Stay Connected Podcast

In this episode of the Stay Connected podcast, host Leo Herrera speaks with Gabe Gallucci, a former audio engineer turned aspiring professional golfer. Gabe shares his unique journey from the music industry to golf, highlighting how the sport has become a crucial part of his mental health and personal growth. He discusses the discipline required for training, the importance of physical fitness, and the techniques he is refining to achieve his goal of becoming a professional golfer. Gabe emphasizes the objectivity of golf compared to the music industry, where success can often feel out of one's control. Through his experiences, he illustrates how golf has transformed his life, providing clarity, community, and a sense of purpose. In this conversation, Gabe Galucci shares his journey from music to golf, emphasizing the importance of skill development and community building on YouTube. He discusses how golf serves as a vehicle for personal growth and mental health, and introduces his innovative golf shoe brand, Phantom Golf, which aims to enhance performance through better footwear design.

In this episode, Leo Herrera III interviews Chris Mari, a seasoned golf coach and director of instruction at Topgolf. Chris shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast inspired by Tiger Woods to becoming a professional golfer with nine wins. He emphasizes the importance of fundamentals in coaching, the balance between teaching and competing, and his preparation strategies for tournaments. Chris also discusses his teaching philosophy, focusing on building on students' strengths rather than overhauling their swings. In this conversation, Chris Mari discusses his journey in the golf industry, emphasizing the importance of maximizing strengths in instruction, the unique learning environment at Topgolf, and the challenges faced by golf professionals. He shares insights on preparing for corporate events, the lengthy process of obtaining PGA certification, and the need for better retention strategies in the industry. Additionally, Chris reflects on his experience in reality TV and the entrepreneurial lessons learned, concluding with advice to keep golf simple and enjoyable.

In this episode of the State Connected podcast, host Leo Herrera speaks with Ben Adams, an amateur golfer from Savannah, Georgia, who is on a journey to become a professional golfer. They discuss Ben's early experiences with golf, the burnout he faced during his teenage years, and how he reconnected with the sport in 2023. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of golf, the importance of a supportive network, and the agility mindset that helps Ben navigate his journey. They also touch on the challenges of sharing his experiences on social media, the discipline required for practice, and Ben's goals for the future as he aims to make a check in professional golf.

In this engaging conversation, Leo Herrera III and Charlie Hulme explore the intersection of golf and media, delving into Charlie's background in sports media, his vision for the Smiley Show, and the life lessons learned from golf that apply to both personal and professional growth. They share memorable experiences from their careers, particularly at SiriusXM, and discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming Masters tournament. In this conversation, Charlie Hulme shares his insights on experiencing the Masters, the intricacies of producing and co-hosting a golf show, and the challenges of navigating the saturated golf media landscape. He emphasizes the importance of community building and offers valuable advice for aspiring content creators in the golf space.

In this episode, Leo Herrera III interviews Ashton Gaulin, a prominent golf influencer known as the 'Mayor of Tempo Town.' They discuss Ashton's journey in golf, the importance of tempo in the game, and how he transitioned into content creation. Ashton shares insights on building relationships within the golf community, the challenges and rewards of creating engaging content, and the evolving landscape of golf influenced by social media. They also touch on the future of golf and the opportunities for influencers in the industry.

In this episode of the Stay Connected podcast, host Leo Herrera speaks with J.C. Deacon, head coach of the Florida Gators Men's Golf team. They discuss J.C.'s journey into golf, his experiences as a junior golfer, and the transition to college golf. J.C. shares insights on coaching, recruitment strategies, and the responsibilities of being a head coach. He emphasizes the importance of work ethic, team culture, and the principles that guide his coaching philosophy. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring junior golfers looking to improve their game and pursue a career in golf.

In this episode of the Stay Connected podcast, host Leo Herrera speaks with Mark Cordera from Kraken Golf, an artist and designer known for high-end collectible golf accessories. They discuss Mark's journey into golf, his passion for art and design, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of innovation in his work. Mark shares insights into his creative process, product offerings, and marketing strategies, emphasizing the significance of community engagement and storytelling in building his brand. The conversation also touches on memorable golf experiences and the future of the sport.

In this episode, host Leo Herrera speaks with professional golfer Austin Squires about his journey in golf, from his early experiences in junior golf to his transition into professional play. They discuss the importance of fundamentals, course management, and mental strategies that contribute to success on the course. Austin shares insights from his match play experiences, his preparation for tournaments, and the lessons learned from competing against top players. The conversation highlights the significance of mindset and execution in achieving success in golf.

In this episode of the State Connected podcast, host Leo Herrera III engages with seasoned golf professional Peter Popovich. They explore Peter's journey in golf, from his early days to his professional career, and delve into the philosophy behind the Golf Paradigm. The conversation highlights common misconceptions in golf improvement, the importance of physical conditioning, and the mental aspects of the game. Peter shares insights on maximizing practice efficiency and understanding one's game, while also discussing the impact of golf on life. The episode concludes with Peter's thoughts on the Golf 360 podcast and the importance of managing expectations in golf.

In this episode of the Stay Connected Podcast, host Leo Herrera interviews Luis Pantin, a PGA-certified coach from Venezuela. They discuss Luis's journey into golf, the importance of coaching, and effective practice routines. Luis shares insights on the mental aspects of golf, the significance of posture and grip, and techniques for improving putting and short game skills. He emphasizes the need for a good coach to guide players and the value of developing a natural swing. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the golf industry and coaching philosophy.