On Episode 16 of the Roots of Ambition Podcast, Angel & Danny take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, the amazing guests we’ve had, and the crazy fast growth of this journey. 🙏We’re beyond thankful for everyone supporting us — every like, comment, and share keeps us moving forward. 💯👉 Want to see Danny wear Daisy Dukes & red boots? Drop #RedBoots in the comments! If we hit 100 comments, it’s going down 👢😂 We need 100 comments from 100 different people dropping #redboots 💥 Don’t forget to:✔️ Like this video✔️ Comment below (#RedBoots if you’re with it)✔️ Subscribe & hit the bell for more inspiring conversations🔗 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📍 Roots of Ambition | Entrepreneurship • Hustle • Real Stories

Today’s guest is living proof that pain can turn into power and struggle can spark something beautiful. EP-15Born in Chicago and raised with deep Mexican roots, Diabbla is more than an artist — she’s a storyteller, a survivor, and a fearless voice with no borders. From sonidero to boom bap, from Mexico to the Bay Area, every verse she drops carries the weight of her story.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Diabbla opens up about:Losing her father at 15 and the dark battles she fought after.How writing her first song became the turning point that saved her life.Balancing the two sides of herself — Andrea and “Diabbla.”The hustle of being a woman in hip hop.Why she’ll never stop giving back to her community.Whether you’re an artist chasing your dreams, someone looking for motivation, or just a fan of powerful stories, this episode will hit you right in the heart.📌 If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a suicide prevention resource:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — Call or text 988988lifeline.org👀 Find us on social media:📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition 🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify🎵 Guest: Jeff Monser📸 Instagram:https @_Diabbla_🎧 Youtube: @diabbla  🎵 TikTok:@_diabblachicana_Chapters:0:00 – Intro & Welcome to Diabbla2:15 – The meaning behind her name8:40 – Growing up in Mexico & first performances13:25 – Losing her father & the darkest year of her life19:50 – How music saved her from suicide26:05 – Writing her first song “Surviving”31:15 – Boom bap, trap & finding her sound35:40 – Her mom’s role in her career39:55 – Leaving her crew & going solo44:30 – Diabbla’s creative process for songwriting50:45 – Musical influences in English & Spanish56:20 – Songs that mean the most to her right now59:40 – Staying grounded in the music industry1:04:15 – Advice for young girls chasing dreams1:08:55 – Message to her future self, 10 years from now1:14:20 – Fun rapid-fire: animal she’d be, superpower, & $100M question1:21:30 – Best & worst advice she’s gotten in music1:27:15 – Giving Diabbla her flowers

Before the lights, before the stage, before the betrayal—Jeff Monser was just a guy printing shirts and chasing a dream.In this episode of The Roots of Ambition, Jeff walks us through his full journey: starting from a clothing line, building a global festival, getting blindsided by fraud, and now launching something new—The Emporium—closer to home, family, and purpose.🎧 Highlights:How California Roots started with a t-shirtThe emotional cost of losing your life’s workWhy Brentwood Emporium means more than businessWhat Jeff’s sons are learning by watching him rebuild📍Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a music lover, or someone who’s had to start over—this is for you.💥 Like, comment, and share if you’ve ever had to rebuild yourself.#RootsOfAmbition #JeffMonser #BuilderStory #MusicBusiness #BrentwoodCA #Emporium #PodcastClip #LifeAfterFailure #LegacyWork #realconversations #drydiggings 👀 Find us on social media:📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition 🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify🎵 Guest: Jeff Monser📸 Instagram: @thebrentwoodemporium @drydiggingsfest

Join us as we explore Thiago Gaia’s inspiring journey from the beaches of Ilhabela, Brazil, to building a thriving community of over 100 students in Brentwood, California. In this heartfelt episode, Thiago shares how his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, life lessons in discipline, resilience, and humility shaped his path from a third-degree black belt and professional MMA fighter to a mentor and leader. Learn how he overcame challenges, created a safe space for growth, and instilled life-changing values in his students, including UFC competitors and young children alike. This story of grit, family, and purpose is one you don’t want to miss.Discover how Thiago’s roots and ambition continue to impact lives far beyond the mats. Whether you're a parent, a dreamer, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement for every stage of life. #LeadershipJourney #PersonalGrowth #BrazilianJiuJitsu #FatherhoodJourney #Resilience #MartialArtsLife #CommunityImpact#grappling #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjbasics #jiujitsu 👀 Find us on social media:📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition 🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify🥋 Guest: Thiago Gaia📸 Instagram: @checkmatbrentwoodjiujitsu @gaiabjjCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:37 - Thiago's Impact on Jiu-Jitsu03:30 - Building Yourself and Others in Martial Arts04:08 - Growing Up in Ilhabela, Brazil05:29 - Brazilian Fighters: A Legacy of Greatness08:07 - Journey into Jiu-Jitsu: What Inspired You?12:46 - Moving to Brentwood, California15:10 - Continuing to Train for Fights17:29 - Facing a Scary Fight Experience23:20 - Teaching Kids Martial Arts28:55 - Overcoming the Bully Experience35:54 - Starting a Martial Arts Business37:40 - Getting Stuck in Brazil: A Personal Story40:50 - Training Experiences in Russia46:25 - Achieving Success in Jiu-Jitsu48:47 - Impact on Kids Through Coaching51:03 - Proudest Moment as a Coach1:02:49 - Balancing Coaching and Parenting1:05:45 - Stepping Away from Coaching Your Daughter1:16:10 - Pros and Cons of the UFC1:20:00 - Challenges of Cutting Weight in MMA1:23:02 - Changing One Rule in the UFC1:27:53 - Importance of a Good Training Partner1:37:28 - Legacy: What Do You Hope to Be Remembered For?1:40:07 - The Role of Discipline in Success1:45:40 - Message to Your Future Self1:48:20 - If You Could Be Any Animal, What Would It Be?1:48:45 - Superpowers: What Would You Choose?1:49:20 - Advice for Kids from Ilha do Boi1:52:55 - Key Takeaways from Your Story1:56:24 - Closing Thoughts on Jiu-Jitsu1:56:34 - Checkmat Jiu-Jitsu Overview1:57:50 - Follow Thiago on Instagram

How did Alejandra Gonzalez turn her love for food into a thriving empire? 🌟 Join us as we share the story of Miss Foodie Bay Area and her journey from writing honest Yelp reviews to becoming a trusted voice in the Bay Area food scene. Discover how her passion for community, culture, and flavor led to co-founding Con Azucar Cafe, a space that blends heritage and innovation. Learn how Alejandra's hustle, heart, and vision continue to inspire entrepreneurs and food lovers alike. This is more than a business story—it’s about resilience, representation, and redefining success. #FoodEmpire #MissFoodieBayArea #Entrepreneurship #LatinaSuccess #BayAreaEats #SmallBusinessJourney #Inspiration #rootsofambition #PassionToSuccess #CommunityDriven #ConAzucarCafe#entrepreneurship #businesspodcast #businessideas #socialmediamarketing #smallbusinessowner 👀 Find us on social media:📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition 🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify🎙️ Guest: Ale Gonzalez📸 Instagram: @missfoodiebayareaCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:19 - Where Are You From?05:41 - Childhood Memories and Lessons07:33 - Childhood Dreams and Aspirations09:52 - Starting Miss Foodie Bay Area11:25 - Meeting Your Husband11:56 - Realizing Monetization Potential16:11 - Learning from Bad Experiences19:06 - Achieving Your Dream22:55 - Handling Bad Reviews25:02 - Are You a Chef?27:30 - Taking Risks in Business32:05 - Hardest Decisions in Life34:05 - The Big Concha Experience36:35 - Leadership and Sacrifice

This episode is powerful.Ronnie Banks joins The Roots of Ambition for an honest, emotional conversation about growing up in the spotlight, overcoming addiction, co-parenting, and how fatherhood completely changed his life. From battling Xanax and lean addiction to raising a daughter on his own, Ronnie opens up like never before.This is more than content—this is real life.*Special thanks to @RonnieBanks *#RonnieBanks #RootsOfAmbition #Podcast #Fatherhood #HealingJourney #EachOneTeachOne #MensMentalHealth #AddictionRecovery⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters):00:00 – Intro: How Ronnie Banks landed on the podcast03:52 – Going viral before “influencers” existed09:40 – High school hate, cyberbullying, and identity15:12 – Ronnie’s dad becomes his manager18:45 – The moment he chose content over basketball24:21 – Breaking cycles & raising his own family28:32 – His journey through faith and a strict upbringing34:00 – Struggles with early fame & finding balance38:20 – Building a life on his terms41:48 – How fatherhood changed everything47:02 – Creating with his kids & protecting their peace55:15 – Co-parenting and blending families with respect1:03:04 – Meeting his wife & her family in Hawaii1:09:45 – Public life, boundaries, and protecting his kids1:16:10 – Raising daughters in a digital world1:23:00 – Legacy, values, and what he wants his kids to remember1:27:00 – “I changed my life so they could have one.”1:29:00 – Rapid fire: food, life, favorite songs & closing thoughts

Rick Curbelo’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From being homeless at just 13 years old to becoming the CEO of ProFloors and building a $50M business empire, Rick’s journey is fueled by grit, determination, and a relentless work ethic. Join us as we explore how this first-generation American overcame immense challenges, navigated homelessness, and turned adversity into a stepping stone for success. Discover why Rick believes in the power of passion, perseverance, and surrounding yourself with the right team. Learn how he built a thriving business while staying true to his roots, his family, and his mission to create memorable experiences for customers. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this is a story you don’t want to miss.Rick’s journey isn’t just about business; it’s about resilience, personal growth, and the unwavering belief in creating opportunities for yourself and others. Get ready to be inspired by his candid insights, hard-earned wisdom, and the lessons that shaped his path to success.#Grit #Entrepreneurship #FatherhoodJourney #PersonalGrowth #SuccessStory #Inspiration #Resilience #Leadership #StartupLessons #OvercomingAdversity#kickstartyourentrepreneurjourney #motivationalspeech #motivationalvideo #businessenglish #personalgrowth#overcomingadversity #selfimprovement #successseekers #motivation #entrepreneurialjourney👀 Find us on social media:📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition 🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition🎧 Spotify: Listen on SpotifyCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:20 - Great Entrepreneur Traits08:10 - Your Dad's Inspiring Story11:04 - Hardwired for Success12:52 - Investing in Your Company16:02 - Career at FloorMasters18:00 - What Got You Here Won't Get You There21:14 - Over Promising and Delivering23:12 - Importance of Early Work Experience26:40 - Leading by Example in Business28:28 - Value of a College Education31:37 - Career Choices and AI Impact38:55 - Customer Service Excellence43:15 - Customer Service as a Priority46:27 - Promoting Skilled Trades49:49 - Letting Go of Bad Employees52:30 - What Sets You Apart58:11 - Emergency Business Response59:19 - Importance of Sales Skills1:04:22 - Hiring a Salesperson Tips1:09:01 - The 3-Legged Stool Concept1:10:54 - Word of Mouth Advertising1:15:09 - Lessons from Prison1:16:10 - Mindset and Business Success1:18:22 - Leaving Your First Business1:22:05 - Role of Parental Support1:28:53 - Having Your Dad's Support1:29:58 - Best Advice from Your Dad1:31:10 - Key Business Lessons Learned1:34:37 - Worst Business Advice Received1:37:37 - Importance of Customer Feedback1:41:48 - Lifelong Learning in Business1:44:27 - Harnessing Positive Energy1:48:00 - Attracting Success through Thoughts1:49:30 - Understanding Competition1:55:39 - Expanding Business Locations1:58:11 - Rick's Involvement in Business2:00:31 - Breaking Points in Business2:02:15 - Importance of Vision in Business2:04:21 - Advice for New Entrepreneurs2:06:13 - Dealing with Negativity2:08:12 - Reaching $50 Million Goals2:09:41 - Morning Motivation Texts2:11:35 - Signing Work with Quality2:13:31 - Outro2:14:40 - How to Find Rick

Join us as we explore "Men's Mental Health: Breaking the Silence 🚹," a powerful conversation about vulnerability, self-awareness, and personal growth. Discover how a group from Sacramento is creating a safe and welcoming space for men to share their stories, learn new tools, and build a supportive community during the groundbreaking "One Teach One" event. Together, we tackle topics like emotional intelligence, breaking generational cycles, and navigating the challenges of modern-day masculinity.This isn't just an event—it's a movement to normalize open discussions about mental health, business, and personal success. Learn how men are finding strength in community, speaking their truth, and overcoming the stigma surrounding mental and emotional struggles. Whether you're navigating fatherhood, balancing work and life, or simply seeking connection, this video is for you. Be inspired by heartfelt stories, empowering advice, and actionable insights that can make a real difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Join the journey and help us break the silence!#MensMentalHealth #BreakingTheSilence #PersonalGrowth #CommunitySupport #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalHealthAwareness #FatherhoodJourney #Authenticity #OneTeachOne #SacramentoInitiative#mentalhealthadvocacy #wellnessjourney #suicideprevention #overcomingstigma #mindfulnessCHAPTERS:00:00 - Each One Teach One05:26 - The Power of Community06:37 - Importance of Representation in Society16:07 - Confessing to Your Partner: What Happens?22:15 - Taking Inventory of Yourself for Growth26:11 - Choosing the Right Partner for Parenthood27:33 - Preventing Teen Pregnancy: Key Strategies29:13 - Attracting Partners: Reflection of Self31:35 - Emotional Intelligence in Relationships37:53 - The Dual Lives of Most Men48:05 - Goals of Each One Teach One Initiative53:15 - Understanding Feedback: What Are You Hearing?59:10 - Advice for Young Adults Today1:03:40 - Guidance for Young Couples or Single Parents1:09:24 - Supporting Someone in Crisis: What to Do1:14:30 - Danny’s Relationship Journey with His Wife1:23:15 - Each One Teach One Event Highlights1:24:50 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Master the art of hustle and resilience with Sarah Christine as she shares her inspiring journey from a teen mom to a thriving entrepreneur managing multiple businesses in California. In this heartfelt conversation, discover how Sarah turned her challenges into stepping stones, built her career with grit and determination, and learned to balance family, personal growth, and professional success. Join us as we explore her insights on overcoming adversity, cultivating a strong mindset, and creating generational impact. Whether you're chasing your dreams or seeking motivation, this episode is packed with real-life lessons, relatable stories, and actionable advice to fuel your own path to success. #HustleAndResilience #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #WomenInBusiness #Inspiration #WorkLifeBalance #OvercomingAdversity #ResilienceMatters #DreamBig#selfimprovement #lifesetbacks #motivation #adversity #resilience#hustleandresilience #selfimprovement #kickstartyourentrepreneurjourney #motivation #motivationalspeech👀 Find us on social media:📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition 🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify🎙️ Guest: Sarah Christine 📸 Instagram: @Californiagleamin@gleamboutiquedowntown@beingsarahchristinehttps://www.californiagleamin.comCHAPTERS:00:00 - Sarah Christine from California Gleaming01:35 - Growing Up Environment07:34 - Passing Good Traits to Kids08:53 - Managing Responsibilities10:15 - Christina's Success Strategies14:05 - Importance of Gratitude16:53 - Understanding Law of Attraction19:54 - Positive Attitude Journey22:13 - Tools for Success23:35 - Life Reflections and Insights27:00 - Hard Lessons Learned28:13 - Role of a Father31:30 - Entering the Insurance Industry35:14 - Starting My Own Agency37:32 - Sarah’s Insurance Career39:10 - Launching California Gleaming41:20 - Inspiration Behind California Gleaming47:04 - Birth of California Gleamin’49:22 - Service Expansion Strategies51:38 - Vintage Trailer Mobile Spa57:28 - Managing Employees Mindfully59:22 - Sarah's Handpicked Team01:01:08 - Handling Negative Employees01:13:26 - Opening a Brick and Mortar01:14:45 - Finding the Ideal Location01:22:49 - Taking Business Risks01:24:54 - Business Expansion Plans01:28:24 - California Glow Team Dynamics01:30:09 - Gleam Expansion Strategies01:33:06 - Gleam Expansion (Part 2)01:38:55 - Best Business Advice01:43:58 - Personal Character Traits01:48:56 - College Experience01:52:52 - Involving Kids in Business01:56:43 - Future Plans and Goals02:01:53 - What's Next for Sarah02:08:10 - Keeping the Team Motivated02:10:17 - Importance of Referrals02:13:01 - Brentwood's Future Vision02:14:30 - Storage Facilities Discussion02:17:20 - Modeling and Acting Journey02:20:04 - Relationship with Son02:23:12 - Modern Parenting Challenges02:27:29 - Dream Animal Choice02:31:34 - Message to Future Self

Brandon shares how he broke into a space that wasn’t built for him, brought a whole new culture to golf, and turned every obstacle — from financial struggles to sleeping in an RV — into fuel for his vision. This convo goes deep: fatherhood, mental battles, sacrifice, building community, and the power of betting on yourself.If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t made for you — this episode proves you don’t need to fit in to win. 🙌This isn’t just a podcast — it’s the real-life blueprint for anyone chasing purpose over paycheck.

👀 Find us on social media:

📸 Instagram: @therootsofambition

📘 Facebook: The Roots of Ambition

🎵 TikTok: @therootsofambition

🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Hits Different

02:35 – Spotting the Hustle: Our First Encounter

6:10 – The Birth of “Golf Ballin’” and the UPS Truck

10:32 – Disrupting Golf Culture With Authenticity

15:20 – Mental Health, Self-Doubt & Entrepreneur Burnout

20:48 – Pops in the Trenches: Father-Son Legacy

28:05 – Living in an RV to Keep the Dream Alive

34:45 – Balancing Marriage, Family, and the Grind

41:12 – Childhood Hustles & Where the Drive Started

47:30 – Street Smarts Meet Innovation

53:15 – Is College Worth It? Real Talk for the Next Gen

58:55 – Choosing the Right Partner in Business & Life

1:03:00 – Giving Back Without Expecting Anything

1:07:25 – What Brandon Would Tell His Younger Self

1:10:15 – Defining Real Success in Today’s World

1:13:50 – Building the Oakley Shop From Scratch

1:18:45 – A Message to His Future Self

1:21:20 – Final Thoughts + Where to Follow Brandon