How To Battle With Carlos Vasquez

Andrew Mundy and Henry Olivas are two incredible individuals who transformed their lives from a past of incarceration to becoming powerful advocates and community leaders. In this episode, Andrew, co-founder of the Garden 31 Community Initiative, and Henry, a mentor and workshop conductor, share their journeys of resilience, faith, and redemption. They dive into their impactful courtroom experiences, the role of mentorship and community support in their transformations, and the initiatives they now lead to empowering marginalised communities and at-risk youth.Tune in to this episode as we explore:Turning harsh sentences into motivationThe champion mindset for changeImportance of supportive communitiesImpact of divine intervention and faithGarden 31 Community Initiative’s missionMentorship’s role in self-improvementOvercoming prison's mental and emotional challengesGarden 31 Community Initiative on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garden.31 Andrew Mundy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmundy413 Demolishing Barriers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demolishingbarriers Our Sponsor: Tatt2Away – check them out at https://tatt2away.com/

Alisa Sieber is a former Marine Corps pilot and an accomplished author who has dedicated her life to becoming a voice for personal healing and overcoming adversity. Throughout this episode, Alisa shares her powerful journey, from navigating the structured life of the military to dealing with childhood trauma and PTSD. She discusses the transformative practice of "chair flying" and how preparing for life's weak moments can build resilience. The conversation also delves into the use of technology, including AI, as tools for self-reflection and healing.Tune in to this episode as we explore:How writing became Alisa’s outletThe power of doing things more slowlyHealing through storytelling and writingEmbracing past trauma for growthIntegrating AI in personal self-reflectionBalancing leadership roles and motherhoodAlisa Sieber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingbyalisa/ Our Sponsor: Tatt2Away – check them out at https://tatt2away.com/

In this heart-wrenching episode of How To Battle, Kat Kerr, a 25-year-old survivor of childhood abuse and a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, shares her story for the first time. Kat details the traumatic experiences she faced growing up in an abusive household, including the emotional neglect from her adoptive mother, the pain of being denied love, and her struggle to support her brother who also suffered. She further opens up about enduring a toxic relationship that lasted nearly three years, leaving her with complex PTSD.Despite all the suffering she has endured, Kat’s journey is one of resilience and hope. She speaks about traveling the world to find peace, overcoming the mental toll of her past, and finding her purpose through working with children. Kat's message of healing, self-love, and advocating for mental health awareness is deeply powerful. Her courage and determination to help others by sharing her story serves as hope for those battling their own silent fights.Katt Kerr on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kattkerrr?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Our Sponsor: Tatt2Away Check them out at: https://tatt2away.com/

In this powerful episode of How To Battle, Michal Ohana, a survivor of the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel, shares her harrowing experience at the Nova Festival and the traumatic aftermath. The episode explores the pain of loss, survivor’s guilt, and the enduring power of hope. Michal recounts how the terrorists targeted festival-goers, the moments of terror under an IDF tank, and the emotional and physical scars left behind. Despite the devastation, Michal embodies resilience, finding strength in sharing her story, fighting for the hostages, and believing that, together, "we will dance again."Follow & Share:https://www.instagram.com/___micela___?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.instagram.com/novaexhibition?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In this powerful episode of the How To Battle podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Richard Turner, a man who spent 24 years in prison for attempted murder. Richard shares his powerful story of growing up in a chaotic environment influenced by his father's criminal lifestyle, leading him into a life of crime that eventually resulted in a life sentence at the age of 19. Through raw and honest reflection, Richard explores the challenges he faced in prison, from the trauma of witnessing violence as a child to navigating the harsh realities of incarceration.Richard delves into how he survived his darkest moments in prison by cultivating mental strength and relying on faith. He describes the profound impact of solitude, where he learned to confront his fears and doubts, ultimately realizing that his mind held the power to either break him or guide him through. Richard credits his resilience and faith for helping him endure prison and eventually find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.The conversation touches on Richard's pivotal encounter with Travon Harris, a childhood friend who helped him develop the tools and mindset necessary to navigate the parole board and gain his freedom. Travon played a crucial role in Richard's transformation, providing mentorship and guidance on how to demonstrate his growth and readiness for release.Now freshly released from prison after 24 years, Richard reflects on his journey and the challenges of reentering society. He talks about setting small, attainable goals and how he is determined to apply the same perseverance that helped him survive prison to build a successful life in the free world. Richard's story is one of survival, personal growth, and the power of faith, offering hope and inspiration to those facing their own battles.Follow Richard on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/we_doing_better?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow Travon on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/travon_harris123?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In this powerful episode of the How To Battle podcast, I sit down with Casey Diaz, a former gang shot caller turned author, podcaster, and speaker. Casey Diaz, known for his transformative journey from a life of Crime to becoming an inspiration, shares his insights on character, change, and the power of faith.Casey begins by emphasizing the importance of character, noting that true character is demonstrated by how one behaves both in public and in private. He discusses his tumultuous childhood in the Rampart district of Los Angeles, marked by a violent father and the early allure of gang life. Casey's story is one of resilience, as he navigates the trials of incarceration and the internal battle of maintaining his humanity amidst chaos.The conversation delves into Casey's pivotal moments in prison, including his introduction to crime at a young age, his experiences in the gang culture, and the harsh realities of prison life. He shares a transformative encounter with a prison ministry worker named Frances Proctor, whose unwavering faith and persistence planted the seeds of change in his heart. This encounter led to Casey's profound spiritual awakening and his decision to leave gang life behind.Casey highlights the challenges of transitioning from prison back into society, the importance of hard work, and the value of mentorship. He recounts his journey from working multiple jobs to eventually owning a successful sign-making business, attributing his success to God's guidance and the support of key individuals who believed in him.The episode also touches on his work with the Shot Caller podcast, where he interviews both former convicts and law enforcement officers, fostering dialogue and understanding between these traditionally opposing groups. Casey's podcast serves as a platform for sharing stories of redemption, discussing important social issues, and highlighting the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges.How to Support Casey Diaz:Follow KC Diaz on Instagram @real_casey_diaz and Facebook: Casey Diaz- AuthorListen to The Shot Caller Podcast on all major platforms.Purchase Casey Diaz's books, The Shot Caller and Ok, I Will (Available on Amazon) Stay connected with Casey's journey and upcoming projects, including a motion picture based on his life story. Visit Casey's Website: https://caseydiaz.net/

In this inspiring episode, we meet Clara Woods and her mother Betina, who share their remarkable journey of overcoming challenges and turning Clara's disability into a strength. The conversation begins with a profound quote, "I'm not what happened to me, I'm what I chose to become," setting the stage for a discussion about resilience, choice, and determination.Clara, a talented artist, was born with a brain scar and was initially expected to have severe limitations. However, with the unwavering support of her parents, Clara has defied expectations and found her voice through art. Her mother, Betina, recounts their journey from discovering Clara's disability to nurturing her passion for painting, which began as a fun activity and grew into a professional endeavor.Clara's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Despite the initial prognosis, Clara's parents chose to focus on what she could do rather than her limitations. Betina shares the pivotal moment when Clara expressed her dream to exhibit her art in New York, a dream that seemed improbable but was met with determination and support.The episode highlights the importance of believing in one's potential, regardless of societal expectations. Betina and Clara discuss the challenges they faced, including societal pressure and bureaucratic hurdles, and how they navigated these obstacles with faith and perseverance. Clara's art has gained international recognition, and she has become a symbol of inclusion and empowerment.Clara's mother emphasizes the importance of parents supporting their children's dreams and taking leaps of faith, even when the path is uncertain. They also discuss the balance between showcasing Clara's talents and managing her disability, striving to present her as an artist first and foremost.Clara's impact extends beyond her art. She has inspired countless individuals, particularly those with disabilities, by showing that limitations do not define a person's potential. Her message is clear: dream big, believe in yourself, and embrace your unique journey.Connect with Clara:Website: https://www.clarawoodscollection.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woods_clara_?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@woods_clara_?_t=8o8STlkjdiI&_r=1YouTube: https://youtube.com/@clarawoods?si=Hv_XUXanNFjrBbag

In this heartfelt episode of How To Battle, I am joined by Peter Meyerhoff (https://petermeyerhoff.com), a man who has transformed his life from one of addiction, crime, and imprisonment to ultimate success and fulfillment. The conversation begins with a prayer, setting the tone for a discussion centered around faith, redemption, and the power of transformation.Peter shares his journey from being fresh out of prison, struggling with addiction and seeking guidance. He emphasizes the importance of perspective, recalling his time in prison and how the hardships of those days shaped his appreciation for the life he has now.The episode delves into the struggles Peter faced in his youth, growing up with a strained relationship with his father and falling into a life of crime and substance abuse. He speaks candidly about the turning points in his life, including a near-fatal overdose that led him to reevaluate his path and embrace faith.Peter discusses the importance of fitness, discipline, and mental health, and how these elements have been crucial in his ongoing recovery and success. He highlights the role of mentorship and community, both in his own life and in the lives of those he now helps.The conversation also touches on the challenges of adapting to life outside prison, the significance of fatherhood, and the fulfillment that comes from being a positive role model. Peter shares insights from his book Against All Odds (https://a.co/d/0gyHDexc), which chronicles his story of addiction, crime, imprisonment, and eventual success.Throughout the episode, Peter's humility and gratitude shine through as he reflects on his journey and the importance of staying true to oneself. He encourages listeners to seek help, embrace faith, and never give up on their dreams, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem.Connect with Peter: https://linktr.ee/rollcallwithchappy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode, we are joined by Bryson McCalley, CEO and founder of Last of a Dyng Seed, who shares his powerful journey from gang culture to personal transformation and professional success. The discussion begins with the importance of discipline, commitment, and consistency, as Bryson explains how these principles were crucial in redirecting his life from negative to positive endeavors.Bryson recounts his upbringing in Long Beach, deeply entrenched in gang culture, where he learned skewed definitions of right and wrong from his family and community. He describes pivotal moments, such as witnessing his brother being shot and his father encouraging him to handle firearms, which shaped his early perceptions of manhood and survival. His turning point came when his brother Tyson was sentenced to 25 years for attempted murder, leading Bryson to further immerse himself in criminal activities as a form of rebellion.At 18, Bryson faced multiple life sentences for various crimes, ultimately taking a plea deal for 30 years. He describes the emotional numbness and survival mentality that followed his sentencing. In prison, older inmates and books helped him gain insight into himself and the error of his ways. His transformation was gradual, culminating in his release after 15 years.Bryson highlights the positive impact of helping a fellow inmate learn to read, which underscored the importance of mentorship and personal growth. Now a free man for ten months, Bryson shares his goals of building a global film and media empire and leaving a legacy that demonstrates the possibility of change.The episode concludes with Bryson reading the foreword he wrote for my second book, Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men, emphasizing the importance of earning respect and honor through integrity and consistent actions.Link to my book available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fGwcbBTConnect with Bryson: https://linktr.ee/BrysonMcCalley?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode of How To Battle, I sit down with Travon Harris, a remarkable individual and a close friend who shares his transformative journey from gang life to personal growth and redemption. Travon opens up about his challenging upbringing in the notorious "Jungles" of Baldwin Hills Village in Los Angeles, where the cultural norms of his environment shaped his early perceptions of manhood and survival.Travon discusses the powerful impact of mentorship and peer pressure, which influenced his path into gang culture. He vividly recounts traumatic experiences from his childhood and the harsh realities of growing up in a gang-infested neighborhood. Travon's story highlights the extreme social pressures and the concept of "social suicide" that dictated much of his early life.The conversation delves into Travon's prison experience, where he was sentenced to life for intimidating a witness. He reflects on the turning point in his life when he began to see the hypocrisy in the gang lifestyle and sought education as a means to change. Trayvon shares how reading books, particularly Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, played a crucial role in his mental and emotional transformation.Now a free man, Travon talks about the challenges he still faces, such as dealing with conflict and residual anxiety from his past. Despite these struggles, he remains focused on his future, driven by the lessons learned and the strength gained from his adversities. Travon's story is a testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit.

Episode Notes:In this episode of How To Battle, we are joined by Giane Lollar, the owner of Fatal Fit and a former prison inmate who served 17 years for a gang-related crime. Giane shares his transformative journey from a destructive gang member to a positive, independent thinker during his incarceration. He delves into his challenging upbringing in Compton, the pivotal moments that catalyzed his change, and his dedication to education and self-improvement.Gianei vividly recounts experiences, including a drive-by shooting during his childhood and a brutal incident in Pelican Bay State Prison orchestrated by correctional officers. These traumatic events fueled his determination to turn his life around. Today, Giane is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, running a successful fitness program and serving on the board of a nonprofit organization.The episode highlights the crucial role of health and fitness, Giane's inspiring vision for the future, and his commitment to motivating others through his story. He emphasizes that one's current situation does not define them and advocates for transforming struggles into strengths.