Rick Bassman's Talking Tough

Six “Cancer Warriors” – three in remission from a life-and-death battle, and three in-the-thick of the fight, join Rick (himself a “terminal” cancer survivor) to share their experiences, and to instill strength and hope. Seven incredibly positive people –who each have faced the worst-of-the-worst-- joining forces from five different time zones, providing inspiration through their living examples, and the message that ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

From Babyface Assassin to WarMaster, Josh Barnett has done it all in both the world of Mixed Martial Arts and Professional Wrestling. On today's edition of Talking Tough Rick Bassman sits down with Josh to talk about his Bloodsport wrestling promotion, his new Warbringer Bourbon, all things Pro Wrestling and MMA as well as plenty of great stories from there past working together.

From pioneer to renaissance man, Phil Swatek is a real-life example the oft-overused phrase “Been There, Done That.” Coming of age in the 60’s counter-culture, and then graduating from Yale, Phil moved to Maui in now seemingly forgotten, much simpler times. Embodying the storied Hawaiian lifestyle of surf, martial arts mastery, playing live music and aloha, Phil’s new book, “The Marijuanistas of Maui” is beautifully evocative of Maui as it was, and tells the tale of the island’s illegal, exotic and danger-filled marijuana trade. The question is… is it fiction, or truth? For a true island vibe, join Rick and Phil on this special edition of Talking Tough.

Join Rick on this second edition of We Win on the Talking Tough podcast, as he welcomes Matt Ode for what quickly becomes a very heartfelt and emotional -and ultimately uplifting discussion.

Barely out of her teens, Bailey O Brien was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer for a second time and was given a short-term survival prognosis. Ten years later, Bailey is a vibrant young woman who has found her calling… instilling hope in those with cancer, and mapping out and providing step-by-step guidance toward following the best course of treatment, and the best recipe for a healthy, spirit-filled life. Join Rick on this inaugural edition of We Win on the Talking Tough podcast, as he welcomes Bailey for what quickly becomes a very heartfelt and emotional –and ultimately uplifting—discussion.

With a fierce and committed viewpoint of today’s world –and where he believes it’s heading—billionaire Robert Vicino has created Vivos X, the undisputed world leader in preparing for a civilization ending event. Rick and Robert include possible doomsday scenarios, what it will take to be ready, and who will –and will not—survive. While on opposite ends of the spectrum where many of their beliefs are concerned, Rick and Robert equally clash and agree on a variety of fascinating subjects, which are guaranteed to be thought-provoking.

The Vixens –WWE’s version of the Divas—stood front and center of Ultimate Pro Wrestling, and none was more popular than Jenny “Looney” Lane. Rick and Looney have a mini-UPW reunion, and reminisce about UPW’s glory years, which include Looney as one-half of WWE’s notorious HLA (Hot Lesbian Action), cruising the highways to training and shows with her ride-or-die buddy John Cena, and Looney’s take on whether UPW would have been subject to the #metoo #speakingout type sanctions of today’s world, and where, under the tutelage of head trainer Tom Howard, Looney trained side-by-side with Cena, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian in the UPW Ultimate Pro Wrestling Training series, which can be reviewed here: Long live Looney Lane

Nate Boyer is a former American US Army Green Beret, and the youngest rookie ever in the NFL. After serving six years and multiple tours for the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Boyer played college football as a walk-on at the University of Texas despite never having played a down of organized football in his life. At the Army’s request, Nate wrote an open letter to Colin Kapernik, the results of which forever cemented Nate’s legacy in the arena of pumice and political consciousness. 

On today's Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick brings in Alicia Doyle, an award-winning journalist who discovered boxing at age twenty-eight in the late 1990s when she went on assignment at a boxing gym for at-risk youth called Kid Gloves. For two years, she simultaneously worked as a newspaper reporter while training and competing as a boxer, making her one of only a few hundred women in America who infiltrated this male-dominated sport. During her boxing career, she won two Golden Gloves championship titles.

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with former WCW Tag Team and Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero and former King of Pancrase Guy Mezger! Rick and the guys are talking pro wrestling, MMA, Life, how to better yourself, and so much more!

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with former WCW World Champion Diamond Dallas Page and former UFC World Champion Bas Rutten! Rick and the guys are talking pro wrestling, MMA, Life, how to better yourself, and so much more!

Today on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick brings on his friend Gregg Champion. Gregg is a branding expert who has worked with top consumer brands, major television networks, and professional sports teams over the last 15 years. In the last few years, he has focused on selective start-up ventures as an investor, advisor, educator, and start-up coach. Gregg brings unequivocal expertise, visibility, and acumen to recovery coaching. Gregg founded START UP RECOVERY on the two things he knows best and loves most: startups and recovery. His daily mantra is "What can I do for you? I’m here to help." In the fall of 2017, START UP RECOVERY Transformational Living Center opened its doors with Gregg's vision of how to bring his unique Recovery Playbook to its residents on a daily basis - one day at a time.

Rick Bassman on his 15 top "Good Guys" in Wrestling/MMA Longtime Wrestling, MMA and acting talent manager/trainer/WWE Recruiter and developer Rick Bassman does an extended Fan Interactive video about his to 15 favorite "Good Guys" that he's worked with in Wrestling/MMA.

Longtime Wrestling, MMA and acting talent manager/head of WWE's UPW Developmental Program/WWE Recruiter and United Wrestling Network CEO Rick Bassman goes in depth on on developing his "Power Team USA" concept where he recruited "WWE Hall of Famers" Sting and The Ultimate Warrior into pro wrestling as well as his up and down dealings with them!

Longtime Wrestling, MMA and acting talent manager/head of WWE's UPW Developmental Program/WWE Recruiter and United Wrestling Network CEO Rick Bassman goes in depth on working with controversial UWF Promoter Herb Abrams who was the subject of a "Dark Side of the Ring" documentary released earlier this year!

On today's Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with Shannon Hall! Shannon was a professional boxer, bodybuilder, martial artist, and actress. She was the first ever Toughwoman Champion and competed on American Gladiators as Dallas. She has also worked as a professional boxer in the IFBA Boxing League. She has competed on ESPN, starred in two pay-per-views, and featured in Sports Illustrated, Muscle & Fitness and USA Today.

On today's Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with Marcus Timmons aka Big Herc. Big Herc is a Bank Robber, YouTube Star, Entrepreneur, Author, Motivational Speaker, and former Adult Film Star. He’s best known as the co-creator and host of the wildly popular YouTube series Fresh Out: Life After the Penitentiary and a number of spinoff shows including Prison Talk.

Today on Rick Bassman's Talking Tough Rick sits down with Cherie Currie, the renowned songstress, actress, chainsaw artist, and co-author of Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story. Cherie is perhaps best known as the lead vocalist of the immensely popular, Runaways.

Longtime Wrestling, MMA and acting talent manager/trainer/WWE Recruiter and developer Rick Bassman does an extended shoot interview with The Hannibal TV discussing such topics has his health issues, drug issues, WWE sponsored rehab, history as a music promoter, starting such legends in the wrestling business as Sting, The Ultimate Warrior & John Cena, managing legendary MMA fighters such as Tito Ortiz, Tank Abbott, Ken Shamrock, Bas Rutten and many others, working in the entertainment and bar industry, hooking up talent with acting gigs and much more!

On Talking Tough today, Rick welcomes in super Agent Darren Prince Darren's A-List celebrities have included Muhammad Ali, Hulk Hogan, Pele, Joe Montana, Carmen Electra and Jenny McCarthy. Darren has been featured in outlets such as Your World With Neil Cavuto, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, Hannity & Colmes, ESPN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, USA Today, Forbes’ Sports Money, On the record with Greta Van Susteren, Howard Stern radio, CNBC The Closing Bell and a variety of others for his marketing expertise. On the show Rick and Darren will discuss reaching the highs of their profession, while also battling drug addiction and depression.

Former Head of WWE's UPW Developmental Territory as well as Combat Sports and Acting agent to many top MMA fighters and Wrestler's Rick Bassman discusses his dealings with Tank Abbott and The Miz over the years!

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with former WWE TNA ECW World Champion Rob Van Dam and UFC MMA Icon Wesley Cabbage Correira. Rick and the guys are talking pro wrestling, MMA, Weed, depression, and so much more!

On Talking Tough today, Rick welcomes in Olivier Gruner, who is a French former naval commando, actor, director, producer, screenwriter, martial artist, and pilot. As a martial artist, Gruner was a full-time kickboxer in France for 8 years from 1981 to 1988. He became France middleweight champion, then middleweight full-contact kickboxing world champion in 1985, and again middleweight kickboxing world champion in 1986.

Join me and long-time friend and renaissance man GUY GRUNDY, a came-from-nothing self-made man who is successfully living life his own way. The Aussie immigrant went from champion bodybuilder, street fighter and bodyguard-to-the-stars to action actor/producer/director. His strongly opinionated, firm-in-his convictions, take-no-prisoners attitude is always combined with a wry sense of humor.

On this week's, THE RING + THE CAGE - Hashimoto Will Kill Me. Rick tells a great story of his time in Japan and having to go one on one with Japanese Pro Wrestling legend Shinya Hashimoto.

On Today's TALL TALES with Rick Bassman, Rick recalls a time in Japan where he was “Running a collection on the Yakuza”.

UPW defends the honor of pro wrestling, against the National Football League. With just 3 weeks notice, Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) replaces WWE to fight the NFL –who have been training for 6 months-- on FX Network’s “Team Toughman.” Amongst admonitions from the promoters that “hey guys, we know this wrasslin’ stuff is fake, but OUR fights are real,” we get real serious, real fast. UPW is, after all… defending the honor of all of professional wrestling

Each week, join us for a brand new edition of "Tall Tales," as Rick Bassman tells us a story he wrote about in his autobiography, "Little Big Man." Tall Tales - “Me, The Movie Producer.” How to make an absolute, unwatchable piece of garbage for $650,000, aka laundering money for a Las Vegas “waste management” family. But not all is lost… while making one of cinematic history’s worst-offerings eves, I get to hang out with Rowdy Roddy Piper, Mr. Miyaga, The Incredible Hulk, The Tool Time Girl and George Jefferson in the process.”

Rick, from Little Big Man: “I’ve had hundreds –maybe thousands—of awesomely bizarre, hysterical and terrifying experiences in Pro Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts, in every corner of the globe.” Each week, Rick shares one of these experienced, right here on The Ring + The Cage. The Ring & The Cage – August 1, 2020. “POPPING MY UFC CHERRY: (or, Pro Wrestling & MMA don’t always mix so good ?? ) Rick recounts his inaugural venture into mixed martial arts management. His first client? Tony Halme, aka Ludvig Borga, a man who is also making his first venture in MMA. And never should have. Hilarity ensures. As well as a good ‘ol-fashioned whuppin’ at the hands of another man making his MMA debut… Randy Couture.

Each week, join us for a brand new edition of “Tall Tales,” as Rick Bassman tells us a story he wrote about in his autobiography, “Little Big Man.” Tall Tales - “THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON: HOW I GOT INTO PIT BULL RESCUE.” Rick shares part of the story of his plummet to rock bottom, culminating in the tragic death of his beloved dog Marley, and Ramone’s going missing for half a year. And shares the beginning of his ‘return to life,’ which he largely attributes to finding his way into the world of pit bull rescue.

Today on the 3 WAY DANCE on the Talking Tough Podcast, Rick catches up with two long-time friends in legendary MMA fighter, Don Frye and Impact Wrestling/NJPW superstar Doc Gallows. Rick and the guys talk about Don's fighting career in the UFC and PRIDE FC as well as his pro wrestling career. Also Doc is talking all about his wrestling career in WWE, NJPW, his Talkin Shop podcast, and the big Talk A Mania PPV coming up on Saturday 8/1 on FITE TV.

#BeGood Sting, Bas Rutten, Butterbean & other Legends Extended Interview! Sting, Bas Rutten, Butterbean, Sting, Rusty Coones, Naphil "I'm Tyrone" Hitson, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bas Rutten, Lou Ferrigno, Tanoai Reed & Mike O' Hearn! do a live stream interview with Rick Bassman and the Taling-Tough.com crew to promote peace! #BEGOOD Visit Rick Bassman's "Talking Tough" Podcast website: www.Talking-Tough.com Follow Rick on Instagram @Rick_Bassman Follow Talking Tough on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingtough... The Hannibal TV T-Shirt Store: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/begood

As “the dog trainer to the rich and famous,” Tyson Kilmer’s celebrity clientele includes Sheryl Crow, Rob Lowe, Marilyn Manson, Mike Tyson, Joni Mitchell, Lenny Kravitz, Rose McGowan, Mark McGrath, Derron Williams, Carlos Boozer, Tony Parker, Eva Longoria, Chris Cornell, Kate Beckinsale, Maggie Q, and Sam Simon. Still, Tyson most enjoys training dogs for everyone who wants to live in perfect harmony with their canine companions. He’s a no nonsense trainer and personality with intensive techniques that can only be described as part-training/part-therapy for both the dogs and their owners! On today's show, Rick and Tyson talk dogs, life, reality shows, celebrities, and so much more!

Today on the 3 WAY DANCE on the Talking Tough Podcast, Rick catches up with three long-time friends in legendary wrestler Cheerleader Melissa Anderson, fitness model and pro wrestler Jennifer Thomas & the daughter of Rowdy Roddy Piper, pro wrestler Teal Piper. Rick and the ladies are going deep into what’s happening in our world today as well as talk about their respective careers and time in the wrestling business.

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with Andrew Bryniarski and Kimo Leopoldo. Andrew is an actor, bodybuilder, and wrestler best known for portraying Leatherface in the The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Zangief in Street Fighter, and Steve Lattimer in The Program. Kimo is an MMA pioneer and actor. A professional and true Icon of the sport from 1994 until 2011, he competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championships, PRIDE Fighting Championships, Cage Rage, and the World Fighting Alliance.

John Orlandini is an Animal Activist, Humanitarian and creator of Vegan Fit. John Orlandini knows that he could say a lot but sit back and do nothing, but that's never been his credo; he walks the walk. He follows the guiding principle that if everyone does a little it becomes a lot. With great sacrifice comes great reward, and he is the real deal in animal welfare and humanitarian work. "It's one big world, let's save it together."

Today on Talking Tough we flip the script on Rick Bassman. Instead of Rick asking the questions, we have producer John Poz from the Two Man Power Trip asking them. In an interview recorded before the debut of Talking Tough, Rick discusses the show format in detail, as well as talks about his life and his career. Find out all about Sting, Ultimate Warrior, John Cena, UPW, MMA and more!

Azim Khamisa is an author, thought leader, peace activist, and international inspirational speaker. Following the loss of his only son Tariq in 1995 to a senseless, gang-related murder, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness. This amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (www.TKF.org) and the subsequent forgiveness movement which has reached millions. Rick and Azim talk all about forgiveness, sadness, hope, life and so much more.

You may know him as the guy who wants to steal your wife or maybe even slap a cigarette out of your mouth, but today I'm Tyrone opens up to Rick and we see another side of the hilarious comedian. Rick and Tyrone talk about becoming a Viral sensation, his creative material, bringing a positive message and who I'm Tyrone is away from the character.

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with Dan Severn Travis Fulton & Shannon Ritch, who have had a combined 598 MMA fights in their careers.

Robert Young Pelton is an adventurer, author, journalist, and documentary filmmaker. Pelton's work usually consists of conflict reporting and interviews with military and political figures in war zones. His career is notable because of the number of conflict zones from which he has reported and the breadth of important figures he has interviewed. Rick talks with Robert about how his reputation is built on his history of entering forbidden, deadly, and violent places. Pelton is also a frequent television and magazine interview subject, appearing as a raconteur of his various adventures and safety tips on venues as diverse as Oprah, Conan O'Brien, CNN, Fox, BBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, and others. Pelton is a regular commentator on Fox News, Coast to Coast, and other in-depth programs, providing insight and background on breaking news.

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with 2 former Pro Wrestling Superstars, Mike Bucci aka Nova and The Green Beret Tom Howard.

You may know him as the Celebrity Boxing CEO and Creator of Celebrity Boxing, but he is also the Celebrity Boxing Podcast host as well as a Professional Undefeated Boxer at 9-0. Damon Feldman has become one of the world's leading promoters but not before some heartbreaks, tragedies, and losses along the way.

This week on the 3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough with Rick Bassman, Rick sits down with 2 former WWE Superstars in The Masterpiece Chris Masters and the Body Spartan Tyler Reks.

You may not know the name Jason Flatt, but in honor of the passing of Rick’s beloved boy, Ramone, Talking Tough wanted to release the interview with Jason today. He’s an incredible, big hearted man with a deep soul. He’s done hard time and he’s suffered from severe depression. He’s had one hell of a life yet he dedicates that life to the betterment of Pitbull’s and is becoming one of the worlds biggest advocates for the bully breeds. Jason is hard at work on what is Rick’s dream as well, creating the worlds largest Pitbull rescue.

3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough, with Championship Wrestling from Hollywood and United Wrestling Network owner, David Marquez along with Producer, Host, and Booker of the Two Man Power Trip, John Poz.

3-WAY DANCE on Talking Tough, with former WWE Superstar/renown Stuntwoman CARYN “MUFFY” MOWER and current Pro Wrestling/MMA Star MELISSA “THUNDER ROSA” CERVANTES. We couldn’t have booked a better inaugural show. Both of these extraordinary ladies are accomplished pro wrestlers, legitimate competitive fighters, smart, funny, opinionated, and REAL. And I’m happy to say, both good friends.

At 6’5”, and 300 lbs. RUSTY COONES, look like he could have lived the type of life his cast member “Happy” plays on “Sons of Anarchy.” And he has. Rusty is amongst the world’s most-respected and highest-ranking Hell’s Angel. Apart from that, he is a true contradiction in terms. A former federal prisoner turned drug and alcohol rehabilitation center owner; “outlaw” turned philanthropist, Rusty has a heart as big as his biceps, and an appetitite for life, and for survival, that has seen him turned the most hellish of challenges into wins.

As a young boy in the Sudan, EMMANUEL JAL saw his family murdered before his very eyes by rebel “soldiers.” He was kidnapped, forcibly addicted to drugs, and turned into a killing machine. He is now a world-respected peace activist, and a recording artist on-the-rise promoting love wherever he goes. And, Emmanuel is daily expanding his ever-more-popular meditation system. He lives to promote a message of tolerance, and has recruited notables such as Richard Branson, Kofi Annan and Jimmy Carter to his “We Want Peace” cause.

The iconic Jake “The Snake” Roberts needs no introduction; his fame precedes him and his life has been an open book. Jake’s story lends itself perfectly to the flavor of Talking Tough. At a time where he truly seems to have taken stock of his life, Rick and Jake have a conversation that may go deeper than ever into the man behind the myth.

Having left an indelible mark worldwide as an actor and fashion model, Kala is best-known and respected as the Founder –and chief enforcer—of Hawaii’s notorious Wolf Pac, and as the Founder of the Maui Ola Foundation, which teaches surfing to children with cystic fibrosis. Whether peeling down the face of a 50’ wave or taking visitors out on the deep blue on one of his boats, Kala has earned the well-deserved reputation as equal parts iron fist and equal parts benevolent steward of the Hawaiian way of life. On Talking Tough, Rick talks with Kala about weathering several lifetimes worth of gut-wrenching loss and tragedy, and emerging on the other side with an unparalleled enthusiasm for doing the right thing, and for life.

David “Tank” Abbott is the true, street-brawling, original “tough guy” of the UFC. Becoming an icon for what the populace perceived as his thuggish, bullying ways and anti-hero persona, we learn on Talking Tough that Tank was just “being myself.” But we also learn that Dave Abbott –the person—is soft-spoken, incredibly introspective, and truly cares about his friends, and humanity. Rick and Tank talk about: their experiences together, in which Rick characterizes him as always reliable, intelligent and professional the definition of “being tough” lots of drinking stories why Tank was –and is—always filling to fight on a moment’s notice details of Tank’s recent, near-death medical travails –including twice having actually “died”—and an exploration of whether the experience has changed him the public’s perception of Tank Abbott, and Dave Abbott’s perception of himself turning down WWF’s offer to fight in The Brawl for All at Wrestle Mania, and the story of how –and why—he went to WCW Rick’s conversation with Tank perfectly illustrates the concept of TALKING TOUGH… “The Worlds’ TOUGHEST Men (and Women) at their most VULNERABLE,” and proves the old adage that “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

From construction worker, to the biggest TV star in America, and back to construction worker. And happier for it. That’s as good a description as you’ll get on the enigmatic –and somewhat reclusive-- Evan Marriott, who gained overnight fame, and fortune, as “Joe Millionaire.” Named VH1’s “Reality Superstar of the Decade,” Evan lived an idyllic childhood in Virginia, moved to California to work in construction, and by accident was thrust into the spotlight. And thus, his life unraveled. Achieving fame and fortune, and then seeing most of that go away, Evan found a return to the simple life, and happiness. Evan and Rick, longtime friends with an easy rapport, talk about: Expectations, disappointment and ultimately, acceptance Money, how we take it for granted, and its real value Was “Joe Millionaire” the ladies’ man that people believed him to be? Friendship Why simple is best

Mark Kerr, known variably as “The Smashing Machine” and “The Specimen,” is a very definite contradiction in terms. On one hand, as the one-time “baddest man on the planet,” Mark looked like comic icon Hellboy, come to life. And he lived that life in a self-imposed hell of his own making, which was painfully chronicled in the cautionary, eponymous documentary, “The Smashing Machine.” On the other hand, Mark is an incredibly cultured, deeply introspective and highly intelligent individual, which has made him more sensitive than most to life’s highs and lows. On Talking Tough, Mark and Rick talk openly about: Drug use, and abuse Irresponsibility, and accountability Tall tales from the days of UFC and PRIDE Successful fatherhood The “comeback” each has made in his life, which includes Mark partnering with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who will portray Mark in an upcoming, major motion picture Ultimately, owning up to being a man, and a responsible citizen Rick and Mark have a long-lasting and deep connection, which is reflected in this exceptionally candid conversation.

From portraying pop culture phenomenons like Mortal Kombat’s Motaro and the iconic Malibu of The American Gladiators, to a hellish descent to addiction and near-suicidal depression, and ultdimaely, a phoenix-like rise from the ashes, DERON McBEE has been there and done that. Beneath the massive, Viking-like exterior lies a deep intellect and an even deeper soul. On the Talking Tough Podcast, Rick and Deron explore: What it means to succeed, and especially, to fail Coming back from the abyss Overcoming addiction, and reaching to others to be of service The loss of Deron’s wife at an early age, and raising his children on his own Spirituality vs religion Recorded on Valentine’s day while both were going through break-ups with his significant other, Deron and Rick (half) jokingly refer to their conversation as “Lovelorn-Tough Guys-pour-their-shattered-hearts-out-but-we-truly-love-the-fairer-sex-anyways Valentine’s Day interview... Now a successful Minister and certified Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor, Deron hosts "The Issues of Life Podcast with host Deron "Malibu" McBee, where he and his guests discuss the current affairs, and dealing with addiction and recovery and from a decidedly Christian world view.

Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant DEON JOSEPH looks like he walked off the pages of a superhero comic book. Known as the “Angel of Skid Row,” Deon manages the nation’s toughest police beat with a heart of gold. On the Talking Tough Podcast, Rick talks with Deon about: His true feelings about the people on Skid Row, and his personal relationships with them His upbringing, which included living with a father who was engaged in a life of crime His family’s turnaround, and their turn to a spiritual life The palpable danger of patrolling Skid Row His belief that every person has hope, no matter how far they’ve fallen His hopes for humanity From http://www.deonjoseph.org/about... Officer Deon Joseph is a law enforcement consultant who has worked for the LAPD for over 24 years, twenty-two of those years in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row community. From patrolling the streets or providing a shoulder for the community to lean on to meeting with public figures and advocating for change, Deon is driven to create an environment conducive to change for the homeless and those trying to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction. He is an honest, faithful, passionate and caring man – traits he pours into his daily life and activities.

Introducing 2020’s most outrageous and thought-provoking new podcast, Rick Bassman’s Talking Tough.  Featuring the WORLD’S TOUGHEST men and women, at their most-vulnerable. The leaders of The Hells Angels and the Navy Seals, of the Crips street gang, and of our nation’s most-under-fire police departments. Each of these amazing individuals have risen to the very top of his or her world, and crashed to the bottom in spectacular fashion. The most-notable collection of guests ever assembled for a Podcast’s inaugural season, from WWE Superstars and UFC Legends, hear the stories of how they rose to the pinnacles of their chosen professions, to Holocaust Survivors and former Child Soldiers, transitioning from a “normal” life, to the most-horrific existence that life can bring. Talking Tough peels back the surface of these seemingly TOUGHEST of men and women, going deep to reveal the vulnerability beneath… the failures, the pain, the shame, and ultimately… the strength, the resilience and the heart which enabled them to fight their back to the top.  To life. Equal parts entertainment and inspiration… the most outrageous and thought-provoking podcast of 2020… Rick Bassman’s Talking Tough!