The Positive Gaines

From getting grilled over a date at age 15 to becoming the ultimate fan favorite of the franchise,  Dennis McDonald (better known as  Reggie  from the  Bad Boys  franchise) sits down for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes interview! Dennis breaks down what it was like growing up alongside one of the biggest action-comedy series in Hollywood history. We dive into his original audition for  Bad Boys II...

Jamill’s journey is the ultimate testament to perseverance and grit. Despite not starting wrestling until high school and never winning an individual state or NCAA title, he carved his own path to Oklahoma State, shocked the world at the Athens Olympics, and has since gone on to shape some of the greatest minds and champions in the sport at the highest levels of NCAA and international coaching. We...

Four years later, Kareem Grimes is back on the podcast! The first time Kareem and I sat down,  All American  was in a very different place. Now, years later, he’s back to talk about  Season 8, the incredible longevity of theseries, and what it’s really like being part of a show that has lasted this long. We also get into the reality of  late-night shoots, life behind the scenes, the evolution of t...

🎬  From BYU Football to Hollywood, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! On this episode of  The Positive Gaines Podcast , I sit down with actor and former BYU football player  Michael Alisa for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, faith, family, and finding the strength to keep going when life doesn’t go according to plan. Michael takes us back to his days playing foot...

From small-town Louisiana to the NFL, Demontrey Jacobs' journey is a masterclass in perseverance, faith, and resilience. In this episode of the  Positive Gaines Podcast , Demontrey shares how he went from being an overlooked high school football player to earning a scholarship at Grambling State, transferring to USF, signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, making 13 NFL sta...

n this exclusive interview, I sit down with Coach de Paulo from EAC to discuss what it takes to build a championship program. We dive into EAC's national championship journey, Coach de Paulo's coaching philosophy, recruiting strategies, player development, leadership, and the mindset required to compete at the highest level. Whether you're a coach, player, recruit, or basketball fan, t...

What does it take to build a championship program? In this interview, Safford Wrestling Head Coach Herman Andrews Jr. shares the philosophy behind one of Arizona's most successful high school wrestling programs. We discuss the winning culture that has helped Safford capture six consecutive state championships, the standards and expectations that drive success, and what it takes to keep a team...

What Makes Desert Dogs Wrestling Club Different? In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Ornelas, co-founder and co-coach of Desert Dogs Wrestling Club, for an inside look at one of Arizona's growing wrestling programs. We discuss the story behind starting Desert Dogs, the culture they've built, what success means beyond wins and losses, and how they're developing athletes both on and...

In this episode, I sit down with Siua Ikale'o for a powerful conversation about his journey from growing up in Tonga to pursuing opportunities on the global stage. Siua shares behind-the-scenes stories from his role in the TV series Chief of War, discusses his work on Nemesis, and reflects on how his experiences in rugby helped shape his discipline, mindset, and resilience. We also dive into t...

n this powerful and inspiring interview, we sit down with Ben Kjar to talk about life, faith, perseverance, and what it truly means to overcome the odds. Born with crouzon syndrome, Ben refused to let his circumstances define him. From battling through unimaginable challenges to becoming a champion wrestler, motivational speaker, and inspiration to millions, Ben shares the mindset, struggles, and...

In this episode of the Positive Gaines podcast, I welcome back comedian John Polar Bear Gonzalez. We discuss the significant changes in Jon's life since our last conversation, including overcoming personal struggles and the impact of his best friend's illness. Jon shares his journey of touring with Fluffy, the challenges of comparison in the comedy world, and the importance of faith and ti...

🎙️ The Positive Gaines Podcast welcomes actor and filmmaker Brandon Hammond, best known for his unforgettable roles in Space Jam, Soul Food, and Menace II Society. In this exclusive conversation, Brandon reflects on his journey as a child star, life after Hollywood, and how he continues to create, inspire, and leave a legacy beyond the screen. From the highs and challenges of early fame to his gro...

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with actor Paul Archer to talk about his journey in the entertainment industry, the challenges of breaking into acting, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Paul opens up about his experiences on set, the importance of staying true to his craft, and what’s next for his career. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a fan of Paul’s work, or just love hea...

🎙️ In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Nick Martocci, CEO of Technical Training Academy, to dive deep into the future of technical education, workforce development, and the skills that matter in today’s fast-evolving job market. Nick shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the most forward-thinking training institutions in the industry. We explore how his academy is cl...

Join me for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Marty McNair, father of Jordan McNair and co‑founder of the Jordan McNair Foundation. In this interview, Marty shares how a personal tragedy transformed into a mission to save lives through athlete safety advocacy.🔥 What You'll Discover:The tragic story of how Jordan McNair died from a preventable heatstroke in May 2018, and how it sparke...

🎬 In this exclusive interview, actor Matt Doherty (best known as Averman from The Mighty Ducks franchise) joins us to talk about life beyond the ice, growing up in the spotlight, and how his journey through Hollywood has shaped him today. We dive into stories from the set, his unexpected career pivots, and what he's working on now. Whether you're a fan of 90s classics, a fellow actor, or...

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Jenel Stevens Thompson, a talented stuntwoman and actress known for her fearless performances in some of Hollywood's biggest action films. From defying gravity on set to her journey into the world of stunt work, Jenel opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and adrenaline-fueled moments that define her career. We dive deep into her experience working i...

#maxpaingriffin #maxgriffin #ufcfight #ufcMax Griffin is back! It’s been 4 years since UFC welterweight Max "Pain" Griffin last joined me on the podcast, and a lot has changed since then. In this episode, we dive into his journey inside and outside the Octagon — from career-defining fights to mindset shifts, personal growth, his upcoming fight against Chris Curtis on July 12th, and what’s next for...

#katherinenorland I'm thrilled to welcome back the incredible Katherine Norland! Actress, poet, author, and motivational speaker, for another powerful episode. In this conversation, Katherine dives even deeper into her journey in the entertainment industry, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of staying true to your purpose]. Her wisdom, warmth, and authenticity make this a must-watch episod...

Listen in as I go in-depth with actor Marty York, best known for his iconic role as "Yeah-Yeah" in the beloved film "The Sandlot." In this exclusive interview, Marty shares his experiences from childhood stardom to navigating the entertainment industry as a child. We dive into his favorite memories from filming, the challenges he's faced, and what he's passionate about today. Whether you're a long...

Today's exclusive interview features former University of Arizona safety Adam Hall. In this episode Adam shares his journey from a All -American football player to a standout safety at Arizona. He opens up about his experiences on the field, the challenges he's faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover his insigfhts on teamwork, perseverance, and what it takes to succeed at the colleg...

Join us for an inspiring interview with Angelica de Paulo, a talented basketball coach whose journey began on the vibrant courts of Brazil. From her early days playing collegiate basketball to her current role as a dedicated coach, Angelica shares her unique perspective on the game, the challenges she faced, and the passion that drives her coaching philosophy. In this exclusive conversation, we de...

Join me for an inspiring interview with 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion, Anthony Robles. In this candid conversation, Anthony shares his incredible journey as a wrestler born with one leg, to motivational speaking. Anthony opens up about the ups and the downs of his life. He also shares lessons he's learned along the way including how he turned adversity into triumph. Discover the story behind his po...

Join in for an inspiring conversation with Ms. Jae Taft, a former collegiate basketball player turned coach! In this exclusive interview, Jae shares her journey from the court to the sidelines, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. Discover how her experiences as a player shaped her coaching philosophy and the valuable lessons she imparts to her athletes. Whether you're a...

Join me for an inspiring and candid conversation with actor Noel G, known for his memorable roles in iconic films such as "Fast & Furious," "Training Day," and "Bruce Almighty." In this exclusive interview, Noel opens up about his journey through Hollywood, sharing his experiences on set and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on his challenging past, including the time he spen...