The Open Exchange with Paul Martinez
The Open Exchange Podcast shares real conversations with people from different backgrounds who have something meaningful to say. Paul Martinez hosts each episode with curiosity and honesty, asking questions that lead to deeper stories and personal truths. Guests include creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday individuals who talk about growth, failure, faith, identity, and discipline. Episodes capture honest moments, unexpected lessons, and practical takeaways without forcing a narrative. The focus is on connection, reflection, and the value of listening to someone’s journey without rushing past the details.
Episodes
92 episodes
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places | Ruben Santiago
In this episode of The Open Exchange, Paul sits down with Ruben Santiago for a raw conversation about identity, belonging, and the quiet reasons people make destructive choices.Ruben opens up about growing up searching for ...
•
50:23
.png)
What It Takes to Grow as a DJ | Alex Walker
DJing isn’t just about the moment when everything clicks — it’s about everything that happens before it ever does.In this episode of The Open Exchange, I sit down with Alex Walker to talk through his DJing journey — from ...
•
48:08
.png)
Growing Up Without a Blueprint | Zaga (ADHP Podcast)
Adulting isn’t real — and most of us feel behind because we were told it was supposed to look a certain way.In this episode, I sit down with Zaga, co-host of the Adulthood Pending Podcast, for a real conversation about trauma, ADHD, ide...
•
1:06:15
.png)
Trauma, Discipline, and Legacy | Rob Springer on Identity Beyond the Job
In this episode, Rob Springer shares the story behind his discipline: surviving a violent assault as a teenager, navigating mental health struggles inside his family, building a career early, and learning when to carry responsibility — and when...
•
43:34
You Can Look Healthy and Still Be Broken Inside | Lauren Bergeron
Lauren Bergeron returns to the podcast nearly two years after being Episode 2 — and a lot has changed.In her first appearance, Lauren shared her journey through massive weight loss, grief, addiction, miscarriage, and rebuilding he...
•
49:12
How Losing Baseball Forced Me to Rebuild My Identity | Mike Loudon’s Story
What happens when the identity you’ve built your entire life suddenly disappears?In this episode of The Open Exchange, Paul sits down with Mike Loudon, a former college baseball player and teammate who opens up about identity loss, body...
•
59:07
How One Call Turned an Addict into a Leader | Joe Loguidice
Joe Logudice’s story is a raw, honest journey through the depths of addiction and the climb back to faith, purpose, and gratitude. Between ages 19 and 22, Joe’s life unraveled through cocaine and opioid addiction despite a loving upbringing. In...
•
1:11:28
From The Streets to Second Chances | Maxi Blanco
Maxi Blanco’s story is unforgettable — from facing a potential prison sentence to receiving a full pardon and rebuilding his life from the ground up.He shares the night everything changed — when a split-second decision nearly co...
•
1:18:35
He Made $5,400 From One Song Remix | Phil "Famous Fhil" Brown
Fhil Brown — aka Famous Fhil — has lived many lives: car salesman, artist, podcaster, and father. In this episode, Paul Martinez sits down with him to unpack how he went from chasing quick money through sports cards to earning $5,400 ...
•
58:25
The Truth About Solar Energy, Government Incentives & What Homeowners Don’t Know | David Mansulla
What if everything you thought about solar was wrong? In this episode, Paul Martinez sits down with David Mansulla, founder of SunTastic Solutions, to break down the myths, truths, and hidden realities behind the solar industry. From government...
•
1:01:36
Empowering Men Through Faith | Tim Allen on the first Men's Faith and Motivation Conference
Tim Allen joins me to discuss the upcoming Men's Faith and Motivation Conference, focusing on the importance of faith, identity, and mental health for men. He shares personal experiences and insights on family dynamics, the challenges men face ...
•
38:47
Creativity vs. Imposter Syndrome: A Raw Conversation w/ Troy Brunson
Troy Brunson went from posting a dog video that hit 19 million views to building a full-time photography business. In this unfiltered conversation, Paul Martinez and Troy talk about turning creativity into a career, battling imposter syndrome, ...
•
1:13:09
Homeowner Secrets with Colin Potter | Remodeling, Insurance Claims & The “Always Forward” Mindset
Contractor and business owner Collin Potter returns to share his perspective on scaling a remodeling business, helping homeowners avoid costly mistakes, and how his “Always Forward” philosophy shapes both work and life.In this conversat...
•
48:42
Money Won’t Make You Happy — Christian Coronado’s Story
What happens when you chase money, status, and validation — and realize none of it brings true happiness?In this episode of The Open Exchange, I sit down with Christian Coronado, who left Peru with nothing and buil...
•
1:03:54
Doing this to build $1,000,000 in 12 Months (From $0) — Day 1
I’m attempting to build a $1,000,000 business in 12 months—from $0—and I’m documenting every step: wins, losses, and the boring middle most people never show.What to expect each week:Conversations with business owners to find re...
•
13:02
From FBI Undercover to Real Estate Broker | Jay Calouro
Imagine walking away from a career in law enforcement, undercover drug work, and FBI task force investigations to start over in real estate. In this episode, I sit down with retired Detective Jay Calouro, who shares how one ultimatum changed hi...
•
49:26
He Wasn’t Supposed to Make It — Now He’s in the Washington Nationals Bullpen
Drew Rossi went from closing out a college championship game to chasing his dream in independent baseball, to becoming the bullpen catcher for the Washington Nationals. In this conversation, Drew opens up about the mindset that kept him going t...
•
57:44
From Doubt to Belief: The Conversation That Changed My Faith | Ep. 075
Episode 75 of The Open Exchange with Paul Martinez is more than a milestone — it’s a turning point in my life. I share how podcasting reignited my faith in Christ, the unexpected role a conversation (and even AI) played in that journey...
•
36:21
Can You Believe In God and Still Be Lost? | Samuel Gonzalez
Former athlete turned pastor Sam Gonzalez unpacks what it really means to surrender your life to God. From growing up in a broken household to placing identity in sports, Sam shares how faith became real — not just a routine.✝️ Topics W...
•
1:13:21
Searching For God in a World Full of Distractions | Brian Kuenn
In this episode, filmmaker and business owner Brian Kuenn joins Paul Martinez for an open exchange about faith, fatherhood, and finding purpose in chaos. From Best Buy coworkers to family men and creators, the two reconnect to explore questions...
•
1:06:26
How I’m Healing While Building a Business | Tyler Gonzales
In this episode of The Open Exchange with Paul Martinez, Tyler Gonzales returns to share the raw truth behind his transformation from a struggling young business owner to a community leader balancing faith, family, sobriety, and success.
•
48:06
Men Hide This Pain For Years | Jordan Smith on Father Wounds, Faith & Mental Health
Men are silently battling pain—and this episode unpacks why that has to change.Jordan Smith "Smitty", host of Daily Dimensions Podcast and a mental health advocate, shares his personal story of father wounds, faith, and forgiveness. We ...
•
51:10
Homebuyers in 2025: Don’t Make This Costly Mistake | Kevin Power
In this episode of The Open Exchange, Paul Martinez sits down with Kevin Power, a veteran home inspector and founder of Sunrise Home Inspections, to unpack the overlooked truths behind real estate purchases.With over 16 years of experie...
•
55:02
Matt Brockett | From Childhood Trauma to Fatherhood, Forgiveness, and Pro Bowling
In this episode, Paul talks with professional bowler and father of three, Matt Brockett, about the hidden trauma that shaped his youth — and the sport that saved his life.Matt shares how childhood abuse led him to bowling as...
•
46:11
Kevin Mace | Mortgage Meltdown, Midlife Diagnosis & Making Peace With It All
Kevin Mace, known as the "Mortgage Magician," sits down with Paul to reflect on 21+ years in the mortgage industry. From surviving the 2008 housing crash to uncovering an undiagnosed gluten allergy and ADHD diagnosis, Kevin opens up about the h...
•
48:42