🎙️ Episode Description:It’s always a pleasure having “Johnny Maniac” back on the podcast! You might remember John from Season 2, Episode 5, where we talked about his incredible journey from collegiate wrestler to English teacher to published author. Since then, his story has only gotten more inspiring — and he’s just getting started.When we last spoke, John mentioned he’d be releasing two books back to back — and he wasn’t kidding. In June, he dropped The Weight, a nostalgic, heartfelt coming-of-age novel that perfectly captures the highs, heartbreaks, and humor of high school life.I devoured this book — from Cody Nelson, the tenacious wrestler torn between his first love and his first relationship, to Meera, the unapologetic stoner chick who steals every scene, to Justin, the hilarious best friend everyone wishes they had. It’s the ultimate 2000s throwback that’ll have you reliving your teenage years in all their messy, dramatic glory.In this episode, John and I dive deep into his creative process, character development, and the inspiration behind The Weight — plus, he might just tease what’s next (a sequel, maybe?).So grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to step inside the mind of a storyteller who’s just getting started.

The man, The Myth, The Legend, Dave Sturchio joins me this week and delivers some hard hitting truths about challenges entrepreneurs face in their first couple years, as well as his road to success. Quick background story for those who don't know Dave, he has done it all when it comes to broadcasting and announcing. His voice is well known to those in the independent wrestling circuit, as he was the ring announcer for a local promotion; he quickly gained traction and competed and became a finalist to be "The Voice" for the Brooklyn Nets (he shares that heartbreak story). After all the setbacks, Dave was placed in the perfect position to unlock his inner power, resiliency- which propelled him to start his own studio company. Now, he owns Chop Studios and even his own wrestling company and fan app. He's worked with numerous talented names in all different industries- from big name wrestlers to influencers, to comedians. If you aren't familiar with Dave now, I invite you to sit down and listen. He will inspire you to bet on yourself and go after whatever it is that YOU want.

🎙️ Where to Start...For one, John and I go way back — like, elementary school back. We were inseparable as kids, practically living at each other’s houses every weekend. You could even call him my “first boyfriend” (though our 10-year-old selves wouldn’t have admitted it).As life does, it pulled us in different directions. Through our teen years and beyond, we drifted — different crowds, different lives — but always checked in here and there.John’s path led him through years of substance abuse, rehab programs, and personal battles — especially during his time in Florida. But today? He’s sober, focused, and building something beautiful from the ground up.He’s found community, accountability, and a passion that’s lighting the way forward. And for the first time, John is sitting down to publicly share his story — raw, honest, and real.This episode is about resilience, redemption, and the power of being vulnerable. If you're struggling, or know someone who is, John hopes his journey can be the spark that helps change the course.Thanks for being here — and for holding space for stories that matter.

🎙️ This week on the show, I sit down with one of the independent wrestling circuit's most respected — and feared — veterans: Shawn Donavan.A lifelong fan turned in-ring warrior, Shawn opens up about the journey that took him from being bullied for loving wrestling… to becoming a known force in the Independents.We dig into the evolution of the business — the backstage culture, the code of respect, and how the locker room has changed over the years. What was once tolerated is no longer welcome — and Shawn has seen it all firsthand.Whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan or just love stories of grit and growth, this episode hits hard.🔊 Plus, we talk about where you can catch Shawn in action next — because trust me, you’ll want to see who he's Sent2Salughter next.

🎙️ This week, I’ve got a special guest—my cousin, the one and only recording artist Elion Virtoso! We dive into everything from family life and his journey growing up—moving from Brooklyn down to Florida—to his first love (basketball 🏀) and his true passion (music 🎶). Elion opens up about what it’s taken to finally break into the music scene after years of grinding on the edge of discovery. Trust me, this convo is equal parts personal and inspiring—you won’t want to miss it!

How lucky am I to still have someone like Jarret in my life? We’ve known each other since we were 13—even went to each other’s proms. Like many friendships, we drifted apart after high school. But recently, I reconnected with him, and what he shared is nothing short of powerful.Jarret opened up about his struggles with addiction—not just drugs, but the different ways he tried to mask his pain. He talks about the setbacks, the relapses, and the night that changed everything, forcing him to start his journey of sobriety all over again.Today, Jarret is helping his brother run a recovery center, turning his battles into purpose and hope for others. His honesty, resilience, and vulnerability will leave you rooting for him—just like I still do after all these years

I’m joined by independent wrestler Tony Vincita, a name East Coast wrestling fans have recognized for over a decade. But this conversation goes beyond the ring—Tony opens up about his early beginnings, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the realities of a wrestling culture that wasn’t always welcoming.He shares candid stories about the bullying and mental toll he and his tag team partner endured as newcomers, offering a raw look at the darker side of the business. Yet Tony’s journey is one of resilience—he’s emerged as a respected veteran who’s helping shape a healthier, more supportive backstage environment for the next generation.This is a side of Tony Vincita you don’t often see—and if you keep your eyes opened, you just might catch him on TV.

Welcome to flight S2 E11 where I am joined by the lovely Flightattendeantbae...at least that's what the world knows her by, but I know her as McIntyre! Once upon a time, McIntyre and I were on the same tech school team but life took her in a different direction and ultimately brought her to where she iss today...a content creator! I had so much talking about our experience in the military, and although hers was short lived, she shared a couple of funny moments. This girl is doing it all, so seat back and relax while I pilot this episode. You're in good hands with the world's best flight attendant at your service. Please fasten those seat belts because we are preparing for take off.

This week's guest makes a second appearance and conversation is anything but ordinary. Last time we spoke, we dove into her personal stories of being a DV survivor and also her time in recovery (S2 E1). This time around, we explored conversation related to stress dreams, how physical health can be affected by stress, and unfortunate events that happened in Nashville. Additionally, I share my personal story of a recent experience at a hospital where I dealt with a condescending doctor. We also touch on some sensitive topics such as transphobia and more. This episode has it all. Enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by a family friend with an interesting outlook on life. For starters, we discussed how love and support are two different things and how both could exist without coexisting. Isaiah is known as the deep thinker of the friend group- if you want to discuss a wide range of topics and get warped into different rabbit holes of each one, Isaiah is your guy. His mind will take you to places you hadn't thought about yourself- but if you're a deep thinker yourself, then you two have just embarked on a journey to bounce ideas of each other and unpack tough conversations. In this 3 hour episode, we discuss everything from relationships, epigenetic, leadership, and more.