The MGM Show: Business, Life, People & More

Hosted by Carl Montante III & Evan Giokas | MGM Coaching

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Oct 2026

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Why do some people thrive at work while others burn out doing the exact same job? It’s rarely talent or effort. It’s sync: doing work that fits how you’re naturally wired to take action. On The MGM Show, Carl Montante and Evan Giokas dig into careers, leadership, workplace culture and what it takes to build a life you actually love. They’re the co-founders of MGM Coaching, and two friends who met through a random golf pairing in 2017. You’ll hear from people who’ve figured it out, and a few who learned the hard way: - Division 1 basketball GMs navigating the NIL era - A VP who has spent his entire career at one company - Entrepreneurs who turned a hobby into a business - Tradespeople building real wealth without a college degree Expect honest stories, takeaways you can use Monday morning, and plenty of Buffalo sports and golf along the way. Whether you’re a college student choosing a path, a young professional weighing your next move, or a leader trying to build a team that clicks, press play.

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October 11, 202648 min

MGM #81 - Love What You Do, Find More Sync, What Have We Been Up To?!

Episode #81 - Love What You Do, Find More Sync, What Have We Been Up To?! Episode Highlight It's been a month since the last episode of The MGM Show. However, we're back now! September was a whirlwind of a month. Traveling, events, hectic times at work- all good things. Through it all, Evan and CJ have been in sync and have performed at a high level because of that! We want YOU to get there as well! What You’ll Hear in This Episode Highlight #1 — What we've been up to lately Highlight #2 — How more than anything else, sync at work can lead to a better life Highlight #3 — Have YOU found Internal Self-Validation? Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

September 11, 202652 min

MGM #80 - Building a Career Around What You Love (Golf) w/ Brandon Grzywacz

Episode #80 - Building a Career Around What You Love (Golf) w/ Brandon Grzywacz Episode Highlight Carl reached out to Brandon after seeing a LinkedIn post about buying Donald Ross sportswear. One phone call later, and The MGM Show had their first official podcast partner. Thanks to a mutual connection and previous 2x podcast guest, Jamie Miller, Brandon and Carl have struck up a nice relationship. Tune in to hear the story and how Brandon turned his passion for golf into a career. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Highlight #1 — How to pronounce Brandon's last name Highlight #2 — How you don't need to play golf for a living to have a career in golf Highlight #3 — How you can use your hobbies to build relationships About Our Guest Brandon Grzywacz: Director of Tournament & Corporate Sales at Donald Ross Sportswear LinkedIn Bio Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

August 16, 20261 hr 2 min

MGM #79 - Careers, Relationships, and Advice for Growth with Teddy Tiftickjian

Episode #79 - Careers, Relationships, and Advice for Growth with Teddy Tiftickjian Episode Highlight Teddy isn't like most millennials. According to Business News Daily , millennials switch companies every 2-3 years. If that were true for Teddy, he'd have been at 5+ companies by now. However, he has only known one: Arch Insurance Group. From interning while at The Ohio State University to now being the Vice President of the Northeast Region, Teddy tells us why he hasn't left his company, and why he has no plans to leave anytime soon. For young professionals and college-aged students, this is a must-listen. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Highlight #1 — Teddy's Life and Career Journey Highlight #2 — The importance of treating people with respect Highlight #3 — Why Teddy is in complete sync with his career today Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

August 7, 20261 hr 6 min

MGM #78 - Going All In with Matthew Hart

Episode #78 - Going All In with Matthew Hart Episode Highlight Matthew Hart was never the biggest, the strongest, or the most gifted. He was, however, the hardest worker, with the most passion. He brings that same focus and energy to anything he does. Whether it was playing basketball, now coaching basketball, or being a husband and a father, Matthew goes all in, all the time. Tune in, and you'll hear more of what I'm talking about! What You’ll Hear in This Episode Highlight #1 — If you're going to do something, go all in Highlight #2 — Rest and recovery are necessary for your long-term health Highlight #3 — The balance of family and the importance of a spouse cannot be overlooked About Our Guest Matthew Hart: General Manager/Director of Player Development of University of Virginia Men's Basketball Links & Resources: https://virginiasports.com/staff/matt-hart Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

July 31, 20261 hr 5 min

MGM #77 - Building a Division 1 Basketball Program with Turner Battle

Episode #77 - Building a Division 1 Basketball Program with Turner Battle Episode Highlight Turner Battle was a standout basketball player who grew up in North Carolina. As fate would have it, he ended up playing at UB in the early 2000's and has now found himself back with the program as its first General Manager of the program. With NIL changing the landscape of college sports forever, Turner is now tasked with growing the program, finding money to pay his players, and ensuring that these guys leave the program better than when they entered. Enjoy! What You’ll Hear in This Episode Highlight #1 — How a strong recruiting relationship brought him to Buffalo Highlight #2 — Why character is tough to find in the age of NIL Highlight #3 — How life comes full circle when you least expect it About Our Guest Turner Battle - GM, UB Men's Basketball https://ubbulls.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/staff/turner-battle/520 Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

July 26, 202653 min

MGM #76 - The Human Side of Accounting with Lexi Weber

Episode #76 - The Human Side of Accounting with Lexi Weber Episode Highlight For a while now, people have liked to use the phrase, "AI is going to totally replace that." In the accounting industry, that is especially heard. Tune in to today's episode to hear how Lexi and her team at AICPA are handling this new era of accounting! Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

July 10, 20261 hr 1 min

MGM #75 - Career Changes, Full Circle Moments, and Becoming a Father with Brendan Tenney

Episode #75 - Career Changes, Full Circle Moments, and Becoming a Father with Brendan Tenney Episode Highlight Brendan went from not getting into the colleges of his choice, to studying Finance at Xavier University, to working in Corporate Finance, to pivoting to education because he kept feeling a nagging feeling like he was being pulled in a different direction. Tune in to this episode of The MGM Show to hear how he completely changed his career, married the girl of his dreams, and is now expecting his first child! What You’ll Learn in This Episode Key takeaway #1 — Life works out the way it's supposed to Key takeaway #2 — Don't run or hide from that feeling in your gut Key takeaway #3 — Find what you love to do and do that thing all the time About Our Guest Brendan Tenney, Assistant Director of Admissions @ Canisius High School Links & Resources: https://www.canisiushigh.org/ Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

July 3, 20261 hr 7 min

MGM #74 - Putters, Taps Rooms, and Entrepreneurship with The Tony and Mike Tuber

Episode #74 - Putters, Taps Rooms, and Entrepreneurship with The Tony and Mike Tuber Episode Highlight Happy 250th Birthday, America, and welcome to the show, Tony and Mike Tuber. The MGM Show's most recent partner is T Squared Putters. A family-owned and operated business right here in Buffalo, NY, just a quick 20-minute drive south of the city. Tune in today to hear about how the business + Tees and Taps was started, who is responsible for what, and what it's like working with your brother on a daily basis! What You’ll Hear in This Episode Highlight #1 — Pitch Competitions and Starting a Business in College Highlight #2 — How Tees and Taps began with a tree putting a hole through the roof Highlight #3 — What 1 Year looks like for T Squared and the Tap Room Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with T Squared Putters , the Official Putter Partner of The MGM Show. T Squared Putters hand-mills every putter from solid billet in its family-owned shop in Orchard Park, New York—never cast—for a truer roll and more confidence on the greens. MGM Show listeners receive 15% off T Squared Putters. Use Code: MGM15 Visit: https://tsquaredputters.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

June 25, 20261 hr 12 min

MGM #73 - Turning Passion into a Business with Alternate Golf Logos

Episode #73 - Turning Passion into a Business with Alternate Golf Logos (Ryan Gabel) Episode Highlight Ryan Gabel started his career in sales. For the next 10ish years, he stayed in sales. Then, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, leaned into his passion during COVID, and now he's designing logos for clubs all across the country. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Key takeaway #1 — How Ryan starts a new project Key takeaway #2 — Is AI going to hurt his business? Key takeaway #3 — How a brain tumor led to his now career About Our Guest - Ryan Gabel Founder, Alternate Golf Logos Instagram Website Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.

June 22, 202649 min

MGM #72 - Blue Collar Work and a Family Business with Nick Cortese

Episode #72 - Blue Collar Work and a Family Business with Nick Cortese Episode Highlight Ever think about going into the trades? Have you ever thought that if you didn't go to college, you'd just be viewed as "not smart enough"? In today's episode, we hear from Nick Cortese, VP of Cortese Construction Services, about what it's like to run a family business and how you can create immense value and wealth for yourself without even attending college. Tune in today! What You’ll Learn in This Episode Key takeaway #1 — What it's like working in a 3rd generation family business Key takeaway #2 — How getting into thousands of dollars of debt isn't always the best option Key takeaway #3 — You can create immense wealth from working with your hands About Our Guest Nick Cortese, VP of Cortese Construction Services Links & Resources: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HammertimeTVBuffalo Website: https://cortese.net/ Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show The MGM Show is proud to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear , the Official Apparel Partner of The MGM Show . Donald Ross is known for premium golf and lifestyle apparel designed for performance, comfort, and timeless style—perfect for the course, the office, or anywhere in between. MGM Show listeners receive 20% off Donald Ross apparel . Use Code: MGM20 Visit: https://donaldross.com Connect with MGM Coaching MGM Website: https://www.mgmcoach.com/ MGM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgmcoaching_/ The MGM Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themgmshow_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgm-coaching/ Email: podcast@mgmcoach.com Conative Matrix: https://landing-image-portal.lovable.app/ Interested in discovering your instinctive strengths or booking a coaching session? ➡️ Visit MGM Coaching to learn more.