From The Lions Cove (FTLC Podcast)

In this episode, host Marcelo sits down with Luke Fitzgerald — a Cleveland native whose basketball journey carried him from local courts to the global stage. What began as a childhood passion evolved into a career defined by growth, resilience, and perspective, using basketball as both a profession and a vehicle for purpose.Luke reflects on his early years in Cleveland, where the game shaped his work ethic and competitive edge. He shares his path to the University of the Cumberlands, where after redshirting, he transformed his career and became NAIA Player of the Year. That rise led to opportunities at the highest levels, including competing in the NBA Summer League, where he experienced firsthand the intensity and pressure of elite professional basketball.His journey then expanded overseas, playing professionally in Australia, Germany, and France, where he not only competed internationally but also won championships and gained a deeper appreciation for life beyond the game. Those experiences inspired the creation of LukeLifeCharms, a platform where Luke documents his travels, mindset, and lessons learned along the way.Luke opens up about the emotion behind his “WE DID IT!” championship video, what that moment represented in his journey, and how sharing it connected him to people chasing their own dreams. More than just a basketball story, this conversation explores perspective, gratitude, and purpose, showing how Luke continues to inspire others through both his career and his message.This is more than an interview — it’s a reflection on trusting the process, embracing the world, and turning a passion into a lasting impact.Enjoy 25% off at QuantumSquares.com and 21% off at PinsAndAces.com using code LIONSCOVE.You can also support the show directly by donating at buymeacoffee.com/ftlc.Purchases made with this code help support the podcast through a small commission. Thank you for being part of the journey!

In this episode, host Marcelo sits down with Morgan Powell — a Cleveland-born athlete whose connection to basketball carried him from neighborhood courts to the hardwood of Miami University (Ohio). What began as a childhood passion quickly became a guiding force, shaping his character, his discipline, and ultimately, his legacy.Morgan reflects on the early Cleveland days when basketball wasn’t just a game, but a foundation — a place where he learned who he was and who he wanted to become. He revisits the mentors who believed in him, the competitive fire of high school basketball, and the pride of earning his place at Miami, where the game reached its highest stakes.But this conversation goes far deeper than athletic achievement. Morgan opens up about the life lessons forged through the sport: resilience, humility, sacrifice, and the relentless drive to keep moving forward. These lessons didn’t end with his playing career — they became the values he carried into fatherhood, family, and every chapter that followed.For the first time, Morgan shares the emotional weight of watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren excel — not only in sports, but in their own lives and ambitions. Their accomplishments reflect the very principles he once learned on Cleveland’s courts, and the pride he feels is unmistakable. His story is one of roots, legacy, and the power of seeing the next generations rise higher than the last.Listeners will gain an intimate understanding of how one man’s relationship with the game shaped a family, strengthened a lineage, and created a legacy that continues to echo through time.This is more than an interview — it is a tribute to perseverance, gratitude, and the enduring strength of family.Enjoy 25% off at QuantumSquares.com and 21% off at PinsAndAces.com using code LIONSCOVE.You can also support the show directly by donating at buymeacoffee.com/ftlc.Purchases made with this code help support the podcast through a small commission. Thank you for being part of the journey!

In this episode, our host Marcelo sits down with his father Frank Leone, a dedicated basketball player, coach, and successful business professional with over 30 years of experience. Frank’s journey took him from playing basketball in his driveway with a homemade hoop to winning a conference title at Brush High School and leading a travel basketball team to a championship.Frank’s story embodies what this show stands for: real stories for the ones still chasing theirs, even when no one’s watching. He shares the lessons he learned coaching young athletes, building a winning team culture, and guiding his son through his own basketball journey. From balancing the challenges of being both father and coach, to achieving long-term success in business, Frank opens up about the moments that shaped him, his family, and the relationships that mattered most.Listeners will get a heartfelt look at the unique bond between father and son, the work ethic required to succeed in both sports and business, and the life lessons that sports and entrepreneurship can teach — about perseverance, leadership, and mentorship.Enjoy 25% off at QuantumSquares.com and 21% off at PinsAndAces.com using code LIONSCOVE.You can also support the show directly by donating at buymeacoffee.com/ftlc.Purchases made with this code help support the podcast through a small commission. Thank you for being part of the journey!

In this episode, host Marcelo sits down with content creator and boxer Jason Salillari — a driven athlete and storyteller known for viral videos like “Training Like Ippo for 24 Hours” and “Training Like Muhammad Ali for 1 Week.”Jason’s journey perfectly embodies what this show is all about — real stories for the ones still chasing theirs, even when no one’s watching. He opens up about the discipline, mindset, and consistency it takes to grow his YouTube channel, compete in the ring, and keep pushing forward when no one else believes in the vision.Listeners will get an inside look at how Jason built his momentum from the ground up, and the mentality it takes to turn passion into purpose — both as a boxer and as a creator.Enjoy 25% off at QuantumSquares.com and 21% off at PinsAndAces.com using code LIONSCOVE.You can also support the show directly by donating at buymeacoffee.com/ftlc.Purchases made with this code help support the podcast through a small commission. Thank you for being part of the journey!

In this episode, our host Marcelo sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Owen Redmond, founder of OTG Kicks & Apparel. Owen shares how he turned his passion for sneakers into a thriving business, why mastering the art of sales is essential in both business and life, and how his faith, family, and love for basketball continue to guide his journey.Listeners will take away lessons on entrepreneurship, discipline, and personal growth — plus some behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of OTG Kicks.Enjoy 25% off at QuantumSquares.com and 21% off at PinsAndAces.com using code LIONSCOVE.You can also support the show directly by donating at buymeacoffee.com/ftlc.Purchases made with this code help support the podcast through a small commission. Thank you for being part of the journey!

In this episode, host Marcelo sits down with professional golfer Connor Gdovin as he continues his journey toward the PGA Tour. Connor reflects on his first collegiate tournament win at Eastern Kentucky University, the lessons learned from his early days in the game, and the growth that’s shaped him into the player he is today.He opens up about the work ethic, mindset, and consistency it takes to compete at an elite level — and what it truly means to chase a lifelong dream in professional golf.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about chasing your goals, trusting the process, and staying committed to the grind.Enjoy 25% off at QuantumSquares.com and 21% off at PinsAndAces.com using code LIONSCOVE.You can also support the show directly by donating at buymeacoffee.com/ftlc.Purchases made with this code help support the podcast through a small commission. Thank you for being part of the journey!