HawkeTalk

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach the NFL? How do aspiring athletes navigate the obstacles and uncertainties on their journey to professional football? And who helps them along the way?

Today's guests are former University of Florida Gators and NFL players Tommy and Johnny Townsend. These players have not only made their mark on the football field but also exemplify the power of dedication, adaptability, and vision in shaping a successful career both on and off the turf.

During the conversation, they discuss their family's strong athletic heritage and their paths to professional football. They reflect on their competitive upbringing, college choices, and the unexpected turns in their careers, including Johnny's transition to bobsledding after an injury. Erik emphasizes the parallels between athletic dedication and business success. The brothers also explore the importance of mentorship, humility, and using their platforms for good, with Tommy sharing inspiration from Conor McGregor on feeling unbeatable. This episode offers insights into the challenges and rewards of a career in professional sports.

In this episode: 

(00:00:30) The Townsend brothers' introduction 

(00:04:12) Family's athletic background, including World War II sports career.

(00:10:51) Transition to punting.

(00:16:51) Johnny Townsend's unexpected call from the Raiders.

(00:20:27) Transition to the NFL, COVID-19 impact.

(00:25:06) NFL journey and transition to bobsledding.

(00:26:38) Transition to bobsledding and racing with the US team.

(00:29:54) Future career plans after football.

(00:32:35) Business opportunities in sports.

(00:34:01) Role Models and Mentors.

(00:35:11) Learning from Mistakes.

(00:36:14) The importance of confidence

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Our Guests

Johnny, a former 2x All-American at the University of Florida, is a UF Hall of Famer. He holds degrees in Telecommunications Management, Management Science, and an MBA. Drafted in the 5th round of the 2018 NFL draft, he now plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Outside football, he directs the Johnny Townsend Foundation, supporting pediatric oncology.

Tommy is an American football punter for the Houston Texans in the NFL. He played college football at Tennessee and Florida. Signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 as an undrafted free agent, Townsend set franchise records and earned accolades, including AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Johnny Townsend

• Johnny Townsend– LinkedIn
•  Marcellus Wiley – Website

 Tommy Townsend

• Tommy Townsend– LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach the NFL? How do aspiring athletes navigate the obstacles and uncertainties on their journey to professional football? And who helps them along the way?

Today's guests are former University of Florida Gators and NFL players Tommy and Johnny Townsend. These players have not only made their mark on the football field but also exemplify the power of dedication, adaptability, and vision in shaping a successful career both on and off the turf.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever imagined what it takes to defy the odds, transform limitations into stepping stones, and conquer the seemingly insurmountable? Meet the man who has not only asked this question but has lived it.

In today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome Marcellus Wiley, a powerhouse of inspiration. Marcellus shares his compelling life story, detailing his journey from a childhood marked by health challenges to becoming a professional athlete. Wiley recounts his early love for sports, his transition from golf to football, and the importance of education and personal growth. He reflects on his NFL career, his disciplined approach to financial management, and his post-retirement success in broadcasting. Wiley also discusses his current roles in media and education, emphasizing the value of personal accountability and the impact of empowering youth through his foundation, Project Transition. His narrative is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset.

In this episode: 

(00:37) Introduction 

(01:29) Early childhood and health complications

(02:27) Family background

(03:35) Early interests and health struggles

(04:24) First experience with sports

(06:55) Transition to football

(08:09) Motivation and ambition

(10:47) Family influence

(11:13) Early setbacks in football

(16:08) Shift in perspective

(18:08) College experience

(18:37) The Cul-de-sac of Football

(20:11) Fork in the Road Kid

(22:05) Belief in Personal Accountability

(24:38) Realization of NFL Potential

(27:06) Draft Experience and Teammates

(30:26) Financial Discipline

(35:38) Transition from NFL to Broadcasting

(37:07) Teaching and Football

(37:51) Career Progression

(38:21) Media Landscape and Future Plans

(39:06) Project Transition and Achieving Greatness

(41:40) Final Thought

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Marcellus Wiley

Marcellus Wiley, former NFL All-Pro, entrepreneur, multi-media brand ambassador, philanthropist, and author, excels in every endeavor. From the gridiron to the global stage, he inspires with his athleticism, business acumen, and commitment to social change. A true leader, Wiley's influence resonates across industries, empowering others to achieve greatness.

Marcellus Wiley

• Marcellus Wiley – Website
•  Marcellus Wiley – LinkedIn
• Marcellus Wiley- Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever imagined what it takes to defy the odds, transform limitations into stepping stones, and conquer the seemingly insurmountable? Meet the man who has not only asked this question but has lived it.

In today's episode, we are thrilled to welcome Marcellus Wiley, a powerhouse of inspiration. Marcellus shares his compelling life story, detailing his journey from a childhood marked by health challenges to becoming a professional athlete. Wiley recounts his early love for sports, his transition from golf to football, and the importance of education and personal growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the stories of pioneers like Tim Armstrong highlight the power of innovation, adaptability, and the indomitable human spirit.

Today's guest is Tim Armstrong, who is synonymous with resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial drive. Armstrong shares his journey post-Verizon, leading to the founding of his company, Flowcode. Inspired by the widespread use of QR codes in China, Flowcode aims to connect offline and online experiences seamlessly. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of building a solid team and maintaining a long-term vision. He advises treating work as a craft, cautioning against the pitfalls of short-term thinking often fueled by social media. Armstrong advocates for perseverance and dedication to achieve true expertise, drawing insightful parallels between business and personal endeavors, such as parenting or training for the Olympics.

In this episode: 

(00:00:27) - Introduction to Tim Armstrong

(00:01:04) - Family Background and Professions  

(00:03:44) - Interests and Aspirations  

(00:07:09) - College Experience and Career Path  

(00:12:26) - Transition to Publishing and Media  

(00:17:53) - Transition to Internet Industry  

(00:19:44) - The vision for the internet  

(00:20:47) - Working at Star Wave  

(00:24:07) - Transition to Disney  

(00:28:32) - Transition to Google  

(00:33:14) - Leadership at AOL  

(00:36:22) - Reflecting on the AOL experience  

(00:38:35) - Post-AOL career contemplation  

(00:40:08) - Exploring Offline Trends in China  

(00:41:00) - Origin Story of Flow Code  

(00:42:15) - Building the Best Team  

(00:43:56) - Craft Over Career 

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

About Tim Armstrong

Tim Armstrong (born December 21, 1970) is an American business executive known for his leadership in the tech and media industries. He was the CEO of Oath Inc., a Verizon subsidiary that included AOL and Yahoo! Before that, he served as CEO of AOL Inc. from 2009 until its acquisition by Verizon in 2015. Armstrong began his career in journalism and became prominent for his expertise in online advertising sales in the 1990s. He held significant positions at Google, including President of Google's Americas Operations. Armstrong has a background in economics and sociology from Connecticut College and has contributed significantly to the growth and transformation of digital media companies.

Tim Armstrong

• Tim Armstrong – Website
•  Tim Armstrong – LinkedIn
• Tim Armstrong- Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the stories of pioneers like Tim Armstrong highlight the power of innovation, adaptability, and the indomitable human spirit.

Today's guest is Tim Armstrong, who is synonymous with resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial drive. Armstrong shares his journey post-Verizon, leading to the founding of his company, Flowcode. Inspired by the widespread use of QR codes in China, Flowcode aims to connect offline and online experiences seamlessly. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of building a solid team and maintaining a long-term vision. He advises treating work as a craft, cautioning against the pitfalls of short-term thinking often fueled by social media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the inspiring story of Moha Bensofia, a prominent business leader making waves today. Despite facing challenges, Moha's journey to becoming the CEO of Mendi is a beacon of inspiration. Join us as Moha shares how he conquered adversity, transforming setbacks into stepping stones for success. From navigating through Costa Rica and Libya to embracing his passion for health and family, this episode of HawkeTalk offers a profound insight into resilience and determination. Discover how Moha's experiences will motivate you to overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams.

In this episode:

• (1:24) – Moha gives his backstory.
• (5:23) – Moha describes how his parents’ personalities helped him become who he is.
• (10:20) – Moving to a new school and speaking a new language provides a platform for his success.
• (16:08) – Moha discusses his most amazing hero, Aron Anderson, and why he admires this person.
• (21:04) – Life for Moha after college.
• (25:36) – Moha doesn’t consider himself a full entrepreneur.
• (31:30) – Moha tells how his name came to be.
• (32:30) – Moha and his friend Sophia begin their entrepreneurial path in Costa Rica.
• (33:01) – Raising money in Libya.
• (33:47) – Moha joins Fish Brain and starts helping the company scale up.
• (36:03) – Moha takes the Fish Brain model and applies it to other companies.
• (38:44) – Mendi and other ventures Moha is involved in are discussed.
• (40:59) – His partners become his family.
• (41:24) – The projects he is most excited about are discussed.
• (42:30) – New challenges on the horizon for Moha.

Our Guest 

Meet Moha Bensofia, a dynamic entrepreneur and investor whose journey is inspiring. From turning around a failing company at just 25 to leading Mendi, a cutting-edge brain training company, Moha's story is one of transformation and triumph. His passion for unlocking the brain's potential makes him a standout figure in business and neuroscience. Join us as we explore Moha's incredible journey—a testament to resilience and the power of innovation.

Resources and Links

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
•  https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
•  https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

Moha Bensofia

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/moha-bensofia-99ba6615/
• https://www.facebook.com/moha.bensofia 
• https://www.instagram.com/mohabensofia/
• https://twitter.com/bensofiamoha?lang=en 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Tough times don’t last, tough people do’ is a cliché we’ve all heard a time or two. It’s a phrase coined by the one and only Robert H. Schuller, a noted evangelist and public speaker who garnered fans, followers, and admiration during his life. The phrase simply means that people who can get through and come out on the other side during a tough bout in life have developed the resilience and fortitude to survive anything. This belief is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary and continues to be the mantra of millions of overcomers. 

Today on HawkeTalk, I sit with Isaac Boots. Isaac is a man who overcame his fair share of dark days, growing up impoverished in Hawaii and ostracized by family and friends. He never blinked, instead maintaining a singular focus on what he wanted and how he saw himself, which ultimately led to him building the life he’s currently enjoying. We sit and discuss his journey from slumming on the floors of NYU to making it on Broadway to Torch’d – his latest endeavor that is taking the fitness world by storm!

In this episode:

• (2:05) – Isaac reveals that he is a product of teen parents.
• (5:00) – His upbringing prepared him for his move to New York City and, later, Hollywood. 
• (10:37) – At the age of five, Isaac realized he was gay. 
• (15:21) – Living on the floor of a friend in NYU.
• (22:00) – West Side Story leads to bigger things for Isaac, including 12 years on Broadway.
• (25:02) – The strategy that came with being on Broadway for 12 years. 
• (29:10) – A pivotal call comes five days after West Side Story ends.
• (29:51) – Brooke Shields!
• (30:20) – His career as a choreographer takes flight.
• (35:45) – The word about Torch’d gets out in the Los Angeles streets. 
• (40:48) – The pandemic expands the Torch’d brand and helps serve a larger purpose. 
• (45:34) – Your only competition is you.

Our Guest

Born and raised in Hawaii, Isaac is a celebrity trainer, choreographer, and Broadway dancer with a long list of credits to his name. While using his experience crafting routines on the main stages of the pop music world and training artists to sculpt their bodies in preparation for their demanding projects, Isaac created TORCH’D, a sustainable workout that burns fat, builds stamina, and achieves visible results.

Resources and Links

Hawke Media

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/
• https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en 
• https://hawkemedia.com/
• https://twitter.com/hawkemedia
• https://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/

Isaac Boots

• https://isaacboots.com/pages/about
• http://instagram.com/isaacboots
• https://twitter.com/isaacboots
• https://www.facebook.com/isaac.calpito.9

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Tough times don’t last, tough people do’ is a cliché we’ve all heard a time or two. It’s a phrase coined by the one and only Robert H. Schuller, a noted evangelist and public speaker who garnered fans, followers, and admiration during his life. The phrase simply means that people who can get through and come out on the other side during a tough bout in life have developed the resilience and fortitude to survive anything. This belief is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary and continues to be the mantra of millions of overcomers. 

Today on HawkeTalk, I sit with Isaac Boots. Isaac is a man who overcame his fair share of dark days, growing up impoverished in Hawaii and ostracized by family and friends. He never blinked, instead maintaining a singular focus on what he wanted and how he saw himself, which ultimately led to him building the life he’s currently enjoying. We sit and discuss his journey from slumming on the floors of NYU to making it on Broadway to Torch’d – his latest endeavor that is taking the fitness world by storm!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.