If you’re lucky you have one or two great mentors, teachers or coaches who change your life forever.

I’ve been fortunate enough to have a handful of them. But, perhaps none have been as impactful as my great friend, Alwyn Cosgrove.

Alwyn grew up poor in Glasgow, Scotland. Fighting was essential for survival, so he got a black belt and became a nation champion in Tae Kwon Do.

He later became a strength coach and moved to the US, which is how we met at a training workshop in 1996.

For the 20 years since he’s been one of my closest friends, biggest supporters and most trusted advisers.

Whenever I have a tough decision to make he’s one of the first people I call. I value his opinion and insight that much.

He’s helped me get through many tough times, even during his two battles with Stage 4 cancer.

When you listen to today’s episode I hope you’ll understand why I hold this man in the highest regard.

Topics discussed include:

• The Sugar Ray Leonard attitude [8:08].
• Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s [12:09].
• How one tiny decision can change the course of your life [15:47].
• A ridiculous game of “would you rather?” [21:57].
• Moving from Glasgow to NY to Cali [28:01].
• How to navigate through anxiety and depression [38:09].
• Why being on the show made him so uncomfortable [43:33 & 1:42:50].
• His unique approach to goal setting [46:30].
• His insightful take on making decisions [59:57].
• How to manage and deal with staff [1:02:12].
• The “is she hot?” story about meeting his wife [1:04:27].
• Opening and running one of the top gyms in the US [1:05:44].
• How to break into the fitness industry [1:06:20].
• The mindset involved in beating cancer… twice [1:08:57].
• How your perspective changes after beating cancer [1:15:50].
• The importance of having mentors and mentoring others [1:25:46].
• How to manage a successful fitness business [1:30:44].
• How to recognize talent and help it flourish [1:34:55].

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Thanks for listening,

Jay Ferruggia