🎙️ The Council of Dudes Podcast | Featuring Ari Kwitkin-Close

This week on The Council of Dudes, we sit down with Ari Kwitkin-Close, Chief Revenue Officer of Westchester Soccer Club a builder, a connector, and a leader who understands the power of relationships on and off the field.

Ari shares stories from his time working in the NFL and how the lessons from that world discipline, performance under pressure, and team culture continue to shape the way he leads today. But what stands out most isn't just the business acumen… it's the foundation.

We dive into how simple acts of kindness in childhood can create lifelong impact how being seen, encouraged, and believed in early on shapes confidence, risk-taking, and leadership later in life. Ari opens up about how those moments influenced his path as an entrepreneur and revenue leader.

From navigating high-level sports organizations to helping scale one of the fastest-growing professional soccer teams in the region, Ari breaks down what it actually takes to build something meaningful and why community is the ultimate growth strategy.

We also talk about the exciting momentum around Westchester Soccer Club and their Home Opener on March 7th a huge moment not just for the club, but for the entire Westchester community.

This episode isn't about sports. It's about business. It's about impact. And it's about how kindness, vision, and courage can ripple far beyond what we see.

Connect with Ari:

Ari Kwitkin-Close - Linkedin

@ari__kc

https://www.instagram.com/ari__kc?igsh=MXN4bDdqNWkxcHVpeQ==

@westchestersc

https://www.westchestersc.com/

In this episode of Council of Dudes we sit down with Father Petrillo from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham, NY.

Father Petrillo shares thoughtful reflections on faith, presence, and the power of words to heal. We talk about why his homilies resonate so deeply with people not just spiritually, but emotionally and how they often feel as impactful and therapeutic as they are instructive.

This conversation explores the role of reflection, stillness, and community in navigating everyday life, offering insight that extends well beyond the walls of the church. It's an honest, grounded discussion about finding meaning, processing life's challenges, and the quiet ways faith can support personal growth and well-being.

A meaningful listen for anyone seeking perspective, clarity, and a moment to slow down.

Define Your Circle.

The Council of Dudes Podcast is a space for honest conversations about what it means to be a man today—faith, fatherhood, leadership, mental health, discipline, and personal growth.

In this episode, Vinny Brusco sits down with Fran Jez — creator, content producer, podcast host of Talk About It With Franjez, and founder of his own YouTube channel where he drops weekly episodes exploring mindset, community, real-talk interviews, food reviews, and life lessons from Westchester and beyond.

Fran's journey from food creator and community builder to long-form interviewer has given him a grounded perspective on what it takes to grow, stay authentic, and build connection in a hyper-noisy world.

Together, Vinny and Fran dive into: • What Fran's learned hosting Talk About It With Franjez • Why real conversation matters for men's mental health • Brotherhood, accountability, and intentional living • Faith, discipline, and self-awareness • Building community — on and off the mic

Whether you're a fan of Fran's YouTube content or looking for substance over surface, this discussion cuts deep into what it takes to show up consistently — for yourself and the people who count on you.

Define Your Circle.

🎧 Listen on Spotify 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube 📩 [email protected]

In this episode of The Council of Dudes Podcast, Vinny Brusco sits down with Justin Carotti, LCSW, LADC, founder of Valiance Counseling for a grounded and honest conversation about discipline, fatherhood, and the internal work required to become a stronger, more grounded man.

Justin brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and real-world experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, his work centers on helping men navigate anxiety, addiction, identity, purpose, and emotional responsibility—areas many struggle with quietly. In this conversation, he shares insights from both the therapy room and his own life as a father and entrepreneur.

Together, they explore:

• Why discipline—not motivation—is the foundation of lasting change

• How fatherhood exposes blind spots and demands personal growth

• The importance of mental health support and emotional literacy for men • Addiction, avoidance, and the stories men tell themselves

• How accountability, integrity, and consistency shape a man's legacy

This episode is for men who know there's more required of them—and are willing to do the internal work to rise to that standard.

🎧 Listen in and reflect on the question every man must eventually face: Who am I becoming when no one's watching?

—

The Council of Dudes

Define Your Circle

The Council of Dudes Podcast — Featuring Rafael Torres of Recap Wellness

In this episode, I sit down with Rafael Torres, founder of Recap Wellness, whose groundbreaking work is helping people understand the real connection between neurons, anxiety, trauma, and physical pain.

Rafael breaks down how the body stores emotional experiences, why unresolved trauma shows up as chronic tension, stress, or injury, and how reconnecting with your nervous system can completely transform your life. We dive into: • How neurons fire and wire around emotional experiences • The link between unresolved trauma and ongoing physical pain • Why anxiety lives in the body long before it shows up in the mind • Practical ways to release stored patterns and reset the nervous system • Rafael's unique method of helping clients heal from the inside out

This one goes deep — perfect for anyone on the path of healing, growth, and becoming a stronger, more grounded man.

Connect with Rafael / Recap Wellness: @recap_wellness

Follow Agora Social Club & The Council of Dudes: @agora_westchester

@vinnybrusco

If this episode resonates, hit that Like, Subscribe, and Share button. And as always — Define Your Circle.

In this episode, Vinny sits down with MYQ Success — content creator, entrepreneur, and author — to talk about the art of content creation, working with brands, and becoming your own brand.

MYQ shares his journey of building influence, finding purpose through creativity, and how consistency, authenticity, and storytelling can transform your online presence into a real-world movement. They also discuss how personal growth, discipline, and defining your circle are key to both success and fulfillment.

📘 Check Out MYQ's Book: "The Content to Cash Bible" – Available on Amazon & major platforms

📲 Follow MYQ Success: Instagram: @myqsuccess (https://instagram.com/myqsuccess) TikTok: @myqsuccess (https://tiktok.com/@myqsuccess) YouTube: MYQ Success (https://youtube.com/@myqsuccess)

🏛️ Follow Agora Social Club: Instagram: @agora_westchester (https://instagram.com/agora_westchester) Website: https://www.agorasocialclub.com

🎙️ Follow Vinny Brusco: Instagram: @vinnybrusco (https://instagram.com/vinnybrusco) Podcast: The Council of Dudes (https://www.youtube.com/@thecouncilofdudes)

-Define Your Circle-

In this episode, Pastor Andy Hayball of Trinity Church in Larchmont joins The Council of Dudes for a powerful and grounded conversation on faith, masculinity, and the modern man's search for purpose.

We dive deep into what it means to live with intention, lead with conviction, and stay rooted in community through the lens of faith. Andy shares his journey as a pastor, husband, and leader — bringing real-world insight into how men can navigate doubt, discipline, and divine direction.

If you've ever questioned your path or struggled to balance strength and surrender, this episode will hit home.

🙏 Tune in, reflect, and redefine what it means to walk in faith as a man today.

🎧 Available on YouTube + All Streaming Platforms

Follow and connect:

• Andy Hayball: @andy_hayball

• Agora Social Club (a men's mental health & brotherhood community):

@agora_westchester

@agorasocialclub_ny

• Vinny Brusco (host of The Council of Dude):@vinnybrusco

On this episode of The Council of Dude, we sit down with Legend Igor GracieBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, MMA veteran, proud member of the legendary Gracie family, and a dedicated family man. Beyond the medals, fights, and championships, Igor embodies the values of discipline, humility, and balance both on the mats and at home.

As the head instructor and owner of Igor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academies in New Rochelle, Eastchester and Harrison, Igor has built thriving schools where students learn not just techniques, but respect, resilience, and brotherhood. In this conversation, we dive into Igor's journey through competition, teaching, fatherhood, and what it truly means to carry a family legacy while raising a family of his own.

Follow and connect: • Igor Gracie: @igorgracie @igorgracie • Igor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy: @igorgracieacademy

• Agora Social Club (a men's mental health & brotherhood community):

@agora_westchester

@agorasocialclub_ny

• Vinny Brusco (host of The Council of Dude): @vinnybrusco

In this episode of Council of Dudes, we sit down with Jesse Morgan, founder of Malochhio Lifestyle, a clothing brand rooted in grit and authenticity.

Jesse opens up about his path from the struggles of addiction and the hard work of rehab to finding a renewed sense of purpose through creativity and entrepreneurship. We dive into how those challenges shaped his mindset, fueled the vision behind Malochhio, and continue to inspire his commitment to community and growth.

This is more than just a conversation about fashion it's about resilience, redemption, and building a lifestyle that reflects strength through struggle.

👉 Connect with Jesse Morgan:

• Instagram: [@_jesse_morgan]

• Instagram: [@malocchio_lifestyle]

👉 Connect with Vinny Brusco:

• Instagram: [@vinnybrusco]

👉 Follow Agora Social Club – a community for men's mental health & connection:

• Instagram: [@agora_westchester]

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comment

Council of Dudes Podcast

On this episode of the Council of Dudes, Vinny Brusco sits down with Brett Eaton – coach, speaker, and author of the powerful new book Uncomfortable Either Way. Brett dives deep into mindset, growth, and why embracing discomfort is the key to building the life you're meant to live.

📖 Grab Brett's new book Uncomfortable Either Way: [Insert link here]

👉 Connect with Brett Eaton: • Instagram: [@bretteaton_] • TikTok: [@bretteaton_]

👉 Connect with Vinny Brusco: • Instagram: [@vinnybrusco]

👉 Follow Agora Social Club – a community for men's mental health & connection: • Instagram: [@agora_westchester]

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comment