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S2 E32 | The Mental Game of Boxing: Stevie Morgan’s Path to Championship

The path to boxing greatness requires a level of sacrifice most people can’t comprehend. Lightweight fighter Stevie Morgan (15-2, 13 KOs) pulls no punches discussing what it really takes to succeed in professional boxing’s unforgiving world.

Born and raised in Tampa, Morgan’s athletic journey began with track and basketball before transitioning to boxing after wandering into a gym and being inspired by a young female fighter. Despite starting at the relatively late age of 28, her natural competitive fire quickly propelled her through the amateur ranks to become #3 in the country before turning professional.

Coach Moniette, her trainer and manager, doesn’t sugarcoat the brutal realities of boxing. He made Morgan study for a full year before her second amateur fight, ensuring she understood the sport’s dangers—including the approximately 13 fighters who die annually in the ring. This sobering perspective shapes their approach: “You’re not just training to win; you’re training to kill… and be willing to die.”

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S2 E31 | Rob Goetz’s Torpedo Bats and Tush Pushes: Sports Talk with a Florida Business Owner

From battling addiction to five different substances to building a thriving flooring business with nearly 200 five-star Google reviews, Rob Goetz’s journey embodies resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As the owner of Paradise Flooring in Palm Harbor, Florida, Rob shares how hitting rock bottom became the foundation for both personal and professional transformation. After getting sober nearly twelve years ago, he built a company culture around reliability and quality—his core team of four employees are all sober, creating consistency in an industry often plagued by unreliability.

The conversation delves into Florida’s recovery from recent devastating hurricanes, where seven months later, many coastal residents still live in campers outside their damaged homes. Rob offers a firsthand perspective on the construction challenges and insurance complications affecting homeowners, including the FEMA 50-50 rule that’s forcing difficult rebuilding decisions.

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S2 E30 | Healing Meets Momentum: Crystian Martinez’s Journey

What happens when life suddenly changes your entire trajectory? Crystian Martinez knows this reality intimately. On his birthday episode, Crystian shares the harrowing story of fracturing his back in three places in 2020, resulting in partial paralysis of his right foot and ending his cherished firefighting career.

Rather than surrendering to despair, Crystian transformed this devastating setback into purpose by founding Inertia Medical Center, a holistic rehabilitation clinic specializing in helping accident victims. His philosophy—”where healing meets momentum”—emerged directly from his own struggle to adapt and thrive with physical limitations.

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Send Your Question

Got burning questions about business, entrepreneurship, or anything in between? We want to hear from you! Send us your queries, and hosts Manny and Sean Febre will answer them on an upcoming episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights while having a great time. Simply drop us a message with your questions, and let’s dive into the world of business together!

E40 | Gridiron Chronicles and Life Lessons: April Loya's Banter on College Football, Vegas Adventures, and Cultivating Young Talent

Navigating the NIL Maze: Insights and Advocacy with April Loya

In the latest episode of the dynamic sports podcast, hosts Sean Febre & Manny Febre sit down with April Loya, a beacon of guidance and influence in the athletic world. The trio delves deep into the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, exploring its effects on both high school and collegiate athletics. Loya, known for her commitment to mentoring young athletes, brings a wealth of knowledge and a call for essential education on financial literacy within the NIL framework.

The NIL Era: Opportunities and Challenges

The episode kicks off with an insightful exploration of NIL agreements’ complexities. Loya draws from her extensive experience, emphasizing the critical need for clear regulations to safeguard young talents entering these agreements. This segment of the conversation illuminates the NIL world’s potential pitfalls and promises, underlining the importance of experienced guidance for athletes wading through these waters.

A Plea for Financial Literacy

One of the most poignant discussions centers around the necessity of financial literacy for athletes engaging with NIL deals. With the expansion of NIL to high school athletes, Loya passionately argues for educational programs that equip these young individuals with the skills to manage their newfound financial independence responsibly. This proactive approach, she suggests, can significantly impact their personal and professional development positively.

Ethics, Education, and NIL

The debate intensifies as the hosts and Loya consider the ethical implications of extending NIL deals to high school sports. They examine the potential pressures and risks associated with early financial freedom, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between athletic performance and financial decision-making.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Loya shares compelling narratives from her mentoring journey, offering a window into the real-life effects of NIL agreements on athletes. These stories, ranging from success to struggle, underscore the varied impact of NIL deals and the critical role of mentors in guiding young athletes through their challenges and triumphs.

Towards a Supportive NIL Ecosystem

The episode further dissects the mechanics of NIL agreements, delving into legal, financial, and ethical considerations. Loya advocates for a structured support system where athletes have access to legal counsel, financial advice, and ongoing education on the fast-evolving sports marketing and sponsorship landscape.

Mentorship: The Heart of the Matter

A recurring theme throughout the episode is the indispensable role of mentorship in the sports industry. Loya’s dedication to nurturing young talent is evident as she discusses the transformative impact of mentorship on athletes’ lives, advocating for a network of experienced advisors to support the next generation of sports stars.

Envisioning the Future of NIL

In concluding, the podcast paints a picture of the potential future scenarios for NIL agreements. It speculates on the development of fairer, more sustainable models that prioritize athletes’ well-being and career growth, fostering a healthier, more equitable sports industry.

Conclusion

This episode stands as a vital resource for anyone interested in the confluence of sports, education, and finance. Through April Loya’s expert lens and the engaging dialogue with the hosts, listeners are offered a deep dive into the NIL phenomenon, its challenges, opportunities, and the undeniable importance of mentorship and financial literacy in shaping young athletes’ futures.

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