Real Conversations.
Real Leaders.

Fighters, founders, and truth-tellers — people who built, fought, and earned their place through discipline, courage, and vision.

40+ Episodes Hosted by Amir Ardebily 7th Degree Black Belt St. Petersburg, Florida
The Archive

All Episodes

I Don’t Belong to the Left or the Right… I Belong to the Truth
Jul 30, 2026

I Don’t Belong to the Left or the Right… I Belong to the Truth

Why does independent thinking make people so angry? Amir explains why he refuses to blindly follow any political party, why legal immigrants are just as American as anyone else, and why principles should always come before politics.

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The Most Dangerous People Aren’t Evil… They’re Stupid
Jul 30, 2026

The Most Dangerous People Aren’t Evil… They’re Stupid

Can ignorance destroy a nation faster than evil? Amir shares why poor judgment, blind ideology, and leaders who ignore consequences can become society’s greatest threat.

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J.D. Vance Just Insulted 92 Million Iranians… and the World Stayed Silent
Jul 24, 2026

J.D. Vance Just Insulted 92 Million Iranians… and the World Stayed Silent

Did J.D. Vance confuse the Iranian people with the Islamic Republic? Amir explains why millions of Iranians are outraged, why the Iranian people are the first victims of the regime, and why world leaders must learn the difference between a terrorist government and an oppressed nation.

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Trump Betrayed the Iranian People? Bombs, Broken Promises & a Failed Strategy
Jul 20, 2026

Trump Betrayed the Iranian People? Bombs, Broken Promises & a Failed Strategy

A personal perspective on the latest U.S. actions in Iran — why military strikes without supporting the Iranian people fall short, and why any agreement with the current regime is a mistake.

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Who Sold Out Iran?
Jun 16, 2026

Who Sold Out Iran?

The media is celebrating. Politicians are declaring victory. But who paid the highest price? For years, young Iranians risked everything for freedom — and millions are left wondering whether their sacrifice meant anything at all.

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Modern Istanbul: Freedom or Illusion?
Jun 10, 2026

Modern Istanbul: Freedom or Illusion?

Amir traveled to Istanbul expecting history, culture, and incredible food — and found all of it. But underneath the beauty: political tension, propaganda, fear, and a side of modern Turkey most tourists never see.

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No More “IFs”
May 27, 2026

No More “IFs”

For 47 years the world has watched the Iranian regime spread fear and destruction while politicians from both parties made promises they never delivered. What happens if this regime survives again?

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The Truth About Iran: What the Media Won’t Tell You
May 22, 2026

The Truth About Iran: What the Media Won’t Tell You

The war with Iran is not just another headline — it’s about millions of lives, decades of oppression, and the future of an ancient civilization. An Iranian-American refuses to stay silent.

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Celebrities Suddenly Care About Iran? Here’s the Truth
May 20, 2026

Celebrities Suddenly Care About Iran? Here’s the Truth

For decades the Iranian people suffered while much of Hollywood stayed silent. Now suddenly everyone wants to speak about Iran. Real courage means consistency.

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USA vs England: World Title Showdown
May 6, 2026

USA vs England: World Title Showdown

Coach Mike Crossland, world title challenger Sonny Grevis, and his father Neil join the podcast before the World Kickboxing Championship at Battle of Tampa Bay 29. Respect, confidence, family, sacrifice — and war inside the ring.

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Wake Up, America: United We Stand or Divided We Fall
Apr 29, 2026

Wake Up, America: United We Stand or Divided We Fall

A powerful message from an Iranian-American perspective: internal division is one of the greatest threats to freedom. America does not need another tragedy to remember its strength.

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Labels Don’t Scare Me. Truth Doesn’t Need Permission.
Apr 27, 2026

Labels Don’t Scare Me. Truth Doesn’t Need Permission.

When people can’t defeat your ideas, they attack your character. This is about challenging extremism, rejecting oppression, and refusing to be silenced by labels.

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No Fear. No Filter. — The Truth About Islam
Apr 23, 2026

No Fear. No Filter. — The Truth About Islam

A direct and honest look at Islam — separating faith from politics, people from power, and belief from ideology. This is not about hate. It’s about truth, discussion, and the real-world impact of ideas.

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You Can’t Negotiate With This Regime — Wake Up
Apr 21, 2026

You Can’t Negotiate With This Regime — Wake Up

From the myth of negotiation to the meaning behind the two flags on Amir’s table — a message about identity, accountability, and not looking away from what matters.

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I Lived It — You Just Talk About It: The Truth About Iran They Won’t Say
Apr 16, 2026

I Lived It — You Just Talk About It: The Truth About Iran They Won’t Say

A raw and unapologetic message calling out media personalities and so-called “experts” who speak on Iran without ever living its reality. The difference between theory and experience. Between privilege and understanding.

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Talk All You Want… the Truth Shows in the Ring
Apr 14, 2026

Talk All You Want… the Truth Shows in the Ring

Say whatever you want — the truth shows when the gloves go on.

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DJ Fresh Steps Into the Ring — for a Cause
Apr 14, 2026

DJ Fresh Steps Into the Ring — for a Cause

Amir sits down with Doug “DJ Fresh” Hensel as he prepares for Battle of Tampa Bay 29, joined by Buccaneers legend Mike Alstott. Beyond fighting — heart, purpose, and raising money for a veteran family in need.

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Not Left. Not Right.
Apr 13, 2026

Not Left. Not Right.

Amir speaks openly about Iran, America, truth, and the danger of blind political loyalty. Not about parties or politicians — about human dignity, freedom, and standing with the Iranian people without apology.

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You Ignore Iran — Reality Will Shock You
Apr 6, 2026

You Ignore Iran — Reality Will Shock You

This is not about Trump. Take politics out of it. This is about national security — and American lives that have already been lost. If you reduce this to politics, you’re already thinking wrong.

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Battle of Values: Confronting Megyn Kelly (No Filter)
Apr 2, 2026

Battle of Values: Confronting Megyn Kelly (No Filter)

No filter, no script — watch the full conversation on YouTube.

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War Is Ugly… but Necessary: The Truth About Iran No One Wants to Say
Mar 25, 2026

War Is Ugly… but Necessary: The Truth About Iran No One Wants to Say

War is never good — but sometimes it becomes unavoidable. Speaking from experience, not politics: 47 years of fueled violence, suppressed people, and rejected diplomacy. This is about reality, history, and the fight for freedom.

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Not Just Al Bundy: The Warrior Mind of Ed O’Neill — Part 2
Mar 22, 2026

Not Just Al Bundy: The Warrior Mind of Ed O’Neill — Part 2

What does it take to stay at the top — in Hollywood and on the mat? Legendary actor and BJJ black belt Ed O’Neill opens up like never before about discipline, ego, and what it really means to be a warrior.

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Not Just Al Bundy: The Warrior Mind of Ed O’Neill
Mar 18, 2026

Not Just Al Bundy: The Warrior Mind of Ed O’Neill

From fame and fortune to the grind of jiu-jitsu — a raw, real conversation with Ed O’Neill. This is not the Ed O’Neill you think you know.

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Tucker Carlson Doesn’t Get Iran
Mar 14, 2026

Tucker Carlson Doesn’t Get Iran

What happens when political commentators talk about countries they’ve never lived in? Born and raised in Iran, Amir speaks from firsthand experience about life under the Ayatollah regime — and why dismissing that reality is dangerous.

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Persia, Iran, and the Internet’s 3-Second History Experts
Mar 13, 2026

Persia, Iran, and the Internet’s 3-Second History Experts

Iran is the name of a country. Persian is an ethnic and cultural identity going back more than 2,500 years — to Cyrus the Great, Darius, and Xerxes. Not politics — history, culture, and correcting misinformation.

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If Everyone Changes America… Is It Still America?
Mar 12, 2026

If Everyone Changes America… Is It Still America?

Is America still a melting pot, or is the idea changing? Immigration, assimilation, and the importance of respecting the culture and values of the country that welcomes you.

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47 Years of Tyranny: The Truth About Iran
Mar 6, 2026

47 Years of Tyranny: The Truth About Iran

The reality of Iran, the suffering of its people under 47 years of dictatorship, and why the world continues to misunderstand the difference between the Iranian people and the regime that rules them.

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Wake Up America: Understanding the War With Iran
Mar 5, 2026

Wake Up America: Understanding the War With Iran

As an Iranian-American who has lived in both worlds, Amir explains the difference between the Iranian people and the Iranian regime — history, truth, and the real conflict.

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There Is a Difference Between Iran and Its Government
Mar 3, 2026

There Is a Difference Between Iran and Its Government

After 1979, many innocent Iranian-Americans faced backlash for actions they had nothing to do with. History should not repeat itself. A message to Amir’s American friends.

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This Is Not a Protest — This Is a Revolution
Feb 15, 2026

This Is Not a Protest — This Is a Revolution

A message of conviction, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a people who refuse to be silenced. Freedom, sacrifice, leadership, and the responsibility of every generation to stand for dignity and justice.

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From Survival to Black Belt: Mike “The Highlander” Yanez on Discipline, Pain & Purpose
Feb 10, 2026

From Survival to Black Belt: Mike “The Highlander” Yanez on Discipline, Pain & Purpose

A five-stripe black belt under the legendary Popovitch lineage, Mike Yanez is a survivor, a builder, and a man forged through discipline and sacrifice. What discipline really means when life gets hard.

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From Iranian Revolution to American Manufacturing: Kam Behjati on Freedom, Work & AI
Feb 7, 2026

From Iranian Revolution to American Manufacturing: Kam Behjati on Freedom, Work & AI

Kam Behjati witnessed the 1979 revolution firsthand. Today he’s a driving force behind US Door & More — fully automated, AI-powered, 100% Made in America. Immigration, entrepreneurship, and long-term vision.

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American Dream
Feb 1, 2026

American Dream

Morteza Homayoun came to the United States in 2001 with nothing but ambition and technical skill. Today he’s the founder of FlightLogic, modernizing aircraft maintenance with AI. A real blueprint for entrepreneurship.

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Faith, War, Discipline & Freedom: Three American Voices
Jan 30, 2026

Faith, War, Discipline & Freedom: Three American Voices

A U.S. Army veteran, a military contractor, and a lifelong martial artist. One Jewish, one Christian, one Catholic. Three belief systems, one real conversation about war, peace, freedom, and responsibility.

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Consistency Is Resistance: Iran Will Not Be Silenced
Jan 19, 2026

Consistency Is Resistance: Iran Will Not Be Silenced

A direct and uncompromising conversation about the Iranian uprising, the cost of silence, and why consistency is resistance. This episode stands with the Iranian people.

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Leadership Under Fire: Truth From a Federal SWAT Commander
Jan 18, 2026

Leadership Under Fire: Truth From a Federal SWAT Commander

A conversation with a former Homeland Security Investigations Federal Agent and SWAT Team Leader. Discipline, responsibility, ethics, and leadership when the stakes are real.

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The Mindset of a Champion: Orlando Rivera on Discipline, Humility & Success
Oct 21, 2025

The Mindset of a Champion: Orlando Rivera on Discipline, Humility & Success

A 5-time World Champion Kickboxer, Professional Boxer, and Martial Arts Hall of Famer who shared the screen with Chuck Norris. From humble beginnings to world titles — resilience, respect, and relentless drive.

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Discipline, Power, and Purpose: Erik Marshall’s Story
Oct 19, 2025

Discipline, Power, and Purpose: Erik Marshall’s Story

Champion fighter, respected coach, and event promoter Erik Marshall dives into the world of martial arts, discipline, and what it truly means to stay hungry for greatness.

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From the Battlefield to Healing: Dr. Alex & Olivera Petrovich
Oct 14, 2025

From the Battlefield to Healing: Dr. Alex & Olivera Petrovich

A remarkable father-daughter duo from the Amir Academy family. From the battlefield to the pharmacy, from mental health counseling to martial arts — service, healing, and resilience across generations.

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From Fighter to Founder: Rafael Garcia’s Journey with American Top Team Tampa
Sep 23, 2025

From Fighter to Founder: Rafael Garcia’s Journey with American Top Team Tampa

Rafael Garcia’s journey from fighter to founder, building American Top Team Tampa through passion, discipline, and real-world grit. Fights, fitness, and real talk — unfiltered.

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Behind the Mic

About the Podcast

Amir Ardebily, host of Amir's Podcast

Amir Ardebily

Host · 7th Degree Black Belt

Amir’s Podcast is a platform dedicated to real conversations with real leaders — people who have built, fought, sacrificed, and earned their place through discipline, courage, and vision.

Hosted by Amir Ardebily, a 7th Degree Black Belt, entrepreneur, combat sports pioneer, and community leader, the podcast brings together fighters, business owners, public officials, law enforcement professionals, medical experts, and influential voices from both the local and international stage.

Not about hype.
It is about truth.

With over five decades of experience in martial arts, leadership, and mentoring, Amir approaches every conversation with authenticity, respect, and a deep understanding of what it means to overcome adversity. Each episode explores the real stories behind success — struggle, resilience, failure, and ultimately, triumph.

Beyond entrepreneurship, leadership, and combat sports, the podcast addresses cultural identity, global events, freedom, and the responsibility each generation carries to shape the future. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, it connects the Tampa Bay community with voices and ideas that matter.

To give a voice to those who have earned the right to be heard — and to inspire the next generation to build strength, character, and purpose.

Featured Guests

Voices That Earned It

Mayor Rick Baker

Mayor Rick Baker

Former mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, who served two terms from 2001 to 2010 and played a major role in the city’s modern revival. With a background in law and business, Baker focused on downtown revitalization, education, and community-driven growth.

David Bybee

David Bybee

3x World Kickboxing Champion, CEO of American Mixed Martial Arts, and Director of Coaches for USA Kickboxing. A 6th Degree Black Belt in JLFS with a BJJ Black Belt under the DeLaRiva lineage, David’s 36-year journey spans training under legends and shaping National and IKF Champions.

Nick Cornilus

Nick Cornilus

A black belt and one of the Academy’s most respected instructors, Nick is also the ISKA Super Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion who proudly represented the United States against Germany. A cornerstone of the martial arts community.

Russell Ricaldi

Russell Ricaldi

Retired federal agent and founder of ITAC Services, with 25 years of Federal Law Enforcement experience. Russell served as a SWAT Team Leader for HSI Tampa for over a decade and as an Instructor with the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service.

Mike Yanez

Mike Yanez

A survivor, builder, and five-stripe black belt under the legendary Popovitch lineage, Mike represents the highest level of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Based in Miami, he has lived the martial arts life fully — the grind, the setbacks, the victories.

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