In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we sit down with rising Michigan State linebacker Jordan Hall — a leader on and off the field whose impact is already being felt across the Big Ten.

Jordan opens up about:

→ How his faith in Jesus grounds him through the highs and lows of being a student-athlete

→ Lessons in leadership that translate far beyond football

→ The transition from IMG Academy to the college stage

→ Surrounding yourself with the right circle of mentors, teammates, and friends

→ Goal-setting, resilience, and building a legacy that lasts

Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or someone navigating your own journey of growth, this conversation will inspire you to lead with faith, discipline, and purpose.

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: /officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: /mannyamezcua

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In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we're sitting down with Jeremy Sasson, the visionary behind Heirloom Hospitality, the group responsible for some of the most acclaimed dining experiences in the country.

Jeremy shares his journey from his early inspirations to creating a hospitality brand known for unforgettable service, design, and cuisine.

We explore the mindset it takes to scale a luxury dining concept, the lessons he’s learned as a leader, and the importance of staying true to your brand while evolving with your guests.

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

From overlooked to undeniable.

In this inspiring episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny sits down with Detroit Lions linebacker DaRon Gilbert to talk about his unlikely journey from Brother Rice High School to the NFL. An undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois, DaRon has navigated position changes, injuries, and the pressure of proving himself in one of the league’s most competitive locker rooms.

Together, they explore the power of perseverance, the coaches and mentors who helped shape DaRon’s mindset, and what it really takes to carve out a place in the NFL as an underdog. DaRon opens up about his time with Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, the locker room culture that fuels their success, and how he’s preparing for life beyond football with a degree in Business Administration and a commitment to personal growth.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone chasing your own comeback story, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the importance of auditing your circle.

Topics Covered:

• DaRon's high school and college football journey
• Life as an undrafted free agent in the NFL
• Overcoming injury and earning a second chance
• Culture inside the Lions’ locker room under Dan Campbell
• Lessons from coaches, teammates, and adversity
• Building financial habits and preparing for life after football

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: @officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: Manny Amezcua

Listen now and get inspired by a true Detroit underdog story.

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In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we're sitting down with 4 x NBA Champion Draymond Green.

Draymond has become a legend on the court, but his legacy off the court is growing swiftly.

He has a major goal of becoming a billionaire one day, and in this conversation, we touch on how exactly he plans to get to that point, and what other young athletes should focus on to surpass their wildest dreams.

0:00 - Intro

2:52 - Draymond Joins the Show

7:20 - Successful People Follow the Blue Print/Trust

13:51 - NIL, Wealth Traps, Saying No, Delayed Gratification, Home Ownership

21:28 - What Draymond Learned From Tom Izzo and Steve Kerr

29:00 - Draymond's Business Empire and What it Takes to Win in Any Industry

33:52 - Signs of a BAD Deal

37:10 - How Draymond Sets Goals

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At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua welcomes former Chicago Bear, speaker, and author Desmond Clark to the mic.

In this episode, Desmond shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Florida to becoming a standout receiver at Wake Forest and achieving a 12-year career in the NFL.

He opens up about the invaluable life lessons he learned from his coaches, including the transformative influence of Lovie Smith’s coaching style, and the sacrifices his mother made to support his dreams.

Desmond explores the concept of "giving it your all vs. simply winning," offering insights on defining success through personal excellence.

The conversation transitions to his post-NFL career as a motivational speaker and author, highlighting his book, Principles of Winning, and its powerful lessons for anyone striving to achieve greatness.

Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or dreamer, this episode will inspire you to make a conscious decision to pursue greatness and live a life of purpose and excellence.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny sits down with Charles L. Ruiz (AKA Charlie Ruiz), a leadership performance coach, keynote speaker, and former professional baseball player, to uncover the transformative power of presence in leadership and life. 

With a career spanning professional sports, the startup world, and leadership coaching, Charles has developed a unique approach that blends mindset, communication, and identity to help leaders perform at their highest potential.

From being drafted by the Colorado Rockies to guiding teams and individuals toward winning cultures, Charles shares his framework for presence through the pillars of Core, Community, Craft, and Creativity. 

He opens up about pivotal moments in his journey, including closing the chapter on his baseball career on his own terms, redefining the concept of success, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher.

Get in Touch with Charles:

https://www.clrconnection.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-ruiz/

https://www.instagram.com/charleslruiz/

Follow Manny:

https://www.instagram.com/officialmanuelamezcua/

https://linktr.ee/podium_podcast

Listeners will learn:

How to stack micro-wins to achieve lasting results.

The significance of auditing your "starting five" to maximize growth.

Why preparation and presence are key to performing in critical moments.

How to approach life with intentionality while you still have your health and loved ones.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, identity, and living with purpose. Tune in for actionable insights and an inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to execute with confidence.

0:00 - Intro

4:44 - The Importance of Presence and Charlie’s Childhood

7:26 - Committing to Baseball 100% and Transformational Moments

10:09 - Getting Drafted to the Colorado Rockies

11:14 - It’s Not About Luck, It’s About Stacking Micro Wins

16:50 - The Framework of Being Present (Core, Community, Craft, Creativity)

20:38 - Learning to Keep Score Differently (Reconstructing the Concept of Winning)

22:58 - Running an Identity Marathon

27:01 - Giving Up Baseball and Closing the Chapter on Your Own Terms

32:08 - You Need to Audit Your Circles to the People Who Lift You Up (Redefine Your Starting 5)

36:24 - If You Want to Go Far, Go Together and Go to the Door that is Open

41:31 - The Little Things Matter, Presence Matters

44:09 - Know Yourself and Know your Players (Get in touch with Charles)

48:17 - How Does Charles Want to Be Remembered?

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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

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

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

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!

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