Explore every episode of the podcast The Lugo Show

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with NCAA Champion Stephen Buchanan to break down his incredible journey from an under-recruited high school wrestler to the top of the podium at Iowa.Buchanan shares the mindset shift that changed everything… and what it really takes to become elite.In this episode:• Starting in a small town with little recognition• The moment everything “flipped” in his career• Why having a mentor changed his path• Wrestling at Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Iowa• What makes Iowa’s system different• Overcoming adversity at the NCAA Tournament• Winning a National Title and what it felt likeStephen also talks about his experience competing in RAF (Real American Freestyle) and what’s next in his career.🔥 Want to learn from him LIVE?Stephen Buchanan will be at the Miami Hawks Camp on June 14th, teaching his Takedown Machine system—how to get to legs and finish at a high level.This is a must-watch for wrestlers, parents, and coaches looking to take the next step.Subscribe for more episodes of The Lugo Show featuring the best wrestlers and minds in the sport.

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Clarissa Chun, head coach of the University of Iowa Women’s Wrestling program, Olympic medalist, and one of the pioneers of women’s wrestling.Coach Chun shares her incredible journey from growing up doing judo in Hawaii, to discovering wrestling in high school, to becoming an Olympic medalist and now leading one of the fastest growing programs in the country.They discuss:• How Clarissa Chun transitioned from judo to wrestling• What it was like competing internationally for the first time• The growth of women’s wrestling across the world• Why she chose to build the program at Iowa• How Iowa quickly became a national powerhouse• The mindset needed to become a champion• Recruiting the next generation of wrestlersCoach Chun also talks about the importance of setting big goals, embracing challenges, and constantly evolving as both an athlete and a coach.If you’re a wrestler, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode is packed with insight.And if you want to meet Coach Chun in person, she’ll be at the Miami Hawks Summer Camp in Miami, Florida on June 6th.Subscribe for more episodes of The Lugo Show featuring top wrestlers, coaches, and leaders in the sport.

Pat Lugo sits down with Steve “The Bear” Mocco for a wide-ranging conversation after Mocco’s return to competition at RAF. They talk about what it’s like to compete again after years away, how it feels having his sons in his corner, and why Michael chose Iowa.In this episode:Mocco’s RAF comeback and how it felt returning to the matThe “role reversal” of getting coached by his sonsCompeting nerves, preparation, and watching film after the matchMichael Mocco’s decision to commit to IowaBuilding Mocco Wrestling Club and coaching without overstepping school programsAdvice to coaches thinking about competing again

Recorded live at the Miami Hawks Thanksgiving Wrestling Camp, we sit down with Zach Sherman for a camp-side podcast conversation on wrestling development, mindset, and what it takes to level up.In this episode:Zach’s wrestling start and the Florida Heatwave dual team daysHow judo shaped his style and respect on the matMatch mindset: preparation, performance, and competing freeFinding your “why” when wrestling gets hardPat’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena experience and handling pressureCOVID season cancellation and the mental falloutTransitioning from college wrestling into professional league competitionSubscribe for more camp podcasts and Miami Hawks content

Nick Purler built one of the most respected wrestling systems in America — and in this episode of The Lugo Show, he sits down with Pat Lugo to break down how.🔥 From his days at Oklahoma State to running a 50-acre wrestling compound in Missouri, Purler reveals what it really takes to build champions — in wrestling and in life.💪 Watch this if you want to:Learn how “position over talent” wins titlesUnderstand the mental side of wrestling most coaches missHear the truth about parents, NIL, and the future of college wrestlingSee what “Tiger Style” and “Purler Style” have in common🎙 Hosted by: Pat Lugo🏟 Guest: Nick Purler — Founder of Purler Wrestling Academy, Missouri👇 Timestamps00:00 – The Mindset Behind Purler Wrestling03:00 – How to Build Mentally Tough Athletes07:30 – Why Top Game Changes Everything10:45 – The Truth About Youth Results17:20 – College Pressure & Identity Reset25:40 – Building the Purler Compound35:00 – NIL, NCAA & Modern Wrestling Culture42:30 – Tiger Style & Purler Style Connection51:00 – Pat’s Take on Leadership in Wrestling1:03:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice for Parents📲 Connect with Purler Wrestling: purlerwrestling.com📲 Follow Miami Hawks Wrestling: miamihawkswc.com#NickPurler #PatLugo #TheLugoShow #WrestlingPodcast #PurlerWrestling #IowaWrestling #OklahomaState #YouthWrestling #CollegeWrestling #TigerStyle #Mindset #Motivation #WrestlingLife

Pat Lugo welcomes Brian Smith, head coach of the Missouri Tigers, for a powerful conversation about his rise from a Florida kid chasing football dreams to one of the most respected leaders in NCAA wrestling. Coach Smith breaks down how “Tiger Style” was born, what it represents, and how it’s fueled Mizzou’s rise into a perennial powerhouse.

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Ricky Cheese, the founder and voice behind The Florida Wrestling Room — the state’s largest and most passionate wrestling community. Ricky shares how a simple idea turned into a 25,000-strong movement uniting wrestlers, coaches, and fans across the Sunshine State.They dive into the origins of Grinding for Greatness, building a brand around wrestling culture, and why storytelling matters just as much as stats.Watch this if you love:🔥 Florida wrestling history🎙️ Grassroots media done right💪 Building community through the grind#TheLugoShow #RickyCheese #FloridaWrestlingRoom #GrindingForGreatness #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingCommunity #MiamiHawks

On this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Pat (Patrick) Gould, former Life University standout wrestler turned coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School. They unpack Gould’s journey on the mat, his transition into coaching, and how he’s shaping the next generation in Florida wrestling.What you’ll hear in this conversation: • Gould’s competitive years at Life University and standout matches • How he made the shift from athlete to mentor • His vision and approach coaching at Flagler Palm Coast • Advice for high school wrestlers and those curious about life beyond competition • Why building culture matters more than just winningWhether you’re into coaching, collegiate wrestling, or career transitions in athletics, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and real talk.👉 Tune in, like, and share with anyone chasing a life in wrestling.#PatGould #TheLugoShow #LifeUniversity #FlaglerPalmCoast #WrestlingCoach #WrestlingJourney

In this episode, we sit down with two Olympians and leaders in American Greco-Roman wrestling: Kamal Bey and Alex Sancho. Both represent not just Team USA, but also the WCAP (World Class Athlete Program) of the U.S. Army — a unique path that allows elite athletes to serve their country while pursuing greatness on the mat.What you’ll hear in this conversation:✅ The mindset it takes to reach the Olympic level in Greco-Roman wrestling✅ Insights on the WCAP program and how it’s shaping the future of USA Wrestling✅ Stories from their journeys — from training halls to the world stage✅ Why Greco deserves more recognition in the U.S. wrestling communityThis is more than a wrestling talk — it’s about discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence.💬 Drop your questions for Kamal & Alex in the comments!📲 Don’t forget to FOLLOW and SHARE to support Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling.#KamalBey #AlexSancho #GrecoRoman #TeamUSA #WCAP #ArmyWrestling #OlympicWrestling

From the mats to the cage. 🥋🥊In the latest episode of The Lugo Show (Ep. 12), Pat Lugo sits down with NCAA standout and undefeated MMA fighter Mitch McKee (9-0) at the 5-Day Getaway Wrestling Camp held at Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami, Florida.What you’ll hear:✅ Mitch’s transition from NCAA wrestling to professional MMA✅ The challenges of moving across the country and starting fresh✅ Why coaching can be harder than competing✅ The rapid growth of South Florida wrestling and girls wrestling✅ What keeps him motivated to learn every single dayThis is wrestling knowledge meeting MMA mindset — straight from a rising star.👉 LIKE if you believe wrestling builds champions beyond the mat💬 COMMENT your favorite takeaway from Mitch’s story📲 SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Lugo Show#PatLugo #TheLugoShow #MitchMcKee #MiamiHawks #WrestlingPodcast #MMA #SouthFloridaWrestling #5DayGetaway #IowaWrestling

High school records don’t guarantee college glory. 🏆In this Lugo Show Extra, Pat Lugo pulls from his own journey — from Edinboro to the Iowa Hawkeyes under Tom & Terry Brands — to reveal why being 142-0 in high school means nothing at the D1 level.👉 Inside this episode:The wake-up call that humbled Lugo in the Iowa roomWhy mentality and training habits matter more than your recordLearning to rebuild confidence after setbacksThe difference between winning in high school vs. winning in collegeLessons for athletes, parents, and coaches on handling pressureThis is a must-watch for any wrestler (or parent) chasing the next level.👍 LIKE if you’ve ever had to reset your mindset💬 COMMENT your biggest wake-up call in wrestling📲 SUBSCRIBE for more Lugo’s Lessons and The Lugo Show extras#PatLugo #LugosLessons #IowaWrestling #TomBrands #TerryBrands #WrestlingMindset #HawkeyeWrestling #Edinboro

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Coach Mitch Kennedy of Decatur Wrestling. From building one of the top wrestling programs in Michigan to balancing parent expectations and teaching kids to love the sport, this conversation goes deep into the culture of wrestling and life lessons that come with it.What you’ll hear in this episode:✅ Coach Kennedy’s journey from Luther College back to Decatur✅ The challenges of coaching parents as well as kids✅ Why emotional stability is a secret weapon in wrestling and in life✅ Stories about idols like Brett Metcalf and Kellen Russell shaping his vision✅ The mission to grow girls’ wrestling and strengthen Decatur’s programWrestling is more than wins and losses—it’s about building character, resilience, and community.👍 Like if you value wrestling culture💬 Comment your favorite takeaway from this episode📲 Subscribe for more interviews with athletes, coaches, and leaders#PatLugo #TheLugoShow #WrestlingCulture #DecaturWrestling #IowaWrestling #SouthDadeWrestling #YouthWrestling #BuildingChampions

Step inside one of the biggest high school wrestling facilities in the Southeast as Pat Lugo sits down with his former Edinboro teammate Arick Shankles, now head coach at Bob Jones High School in North Alabama.From three full mats, a weight room with seven racks, treadmills, bikes, and locker rooms for both boys and girls, this standalone facility sets a new standard for high school wrestling programs. Arick shares how he’s building a top-10 program in Alabama, the lessons he brought back from his Edinboro wrestling days, and his vision for growing the sport in North Alabama.The conversation dives into:The mentality and drilling habits that separate good wrestlers from great onesThe biggest challenges high school athletes face transitioning to college wrestlingStories from their days at Edinboro, training in “the dungeon” alongside NCAA standoutsBuilding a stronger wrestling culture in Alabama, including expanding girls wrestling and club programsWhether you’re a coach, wrestler, or fan, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and inspiration from two guys who’ve lived the grind at the highest levels.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of The Lugo Show!#Wrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #BobJonesWrestling #Edinboro #LugoShow

In this special episode of The Lugo Show, we sit down with Coach Duck, the new head coach of the South Dade wrestling program after more than 20 years as an assistant. He’s also the driving force behind Gladiator Wrestling Club, one of Florida’s premier wrestling clubs known for producing standout champions—including Pat and Ozzy Lugo themselves.💬 Coach Duck shares what it means to step into the head coach role at South Dade, the challenges and excitement of leading a legendary program, and how Gladiator Wrestling Club continues to shape the future of the sport.👉 Tune in for insights on leadership, legacy, and the art of building champions on and off the mat.#TheLugoShow #CoachDuck #SouthDadeWrestling #GladiatorWrestlingClub #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingLegacy #WrestlingMentorship #FloridaWrestling #BeOfService

From qualifier to finalist—Drake Ayala breaks it all down.In this exclusive sit-down, 2x NCAA Division I Finalist and Iowa Hawkeye standout Drake Ayala shares what sparked his transformation from talented qualifier to elite finalist.Filmed during the 2025 Miami Hawks Summer Games, Drake reflects on:🔥 What made this camp stand out from the rest📈 The mindset shift that changed his college career🤼‍♂️ The technique behind his signature slide-by🧠 How to stand out at the D1 level and build longevityWhether you’re chasing a title or just chasing growth, this is one to watch.👍 LIKE if you’ve seen Drake wrestle💬 COMMENT your favorite Hawkeye moment📲 SUBSCRIBE for more from Drake, Pat Lugo & Miami Hawks Wrestling#DrakeAyala #PatLugo #MiamiHawks #IowaHawkeyes #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingTechnique #SlideBy #NCAAWrestling #HawkeyeStyle #BeOfService

World medalist Forrest Molinari was just trying to bring the hype — but the officials didn’t agree 😅. Despite legendary Iowa coach Tom Brands saying the cowbell was fine, Forrest was kicked out of an Iowa dual not once… but twice — the second time for bringing an even bigger one! 🐄🔔This hilarious short captures one of the most unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments in wrestling — proving that even the best can get in trouble for bringing too much energy.📣 Watch this if you love:✅ Big wrestling personalities like Forrest Molinari✅ Behind-the-scenes moments from top NCAA programs✅ Laugh-out-loud stories from the Iowa wrestling room#ForrestMolinari #IowaWrestling #TomBrands #MoreCowbell #WrestlingLife #WrestlingShorts #Hawkeyes

In this episode of The Lugo Show, Pat Lugo sits down with Forrest Molinari — world medalist, young leader, and one of the rising voices in women’s wrestling. Together, they explore her journey from the youth room to the world stage, the challenges she’s faced, and her mission to push the sport forward.

Key topics covered:
✅ How Forrest’s wrestling style and mindset evolved over time
✅ The differences she experienced competing internationally
✅ What it’s like to be a role model for young girls in wrestling
✅ Her vision for growing women’s wrestling in the U.S.
✅ Tips, behind-the-scenes moments & personal insights

If you're chasing excellence on the mat or beyond, this conversation is an essential listen.

👍 LIKE if you believe in lifting the sport
💬 COMMENT what resonates most from Forrest’s story
📲 SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Lugo Show

#ForrestMolinari #TheLugoShow #WomensWrestling #WorldMedalist #MiamiHawks #WrestlingPodcast #GrowthMindset

📍 Live from the Miami Hawks Summer Games 2025Iowa Hawkeye legend Austin DeSanto sat down with Pat and Ozzy Lugo to talk about the electric growth of Florida wrestling and what it's like to be part of something bigger than the mat.In this episode of The Lugo Show, recorded during the biggest clinic weekend of the year, Austin opens up about:🔥 Why Florida’s wrestling scene is exploding🔥 His passion for giving back through camps & mentorshipWhether you love his fire or fear his pace, DeSanto delivers his signature honesty and intensity in this special clinic edition.👍 LIKE if you're part of the Florida wrestling movement💬 COMMENT your favorite DeSanto story or match📲 SUBSCRIBE for more raw conversations from The Lugo Show#AustinDeSanto #TheLugoShow #MiamiHawks #SummerGames2025 #FloridaWrestling #PatLugo #OzzyLugo #IowaWrestling #ClinicianTalk #BeOfService #YouthWrestling #WrestlingPodcast

In this episode of The Lugo Show, things get real with NCAA Champion and Iowa Hawkeye legend Cory Clark.Pat and Ozzy sit down with Clark to talk about:🥇 What it really takes to become a National Champion🔥 That time he tossed Terry Brands in practice (yes, really)🏆 Building his own youth wrestling club and giving back to the next generationFrom intense Iowa room stories to leadership lessons off the mat, Cory brings raw insight, humor, and heart to the conversation.🧠 Whether you’re chasing a title or building future champions—this one’s for you.👍 LIKE if you’ve ever been coached by someone tougher than you💬 COMMENT your favorite Cory Clark memory or match📲 SUBSCRIBE for more from The Lugo Show and Miami Hawks Wrestling Camps#TheLugoShow #CoryClark #PatLugo #OzzyLugo #MiamiHawks #IowaWrestling #NCAAChampion #WrestlingPodcast #YouthWrestling #TerryBrands #WrestlingStories #BeOfService

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Lugo Show—hosted by 2x NCAA All-American Pat Lugo and his brother Ozzy, live from the legendary South Dade wrestling room.In this raw, unfiltered premiere, the brothers reflect on Day 1 of the Miami Hawks Summer Games 2025, what it means to build a legacy, and why the grind never stops. From humble beginnings to mentoring the next generation, this is more than a camp—it’s a mission.🎯 Topics include:Pat’s return to South Florida and vision for Miami HawksThe energy, pressure, and real vibes from Day 1Lessons in leadership, brotherhood, and leveling upWhy living like a pro starts now—not in college🔥 It’s about growth. It’s about community. It’s about being of service.👉 SUBSCRIBE to follow The Lugo Show every week as Pat, Jordan, and guests explore the mindset, moments, and madness behind wrestling and life.