Eric Rogell Talks with Warriors, Lovers, Kings, and Heroes

Scott Becker was a respected pediatrician. Until he became Inmate 03655159 in a federal prison, serving a 5 ½ sentence. Stripped of his identity and status, and in a dangerous environment he knew nothing about, Becker had to learn the rules of survival quickly. A highly educated man whose intellect had served him for more than 50 years, he now had to step up as a man and earn respect from other inmates. In today’s episode Becker shares the hard-won lessons on manhood, respect, courage, and more that he took from his time behind bars.

There are times when overcoming challenges and solving problems can be done by sheer force of will. Other times, creative and innovative solutions are required. That’s where Nir Bashan comes in. He has taught thousands of leaders around the world how to harness the power of creativity to improve profitability, increase sales, and ultimately create more meaning in their work. And in today’s episode, Nir will show you how to tap into your own natural creativity to see the same results in your life. It’s a powerful, highly effective, set of tools to have in your arsenal.

My guest today, Rusty Gaillard, had it all. A great family, an MBA from Stamford, and his dream job as the Worldwide Director of Finance at Apple. But something was missing. He felt he wasn't living in integrity with who he was and what he wanted to do with his life. So after 13 years, he walked away from Apple and started a new career helping other high achievers live the lives they want, instead of the lives they were told they should. In this episode he’ll tell you how he navigated the challenges he faced, and how you can find the courage to live your best life.

If you had the opportunity to leave your job, jump on an old motorcycle and ride through the Himalayas in the dead of winter would you take it? Or would leaving your comfort zone and the fear of facing unknown challenges stop you? Josh Koepel had the opportunity to take that ride, and he didn’t hesitate. And in this episode he’ll tell you how the increasingly difficult challenges he faced changed him forever. Made him stronger. More capable. Gave him the confidence to take on even bigger challenges. It’s proof of the value of choosing challenge over comfort.

“What legacy am I going to leave?” That’s the question Hank McLarty asked himself after he turned 50. He had already battled back from a devastating business failure that cost him everything, before founding one the top wealth advisory firms in the country with just over $2B under management. But Hank wanted more. He wanted to make an impact on the world and leave a legacy. In our interview he’ll tell you how he created a huge vision and uses it as his “North Star” to guide his goals and decisions. And how it’s already impacting his business, team, and life. It’s a strategy you can use right now.

Doesn’t matter if you’re an NFL defensive back, a C-Level exec, or a non-profit volunteer, having the right coaching, strategy and mindset will separate the greats from everyone else. My guest today, Alex Molden, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints with the 11th overall pick in the 1996 NFL draft. Amazing accomplishment. But even more impressive considering his drill instructor father didn’t want him playing, he got started later than most, and he didn’t know a thing about the game. But rather than fall victim to excuses, he got to work. Today Alex works with elite level athletes getting them prepared to transition from the field to the next stage of their lives. And he tells you how the wisdom of the 7 head coaches he played under can help you achieve your next level of greatness.

It can take waking up in a ditch to give you the kick in the pants needed to turn your life around. Even if on the surface your life seems like what most people would consider a dream life. That’s what happened to my guest, Tommy Breedlove, author of the bestselling book, Legendary. Tommy was living the multimillionaire lifestyle that went along with his top-level job in one of the largest consulting firms in the country. Until he realized he was using material things to try to fill a hole he felt inside. Now he lives a life of passion and purpose, helping other men create a legendary life of their own and leave a lasting legacy. Today he tells his story of how he went from a life of empty excess, to that ditch, to “participating in his own rescue” and living a legendary life. And how you can do the same.

We all need mentors and coaches. For retired NFL linebacker Henri Crockett, the men who helped guide him came from dramatically different backgrounds: Drug dealers. Gang members. Hall of Fame coaches. A highly regarded orthopedic surgeon. Their guidance took him from the streets of one of the worst neighborhoods in Florida, to college and pro football fields, to the boardroom of his charitable foundation where his mission is to leave footprints in his old neighborhood. Henri tells his story of how he almost blew his chance at a pro career, learning to start with the end in mind, and how watching men on the sidelines can tell you their true character.

Andre Norman had a goal: Go to Harvard. But as an inmate in the Massachusetts prison system serving a 100-year sentence for serious crimes, he was told by everyone—fellow inmates, guards, family—that it was impossible. To not waste his time trying. When driving toward a goal or dream, there are times we hit up against incredible odds, or come face to face with those who try to talk us out of it. For many, the response is to quit. Give up. Andre tells his story of how he proved them all wrong. And how his belief and determination got him out of prison and into Harvard.

How to lead in a crisis is a big question a lot of people are looking for the answer to right now. And part of this is how to do this with a diverse group of people without offending anyone. On today’s show Eric explains the one strategy that works with anyone in any situation… and it has nothing to do with pacifying anyone.

When you meet someone you don't like, do you respond with jealousy, anger or a desire to tear them down? We don’t have to look far to see this happening all around us right now. On today’s show, Eric shows you how to look past the initial “I don’t like that guy” reactions and go deeper, finding the things about them you can appreciate, honor, and learn from. And the three benefits you’ll see by doing this.

Battling against the expectations and labels others pin on us is one of the toughest challenges we face. Today Eric is joined by “Cowboy” Jax Young, a man who fought to overcome many labels: Product of a broken home. Victim of abuse. Troubled youth. Traumatic Brain Injury sufferer. Suicide survivor. Jax tells his story of how he fought to overcome those labels, and replace them with ones he chose and wears proudly: Disabled veteran. Country singer. And founder of S.A.V.E. Home Front.

From 11 years old, Tyrus McCloud was surviving on the streets in one of the most dangerous zip codes in the country. He used his size and aggression to bully and shakedown other kids for the money he needed to eat. But that same size and aggression caught the eyes of his high school football coaches. Good men who saw greatness in McCloud and guided him off the path to prison, to a college scholarship, and then to the NFL, as a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. McCloud tells how it was experiencing that guidance and mentorship from great men that led him to his true purpose: Back to the streets he grew up on, to help young men there escape from the streets and influences that almost consumed him. McCloud holds nothing back, and tells the real story of his family tragedies, his own personal demons, and the frustration and struggle to keep young men on the right path.

My guest today, Alan Schwarz, proves that warriors show up in all different ways. A self-described “math geek,” Schwarz saw the results of the NFL’s study on the effects of concussions on its players, and knew their conclusions were wrong. So, in his series of Pulitzer-Prize nominated articles for The New York Times, he set out to prove what their numbers really showed, using math as his weapon. And for more than three years, the NFL did everything they could to discredit him and his findings. Schwarz tells the true story behind the public story, the real motivation behind his articles, how it affected him, his career, and his family, and the people who stood behind him during this three and a half year battle. Schwarz is an inspiration for all those who believe they aren’t strong enough to be a warrior. Proving that all it takes is a man who stands up for what he believes, no matter who is staring at him across the ring.

Today I talk with actor and star of the blockbuster hit movie, Avatar, Stephen Lang. With courage, belief, passion, and a commitment to succeed, Lang has been successful on both stage and screen for more than four decades. He shares how men like Dustin Hoffman, John Malkovich, James Cameron, and Lang’s father, noted philanthropist, Eugene Lang, all impacted his career and his life. Lang also tells how he uses the influences from his life to bring a humanity, a purpose, to the characters he portrays—especially anti-heroes and antagonists like Avatar’s Col Quaritch—bringing a deeper understanding of these men who might otherwise come off as one-dimensional bad guys and villains. Lang’s ability to make us root for them is a testament to the honor and appreciation he brings to each man. And listening to his story, you’ll understand why.

In the studio today is Noah Currier, paralyzed military veteran and founder of OscarMike.org.  Noah’s story is incredibly inspiring, and one that demonstrates the true meaning of being a warrior. If you’ve ever had a fear about facing something in your life that you thought would be insurmountable—something so devastating that you believe you could NEVER come back from it, never get past it—Noah will tell you how he did just that. His story is one of crushing tragedy and lost hope, turned into a life of purpose and determination that pulls other wounded veterans out of the depths and gives them a new outlook on life. Noah’s story proves we can accomplish anything, no matter how big the obstacles or adversity.

GUEST: Jesse Lee Peterson, author, activist, pastor, counselor, and talk show host

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: The experiences that lead Jesse to his beliefs and truths around what makes a man a man. Dropping the victimhood and blame, forgiving your mother and father, and how not doing this leads men to live as beta males, rather than alpha males. We talk about stepping up into your manhood, being prepared to go out on your own and not rely on parents or family to support you. Facing failures and challenges, and owning them as your own, and taking delivery of the valuable lessons they offer. And the importance of thinking for yourself, of not blindly following false prophets and father figures, who may be keeping you down to further their own agendas.

The Roundtable gets together to discuss their insights and takeaways from my interview with MJ Gottlieb in WLKH 19.

WHO HE IS: Entrepreneur, author, CEO of Loosid

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: How to use failure as fuel for success, cultivating thick skin, and the benefits of getting to “no” as fast as possible, and how to use these in your own life to ultimately create more success.

GUEST: MJ Gottlieb

WHO HE IS: Entrepreneur, author, CEO of Loosid

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: MJ’s failed businesses and how he took the lessons and experiences from those mistakes to become even more successful. How screwing the stigma of failing and sharing stories of our failures is the fastest way for us to grow as men. How to grow thick skin and handle setbacks and rejection. The ruthless perfection of saying “no” fast. Cultivating courage. Asking for help and doing whatever it takes to succeed... Even if that means mopping floors and cleaning toilets. The most important motivation before you start any business. (And it isn’t money.)

I got the Roundtable together to discuss what they took away from my interview with Jamison Monroe from WLKH 7 - The Courage to Own Your Failures as Fuel for Your Success.

In that episode, Jamison talked about how he was able to use failures in his life—most notably his issues with drugs and alcohol and several stints in rehab—to fuel his success opening rehab centers with a pioneering method of helping teens and young adults with their addictions as well as other issues like eating disorders.

During our roundtable we also talk about Jamison’s issues with his family, especially with his father, and how his father finally owning his part in Jamison’s situation, was the catalyst for helping him face his addictions and get sober.

Listen in to go even deeper into the insights uncovered in the original episode.

The men of the Roundtable get together to discuss their insights and takeaways from Gareth Roriston’s interview from WLKH 16.

We talk about Gareth’s observations on what it means to become a man in the Watha tribe of Kenya versus our civilized western society…

And we go deep into their tribal rituals of becoming a man, rituals Gareth went through, encouraging him to embrace both his civilized self and his natural self.

I have Gareth Roriston joining us today. A British native, Gareth spent the last several years in Kenya running a wildlife conservancy and fighting the poaching of elephants and other big game.

During that time he met the Watha, an indigenous tribe of renowned elephant hunters, and entered into their rites of passage to become an elder and respected member of the tribe.

Roriston tells us all about those rites, how they test the important and necessary skills and abilities that define a Watha man, and how the Watha have used them to survive in a Kenyan society that’s becoming increasingly commercialized.

A former European MMA champion, Roriston is also a natural fitness trainer who employs techniques like barefoot running, tree climbing, throwing stones, and more, to counteract the effects of living a sedentary life. He discusses how using these techniques can not only make your body stronger and more fit, but reconnect you to your natural state... the Tribal man within you... and how embracing that side of you can help in every aspect of your life.

Former NFL Referee Jim Daopoulos stopped by the studio to talk throwing flags, living in integrity 24/7, mentoring up-and-coming officials, and the sacrifice and commitment it takes to achieve your goals.

The Roundtable had a lot to say about Jim’s interview, and we got together to talk about the main points they took from the episode, WLKH 13: Commanding Integrity and Earning Respect On and Off the Field.

The men discuss the importance of being in integrity, not just on the job, but all day, every day. And how this small fraternity of professional officials looks out for each other, and help each other advance in their careers. There’s a level of appreciation for the talents of other men, as well as appreciation for the people who helped you realize your dreams, and the sacrifices they made.

It’s a deep look at the positive effects of mentoring other men, holding each other accountable, and moving your brothers forward.

The Roundtable got together to talk about what they took away from my interview  with Mark Stern for WLKH 12.

In that episode, Mark, an entertaining storyteller talks about his philosophy of taking any opportunity that comes his way, no matter how ridiculous it seems at first.  Especially the opportunity that started with this line: “Eric, I swear to you, this was the weirdest thing that ever happened to me. I opened the door and there's a couple standing there totally naked.”

It’s what allowed him to make his first million in his teens, and enjoy a string of successes spanning more than 70 years.

During this Roundtable the guys and I talk about embracing all opportunities, giving back, and looking at the impact your life can have on others.

Today former NFL referee Jim Daopoulos joins me in the studio. Jim spent 11 years on the field as an NFL official, and another 12 years in the NFL front office. And, yes, I know we love to hate the refs, but Daopoulos gives us an inside look into what it really takes to wear the stripes and step on the field... and it may change your view of the men whose job it is to throw the flags.

We cover the commitment and sacrifice men must make to work their way to the pro level, including stories of how Jim’s goal of making it to the NFL affected his family, and the advice he gives younger officials to keep their family life strong. He tells us about the mentorship and brotherhood that goes into helping other men rise to the top of their career, and how recognizing the talent in another, and helping them achieve their goals, is a big part of what these men do.

Jim also talks about earning respect on a field with 22 alpha males, and what it takes to keep command in a high speed, high impact environment.

And of course, we’ll talk about integrity, and the lengths the NFL and fellow officials go to, to ensure the men who enforce the rules live in integrity both on and off the field. Valuable insights no matter what type of team you’re on.

Mark Stern joins me today. It’s a wild interview with stories of his journey spanning more than 70 years. You’ll hear the stories of how he talked his way into working with Berry Gordie at Motown Records at age 15, and how he founded his own record company at 16. And his part in writing a hit song. Never one to pass on an opportunity, Mark also talks about how he and his brother were able to make a fortune in the newspaper business during a crisis, and how answering the door lead to a unique job offer and ultimately to hosting his own late-night television show.

Mark also talks about his challenges and failures... including one that cost him tens of millions and a place in art history. His perspective on that “failure” will surprise you. So will his perspective on his parents and his view on helping other people. It’s an inspiring and unusual look at how, as Mark puts it, “throwing a lot of sh*t on the wall” and being open to all possibilities, can lead to ultimate success.

The Roundtable gets together to discuss their insights and takeaways from Jarred Elmar’s interview from WLKH 10.

In that episode, Jarred spoke about how his childhood... which, looking from the outside, should have given him every excuse to fail... actually gave him the drive and determination to become a self-made millionaire.

During this Roundtable discussion you’ll hear us discuss seeing difficult challenges as fuel for success, embracing the setbacks and failures as experience and motivation, the power of believing in yourself no matter what your current circumstances are, and more.

I got the Roundtable together to discuss Jason Fox’s interview on WLKH 9.

In that episode, Jason talk us what it took to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL, and then how he dealt with moving into the next phase of his professional life after an injury cut his career short.

During this Roundtable discussion you’ll hear the six of us talk about the benefits of surrounding yourself with the right people, seeking out and finding the right mentors, having the courage to be an entrepreneur and the drive to make an idea a reality, and more.

Joining us today is Jason Fox, former offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins.

Jason talks about what it took for him to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. How training with the right coaches, working his ass off, and seeking out mentors to teach him the keys to excelling in the league, got him to the pros.

After his career was cut short by injuries, Jason didn’t take his foot off the gas. He jumped into his next career with the same drive and determination that got him to the NFL.

He tells us how he turned his passion for music into EarBuds, a music app that allows you to listen to your favorite athletes playlist, right along with them in real time, as they warm up before a game.

Jason also tells us how he used the same lessons he learned preparing for a pro football career to transition to his new career as tech entrepreneur.  How he went from working with one type of team to another, employing the different types of leadership he used on the field and in the locker room, and finding the right people to help him succeed.

Today we have Jamison Monroe, founder of Newport Academy, a pioneering treatment center that helps teens and young adults struggling with addiction and other challenges.

In his early teens, Jamison faced his own battles with addiction.

An incredible amount of pressure to stay ahead in school, had him turning to drugs, starting with Adderall, to keep up with the workload. Underlying depression and anxiety that went undiagnosed for years, led him to start using alcohol to get through the day.

There were blackouts, accidents, injuries, arrests, but adults in his life—parents, teachers, coaches—all looked the other way, either out of denial or just not wanting to take responsibility. So his substance abuse continued, and got much worse.

After several stints in rehab, including one that ultimately treated his root issues, and after his father had the courage to step up and both face and deliver some hard truths, he got clean. And has since made helping other teens and young adults conquer their mental health issues, eating disorders, and substance abuse issues his mission and purpose.

Jamison tells us the story of his journey from spiraling into deeper addiction, to getting sober, and finding his passion in helping others face and defeat their personal demons and core issues.

It’s an inspirational story of not falling victim to our failures and mistakes, but embracing the experience and using it as fuel for ultimate success.

Jake Haupert is our guest today, and he’s here to talk about how you can use adventure travel and journeys that challenge you mentally and physically, to experience life-changing transformations and growth.

Jake is the co-founder of the Transformational Travel Council and Explorer X, and he specializes in creating unique trips and experiences that push you out of your comfort zone, and take you from simply being a passive tourist, to an explorer, fully immersed and engaged in the experience. A habit you’ll take with you when you get home.

These are trips that feed your inner beast, get you reconnected to nature, and to yourself as a man. Jake tells us stories of his own journeys, including climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with a group of 10 friends, the challenges they faced and overcame, and the stronger bonds that were formed on that trip.

Jake also tells us how you can experience transformational travel close to home, without having to board a plane. And the power of being quiet.

Listen and learn how to “hang on to the fire” long after you return home.

The Roundtable got together to discuss the issues raised by Paul Sr. during his interview on WLKH #4.

Paul Sr. opened up and got real, and told us some things about his life he rarely... if ever... talks about. Especially the events around the broken relationship with his son, Paul Jr., his own dysfunctional childhood, why he is so driven and demanding, and why he is so passionate about giving back.

During this Roundtable we go deeper and discuss our personal experiences with Father/Son relationships around entitlement and expectations, being a Sovereign independent man, and about the duty to give Back.

And we talk about what we are taking away from the interview. Lessons we learned from hearing Paul Sr.’s story.

If you think you know Paul Sr. from Orange County Choppers, wait until you hear his untold story. The star of “American Chopper” gets real and opens up about his life and the struggles he went through to get where he is now. With personal stories and intimate details he’s never shared until now.

Sr. talks about his difficult and challenging childhood, beating his addictions, and what drove him to build OCC. And what drives him today. He also tells us the real story behind the rift with his son, Paul Jr., what started the fighting and the lawsuits, and his part in what caused the split.

A warrior who had to fight for everything he has, you’ll get to see a side of Paul Sr. very few know. Why he is so passionate about working with charities and giving back, his connection with those who have special needs, and how his life changed when he met his girlfriend, Joannie.

And, of course, you’ll learn the reason for all that yelling.

Captain Larry Brudnicki is today’s guest. Captain Brudnicki directed the dramatic rescue missions during the infamous Perfect Storm. He is the man responsible for making critical decisions that meant life or death for those trapped in the storm, and for his own crew. In his first-hand account of the events, Captain Brudnicki opens up and separates the reality from the movie version, and talks about the courage of his crew, and the deep sense of duty they felt as they braved hurricane force winds and nearly 100 foot seas for 4 straight days. He’ll tell you what was going through his mind that day... And he’ll tell you how and why he made the decisions he made.

Rick Andreassen, known to thousands of kids worldwide as Coach Rick, joins us today. Coach Rick is a minister and the founder of Saints of Florida, and for more than 30 years, he’s been impacting the lives of children, and adults, through tireless mentorship and the joy of playing sports. He tells us how, on mission trips to third world countries, he and his team give children the chance to do things they’ve never done before, like throw a Frisbee or play tug of war, and how that, and simply giving time and attention, can change their lives. Coach Rick also shares the three things everyone needs to hear every day, and how simple acts of appreciation, like clapping for someone or telling a dad he’s doing a great job, can impact a life forever, and strengthen the brotherhood of men.

Rob Biasotti, strength coach for a top ranked high school football program who trained dozens of NFL stars when they were young, joins us this week to tell his story. Rob talks about facing fears and doubt head on, the benefits of constantly challenging yourself, and how he and the team used failure as fuel for success. He tells us how “Gamification,” a training concept he developed, increases the effectiveness of workouts and builds team solidarity, and how adventure travel and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, creates rapid growth and forms strong bonds. And throughout his story, he talks about the impact his mentor, legendary coach George Smith, had on his career and life.

Understanding what it means to be a man in today’s world can be challenging and frustrating. Every week join Eric Rogell as he interviews guests who share stories of their personal journey to manhood. Stories of challenges faced and overcome. Stories of the insights, lessons, struggles, and victories they achieved on the way to becoming the men they are. On their journey to becoming a hero. If you're looking to feel inspired, motivated, and moved to do more and BE more, this is the podcast for you.