Champ Up Chat

In this episode, Chris and Sarah run through the life of a young Chris Romulo— his family dynamics, coming of age hardships, and his first encounter with his love for martial arts. They will also delve into physical culture, the real fights in life, and nailing yourself down to a purpose.

• What it means to become uprising champions
• What it takes to battle internal struggles
• How to find your champion within.

Follow Chris Romulo on his social media:

Joe Fox is a former law enforcement professional turned life and leadership coach. He works with a wide range of people to help them forge strong and sustainable relationships and become leaders in their communities or industries.

Joe's eight count happened on September 11, 2001, when New York City was crippled by terrorist attacks. After he discovered that his nephew lost his life as a first responder, Joe felt the need not only to be there for his family, but be there for the dozens of other police officers and their families who lost someone that day. Unknowingly, Joe would have to use those same empathy skills 19 years later when another catastrophe crippled New York City--COVID-19.

• Joe Fox's website
• Joe Fox Facebook
• Joe Fox Instagram

Frances and Boom Watthanaya own and operate Wor. Watthana Gym in Northeastern Thailand, where they help at-risk youth in the village through Muay Thai. They opened the gym in 2014 and have been helping to educate, nourish, and care for kids of all ages in rural Thailand.

When Frances and Boom set out to open a Muay Thai gym for the poverty-stricken youth in their Northeastern Thailand village, they never expected to face such challenges from the very community they served. Find out how they answered their eight count when nearly all of their kids were pulled away from the gym for futureless endeavors.

• Wor. Watthana Gym's website
• Wor. Watthana Instagram
• Wor. Watthana Facebook

Jared Gordon is a lightweight mixed martial arts champion who has competed in the UFC, Duelo de Giagantes, and Cage Fury Fighting Championship. "Flash" also speaks out on addiction, recovery, and mental health.

Jared opens up about the moment at nine years old that led him to a life of addiction and how he overcame drug and alcohol abuse for a life of service to others. The lightweight fighter's story will leave you inspired to look inward, not outward, for the rewards of life.

• Jared Gordon's Website
• Jared Gordon UFC
• Jared Gordon Facebook
• Jared Gordon Instagram

Ryan Michler is the host of Order of Man, a podcast dedicated to helping men become better versions of themselves. He is also a husband, father to four children, and an Iraqi War Veteran. Ryan, who grew up without a father, knows all too well the side effects of growing up without a positive male role model in his life.

Ryan had just returned home from Iraq when he and his wife decided to get separated. After taking a long, hard look at himself, and claiming responsibility for his actions, Ryan did something that changed the direction of his separation – and his life – forever.

• Order of Man Website
• Order of Man Podcast
• Order of Man Instagram

Richie Hardcore is an educator, keynote speaker, and activist, working in violence prevention, masculinities, mental health, and wellness. He is also a retired multiple New Zealand Muay Thai champion who now works as a coach and personal trainer. He's helped some of New Zealand's most successful fighters achieve their goals. A relationship gone wrong led Richie down a dark hole of depression and medication. But through exercise and opening up about his mental health issues, the New Zealand native was able to overcome his Eight Count and help thousands of other young males navigate the murky waters of youth.

• Richie Hardcore Instagram
• Richie Hardcore Facebook
• Richie Hardcore's Website

Sean George is CIO at Strukturinvest. He's worked in the financial industry at Cantor Fitzgerald, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and more. He has also competed in Muay Thai and is an adventure enthusiast.

On 9/11, Sean watched two planes hit the World Trade Center towers. Despite holding on to hope, he ultimately knew he lost dozens of friends and coworkers. He told himself he'd never live another day without gratitude, created a bucket list, and did everything he ever wanted in honor of those who no longer could.

• Sean George LinkedIn

Larry Hagner is the host of The Dad Edge Podcast, a podcast dedicated to helping men become the best versions of themselves so they can raise the best versions of their children.

While packing for a move to a new house, Larry hit rock bottom as a dad when he lost his cool. What he did afterward made him turn inward for some deep introspection. And what came out of that was The Good Dad Project, and later, The Dad Edge Podcast. Larry breaks down some important must-do's for fathers, like winning the mornings and being transparent.

• The Good Dad Website
• The Dad Edge Podcast
• Larry Hagner's Instagram
• Larry Hagner's Facebook

Chris Wilson is an author, artist, and social advocate. At 17 years old Chris was found guilty of murder and charged with a life sentence. But once in prison, he began to formulate a Master Plan to rehabilitate himself. In prison, he began studying, mentoring others, and fighting for his freedom. At 32 years old he was released from prison and faced a new challenge--reacclimating himself to the world as a returning citizen.

Chris talks about the moments that led him to a destructive life on the streets, how he took responsibility for his life sentence, rehabilitated himself, and became a social advocate on the very same streets that almost took his life.

• Chris Wilson's Website
• Chris Wilson Instagram
• The Master Plan Book