Born or Made

Born or Made

By Larry DixEducationSelf-Improvement
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Born or Made episodes

  • Ep. 21 - From $500 to Entrepreneurial Success: Ashish Achlerkar's American Dream

    In this inspiring episode of Born or Made, we sit down with Ashish Achlerkar, the visionary Founder and Chairman of NearU Services. Ashish shares his riveting journey from arriving in America with just $500 to his pocket, to becoming a titan in the business world. We delve into the pivotal moments of his career, from his early days in investment banking to the creation of a successful tech-driven company. Ashish also opens up about founding the Achlerkar Foundation and his deep commitment to philanthropy. Join us as we explore whether Ashish’s path to success was a product of his inherent traits or the experiences that shaped him, offering insights and inspiration for every aspiring entrepreneur.

    51 min
  • Ep. 20 - Brushstrokes of Resilience: John Bukaty on Art, Recovery, and Live Painting Legends

    John Bukaty
    Visionary Live Painter | Inspirational Art Educator | Dynamic Creative Speaker | Writer

    John Bukaty is a pioneering American live painter, inspirational art educator, and dynamic creative speaker. Beginning his career over two decades ago in Kansas City, Bukaty has captured live band performances on canvas and expanded his artistic reach globally, engaging in diverse media such as sculpture, poetry, and apparel. He is celebrated for his unique ability to capture the essence of live events, having been commissioned for the NFL Super Bowl, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, and more.

    Beyond his art, Bukaty leverages his influence to support numerous charities, raising substantial funds for organizations like the YMCA and the American Cancer Society. He is a regular at Paul Rudd’s Big Slick charity event, supporting the Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City. Bukaty also dedicates time to teaching art to students of all ages, emphasizing the transformative impact of art on communities.

    His work is collected by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and has been featured in prestigious venues such as the Denver Art Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Bukaty's journey through trauma and addiction has fueled his creative passion, leading him to paint in iconic locations like the Taj Mahal and the Vatican. His life and work are a testament to the power of art to connect and enrich communities globally.

    49 min
  • Ep. 19 - Rodrigo Mendes

    Professor Mendes started practicing BJJ in the early 1990’s in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. He received his black belt in 2004 and is currently a 5th degree black belt and certified instructor under the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation)

    Professor Mendes has been teaching BJJ since he was a blue belt in the mid-nineties and is a decorated competitor on the Local, National, and International BJJ scene.

    He is also a certified IBJJF/USBJJF referee and has refereed for competitions nationally & internationally since 2004.

    https://rmbjjacademy.com/

    50 min
  • Ep. 18 - Rachel Reilly Villegas

    In this episode of the Born or Made podcast, we sit down with Rachel Reilly Villegas, a dynamic personality whose life has taken her from the lab as a chemistry graduate to the spotlight on reality TV. Rachel shares her incredible journey, including her unexpected entry into the world of reality television through Big Brother, her experiences as a bikini model, and how she transitioned into casting and production. Along the way, she reflects on the value of seizing opportunities, building confidence, and balancing a fast-paced career with family life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptability, and following your heart.

    43 min
  • Ep. 17 - Dr Alexander Paziotopoulos, MD

    Alexander Paziotopoulos, MD, FAARFM takes a solution-based approach to healing the physical, mental, and emotional health of his patients at The Pazio Institute in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. As a specialist in anti-aging, regenerative, and functional medicine, Dr. Paziotopoulos incorporates a variety of disciplines into his practice to ensure individuals enjoy a long and happy life. He values building the long-term relationships which are necessary to co-create a roadmap for longevity and good health.

    As a fellowship-trained physician, Dr. Paziotopoulos has experience in addressing numerous health issues with the most innovative treatment options. However, he puts focus on the most advanced preventive methods available to slow down (or even reverse) the progress of aging. Dr. Paziotopoulos is as committed to his preventive medicine programs as his patients are, dedicating his time to ensure the highest-quality results.

    After receiving his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in the Cayman Islands, Dr. Paziotopoulos finished his residencies in family practice at Mercer University and the Medical Center of Central Georgia, both in Macon, Georgia. Dr. Paziotopoulos continued his education by completing a fellowship in anti-aging, regenerative, and functional medicine at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He also achieved an advanced fellowship in stem cell therapeutics through the Metabolic Medical Institute, with the vision to improve the quality and length of life of his patients.


    While anti-aging and age reversal medicine isn’t inexpensive and does require a time commitment of a year minimum, the results Dr. Paziotopoulos can provide are priceless. With each therapy, he dedicates quality time working closely with each patient’s program to achieve optimum results. Dr. Paziotopoulos offers comprehensive annual health optimization packages with optional additional services to accommodate individual needs and goals.

    When not working with his patients, Dr. Paziotopoulos practices Ashtanga yoga and Shaolin kung fu, two practices that help him maintain his own state of health and vibrancy.

    56 min
  • Ep. 16 - Jack Daly
    Jack Daly is the owner and CEO of TRX®, the market leader in Suspension
    Training—the iconic black and yellow straps in gyms and homes. Founded by former SEAL Team Six squadron commander Randy Hetrick, TRX has certified over 300,000 trainers and is trusted by pro athletes, pro trainers, and physical therapists, with a loyal community of millions of fitness enthusiasts around the world.

    Jack is the Managing Partner of JFXD Capital LLC, a private investment firm based in Delray Beach, Florida. Leveraging decades of global investment experience, the firm partners with innovative business leaders investing across the consumer, industrial, health/wellness, and business services sectors, often alongside unique founders building companies with special cultures and the ability to impact the world in a positive way. He also serves as a Senior Advisor to New North Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund investing in teams who advance innovation (AI, cyber, and critical infrastructure) in the national interest.

    Prior to establishing JFXD Capital and acquiring TRX in 2022, Jack was a Partner at TPG Capital based in San Francisco, where he led TPG’s control investments in Industrials and Services. Prior to joining TPG in 2016, Jack served as a Partner at Goldman Sachs & Co. as the Head of Industrials Private Equity in the Americas. Prior to his seventeen years at Goldman Sachs, he spent six years on the faculty of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) teaching classes on product development, design, and manufacturing. He also briefly served as a Visiting Professor at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Jack has served on a number of private, public, and non-profit boards of directors and currently serves on the boards of TRX, Newlight Technologies, and the Navy SEAL Foundation (Treasurer). Jack received BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering from CWRU and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
    50 min
  • Ep. 15 - Elizabeth White
    Elizabeth White is the visionary founder of Freedom2o, a movement designed to empower individuals to express their voices freely in an increasingly polarized world. Inspired while watching a Republican debate from her couch in South Florida, Elizabeth recognized a disconnect between the leaders consuming mainstream products and the ideals they represent. She famously remarked, “If Kevin McCarthy drank Freedom, I think he would still be Speaker of the House,” highlighting her belief in the power of brand alignment with values.
    Freedom2o is branded as “The unapologetic water,” featuring a slogan—“Speak your thirst, Protect the First”—that captures its mission to champion free speech and encourage bold conversations. The product is not just about hydration; it symbolizes a commitment to safeguarding the foundational principles of freedom in America. As Elizabeth states, “The freedom that protects one person’s speech is the same freedom that protects those who disagree.”
    Residing in Palm Beach County, Elizabeth is passionate about fostering understanding and bridging divides through dialogue. Freedom2o aims to inspire a nationwide movement where individuals can think freely, speak freely, and act freely—reminding everyone that most rights once started as unpopular opinions.
    Join Elizabeth in making your voice heard and taking action today with Freedom2o™—where hydration meets empowerment.
    58 min
  • Ep. 14 - Ryan O'Pray
    Ryan "Ryno" Opray is best known as a contestant from Survivor: Pearl Islands, where he competed as a member of the ill-fated Morgan tribe. His journey took a dramatic turn, leading to a swift exit as the biggest physical threat remaining in his tribe. He placed 9th overall, becoming the first member of the jury.

    In addition to his time on Survivor, Ryan showcased his adventurous spirit on World's Toughest Race: Fiji and Bear Grylls on Amazon, further proving his resilience and determination in challenging environments.

    Born in Redwood City, California, Ryan currently resides in South Florida with his two beloved puppies. An entrepreneur at heart, he has a passion for flipping houses and working on motorcycles. His love for bikes extends beyond repairs—he enjoys riding as a way to relax and meditate.

    Ryan’s educational background includes attending West Valley Junior College in Saratoga, California, followed by the Local 332 Joint Apprenticeship Training School in San Jose, California, where he trained as an electrician. His hobbies include motocross and weight lifting, reflecting his active lifestyle.

    Describing himself as funny, aggressive, clever, adaptable, and a hard worker, Ryan embodies the spirit of resilience and determination both on and off the screen. Whether he's tackling a new business venture or riding through the open roads, Ryan continues to embrace life with energy and enthusiasm.
    46 min
  • Ep.13 - Mike Sherrard
    Mike Sherrard is a former professional football player who played as a wide receiver in the NFL. His career included stints with the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft. Currently, he serves as the Treasurer at the NFL Alumni Association of Southern California.
    50 min
  • Ep. 12 - Michael Potapow
    Michael G. Potapow, Jr. is a McDonald's franchisee with 11 stores across North Florida. A Gainesville, Florida native and University of Florida graduate, Michael is also a dedicated husband and father of three. Beyond his franchise success, he’s an avid pilot, competitive shooter, and angler. Michael is a board member and former President of The Gainesville Ronald McDonald House and the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. With a commitment to treating customers like family and leaving a positive impact on his community, Michael lives by the motto, “Embrace every minute and squeeze every drop out of life.”
    57 min

About Born or Made

From the publisher's feed

The "Born or Made" podcast aims to interview top entrepreneurs to uncover the secrets behind their success and inspire listeners to reach their fullest potential. By delving into the stories of accomplished entrepreneurs, the podcast seeks to provide valuable insights, strategies, and lessons that listeners can apply to their own journeys.