How do you go from being the most feared linebacker in the NFL to building a combat sports dynasty? In this episode of Green Room Radio, Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman joins the crew to share his incredible journey from the tough streets of Maryland to NFL stardom and his evolution into the CEO of Lights Out Extreme Fighting (LXF).

Shawne gets raw about the "identity crisis" many athletes face during retirement, the grit required to build a brand from scratch, and why resilience is the ultimate competitive advantage. Whether you're a football fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or looking for a blueprint for success, this conversation is packed with "Lights Out" wisdom.

If you like this podcast, be sure to subscribe to the channel here:

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 Shawne Merriman "Mr. Lights Out"

00:01:23 Early Career

00:03:42 Getting into Shape to Play

00:04:56 Where To Play?

00:07:38 The Politics of NFL

00:12:21 The NFL "Check List"

00:15:32 Shawne Merriman Friends in NFL

00:16:36 Dealing with Injuries

00:19:10 Financial Literacy In NFL

00:22:33 Wealth, Friends and Growth

00:25:41 Investing

00:28:34 UFC

00:32:00 Endorsement vs. Ownership

00:35:48 Lights Out Fighting

00:40:35 Fighters Personalities Matter

00:43:02 UFC vs NFL

00:45:55 How To Grow A Business

00:49:09 Fighter Pay

00:51:30 Why Create Lights Out?

00:54:14 Shawne Merriman Down Time

00:56:43 Realistic Expectation and Success

01:03:23 Shawne Merriman Legacy

Episode 136 - Mobius came from a dream, and it’s a journey that blends music, technology, and creativity. In this episode, the Green Room Crew dives deep into the fascinating world of Mobius, the innovative DJ whose instrument combines lasers and sound. Our guest shares how he transformed a dream into a reality, creating a unique experience that captivates audiences. From his early days in music to the incredible performances he’s delivered, Mobius is not just about the visuals; it’s about the connection to the audience and the magic of live music. Join us as we explore the evolution of this groundbreaking project and what the future holds for Mobius. Get ready to be inspired and amazed by the power of creativity and passion!

Episode 135 - The Green Room Crew sits down with one of their most interesting guests yet - Damion "Damizza" Young!

Ranked number 4 in The Source Magazine's "Power 30 List" representing the music industry's most influential power players, Damizza has had a long, storied, and fascinating career.  From being the program director of "Power 106" (the most influential radio station in LA), to being on the front lines of the East Coast/West Coast feud, to being the man responsible for reuniting Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, to discovering Eminem, and bearing witness to the deaths of 2Pac and Biggie, Damizza shares some unforgettable stories about his time in the music industry.

But even more interesting are his no-holds-barred insights into how the music industry operates, the impact of A.I. and streaming, and how artists consistently get screwed over (and sometimes killed) by the major record labels.

If you are a fan of hip-hop history, or you are fascinated by the business behind the music industry, this is an episode you definitely won't want to miss out on!

Welcome to the world of boxing with the one and only John "Candyman" Easter! In this episode, the Green Room Crew dives deep into his incredible journey from a kid who dropped out of school to pursue his dreams in the ring to becoming Floyd Mayweather's protégé. With a unique background and a passion for the sport, Candyman shares his experiences, including training with legends and overcoming challenges. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and discipline, proving that anyone can achieve greatness with the right mindset. Whether you're a boxing fan or just looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from a rising star in the boxing world!

Join the Green Room crew as they dive into the incredible journey of UFC fighter Ode Osborne. From his humble beginnings in Jamaica to becoming a standout in the Flyweight division, Ode shares his experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the world of mixed martial arts. He opens up about the sacrifices he's made, the discipline required, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a fighter. Ode's story is not just about fighting; it's about resilience, determination, and the pursuit of greatness. Whether you're a fan of the sport or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation!

Episode 132 - The Green Room crew dives into the wild world of pranks and unexpected adventures in this episode with the hilarious White Dolemite, who shared his journey from being a young dad to becoming a viral sensation.

The group discusses everything from White Dolemite's early days of parenting at just 15 years old to the crazy pranks he pulls on unsuspecting victims. You won't believe the stories he has, including his encounters with celebrities and the wild reactions he gets! The crew also touches on the challenges of being a content creator and how White Dolemite navigates the ups and downs of social media fame. 

If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes of prank culture and want to hear some outrageous tales, this episode is for you! Join us as we explore the fun, the fear, and the desire that comes with living life on the edge of comedy.

Today, the Green Room crew dive into the fascinating world of pole fitness with their special guest, Ms. Fawnia Mondey. As the world's first pole instructor, she shares her incredible journey from Canada to Las Vegas, where she transformed a taboo art into a celebrated fitness phenomenon. Discover how she started teaching pole dancing and the evolution of the sport over the years. From the challenges of being a pioneer in the industry to the fun and empowering experiences at her studio, Fawnia's story is both inspiring and eye-opening. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just curious about pole fitness, this episode has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the strength, artistry, and community behind pole dancing!

Episode 130 - TikTok Food Blogging Superstar Brandon From Vegas (aka Brandon Johnson) joins the Green Room crew in studio! In this episode, the crew dives deep into the vibrant world of Las Vegas, exploring everything from the hottest restaurants to the secrets of the nightlife. Brandon shares his experiences, revealing how the pandemic has changed the landscape of dining and entertainment in the city. They discuss the rise of social media influencers and how they shape the food scene, as well as the challenges faced by local businesses. Plus, Brandon shares some insights into real estate that every entrepreneur should know! Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode is packed with insights that will enhance your Vegas experience. Don't miss out on the fun and excitement as we navigate the ever-evolving city of Las Vegas!

Episode 129 - In this episode, the Green Room crew dives deep into the world of podcasting with our special guest, Jeff Fargo. He shares his incredible journey of reaching over 11 million people in just one month! From the challenges of finding the right guests to the secrets of creating engaging content, Jeff reveals it all. He emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and how to build a successful podcast without compromising your values. If you're looking to grow your audience and make meaningful conversations, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that could change your podcasting game forever!

Episode 128 - Welcome to the world of Savannah Storm, where the journey from adult actress to real estate mogul unfolds. In this captivating episode, Savannah shares her incredible story, starting from her humble beginnings in Las Vegas to becoming a successful entrepreneur. 

She dives deep into her experiences in the adult industry, revealing the challenges and triumphs that shaped her along the way. Savannah discusses the importance of financial literacy, the pitfalls of living paycheck to paycheck, and how she turned her life around by investing in real estate. 

With a wealth of knowledge and a fierce determination, she inspires others to take control of their financial futures. Whether you're curious about the adult industry, real estate, or simply looking for motivation to pursue your dreams, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 

Join the Green Room crew as they explore the life of Savannah Storm and learn how to unlock your potential and build wealth. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation!