The Psychology of Strength
The Psychology of Strength features genuine people and authentic conversations, recorded in a different location. New episodes are released every Monday. The show explores mental and emotional aspects of strength through personal stories and reflections. Its motto 'Never waste a mistake' suggests a focus on learning from setbacks and challenges.
Episodes
Rich Ficca - Dodging Death Three Times: A Life Of Persistence
Rich Ficca is an Army veteran, entrepreneur and powerlifter.Rich grew up modestly in a double wide trailer. He played one year of college football before deciding to leave college to join the Army. After a near-fatal parachute malfunction during an Airborne jump and his parents’ declining health he left the Army sooner than anticipated.Rich has gone on to found numerous successful businesses. Seve
Cathy Valdes - Sharing My Son's Story To Save Other Children
Cathy Valdes is the chapter president of NOPE Hillsborough.Cathy spent 42 years in public education and retired as deputy superintendent of Hillsborough County schools. Cathy has dedicated her retirement volunteering with the non-profit Narcotics Overdose Prevention Education (NOPE). Educating Hillsborough County students on the dangers of narcotic overdosing. Cathy lost her son to narcotic addict
Jose Pila - Honoring The Military Service Dog That Saved My Life
Jose Pila is an Army veteran and founder of the whiskey brand Warrior Dog Spirit.After enlisting in the Army in the summer of 2001, Jose quickly found himself in the initial deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq following 9/11. Serving numerous combat tours both in the Army and private contracting, Jose found himself lost once his military career came to an end.Jose would receive a service dog throu
Brooke Bennett - Three Olympic Golds: A Swimming Prodigy
Brooke Bennett is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest female swimmers of all time.Brooke started swimming lessons at the age of 3. By 9 years old she was training for her first Olympic Games. She made her Olympic debut in the 1996 Games winning the gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle at just 16 years old.In the 2000 Olympic Games, Brooke won two more gold medals in the 400
Samwise Sorter - Viral 43 Year Old Skateboarder
Samwise Sorter is a skateboard content creator.Samwise has been skateboarding since 1993. Getting his first skateboard at the age of 10 changed his life. Since then, he’s never truly set a skateboard down. For the last 33 years Samwise has skated as a hobby. In 2020, his wife convinced him to put his skate videos on Instagram. He gained a small organic following after entering an online competitio
Mike Parsons - Tattooing The Last 32 Years
Mike Parsons is a tattoo artist of 32 years and a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.Tattooing since 1994, Mike Parsons is an award winning artist known for his underwater landscapes, murals and chrome tattoos. He gained notoriety in the late 1990’s for his large underwater gradients and later his chrome pieces. His most recognizable piece may be the tribal design on the arm of retire
Ricky Handschumacher - Hacking Video Games Led To Hacking Crypto & My FBI Arrest
Ricky Handschumacher is a former computer hacker and ex-cyber criminal.After getting hacked on Xbox as a teenager, Ricky followed the rabbit hole of learning to also hack video games. What started as hacking and selling Xbox gamertags led to hacking and selling Instagram & Twitter handles and eventually hacking & stealing crypto currency.Over seven years Ricky stole about $8 million mostly
Jeff Behary - The Most Interesting Museum In America
Jeff Behary is the curator and owner of The Turn of the Century Electrotherapy Museum in Riviera Beach, Florida.For over 30 years Jeff has collected historical electrical artifacts and forgotten medical machines. He is an expert in antique machines involving electricity, light and radiation. Including literal machines of Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Burton Kinraide and mo
Rick Vaughn - The Real Face Of Professional Sports Teams
Rick Vaughn is the former Public Relations Director for the Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles.From 1984 till 1994, Rick was the PR Director of the Baltimore Orioles. A highlight of his time in Baltimore was overseeing the transition from Memorial Stadium to Camden Yards in 1992.For one season in 1995, Rick served as the PR Director for the Washington Redskins.In 1996, the T
Michael Francisco - We Have A Mental Health Crisis
Michael Francisco is a mental health coach and founder of Restore Skate.Inspired to pick up skateboarding at the age of 40, Michael decided to create a nonprofit that prioritized mental health while also promoting skateboarding. Over nearly 10 years, Restore Skate has provided more than 10,000 meals to skateboarders and the homeless in Tampa Bay. Every week Michael and Restore Skate provide free m
Regis Lima - Why Discipline Transcends Martial Arts
Regis Lima is a martial arts master and the owner of RL Martial Arts.Training Taekwondo since 1989, Regis is now a 6th degree black belt. He is a Regional, State and National Champion in Brazil where he grew up. He has also won a US National Championship and a silver medal at the US Open (2007). He started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2011 and earned his black belt in 2024.Moving to America in
Clay Muehlstein - I Spent 62 Days In LA County Jail
Clay Muehlstein is an author.Clay’s life changed at a college frat party when he was charged with a third degree felony for hazing after a fraternity pledge tragically passed away at a party his fraternity hosted. Being suspended indefinitely from college, he agreed to wear a SCRAM alcohol monitor while awaiting trial. One critical mistake changed everything when he woke up in handcuffs and booked
Dror Vaknin - Why Your Mind Is Stronger Than Your Body
Dror Vaknin is a cross country and track coach of 35+ years. Dror is the University of Tampa’s Head Coach for Men’s Track and Cross Country. He started running competitively in 1981. Winning one individual and two team Cross Country Florida State Championships in high school, Dror went on to run at the University of South Florida. He competed at the National Championship in both Cross Country and
Tony “Doc Dog” Baker - Becoming A Las Vegas & Tattoo Legend
Tony “Doc Dog” Baker is a tattoo artist of 65+ years. Founder and owner of Las Vegas Tattoo Co. est. 1977.Learning to tattoo at the age of 13 while incarcerated in the California Youth Authority, Doc Dog’s entire life has been about tattooing. He opened the first tattoo shop in the San Fernando Valley in 1972. Wanting to move to Nevada, he helped the Nevada Health Department establish the first ta
Josh Weaver - Why Baseball Transcends Generations & Cultures
Josh Weaver is the curator of the Tampa Baseball Museum.The Tampa Baseball Museum is housed in Hall of Famer Al Lopez’s childhood home. It is one of only four museums in the country that is a former Major League Baseball player’s house. Al Lopez was the first Major League Baseball player, manager and Hall of Famer from Hillsborough County. He played Major League Baseball for 19 seasons and managed
John Montesi - Being A 1990's Professional Skateboarder
John Montesi is a pro skateboarder and owner of Westside Skateshop.Learning to skate at age 13, John earned his first sponsorship with Exile at 16. He turned pro just three years later in 1992. Signing with New Deal, John quickly started touring the world at 19 years old. Touring five continents, John would perform demos across the world including at concerts and festivals like Lollapalooza and Bi
Tommy Jones - My Journey From Dropout To College Coaching 35 Years
Tommy Jones is a basketball coach of 35+ years.He is currently the University of Tampa's women's basketball assistant coach. Starting his coaching career in 1991, Tommy has worked with athletes of all ages from primary school through college. He was the head women's basketball coach at the College of Central Florida in addition to time coaching at Hillsborough Community College. He spe
Juan Rodriguez - 50 Years Of Surfboard Making: The Last Fin Maker
Juan Rodriguez is a world renowned surfboard maker of over 50 years. Owner & founder of One World Surf Designs.Juan is a master surfboard finisher and fin maker. Surfing since 1963, he started his career in surfboard repair at age 14. He went on to establish Western Flyers making skateboards and skimboards. In 1989, he established One World Surf Designs.Juan has established his name as one of
Tommy Frank - The Backbone Of Every Community Starts Here
Tommy Frank is the Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council.A successful artist for over 20 years, Tommy is a master in pottery and ceramics. He completed his Bachelor’s in Fine Art from Asbury University before his residency at the St. Petersburg Clay Company (now Morean Center for Clay). He then was a resident at the Archie Bray Foundation and completed his post-baccalaureate program at
Max Herman - Touring Tampa: The Bay's #1 Rated Tour Company
Max Herman is the owner of Tampa Bay Tours.Max operates the most popular walking tours in Tampa Bay. Offering historic, food and even ghost tours seven days a week. Tampa Bay Tours has been rated the #1 Haunted Tour in the U.S. by U.S. City Traveler as well as Top 10 tours by USA Today. Max shares the history and stories of Tampa Bay so generations can appreciate the rich history of the bay area.F
Charlie "Cheeze" Hysell - Why The World Doesn't Need More Tattoo Artists
Charlie “Cheeze” Hysell is a tattoo artist of 38 years.Despite making and selling tattoos as early as third grade, Charlie “Cheeze” didn’t consider himself a professional tattoo artist till 1988. Against his mother’s wishes he pursued his passion and it has paid off for him. Cheeze has tattooed all over the southeast United States and even Germany. He’s owned his own studios and currently works at
John Gaglione - 20 Years Under the Bar: How Powerlifting Really Changed
John Gaglione is a strength coach, powerlifter and owner of Gaglione Strength gyms.John started powerlifting in 2006. Competing for over 20 years, he has squatted over 800lbs in six weight classes and achieved an elite total in five of them. He is a meet director for the Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) hosting powerlifting meets as well as strict curl competitions. He has also been coachin
Evan Snow - We've Changed Vacant Space Forever
Evan Snow is the co-founder of Zero Empty Spaces.Zero Empty Spaces activates vacant commercial spaces through flexible short-term lease agreements to local creatives & entrepreneurs. They have spread from South Florida to 34 locations in five states. Helping over 850 artists and creatives by providing affordable work space. Zero Empty Spaces currently provides artist spaces, culinary spaces an
Allie Allen - Celebrating Inchstones Is The Key To Happiness
Allie Allen is the owner of Inchstone Books.When Allie's son was diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, Allie and her husband Joe quickly learned that milestones are not the only achievements worth celebrating. Inchstones are the celebrated achievements that started at home and this lesson is the foundation of their bookstore. An independent bookstore that welcomes everyone and encourages celebrati
Patrick Manteiga - America's Only Trilingual Newspaper
Patrick Manteiga is the third generation Editor & Publisher of La Gaceta Newspaper est. 1922.La Gaceta is the only trilingual newspaper in the entire United States publishing weekly in English, Spanish & Italian. It is also the oldest Latin owned newspaper in the country. Patrick’s grandfather, Victoriano Manteiga, founded La Gaceta after migrating to Tampa in 1913.Patrick’s father, Roland
Ralph Luciani - Losing My Legs Didn't Stop Me
Ralph Luciani is a double leg amputee and decorated wheelchair athlete.Ralph was born with leg deformities requiring him to have both legs amputated as a child. He missed the majority of school and spent most of his childhood in hospitals and physical therapy centers. After six surgeries and double amputations he eventually got into wheelchair sports.He competed in three Pan American Games in Arge
Rodney Kite-Powell - We Can Learn From Tampa's Past
Rodney Kite-Powell is a director at the Tampa Bay History Center and is the official historian of Hillsborough County.Rodney has been working at the Tampa Bay History Center for over 30 years. He is the Director of the Touchton Map Library and Florida Center for Cartographic Education. He has authored three books on the history of Tampa and is an officer with the Philip Lee Phillips Society of the
Jorge Guevara - How To Become An Asset
Jorge Guevara is a firefighter paramedic for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.With almost a dozen advanced training certs, Jorge is a member of Hillsborough County’s Special Operations unit and Florida’s Task Force 3 Urban Search and Rescue team. He’s an instructor for special operations courses.Filmed inside Astro Skating Center in Tarpon Springs, Florida.New episodes release every Monday on YouTu
Andrea Gonzmart Williams - Florida's Most Iconic Restaurant
Andrea Gonzmart Williams is the fifth generation caretaker of the Columbia Restaurant est. 1905.The Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant. It actually was founded in 1903 as the Columbia Saloon. It now stretches an entire city block in Ybor City. It is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world consisting of 15 dining rooms and the ability to seat 1700 people. The 1905 Family of Rest
Ron Tamayo - 39 Years In Finance Taught Me This
Ron Tamayo is a co-founder of Moisand, Fitzgerald & Tamayo Financial Planning and Wealth Management firm. Ron’s family immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1961. From modest beginnings as a first generation American, Ron has worked his way up in the finance industry. He has been in the industry over 39 years and cofounded Moisand, Fitzgerald & Tamayo in 1998. A finance & wealth
Chazz Hysell - I Did My First Tattoo at 13
Chazz Hysell is a second generation tattoo artist.Telling his teachers in elementary school that being a tattoo artist was his calling, Chazz soon gave his first tattoo at the age of 13. Starting his apprenticeship at age 16 with his Dad, by time Chazz turned 18 he was licensed and tattooing full time. He is closing in on his 20th year in the profession and has gained audience and acclaim for his
Stacey Simmons - The NFL Wasn't What I Expected
Stacey Simmons is a former NFL player and a public school teacher, youth coach & referee of 33 years.Excelling in sports at a very young age, Stacey was an All-American track & field and football player in high school. Winning two state championships in track & field and being named “Pinellas County’s Fastest Man” he continued as a dual sport athlete at the University of Florida. Named
George Billiris - A Family Business Survives 102 Years
George Billiris is owner, operator and Captain of the St. Nicholas Boat Line est. 1924. The second oldest family owned attraction in the state of Florida.In 1915, George’s grandfather Micheal J. Billiris immigrated from Greece to Tarpon Springs, Florida for the sponging industry. By 1924, he was the first to establish a boat tour showcasing how sponges are harvested. St. Nicholas Boat Line has bee
Larry Beets - Discipline Is The Answer
Larry Beets is a baseball coach of over 51 years.He first started teaching and coaching in August of 1974 at Gulf Middle School. That led him to Gulf High, Hudson High and finally Ridgewood High School where he spent 28 years. He is known for establishing the well respected Ridgewood Rams baseball program. He has had seven high school players drafted to Major League Baseball contracts and has sent
Jay Silverstein - From Pre Med to Lawyer to Marine
Jay Silverstein is an attorney, painter, author, cyclist and Marine Reserve Officer.Changing his mind from plastic surgeon to lawyer, Jay continues accepting new challenges as he pursues joining the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Jay has a bachelor’s degree in both biology & fine art from Middlebury College and studied in Italy. He went on to graduate law school from the University of Mia
Danny Beeck - Super Bowl Champion Film Producer
Danny Beeck is a senior producer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.After graduating in Communications from Cal-U in Pennsylvania, Danny interned with the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL team. His experience helped him become an intern with the Bucs in 2019 and was hired shortly after. Danny has produced for the NFL Draft, Wild Card Game, NFC Championship, Pro Bowl and 2021 Super Bowl Championship.Filmed inside
Cristal Lastra - Florida's Oldest Social Club: Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Cristal Lastra is the president of Centro Asturiano de Tampa est. 1902. One of the oldest social clubs in America.Centro Asturiano de Tampa was founded in Ybor City by 546 migrants from Asturias, Spain in 1902. It has served as a social club for over 124 years. There is evidence it is the first organized healthcare and health insurance provider in the United States. It was known to serve its membe
Brett Cowles - From Combat in Afghanistan to Firefighting to SWAT Medic
Brett Cowles is a United States Marine. A combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He is now a firefighter-paramedic and SWAT medic.After a combat tour in Afghanistan and a deployment to Kuwait, Brett pursued becoming a fireman. He is now a firefighter-paramedic for Pasco County Fire Rescue as well as a SWAT medic for Pasco County Sheriff’s Department. He has competed in semi-pro football, CrossF
Andrew Yerrakadu - Extraordinary Life of a Powerlifting Criminal Defense Attorney
Andrew Yerrakadu is an English barrister, New York attorney, powerlifter, strength coach and international powerlifting judge.Graduating law school from the University of Manchester at 20 years old, Andrew became an English barrister at 21 and New York attorney at 22. By 23 he successfully represented his first criminal defense case. He practiced law for over 20 years. Andrew has competed in power
Mary Keane - Why Love Is The Secret
Mary Keane is a US swimming Olympic Trialist, life guard, swim coach and retired teacher.Mary has been involved in education for over 50 years. From teaching swimming to being a public school teacher she has educated thousands of minds. She retired after 30 years of teaching in public elementary schools. She continues to train athletes and teach swimming lessons. She is a mental health advocate, m
Eric Burkes - Florida's Hidden Gem: The Richloam General Store
Eric Burkes is the owner of the Richloam General Store est. 1922.Eric’s great uncle, Sid Brinson opened the Richloam General Store on June 28th, 1922 to meet demands of the new railway that was making its way through west central Florida. It originally served as the railroad express, post office, gas station and general store.It was burned to the ground on January 5th 1928. Sid Brinson rebuilt, re
Rick Hartmann - A Lifetime in the Air
Rick Hartmann is a retired airline captain of 40 years.Rick received his pilot’s license before the age of 16. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He flew internationally and cross country for over 40 years. Rick has over 35,000 flight hours logged. He has retired as a captain from American Airlines. Rick also enjoys sailing an
Shamina Stagner - Everyone Can Use Therapy, Even Therapists
Shamina Stagner is a licensed mental health counselor and podcaster.Shamina is the owner of Arrive Integrative Counseling in Port Richey, Florida. She specializes in life transitions and adjustment issue therapy. She works with people of all ages and currently provides counseling virtually in the state of Florida. She is a mental health advocate and hosts the podcast “Emotion-Full”.Filmed inside C
Ben Farrell - Only Five Calls to Be Back In Business
Ben Farrell is an entrepreneur, founder of Bowls For Good and is a Navy veteran.Ben’s father Lenny Farrell founded the famous Lenny’s Restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. After serving as a Navy Corpsman and working at the family restaurant, Ben found himself in the pickle business. He co-founded and ran Two Bros. Pickles. After selling the company he moved to Scotland to learn woodsmithing. He open
Vasile Faklis - How a Family Store Survives a Century
Vasile Faklis is a licensed & board certified Orthotist and the third generation owner of Faklis Fit est. 1912.Vasile’s grandfather was a master shoe maker from Symi, Greece. He immigrated to Tarpon Springs, Florida and founded the shoe store in 1912. The store evolved from shoe repair to department store and survived both World Wars, the Great Depression, Covid-19 Pandemic and everything in b
Stephen Hamler - What Working Juvenile Corrections Is Like?
Stephen Hamler is a juvenile corrections officer.After playing basketball at Webber International University, Stephen pursued serving the community through juvenile corrections. He is currently transitioning to adult corrections and then an onroad deputy sheriff. Stephen has a deep passion for serving the youth including volunteering and supporting foster homes & adoptive services.Filmed insid
Dr. Carolyn VanWormer - Treat Your Brand Like a Person
Dr. Carolyn VanWormer is the Director of Marketing at ONI, adjunct professor at Stony Brook University & Molloy University, a marathon runner and former professional tennis player.ONI is a super resolution microscope manufacturer from Oxford, England focusing on cell research and disease prevention. Carolyn has her PhD in Consumer Market Behavior and teaches the MBA capstone courses at Stony B
Richard Seidel - Painting All Over the World
Richard Seidel is a professional painter and resident artist of the Morean Art Center.Richard always wanted to be an artist. After a business degree and working in galleries he pursued his calling. He has completed art residencies in Spain, Italy, Ireland, France, England and even St. Petersburg, Florida. He lives inside the Morean Art Center and teaches classes there.Filmed inside his personal st
Drew Newman - The Oldest Cigar Company in America
Drew Newman is the fourth generation owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Company. The oldest family owned cigar company in the United States est. 1895.His great grandfather Julius Caesar Newman started the company after immigrating to the United States in 1888. After 58 years in Ohio, the company moved to Tampa, Florida to its current home, El Reloj. The building was built in 1910 and is now home to a muse
Paige Henry - From Acting School to Owning an Aquarium
Paige Henry is co-owner of the Tarpon Springs Aquarium & Animal Sanctuary.Growing up in her family’s aquarium, Paige quickly found herself diving with sharks and hand feeding alligators & crocodiles. After pursuing a Fine Arts & Acting degree at Oklahoma City University, the Shakespearean actress returned to the family business where she performs daily shows and educates the youth. She
Andy Bostinto - WWII Veteran & Oldest Bodybuilder Ever
Andy Bostinto is a 100 year old WWII veteran, Bronze Star recipient, founder of the National Gym Association, 1977's Senior Mr. America and the world’s oldest competitive bodybuilder.Andy received his Bronze Star 80 years after seeing combat in the European Theater in 1945. One week after becoming the oldest competitive bodybuilder in the world at 100 years old. His unit liberated over 20,000
Mike De La Pava - The Endless Pursuit of Competition
Mike De La Pava is a world renowned strength coach, founder & owner of The Battle Axe Gym “The strongman gym in Miami. Where strength is everything.”MDLP has competed in Muay Thai, rugby, powerlifting, Highland Games, strongman and now bodybuilding. He is a coach, meet director, writer, artist and podcaster. He hosts the Miami Throwdown & Miami’s Baddest each year.You can reach him on Inst
The Psychology of Strength Intro
Genuine people. Authentic conversations. Different location. Every Monday. Never waste a mistake.
