Live Life By Design with Jeff Mendez

In this heartfelt episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with NBA Champion and Lakers legend Michael Cooper to talk legacy, leadership, and living life on purpose. Michael opens up about his humble beginnings in Pasadena, how his five personal “D” principles helped him reach the NBA, and what made the Lakers dynasty of the 80s so powerful — both on and off the court. From broth...

In this powerful episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Damon Price, Chief Sales Officer at Pure Light, for a deep and raw conversation about leadership through adversity in both business and life. From rebuilding a company after a seismic industry shift to navigating the heartbreak of personal loss, Damon shares the real journey behind the titles. He opens up about how he...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with solar sales legend Ashton Buswell, whose 20-year journey through direct sales, leadership, and personal growth reveals what it really takes to live intentionally. From his early door-to-door days to selling over 1,000 solar systems and creating the “28+ Challenge,” Ashton shares his mindset for consistency, leadership, an...

On this episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Jeremy Lieber, founder of Uncommon Education and a successful day trader who’s redefined what it means to live on your own terms. They explore what true wealth really looks like, why discomfort can be the key to happiness, and how to avoid the dangerous trap of success without fulfillment. From jungle fly fishing to life lesso...

In this high-impact episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez is joined by Ryan Lee — real estate investor, educator, and co-author of Retire in 10 Years or Less. Together, they challenge traditional financial advice, unpack how to escape the “retirement trap,” and explore what it really means to live life by design. From smart tax strategy to redefining freedom, this conversation is packed with...

In this episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez is joined by Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith for a powerful conversation on discipline, staying prepared, and mastering your craft. From humble beginnings to becoming a baseball legend, Ozzie drops wisdom for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing greatness. 💬 "You only get out of life what you put in." – Ozzie Smith ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome O...

In this powerful episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Adam Hall, head wrestling coach at Utah Valley University, former All-American, and leadership powerhouse. From his roots in Idaho to coaching on the national stage, Adam shares raw, tactical insights on what it takes to lead under pressure, delegate with trust, and build a winning culture from the ground up. Whether...

NBA icon Oscar Robertson joins host Jeff Mendez on Live Life by Design to discuss the legendary Oscar Robertson Rule, how it reshaped basketball, and his perspective on success, faith, and purpose. From averaging a triple-double before it was tracked to navigating racism and redefining player freedom, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance and design—on and off the court. 💡 Comment your bi...

On this episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Cedric Ceballos—1992 NBA Slam Dunk champion and former All-Star—to unpack an unlikely journey: from playing only five games in high school to a 12-year NBA career with the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, and Heat. Cedric shares lessons on resilience, choosing the right system over the shiny opportunity, the realities of pro life, tra...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with MLB legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden for an unforgettable conversation on greatness, mistakes, and redemption. From growing up in Tampa with his nephew Gary Sheffield to facing Pete Rose in the majors, and ultimately battling addiction—Doc opens up about it all. His honesty, grit, and comeback story will move anyone who’s ever...

In this episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with entrepreneur Jared Chichia, founder of JCF & Co. and Sonny Golf. From working for free in a jewelry shop to launching a golf brand named after his son, Jared shares a raw and inspiring story of sacrifice, vision, and legacy. If you're chasing your dream life, this one's a must-listen. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Intro...

NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon joins host Jeff Mendez on Live Life by Design for an unforgettable conversation on leadership, overcoming adversity, and building a legacy on and off the field. From transitioning from the CFL to the NFL, to navigating racism and fatherhood while quarterbacking at the highest level, Warren opens up with raw honesty and profound insight. This episode is a masterclass o...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with NBA Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood to explore the untold story behind one of the most impactful figures in basketball history. Spencer shares how he turned early adversity into Olympic gold, how he took on the NBA in a Supreme Court battle that reshaped the league forever, and how he transitioned from the hardwood to...

From Compton to Columbia to the NFL, Marcellus Wiley shares his incredible journey of defying expectations, navigating the business of football, and building a legacy beyond the game. In this deeply personal and powerful conversation with Jeff Mendez, Marcellus opens up about survivor's guilt, smart money moves, the pressure of being the “one who made it,” and why real success is about what you ke...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design , Jeff Mendez sits down with legendary boxing champion James “Buster” Douglas . From his early days in Columbus, Ohio, to his iconic upset victory, Douglas shares raw insights about his boxing journey, mindset, and the battles outside the ring that shaped him. Learn how personal accountability, passion, and perseverance have driven his life—inside a...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with baseball legend Sammy Sosa. From humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic to hitting 66 home runs in 1998, Sammy shares the discipline, resilience, and faith that fueled his journey to greatness. He opens up about the struggles of his early life, the defining moment after 9/11, his retirement by design, and his ne...

In this heartfelt episode of Live Life By Design, host Jeff Mendez welcomes entrepreneur and mentor Nathaniel Olsen to discuss what it truly means to lead with love. From his mission in Sweden to building a successful direct-to-home business, Nathaniel shares pivotal lessons on faith, fatherhood, and finding focus in a world full of distractions. Discover how horseback rides, youth mentorship, and...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with Vessie Pearson—CEO of Aptive and founder of Utah United Academy. From taking his son to train with a pro soccer academy in Italy, to leading a $100M+ employee payout, Vessie shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and living with purpose. This episode covers family, business growth, entrepreneurship setbacks, and how mi...

In this powerful episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with Josh Sluyter for an unfiltered, inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, fatherhood, and personal transformation. From a turbulent childhood and homelessness to building a successful career in solar sales and leadership, Josh shares how embracing vulnerability and choosing love over anger shaped his life. This...

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez welcomes Blake Erickson to discuss the transformative journey of embracing risk, reinventing yourself, and finding purpose beyond comfort. Blake shares his experiences from door-to-door sales to co-authoring a book, launching a training company, and embracing a life of intentionality. Jeff and Blake dive deep into overcoming fears, mana...

In this heartfelt episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with John Frampton to talk about life, leadership, family, and the power of human connection. John shares stories of his new role, past successes, and the challenges of staying grounded while reaching for more. From the importance of relationships to the power of compliments and navigating grief, this episode offers profound i...

In this deeply introspective episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez is joined by entrepreneur and culture architect Jordan Binning. Known for building high-performing teams and leading with loyalty, Jordan shares the highs, lows, and lessons from his personal and professional journey — including launching a new business from scratch, staying grounded through adversity, and creating success th...

What drives a 41-year-old husband, father of three, and CSO of a $300M brand to willingly get punched in the face—on purpose? In this raw and riveting episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with Dan Gardner, Chief Sales Officer of Bucked Up, to unpack his decision to enter a professional bare knuckle boxing match. From the blood, stitches, and mental battles to the business lessons...

In this must-hear episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with entrepreneur JD Beck to unpack a story of radical reinvention. From pursuing a career in psychology to building a $360 million solar company out of a shed, JD's journey is a testament to grit, vision, and choosing growth over comfort. He opens up about betting on himself, the power of process, and the deep “why” that driv...

In this episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with Brad Mortensen, the founder of RepCard, to talk about what it really takes to build something meaningful — in business and at home. From humble beginnings in door-to-door sales to creating a software tool used by thousands of reps across the country, Brad shares the wins, the failures, and the mindset shifts that made it all possib...