The Relentless Project

In this episode of “The Relentless Project,” we welcome husband and wife duo Eric Smith and Kate Califano. With over a decade of experience as a State Trooper, Eric shares his remarkable journey through law enforcement and the resilience he developed after surviving a near-fatal crash. Meanwhile, Kate, an inspiring entrepreneur and founder of both Sozoaid LLC and Seminar Stack, discusses her motiv...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we sit down with Mike McSorley, a gym owner and boxing promoter deeply rooted in Pittsburgh's boxing community. Mike reflects on his early days as a Golden Gloves boxer and how those experiences influenced his career. He discusses the founding of The Conn-Greb Boxing Club, the challenges of training fighters, and the diverse roles he plays in the boxing...

In this episode of The Relentless Project, we sit down with Oleh "The Ukrainian Pitbull" Dovhun, an undefeated professional boxer with a record of 16-0 and 5 KOs. From his early beginnings in Ukraine, training under the esteemed Semenishin Roman, to his courageous move to the United States, Oleh shares the challenges and triumphs that have defined his boxing journey. We delve into his motivation f...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we sit down with Branko Busick, a father, husband, and professional MMA fighter. Raised in a wrestling family, with his father Big Bully Busick in the WWF, Branko shares how his unique background shaped his passion for fighting. He discusses his journey from backyard brawls to competing in the cage professionally, emphasizing the challenges he faced alo...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," filmmaker Domenic Porcari returns to discuss his transition from engineering to filmmaking and his mission to breathe new life into the action movie genre. He shares practical advice for parents considering art school for their children and insights into the underground writing scene. Domenic offers a candid look at martial arts in films and shares uniq...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we dive into the journey of Matt Leyshock, a retired fighter and founder of Southside Boxing Club. Matt discusses how moving across various states shaped his perspective and fueled his passion for fighting. He shares insights from his early days fighting in unconventional venues and his drive to establish one of Pittsburgh’s first fighting promotions. W...

Join us on "The Relentless Project" as we explore the no-nonsense journey of Rick Steigerwald, the Pennsylvania Athletic Commissioner and former boxer. From starting in the boxing ring at a young age to refereeing over 500 matches, including world title fights, Rick's career is a testament to resilience and dedication. We'll delve into his transition from referee to commissioner and his role in sh...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Derek shares his transformation from a military career to becoming a cybersecurity expert and mental health advocate. He discusses how his military experience influenced his pivot to cybersecurity in 2008 and his passion for innovation in the field. Derek also opens up about his journey into content creation and his dedication to promoting men's mental...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we delve into the eclectic journey of ADARA47, whose life on the move across various cities has infused his music with a rich blend of Southern, country, and Hispanic influences. His artistic evolution from Imaginedaindigo to ADARA47 reflects a seamless integration of diverse styles and interests, inspired by the powerful impact of 90s East Coast hip-ho...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we sit down with Andy J Gonzalez, an entrepreneur and brand manager, who shares his compelling journey from a small town in Chester, West Virginia. Despite early health challenges and the profound impact of his mother's passing, Andy navigated various jobs and discovered his passions in entrepreneurship and talent management. He recounts his adventurous...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we talk with David Sachs, a retired pro-MMA fighter and BJJ black belt. David shares his journey from a D1 wrestler to a seasoned fighter, with over 30 years in combat sports and a solid educational foundation in exercise physiology. He discusses his transition from the ring to coaching, including experiences from around the globe and unexpected roles i...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Karli Jo Thomas, an amateur MMA fighter and women's wrestling coach at Waynesburg University, shares her journey from Smock, PA to the MMA cage. Karli discusses her early love for sports, the pivotal moment discovering MMA at an early age, and her recent victory against Leilani Hodgens. She bravely opens up about overcoming personal adversity and her mi...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we welcome back Shane Chojnacki, aka "The Savage Gentleman," as he shares his journey from MMA and pro wrestling to personal training/ coaching. Shane delves into his early influences and the pivotal lessons learned from a brief stint in gym ownership, which informed his successful transition to online fitness mentorship. We explore his preparation for...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we talk with Bill Hutchinson, a seasoned boxer and attorney, about his 23-year journey in the ring and courtroom. Bill opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing both professions and his memorable fights, including a notable match against Adrien Broner. We explore his entrepreneurial ventures in construction and solar energy, and his vision...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we talk with Chase Boyde, a rising MMA fighter with autism. From his start in martial arts at 14 to training under multiple prestige coaches, Chase's journey is a testament to determination. We explore his experiences across multiple gyms, including Peach Pitt and Academy MMA, and how these have shaped his career. With key victories and a recent two-fig...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Dustin Hook shares his journey from Wexford, PA, to becoming a touring bassist with DAN+SHAY while building a successful real estate career. He talks about the pivotal moments that shaped his path, such as performing at the Super Bowl, and the challenges of juggling music with real estate. Dustin also discusses his passion for travel, running, and maint...

Join us on "The Relentless Project" as we talk with Kirk Bradley, a JiuJitsu brown belt and coach from Pittsburgh. Kirk discusses his late start in martial arts at nearly 40, overcoming challenges to earn a brown belt under David Sachs. He shares insights on balancing coaching with family life and preparing for ACL replacement surgery. Kirk's journey is a testament to resilience and personal growt...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Pro Wrestler "Pretty Boy Smooth" shares his journey from Hempstead, NY, to professional wrestling, detailing how setbacks in basketball led him to the ring. He discusses his acting career and philanthropic efforts, such as a scholarship at Mercyhurst University. Smooth tackles stereotypes with mental toughness and offers practical advice for overcoming...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," join us for a riveting conversation with Brian Marzka, a former Marine Scout Swimmer and Rifleman turned entrepreneur. Brian shares his journey from military service to building a diverse business, along with his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Discover how his experiences have shaped his views on success, motivation, and empowering others. Tune in for...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Tyler Ross shares his journey from a lifelong passion for wrestling to discovering the transformative power of jiu-jitsu in 2019. Facing a shocking cancer diagnosis after a broken arm, Tyler delves into how he endured the grueling chemotherapy with unwavering motivation, supported by his faith and the jiu-jitsu community. He unveils the creation of Figh...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Patrick Cranston shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, detailing the challenges and failures that shaped his path from a college paintball field to founding Cranston IT. He discusses the impact of Extreme Ownership on his business success and his personal transformation through health and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Patrick’s insights provide practical...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we talk with Jon Thomas, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and founder of Tap Cancer Out. Jon shares his journey, inspired by his nephew Michael's cancer battle, to create a movement that uses the Jiu-Jitsu community to fight cancer. We discuss the challenges of merging his passion with philanthropy, the success of the first Tap Cancer Out event, and the...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Clifford Stephan, Chief Vacation Officer of Booze Vacation, shares his journey from consulting to founding a business aimed at redefining our relationship with alcohol. He discusses the pivotal moment he realized social drinking was holding him back, and how his year off alcohol transformed his life. Clifford also addresses societal misconceptions about...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," Mike Womble shares his journey from high school sports and the Marine Corps to discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a civilian. Mike discusses how BJJ became a vital part of his life, driven by a personal "why" that motivates him to maintain physical and mental health. He navigates the challenges of balancing family, work, and his passion for BJJ, e...

In this episode of "The Relentless Project," we sit with Claire Butterfield, a BJJ Brown belt and UX Designer. Claire discusses her journey from Texas to Pittsburgh, her start in jiu jitsu at 25, and her recent success at the IBJJF No-Gi Pans. We explore her experiences as a woman in a male dominated field, balancing her career with her passion, and the importance of mentorship.  Send a text Suppo...