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UCW Radio Show

High-impact insights across entertainment, finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Featuring Money Never Sleeps Radio

Global finance, Wall Street structure, and expert economic analysis.

Hosted by Louis Velazquez | Syndicated globally on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Audible, & iHeartRadio.

Top Picks

Martial Arts Leader Oso Tayari Casel

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2015-05-15_tayari_casel_power_hour_12182012.mp3 Oso Tayari Casel is a humanitarian dedicated to improving the world one community at a time. His many cultural and philanthropic missions to several countries around the world fostered his cognizance of impactful community involvement. Throughout the years, Oso advanced his service-oriented endeavors in the United States as a youth counselor, community engagement consultant, and most-notably as a world-renowned Martial Artist. His awareness of how Martial Arts and cultural involvement can transform communities is specifically harnessed within the Hospital Safety and Security Industry through Elite Security Services & Solutions, LLC. Oso Tayari Casel is the founder and director of the Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy, Inc.; an institution that researches, demonstrates and spreads the contribution that Africa and China have given to the international martial arts community, while simultaneously furthering the appreciation of contemporary and traditional African and Chinese culture. His studies include cultural and humanitarian missions to Africa, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, The Netherlands, and Taiwan, the Republic of China, the arts of Kupigana Ngumi, Shaolin and Tai Chi Chuan with the Directors of the Pan Afrikan Martial Arts Federation. One of the strongest aspects of the Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy is its dedication to community development, health and well being. Oso is an instructor at several elementary schools in the DC public school system. Over several decades he has worked as consultant for the Substance Abuse Services of the Department of Corrections for the Lorton Prison and Correctional Treatment Facilities. He has served as the Primary Substance Abuse Counselor for a federal program at a juvenile maximum-security prison and has worked with the District of Columbia Government’s Department of Human Services at group homes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. In addition, he worked as a consultant to CASA Community Health, (Baltimore) a national prevention project focused on public housing developments funded by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. Oso is a Marital Arts Grand Master and utilizes his more than 55 years of experience as a Martial Arts Hall-of-Famer and instructor to lead Elite’s officers in the art of de-escalation. His ideals are at the heart of Elite’s core values of Discipline, Courtesy, Respect, and Care. These same ideals often lead the company into the midst of some of the most criminally active cities in America, where Oso continues to focus Elite on doing the highest good. During his prestigious tournament career Oso Tayari Casel ranked in the “Top Ten Black Belts in the USA” for over a decade. In the fall of 1980 he was S.T.A.R. Rated # 1 in Kung Fu and has won in some of the most prestigious competitive arenas in North America, such as: the Battle of Atlanta, Diamond Nationals, Superstar Nationals, AKA Grand Nationals, Top Ten National, Bare Knuckle Knock Out Championship and Nevada State Grand Championship. Oso Tayari Casel was one of the first to popularize ground fighting in competition. In 1975 he was the only non-Karate practitioner chosen by Chuck Norris to represent the USA in team fights. Recognition of his fighting and technical artistry garnered appearances on the covers of international martial arts publications including: Official Karate, Black Sports, Martial Arts Tradition, History and People, Inside Kung Fu, Defense Combat, Men of Steel Discipline, Black Heroes of the Martial Arts and The Official History of Karate in America: The Golden Age: 1968-1986. He was featured in two recent martial arts documentaries: Urban Dragons: Black and Latino Masters in the Chinese Martial Arts and The Black Kung Fu Experience for Public Broadcast Systems (PBS). He is inducted in the Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Honors & Spirits Awards: Golden Pioneer, World Professional Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Legend Kung Fu Fighter, United States Karate Hall of Fame: Grand Master, Golden Eagle Awards, Howard University Washington, DC, Chicago Martial Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, and many more. After retiring from competition he successfully co-founded and promoted the Triple “AAA” rated US Capitol Classics Martial Arts Tournament for seven years in the nation’s capital. Oso Tayari Casel has appeared in various martial arts films and is a frequent guest on local television and radio programs. He teaches and lectures throughout the country and internationally, and is the Master Teacher at Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy in Silver Spring, Md. Tayari Casel also performed as a professional magician at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Oso Tayari Casel began martial arts during the turbulent times of the civil rights era. For reasons as simple as being able to defend himself from neighborhood bullies or dealing with confrontations involving the extremist of society as well as self pride. Forty Seven (47) years later little did he recognize that his childhood hobby would take him around the world. During those travels he would have life changing experiences, visiting fascinating places, meeting intriguing people and sharing moments of despair, fatigue, sadness, frustration, joy and happiness. He never imagined on that early fall evening when he took his first class at the Southtown YMCA in Chicago, Illinois @ 66th and Union Avenue that his journey into the martial arts would leave a legacy around the world.

Twin Cities Lyme Foundation Founder Lisa Najarian

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2021-04-15-UCWRadio_LisaNajarian.mp3 We had the opportunity to have the founder of Twin Cities Lyme Foundation and social platform “My Girlfriendships” Lisa Najarian on the UCW Radio Show. The social platform brings women together globally virtually and in real life, giving them the opportunity to create lasting memories. The Twin Cities Lyme Foundation is a work of passion for her as it gives her the opportunity to save someone the pain that she had to endure without knowing whats wrong, its about bringing awareness as well as helping people through guidance to get the help that they need. “Lisa Najarian is a good soul, she is known as the Caretaker, I referred to her as such because she is the anchor of her family, of her foundation and of many other projects. What she is doing for others is amazing, she’s not just a spokesperson she gets her hands dirty and that is what makes it incredible. She’s touching so many lives and I’m proud of what she’s done and is about to do as an author, more over I’m proud to call her my friend and part of my family. Just an outright good hearted person making a difference.” – Louis Velazquez Her Story: Sixteen years and several misdiagnoses later, in 2015, Lisa Najarian was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Over the course of those years, she suffered greatly with symptoms that were a complete mystery to her. “I felt like such an oddball in so many situations! One day I would feel good and the next day I would be wiped out. I felt as though most everyone thought I was crazy or lying about my health,” she expresses. “I have almost completely lost my hearing in my left ear and my right ear’s hearing loss varies from day to day. I now know I have over 60 symptoms of Lyme disease. It is a horrible disease and one NO ONE should ever have to endure!” Lisa, a California native, has lived her adult life in the top three most prevalent Lyme infested regions in the nation. She believes, as an avid gardener, she was bitten while living in Illinois, however, does not remember seeing a target rash. After 14 years in Illinois, she moved with her husband and two children to Connecticut, the mecca for Lyme disease. There, she became aware of Lyme, and strongly suspected a correlation between her multiple symptoms and the tick-borne disease. Her move to Minnesota in 2014 brought hope and a positive diagnosis. “I am passionate to create the same awareness here in the Midwest that there is on the East Coast. Too many people are unaware and so many need to be helped.” Lisa received a BA in education at California State University, Chico and earned her Masters Degree in Education from National University. She, her husband and children reside in the Twin Cities area.

HGTV, DIY Star Jason Cameron

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-11-17-UCWRadio_JasonCameron_111720.mp3 On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we had the opportunity to speak with HGTV and DIY star Jason Cameron, known for Man Caves, Desperate Landscapes and so much more. We talk about his fitness days, his background in construction, his mentoring of youth, his great relationship with his wife as well as Tony Siragusa, Charlie Sheen and Snoop Dogg and much more . make sure to follow him on social media @jcamerontv Jason Cameron is an American television presenter and actor most notable for his role on the TLC reality show, While You Were Out and is currently hosting Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes for the DIY Network. Some more about Jason Cameron Jason moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, he had his heart and mind set on it. He landed a few minor roles at that time from Sex and the City, The Guiding Light to All My Children. Being ambitious and not one to hold back he jumped right into print modeling in Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Maxim and GQ. While in pursuit of his dream, Jason was always drawn to carpentry and construction which started at a very young age. he worked as a construction worker after college to make ends meet. In 2003, he auditioned as an on-screen carpenter for the TLC renovation program, While You Were Out. He got the job and joined the cast in season two, staying on until the end of the show’s run in 2006. After the show’s end, Cameron became a licensed contractor and was approached by DIY Network to host their landscape makeover show Desperate Landscapes in 2007. Since then, he has also been hosting Man Caves and Project Xtreme for the network. On the health and fitness front Jason Cameron is a certified personal trainer, specializing in strength and conditioning. He has competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions and has worked as a fitness model, appearing in Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness and Muscle Media. He is currently a representative and the Fitness Expert for Men’s Fitness.

Fitness Pro & Denver Nuggets Strength Coach Steve Hess

https://ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2015-07-03_stevehess_interviewucw.mp3 Keeping the Nuggets in top physical shape is the job of Steve Hess, the team’s assistant coach/strength and conditioning. Hess oversees the team’s weight training, conditioning and nutritional programs. He designed and arranged the Nuggets’ weight room in the Pepsi Center and also designed functional pieces unique to the Denver Nuggets. In his 19th season with the Nuggets, Hess creates and administers individual workout programs for each player throughout the entire year. He spends the majority of the off-season working with Nugget players and other professional athletes, overseeing every aspect of their workout programs. He pushes them to reach their peak physical condition. Hess is one of six trainers worldwide who sits on the Under Armour training council. He also sits on the advisory board for both Mancakes high-Protein Pancake mix and Crosscore 180 Rotational Bodyweight Training System. In addition, Hess has been featured on NBA Inside Stuff, All-Access with Ahmad Rashad, NBATV and The Eating Network. He also has his own workout segment on the Altitude Sports & Entertainment network. A graduate of Ithaca College (N.Y.), Hess received a master’s degree in physical education with an emphasis on sports medicine and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science fitness and cardiac rehabilitation in ’91. Hess became a Muscle Activation Techniques (M.A.T) specialist in 2013 and just completed his M.A.T mastery certification in 2015. Follow Steve Hess: www.twitter.com/stevehess1 www.instagram.com/steve13hess

Rising Star: The Artist Borbay

2020 https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-11-09-UCWRadio_Borbay_11092020.mp3 2014 https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2015-05-15_borbay_interviewucw.mp3 Borbay is a self-represented artist, living and thriving in the vibrant city of Manhattan. Collected globally and featured by an impressive breadth of revered news outlets, Borbay has created a successful business model outside of the ‘art world’ you read about. Time Out New York named him their Most Creative New Yorker. On June 4, 2014 — Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s second book, “Michael Jackson, Inc.” (Simon & Schuster, Atria) launched and rocketed to #1 on Amazon in Business and Leadership — Borbay painted the cover. He defaced Andy Warhol’s Marilyn and Major League Baseball hung it up in their Fan Cave. He knew Forbes’ Hip Hop Cash Kings list before Forbes did. His collages incorporating New York Post headlines became a New York Post headline. He’s painting the Guggenheim each year for 20 years, and intends to show the series in the Guggenheim itself. Borbay is being celebrated by everyone from BBC World to the Wall Street Journal Japan. Borbay’s creations, with their chasm-deep detail and painstaking process, have garnered the artist a large following from Manhattan to Milan, and his Warhol-esque willingness to mine pop imagery has earned the admiration of fans, educators and celebrities alike. With a pre-art résumé that includes everything from advertising to Reality TV (to, yes, working for Donald Trump), it’s no wonder that he’s lauded as one of the most game changing players emerging in the contemporary art scene. Borbay lives in Gramercy with his beloved Wife Erin and Daughter Coraline. Websites: www.borbay.com https://www.instagram.com/borbay 2021 Interview

Acclaimed Actor Dennis Christopher

Award-winning actor, Dennis Christopher, stars as Leonide Moguy in Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino’s action epic set in the antebellum American South, about a ruthless bounty hunter and the slave he promises to free upon capturing their quarry. The film, also starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell, is set for release on Christmas Day, 2012. Christopher portrays the lawyer to DiCaprio’s Calvin Candie, the owner of a plantation where slaves are forced to fight one another. Into this world enters bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Waltz) and his slave Django (Foxx), whose ultimate goal is to find and free his still enslaved wife. Throughout his career, Christopher has had the good fortune of working with many a legendary film director. In addition to Tarantino, Christopher has worked with Federico Fellini (Roma), Robert Altman (3 Women and A Wedding), Hugh Hudson (Academy Award winning Best Picture, Chariots of Fire), Peter Werner (Don’t Cry, It’s Only Thunder) and Randall Kleiser (It’s My Party). He is perhaps best remembered for his role in Breaking Away, as the idealistic cyclist Dave Stoller, a working class boy who fantasizes about being an Italian bike racer, and looks forward to the day when an international race will bring excitement to his boring hometown. The film, also starring Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern and Paul Dooley, was the sleeper hit of 1979. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy of Film and Television Award (BAFTA) and a Youth in Film Award. His other motion picture credits include Trapped, Mind Lies, Circuitry Man and Circuitry Man II, A Sinful Life and Jake Speed, among others. Aside from Django Unchained, Christopher is no stranger to period dramas, having been featured in the final season of HBO’s Deadwood, a re-working of the traditional Western. His othertelevision series credits include starring as Jack of all Trades in Profiler and recurring roles in Roswell and Kate Brasher. He has guest starred in series such as Six Feet Under, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Crossing Jordan, among others. Mini-series and other long form credits include Stephen King’s It,Golden Dreams: The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, Natural Enemies, Curaçao and Willing to Kill: The Texas Cheerleader Story. Christopher starred opposite Elizabeth Taylor in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of The Little Foxes. His other performances on the New York stage include originating the starring role in Retribution, and in Brothers with Carroll O’Connor. His stage accolades include both the L.A. Drama Critics Award for Lead Performance, Drama-Logue Award for Best Actor and L.A. Weekly Award for his portrayal of WWII code breaker Alan Turing in the West Coast premiere of Breaking the Code. He received two other Drama-Logue Awards for his performances in Balm in Gilead and American Buffalo. He has also starred in the Pasadena Playhouse’s production of Side Man and, more recently, the Unknown Theatre’s production of Grand Motel. Additional Off-Broadway and regional credits include Elegies: For Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, The Slab Boys, A Pound on Demand, Summer and Smoke, Butterflies Are Free, and he originated the title role in Yentl: the Yeshiva Boy. “Dennis Christopher is not only a gem in the world of Hollywood but he is also as humble as they come, it was an honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to have him on the UCW Radio Show just prior to the theatrical release of the Golden Globe nominated film “Django Unchained” director by another Hollywood great in Quentin Tarantino, I do look forward to having him on again as his career seems to get brighter every year,” stated Louis Velazquez, host of the UCW Radio Show. Websites: www.twitter.com/dennischristo04

UFC Legend Frank Shamrock

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2015-05-15_frankshamrock_ucwradio.mp3 Frank Shamrock was born Frank Alicio Juarez III on December 8, 1972, at the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California. A sensitive child, raised in a difficult family, Frank’s early life was filled with violence, poverty and trouble. Rejecting his family, Frank became a ward of the State of California at 12 and a prison inmate at 18. But by the age of 22, Frank was a world story. His incredible journey, soon to be published in book form, has been an inspiration to fans around the world. As a fighter, Frank “The Legend” Shamrock was a mixed martial arts and extreme fighting pioneer. He was the world’s first UFC Middleweight Champion, and left the UFC as the four-time, undefeated champion. He secured four world titles, and set two world records for the fastest championship victories in history – defeating one contender in 14 seconds and another in 20. He is widely considered the first complete fighter/athlete and promotes martial arts as saving his life. “The Legend’s” legendary fights helped make MMA a growing and respected sport, and he is credited with advancing the sport to broadcast television. In 2006 Frank won the first-ever sanctioned MMA fight in California, knocking out family rival Cesar Gracie. He went on to highly-rated bouts with MMA superstars Phil Baroni, Renzo Gracie and Cung Le. In 2009, Frank’s MMA expertise went multimedia, with the publication of the book “Mixed Martial Arts For Dummies” and repeated TV commentating appearances on CBS’s “Saturday Night Fights” and fights on Showtime. Today, Frank and his wife Amy live in San Jose, California with their daughter Nicolette, born in April 2008. Frank also has a 22 year old son Frankie, from his first marriage, who currently lives in Arkansas and is studying acting, modeling and stage technique. Now retired from professional competition, the Legend likes to hike outdoors with his family, is an avid reader of any and all books, loves to dance with his daughter and watch movies. Websites: www.frankshamrock.com

Natural Mr. Universe Doug Burns

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have Mr. Universe Doug Burns on the Show. Doug Burns is a modern Sampson. The 2006 Natural Mr. Universe, he’s two hundred pounds of sheer muscle and the picture of good health. Of the skinny little boy with type 1 who used to work out in the woods alone, all that remains are a wry sense of humor and an attractively self-deprecating manner. They’re unexpected in a man who’s triumphed in the uber-masculine world of bodybuilding, but there’s a lot that’s unexpected about Doug Burns. At the age of twelve, in 1977, Doug came across a picture of the Biblical Sampson holding a lion in a headlock. He’d never seen anything like Sampson’s hugely muscular body, and for the skinny, lonely boy, the sight was a revelation. That night he prayed zealously for a half hour to be changed into a Sampson. When he woke the next morning as skinny as ever, he gave up on miraculous intervention and decided to take matters into his own hands. Doug’s physician tried to forbid him to lift weights, but he was so hell-bent on becoming Samsonesque that he ignored the doctor. Unfazed by the absence of gyms in backwoods Mississippi, he made late night forays to the junkyard and jerry-rigged his own gym with old pulleys and bags of concrete. Using an outdated issue of Ironman magazine as his guide, he trained in his makeshift gym in the woods come hell or high water, in the company of raccoons and bobcats, and once right through a tornado. About the same time that he started working out, Doug got hold of a home glucose meter. His control improved immediately, and once that happened, his world opened up. No longer a bag of bones, he joined the football team, became the most valuable running back, and found a group of buddies to work out with. He and his friends would go to Wolf River, dive from the trestle, and train out in the sun with weighted dumbbells. Where the river rapids flowed through a canyon, they swam upriver like salmon. At age fifteen, after only two years with the weights, Doug began power-lifting competitively. He placed dead last in his first competition, but by the time he graduated from high school, he had set American records in drug-free power lifting in the adult open class. Following his success as a powerlifter, he began entering bodybuilding competitions. In November 2006, the boy formerly known as “the bag of bones” became Mr. Universe. When he’s getting ready for a contest, Doug moves his testing frequency way, way up. Because his body fat is coming down so drastically, he starts using cardiovascular work to chase his glucose. He begins pulling off of bolus injections; instead, he moderates what he’s eating in conjunction with whatever training he’s doing. So he takes glucose when he knows he’s going to need it, and then does aerobic work right afterward to “just burn the heck out of it.” As his body fat keeps dropping, the whole mechanism keeps improving and improving. When he was first competing, Doug didn’t know any other athletes who had diabetes. He was aware of one other diabetic bodybuilder way back, but that fellow got into the anabolic scene. Doug’s never used drugs, but he trained at Gold’s Gym in Venice for seven or eight years, and the drug use there, he reports, was rampant. The organization within which he competes, the International Natural Bodybuilding Association, is completely clean and tests for everything under the sun. The two other bodybuilding organizations, however, are sullied by steroids. It’s unfortunate, he says, because steroid use has distorted a previously healthy quest to attain a classic figure, twisting it into a battle of cartoon characters. Doug’s never run into any prejudice against diabetes in the gym, though he is very open about testing and his pump. People sometimes give him the eye, thinking that insulin might be advantageous in competition, but insulin is of no use to him in that respect because if his insulin ever goes high, he can’t shed body fat and get lean enough to compete. For competitions, he brings his insulin dosage down to probably less than that of a non-diabetic person. Doug emphasizes that for him, it’s not about diet and exercise: It’s about exercise and diet. Exercise is primary. He says that diets are misleading, in that they promise that you can simply eat your way to health. He does have a particular diet that he follows, leaning a little more on protein. He “eats very, very clean” throughout the week and gives himself one day to enjoy whatever he feels like having. He loves Cajun food with a passion, and his favorite beer, Chili Creek, is spiced up by a big hot pepper inside the bottle. Doug doesn’t take any meds except children’s aspirin, but he takes a lot of supplements, including isolated whey plus whey concentrate, multi-vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, L-glutamine and carnatine. He notes a distinct beneficial effect when he takes supplements, which he uses to advantage when preparing for competition: He works without supplements until he is in the best possible shape, and then adds the supplements to take it up a notch. He notes that his way is the antithesis of the public’s inclination to take the magic potion right from the get-go. He has always done the work first and then used the supplements as an adjunct to the hard work. That stubbornness may be why Winston Churchill, the relentless bulldog of a man who refused to quit no matter what, is one of Doug’s favorite people. He was also inspired by Sampson, of course, by Dr. Billy Graham, and by Bo Jackson, whom he reveres as one of the greatest athletes of all time. His biggest inspirations are his three kids, ages twelve, ten, and eight. He’s no longer too concerned that his children

Film/TV Producer/Music Legend Brett Hudson

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have Hollywood mainstay and a true warrior as he battled/won his fight against cancer, the great Brett Hudson on the show. Brett Hudson is Kate Hudson’s uncle! That’s what his friends say nowadays, but back in the Seventies, Brett was a star in his own right. With Bill and Mark, he was one of The Hudson Brothers, network television comedy stars and Top 40 recording artists signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records and produced by Bernie Taupin. Their CBS prime-time series, The Hudson Brothers Show, the summer replacement for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour put them on the map and began a friendship with Cher that flourishes to this day. The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show twisted the minds of a generation and led their drinking buddy John Lennon to dub them “The Kings of Saturday morning.” Brett and his brothers later wrote, produced and starred in the hit international TV series, Bonkers, Showtime’s first comedy film shorts, and the 1983 film comedy, Hysterical. Then he lost his hair and moved on to a prosperous writing and producing career that included the Showtime series, A Family Tree; Fox Television’s Bizarre Moments, Hidden Videos, and Your American Pop Quiz; and a number of comedy specials including The Cindy Williams Comedy Special on the Family Channel. He returned to performing with brother Mark in King World’s off-the-wall comedy series, Offshore Television, which he also wrote and produced. Brett also wrote sitcoms and film scripts and recently produced the popular DVD, Christian Comedy Live! (When asked by an Nashville newspaper reporter to cite an example of good Christian comedy, Brett replied, “Jerry Seinfeld.” Think about it.) Today, an unexpected Hudson Brothers renaissance is underway with the release this month of their Razzle Dazzle shows on DVD. “Brett’s warrior spirit is truly one of inspiration and courage, from his times with Farrah Fawcett to his path to fighting for his life and then paying it forward today, I was honored to have him on the UCW Radio Show,” said Louis Velazquez host of the UCW Radio Show. Websites: www.frozenpictures.com

TV/Film Producer and True Inspiration David Lyons

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have TV/Film Producer David Lyons on the Show. David Lyons is one of the most inspirational stories that we had the honor of telling on the UCW Radio Show, his outlook on life is amazing, despite him having a daily battle with MS he still forges forward with his desire to live and accomplish great thing sin life. Although he has inspired many his main goal is to show his three children the path to true fulfillment in their lives and to continue reaching for the moon despite adversity. The David Lyons story is one that we urge our listeners to not only listen to but to learn from it. Lyons , despite having a disease that could literally diasble a person, he made a choice to compete as a bodybuilder without the use of MS drugs. Its an amazing journey that only David Lyons can tell. More About David Lyons: Since 2002 LYONS Entertainment has been creating, developing and producing original programming for television and film. LYONS Entertainment President and Executive Producer, David Lyons has won over 25 international awards and has partnered with some of entertainment’s top executives and producers. In addition to creating and producing its own original properties, LYONS Entertainment collaborates with other talented creators and producers to bring their television show or film concept to market. LYONS Entertainment credits include syndicated television series Hog Heaven, currently in its fourth season, airing on Untamed Sports TV (www.untamedsportstv.com); Street Games and Rack which have been green lit by FOX Sports Network; and Creepers which has won 30 international awards and was screened at the Cannes Short Film Festival in Cannes, France. Creepers is currently under contract for worldwide distribution through Engine 15 Media Group. “David Lyons is a true inspiration, his story is amazing, his journey is worthy of accolades, if this doesn’t teach us that we can achieve anything in life despite the adversities in front of us then nothing will, I was honored to be able to conduct his interview,” said Louis Velazquez, Host of the UCW Radio Show. Websites: www.theultimatebodytvshow.com www.lyonsentertainment.net www.supercreepers.com www.themsbodybuildingchallenge.com

Hollywood, Movies, Music, AI and Private Credit Markets

On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we put the spotlight on Netflix, AI and the impact that it will have on Hollywood, Movies and Music. We also go over the Private Credit markets and where they are headed. https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-12_MNS_03122026.mp3 The post Hollywood, Movies, Music, AI and Private Credit Markets first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Geopolitics, Derivatives, Energy Markets and Tokenized Commodities

In this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we put a spotlight on Geopolitics, Derivatives and the Energy Markets how Russia, China and Europe fit into this picture. We also go over Tokenized Commodities and how high fidelity data is key to prevent fraud and attract institutional adoption https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-11_MNS_03112026_full.mp3 The post Geopolitics, Derivatives, Energy Markets and Tokenized Commodities first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Blockchain, Tokenizaion, Nasdaq, CME, NYSE, SEC, CFTC

On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez, we put a focus on Blockchain and Tokenization, and how the Nasdaq, CME, NYSE are exploring tokenization stocks and commodity derivatives while the SEC and CFTC are looking for high fidelity data framework https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-11_MNS_03112026.mp3 The post Blockchain, Tokenizaion, Nasdaq, CME, NYSE, SEC, CFTC first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Nasdaq, NYSE American, Blockchain, Reverse Stock Splits, Pecu Novus

On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez the focus is put on the Nasdaq and NYSE American cracking down on repeat offenders who use reverse stock splits to stay listed meanwhile hurting shareholder value along the way. Also we talk about Blockchain interoperability and the Pecu Novus blockchain and latest ERC-20 […] https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-10_MNS_03102026.mp3 The post Nasdaq, NYSE American, Blockchain, Reverse Stock Splits, Pecu Novus first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Volatility in Oil Markets, Iran, Russia, USA, UK and Europe

On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we focus on the volatility in oil markets and the overall impact and how Iran, Russia, USA, UK and Europe fit into this equation https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-09_MNS_03092026.mp3 The post Volatility in Oil Markets, Iran, Russia, USA, UK and Europe first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Traditional Markets and Tokenization, NYSE, Nasdaq, CME

On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we put a focus on Traditional Markets Tokenization and how the NYSE, Nasdaq and CME will shift how markets operate. How centralized and decentralized exchanges will benefit from the infrastructure that is built and ready for the growth. https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-06_MNS_03062026.mp3 The post Traditional Markets and Tokenization, NYSE, Nasdaq, CME first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Private Credit Markets, Pecu Novus Blockchain, Wall Street

Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez is focusing on the Private Credit Markets on this episode and how the financial infrastructure layer on the Pecu Novus Blockchain could be a value to institutional players in the space https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-05_MNS_03052026.mp3 The post Private Credit Markets, Pecu Novus Blockchain, Wall Street first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Nanocap and Microcap Companies +Digital Asset Treasuries

On this espisode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez, we are focused on the Nanocap and Microcap market where companies are adopting Digital Asset Treasury strategies and are either being proactive or reactive, and how that is damaging shareholder value especially when Toxic Debt is involved https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-04_MNS_03042026.mp3 The post Nanocap and Microcap Companies +Digital Asset Treasuries first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Private Credit Markets Missing Transparency

Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez focuses on the topic of Private Credit Markets Missing Transparency and how blockchain technology can help solve this issue https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-03-01_MNS_03012026.mp3 The post Private Credit Markets Missing Transparency first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Nasdaq Delistings, Nanocap and Microcap Companies, Digital Asset Treasuries

On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez, we focus on Nasdaq Delistings, the new rules, Nanocap and Microcap Companies facing difficult times, Digital Asset Treasuries & Digital Credit Note tokens and their role in increasing shareholder value https://www.moneyneversleepsradio.com/podcast/media/2026-02-27_MNS_02272026.mp3 The post Nasdaq Delistings, Nanocap and Microcap Companies, Digital Asset Treasuries first appeared on The UCW Newswire : Financial, Business and Tech News.

Scams and Fraud, Mining, Gold, Diamonds, Crypto and more

Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez, the topic is Scams and Fraud, Mining, Gold, Diamonds, Crypto and more. We jumped into the various scams out there that investors should be aware of to protect themselves.

Tokenization The Future of Financial Markets

Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez, Topic is Tokenization The Future of Financial Markets

Nasdaq Delisiting Microcaps, Digital Asset Treasuries

Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez, Nasdaq Delisiting Microcaps, Digital Asset Treasuries

Artificial Intelligence vs Wall Street, Let The Games Begin
On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we are tackling an interesting topic and that is Artificial Intelligence vs Wall Street, what the impact not could but will be across every firm big and small
Four Fears in Trading, Sports, Crypto and Life, HootDex, Metamask
On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we are touching on Four Fears in Trading, Sports, Crypto and in Life in general. We jump into HootDex and how the Pecu Wallet + Metamask connection could become a very big benefit.
Nasdaq MVLS Rule, SPACS, OTC Companies on Money Never Sleeps Radio
On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we put a focus on the Nasdaq MVLS Rule and how it will impact SPACS on both Nasdaq & OTC Markets, the impact on OTC listed companies and how their uplisting horizon has drifted away
Private Credit Markets, Derivatives, Tokenization, RWA
On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we are laser focused on the Private Credit Markets and how you do not want to sleep on that market, Derivatives and what the CME is doing, Tokenization from the NYSE, DTCC to the Nasdaq and beyond and Real Estate tokenization
Private Credit and the Economy
On this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez we put a focus on Private Credit and the Economy, a simplified way of how it all works, kinda.
Tokenization, NYSE, Nasdaq, LSE, HootDex, DTCC, Binance, Coinbase
In this episode of Money Never Sleeps Radio with Louis Velazquez , we are focused on tokenization and how blockchain technology will change how the NYSE, Nasdaq, LSE and all major or minor exchanges operate, we also touch on HootDex and how decentralized and centralized crypto exchanges differ. www.moneyneversleepsradio.com

Twin Cities Lyme Foundation Founder Lisa Najarian

Singer, Actress and Fitness Trainer Dawn Derow

On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we are talking with Dawn Derow, a very talented singer who focuses on cabaret style music but is diverse and can cross over into rock, jazz and opera. She is also a fitness trainer, actress and writer. Learn more about her on the show. www.ucwradio.com More About Dawn Derow A New Yorker by way of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Dawn grew up in Eastham, MA and began pursuing her performing career in her childhood. She graduated from the Boston Conservatory with a Bachelor’s in Music: Vocal Performance & Opera Emphasis, achieving the second highest vocal score in her class. After graduation, Dawn performed in operas and musicals around the world, as well as a guest entertainer aboard international cruise ships, displaying an uncanny ability to transition from singing a Puccini aria to a jazzy torch song. Cabaret Awards & Performances In 2008, Dawn, having lived in New York City for several years, began to pursue a Cabaret career. Over the past 12 years, she has performed in prestigious venues, including the Weill Center at Carnegie Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, The Laurie Beechman Theater, Don’t Tell Mama, The Friars Club, the Bitter End, The Cutting Room, Carroll Place, and most recently The Green Room 42. Dawn used her songwriting and guitar abilities throughout her Cabaret performances, leading to high praise for her shows. Dawn soon after began reeling in the awards. Her CD Music 4 TWO with award-winning guitarist Sean Harkness earned her a 2014 nomination for “Best CD” from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC). In 2015, Dawn won her first MAC award for her work in the duo show REVOLUTION with Kathleen France. In 2016, Dawn employed her formidable opera singing skills in her solo show LEGIT: A Classical Cabaret. She received a Bistro Award for “Outstanding Vocalist” for her performance. Two years later, Dawn won the 2018 MAC Award for “Best Female Vocalist” for her critically acclaimed show, My Ship: Songs from 1941. Her director, Jeff Harner, also won “Best Director” from the Bistro and MAC awards. Dawn will be releasing an album of her songs from MY SHIP: Songs from 1941 in the summer of 2021. Dawn’s most recent show, The House That Built Me, played to packed audiences at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Based on her love for her father’s vast record collection that Dawn grew up listening to, she weaves a story of how these songs inspired and helped her blossom into the multi-faceted performer she is today. The setlist includes classic pop hits and Broadway show tunes from legendary performers such as Judy Collins, Jacques Brel, Crosby Still Nash & Young, Rosemary Clooney, as well as contemporary artists P!nk and Miranda Lambert. The House That Built Me received rave reviews from the press, which you can read below. In the Fall of 2019, Dawn sang in the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall at Lincoln Center. You can view Dawn’s performance of “White Cliffs of Dover” on her YouTube Channel. Dawn’s next solo cabaret production, Gypsy In My Soul: The Songs of Eydie Gorme, was delayed due to COVID-19. Stay tuned for updated performance dates coming soon. Dawn will be releasing her album of songs from My Ship: Songs from 1941 in the summer of 2021. Health and Fitness When Dawn isn’t performing, her main focus has been on her work in the area of health, fitness, and body healing. In 2013, Dawn launched her company Divine Body Balance. Her company helps clients using her expertise as a NASM-certified personal trainer, AFFA group fitness instructor, Yoga Alliance instructor, Thai Massage practitioner, mobility health coach, and as Rock Tape: Cupping, Kinesiology taping practitioner. Whether it’s through song or body work, Dawn’s mission is to connect with and heal the human mind, body, and soul. https://www.dawnderow.com/

HGTV, DIY Star Jason Cameron

The Martial Arts Woman Andrea Harkins

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-11-11-UCWRadio_AndreaHarkins_111020.mp3 Andrea F. Harkins, a/k/a THE MARTIAL ARTS WOMAN, is an internationally recognized writer, motivator, and martial artist. She was a long-time columnist for Martial Arts Illustrated UK where she shared stories of successful martial art women. She currently writes for The Martial Arts Guardian (UK), MASUCCESS, The Parrish Village News, and her blog, The Martial Arts woman. Previously she wrote for Martial Arts Business (Australia),Conflict Manager, The World Martial Arts Magazine, and Think Positive Magazine. MAGAZINE FEATURES: She has been featured twice in The World Martial Arts Magazine, twice in Martial Art Illustrated UK, and twice in MASUCCESS magazine. BOOKS: Andrea’s first book, The Martial Arts Woman shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts and how they apply martial arts to their lives. In this book, the reader catches a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Her second book, Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone, are daily anecdotes and reflections for living a better life. HALL OF FAME: In July, 2017, Andrea was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame for Leading Motivational Speaker/Author/ Martial Arts Business Expert. She was inducted into the Canadian Martial Art Hall of Fame in 2016. She is also listed in AMAA’s Who’s Who in Martial Arts 1st Edition. INTERVIEWS: Andrea has been interviewed on numerous martial art and positivity podcast shows including Martial Thoughts, Martial Art Nation, Warriorcast, the Dynamic Dojo Radio Show, Martial Arts Media, Readily Random, Life is a Marathon, the Master Jack show, and more, where she has shared her insightful messages of positivity, hope, and inspiration. Her mission is to help others live positive, happy, and powerful lives. IGNITE YOUR POWER! Join Andrea in her journey to discover how to win life’s everyday challenges. It does not matter if you are a martial artist. Every person is capable of igniting their personal power, wisdom, and grace, with compassion and spirit, just like a seasoned martial artist. Find the balance that is missing in your life, and learn Andrea’s secrets and martial arts wisdom that she graciously shares, in order to help you live a better life each and every day. https://www.themartialartswoman.com

Acclaimed Artist Danielle Weber

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-12-09-UCWRadio_DanielleWeber_120920.mp3 On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we had the pleasure of having Danielle Weber on the show, she is an extremely talented artist that works include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tupac, Queen and so much more. To add to her awesome talent she’s heavy into fitness as a lifestyle, keeping herself fit in mind, body and soul. Please learn more about her at www.daniellesartwork.com and listen to the show on https://www.ucwradio.com Danielle Weber is an Australian artist based in Melbourne. Danielle’s passion and love for her craft is evident through her diverse range of styles and quality. https://daniellesartwork.com About Danielle Weber: Danielle Weber is an Australian artist, whose passion and love for her craft is evident through her diverse range of styles and quality of work. Danielle’s career in art stems from growing up in an artistic and creative family, with an abundance of encouragement and support leading to her art dream being released in 2011 Since Danielle received a comment from Dwayne Johnson on a portrait of him she had painted, her dream of becoming a world acclaimed artist has become a reality. Meeting Dwayne in 2015 reassured her that her place in the art world was firmly established. With a strong and rapidly growing social media presence, Danielle’s work has extended to Hollywood actors, Olympians, Sports stars and Leading Business personalities. She has been commissioned by clients as far as the Middle East and creates works which span from realism to abstract pieces. Articles about her work have featured on ABC news, News.com.au, Broadsheet and the Geelong Advertiser. Danielle’s work has been recognised by the likes of Tim Cahill, Chris Brown, Ice Cube, Conor McGregor and Gal Gadot. Danielle’s reach continues to grow worldwide. A beautiful example of the impact and influence her work has can be seen with her recent road trip through Spain. While traveling she stumbled upon the small town of Torreblanca, where she discovered and took photos of the murals around town. Word got out on social media that she was there, sparking the organisers of the Torreblanca urban art festival, CITRIC, to reach out and ask her to be to be a part of the festival, and of course, she said yes! In 2018, Australia’s leading sports media business Crocmedia commissioned Danielle to paint her biggest mural to date in only 7 days! The piece celebrated the companies association with sport and was painted on the side of their Marquee located in the Birdcage at the 2018 Racing Spring Carnival which was seen by hundreds of thousands of people. Her extensive range of murals grace the walls of restaurants, cafes, shop fronts, gyms, dance studios and external walls of a variety of building developments. Mural work has extended to marketing pieces like the ones heralding the release of Paramore’s recent album and Galantis. She has worked with reputable brands such as Converse, Uncle Jack Watches, and Taubmans Australia on a variety of projects. She is aligned with charities and proudly represented Starlight Foundation, Red Kite, Beyond Blue, Cancer Council and many more. Danielle’s creative ventures extend to public speaking with a focus on motivational speaking to young people, whether as part of mentoring programs or school visits. Recent participation as part of a panel of successful young women for a My Go to Gal event demonstrated her commitment to empowering young women with advice on how to become successful in male dominated fields as her own. With a Double Degree in a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Arts, Danielle prides herself on her strict work ethic and discipline, to ensure she maintains her ability to create consistently. Danielle’s bold approach to challenges underpins her success and drive and her extensive experience on the world stage. Having traveled to over 40 countries across the world her extensive cultural understandings and breadth of vision bring depth and spirit to her work.

Super Bowl Champion and Acclaimed Author Ryan Harris

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2021-02-13-UCWRadio_RyanHarris_02082021.mp3 Super Bowl Champion, author and financial literacy advocate, Ryan Harris, joins host Louis Velazquez on the UCW Radio Show to talk about everything from sports to finance and his new books. Ryan Harris is a former American football offensive tackle of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft and also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers. About Ryan Harris Super Bowl 50 Champion Ryan Harris is a 10 year veteran of the NFL. Ryan was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2007 as an offensive tackle. Ryan left Denver for a few years and continued his career with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. He then came back to Denver and played left tackle in the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 Championship year. Most recently Ryan was with the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring at the end of the 2016 season. Ryan played college football at the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with two degrees, one in Economics and Policy and the other in Political Science. Ryan is a practicing Muslim, from Minnesota, and currently resides with his family in Denver, CO. Off the field, Ryan believes that together we can change the world. He believes that “It is your right to be extraordinary.” That when we embrace that right, we create positive change in the world. And through our commitment to educate ourselves, invest in our communities and act on our passions, real change happens www.ryanharris68.com

Powerlifting Icon and Motivational Speaker C.T. Fletcher

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2021-03-04-UCWRadio_CTFletcher_03032021.mp3 On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we has the pleasure of having not only a bench press world champion but also a true inspiration and prime example of inner strength , C.T. Fletcher , the Iron Addict himself joined us BUT this is a special show as we had his wife and family anchor Ms. Bea and his son who just became a world champion himself Samson Fletcher. https://training.ctfletcher.com , https://www.ucwradio.com Learn more about the incredible C.T. Fletcher: https://www.ctfletcher.com “In the years that followed I was actually able to lift some decent weight. Realizing I was given a second chance, I adapted a healthy lifestyle. I resigned myself to the fact that my powerlifting days were done. The records of my accomplishments were in the books and I returned to my first weightlifting endeavor and re-immersed myself into bodybuilding. I was blessed to compete in bodybuilding again and was blessed even more with a title here and there. The bottom line is I did not give up on my gift of life. I decided to live and pursue happiness and fulfillment of my aspirations. Along the way I have been able to convey this same passion to others. I find joy in my experience with others, as they discover what they already possess! Today’s social media is an amazing fuckin thing!!! Through the miracle of it, I have been able to tell my story. Its incredible how we are all so fuckin connected! This is true in more ways than one. I continue to tell my story and shed insight with others who actually are interested in my opinion or advice. I am happy to help. In return I receive thousands of kind messages and letters from people all over the world about how I have made a positive difference in their lives! IMAGINE THAT???? HUMILITY does not even begin to scratch the surface. Me? An old guy infatuated with weights, as it was and continues to be my instrument to transform and in some cases reinvent myself! Ultimately, I say follow your dreams, reach those “unattainable” goals, but also use your instincts and do not sacrifice your health!!! Your body is a gift from God, your temple! In most cases we as human beings have full control of how we choose to sculpt our bodies. Do not take it for granted, we only get one! If you want to accomplish a physical task or condition, it is up to YOU (and the Good Lord willing). You will no doubt encounter obstacles, but bear in mind, “It’s Still Yo Mutha Fuckin Set!” It’s now 2016…and a lot has changed since last year!!! I have decided to try my hand at processing your orders of Iron Addicts merchandise. I feel that more involvement by me and my family will make for a more gratifying experience. Gym wise: Iron Addicts Gym in Signal Hill, CA has opened its doors. This is my first gym!!! There is also an Iron Addicts Gym in Las Vegas NV and as of April 23rd an Iron Addicts Gym in Miami, FL. Even more exciting gym news, there are plans this year for an Iron Addicts / Nitro Gym in AUSTRALIA!!! It is my goal that no matter where the fuck in the world that you are, you’ll be right at home at an Iron Addicts Gym near YOU!”

Martial Arts Leader and Action Film Director Bobby Samuels

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-10-31-UCWRadio_BobbySamuels_10302020.mp3 On the episode of the UCW Radio Show with Louis Velazquez we have action film director Bobby Samuels on the show, we touched on film making today, diversity in film, the digital disruption and the growth of independent film making. Bobby is one of the leaders in the action film industry that is rising higher each year, he has opened up doors for many and continues to do so today. He is on the path to releases a number of new projects in 2021/22 and we can not be prouder of him on the UCW Radio Show. Just one of the really good guys in the world of entertainment who gives back to so many. About Bobby Samuels American martial artist Robert Samuels was a fan of martial arts and Hong Kong cinema, following in the footsteps of Jim Kelly & Ron Van Clief. Samuels got his first role on the movie The Gambling Ghost where he played a minor bad guy, but his knowledge of martial arts and enthusiasm made an impression on Sammo Hung who would later give him his biggest role in Don’t Give A Damn, before introducing him to Yuen Wo-ping who hired him to play one of the terrorists trying to take over the cruise liner in The Red Wolf. Samuels would then appear as an extra in Teddy Robin’s Hong Kong Graffiti, before leaving Hong Kong to break into the American industry. All shows are done on the premiere video collaboration network VEROHive https://www.verohive.com , its FREE to join and be part of the evolution!

World’s Fitness One Arm Man Logan Aldridge

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-10-29-UCWRadio_LoganAldridge.mp3 On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we are talking with a truly inspirational person in the world fittest one arm man Logan Aldridge, we touch on his accident, his motivation, his company Adaptive Training (ATA) and so much more. Take a listen and be inspired! Logan’s story in his own words: June 26, 2004 should have gone down as one of the worst days in history, at least for Logan Aldridge. On that summer evening, Logan was wakeboarding with his family near their vacation home on Lake Gaston in Virginia. In a terrible instant, the rope around his arm became entangled in the boat’s propeller and cut through all his muscles right to the bone. Six hours, one ambulance, one helicopter, and two hospitals later, it was clear that there was no other choice – Logan’s left arm had to be amputated. A conversation between Logan and his mother, Lisa, set the attitude for his extraordinary recovery. He said, “Mom, what if I lose my arm?” She replied, “It’s OK. It’s only an arm.” The next day, seeing the reflection of his amputated arm in a window, Logan cried. That was the first and last time Logan grieved his loss. Somehow he knew that bigger and better things were waiting for him. Logan’s friends and family showered him with love and encouragement. He was left-handed, and had to learn how to write all over again. He also had to relearn simple things like tying shoes and buttoning pants – this time with just one hand. But he quickly moved on from the basics to the sports he loves. One year later, as soon as Logan was able, he hit the water with a passion to do his very best. Logan has not only overcome the challenge of losing a limb, but he is achieving at the highest levels. He was the youngest competitor and placed 2nd in wakeboarding at the 2006 O&P Extremity Games for amputees. He also plays on the varsity lacrosse team at his school, snowboards, and shoots under 100 on the golf course! The day that should have ruined one life is, instead, transforming the lives of thousands. It began a journey of hope for Logan and for the countless people he has touched with his inspiring story.

Mike “The Miz” Mizanin 2004 Interview

This is an interview conducted by Louis Velazquez with Mike “The Miz” Mizanin in 2004 Real Name: Michael Gregory Mizanin Ring Name: The Miz Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 215 Home: Parma, OH Years in Wrestling: 1 yr. 8 months Current Affiliations: UPW Past Affiliations: NA Ultimate Goals: contract with WWE Website Links: www.themizareyouready.com Favorite Color: black and blue Favorite music group: Right now, Trapt Favorite Movie: Swingers, Old School, Forrest Gump, Dumb and Dumber Be good. Be bad. Be MIZ. That’s the saying… Why you ask? I created a character called The Miz because of a feeling I get. Everyone has a Miz in them. People fear bringing their MIZ out because of what everyone’s reaction may be. They care too much about what people think instead of being themselves. That fear, that feeling of being scared is what gives MIZ it’s amo! Whether it’s the fear of approaching someone you desire in a bar for the first time, bungee jumping, sky diving, or just plain old fear of anything, it’s allowing yourself to be scared! But when you are being Miz, you step up to that fear and turn that knot in your stomach into energy which then turns to adrenaline which builds up and builds up until you explode. And that my friends is when you are being “MIZ.” The Miz is bringing out that raw, primal side. The side that has no judgements that is just you. It doesn’t care what people think or how they’ll react. The Miz steps up to that fear and shoves it right up someone’s ass. Some people say “Be yourself.” I say Be good. Be bad. BE MIZ. Miz This month on the cover of UCW’s Pro Wrestling Online magazine is probably one of the next WWE stars to enter the ring, Michael Mizanin, better known as “THE MIZ”, he is one of the star attractions of the Ultimate Pro Wrestling Promotion run by the legendary Rick Bassman and has gone from the Wrestling World to the Real World and his future is looking brighter and brighter. Louis Velazquez: Miz, thanks for taking time out of your obviously busy schedule to participate in this Q&A session with us. MIZ: Not a problem, anything to support what you’re doing. Louis Velazquez: Thank you Miz that’s always good to hear, so let me ask you something, what got you interested in Pro Wrestling? MIZ: Ever since I was a little kid I’ve loved to watch wrestling but never thought I was big enough to do it. I tried out for a show called The Real World. Trying out and making it onto this show was a dream for me as corny as it may sound. I remember in 7th grade sitting there watching The Real World San Francisco and saying to myself that some day I ‘m going to be on this show. 8 years later I followed that dream to become part of the cast of The Real World 10. While taping I felt that nobody really liked me and wouldn’t accept me for who I was. So I created The Miz, my alter ego, and started telling people off. The cast started liking The Miz better than they liked Mike so did the fans. That ended and I went back to Parma not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I had to get out of Parma. I started paging through my high school year book and that brought back memories of my friends coming over to my house every Sunday to watch wrestling. Remember back in those days there were usually a paper view every Sunday between WWE, WCW, and ECW. I realized that day that I wanted to become a professional wrestler. I moved to Los Angeles and started attending UPW’s Ultimate University ever since then I’ve been addicted. The Real World made me realize I can achieve my dreams if I try hard enough so that’s what I’m doing. Louis Velazquez: Miz, I have to say that you are one intense person and you have a lot of drive, that is what makes you different from most, this is just what I see, those are the qualities needed for success. So when you finally got to step into the Ring how did you feel? MIZ: I was nervous as hell. I didn’t know what to think. I saw all these guys taking bumps and I had no idea what to do. I never wrestled in high school so even chain wrestling was new to me. Louis Velazquez: I can understand that totally, Well one major benefit of being guided by Rick Bassman is that you are taught the the ropes beyond taking bumps, who actually came up with your gimmick? MIZ: I came up with The Miz on the Real World. Everybody would pick on me in the house nitpicking mostly and I never liked to hurt people’s feelings. Until one day I went off and had no idea what I said because I was in the zone but from then on I gained respect from everyone in the house. Louis Velazquez: That was the first gimmick that you had if I’m not mistaken right? MIZ: Yes, That was the first gimmick. However, I do remember dressing up like different wrestlers when I was a kid. Louis Velazquez: You have been wrestling for about a year and a half, have you worked with other promotions beyond UPW? MIZ: Not really, I’ve mainly worked with UPW. Louis Velazquez: You’re obviously a bright guy and I’m sure that you do other things beyond wrestling, can you share that with us? MIZ: I go to colleges and speak to students about issues that face them in their everyday lives. I take my experiences off the Real World and try to take what I’ve learned and spill it to them. It’s a great job because it helps get me comfortable in front of big crowds. I

Beth Phoenix 2004 Interview

This is an interview conducted by Louis Velazquez with Beth Phoenix in 2004 Real Name: Beth Phoenix Ring Name: The Fabulous Firebird Phoenix Height: 5’8 Weight: 160 Home: Buffalo, NY Years in Wrestling: 3 Current Affiliations: NeoSpirit Pro (Canada) World Xtreme Wrestling (PA) Far North Wrestling (PA) Past Affiliates: Apocalypse Wrestling Federation (Canada) New England Championship Wrestling (Mass) Ultimate Goals: I hope to make it to WWE as well as become one of the best female wrestlers around. Favorite Color: blue Favorite music group: Metallica or Limp Bizkit Favorite Movie: X Men and X Men II Louis Velazquez: We are here today with one the bright and rising stars on the Indy scene, she went from Amateur to Pro, she hails from Buffalo, NY, she is the “Fabulous Firebird Phoenix” , Phoenix thank you for taking time out for us this month. Beth Phoenix: You are more than welcome, it’s my pleasure Louis Velazquez: Well we are glad to have you here, now Phoenix what got you interested in Pro Wrestling? Beth Phoenix: As the old story goes, I grew up watching wrestling with my grandma. I just got infatuated with it. It influenced my life a lot growing up and a lot of the decisions I made as a young adult. It’s been a very positive influence in my life and I’ve always felt a calling that I was meant to do this. I didn’t choose wrestling, wrestling chose me. Louis Velazquez: Thats profound, I know that you were an amateur grappler early on, but stepping in between the ropes is a different feeling in itself, how did it feel for you? Beth Phoenix: The first time I “stepped into the ring” as a trainee was a lot different from the mats I was used to as an amateur wrestler in high school and with USA Wrestling. I learned respect for the damage that you can do to yourself in pro wrestling right away. It was a humbling and empowering experience that I still feel every time I go out there. Louis Velazquez: I’m glad that you said that because most people think that just anyone can step into the ring, its not that easy, Phoenix who came up with your gimmick? Beth Phoenix: I came up with my own name. It wasn’t so much an influence of Marvel’s popular comic character from the X-Men as it was the symbolism of me leaving my “normal” life behind to start my own journey towards my dreams. The moniker, Fabulous Firebird is a tribute to my affinity for the world’s most affordable muscle car, the Pontiac Firebird. I don’t like to use the word “gimmick” to describe who I am in the ring because “gimmick” limits you to a one dimensional character. I feel that my character is uniquely versatile and allows me to be more than just an angry female…it allows me to fit and adapt to each situation, each match in a way that you might not expect. Louis Velazquez: Was that the first Moniker that you used or were there others? Beth Phoenix: I’ve been Phoenix since the beginning. Louis Velazquez: Consistency, that’s the only thing that allows you to gain a following. What promotions did you work for and who are you affiliated with currently? Beth Phoenix: I’m affiliated with many promotions, however, I have put a focus lately on WXW, run by Afa the Wild Samoan because I believe that they put out a great product. In addition, they have a tremendous ladies roster. I haven’t found another promotion yet with that many solid lady wrestlers. Louis Velazquez: Well Afa has been around for a long time so if anyone knows this business it’s him, so what else do you do beyond wrestling?, what are your hobbies? Beth Phoenix: I have to spend a lot of time in the gym not only for the physical benefits but for my mental health as well. Nothing can relieve stress better than lifting weights. My other hobbies include piano and painting. I grew up a very bored little kid and as a result spent a lot of time practicing piano and painting portraits. Louis Velazquez: I agree, hitting the weights and cardio is the best stress relief. Do you see yourself eventually making it to the corporate structure of the wrestling world, namely the WWE? Or are you content where you are now? Beth Phoenix: I don’t know many Indy wrestlers that would put their bodies through such incredible abuse without a hope of someday making a living out of it. I love wrestling at every level and I think that indy wrestling has a lot to offer in the form of a different product than WWE. However, my goals are straight forward. I started wrestling to reach my goal of earning a job with WWE. I won’t be satisfied until I achieve that goal for myself. Louis Velazquez: I don’t doubt you and I’m sure that you will reach your goals, you have too much drive not to. Most people that get involved with wrestling have other aspirations, do you see yourself going into acting in the future? Beth Phoenix: I think that wrestling incorporates acting into its product quite a bit now. In order to succeed in modern wrestling, you have to be able to act. Acting away from wrestling? I wouldn’t pursue it, but if I was offered something, I would certainly try it. In wrestling the more mainstream notoriety you gain, the better for your wrestling career. If it would help me get farther in wrestling, I’d definitely do it. Louis Velazquez: Well it definitely wouldn’t hurt, its good that you are keeping your doors open just in case. Let me ask your opinion on this topic, over the last decade pro wrestling has changed, the envelope is constantly being pushed which is forcing today’s workers to perform more extreme moves, what are your feelings on this? Beth Phoenix: I don’t think today’s workers are

USA Track & Field Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale

Sharrieffa Barksdale was born in Harriman, Tennessee The 6th of 7 children, Sharrieffa was always viewed by her family as a strong-willed young lady, who was full of determination and drive to become the best at whatever she chose. This determined attitude was exemplified when she competed for the Harriman High School girls’ track team and single-handedly won the Tennessee High School State track championship. She was also named a high school All-American and identified in .Who’s Who across America. Her determination to be a winner no matter what the odds has shaped her into the woman she is today. Sharrieffa’s commitment to her craft of running was strengthened during her 5:00 a.m. morning runs she made every morning throughout her years in high school. As an all around student athlete, playing basketball, running track and cheerleading, Sharrieffa showed herself to not only be competitive, but one of the best in every endeavor she undertook. She earned a track & field scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville majoring in early childhood education. The work ethic that she demonstrated in high school increased as she made her way through college. She was a standout track star running for the Lady Vols, where she became the first female to run the 400 meter hurdles in under 55 seconds, clinching the American record. She later broke the American record again in the 400 meters hurdles, just missing the world record by a mere eight-tenths of a second! In 1984 she earned a spot on the United States Olympic Team that was held in Los ,Angeles, California. Following the 1984 Olympic Games she was honored by the city of Harriman with the Keys to the City, a street named after her and the local high school track where she competed as a teen was renamed “Sharrieffa Barksdale Track”. Sharrieffa continued to represent the United States in international competitions .around the world for over 10 years Sharrieffa has proven to be a champion on and off the track. Upon her retirement from the sport she began a career in retail sales, where she become an award winning sales associate. While working in retail she also committed herself to working with other aspiring track & field athletes by assisting them in their journey towards Olympic Gold. Additionally, Sharrieffa has reached out to youth in the community through her volunteer efforts as the founder director and lead choreographer of the Kentucky Diamonds and K-D Boys and Top Notch Elite Dance Team. For these youth ages 5-16, she does more than teach various moves to music, she also helps them improve their self-esteem as she teaches youth that “they are somebody” and never let anything stand in their way”. Her program has been in existence for 13 years. Sharrieffa re-entered the world of track and field in 2000 and has not slowed down, not only competing in Masters in 2008 and was award Masters Athlete of the Year through USATF Kentucky Association, but as a Coach Assistant Manager and liaison on several USA National Teams. She has coached collegiate athletes at Florida A&M University, Kentucky State University as well as a personal trainer for various athletes throughout her community Ms. Barksdale has over the years shown that in every aspect of life, a winning attitude goes a long way. She has shared her life story and provides motivation to others to help them unlock their potential when she speaks to groups around the world. Her speech provides powerful motivation for each of us to learn to navigate the obstacles of life in an effort to “Let Nothing Stand in Your Way.” Ms Barksdale is also a motivational speaker and has spoken in many venues on various platform throughout the nation and abroad. She has spoken at prestigious universities, local elementary and high schools, National and International teams as well as local, state and federal government agencies ,Sharrieffa is the proud mother two wonderful children Gentel, who is the 2015 St Augustine University Queen and Javarus, who is one of the most highly recruited football players in the nation.