MikeSafo

Joined today by psychiatrist, researcher, and author, Dr. Rick Strassman. Rick shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in California during the '60s to developing a lifelong passion for chemistry, ultimately leading him to become known as the "Father of DMT." He discusses his groundbreaking book DMT: The Spirit Molecule and his latest work, My Altered States, along with a deep dive into the mysteries of DMT—what it is, how our bodies produce it, and what happens when it’s released. Rick and my brother explore the effects of DMT, touching on experiences of "tripping out," out-of-body phenomena, and why so many people report encounters with "beings" after taking the substance. We also discuss the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, including their use in treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety, while acknowledging the dangers of excessive use. Dr. Strassman opens up about his groundbreaking research on DMT in the '90s, shedding light on his goals, the government grants he received, and the unexpected surprises that came from his studies. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding psychedelics, the possibilities of changing how these substances are classified, and what has sparked the recent resurgence of interest in them. From his experiences with Joe Rogan to predicting plot twists in The White Lotus, Dr. Strassman delivers both knowledge and entertainment in this captivating episode. Follow Rick Strassman here and purchase his new book, My Altered States: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth https://www.rickstrassman.com/

Today, we’re joined by New York Times best-selling author David Grann. In this conversation, David opens up about his New York roots, his passion as a die-hard Knicks fan, and why he’ll never approach someone reading his book in public. He shares stories of defying his mother’s wishes to pursue his writing dream, his unexpected moment as an answer on Jeopardy, and the honor of making it onto President Obama’s must-read list. David reflects on his decision to transition from reporting to writing, culminating in the gripping tale of The Lost City of Z. He explains why he chose to explore Percy Fawcett’s fateful journey into the Amazon for his first book, shares his experiences in the jungle, and reveals the moment he found out he had made the New York Times bestseller list. From there, David takes us into the tragic history of the Osage people in his blockbuster book Killers of the Flower Moon. He dives into how he gained their trust and why he believes their story is one of the greatest injustices in American history. We also dive deep into his latest work, The Wager, where David shares how he first came across the story, his fascination with mutiny, cannibalism, and life on the high seas. And, of course, he opens up about seeing his books brought to life by Martin Scorsese, his time with Leonardo DiCaprio, his visit to Wager Island, and much more. This is an insightful and fun conversation with one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Enjoy!

Joined today by American long-distance runner and Olympic hopeful, CJ Albertson. We dive into his upbringing in Clovis, California, including his childhood playing on a stacked little league baseball team and when he decided to fully dedicate himself to running. CJ shares his journey to Arizona State, the other schools he was considering, and the memorable (and awkward) story of how he first asked his now-wife on a date. We also discuss his transition from college to professional running, setting records in the steeplechase, and the decision to focus on marathon racing. CJ opens up about his training strategies, his process for selecting races, and how he landed a deal with Brooks. We also compare our experiences at the NYC Marathon and talk about how he specifically prepared for that race, alongside his broader goals for major events. CJ shares insights into his rigorous training regimen, diet, and how he balances running, parenthood, and teaching. From his unique approach to healthy eating and running with heat lamps to his commitment to the 2028 Olympics, CJ’s story is full of fascinating moments. Plus, hear how he managed to lose Jon Rahm's phone number and survived running over 200 laps on an indoor track. It’s a packed episode with a one-of-a-kind guest. Enjoy the conversation!

Join us today for an incredible conversation with MLB veteran, former New York Yankee, and professional bodybuilder Kyle Farnsworth. In this episode, Kyle opens up about his beautiful family, his love for dogs, and his passion for hunting. He shares his journey from getting cut from his high school baseball team to being drafted by the Cubs, discussing his decision to attend junior college before joining the Cubs’ minor league system. Kyle takes us through the highs and lows of his career, from his first win as a pitcher to that unforgettable 2003 Game 7 National League Championship series, and the unforgettable experience of playing for the Cubbies. We dive into his decision to turn down a larger offer from the Rangers to wear the iconic Yankees pinstripes, stepping into a locker room filled with legends like Jeter, A-Rod, and Mariano Rivera, and the surreal experience of playing in the historic Yankee Stadium. We also explore the challenges of being traded, his time in the Mexican League, and how all these experiences fueled his undying passion for the game. From there, we shift gears to Kyle’s surprising semi-pro football career, where he led the league in sacks, and his journey into professional bodybuilding, discussing his disciplined diet, intense workout routine, and what it takes to stay at the top. We wrap up the conversation with fascinating stories about his unlikely friendship with Barry Bonds, chats about cattle with Nolan Ryan, and his thoughts on how baseball has changed over the years, particularly with all the rule changes affecting the integrity of the game. All this and more with the ever-interesting, always entertaining Kyle Farnsworth. Be sure to follow him on Instagram for more https://www.instagram.com/thekylefarnsworth

Join us today for an engaging conversation with author and investigative journalist, Alex Cuadros. Alex shares his personal journey, from growing up in New Mexico to moving to New York for college, and ultimately making the bold decision to leave his job and immerse himself in the heart of Latin and South America as a journalist. Alex is the author of the fascinating new book "When We Sold God's Eye: Diamonds, Murder, and a Clash of Worlds in the Amazon"". In this episode, Alex recounts the moment he first learned about the uncontacted Cinta Larga tribe—why the story captivated him, and how he managed to establish communication with them. He also delves into the tribe’s fascinating history, from their first contact with the outside world in the 1960s to the tumultuous challenges they've faced ever since. We discuss the devastating impact of disease, the tribe's unintended involvement in the mahogany trade, and their eventual entanglement in the dangerous and secretive world of diamond mining. Alex sheds light on the horrific 2004 massacre that claimed the lives of 29 Cinta Larga members, and we explore how the legacy of this tragic event is remembered today in Brazil. Finally, Alex shares his thoughts on uncontacted tribes and what steps can be taken to protect their heritage. All this and more. Enjoy

Joined today by Super Bowl champion Martin Gramática. Martin talks about being a child in ‘86 when Argentina won the World Cup, how he celebrated the last year of them winning the Cup, and his superstitions watching the games.  We then chat about Martin’s stud son dominating at USF, playing in the bowl game, and how he tries to give him advice. Martin shares how he started playing football as a senior in high school, why he chose Kansas State over Notre Dame, and where he was when he found out he was drafted.  He reminisces seeing himself on his first card, why he had to change his autograph and walking into the locker room with Warren Sapp, Brooks and Alstott. We chat about that magical Super Bowl run, when he knew the team was special, and how the team celebrated.  We hear how difficult it is going from team to team, the mental hurdles of being a kicker, and how a kicker gets out of a funk. We discuss life after football and the work that goes into being a broadcaster. He lets us know how it was like playing for coaches such as, Tony Dungy, Gruden, Parcells and Belichick. From his soccer celebrations and meeting Messi to his wonderful charity work and his love of westerns.  All this and more with the legendary NFL kicker, Martin Automatica

Joined today by the number two competitive food eater in the world and the 2024 Nathan‘s hot dog eating champion, Patrick Bartolo. Patrick talks about growing up in Chicago, going to culinary school and opening up his restaurant Taco In a Bag. We go over how his love of food and eating got him into the world of competitive food eating. We chat about his time on America’s Got Talent where he ate 120 raw eggs and he shares some of his world records, such as eating 20 pounds of blueberries in eight minutes 11 pounds of Key lime pie in eight minutes and 34 dozen oysters in eight minutes. From his training regimen to win the mustard belt, to his friendship with Joey Chestnut and  how his life has changed after winning the legendary food eating contest in the world. All this and more with one of the most hungriest people I’ve had on the.

Joined today, by UFC legend, Mark the Filipino wrecking machine Muñoz. Mark talks about being a Lolo (grandfather), becoming a comic book superhero in the loop with a vengeance comic series, and his superhero skills. He shares what life was like, growing up in California, how bullying led him to wrestling and why he chose to go to Oklahoma State. We hear about his first experience meeting a cowboy in Oklahoma, the insane knowledge of Oklahoma and wrestling fans, and how we had to lie about a party just to get his future wife’s phone number. We discuss his move back to California to coach, what made him decide to choose a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) and how he was thrown to the walls in his first training session by sparring with Randy Couture. We talk about his time in the UFC, bringing MMA out to the Philippines and why he decided that he needed to retire. From his son’s surging wrestling career to hanging/working out with Manny Pacquiao. All this and more with one of the nicest guys in the history of the UFC.

Joined today by former UFC Champion and Founder/CEO of Wild Society Nutrition, T.J. Dillashaw.  T.J. talks about growing up in California, wrestling as a child and his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton. We go over the science of food, recovery and his amazing new company, Wild Society Nutrition. We hear about the process of creating protein powders, beef jerky and all his other products. T.J. takes us through the decision to become a professional fighter, the sacrifices he made by sleeping on a futon in a living room, and finally getting a chance by being on the Ultimate Fighter TV show. We discuss some of his controversial losses, stunning the fighting world by winning the title at UFC 173, and how he celebrated in Vegas. T.J. breaks down his legendary feud with Cody Garbrandt, the allure of fighting at Madison Square Garden (MSG), and becoming a worldwide name overnight. We chat about cutting weight despite all the injuries that his body has endured and the pain taking recovery he has gone through. All this plus awesome stories about having dinner with Hulk Hogan and much more Check out T.J.’s Instagram and company website here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tjdillashaw/ Website to order: https://wildsocietynutrition.com/

Joined today by the former heavyweight champion of the world, Chris Byrd. Chris reminisces about growing up in Flint, Michigan with 8 siblings, why Boxing was the only thing for him, and his insane amateur career which included over 285 wins. Chris shares why they are calling him “Healthy Byrd”, and after 11 years of pain all over his body how his diet finally resurrected him. Chris and I talk about the legendary 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. We hear why the boxing team did not go to the opening ceremonies, if the Olympic villages are as crazy as we always hear, winning the silver medal, and where all that cool Olympic swag is. We try to find out why Chris wasn’t signed by a promotion after the Olympics, we hear about him hustling just to get fights in a nightclub, and how he finally started fighting in big arenas. We go over his crazy boxing schedule, how and why he took the fight in Berlin against Vitali Klitschko, and how he celebrated winning the world title. We discuss the sport of Boxing, working for Don King, and his fight with Evander Holyfield in Atlantic City. Chris shocks everyone when he talks about his comeback fight in January or February 2025. He talks about his desire to be the champion again and why no one will be surprised when he does it again. All this and more with the “CHAMP”

Joined today, all the way from the Philippines, UFC alumni and current computer in bare knuckle fighting, Rolando Dy. Rolando and I talk about growing up in the Philippines, being a girl dad, and some of his favorite foods. We then chat about his viral moment when he proposed to his girlfriend, after one of his fights, and we hear the funny story of how he met her, and their first date. He shares how Christmas in the Philippines is, and why he’s not decorating. We discuss his fighting career, any pressures following in his famous father‘s footsteps, why his family did not encourage him to box and how that led him into the world of mixed martial arts. We talk about why MMA is not popular in the Philippines, how he got invited to the UFC, and the feeling of winning his first title. From transitioning into bareknuckle fighting to his upcoming world championship out in Malaysia and more from the fighting Filipino Legend.

Joined today with UFC alumni, the Filipino phenom Eddie Yagin.  Eddie and I discuss healthy eating, our crazy diet, how we were lied to about the food pyramid, and when we became knowledgeable about what we put in our body. Eddie tells about growing up in Hawaii getting shot at the age of 16 and ending up in prison before his 20th birthday. We talk about what got him into mixed martial arts, becoming a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and starting his career in Super Brawl in Hawaii. We hear about getting that phone call to fight at UFC on the same card as Jon Jones, Rampage Jackson, and other legends. He shares why he wasn’t able to stay around after his historic win and why he celebrated at an In-N-Out. Eddie tells us about what he’s up to now, the struggles of living in the moment, starting his own fight card, and coaching. We talk about his bad ass daughter, who also wants to enter the fight game, shoots guns and wants to follow in her legendary father‘s footsteps. All this and more with the Filipino phenom.

Joined today by New York Times Best-selling author, Caitlin Rother. Caitlin talks about growing up in La Jolla, attending Cal Berkley for psychology and then Northwestern for journalism.  We go over her early career, working in Massachusetts, getting fired, being an investigative journalist in San Diego and finally making the move to be a full-time author. She reminisces about how she found out she was a New York Times best-selling author, kinda getting nominated for a Pulitzer and the stress, fatigues and injuries that comes with being such a hard working author. We discuss some of her memorable books, wild cases, and how she needs to disconnect from the true-crime world. Caitlin shares her upcoming crime novel series that is coming out in 2026, the pros of writing fiction and how she is hoping to parlay it into a tv series. She opens up about the nervousness of releasing a book, if she still reads reviews and some issues she has with her publishers. We chat about her band, shows she binge watches and her 2025 true crime book releases. All this and more with one of the best true crime writers in the game. Follow Caitlin and get all her books on her website:  https://www.caitlinrother.com/

Joined today by New York Times best selling author, Keith O’Brien. Keith reminisces about growing up in Cincinnati, attending Northwestern and his favorite alumni. Due to my obsession with UK, we chat about his first book “Outside Shot” about Kentucky High School basketball. Then, Keith tells us about finding out he was a New York Times best selling author, how he got notified, and any pressure he feels with the title before his name. We discuss his amazing new book, “Charlie Hustle the Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the last glory days of baseball”. He shares why he wanted to write about Pete Rose, getting interviews from all former players, and what makes Pete so fascinating and unique. We go over the myths of Pete Rose: getting the name, Charlie Hustle, how he was drafted because of nepotism, and his meteor rise to the majors. We chat about his Mount Rushmore type of records, why he’s one of the greatest players ever and how that is all overshadowed by his downfall of gambling. We touch base about the carnage he created, life after baseball and much more. From texting with George Foster to cool memorabilia, Keith O'Brien was an incredible guest Follow Keith and purchase his books here: https://www.instagram.com/obrienstory https://x.com/KeithOB

Joined today by reporter and author of the new book "The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City", Kevin Baker. Kevin shares about writing for the local newspaper at age 13, moving to NYC in the 70's and what the Big Apple was like back then. We chat about his new book, spanning from the Civil War - World War 2. The research that went into it, how he juggled writing about the city, the origins of baseball, and authors that influenced this book. We go over the first baseball superstar James Creighton, who played in the 1850's, the crazy life of John McGraw, and the career and passing of Christy Mathewson. Kevin imparts how NYC molded the game of baseball, the characters who influenced the game, and how the game was almost ruined by Hal Chase and the Black Sox scandal. We chat about Babe Ruth, how he saved baseball, how he's the greatest ever, and some stories about the Big Fella'. We go over racism in and out of the game in NYC, why the Dodgers left Brooklyn and the Giants left Harlem. Red Barber on the radio, Martin Dihigo being the Cuban Babe Ruth, Fred Merkle and more. All this plus talk about cool memorabilia, drunk texting Ken Burns, and the game Kevin wishes he could have witnessed live. All this and more with a true historian of New York City. Follow Kevin here: https://kevinbaker.info/

Joined today by reporter and author of the eye-opening book “Death Row Welcomes You”, Steven Hale. Steve and I chat about growing up in Florida, why he attended Auburn and of course some Tigers football players. We talk about Alabama, Tennessee, and New York food, what’s going on with the police scandals in Tennessee, and what he’ll do if he sees someone reading his new book. We get to “Death Row Welcomes You”, we hear why he decided to make this the topic of his first book, going to death row to meet the inmates, and the feedback he has received in regard to this topic. Steve chillingly recounts seeing the electric chair for the first time, witnessing people be executed and the relationships he has made visiting the prison. We talk about Terry Lynn King, his childhood and his horrific crimes, why Tennessee was on the forefront of executions since 2018 and decompressing from becoming engrossed in this life.  Steve tells us about his other job, being an investigative reporter, how he chooses the topics he writes about and what his plans on for his next venture. From texting with the mayor to photographing phone booths, Steve and I have a great, thought provoking and honest conversation. Check out his website and socials here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamstevenhale/ https://www.iamstevenhale.com/

Joined today by Rhodes scholar, poet and author Mark Abley. Mark talks about his allegiance to Red Wings hockey, the Rough Riders and makes his case for Montreal bagels over NYC ones. We chat about his flex being a Rhodes Scholar, the decision to leave Oxford to backpack the "Hippie Trail" and his awesome new book "Strange Bewildering Time: Istanbul to Kathmandu in the last year of the Hippie Trail". Mark reminisces about traveling through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and other countries in 1978 during the start of the Afghan War and the Iranian Revolution, why he kept writing in his journals and why after 45 years, it was time to write this book. Mark shares what it was like reading the words from his younger self, the differences in travel from then to now, and the differences with the Hippie Trail and the Silk Road. Mark let’s us know about the difficulties of traveling with a friend, if their friendship lasted and what she thought of his book. From other books Mark finds fascinating to his obsession with languages, and much more. Check out Mark's books and site here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Abley/author/B0B6WVRYJ8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Joined today by former Cruiserweight champion, NAVY veteran, and current boxing trainer, Steve "USS" Cunningham. Steve talks about being a father of 4, training his two phenom sons in boxing, and the difficulty of juggling the trainer and father role. We chat about his Philly roots and relocating to Pittsburgh, what he misses most and why it's ok to switch allegiances to the Steelers. We go over his life outside of the ring, hobbies, such as his love for art, developing his comic books, and how he ended up joining the United States NAVY. Steve tells us about his time in the NAVY, how boxing came into the picture and how he was learning the ins and outs of the sweet science as he climbed the ranks. We discuss why he chose to go pro instead of going the Olympic route. He reminisces his intense first 12 fight schedule and how signing with Don King wasn't his favorite decision he made. We hear about winning the Cruiserweight belt after his controversial 1st loss, why many of his fights took place in Europe and why wasn't he promoted much after the 9/11 attacks. We learn about being on the undercard of Mayweather / McGregor, how his phone blew up after Tyson Fury said on Joe Rogan that Steve was the hardest hitter he's ever faced, and when he knew it was time to hang up the gloves. From wanting to fight at Wembley stadium to the mental hurdles boxing entails, it was an enjoyable conversation with USS.   Check out his site here where you can follow his son's journey to the title, as well as purchase his comics: https://www.instagram.com/ussislegend/?hl=en

Joined today by New York Times best-selling author and Edgar Award Winner, Harry MacLean. Harry and I chat about living in Denver, what he misses most about Nebraska, and some Cornhuskers football. Harry is on to talk about his newest book "Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree that Changed America". He tells us about how the eleven murders Charlie Starkweather committed in 1958 combined with his fourteen year old girlfriend and television being broadcasted all over the United States made this the perfect storm and the first court tv type of story. He shares his writing style, telling this story from Charlie's and Caril's point of view, and the hurdles he faced writing this book. We hear about his personal connection to Charlie and the victims, why the public was convinced Caril was guilty and what was his purpose writing this book. Harry discusses the emotional toll the book took on him, his initial thoughts of the crimes, and what shocked him the most during his research. We go over the botched police investigation, delve into if Caril was present when he family was murdered and what made Harry believe in her innocence. From Billy Joel to Bruce Springsteen singing about Charlie and Caril to movies and documentaries and how the crimes are still a hot button issue in Nebraska. All this plus Abe Lincoln wrestling, Truman Capote's ghost and more   Check out Harry's site here and his other outstanding books  - https://www.harrymaclean.com/  

Joined today by four-time New York Times best-selling author, Jonathan Eig. Jonathan reminisces about growing up in New York, submitting articles at an early age, heading to Northwestern and how he ended up at a newspaper in New Orleans.  We talk about when and why he decided to write his first book on Lou Gehrig, the hurdles he went through writing it and how a friend slipping Regis Philbin his book changed everything. We go over the intimidation he felt writing about two icons, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr, their similarities, differences and how their world intertwined.  We hear how Jonathan traveled the country conducting interviews, dove deep into Ali’s analytical statistics, and how he used his daughter as a pawn to meet Ali. Jonathan tells us about his mission when he writes these books, how he convinces people to trust him, and how he juggles writing about controversial issues. From having some of the coolest Ali memorabilia to chatting about the FBI’s harassment of MLK, Jonathan Eig shows why he’s the best biographical storytellers around.    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonathaneig https://www.jonathaneig.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joneig/