Ep. 45: Lindi Marcusen – Paralympian & American Record Holder

Ep. 45: Lindi Marcusen – Paralympian & American Record Holder

In this episode, Tarek sits down with Lindi Marcusen, Paralympic athlete, traumatic brain injury survivor, and amputee, to discuss the life-changing accident that forever altered the course of her life. Just 13 days after her wedding, Lindi was involved in a devastating car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and the loss of her right leg. Doctors initially believed she would not survive, but against overwhelming odds, she began an extraordinary journey toward recovery. Lindi reflects on the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of rebuilding her life—from relearning basic skills and navigating the effects of a traumatic brain injury to discovering a renewed sense of purpose through sport. She shares how her background in gymnastics laid the foundation for her recovery, what inspired her to pursue the Paralympics, and the determination that led her to set an American record in the 100 meters before competing on the world stage at the Paris Paralympic Games. This conversation is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and choosing purpose through adversity. Lindi shares her philosophy of "stepping into it"—embracing both hardship and triumph—and offers an inspiring perspective on overcoming life's greatest challenges one step at a time.

Ep. 44: Uriah Hall – Former Top-10 UFC Middleweight & TUF 17 Finalist

In this episode, Evan sits down with Uriah Hall, former Top-10 UFC Middleweight and The Ultimate Fighter Season 17 finalist, to discuss his remarkable journey from Jamaica to the UFC. After moving to New York as a teenager, Hall faced bullying, culture shock, and a struggle to find confidence before discovering martial arts and ultimately building a career on the sport’s biggest stage. Hall reflects on his rise through The Ultimate Fighter, his iconic knockout that put him on the map, and the physical and mental challenges of competing at the highest level. He also shares lessons learned from defeating his idol Anderson Silva, overcoming adversity, and navigating life after retirement. The conversation offers an honest look at resilience, mindset, personal growth, and why protecting your energy and character matters more than any accomplishment inside the cage.

Ep. 43: Chad Brown – Veteran, Conservationist & Founder of Love Is King

Fresh off his appearance on Oprah's Life Is Better With Dogs, Chad Brown joins Tarek to share the remarkable journey that transformed his life and inspired a movement dedicated to healing, mentorship, and service. A Navy combat veteran, conservationist, and founder of Love Is King, Chad opens up about his struggles with PTSD, homelessness, anxiety, and a suicide attempt following his military service—and the unexpected path that led him toward recovery. Through fly fishing, time spent in nature, and the companionship of his service dog, Axe, Chad discovered a renewed sense of purpose that would eventually lead him to found Soul River. What began as an effort to connect veterans and at-risk youth through outdoor experiences has since grown under the broader mission of Love Is King, creating opportunities for mentorship, conservation, leadership development, and personal transformation. The conversation explores resilience, the healing power of community, and why serving others is often the key to healing ourselves. Chad also shares how storytelling, nature, and human connection continue to shape his work and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Ep. 42: Matthew Iommi – Co-Founder & CEO of Fetii

In this episode, Evan sits down with Matthew Iommi, co-founder and CEO of Fetii, the group rideshare platform transforming how large groups move around cities. Broadcasting from Austin, Texas, Iommi shares the unlikely origin story of buying a party bus off Facebook Marketplace while attending Texas A&M and how that decision evolved into a company now transporting more than 2.2 million passengers annually. The conversation explores how Fetii modernized the outdated group transportation industry, survived the COVID-19 pandemic through a critical business pivot, and ultimately earned backing from Y Combinator and billionaire investor Mark Cuban. Iommi also breaks down the company's unique growth strategies, including the famous "God Mode" marketing playbook, and discusses how Fetii is leveraging proprietary AI tools to optimize transportation networks, predict demand, and redefine the future of group mobility.

Ep. 41: Leigh Veidman – Head Coach of Spokane Velocity FC

Tarek is joined by Leigh Veidman, head coach of Spokane Velocity FC, to discuss the growth of professional soccer in Spokane and the evolving landscape of the sport across the United States. Veidman shares his journey growing up in inner-city Liverpool, overcoming adversity, and receiving a second chance that ultimately changed the course of his life and coaching career. The conversation explores Spokane Velocity’s rapid success as a club, the structure of the U.S. soccer pyramid, and the often nonlinear pathway players take to reach the professional level. Veidman also dives into his coaching philosophy centered around “people before players,” emphasizing leadership, resilience, culture, and understanding the individual behind the athlete. Beyond the field, the episode examines the future of soccer in America, including the impact of the upcoming World Cup, the growth of the USL, and the development of the next generation of coaches and players in the United States.