Anthony Trucks is a former foster child, NFL football player, American Ninja Warrior competitor, author, and Identity Shift coach.At age three, Anthony was surrendered into the foster care system, where he says he experienced years of mental and physical abuse before finally being adopted at 14 by an all-white family. Despite the odds, he set his sights on making his high school varsity football team; a goal that led to a full-ride scholarship to the University of Oregon and, eventually, a shot in the NFL. By 25, he had a beautiful wife, a son, and what looked like an unstoppable future.Then a shoulder injury ended his NFL career overnight.Anthony pivoted, opening a gym using his kinesiology degree; but the business consumed his marriage, his health, and nearly his finances. He missed his kids' milestones, fell out of shape, and came close to losing everything. On his darkest night, he considered ending it all.A single conversation changed the trajectory of his life; and shifted his purpose from chasing success to becoming an inspiration for others. He studied peak performance coaches, built out the tactics and the business plan, but still struggled to gain traction; until he realized the missing piece wasn't strategy. It was identity. The coaches he admired weren't succeeding because of better tactics; their internal identity was aligned with their external success.That realization became the foundation of his Dark Work methodology; years of research, practice, and deep psychological rewiring built around one core belief: you cannot sustain success beyond the identity you currently hold.In this conversation, Anthony breaks down his full journey; from foster kid to NFL, from rock bottom to rebuilding, and why doing the quiet work in the dark is the only way to truly shift who you are.What We Cover:• Beating the Odds: How Anthony survived an abusive childhood in foster care; where 50% end up homeless and 75% go to prison; and turned childhood anger into a path to the NFL.• The Fall After the NFL: What happened when a career-ending shoulder injury wiped out his sports career, crushed his gym business, and brought him to his darkest night of the soul.• Identity vs. Strategy: Why standard business tactics fail if who you are at your core doesn't match where you want to go.• The Danger of Being an "Emotional Liability": Why men who can't handle their reactions destroy their families, businesses, and relationships; and how to finally get control over how you react.• Swallowing Your Pride: A raw story about losing his temper with his daughter in Paris, owning his mistake, and learning why real strength means admitting when you're wrong."Smooth seas never made skilled sailors. You cannot attain or sustain anything in life above the identity you currently hold." — Anthony Trucks👉 Connect with Anthony Trucks:Website: ⁠https://anthonytrucks.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/⁠CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/⁠Twitter: ⁠https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias⁠Website: ⁠https://www.pedrofrias.co⁠

By his early 20s Ryan Merket was battling a life-threatening meth addiction, completely written off by the conventional world. Long before that, he was a misfit kid running a global software-cracking underground from his bedroom; hacking AOL at 12 years old.Today, he's the Managing Partner of Comal Ventures, a prominent angel investor with a hand in nearly 20 successful startup exits, and a veteran of the Facebook Platform team, Reddit's early Product team (where he 8x'ed ad revenue in a single year), and the AWS Startup Team.But behind the elite resume lies one of the most raw, non-traditional comebacks in the tech ecosystem. In this episode, Ryan strips away the sanitized corporate PR to share the unfiltered truth of his climb from a freshman dorm room at 21, exactly one year clean from meth, to rebuilding his entire life through code and technology.What We Uncover in This Episode:Hacking AOL at 12 Years Old: How running a rogue online software ring as a kid taught Ryan how to lead people and build systems long before he ever stepped into a corporate office.Why Not Fitting In Was His Edge: Ryan discusses clashing with traditional corporate environments, why he rejected the typical resume path, and how being an outsider helped him spot opportunities others completely missed.Surviving Betrayal in Silicon Valley: The raw truth about being pushed out of his own startup by a co-founder, right as the company was taking off.Told He Was "Too Nice" to Win: Why top VCs told Ryan he didn't have what it takes to succeed, and how he turned that label into his brand instead of changing who he was.The Thin Line to Rock Bottom: A sobering look at how close anyone actually is to losing it all, and why keeping your ego in check is the only way to stay grounded when you hit the top."We celebrate success but sanitize the struggle. The most important lessons aren't in the victories; they're in the scar tissue you earn when you get betrayed, fired, and broken." — Ryan MerketConnect with Ryan Merket Website: https://ryanmerket.com/Buy Ryan's Book: Hacker's Edge: Breaking Rules, Beating Odds, and Reinventing a Life→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ← ▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias ▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias ▶︎ FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408 ▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/ ▶︎ TWITTER | https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias ▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.pedrofrias.co

Ever feel ALONE even when you're surrounded by people? Like no matter who is in the room, nobody's actually seeing the real you just the role you've been playing?Every single one of us walks around wearing LABELS and masks we didn't choose: the fixer, the healer, the reliable one, or even the black sheep. This week, bestselling author, mental wellness expert, and medical speech-language pathologist LAUREN POLLY is back to help you understand where those roles come from, why we adapt to them, and how to stop letting them run your life.In this episode, Lauren opens up about her personal 20-year journey navigating a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at age 14, and how she learned to find her true voice underneath that label.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Reality of PROJECTION: How the people around you constantly cast you into roles based on what they need, not who you actually are. Lauren shares a raw story of being cast as the "villain" at work and how she navigated it using SELF-TRUST instead of self-blame.The Trap of "Positive" Labels: Why being the designated "fixer" or "healer" is a gift, but can easily become a cage when it's the only part of you allowed to exist.The Power of MICRO MOMENTS: Why you don't need to blow up your whole life to change. Lauren breaks down how small, low-risk daily shifts can safely reconnect you with the buried parts of yourself.Rethinking BOUNDARIES: Why "cancel culture" style boundaries and completely cutting people off aren't always the answer, and how real freedom ultimately comes down to one question: Who are you when the room is confused about you?This week is all about building the self-trust to stop performing, drop the act, and start living as your whole, real self.Connect with Lauren Polly Website: https://laurenpolly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenpollycoach/→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ← ▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias ▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias ▶︎ FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408 ▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/ ▶︎ TWITTER | https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias ▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.pedrofrias.co

Do men sometimes feel conflicted about women’s success?This week on the show, I sit down with Dr. Avrum Weiss — award-winning author, psychologist, and global expert on men and intimate relationships. Together, we explore the complex psychology behind how some men respond to ambitious, high-achieving women.In this episode, we examine:Why men may insist they’re not intimidated by success, yet behave differently in practicePsychological theories on why ambition and independence can feel threatening to certain menHow subtle signs of jealousy or insecurity can surface in relationshipsThe role of traditional gender expectations in shaping attraction and partnership dynamicsStrategies for navigating these dynamics without compromising personal growthRather than offering easy answers, this conversation aims to unpack the research, challenge assumptions, and create space for debate on how gender, ambition, and intimacy intersect in modern relationships.Connect with Dr. Avrum Weiss: Website: https://www.avrumweissphd.com/Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/avrum-weiss-phd→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←▶︎ YOUTUBE  |  https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias▶︎ INSTAGRAM  |  https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias▶︎ FACEBOOK  | https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408▶︎ LINKEDIN  | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/▶︎ TWITTER  |  https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias▶︎ WEBSITE  |  https://www.pedrofrias.co

Scott Payne, nicknamed “Country,” is one of the most legendary undercover agents in FBI history. For over two decades, he lived a life most of us couldn’t imagine — blending in with America’s most dangerous criminals while trying to hold onto his identity, family, and sanity.In this raw, unfiltered episode, Scott opens up about his incredible journey: infiltrating the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and building deep relationships with dangerous men before being taken into a basement at gunpoint and stripped naked as they searched him for a wire; his infiltration of white supremacist extremist groups like The Base and Atomwaffen Division; and his descent into burnout, PTSD, depression, and how faith, family, and fitness helped him recover.He also shares powerful lessons on trust, deception, moral complexity, and the unseen toll on undercover agents working America’s darkest corners."I forgot my alias. I forgot my middle name. My voice cracked. My hamstrings turned to rubber. That’s how close it got."From his start in Greenville, South Carolina, to his years on the front lines of law enforcement, Scott’s story is part thriller, part cautionary tale, and entirely unforgettable.👇 CONNECT WITH SCOTT PAYNE: 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottpaynebigcountry/?hl=enBook: Code Name: Pale Horse — How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis: https://www.amazon.com/Code-Name-Undercover-Expose-Americas/dp/1668032902Thank you for listening to this episode — please share it and help spread the word!💬 What part of Scott’s story resonated with you most? Leave a comment!👇 SUBSCRIBE TO PEDRO’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW: 👇https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCPN6fgbf5e5xDSRblXTg0Q/about→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←▶︎ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias▶︎ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias▶︎ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408▶︎ LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/▶︎ Twitter | https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias▶︎ Website | https://www.pedrofrias.co

In this raw episode, Pedro welcomes back Craig Ballantyne — WSJ & USA Today bestselling author, performance coach, and widely known as “the world’s most disciplined man” — for his third appearance on the show.Craig unpacks his brand-new book, The Dark Side of Discipline, and reveals the hidden danger of modern hustle culture. From cold plunges to 75 Hard to obsessive productivity routines, Craig makes the case that many high achievers are putting level 10 effort into level 1 problems, all while neglecting the relationships, dreams, and priorities that truly matter.You’ll hear the heartbreaking story that inspired the book, the ego traps Craig personally battled, and his surprising evolution from a broke personal trainer to a global coach for elite entrepreneurs. Pedro and Craig dive deep into the myth of discipline, the addiction to doing more, and how to shift from chasing noise to living intentionally.If you're a founder, creator, or ambitious professional feeling stretched thin or stuck in high-performance autopilot, this episode will hit you in the gut — and wake you up.Why discipline becomes dangerous when it serves the egoPutting 10X energy into the wrong areas of lifeCold plunges, hustle porn & the illusion of productivityThe painful cost of ignoring your real level 10 problemsCoaching at the highest level: how to receive feedbackAsking for help without sacrificing your identityCraig’s story of finding love through his networkWhy entrepreneurs must reinvent themselves every few yearsBalancing elite ambition with family, fatherhood, and legacyHow to network powerfully as an introvertCraig BallantyneWSJ & USA Today Bestselling Author of The Dark Side of Discipline, The Perfect Day Formula, The Perfect Week Formula, and UnstoppableFounder of Early to RisePerformance coach to some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs👉 The Dark Side of Discipline – WSJ & USA Today BestsellerBuy on AmazonInstagram: @realcraigballantyneWebsite: https://www.craigballantyne.com

This is the interview all you entrepreneurs and sales professionals have been waiting for!Are you wondering how to master the art of sales in the age of AI and influence educated modern buyers like a pro?I sat down with the sales genius himself, Brent Adamson, coauthor of “The Challenger Sale” and “The Challenger Customer,” and a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review. Get ready to gain valuable insights from his extensive sales knowledge, expertise, tips, and tricks.Brent is a thought leader who has reshaped the sales landscape. His work initiated the Insight Selling movement and has sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide.In this episode, you’ll learn about:-Turning prospects into loyal customers 🤝🔁-Creating better, more impactful sales strategies 💡📈-Navigating the modern B2B sales landscape 🌐📊-Understanding and leveraging the buyer’s psychology 🧠💼-AI’s impact on sales and how to harness it 🤖📊You won't want to miss this episode!Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business! Get ready to take notes and discover the missing links to your sales strategy.Connect with Brent Adamson: Website: https://www.brentadamson.net/ Twitter: https://x.com/brentadamsonConnect with Pedro Frias on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias

Entrepreneurs are twice as likely to report a lifetime history of depression, three times more likely to have bipolar disorder, and three times more likely to experience substance abuse and addiction. They are also twice as likely to attempt suicide or be hospitalized in a psychiatric institution.In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Lauren Polly, the multi-award-winning author of the international best-seller, The Other Side of Bipolar. Lauren’s journey from overcoming childhood trauma to becoming a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs struggling with mental health issues is nothing short of inspiring.Through her transformational processes, Lauren helps entrepreneurs find peace and professional success. Her focus areas include addressing mental health challenges, assisting those who feel stuck in their journey, and fostering a deeper connection with their authentic selves.Lauren is here today to discuss building a roadmap for entrepreneurs and professionals that balances creative edge, career ambition, and mental health. This episode promises to provide invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.Interview Highlights:Lauren's Journey: From overcoming childhood trauma to becoming a best-selling author.Unplanned Spaces: The importance of having unplanned spaces in your life and how they can lead to growth.Dismantling Walls: Methods to break down personal barriers that hinder creativity and growth.The Power of Solitude: Learning to love being alone and building a stronger relationship with yourself.Regaining Motivation: Strategies for entrepreneurs to regain their mojo after facing losses and setbacks.Connect with Lauren Polly:Website: laurenpolly.comInstagram: @laurenpollycoachConnect with Pedro Frias:YouTube: realpedrofriasInstagram: @pedromfriasFacebook: Pedro FriasLinkedIn: Pedro FriasTwitter: @pedromfriasWebsite: pedrofrias.co

Mike Rashid grew up in Brooklyn during the crack era, where the streets were his first classroom. Boxing gave him a way out — and more importantly, a way of thinking. Two Golden Gloves titles later, he walked away from the sport with something most fighters don't: a blueprint for building.Today he runs Ambrosia Collective, a globally distributed supplement brand, alongside several other ventures. He calls his operating philosophy the Renaissance Mindset — the idea that serious people don't specialize, they compound. In this conversation, Mike breaks down how he built his businesses, why he thinks most men are playing too small, and what it actually takes to create wealth that lasts.Here's what you'll unlock in this episode:Renaissance Mindset: Discover the blueprint Mike used to launch multiple million-dollar businesses from the ground up.Turning Adversity into Advantage: Learn how Mike transformed his challenging early experiences into a source of unshakeable strength.Why Men Are Weak Today: Mike discusses a pervasive problem facing many men today and how to overcome it.Keys to Building Wealth: Step beyond get-rich-quick schemes with practical strategies that pave the way to real wealth.Think BIG: Embrace the mindset shifts necessary to break free from limitations and set audacious goals.Connect with Mike Rashid:Website: Mike Rashid Alpha Shred Online TrainingJoin The Sacred Society Community: Sacred SocietyAmbrosia Collective Supplement Brand: The Ambrosia Collective--Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below!👇 SUBSCRIBE TO PEDRO’'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW 👇⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCPN6fgbf5e5xDSRblXTg0Q/about⁠--→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←→ → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ←▶︎ YOUTUBE  | ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias⁠▶︎ INSTAGRAM  | ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias⁠▶︎ FACEBOOK  | ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408⁠▶︎ LINKEDIN  | ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/⁠▶︎ TWITTER  | ⁠ https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias⁠▶︎ WEBSITE  | ⁠ https://www.pedrofrias.co⁠

Craving instant gratification? Stop living at war with your mind! In this episode of the Pedro Frias Show , we unlock the secrets of self-mastery with renowned WSJ Best Selling author and Transformational Success Strategist Scott Allan. Scott's journey is more than just inspiring – it's a testament to the transformative power of self-control. From battling anxiety and self-doubt to becoming a WSJ bestselling author like "Fail Big" and "Do the Hard Things First", he's walked the path from struggle to success. With over 10,000 hours dedicated to mastering habits and mindsets, Scott's expertise shines as he dives deep into the "Rules of the Game" for conquering your inner battles. Get ready to: Discover the 4 pillars of self-control: impulse, emotional, movement, and concentration. Learn practical exercises to tame instant gratification and achieve laser focus. Unlock the secrets of sustained willpower: Break free from the "play now, pay later" trap and build lasting momentum for your goals. Tap into the power of intrinsic motivation: Align your actions with your deepest values and watch your self-control skyrocket. Understand the influence of others and your environment: Learn how to overcome peer pressure and create a space that fosters success. This episode is your roadmap to conquering your mind and achieving anything you set your sights on. Join us as Scott reveals the powerful strategies that turn self-control from a dream to a reality. You'll never look at instant gratification the same way again! Are you ready to master your mind and unlock your full potential? Tune in now and Do the Hard Things First with Scott! Connect with Scott Allan: Books: Do the Hard Things First: Master Self-Control Do the Hard Things First: How to Win Over Procrastination and Master the Habit of Doing Difficult Work -- Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out!  What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below! 👇 SUBSCRIBE TO PEDRO’'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW 👇 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCPN6fgbf5e5xDSRblXTg0Q/about -- → → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ← → → → CONNECT WITH PEDRO FRIAS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ← ← ← ▶︎ YOUTUBE  |  https://www.youtube.com/realpedrofrias ▶︎ INSTAGRAM  |  https://www.instagram.com/pedromfrias ▶︎ FACEBOOK  | https://www.facebook.com/pedro.frias.7927408 ▶︎ LINKEDIN  | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedrofrias/ ▶︎ TWITTER  |  https://www.twitter.com/pedromfrias ▶︎ WEBSITE  |  https://www.pedrofrias.co