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In this episode of The Council of Dudes Podcast, Vinny sits down with Ngo Okafor, two-time Golden Gloves champion and founder of Iconoclast Fitness, to talk about what it means to truly go after the life you want. Ngo shares his journey from growing up in Nigeria to coming to America, leaving the corporate path, breaking into modeling, building a career in fitness, and stepping into the boxing ring at 31—eventually becoming a two-time Golden Gloves champion. They dive into discipline, fear, failure, visualization, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, and the willingness to be uncomfortable in pursuit of something greater. At the center of Ngo's story is a simple philosophy: "I don't delay my dreams. I do it all now because it could end now." A conversation about betting on yourself, figuring it out as you go, and having the courage to actually live.

In this episode of The Council of Dudes, Vinny sits down with Seth from Tweeds Suit Shop for an honest conversation about mental health, faith, family, and the breakdown that changed his life. Seth opens up about reaching a breaking point, being hospitalized, and confronting parts of himself he could no longer ignore. He shares how an unexpected experience with a plant set him on an entirely new path and helped reshape the way he viewed himself, his purpose, and his faith. The conversation also explores Seth's journey into running Tweeds Suit Shop, the lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship, and how being a husband and father continues to influence the man he is becoming. This is a conversation about what happens when holding everything together is no longer possible—and how a breakdown can sometimes become the beginning of real transformation. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Subscribe to The Council of Dudes for more honest conversations about mental health, faith, fatherhood, personal growth, and navigating the difficult seasons of life.

In this episode of The Council of Dudes, Vinny sits down with Nicole Frontera of The Formula Med Spa for a grounded conversation about testosterone, hormones, peptides, longevity, and what it actually means to feel better. Peptides and hormone optimization are everywhere right now, but Nicole's approach is simple: there is no one answer. Blood work, nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, hormones, mental health, and lifestyle are all pieces of the puzzle. Vinny also puts himself under the microscope as Nicole walks through his blood work and reveals that his testosterone has dropped from 770 several years ago to 389 today. That opens up a bigger conversation about aging, stress, energy, motivation, and the mentality many men have of simply needing to push through. They get into: Testosterone and hormone optimization Peptides, GLP-1s and hormone replacement Why blood work should come first Energy, sleep, anxiety and motivation Stress, cortisol and gut health Why "normal" doesn't always mean optimal Diet, exercise and processed foods The stigma around wanting to feel better Faith, purpose and knowing yourself on a deeper level Ultimately, this episode goes beyond testosterone and peptides. Health is an ecosystem. There isn't one answer. There are pieces of the puzzle. Connect with Nicole Frontera Nicole Frontera Beauty Instagram: @nicolefronterabeauty The Formula Med Spa Instagram: @theformulamedspa Website: http://theformulamedspa.com The Council of Dudes Hosted by Vinny Brusco, The Council of Dudes explores men's health, personal development, fatherhood, relationships, faith, purpose, and following your golden thread toward becoming the best version of yourself. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and treatment decisions.

🎙️ The Council of Dudes | Tony Bova: Former Homicide Detective What does it take to investigate the darkest moments of humanity and then come home and live a normal life? In this episode of The Council of Dudes, former homicide detective Tony Bova shares what years of investigating murders taught him about people, trauma, resilience, and the human condition. We dive into: The reality of working homicide investigations The emotional toll behind the badge How violent crime changes the way you see the world The mindset required to stay calm under pressure Leadership, fatherhood, and life after law enforcement The lessons every man can learn from facing darkness This isn't about glorifying crime. It's about understanding the people, decisions, and moments that shape lives forever. Whether you're fascinated by true crime, interested in psychology, or simply looking for an honest conversation about purpose and resilience, this episode offers a perspective few people ever get to hear. Follow Tony Bova ▶️ YouTube https://youtube.com/@tonyjbova?si=-TAiCA28sPtc_iIP 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tonyjbova Subscribe for more conversations that challenge, inspire, and help men define their circle. Follow Agora Social Club 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/agora_westchester

Real estate isn't just about buying and selling properties. It's about creating opportunities, building wealth, and making smart decisions that pay off for years to come. In this episode, Steve Padernacht joins Vinny Brusco on The Council of Dudes to share the strategies, lessons, and mindset that have shaped his career in real estate. From getting started in the industry to navigating today's market, Steve offers practical advice for first time buyers, seasoned investors, and entrepreneurs looking to build long term financial freedom. Whether you're considering your first investment property or looking to grow your portfolio, this conversation is filled with actionable insights on identifying opportunities, avoiding costly mistakes, negotiating with confidence, and thinking like a successful investor. If you're serious about using real estate as a vehicle for wealth creation, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

On this episode of The Council of Dudes, we sit down with Adam Vohra keynote speaker, podcast host, and founder of ARV Enterprises whose journey is a powerful reminder that your past doesn't have to define your future. Adam opens up about his adoption story, growing up with questions of identity and belonging, battling alcohol addiction, navigating legal challenges, and ultimately finding the courage to rebuild his life from the inside out. Together, we dive into what it really takes to create lasting change. From confronting ego and resentment to healing family relationships, embracing accountability, and developing the daily habits that foster emotional resilience, Adam shares the lessons that transformed his life and now shape the work he does serving others. This conversation explores: • Identity, belonging, and selfworth • Addiction, recovery, and personal responsibility • Ego, resentment, and forgiveness • Emotional regulation and journaling • Family dynamics and healing • Faith, purpose, and rebuilding your life from within A powerful conversation about redemption, resilience, and becoming the man you're capable of being. Follow Adam Vohra: 📍 IG: @adamvohra_

In this special episode of the Council of Dudes Podcast, Vinny Brusco is joined by filmmaker, writer, producer, and director Wilfred La Salle, alongside cast members Yanko Valentin and Lancelot Theobald for a powerful conversation surrounding their latest film, The Veteran. Together, the group dives into the inspiration behind the project, the realities faced by veterans returning home, and the responsibility filmmakers have in telling authentic stories that resonate with audiences. Beyond the film itself, the discussion explores brotherhood, purpose, sacrifice, mental health, identity, and the universal search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Wilfred shares his creative vision and the challenges of bringing The Veteran to life, while Yanko and Lancelot offer personal insights into their roles, the emotional depth of the story, and what they learned throughout the filmmaking process. This episode is a raw and honest look at storytelling, service, resilience, and the power of meaningful conversation—hallmarks of what the Council of Dudes Podcast is all about. Topics Include: The making of The Veteran The realities of life after service Brotherhood and belonging Mental health and resilience The power of storytelling Purpose, identity, and personal growth Behind-the-scenes moments from the film A compelling conversation about the battles we face, the stories that shape us, and the importance of community in navigating both.

On this episode of The Council of Dudes, we sit down with Ret Taylor.  Entrepreneur, guide, and founder who spent more than two decades building companies, leading teams, and navigating the real pressures that come with success, uncertainty, growth, and acquisition. But after years in business and leadership, deeper questions began to emerge. Ret shares his journey from scaling a nationally recognized wellness brand to finding clarity in the mountains and deserts that helped ground him and reconnect him with what truly mattered. We dive into modern leadership, alignment, transition, identity, burnout, perspective, and what happens when success alone no longer feels like enough. Through coaching, wilderness immersions, and modern rites of passage like Vision Quests, Ret now helps others step away from the noise of modern life and reconnect with themselves in a more honest and meaningful way. This conversation explores: Entrepreneurship and the hidden weight of leadership Growth, success, and the search for deeper meaning Modern masculinity and transition The importance of solitude, perspective, and wilderness Living and leading in alignment Reconnecting with purpose in a distracted world A powerful conversation about clarity, identity, and what comes next. Follow Ret Taylor: 📍 IG: @rettaylor_ 🌐  rettaylor.com

This week on The Council of Dudes, Brandon Gaydorus joins Vincent Brusco for a conversation on growth, reinvention, purpose, and the power of betting on yourself. Brandon is a 5x author and founder of Warm Heart Life, an organization focused on helping individuals execute on their personal, professional, and financial goals. After becoming the youngest trainer ever voted onto Golf Digest's Top 50 Trainers in America list in 2019–2020, Brandon made a bold pivot from the fitness world into personal development with one mission in mind: grow alongside as many people as possible. Since then, he's helped build a movement in Stamford through impactful events and experiences including A to B Con, TEDxStamford, Map Your Way to Financial Freedom, speaker schools, mentorship programs, comedy shows, and more. With over 600 speaking engagements under his belt, Brandon shares lessons on communication, confidence, community, leadership, and what it really takes to create a meaningful life while bringing others along with you. This is a conversation about evolution, taking risks, and building something bigger than yourself.

🎙️ Council of Dudes Podcast – Episode with Jason Rosario What does it really mean to be a man today? In this episode, we sit down with Jason Rosario a men's mental health advocate, cultural strategist, and visionary artist exploring the intersection of masculinity, identity, and emotional well-being. Jason is the founder of The Lives of Men, a social impact platform dedicated to redefining manhood and creating space for deeper, more honest conversations around what men are actually going through.   From growing up in New York to working at the intersection of culture, business, and mental health, Jason brings a powerful perspective on the pressures men carry and the cost of staying silent. He speaks openly about vulnerability, depression, and the internal battles many men face but rarely express.   In this conversation, we get into:     •    The hidden weight men carry in modern society     •    Breaking the cycle of shame and emotional suppression     •    Redefining strength through vulnerability     •    Culture, identity, and what shapes masculinity     •    How men can begin to actually do the work This isn't surface-level talk. This is about getting honest. About challenging the narrative. About creating a new path forward for men. If you've ever felt like you had to "hold it all together"… this one's for you. -Define Your Circle-

What happens when you bring together design, discipline, and deep inner work? In this episode, we sit down with Nick Kampouris a Queens-born product designer, entrepreneur, and men's work facilitator who's spent over a decade building at the intersection of business and personal growth. Nick breaks down how he helps founders use AI with intention not just to move faster, but to build better. Products, experiences, and lives that actually mean something. We also get into his work with men's circles, what he's learned after five years facilitating spaces for real conversations, and why modern men are craving depth more than ever. From jiu-jitsu to fatherhood, Greek roots to design philosophy Nick shares how everything we build externally is a reflection of the work we're doing internally. This one's about craft, clarity, and becoming the kind of man who builds with purpose. Key Themes: • Using AI as a tool for intentional creation • The rise of men's work and why it matters now • Design thinking beyond business — into life • Discipline through jiu-jitsu and fatherhood • Building from the inside out Connect with Nick: Instagram: @nickfromalchemia — Define Your Circle —

On this episode of the Council of Dudes Podcast, Vinny Brusco sits down with Rob Tracz speaker, coach, and host of the Surviving the Side Hustle Podcast for a real conversation about what it actually looks like to build something meaningful without burning yourself out. We dive into the idea of alignment what it means to step into it, how to recognize when you're out of it, and why so many side hustles start to feel like a second job instead of a calling. Rob breaks down how to remove the grind from your side hustle, shifting away from force, pressure, and stress… and into flow, creativity, and intention. This episode challenges the narrative that success has to come from constant hustle and instead offers a perspective rooted in sustainability, purpose, and doing work that actually energizes you. If you've ever felt stuck in the grind or questioned whether there's a better way to build, this conversation will hit. 🎧 Check out Rob & Surviving the Side Hustle: YouTube: @survivingthesidehustle Rob's IG: @robtracz Surviving the Side Hustle IG: @survivingthesidehustle -Define Your Circle-

In this episode of the Council of Dudes, Vinny Brusco sits down with Heather Parady—speaker, creative entrepreneur, and host of the Unconventional Leaders Podcast. Heather has built a reputation for helping people break free from the scripts they've been handed and step into the story they're meant to live. Through her podcast and work, she explores what it means to think differently, create authentically, and challenge the conventional path. In true Council of Dudes fashion, this conversation goes a little deeper than the typical surface-level talk. Vinny and Heather unpack identity, the stories we tell ourselves, the pressure to fit into certain roles, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's world. It's a conversation about storytelling, leadership, and having the courage to question the narrative you've been given and rewrite it. Connect with Heather Here: IG: @heatherparady @unconventionalleaderspod  Youtube: Unconventional Leaders

🎙️ The Council of Dudes Podcast | Featuring Ari Kwitkin-Close This week on The Council of Dudes, we sit down with Ari Kwitkin-Close, Chief Revenue Officer of Westchester Soccer Club  a builder, a connector, and a leader who understands the power of relationships on and off the field. Ari shares stories from his time working in the NFL and how the lessons from that world discipline, performance under pressure, and team culture continue to shape the way he leads today. But what stands out most isn't just the business acumen… it's the foundation. We dive into how simple acts of kindness in childhood can create lifelong impact how being seen, encouraged, and believed in early on shapes confidence, risk-taking, and leadership later in life. Ari opens up about how those moments influenced his path as an entrepreneur and revenue leader. From navigating high-level sports organizations to helping scale one of the fastest-growing professional soccer teams in the region, Ari breaks down what it actually takes to build something meaningful  and why community is the ultimate growth strategy. We also talk about the exciting momentum around Westchester Soccer Club and their Home Opener on March 7th a huge moment not just for the club, but for the entire Westchester community. This episode isn't about sports. It's about business. It's about impact. And it's about how kindness, vision, and courage can ripple far beyond what we see. Connect with Ari: Ari Kwitkin-Close - Linkedin @ari__kc https://www.instagram.com/ari__kc?igsh=MXN4bDdqNWkxcHVpeQ== @westchestersc https://www.westchestersc.com/

In this episode of Council of Dudes we sit down with Father Petrillo from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham, NY. Father Petrillo shares thoughtful reflections on faith, presence, and the power of words to heal. We talk about why his homilies resonate so deeply with people not just spiritually, but emotionally and how they often feel as impactful and therapeutic as they are instructive. This conversation explores the role of reflection, stillness, and community in navigating everyday life, offering insight that extends well beyond the walls of the church. It's an honest, grounded discussion about finding meaning, processing life's challenges, and the quiet ways faith can support personal growth and well-being. A meaningful listen for anyone seeking perspective, clarity, and a moment to slow down. Define Your Circle.