In this episode, we sit down with Dillon Salva—a former college football and basketball player who turned rejection from the NFL into a springboard for something bigger. Dillon shares his wild journey from crushing tackles to guarding Fetty Wap and Kevin Gates, training in Hollywood gyms, and landing a spot on Netflix’s Running Point.

You’ll hear about nightclub shootouts, touring with rappers, transforming his body through bodybuilding, and the resilience that kept him going when everything else fell apart.

Highlights include:

• How a college coach broke his confidence—and built it back • Getting scouted by the Patriots without knowing it • The insane story of becoming Fetty Wap’s trainer • A baby mistaking Kevin Gates for a mom (!?) • What it’s like to witness a shooting on tour

Stick around—this one is packed with unbelievable moments and serious inspiration.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro 02:27 Family of Athletes: Records and Recruits 04:02 Early Lifting & Athletic Development 07:04 High School Transfers and Position Changes 10:09 Switching from QB to Tight End 13:18 New Coach, New Opportunities 14:47 Almost Playing in the SEC 17:04 Academic Struggles and Lost Scholarships 18:19 College Football at Kean & Injury Setbacks 21:00 Getting Moved Between Four Positions 22:02 Kicked Off Basketball Team After Spitting Incident 25:06 Brookdale Year and JUCO Hoops Success 27:19 Why Dillon Chose Merrimack 30:07 Coach Curran’s Tough Love Moment 34:03 NFL Interest, Patriots Scout Mention 36:11 Pro Days, Falcons & Redskins Tryouts 39:08 How He Met Jack Silva 41:11 CBD Line & Move to California 44:45 Meeting Jay Cutler & Larry Wheels 46:04 How Fetty Wap Found Him on Instagram 50:06 From Training Fetty to Being His Bodyguard 52:11 Wild Nights at Miami Swim Week 54:52 “Would You Take a Bullet?” 58:42 Witnessing Shootings on Tour 1:02:00 Meeting Kevin Gates at a Miami Club 1:06:50 Kevin Offers Bodyguard Job After Fetty’s Arrest 1:13:14 Why Kevin Gates is a Fitness Monster 1:15:03 Origin of the Nickname “Scutty” 1:16:12 Netflix Role in *Running Point* 1:18:42 His Acting Goals and SAG Eligibility 1:29:01 Prepping for Pro Card in Bodybuilding 1:32:00 Cheat Meals, Five Guys vs In-N-Out 1:34:00 Where He Hopes to Be at 40

Links & Mentions:

🎥 Dillon’s Instagram 📺 Watch Running Point on Netflix 💪 Team Personal Record (Larry Wheels’ Brand) 🎤 Kevin Gates Tour Info

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we welcome Paul Perillo—editor of Patriots.com and co-host of Patriots Unfiltered. Paul brings decades of New England sports experience to the mic, with stories spanning from Everett High to the Boston Herald newsroom and into Gillette Stadium’s media room.

We dive into his early athletic career, the hustle of breaking into sports journalism, and the evolution of youth sports and sports media. Paul reflects on working with legends like Bill Simmons, Michael Felger, Tony Massarotti, and Mike Reiss, all while bringing humor and humility to his journey.

Highlights include:

• Growing up in Everett’s sports culture • Playing baseball at BU & becoming team captain • Breaking into the Boston Herald • Covering high school, college & pro sports • Patriots insider stories & working with the Krafts

Whether you’re a sports fan, aspiring journalist, or nostalgic for old-school ball, this episode’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro 03:25 Growing up in Everett and early sports memories 08:45 Writing sports articles while playing for Everett 23:00 Baseball at BU and the story of becoming a college pitcher 36:24 Getting inducted into the BU Baseball Hall of Fame 40:25 Breaking into journalism at the Boston Herald 46:00 Working at the Herald with Tony Massarotti, Michael Felger, and Bill Simmons 53:45 Transitioning to the Patriots in 1999 1:04:30 Why all wide receivers are divas (except Larry Fitzgerald) 1:19:18 The 2001 Superbowl - The start of Patriot dynasty 1:30:30 Inside the Media 1:38:25 Patriots pick at #4 1:46:56 Advice for an aspiring sports writer

Links & Mentions:

🔵 Official website of the New England Patriots 🎙️ Patriots Unfiltered Podcast 🏒 Don Lucia speech on Player Development 🏈 The Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham 📰 Boston Herald Sports 🐺 Northeastern Athletics

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Josh Kaplan—one of the voices behind the podcast Friends Talking Shop. Josh shares how three finance industry veterans turned late-night conference chats into a hilarious and relatable show that’s now over 85 episodes strong.

We dive into Josh’s Philly sports fandom, his 15-year journey playing in an adult street hockey league, and how he juggles podcasting, family, and a full-time career. The conversation also explores social media struggles, viral moments, and unexpected documentary obsessions.

Highlights include:

• How Friends Talking Shop got started • Podcast dynamics: Dave the host, Omar the wildcard • Street hockey stories (and injuries) • Growing on Instagram with help from the kids • Favorite shows from Love is Blind to Dr. Pimple Popper

Whether you’re over 50 or just feel like it, this episode is a fun, relatable ride.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode 23 Show Intro 07:22 Street hockey league: gear, injuries, and adult camaraderie 13:12 The Stretch Zone 20:40 Internships, sticker fails & early career mishaps 22:23 How Friends Talking Shop was born around a fire pit 26:24 Omar the wildcard: single life, eccentric style, and spontaneity 30:12 Josh’s “social media vault” strategy and posting tips 38:35 Why podcasting should always be for fun 48:51 When TikTok turned into a battlefield over “Jingle Bells” 54:45 Streaming picks: Jay & Pamela, Baylen, Love Is Blind, Lincoln Lawyer 1:03:28 Karen Read case – the local true crime twist 1:07:59 Show Wrap Up

Links & Mentions:

🎙️ Friends Talking Shop Podcast 🥃 Deacon Whiskey (FTS sponsor) 📺 Jay and Pamela on TLC 📺 Baylen Out Loud on Max 🧘 Stretch Zone 🔔 Controversy over Jingle Bells Fun Fact (Tik Tok) 🤢 Dr. Pimple Popper 📺 The Trial of Karen Read 🎵 “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Lee Richards, an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the original guitarist for Godsmack. Lee takes us through his career—from the early days of forming one of rock’s biggest bands to stepping away for fatherhood, and now, gearing up for his first solo album, Lee Richards & Friends.

We explore his journey through music, working with legends, and how he balances rock and family life. He shares untold stories from the road, the inside scoop on writing hit songs, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the industry.

Highlights include:

• Godsmack Origins & Leaving for Fatherhood • The Reality of the Music Business • Songwriting Secrets & Collaborating with Rock Legends • The Craziest Crowd Lee Ever Played For • Balancing Music & Family Life • What’s next? Lee Richards’ debut solo album

Lee’s stories are raw, real, and full of wisdom—whether you’re a music fan, an aspiring artist, or just love a great conversation.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Mack & G Show 01:00 – Meet Lee Richards: Godsmack Origins 08:20 – Forming Godsmack & Early Days in the Band 12:40 – Why Lee Left Godsmack for Fatherhood 17:04 – The Harsh Reality of the Music Business 19:50 – Lee’s Songwriting Process & Inspiration 33:50 – Working with Producer Dave Jerden 43:40 – The Most Surreal Crowd Lee Ever Played For 48:31 – Touring in the U.S. vs. Europe: Key Differences 53:45 – Lee’s Upcoming Solo Album Lee Richards & Friends 56:42 – How Lee Balanced Music & Fatherhood 1:03:42 – Advice for Young Musicians Today

Links & Mentions:

• Another Animal on Spotify • Dropbox on Spotify • Godsmack on Spotify • Dropbox - Wishbone • Another Animal – Black Coffee Blues • Another Animal – Broken Again • John Kosco & Lee Richards - Touché • Richards/Crane feat. Myles Kennedy - Black & White (Official Video) • Bamboozled.Boston Podcast • Jordan vs Bird C64 Gameplay • Russell Autobody in Pelham, NH • Fletch - Put it on the Underhills Tab

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we celebrate a major milestone—our 21st episode! That officially puts us in the top 1% of podcasts (at least according to statistics). To mark the occasion, we dive into the latest streaming hits, including Running Point, White Lotus, Zero Day, and more. Plus, we debate whether getting a full-body health scan is genius or just a way to stress yourself out.

But the real fun? We unveil the ultimate “Uncool Dad” list—habits that dads think are cool but… absolutely are not. Are you guilty of any?

Highlights Include:

• Best & worst new streaming shows • The truth about full-body health scans • The “Uncool Dad” list—what NOT to do • Ricky G’s Dual Lingo struggles • A sneak peek at upcoming shows we’re excited for

Whether you’re looking for your next binge-worthy show or just trying to avoid embarrassing dad habits, this episode has something for you. Let’s dive in!

Timestamps

0:00 Welcome to Episode 21—Why This is a Milestone 2:30 The Stats Behind Podcast Survival Rates 4:32 The Catch-Up: Life Updates & Dog Shenanigans 6:38 Should You Get a Full-Body Scan? Worth It or Just Anxiety Fuel? 13:00 Streaming Shows We’re Watching: Hits & Misses 24:30 Upcoming Shows We’re Excited For 29:18 The “Uncool Dad” List—What Not to Do 34:30 Can 700 Days on Duolingo Actually Teach You to Order Dinner? 36:08 Next Week’s Guest: Founding Member of Godsmack

Links & Mentions:

Why 21 Episodes Matters Running Point – Watch on Apple TV+ Paradise - Watch on Hulu How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs Full-Body Scans: Pros & Cons Shoutout to the ‘Friends Talking Shop’ Podcast Duolingo: Can Ricky G Ever Order Dinner?

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Rich Raymond, President & CEO of Armstrong Ambulance, and a paramedic with over three decades of experience. From his early days as an EMT to responding to major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Wakefield workplace shooting, Rich shares a firsthand look at the high-pressure world of emergency medical services (EMS).

We discuss the intensity of first responder work, the challenges of leadership in EMS, and the unforgettable moments that define a career in saving lives. Whether it’s navigating mass casualty events or the everyday heroism of paramedics, this episode is a deep dive into the life of a frontline worker.

Highlights Include:

• The Wakefield mass shooting – responding to a workplace tragedy • Deploying for Hurricane Katrina – chaos, disaster relief & makeshift hospitals • The realities of EMS – from 911 calls to saving lives • Crazy first responder stories – the wildest calls you won’t believe • The importance of CPR training & knowing how to stop a bleed

Whether you’re interested in EMS, healthcare, or just love jaw-dropping real-life stories, this episode delivers.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro & Welcome to Episode 20 00:52 Red Light Therapy – Does it Work? 04:40 Growing Up in East Boston & Childhood Stories 08:55 Wild High School Stories – The Dom Savio Years 24:15 Becoming an EMT & Moving Up in EMS 36:42 The Man Who Got Run Over & Walked Away – Wildest EMS Calls 49:45 Deploying for Hurricane Katrina – Responding to Disaster 57:18 The Wakefield Workplace Shooting – Inside the Response 1:01:45 The Mental Toll of First Responders & PTSD in EMS 1:07:41 The Life of a St. Bernard Owner (Rich’s 175lb Puppy) 1:12:18 Why Everyone Should Learn CPR & Stop the Bleed Training 1:19:48 Teasing Next Episode – Founding Member of Godsmack Joins the Show

Links & Mentions:

Armstrong Ambulance Services Beem Light Sauna Edgewater Technology shooting Find EMT & Paramedic Training Near You Learn CPR & Stop the Bleed Red Light Therapy: What is It?

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Winter is here, and if you’re trying to keep the house warm, the driveway clear, and your sanity intact, this episode is for you. Johnny Mack and Ricky G break down The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit—covering everything from frozen pipes and drafty windows to comfort foods, winter drinks, and the best ways to stay entertained indoors and out. Whether you’re battling ice dams, whipping up a killer chili, or just trying to keep the family from driving you nuts, we’ve got the tips and laughs to get you through.

Highlights Include:

• Preventing frozen pipes and home disasters • Best winter comfort foods & drinks • Why calcium chloride beats rock salt • The best winter movies & activities • Worst cabin fever moments

And don’t miss our big announcement about an upcoming giveaway—details later in the episode!

Timestamps

00:00 Intro: Welcome to Episode 19! 01:53 The Ultimate Winter Survival Kit for Dads 04:38 Frozen pipes: How to prevent and fix them 11:08 Ice dams and why your roof hates winter 16:00 Car winter must-haves (spoiler: get a Snow Joe!) 21:35 Top comfort foods that get us through winter 33:20 Hot cocoa vs. coffee—let’s settle this 39:02 Outdoor fun: Skiing, sledding, and why no one snowshoes 47:10 The best board games and Jackbox Party Packs 52:30 Ricky reorganizes socks (yes, really) 55:20 Winter hacks: Ice melt, furnace tips & more 58:48 Giveaway details: Win some awesome gear!

Links & Mentions:

Get Your Own Snow Joe Snow Broom Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Slider Recipe Paul Hardcastle - Nineteen - 1985 (Official Music Video) Roof Rake - 30 ft The Jackbox Party Pack White Mountain 1000 Piece Puzzle

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In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with James Baker, a former professional pitcher turned coach, who takes us through his incredible baseball journey. From getting cut in high school to playing seven seasons of pro ball—including time with the San Diego Padres organization—James knows all about perseverance. Now, as the head coach at The Governor’s Academy and co-owner of Baker O'Flynn Sports, he’s mentoring the next generation of athletes.

We dive into everything from the grind of minor league baseball to coaching philosophy, player development, and what it takes to succeed at the next level.

Highlights Include:

• Overcoming setbacks in high school baseball • Making it to pro ball & minor league life • Coaching philosophy and training young athletes • Recruiting differences between college & prep school • The balance of coaching, business, and family

If you’re a baseball fan, coach, parent, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is for you!

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and Should Boston fans boo the Canadian anthem? (Four Nation's Face-off) 01:13 Introducing James Baker: From Boxford to Pro Baseball 04:55 Getting cut in high school & the turning point 12:23 The inspirational story of Tim Bransfield 16:26 Making it to the College World Series 23:20 Minor league reality: The grind of pro baseball 46:05 Coaching at Colby College (NESCAC) 50:56 Coaching at Governor's Academy 1:00:42 Velocity, control, or movement - which is most important? 1:07:28 James coaching philosophy 1:10:25 Favorite New England sports moments: Pedro & The Snow Bowl 1:12:10 Upcoming baseball camps & how to train with James

Links & Mentions:

A Life Interrupted - A Moving Memoir by Tim Bransfield Baker O'Flynn Sports on Facebook Baker O'Flynn Sports on Instagram BOS Program Guide Pedro Throws Don Zimmer to the Ground The 1999 All Star Game was Epic The Governor's Academy Baseball The Wall of Gaylord Wichita Baseball

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