Episode 8: Cooking A Culture w/Chef Craig Strong
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
Release Date: 11/27/2019
Episode 19: The Ultimate Food Fighter w/Producer & Former UFC Fighter, James Wilks
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
James Brett Wilks is an English film producer, vegan activist, and former professional mixed martial artist. A professional from 2003 until 2012, he competed for the UFC, King of the Cage, and was the winner of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom. After winning his title and several UFC fights, it was during a sparring session towards the end of fight camp where he was dealt a major setback injuring both knees.
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Episode 18: Putting Passion Ahead of Fear with Canopy Pilot, Jeannie Bartholomew
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
In this interview with professional Canopy Pilot Jeannie Bartholomew, we discuss the importance of routines, visualization, physical endurance, preparation and the attention to detail for maintaining success and safety in this high risk sport. Jeannie’s passion for life and sport can be summed up in this statement: “Your character is defined by how you treat someone who can do nothing for you.”
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Episode 17: Adversity Introduces a Man to Himself w/Actor & Former WBO Heavyweight Champion, Michael Bentt
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
This former heavyweight boxing champion of the world has a story to tell with life lessons important for every parent, athlete, and coach. The pain he is willing to share is really his gift to us so that others don’t repeat the same mistakes. As a complement to this interview, I ask that you watch the first episode of Losers and also read the article that Michael wrote many years ago called “The anatomy of a knockout”.
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Episode 16: Food For Performance, w/Sports Dietician, Leslie Bonci
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
Choosing the right food source to support what both the mind and the body need for the elite athlete and everyday human being. Leslie is as good as they get when it comes to understanding how food can impact one’s performance. Her resume is a who’s who of professional teams and is always in demand for her expertise. I am so glad to hear her to speak on the subject of fad diets (Keto, Paleo, etc.), supplements, hydration and factors critical to keeping ourselves healthy, productive and effective.
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Episode 15: Living Your Passion, w/Tampa Bay Rays Pitching Coordinator, Rolando Garza
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
I am so excited to share this interview with Rolando Garza, pitching coordinator for the Tampa Bay Rays. In this session, he shares his journey from awkward teenage kid to getting drafted out of high school by the Sox organization, his playing experiences as a pro, his eventual transition into coaching and the people who were his greatest influence along the way. This podcast provides great insight and advice for anyone (player or coach) wanting to perform at the highest levels.
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Episode 14: The Four F's (Faith, Family, Focus & Fighting) w/UFC Fighter, Sam Smile’n Alvey
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
Smiling Sam Alvey has been a professional MMA fighter since 2008 compiling an impressive 33-13 record over his twelve years . Like so many who have chosen this way of life
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Episode 13: Controlled Aggression, w/Milwaukee Brewers Pitching Prospect, Ethan Small
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
You’d never know it but this 1st round draft pick gets nervous and has had to deal with his fair share of adversity. Disappointment came in many packages for Milwaukee Brewers Pitching Prospect, Ethan from having to say no to the college of his choice to being a walk on at Miss State; dealing with Tommy John surgery and all the challenges that accompany a major injury and rehabilitation. Ethan’s story is a must read for those searching answers on creating a will to win.
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Episode 12: The 4 Minute Mile, w/ State Champion Runner, Anthony Glover
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
Anthony Grover is a high school All American, 3 time state champion who has excelled at the sport of running.
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Episode 11: Do The Steps, w/Elite Equestrian Jumper and Coach, Mandy Porter
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
In this episode, we have the honor of being invited into the home of Elite Show Jumper Mandy Porter, arguably one of the nicest yet fiercest competitors in the sport. As a professional she’s appeared in multiple Nations Cup teams for the United States, competed in the prestigious FEI World Cup Jumping Finals several times, and been a winner of the $1MM HITS grand prix on the West Coast.
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Episode 10: Fighting is Life w/Pro MMA Trainer Jason Parillo
The Mario Soto Sports Psychology Podcast
In this episode, we visit the world class RVCA Headquarters and with its own state of the art combat training facilities to sit down with professional MMA trainer Jason Parillo whose students include BJ Penn, Cris Cyborg, Rafael Dos Anjos, Tito Ortiz, and a list of others elite fighters.
info_outlineOutliers in the world of performance come in many shapes, sizes, and all corners of the universe. We tend to hear about them in the world of sport and business but exceptional and uncommon performers exist all around us. Having a trained eye for elite standouts, it didn’t take long for me to see these qualities in Chef Craig Strong.
Menu selections like Oxtail Risotto, Short Rib Cigars, House made Ravioli and Lobster or even a gourmet burger that really tastes like a gourmet burger are some of the features he offers at his Laguna Beach restaurant called Ocean at Main. He cultivated his art form from having worked around the world, bringing those experiences to complement his passion for life, creating an experience for both diners and his staff. There is a genuine energy about Chef Craig that becomes contagious which comes from his philosophy to wanting to change the model for how restaurants and specifically the kitchens are run so that the failure rate decreases. Simply stated, Craig Strong is different and his work shows it and we are the beneficiaries of his artistry.
About Chef Craig Strong
Chef Craig Strong, whose 25-year career in luxury hotels and resorts earned him a Michelin star from his time at The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, has come full circle to his native Southern California roots with the recent opening his own restaurant - Ocean at Main. In its first year, the critically acclaimed restaurant was honored as a Best New Restaurant by Orange Coast Magazine, one of Modern Luxury's 10 Most Exciting New Restaurants, and was named among OC Register critic, Brad Johnson's 75 Best Places to Eat. Chef Strong previously held the title of Executive Chef at the prestigious Studio at Montage in Laguna Beach for nine years.
From the coasts of California to Washington, DC, and Barcelona to Hong Kong, Chef Strong has cooked all over the world; his dishes draw inspiration from the culture and cuisine that make these places unique. From growing up in San Diego and cooking with produce from the family garden, Chef Strong is now sharing his Coastal California cuisine at Ocean at Main with the community he has embraced for the past decade.
