At what point do you stop reading self-help books and just start helping yourself? 

Most people grow out of the playground. Martellus (Marty) Bennett built a life philosophy around it. In this episode, Imamu Tomlinson, MD sits down for an honest conversation with artist, author, and Super Bowl champion, Marty Bennett, a man who turned play into a way of life. 

He's crafted children’s books, designed worlds, drawn swords (yes, real ones), and founded Tomonoshi (a state of play), Marty has redefined what it means to live, lead, and be a maker. He opens up about why he doesn't consider himself just an athlete, how a spiritual pilgrimage to Japan changed his life, and why the playground teaches us everything we need to know about the world. 

This is how Martellus Bennett disrupted creativity and play. Welcome to the world of Tomonoshi where play is the way of life. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

At what point do you stop reading self-help books and just start helping yourself? 

Most people grow out of the playground. Martellus (Marty) Bennett built a life philosophy around it. In this episode, Imamu Tomlinson, MD sits down for an honest conversation with artist, author, and Super Bowl champion, Marty Bennett, a man who turned play into a way of life. 

He's crafted children’s books, designed worlds, drawn swords (yes, real ones), and founded Tomonoshi (a state of play), Marty has redefined what it means to live, lead, and be a maker. He opens up about why he doesn't consider himself just an athlete, how a spiritual pilgrimage to Japan changed his life, and why the playground teaches us everything we need to know about the world. 

This is how Martellus Bennett disrupted creativity and play. Welcome to the world of Tomonoshi where play is the way of life. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

In this powerhouse episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain, thoracic surgeon, and author Dr. Hassan Tetteh joins Imamu Tomlinson, MD to talk about defying expectations, from tagging walls in 1980s New York to becoming one of the top minds in cardiac surgery today. Dr. Tetteh shares how 50 rejection letters, cultural expectations, and one discouraging dean fueled his ambition to succeed. 

They unpack how AI is shaping the future of healthcare, why lifelong learning is non-negotiable, and why humanity must guide how we innovate. You’ll also get a sneak peek into his upcoming book, Smarter Healthcare with AI, and discover the superpower his wife knows best. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

In this powerhouse episode, retired U.S. Navy Captain, thoracic surgeon, and author Dr. Hassan Tetteh joins Imamu Tomlinson, MD to talk about defying expectations, from tagging walls in 1980s New York to becoming one of the top minds in cardiac surgery today. Dr. Tetteh shares how 50 rejection letters, cultural expectations, and one discouraging dean fueled his ambition to succeed. 

They unpack how AI is shaping the future of healthcare, why lifelong learning is non-negotiable, and why humanity must guide how we innovate. You’ll also get a sneak peek into his upcoming book, Smarter Healthcare with AI, and discover the superpower his wife knows best. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

What happens when a Nigerian violinist refuses to follow the rules? Meet Demola the Violinist, a genre-defying musician who’s rewriting the rules of classical music with pure sonic instinct.  

In this episode, Demola sits down with Imamu Tomlinson, MD to talk about his early musical influences, why he walked away from a PhD program, and the moment he realized no one was going to believe in his dream—except him. They unpack how culture shapes ambition, the pressure to conform, and how Demola turned doubt into drive. 

This is how Demola the Violinist broke cultural norms and redefined what a modern violinist can be. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

What happens when a Nigerian violinist refuses to follow the rules? Meet Demola the Violinist, a genre-defying musician who’s rewriting the rules of classical music with pure sonic instinct.  

In this episode, Demola sits down with Imamu Tomlinson, MD to talk about his early musical influences, why he walked away from a PhD program, and the moment he realized no one was going to believe in his dream—except him. They unpack how culture shapes ambition, the pressure to conform, and how Demola turned doubt into drive. 

This is how Demola the Violinist broke cultural norms and redefined what a modern violinist can be. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, freedom activist, Leopoldo López, explores the superpower that sustained him through the darkest moments of his fight for freedom—his family. From proposing with a vow to love both his wife and their country, to finding unexpected companionship in a wild bird during solitary confinement, López opens up about the emotional resilience required to keep going when the world tries to silence you. 

Tomlinson and López also discuss what it means to emerge from struggle with purpose instead of bitterness. From building movements behind prison walls to orchestrating a daring escape during the COVID-19 lockdown, López reflects on how true leadership means lifting others—even when you’re the one being held down.  

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more! 

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, freedom activist, Leopoldo López, explores the superpower that sustained him through the darkest moments of his fight for freedom—his family. From proposing with a vow to love both his wife and their country, to finding unexpected companionship in a wild bird during solitary confinement, López opens up about the emotional resilience required to keep going when the world tries to silence you. 

Tomlinson and López also discuss what it means to emerge from struggle with purpose instead of bitterness. From building movements behind prison walls to orchestrating a daring escape during the COVID-19 lockdown, López reflects on how true leadership means lifting others—even when you’re the one being held down.  

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more! 

Leopoldo’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and conviction. From a promising career as an economist in Venezuela to running for office against a rising dictatorship, Leopoldo refused to let others define his potential. 

Disqualified from elections, forced into hiding, and enduring four years of solitary confinement, Leopoldo never surrendered. He turned himself in, not as a victim, but as a leader, proving the strength of his movement. In his darkest moments, he chose conviction over fear, refusing to let the regime define him. 

In part 1 of this powerful conversation, Leopoldo López shares with Imamu Tomlinson what it takes to build true leadership. It’s not by chasing ballots, but by empowering others to lead. 

Together, they explore what it takes to build movements, empower others, and stay true to your values in the face of adversity. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more! 

Leopoldo’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and conviction. From a promising career as an economist in Venezuela to running for office against a rising dictatorship, Leopoldo refused to let others define his potential. 

Disqualified from elections, forced into hiding, and enduring four years of solitary confinement, Leopoldo never surrendered. He turned himself in, not as a victim, but as a leader, proving the strength of his movement. In his darkest moments, he chose conviction over fear, refusing to let the regime define him. 

In part 1 of this powerful conversation, Leopoldo López shares with Imamu Tomlinson what it takes to build true leadership. It’s not by chasing ballots, but by empowering others to lead. 

Together, they explore what it takes to build movements, empower others, and stay true to your values in the face of adversity. 

Visit www.imamutomlinson.com to learn more!