It’s your weekly dose of the honest-to-god truth with John Roa. As a successful entrepreneur, humanitarian and globe-traveler he knows a thing or two about what it truly takes to succeed. It’s not all champagne and caviar, as you might think. Each week, he pulls back the curtain that we call success by sharing personal conversations with some of the biggest names in this game we call life. We promise to keep things between us.
EVERY TUESDAY.
Episode 11: The Dark Side of Entrepreneurship with Dr. Michael Freeman PART 2
In this continuation of John's conversation with Dr. Michael Freeman, the topic moves from the general dangers of entrepreneurship to some of the specific situations detailed in John's memoir "How to Get Rich and Die Trying." They also talk about the similarities between modern silicon valley and the gold rush of 1849, the five genetically-passed traits associated with entrepreneurship, and Dr. Freeman's brush with the world of Steve Jobs.
Episode 10: Entrepreneurial Psychology and Mental Health with Dr. Michael Freeman PART 1
Dr. Michael Freeman is the world's leading expert on how entrepreneurship affects mental health. For the past 20 years, he's been studying the effects of this career path on peoples' well-being. On today's show, John and Dr. Freeman talk about how his research aligns with the purpose of John's book as well as the identifying factors that can contribute to the pitfalls of entrepreneurship. They also talk about the modern phenomenon of entrepreneurs becoming celebrities, mental illness and suicide, as well as Dr. Freeman's company ECONA that is helping to destigmatize these discussions in the field of entrepreneurship.
Episode 9: Mario Lopez on Heritage, Authenticity, and Fun
Mario Lopez has become a household name both because of and in spite of his success as a childhood actor; a career path that tends to have massive pitfalls. In today's conversation, Mario tells John his tips and tricks for achieving and maintaining success. This also includes his "Five F's" which Mario sees as his secret weapon. Read his memoir "Just Between Us" and check out "The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia" and the new "Saved By The Bell" out now!
Episode 8: Capturing Kobe and Starting Anew with Andy Bernstein
Over the last 40 years, Andy Bernstein has become one of the most iconic photographers in sports history. Even if you don't watch basketball, you're likely familiar with his work shooting historic figures like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and the late Kobe Bryant. On today's show, John and Andy discuss how he got into sports photography, the battles regarding self-worth along the way, and the pitfalls that success can bring. They also talk about Andy's relationship with Kobe, how photography has evolved over the years, and Andy's affinity for the movie The Blob.
Episode 7: Can Anyone Be a Genius? with Laura M. Wilde
Is it our nature or our nurturing that ultimately creates geniuses? Our guest today, Laura M. Wilde, is a Sports Mental Coach and Mind-Body Consultant for the NBA and believes unlocking "genius" requires a mix of both. John and Laura get into her past and what caused her to seek out a better way to help people discover their true potential. They have a good-mannered debate on the limits of the power of positive thinking. They also discuss how the identification and treatment of certain epigenetic markers in an individual can help them tap into their true potential.
Episode 6: Mixing Family, Business, and Cupcakes with Melissa Ben-Ishay
After turning her passion for baking into a nation-wide business success story, Melissa Ben-Ishay's journey would already be inspirational. What makes her story so extraordinary is who she built her empire alongside. Melissa runs "Baked by Melissa" with her husband and brother. Despite her proactive approach to running her company, she still finds time to raise her two daughters. In today's episode, John and Melissa get into the struggles and joys of running a business intertwined so closely with one's family and suggestions Melissa has for anyone attempting to do the same.
Episode 5: Scott Budnick Left Hollywood for Criminal Justice Reform
Scott Budnick was on-track to be one of the most successful producers in Hollywood. Having worked with Todd Philips on films like Road Trip, Old School, and The Hangover, something happened to Scott that completely changed his perspective on what it means to be "successful" in life. Nowadays, Scott runs a non-profit called the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) that supports formerly incarcerated people in getting back on their feet and advocates for criminal justice reform. On today's show, Scott and John talk about what experiences led him to leave his old life and start down this new path. They also talk about how and why he's now approaching a return to filmmaking. Plus, his experiences working with actors like Will Farrell, Robert Downey Junior, Zach Galifianakis, and Scott's new film "Just Mercy."
Episode 4: Improvising Through Injustice with Keyon Harrold
Keyon Harrold is a world-renowned jazz musician and producer. Recently he also provided the music for “Miles Ahead,” the Miles Davis biopic. In today’s episode, John and Keyon discuss the pandemics of 2020. Namely the COVID crisis and the racial injustice protests. Keyon talks about his life growing up as a black man in Ferguson and how he now talks to his son about racism. They talk about growing up with 15 siblings and how he got his passion for music. A passion that has led him to play music around the world, including at the Black Lives Matter protests.
Episode 3: David Rubenstein Shares a Billionaire's Legacy
Billionaire David Rubenstein wants you to fail and spend time with your family. Most of us will spend our entire lives chasing money, attempting to be perfect, but David thinks we should have a different kind of investment. John and David explore the financial juggernaut’s beginnings and what he now sees as the most important keys, not only to personal success in life but the future in general. As a member of The Carlyle Group, The Smithsonian, The Council of Foreign Affairs, and The Kennedy Center he’s clearly invested in giving back. He’s signed with “The Giving Pledge,” an organization founded by billionaires like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates which pledges to “encourage extremely wealthy people to contribute a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.” David talks about the 2020 election, the impacts of the coronavirus, and how despite his immense wealth, he’s still a human seeking happiness.
For more advice, check out David’s books “How to Lead,” and “The American Story.”
Episode 2: Amanda Knox vs The Court of Public Opinion
In today’s episode, the harrowing story of how Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted of murder by an Italian court and spent 4 years in prison — only to be exonerated and acquitted of the crime in 2011, and again exonerated in 2015. Amanda shares her thoughts on the mental health impact of COVID, and some of the misinformation that has surrounded masks and distancing during the pandemic. Then John and Amanda get into the details of Amanda’s memoir and recounting of her arrest, imprisonment, and release back into a hostile world. They talk about how she was inspired to pursue and examine criminal justice reform through her conviction and acquittal. Amanda also talks about the incentives in the media and in criminal justice that can often lead to someone being “convicted” before they’ve had their day in court. We can’t often choose the struggles that life throws us, but we can choose how we deal with them and Amanda Knox took her own pain and suffering and is using it to improve the lives of others going through similar hardships.
Episode 1: Dr. Drew on Thriving Through Imposter Syndrome
The John Roa Show is now Between Us with John Roa and our first guest is Dr. Drew! You know his successful career treating addicts and giving relationship advice on shows like Celebrity Rehab and Loveline but now hear his untold story. Hear about the childhood that formed his personality. Listen to how he dealt with the fact that he had immense amounts of medical knowledge, but was convinced he wasn’t the one to share that knowledge with the world. Plus, how he took his unique perspective and created a media empire in the “wild west” of the 90’s dot-com boom.
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