Write it Down

Denise Villanueva is a former L.A. Raiders cheerleader, also known as a Raiderette! Denise has so many fun stories of her time with the Raider's organization, and she also met some of her lifelong friends and future business partners during those formative years of her life! One of those people, Earvin Magic Johnson. In this episode, she recalls her first few interactions with Magic Johnson that began their venture into business together. Denise was the President and Executive Director of the successfully created Magic Johnson Enterprises. About ten years down the road, Denise had an open door to work as the Director of Marketing for Disney Regional Entertainment. She worked with some of the most talented people in the world, and later went on to start her own business. Denise assists Fortune 500 companies and high-profile brands in multiple facets to guarantee their continual success. Denise worked closely with the company affairs group at L Brands (Bath & Body, Victoria's Secret etc.) and specializes in delivering key initiatives: press conferences, investor events, high-profile grand openings, speaking engagements and renowned fashion shows! Denise was so fun to talk to, and I am glad to have met her through our dear friend Marcus Allen! So sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!!

Joe Theismann is a former CFL and NFL championship quarterback. Joe played for the Toronto Argonauts from 1971-1973 and continued his career in football with the formerly known Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Football Team). Joe spent 12 years in the NFL and accrued many accolades including, Super Bowl XVII Champion, NFL Man of the Year 1982, NFL MVP 1983, and 2x Pro Bowler, to name a few. Unfortunately, Joe's career ended when his tibia and fibula snapped on live TV while being sacked by New York Giants linebacker, Lawrence Taylor. After his injury, Joe entered into his career with Sport Broadcasting. On today's episode, Joe has a lot of experience and wisdom to share with us. He is selfless and spends his time helping others reach their potential and goals in this life. My favorite qualities about Joe are his ability to listen well, his intentionality with responses, and his kind demeanor. I know you will love this episode and gain many lil "write it down" nuggets! You know what to do, sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!

Check out Joe Theismann's restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia https://www.theismanns.com/

You can purchase Joe's new book "How to be a Champion Everyday: 6 Timeless Keys to Success" here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Champion-Every-Day-Timeless/dp/1635767121

Follow him on Twitter: @Theismann7

First of all, thank you all for journeying with me and The Write it Down Podcast! I am pleased to have NFL Hall of Famer, Marcus Allen on the podcast again. Marcus was my first guest on the show, and so much has changed since the release of Episode 001. Marcus Allen is one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. When I met Marcus Allen in 2019, I never could have imagined that he would have such a large impact on my life and this podcast. In this conversation, we reminisce about the podcast journey and how many doors God has opened. Marcus and I also discuss some current events and how to cope with our ever changing world and culture. Marcus offers a lot of wisdom and encouragement in this episode, and he reminds us to stay the course! I am so excited for what's ahead and I hope you enjoy this recap of widpod's journey. Sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!!

On the mic, is Ethan Sansoni, founder and visionary of the XV XIII Network (fifteen thirteen). This network has made The Write it Down Podcast possible from the very beginning. Ethan shares about his growth as a person and the importance of building things in this life full of meaning. Ethan is the general manager at Frog Bones Family Shooting Center, but he wears many more hats in the community. Perhaps Ethan's most important job title is: friend. He is a friend to many, and he always puts others first. Ethan and his friend Jackson Edwards were out of town one weekend and decided to get a tattoo. It was a random tattoo parlor with a stripper pole in the middle, and a story to tell soon after. They both got the roman numerals XV XIII tatted on their arms. The meaning behind the tattoo stems from the verse John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." From then on out, more of their friends got this same tattoo which began a network of people. Ethan began a show called Tats, and he interviews every person who received the tattoo. Each person has a larger meaning behind getting the tat, and the XV XIII Network has a larger meaning than just hosting podcasts. Thank you Ethan for letting me host on this network, and thank you everyone for listening and supporting. I hope Episode 049 brings you laughter and some more encouragement! Sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!

Check out the Network: https://www.xvxiii.com/
Check out Tats: https://www.xvxiii.com/tats
Check out the Networks IG: @xvxiiinetwork

Jason Criss Howk is a former Military Major, writer, speaker, and Interfaith leader. He has spent over 30 years in the national security arena in defense, diplomacy, and intelligence roles. He educates, writes, and speaks about Afghanistan, Interfaith issues, Islam, and other foreign policy and national security topics. Jason has worked on Afghanistan since 2002 assisting the most senior Generals, Ambassadors, and policy-makers in building the Afghan national Army and developing the International Security Sector Reform (SSR) program in Kabul. Among other feats, Jason published an award-winning book in 2017 titled "The Qur'an: A Chronological Modern English Interpretation". After translating The Qur'an into English, he went on to write his second book "Leaders Always Go a Little Further... Unless They Trip". Jason shares about his time in Afghanistan, Muslim Culture, the Middle East and South Asia. He was so easy to talk to, and I am sure you will be enlightened by his intelligence and wisdom! You know what to do ;) Sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!

You can purchase Jason's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Chronological-Modern-English-Interpretation/dp/1938462289

https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Always-Go-Little-Further/dp/B091WGHCC2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jason+howk&qid=1625013998&s=books&sr=1-1

Check out Camp Resilient here:
https://campresilientnc.org/

Sebastian Noel is an adventurer to his core and cultivates a life full of fun and exploration! Sebastian is a former contestant of the hit series Survivor on CBS. He made it to the finale of Season 36, and he shares with us all the ins and outs of reality TV, island isolation, and life after TV. Sebastian also shares his love story that began on the plane ride to Fiji! His story is full of excitement and adventure! I was encouraged to keep pursuing my dreams and seeing the world! I know you will too! Sit back, relax, and get your pens ready...

Sebastian was such a blast to chat with, and he really did a great job telling his story! He doesn't shy away from being his genuine self and knows how to make people laugh. I hope when you listen to this episode you are inspired to branch out and explore this beautiful world and be grateful for what you have!

Follow Sebastian Noel on Insta: @mermaid__man

Ian Merzwinski is a Wilhelmina model based out of California. Ian has modeled for Under Armour, Banana Republic, Kohls, AMC Theaters, Planet Fitness, and a commercial with Patrick Mahomes (casual). Ian has found great success in the modeling industry and will continue to! He has more to his story than just being in front of a camera. Ian has a heart for The Lord and desires to honor Him in everything he does. He shares with us the passion he has for modeling and the doors God has opened to get him there. However, he also shares with us that he is in a spot in life where he is waiting for more opportunities to arise to take him to the next level. Maybe you can relate to that too! I know I can. Sometimes, it is easy to think when life gets tough or seasons seem dry, that God has forgotten you... but we can always trust that He is working.

Connect with Ian on Instagram: @icmerz
Check out his portfolio here: https://www.wilhelmina.com/los-angeles/men/direct/6995-ian-merzwinski/349/
And peak at his TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@icmerz/?

This episode is Write it Down's very first video interview! Click this link to watch:

I sit down with Christian hip-hop recording artist NXTMIKE. Mikey grew up in Long Island and later began his music career. His music merges New York hip-hop style with lyrics to share the Gospel. His life wasn't always on the right path, but The Lord lovingly found him and gave him a new name, some would say the NXT name. Mikey and I chat a lot about the entertainment industry, Catholicism vs. Christianity, our callings in life, and just how personal The Lord is in our lives. He is a lyrical genius and his songs have beats that will pump you up to run a full marathon. Well... at least I love running to his music! In all seriousness, NXTMIKE is about to pop off, and it was an absolute pleasure being able to share his story of where he came from and where he is headed. Sit back, relax, and get your pens ready because this is Write it Down's very first video interview ;)

Listen to Mikey on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yMOYu5UEVMeoZmBczRR5g
Follow him on Instagram @nxtmike_
Like his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nxtmike/

As always please subscribe to Write it Down, follow us on social @widpod, and watch this full interview

On today's episode, we welcome founder and president of CLICS™, Leilani Macedo. The CLICS™ system has revolutionized the hair industry. Based out of La Jolla, California this innovative hair color eco-system completely optimizes the way salons formulate, dispense, and manage hair color. This technology is a computer-controlled vending platform, which permits hairdressers to create any shade of demi or permanent hair color with the touch of a button. You will be sure to find the perfect shade for your clients with just one click! Leilani shares how she began as a hair dresser, then salon owner, and now president of CLICS™. She did what any innovator does: spotted a problem and provided a solution. You will want to CLIC play to hear the rest of her story ;) Sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!

Ironically, I had just gotten my hair done the morning I interviewed Leilani! She enlightened me to the business side of the salon industry as well as the potential pitfalls of the traditional system set in place. CLICS™ is on track to grow exponentially over the years, and I am grateful to share their humble beginnings followed by the years of grit and grind.

Connect with them on their website https://www.clics.com/
Follow them on Instagram @clicscolors

Courtney Fowler joins Write it Down to share her family's journey of opening a Walk On's Sports Bistreaux franchise in Viera, Florida. Courtney and her husband, Nate, set out on an adventure three years ago to bring authentic Cajun cuisine to Brevard County. Walk On's was originally founded by former LSU Basketball walk on, Brandon Landry. He had a vision of providing a restaurant ensuring a game day experience partnered with a taste of Louisiana. Courtney and Nate were enthralled with the concept and decided our little town needed one too! Through multiple steps of faith, grit, and perseverance- Walk On's Sports Bistreaux became a reality for Brevard County. To listen to the Fowler family's journey, sit back, relax, and get your pens ready!

Walk On's Sports Bistreaux is located at: 8550 Napolo Dr. Melbourne, FL 32940
Check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/walkonsviera/