How Did We Get Here?

In this episode we get to talk one of my oldest friends, the one and only Hector Mendez. We begin by reminiscing about our upbringing in Hialeah and by asking the question that has been on my mind for a long time. How the hell does Hector makes a living? As an entrepreneur, Hector oversaw the strategic positioning of Studio Center as one of the top recording studios in Miami. Budget planning of all projects with Artists, Producers, Writers, Musicians to meet specific deadlines. Managed the day to day operations and responsible for recruitment of Audio Engineers, Producers, Musicians and Interns.  Refer to Studio Center's website www.studiocentermiami.com for clientele list and facilities overview. Some of their clients include Sony, Universal, Warner and many others. Recent projects include Ozuna's "Odisea" album, Farruko's "TrapXficante", Maluma, J Balvin, including "Mi Gente", "Felices los 4" to name a few.

On this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we sat down with Gabriel Russo, a young entrepreneur and co-host of “ The Mindset  Podcast”.  We discuss themes in entrepreneurship such as hard work,  setting an example as a leader and quality of life over monetary value. We also explore Gabe’s  personal journey. How he was able to overcome adversity when his dream of playing college basketball was cut short due to injuries, his early working experiences in Home Depot and what led him to start “The Mindset Podcast”.  To finalize we touch upon deeper topics such as our purpose on life and the younger generation’s view on mental health.

This episode of AMPed Up Podcast brings my friend and my most trusted Physical Therapist, Dr. Juan Guzman. Dr. Juan Guzman has been in the fitness industry for the past 12 years and has worked in many different facilities as a coach as well as consultant, including: Orangetheory fitness, Barry’s Bootcamp, Kamps fitness, Antidote Wellness labs, Cinderfit and ERA fit. Dr. Guzman graduated from the University of Mami a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. 

We will discuss fitness related topics and obesity in the USA.  We also discuss why Dr. Guzman opted to take the non-traditional route of providing physical therapy to his clients in a non-insurance based model, the mindset of coming back from an injury, Juan's half-ironman experience and much more.

For behind the scenes footage and highlight clips follow us on Instagram @amped_up_podcast // https://ampmentalhealth.com/amped-up-podcast/

This episode of AMPed Up Podcast brings us another long awaited guest: Irwin Rivera. Irwin is a mixed martial artist currently competing in the Bantamweight division of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC. He’s a former Titan FC champion and former UFC fighter.

In this episode, we talk with Irwin about his journey to becoming a fighter and what currently drives him to be the best. He also shares what happened the days leading up to his psychotic break and the events that transpired afterwards, including spending time in prison, losing custody of his daughter, and being let go from the UFC.

From overcoming bullies on the basketball court as a kid to delivering jaw-dropping knockouts in the Octagon, Irwin’s drive and discipline reflect not just admirable athletic tenacity, but an overall awe-inspiring sense of grit and perseverance.

For behind the scenes footage and highlight clips follow us on Instagram @amped_up_podcast and subscribe to our YouTube for daily shorts!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCanEdLQPVACKMa6JgJCf4xA

Where to find Irwin:

Where to find Dr. Adrian Mesa:

Where to find AMP Group Mental Health

This episode of the AMPed Up Podcast brings us the person behind one of our team’s favorite psych accounts to follow: Dr. Lina Haji, licensed clinical psychologist and the face of @rise_psychological_services

Dr. Lina Haji specializes in “psychodiagnostic assessment, forensic assessment, dual diagnosis, serious and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance abuse treatment.” Her resume is impressive, to say the least, with experience that spans four states (New York, New Jersey, California and Florida) and includes various maximum-security correctional facilities. 

In this episode, Dr. Haji covers everything from advice for students on how to become a forensics psychologist to her thoughts on the US prison system including prison subculture, corrupt staff, and why she left. She tells us how she decompresses from work, the risk of certain health trends and the importance behind her audience-favorite #MisdiagnosisMonday series. 

Besides providing intelligent, thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Haji leaves plenty of room for laughs and dishes out on things like her favorite representations of forensic psychology and prison culture in film and tv like Mindhunter, Orange is the New Black, Criminal Minds and SVU. 

For behind the scenes footage and highlight clips follow us on Instagram @amped_up_podcast // https://ampmentalhealth.com/amped-up-podcast/

Where to find Dr. Haji:

Where to find Dr. Adrian Mesa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adrian-mesa-11357489/

On this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we sat down with Mojo, a professional contemporary artist based in Miami. To be honest, we thought this episode was going to be focused on art, but it took a pleasantly surprising turn right from the start as Mojo opens up about all things fatherhood. From custody battles to raising a teenage boy, to finding newfound healing after the death of his own father, Mojo lays it all out on the table. What Adrian jokingly refers to as a therapy session for dads demonstrates the power of and the need for more honest, raw and vulnerable conversations about fatherhood and men's mental health.

Currently, Mojo is in Lacoste, France working on a new canvas collection as part of SCAD's Alumni Atelier 2022. To keep up with his work follow him on Instagram @gotthemojo and check out his website https://gotthemojo.com

Where to find Mojo:

Where to find Dr. Adrian Mesa:

Today’s episode brings us our office neighbor, Dr. Juan Lesende, or Juan, as he prefers. Juan is a psychologist and the CEO and founder of Adaptive Center, an IOP (intensive outpatient treatment) center in Miami that focuses on depression, anxiety and depression.

A Cuba native, Juan recounts what it was like being part of the first waves of immigrants to arrive in Miami and how that influenced his life up until his first experiences with depression. From discussions of The Dark Night of the Soul to social media, Juan’s approach to mental health promotes a deep sense of self-awareness, honesty and transparency. Juan doesn’t hesitate to open up about his depression and how it’s impacted his life—including how he approaches working with patients.

We’re excited to have Juan on again soon, so if you have any topics you’d like him and Adrian to discuss let us know on Instagram @amped_up_podcast

Where to find Dr. Juan Lesende/Adaptive Center

Where to find Dr. Adrian Mesa:

Where to find AMP Group Mental Health

This episode of AMPed Up brings us Miami singer and actress, Vikina. Vikina has been performing and writing music for over 10 years. Most recently, she was a semi-finalist on Reina De La Cancion, a singing contest on Univision produced by Daddy Yankee and featuring judges Joss Favela, Natti Natasha and Olga Tañón.

Inarguably one of the show’s fan favorites, Vikina demonstrated great potential and had high hopes for success after the show. But 2020 happened and the pandemic derailed all of that. Now signed to Pitbull’s record label, Mr. 305 Inc., Vikina opens up about what success means to her and her future career goals, amongst which is becoming a pioneer for Latin EDM.

Vikina walks us through some of her “many calibrations as an artist” and what they’ve taught her about life. We dive into what it's like to navigate social media as an artist, pushing through negative self-talk, being a woman in the music industry, and balancing her career and personal relationships. 

Where to find Vikina:

Listen to her latest single ANIMALES — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtFFZ8sgsL0

Where to find Dr. Adrian Mesa:

Where to find AMP Group Mental Health Services:

On this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we’re covering all things kindness, mental health, and self-care with Marly Q. A self-proclaimed Kindness Influencer, Marly is an event planner, personal/professional development coach, founder of The Park Project, and host of Time To Be Kind.

From the importance of a self-care routine for parents to the pandemic’s effects on her business, Marly’s sincere self-awareness and desire to help others is reflected in stories of her successes and her failures. In one of our personable conversations yet, we explore what mental health awareness truly means, how to fill our own cups so we can serve others, and the power of kindness.

To learn more about Marly’s work, check out her instagram @marlyq and her upcoming M.A.N. Kind Summit, “a FREE 3-day online event to elevate and amplify Mental Awareness Now (M.AN.) so we can end the stigma and help all mankind thrive!” at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/man-kind-summit-mental-awareness-now-registration-306023052187

Where to find Marly Q:

Where to find Dr. Adrian Mesa:

Where to find AMP Group Mental Health Services:

For this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we brought on Nedal Ahmad, an entrepreneur and lifelong childhood friend of Dr. Mesa. This intimate conversation covers everything from Nedal’s time in Palestine as a child, parenthood, business, men’s mental health and more. 

A co-founder of Pincho Factory, the award-winning Miami-born restaurant chain, Nedal opens up about the struggles of entrepreneurship, running Crackers Southern Dining in Miami Springs, and now venturing into the non-profit world. His latest project, Heal for Us, is an organization dedicated to increasing access to therapy for those who can’t afford it.

Throughout his discussion of Miami’s food industry, business and even politics, one thing is unequivocally clear: Nedal’s love for people and his family drives everything he does, cultivating a deep sense of empathy and urgency to help those around him.

Follow us on Instagram @amped_up_podcast for updates on new episodes! 

Where to find Nedal Ahmad:

Where to find AMP Group Mental Health Services: