How Did We Get Here?

My name is Dr. Adrian Mesa. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a father, a photographer, a fitness enthusiast, an Army veteran, a former professor at the University of Miami, and en entrepreneur. I am the CEO and Founder of AMP Mental Health. We are a mental health office based in Miami, Florida. In this episode, I wanted to speak directly to my audience regarding entrepreneurship. I speak wih...

In this insightful podcast episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Paola Lopez, a doctoral candidate in psychology at Albizu University. Born in Colombia and having migrated to the USA at a young age, Paola's personal journey informs her professional focus on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). She's dedicated her studies and research to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma. D...

In this episode, we dive into the captivating journey of Chef Richard Ingraham, a Miami native with a lifelong passion for culinary arts. Trained at the Art Institute of Atlanta, he embarked on his career as a private chef. Not only is he responsible for planning the diet of Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade (his main client for over 20 years), but also the dozens of other NBA, NFL, MLB and entertainmen...

Nelson Cuadras, the host of the Daily Practice podcast, joins me on the Finding Balance podcast. In this episode, we dive into the power of vulnerability, the significance of seeking therapy, and the value of complete transparency in the therapeutic process. Nelson shares his journey to sobriety from weed and emphasizes the importance of doing things for pure enjoyment rather than for the sake of...

Alex and I catch up at our one year anniversary of the podcast. We do what we always do, talk life, lift each other up, share vulnerabilities, and make one another better men. I wouldn't be where I am today without this guy. He's definitely someone pursuing life, embracing the struggle of transitioning to a new profession, and focusing on physical and personal self development.

In this episode of the "Finding Balance Podcast," we introduce you to Isa Otero, a bikini model on Instagram whose life took a dramatic turn after being hit by a car while running. This accident didn't break her spirit; it ignited a fierce determination to embrace life to the fullest. Following the accident, Isa's presence on Instagram soared, thanks to captivating photoshoots wi...

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Gisele Gonzalez, a licensed mental health counselor, alligator trainer, and mixed martial artist. Gisele's diverse range of interests has taken her on an extraordinary journey. From completing her masters-level training in mental health counseling to captivating audiences with her impressive alligator training skills...

Melissa Rivera is a multi-talented individual who wears many hats as an author, videographer, photographer, and mental health advocate. Melissa specifically reached out to Dr. Adrian Mesa to come on the Finding Balance Podcast and, for the first time, publicly discuss her experience of living with bipolar disorder, being hospitalized in a psychiatric unit, access to mental healthcare and so much m...

In this inspiring episode of our podcast, we sit down with Cameron Adams, a personal boxing trainer who has worked with some of the most prestigious gyms in the country, including Anatomy, Gotham, Lion Heart, and Rumble. Not only is Cameron an accomplished trainer, but he is also a professional model who has traveled the world. Despite his success in the modeling industry, Cameron's true passion l...

We had the incredible honor of hosting Darryl Stingley, a world-renowned parkour athlete, on our podcast. You can find Darryl on Instagram under the handle @iamwavezilla, where he showcases his jaw-dropping skills in parkour. Darryl's passion for superheroes and comic books inspired him to pursue parkour as a way of becoming a real-life embodiment of his favorite heroes. If you visit his Instagram...

Dr. Klaus Blandon is a Doctor of Physical Therapy.  He has a vast array of experience working with patients with neurological conditions, such as strokes or brain injuries, but is also well versed in orthopedics and sports injuries.  Additionally, Dr. Blandon is a trained wellness coach and aims to blend principles of wellness with physical therapy to achieve maximum outcomes to his clie...

Andrea Arostegui is a wedding photographer, a creator, and a DIY extraordinaire. She builds, designs, photographs and creates. She does it all! In fact, Andrea and her friend Dubraska launched a podcast of their own called "The Breaking Bread Podcast" which you should definitely check out!  She’s bold, outspoken, and her intention is to show love and help others through sharing her life exper...

Gabriel Robledo is a Music Producer by the name XIII, Videographer & Photographer. With a musically inclined family, his love for music began in 6th grade through to obtaining a Bachelor's in Audio Production. His journey is one for the books! After working an entire decade at Apple, he parted ways to pursue his passion. In doing so, Gabriel has discovered that his talents aren't just in the m...

This episode of AMPed Up podcast bring us to one of Miami's biggest fitness influencer and entrepreneur, Ramses Principe. We cover his journey beginning in the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky where a career ending injury torpedo his dreams of becoming a pro at the NFL. Some time forward and not without his share of obstacles, through hard work and resilience Ramses is now o...

In this episode we get to talk one of my oldest friends, the one and only Hector Mendez. We begin by reminiscing about our upbringing in Hialeah and by asking the question that has been on my mind for a long time. How the hell does Hector makes a living? As an entrepreneur, Hector oversaw the strategic positioning of Studio Center as one of the top recording studios in Miami. Budget planning of al...

On this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we sat down with Gabriel Russo, a young entrepreneur and co-host of “ The Mindset  Podcast”.  We discuss themes in entrepreneurship such as hard work,  setting an example as a leader and quality of life over monetary value. We also explore Gabe’s  personal journey. How he was able to overcome adversity when his dream of playing college basket...

This episode of AMPed Up Podcast brings my friend and my most trusted Physical Therapist, Dr. Juan Guzman. Dr. Juan Guzman has been in the fitness industry for the past 12 years and has worked in many different facilities as a coach as well as consultant, including: Orangetheory fitness, Barry’s Bootcamp, Kamps fitness, Antidote Wellness labs, Cinderfit and ERA fit. Dr. Guzman graduated from...

This episode of AMPed Up Podcast brings us another long awaited guest: Irwin Rivera. Irwin is a mixed martial artist currently competing in the Bantamweight division of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC. He’s a former Titan FC champion and former UFC fighter. In this episode, we talk with Irwin about his journey to becoming a fighter and what currently drives him to be the best. He also shares what h...

This episode of the AMPed Up Podcast brings us the person behind one of our team’s favorite psych accounts to follow: Dr. Lina Haji, licensed clinical psychologist and the face of @rise_psychological_services Dr. Lina Haji specializes in “psychodiagnostic assessment, forensic assessment, dual diagnosis, serious and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substanc...

On this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we sat down with Mojo, a professional contemporary artist based in Miami. To be honest, we thought this episode was going to be focused on art, but it took a pleasantly surprising turn right from the start as Mojo opens up about all things fatherhood. From custody battles to raising a teenage boy, to finding newfound healing after the death of his own father, Mo...

Today’s episode brings us our office neighbor, Dr. Juan Lesende, or Juan, as he prefers. Juan is a psychologist and the CEO and founder of Adaptive Center, an IOP (intensive outpatient treatment) center in Miami that focuses on depression, anxiety and depression. A Cuba native, Juan recounts what it was like being part of the first waves of immigrants to arrive in Miami and how that influenced his...

This episode of AMPed Up brings us Miami singer and actress, Vikina. Vikina has been performing and writing music for over 10 years. Most recently, she was a semi-finalist on Reina De La Cancion, a singing contest on Univision produced by Daddy Yankee and featuring judges Joss Favela, Natti Natasha and Olga Tañón. Inarguably one of the show’s fan favorites, Vikina demonstrated great potential and...

On this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we’re covering all things kindness, mental health, and self-care with Marly Q. A self-proclaimed Kindness Influencer, Marly is an event planner, personal/professional development coach, founder of The Park Project, and host of Time To Be Kind. From the importance of a self-care routine for parents to the pandemic’s effects on her business, Marly’s sincere self-a...

For this episode of AMPed Up Podcast we brought on Nedal Ahmad, an entrepreneur and lifelong childhood friend of Dr. Mesa. This intimate conversation covers everything from Nedal’s time in Palestine as a child, parenthood, business, men’s mental health and more.  A co-founder of Pincho Factory, the award-winning Miami-born restaurant chain, Nedal opens up about the struggles of entrepreneursh...

Ashley Vega is the newest addition to AMP Group's marketing team–literally, this was her first day! We're thrilled to kick-off her role as Social Media Coordinator at AMP with this impromptu episode alongside Dr. Adrian Mesa. While a shorter episode than what audiences are used to, this conversation is jam-packed with advice and insight. Ashley, a recent graduate of Florida International Universit...