The Lions Pit Podcast

Healing isn't always about fixing what's broken—sometimes it's about learning to understand yourself, let go of what no longer serves you, and move through life with more intention. This week, I sit down with Samson Odusanya for a powerful conversation about healing, self-discovery, and the inner work that shapes every part of our lives. We talk about navigating pain, breaking unhealth...

From fighting under the bright lights to building something bigger outside the cage. This week, I sit down with Bay Area MMA veteran Shane "Shuga" Keefe to talk about his journey through mixed martial arts, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the next chapter of his career as he opens Pressure Gym. We dive into what inspired him to create the gym, the culture he's buildin...

From the weight room to the mindset behind high performance, this episode is packed with insight. I sat down with New Mexico-based strength coach Estevan Lucero to talk about his journey from athlete to coach, what it takes to develop elite performers, and how he helps athletes build speed, strength, and resilience. We dive into youth athletic development, the importance of movement quality, lesso...

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Austin tattoo artist Cory James, founder of Lost Edge Tattoo, to talk about the journey from artist to entrepreneur, the evolution of tattooing as an art form, and what it takes to create world-class realism and black-and-grey work. We also get into MMA, competition, discipline, and the mindset required to perform at a high level—whether you're in the...

From 8-time World Arm Wrestling Champion to WWE performer, Sarah Bäckman has built a career on discipline, resilience, and redefining what's possible. 💪 In this episode, we dive into her journey to the top of the arm-wrestling world, the mindset behind elite performance, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation with one of the strongest athlet...

What happens when modern dating, loneliness, and human behavior collide? This week on The Lion's Pit Podcast, Nick Gomez sits down with evolutionary psychologist to unpack some of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in today's culture. From the rise of loneliness among young men to the realities of modern dating, social media, relationships, and the psychology behind the incel...

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Phair, co-founder of Godspeed Nutrition Inc., for a conversation that goes far beyond business and fitness. Joe shares the story behind building Godspeed, including the personal challenges that shaped his path, from rebuilding his health and performance to navigating the realities of entrepreneurship. We dive into the discipline, mindset, and purpose required t...

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Halfhill—entrepreneur, founder of Nice Kicks, and competitive HYROX athlete—for a conversation that goes far beyond business or fitness alone. Matt shares his powerful journey of transforming his life, from weighing over 300 pounds to becoming a dedicated athlete competing in HYROX events. We talk about the discipline, mindset, and consistency required to make...

In this episode, I sit down with Damien Priester, a coach at Korrect Fitness, to talk about his journey into fitness and what it really means to pursue a passion. Damien shares the story of walking away from a stable, successful career to fully commit to coaching—taking a risk to build something more aligned with purpose, growth, and helping others. We dive into the mindset behind that decision, t...

In this episode, I sit down with Austin Heinz, a Texas-based MMA fighter, to dive into his journey through the world of mixed martial arts. We discuss how he first got started in the sport, the discipline and mindset required to compete, and what it’s like preparing for a fight at this stage in his career. Austin also shares insights into his training routine, the challenges of balancing life outs...

What does it really mean to keep going when life breaks you? In this episode, I sit down with Alex Bradley to talk about his 2,500-mile walk from Austin to Oregon, a journey built on grief, purpose, and the decision to take the next step no matter how heavy it feels. We get into the deeper layers behind the walk:– navigating loss and mental health– how relationships shape (and shake) us– the role...

In this episode of The Lion’s Pit Podcast, Nick Gomez sits down with longtime mentor, coach, and former Onnit Fitness Director John Wolf for a powerful conversation about legacy, identity, leadership, and what happens when the brand you helped build no longer exists. From the early days of unconventional training and kettlebell flows…to leading Onnit’s fitness education for nearly a decade…to watc...

In this deeply personal episode of The Lion’s Pit Podcast, host Nick Gomez sits down with Serena Beatty for an honest conversation about identity, healing, and rebuilding self-trust after years of control, shame, and silence. Serena opens up about growing up in a high-control religious environment, how it shaped her relationship with authority, confidence, and self-expression, and what it took to...

In this powerful episode of The Lion’s Pit Podcast, host Nick Gomez sits down with Charlie Crenshaw for one of the most raw, honest, and transformative conversations we’ve ever had. After more than 20 years of severe alcoholism, drinking up to 30 drinks a day, Charlie was told by doctors that he was going to die. His body was shutting down. He was throwing up blood. His liver was failing. There wa...

In Episode 44 of The Lion’s Pit Podcast, host Nick Gomez sits down with Kemoy Anderson — professional grappler, promoter, and founder of Main Character Jiu-Jitsu — for a deep dive into no-gi jiu-jitsu, MMA evolution, and modern fight culture. What separates elite competitors from everyone else? Kemoy shares his experience competing internationally, running MCJJ, and learning from established promo...

Nick Gomez sits down with Eric Bumpus — stay-at-home dad, entrepreneur, athlete, coach, and HYROX competitor — for one of the most raw, inspiring, and story-packed conversations we’ve ever filmed. They break down Austin’s exploding MMA & BJJ scene, the rise of competitive fitness like HYROX, the evolution of martial arts, parenting, mindset, ADHD, and what it really takes to live a disciplined...

Nick Gomez sits down with comedian, entrepreneur, fighter, and Bitcoin evangelist Eli Halpern for one of the most uncensored and thought-provoking conversations of the year. They dive into Bitcoin vs fiat money, why volatility is “the price of greatness,” why Texas is the center of American freedom, how COVID lockdowns reshaped major cities, and how Eli built a life around comedy, combat sports, a...

From DC politics and human rights work to becoming a mobility-focused strength coach in Austin, Texas, Tim Kurz has lived multiple lives. In this episode of The Lion’s Pit Podcast, host Nick Gomez sits down with Correct Fitness coach Tim Kurz (@timtraineratx) to talk about injury, mobility, community, adoption, and self-discovery. Tim shares how a shoulder injury from CrossFit pushed him deep into...

Nick Gomez sits down with Anthony Magallon (Glutes by Ant) to recap their unforgettable trip to Rome, Italy, and their latest HYROX race performance. From personal bests and discipline to wine-fueled adventures and mindset growth, this episode dives deep into fitness, lifestyle, and living life to the fullest. Nick and Anthony break down what it takes to perform at your best—even when you’re not f...

In this episode< I sit down with Brian Butz, aka The Mobile Mammoth, to talk about his journey from the mobile business world to building a brand rooted in connection and authenticity. We dive into what it erally means to understand your clients, buil trust, and build something that actually lasts. This one's packed with insight, real talk, and a few laughs along the way.

This week I sit dow with Michael Lombard, better know as online as Lombard Trucking. From serving in the Marines to hitting the open road as a trucker, to transforming his health and launching a movement around wellness in the trucking industry, Michael's story is one of grit, discipline and purpose. If you're interested in health, entrepreneurship, or just a great story of reinvention, yo...

On episode 37, I sit down with Eric Guerrieri, one of the key minds behind Korrect Life. We dive into the science, vision, and passion that went into creating this groundbreaking supplement, and what it really means to build something that supports both body and brain.

In Episode 36, I'm joined by Ashley Robert, Austin nurse, Hyrox athlete and Boston Marathon qualifier, and Mike Gonzales, the drummer who keeps the heartbeat of Kill Tony alive every week. We dive into what it takes to push limits in both fitness, and music, the discipline behind peak performance and how passion fuels resilience whether you're running marathons or holding down the rhythm o...

From Yeti to Onnit to Sett, Justin Allen has built a career on authenticity, leadership and vision. In this episode, we dive into how he's turned his passion into lasting success, and why the constant pursuit of a challenge is one of the keys to his journey. A true example of building not just a business, but people.

Sat dow with Cam Biehle, director of sales at La Caza Tequila and an outdoorsman at heart. From hunting stories to building a brand rooted in tradition, Cam shares how his passion, grit, and love for the wild have shaped his journey. This one's about chasing dreams, creating legacy and staying true to your roots.