Sloan Clymer is a pro MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and no-gi specialist at Legion American Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego (founded by Keenan Cornelius). He earned his black belt from Cornelius—being the coach’s second-ever recipient—and has competed in organizations & events like Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, WNO, EBI, Subversiv (holding a win over Nick Rodriguez), and ADCC trials. In this conversation, we explore Sloan’s journey—from training in a makeshift “Caveman Combat” barn in...

Kendall Reusing is an 8-time world champion black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, founder of Jiu Jitsu Accelerator (JJA), and host of the Get a Grip Podcast. She’s also one of the most respected commentators and entrepreneurs in the BJJ world. In this conversation, we discuss her competitive journey, building a personal brand in Jiu-Jitsu, and her impact on women in the sport. We also talk about her entrepreneurial drive, how she carved out a commentary career at high-profile BJJ events, and the...

In this special highlight episode, we revisit 5 of the most impactful pro athletes featured on the show — each of whom successfully transitioned from elite sports to entrepreneurship. You’ll hear from: Shawne Merriman - how the legendary NFL Linebacker got ahead of the business game with his “Lights Out” brand (02:28) Chris Leben - what motivated this UFC icon to open his own MMA gym and mentor fighters facing similar personal struggles (06:16) Tony Azevedo - how the five-ti...

After 90+ episodes of The Nichols and Dimez Show, it’s time to evolve. In this special rebrand announcement episode, I break down why the podcast is now called “Built for Legacy with Chris Nichols — and what that really means. You’ll hear how the show has naturally shifted toward the stories of high performers making bold transitions into entrepreneurship: from pro athletes, veterans, and creators who are building something that outlasts them. This is not just about starting over — it’s about...

Brandon Turner is a professional skateboarder, longtime member of the legendary Sk8Mafia crew, and protégé of Chad Muska. He’s also the Founder of West Side Recovery, a San Diego-based rehab center helping people overcome addiction through purpose and community—an effort inspired by his own personal journey. In this conversation, we discuss his evolution from skateboarding icon to recovery advocate, his viral “Trick of the Year” switch hardflip, and why mindset is the true prime. We also dive...

Jason Stewart is Founder of Epic Fighting (SoCal based MMA promotion), Stewart Estates (real estate group), and Epic Exoctics (exotic car rentals). In this conversation, we discuss how Jason stays calm under pressure, his approach to stress management, and how his unconventional upbringing shaped his mindset. We dive into his journey buying a house at 21, launching a successful MMA promotion in Southern California, and building a brand that spans real estate and exotic cars. Jason also breaks...

This episode is an audio exclusive highlight reel recap of the first three months of 2025. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:51 - Ryan Williams - Full episode 06:22 - The 4-Hour Workweek Review (solo episode) - Full episode 08:48 - Tony Azevedo - Full episode 12:14 - Mitch Aguiar - Full episode Partners: LEGACY KAPSULE: https://www.legacy-kapsule.com/ JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off HOSTAGE TAPE: h...

Mitch Aguiar is a former Navy SEAL, professional MMA fighter, and the Founder of MASF (Mitch Aguiar Smashin’ Frog) Supplements, Violent Hippie (a BJJ academy & merch brand), and Adopt-a-Cop BJJ (a non-profit that helps police officers learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). In this conversation, we discuss Mitch’s strong Navy family influence growing up and why he decided to become a SEAL, the rise of his competitive fighting career, and how he transitioned out of the military to become an entreprene...

Tony Azevedo is a five-time Olympian (2000-2016), Olympic silver medalist, and widely regarded as one of the greatest water polo players of all time. Since retiring in 2017, he has been on a mission to grow and evolve the sport through his entrepreneurial ventures, including 6-8 Sports—a platform featuring a stats & analytics app, digital game desk, college showcase series, and training academy—as well as Azevedo Water Polo, which offers clinics, apparel, and more. In this conversation, w...

In this solo episode, I share my review and top takeaways from Tim Ferriss's book, "The 4-Hour Workweek" (2007). Tim Ferriss is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcaster. I credit Tim as being one of my earliest inspirations of eventually starting my own podcast and living my life as a "human guinea pig", since 'The Tim Ferriss Show' was the first podcast that I had ever listened to consistently. The format of this book follows the "DEAL" acronym for its four sections: Definition, Elim...

Ryan Williams is Founder of Industry Threadworks and Archive 3PL, an apparel manufacturing company, and a warehousing fulfillment service, respectively. He is a former Navy SEAL who pursued the path of entrepreneurship with prior ventures in apparel and fitness equipment. In this conversation, we discuss what it’s like working with his wife as CEO, relationship dynamics in business, and what drove him to become a Navy SEAL and entrepreneur. We also talk about what he’s learned about leadershi...

This episode is an audio exclusive personal reflection on 2024 and Q4 guest highlight recap (October through December). Chapters: 00:00 - My Reflection on 2024 08:34 - Shawne Merriman - Full episode 09:57 - David Meltzer - Full episode 13:38 - Taylor Cavanaugh - Full episode 16:24 - Juan Leija - Full episode Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off HOSTAGE TAPE: https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28...

Juan Leija is the owner of iconic Onnit Gym in Austin, TX and a Fitness & Strength Coach. He is one of the first team members of supplement and fitness brand, Onnit, alongside Aubrey Marcus and Joe Rogan. In this conversation, we discuss Juan’s role in the early days of building Onnit, his relationship with Aubrey Marcus, and the dynamic journey of Onnit Gym throughout various changes in the business over the years. We also talk about his “unconventional” fitness approach - with a concent...

Taylor Cavanaugh is a former Navy SEAL and French Foreign Legionnaire (the only one with this distinction), turned entrepreneur, who currently runs a coaching business supporting people towards their fitness and mindset goals. Taylor has a wild story of resilience and redemption, which includes overcoming addiction, going to jail, and striving to motivate and support others through personal excellence. In this conversation, we discuss Taylor’s background story as a Navy SEAL, the identity str...

David Meltzer is Co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and was CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie, Jerry Maguire. In this conversation, we discuss the intersection in David’s career between technology, law and sports, how he pitched himself to get a role as CEO at multiple companies across various industries, and lessons learned from being a business leader and founder. We also talk about how sports agents have evolved ove...

Shawne Merriman is an ex-NFL All-Pro Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers & Buffalo Bills. Since his football career, Shawne has been very active as an entrepreneur, including founding Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (Fight Promotion), Lights Out Agency (Insurance), Lights Out Sports TV, and Lights Out Apparel. In this conversation, we discuss the development of his “Lights Out” brand and early adoption of personal branding, how this has served him in the business world post football, and ste...

This episode is an audio exclusive highlight recap of Q3 2024 (July through September). Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:38 - Alex Bowen - Full episode 05:19 - Indian Wedding (solo episode) - Full episode 08:22 - Javier Zaruski - Full episode 09:47 - Natty Linquist - Full episode 11:43 - Jeff Fenster - Full episode Partners: LEGACY KAPSULE: https://www.legacy-kapsule.com/ JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off Follow...

Jeff Fenster is an award winning entrepreneur, best selling author, podcast host, and expert in relationship capital. He is Founder & CEO of Everbowl, a superfood quick serve restaurant franchise with nearly a hundred locations around the United States. He has also founded many other businesses ranging from payroll & HR, digital marketing, and construction. In this conversation, we discuss scaling, how to enter new industries, applying systems, and building relationship capital. We al...

Nathaniel (Natty) Linquist is Founder of Elysian Fitness and non-profit soccer academy in Uganda, MUNGU Academy, which helps develop and give kids opportunities to play soccer in college or professionally. In this conversation, we discuss Natty’s unique experience growing up in Uganda as an American boy from California, biggest culture shocks, the important role soccer played in his life, and his outlook on faith. We also talk about the founding stories of his fitness coaching business, Elysi...

Javier Zaruski is an IBJJF Black Belt World Champion (2023) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (No-Gi). This episode is a special preview for the ADCC 2024 World Championship in Las Vegas this August, which Javier is competing in. In this conversation, we discuss Javier’s life, family, and sports background growing up in Uruguay, his Jewish faith and what has motivated him throughout his journey, and moving to the United States to pursue Jiu-Jitsu on the world stage. We also talk about his competition hi...