Joe Gates sits down with Nelson Rodriguez — Miami native, author of "Montana Method," and host of the true-crime podcast Honor Among Thieves — for one of the most honest redemption stories he's had on the show.

Nelson built a 3,000-agent sales organization from nothing, lost it all, and got pulled into a healthcare insurance-kickback scheme that moved $300,000 in cash through his hands in a single year. It ended with AR-15s pointed at his house, 30 co-defendants, and eight months in FCI Coleman. This is the story of how he got there — and how he found his way back.

We get into:

• Growing up in Miami chasing the Scarface fantasy — "I want what they have, but I don't want to be a criminal"

• The absent father who only came back after his stepdad got 18 years in the Feds

• The night a lifelong atheist broke down and prayed on the roof of his van

• How Jim Rohn and direct sales built (and lost) a 100,000-customer empire

• The $60,000 he forgot in a pillowcase — and the moment he knew he had to stop

• The FBI raid, the federal case, and the 34 books that changed him in prison

• Why he says: "I went to prison to reconnect with my soul"

Nelson's podcast, Honor Among Thieves, interviews people who lived a life of crime and turned it around — find it on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. His book "Montana Method" is on Amazon.

Chapters: 0:00 Intro

1:30 How Joe and Nelson met (the viral TikTok)

8:00 Growing up in Miami

15:00 When his dad came back

19:00 The night he prayed on the van

25:00 Building a sales empire

30:00 The healthcare fraud scheme

52:00 The FBI raid and arrest

72:00 Prison, 34 books, and redemption

Joe Gates is Overthinking Out Loud is part of the Spread the Positive Network.

#HonorAmongThieves #NelsonRodriguez #TrueCrime #RedemptionStory #JoeGates #OverthinkingOutLoud #Miami #FederalPrison #SpreadThePositive

In this powerful episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe reconnects with longtime friend and internationally recognized Christian hip-hop artist Steven Malcolm for an authentic and inspiring conversation about life, faith, and the journey behind the music.

Known for blending faith-driven lyrics with hip-hop, pop, and reggae influences, Steven Malcolm has made a global impact through his sound and message. As one of the first rap artists signed to Word Entertainment, he's carved out a unique lane in the Christian music space — but his story goes far deeper than the stage.

In this episode, Joe and Steven dive into:

• Steven's journey into music and the moments that shaped his career

• The role of faith in Christ in his life and artistry

• Staying grounded while navigating success in the music industry

• The influence of his Jamaican heritage on his sound and identity

• Friendship, growth, and the importance of purpose over popularity

• What's next for Steven Malcolm and the vision ahead

This conversation is real, reflective, and filled with perspective — offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of an artist who is using his platform for something bigger than himself.

If you're into music, faith, creativity, and powerful life stories, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with Bo Trivett, Owner and General Manager of Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac of Murfreesboro, for a conversation centered on leadership, business, family, and community.

With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Bo has built a reputation for doing things the right way — leading with transparency, creating a straightforward buying experience, and putting people first. His approach has played a major role in the success of his dealership and the trust he's earned throughout the Murfreesboro community.

Joe and Bo dive into:

• What it takes to lead and grow a successful dealership

• The importance of transparent pricing and customer trust

• Balancing business, family, and legacy — including working alongside his son

• Lessons learned from over two decades in the automotive industry

• Giving back and staying connected to the local community

Bo also shares his passion for supporting organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities, local school athletic programs, and initiatives connected to Middle Tennessee State University, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the dealership.

This episode is packed with insight for anyone interested in business leadership, sales, entrepreneurship, and community-driven success — all through the lens of real experience and authentic conversation.

If you're in the Murfreesboro area, Bo's door is always open — stop by and say hello.

In this powerful episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe reconnects with longtime friend Derek Wolfe for a raw and honest conversation about their past, their transformation, and the journey that brought them to where they are today.

Joe and Derek go way back — and their shared history includes some wild, chaotic, and life-altering experiences. Both openly acknowledge that, by all accounts, they're fortunate to still be here.

What changed everything?

Sobriety. Faith. A relationship with Jesus.

In this episode, they reflect on:

• The reality of their past and the decisions that could have cost them everything

• The turning points that led them toward sobriety and a new way of living

• How faith in Jesus transformed their mindset, identity, and purpose

• The power of friendship and walking through life's highs and lows together

• Evolving as men and embracing a life rooted in meaning and accountability

This conversation is real, reflective, and filled with perspective — showing that no matter how far you've gone, there is always a path forward.

If you've ever faced struggles, questioned your direction, or needed a reminder that change is possible, this episode delivers exactly that.

Sometimes the greatest stories of purpose come from the wildest beginnings.

In this inspiring episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with talented recording artist Nate Rose for an honest and engaging conversation about life, music, faith, and the journey behind the art.

Nate has been making waves with his music and storytelling, but behind the songs is a powerful story about purpose, perseverance, and staying grounded in what matters most. Joe and Nate dive deep into the experiences that shaped Nate's path, including the role that family and faith play in his life and creative process.

In this episode they discuss:

• Nate's journey into music and the inspiration behind his sound

• How faith and personal values influence his artistry

• The importance of family and staying grounded in the music industry

• Lessons learned along the road to building a career in music

• What's next for Nate and the exciting projects he has on the horizon

This episode blends real-life perspective with creative inspiration, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the heart and mindset of an artist who is chasing purpose just as much as success.

If you love authentic conversations about music, faith, creativity, and personal growth, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Follow Nate and his music at @naterosemusic and stay tuned for what's next.

In this insightful episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with James Robinson, a clinical mental health therapist and founder of the counseling practice Find Your Pathway Counseling.

James brings both professional expertise and a powerful personal story to the conversation as he shares what led him into the mental health field and why helping people navigate life's struggles has become his calling.

Joe and James dive into topics that affect so many people today, including:

• Understanding mental health and emotional healing

• The importance of therapy and counseling

• Breaking the stigma around seeking help

• Finding purpose through life's challenges

• How personal struggles can shape a calling to serve others

• Practical ways to move forward when life feels overwhelming

With honesty, wisdom, and encouragement, James explains how therapy can help individuals better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, and ultimately find a healthier path forward.

This episode is a meaningful conversation about healing, growth, and discovering purpose, reminding listeners that no matter where you are in life, there is always a path toward hope and restoration.

Learn more about James Robinson and his work at findyourpathway.com.

In this powerful episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with longtime friend and former co-worker Chris McGriff for one of the most sobering conversations yet.

Chris shares the story of a decision that changed everything — choosing to get behind the wheel under the influence. What followed was a devastating crash that, by all accounts, no one should have walked away from. But Chris did.

Instead of losing his life, he gained a new one.

In this raw and honest conversation, Chris opens up about:

• The consequences of driving under the influence

• The reality of addiction and denial

• The emotional and financial cost of one bad decision

• Finding sobriety after rock bottom

• Building a real relationship with Jesus Christ

• What it means to truly receive a second chance

Joe and Chris don't shy away from the hard truths. This episode is about accountability, redemption, faith, and the life-changing power of choosing a new path.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, addiction, or destructive choices, this conversation could be the wake-up call that changes everything.

Sometimes the greatest testimony begins with the worst decision.

In this powerful episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with Father Seth Reed for a deep and honest conversation about faith, tradition, discipleship, and what it truly means to follow Christ.

This episode explores the beauty and depth of the Christian walk from a thoughtful and theological perspective. Joe and Father Seth discuss how faith is not just emotional experience — it's formation, discipline, and surrender. Together they unpack topics like:

• The role of church history and tradition in modern faith

• The importance of spiritual authority and accountability

• What discipleship really requires

• Wrestling with doubts while remaining rooted in Christ

• The unity of believers despite denominational differences

With respect, curiosity, and vulnerability, Joe leans into meaningful dialogue — asking thoughtful questions and sharing his own faith journey along the way. Father Seth brings wisdom, clarity, and pastoral insight that challenges listeners to go deeper in their walk with Jesus.

Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, or simply exploring faith, this conversation is a reminder that pursuing Christ requires both heart and mind — and that truth is worth seeking with humility.

If you're serious about growing in your faith, this episode will stretch and encourage you.

In this powerful episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with Pastor Trevor Atwood — a man who has played a pivotal role in Joe's walk with Christ.

This conversation is rooted in faith, obedience, and keeping Jesus first, no matter the season. Joe and Pastor Trevor share deeply personal stories about how God moves through relationships, prayer, and moments of divine timing. One of the most impactful moments comes as Joe recounts a life-changing experience when Pastor Trevor unexpectedly stopped by Joe's dealership — not for business, but to pray over him and speak blessings into his life at a time when Joe needed it most.

Throughout the episode, they discuss:

• The power of putting Jesus at the center of everything

• How obedience often requires action before understanding

• The importance of spiritual covering and godly mentorship

• Recognizing God's voice in unexpected moments

• Walking in faith when life feels uncertain

This is an honest, faith-filled conversation that serves as a reminder that God is always at work — sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly — and that transformation begins when we choose to trust Him fully.

If you're seeking encouragement, clarity, or a reminder of why faith matters, this episode will meet you right where you are.

In the first episode of Joe Gates Is Overthinking Out Loud, Joe sits down with his longtime friend and world-renowned recording artist Derek Minor for a powerful, honest conversation that sets the tone for the entire podcast.

This episode is more than an introduction — it's a reflection on calling, faith, creativity, and survival. Joe shares the heart behind starting the podcast, opening up about his life journey, the lessons learned along the way, and why overthinking out loud has become a form of clarity rather than chaos.

Derek and Joe unpack:

• The importance of faith in Christ and obedience to purpose

• How music, art, and storytelling can be tools for healing and impact

• What it looks like to grow through adversity instead of being defined by it

• Brotherhood, accountability, and the power of long-term friendships

• Letting go of performance and embracing authenticity

With humor, depth, and real perspective, this conversation feels like two friends talking — but the takeaways hit much deeper. It's a reminder that transformation is possible, purpose is worth pursuing, and sometimes the best clarity comes from saying things out loud.

If this is your first time listening — welcome. This is just the beginning.