🎬 From BYU Football to Hollywood, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

On this episode of The Positive Gaines Podcast, I sit down with actor and former BYU football player Michael Alisafor an inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, faith, family, and finding the strength to keep going when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Michael takes us back to his days playing football at BYU, where injuries became a major part of his journey and forced him to battle through some incredibly difficult moments. We talk about the dark times, the mental and emotional challenges that come with adversity, and how his faith helped him continue moving forward.

But Michael’s story took an unexpected turn when he decided to attend an open casting call for Disney’s live-action Moana. What happened next opened the door to an entirely new chapter in his life.

We also discuss:

🏈 His journey playing football at BYU
💥 The injuries that impacted his career
🎬 Taking a chance at an open casting call for Moana
🙏 How faith helped him through difficult times
❤️ The importance of family
🌊 Cultural representation in Hollywood
💪 Overcoming adversity and battling through dark moments
🔮 What’s next for Michael Alisa and much more!

This is a powerful story about understanding that sometimes the path you planned isn’t the path you’re meant to take. Michael’s journey is a reminder to keep believing, keep pushing forward, and trust that even through the difficult seasons, there may be something greater waiting on the other side.

From small-town Louisiana to the NFL, Demontrey Jacobs' journey is a masterclass in perseverance, faith, and resilience.

In this episode of the Positive Gaines Podcast, Demontrey shares how he went from being an overlooked high school football player to earning a scholarship at Grambling State, transferring to USF, signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, making 13 NFL starts with the New England Patriots, and now entering his second season with the Arizona Cardinals.

This conversation goes far beyond football. Demontrey opens up about the mindset it takes to overcome adversity, the importance of trusting God's timing, leaning on family, and embracing every opportunity, even when no one else believes in you.

Whether you're an athlete chasing your dream, a parent, a coach, or someone looking for motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in Louisiana
• Being overlooked coming out of high school
• Earning a scholarship to Grambling State
• Transferring to USF and continuing to grow
• Signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent
• Starting 13 NFL games with the New England Patriots
• Preparing for Year 2 with the Arizona Cardinals
• The role of faith and family throughout his journey
• Advice for young offensive linemen
• What it takes to keep growing on and off the field

If this conversation inspired you, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to the Positive Gaines Podcast for more stories of growth, leadership, and perseverance.

Which part of Demontrey's journey inspired you the most? Let us know in the comments!

n this exclusive interview, I sit down with Coach de Paulo from EAC to discuss what it takes to build a championship program.We dive into EAC's national championship journey, Coach de Paulo's coaching philosophy, recruiting strategies, player development, leadership, and the mindset required to compete at the highest level. Whether you're a coach, player, recruit, or basketball fan, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to create a winning culture.Topics covered:🏆 Winning the National Championship🏀 Coaching Philosophy & Leadership🎯 Recruiting the Right Players📈 Player Development💪 Building a Championship Culture🎙️ Behind-the-Scenes Stories and MoreIf you enjoyed this interview, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or who you'd like to see interviewed next.#Basketball #Coaching #NationalChampionship #Recruiting #Leadership #PlayerDevelopment #EAC #BasketballCoach #WinningCulture #SportsInterview

What does it take to build a championship program?In this interview, Safford Wrestling Head Coach Herman Andrews Jr. shares the philosophy behind one of Arizona's most successful high school wrestling programs. We discuss the winning culture that has helped Safford capture six consecutive state championships, the standards and expectations that drive success, and what it takes to keep a team motivated year after year.Coach Andrews also reflects on how today's athletes differ from previous generations, the impact of social media on young competitors, the importance of accountability and discipline, and the life lessons that wrestling teaches beyond the mat.Whether you're a wrestling fan, coach, athlete, parent, or simply interested in leadership and building a successful culture, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of Arizona's top coaches.If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions for Coach Andrews.#SaffordWrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #ArizonaWrestling #Wrestling #StateChampions #Leadership #SportsPodcast #CoachInterview

What Makes Desert Dogs Wrestling Club Different? In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Ornelas, co-founder and co-coach of Desert Dogs Wrestling Club, for an inside look at one of Arizona's growing wrestling programs.We discuss the story behind starting Desert Dogs, the culture they've built, what success means beyond wins and losses, and how they're developing athletes both on and off the mat. Phillip also gives insight into the training environment, the equipment inside the facility, and the philosophy behind building champions through hard work, accountability, and character.Whether you're a wrestler, coach, parent, or fan of the sport, this conversation offers a valuable look into what it takes to create a successful wrestling program and a strong team culture.Topics Covered:🏆 The origin of Desert Dogs Wrestling Club🐺 Building a winning culture💪 Developing champions on and off the mat🏟️ Training equipment and facility insights🤼 Coaching philosophy and athlete development📈 Defining success in wrestling🔥 Advice for young wrestlers and familiesIf you enjoyed this interview, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with coaches, athletes, and leaders in the wrestling community.#Wrestling #YouthWrestling #DesertDogsWrestling #ArizonaWrestling #WrestlingTraining #CombatSports #WrestlingCoach #SportsPodcast #AthleteDevelopment #BuildingChampions

In this episode, I sit down with Siua Ikale'o for a powerful conversation about his journey from growing up in Tonga to pursuing opportunities on the global stage.

Siua shares behind-the-scenes stories from his role in the TV series Chief of War, discusses his work on Nemesis, and reflects on how his experiences in rugby helped shape his discipline, mindset, and resilience.

We also dive into the personal challenges he's faced throughout his life, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the advice he would give to young people striving to achieve their goals while staying true to who they are.

Topics covered:
🏉 Growing up in Tonga
🎬 Landing roles in Chief of War and Nemesis
💪 How rugby influenced his life and career
🌴 Representing Pacific Island culture
⚔️ Overcoming personal challenges and adversity
🧠 Mindset, discipline, and perseverance
📈 Advice for the next generation

Whether you're interested in acting, sports, Pacific Island culture, or personal growth, this conversation offers inspiring stories and valuable insights from Siua's unique journey.

n this powerful and inspiring interview, we sit down with Ben Kjar to talk about life, faith, perseverance, and what it truly means to overcome the odds.Born with crouzon syndrome, Ben refused to let his circumstances define him. From battling through unimaginable challenges to becoming a champion wrestler, motivational speaker, and inspiration to millions, Ben shares the mindset, struggles, and faith that helped shape who he is today.In this interview, Ben opens up about:His journey growing up differentHow he turned pain into purposeThe role faith and family played in his lifeLessons he’s learned about resilience and self-beliefAdvice for anyone facing obstacles right nowThis conversation will challenge the way you see adversity and remind you that your limitations don’t get the final word.

In this episode of the Positive Gaines podcast, I welcome back comedian John Polar Bear Gonzalez. We discuss the significant changes in Jon's life since our last conversation, including overcoming personal struggles and the impact of his best friend's illness. Jon shares his journey of touring with Fluffy, the challenges of comparison in the comedy world, and the importance of faith and tithing in his life. The conversation also touches on the current state of his tour, ticket sales, and his thoughts on the pressures faced by young athletes like Arch Manning.

🎙️ The Positive Gaines Podcast welcomes actor and filmmaker Brandon Hammond, best known for his unforgettable roles in Space Jam, Soul Food, and Menace II Society. In this exclusive conversation, Brandon reflects on his journey as a child star, life after Hollywood, and how he continues to create, inspire, and leave a legacy beyond the screen.From the highs and challenges of early fame to his growth as a storyteller and creative mind, Brandon opens up with honesty, wisdom, and positivity. This is a must-watch for fans of 90s cinema, aspiring actors, and anyone passionate about perseverance and purpose.✨ In this episode we talk about:Brandon’s breakout roles in classic filmsLessons learned from growing up in the industryHis transition from acting to writing and filmmakingWhat drives him today and his advice for the next generation My apologies for the audio issues, Brandon and I were having some audio difficulties. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on The Positive Gaines Podcast!

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with actor Paul Archer to talk about his journey in the entertainment industry, the challenges of breaking into acting, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Paul opens up about his experiences on set, the importance of staying true to his craft, and what’s next for his career.

Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a fan of Paul’s work, or just love hearing inspiring stories from creatives, this conversation is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and motivation.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with actors, creators, and innovators!