Podcast Manuel Amezcua

Folks, we’re kicking off this season with a special episode as the host of At The Podium, Manuel Amezcua, is interviewed by guest host, Lauren LoGrasso. Hear Manny dig deep into his childhood, career, family, wins + losses, and more as he shares: What his parents, immigrants from Mexico, and childhood taught him about success The importance of conf…

Message from Manny: "At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua listeners - First I want to express my gratitude to each of U. Thank U for investing your most valuable asset, your time and attention, with us this year as you've tuned into these conversations. As my dear friend, mentor, and advocate, Ben Newman, often says, "Be where your feet are." This hol…

How do you want to be remembered? Serial entrepreneur and All-Pro NFL Player, Herman Moore, is writing his own story and defining his brand in his own terms. Football will only serve as a footnote for Herman whose impact off the field has stretched even greater than his incredible accomplishments with the Detroit Lions. In this episode, we take a d…

Kalif Raymond is an NFL Wide Receiver for the Detroit Lions. Standing at 5' 7", Kalif defied all odds to make it to the professional level as one of the smallest players in the NFL after a standout college athletic career at Holy Cross. In this episode, Kalif shares what it looked like to put in the work after hours to make his dream of playing in …

Suzy Merchant is the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Michigan State University. She has accumulated 300+ wins as Head Coach at Michigan State and 500+ wins in her career as a head coach. In my conversation with Suzy, we get an inside look at her accomplishments, big decisions, and her powerful core values, covering her time at Michigan State Unive…

Darien Harris is the Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement for the Michigan State Football Program. Darien played linebacker at Michigan State University and was part of the winningest Senior class in MSU history before he went to the NFL. In our conversation, Darien shares the lessons he learned from his father including the ONE thi…

Mateen Cleaves is a retired NBA basketball player and a National Champion with the 2000 Michigan State men's basketball team under head coach Tom Izzo. In my chat with Mateen, we chart his rise as a highly successful player at Michigan State University and the story of the 2000 National Title team under Tom Izzo. Mateen shares the important lessons…

Ben Newman is a highly regarded Performance Coach, International Speaker and Best-Selling Author. Ben serves as a Mental Conditioning Coach for the 18-time National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide football team and has worked with players from the last 4 Super Bowl Champion teams. Real Leaders Magazine selected him as one of their 2019, 2020, 2022 TO…

A career in professional sport so often includes uncertainty and unforeseen obstacles. For Andy Wagstaff, his dream of making it as a pro soccer player did not pan out quite as he hoped, but due to an unerring determination and healthy foresight, he has been able to ride the waves to an amazing career in coaching and academy leadership. Andy is now…

LaMarr Woodley is a Retired NFL athlete, Super Bowl Champion, and former All-American linebacker at the University of Michigan. LaMarr is a great example of someone who gave his all for his love and talent for football, but created space for an amazing second act with the birth of his film production company, Area 56 Entertainment. In this conversa…

Taiwan Jones is a retired NFL Athlete and owner of Transformation Lab, a gym based out of Sterling Heights, MI. Taiwan tells me about his experience getting bullied as a kid and how it made him into the man he is today. In our conversation, we hear about his early experiences in the NFL as a top-performing athlete, the ups and downs that profession…

Folks, this week, I’m re-sharing my conversation with United Wholesale Mortgage CEO, Mat Ishbia, in hopes it can provide you with the mindset shift you need to dominate the rest of the year and set yourself up for success in 2023. So often I find I make elaborate plans to avoid failure. I can be afraid to make the decision to implement a big change…

Taking your expertise in a certain field and converting it into a consultancy business is such a powerful way to level up your professional life. This is exactly what today's guests did, and we are so happy to sit down with Marti McLeish and Stephanie Murphy to talk about how they combined their powers to build the remarkable Noble Co, through whic…

We've had the privilege of talking to many of the great leaders and champions of today, but in this episode, we're handing the mic over to the champions of tomorrow. Manuel is joined by his kids, Ava (14) and Atlas (12), to talk about the support our future stars need in pursuit of their dreams. Ava and Atlas demonstrate the impact parents' behavio…

Achieving our unique vision for life takes consistent hard work, focus, and recognizing the micro-wins along the way. On this episode, entrepreneur, creator, and storyteller, Chad Miles joins me to talk about exactly he’s attacked his unique vision for life and how he’s approached the many pivots he’s made along the way. In our conversation, he tal…

Folks, we're bringing back our most downloaded episode of all-time with mental performance coach Lauren Johnson. This conversation is packed with value for both our long time listeners and so many of our new followers that have recently joined us. Enjoy. Lauren Johnson is a mental performance coach and speaker. She is the founder of Lauren Johnson …

Taybor Pepper is a professional NFL player for the San Fransisco 49ers. As a long snapper, Pepper was one of the top-rated high school recruits and played 4 seasons of college football at Michigan State University. In this episode, Taybor shares the story behind his college recruitment process and how he ALMOST attended his rival school. Next, Tayb…

AJ Troup is an LA-based actor and writer as well as a former college football player at Michigan State University. In this episode, AJ shares his journey from overcoming 3 ACL injuries, walking on to play football at Michigan State, how his first catch was a TD, and how he transitioned into a successful acting career. AJ shares the inspiration behi…

Andy Frye is a journalist and sports writer who has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports including Tom Brady, Shaq, Usain Bolt, Lindsey Vonn, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and more. His work has been featured in ESPN, Forbes, and Rolling Stone. In this episode, Manny and Andy talk about how to turn your passions into a career and how Andy …

Manuel and Samantha Amezcua are a dynamic husband and wife duo. Manuel Amezcua serves as the CEO @ MassMutual Great Lakes and is the Founder of the Podium Group and Samantha Amezcua serves as the CEO of the Amezcua Family Enterprise and works within the Amezcua home. Together, these two CEOs talk about how to gain clarity and confidence in yourself…

Joe Jordan is a retired Financial Services Executive and now an inspirational speaker, behavioral finance expert, and best-selling author of "Living a Life of Significance". In this episode, Manuel Amezcua and Joe Jordan talk about the future of the financial services industry, the major change that is occurring, and how to be prepared. They also t…

Lee Rubin is a keynote speaker, author, and nationally recognized expert on building high-performing teams. In this episode, Manny and Lee talk about the 5 requirements to building ANY effective team, the one thing leaders can do to keep top performers from disengaging and leaving, and his one hiring tip to ensure ANYONE you hire is a good fit for …

Janelle Miller is the Vice President of Marketing & Talent at Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE). Janelle represents clients like Terry Bradshaw, Roquan Smith of the Chicago Bears, and JD Martinez of the Boston Red Sox. In this episode, Janelle shares her story of dreaming of finding a career in sports and her path to becoming one of the most…

Joey Davenport is the President and Co-Founder of the Hoopis Performance Network (HPN). In this conversation, Joey shares the #1 mistake advisors are making and how to tactically correct it. He and Manny discuss how to increase advisor retention and ONE THING advisors typically stop doing in year two that they shouldn't. Lastly, Joey talks about th…

Ty Mopkins is a creative designer and brand consultant who has collaborated with some of the world's biggest brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Fila, Starter, and New Era Cap company. In this episode of At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Ty shares his story of growing up in Detroit and the important life lessons he learned from his mom and his commu…

Bennie Fowler III is a retired NFL Wide Receiver, Super Bowl Champion, former Michigan State Spartan, and now an entrepreneur and leadership coach and consultant. In this episode, Bennie Fowler and Manuel Amezcua talk about the importance of relationship capital and how to build relationship capital with the right people. They talk about Bennie's t…

Steven Kalkanis, M.D., CEO of the Henry Ford Medical Group (HFMG) and Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Henry Ford Health System, provides strategic leadership and direction over the 1,900-member HFMG physicians and researchers responsible for all aspects of clinical performance across 40 specialties. In this episode, Dr. Kalkanis…

Steve Orosco is a former Wall Street broker, turned MMA fighter, turned gym owner, and is now running for Senate of the United States. Steve "Hulk Smash" Orosco is the CEO of SMASH GLOBAL and owner of Smash HQ. In this episode of At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Steve and Manny talk about what it means to a humble savage and why everyone should s…

Lance Tyson is a bestselling author and industry leader with more than 30 years focused on sales training and consulting for some of the biggest brands in the world such as the Dallas Cowboys, Red Gold Tomatoes, Eli Lilly, and Topgolf. He serves as President and CEO of the Tyson Group, a leading sales training organization. In this episode, Lance a…

John Vermiglio is a restaurateur and chef, most known for his Detroit-based restaurants: Grey Ghost Detroit, Second Best, and Basan Detroit (coming soon). Earning his stripes in Chicago with chefs Art Smith, Graham Elliot, and Charlie Trotter, Vermiglio returned to his hometown to start building a restaurant empire in Detroit. In this episode, John…

Michigan State University legend, retired Professional Basketball Player, and Financial Advisor, Paul Davis, joins Manuel Amezcua At The Podium. Hear Paul Davis share his thoughts on how Tom Izzo treats and impacts players at Michigan State, his journey to overcome adversity to play professional basketball, and how he's found a fulfilling career af…

Bonnie Godsman is the President at Finseca / GAMA Global. She is one of the most powerful figures in financial services. In this episode, hear Bonnie's share her own personal health journey and mindsets she leaned on along the way to achieve an incredible transformation. Bonnie talks about the financial lessons she learned as a young girl that made…

Jon Horford is a retired basketball player and Lansing-based entrepreneur. He played college basketball at the University of Michigan and the University of Florida and went on to become the founder of Blueprint Athletes, a basketball training app. In this episode, Jon and Manny talk about the improvements needed to the way we develop the next gener…

Derrick Coleman is a Syracuse basketball legend, retired NBA great, Detroit-based entrepreneur, and philanthropist. In this episode, Derrick shares the impact Coach Jim Boeheim has had on his life, Manny and Derrick discuss the impact of the participation trophy culture in today's world and Derrick shares how DC Elite aims to impact kids beyond the…

Demetrius Harmon is an entrepreneur, creator, and founder of the global clothing brand, You Matter, and You Matter University. In this podcast, Demetrius shares the story behind how and why he started you matter, why the world needs more people willing to share the good and bad parts of life, and he shares his perspective on how you can support peo…

Keith Nichol is a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual and a former college football player at Michigan State University. In this episode, Manny and Keith relive Keith's historic catch from 2011, discuss how discipline is the greatest form of self-love that can propel you through adversity, and Keith gives his predictions on the MSU vs.…

RJ King is the co-founder and Editor of DBusiness Magazine. He has authored 5 books, earned 45+ awards in publication for DBusiness, has interviewed 15,000+ people, and serves on nearly 10 boards in the Detroit area. In this episode, RJ shares tactical advice on how to add value to other people to build relationships, create opportunity, and achiev…

Mat Ishbia is the President & CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the #1 wholesale mortgage lender in the Nation. UWM employs over 9,000+ team members and went public as a company in 2021 (UWMC stock ticker). In this episode, Mat shares the time management principles he learned from MSU head coach Tom Izzo, he explains how to achieve greater su…

Jeff Bajorek is a professional sales trainer, coach, and author. He is also the host of The Why and The Buy podcast which has produced over 400 episodes. In this episode, Jeff explains why it's time to rethink the way you sell because no one sells like you. He also shares a new definition for what a customer is and how we should look at treating th…

Avaneesh Marwaha is the CEO of Litera Microsystems, a rapidly growing legal software company based out of Chicago, IL. Litera has acquired 12 companies in the last 18 months and expanded from 85 employees to over 1000+ employees in five years. In this episode, Avaneesh shares the strategy and vision behind Litera's rapid growth, the importance of b…

Jon Fortt is a host on CNBC's Tech Check, host of Fortt Knox, and creator of The Black Experience in America: The Course. In this episode, Jon tells the story of why he decided to create a course focused on race and the black experience in America, the top lessons he's learned from the most innovative leaders in the world, and Jon shares his advice…

Herman Moore is a serial entrepreneur, NFL All-Pro wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, and founder and CEO of Team 84 LLC. In this episode, Herman shares the importance of asking why, the fact that businesses should provide solutions, not products, and the things the greatest team builders do. 0:00 Introductions 1:55 The 3 Questions 3:36 Herman sh…

Samantha Amezcua is a humanitarian, philanthropist, health enthusiast, and human motivator. She is also Manny's wife and CEO of the Amezcua household. In this episode, Samantha redefines the language of 'staying at home' to 'working within the home', shares four powerful lessons she's learned that have revolutionized how she views herself and inter…

Greg McRoberts is a Managing Partner at WestPoint Financial Group. Under Greg’s leadership, the Indianapolis-based financial services firm has experienced explosive growth, with over 500 advisors and staff members located throughout Indiana, West Virginia, Illinois, Cincinnati, Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. In this episode, Greg shares his bluepri…

Hillary Seiler is a financial educator and coach, speaker, and author. Hillary coaches professional athletes on how to manage their day-to-day finances during and after their professional sports careers. Seiler is also the Owner & President of Financial Footwork, a financial coaching company built to bring her athletic-based approach to money and p…

Lauren Johnson is a mental performance coach and speaker. She is the founder of Lauren Johnson & Co and recently served as Mental Conditioning Coordinator for the New York Yankees MLB franchise. In this episode, Lauren shares the real definition of mental toughness, the benefits of negative thinking, and how to train your mind like a pro athlete. L…

Scott Greenfield, CLF is the President & CEO of Capstone Financial, LLC based out of Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode, Scott shares how he has gone about building a world-class sales organization, the 3 questions he asks when evaluating new team members, how data empowers their organization to make informed business decisions, and the traits most …

Andrew Jesernig and James Kruml are co-founders of RoboToaster, a creative agency based in Chicago, IL. In this episode, Andrew and James share how to identify opportunities when you are a startup, the most important element of working with clients, and the marketing principles companies should be thinking about to continue to build a brand that ap…

Josh Weinberg and Tommy Choi are co-founders of Weinberg Choi Residential and ranked in the top 1% of real estate teams in the city of Chicago. In this episode, Tommy and Josh discuss the 4 keys to building an extraordinary culture, how the idea of community over competition has served their business, and the thing great leaders focus on while buil…

D.C. Crenshaw is an entrepreneur, marketing and branding expert, food and lifestyle personality and a two-time Emmy nominated TV Host/Executive Producer. In this episode, DC shares the inspiration behind the projects he brings to life, the one thing 97% of people won't do, and his piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. Connect with Manny on Lin…