Leah Gotti opens up about her transition from sports and entertainment into boxing, breaking down what it takes to prepare for a fight both physically and mentally. She shares her training mindset, the realities of stepping into the ring, and how discipline and instinct play a role in everything she does.

The conversation also dives into life outside the ring — from navigating social media and protecting your privacy, to her passion for cigars and the lifestyle around them. Leah talks about wellness, meditation, and her future plans in business, showing how she’s building something bigger than just fighting.

#FiveThingsPodcast #LeahGotti #Boxing #MMA

Mike VanBrill, a 3x NCAA qualifier and Big Ten medalist, breaks down the discipline it takes to compete at a high level in wrestling. From strict routines and weight management to staying locked in through close, grind-it-out matches, Mike explains how consistency and structure shaped his success on the mat.

He also dives into the mental side — visualization, gratitude, and finding flow state — and how those same principles carried over into business after his wrestling career. From Rutgers wrestling to entrepreneurship, this conversation shows how discipline isn’t just something you turn on for competition — it’s how you live every day.

#FiveThingsPodcast #MikeVanBrill #Wrestling #UFC #MMA

Martin Lopez shares his inspiring journey of resilience, overcoming a brutal car accident in his youth that left lasting physical challenges. He found refuge and strength in MMA, turning a traumatic experience into a lifelong passion. In this episode of the Five Things Podcast, Martin talks about how martial arts helped him rebuild his confidence, his mental and physical health, and how he now dedicates his life to helping others in similar situations.From the emotional hurdles of recovery to the discipline and focus of MMA, Martin reflects on the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, purpose, and giving back. This conversation is a testament to turning adversity into action, showing that obstacles don’t define you — your choices do.#FiveThingsPodcast #MartinLopez #MMA #Resilience #PersonalGrowth

UFC Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling opens up about his journey from a challenging childhood in Uniondale to becoming a top fighter in the UFC. He shares lessons on discipline, work ethic, and the power of delayed gratification, while drawing parallels between success in MMA and business.Aljo also dives into his entrepreneurial ventures, including his Funk Harbor Rum and Funkmaster Cigars by Triumph Cigars, and talks about how mentorship, positive relationships, and focus helped him navigate both the fight world and life beyond the cage. Whether you’re a fighter, an entrepreneur, or just looking for motivation, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.#FiveThingsPodcast #AljamainSterling #UFC #MMA #Entrepreneurship #Discipline #FunkmasterRum #Aljo #Podcast #Vegas

Nick Kalikas breaks down how a lifetime in martial arts turned into a career at the highest levels of MMA sports betting. From training at a young age to living in Costa Rica and setting betting lines, Nick explains how fight IQ, analytics, and film study shape the way he evaluates fights. He dives into how odds are created, how value is found in the market, and why understanding fighter psychology matters just as much as stats.The conversation also gets into the realities of betting — inconsistent judging, bankroll management, the mental side of gambling, and how betting can impact personal relationships. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories with fighters, thoughts on how MMA striking has evolved, and what separates smart bettors from emotional ones.

#FiveThingsPodcast #NickKalikas #UFC #MMA

Jason Link shares the unfiltered reality of military life — from growing up troubled and searching for direction, to serving in Delta Force and experiencing combat firsthand. He opens up about Black Hawk Down, the mental toll of war, and what it really takes to transition from the battlefield back to civilian life.

#FiveThingsPodcast #JasonLink #Military #DeltaForce #Veterans #MentalHealth

Ian Butler shares his journey from navigating a tough childhood to becoming a fighter, mentor, and entrepreneur with a mission. He breaks down how mentorship shaped his path, why discipline and hard work matter more than talent, and how the lessons from wrestling and MMA helped him push through adversity. Ian opens up about embracing failure, building a champion mindset, and using every setback as fuel for personal growth.

He also talks about the purpose behind his wrestling clubs — creating a space where kids can grow through structure, education, and community support. From business principles to life lessons to the importance of giving back, Ian’s story is all about resilience, responsibility, and using your experiences to lift others up.

#FiveThingsPodcast #IanButler #UFC #MMA

UFC fighter Ode Osbourne joins the show to talk mindset, discipline, and what it really takes to keep evolving in one of the toughest sports in the world. He breaks down training, staying healthy, recent UFC fights, and why loving the process matters more than anything else.Brian and Ode also share how Triumph Cigars came to life, the value of real relationships, and how fighters can use the UFC platform to build brands and opportunities beyond fighting. A conversation about growth, giving, and staying all-in on your plan.#FiveThingsPodcast #OdeOsbourne #UFC #MMA

Vince Morales opens up about the reality behind a decade in MMA — from starting his career later than most to pushing through constant injuries and using an 0–12 wrestling beginning as the foundation for his mental toughness. He talks about the support that kept him grounded, the influence of family, and how his bond with cousin and UFC fighter Ricky Simón shaped his growth inside and outside the cage.He also shares what life looks like beyond fighting — training and building a home with his wife, balancing personal goals with the demands of the sport, and thinking about the next chapter while still chasing big moments in MMA. At every step, Vince’s story comes back to the same mindset: keep showing up, keep working, and keep evolving.#FiveThingsPodcast #VinceMorales #UFC #MMA

In this episode, Phumi Nkuta opens up about the mindset, hunger, and discipline behind his undefeated rise in MMA. He talks about moving to Vegas for better training, learning to handle pressure, and why adversity is the true test of who you really are. Phumi shares how childhood experiences shaped his fighting spirit, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and what it takes to stay grateful and grounded while chasing the UFC dream. He also dives into the challenges of finding opponents, the mental game behind staying undefeated, and his interest in exploring both MMA and pro wrestling as he builds his future in combat sports.#FiveThingsPodcast #PhumiNkuta #UFC #MMA