Stand For It

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In this powerful episode of Stand For It, Fred Castro and Shawn Wilbanks sit down with Danny Diaz (aka “The Machine”) for a raw, unfiltered conversation about identity, pain, and personal transformation.

Danny opens up about his early years—being pulled into drugs at a young age, assuming an identity built on survival, ego, and control, and eventually realizing he didn’t want to spend his life stuck in the same rooms with the same outcomes. A year of traveling the world shattered his defenses and showed him a different way to live—one rooted in simplicity, connection, and truth.

After returning home, Danny built a wildly successful food truck and restaurant business, only to hit another breaking point: anxiety, burnout, and the realization that external success means nothing without internal alignment. Personal development became the catalyst, but it was losing the ability to walk due to severe back injuries that forced the deepest transformation yet.

That recovery led Danny into endurance running and ultimately a 100-mile ultra attempt, where the real battle wasn’t physical—it was mental. Danny breaks down the voices that show up in the “pain cave,” the critical miles where doubt creeps in, and how those same patterns mirror the challenges men face in everyday life as husbands, fathers, and leaders.

This episode isn’t about politics or labels. It’s about doing what’s right, taking ownership of your choices, and proving—to yourself—that you are far more capable than the story you’ve been telling.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or called to more—this conversation will hit home.

The change starts with you! 

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In this episode of the Stand Forward Podcast, hosts Fred Castro and Shawn Wilbanks welcome Ivan Harms, who shares his incredible journey of resilience and recovery after a life-altering accident. The conversation delves into the importance of community, the impact of cycling, and the power of nutrition in healing. Ivan discusses his transition from the bicycle industry to real estate, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame adversity through a focused mindset and intentional living. The episode emphasizes the significance of personal growth, the role of diet in health, and the necessity of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals, or your "Family Of Choice".

The change starts with you!

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In this episode of the Stand For It podcast, hosts Fred Castro and Sean Wilbanks discuss various aspects of health, wellness, and personal development. They explore the concept of biohacking, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mindfulness, and intentional living. The conversation covers practical strategies such as intermittent fasting, the elimination method for dietary choices, and the psychological aspects of goal setting. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, aiming to inspire listeners to take charge of their health and well-being.

The change starts with you!

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In this episode, Fred Castro and Shawn Wilbanks take a raw, unfiltered look at the current state of society, where too many are comfortable as long as their personal world isn’t disturbed. They talk about personal responsibility, the growing divide in common sense, the unchecked waste and corruption in government, and the cultural shift toward complacency. From personal stories about family, fitness, and facing adversity, to a broader conversation about accountability and standing up for what’s right, Fred and Shawn remind us: real change starts when you’re willing to have your boat rocked. They wrap it up with a nod to Bob Marley’s timeless message of unity, freedom, and resilience.

The change starts with you!

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Welcome to the Stand For It Podcast, where Fred Castro and Sean Wilbanks bring you real talk about life, faith, leadership, and the challenges we all face. This isn't about politics or division—it's about standing for what's right, embracing truth, and leading from the front. In each episode, Fred and Sean share raw, unfiltered conversations about personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and finding strength in faith, family, and community. Whether it's personal struggles, business setbacks, or navigating the ever-changing landscape of our country, this podcast is about taking ownership, living with purpose, and inspiring change—one person at a time. It's time to lead or be led. Welcome to the movement.

The change starts with you!

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In this episode of the Stand For It podcast, hosts Fred Castro and Shawn Wilbanks discuss the importance of personal growth, faith, and community as they reflect on the past year and set intentions for 2025. They share personal stories, insights on stewardship, and the significance of kindness and empathy in everyday interactions. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from the movie Homestead, emphasizing the value of collaboration and support within a community. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage and share their stories as they strive for a better year ahead.

The change starts with you!

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In this episode of the *Stand Forward Podcast*, Fred Castro and Sean Wilbanks bring real talk to the table, diving into the challenges, growth, and lessons of 2024. They discuss the power of accountability, faith, and embracing hard things to unlock a better version of yourself. From personal wins to the importance of intentional living, the duo unpacks reflections from the year, offering practical insights for listeners looking to close the year strong and step boldly into 2025. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and an unapologetic call to lead or be led.

The change starts with you!

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Welcome to the Stand For It Podcast with Fred Castro and Shawn Willbanks—two real guys tackling the real issues shaping our society. From the chaos in politics to the strength of community, Fred and Shawn bring unfiltered conversations, raw insights, and passionate debates. This isn't about left vs. right, black vs. white, or any dividing lines; it's about standing together for what’s right.

Each week, they dive into pressing topics, share personal stories of growth, and offer actionable advice to inspire change—starting with YOU. Whether it's discussing leadership, accountability, or the power of perseverance, Fred and Shawn challenge the status quo with truth and tenacity.

If you're ready to lead, not follow, and create a better future for yourself and your community, then this podcast is for you. Let’s build a nation and a life worth standing for.

The change starts with you!

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In this episode of the Stand For It podcast, hosts Fred Castro and Shawn Wilbanks discuss the importance of personal growth, embracing life's challenges, and the tools we can use to navigate through them. They emphasize the significance of mindset, the power of responding rather than reacting, and finding opportunities in adversity. The conversation also touches on the importance of gratitude and trusting the process in our personal journeys. In this conversation, Fred and Shawn explore the complexities of life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the difference between personal plans and divine intervention. They discuss the destructive paths that can arise from unchecked thoughts and actions, and the necessity of asking tough questions to foster personal growth. The dialogue highlights the significance of authenticity in relationships, particularly with family, and the value of trusting the process of self-improvement. They conclude by stressing the importance of living in the present and making incremental changes to achieve a fulfilling and authentic life.

Takeaways

It's not about left versus right, but doing what's right.
Embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly as learning lessons.
Everything you want is on the other side of hard.
You don't have to come from darkness to see the light.
Your perception becomes your reality.
Things happen for you, not to you.
Reacting with grace and gratitude can change outcomes.
Mindset is crucial in how we handle challenges.
Gratitude can shift your perspective on life.
Trusting the process is essential for personal growth. Life has a plan that often diverges from our own.
Recognizing the need for divine intervention can lead to resolution.
Destructive thoughts and actions can have lasting impacts.
Asking tough questions is essential for personal growth.
Experiences in the 'hot seat' can reveal deeper truths.
Authenticity is key to meaningful relationships.
Trusting the process is crucial for continuous improvement.
Living in the present allows for impactful change.
Incremental progress is more valuable than striving for perfection.
One person's change can ripple out to affect many.

The change starts with you!

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In this episode of the Stand Forward Podcast, hosts Fred Castro and Shawn Wilbanks delve into the complexities of societal issues, emphasizing personal responsibility and the importance of maintaining order in one's life. They discuss the challenges posed by today's political landscape, the media's influence, and the concept of blackmail in both the entertainment and political spheres. The conversation highlights the need for a supportive community and accountability among leaders to effect meaningful change. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to focus on self-improvement, understanding the impact of their choices, and standing firm in their values amidst a rapidly changing world. The episode combines personal anecdotes with broader societal observations, fostering a dialogue about growth, resilience, and the pursuit of integrity.

The change starts with you!