REAL Mentors Podcast

Coss shares how he ran a multi-million dollar drug business by 19, got sentenced to prison, and lost 70 pounds in a cell using nothing but bodyweight workouts. After getting out with $40 to his name, he started training people in a park with a stick and a fence—eventually turning that hustle into ConBody, a prison-style bootcamp staffed entirely by formerly incarcerated trainers. Then, he did it again—launching ConBud, a legal cannabis dispensary, as someone who was once locked up for selling weed.They talk about:- What it’s really like to come home with no money, no help, and no chances- The moment in solitary confinement that changed his life forever- Starting a business from nothing—and how to keep going when no one believes in you- Why he only hires people with records—and why that’s his biggest strength- Opening three dispensaries in 15 months and beating the system at its own game- What second chances really look like—and why purpose hits different when you’ve been through hellThis episode is about how you turn rock bottom into a foundation—and prove the world wrong by staying true to who you are.-----🔗 Connect with Coss MarteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cossmartehttps://www.conbody.comhttps://www.conbud.com-----Follow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmentorspodcast/Host: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmartin/-----🔥 About the Guest – Coss MarteCoss Marte is the founder and CEO of ConBody, a New York City fitness studio that employs formerly incarcerated trainers, and ConBud, a cannabis dispensary built on equity and second chances. Once running a $2M drug operation and serving time in prison, Coss turned his life around through faith, fitness, and purpose.Today, he’s helped thousands transform their lives through his programs, created jobs for dozens of returning citizens, and built multiple businesses from the ground up—all while advocating for criminal justice reform and equity in the industries that once excluded him.Coss’s story is a testament to what’s possible when hustle meets healing—and when you stop running from your past and start building with it.-----Tags & Keywords:Coss Marte, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, ConBody, ConBud, prison to CEO, formerly incarcerated entrepreneur, second chances, reentry programs, cannabis equity, legal weed NYC, prison reform, redemption stories, ConBody workouts, NYC fitness, criminal justice reform, cannabis licensing, social equity cannabis, passive income, hiring people with records, bodyweight workouts, legacy through impact, prison business ideas, real stories of change, entrepreneurship after prison, faith and transformation, LES success story, from the system to success#CossMarte #SeanMartin #REALMentorsPodcast #ConBody #ConBud #SecondChances #PrisonToPurpose #JusticeReform #LegalWeedNYC #FitnessAfterPrison #HustleAndHeal #RealOnes #BreakTheCycle #LeadWithPurpose #FromCellToCEO #EntrepreneurAfterPrison #NYCCannabis #OwnYourStory #RealMentorRealTalk

They don't just help survivors rebuild their lives, they help them stay alive long enough to start.In this episode, Jennifer Hernandez joins Sean Martin for a gripping conversation about abuse, survival, and the frontline fight to protect the most vulnerable, before it’s too late.Jennifer shares how ECLI-VIBES started from the trunk of her car and grew into a life-saving nonprofit serving over 2,500 survivors each month. She opens up about the real cost of escaping abuse, the dangerous myths around healing, and why her team’s first priority is simple: make sure the people who need them don’t die.They talk about:

• Why leaving an abuser is the most dangerous moment
• The truth about what survivors actually need first
• How crisis intervention can’t wait for red tape
• Why healing means food, housing, and safety—before therapy
• Building a team that leads with love, not just credentials
• Her vision to make trauma-informed care accessible to every community

This episode is about what it really takes to help abuse survivors—not in theory, but in practice, when every hour could be the difference between life and death.-----💜 Support the MissionIf this episode moved you, don’t just listen—act.Donate, advocate, or volunteer to support survivors through ECLI-VIBES. Your time, skills, or financial contribution could be the lifeline someone’s been waiting for.🔗 Donate or learn more: https://www.eclivibes.org-----🆘 If You or Someone You Know Is in DangerYou are not alone. Help is always available.📞 ECLI-VIBES 24/7 Hope Line (Long Island-based):(631) 360-3606📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.):1-800-799-SAFE (7233)📱 Text “START” to 88788🌐 https://www.thehotline.orgYour safety matters. Your life matters. Reach out—there’s a whole community ready to stand beside you.-----🔗 Connect with Jennifer Hernandez and ECLI-VIBESWebsite: https://www.eclivibes.orgInstagram: @ecli_vibesFollow REAL Mentors PodcastInstagram: @realmentorspodcastHost: @theseanmartin-----🔥 About the Guest – Jennifer HernandezJennifer Hernandez is the founder and executive director of ECLI-VIBES, a Long Island nonprofit that provides trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking,

He didn’t just grow up poor, he grew up feeling left behind.In this episode, Andrew Sallee joins Sean Martin for a raw conversation about building wealth, surviving abandonment, and redefining what it means to leave a legacy.Andrew shares how he was emancipated at 15, raised in trailer parks by deeply religious parents who believed wealth was the devil. He opens up about being left alone as a teenager, working three jobs just to survive, and still graduating high school with a 3.6 GPA—before going on to flip over 1,000 properties, build 985 apartment units, and transition into a $100M+ portfolio of medical buildings, grocery stores, and national retail tenants.They talk about:

• Growing up in poverty—and learning to make peace with success
• The trauma of being left by your own parents and still finding purpose
• Why building wealth isn’t the same as feeling worthy of it
• How he walked away from 985 apartments to chase peace over money
• The secret behind triple net investing and building freedom through commercial real estate
• The long road to healing—and why legacy starts within
• This episode is about what happens when no one believes in you… and you figure it out anyway.

-----🔗 Connect with Andrew SalleeInstagram: @andrewjsallee🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @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 – Andrew SalleeAndrew Sallee is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and legacy builder. He flipped over 1,000 properties and developed nearly 1,000 apartment units before transitioning into commercial real estate. Today, Andrew owns a $100M+ portfolio that includes medical buildings, grocery stores, and national retail tenants like Walgreens and Buffalo Wild Wings, specializing in triple net leases that give him income without the stress of management.But Andrew’s story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about redemption. Emancipated at 15, raised in poverty, and left to figure life out on his own, Andrew built his success brick by brick. After surviving traumatic family experiences and years of grinding, he reached financial freedom—but still felt empty. That’s when he chose peace over pressure and legacy over ego.Now, Andrew mentors others in real estate, teaches the game behind wealth-building through triple net investments, and uses his platform to help others build lives that last—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually.-----Tags & Keywords:Andrew Sallee, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, real estate investing, triple net leases, $100M portfolio, abandoned at 15, emancipated teen, apartment flipping, commercial real estate, passive income, wealth and trauma, healing journey, building legacy, from nothing to millionaire, poverty to peace, business and faith, real estate success, investor story, real estate mentorship, nnn investing, grocery store investing, trauma and entrepreneurship, freedom through investing, real estate coach,

We don’t just get denied by the system— we get denied by what we don’t know.In this episode, Luis Omar Figueroa joins Sean Martin for a raw conversation about resilience, reinvention, and rewriting your story when every door seems shut.Luis shares how being denied a mortgage— despite having $50K in the bank— lit the fire that pushed him from liquor store owner to real estate powerhouse. With no training, no roadmap, and no mentors, he went from $10K a year to making $80K in 3 months, eventually founding HGRN Capital and Hudson Group Realty Network to help others get the funding they were told they didn’t qualify for.They talk about:

• Why rejection is often your redirection
• The lessons Luis learned from losing friendships and partnerships
• How he transitioned from street hustle to structured business
• Why “I go get it” became the mantra that built his empire
• Real estate, lending, and ownership when you start with nothing
• Why financial success starts with emotional maturity
• How being raised in the Bronx shaped the way he moves through every room

This episode is about betting on yourself even when no one else does— and knowing that when the bank says no, it’s time to start building your own.---⭐️ 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 – Luis Omar FigueroaLuis Omar Figueroa is a Bronx-born entrepreneur, seasoned real estate financier, and the founder of HGRN Capital and Hudson Group Realty Network. With over 15 years of experience in lending and real estate investing, Luis built his business from the ground up after being denied the opportunity to buy his first home. Today, he helps others secure funding and create ownership— especially those who don’t meet traditional requirements.His story is one of grit, self-education, and never waiting for permission. He’s passionate about mentoring others from underserved communities and proving that your background doesn’t define your ceiling— your actions do.From street smarts to building a legacy, Luis is living proof that with the right mindset and relentless execution, you can make your own way, no matter where you start.🔗 Connect with LuisGuest: @askluisomar🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin---Tags & Keywords:Luis Omar Figueroa, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, HGRN Capital, Hudson Group Realty Network, real estate journey, denied by the bank, Bronx entrepreneurship, self-made success, financial literacy, street to structured, ownership mindset, startup hustle, real estate funding, commercial lending, mentorship, emotional intelligence, small business stories, legacy builders, building from nothing, from the Bronx to boardroom, Latino entrepreneur, business with heart, real estate mentor, faith and finance, real talk podcast#LuisOmarFigueroa #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #HGRNCapital #FromTheBronx...

We don’t just fail because of our mistakes—we fail because we stop taking the shot.In this episode, Josh Zieglowsky joins Sean Martin for a powerful conversation about risk, faith, relationship capital, and why your biggest breakthrough is often one more conversation—or one more failure—away.Josh opens up about going bankrupt at 22, starting over with nothing, and building his way into becoming a multi-business entrepreneur and key player behind the $300M success of ERC Specialists. From mortgages to masterminds, from student to partner at Commercial Academy, his journey proves one thing: you don’t need to know everything— you just need to know your people.They talk about:

• The truth about failure and how to bounce back stronger
• Why "Who Not How" is the secret to scaling anything
• How relationship capital built a multimillion-dollar business
• Lessons from raising four kids while building empires
• What to look for before saying yes to a business opportunity
• Why investing in yourself will always be the best ROI
• How faith, family, and personal belief fuel every level of success

This episode is about learning how to take your shot—even when the scoreboard says you're behind—and trusting that with the right people, mindset, and mission, it’s never too late to win.---🔗 Connect with Josh ZieglowskyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoshzPodcast: The Flat Bill Investor PodcastWebsite: https://ercspecialists.com🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin---🔥 About the Guest – Josh ZieglowskyJosh Zieglowsky is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, business mentor, and co-founder of ERC Specialists, the nation's leading firm for Employee Retention Credit funding. He is also a partner at Commercial Academy, a national platform for commercial real estate education, and co-host of The Flat Bill Investor Podcast, where he helps entrepreneurs and visionaries discover their unique edge.From humble beginnings in Morgan, Utah, to orchestrating multimillion-dollar ventures, Josh credits his success to relationship capital, his commitment to daily learning, and his unshakable faith in God, family, and people. He’s passionate about mentorship, fatherhood, and building legacy—one opportunity and one connection at a time.Whether he's helping business owners recover funds they didn’t know they were owed, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or investing in the next big venture, Josh is a living example that grit, gratitude, and the right partnerships can transform any life—no matter where you start.⭐️ 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.---Tags & Keywords:Josh Zieglowsky, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, ERC Specialists, Commercial Academy, Who Not How, relationship capital, entrepreneur mindset, Flat Bill Investor, real estate mentor, from bankruptcy to business, faith and business, taking your shot, business comeback, mentorship, entrepreneurial journey, family and entrepreneurship, parenting and business,...

We don’t just get boxed in by others. We box ourselves in.In this episode, Jade Simmons joins Sean Martin for a real conversation about race, labels, stereotypes, and the silent pressure to conform—especially for people of color.Jade opens up about being judged for showing up “too Black” after growing up being told she was “too white.” Together, she and Sean break down how respectability politics, cultural expectations, and internalized bias continue to shape how we see ourselves—and how we limit ourselves.They talk about:

• The pressure to shrink and fit into roles that weren’t made for us
• Racism, labels, and the mental cost of performing identity
• How race and appearance still define perception and access
• Why boldness is more than a look—it’s a tool for freedom
• Why you have to stop performing someone else’s version of you
• Navigating business, culture, and politics while staying authentic

This episode is about doing the work to unlearn who they told you to be—so you can finally become who you really are.-----Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/officialjadesimmons/https://jadesimmons.com/🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin-----🔥 About the Guest – Jade SimmonsJade Simmons is a transformational keynote speaker, concert pianist, CEO, author, and former presidential candidate. She’s also a trailblazer in pageantry—crowned Miss Illinois 1999 and named first runner-up at Miss America 2000, where she performed classical piano on a national stage and redefined what it meant to be a Black woman in pageantry.A graduate of Northwestern University in piano performance and founder of Jade Media Global, Jade has created a category of her own with her signature “keynote concert adventures”—high-energy events that blend powerful storytelling, classical music, mindset shifts, and audience transformation. She’s been called “Classical Music’s Number One Maverick”, with performances at the White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and global corporate stages for brands like Dell, Pfizer, and NBC Universal.In 2020, she ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States under Operation Restoration, bringing a fresh, nonpartisan voice to American politics focused on purpose, unity, and people over party.Jade is also the author of Purpose the Remix and Audacious Prayers for World Changers, and she continues to speak on leadership, race, reinvention, boldness, personal branding, and unlocking potential through authentic expression.Whether it’s breaking racial and cultural stereotypes in classical music, challenging conformity in corporate spaces, or using her voice to push for social and political change—Jade Simmons is a force for disruption, purpose, and liberation.⭐️ 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.-----Tags & Keywords:Jade Simmons, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, race and identity, breaking stereotypes, internalized racism, keynote speaker, bold leadership, personal development, conformity, labels and expectations, people of color, racial identity, stereotypes,...

From navigating the complexities of higher education to revolutionizing student engagement, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal is reshaping how we think about learning and investing in education.In this episode, Dr. Carvalhal shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant child in Brooklyn to becoming a thought leader in higher education. As the founder of ANC Consulting, she is on a mission to transform the higher education landscape, focusing on student success, enrollment strategies, and bridging the gap between academic and business practices.Dr. Carvalhal explores the real challenges institutions face today, such as dwindling enrollment numbers and the struggle to keep students engaged. She reveals the importance of treating education as an investment rather than just a transaction and provides insight into how universities can evolve to meet the needs of today’s digital-native students.Additionally, she discusses the rising importance of entrepreneurship in education and the shifting expectations of students, who are no longer just looking for degrees but real, applicable skills that will lead to future success.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dr. Carvalhal transitioned from a passionate educator to a consultant driving change in the industry
• The impact of treating education as a business and why students should see themselves as investors
• The biggest challenges facing higher education today and how to overcome them
• Why universities need to adapt to the needs of modern students or risk becoming irrelevant
• How the future of higher education will be shaped by AI and digital learning platforms
• The importance of family involvement in education and how it affects student success

This podcast is for you if:

• You’re interested in the future of higher education and student engagement
• You’re questioning whether college is still worth the investment
• You’re passionate about shifting traditional educational models for a more relevant, inclusive future

Dr. Carvalhal’s story proves that the future of education isn’t about adhering to old systems—it’s about innovating, adapting, and empowering students to become the leaders of tomorrow.-----🔗 Connect with Dr. Angelina Carvalhal@ancconsulting1 on Instagram | LinkedIn | ANC Consulting - Website🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin-----Keywords & Tags:Higher education, student engagement, education investment, ANC Consulting, future of education, enrollment strategies, AI in education, entrepreneurship in education, REAL Mentors Podcast, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal, Sean Martin#AngelinaCarvalhal #EducationReform #HigherEducation #EducationInvestment #REALMentorsPodcast #EntrepreneurshipInEducation #FutureOfLearning #StudentEngagement #AIinEducation #SeanMartin

From planning celebrity-packed events to launching innovative virtual experiences, Jeff Krauss is at the forefront of experiential marketing and event production.In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from a party promoter to the founder of IE Group NYC, a leading event production company that works with top-tier celebrities and influencers. He dives into the challenges of building relationships in a high-stakes industry and how authenticity and humility have played a key role in his success.Jeff also talks about the launch of FanRoom Live, a platform that offers fans unique virtual meet-and-greets with their favorite stars, and how he navigated the shift from live events to digital experiences during the pandemic. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at producing A-list events and the importance of staying grounded, regardless of the glamorous surroundings.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Jeff transitioned from party promoter to successful entrepreneur
• The key to building strong relationships in the entertainment industry
• How FanRoom Live was born and how it’s changing virtual fan experiences
• The struggles and rewards of producing high-profile events
• Why authenticity is more important than status symbols in business
• The impact of staying grounded in an industry focused on image

This podcast is for you if:- You’re interested in the event production and experiential marketing world- You want to learn how authenticity can help you succeed in a high-stakes industry- You’re a fan of celebrities and curious about the behind-the-scenes of their eventsJeff’s story proves that true success doesn’t come from superficial status, but from creating genuine connections and staying true to who you are.-----🔗 Connect with Jeff Krauss!Instagram: @iegroupnyc🛜 IE Group Website | FanRoom Live | QuoteNotes🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @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.-----Keywords & Tags:Event production, experiential marketing, IE Group NYC, FanRoom Live, celebrity events, authenticity, event planning, entrepreneurship, relationship-building, virtual fan experiences, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin#JeffKrauss #EventProduction #AuthenticityInBusiness #FanRoomLive #EventPlanning #Entrepreneurship #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #Wrestling #WWE #BIGSHOW #UNDERTAKER #THEROCK #CMPUNK

From producing Emmy-winning shows to advocating for better maternal healthcare, Sasha Mitchell-Fuller is on a mission to create change.In this episode, Sasha shares how her journey in television led her to become a passionate advocate for natural birth and women’s health. After learning about the challenges women, especially women of color, face during childbirth, Sasha co-founded Birth Pods, a project designed to offer mothers a safe, natural, and supportive birth environment.Sasha talks about how she used her experience in TV production to make a real impact, the importance of creating a space where women feel heard and empowered, and how manifestation has played a big role in her personal and professional life. She also shares her personal journey of sobriety, fitness, and finding her true purpose.🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn:- How Sasha went from TV producer to maternal health advocate- The vision behind Birth Pods and how it’s changing birth experiences- Why manifestation and hard work is key to Sasha’s success- The struggles women face in childbirth, especially women of color- How fitness and self-care help Sasha stay balanced and focused- The power of finding your purpose and using your platform for changeThis podcast is for you if:- You’re passionate about making a difference in healthcare or women’s rights- You’re looking to create change in your own life and the worldSasha’s story is a reminder that when you find your purpose, you can change lives — including your own.-----
🔗 Connect with Sasha Mitchell-FullerInstagram: @myharmoniouslifeWebsite: https://sofierceproductions.com/ | https://thebirthpods.com/🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin-----Keywords & Tags: Emmy-winning producer, maternal health, Birth Pods, natural birth, doulas, midwives, wellness, motherhood, activism, women’s health, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin#SashaMitchellFuller #BirthPods #MaternalHealth #NaturalBirth #Activism #Wellness #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin

In this episode, Sean Martin sits down with Jaime Santana Jr., Esq.—a Bronx-born attorney, former prosecutor, and the first Latino judge in Orange County, NY. From the crowded hallways of Castle Hill to the courtroom bench, Jaime’s journey is proof that purpose, persistence, and pride can break any cycle.Known for defending both the innocent and the guilty with unmatched integrity, Jaime opens up about the hard truths of criminal law, how he reconciles morality with duty, and the deeply personal reasons behind his fight for justice.-----What’s inside this episode:

• Why Jaime left a $250k Wall Street offer to become a $34k prosecutor
• The truth about defending guilty clients (and how he still sleeps at night)
• The role of accountability vs. justice in criminal vs. civil cases
• His transition from lawyer to judge at just 34 years old—and how he made history
• Real talk on bail reform, broken systems, and criminalizing poverty
• Why mentorship and second chances are central to his mission
• The powerful story of a client accused of vehicular homicide after smoking weed
• And how Jaime is now inspiring the next generation—including his own children

This podcast is for:

• Aspiring lawyers, community leaders, and changemakers who want to serve with integrity.
• Anyone who's felt counted out but still dreams of making an impact.
• Youth from the inner city, men and women navigating second chances, and the people who believe in them.
• And for those hungry for real talk, real leadership, and real examples altering lives.

-----🔗 Connect with our guest: @santanalawfirm 📞 (212) 448-0055📩 [email protected]
🔔 Follow us on Instagram!🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin-----
Keywords and tags:Jaime Santana, Santana Law Firm, criminal defense, civil rights attorney, Bronx judge, Latino leadership, Puerto Rican lawyer, Castle Hill Bronx, criminal justice reform, accountability over justice, guilty clients, personal injury lawyer, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, second chances, Bronx lawyers, legacy building, family, mentorship, inner city law#JaimeSantana #REALMentorsPodcast #BronxToBench #LatinoJudge #DefendingTheGuilty #JusticeAndAccountability #FromTheBlockToTheBench #CriminalDefenseTruth #SecondChances #LegacyAndLaw #SeeYouAtTheTop