REAL Mentors Podcast

Jason Lacayo drops raw truths on the Real Mentors Podcast—exposing the mental toll of policing from Bronx streets to badge.From NYPD's violent 46th Precinct ("the Alamo") to White Plains PD's Mental Health Outreach Team, Jason reveals how cops compartmentalize gunshot victims, cope with morbid humor on severed limbs, and fight loneliness after losing street friends. He slams "defund the police" as "dumbest sh*t," shares his Honduran roots policing "from the middle," and opens up on peer support, generational shifts in recruiting, and building men's mental fitness via Agora Social Club.
This episode uncovers policing's human side: soul-draining calls, split-second life-or-death choices, and staying compassionate amid stigma.
This Episode Explores:- Bronx project's heavy-handed cops vs. respected neighborhood officers- NYPD rookie shock: "Guys get stuck seeing holes in them"- Cop bars, alcohol, and dark jokes on accidents/dead bodies- "Uniform = tool of death": Why officers cry post-shootings- Policing "from the middle": Bridging streets and blue- Mental Health Outreach: Housing unhoused, aiding mentally ill- Losing friends as a cop: "Instantly you sell out?"- Generational cop shift: Remote jobs over pensions- Agora Social Club: Jujitsu, co-working for men's mental health- Real talk on cop trauma, reform realities, and reclaiming humanity under the badge.
🔗 Connect with Jason LacayoInstagram: https://instagram.com/therealjumpmanjayTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealjumpmanjay
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: instagram.com/theseanmartin
Tags & KeywordsJason Lacayo, White Plains PD, NYPD 46th Precinct, SWAT operator, mental health outreach, cop mental health, defund the police, policing from the middle, Bronx Alamo, morbid cop humor, police trauma, first responder wellness, peer support, generational policing, Agora Social Club, Reps for Responders, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, ex-NYPD, police reform, criminal justice, Honduran American, men's mental fitness, jujitsu community, bodycam realities, cop loneliness, uniform humanity, second chances law enforcement, Westchester PD

Amaurys "Bronx Native" Grullon drops Bronx truth bombs on the REAL Mentors Podcast; raw stories of hustle, heartbreak, and unbreakable pride from a kid raised in Section 8 who built a cultural empire without leaving home.Co-founder of Bronx Native, Amaurys Grullon shares how he and his sister turned "no Bronx merch" into a Mott Haven flagship store, Nike collabs, Yankees deals, and a movement blending creativity, entrepreneurship, and community giveback. He gets real about "crabs in a barrel" gatekeeping, scarcity mindset pulling down local success, and why staying rooted blocks from Cardinal Hayes beats escaping. From Pentecostal single-mom roots and dad’s pool hall hustle to NYT fame off pop-ups, Amaurys reveals his "more is more" blueprint for thriving in the BX.
This Episode Explores:- Bronx Native origins: Apartment shelf to global brand in 2015- "Crabs in a barrel": Community pushback and gatekeeper lows- "No pressure, no diamond": Embracing struggle for growth- Scarcity mindset vs. optimism—protecting "precious energy"- 2016 breakthrough: Events, networking, NYT feature, pop-up magic- "Most beautiful place on earth": Reframing Bronx pride amid stereotypes- Building creative ecosystem (GET Studios, Tag Up, Change the Narrative)- "Comfortable in your uncomfortability" staying local while scaling- Father hustler lessons, early art commissions, school-to-SVA journey- Future 2026 vision: Books, docs, festivals, drives for BX unity- Real talk on Bronx entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, cultural pride, and rising above—perfect for hustlers chasing legacy from the streets.

🔗 Connect with Amaurys GrullonInstagram: www.instagram.com/amaurysgrullonBronx Native: www.bronxnativeshop.com www.instagram.com/thebronxnative
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: @realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: @theseanmartin

Tags & KeywordsAmaurys Grullon, Bronx Native, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, Bronx entrepreneur, Boogie Down pride, section 8 success, crabs in a barrel, scarcity mindset, Bronx hustle, cultural brand, Mott Haven store, Nike Yankees collabs, entrepreneurship Bronx, gatekeepers old heads, no pressure no diamond, more is more, precious energy, Cardinal Hayes, Bronx Community College, SVA design, community giveback, Bronx merch movement, personal development NYC, resilience mindset, creative entrepreneur, Hunts Point roots, change the narrative, BX unity

Over 30 years in salsa and freestyle, Luis Damon, Warner-signed artist faced it all: Premio Lo Nuestro nominations, world tours, then post-9/11 rock bottom at Cablevision. Divorce hit hardest—"swallowing rusty screws" for his daughter—until therapy unlocked reinvention. Now indie, he owns his sound, videos, and 2026 "Rat Pack" revival with Frankie Negron and Papote Jimenez, bringing NY salsa fire back.Luis opens up on channeling grief into art, unlearning trauma, and why drive trumps talent.
This Episode Explores:- Bronx roots: Public assistance to LaGuardia High and first single at 19- Warner deal at 23: 3 albums, Olga Tañón duet #30 Billboard hit- Post-9/11 pivot: From global stages to survival jobs amid reggaeton rise- Divorce trauma, depression, and therapy's game-changing lessons- Turning friend’s cancer death into a 5-part film outlet- La India duet disaster—and opening for her next- Indie ownership: Songs, videos, YouTube, no label chains- 2026 NY salsa comeback with Negron & Jimenez Rat Pack vibe- Fatherhood first: Hiding pain to protect his kid- Drive over talent: "I wanted it so bad, nothing stopped me"- Real talk on pain, persistence, and rhythm as medicine when life tests your limits.
🔗 Connect with Luis DamonInstagram: https://instagram.com/luisdamonYouTube: https://youtube.com/@luisdamon1
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin
Tags & KeywordsLuis Damon, salsa singer, freestyle artist, Real Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, Bronx musician, Lo Nuestro nominee, Warner Brothers salsa, Son By 4, NY salsa revival, music comeback, therapy after divorce, fatherhood struggles, post-9/11 survival, indie artist ownership, Frankie Negron collab, Papote Jimenez, Rat Pack salsa, Billboard Latin hits, reggaeton era pivot, channeling pain into art, music therapy, drive vs talent, Puerto Rican American artist, LaGuardia performing arts, Olga Tañón duet, La India concert, personal growth, resilience, Latin music 2026

Stephen Scoggins returns raw vulnerability to the REAL Mentors Podcast, revealing how pride led to homelessness at 22—and humility built a 9-figure empire.Scoggins discusses the five constraints that hinder leadership and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of humility, presence, and faith. He reflects on his experiences with faith, personal challenges, and the transformative power of intentionality in relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of focusing on personal growth and the impact of mentorship in overcoming life's obstacles.This Episode Explores:- Emphasizes the importance of calling leaders higher.- Homelessness from pride: Rock bottom to resilience- The 5 Constraints costing millions, divorces, and legacy- Presence is crucial in personal and professional relationships.- Insecurity decoded: "Ego is inside you." Build compounded confidence.- Faith reset: Truth over wounds, breaking church hurt- Inner alignment: From chasing toys to "I am whole"- Fatherhood hacks: "Let me tell you about you" affirmations- Business flow: Scale without burnout or betrayal- The power of intentionality in relationships and personal growth.
--
🔗 Connect with Stephen ScogginsWebsite: https://stephenscoggins.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/stephen_scoggins

Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin--Tags & KeywordsStephen Scoggins, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, homelessness to millionaire, 9-figure exit, 5 constraints, arrogance humility, presence parenting, insecurity ego, faith journey, business scaling, fatherhood lessons, generational healing, inner wholeness, leadership alignment, podcast motivation, entrepreneur mindset, resilience story, personal development, family legacy, spiritual growth, business failure lessons, overcoming fear

Jessica Rivera joins the REAL Mentors Podcast sharing her raw journey from Brooklyn food stamps to leading a $4 billion organization as a young Latina single mom – and now transforming leaders through her coaching firm, JRCC.From welfare rejection and imposter syndrome in male-dominated corporate spaces to doubling her income at a Flatbush car lot, Jessica reveals how she broke free from toxic bosses to coach high-performers at Turner Construction, LVMH and Chase. She gets real about self-betrayal, identity work and stopping generational trauma before it hits your kids.This podcast episode explores:

1. When you first betrayed yourself (and how it’s still sabotaging you)
2. Leading $4B revenue teams as the only woman of color
3. From broke at 30 to homeowner and high-earner as a single mom
4. Why "polished" brands fail. Be bold, not copy and paste.
5. Ending generational trauma: Stop passing your pain to your kids
6. God’s poke-push-kick to your true purpose
7. Building authentic communication from identity, not scripts
8. A masterclass in grit, self-awareness and turning survival into soul-aligned success.

--🔗 Connect with Jessica RiveraInstagram: @jessicarivera.coWebsite: https://jessicarivera.co/
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/Book Beyond The Bronx: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook/Get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Bronx-Purpose-Sean-Martin/dp/B0G549HF8Y/
--Tags & KeywordsJessica Rivera, JRCC, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, self-betrayal, generational trauma, imposter syndrome, Latina leader, corporate coaching, identity work, single mom success, food stamps to millionaire, toxic boss, Brooklyn grit, Queens Village, Long Island entrepreneur, communication coaching, leadership development, breaking cycles, purpose alignment, work ethic, Puerto Rican roots, corporate ladder, authenticity branding, people pleasing recovery, soul work​

Josh York, GymGuyz founder, gives raw energy to REAL Mentors Podcast, revealing how he scaled in-home fitness from a kitchen table to 3,000+ cities across 32 states and 7 countries, providing insights about true discipline, and why most people will never achieve success in life.From a tough Long Island upbringing with no direction, Josh built a rebellion against failing gyms by prioritizing accountability, street smarts over book smarts, and an unbreakable mindset. He shares firing 70 trainers before breakthroughs, no sick days ever, and raising "no softies" kids who stock vending machines. Faith, execution over busyness, and discomfort as fuel drive his unstoppable empire.
This Episode Explores:- Believing to achieve. Faith and mindset are foundational; without belief, success stays out of reach.- Mindset mastery: "If you're not first, you're last"- Street smarts vs. school: Why grades don't predict success- Hard beginnings fuel wins. Turn tough upbringings and bad cards into positive drive, never drugs or excuses.- Rebellion against gyms, apps, treadmills- Raising driven kids with no softness to create good leaders.- The power of not quitting to achieve success- Business systems and perfect processes before franchising; delegate weaknesses to smarter people.- Real grit, real scale, real results when you do what others won't.- How comfort kills growth.
---
🔗 Connect with Josh YorkInstagram: https://instagram.com/joshyorkgg https://instagram.com/gymguyzGymGuyz: https://gymguyz.com
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin
---Tags & KeywordsJosh York, GymGuyz, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, in-home fitness, fitness franchise, mindset mastery, street smarts, never quit, 70 trainers failed, no sick days, GymGuyz scaling, fitness rebellion, accountability training, Long Island entrepreneur, faith in business, raising driven kids, AI workouts, discomfort growth, execution over busy, unstoppable discipline, personal training business, franchise success, anti-gym movement, early riser hustle, protein over donuts

Jake Hamilton, founder of Behind the Fight, sits down with the Real Mentors Podcast to drop raw truth about masculinity, marriage, and what actually changes a man.After nearly losing his marriage to church-approved workaholism, Jake was confronted with a brutal reality: you will never transform a marriage unless you have the man’s heart. In this episode, he unpacks why a man has to go first, why 50/50 relationships don’t work, and how one decision—not leaving—can course-correct a high percentage of marriages over time.
Alongside his wife Nicci, Jake opens up about father wounds, shame, work, faith, and rebuilding a marriage that had become “not a marriage.” They break down how childhood patterns show up in conflict, what women really want (security and stability), what men really want (desire and respect), and how to build a relationship and a life that are led, not controlled.
This Episode Explores:- “You will never transform a marriage unless you have the man’s heart”- The stat that most marriages eventually course-correct if the man simply decides not to leave- Why a man has to go first—even when he doesn’t feel like it- Why 50/50 relationships fail and pull women out of their feminine- What women really want vs. what men really want- Workaholism in church culture and how “serving” can quietly destroy your family- How Jake and Nicci rebuilt from “I’m not divorcing you, but this ain’t a marriage”- Calling men up vs. calling men out (and why shame doesn’t work)- “Whatever we don’t transform will be transferred” to our kids and relationships- Building a business and mission with your spouse without losing the marriage- Embracing tension: why there is no “arrival” and purpose is a spiral, not a finish line
This episode is about real manhood, real pressure, and the courage it takes to stay, lead, and transform when everything in you wants to run.
--
🔗 Connect with Jake and Nicci HamiltonInstagram: https://instagram.com/thejakehamilton | https://instagram.com/niccihamiltonBehind the Fight: https://thisisthefight.com/
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartinBook: https://instagram.com/beyondthebronxbook
--
Tags & Keywords (for YouTube / podcast backend)Jake Hamilton, Behind the Fight, Real Mentors Podcast, Beyond The Bronx Book, Sean Martin, masculinity, manhood, marriage advice, marriage transformation, relationships, husbands, wives, traditional relationships, 50/50 relationships don’t work, feminine and masculine energy, security and stability, desire and respect, workaholism, church culture, Christian marriage, faith and family, fatherhood, father wounds, generational trauma, emotional health, men’s mental health, men’s group, men’s work, calling men up, leadership, purpose, legacy, building a business with your spouse, rebuilding marriage, staying not leaving, how to be a man in marriage

What does it take to steer a child away from the justice system? For Demishia Owens, it took surviving her own childhood trauma to find the answer.As a 20-year veteran Program Director at EAC Network, Demishia has helped divert thousands of Long Island youth from incarceration. In this raw episode, she reveals the strategies behind her programs' 90% success rate and shares the personal story—from kidnapping survivor to community leader—that fuels her work.
We dive deep into the realities of the foster care system, the "forgotten" teenage demographic, and why mentorship is the single most powerful tool for changing a life. Demishia also challenges parents to do their own work, explaining why "change can't occur without change."
Key Takeaways:- Trauma to Triumph: Navigating life after kidnapping and assault.- Mentorship 101: Why a simple text message can save a foster kid's life.- Program Success: How AFY and Home Base keep kids out of jail.- Parental Responsibility: The hard conversations parents need to have.- Burnout Hacks: Strategies for staying healthy in high-stress careers.- Community Action: How you can join the NY Teenage Toy Drive.Whether you're a social worker, parent, or someone looking for purpose, this conversation offers a blueprint for making a real difference.---
🔗 Connect with Demishia Owens & EAC NetworkWebsite: https://eac-network.orgLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/demishia-owens-a7572034Volunteer: https://eac-network.org/volunteer
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin
---About the Guest – Demishia OwensDemishia Owens is a distinguished leader in youth advocacy and social services. As Program Director at EAC Network, she manages critical initiatives including Alternatives for Youth (AFY), Home Base, and Chance to Advance. With a Master’s in Human Services and decades of field experience, Demishia specializes in crisis intervention, foster care mentorship, and family support, earning recognition from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for her community impact.---Tags & KeywordsDemishia Owens, EAC Network, mentorship, foster youth support, juvenile diversion programs, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, social work burnout, trauma recovery, parenting teens, community leadership, Long Island charities, volunteer opportunities, PINS program, youth empowerment, breaking generational cycles, nonprofit management, emotional intelligence, crisis intervention, family therapy, social justice, advocacy.

Since founding EJ's PJs with just 34 pairs of pajamas on her front porch in 2011, Patricia has built a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that's distributed nearly 20,000 pairs of brand new pajamas across 8 states. But this episode goes deeper than the numbers—it's about the transformation that fueled the mission.At 300 pounds, Patricia made a decision on July 12, 2013, that changed everything. She lost over 100 pounds naturally, became a bodybuilding competitor, found her faith, and turned her personal healing into a movement. Today, she's a Suffolk County crossing guard, award-winning nonprofit founder, and the woman inspired by a viral act of kindness that sent her 800 miles to Kentucky.
This Episode Explores:- How 34 pajamas became 20,000 lives changed in 14 years- Her weight loss journey: from 300 pounds to transformation and purpose- Food addiction and the struggle nobody talks about- Losing her mother at age 3 and becoming a mother figure to thousands- The viral bus driver story that sparked a movement across 8 states- Her faith journey: from pain to baptism to purpose- Building a nonprofit while working as a crossing guard- The award-winning work recognized by Suffolk County Sheriff and Town of Brookhaven- Why one pair of pajamas matters more than you think- Turning trauma into triumph and passion into mission- What it takes to think bigger and refuse to stay small- Family, faith, and the power of paying it forward
This episode is about real transformation, authentic purpose, and the quiet strength it takes to see a need and answer it—one pair of pajamas at a time.
---
🔗 Connect with Patricia Millicent PoggiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejspjspajamadrive/Website: https://ejspjs.org
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/REALMentorsPodcast/Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/
---
About the Guest – Patricia Millicent PoggiPatricia Millicent Poggi is a community leader, nonprofit founder, and living example of transformation. After overcoming food addiction and losing 100+ pounds naturally, she channeled her personal healing into EJ's PJs—a nonprofit that started with 34 pairs of pajamas and has now touched nearly 20,000 lives across 8 states. As a Suffolk County crossing guard, award-winning social entrepreneur, and woman of faith, Patricia has been honored by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, recognized by the Town of Brookhaven, and funded by the Starbucks Foundation. Her work proves that purpose doesn't require perfection—it requires heart, consistency, and the willingness to see people others overlook.
---
Tags & KeywordsPatricia Millicent Poggi, EJ's PJs, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Long Island entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, weight loss transformation, food addiction recovery, community service, Suffolk County crossing guard, social impact, 20,000 pajamas, viral kindness, Kentucky distribution, faith journey, second chances, purpose-driven mission, family values, authentic leadership, trauma to triumph, giving back, holiday charity, women entrepreneurs, small business growth, grassroots nonprofit, Starbucks Foundation grant, community impact, personal transformation, motherhood, resilience, integrity, legacy building, inspirational story, social equity, local hero, life purpose, gratitude, compassion, empowerment

Content creation is the new hustle, but most creators don't know how to monetize it. Myq "Success" Rodriguez, founder and CEO of The Brand Success LLC and co-author of The Content to Cash Bible, returns to break down the real science of turning clout into currency.In this conversation, Myq unpacks the creator economy like never before—from why going viral is a trap to how clout without strategy leaves you broke. He shares brutal truths about the influencer space, reveals why your circle is your ceiling, and explains the three non-negotiable steps every creator needs to scale sustainable income.
Myq also opens up about building a brand-first mindset, the importance of execution over ideas, and how fatherhood shaped his philosophy on integrity, relationships, and long-term wealth building.
This Episode Explores:- Why clout is not currency—and how to convert attention into real money- The viral trap: why going viral without preparation is a disaster- The creator economy opportunity: $500B+ industry by 2030- Three essential steps to building a profitable personal brand- How your circle downloads your limitations- The business side of content creation most creators ignore- Execution is the real flex—why ideas mean nothing without follow-through- Integrity, transparency, and servant leadership in business- Balancing fatherhood with entrepreneurship and ambition- The difference between chasing quick money and building a sustainable brand
This episode is about real strategy, real accountability, and the discipline it takes to build lasting wealth in the creator economy—not hype, not shortcuts, just honest insight from someone managing millions in creator deals.
---
🔗 Connect with Myq RodriguezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/myqsuccess/The Content to Cash Bible: Available on Amazon
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host Sean Martin: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/Book: Beyond The Bronx (Coming Real Soon)
---
About the Guest – Myq Rodriguez
Myq Rodriguez is a branding strategist, entrepreneur, and creator-economy expert with over 20 years of experience in entertainment, influencer management, and digital growth. As Founder and CEO of The Brand Success LLC—a NYC-based talent management and marketing firm—Myq has helped urban and multicultural creators scale to millions of followers and secured over $15 million in brand partnerships for his clients.
He is the co-author of The Content to Cash Bible, a comprehensive guide to monetizing content and building wealth in the creator economy, published in 2024. Through his work with leading influencers and his public speaking engagements, Myq advocates for business literacy, integrity-driven leadership, and the power of personal branding. A Bronx native and father, Myq emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and building careers—not just moments—in the digital age.
---
Tags & KeywordsCreator economy, content monetization, personal branding, influencer management, content to cash, Myq Rodriguez, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, building wealth online, creator business strategy, brand development, content strategy, digital growth, social media influencer, monetizing content, urban entrepreneur, NYC branding, creator income, digital entrepreneurship, content creator success, brand strategy, audience growth, influencer deals, building a personal brand, entrepreneurship mindset, content creator economy, sustainable income, creator wealth, online business, influencer partnership, brand deals, digital marketing, creator monetization strategies, building an audience, content creation business,...