What Are You Made Of?

Latest Episodes:

Why Authenticity Builds Trust and Transforms Leadership with Leigh Brown Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with keynote speaker and strategic leader Leigh Brown for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, storytelling, leadership, and having the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

Leigh shares her journey from being a self-described introvert and “super nerd” to becoming a powerful speaker and leader, explaining how one mentor saw something in her before she could see it in herself. She and Mike explore how authentic storytelling can build trust, create deeper connections, and turn a transactional message into something truly transformational. Leigh also opens up about her experience leading grassroots disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, an experience that shaped her new book, Next Is Now, and deepened her understanding of trust, service, community, surrender, and leadership. Throughout the conversation, Leigh and Mike discuss why people connect with realness over perfection, how vulnerability can create powerful moments of connection, and why your story may matter far more than you realize.

If you’re ready to lead with greater authenticity, connect with people on a deeper level, and have the courage to embrace what comes next, this episode is for you.

Website: https://www.leighbrown.com/

Social Media Links/Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/LeighBrownSpeaker/

https://www.youtube.com/leighbrownspeaker?sub_confirmation=1

https://www.instagram.com/leighthomasbrown/

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

https://rumble.com/user/leighthomasbrown

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

https://leighthomasbrown.substack.com

Stop Raising Athletes, Start Building Leaders: John O’Sullivan on the Future of Youth Sports Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike "C-Roc" sits down with John O’Sullivan, former collegiate and professional soccer player and coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and founder of the Changing the Game Project, for a powerful conversation about sports, leadership, resilience, parenting, and the lessons that shape us both on and off the field.

John shares the journey that took him from a young multi-sport athlete on Long Island to collegiate soccer, professional coaching, and ultimately becoming an internationally recognized advocate for improving youth sports. He opens up about suffering a devastating injury before his senior year of high school, how it changed his trajectory, and how one coach’s willingness to give him a second chance helped him continue pursuing his passion.

Mike "C-Roc" and John dive deep into what it really takes to become an elite athlete—and why talent alone isn't enough. They discuss sacrifice, discipline, work ethic, perseverance, and the mindset required to compete at the highest levels. John also explains how today's youth sports environment has changed, including the pressure for kids to specialize earlier, do more, and treat sports like a job before they are ready.

The conversation also explores leadership and character development in young athletes. John explains why kids need opportunities to solve their own problems, navigate conflict, develop confidence, and learn how to lead their peers rather than having adults constantly step in to fix everything for them.

As the founder of the Changing the Game Project and host of the Way of Champions Podcast, John has dedicated his career to helping coaches, parents, athletes, and sports organizations create healthier and more meaningful environments for young people. His message is simple but powerful: sports should develop the person, not just the player.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, parents, leaders, and anyone who believes that the lessons learned through sports can create stronger, more resilient, and more capable people.

Website-www.changingthegameproject.com

Social Media Links/Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/ChangingTheGameProject

https://www.instagram.com/ctgprojecthq/

https://x.com/CTGProjectHQ

Stop Cutting Out Foods: The Truth About Gut Health, Stress, and Your Microbiome with Dr. Heather Finley Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike "C-Roc" sits down with Dr. Heather Finley, Registered Dietitian, gut health expert, and founder of gutTogether™, to unpack the powerful connection between gut health, nutrition, mindset, and overall well-being.

Dr. Heather shares her deeply personal journey from growing up with chronic GI issues and severe food fears to earning her doctorate in clinical nutrition and discovering a more individualized approach to gut health. She explains how years of restrictive eating, stress, overtraining, and an imbalanced gut microbiome affected her health—and how overcoming those challenges ultimately became the foundation for her mission to help others.

Mike "C-Roc" and Dr. Heather dive into why one-size-fits-all approaches to gut health often fall short, the importance of identifying underlying issues instead of simply treating symptoms, and how the gut-brain connection, stress, sleep, diet, and microbiome all work together. They also discuss SIBO, food variety, fiber, protein, gut bacteria, and why constantly eliminating foods may sometimes make the problem worse.

Dr. Heather also opens up about overcoming fear and self-doubt, transitioning from a clinical career into entrepreneurship, and building a successful seven-figure business.

Today, through gutTogether™, she helps people find relief from complex GI issues, while her gutPractitioner mentorship supports dietitians and health professionals in becoming more confident in treating challenging gut health cases.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that you can't always solve a health problem by simply working harder or cutting more things out—you have to understand the person and the root causes behind the symptoms.

Website- www.guttogetherprogram.com

www.drheatherfinley.co

https://www.instagram.com/drheatherfinley/?hl=en

Your Voice Is Your Power: How to Communicate with Confidence and Purpose with Arthur Samuel Joseph Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of What Are You Made Of, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Arthur Samuel Joseph, Founder and Chairman of the Vocal Awareness Institute, whose lifelong mission is to change the world through voice. Arthur shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped who he is today, including the courage and love of his mother and the unwavering belief and support of his wife of nearly six decades.

Together, Mike "C-Roc" and Arthur explore the transformative power of voice and communication, diving into the principles behind Arthur’s groundbreaking work in Vocal Awareness. Arthur demonstrates how posture, breath, eye contact, intention, and language can dramatically influence the way we show up and communicate with others. Through practical exercises and real-time coaching, he helps Mike—and listeners—experience what it means to embody confidence, speak with greater authority, and claim personal power without ego.

The conversation also explores Arthur’s philosophy of “Surrender, Serve, and Soar,” the importance of overcoming the fear of abandonment and the fear of owning our own greatness, and why true mastery begins when we stop seeking permission to be ourselves. Arthur shares how conscious breathing can create greater physical, emotional, and spiritual awareness and explains why learning to master communication can ultimately lead to greater empowerment in every area of life.

As Arthur enters what he calls his “legacy time,” he reflects on his vision to ensure that the work of Vocal Awareness continues to empower future generations. This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that voice is more than the sound we make—it is a reflection of who we are, what we believe, and the power we have to create meaningful change.

If you're ready to communicate with more confidence, embrace your authentic voice, and step more fully into your purpose, this episode is for you.

Website: vocalawareness.com

Social Media Links/Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/vocalawareness/

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

Backward Brilliance: A Framework for Bigger Ideas and Better Results with Will Hammond Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Will Hammond, a creative strategist and business leader who has spent his career turning powerful ideas into growth, transformation, and equity-building opportunities for major brands around the world.

Will shares his journey from struggling to generate ideas early in his advertising career to developing a repeatable framework for creative thinking and business problem-solving. He explains why the best ideas don’t come from staring harder at a problem, but from asking better questions, staying curious, and working backward from a bold vision.

Together, Mike "C-Roc" and Will explore the connection between ideas and execution, the importance of alignment and belief within a team, and why great ideas can come from anywhere in an organization. Will also shares how businesses can move beyond simply solving problems and instead turn challenges into strategic advantages.

From overcoming fear and perfectionism to taking action before you have all the answers, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to think bigger, move faster, and create unreasonable success.

Tune in to discover what happens when you stop settling for good ideas and start building toward brilliance.

Website-Backwardbrilliance.com

Social Media Links/Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/will_backwardbrilliance/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hammond/

Your Anxiety Is Trying to Tell You Something: Decoding Your Inner Guidance System with Zen Cryar DeBrucke Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

What if the anxiety, fear, worry, or overwhelm you feel isn’t something you need to fix—but a message you need to understand?

In this powerful episode, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Zen Cryar DeBrucke, Mental Fear Expert, Applied Neuroscience Teacher, and creator of the Internal Guidance System® (IGS). Zen shares how a difficult childhood, trauma, and years of personal struggle led her to discover the physical guidance system within our bodies—and how learning to read it completely transformed her life.

Zen explains why sensations like a tight throat, pressure in the chest, or that “rock” feeling in your stomach may be more than anxiety. According to Zen, these sensations can be signals that the thoughts you're having in the moment aren't true or aren't aligned with your path.

The conversation goes deep into forgiveness, healing, self-awareness, decision-making, and the power of challenging thoughts we assume are true. Zen also shares her incredible journey from being a high school dropout and emancipated teenager to becoming a tech CEO and building a multimillion-dollar company.

Mike "C-Roc" and Zen explore how letting go of resentment can create freedom, why forgiveness is ultimately about reclaiming your own power, and how learning to listen to your body's signals can help you navigate difficult decisions and move toward greater alignment.

If you've ever struggled with anxiety, overthinking, fear, or feeling stuck, this episode may completely change the way you interpret what your body is trying to tell you.

Tune in to discover how your “anxiety” might actually be guidance—and what it could be saying.

Website: fearfreehuman.com

zencryardebrucke.com

Social Media Links/handles:

https://www.instagram.com/zencryardebrucke/

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

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

https://zencryardebrucke.substack.com/

From Family Business to Multi-Million-Dollar Success: LuAnn Nigara’s Entrepreneurial Journey Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with LuAnn Nigara, podcast host, keynote speaker, author, and accomplished entrepreneur, for an inspiring conversation about belief, accountability, entrepreneurship, and creating your next chapter.

LuAnn shares how her parents shaped her mindset from an early age, combining her mother’s unwavering belief that she could accomplish anything with her father’s emphasis on accountability and proving how it could be done. She reflects on growing up in an entrepreneurial family, taking on responsibility in the family business as a child, and eventually building Window Works with her husband from the ground up into a successful multi-million-dollar company.

LuAnn also opens up about transitioning away from the business after more than four decades and why she never experienced the identity crisis that often comes with leaving a longtime career or business. Instead, she had already been proactively creating her next future through podcasting, business education, coaching, live events, and mentorship.

Mike "C-Roc" and LuAnn explore the importance of having a clear mission, vision, and values—not only for a business but for your life—and how using those principles can make difficult decisions clearer. They also discuss trusting your inner voice, recognizing your unique gifts, taking action without getting stuck on the “how,” and proactively building a future that pulls you forward.

LuAnn’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you build, but about continually having the courage and clarity to create what comes next.

Website- http://luannnigara.com/

https://www.instagram.com/luannnigara/?hl=en

Shona Kay on Filmmaking, Wellness, and the Courage to Be Vulnerable Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

What if the stories you've lived through hold the key to your purpose, healing, and greatest impact?

In this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike "C-Roc" welcomes actress, filmmaker, wellness entrepreneur, and storyteller Shona Kay for a heartfelt conversation about the power of vulnerability, resilience, and authentic storytelling.

Shona opens up about overcoming a difficult childhood marked by abuse, finding her passion for filmmaking, and building a creative career while raising a family. She also shares her deeply personal healing journey after being diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease, explaining how practices like breathwork, Reiki, and nervous system regulation helped her reclaim her health and inspired her to create a wellness space where she now helps others heal.

Throughout the conversation, Mike and Shona explore why sharing our stories creates meaningful connection, how our experiences shape who we are, and why vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths. Shona's vision of creating an "empathetic campfire" reminds us that when we come together through honest conversation and compassion, we can inspire hope, healing, and lasting change.

Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking greater purpose, or simply looking for an inspiring story of resilience, this episode will leave you encouraged to embrace your own journey and recognize the power of your story.Website-https://www.yesandelevate.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shonauk/?hl=en

Why Everything You Know About Health Might Be Wrong with John Jubilee Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of What Are You Made Of? Show, Mike "C-Roc" sits down with John Jubilee, Founder of Energized Health, to explore the remarkable journey that led him from a nationally recognized banking executive to a leading voice in cellular health and wellness. Growing up in poverty and enduring the tragic loss of both of his brothers, John shares how faith, resilience, and an unwavering belief in purpose shaped his outlook on life. Despite achieving tremendous professional success, his own health was rapidly declining, leaving him with chronic pain, high blood pressure, brain fog, and the prospect of knee replacement surgery at just 37 years old.

Determined to find answers, John immersed himself in years of research and developed an approach centered on restoring health at the cellular level. After transforming his own health in just 88 days, he spent the next 11 years helping thousands of people for free while continuing his successful banking career. A pivotal conversation with Dave Ramsey ultimately confirmed what he had already begun to realize—that his work in health was no longer simply a passion project but his true calling. Today, as the Founder of Energized Health, John challenges conventional thinking about aging, chronic illness, and what it means to achieve lasting vitality.

Throughout the conversation, Mike and John discuss the power of choosing your attitude and actions, embracing adversity as a catalyst for growth, raising resilient children through example, and living with purpose rooted in faith. John's perspective on overcoming hardship, redefining health, and refusing to accept limiting beliefs offers a compelling reminder that our greatest challenges often become the foundation for our greatest impact.

Whether you're seeking better health, stronger faith, or a renewed sense of purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what's possible.

Website-www.energizedhealth.com

Social Media Links/Handles:

https://www.facebook.com/energizedhealth

https://www.instagram.com/energized.health/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbiW0aATEQwteFmN-qKHsw

From Burnout to Bulletproof: The Mindset Behind Thriving Dental Practices with Dr. Craig Spodak and Dr. Peter Boulden Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

Success isn’t built by avoiding setbacks—it’s built by pushing through them. In this powerful conversation, Mike “C-Roc” welcomes Dr. Craig Spodak and Dr. Peter Boulden, founders of Bulletproof Dental Practice, to share the deeply personal journey that transformed them from successful dentists into mentors helping thousands of practice owners build thriving businesses and better lives.

Craig and Peter open up about the defining moments that shaped them, including financial hardship, lawsuits, betrayal, burnout, family struggles, and the emotional toll of running a dental practice. Rather than allowing those experiences to break them, they used them as the foundation for a mission centered on resilience, leadership, and community. Together, they discuss why dentistry can be one of the loneliest professions, how vulnerability became their greatest strength, and why finding the right people to lean on can change the course of both a career and a life.

Mike 'C-Roc' ties their stories back to his own philosophy of turning setbacks into "rocket fuel," leading to an inspiring conversation about perseverance, partnership, entrepreneurship, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who challenge, support, and elevate you.

Whether you're a dentist, business owner, or anyone navigating adversity, this episode offers a compelling reminder that your greatest struggles can become the catalyst for your greatest impact.

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

Social Media Links/Handles-

https://www.instagram.com/bulletproofdentalpractice/?hl=en

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bulletproof-dental-practice/id1167571343

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