MikedUpPod

Jessica Mortarotti has built her career around one thing: seeing what’s coming before everyone else does.

She founded Carmela Ice Cream in 2007, recognizing the emerging artisan ice cream movement before it became mainstream. She later launched HotBox Infrared Sauna, which grew into a multi-location business, and is now building SUN LOVE, a new wellness and skincare brand.

Her entrepreneurial journey has been featured in outlets including the Los Angeles Times, LAist, Voyage LA, Life & Thyme and KTLA, and she has become a respected voice on entrepreneurship, branding and identifying emerging trends.

On this episode of MikedUpPod, Jessica and I talk about what it really takes to build a business from an idea, how to recognize an opportunity before the market catches on, the risks that come with betting on yourself, and why successful entrepreneurs have to constantly reinvent themselves.

We also get into the realities behind the success — the failures, uncertainty, pivots and lessons that don't always make it into the headlines.

Follow Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/jessicamortarotti/

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Promo Code: Sunny15 for 15% off your next purchase at https://thesunlove.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopEuCtAWnJ3xpAw7VKIo92lyn4V_FK2QMbkwGVkmx4A0FPFyDbP

In this episode I sit down with a young Armenian priest - Father Haroutyoun whose journey began at just 10 years old.

While most kids were figuring out what they wanted to be when they grew up, he was already beginning a path that would ultimately lead him to priesthood. Now, at 30, he reflects on the experiences, sacrifices, doubts, challenges, and moments of faith that shaped the man he became.

We talk about what it’s really like to dedicate your life to God at such a young age, how his family and Armenian heritage influenced his journey, the responsibility of serving a church community, and what young people today can learn about purpose and discipline.

This conversation goes beyond religion. It’s about finding your purpose, staying committed to it, and having the courage to follow a path that isn’t always easy or understood by others.

A powerful conversation about faith, identity, sacrifice, and what it means to dedicate your life to something bigger than yourself.

Follow Father Haroutyoun on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fatherharoutyoun/?hl=en

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Email the show: [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Manuel Gezalyan — entrepreneur, business strategist, author, and fitness enthusiast—for a conversation about what it really takes to build a meaningful life and successful career.

We dive into Manuel's journey through business, the lessons he's learned from entrepreneurship, and how discipline, philosophy, and fitness have shaped his mindset. We also discuss the principles behind his book, "I Lift Therefore I Am", exploring why physical strength and mental resilience often go hand in hand.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, someone chasing personal growth, or simply looking for motivation to level up, this episode is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking conversation.

Topics we cover:

- What life was like when becoming a Navy Seal didn't work out

- Manuel's entrepreneurial journey

- Building discipline through fitness

- The philosophy behind success

- Overcoming challenges and setbacks

- Personal growth and mindset

- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to leave a review, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration.

You can purchase his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Therefore-Philosophy-Fitness-Transform/dp/1945884975/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1K1MI7BQD2SUF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yyqfBtVrhybUeJ48U8-28TkjAV2u9NnX-dvSH3lCh4zSLLFBA1J6HaoLiKlit1KHnUMPKk4BLA3FcUQCuqrSreL_8FIZ8W7G52DNVhST1gw.06e58cpQmWM5UBcJQi5NpSQTcQBsx_5CNlaNREiqMj0&dib_tag=se&keywords=i%2Blift%2Btherefore%2Bi%2Bam%2Bbook&qid=1785424082&sprefix=i%2Blift%2Btherefore%2Bi%2Bam%2Bboo%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1

Follow Manuel here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWMn6l4mPcW/

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E-mail the show: [email protected]

Here's the conversation with Missak's friend who helped save his life and facilitate the kidney.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeduppod/?hl=en

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend Missak Tokhmanian who shared his powerful journey through kidney disease. After years of managing the physical and emotional toll of declining kidney function, dialysis, and the uncertainty of the transplant waitlist, he received the incredible gift of life—a kidney from a deceased donor.

We talk openly about what it’s really like to live with kidney failure, the rollercoaster of hope and fear while waiting for a match, and the profound gratitude that comes with receiving an organ from someone who passed away. Missak opens up about the deep sense of responsibility and appreciation they carry for the donor and their family, and how this second chance has reshaped his perspective on life, health, and what truly matters.

It’s a moving conversation about resilience, the life-changing impact of organ donation, and the quiet heroism of families who choose to give hope in the midst of their own loss. If you or someone you love has been touched by kidney disease or organ donation, this episode is for you.

PART II will drop on 6/25 - The conversation with Missak's good friend who helped facilitate the organ.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeduppod/?hl=en

E-mail the show: [email protected]

I bring in my buddy Missak and we covered the NBA playoffs, Wembanyama, NHL, the Angels' dysfunction, Dodgers, LA sports radio, Karen Bass, homelessness, the decay of LA, and Spencer Pratt's rising mayoral campaign. Unfiltered and all local.

Share it with a friend or two!

E-mail the show: [email protected]

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeduppod/?hl=en

In this must-listen episode of MikedupPod, entrepreneur, sustainable farmer, developer, and Undercover Billionaire star Elaine Culotti joins the show as she campaigns for Governor of California in 2026.

Known as the “Lipstick Farmer,” Elaine owns Big Z Ranch in Fallbrook and has built a reputation for straight-talking leadership and real-world problem-solving. She’s running as a No Party Preference candidate with a clear message: California is broken, but it can be fixed — and she’s not asking you to vote for her, she’s asking you to vote for us.

We dive into her vision for transparent governance, supporting small farms and local agriculture, rebuilding California’s small business economy, cutting wasteful spending, and delivering real infrastructure and accountability in Sacramento. Elaine shares why she’s staying and fighting instead of leaving the state, her background in construction and business, and the practical reforms she believes will restore California’s promise. Whether you’re frustrated with high taxes, housing costs, crime, or the exodus of residents and businesses, this conversation delivers fresh, no-BS ideas from a candidate who’s lived the challenges and is ready to lead the solution. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion with one of the most unique and driven candidates in the 2026 race.

Follow Elaine’s campaign: culottiforcalifornia.com

Subscribe to MikedupPod and never miss an episode that matters!

Follow Elaine On IG: https://www.instagram.com/culottiforcalifornia/

Mikeduppod's IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeduppod/

E-mail the show: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, I sit down with former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who is running again for LA County Sheriff in 2026. We dive into an unfiltered conversation about leadership, public safety, and the real challenges facing one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation.

A 36-year veteran of the LA County Sheriff’s Department and the first challenger in over a century to unseat an incumbent, Sheriff Villanueva served as the 33rd Sheriff of Los Angeles County from 2018 to 2022. He was also the first sheriff to establish a dedicated group focused on combating fraud in the county. He shares candid insights from his time commanding nearly 18,000 sworn and professional staff, his perspective on reforming the department, navigating intense political pressures, and what it truly takes to keep communities safe in America’s most diverse county.

From frontline stories and major policy battles to his current vision for the future and his comeback bid, this is a must-listen discussion on law enforcement, accountability, fraud prevention, and restoring trust in our institutions. Whether you’re passionate about criminal justice, local politics, or just want the inside scoop from a no-nonsense leader, you won’t want to miss this one.Tune in now and join the conversation!

Follow Alex Here: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffvillanueva33/

Mikeduppod's IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikeduppod/

E-mail the show: [email protected]

What does it take to go from skating in professional hockey leagues across Europe and North America to battling blazes as a firefighter…and then building a shredded, energetic body well into your 60s? In this episode, I sit down with Rick Dietrich — retired pro hockey player, longtime Fire Department captain, and passionate personal trainer who’s helping people get stronger, leaner, and more capable at any age. Rick shares his journey from playing pro hockey to 28+ years on the job as a firefighter, and now his mission to prove that age is just a number. At 61, he trains 5–7 days a week, follows smart nutrition (including intermittent fasting), and swears by zone 2 incline walking, time-under-tension lifting, and training for real-life function — not just aesthetics.

We dive into:

- How hockey discipline translates to long-term fitness

- Why most people over 40 train the wrong way (and what actually works)

- His exact protocols for fat loss, muscle preservation, and staying mobile

- The mindset shift that keeps him feeling like he’s 30 while staying strong, independent, and injury-resistant

Whether you’re a former athlete, a busy professional, or someone who wants to age powerfully instead of just “getting older,” Rick’s no-nonsense, experience-backed advice will motivate and equip you to train smarter for the long game.If you think your best years are behind you — think again. This is proof that consistency, smart training, and the right mindset can keep you performing at a high level for decades.

Follow Rick Dietrich On IG: https://www.instagram.com/deetersfitness/

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E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Eva Hooft is a former international model turned holistic detox and spiritual life coach — for a raw and transformative conversation about true healing. Eva opens up about her journey from the glamorous yet toxic world of modeling, where she battled chronic illness, depression, hidden trauma, and a complete loss of alignment, to discovering the deep interconnection between the body, emotions, and spirit. We dive into:

- How suppressed emotions and childhood trauma can manifest as mysterious physical symptoms that conventional medicine often can't explain

- The role of heavy metals, parasites, liver health, and nervous system regulation in real healing

- Why detoxing isn't just about the physical body — it's about releasing stored trauma and realigning with your highest self

- Practical tools from her Realignment Method, blending functional detox protocols with somatic practices, emotional release, and quantum-level healing

If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of burnout, unexplained health issues, or a sense that something deeper is holding you back, this episode is for you. Eva's story is proof that radical transformation is possible when you address the root on every level — body, mind, and spirit.

You can follow Eva here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPolRM9gJuM/

Follow Mikeduppod: https://www.instagram.com/mikeduppod/

E-mail the show: [email protected]