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.

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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?

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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!

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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