374: A 15-minute walk into a Venezuelan church changed everything. Manny grew up in Iran with loving, educated parents, a strict culture, and a head full of questions no one would answer. Kickboxing and Muay Thai gave him structure; wrestling shaped his base; but joy in worship—clapping, singing, smiling—gave him a first taste of freedom. That brief encounter set him on a path through Damascus, deep into Costa Rica, and eventually into a life built around language, resilience, and the mats. His perspective on freedom isn’t theoretical; it’s earned, layered, and fiercely protective.

If you crave a story that blends courage, immigration, entrepreneurship, and the quiet miracles that show up when you’re almost out of options, this one will stay with you. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review telling us: what does freedom feel like to you?

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