REAL Mentors Podcast

J. Scott Scheel went from a broke twenty-something living in his mom’s basement to a nationally known commercial real estate investor and educator whose mantra—“one deal, one time can change your life forever”—has helped 100,000+ entrepreneurs get into the game. Raised in Cleveland with humble beginnings and a faith-first compass, Scott learned to turn adversity into advantage, master creative finance, and build a community where integrity leads.This episode explores:

• Growing up in Cleveland, family hardship, and the Blizzard of ’77 moment that changed everything
• From “Big Man Words” with dad to the power of communication and leadership
• Early hustle to first business at 14—and the lessons (and lines) not to cross
• Losing it all in his 20s, moving into the basement, and rebuilding from zero
• The 24-unit apartment deal that produced ~$850K tax-free in 18 months (and how he structured it)
• Seller financing, options, wraparounds, subject-to, and master-lease plays explained simply
• Why immigrants often “see” U.S. real estate more clearly—and how land ownership changes outcomes
• How to add value if you have time but no money (and vice versa)
• The current CRE landscape: banks, auctions, cap rates, and why creative finance wins now
• Building Commercial Academy’s diverse, pay-it-forward community (and how to plug in with integrity)
• Mindset over mechanics: authenticity, starting small, and taking the first step—today

This episode is about resilience, ethical deal-making, and compressing time with the right strategy and people. Scott’s story will challenge you to stop “thinking with your wallet,” start thinking with your plan, and use integrity-based collaboration to change your financial trajectory, one signature at a time.---🔗 Connect with J. Scott ScheelWebsite: Commercial AcademyInstagram: @officialjscottscheelFollow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: @realmentorspodcastHost Sean Martin: @theseanmartin---🔥 About the Guest – J. Scott ScheelJ. Scott Scheel is a commercial real estate investor, educator, and entrepreneur from Cleveland, Ohio. A proud capitalist who leads with service and faith, Scott has built and repositioned assets across multifamily, retail, office, and land—often using creative finance to unlock value where others see roadblocks. He’s the founder of Commercial Academy, a training and deal-making community that has guided 100,000+ students with a practical, integrity-first approach to acquiring, financing, and managing commercial property. Scott’s “One Deal, One Time” framework demystifies complex deals into actionable steps, helping everyday operators, W-2 earners, and seasoned investors compress years of progress into months—without betting the farm.---Tags & KeywordsJ. Scott Scheel, Commercial Academy, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, one deal one time, commercial real estate, creative finance, seller financing, master lease, options, subject-to, triple-net (NNN), due diligence, cap rates, interest rates, immigrant mindset, resilience, ethical capitalism, leadership, mentorship, Huge Profits Podcast, Cleveland success story, wealth building, financial independence

Sean Callagy went from being a Division I baseball captain at Columbia University — with dreams of playing pro ball — to having those dreams shatter overnight when he discovered at 17 he was going blind. Instead of giving up, he built a multi-state law firm, pioneered an entire industry, and created a movement teaching people how to master influence, business, and themselves.This episode explores:

• Growing up in a family where blindness was generational
• Finding out at he was going blind and watching his baseball dream die
• From Division I athlete to founder of Callagy Law, a 100+ person firm
• Building a 40-person firm in just two years with no money and no business card
• Securing two Top 100 National Jury Verdicts — while legally blind
• Inventing the medical revenue recovery industry, recovering over $600M for healthcare providers
• The influence of Tony Robbins, including spending 15 days in Tony’s bedroom
• The creation of Unblinded and the Results Formula
• Why everything in life comes down to your ability to create a “yes”
• The balance between business success, family, faith, and philanthropy

This episode is about resilience, influence, and leading with both heart and strategy. Sean’s story will challenge you to see beyond your limitations and recognize the power of integrity-based influence to transform business and life.---🔗 Connect with Sean CallagyWebsite: https://callagylaw.comUnblinded: https://unblindedmastery.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanrcallagy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seancallagyFollow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/---🔥 About the Guest – Sean CallagySean Robert Callagy is a keynote speaker, attorney, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has built multiple enterprises while navigating life legally blind. He is the founder of Callagy Law, a multi-state firm with more than 100 team members, and the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Unblinded, a training company focused on integrity-based human influence and business growth.He is one of only two attorneys in the United States to achieve two Top 100 National Jury Verdicts between 2014 and 2016, and the only one to do so while legally blind. He is also credited with pioneering the medical revenue recovery industry, helping healthcare providers recover over $600 million.A former Division I baseball captain at Columbia University, Sean is now a sought-after speaker and trainer, having delivered over 2,000 talks in just two years to audiences of up to 15,000 people. He has shared the stage with Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, Daymond John, and Kevin O’Leary. A former Trustee of the American Foundation for the Blind and founder of the Callagy Christian Foundation, Sean continues to use his story, strategies, and faith to help people create more money, time, and impact through the power of integrity-based influence.---Tags & KeywordsSean Callagy, Callagy Law, Unblinded, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, integrity-based influence, Sean Callagy blind attorney, Top 100 Jury Verdicts, medical revenue recovery pioneer, influence mastery, sales training, leadership, personal development, Tony Robbins, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, resilience, business growth, self mastery, Jersey success stories, motivational podcast, Sean Martin podcast

They ride in leather. They look intimidating. But behind the image is something deeper. Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) is an international nonprofit of riders who stand guard for kids who’ve survived abuse — escorting them into courtrooms, surrounding them with love, and showing them they’re stronger than the people who tried to hurt them.On this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin sits down in-studio with Scout (Vice President & New York State Secretary) and Uprizer (Public Relations Director/Secretary/Road Captain) from the B.A.C.A. Long Island Chapter, to reveal how bikers are flipping the script on stereotypes and using their presence to turn fear into courage.This episode explores:

• The origins of B.A.C.A. and why it was founded by a child therapist in 1995
• Breaking the biker stereotype
• How 30–40 bikers escorting a child into court changes everything
• The strict vetting and training process (FBI checks, 60+ modules, 1–1.5 year probation)
• Why B.A.C.A. is structured like a corporation but runs 100% on volunteers
• How community, presence, and love are breaking cycles of abuse worldwide

This episode is about shattering stereotypes, standing up for the voiceless, and proving that presence can heal what pain tried to destroy.---🔗 Learn more about B.A.C.A.Website: https://bacaworld.orgInstagram: @bikersagainstchildabuseintl🔗 Connect with REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/---🔥 About the Guests – B.A.C.A. Long Island ChapterScout is the Vice President of the B.A.C.A. Long Island Chapter and the newly appointed New York State Secretary for the organization. A U.S. Army veteran who served 7.5 years active duty and 7 years in the reserves, Scout has also spent 27 years at Connection Network, a nonprofit supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Previously, he served as acting director of a domestic violence organization. A lifelong servant-leader, Scout discovered a new mission in his 60s: empowering children to live without fear.Uprizer is the Public Relations Director, Secretary, and Road Captain of B.A.C.A. Long Island. Joining in 2019 before the pandemic, Uprizer has become a primary contact for multiple children, often going above and beyond — from late-night phone calls to personal mentorship. He embodies the B.A.C.A. creed: bikers are not here to intimidate, but to empower the most vulnerable by standing with them through their healing journey.Together, Scout and Uprizer represent how B.A.C.A. blends brotherhood, discipline, and compassion into a powerful force for child protection.---Tags & Keywords:Bikers Against Child Abuse, BACA Long Island, Scout BACA, Uprizer BACA, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, child abuse prevention, child advocacy, biker community, nonprofit Long Island, Emagine Awards, motorcycle club stereotypes, child trauma recovery, courtroom escorts, volunteer bikers, community impact, grassroots nonprofits, second chances, biker brotherhood, people who hate child abuse, child empowerment#REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BACA #BikersAgainstChildAbuse #ChildAdvocacy #BreakTheCycle #GuardiansOnWheels #PeopleWhoRide #StopChildAbuse

Saddiq Ali went from running “distribution” in high school — with 9th and 10th graders selling for him and pulling in $600 a day — to becoming a former NYPD officer who walked away from the badge to build something bigger: Drive Forward Academy, a Bronx-based training program that helps underserved and justice-impacted communities earn their CDL licenses and second chances.This episode explores:

• Running a school “distribution” network at 16 and making $600 a day
• Choosing responsibility young, inspired by his younger brother and hustler mom
• Going from criminology degree → NYPD → walking away from the force
• What cuffing a 16-year-old taught him about purpose and systems
• Sleeping in his car for a year while out-earning his NYPD salary
• From fitness entrepreneur to dump trucks to Drive Forward Academy
• How DFA trains formerly incarcerated and underserved communities tuition-free (government funded)
• Why he believes mentorship + financial literacy + CDL training is the key to breaking cycles
• Building a team, raising standards, and scaling to a $10M vision

This episode is about second chances, resilience, and building purpose-driven systems that transform lives. Saddiq’s journey will challenge you to rethink hustle, leadership, and what it really means to leave a legacy.---🔗 Connect with Saddiq AliInstagram: https://instagram.com/saddiq.alDrive Forward Academy: https://instagram.com/driveforwardacademyWebsite: https://driveforwardacademy.comFollow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host Sean Martin: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/---🔥 About the Guest – Saddiq AliSaddiq Ali (born Haleem Saddiq Livingston Jr.) is the Founder & CEO of Drive Forward Academy, a Bronx-based workforce training program providing CDL licenses, mentorship, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship education to underserved and justice-impacted communities.A former NYPD officer who served in the 41st and 43rd Precincts, Saddiq left the badge to become an entrepreneur and educator, building ventures in fitness (Rack-Squad Fitness), trucking (Trace Coalition Logistics), and logistics before launching Drive Forward Academy.He has already helped more than 150 participants earn their CDL permits and careers, with a mission to impact 10,000 lives by 2027 and grow into a $10M+ organization. Known for turning his early $600-a-day high school hustle into a lifelong drive, Saddiq now focuses on second chances, reentry programs, and economic mobility for Bronx and NYC communities.---Tags & Keywords:Saddiq Ali, Drive Forward Academy, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Bronx entrepreneur, NYPD stories, CDL training, second chance programs, resilience, mentorship, community impact, trucking business, $600 a day hustle, Bronx success stories, reentry programs NYC, Sean Martin podcast#SaddiqAli #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #DriveForwardAcademy #SecondChances #Entrepreneur #FormerNYPD #Resilience #Mentorship

Jenn Drummond went from surviving a car accident she shouldn’t have walked away from — to becoming the first woman in history to summit the Seven Second Summits, the second-highest peaks on each of the seven continents and some of the most dangerous climbs in the world.Her story is one of impossible odds transformed into record-breaking achievement. After police rebuilt her crash 50 different ways — every outcome ending in death but the real one — Jenn decided she would no longer wait for “someday.” She committed to living fully, showing her seven children what it means to chase the life you love, and proving that the biggest mountains aren’t just on a map.From building a multimillion-dollar financial services business in her twenties to writing goodbye letters in a storm at 16,000 feet, Jenn shares how she’s balanced motherhood, business, and extreme adventure while navigating fear, ego, and purpose. She reveals why she walked away from a second world record attempt, the lessons mountains teach that no boardroom can, and how surviving near-death has shaped every decision since.In this episode, they talk about:

• The car accident that should have killed her — and the moment she decided to start living now
• Going from no mountaineering experience to summiting the Seven Second Summits
• Balancing risk, motherhood, and a purpose-driven mission
• Why climbing the second-highest peaks is more dangerous than Everest
• How business skills helped her survive the mountains (and vice versa)
• The near-death storm on Mount Logan where she wrote goodbye letters to her kids
• Walking away from a second world record attempt after questioning her “why”
• Turning failure into momentum through quick wins and reframing losses
• The lessons mountains teach about leadership, resilience, and humility
• Why she believes showing your kids you love your life is the greatest gift

This episode is about courage, clarity, and the relentless pursuit of what matters most. Jenn’s story will make you rethink what’s possible — in the mountains and in your own life.🔗 Connect with Jenn DrummondWebsite: https://jenndrummond.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejenndrummond/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jenn-drummond/🔗 Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/🔥 About the Guest – Jenn DrummondJenn Drummond is a world record–holding mountaineer, speaker, author, podcast host, and mother of seven. She is the first woman in history to complete the Seven Second Summits — the second-highest peaks on each continent. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2018, Jenn committed to living fully and showing her children the power of resilience, courage, and chasing audacious goals. Her story has been featured on Good Morning America, Women’s Health, and in global media.Tags & Keywords:Jenn Drummond, Seven Second Summits, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, first woman to summit, mountaineering, world record climber, survival story, car accident survivor, motherhood, risk and reward, mountain climbing, Mount Logan storm, near death, resilience, leadership, Everest, Denali, K2, purpose-driven life, balancing family and ambition, mental toughness, adventure inspiration, business and mountains, personal growth, goal setting, overcoming fear, determination, summit success, life lessons from the mountains#JennDrummond #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #SevenSecondSummits #WorldRecord #SurvivorStory #Mountaineering #LifePurpose #Resilience #Courage #Adventure #Inspiration

Dr. Iza Correll shares her breathtaking journey from small-town Kentucky pageant queen and struggling student to becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award — and founder of OVI Children’s Hospital, Kenya’s first dedicated long-term pediatric care hospital for abandoned and vulnerable children.Her path is one of grief transformed into fierce purpose. Dr. Iza reveals how her nephew’s tragic death inspired her life’s mission, and how personal adversity, family sacrifice, and unwavering faith became the fuel behind a revolutionary model of care—where just $10 a day saves a life.From being bullied and doubted in college to bootstrapping a hospital on less than most Americans spend on coffee, she takes us inside miracles, heartbreaks, and game-changing innovations—like the 1:3 “hospital mama” care ratio and the Child Vitality Index—proving that real leadership is born far from the spotlight.They talk about:

• The moment a stranger’s question changed Iza’s life forever
• Facing F’s in chemistry, dyslexia, and brutal bullying at university
• The devastating loss that inspired OVI Hospital’s founding
• How OVI rescues kids abandoned in bus stations and orphanages—sometimes at death’s door
• Building a $9,000/month pediatric hospital in rural Kenya ($10/day per child!)
• Hiring and empowering widows and survivors to become “hospital mamas”
• The power and pain of running a hospital as a single mom, working telemedicine at night
• Surviving on miracles: anonymous donors, royal family interventions, and impossible odds
• Using data (the Child Vitality Index) to choose who lives — and why
• Why the charity model is broken, the orphan crisis can end, and “humanitarian aid can make things worse”
• How you can make a real difference for the price of your morning latte

This episode is about radical compassion, systems thinking, and the courage to act when everyone else says it’s impossible. Dr. Iza’s story will break your heart—and rebuild your belief in the impact of ordinary people who refuse to quit.---🧒🏻 Sponsor a Child: https://ovichildrenshospital.org/give🔗 Connect with Dr. Iza Correll & OVI Children’s HospitalWebsite: https://ovichildrenshospital.org/Instagram: https://instagram.com/ovichildrenshospitalTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@ovichildrenshospitalFollow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://instagram.com/theseanmartin/---🔥 About the Guest – Dr. Iza CorrellDr. Iza Correll is the youngest-ever recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Global Citizenship. She’s a survivor, single adoptive mother, and the founder of OVI Children’s Hospital in Migori, Kenya—East Africa’s first ever long-term care home and hospital for terminally ill, orphaned, or abandoned children. She’s building a blueprint for ending the orphan crisis worldwide, one miracle (and one $10 sponsorship) at a time.---Tags & Keywords:Iza Correll, OVI Children’s Hospital, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, Kenya hospitals, pageant queen to humanitarian, abandoned children, orphan care, child abuse, hospital mamas, Migori, rural Kenya, faith miracles, widows empowerment, telemedicine, pediatric palliative care, innovation in charity, nonprofit leadership, $10 donation, global healthcare, data-driven giving, story of hope, purpose-driven life, Kentucky inspiration, system change, miracle stories#IzaCorrell #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #OVIChildrensHospital #MuhammadAliAward #AbandonedChildren #FaithAndPurpose #HealthcareInnovation #ChangeTheWorld #RealMentors #MiracleMakers #EndTheOrphanCrisis

Ulysses Terrero shares his incredible 34+ year journey from growing up in the Bronx and Jamaica, Queens, to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected casting directors, producers, and acting coaches.From being cast in Juice alongside Tupac Shakur, to co-founding T&T Casting with his brother Jessy Terrero, to building Acting Rehab for the next generation, his story is one of faith, resilience, and purpose.He opens up about why Latinos had no place in the business when he started, how divine intervention shifted his path from airlines to casting, and why support—not scarcity—is the key to changing representation in Hollywood.They talk about:- Growing up Dominican in the Bronx and Jamaica, Queens- Getting cast in Juice and the reality of Latino underrepresentation- Behind-the-scenes stories of Tupac freestyling and the set of Kids- How a Pan Am layoff became the sign to pursue casting- Launching Acting Rehab to give actors real training and real jobs- Mentoring Michael K. Williams and the heartbreak of his passing- Why Latinos still struggle for marquee roles in Hollywood- The upcoming Fat Joe series on Starz, and why it’s a potential game changer- Surviving eight near-death experiences and finding deeper faith- Why fame is never the goal — and purpose is everythingThis episode is about representation, faith, and building spaces where authenticity thrives — proving that even when the industry says there’s no place for you, you can create one.---🔗 Connect with Ulysses TerreroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulysses.terreroEmail: [email protected] Rehab: Semester enrollment opens September & DecemberFollow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/---🔥 About the Guest – Ulysses TerreroUlysses Terrero is a Dominican-American casting director, producer, and acting coach with over 34 years of experience in film, television, and music. He co-founded T&T Casting with his brother Jessy Terrero, working on classics like Juice, Kids, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and The Squid and the Whale.As the founder of Acting Rehab, he has trained and mentored countless actors, including the late Michael K. Williams. Today, he continues to push for Latino representation in Hollywood, while developing groundbreaking projects like the upcoming Fat Joe series on Starz.---#️⃣ Tags & KeywordsUlysses Terrero, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Jessy Terrero, Fat Joe, Tupac Shakur, Juice movie, Kids movie, Ghost Dog, The Squid and the Whale, Latino representation in Hollywood, Dominican Americans, Acting Rehab, Michael K. Williams, casting director, urban casting, Bronx stories, faith and purpose, never Latino enough, Pan Am Airlines, divine intervention, purpose-driven success, Fat Joe Starz series, Nicky Jam Netflix, real change, mentorship, Hollywood barriers, support over scarcity#UlyssesTerrero #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #LatinoRepresentation #HollywoodStories #JuiceMovie #MichaelKWilliams #FatJoeSeries #ActingRehab #FaithAndPurpose #Trailblazer #BreakBarriers #SupportEachOther #RealOnes

Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr., Ph.D. shares how growing up in the Bronx—raised by a church-going mother and a quiet but supportive father—shaped his character, confidence, and commitment to doing life differently. From being mocked for wearing a Catholic school uniform to sitting in rooms with Pharrell, Kanye, and Just Blaze, his journey is a masterclass in self-belief, purpose, and faith.He opens up about how choosing drums changed everything, why he never smoked or drank in an industry that thrives on image, and how he turned down short-term fame to walk in alignment with what God called him to do.They talk about:- What it was like growing up on 169th and Washington Ave in the Bronx- How being different became his greatest strength- Playing for legends like DMX and Busta Rhymes—and getting ripped off early on- Why he never writes speeches, and how he speaks purely from spirit- The pressure of sharing space with producers like Pharrell, Just Blaze, and Kanye- The power of faith, discipline, and making music that serves a bigger purpose- How he's now mentoring youth, speaking at graduations, and using his story to build legacy
This episode is about owning who you are, trusting the gift you were born with, and knowing you don’t need permission—or a co-sign—to walk fully in your calling.
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🔗 Connect with Dr. AmadeusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amadeuspbm
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/
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🔥 About the Guest – Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr.
Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr., Ph.D., is a multi-platinum producer, professional drummer, motivational speaker, and the CEO of Platinum Boy Music Inc. He is the music director and touring drummer for Trey Songz, a published author (The Story of Amadeus: And the Beat Goes On), and was recently honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame.
Raised in the heart of the Bronx, Amadeus built his career on faith, discipline, and service—working with artists like Chris Brown, J.Lo, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne, while staying rooted in purpose. He’s now focused on impact—mentoring youth, speaking in schools, and proving you don’t have to compromise who you are to become who you’re meant to be.
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Tags & Keywords:Dr. Amadeus, Antwan Thompson, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Trey Songz, Platinum Boy Music, Bronx, music industry, producer life, motivational speaker, hip hop producer, faith-based success, confidence, mentorship, real stories, growing up in the Bronx, never smoked, never drank, Christian creatives, God-given talent, legacy building, personal discipline, youth mentorship, graduation speaker, music and purpose, behind the beats, real change, never wrote a speech, servant leadership, real Bronx energy, second chances, influence over fame
#DrAmadeus #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BronxStrong #HipHopProducer #LegacyWork #PurposeOverFame #FaithAndFire #PlatinumBoyMusic #RealOnes #BuiltDifferent #MusicThatHeals #RealStories #BreakTheCycle #NeverFolded #MentorshipMatters

Anthony Ruggiano Jr. shares how growing up as the son of a feared Gambino crime family captain shaped his early identity—leading him from neighborhood dice games to violent crime, addiction, and ultimately prison. But after decades in the mob and battling cocaine addiction, a single phone call to a hotline sparked a journey of sobriety and redemption.They talk about:- The dangerous allure of the mob lifestyle—and why it feels like a "family" you can’t escape- How addiction and ego fueled his most destructive years- The turning point that forced him to choose between life or death- The challenge of rebuilding his identity after leaving organized crime- Why service and helping others became his true path to freedom- How he's now using his story to mentor, counsel, and save lives
This episode is about the power of choice, the courage to walk away from an identity that once defined you, and the belief that no one is too far gone to change—if they’re willing to do the work.
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🔗 Connect with Anthony Ruggiano Jr.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyRuggianoPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/reformedgangstersWebsite: https://www.anthonyruggiano.com/ | https://www.reformedgangsters.com/Email: [email protected]
Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/
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🔥 About the Guest – Anthony Ruggiano Jr.
Anthony Ruggiano Jr. is a former proposed member of the Gambino crime family who turned his life around after decades of addiction and crime. The son of "Fat Andy" Ruggiano, Anthony grew up in the shadows of Brooklyn’s underworld, idolizing mob figures and absorbing a dangerous code of survival.
After years spent chasing fast money, drugs, and street status, he found himself facing long prison sentences—and his own mortality. A call to a cocaine hotline saved his life, setting him on a path to recovery and self-reinvention.
Today, Anthony is a substance abuse counselor, speaker, and host of the Reformed Gangsters Podcast, where he shares raw lessons on transformation, accountability, and hope. His story proves that no matter how deep your past runs, there is always a way forward if you’re brave enough to choose it.
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Tags & Keywords:Anthony Ruggiano Jr., Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, Gambino family, mafia, organized crime, addiction recovery, sobriety, redemption stories, second chances, true crime, mentorship, substance abuse counselor, reformed gangster, Reformed Gangsters Podcast, Brooklyn mob, transformation, faith, fatherhood, rebuilding your life, 12 steps, resilience, real stories of change, life after crime, overcoming ego, service to others, living beyond the past, healing generational wounds, New York underworld, mob insiders, personal growth, breaking the cycle, proof you can change
#AnthonyRuggiano #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #GambinoFamily #ReformedGangsters #AddictionRecovery #SecondChances #MobLife #TrueRedemption #RealOnes #BreakTheCycle #Transformation #ServeOthers #RealStories #FaithAndCourage #BeyondTheMob #NeverTooLate

Tim Kittelstad shares how blowing out his knee ended a soccer dream but opened a door to martial arts—and how a chance meeting with a stunt performer led him into the world of film and live-action storytelling. From showing up on set for free to training under legendary fight masters, Tim built a life rooted in faith, family, and relentless curiosity.They talk about:

• How to start from zero and build trust in a niche, high-stakes industry like stunts
• Why "never stop being a white belt" is the mindset that drives every part of his life
• The power of humility—and how ego can be your biggest enemy (or your greatest teacher)
• Balancing fatherhood, family, and a career that demands risk and constant travel
• His upcoming Star Wars short film—and why he believes you have to create what you want to see in the world
• How martial arts philosophy translates into business, leadership, and storytelling

This episode is about showing up first, serving before asking, and embracing discomfort as the path to mastery— on set, at home, and in life.---🔗 Connect with Tim KittelstadInstagram: @timkittelstad🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @theseanmartin---⭐️ About the REAL Mentors PodcastThe REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.🔥 About the Guest – Tim KittelstadTimothy Kittelstad is a stuntman, fight choreographer, and Wing Chun instructor who believes that humility and service are the keys to growth—whether you’re in front of the camera, running a business, or raising a family.After a career-ending sports injury, Tim rebuilt himself through martial arts, eventually becoming a head instructor and a sought-after stunt performer. He’s performed live shows in China and Orlando, trained under world-renowned sword masters, and now helps build the next generation of film fighters through community training in Florida.Beyond stunts, he leads digital marketing initiatives at Torch Designs, mentors young performers, and brings his family into his creative world—turning backyard "action!" calls into lifelong memories.Tim’s story is proof that when you lead with integrity and stay a lifelong student, you can craft a life far beyond what you imagined.---Tags & Keywords:Tim Kittelstad, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, stunts, fight choreography, martial arts, Wing Chun, digital marketing, lifelong learning, humility, fatherhood, Star Wars fan film, sword training, action design, community building, never stop being a white belt, purpose-driven storytelling, servant leadership, faith and creativity, mentorship in film, raising strong families, integrity in business, Florida stunt community, entrepreneurship through martial arts, living your passion, building trust, real stories of transformation, from setback to impact, Ip man, jackie chan, star wars, bruce lee, MMA, real fight#TimKittelstad #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #StuntLife #WingChun #MartialArts #NeverStopBeingAWhiteBelt #FaithAndFamily #ActionDesign #LeadWithIntegrity #PurposeDriven #Storytelling #FilmIndustry #MartialArtsPhilosophy #RealOnes #BreakTheCycle #ServeFirst...