The Optimal Life

Drew Manning is a fitness influencer and New York Times bestselling author who is best known for his Fit2Fat2Fit experiment.  He's been featured on shows such as Dr. Oz, Good Morning America and Jay Leno.  His experiment has since become a hit TV show that aired on A&E and Lifetime.  In addition to his fitness programs, Drew hosts a podcast called The Fit2Fat2Fit Experience that recently hit over...

Freshy Ramone is a Cleveland-based rap artist whose debut album, MyFoolishPride (MFP), is now streaming on all platforms.  In this episode, hear from Freshy on how music was always a part of his life from a young age, the connections he made throughout the years to help him continue to elevate, and how he has turned traumatic experiences from childhood and adulthood into the fire behind his music...

One of the saddest things so many of us do is allow the judgment and belief systems of others to control the way we live our lives.  There is absolutely no way you can live an optimal life with this type of mentality.  Take a listen carefully to this 17 minute solo podcast in which I plead with you to make changes so that you live your truth and create a life full of happiness, joy and success.  Y...

Ricky Mendez is an implementational speaker and business coach who implements mindset, prosperity planning and utopic health programs in order to build a culture and foundation that can support explosive sales and results-driven growth.  Ricky drops a lot of knowledge, insight and inspiration regarding what it takes to train our most powerful muscle so that a winning mindset is always present. Con...

Mel Yu's life was changed one fateful evening in 2014 when she found her boyfriend, Gus, hanging in their garage.  Gus had committed suicide.  The trauma experienced by Mel from that day forward was often insurmountable.  But slowly - through spiritual healing, time, prayer and community - Mel was able to regain normalcy in her life.  Ever since, she has been spreading suicide prevention awareness...

Tony Grossi is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee and has been covering the Cleveland Browns for 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 . Tony rejoins me for his second appearance on the podcast to provide observations of Browns pr...

Leah Hester is an aspiring philosopher and world traveler who will be attending San Diego State University this fall.  In this episode, we cover a wide array of topics, including what it was like to move from Chicago to Cleveland in 8th grade, the challenges of being the new/pretty girl in town, how to handle negative people, her dreams and aspirations, and her outlook on life and relationships. C...

Brian Windhorst is a sportswriter and analyst who covers the NBA for ESPN .  A graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary high school in Akron, Ohio, Brian began his career as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer for the Akron Beacon Journal in 2003 and went on to work for the Cleveland Plain Dealer in October 2008.  In 2010, his career profile was greatly elevated after LeBron James left the Cleveland Caval...

Anne S. Frankel is a Philadelphia-based attorney specializing in defending hospitals, physicians, and long-term care facilities against professional and general liability claims.  In this episode, we focus on her passion for her craft, the challenges she faces as a woman with children in the legal profession, and the "juggle" she endures on a daily basis between work life and family life.     

In Ryan's second appearance on the podcast, we focus on relationships and life in this social media era.  We discuss the many challenges that come with and ways to avoid the always present pitfalls.  We hear about Ryan's journey from meeting his fiance one year ago to now getting married this coming weekend and the importance of following your heart when you are certain of a situation's eventual o...

Troy L. Smith is an entertainment reporter at the Cleveland Plain Dealer who also covers the UFC.  In this episode, we cover all things UFC, including talk on Cormier and Miocic, Dana White, the future of the sport and organization, and touch on some of the top fighters from each division. Connect with Troy on Instagram | Twitter    

"Because You Can."  Written by Nate Haber.  

Dr. Carly Day is a sports physician at Cleveland Clinic specializing in injury treatment and prevention.  She is an active voice on the disparity in gender pay within the medical profession and seeks continued reform within the system.  In addition to practicing, Carly works as the on-field doctor for sports events at Notre Dame College and Aurora High School .  In this episode we cover an array o...

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...