Pain isn’t a glitch in the human experience—it’s part of the design. In Episode 62, Carlos and Dan Olschwang explore why pain exists and how it fuels inner transformation. They unpack the link between pain, fear, and rigidity, the power of going inward, and how we co-create reality. Dan closes with a warning on AI: as knowledge becomes a commodity, creativity becomes currency—and courage unlocks a life beyond imagination.

What happens when the life you’re manifesting becomes a prison? In Episode 60, Giane returns to share what it felt like to receive a life sentence at 17 and the fear, ego, and survival mindset that shaped him. He opens up about accountability, trauma, mentorship, and how chasing status led to devastating consequences. This is manifestation without the fluff—a raw look at how our thoughts and choices create real outcomes, and how discipline and purpose can rebuild a life.

What do you tell someone drowning in excuses when you’ve served 24 years and 10 months, then walk out and start building in under 60 days? Tyrus C. Potts says it in one word: focus. Keep the plan, vision, and standards. Lose focus and you lose everything.

Carlos sits with Tyrus—founder, poet, returning citizen—to unpack *“My sky has no limit,” real vs. usable resources, his poem “Black Brutality,” mentorship, education, and the moment pride had to die so growth could begin.

What does it mean to battle the fear of being seen? In this episode, poet, speaker, and educator Angela Aguirre shares how courage, creativity, and recovery shaped her voice and purpose. From learning to feel fear and act anyway to finding healing through poetry, Angela reflects on visibility, follow-through, and trusting your voice—even when it feels uncomfortable.

Bryson McCalley is the founder and CEO of LAST OF A DYNG SEED—an author, filmmaker, and mentor shaped by lived experience. Raised amid violence in Long Beach and later serving 15 years in a Level IV California prison, Bryson chose growth over defeat. He shares how trauma led to incarceration, how prison forged discipline and creativity, and how those skills fueled success after release.

Episode 50 brings the five most-downloaded How To Battle conversations—raw stories of trauma, forgiveness, and fighting back from the edge. Guests open up about fractured family bonds, childhood pain, addiction, incarceration, cultural upheaval, and spiritual reckoning. Travon Harris, Bryson McCalley, Giane Lollar, Jabarri Pangelinan, Kyle Walker, Adaku Mbagwu, and Travis Sanchez show what it takes to start over.

Carlos Vasquez sits down with Travon Harris — once facing a life sentence, now building a thriving business and rewriting his future. Travon opens up about growing up in South Los Angeles, the survival instincts that led him into crime, and the pivotal moments that transformed him behind bars. Together they explore finding real confidence, rewriting your story, overcoming trauma, and navigating the challenges and victories of reentry and entrepreneurship after prison.

Celebrity Trainer Austin Curry has trained big names like YouTube giant @MrBeast—but his real story isn’t about fame. It’s about overcoming pain, doubt, and failure to rebuild from within. Carlos Vasquez explores Austin’s journey from a rough childhood to mastering the mindset that changed his life. Fitness became his therapy—restoring confidence, discipline, and purpose. Austin shares what it takes to lead authentically, stay consistent, and turn struggle into growth.

April Rehrig is an educator, advocate, and champion for children and families who often feel overlooked in the realms of special education and neurodiversity. She candidly discusses the challenges parents encounter within the school system—from navigating IEPs and addressing hidden disabilities to embracing the power of self-advocacy and owning their narratives. April confronts stigma, redefines resilience, and exemplifies what it truly means to rise up when life brings you down.

Dan Olschwang grew up in the chaos of Jerusalem, surrounded by trauma from an early age. By six, he witnessed death each year—murders, bombings, accidents. At 14, he barely survived a bombing, leaving him with PTSD and a mask of toughness. For years he chased success and traveled the world searching for answers, only to discover the real battle wasn’t outside—it was within.

Professional fighter Ian Butler opens up about a journey defined by resilience, from experiencing homelessness and family struggles to competing on MMA’s biggest stages. With raw honesty, Ian shares the inner battles that shaped his path and the faith, relentless work and unexpected mentors who helped him rise above. This conversation explores transformation, purpose, and giving back.

Former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Paul Kruger shares the battles that shaped his life beyond the game. From near-death experiences and the pressures of professional football to the quieter struggles with doubt and identity, Paul speaks with raw honesty. This conversation explores transformation. Discover how fatherhood, love, and entrepreneurship gave him a renewed sense of purpose, and why surrender can sometimes be the most powerful choice.

Today marks a special moment. For the first time, I’m here—no guest to interview, no idea of the questions I would face. Just me, opening up about the personal battles that have shaped my life. From gang life to prison, from trauma to transformation, I’ve walked through some of the darkest places a person can go.

In this episode of How To Battle, we are joined by Giane Lollar, the owner of Fatal Fit and a former prison inmate who served 17 years for a gang-related crime. Giane shares his transformative journey from a destructive gang member to a positive, independent thinker during his incarceration. He delves into his challenging upbringing in Compton, the pivotal moments that catalyzed his change, and his dedication to education and self-improvement.

In this episode of How To Battle, I sit down with Travon Harris, a remarkable individual and a close friend who shares his transformative journey from gang life to personal growth and redemption. Travon opens up about his challenging upbringing in the notorious "Jungles" of Baldwin Hills Village in Los Angeles, where the cultural norms of his environment shaped his early perceptions of manhood and survival.

In this episode, we are joined by Bryson McCalley, CEO and founder of Last of a Dyng Seed, who shares his powerful journey from gang culture to personal transformation and professional success. The discussion begins with the importance of discipline, commitment, and consistency, as Bryson explains how these principles were crucial in redirecting his life from negative to positive endeavors.

In this heartfelt episode of How To Battle, I am joined by Peter Meyerhoff , a man who has transformed his life from one of addiction, crime, and imprisonment to ultimate success and fulfillment. The conversation begins with a prayer, setting the tone for a discussion centered around faith, redemption, and the power of transformation. Peter shares his journey from being fresh out of prison, struggling with addiction and seeking guidance.

In this inspiring episode, we meet Clara Woods and her mother Betina, who share their remarkable journey of overcoming challenges and turning Clara's disability into a strength. The conversation begins with a profound quote, "I'm not what happened to me, I'm what I chose to become," setting the stage for a discussion about resilience, choice, and determination.

In this powerful episode of the How To Battle podcast, I sit down with Casey Diaz, a former gang shot caller turned author, podcaster, and speaker. Casey Diaz, known for his transformative journey from a life of Crime to becoming an inspiration, shares his insights on character, change, and the power of faith. Casey begins by emphasizing the importance of character, noting that true character is demonstrated by how one behaves both in public and in private.

In this powerful episode of the How To Battle podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Richard Turner, a man who spent 24 years in prison for attempted murder. Richard shares his powerful story of growing up in a chaotic environment influenced by his father's criminal lifestyle, leading him into a life of crime that eventually resulted in a life sentence at the age of 19.

In this powerful episode of How To Battle, Michal Ohana, a survivor of the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel, shares her harrowing experience at the Nova Festival and the traumatic aftermath. The episode explores the pain of loss, survivor’s guilt, and the enduring power of hope. Michal recounts how the terrorists targeted festival-goers, the moments of terror under an IDF tank, and the emotional and physical scars left behind.

In this heart-wrenching episode of How To Battle, Kat Kerr, a 25-year-old survivor of childhood abuse and a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, shares her story for the first time. Kat details the traumatic experiences she faced growing up in an abusive household, including the emotional neglect from her adoptive mother, the pain of being denied love, and her struggle to support her brother who also suffered.

Alisa Sieber is a former Marine Corps pilot and an accomplished author who has dedicated her life to becoming a voice for personal healing and overcoming adversity. Throughout this episode, Alisa shares her powerful journey, from navigating the structured life of the military to dealing with childhood trauma and PTSD. She discusses the transformative practice of "chair flying" and how preparing for life's weak moments can build resilience.

Andrew Mundy and Henry Oliva are two incredible individuals who transformed their lives from a past of incarceration to becoming powerful advocates and community leaders. In this episode, Andrew, co-founder of the Garden 31 Community Initiative, and Henry, a mentor and workshop conductor, share their journeys of resilience, faith, and redemption.

Join us as we sit down with Giane Lollar, a personal trainer, Bryson McCalley, the CEO of LAST OF A DYNG SEED, and Travon Harris, founder of Community First Power Washing Company. In this episode, our incredible guests share their unique experiences with tattoos, from getting inked in juvenile halls and prisons to exploring tattoo removal. They delve into themes of self-acceptance, the lessons learned from past mistakes, and the importance of personal growth, despite societal judgments.

Guido Solares is a cybersecurity expert and former medical physicist with a fascinating journey that spans entrepreneurship, teaching, and consulting. From recounting his academic challenges at MIT to discussing the intricacies of defending against cyber threats, Guido emphasizes the importance of grit, self-confidence, and continuous learning.

Joe Reed, a resilient entrepreneur with multiple businesses ranging from cannabis delivery to addiction recovery programs, joins Carlos Vasquez to discuss his unique journey. Overcoming a difficult upbringing, Reed has transformed setbacks into opportunities, emerging as a problem solver whose decisions impact both his ventures and community. This episode dives into Joe's evolving definition of success, imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentoring youth and giving back.

Michael Haslip, a recent parolee, served 31 years in a maximum-security prison. Despite facing immense challenges, Michael never gave up, even when it would have been easy to do so. Carlos had the privilege of walking the yard with him, being housed alongside him, and receiving his invaluable mentorship during a pivotal time in his life.

Richard Pauwels, founder of Rich Nuts and retired L.A. County firefighter, shares his incredible journey from being born in a correctional facility to discovering purpose and strength in the fire service. Now an entrepreneur, he talks about building his snack company and the key lessons on mindset, responsibility, and curiosity that helped him overcome life’s toughest challenges.

This episode dives deep into personal journeys shaped by profound lessons from Eckhart Tolle's ‘The Power of Now’, with former guests Giane Lollar, a personal trainer, Bryson McCalley, the CEO of LAST OF A DYNG SEED, and Travon Harris, founder of Community First Power Washing Company. Whether you're seeking inspiration or tools to battle through your own silent battles, this episode promises to deliver powerful insights and practical wisdom.

What does it take to rebuild your life after prison? In this episode, Pablo Asencio sits down with Carlos Vasquez to share his journey from incarceration to purpose, finding resilience as an incarcerated firefighter. After nearly 14 years behind bars, Pablo opens up about the physical and mental challenges of fire camps… and the unexpected opportunities they brought. From battling wildfires to fighting personal demons, his story is a raw look at survival, growth, and second chances.

In this episode of How To Battle, Adaku Mbagwu sits down with Carlos Vasquez to share her raw, personal journey, from navigating poverty and family struggles to uncovering the deep-rooted beliefs that shape our lives. As a guide and mentor, Adaku has helped countless individuals break through their limitations by tapping into spiritual foundations and deep introspection.

In this powerful episode, Rachel Coker opens up about her raw and deeply personal journey through addiction, loss, and recovery. Once in the depths of darkness, Rachel now stands as a voice of strength, compassion, and unflinching honesty. She shares the turning points that changed everything – the pain of losing loved ones to suicide, the moments of failure that forced growth, and the support systems that helped her fight her way back.

Eric Bigger is a mindset coach, author, and the voice behind the Spiritual Fitness podcast. But beyond the titles, Eric’s story is about real transformation. In this conversation with Carlos Vasquez, he opens up about his journey – from growing up in Baltimore to finding himself in Los Angeles – and everything it took to get there: the struggles, the breakthroughs, and learning to lead with vulnerability instead of fear.

Jabarri Pangelinan joins Carlos Vasquez just weeks after his release. He spent fourteen and a half years incarcerated, emerged not broken, but transformed. A devoted father and advocate for second chances, Jabarri shares the mental and emotional toll of incarceration, the pain of being separated from his children, and the strength it took to persevere. Now, he is reentering society with a mindset shaped by discipline, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose.

Jules Horn went from a small village in Germany to the global stage as a model, but behind the polished images was a deeper journey of burnout, self-worth, and healing. In this powerful conversation, Jules opens up about the cost of chasing external validation, the trauma that shaped him, and the path he found back to himself. From redefining masculinity to the power of breath, movement, and presence, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to reconnect with who they really are.

Kyle Walker is a professional skateboarder with over two decades of experience in the skateboarding world, Kyle has not only achieved the heights of professional success – designing signature shoes and competing on global stages – but has also dedicated himself to lifting up the next generation.

Peter Meyerhoff is an author, speaker, and host of the ‘Roll Call with Chappie’ podcast. Once a shot caller for the Aryan Brotherhood in Arizona’s toughest prisons, Peter’s journey spiralled through heroin addiction and violence, ultimately leading to 12 years behind bars. In this powerful conversation, Peter opens up about the crushing realities of prison life, breaking free from generational cycles, and the work he does now to inspire both currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.

In this candid conversation, Ernesto opens up about breaking generational cycles, confronting the trauma that led him down the wrong path, and what it really takes to start over. From therapy behind bars to becoming a mentor on the outside, he lays bare the mindset shifts, habits, and inner work that turned his sentence into a second chance.

Joe White, Recovery Pastor and Program Leader at the Los Angeles Mission, joins Carlos Vasquez for an extraordinary conversation about overcoming addiction, recidivism, and hopelessness. After spending over a decade behind bars and battling a 17-year addiction, Joe found hope and lasting freedom through faith, community, and service. Together, Carlos and Joe dive into the realities of institutionalization, the barriers men face in seeking help, and the power of restored relationships.

Bruce Bryan is an advocate, speaker, and Justice Defenders program leader who spent nearly three decades wrongfully incarcerated. In this powerful episode, Bruce shares his incredible journey of surviving the U.S. prison system, transforming pain into purpose, and building a new life after release. Host Carlos Vasquez and Bruce dive into the mental strategies, soul-searching, and community support that made resilience possible—even in the darkest moments.

Zeara Jea is a reentry specialist, mentor, and community healer. Having spent nearly a decade at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), Zeara’s life mission is to support people impacted by incarceration and violent street environments. In this powerful conversation, Zeara opens up about her childhood in Northeast LA during the 90s, being surrounded by gang culture, teen motherhood, and the raw journey of walking away from it all to build a new life for herself and her daughters.

Dr. Payal Beri is an organizational psychologist, speaker, and host of the podcast ‘Reframing Perspectives’. With a deep commitment to empathy, social impact, and helping others shift their mindsets, Dr. Beri explores what it truly means to "live well" and how curiosity can change our lives and our relationships. In this insightful episode, she unpacks the power of pausing, the role of privilege and culture, and why asking better questions leads to more connected and meaningful lives.

Katie Shannon is a leadership coach and founder of Katie Shannon Co., where she helps leaders and teams unlock their authentic power. In this episode, Katie gets real about choosing her own path over family expectations, navigating recovery, and reshaping leadership through vulnerability and “soft power.” She digs into the messy truth of putting yourself first, why tough conversations are essential, and how investing in yourself can spark more impactful leadership.

Travis Sanchez is the founder of Arizona Custom Car Design, a bespoke automotive restoration shop specializing in classic American cars. In this powerful episode, Travis opens up about growing up with fractured family roots, struggling with addiction, doing two stints in prison, and fighting through issues of identity and belonging. He shares how embracing discomfort, seeking mentorship, and finding purpose in helping others became the foundation for his success, both in business and recovery.

Carlos Vasquez, usually the voice behind How To Battle, steps into the guest chair for a rare and powerful conversation with Patty Devlin, a leader known for driving real results in high-pressure corporate settings, without losing sight of the human beings behind the work.

Nancy Gale is the founder of JAMAH, an ultra-luxury handbag brand, and creator of Ambition, an entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth. In this episode, she shares her powerful story with Carlos Vasquez about overcoming violent assault, the loss of her mother to crime, and how she transformed pain into purpose. With heart and humor, she reflects on choosing joy, mentoring the next generation, and turning hardship into hope.

Bruce Cardenas, entrepreneur and former Marine, is a key leader at Legendary Foods and previously served as Chief Communications Officer at Quest Nutrition. Bruce sits down with Carlos Vasquez to talk raw lessons on leadership, personal transformation, and the mission-driven culture fueling his success.

Today’s guest is Mason Sawyer. His story is almost too heavy to imagine. In July 2021, just a month after I walked out of prison, Mason lost his wife, two of his children, his brother, and his nephew in a single car accident. In this conversation, Mason opens up about grief, strength, and why he refuses to believe that “everything happens for a reason.”