The Optimal Life

Stuart Cooper is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and current BJJ head coach at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand.  After beginning his BJJ journey ten years ago, he stumbled upon creating short films and documentaries of BJJ fighters during a time where he was injured and had no choice but to observe from the sidelines.  It was during this time that Stuart Cooper Films was born. From humble beg...

Rachel Kaufman is the principal at Rachel Kaufman Law , a criminal defense law firm in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in representation of people accused of murder.  Through exhaustive investigation, aggressive advocacy and creative lawyering, Rachel ensures that her clients receive the most optimal representation so that the most favorable outcomes are achieved in the often complex, high stake...

Vinny Vibe is a resident DJ at SHRINE Foxwoods , the club where he launched his career after booking Avicii on a random Tuesday night ten years ago.  Ever since, Vinny has been making a name for himself in the EDM industry, playing at venues from Boston to Cancun.  His high energy sets and party-themed approach makes him an incredible attraction for nightclub promoters nationwide. Follow Vinny on...

Will Harris is the founder of Will Harris Productions , an award winning cinematography company focusing on documentaries, feature films, short films and weddings.  His popular documentary series, "Anatomy of a Fighter," has catapulted him onto the MMA scene.  He is responsible for the footage of the infamous Conor McGregor bus attack incident and also recently returned from Dagestan, Russia after...

Connie Waxman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2014.  Her doctors gave her one year to live.  She and her husband, Neil, had other plans.  A story of courage, hope, persistence and never giving up, Connie and Neil have become experts on ways to fight this deadly disease and provide a vast array of knowledge and information in this emotional, riveting episode. Contact Neil: nwaxma...

Roy Hall is a former NFL wide receiver who attended college at The Ohio State University.  After his NFL career concluded, he founded  Driven Foundation  to promote perseverance and hope for at-risk youth and families in need.  Through motivational speaking, mentorship programs, events and podcasting , Roy Hall looks to leave behind a legacy of positivity, hope and inspiration. Highlights from thi...

Ollie Gabriel is an L.A.-based soul artist whose hit motivational single, "Running Man," released a couple years ago in Europe and now finds its way to the U.S. as it continues to climb the charts.  Hear about Ollie's journey from small town Louisiana to the U.S. Army and finally to the bright lights of Los Angeles as he advances his path toward stardom. Follow Ollie on Instagram and Twitter www.o...

Mike Garafolo is a reporter at NFL Network who covers all things NFL.  A prior reporter for the New York Giants, Mike found himself covering the Super Bowl champion, Philadelphia Eagles, for the vast majority of 2017.  He joined The Optimal Life to discuss his professional endeavors over the previous few years and provided insight into some off-season happenings in the NFL.  

Mike Reiss is a sports journalist who has covered the New England Patriots since 1997.  Since then, he has climbed the media ranks and has become one of the main media faces for Patriots football.  In 2015, Mike also authored a book with Patriots Hall of Fame receiver, Troy Brown, titled " Patriot Pride: My Life in the New England Dynasty ." Highlights from this episode include: *Mike's profession...

Max Schmidt came out as gay to his family and friends in high school.  Ever since, he has been living his truth and has found immense happiness and liberation.  An honors student in high school and college who many called a 'numbers genius,' Max has shifted his career focus from business to medicine and is now preparing for medical school.  Hear about Max's journey from when he discovered his orie...

Kirill Bichutsky AKA ' Kirill Was Here ,' is a professional party thrower and nightlife photographer who has amassed millions of followers across his social media platforms.  Having started out as a nightlife photographer who befriended comedians and DJ's, Kirill soon began to see his pictures take off in the New York City nightlife scene.  He would eventually become the go-to guy for nightclub pr...

Julia Solooki is a mom, divorcee, and businesswoman who opens up about what life was like immigrating to the United States at a young age and the path she has taken to get to where she is now.  From getting married and having a baby in her early twenties to going through a divorce several years later; from challenges in society such as raising children in today's technology era to the issues many...

Daniel "DC" Cormier is the current UFC light heavyweight champion.  A lifelong ambassador of the sport of MMA, he also is a TV analyst on Fox Sports and color commentator on Pay-Per-View.   DC's journey in combat sports began at the ripe age of 10 when he first started wrestling.  From there, he would go on to become a state champ in high school and would continue through college to the Olympics;...

Jim Walter is an MMA manager who represents current UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic. A finance and accounting major, Jim began his career in management consulting in 2010, gaining invaluable experiences working with high level corporate clients nationwide.  Since 2015, he has been leveraging those experiences to create a premier sports management firm by offering his clients unparalleled le...

Melissa Eckman is a social media entrepreneur and influencer whose prime focus is on yoga, health, wellness and beauty.  After having founded the online community  Yogspiration  in 2013, she left her accounting career in 2015 to pursue her dreams of becoming a lifestyle entrepreneur through various Internet and web-based platforms.   A story of grit, hustle and determination, Melissa's journey rem...

Joe Triscaro is the principal of the law firm Triscaro & Associates , a firm specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice and business litigation. Highlights from this episode include: *Joe's experiences arguing in front of The Supreme Court of Ohio *the highs and lows of litigation *the lengthy trial process and array of claims and filings issued until a case actually closes *the joys of...

Eric Synenberg is a criminal defense and estate planning attorney, city councilman, and half marathon runner. Highlights from this episode include: *Eric's path from college to law school to legal counsel at State of Ohio Treasurer's office and ultimately to now criminal lawyer and city councilman *Becoming a parent and the nerve-wrecking realities of leaving hospital with a newborn child *Eric's...

Jim Krivanek is a commercial real estate agent at one of the largest brokerages in the nation, Cushman & Wakefield . Highlights from this episode include: *Jim's experiences as a former nightclub promoter and manager, including the grueling lifestyle and tolls the industry can take *how parenthood changes you in all aspects of life, with a focus on some of our biggest fears as parents *social medi...

Tony Grossi is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee and has been covering the Cleveland Browns for almost 35 years.  He currently is a Browns analyst for ESPN Cleveland , 850 AM WKNR radio, and Fox Sports Ohio.  He also hosts the 100 Years Podcast available at www.thelandondemand.com . Highlights from this episode include: *Tony's early beginnings in journalism and his pat...

Scott Weingold is an entrepreneur and partner at the firm, College Planning Network , a company that helps families successfully navigate the college admissions and financial aid planning process so their children can attend the college of their choice − regardless of the cost. Highlights from this episode include: *college admissions and financial aid planning process and how families can save th...

Nate sits down with his brother, Ryan, to discuss a variety of everyday life topics and issues.  Highlights include: *high school basketball versus LeBron *Ryan Haber Collection women's footwear *how society has changed in terms of college and the unrealistic expectations we put on today's youth *our personal experiences and challenges *social media and the negative ramifications that come with *m...

Paul Franklin is the founder of Franklin Capital Strategies , a financial services company that specializes in insurance, investments and estate planning for small businesses owners, entrepreneurs and professional athletes and entertainers. In this episode, we hear about the evolution of Paul's firm and the types of services he provides to his clients.  Paul discusses the importance of personal se...

Tim DePasquale is a music producer who has worked and toured with Machine Gun Kelly .  He currently manages Mike Busey and is a member of Busey's world famous Sausage Castle . In this episode, Tim shares stories from the road as a member of MGK's crew.  He talks about his continued path within the music industry and how he linked up with Mike Busey in 2017.  Tim sheds light onto the crazy life tha...

Dr. Mahmud Kara is the medical director at Affinity Whole Health , a hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging clinic with locations in Cleveland and Columbus.  He is recognized as one of America's top experts in anti-aging medicine. In this episode, we hear about the types of services and treatments that Affinity Whole Health provides its patients.  We talk about the stigmas associated with horm...

In this episode, Nate sits down to reflect and recap highlights from episodes 15 through 18, which included pain management specialist Adam Hedaya , triathlete Mike Hudock , professional undefeated boxer Montana 'Too Pretty' Love , and fitness trainer Will Hardy .