Mike Safo

Horrible audio and all, I am reposting one of my first podcasts ever. This one is from 2013, with Kentucky Legend and Super Bowl Winner Jared Lorenzen (JLO). Jared and I talk about his recruiting process, if attending Kentucky was a foregone conclusion and what other schools had a show. We hear about when he realized that he had to give up his basketball dream and pursue football as a career. JLO tells us about the difficulties of being a football star at a basketball school. How he becoming a father to his baby girl during his junior year put him on the right path. We jump to the NFL draft and how he got the call that the Giants wanted to sign him as a free agent. The lefty tells us about being Eli Manning’s backup, that historical Super Bowl run and how he would heckle Steelers fans in the Hoboken bars. We go through his nicknames and why he wanted to meet the “Real” J-Lo because he had an icebreaker. From the premature Gatorade celebration against LSU and that memorable 7 overtime loss to Arkansas to the M

Joined today by boxing heavyweight legend Gerry Cooney and former junior welterweight champion Chris  Algieri. Gerry is here promoting his new book: “Gentleman Gerry: A Contender in The Ring, A Champion in Recovery”. We hear about the process of writing it, what surprised him most while he was doing it, and why now was the right time to write the book. Gerry opens up about the difficulties of revisiting some of his childhood memories with an abusive father and how he broke the cycle of abuse to be a better father. Ironically we taped this on the 37th anniversary of his famous fight with Larry Holmes. The 3 of us talk about the historical significance of that fight, the pressure Gerry felt and if the KKK really sent him letters. We hear about Gerry’s close relationship with Muhammad Ali and how Ali would call Gerry’s mother up. Chris talks more about his awesome book: “The Fighter’s Kitchen”, leaving the world of kickboxing and what’s next for him inside of the ring. Taking advantage of having two fighting leg

Joined today for a quick 15 minute phone call with former NBA player and motivational speaker Chris Herren. Chris calls in while driving into NYC (the audio is a little choppy) to promote his new film “The First Day”, a follow up to the 30 for 30 “Unguarded”. Chris and I talk about how much has changed in his life in the last 8 years since “Unguarded” premiered. We touch on the challenges today’s youth face with drugs, mental illness and bullying. Chris talks about using the film as a conversation starter for families, his friendship with Chris Mullin and the message that he wants the film to deliver. With such an important and powerful message be sure to check out the film tonight and follow https://twitter.com/c_herren http://chrisherren.com/ https://www.instagram.com/c_herren_/

Joined today, from “R & D Tattoo”, iconic NYC tattoo artist Rich Fie. Rich and I talk all things New York and his obsession with his native borough of Queens. Rich tells us about how he left corporate America to pursue his dream and why traditional tattoos will never go out of style. Rich is also the lead singer of punk rock band “Caught in a Trap”, we talk about his musical influences, CBGB and the role music played in his upbringing. Being a native New Yorker we talk about disappearing NYC, hipsters moving in, problems of gentrification and hanging out on 42nd street and St. Marks. Not only a lover of NYC history, but a known tattoo historian, we hear about the OG, Tony Polito tattooing when it was illegal, praise for Ed Hardy and about his memorabilia collection. I find out  if he’s ever spelled stuff wrong while tattooing, and why athletes have horrible tattoos. From his own podcast “Neighborhood Knucklehead” to getting ejected from Shea Stadium by Donald Trump.Check out Fie’s links here and go get in

Joined today by the undefeated super middleweight boxer Mike Lee. We talk about his time at the University of Notre Dame and how that shaped his entire life. Mike tells us about his charities, especially the  “Bengal Bouts” and his time in Bangladesh giving back. We hear the heartbreaking story of how he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, being in and out of hospitals for over 2 years and being told he could never box again. From overcoming hurdles to his world championship fight against Caleb Plant on the Manny Pacquiao undercard July 20th. Follow Mike on the following platforms: Website: http://www.mikeleeboxing.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeleeboxing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmikelee/

Joined today by retired US Marine Corps Major General, former astronaut and the 12th administrator of NASA, Charles Boden. Charles tells us about his relentless pursuit to join the Military despite racial hurdles and segregation in South Carolina. We hear about his time in Vietnam, how it was coming home and how he climbed the ranks in the Marine Corps. We hear two incredibly emotional stories: first about his mother being a 16-year-old slave and then about his relationship with Ronald McNair who died in the Challenger explosion and how Ronald changed his life and pushed him to being an astronaut. Charles gives us his thoughts on the age old question “Are we alone in this universe”, and why he gave away most of his astronaut memorabilia. From seeing the earth for the first time to meeting President Obama. Follow Charles on twitter: https://twitter.com/cboldenjr  

Joined today by New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard. Martin tells us how he had the writing bug early on, but was discouraged by his mother and how a chance call by Survivor’s Mark Burnett changed his life. We hear about Martin combining traveling with writing his books, writing in places all over the world. He talks about translating his love and passion for running, into writing a niche book like “To Be A Runner” and running on 6 different continents. We hear how Martin got linked up with Bill O’Reilly to write the “Killing Series” (Lincoln, Kennedy, Jesus and more) that have gone on to sell over 20 million copies. From getting arrested in Africa to his cool writing memorabilia, Martin Dugard continues to prove that authors are some of the best guests. Check out Martin all over the world wide web here. www.martindugard.com twitter: https://twitter.com/martinjdugard    

Joined today by the 24-0 light welterweight champion of the world… the “Rougarou” Regis Prograis. Before we talk some boxing, we discuss Regis learning how to speak Portuguese, his basketball predictions, and his passion for reading. Regis tells us how cool it is to be a superhero to his 2 children and how his 5 year old son thinks he’s his financial manager. We hear that his passion for the “sweet science” came from his admiration for Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran and meeting Sugar Ray Leonard. The Champ tells us about being a role model in New Orleans, relocating in Houston after Hurricane Katrina and how all these obstacles molded him to a 24-0 record. The Rougarou tells us how it feels to have a target on his back now, his thoughts on the potential super fight with Josh Taylor and why he’s always calling out Ramirez. From his ideas to making boxing more mainstream to fighting Terence Crawford at 147 to his most prized Muhammed Ali possession, Regis Profrais really opens up, Follow Regis on the following s

Joined today in the studio by the 19 year NBA veteran, the legend Charles Oakley. We hear about Oak’s diet and workout regime in his mid 50’s and all the charities he now has time for since  he’s been off the court. We take a look back at his iconic 18 year career starting from where he was when he got the call that he was drafted out of Virginia Union. Then about his first meeting with Michael Jordan while teammates on the bulls. We talk about the trade that brought him to the Big Apple, and his favorite hangouts while living here. Oakley and I talk about those beloved 90’s knicks team, what made them special, how they couldn’t get passed MJ and how they would fair today against The Warriors. Charles is brutally honest about Pat Riley and Lenny Wilkens’ coaching, his time in Toronto with Tmac and Vince, and bouncing around towards the end of his career. Charles tells his his thoughts on Magic Johnson stepping down, if Melo’s criticisms here in NYC were justified and what played would he pay to watch today. W

Joined today in the studio by the former Junior Welterweight Champion of the world, Chris Algieri. Chris is here talking about his incredible new cookbook: “The Fighter's Kitchen: 100 Muscle-Building, Fat Burning Recipes, With meal Plans to Sculpt Your Warrior Body”. We hear what made him want to go into the literary world, the process that goes into making a cookbook, and what makes this cookbook different. We talk about the different type of diets, such as keto, paleo and interment fasting, and what is right for you. Chris tells us what it was like fighting again at The Paramount in Long Island after a 2 year hiatus, and about being on the Anthony Joshua undercard on June 1st against Tommy Coyle. Being the nutritionist for Danny Jacobs, we hear about their relationship, how they got linked up and the after thoughts of his fight with Canelo. From his favorite boxing movie to stalking Marvin Haggler on vacation, Chris continues to be a class act inside and outside of the ring.  Check out Chris’ social media

Joined today by 2 time James Beard award winning chef, the O.G. of Thai cooking, Andy Ricker. Andy and I talk about his recent marriage; how he proposed and he gives us an update on being a cat dad. We talk about his new book in the pok pok trilogy called POK POK NOODLES. He describes how much work goes into creating a cookbook, how he measures success of it and how his go to Thai his go to Thai recipes are. Andy and I talk about the challenges of opening a restaurant, how Pok Pok in Vegas is doing and what he thinks about yelp reviews. From pop-up mashups to food suggestions when visiting Thailand, Andy Ricker once again crushes it!  check out Andy on the following sites: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pawkhrua Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawkhrua/ Link for all of Andy’s books, including “POK POK NOODLES” https://www.amazon.com/POK-Noodles-Recipes-Thailand-Beyond/dp/1607747758 Restaurants: https://pokpokrestaurants.com/

Joined today by the Godfather of Mixed Martial Arts, UFC Hall of Famer, Royce Gracie. We hear about his rigorous training and traveling schedule at the age of 52. Royce tells us about his move to Bellator, what his role is, how UFC felt about it and upcoming events they’re offering. Royce and I go back to that historic night in Denver when UFC 1 took place and talk about why it happened, the original concept and the idea of fighting 3 fights in one night with no gloves with no time limit. We talk about the Gracie’s being a fighting factory and if he was shocked at the populatriy of MMA when it finally came to America. Royce tells us his most memorable fight and he goes into detail about the “fight that never happened” between him and “Iron” Mike Tyson and what they said to each other years later when they met. All this and more with the GOAT. Check out Royce’s sites here http://www.roycegracie.com/ Twitter.com/realroyc  

Joined today by the number 3 ranked bantamweight UFC fighter in the world, Aljamain Sterling. Aljo finally joins the podcast after months of texting and setting it up. We hear about his fight with Jimmie Rivera and hear how he decompressed after a fight. Aljo tells us about his favorite travel destinations, if his name is heavier in his native country of Jamaica than Rohan Marley and his first cheat meal. Aljo tells us about his next fight against Pedro Munhoz and how that will lead to a chance at the bantamweight title. We talk about his wrestling background, his famous submission against Cody Stamann, and the one discipline he would like to improve in. We talk about Funkmaster’s  new podcast, 1 dream fight he is dying to see and how often he checks the UFC rankings. All this and much more with the future face of the UFC. https://twitter.com/FunkMaster_UFC https://www.aljamainsterling.com/theweeklyscraps https://www.instagram.com/funkmaster_ufc/  

** Rebroadcast from 07.03.18** Joined today, live from Belmont Park, with the voice of the Triple Crown, the legendary Larry Collmus. Larry talks about how he always dreamed of being the voice of horse racing since he was a teenager in Maryland, how he climbed the ranks calling races all over the country and how a random call from a 212 phone number in 2011 changed Larry’s life. We hear about Larry’s first time calling the Kentucky Derby, from his wobbly jello legs to him not being able to listen to “My Old Kentucky Home”. He tells us about all the preparation that goes into calling a race, from his flash cards to studying the night before the races. We go down the emotional road of finally calling a triple crown winning race with American Pharoah and then 3 years later with Justify. From his summers in Saratoga to drunk texting one of the most famous horse trainers in the world, Larry lives up to his reputation as a great announcer and amazing storyteller. Follow Larry on twitter @LarryCollmus

Joined today by the co-host of the definitive crime podcast, True Crime Garage, the Captain. We talk about how a show that started out with 2 friends, in a garage, drinking beer and talking crime became a worldwide phenomenon. We hear about what Nick and the Captain did before starting the podcast and how a divorce, losing a house, a truck and his kids drove him to join the podcast world. We touch on the Brian Shaffer case and then go in depth to the unique podcast the Captain just conducted with the wife of a missing man, Tyler Davis. We talk about the West Memphis 3 and the Captain’s issues with Damien Echols. The Captain tells us about some interesting fan mail the guys receive, what projects are on the True Crime Garage horizon and what case have they been asked to cover the most throughout the years. All this and much much more with the Captain. Follow True Crime Garage on the following platforms: https://twitter.com/truecrimegarage https://www.instagram.com/truecrimegarage/ https://www.truecrimegara

Joined today by Hall of Fame boxing trainer Teddy Atlas from his house in Staten Island. We talk about Teddy becoming a grandfather for the 3rd time and how he thought it would calm him down. Teddy tells us exactly where he was when he got the Hall of Fame call, how he reacted and shocks us when he tells us what it means to him. We talk about his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast and chat about how Teddy got started hosting his own podcast “The Fight”. We discuss the current state of boxing, talking Wilder, Fury, Joshua, and Teddy’s thoughts on Jarrell Miller’s failed drug test. The hall of famer tells us how "The Nail" Oleksandr Gvozdyk talked him out of retirement and what makes Teddy decide if he will train a fighter. No interview would be complete without Teddy talking about his iconic father, Dr. Theodore A. Atlas making house calls til he was 80, building hospitals and the namesake of the amazing Foundation. Raw Real and emotional 70 minutes with Teddy Atlas. From stories about Cus D'Amato, an amazing m

Joined today by the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, James "Bonecrusher" Smith. James tells us how he went from a high school standout basketball player to joining the Army to becoming a correction officer and then becoming a professional boxer. We hear about training with Joe Frazier and Larry Holmes, and about how he overcame an embarrassing loss on his 1st professional fight. Bonecrusher describes the atmosphere in London when he shocked the world fighting Frank Bruno and in his Las Vegas fight against Larry Holmes. We hear about his Champions for Kids charity and boxing legends hall of fame that he started. From being the first college graduate Heavyweight Champion of the World to his infamous Mike Tyson fight. All this and much more with James “BoneCrusher” Smith

Joined today by former lightweight champion, the pride of Youngstown, Ohio, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. Ray comes on and clears up an urban legend from Mike’s family involving a game of ping pong and his grandfather. The champ then talks about the Errol Spence v. Mikey Garcia fight, hanging out at Jerry's World down in Dallas and the current state of boxing. We hear what brought Mancini to the broadcaster’s booth, what he loves about it and how he prepares for a fight. We have some fun talking about his other ventures like his podcast, memorabilia and his social media knowledge. From his controversial loss against Hector Camacho to why he switched to Southpaw. Check out his book "The Good Son" by Mark Kriegel.  Follow boom boom on twitter: https://twitter.com/realboomboom Check out his podcast here ?https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIGo5HlDZfppEjZ_L-ZzWVA Order his roots of fight merchandise here: https://www.rootsoffight.com/collections/ray-mancini  

Joined today by Astronaut Captain Scott Kelly. In October 2015 he set the record for the total number of days spent in space and the single longest space mission by an American astronaut. We talk about how a book led him on his path to conquer the world of space. Scott tells us about what an “average” day away from earth is like and what it takes to live, function, and survive in outer space.  We hear about the infamous gorilla suit incident, dissecting mice, the smell of space, and the most beautiful site from outer space. From a school in New Jersey being named after him to meeting President Obama. Scott Kelly, a former military fighter pilot, engineer, U.S. Navy Captain and author of the phenomenal books: “ Endurance: My Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery” and “Infinite Wonder”. Follow Scott Kelly on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StationCDRKelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stationcdrkelly/ his site: http://www.scottkelly.com/

Podcasting today with Al Dukes from WFAN. Al announces on the show his possible return to podcasting after a 9 month hiatus. We hear about the guests and the pressure Al felt while hosting Al’s Boring Podcast. For over 20 years Al Dukes has been in the background of many listeners so he tells us how he got his job at the legendary WNEW producing for the Ron and Fez show. Al gives his opinion about guests on the radio, producing a talk show and how WNEW was like the wild west with no rules. We hear how he became the “dump guy” on the iconic Opie and Anthony show, and what really happened on that fateful day during Sex for Sam and how Al survived all the station changes and FCC violations. From his short stint with David Lee Roth to selling himself to Boomer and Carton to join WFAN. All this and much more with the hilarious Al Dukes. Follow Al on twitter at @Alsboringtweets And check out his entertaining podcast? here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/als-boring-podcast/id953570134?mt=2