What happens when a troubled youth finds purpose? In this gripping conversation, Ivan Gonzalez takes us through his journey from the streets of East Gilroy to becoming the dedicated family man and martial artist he is today.

Growing up in a financially struggling household with parents who eventually separated, Ivan found himself drawn to the streets by age 12. What began with breaking into cars escalated to drug dealing by 15, culminating in serious charges at 17 that threatened to send him to adult court with a potential 10-14 year sentence. After spending nearly a year in juvenile detention and accepting a plea deal that left him with substantial restitution, Ivan reached a crossroads.

The birth of his daughter while transitioning out of the system became the catalyst for profound change. "I finally had positives," Ivan reflects. "Why ruin them?" This simple question marked the beginning of his transformation. Years later, at 25, Ivan discovered martial arts—a discipline that would further reshape his perspective and provide the structure he never had growing up.

Today, as a blue belt in jiu-jitsu and father of 2 , Ivan's priorities have completely shifted. His powerful testimony about wanting his children to have opportunities he never had reveals how completely his values have transformed. His story isn't just about personal redemption but highlights how crucial positive support systems are for youth—something he lacked in his early years but now works tirelessly to provide for his own family.

Whether you're facing your own struggles or simply need a reminder of the human capacity for change, Ivan's journey offers both hope and practical wisdom about the power of finding your "why" in life.

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Dropping off our only child at the University of Texas was a whirlwind of pride, sadness, and excitement. Join us as we recount the pivotal conversations that led to her decision to attend university out of state and the rigorous process of guiding her through college applications. From her initial consideration of junior college to ultimately receiving multiple offers, including a full ride to Iowa State, we highlight the immense pride and accomplishment we felt when she decided on the University of Texas. This episode is a testament to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering parental support.

Our journey wasn't without its challenges. Listen in as we reflect on societal pressures and the internal conflicts that arise from comparing ourselves to others. We share personal experiences from attending a party in our early twenties to navigating new responsibilities in our relationships, all while motivating our daughter to aim for prestigious schools despite initial reluctance. Witness our family's educational background play a significant role in shaping our daughter's future and the joy of seeing her thrive in her new environment.

Finally, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the support system that has surrounded us throughout this journey. We express deep gratitude for friends, community members, and special individuals like Ant Dogs and the Figueroa family who rekindled our passion and provided an environment of encouragement. Celebrate with us as we acknowledge the collective support that has been instrumental in our daughter's success and express our appreciation for everyone who has been part of our path. Hook'em!

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Stepping back into the podcasting ring, I've wrapped my hands, set my stance, and I'm ready to share a heartfelt narrative that floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. My journey reconnects me with my passions: the artful dance of martial arts, the rhythm of music, and the humble beginnings of my career as a striking class instructor at Ant Dogs MMA. Prepare to lace up your gloves and match the tempo of my life's soundtrack, as I sit down with Eric from Alloy Guitars, whose own story harmonizes with the pursuit of change and the melody of personal growth.

The Bay Area's martial arts scene and the pulsing heart of the NorCal all-ages music venue have been the stages of my evolution, and in this episode, you'll feel the vibrancy of both worlds. As we unpack my guest's narrative, you'll discover the transformation that leads from being a disciplined Muay Thai instructor to strumming success in the guitar industry. We'll explore the guts it takes to rebuild after setbacks while finding new rhythms in life, whether it's in the gym, on stage, or in the market of strings and frets.

Wrap your fingers around the mic and join me in reflecting on the powerful impact of community and determination. From coaching gritty fighters like Diego to my own personal tales of perseverance, this conversation is all about the art of giving it your all and the relationships that shape our paths. As we navigate this symphony of stories, the chords of passion, failure, and teamwork play out in a crescendo that reminds us of the endless possibilities when we're in tune with the right ensemble. So, tune in, turn up the volume, and prepare to be moved by the combat of life and the song in our hearts.

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Ever wonder what it takes to transform yourself physically and mentally? Prepare to be inspired as we sit down with our special guest, Miguel Sanchez, a devoted father and firefighter whose journey to becoming shredded started with Instagram fitness videos. With steely determination and willingness to put himself first, Miguel embarked on an incredible journey of personal transformation, which we explore in depth. 

But becoming fit isn't just about physical changes. We delve into the power of facing fear head-on, a topic Miguel knows too well from his life-altering experience of facing a professional fighter. His insights on how positive action can conquer fear and redefine personal boundaries is a conversation you won't want to miss. We also dive into his experience with manhood, discussing the challenges and growth, as well as the cultural expectations and unhealthy habits that often hold men back.

Our conversation takes a poignant turn as we discuss Miguel's life as a firefighter and how his son's medical condition sparked a radical shift in his perspective on life. Balancing family, career and personal care is a struggle many of us face, and Miguel's experiences here offer valuable insights. Finally, we wrap up with an engaging and eye-opening discussion on personal transformation and self-care. So gear up, tune in and embark on this fascinating journey of resilience and transformation with us and Miguel Sanchez. It's time to be inspired.

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Ready for a behind-the-scenes look into the life of an entrepreneur? Join me on an adventure as I spill the beans on my unique journey of setting up a photo booth business, from the initial dreams of owning a salon to the unexpected turn of events that led me to "Barra Siampeh", my photo booth venture. Here, I candidly share the rollercoaster ride of coming up with an unusual business name, deciding to keep business ventures separate, and the challenges faced in the process. 

Furthermore, I delve into the significance of social media promotion in today's business world. Particularly on how adding value to your Instagram followers through regular content updates can work wonders for your venture. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of grit, I unravel the realities of the seemingly glamorous entrepreneur lifestyle, and how a simple photo booth business ended up transforming my life. Whether you're an aspiring business owner or a curious soul who loves a good challenge-overcoming tale, this episode is bound to captivate you. So buckle up, and let's hit the road to entrepreneurship together!

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We're rolling out the laughter carpet for our guest, PX Floro, the first female Filipino comedian in the San Jose area. She's a living testament to the power of laughter, and in this conversation, she discloses her comedic journey - from being a spectator at an Aries Spears performance to taking home free classes from the San Francisco Comedy College. Her story, woven with raw experiences and her determination to thrive in the local comedy scene, will have you clutching your sides and nodding in admiration.

What does it mean to be a Filipino-American in the Bay Area? PX breaks it down for us. We navigate through a rich tapestry of cultural contrasts, with splashes of Manny Pacquiao's influence on Filipino culture and the traditional expectations of living at home until 18. Shifting gears, PX also opens up about her transition from early motherhood to comedy, sharing hard-hitting insights and memorable moments - including the pivotal 'Signs' sign, and the fateful encounter with her therapist.

But wait, there's more! With PX, we delve into her belief in the universe's power and its profound impact on her life and career. She shares her tales of coincidence and fate, and how these experiences have shaped her worldview. And of course, we can't leave out her adventures performing at diverse venues, including a strip club, and her thoughts on the healing potential of comedy. This chat is much more than a heart-to-heart with a comedian - it's a journey through cultural nuances, personal growth, and the spiritual realm. So, tune in, and let's share this laughter-filled ride with the incredible PX Floro!

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Is it possible to leave a stable job, to chase your dreams, and find happiness? This episode chronicles a remarkable journey that started from a FedEx office to pursuing passions and dreams. Tune in as I share the exhilarating yet terrifying story of leaving the security of a job at FedEx behind to embrace the unknown and follow my heart. Hear about the overwhelming opportunities, the intoxicating freedom, and the struggle to stay present amidst past trauma. 

Finding joy in the journey, not just the destination, is key as we explore the notion that success can’t be measured against the progress of others. I share my personal experiences of the bumpy road to realizing my dreams, including the inevitable failures and the importance of accepting them as a part of the growth process. In a significant career leap, I transition from FedEx to a gig in social media, with all its inherent challenges and blessings. Additionally, I express the need for support, whether it's subscribing to the podcast, following our Instagram, or leaving reviews. Join me as I navigate this transformative phase of life, and hopefully inspire you to chase your dreams too.

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What would you do if societal expectations wanted you to become a doctor or a lawyer, but you felt an entrepreneurial spirit calling your name? Our guest this episode, Sky Sunner, faced this conundrum. Skye, the owner of Happy Place Eatery and Happy Place Craft Beer, will inspire you with his journey from selling CDs and candies as a young boy to running a successful food and liquor business. His story is a testament to how carving your own path, fueled by hard work and dedication, pays off.

In the world of entrepreneurship, the journey is often as significant as the destination. Sky's journey, complete with the struggles of undercapitalization and overhead, has played a vital role in the growth of his business. His passion for food and beer culture led him to take risks, opening a food truck against all advice and navigating the complexities of the food industry. Not only did he thrive in the face of challenge, but he also encouraged empowerment within his team, leading to a bustling business and an incredible 5,000 square foot liquor store and family-friendly container park.

This episode isn't just about Skye's business journey, but also his personal growth throughout the process. He discusses the importance of remaining passionate even in the face of adversity, building meaningful relationships, and learning to become more resilient, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Sky's insights on goal setting, networking, and resourcefulness provide invaluable advice to budding entrepreneurs. His story, along with those of other out-of-the-norm entrepreneurs like Reliant Fitness and Faceless, will inspire you to push boundaries and achieve your own success. Tune in to this episode for a dose of inspiration, understanding, and motivation.

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Do you know how it feels to rise from the ashes and become successful? Well, that's the story of Brad Relying, a former Cal Fire firefighter who turned his life around to become a reputable fitness coach. Brad's philosophy centers around functional movement, a stark contrast from traditional bodybuilding, and he utilizes his social media platform to connect with potential clientele, sharing content that resonates with their fitness goals.

Brad's past is marked by recklessness, but becoming a firefighter brought a significant amount of structure and discipline into his life. After a life-altering wake-up call, Brad changed his life's course and began focusing on having a goal and pushing himself to be the best he could be. This led him to build a fitness brand that emphasizes individualized training programs and a goal-driven approach. Mentoring played a pivotal role in Brad's journey. He connected with a mentor who guided him through developing his brand, overcoming challenges, and growing his business. 

Risk-taking was a major factor in Brad's success. Investing in a mentor and committing to a journey of entrepreneurship were calculated risks that paid off significantly. Despite the challenges of building a client base, Brad persevered, and with his mentor's support, saw his business grow exponentially, transforming him from a fire-fighting professional to a thriving fitness coach. This is not just a story of a successful career transition but also the tale of a man who was willing to invest in himself, took risks, and came out victorious. Join us, as we traverse through Brad's inspiring journey.

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Unmask the enigma, Faceless, an artist who defies norms and redefines boundaries. From heart-stopping graffiti escapades to navigating the tumultuous fashion and gun industries, prepare to step into a life that's anything but ordinary. Faceless unveils his creative process, the struggles of identity in the creative industry, and how his daring approach to life led to a signature style and brand that's uniquely his own.

Gripping tales of adrenaline-fueled adventures, a daring escape from a citizen patrol, and a constant dance with danger make up a slice of Faceless's intriguing life. He doesn't just live life on the edge; he dances on it. His straight-edge lifestyle, belief in the inevitability of success, and a lack of regard for danger paint an inspiring picture of a man who lives life fearlessly. We also delve into his journey through the fashion and gun industries, a path wrought with disrespect, admiration, and an ultimate drive to inspire the next generation.

Faceless's journey isn't just about defying norms and living on the edge. It's also about storytelling, the importance of anonymity, and the freedom that comes with it. His mask is more than just his brand; it's his tool for control and a symbol of his fight for creative freedom. As we dive deeper into his story, we explore the challenges of maintaining anonymity in the digital age, the reality of cancellation culture, and how Faceless turns his unconventional approach to life into an advantage. This episode is a celebration of adrenaline, risk, personal beliefs, and the relentless pursuit of individuality. Strap in and prepare for an unforgettable ride with Faceless.

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