Martin Lopez on Recovery, Resilience, and Fighting Through Life

Inside Leah Gotti’s Life: Boxing, Cigars & Social Media

Leah Gotti opens up about her transition from sports and entertainment into boxing, breaking down what it takes to prepare for a fight both physically and mentally. She shares her training mindset, the realities of stepping into the ring, and how discipline and instinct play a role in everything she does. The conversation also dives into life outside the ring — from navigating social media and protecting your privacy, to her passion for cigars and the lifestyle around them. Leah talks about wellness, meditation, and her future plans in business, showing how she’s building something bigger than just fighting. #FiveThingsPodcast #LeahGotti #Boxing #MMA

3x NCAA Wrestler Mike VanBrill on Wrestling Discipline & Mindset

Mike VanBrill, a 3x NCAA qualifier and Big Ten medalist, breaks down the discipline it takes to compete at a high level in wrestling. From strict routines and weight management to staying locked in through close, grind-it-out matches, Mike explains how consistency and structure shaped his success on the mat. He also dives into the mental side — visualization, gratitude, and finding flow state — and how those same principles carried over into business after his wrestling career. From Rutgers wrestling to entrepreneurship, this conversation shows how discipline isn’t just something you turn on for competition — it’s how you live every day. #FiveThingsPodcast #MikeVanBrill #Wrestling #UFC #MMA

Martin Lopez on Recovery, Resilience, and Fighting Through Life

Martin Lopez shares his inspiring journey of resilience, overcoming a brutal car accident in his youth that left lasting physical challenges. He found refuge and strength in MMA, turning a traumatic experience into a lifelong passion. In this episode of the Five Things Podcast, Martin talks about how martial arts helped him rebuild his confidence, his mental and physical health, and how he now dedicates his life to helping others in similar situations.From the emotional hurdles of recovery to the discipline and focus of MMA, Martin reflects on the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, purpose, and giving back. This conversation is a testament to turning adversity into action, showing that obstacles don’t define you — your choices do.#FiveThingsPodcast #MartinLopez #MMA #Resilience #PersonalGrowth

Aljamain Sterling Breaks Down UFC, Funkmaster Cigar and his Funk Harbor Rum

UFC Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling opens up about his journey from a challenging childhood in Uniondale to becoming a top fighter in the UFC. He shares lessons on discipline, work ethic, and the power of delayed gratification, while drawing parallels between success in MMA and business.Aljo also dives into his entrepreneurial ventures, including his Funk Harbor Rum and Funkmaster Cigars by Triumph Cigars, and talks about how mentorship, positive relationships, and focus helped him navigate both the fight world and life beyond the cage. Whether you’re a fighter, an entrepreneur, or just looking for motivation, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.#FiveThingsPodcast #AljamainSterling #UFC #MMA #Entrepreneurship #Discipline #FunkmasterRum #Aljo #Podcast #Vegas

Nick Kalikas on UFC Betting, Judging Chaos & Finding Line Value

Nick Kalikas breaks down how a lifetime in martial arts turned into a career at the highest levels of MMA sports betting. From training at a young age to living in Costa Rica and setting betting lines, Nick explains how fight IQ, analytics, and film study shape the way he evaluates fights. He dives into how odds are created, how value is found in the market, and why understanding fighter psychology matters just as much as stats.The conversation also gets into the realities of betting — inconsistent judging, bankroll management, the mental side of gambling, and how betting can impact personal relationships. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories with fighters, thoughts on how MMA striking has evolved, and what separates smart bettors from emotional ones. #FiveThingsPodcast #NickKalikas #UFC #MMA