If you’ve ever doubted yourself or wondered how to turn your struggles into strengths, this episode is for you. It’s packed with powerful lessons, actionable advice, and raw honesty that will leave you ready to take action.

On this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, we bring you the incredible story of Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson, a mother, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader who turned obstacles into opportunities. At just 16, Sam faced challenges that could have defined her, but instead, she used them to fuel her journey to success. From launching a nonprofit with only $** to becoming a celebrated community leader, Sam’s story will inspire you to push through whatever’s holding you back.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Starting from zero: How Sam launched a nonprofit with just $** and built it into a thriving organization.

✅ The truth about failure: Why failing forward is the key to discovering who you really are.

✅ Building a legacy through resilience: How Sam overcame societal shame and personal struggles to lead with purpose.

✅ Lessons for aspiring leaders: The biggest mistakes to avoid when building nonprofits and organizations.

✅ Faith and perseverance: How trusting the process and staying grounded can help you overcome any obstacle.

🎧 This episode is for you if:

•⁠ ⁠You feel stuck or held back by your current circumstances.

•⁠ ⁠You want to start something impactful but don’t know where to begin.

•⁠ ⁠You’re looking for inspiration to turn your struggles into strengths.

•⁠ ⁠You believe in the power of faith, resilience, and leadership.

•⁠ ⁠You’re ready to learn from someone who’s been there and made it happen.

🌟 Who is Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson?

Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson is the founder of YHP Cares and Yung Hip Professionals Inc., organizations focused on healthcare advocacy and community empowerment. From her journey as a teen mom to receiving prestigious awards like Long Island’s 40 Under 40 and recognition from Forbes BLK, Sam’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, leadership, and building a life of purpose.

As the host of "The That's Sam Law Show," Sam amplifies voices from younger generations and their champions. A member of Forbes BLK and the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC Inc.), a TEDx speaker, former Chair of DEI at Melville Chamber of Commerce, published model, and marketing professional. Her education includes a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from LIU CW Post and a Bachelor of Art in psychology from SUNY Old Westbury.

Sam's achievements include: Schneps Media "2024 Power Women Long Island", Long Island Business News' 2024 "40 under 40" award, the 2024 Entrepreneur Award from NANBPWC Inc., Bridges Ministries’ “Catalyst for Change” award and Suffolk County's 15th District "Rising Star Award" in 2020. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and health care equity, Sam remains dedicated to building an equitable future for Long Island.

Connect with our guest:

🔗 Samantha “Sam Law” Lawson

Instagram/TikTok: @thats_samlaw

Website: https://www.thatssamlaw.com/

YHP Cares: https://www.yhpcares.com/

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

📸 Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

🎧 Host: @seanmartinmotiv8

What’s stopping you from chasing your dreams? Fear? Doubt? In this episode, we prove that where you come from doesn’t define where you’re going. On this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, we feature Chef Jose DeJesus, also known as the Trill Cooker, a Bronx native who went from washing dishes to competing on Hell’s Kitchen and creating a culinary empire. Chef Jose shares how he turned his passion for food into a career that’s breaking barriers and changing the game in the world of fine dining.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to turn your passion into a career: Chef Jose shares how he followed his love for food despite the odds.

✅ Overcoming cultural expectations: Learn how Chef Jose navigated family and societal pressures to stay true to himself.

✅ Insider secrets from Hell’s Kitchen: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environment.

✅ The art of standing out: Discover how to use your unique background to create opportunities in competitive industries.

✅ Lessons on resilience and reinvention: Hear how Chef Jose adapted and thrived through life’s toughest challenges.

🎧 This episode is for you if you’re:

• Need inspiration to turn your passion into a profession.
• Are curious about what it takes to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
• Feel like your circumstances are holding you back.
• Interested in learning how to turn struggles into strengths.
• Ready to hear actionable advice from a self-made success story.

🌟 Who is Chef Jose DeJesus?

Chef Jose, aka Trill Cooker, is a Bronx-born culinary innovator, competed on Gordon Ramsay's Hell’s Kitchen Season 18, Beat Bobby Flay, and served A-list clients including Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez. His unique ability to blend cultural heritage with fine dining has made him a rising star in the culinary world and an inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion.

-----

Connect with our guest:

👨🏻‍🍳 Chef Jose DeJesus (Trill Cooker)

IG: @cheftrill.cooker

Book Chef Trill: https://oneelevencorp.com/

👤 Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @seanmartinmotiv8

-----

Tags: Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Jose DeJesus, Trill Cooker, Bronx chef, fine dining, pop-up restaurants, culinary innovation, Michelin-level dining, cooking competition, food entrepreneur, resilience, breaking barriers, Bronx pride, culinary artistry, professional chef, creative cooking, food stories, cultural heritage in cooking, REAL Mentors Podcast, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Beat Bobby Flay, kitchen secrets, food culture, inspiring chefs, culinary mentorship, chef success stories

Whether you’re a young investor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration to take that first step, this episode is packed with actionable insights and relatable stories.

In this episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, we sit down with JD Mitra, a Bronx-born real estate investor, entrepreneur, and mentor with a story that inspires action. From navigating the challenges of growing up in an immigrant family to building a thriving real estate empire, JD brings decades of experience, wisdom, and proven strategies to the table.

Packed with actionable advice and insider strategies, this episode is perfect for aspiring real estate investors, young entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to break into real estate with minimal savings.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to start investing in real estate with little to no money: Understand FHA loans, creative financing, and leveraging resources.

✅ Secrets to finding the best real estate deals: Learn the 4 Ds of Real Estate—and how to uncover hidden opportunities.

✅ The importance of leveraging rent increases for equity growth: Maximize property value without overcomplicating the process.

✅ How to break free from cultural and societal expectations: JD shares his journey to authenticity and financial independence.

✅ Real estate hacks for young investors: From buying your first rental property to building a portfolio step-by-step.

Perfect for viewers interested in:

🏠 Real estate investing

💸 Passive income ideas

💰 Financial freedom through real estate

🌎 Building generational wealth

🔑 First-time homebuyer tips

-----

Connect with our guest, JD Mitra

IG: @thisisjdmitra - https://www.instagram.com/thisisjdmitra/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joydevmitra09

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JD_Mitra

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

-----

Tags:

Real estate investing, Passive income, Generational wealth, Real estate strategies, First-time homebuyer tips, FHA loans, Multifamily investing, Financial freedom, Real estate hacks, Real estate for beginners, Building wealth, JD Mitra, REAL Mentors Podcast, Real Estate Podcast

Gary Brown, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, shares his incredible journey from Brentwood, New York, to the NFL, and how he found his true calling in community service after overcoming personal struggles.

Key topics discussed:

🏈 Gary's path from community college to the NFL

💪 Lessons learned from NFL legends like Reggie White

🏆 Winning the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers

🦵 Overcoming paralysis and learning to walk again

❤️ Founding Dream 68 Foundation to help underprivileged youth

Gary takes us through his early days in Brentwood, NY, and how his father's influence shaped his work ethic. He shares candid stories about his time in the NFL, including his first encounters with football legends and the "Mamba Mentality" he observed in champions like Jerry Rice.

The conversation then shifts to Gary's life-changing injury and his inspiring recovery. Gary discusses how this experience led him to create the Dream 68 Foundation, which now serves hundreds of families in need. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the power of giving back to the community.

This episode is a testament to resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the impact one person can have on countless lives. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about finding purpose and making a difference.

Connect with Gary Brown

Instagram: @gary_brown_dream_68

Website: ⁠https://garybrowndream68.com/⁠

Email: gary.bigbrown68@gmail.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

#REALMentorsPodcast #GaryBrown #NFLLegend #CommunityHero #Dream68Foundation

What does it really take to go from rock bottom to financial freedom? This episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast peels back the curtain on one man's extraordinary journey from poverty to prosperity. Host Sean Martin brings together: self-made millionaire Jarek Tadla, his 13-year-old son Patrick Tadla, and successful entrepreneur Andrew Sallee. Together, they dive deep into the gritty realities of success, failure, and the power of authentic relationships. This eye-opening conversation reveals:

🔥 The hidden mindset shifts that can accelerate your path to wealth

👨‍👦 How sobriety and self-improvement can transform family dynamics

💼 The secrets to building genuine, lucrative business partnerships

🧠 Why personal development trumps chasing dollars every time

Key topics:

- Shattering limiting beliefs and societal expectations

- Balancing financial success with personal growth

- The crucial role of vulnerability in leadership

- Raising children with a healthy perspective on wealth

Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or aiming to elevate your success, this episode offers raw, actionable advice from those who've walked the path.

-----

Connect with our guests:

Jarek Tadla:

IG: @tadlajarek

Website: https://www.jarektadla.com/

Andrew Sallee:

IG: @andrewjsallee

REAL Mentors Podcast

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

-----

Tags: #REALMentorsPodcast #RealLifeExamplesAlteringLives #JarekTadla #AndrewSallee #SelfMadeMillionaire #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift #FatherSonRelationship #Entrepreneurship #FinancialFreedom

On this powerful episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, where Real-life Examples Alter Lives, host Sean Martin sits down with Chrystina Casado, founder of Brunch at Zion's and a two-time cancer survivor. Chrystina shares her inspiring journey of turning personal struggles into a mission to nourish her community.

Chrystina discusses:

🍳 How she discovered her calling as a chef

🌱 The importance of whole, seasonal foods for health

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Using cooking to build generational wealth and community bonds

💪 Overcoming cancer and abuse to find her purpose

🎓 Teaching 120 students about healthy cooking and nutrition

Key topics:

Transforming pain into purpose through food

The connection between nutrition and overall well-being

Breaking the cycle of food-related illnesses in communities of color

The power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity

Building a business that aligns with personal values

Don't miss Chrystina's insights on how food can be a powerful tool for healing, community building, and personal growth.

----

Connect with Chrystina Casado:

Instagram: @chefchrystina

Website: www.brunchatzions.com

Follow REAL Mentors Podcast:

Instagram: @realmentorspodcast

Host: @theseanmartin

-----

#REALMentorsPodcast #RealLifeExamplesAlteringLives #ChristinaCasado #CommunityChef #CancerSurvivor #FoodAsHealing #NutritionEducation #BlackOwnedBusiness #CommunityEmpowerment #HealthyEating

Welcome to the REAL Mentors Podcast, where Real-life Examples Alter Lives. In this powerful episode, host Sean Martin explores the transformative journey of Violeta Galagarza, a true embodiment of our mission.

For 35 years, Violeta has been the heartbeat of East Harlem's KR3Ts (Keep Rising To The Top) dance company, proving that one person's dedication can reshape an entire community's destiny. Violeta's story is a masterclass in resilience and purpose:

🔥 Founding KR3Ts at 17, defying all odds

💃 Weaponizing dance against poverty, crime, abuse, and despair

🏆 Rising above personal tragedies to lift others

🌟 From street dancer to collaborator on Grand Theft Auto

Key themes that will inspire you:

- Transforming pain into unstoppable purpose

- The revolutionary power of showing up, day after day

- Balancing grassroots impact with broader visibility

- How authentic leadership can alter countless lives

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a call to action. Learn how Violeta's real-life example is altering lives! Subscribe now to witness how real-life examples are altering lives, one story at a time!

Connect with Violeta Galagarza:

Instagram: ⁠@violet_kr3ts⁠ Keep Rising To The Top | ⁠www.kr3ts.com⁠ | Instagram: ⁠@kr3ts⁠

Connect with REAL Mentors Podcast:

Instagram: ⁠@realmentorspodcast⁠

Host: Sean Martin ⁠@theseanmartin⁠

-----

Tags: #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #RealLifeExamplesAlteringLives #VioletaGalagarza #KR3Ts #CommunityHero #DanceRevolution #EastHarlemPride #NonprofitWarrior #YouthEmpowerment #UrbanRenaissance#EastHarlem #DanceEducation #NonprofitLeadership #HipHopCulture #JLo #Beyonce #AlvinAiley #TikTokDance #StreetDance #GrandTheftAuto #GTA #GTA6 #GTAVI #NYCLife #LatinxCulture #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackLivesMatter #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityOutreach #SocialJustice #Entrepreneurship #WomenEmpowerment #UrbanDevelopment #ArtTherapy #Resilience #SuccessStories #PopCulture #NYCDanceScene

On this powerful episode of the REAL Mentors Podcast, where Real Life Examples Alter Lives, host Sean Martin sits down with Brad Butler, a Jersey City native turned motivational speaker, for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity and finding your purpose.

Brad shares his remarkable story, including:

🔥 His journey from special education to corporate success

🎤 Discovering his calling as a motivational speaker

💪 The importance of faith and family in personal growth

💼 Transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to full-time speaking

👨‍👩‍👦 Balancing career ambitions with family life

Key topics discussed:

- Turning pain into purpose

- The value of mentorship

- Overcoming self-doubt

- Building a speaking career from the ground up

- The power of authenticity in public speaking

Don't miss Brad's insights on male role models, the importance of mindset shifts, and how to find guidance when you lack positive influences in your life.

REAL Mentors Podcast: REAL stories lead to REAL change. 🌱

——

REAL Mentors Podcast

IG 👉 @realmentorspodcast

YouTube 👉 @REALMentorsPodcast

Sean Martin

IG 👉 @theseanmartin

Brad Butler II

IG 👉 @bradbutlerthe2nd

——

#REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BradButlerII #Motivation #FaithAndWork #OvercomingObstacles #Inspiration #PersonalDevelopment #LifeLessons #Empowerment #SuccessStories #YouthMentor #CommunityImpact #BelieveAndWork #RealLifeHeroes