The BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST with John Brenkus

Stand Up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and podcaster, Steve Lemme, shares his creative journey and life-changing moments on The Brink of Midnight Podcast.  Steve Lemme has an incredible comeback story of self-realization. Born and raised in New York, Steve's father was an immigrant who hustled to realize the American dream and his mother worked as an educator at an elite prep school, where Steve was able to attend. His formative years were a juxtaposed experience and he quickly fell into bad habits, the world of drugs and alcohol, and, in his words "being a punk". Dramatic moments of coming to realize his potential, develop his confidence, and come full circle with his father's immigrant story finally put Steve on the path to applying himself and he hasn't looked back. Through ups and downs, he's managed to carve out a unique comedic and creative path with his fellow Broken Lizard comedy team, writing and acting in movies (Super Troopers, Beerfest, Club Dread, The Slammin' Salmon, and Puddle Cruiser), doing stand up across the country, hosting a top podcast (Chewin' It), and starring in shows on Netflix and Comedy Central.  Steve's story reminds us that it's never too late to realize we can change our lives at any moment!  For full show notes, visit: Contact: Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

Lacrosse legend, Casey Powell, shares his journey on and off the lacrosse field on The Brink of Midnight Podcast.  Casey Powell is one of the most accomplished lacrosse players in history. From winning NCAA (Syracuse University) and world championships (MLL, NLL), All Star and MVP titles, and being the face of the only major lacrosse video game on the market, he has truly done it all in the world of lacrosse. Like a lot of us, Casey was drawn to sport through imagination and backyard games. The first to have and hold a lacrosse stick in his small New York town, he developed an almost instant passion for lacrosse that underscores all that he does in the sport community today. Whether it's innovating through his new Speed Lacrosse, serving others through his World Lacrosse Foundation, or connecting one-on-one with youth players across the country, Casey's authenticity is undeniable and a unique mix of humility and style…the same mix he developed as a kid dodging clotheslines and apple trees, playing in the neighborhood.  Sports matter. From the lessons earned and community built around shared purpose, and this conversation will move you to think creatively about how to chase your passion while supporting your own community in profound ways.  For full show notes, visit: Contact: Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

Olympic gold medalist swimmer, TV Personality, and philanthropist, Summer Sanders, shares her journey in and out of the pool on THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST. From the time of ditching her floaties to keep up with her older brother, Summer developed a true love of water that took her on an incredible NCAA and Olympic swimming journey and taught her lessons she still draws upon today. Summer's first major turning point was when she, at age 15, "understood her power" and learned how to take life's opportunities into her own hands. After a year of finishing last in many races, she made it to the Olympic Trials and narrowly missed a spot on the team. She doubled down on her vision, earned a full ride scholarship to Stanford University and helped the Cardinals win NCAAs in 1992. Making the 1992 Olympic swimming team, she then gave up the rest of her scholarship eligibility to compete on the Olympic stage in Barcelona, from which she brought home four medals: a bronze (400 medley), a silver (200 medley), and two golds (200 Fly, 4x100 Medley).  After hanging up her cap and goggles, Summer launched full-time into her TV career, appearing as a reporter and host for shows on MTV, Nickelodeon, Fox Sports, ABC, NBC, CBS Sports, HLN, MSN, Yahoo Sports and even competing on "Celebrity Apprentice" for charity. Summer's contagious energy and real talk are based on a "perfectly imperfect" life as a working mom, deep commitment to philanthropy, and pursuit of adventure. She reminds us to always lead with passion, but make room for growth along the way.  For full show notes, visit: Contact: Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, and Facebook)

THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST with John Brenkus #28: Special Edition: On the Brink of Creating One of the Most Popular Childhood Toys This is a lighthearted, just for fun, "brink of midnight" back story of how one of the greatest childhood toys was created. What do soap, wallpaper cleaner, Kroger, Captain Kangaroo, and the National Toy Hall of Fame have in common? Listen, take a trip down memory lane, and share with the kids in your life! For full show notes, visit: Contact: twitter: @brinkofmidnight instagram: @brinkofmidnight Facebook: @brinkofmidnight

Pac-12 College Football Analyst. Award-winning documentary filmmaker. Best-selling author. Podcaster. Part of Pete Carroll's USC coaching staff. World traveler. This is Yogi Roth, one of the most curious seekers, travelers, and thinkers we know. We're thrilled to bring you our conversation on THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST. Hailing from a small town in Pennsylvania, Yogi started making bold moves by walking on to the University of Pittsburgh football team and those moves haven't stopped. He transitioned from playing to coaching at USC, and after exploring the world, he made his move to sports broadcasting. Nine years in, he's worked at ESPN, Fox, and is now calling games and creating special pieces for the Pac-12 Network. Yogi's impeccable work in college sports hardly scratches the surface of what he does and he doesn't apply limits to what he chooses to pursue. Curiosity, seeking, and questioning are at the core of everything he does in making documentaries like his award-winning "Life in a Walk" and short films like 'What Does it Mean to Love?", writing books, and producing the episodes of his Life Without Limits Podcast. He's paved his own unique path by leading with heart, personal faith, and curiosity, and all along the way he encourages everyone he meets to do the same. Listen, learn, and watch your sense of wonder come alive. For full show notes, visit: Contact:  @brinkofmidnight across social platforms

#26: Special Edition on THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST with John Brenkus This Special Edition episode tells the story of the closest we've ever come to nuclear war and how one hero saved the day in 1983. We are fascinated by the life-changing "brink of midnight" moments in the lives of our guests, luminaries across the worlds of sport, entertainment, business, tech, philanthropy, and beyond. We also believe these moments happen in our collective human history and our shorter format Special Edition episodes chronicle stories that have shaped our shared experience in profound ways. www.brinkofmidnight.com twitter: @brinkofmidnight instagram: @brinkofmidnight Facebook: @brinkofmidnight

Singer/Songwriter, Actress, and Founder, Kate Voegele, shares her creative journey and process on THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST. Growing up as a suburban kid in Cleveland, OH, in a creative household, writing and creating art with family was a natural and normal part of daily life. As a teenager, Kate played her original music in countless shows from Ohio to Pennsylvania and, despite label interest, decided to pursue college to ensure she was rounded out and considering all potential future opportunity. What she didn't expect was MySpace "first friend" and co-founder, Tom Anderson, sending a direct message on MySpace to inquire about her interest in signing with him. Taking a class that allowed her to visit LA and explore the industry deeper, Kate found herself inking a great deal and making her first record shortly thereafter. At a crossroads with the options of staying in college and facing the reality of an uncertain, but much more cemented path as an artist, she took the leap of faith, dropped out of school, and went for it. A few months after arriving in LA, she made a last minute decision to audition for a single episode role on well-loved TV show "One Tree Hill" playing a singer-songwriter and she nailed it. That single episode job turned into four seasons of playing a role reflective of her life and sharing her original music with her target demographic on a unique platform. She's gone on to make several more albums, including her most recent "Canyonlands", tour the world, and take back control of her entire catalogue. To say it all came easy, however, would be to ignore the grit, passion, work ethic, wisdom, and business acumen Kate brings to the table every single day.  If you are questioning whether or not to go for a creative pursuit, or if you just want to live more creatively in your day to day life, this episode is a must listen. Kate's refreshing take on inspiration and her music just might trigger your muse to start knocking!  - For full show notes, visit: - @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook) - [email protected]

Legendary NFL kicker and Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Morten Andersen, "The Great Dane", joins THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST. All-Time Leading Scorer. Played in a record 382 games. All-time leader in field goals made. Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is Morten Andersen. His story is unlike the common thread of growing up playing flag football and eventually donning pads for tackle. A foreign exchange student from a small fishing village in Denmark, Morten only set foot on an American football field because his American father was Vice Principal of his high school and they needed a kicker on the football team. Coming from competitive soccer in Europe, they figured he might be able to kick some pigskin, too. So, at 17 years old, while still learning English and figuring out the life of an American teenager, part of sport history was written. An All-American and Academic All-Big 10 at Michigan State University, Morten went on to have a 25 year career kicking for the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and finishing with the Falcons in 2007, his most accurate year - at the age of 46. Morten's approach to life will move you, motivate you to be ready for opportunity, and illustrate how stepping way outside your comfort zone might be the most important start to discovering your passion. For full show notes, visit: @brinkofmidnight (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) [email protected]

TV and Film Actor and Academy Award Nominee, Haley Joel Osment, joins THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST. Haley Joel Osment's artistic journey began with a shopping trip at IKEA with his mom when he was four years old. A casting director spotted him and the next several months propelled him into the world of acting from national commercials to "Forrest Gump" with Tom Hanks, and eventually M. Night Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense", and Steven Spielberg's "A.I. Artificial Intelligence". Despite major film roles and working with the biggest names in Hollywood, Haley and his family thought it was important to be a well-rounded person, so he continued to go to his hometown high school and eventually college at New York University. It was at NYU that he cemented his love for the arts. Haley's story is one of committed self-discovery and evolution. Listen and be inspired to make room for adventure and self-discovery in your own life! For full show notes, visit:  | Contact:  | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)

Legendary business growth strategist and best-selling author, Jay Abraham, joins THE BRINK OF MIDNIGHT PODCAST. Jay Abraham is a name that resonates with some of the world's most influential business minds and thought leaders. He has increased the bottom lines of over 10,000 clients in more than 400 industries and 720 sub-industries worldwide. Advisor to people like Tony Robbins, Daymond John (Shark Tank), Dave Asprey (Bulletproof), and entrepreneurs around the world, Jay delights in helping develop and encourage what he calls "value creators". With no formal college education, Jay's journey is founded on hustle and the instinctive ability to connect dots and people in unique and innovative ways. His curiosity and love of process will get you fired up to travel outside your comfort zone, and you just may be thinking about this question all day, courtesy of Jay Abraham: "In life, are you a multiplier or a 'diminisher'?" For full show notes, visit:  Contact:  | Connect: @brinkofmidnight (twitter, instagram, Facebook)