In this episode of Fireside America, Ryan Robbins sits down with Pat Miller — a powerhouse in commercial construction, Amazon bestselling author, and widow-turned-entrepreneur — to tell the raw and powerful story behind her rise in a male-dominated industry.

Pat shares how she went from building some of the most well-known landmarks in Brick Township, NJ, alongside her late husband Ray, to facing a devastating personal loss, financial ruin, and a corrupt insurance battle — and still managing to rebuild her business bigger than ever. With sharp wit and unfiltered honesty, Pat discusses union politics, what it’s like being a woman on job sites, and how the trauma of her childhood gave her the resilience to carry on.

This episode covers:

• What it’s like to lose a spouse and run the business alone

• The harsh truth about insurance companies and widow benefits

• Rebuilding multi-million dollar contracts from the ground up

• Being a woman in commercial construction

• How trauma from childhood can shape your grit as an adult

• Integrity, reputation, and hard-earned trust in business

• Stories from the job site — from cat porn to lawsuits

• Mentorship for women and why more young girls need to consider the trades

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, business owner, widow, or young woman breaking into male-dominated industries, this episode will remind you that life may knock you down — but you can always build back stronger.

Timestamps

0:00 – The Toughness You Can’t Teach: Pat’s Early Life & Values

5:15 – Growing Up in Old Bridge, Keg Parties & High Honors

10:45 – Losing Her Husband & Carrying the Business Alone

14:20 – Building Brick Township: Krispy Kreme, Best Buy & Home Depot

18:30 – $186 Widow’s Benefit: What Unions Don’t Tell You

22:00 – Lawsuit Nightmare: When Insurance Won’t Defend You

26:40 – Starting with $100 and a Layoff Check

31:05 – Raising Two Boys, Running a Company & Reinvesting in Tools

35:10 – Being a Woman on Construction Sites: Proving Them Wrong

42:20 – Mentorship, Vocational School Visits & Calling for More Tradeswomen

48:00 – Life After Loss: Grief, Gratitude, and The Filing Cabinet Mentality

55:00 – Final Wisdom on Integrity, Self-Awareness & Owning Who You Are

Tags:

Pat Miller, women in construction, commercial contractor, rebuilding after loss, widow entrepreneur, Brick Township NJ, construction industry, union politics, integrity in business, female leadership, mentorship for women, commercial real estate, grief recovery, business after spouse death, insurance battle, lawsuit survival, New Jersey builder, inspirational women, jobsite stories, blue collar success, women in trades, Amazon best seller, overcoming trauma, Fireside America podcast

In this powerful episode of Fireside America, host Ryan Robbins sits down with Dr. Mike, a former hospital physician turned health entrepreneur, to expose what’s really going on behind the scenes in American medicine. From testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to vaccines, COVID hospital protocols, and why traditional healthcare is failing patients, Dr. Mike offers unfiltered insight based on real experience — not big pharma scripts.You’ll hear why Dr. Mike walked away from hospital medicine during the pandemic, how hormone imbalances are impacting both men and women, and why TRT is far more than a bodybuilder’s shortcut — it’s a lifeline for those battling fatigue, low libido, brain fog, and aging. Plus, we cover obesity, Ozempic, insulin resistance, and how Dr. Mike is disrupting the wellness space with his hormone-focused franchise model and AI-powered gym.If you’re interested in testosterone therapy, menopause solutions, natural medicine, vaccine controversy, COVID fallout, or functional health — this is an episode you can’t miss.Timestamps 1. 00:00 – Can women go on TRT? 2. 00:53 – Dr. Mike’s unfiltered thoughts on testosterone for everyone 3. 02:05 – Childhood & medical journey from Long Island to Jersey 4. 04:34 – Failing out of college to finishing med school 5. 07:01 – Working in hospitals vs. starting his own clinic 6. 09:45 – COVID truth: What Dr. Mike saw in the ICU 7. 13:00 – Thoughts on mRNA vaccines & what doctors couldn’t say 8. 17:52 – The moment Dr. Mike said: “I’m out. I’m opening my own” 9. 23:00 – Why hormone replacement therapy can change your life 10. 27:15 – TRT myths vs. facts: Cancer, blood pressure, and heart risks 11. 32:01 – Why traditional health care won’t change 12. 44:45 – Launching a gym & hormone franchiseSocials:Ryan Robbins : https://www.instagram.com/ryandrobbins/Dr. Mike Ellis:https://www.instagram.com/dr.mike_do/https://www.instagram.com/nulift_fitness/https://www.instagram.com/keepglowingmedicalspa/Websites:keepglowingmedicalspa.comnuliftfitness.com

In this gripping episode of Fireside America, Ryan Robbins sits down with insurance industry renegade Rick J. Lindsey, the CEO of XINSURANCE and Prime Insurance Company, to expose the hard truth about how America’s insurance system is failing its policyholders. With over four decades in the industry, Rick unpacks what makes him one of the most disruptive and effective figures in high-risk insurance today.

From helicopter ski guides and truckers to high-net-worth homeowners and celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Rick Lindsey has built his career around saying yes to clients the big-box insurance carriers walk away from. He doesn’t just issue policies—he partners with his insureds and goes to war with them when the legal system comes knocking.

In this raw and no-nonsense conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why most home, auto, and commercial policies are “cans of corn”—mass-produced, one-size-fits-all products that collapse when you file a serious claim

• Why traditional insurance companies hide behind fine print, deductibles, and third-party adjusters

• How Rick uses real risk-sharing to align with clients—and why XINSURANCE will fight in court when others fold

• The truth behind multi-million-dollar claims, personal guarantees, and the internal dysfunction of most carriers

• What it takes to build a $500M insurance company from scratch

• Why deductibles are outdated and dangerous for business owners, athletes, entertainers, and real estate investors alike

• How the legal system weaponizes weak insurance policies against entrepreneurs—and how to defend yourself

• Why buyers need to stop shopping on price and start asking: “Will this partner show up on my worst day?”

Rick also shares behind-the-scenes stories of going to the Supreme Court, refusing to settle frivolous lawsuits, and how he handles over $30 million in active litigation. This episode is a must-watch for business owners, risk managers, and anyone who wants to protect their assets, reputation, and future.

If you’re searching for custom liability insurance, personal risk management, alternative business insurance, or insight from a real insurance CEO—this episode is packed with real-world takeaways.

👉 Learn why XINSURANCE isn’t just another policy—it’s a partnership built for when shit hits the fan.

Timestamps:

Entrepreneur & designer Lauren Farrell built a spirits label no one can ignore—Jooicy Tits Vodka—and funnels a portion of every bottle toward breast‑cancer support. In Episode 116, she sits down with Ryan to unpack naming a brand that pops, bootstrapping distribution, battling industry “mafias,” and why failure is the fastest teacher.Lauren’s business spark began in college when a single shot of Fireball made her blurt out, “They need the opposite—Juicy Tits!” Eight years (and countless requests for merch) later she turned the joke into a registered trademark, a patent‑pending bottle design, and a cause‑driven vodka that donates to Move Over Breast Cancer and Mary’s Place by the Sea. She explains how growing up with supportive parents and grandparents—and five childhood leg surgeries that landed her in Children’s Specialized Hospital—shaped her resilience and marketing flair.But grabbing attention is only step one. Lauren details creating her own New Jersey distribution company to stay nimble, the realities of dealing with big‑box liquor distributors, guerrilla tactics like branded bar mats and local billboards (minus the word “tits!”), and why every consumer who asks for her product helps crack new accounts. The conversation is packed with actionable advice on raising seed money, chunking giant goals into daily baby steps, and keeping brand values—kindness, patriotism, and fun—front and center.TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Fireball shot → “Jooicy Tits” name05:00 – Childhood surgeries & Children’s Specialized Hospital10:00 – From joke to trademark: 8‑year validation loop14:00 – Parents’ seed investment & first 3,024‑bottle run18:00 – Fear vs. growth for founders23:00 – Breast‑cancer partnerships & giving back27:00 – Fighting distributor “mafias” + DIY distribution30:00 – Marketing tactics: bar mats, billboards, tastings32:00 – The last “Greatest Generation” & American pride35:00 – Advice: fail fast, act now, nurture kids’ creativityTry the Vodka, Support the Cause– Ask for Juicy Tits Vodka at your local liquor store or order direct‑to‑door in 47 states at juicytitsvodka.com.Party for a Purpose– Learn how Move Over Breast Cancer and Mary’s Place by the Sea empower women in treatment—and donate if you can.Subscribe to Fireside America– Hit that subscribe button for more raw founder stories and share this episode with the boldest marketer you know.Socials:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ryandrobbins/https://www.instagram.com/jooicytitsvodka/

In Episode 115, Ryan Robbins welcomes Gabby Brehm and Carly Decker, two determined young women who overcame life-altering neurological injuries as teens. Gabby collapsed at a middle-school track practice and awoke to discover a ruptured brain aneurysm, while Carly’s unexplained numbness progressed into a rare spinal cord issue triggered by a B12 deficiency. Both share how they worked tirelessly at Children’s Specialized Hospital to regain mobility and independence—proof that with the right care, community, and unshakable resolve, you can transform any setback into possibility.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thirteen-year-old Gabby was a top athlete, thrilled to be running track and excelling in travel soccer—until her left side suddenly went numb on the field. In a matter of hours, an arterial venous malformation (AVM) in her brain revealed itself, forcing emergency surgery. Across the state, 19-year-old Carly was preparing for her sophomore year of college when a hidden B12 deficiency and exposure to volcanic springs led to a non-traumatic spinal cord injury. Doctors struggled to find answers as Carly gradually lost sensation from her waist down.Their paths converged at Children’s Specialized Hospital, where both young women encountered a vibrant culture of hope, cutting-edge therapies, and unwavering staff support that helped them walk and dream again. Now, as champion ambassadors for the hospital, Gabby and Carly continue to share their journeys—showing that with sheer perseverance and a network of caring professionals, anyone can overcome the impossible. This conversation will motivate you to see challenges in a new light and remind you that one day, you too can pay it forward.

Time Stamps

00:00 – Introductions & Background

05:00 – Gabby’s Brain Aneurysm at 13

10:00 – Carly’s Mysterious Numbness & Diagnosis

15:00 – Emergency Surgeries & Hospital Stays

20:00 – Arriving at Children’s Specialized Hospital

30:00 – Physical & Occupational Therapy Stories

35:00 – Transitioning Home, Overcoming Setbacks

40:00 – Moving Forward: Ambassadorship & Careers

45:00 – Advice for Others Facing Major Life Changes

50:00 – Final Reflections & Gratitude

Like & Subscribe

• Enjoyed hearing Gabby & Carly’s inspirational journeys? Hit that like button and subscribe to Fireside America for more real stories on resilience and perseverance.Comment Below

• If you or someone you know has been impacted by a serious medical challenge, share your thoughts or words of support in the comments.Learn About Children’s Specialized Hospital

• Visit ChildrensSpecialized.org to see how you can support life-changing care for children with complex medical needs.Connect on Social

• Follow Ryan and Fireside America to stay updated on future episodes, and follow Gabby & Carly’s progress as they continue to advocate for others.

Chris Boyd’s world turned upside down when his daughter Amaya was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after suffering multiple strokes as a newborn. Unable to walk or speak, Amaya’s bright smile and laughter continue to bring hope to Chris and everyone around her. Despite the pain, setbacks, and financial obstacles tied to special-needs equipment and care, Chris remains determined to give his daughter the best life possible.In this in-depth conversation, Chris opens up about learning to accept daily hardships, the emotional toll of feeling “stuck,” and how crucial it is to find purpose in helping others. Now aiming to start a foundation named “Amaya’s Smiles for Miles,” Chris hopes to assist single parents with the rising costs of therapy and specialized gear. Through tears, laughter, and raw honesty, Chris proves that even the toughest circumstances can spark a transformative new beginning.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introductions05:00 – A Father’s Worst Day10:00 – The Early Diagnosis15:00 – Embracing Daily Challenges20:00 – Mental Health Struggles25:00 – Support Systems & Special Education30:00 – Shifting Mindsets & Finding Purpose35:00 – Plans for Amaya’s Foundation40:00 – Hard Lessons on Fatherhood45:00 – Final Words of HopeIf your are struggling parent reach out here:https://ladacin.org/SocialsInstagram:Ryan Robbinshttps://www.instagram.com/ryandrobbins/?hl=enChris Boydhttps://www.instagram.com/c_boyd27/

Dr. TJ Abrams was never the perfect student. From struggling in high school to leaving college early, he found his stride through personal training and supplement shops. In this candid conversation, TJ shares the moment he discovered chiropractic, why he refused to settle for a safe career, and the pivotal mentors who shaped his thinking. He also delves into the challenges of juggling restaurant shifts, acing board exams, and working through confidence hurdles before finally opening Essential Spine & Wellness.Whether you’re an aspiring chiropractor, a first-time entrepreneur, or simply curious about how to break free from the 9-to-5 grind, TJ’s story offers practical insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn about handling criticism, trusting your instincts, and staying committed to putting patients first—even when it means referring them elsewhere. TJ proves that with the right mix of passion and perseverance, anyone can build a practice—and a life—they truly love.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction05:00 – Low GPA Reality10:00 – Discovering Chiropractic15:00 – Juggling Work20:00 – First Chiropractic Job25:00 – Overcoming Confidence30:00 – Launching Practice35:00 – Building Patient Base40:00 – Unique Challenges45:00 – Final AdviceSocials:📲 Instagram: @ryandrobbins  📲 Guest: @dr.tj_abramsAPPLY TO BE A GUEST!: https://ryandrobbins.com/fireside-chats/MORE LINKS: https://linktr.ee/ryanrobbinsWATCH MORE HERE ↓https://youtu.be/z3yfM44BOFg?si=r0JyCOAaT8ALf64x#Entrepreneurship #Mindset #BusinessGrowth #Success #Motivation #FiresideChat

In Episode 112 of the Fireside America Podcast, Ryan welcomes Scott Presler, a dedicated patriot and self-proclaimed “Florida man” who has traveled across the country to help turn traditionally blue strongholds into winnable battlegrounds. From his start in Texas politics to his groundbreaking efforts with Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Scott has carved out a unique space as an energizing force for conservative voter registration. He believes that showing up in every community—no matter how “blue” it might seem—is the key to empowering people to vote their values.Throughout this lively conversation, Scott lays out why New Jersey, a state often dismissed as solidly blue, has all the ingredients needed for a conservative upset. From focusing on property taxes and religious freedom to attracting gun owners and minority communities, his plan centers on engagement rather than fear. Scott also opens up about his personal journey, how to unify various demographic groups, and why strong turnout during the closed primaries is critical for success in November 2025. If you’ve ever questioned your ability to make a political impact, this episode will change your mind.Time Stamps00:00 – Intro & Scott Presler’s Journey01:07 – Why NJ is Ready to Flip Red02:16 – Growing Up in Florida & Military Family Influence04:39 – From Dog-Walking to Politics: Scott’s Early Days05:55 – Teaching in Diverse Communities & Lessons Learned07:44 – Engaging Amish Voters & Religious Freedom10:12 – Gay Conservative? Overcoming Labels & Fearmongering13:18 – “Globalist vs. America First” Republicans16:25 – Activating Non-Voters & Closed Primaries19:02 – Registering Gun Owners & Churches22:41 – Building Political Momentum & Local Races26:28 – The “Weak Men Create Hard Times” Cycle29:16 – Advice for Young Activists & Learning From Failure31:25 – Call to Action: How to Register & Vote32:31 – Wrap-Up & Future PlansHelp Turn NEW JERSEY RED: 1. Check Your Voter Status: • New Jersey residents can go to the state’s official site (or Google “New Jersey voter registration lookup”) to confirm your address and party affiliation. 2. Register as a Republican (If Aligned): • New Jersey is a closed primary state—choose a party to vote in primaries. 3. Support Early Vote Action: • Visit EarlyVoteAction.com to learn more about Scott’s work, donate, and volunteer. 4. Subscribe & Share: • If you enjoyed this conversation, like, share, and subscribe to Fireside America to stay updated on future episodes.Socials: • Ryan Robbins / Fireside America: • @ryandrobbins • Scott Presler / Early Vote Action: • earlyvoteaction.com • X/IG: @ScottPresler

Description

In this episode of the Fireside America Podcast (Ep. 111), Ryan sits down with Paul from PDR, an accomplished architect and entrepreneur who leveraged social media to evolve his firm and reach new clients. They discuss growing up in Freehold, how a friend’s tragic loss influenced Paul’s perspectives on work–life balance, and how he launched his architecture business in 2008 during a challenging economic climate.

Paul explains why social media became a game-changer for direct-to-consumer marketing, how he scaled a team from three employees to a thriving operation, and the importance of mentoring young talent to fuel sustainable growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this honest conversation covers scaling, trusting your network, learning from failures, and creating an abundance mindset that pays off.

Like and subscribe for more deep-dive discussions about building successful ventures, finding balance, and innovating with digital platforms. Visit PDRDesigns.com to learn more about Paul’s projects, and follow Ryan on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Share your favorite part in the comments, and let us know how you’re using social media to grow your own goals.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and setting the scene

3:22 Surrounding yourself with winners

6:16 College tragedy and finding balance

8:09 Leaving a firm to start a business

11:46 Bootstrapping and early struggles

15:18 Balancing family and entrepreneurship

20:15 The power of giving and paying it forward

24:15 Mentoring the next generation

29:01 Social media as a business game-changer

32:10 Closing thoughts and encouragement

Socials:

📲 Instagram:@Ryandrobbins

📲 Guest: @pdrdesigns

#Entrepreneurship #Mindset #BusinessGrowth #Success #Motivation #FiresideChat

In this powerful episode of the Fireside America Podcast, host Ryan Robbins sits down with Drew and his wife—a SWAT officer and a schoolteacher—who share a deeply personal story about their son, Salvatore. A young police officer in New Jersey, Salvatore answered a frantic 911 call that led to a fatal encounter with a reportedly armed homeowner. Initially cleared by the Attorney General’s shooting response team, he was later indicted nearly two years after the incident, when a new AG administration reopened the case.

Drawing upon bodycam footage, the homeowner’s 911 call, and statements from the family, Drew and his wife shed light on the critical evidence that was withheld from the grand jury—evidence suggesting Salvatore acted within the bounds of reasonable force.What unfolds is a broader discussion of how political climates, media narratives, and changing leadership can thrust law enforcement officers into legal jeopardy—sometimes without all the facts.

With Salvatore now fighting for his freedom and future, his parents bring a passionate plea for transparency, accountability, and support for police who find themselves in impossible, life-threatening situations. Whether you’re a member of law enforcement, a concerned citizen, or simply an advocate for civil liberties, this episode offers an unfiltered look at how swiftly lives can be upended in the line of duty—and why this case has implications for all Americans.

Timestamps:

• (0:00) Who Is Salvatore?– His lifelong dream to be a “cop’s cop” and how he dedicated himself to training.

• (06:00) The Night of the Incident– A frantic 911 call, a homeowner with a gun, and the split-second decision no officer wants to make.

• (15:00) The Aftermath– Attorney General’s initial clearance vs. new AG reopening the case.

• (23:00) Potential ‘Suicide by Cop’?– Evidence and statements from the ex-wife suggesting the homeowner had a history of suicidal behavior.

• (30:00) The Indictment & Grand Jury– How critical evidence was reportedly withheld, leading to a controversial indictment. • (37:00) Personal Toll on Salvatore– Losing income, benefits, and the emotional weight on his young family.

• (45:00) Larger Issue: Policing Under Fire– Why this case sets a dangerous precedent for all law enforcement.

• (55:00) Parents’ Plea to the AG– “Look at the facts, not the feelings,” and do what’s right.

• (1:05:00) Ways You Can Help– Legal defense fund link, how to contact legislators, and raising awareness.

• (1:10:00) Final Thoughts– Restoring respect for police and the fight for freedom in America.

Instagram:

IG: @Ryandrobbins

IG: @bricci0304

Support for SalvatoreOldrati:

https://www.givesendgo.com/SupportforCplOldrati

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