BORN OR MADE?

BIG BROTHER | AMAZING RACE | HOST | ENTREPRENEUR

OWNER OF RMBJJ | 5TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

Professor Mendes started practicing BJJ in the early 1990s in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He received his black belt in 2004 and is currently a 5th-degree black belt and certified instructor under the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation). Professor Mendes has been teaching BJJ since he was a blue belt in the mid-nineties and is a decorated competitor in the Local, National, and International BJJ scene. He is also a certified IBJJF/USBJJF referee and has refereed for competitions nationally & internationally since 2004.

Visionary Live Painter | Inspirational Art Educator | Dynamic Creative Speaker | Writer

John Bukaty is a pioneering American live painter, inspirational art educator, and dynamic creative speaker. Beginning his career over two decades ago in Kansas City, Bukaty has captured live band performances on canvas and expanded his artistic reach globally, engaging in diverse media such as sculpture, poetry, and apparel. He is celebrated for his unique ability to capture the essence of live events, having been commissioned for the NFL Super Bowl, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, and more.

Beyond his art, Bukaty leverages his influence to support numerous charities, raising substantial funds for organizations like the YMCA and the American Cancer Society. He is a regular at Paul Rudd’s Big Slick charity event, supporting the Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City. Bukaty also dedicates time to teaching art to students of all ages, emphasizing the transformative impact of art on communities.

His work is collected by celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and has been featured in prestigious venues such as the Denver Art Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Bukaty's journey through trauma and addiction has fueled his creative passion, leading him to paint in iconic locations like the Taj Mahal and the Vatican. His life and work are a testament to the power of art to connect and enrich communities globally.

Entrepreneur

In this inspiring episode of Born or Made, we sit down with Ashish Achlerkar, the visionary Founder and Chairman of NearU Services. Ashish shares his riveting journey from arriving in America with just $500 to his pocket, to becoming a titan in the business world. We delve into the pivotal moments of his career, from his early days in investment banking to the creation of a successful tech-driven company. Ashish also opens up about founding the Achlerkar Foundation and his deep commitment to philanthropy. Join us as we explore whether Ashish’s path to success was a product of his inherent traits or the experiences that shaped him, offering insights and inspiration for every aspiring entrepreneur.

Conscious Artist

In this inspiring episode of the Born or Made podcast, we sit down with conscious artist and entrepreneur Jeanne Bessette, whose transformative journey from self-discovery to creative mastery has led her to create art that transcends the canvas. Jeanne shares how she built a unique art business rooted in authenticity, purpose, and a deep connection to spirituality. We explore the challenges of building a career in the arts, the importance of aligning with your true self, and how creativity can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Jeanne’s candid insights on whether entrepreneurs are born or made will leave you rethinking your own journey, encouraging you to embrace the art of living and working authentically. Don’t miss this episode if you're seeking to bring more purpose and consciousness into your work and life.

Author & Golfer

In this episode of Born or Made, we sit down with Bob Young, the older brother of legendary musician Neil Young, to dive deep into his fascinating journey in the world of golf and beyond. Growing up in the shadow of greatness, Bob carved his own path as a longtime member of the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association and author of the groundbreaking book Mind Golf, the first-ever in-depth look into the mind and methods of golfing genius Moe Norman.

At 84 years young, Bob shares powerful insights on how visualization—imagining the shot to be—is more than a golfing technique; it’s a philosophy rooted in quantum physics that can be applied to any pursuit, from music to business to personal growth. Bob’s book is packed with pro tips for golfers and anyone ready to unlock their potential through the power of the mind. And as a special treat, we’ll discuss his latest collaboration with Neil, a song that marks a unique brotherly bond and passion for creativity.

Tune in for an episode brimming with wisdom, heart, and inspiration from a life lived at the intersection of sports, science, and art. Whether you’re a golfer, a Neil Young fan, or someone looking to harness the power of visualization in your life, this episode is not to be missed!