What Are You Made Of?

In this powerful episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Bob Gardner, father of six, martial artist, entrepreneur, and self-described “God nerd,” for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, identity, healing, and personal transformation. Bob shares his remarkable journey from battling a decades-long pornography addiction, crippling self-doubt, depression, and suicidality to discovering a new path rooted in truth, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.Drawing from his experiences growing up in a military family, constantly feeling like an outsider, and carrying the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him, Bob reveals how unresolved emotional pain shaped his life and nearly cost him his marriage and family. He opens up about the moment he was forced to confront his reality, the courage it took to publicly share his struggles, and how vulnerability became the catalyst for lasting change.The conversation explores the power of honesty, the danger of identifying with your problems, and why true healing goes beyond mindset work and into the body itself. Bob explains his unique approach to helping others overcome addiction and trauma by retraining instinctive responses, shifting deeply ingrained patterns, and creating transformation from the inside out. Through compelling stories, practical insights, and profound wisdom, Bob demonstrates that no matter how broken someone may feel, change is possible when they are willing to face the truth and engage in the battle within.This episode is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose, and that real freedom begins when we stop running from ourselves and start discovering who we truly are.Website- https://thefreedomspecialist.com/

In this thought-provoking episode of the What Are You Made Of? Show, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Sean McCormick, Hero’s Journey Coach, biohacking podcaster, consciousness explorer, health entrepreneur, and devoted family man. Sean shares his unconventional path from the corporate world to a life dedicated to personal growth, wellness, and helping high-performing men find greater purpose and alignment.Together, they dive deep into the importance of confronting life’s challenges early, taking responsibility for personal development, and optimizing every area of life—from health and relationships to mindset and spirituality.Sean opens up about his recent 24-hour Ibogaine experience, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the powerful insights, emotional breakthroughs, and profound realizations he encountered during the journey. Sean and Mike "C-Roc" explore themes of consciousness, relationships, healing, and the pursuit of deeper self-awareness, while discussing why true fulfillment comes not from material success but from meaningful human connection. This episode is packed with wisdom on growth, self-discovery, leadership, and the courage to continually evolve into the best version of yourself.Website:https://www.seanmccormick.com/ Social Media Links/Handles:https://www.instagram.com/realseanmccormick/https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmccormickcoaching/

In this powerful episode of the What Are You Made Of? show, host Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Dr. Jill Carnahan, a board-certified family physician and integrative medicine expert, to explore the deep connection between physical health, emotional healing, and human connection. Known for her work in functional and holistic medicine, Dr. Jill brings both clinical expertise and lived experience as a survivor of breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, and toxic mold illness—offering a rare, grounded perspective on what it truly takes to heal complex chronic conditions.The conversation goes far beyond conventional medicine as Dr. Jill explains how “grace” and self-compassion are often the missing foundations in healing. She shares how unresolved trauma, childhood patterns, emotional stress, and lack of self-love can manifest as physical illness, and why creating a “safe, sacred space” for patients is central to her practice. Together, Mike 'C-Roc" and Dr. Jill unpack how toxic load, infectious burden, and chronic stress impact the immune system, why loneliness has become one of the most overlooked health risk factors, and how modern life amplifies disease through disconnection. They also dive into emerging topics like GLP-1 microdosing, inflammation, and the evolving role of functional medicine in a world of increasing complexity. This episode is a compelling reminder that true healing begins from within—where science, mindset, and grace meet.Website-www.jillcarnahan.com Social Media Links/Handles:https://www.facebook.com/FlatironFunctionalMedicinehttps://www.instagram.com/drjillcarnahan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillcarnahan//https://www.youtube.com/@DrJillCarnahan

In this powerful episode of the What Are You Made Of? show, host Mike C-Roc sits down with world-class success coach, speaker, and #1 international best-selling author Kurek Ashley for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about resilience, mindset, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Kurek opens up about the recent loss of his youngest brother and shares how his “Four Ps of Power” — perception, perturbation, persistence, and purpose — have guided him through unimaginable hardships, including a helicopter crash, personal tragedies, and setbacks throughout his life and career.The conversation dives into the realities of success, the importance of perspective, and what it truly means to “practice what you preach” when life tests you. Kurek also reflects on his journey through Hollywood, his friendships with icons like Sylvester Stallone and John Travolta, and the mentorship that shaped his career both on and off screen. From learning discipline and vocabulary mastery to navigating auditions and scriptwriting, Kurek reveals the mindset and habits that helped him evolve from a driven young actor into an internationally recognized transformational leader.This episode is packed with wisdom on personal growth, persistence, emotional resilience, and turning adversity into fuel for a greater purpose. Whether you're facing challenges in business, relationships, or life itself, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep moving forward and make the best out of every situation.Website- kurekashley.com Social Media Links/Handles:https://www.facebook.com/kurek.ashley1https://www.instagram.com/kurekashley/?hl=en

Former NFL defensive end Cassius Marsh Sr. joins Mike “C-Roc” to share the mindset shift from professional sports to entrepreneurship, and how the same discipline that fueled his football career now drives his success in the collectibles world. From growing up with football in his bloodline to playing at UCLA and getting drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, Cassius opens up about the relentless focus, setbacks, and lessons that shaped him on and off the field.The conversation dives deep into Cassius’ lifelong passion for trading cards and gaming, from discovering Magic: The Gathering as a kid to building Cash Cards Unlimited into a thriving collectibles business. He shares wild stories from his NFL days, including losing a $20,000 Magic collection in a car break-in that unexpectedly went viral, and explains how the trading card industry has evolved into a booming culture and investment space. Cassius also breaks down the reality behind NFTs, the psychology of collectors, and why community and authenticity matter more than hype.Beyond sports and collectibles, this episode is a masterclass in reinvention, competitive mindset, and finding purpose after the game. Cassius talks candidly about identity, growth, discipline, and why elite performers never stop chasing improvement — they simply find new arenas to dominate.Website-Cashcardsunlimited.com Social Media Links/Handles:https://www.instagram.com/cassiusmarsh/https://www.tiktok.com/@cassiusmarsh7

Ryan Hawk joins Mike “C-Roc” for a powerful conversation about leadership, growth, risk-taking, and the pursuit of meaningful work. As the host of The Learning Leader Show and author of Welcome to Management, The Pursuit of Excellence, The Score That Matters, and The Price of Becoming, Ryan shares how interviewing nearly 700 world-class performers transformed his life and leadership philosophy. From athletes and coaches to CEOs and bestselling authors, Ryan explains what he’s learned from consistently putting himself in rooms with high achievers and why curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a leader can possess.Ryan opens up about leaving a successful corporate career as a VP of Sales to pursue podcasting, speaking, and leadership development full time. Ryan and Mike "C-Roc" dive into the fear and uncertainty that come with walking away from financial security, the importance of surrounding yourself with growth-minded people, and why fulfillment matters more than comfort. Together, they reflect on how podcasting has become more than just content creation — it’s a vehicle for learning, building life-changing relationships, and impacting people around the world. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone striving to create a more purpose-driven life while continually leveling up personally and professionally.Website-https://learningleader.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanhawk12/

In this deeply moving episode, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and transformational leader Israel David Duran for a raw conversation about brokenness, suffering, identity, and the hidden price behind true impact. Israel opens up about losing his father to a tragic heart attack when he was only two months old, growing up with a void that led him to seek validation in all the wrong places, and how that pain ultimately shaped his mission to help leaders heal from the inside out. Mike 'C-Roc" and Israel unpack why so many CEOs and high achievers become prisoners of their own success, how pride and ego quietly destroy organizations, and why humility is one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers in business today.As the conversation deepens, both Mike "C-Roc" and Israel share personal stories of setbacks, adversity, and moments that forced them to redefine who they were beyond titles, careers, and external approval. Israel reveals how being released from baseball, launching a cybersecurity business, and surviving a life-altering car accident became catalytic moments that pushed him to finally release the message he had been carrying inside for years. Mike adds his own reflections on overcoming childhood chaos, business limitations, and identity attachment, creating a powerful dialogue around resilience, gratitude, and choosing purpose over validation. This episode is a masterclass on transforming pain into fuel, learning to lead from healing instead of ego, and discovering that the very places where we break are often where we find the gold needed to move forward.Website- https://israelduran.com/ https://www.instagram.com/israelduranassociates/

In this thought-provoking and wide-ranging episode, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with media analyst, author, philosopher, and cultural commentator Jay Dyer for a conversation that goes far beyond headlines and controversy. What begins as a discussion about podcasting and relationship-building quickly unfolds into a deeper exploration of how Jay built an unconventional media empire from scratch—turning a simple desire to escape a dead-end job into a decade-long journey through philosophy, film analysis, theology, comedy, debate, and alternative media.Jay opens up about the surprising way podcasting transformed not just his career, but his personal life—including how interviews led to lifelong friendships and even introduced him to his wife. He shares the snowball effect of networking, why authentic curiosity attracts powerful relationships, and how years of writing dense philosophy papers unexpectedly prepared him for bestselling books, viral debates, and appearances alongside some of the most recognizable names in independent media.Throughout the episode, Jay reveals how combining left-brain analytical rigor with right-brain creativity became his superpower, allowing him to navigate serious geopolitical discussions one moment and comedic live-stream trolling the next. He and Mike dive into the importance of recognizing how far you’ve come, the discipline required to build influence over time, and why defining your voice in media often comes only after years of experimentation. Jay also reflects on the formative role his parents, faith, education, and fascination with Hollywood played in shaping the multidimensional person he is today.This episode is a fascinating look at what happens when intellect, humor, relentless curiosity, and long-term consistency collide—and how building relationships with the right people can completely change the trajectory of your life.https://www.instagram.com/jaysanalysis/

In this thought-provoking episode, Lucas Sherraden joins Mike “C-Roc” for a powerful conversation on leadership, identity, reinvention, and the hidden mental programming that shapes our decisions. Drawing from his unique journey—from preaching to packed audiences around the world, to going $100,000 into debt after leaving ministry, to building and leading nine successful real estate brokerages—Lucas shares how every major turning point in his life came down to one thing: the meaning he chose to assign to his circumstances. Together, Lucas and Mike "C-Roc" unpack the difference between living reactively versus creatively, why curiosity is a leader’s greatest superpower, and how success itself can become a trap when it pushes people into fear, control, and conservation mode.Lucas also opens up about the difficult transition from external achievement to internal alignment, revealing why walking away from a lucrative business identity was one of the hardest yet most necessary decisions of his life. This episode dives deep into authentic influence, the danger of tying self-worth to titles and applause, and the courage required to pursue purpose over predictability. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve built success on the wrong wall, or sensed there’s a bigger mission calling you beyond the role you currently occupy, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you lead, how you grow, and what you’re truly made of.Website- www.theuncagedleader.comSocial Media Links/Handles:https://www.facebook.com/Lsherraden/https://www.instagram.com/lucas_sherraden/

In this powerful episode of What Are You Made Of? Show, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Nicole Sachs, LCSW—psychotherapist, best-selling author, and internationally recognized leader in MindBody medicine—for a deeply honest conversation about healing, purpose, and the mind-body connection behind chronic pain and emotional suffering.Nicole shares her personal journey from being a 19-year-old college student diagnosed with a severe spinal condition and told she would likely live with chronic pain and limitations, to discovering the groundbreaking work of Dr. John Sarno and developing her own transformational practice, JournalSpeak®. She breaks down how unresolved emotional stress, nervous system dysregulation, and lived trauma can manifest as real physical symptoms—and why pain is often the body’s protective response rather than just structural damage. Through her work, she has helped thousands reclaim their lives from chronic pain, anxiety, and related conditions, proving that healing is possible when we understand how the brain and body truly communicate.Together, Mike "C-Roc" and Nicole explore what it means to turn adversity into purpose, why passionate “obsession” with your message can be a force for good, and how awareness of our internal emotional “reservoir” can change everything from relationships to physical health. This episode is a compelling reminder that transformation doesn’t just come from treating symptoms—it comes from understanding the deeper story the body is trying to tell.Website-www.nicolesachs.com Social Media Links/Handles-https://www.instagram.com/nicolesachslcsw/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cure-for-chronic-pain-with-nicole-sachs-lcsw/id1439580309https://a.co/d/07QBdXyC

In this powerful and deeply reflective episode, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Myrna Young—best-selling author, certified life coach, and trauma-recovery expert—to explore what it truly means to be “made of” something greater than the physical. Myrna shares her belief that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, unpacking how our thoughts directly influence our biology and emotional state. Through personal stories and practical insights, she explains how shifting your mindset and energy can radically transform your life, health, and sense of control.Myrna opens up about her journey from growing up in poverty in Guyana to building a successful entrepreneurial life in North America. She reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her path—from attending a life-changing Tony Robbins event to launching and scaling a limousine business in Toronto, and ultimately discovering her calling in coaching and media. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and reinvention, as she navigated trauma, embraced personal development, and followed intuitive nudges that led her to her purpose.Throughout the conversation, Myrna blends neuroscience, spirituality, and real-life experience to offer listeners a roadmap for healing and growth. She discusses the importance of renewing the mind, overcoming limiting beliefs, and stepping into your God-given purpose. Whether you’re seeking emotional healing, personal expansion, or a deeper understanding of the connection between mindset and well-being, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable wisdom to help you turn your pain into purpose.Website-https://myhelps.us/ Social Media Links/Handles:https://www.facebook.com/Transform-Your-Mind-356442618235798/ https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/ https://twitter.com/myrna_young1

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, host Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Molly Asplin for a deeply honest conversation about identity, ambition, and what happens when the life you’ve built no longer aligns with who you truly are. Molly opens up about her journey from a decade in corporate finance to building a massive direct sales organization of over 1,200 people—only to have it all stripped away when her position was suddenly eliminated. That moment of loss forced her to confront a powerful question: who are you when the titles, achievements, and external validation disappear?Molly shares how that turning point led her to rebuild from the inside out, shifting from chasing achievement to pursuing meaning. Molly and Mike "C-Roc" dive into the trap of tying identity to what you do, and why true fulfillment comes from understanding your values, mission, and intrinsic motivation. Together, they unpack the importance of proximity—surrounding yourself with people who speak belief into you when you’ve lost it—and how leadership is less about control and more about trust, connection, and developing others.This conversation is packed with insights for high performers, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a transition. From building scalable teams without micromanaging to breaking free from the noise of external opinions, Molly offers a grounded perspective on what it really takes to grow through uncertainty. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role that no longer fits or questioned your identity beyond your work, this episode will challenge you to rethink success and reconnect with what truly drives you.Website- https://mollyasplin.com/https://www.instagram.com/molly.asplin/

In this high-energy episode of What Are You Made Of?, host Mike "C-Roc" sits down with world-record skydiver, keynote speaker, and peak performance coach Melanie Curtis for a powerful and inspiring conversation about human potential, authenticity, and pushing beyond perceived limits. With over 12,000 skydives and decades of experience leading and coaching around the world, Melanie shares what it truly means to live on the edge—both physically and mentally. From breaking records with an 80-woman vertical formation at 20,000 feet to helping individuals unlock their inner drive and alignment, she reveals how curiosity, self-awareness, and intentional growth can elevate every area of life. The conversation dives deep into identity, energy, and the lifelong journey of becoming your most authentic self, while also exploring how Melanie turned a passion for skydiving into a global platform for impact, leadership, and even comedy. Blending humor, grit, and wisdom, this episode challenges listeners to “do ridiculous things” in pursuit of extraordinary results—and to fully embrace the power and light within them.Website-https://melaniecurtis.com/ Social Media Links/Handles-https://www.instagram.com/melaniecurtis11/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniecurtis11/