On The Mic With Mike Altamura

Live from the MGM Grand I am joined by Las Vegas-based current WBO World Welterweight boxing champ, Jessie Vargas! The humble 27-year-old is already a two-division titleholder and discusses a potential Manny Pacquiao showdown later this year, fighting with pride for his daughter's future, and rediscovering the killer instinct within. Vargas further outlines his unique connection with recently-linked trainer Dewey Cooper, and the confidence he feels that generates inside the ropes. He also shares his burning desire to avenge his 2015 defeat to Timothy Bradley, the recent Kell Brook fallout, his daughter demanding selfie-time, and his colourful Las Vegas upbringing. The 27-1 (10) phenom touches on his mental preparation for fights, overtraining in the past, a budding commentating career, facing southpaws, and much much more! Find Jessie Vargas at: Facebook Twitter Instagram Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Or Twitter @mikealtamura

This week I am joined by fast-rising Australian pro wrestler and podcaster, "The Axe" Josh Shooter! The gifted 22-year-old doesn't hold back in sharing his industry experiences which have seen him feature across the board nationally and in six countries to date, primarily the UK and Japan. Josh delves into discovering wrestling via video games and lying about his age to commence training at 14, trainer Mike Burr's brutal punishment for performing without trainer's permission, and his gradual ascent to working Australia's leading promotions. He outlines his thirst for knowledge along the way in building his brand, ring psychology doctrines from various trainers and colleagues, and effectively collaborating with peers. Josh further elaborates on the hilarious "The Axe" nickname origins, "levelling up" and endlessly striving to better oneself, WWE aspirations, KrackerJak's Australian wrestling Godfather status and two secret magical pieces of advice, plus much much more! Check out Josh's AxeCast on the Wrestle Radio Australia network. Find Josh "The Axe" Shooter at: Facebook Twitter Instagram Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Or Twitter @mikealtamura

Glitter and sequins are the flava this week as I'm joined by the freshly-retired American track queen, DeeDee Trotter! The charismatic "Glitter-Faced Warrior" speaks from the heart about her amazing 13-year career which netted her three Olympic births, two USA relay-team golds, and her cherished 400m bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympiad. DeeDee shares her emotional journey since officially hanging up the spikes last week, and her post-retirement plans, which may include baking! The 33-year-old also touches on her endless struggles with injury, her "never give up" mentality, and of course, face painting, plus much more! Find DeeDee Trotter (The D-Trott!) at: Official Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Or Twitter @mikealtamura        

On a freezing winter's day I welcome tropical vibes into the studio as I'm joined by world-renowned recording artist, OMI! The 29-year-old discusses the uncanny rise of his 20-country chart-topping smash-hit "Cheerleader", creating happy music, diversifying and challenging oneself as a performer, and "staying human" despite global stardom. He further shares his timezone struggles, holding firm to his branding ideals, and checking his OCD in preparation for Slimefest in September! Thereafter resident Australian TV/film analyst Bassem Abousaid checks in to discuss the allure of Australian morning show exposure for musicians, the current ratings war battles among those shows, the return of drama Offspring, Channel 10's mid-year report, an update on the 60 Minutes controversy (covered on Ep #12), and our TV mini-series hypotheticals. Find OMI on: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Or Twitter @mikealtamura

It's a bird, it's a plane... no, it's "Super" Dowie!  Join me for a loquacious chat with the outspoken 26-year-old, 14-year pro wrestling veteran, Australian "Super" Dowie James!   The acrobatic thespian started in the rasslin' business at the ripe old age of 12, was "smuggled" into "Bar 20" at 14 by yours truly, and has survived some horrifying injuries along the way to tell a most engrossing story!   Dowie lets us in on the trials & tribulations to date, offers his verbose take on the industry, particularly ring psychology, and the satisfaction he feels to connect with the audience. We also talk his memorable 2015 match with former WWE superstar Chavo Guerrero, future goals, and much more! Mr. Whippy, watch out! The "Dowie" mobile is rolling into town, with every flavour imaginable...   Find Dowie James on: Facebook Instagram Twitter Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Or Twitter @mikealtamura

"You're tall, you're fit, you're good looking, you make me SICK!" - Sam Navagero MC     The podcast has been hijacked again by the "pesky" Sam Navagero. He's also taken it upon himself to write the introduction for this episode. All I'm allowed to say is enjoy this installment with MJA's very own, #15 IBF world rated boxer, Michael "Pretty Boy" Zerafa.    This week has us delving into the mind of a boxer who regularly gets challenged to fight at his local shopping centre and doesn't understand the words "have a rest" or "take a break".   Hailing from the "mean streets of Cragieburn, last September he found himself in America in what was reported as a "mismatch" against former WBO world champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin and while over there also ignored training advice from the great "Sugar" Ray Leonard.   Zerafa's bounced back strongly, breaking the world rankings, and his commitment to being the hardest working athlete in the game, leaving no stone unturned, cannot be questioned. You'll be tired just listening to this!    HATERS YOU ARE ON NOTICE!! Get on the bus or you will be under it.  The "Pretty Boy" loves your feedback as he works his backside off to becoming the best in the world. Enjoy!   Find Michael "Pretty Boy" Zerafa on: Facebook Instagram Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Twitter

In the hotseat this week is a "Rising Sports Entertainment Superstar", a man whom claims pro wrestling is "better than sex", JXT! We discuss JXT's preparations as he embarks on his much awaited, highly anticipated pilgrimage to wrestling's "Mecca", the United States. The self-proclaimed "Social Media Sensation" (And justifiably so) surmises his constant chase for "The BUZZ" & gives very detailed thoughts on his intentions to keep progressing in the business he loves. JXT further divulges his start in sports entertainment & his parents attempts to "sabotage" his childhood dreams as well as their insistence he always have a "Plan B", just in case… We touch on the origins of the JXT character, and also how he separates his personal from professional life, plus much more! Is JXT as his parents say "delusional"? Follow him on all his social media platforms to see if he ends up enjoying promised transportations and accommodations in the US or if he ends up hitch hiking from show to show, sleeping in local bus shelters following his dreams. Enjoy the interview! Find JXT on: Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Channel Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Twitter    

In MJA studios this week is 2013 Australian Big Brother star Tahan Lew! Media connoisseur Bassem Abousaid joins us for a riveting sitdown in which Tahan details her Big Brother experience at length for the first time. The 101-day surviving, most nominated housemate in BB history delves into the audition process, including a heated fallout with the BB producer, her expectations entering the house, and indeed, her controversies on the program. We learn of her mental state dealing with six-consecutive nominations and anxiety in a "cabin fever" type setting, and her personal development in the house. She further shares her crafty tactics utilised to manipulate "Big Brother" and her rapport with other housemates. The part/Malaysian/Aboriginal pinup talks about the challenges adjusting to newfound fame and recognition on the outside, the social circuit, and her post-house depression. She outlines her relationship with V8 Supercar boyfriend David Reynolds, and his role in her shaking out of the depression, as well pulling her weight in their household. Elsewhere we discuss her upcoming film and modelling roles, casting limitations in the Australian industry, her Bollywood potential, camel racing, snapchat nightmares, sugar-baby advances, and much more! Thereafter Bassem sticks around to offer expert analysis on: Whether Big Brother will reappear on Australian TV, the forthcoming return of Australian Survivor, half-year 2016 TV hits and misses, and the recent 60 Minutes controversy in Lebanon. Find Tahan Lew on: Facebook Twitter Instagram Follow the Podcast on: Facebook Twitter

My name is Sam Navagero and I have had the great pleasure of "turning the tables" on international sports agent Mike Altamura.   I ask the tough questions of Australia's foremost boxing manager as you are "let in on" the inner workings of Mike's day to day dealings & dilemmas guiding the careers of some of the fight game's brightest stars on the planet.   If you have an interest in all the back room shenanigans that go on in the boxing world at the highest level, then you must listen to this.   Please enjoy my fascinating conversation with the "Duke" of World Boxing, Mike Altamura.   Find us on: Facebook Twitter

We speak with one of Australia's leading MMA/Boxing trainers Richard Fogarty. Richard tells us how he has channeled over twenty years of in ring experience from the fields of  Kyokushin karate, boxing, Muay Thai & kick boxing to make him one of Australia's most sought after MMA trainers. We learn of Richard's experiences having recently worked at the Jackson Winkeljohn MMA camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the home of UFC mega stars Holly Holm, Alistair Overeem & Jon "Bones" Jones.  We tentatively delve into Richard's bullying experiences at school as well as his times of being abused as a child and how he channeled his trauma and his feelings of being emasculated into becoming a fighter in a very successful multi disciplined fight career of 50 fights which included 49 wins. Richard opens up about his fighting "hay day" battle with drugs and alcohol that led him eventually to becoming, as he puts it "a better coach than a fighter". I hope you enjoy my fascinating conversation & his stories of spiritual enlightenment, having regularly shared a church pew with former UFC Champ, Jon "Bones" Jones. Facebook: Richard Fogarty (Coach) www.richardfogarty.com Instagram: richardfogarty Twitter: @faithfighter73   

Join me this week as I chat with former US Air Force chaplain assistant turned Hollywood movie star, one of the most renowned jerks in teen movie history, Napoleon Dynamite’s very own “Don” aka Trevor Snarr!   We discuss Trevor being paid $175 for his role in Napoleon Dynamite, a micro-budget (200K initially) movie that was accepted into the 2004 Sundance Film Festival & grossed over $100 million worldwide!   Trevor tells me about his “paranormal experience” while shooting the film which required Pedro's "protection".   Furthermore, we discuss his admiration for WWE Superstars Hulk Hogan & Roddy Piper growing up and trying a few of their moves on an intruder in his apartment, as well as his latest career developments, such as portraying Vincent Van Gogh in the upcoming flick, The Green Fairy.   Mike also returns with a closing rant targeted at one increasingly annoying WWE fan. What a freaking idiot. Gosh! Check it out! Find us on: Facebook Twitter  

This week I am joined by the “happiest person on the planet”, former professional wrestling superstar turned motivational speaker, Marc Mero!Marc shares with me his life’s extreme lows, battling depression & contemplating suicide, to the enormous highs that get him out of bed energised everyday. He also discusses how the Chris Benoit tragedy in 2007 changed his life, as well as his close association with “Diamond” Dallas Page. Marc elaborates on his work with children in schools all over the world, lecturing about the dangers of drug abuse, and preaching anti-bullying and suicide prevention through his company “Champion of Choices”.I guarantee you will be uplifted by my conversation with this great gentleman!Find more information about Champion of Choices at http://www.thinkpoz.org

�Join me as I talk with charismatic Hawaiian-born sumo legend, Konishiki (Saleva'a Atisanoe).  Join me as I talk with charismatic Hawaiian-born sumo legend, Konishiki (Saleva'a Atisanoe).   We discuss how Konishiki was plucked from his American high school as a "scrawny" 145kg football star and quickly developed into a three-time top division champion and according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the heaviest sumo wrestler in the history of the sport, at 287kg.   Konishiki reveals his early trials, like having a knife pulled on him, and tribulations as a "foreigner" of dojo life, as well as the joys of his newfound celebrity status as a rapidly rising star through sumo ranks by being the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach Ozeki, the second highest rank in the sport. Konishiki also shares how shattering it was  being misquoted in the New York Times, which he believes cost him the opportunity at becoming the first foreign-born, Grand Champion aka "yokozuna", sumo's ultimate rank. The family sacrifices made, overtures from pro wrestling, his future entertainment ambitions, his personalized guided sumo tours and his advice for up & coming sumo wrestlers. Enjoy this episode featuring a very entertaining & "media savvy" sumo superstar.   Find us on: Facebook Twitter  

Mike enters the "X-era" this week as he welcomes 21-year-old porn star Sara Luvv to the program. A mind-blowing session as the delightful adult entertainer talks: - Her affinity for kids entertainment shows; - Moving into her new apartment building; - How she introduces herself to neighbours; - Awkward moments when she's recognised in public; - The irony of being a painfully shy adult entertainer; - Entering the industry with her boyfriend at age 18 to raise money for an apartment; - Shifting from webcam projects to full-fledged porn; - Sleeping with a woman for the first time on camera; - Her shy mentality to sex prior to the industry; - The coining of her entertainment name; - Memorizing feature scripts; - Her mother's reaction upon discovering her new profession; - Running into old high school colleagues; - Whether she feels judged because of her vocation; - Chilling at home with her kittens; - Why she ventured to New Zealand and not Australia earlier this year; - The rapidly increasing demand for her talents; - Branching out and shooting scenes with males; - The nature of her relationship and balancing it with the industry; - A typical day on set shooting a feature project; - Anatomy of a sex scene shoot; - Getting into the "zone" for those scenes; - Developing into roles requiring her to take the initiative; - Pre-sex meals; - Lifting and her physical transformation; - Her business interests outside adult entertainment; - Sleeping on the floor of her new apartment; - Whether she's "broken in" the apartment (surprise answer!); - Keeping the intimacy with her partner fresh; - Her shopping addiction and impulse purchases; - How she handles soreness to her, erm, lower region; - Her thoughts on sexism in the business; - Industry misconceptions; - Wrongful presumptions men oftentimes make about her; - The enormous hype toward her first on-camera anal scene; - Dealing with strange fan interactions; - Justifying her excessive clothing acquisitions to her partner; - Future ambitions, inside and outside adult entertainment; - Striving for longevity in the business; And we close with the melon-scratching: - Shag/Marry/Kill (Kanye West/Caitlin Jenner/Kim Kardashian); - The imagined royalties of a Sara Luvv/Kim Kardashian sex tape. Follow Sara Luvv on Twitter @saraluvvXXX

Mike is joined in studio on this special mid-week episode by Melbourne rockstar and Australian pro wrestling identity, Julian James. It's a BIG ONE! The ever-charismatic James delves into:- Remaining sober for Dry July;- Surviving 31 days without booze;- The mystery surrounding his upbringing and background;- Explanation of the infamous "The Bedford" ejection;- Idolising 1980s KISS and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper;- Early musical influences;- High school scallywag antics;- Forming a rock band in school and transitioning from guitar to vocals;- Overcoming a severe face injury;- Moving to Melbourne at 18 for a lucrative job at the, uh, Reject Shop;- The inception of The Shine;- Ben Meano's express drumming development;- Morphing into a glam rock outfit;- Shady managers and early struggles;- Building a reputation on the Melbourne rock scene;- Future rock superstars Jet playing beneath The Shine;- Seeing bands like Airbourne emerge locally;- Groupies in the scene;- Struggles maintaining committed relationships with the rockstar lifestyle;- Dealing with voice loss on show night;- How quitting smoking impacted on his voice;- Details relating to The Shine suddenly disbanding  in 2008;- The band's highlights and legacy;- Out of control lifestyle in The Shine's later years;- Returning with "glamabilly" band Thunderstag in 2010;- Constructing the band lineup;- Thunderstag's direction and mentality to gigging;- Spending "four figures" on the Wrestling Information Line as a youngster;- Discovering the wrestling scene in Melbourne;- His inauspicious start in the business as a camera cable boy;- Spending Christmas morning in hospital courtesy of a table bump; - Breaking into All-Star Wrestling;- Juggling music and wrestling commitments;- His ideology when it comes to wrestling commentary;- Stumbling into becoming a wrestling promoter;- Structuring the WRESTLEROCK team and concept;- The tumultuous lead in to the May 2006 debut promotion;- WR's creative philsophy;- How its crowd differentiates from the usual wrestling crowd;- Exhaustive nature of playing at and also promoting WR events;- Wrestlerock's unlikely stars;- Ex-Australian Idol judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson entering the company and convincing Dicko to "job" to KrackerJak;- Reasons for WR's temporary hiatus;- March 2015 return featuring the Brooksy/Kelly-Anne "wedding of the year";- New Idea believing the storyline and offering "triple figures" for exclusive photos;- Working the workers;- Wrestlerock's future plans;- Ambitions outside of promoting in the scene;- Memorable pro wrestling and music encounters;- Ric Flair hilariously cutting a legitimate promo on him;And we close with a little addition fun:- Shag/Marry/Kill (Awesome Kong/Chyna/Nicole Bass);- Top five 80s teen comedies;- The greatness that is Fast Times at Ridgemont High.Mike gives Julian THE BEDFORD, then invites friend Brett Thomas for John Wayne Parr's Six Degrees of Separation. Brett endeavours to prove JWP's apparent fighting superiority over his childhood inspiration Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Joining Mike this week for a captivating chat is Muay Thai legend, 10-time world kickboxing champion, Australia's John Wayne Parr! JWP discusses: - His successful return at Caged Muay Thai in May; - The CMT concept and its reception to date; - His epic FAIL climbing the cage post-fight; - The anguish sustained from a broken orbital bone, and bouncing back from the injury; - Origins of the "John Wayne" moniker; - Representing Australia "strong" at naked public weigh-ins in Thaliand; - The current state of Muay Thai in its homeland; - Thai boxing's seedy gambling underbelly; - His greatest fight victories;- Staying active and excelling in various promotional outfits over the years; - Weight cutting at 39 and the fight day refuelling process; - Competing longer distances in boxing in comparison to Muay Thai; - The pitfalls of concurrently fighting in both sports; - His experiences training UFC superstar Georges St. Pierre; - Assessing Rory MaDonald's striking skills; - His thoughts on Joe Rogan's muay thai game; - Six degrees of Josh Barnett; - The now infamous Josh Barnett story on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast; - His unenviable "lose/lose" situation surrounding his victory over the "One Armed Bandit"; - The downturn of kickboxing in Holland; - UFC becoming the target for aspiring combat sports participants; - Upcoming talents in the Boonchu Gym; - The rewarding time spend training his 12-year-old daughter, Jasmine; - Weighing in on his magical 26-year combat sports journey; - Future plans and his philosophy on life; And Mike closes with a swiftly-directed rant at those fight managers placing their egos ahead of a fighter's physical health! Thoughts/suggestions? Hit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthemicpodcast

This week features Mike's old pal, former world title challenger and renowned boxing trainer/analyst "Iceman" John Scully. Blockbuster episode! Mike quickly rants about late night business calls, before welcoming "Ice" for a riveting conversation. Scully talks: - Al Haymon's PBC and thoughts on Thurman/Collazo - Floyd Mayweather Jr's future and legacy - Idolizing Ali as a child - His outstanding long-term memory - Launching his own boxing league at 12 and going unbeaten in basement boxing - Pre-fight jitters and superstitions - The thrill of sparring at 47, - Fighting the great Michael Nunn - Transitioning into training - Handling a female world champion - Guiding Chad Dawson to Hopkins victory, adjusting in the corner, and Dawson's ill-advised Andre Ward bout - Starring in the "Knockout" reality show - Sparring Roy Jones Jr in his prime and Roy's underrated brilliance, crazy hand speed, and standing in history - Commentating for ESPN Classic - USA amateur boxing's plight and declining participating. And we finish with some lighter discourse! - Amateur boxing urban myths, hilariously falsified records and "golden gloves" champions - Reconnecting with and marrying his high school sweetheart -Recent additions to John's legendary online "BANNED" list, the Kardashians, and more!

Our feature guest this week is former boxing heavyweight world champion "Hercules" Mike Weaver. Mike offers some fascinating insights into his bizarre start in military boxing, his inauspicious pro boxing debut (A KO Loss), overcoming early defeats, becoming a contender, challenging Larry Holmes, scoring the most unlikely of world title victories, life as champion, controversially defending the title in Apartheid South Africa, Jesse Jackson, aborted contests with Muhammad Ali and Gerry Cooney, losing the title under suspect circumstances, Don King, aging as a fighter, returning to South Africa, Lennox Lewis, reviving his career in China, boxing into his late 40s, Mike Tyson, and his advice to young athletes, plus much more.

The debut podcast featuring former WWE/WWF and WCW Superstar Paul Roma. Paul talks to us in depth about his time in the wrestling industry, in particular life his rise as a newcomer in the WWF, his Four Horseman run, Mr Fuji doctrines, Young Stallions/Power and Glory successes, office politics, bodybuilding, his short boxing stint training under Mike Tyson's trainer Kevin Rooney, ring psychology, the art of selling, whom he rates the toughest guys in the business, life after wrestling, and much more!