Us telling stories and having conversations from experiences we’ve had in life of things we learned, lessons we experienced and things we wish we knew prior to on top of other topics.
"I am the honest friend everyone needs, but nobody wants." Brooke Scarcella… wife, hair stylist, bodybuilder, and much more. Brooke and I discuss her pivoting from full time student athlete to full time business woman. What her journey has been like building her hair styling business from the ground up. A career that blossomed from passion and curiosity she had as a little girl. Then what led her into body building and her journey to becoming a Professional Bodybuilder. The uniquely similar principles of building a business and body building have in common. How if you're willing to take a risk and bet on yourself, our generation has more opportunities to offer that our parents generation did.
"We Learn By Navigating Our World Through Personal Experiences." Ashley Crawley is my cousin and one of my favorite humans. Our relationship is more of a Big Brother Little Sister type. We discussed what it was like growing up together, the family dynamic, and how we were raised differently than most. Coming from a family where nothing is given to you and everything is earned. Growing up in Buffalo, expanding her world view by leaving for college and ultimately coming back home. What led her into clinical counseling. What it has been like seeing her Father Battling ALS first hand and the life lessons she has pulled from that. Being independent, not taking shit from anyone, and much more!
"Uncomfortable situations force you to grow & work through things." A childhood friendship, that has evolved and grown over the years. Zach Bruening is a friend of 15 years. Him and I discussed what is was like growing up together, playing lacrosse together, and similar experiences we both have shared. Life changes over those 15 years growing from being an average student, realigning his priorities to becoming a collegiate athlete. Discussing how crazy public school is from our POV, from witnessing fist fights to not fully understanding what was required to get into college. The unknown side of playing college lacrosse at an elite level. How people from Buffalo are built different, crazy loyal, and much more!
"You deserve to believe in yourself as much as you believe in others." Dani Riley is a SoulCycle instructor & Mental Health Advocate. Dani & I discussed her journey thus far in life. The highs and lows of mental health, and the role your childhood plays in forming the adult you are today. What is was like growing up essentially on a military base and being a quote "Rink Brat" as her Dad is the Head Coach of West Point's Hockey Team. Her personal mental health struggles she has faced and how she reinvented herself from this. How she is currently affecting positive change inspiring others as a SoulCycle instructor and much more!
"Why not? I live in New York City. Nothing is impossible." Mauricio Rodriguez is a Holistic Health Coach & Personal Trainer. Born & raised in the Dominican Republic, we discussed his journey moving to The United States. Upon his arrival, not knowing how to speak english, America was a culture shock to him. How this move has shaped his entire life. What his college experience was like and early career. The benefit of doing hard things & how if you don't go through it, it doesn't have the same impact on you. Action over reading about it. How meditating completely changed his life. The power of visualization, manifestation, and much more!
“You Don't Fit In When You're Custom Made” - The Queen of Erie. Erie girls are built different according to her
A teacher once told her... "Don't think you did something wrong because you did it differently". As soon as she moved to NYC she said to herself "BITCH...I should have been here the whole time". Megan is a NYC Real Estate Agent & Social Media Consultant. We talked about her journey hopping from job to job, moving all over the country, and how this all led her to selling real estate in New York. The pros and cons of living in NYC, going viral on tik tok numerous times, and how detachment from things you deeply desire allows you to manifest those things. Building your foundation on what feels good and flows, and much more!
Bootleg Drake...As former roommates we have a long history. Colin and I discussed his journey from Mercyhurst to Denver, Colorado. Not telling anyone, packing up leaving his hometown to start a new life. What that has done to his perspective on life and how doing hard shit on the daily has changed him for the better. Getting choked out by Asian Lady and much more!
Commercial Real Estate Broker, Investor, & former Hobart Hockey Player. Alex and I talked about the common foundations that exist between sports and business. How being persistent picking up the phone cold calling and networking will take you places you couldn't imagine. What building a brand does for your reputation and much more!
"Everyone has an expiration date. Do what you want to do and do it when you want to do it." Head Baseball Coach at Depew High School. Just a guy that loves baseball, helps out the youth, and takes it day by day. 3x Coach of the Year & WNY Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee. Why character matters more than talent. His belief that developing the player is more important than winning at the youth level. After being diagnosed with ALS last July, his battle with the disease and the toll it has taken on his family from when he was a child. Overwhelming support the community has shown him and much more! In his own words, "Slow down and take it all in. While you have the time, go do whatever you want to do." P.S. This episode meant the world to me. Thank you Uncle Dennis. Legends Never Die. Love, Jonathan
“White Boys Do Crazy Shit, It's a Whole Different Lifestyle” - Shnowman Dawkins Buffalo tailgate & local legend. Host of The Botch Pod and genius behind the Buffalo AF brand. What it was like hosting the Boys of 98 visit to The Ralph & how he connected with them. How he feels now that he is getting recognized in Buffalo after blowing up on Tik Tok. Having the best podcast guest list in Buffalo so far connecting with BSF & Buffalo Bills players. What the bubble hockey charity event for P.U.N.T hosted by Sup Chef was all about, partying in Miami, and much more!
Videographer & live content creator for the NFL. Josh and I discussed his journey from a college media theory student to now working for the NFL. As a content creator for professional and collegiate athletes, behind the scenes of his process, and the power of branding. How he built a business portfolio by taking action betting on himself, and putting himself in a position to take advantage of new opportunities. The power of networking by being curious, genuine, and not a HATER. What you should have in your business portfolio and much more!
Head Coach of Hobart's Men's Lacrosse Team. Coach Raymond and I discussed how his journey from playing at John's Hopkins winning a National Championship has transitioned into leading a Division 1 program as a coach. What he looks for when recruiting players, questions he asks on recruiting visits, and what the standard of his program is. What his thoughts are on surrounding yourself with the right people for opportunities in the future. Lessons and stories from his first 8 seasons as Hobart's Head Coach and much more!
Theresa and I discussed her admirable journey so far in life. The role her childhood has played into why she is in the psychology field and has a passion for helping others deal with trauma. Having a kid at 15 years old, how that has shaped her into the person she is today. Balancing school, being a Mom, and maintaining a career. What all that has taught her and much more! Another Mercyhurst Alum doing big things!
Beisbol en España. Chris Kwitzer former UB Bulls Baseball player (before the program canceled) & member of Spain's National Team. What his journey was like from high school baseball to the Division 1 level and beyond. Being a multi-sport athlete, what led him to going all in on baseball and what the sport has taught him about life off the field. The ups and downs of being a student athlete, thoughts on how schools can change for the better, and much more!
The MAN of THE PEOPLE...Trainwreck's Finest. Kody and I talked about his journey since graduating Mercyhurst to where he is today. How taking a chance on himself pursuing the ideas in his head have led to great opportunities in his young career. How building a foundation through action gives you an edge on the competition compared just relying on what your resumé says. What his hands on trial by error experience has been like, led him to, and much more!
"Teach the Man, Coach the Player"...One of North Dakota State Bison's Football Coaches. Mike talked with me about how having a few months free led to him doing a deep evaluation on himself and his environment. This deep reflection of self, allowed for him to take a massive leap of faith that landed him on the North Dakota State's coaching staff. The importance of seeking out mentors to help you on your journey both in life and your career. How the best opportunities are hidden in the leap of faith you take into the unknown. Failing intentionally, learning how to become a winner, and the benefits of networking . College being a 40 year decision, not a 4 year decision, and much more! MY BISONS BABY!!!
Teacher, Fitness Trainer, & everything in between. Gabby and I talked about her experience thus far being a 3rd Grade School Teacher and why she decided to become one. Making learning fun and how to make a lasting impact on a students life that they will carry with them forever into adulthood. How students ultimately enjoy school more with teachers that care about you as a person vs you as the student. As a fitness trainer and having worked with high level trainers, myths and bad practices in the fitness industry. How being kind is the ultimate motivation in inspiring others and much more!
Nicole Levy...2016 ACC Rookie of The Year, former Syracuse lacrosse, and Athletes Unlimited Pro lacrosse player. How a childhood dream of playing Men's lacrosse manifested into becoming a great Women's player. Her creative fun style of play and daring to take risks led her to being 1 of 10 girls ever to score 200pts at Syracuse. Now coaching at the University of Florida, Nicole talked about how the best coaches teach the game and empower their players. Growing the love of the game before we grow the game itself. Her journey from Syracuse to Denver and much more!
Dalton Sulver, former High Point University & current Buffalo Bandits lacrosse player. We talked about his journey in lacrosse to where he is today. Being from Texas a non traditional lacrosse hot bed, how he made it to a Division 1 program and ultimately playing pro. Where his love for the game & curiosity to become better came from. The impact his college coach has had on him and much more!
CUE** God's Plan ** | Abigail Nashwinter is the Owner of Bleached by Abigail Lee, the first in Buffalo Bleached Clothing & Everything in between. She started the small business back in 2017 as a way to show off creative pieces in the Lewiston Art Festival. After initial success, her side hobby blossomed into a full scale business. Abigail and I talked all things business, from the work life balance business owners take on. Mental Health, the unknown side of being your own boss, and how important it is to build your tribe that will be your support system. Keeping cut throat no bullshit people in your corner to keep you honest and humble. What she learned in college about being a business owner, whether or not college is a scam, and much more.
The goal was 25 for 25 but the pandemic stopped that from happening so she went 24 for 24. Traveling to 24 countries by her 24th birthday. After graduating college Shawna took off backpacking Asia for 3 months alone by herself with no friends or family. Prior to that she traveled Europe and other countries as well. We discussed experiences her and I both had. Perspective shifts we both have had after reflecting on our travels outside of America. How these travels have opened our eyes to ideas we have around health, mindfulness, and education. Really cool stories around all around from Shawna.
5 Bottles of wine later, and going glass for glass at a rehearsal dinner has brought us here. Esther is a newly admitted Attorney and former Division 3 Lacrosse player. We talked about how despite being polar opposite growing up, we've grown close over the years. What the journey was like cracking her shell going outside of her comfort zone away at college. Becoming a team captain as a Sophomore, life lessons she's gained from playing sports, and behind the scenes of Law School. Bonus story (how her brother Josh cuddled a calzone to bed one night).
Once a little guy asking for my help, to playing on the big stage himself. From winning the first ever section title for Lancaster to becoming apart of St. Bonaventure's first ever lacrosse team. Ben and I discussed his journey in lacrosse and how adversity in sports has given him the biggest life lessons. We also touched on mental health and his plans of becoming a Doctor post college. Once of the nicest kids you could meet.
Working 3-4 jobs while going to school established the foundation of hard work and hustle. Growing up seeing her Dad run his own company, gave her the vision to one day starting her own business. Jocelyn and I talked about her experience living in New York City, going to the Fashion Institute of Technology, and what led her to starting her own thing. After being furloughed during the pandemic, she decided to start her business. Starting by selling her custom designs, art, and apparel on Etsy, Golden Chic Art & Apparel was created. Jocelyn talks about what that process has been like and how she's been able to continue to build her business while working a full time job, traveling, and maintaining a social life.
When a job opportunity presented itself to move to New York City she took a leap of faith. Taking punches along the way (literally
Jeremy is the host of the Instant Journeyman Podcast. On his podcast he speaks with successful people to understand how they got to where they are today. More importantly how they handle tough times and de-stress during the struggling times. Traveling all around the country for work, we discussed his time in New York City and Miami. NYC & Miami are the two places he has lived the longest, what those experiences have been like. Being a Father, touching on how the education system can be revamped to fit where the world is going in the future, not where it has been and much more.
Kevin Murphy aka BIG ASS HEAD Murph, former Hobart Lacrosse player and all around great guy. We discussed his journey from boarding school in Massachusetts to playing college lacrosse. What the experience was like for him as a freshman to his senior year. Biggest take aways being a student athlete looking back on his time in college. What led him to making the jump to New York City post college and of course, his love for BILLS MAFIA. (Sorry for any of the guys I made run in full sweats after missing team lift).
Sarah Desmone is the owner of The Lounge Shop Buffalo. Chick & Customizable Loungewear for your City. Sarah and I talked about how she took a massive risk quitting her 9-5 job during a the Covid-19 pandemic to pursue her dream. Ordering blank hoodies to design off Amazon turned into a full time business. She details day 1 of The Lounge Shop Buffalo to where the business is today and everything in between. "Bet on yourself, you are your greatest investment".
Stefan is the owner of Whats Pop-In Gourmet Popcorn in Buffalo, NY. As a former chef, what started out as black truffle popcorn as a side, grew into a Gourmet Popcorn business. Stefan and I talked about his business and how he built it from ground up. The mindset thats needed to become a successful business owner and the pros & cons of being your own boss. Having a vision thats bigger than a paycheck, but more so building something that will be left behind as your legacy. Personal stories from his life that are tied into what the business truly represents. Check out and follow Whats Pop-In Gourmet Popcorn!
Taylor is the owner of T Boutique in Hamburg, NY. Taylor and I talked about her path which led to her starting her own fashion business. While doing an internship, words of encouragement her manager gave her, which led to talking the risk to start T Boutique. How she built the business from the ground up and plans she has for the future. ALSO A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT THATS COMING THIS SEPTEMBER.
Collin Walsh is a Filmmaker & Cinematographer. In 7th grade recording mountain hikes and snowboarding clips sparked an obsession for film. After seeing a Cinematographer in the movie credits from Buffalo, NY made him believe "It's Possible". Having tunnel vision for bringing his vision into reality, he moved to New York City to pursue what he is interested in. The struggles of taking your own path in life, figuring it out along the way can pay off in the long run. Collin has been involved in many major projects. Shooting music videos for Joey Badass and working with other creatives. For anyone that has a dream or vision, pursue it...JUST DO IT.
Former John Carroll University Lacrosse player, Host of She's Got Balls podcast, and sports marketer with the PLL. Grace and I discussed her love for sports & her career in sports marketing thus far. Having a go getters mentality, using that as your competitive advantage. Her first hand experience working for the Premier Lacrosse League. How the only person stopping you from great opportunities is you and much more.
Alexis and I discussed her journey out to San Diego, California. She moved across the country from Cleveland, Ohio to San Diego where she works as a Territory Sales Manager for Moen. How taking the risk to pursue her dream of one day living in California has payed off for her and what she's learned about herself in the process of that. Her new lifestyle being out in California and lessons she's learned from being alone on the other side of the country during a pandemic.
Marie is a business consultant, coach, and speaker. She has a passion for freelancing and building business communities. Marie quit her corporate 9-5 job to pursue her passion. As a successful business woman, she helps others find and build upon their passions. She talks about the power of saying no. How to dive headfirst into pursuing your dreams while maintaining the best version of yourself in the process of it all.
Alex and I discussed his path to becoming a 1st Lt United States Marine Corps officer. Prior to becoming a Marine, Alex attended Mercyhurst University where he was a 2 sport athlete in both Football and Lacrosse. His time in the military to date, what that experience has been like and much more.
Kenan discussed his time at Hobart as a student athlete and how thats prepared him for the real world. As a former basketball player lessons he has learned in facing adversity head on and how that can make all of us better in whatever we decide to do in life. Working in media and building his career in that industry. Being light hearted, roasting friends on the daily, and keeping the momentum going in life.
After an eventful college lacrosse experience filled with many ups and downs. Dane decided to live on a fishing boat in Bristol Bay, Alaska living off of sockeye salmon and other fish for 16 weeks. While in Alaska, doing some soul searching he was led to Denver, Colorado. Since then he's been coaching High School lacrosse & building his career in Real Estate as a Mortgage Loan Originator. Many learning lessons, and bits of wisdom along the way have made him into who he is today.
Larson and I discussed his journey in lacrosse from growing up on the Seneca Reservation to becoming a National Champion with the R.I.T. Tigers. What lacrosse means to him, his people and what exactly the "Medicine Game" means. Discussing the differences between the box and field game. His experience playing at collegiate level, including JUCO, Division 2, and 3. What the experience was like being apart of the first ever National Championship Winning Team for the Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.).
Nick Ciavarella also known as 716 Nick. Creative, Videographer, & Photographer. Renewing his passion for creating content & his journey to how he got to where he is today. Nick shoots content and works with Just Dishin a hockey streetwear and apparel company. Associated with that is Skateskins, hockey's newest form of creativity. No L's just Lessons. Nick is a creative person who thinks outside the box and lets his work do the talking.
Who is and what is Buffalo AF? Funny social media content that epitomizes Buffalo & Bills Mafia. How Buffalo AF got his start with content creation and what his page is all about. Connecting with Buffalo Bills players via a side hustle he turned into a business. The only social media creator out right now showing off what Bills Mafia has to offer. Go Bills!
Jaymee is a mental health counselor and the owner of Good Mood Food. After going through personal mental health struggles, she decided that she wanted to help others with their struggles. Jaymee and I discussed the role social media plays in these issues & how we have grown from struggles of our own. How she became a business owner, opening up Good Mood Food. How Good Mood Food came about and her big plans for the business. What financial lessons she has learned from starting her own business and much more!
Mike is the Assistant Linebackers Coach at the University of Buffalo. Mike and I discussed his journey from playing Division 3 college football to coaching Division 1 football. Starting off coaching at a Division 3 school to working his way up to the University of Buffalo. We discussed the power of building relationships, bringing value to others, and betting on yourself to make your dream become a reality. Mike will be coaching an NFL Super Bowl winning team one day.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
