What Are You Made Of?

Latest Episodes:

Why Saying No Can Be the Bravest Move with Sarah Boxx Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” welcomes Sarah Boxx, a consultant, coach, and lifelong problem-solver who thrives on curiosity and the drive to help people achieve what once seemed impossible.

From orchestrating childhood matchmaking to taking a spontaneous road trip to the Olympics as a teenager, Sarah has always embraced the challenge of turning “what if” into “let’s do it.” She shares how her unconventional path—working, building businesses, and eventually completing her master’s in pastoral counseling at 45—shaped her unique approach to leadership, coaching, and nonprofit consulting.

Sarah opens up about her faith journey, her love for building sustainable organizations, and the parallels she’s discovered between nonprofits and for-profit businesses. With stories of resilience, risk-taking, and relentless belief in possibility, she reveals why true impact comes from aligning values with action—and why sometimes the bravest move is saying “no” when it doesn’t serve the mission.

This conversation is packed with insights on purpose-driven leadership, staying curious, and creating meaningful impact, whether in business, nonprofits, or everyday life.

Website-www.sarahboxx.com

Social Media Links/Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa

https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99B-t89d3kCP3ZhGCMdjmA

Rise Up for You: Nada Lena Nasserdeen on Turning Pain Into Purpose Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” has a powerful conversation with leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Rise Up For You, Nada Lena Nasserdeen.

Nada shares her powerful journey of resilience, self-confidence, and integrity—values deeply rooted in her Lebanese upbringing. From touring internationally as a performer to climbing the corporate ladder as an executive by age 27, Nada credits her parents’ teachings with instilling the strength and work ethic that shaped her path.

But her story doesn’t stop there. After a devastating divorce on her honeymoon and the heartbreaking loss of both parents, Nada turned her pain into purpose. She founded Rise Up For You, an organization dedicated to helping people unlock their potential and lead with confidence.

In this conversation, she opens up about building her business from scratch—often working out of hospitals while caring for her mother—and how those challenges ignited her mission to empower others.

Nada’s story is one of courage, conviction, and rising above life’s toughest setbacks. If you’re ready to be reminded that everything you need is already inside of you, this episode will move you to rise up and claim your own strength.

Website-https://www.riseupforyou.com/

https://www.nadalena.com/

Social Media Links/Handles-

https://www.instagram.com/nadalenanasserdeen/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadalena/

Building Wellness and Connections: Tripp Parks on Preventive Care and Podcasting Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of? Mike "C-Roc" dives into a powerful conversation with Tripp Parks—better known as “Tripp the Podcast Guy”—to talk about turning life’s toughest challenges into unstoppable fuel. Tripp opens up about the personal hardships that shaped his perspective, from family tragedies to his mother’s health struggles, and how he transformed that pain into purpose.

His journey into podcasting began during the pandemic, blending his background in music production with a passion for connection, which led him to create shows like Art Mart and Health or High Water.

But Tripp’s story goes even deeper. Motivated by his mother’s stroke and dementia, he developed an innovative approach called “health profiling,” which combines DNA, blood work, movement screening, and AI to create holistic wellness programs aimed at preventive care. He and C-Roc explore the real power of podcasting—not just for audience growth, but for networking, learning, and building relationships that spark business ideas and collaborations.

This episode is all about resilience, reinvention, and using both podcasting and health innovation as vehicles for impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a podcaster, or someone looking to turn adversity into advantage, Tripp’s journey will inspire you to see challenges as fuel and to keep pushing forward with purpose.

Website-www.througfire.fit

https://www.instagram.com/tripp_thepodcastguy/

More Than Numbers: Shari Rash on Building a Mission-Driven Life Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, host Mike "C-Roc" sits down with financial advisor and podcast host Shari Rash for a candid and inspiring conversation about ambition, balance, and redefining success.

Shari opens up about her relentless drive to achieve, the stress that often comes with it, and how therapy and self-awareness have helped her reshape her mindset. She shares how volunteering in her community and leading her kids’ PTO has brought her fulfillment outside of business, creating a healthier balance between professional goals and personal satisfaction.

Together, Mike "C-Roc" and Shari dig into topics like the connection between overachievement and stress, the importance of finding transformational rather than transactional success, and learning to delegate and let go of control in business. They also discuss mental health, the benefits of therapy in rewiring thought patterns, and what it means to create a mission-driven life.

Full of humor, honesty, and practical insights, this episode is a reminder that growth isn’t just about climbing higher in business—it’s about finding joy, peace, and purpose along the way.

Website-www.everyonestalkinmoney.com

Social Media Links/handles:

https://www.facebook.com/everyonestalkinmoneypodcast

https://www.instagram.com/everyonestalkinmoney/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-rash/

https://x.com/MoneyChicShari

Breaking Patterns and Finding Your Authentic Self with Dr. Monica Vermani Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Dr. Monica Vermani, a renowned clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, for a deep and inspiring conversation about what it truly means to live authentically and rise into your best self.

Dr. Vermani shares her philosophy on being an “uplifter”—someone who not only strives to live at their highest level but also brings out the best in those around them. She explains how we all begin life as pure, authentic beings filled with unconditional love, but as we grow, societal pressures, expectations, and negative belief systems begin to distance us from our true selves.

Drawing from her decades of clinical experience, Dr. Vermani explores the three ways life’s struggles often manifest—through physical symptoms, negative thoughts, and maladaptive behaviors—and how these patterns can hold us back until we begin the work of healing.

Together, Dr. Vermani and Mike "C-Roc" discuss the power of intentional living, the ripple effect of working on ourselves, and how our environments and relationships either drain us or uplift us. With insights from her personal journey, professional practice, and even her TED Talk, Dr. Vermani sheds light on how to recognize patterns, break free from cycles, and reconnect with the authentic version of ourselves we were always meant to be.

This episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, resilience, and personal transformation. If you’re ready to stop living for others and start embracing your highest and best self, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Website: https://www.drmonicavermani.com/

Social Media Links/Handles

https://www.instagram.com/drmonicavermani

https://www.book.adeeperwellness.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpEyP2KfZT4

https://www.facebook.com/DoctorMonicaVermani

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvermani/

https://www.tiktok.com/@drmonicavermani

Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day: Karen Briscoe on Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and Transformation Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, host Mike “C-Roc” sits down with author, speaker, and top-producing real estate leader Karen Briscoe, whose book Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day has inspired countless professionals with its practical, bite-sized principles.

Karen opens up about what she’s truly made of—blending the “hard” side of business, like strategy and numbers, with the “soft” side of empathy, connection, and people skills.

Together, Karen and Mike "C-Roc" dive into the differences between transactional and transformational business, the importance of language and intention, and how living with a mindset of abundance can completely shift your results.

Karen also shares her journey from commercial real estate to building a thriving residential business, her faith-driven perspective on service, and the lessons she’s learned about growth, resilience, and contribution.

This powerful conversation is a reminder that real success is about both results and relationships—and how we choose to show up in both.Website-https://www.5minutesuccess.com/

Social Media Links/Handles-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/5minutesuccess/ , https://www.facebook.com/karen.g.briscoe

https://www.instagram.com/5_minute_success/ / https://www.instagram.com/karen.briscoe/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbriscoe/

The Inner Currency: Building a Life That Can’t Be Taken Away with Eli Buren Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, host Mike "C-Roc" sits down with Eli Buren for a powerful conversation on awareness, presence, and the deeper journey of life. Eli shares how his understanding of what he’s “made of” has evolved—from physical strength and outward accomplishments to the realization that true essence lies in consciousness, the unchanging awareness that remains throughout life’s stages.

Together, they explore the balance between outward success and inward fulfillment, the importance of cultivating presence and openness of heart, and the courage it takes to shift from achievement-driven living to a life rooted in integrity, generosity, and service. Eli also opens up about the teachers who influenced him since 1998, his work guiding high-achieving clients on their inner journey, and the transformative role of embodied practices, including the art of channeling energy into creativity, love, and purpose.

This conversation dives deep into spirituality, leadership, and the human experience—reminding us that success without soul leaves us empty, but living with awareness allows us to fully serve and create with authenticity.

Website-www.eliburen.com

https://www.instagram.com/eliburen/

Perfect in Imperfection: Embracing Abundance with Elaine Starling Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike "C-Roc" welcomes Elaine Starling, also known as The Abundance Ambassador, for a powerful and deeply moving conversation about life, love, and the divine.

Elaine shares her extraordinary story of experiencing a stroke on New Year’s Day in 2005—a moment she calls a blessing—because it opened the door to an incredible dialogue with her higher power. During this encounter, she received profound insights into why we are here, how to live our best lives, and what truly happens beyond this human experience.

Elaine opens up about the lessons she learned, from understanding that our imperfections are what make us perfect, to embracing life with “grateful curiosity” as a way to expand love in the world. She explains how this awakening reshaped her path, leading her to become a spiritual abundance coach, speaker, and podcast host, helping others reconnect with their divine essence and remember who they truly are.

This episode dives into spirituality, self-love, and the power of alignment, while also touching on big questions about reincarnation, the afterlife, and even the mysteries of inter-dimensional beings. It’s an inspiring reminder that life’s challenges can serve as gateways to growth and that we are all designed to be the embodiment of love.

Website-www.TheAbundanceJourney.com

Social Media Links/Handles

https://www.instagram.com/elaine.abundance/

https://www.facebook.com/elaine.abundance

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainestarling/

https://www.youtube.com/@ElaineStarling

The Power of Words and the Currency of Love with Jason Raitz Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with storyteller, communicator, and founder of Speak With People, Jason Raitz. Jason opens up about the grit, love, persistence, and fun that have shaped his life and career, from his first spark of inspiration at an 11-year-old in a Detroit concert hall to building a business that helps leaders connect through authentic communication.

He shares the highs of speaking on hundreds of stages and the lows of walking away from a toxic church environment that left him burned out and questioning his identity. With raw honesty, Jason talks about navigating seasons of setback, entrepreneurship’s risks, the challenges of raising a family with special needs, and even his battle with medicating stress through food. Through it all, he emphasizes the power of words to either tear down or breathe life into others and explains why true leadership is built on love, connection, and speaking with people, not at them.

This is a vulnerable, inspiring conversation about resilience, communication as currency, and rediscovering who you are when everything else feels uncertain.

Website-www.speakwithpeople.com

Socia Media Links/Handles-

https://www.instagram.com/speakwithpeople_/

https://www.instagram.com/jasonraitz/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonraitz/

https://www.youtube.com/@JasonRaitzSpeaker

https://www.facebook.com/jraitz

Life Lessons, Salon Stories, and Starting Fresh with Dawn Wecker Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Dawn Wecker, host of Dawnversations, a variety show where she dives into whatever topics she feels inspired by. Dawn shares her journey of constant reinvention—some intentional, others by accident—that helped her build confidence and embrace change along the way.

From spending three decades behind the chair as a hairstylist to finally coming full circle with her love of interviewing through podcasting, Dawn opens up about the raw, unfiltered stories she’s heard in salons, the unexpected lessons from COVID, and the resilience it took to navigate life’s toughest challenges, including personal loss.

This conversation is full of humor, vulnerability, and insight into the power of curiosity, reinvention, and embracing the stories that shape who we are. Whether it’s salon tales, tornado survival, or launching her own podcast, Dawn reminds us that life is about creating, adapting, and staying true to yourself.

Website-https://www.podpage.com/dawnversations/

Social Media Links/Handles-

https://www.facebook.com/dawnversations.2024

https://www.instagram.com/dawnversations_podcast/

www.youtube.com/@dawnversationspodcast444

https://www.tiktok.com/@dawnversations