Episode 124: Built Not Given – Cody Novini on Discipline, Business, and Relentless Self-Mastery

In Episode 124 of The Fight Within, we sit down with Cody Novini—former U.S. Marine, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and coach—to break down what it truly means to build success from the ground up.

Cody shares his journey of starting an HVAC company out of his garage, scaling it to over $11 million in annual revenue, and eventually selling the business. But the conversation goes far beyond numbers. Drawing from his Marine Corps background, Cody explains how discipline, standards, and personal accountability became the foundation for both his business success and his mental toughness.

We also dive into Cody’s passion for fitness and endurance, including his experiences running Ironmans and ultra marathons, and how pushing physical limits translates directly into leadership, clarity, and execution in life and business. Now, Cody is focused on coaching others, helping entrepreneurs and high performers develop winning strategies—mentally, physically, and professionally.

This episode is for anyone building something from nothing, chasing excellence, or learning how to win the fight within every single day.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on grit, growth, and earned success.

Support Ekko Foundation https://ekkofoundation.com/
Follow Cody on Social Media @cody_novini

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#CODYNOVINI #MARINE #ENTREPRENEUR

In Episode 123 of The Fight Within, we welcome J.D. Hill, Mission Viejo High School defensive lineman and future University of Washington Husky, as he shares the journey that shaped both the athlete and the man he’s becoming.

J.D. opens up about growing up with both parents serving in the U.S. Military, the discipline and values that environment instilled, and the challenges of his father’s absence while serving the country. Those experiences became fuel—driving his work ethic, mental toughness, and commitment to something bigger than himself.

We dive into J.D.’s football path, the sacrifices required to earn a scholarship, and the importance of teammates, coaches, family, and a strong support system along the way. This episode is about resilience, gratitude, and honoring those who stand behind you while you chase your dreams.

If you’re navigating adversity, striving for excellence, or learning how to turn hardship into strength, this conversation is a reminder that the fight within is often built long before the spotlight arrives.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring story of perseverance, purpose, and earned opportunity.

Follow JD on Instagram  @jay.not2real

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#JDHILL #UNIVERSITYOFWASHINGTON #FOOTBALL 

In Episode 122 of The Fight Within, we sit down with Luke Fahey, quarterback from Mission Viejo High School and future Ohio State Buckeye, to talk about the work, mindset, and people behind his rise.

Luke shares how relentless dedication, discipline, and consistency have shaped his path on and off the field. More importantly, he emphasizes the role of his teammates, coaches, family, and support system, making it clear that success is never achieved alone. From early mornings and tough losses to leadership in the locker room, Luke opens up about what it truly takes to earn the next opportunity.

This conversation is about humility, trust, and fighting every day to become better—not just as an athlete, but as a person. If you’re chasing a goal, leading a team, or learning how to lean on those around you, this episode delivers powerful lessons from a young leader who understands the fight within.

🎧 Tune in and hear how commitment, character, and community fuel greatness.

For business inquiries with Luke, contact https://www.instagram.com/vince.cifarelli/

Follow Luke Fahey on Social Media @lukefahey3

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#LUKEFAHEY #MISSIONVIEJOFOOTBALL #OHIOSTFOOTBALL

In this episode of The Fight Within, we sit down with Brandon Gutierrez, founder of HypeTalk, to dive deep into the power of communication, confidence, and personal growth. Brandon shares his journey of creating HypeTalk and how mastering the way we speak—to ourselves and to others—can transform our mindset, leadership, and overall impact.

We explore the internal battles that hold people back, the importance of authenticity, and how intentional communication can help you show up stronger in business, relationships, and life. Brandon also breaks down practical strategies for building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and using your voice as a tool for growth.

If you’ve ever struggled with believing in yourself or expressing who you truly are, this episode will challenge and inspire you to step into the fight within—and win.

🎧 Tune in and get hyped about becoming the best version of yourself.

Checkout HypeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCEeLvD2hDj5pbrcOrNgjOcQ

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypetalkca/?hl=en

Check out our new website & BUY some NEW MERCH!!! https://thefightwithinpodcast.com/

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#HYPETALK #SPORTSMEDIA #MEXICAN

In Episode 120 of The Fight Within, we sit down with Luc Turner, founder of Set Go Recruits, for a real and inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and vision. Luc shares the story behind starting Set Go Recruits—what motivated him to build the company, the challenges he faced early on, and the lessons he learned along the way.

He also opens up about the role his faith plays in his life and leadership, how it’s shaped his values, and how it continues to guide his decisions as an entrepreneur. To close out the episode, Luc looks ahead to the future, breaking down where he sees the Set Go Recruits brand going over the next five years and the impact he hopes to make.

This episode is all about building something meaningful, staying grounded, and trusting the process—no matter the obstacles.

Follow SGR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setgorecruits/

Check out our new website & BUY some NEW MERCH!!! https://thefightwithinpodcast.com/

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#NEWEPISODE #MANNYLARA #THEFIGHTWITHIN

In Episode 119 of The Fight Within, we welcome Christian entrepreneur and creative visionary Sam Kim, founder of Heavenly Exchange and Kim Creative, for a deeply honest and faith-filled conversation. Sam opens up about navigating life, business, and purpose while battling kidney failure—a fight that has reshaped his perspective on strength, surrender, and trust in God.
We explore how faith fuels Sam’s resilience, how creativity becomes an outlet for hope, and what it means to lead, build, and serve others while facing serious health challenges. Sam shares the mental and spiritual disciplines that keep him grounded, the lessons adversity has taught him, and how he continues to create with intention even in the hardest seasons.
This episode is a powerful reminder that some of the greatest battles aren’t visible—and that purpose, faith, and perseverance can thrive even in the midst of suffering.

Shop The Heavenly Exchange: https://theheavenlyexchange.com/collections/frontpage

Follow Sam on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/iamsamkimm/?hl=en

Help Sam on his kidney failure journey: https://gofund.me/2c3371ba4

In this inspiring episode of The Fight Within Podcast, host Manny Lara sits down with entrepreneur, mentor, and 7-on-7 coach Josh Stupin for a powerful conversation about adversity, leadership, and building a winning mindset—on and off the field.

Josh shares his personal story of overcoming challenges and how those experiences led him to create The Trillion Boys, a competitive 7-on-7 football team dedicated to developing young athletes into disciplined leaders. From player development to life lessons, Josh breaks down what it truly means to invest in the next generation.

Whether you're passionate about youth sports, personal growth, or motivational stories, this episode delivers real insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways you can apply to your own fight within.

Manny sits down with the CEO of Southern California restaurant El Pollo Norteño -  Alfonso Corona. Alfonso shares his story of being an immigrant entrepreneur, what it was like having to move back to Mexico temporarily and then coming back to run the restaurant, new business ventures, and where he sees the restaurant growing in the next few years. Make sure to tune in!  

Checkout El Pollo Norteño https://elpollonorteno.net/
Follow them on Social Media @elpollonorteno_oc

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#alfonsocorona #elpollonorteno #mexicanentrepreneur

Manny sits down with Gut Health Coach and social media influencer - Julia O. Test - Julia talks about being a Russian immigrant, succeeding at a high level in the workforce, pivoting to entrepreneurship, social media influencing, and her faith journey. Tune in!!!

Checkout Julia's LinkTree https://linktr.ee/juliaotest 
Follow Julia on Social Media @juliaotest (https://www.instagram.com/juliaotest/)

Check out our new website & BUY some NEW MERCH!!! https://thefightwithinpodcast.com/

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#JULIATEST #GUTHEALTH #INCLUENCER

Manny sits down with the founder and CEO of Home Sweet Home Restoration - Brenton Todd - They speak on Brenton's journey of starting his own company, past struggles, and how his faith has played a pivotal role not only in his personal development but his business as well. 

Check out https://www.hshrestoration.com/

Check out our new website & BUY some NEW MERCH!!! https://thefightwithinpodcast.com/

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#BRENTONTODD #HOMESWEETHOME #ENTREPRENEUR