At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with Notre Dame Football starting guard Rocco Spindler.

Rocco Spindler is the son of Marc Spindler, a former NFL defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions.

He shares with us his upbringing, how wrestling made him a great football player, the reality of being a five star recruit in high school, and the promise he made his grandfather to join the Fighting Irish.

Rocco Spindler is a true man's man and is honoring the legacy of his family each and every day at Notre Dame – there’s so much to draw from the lessons in toughness, grit, and compassion that he has learned along the way, so sit back and enjoy!

0:00 - Intro

2:36 - Early Life and Family Impact on Athletics

4:57 - Dad’s Impact on His Football Life and The Value of Wrestling

8:50 - Impact of Sisters Athletic Gifts

11:59 - High School Football Memories and Influences

16:30 - Reality of Being a 5 Star Recruit in High School

20:34 - Process of Choosing Notre Dame

25:12 - Rocco’s Grandfather’s Influence

31:30 - Day One at Notre Dame

37:33 - What’s Coach Freeman Like?

39:04 - Overcoming Obstacles and Injuries

47:44 - What Does the Future Hold?

49:12 - Advice for Student Athletes

51:12 - What’s Something People Don’t Know About Rocco Spindler?

In this episode of "At the Podium" with Manuel Amezcua, Wallo267 shares his incredible transformation from serving 20 years in prison to becoming a successful entrepreneur and social media influencer within just 7 years outside of the system.

Wallo talks about the importance of having a clear end game, setting goals, and making lists to keep on track with your final end vision.

He emphasizes the value of genuine mentorship and how to discern true leaders from modern-day unqualified motivational speakers.

Known for his raw and unfiltered approach, Wallo reveals how he leveraged his hardships to inspire millions and form partnerships with major brands and corporations.

This episode offers a candid look at resilience, purpose, and navigating the challenges of personal growth in a world full of superficial advice.

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua

0:00 - Introducing Wallo267

2:17 - Look at My Story Not My Glory

5:40 - Stop People Pleasing

7:56 - You Need an End Game

10:01 - All The Ingredients to Win Are in America

11:08 - Why Do People Care So Much About Fitting In?

14:25 - Loyal People and the Illusion of Success

17:23 - Wallo’s Brothers Death and Living vs Dying For People

19:22 - The Prison System is Corrupt

20:59 - Mentorship, Anthony Bourdain, Setting Goals and Creating a List

23:54 - The Power of the Mind and Self Study

25:07 - Fake Motivational Speakers

28:35 - People’s Struggles Are the Same and Stress on Steroids

32:06 - Mastermind Grifters

33:47 - Wallo’s Foundation For Kids

35:09 - People Are Afraid to Take it to the Next Level

36:23 - How Will You Know You Made an Impact

37:08 - “Pride” in Being From the Hood

In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with Josh Ross, linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and former Michigan Wolverine. 

Josh takes us through his journey from Southfield High School to standout performances at Michigan to his ongoing career in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens.

Josh shares the importance of family pride and how his family's unwavering support has played a crucial role in his success and development as both a man and an athlete. 

He talks about the belief in oneself and how that mindset, reinforced by his family's encouragement, has helped him face challenges on and off the field. 

Despite not being the most naturally talented, Josh's relentless work ethic sets him apart, driving him to excel and leave a lasting legacy for the name on the back of his jersey.

Josh also dives into the mental side of football, highlighting how crucial mental toughness and focus are in today’s game. 

He explains how the mental game often makes the difference between good and great players, and the strategies he uses to stay sharp, resilient, and ahead of the competition. 

Additionally, Josh discusses the importance of time management as an athlete, sharing how balancing training, recovery, and personal life is key to maintaining peak performance and overall well-being.

Whether you're a sports fan or someone looking for inspiration, Josh’s story highlights the impact of determination, resilience, effective time management, and the power of a strong support system.

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua

0:00 - Introducing Josh Ross

4:54 - Childhood, High School, and Michigan Wolverines

11:18 - Being a Hard Worker and Honoring His Family Name

13:39 - Individualism in the Modern Game

16:28 - Having a Clear Standard For Yourself and His Father’s Impact

23:25 - Choosing Michigan and Favorite Michigan Memory

33:34 - Grinding to Become a Starter with Devin Bush

40:28 - Football is Intense But Mostly Mental

44:43 - What Should Young Athletes Start Doing NOW to Be Better?

48:05 - Message For Kids Thinking About Entering the Game of Football

51:20 - Sound Mind Sound Body’s Impact

In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, we’re sitting down with National Champion, NCAA ‘24 cover athlete, and aspiring philanthropist Donovan Edwards.

Donovan Edwards is entering his final year at Michigan, and is looking to help the Wolverines defend their national championship for the 2024-2025 season.

With his head coach Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL’s LA Chargers, many thought that Edward’s would follow suit and declare for the draft, but as you’ll hear in this episode, he feels that he has unfinished business in Ann Arbour. 

Donovan shares with us in this episode the sacrifices that his father made after his mother’s untimely passing, how he grew as a leader, and how he’s looking to make an impact in his community before leaving for the big leagues.

Donovan is an inspiration to young players around the country, and an example of what it means to constantly seek personal growth.

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua

0:00 - Introducing Donovan Edwards

3:08 - Donovan’s Childhood and His Early Trials

7:30 - How Donovan Chose Michigan over Other Major Programs

11:53 - What Made Jim Harbaugh a Great Coach to Play For?

16:11 - Reaction to Harbaugh Leaving for NFL and Coach Moore

18:21 - How Donovan Went From Bad to Great Leader

25:11 - Donovan’s Growth and Purpose Outside of Football and His Charity

33:56 - How You Speak to Yourself and What You Focus on Shapes Your Reality

36:27 - Donovan’s Goals Entering His Senior Year

37:45 - Donovan’s Daily Routine, Diet and Speed

41:27 - Staying Focused on the NOW

43:08 - Spread Love and Be the Change You Wish to See

46:26 - Follow the Show and Donovan!

Brenden Rice is a professional football player for the LA Chargers, former Colorado Buffalo and

USC Trojan, and the son of the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice.

In this episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny and Brenden go deep on

Brenden’s upbringing in Chandler, Arizona, the pressure involved in being the son of an NFL

legend, his time at USC with Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley, and his plans for life after his

NFL career comes to an end.

This episode was recorded just days before the NFL draft, and will give you some insight on

who the Chargers are inheriting into their organization.

CONNECT WITH MANNY

Podcast: At The Podium with Manuel Amezcua

Website: https://thepodiumgroup.com/

Instagram: / officialmanuelamezcua

LinkedIn: / mannyamezcua

0:00 - Introducing Brenden Rice

1:43 - Staying Focused During the NFL Draft Process

2:20 - The Impact of His Mother on His Maturity

3:32 - Brenden’s Backstory, His Influences, and Love For Football

5:37 - The Pressure of Being Jerry Rice’s Son

7:03 - Growing Up in Chandler Arizona

8:16 - Why Brenden Originally Committed to Colorado and Why He Transferred

10:35 - How USC Improved His Game and Playing with Caleb Williams

14:36 - The NFL Combine Process and Building His Support Team

18:12 - Who Did Brenden Want to Play For as a Kid?

19:15 - Brenden’s Plans in His Rookie Season

21:37 - Life After Football?

26:01 - Staying Locked in Leading Up to Training Camp

28:27 - Advice for Student Athletes and Parents of Athletes