith, Family and Football Royalty with Coach Dan MacLean | At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua
On this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with the head football coach and athletic director of Detroit Country Day School, Dan MacLean.Coach MacLean has taken Detroit Country Day to 7 state championships and has won two. During his almost 4 decades holding this position, he has had the honor of coaching some of the NFL’s highest profile players, and has helped countless young athletes reach their full potential.In this conversation, Manny and coach MacLean touch on the current state of athletics, the value they bring to young men and women, and how the pressure that athletes and kids face today is different than in the past.A common theme throughout the episode, and coach MacLean’s life is built on the importance of faith, family, and friendship.Whether you’re a young athlete, coach, or business tycoon, you’ll find lessons in this conversation that will lead to a more fruitful and fulfilling daily grind.Timestamps:0:00 - Introducing Coach Dan MacLean3:53 - Coach Dan's Early Life, and the Impact of His Wife9:14 - Impact of Faith on Dan's Life14:21 - The "It Factor" in Coaching17:43 - Why Kids NEED to Play Sports22:42 - Dan's Childhood and Football Life29:44 - Is Too Much Expected From Kids Today?38:00 - Playing at Illinois and Dick Butkus Stories44:02 - How Dan Became the Coach at Detroit Country Day49:36 - Should Everyone Be Coached Equally?54:35 - Setting the Tone at the Top 57:55 - Shutting Down Ego1:01:00 - Expectations, Influences, and Coaching StylesCONNECT WITH MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcastLinkedIn: / mannyamezcuaNEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.#nfl #nba #collegesports #podcast #sports Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

May 16, 2024 • 47min
NFL Alumni Players Share Valuable Business Advice | At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua
Today on At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with former NFL players Israel Idonije and Jake Butt.Both Israel and Jake have played the game of football at the highest level, and are now taking the skills and lessons they learned in the NFL to their lives outside of the game.Israel Idonije’s journey started in Canada at the University of Manitoba, but his hard work took him to a 10 plus year career in the NFL. During his time with the Chicago Bears, he discovered the importance of preparing for life after football, and has since started several successful business ventures.Jake Butt played football at Michigan under legendary coach Jim Harbaugh, and had several stops in the NFL. During his time at Michigan, coach Harbaugh imparted a life changing approach to striving for greatness, and Jake has never looked back.In this episode of At the Podium, Israel and Jake share the lessons they’ve learned and touch on how former athletes, or anyone looking to excel in life or business, can achieve greatness!These pieces of advice include the value of mentorship, aggregating small daily effort, and so much more.0:00 - Introducing Israel Idonije and Jake Butt1:09 - Creating a Vision for Your Life3:59 - “Hard Work” Just Makes You Average6:37 - How Jim Harbaugh Made Michigan’s Roster Elite9:25 - What Michael Jordan and Izzy’s Dad Taught Him About Effort12:18 - You’re Responsible For Everything in Life13:14 - Why Tony Gonzalez and Other Players Are HOF Level14:49 - Be the Standard19:42 - Adding Value to Create Opportunity21:34 - Planning For Life After the NFL25:26 - Value of Mentorship28:49 - Finding Balance Between “Yes” and “No”33:42 - Gadgets They Can’t Live Without39:00 - The Danger of Being Rigid43:00 - Financial InstabilityAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

May 2, 2024 • 1h 35min
Greg Kelser Shares How He Became a NCAA Legend | At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua
Today on At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with NCAA and Michigan State Legend, Greg Kelser.Greg Kelser has lived a life unlike many. He moved over 10 times as a child due to the fact that his parents were in the military, and along the way he acquired a unique approach to life that is still serving him today.He has overcome obstacles during his athletic journey, ranging from being placed on the JV squad for 4 games as a tenth grader, to fighting for a starting spot at Michigan State.In this episode, Greg shares a look behind the curtain of Michigan State's 1979 National Championship over Larry Bird, and reflects on his time playing with Magic Johnson, Terry Furlow, and his other immortalized teammates.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introducing Greg Kelser3:20 - Growing Up in a Military Family8:35 - How Greg’s Parents Raised a Winner13:47 - How Greg’s Father and Bill Russel Made Him Love Basketball18:53 - Going From JV to Varsity in 4 Games25:26 - The Impact of Coaches28:19 - How Greg Got Recruited to MSU37:06 - Life at Michigan State38:55 - Terry Furlow’s Impact on Greg44:22 - The Type of Advocates You Want in Life47:31 - Beating Larry Bird in the National Championship51:04 - How Magic Johnson Made Greg a Better Player54:05 - Getting Drafted to the Detroit Pistons58:11 - Battling Injuries and Walking Away From the NBA1:04:38 - Basketball Can Give You A Lot But It Owes You Nothing1:06:23 - Becoming a Broadcaster1:10:42 - Making Meaningful Connections1:13:01 - The Current State of Society1:19:16 - Sports Connect the Community1:32:40 - Follow At the Podium and Greg KelserCONNECT WITH MANNYPodcast: At The Podium with Manuel AmezcuaWebsite: https://thepodiumgroup.com/Instagram: / podium_podcast LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua NEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.#nfl #nba #collegesports #podcast #sportsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Apr 18, 2024 • 25min
How John Huggins Went From JSU to NFL Draft Prospect
Today on At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we have the pleasure of sitting down with John Huggins, a safety from Jackson State University who will be waiting to hear his name get called in the 2024 NFL Draft.John’s story begins in the Bronx, but he had many stops along the way. He played high school football in Florida before committing to Florida State. However, after Jimbo Fisher took the Texas A&M job, John made the switch to Gainesville to play for the Gators.After some hiccups in his career, John Huggins ultimately ended up at Jackson State, and his new coach would be no other than Coach Prime, Deion Sanders.Under Coach Prime, John learned the value of hard work, punctuality, and the importance of focusing on the finest of details.John most recently dominated at the HBCU combine and earned high praise from NFL Draft gurus like Bucky Brooks.Throughout all of his stops and all of his experiences, John Huggins has never lost sight of the fact that God is guiding his steps, and that only HE is the author of his story.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introducing John Huggins1:59 - How Madden Sparked John’s Love For Football4:18 - Playing with Tank Dell4:38 - Always Felt Comfortable at Safety4:58 - Getting Recruited to FSU and Florida6:33 - Choosing to Finish Career at Jackson State8:39 - Lessons Learned from Coach Prime11:26 - Advice for Aspiring Athletes13:15 - John’s Impactful People14:29 - Dominating at the HBCU Combine17:22 - The Greats Do the Extra Work19:02 - Setting Boundaries20:26 - Who Does John Want to Be Drafted By?21:11 - Favorite Players to Watch Play?21:46 - WRs John is Excited to Match Up Against?22:13 - What Does Life After Football Look Like?23:41 - Follow John on His NFL JourneyNEW TO THE PODCAST?At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua features interviews with the most innovative minds in business, sports, and entertainment to uncover the habits, disciplines, and mindsets that lead to success.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Apr 4, 2024 • 56min
Achieving Excellence: The JOGA Approach to Athlete Performance
Join us for an inspiring journey on At the Podium as we delve into the remarkable story of Jana Webb, the CEO and Founder of JOGA World. Born and raised in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Jana's passion for sports and yoga led her to revolutionize athlete performance with her innovative approach. Despite facing adversity, including two near-fatal accidents, Jana turned to yoga for rehabilitation. Her competitive spirit and determination fueled the creation of JOGA, a groundbreaking movement system that blends yoga with the biomechanics of sports. Through JOGA, Jana has empowered thousands of athletes to strengthen their minds and bodies for optimal performance.Discover how JOGA has transformed the training programs of professional sports teams, including NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and CFL, with its ability to enhance athletic performance, improve concentration, and reduce recovery time. With over 350 certified JOGA coaches across North America and a flagship JOGA House in Toronto, Jana's vision continues to inspire and empower athletes worldwide.Key Highlights for the Episode:1. Jana's journey from adversity to success: Learn how two near-fatal accidents propelled Jana to create JOGA and revolutionize athlete performance.2. The power of JOGA: Explore how JOGA's unique blend of movements and breathing techniques has transformed the training programs of professional sports teams.3. Empowering athletes worldwide: Discover how Jana's vision has empowered thousands of athletes to optimize their performance and achieve their goals.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mar 22, 2024 • 47min
DJ Myint: Energizing Detroit's Top Sports Organizations
Join us on At The Podium for an invigorating episode featuring DJ Myint as she brings her electrifying beats to Detroit's top sports organizations, igniting the stadium with her contagious energy. Explore the vibrant world of Nicole Myint as she shares her journey from local venues to global stages, igniting joy and creating pathways for positive change. As the 2023 DETROITER of the year, Nicole has brought her DJ skills to top-tier organizations like the Detroit Lions, University of Michigan, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Grand Prix, and Nike.Key Points for Listeners:Unleashing the Beat: Explore DJ Myint's meteoric rise from Ann Arbor to international fame, as she brings her infectious energy to stadiums and festivals worldwide, proving that passion knows no bounds.Authenticity Amplified: Discover the power of staying true to oneself as Nicole embraces her unique DNA, breaking barriers as a female DJ and entrepreneur while championing causes close to her heart, including animal welfare and community empowerment.Purpose: Journey with us as we uncover the deeper rhythms of DJ Myint's life, from her transformative experiences at the Full Moon Party in Thailand to her commitment to changing lives through entrepreneurship, spreading happiness one beat at a time.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands