Third Man in the Ring

Pastor Mando Vera was once known as “Monster”, a gang member caught in violence, addiction, and incarceration. Today, he returns to the same streets with a message of faith, forgiveness, and hope. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with someone he personally knew from the neighborhood. Mando opens up about growing up in an abusive home in Bassett, California, entering gang life at a young age, being shot and stabbed, battling drugs and alcohol, and reaching a point where he nearly lost his family and his life. Mondo also shares something many testimonies leave out: after first accepting Christ, he fell back into addiction. That relapse cost him his job, car, home, and almost everything that mattered to him. What he expected to be a few months in a Christian recovery home became two years of restoration, leadership, and preparation for ministry. Now an ordained minister, evangelist, and chaplain, Pastor Mando serves people in hospitals, jails, recovery homes, and neighborhoods that once considered him an enemy. #GangMemberToPastor #christiantestimony #testimony

Three-time heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola joins Ref Popeye Ray on Third Man in the Ring for a candid, funny and unfiltered look back at his life inside and outside the boxing ring. Chris takes us from beginning boxing at seven years old and competing in more than 150 amateur fights to facing some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division, including Vitali Klitschko, Bermane Stiverne, Tomasz Adamek, Adam Kownacki and Andy Ruiz Jr. Chris speaks honestly about the fights he wishes he had trained harder for, the distractions that came with success, his struggles with weight and why he refuses to blame anyone else for the choices that affected his career. He also explains the mentality that kept him fighting through injuries and punishing rounds because the fans deserved their money’s worth. Chris and Popeye also discuss controversial judging, the influence of the crowd, today’s heavyweight division, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, the bare-knuckle offers Chris has received and whether he still has the desire to fight again. Away from boxing, Chris reflects on his father’s influence, raising his own children, possibly opening a boxing gym and why simply being present is one of the most important things a father can do. Subscribe to Third Man in the Ring for more candid conversations from inside the world of boxing.

From prison, violent crime, and meth addiction to a life fully surrendered to Jesus Christ—Mark Gonzalez’s testimony is proof that no one is beyond redemption. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with Mark Gonzalez, also known as Barber Mark, to hear the powerful story behind His Barbershop. Mark opens up about the childhood abuse and anger that shaped him, being arrested for assault and attempted murder at 16, spending years in and out of prison, and eventually becoming deeply addicted to meth. He knew Scripture, earned a degree in biblical studies, and even served as an usher at church—but behind the appearance, he was still getting high and committing crimes. Everything changed after the people he trusted arranged a brutal home invasion that nearly took his life. While recovering in the hospital, Mark says God called him to repent. That was the moment he stopped merely playing the part of a Christian and became truly born again. Today, Mark is approaching five years sober, owns His Barbershop in Redlands, and serves his church and community through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and outreach. In his own words, he once deserved to be in prison because of the monster he had become—but Jesus changed his life. If Mark’s testimony encourages you, share this episode with someone who needs hope and subscribe to Third Man in the Ring for more powerful stories of faith, redemption, and transformation. This episode includes candid discussion of childhood sexual abuse, drug addiction, violence, and incarceration. #ChristianTestimony #JesusChangesLives #ThirdManInTheRing

Ref Popeye Ray sits down with legendary MMA referee Big John McCarthy for a wide-ranging conversation about the early days of the UFC, life in law enforcement, what it really takes to be a referee, and why fighter safety matters inside the cage. Big John shares stories from his upbringing, his father’s influence in LAPD and SWAT, his path into law enforcement, training with the Gracies, becoming one of the most recognized officials in combat sports, and how the referee’s role has evolved from the early “no rules” era of MMA. They also talk about Bruce Lee, Gene LeBell, Chuck Norris, bare knuckle fighting, judging, referee training, boxing, and John’s return to officiating. This is a conversation about fighting, discipline, legacy, respect, and the people who helped shape combat sports. Subscribe for more conversations from Third Man in the Ring with Ref Popeye Ray.

With more than 125 film credits and 300 television appearances, Pepe reflects on growing up in Corpus Christi, discovering his love for performing at an early age, moving to Hollywood, and building a lasting career when opportunities for Latino actors were limited. He shares stories from films including Car Wash, The Jerk, American Me, and Scarface, while discussing the importance of representation and telling stories that reflect the Latino community. Pepe also opens up about his marriage, mentoring young performers, creating his one-man show, his artwork and documentary, and the health challenges he has recently faced. Throughout the conversation, he shares the values that have guided him: staying positive, helping others succeed, supporting the people around you, and finding richness in a life spent doing what you love. More than a conversation about movies, this episode is about perseverance, generosity, purpose, and the legacy Pepe Serna hopes to leave behind.

Pastor Raul Ries joins Popeye Ray on Third Man in the Ring for a powerful conversation about his life, his testimony, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Pastor Raul shares about growing up in a violent home, the anger and bitterness that shaped his early life, his time serving in Vietnam, and the moment God began to change his heart. What started as a life marked by rage, pain, and violence became a testimony of redemption, ministry, and the grace of God. Popeye Ray and Pastor Raul also talk about Calvary Chapel, the importance of preaching the truth, reaching people who feel too far gone, and how Christians should think biblically about Israel in today’s world.

He grew up in gang culture…believed he would die in the streets…and was proud of it. Today, his life looks completely different. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with Jay to talk about a life most people will never understand. From violence, jail, and losing friends… to finding purpose, faith, and a new direction. This isn’t just a story about where he came from, it’s about what changed, and why it matters.

In this powerful episode, Ray sits down with Miguel Salorio, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 25 years in prison for a crime he says he did not commit. Miguel shares his journey, the pain of losing years of his life, and what it has been like trying to rebuild after finally coming home. This is a conversation about injustice, survival, faith, and starting over.

In this powerful episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with John from Calvary Chapel Chino Valley to share a story of redemption, grace, and transformation. John grew up in church but eventually fell into rebellion, addiction, and a destructive lifestyle that led him to jail, broken relationships, and even a suicide attempt. At his lowest point, when everything seemed lost, God intervened in a way that would completely change the direction of his life. Today, John serves in ministry alongside Pastor David Rosales, helping lead men and encouraging others who are struggling with addiction, despair, and brokenness. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. If you or someone you know is struggling, this story is proof that transformation is possible.

In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with top referee Robert Hoyle to talk about the craft of officiating at the highest level of boxing. Hoyle breaks down what it takes to work championship fights, how referees prepare before stepping into the ring, and how split-second decisions can change the course of a fight. He discusses studying legends like Richard Steele, observing elite camps in Las Vegas, and earning credibility fight by fight. From managing intensity in the clinch to knowing when to step in and when to let fighters work, this episode dives deep into the mindset and responsibility of the third man in the ring.

In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, we sit down with renowned boxing trainer Manny Robles to talk about what it really takes to build champions—inside and outside the ring. If you’re a fighter, coach, or fan who wants the behind-the-scenes truth about boxing, this one is for you.

Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio was leading a convoy in Iraq when a daisy-chain IED of 80mm mortars blew his vehicle apart, killing Captain Maloney and Lance Corporal Help and leaving Octavio with third-degree burns over 70% of his body, a shattered arm, and a long road through ICU, skin grafts, and daily wound care. Today, Pastor Octavio leads Front Sight Military Outreach in Ontario, CA. A church and ministry for veterans and their families, a “city of refuge” for those still fighting battles in their minds and hearts. If you’re a veteran, active duty, or a family member who’s struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out to Front Sight Military Outreach: Instagram: @FrontSightMilitaryOutreach Facebook: Front Sight Military Outreach

Once caught up in gang life and prison, Jaime’s story is one of redemption and transformation. Now a respected tattoo artist in West Covina, he uses his craft and his testimony to reach others who are struggling with the same darkness he once knew. In this powerful conversation, Jaime opens up about his childhood in East L.A., the pull of gang culture in the ’80s and ’90s, his time behind bars, and the moment God changed everything. From backsliding to starting a men’s Bible study that now draws dozens each week, his journey is a raw reminder that no one is too far gone for grace.

In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Ref Popeye Ray sits down with legendary boxing trainer Abel Sanchez . From his roots in La Puente to building the world-famous Summit Gym in Big Bear, Abel shares how solitude, discipline, and integrity shaped some of boxing’s greatest fighters. Hear exclusive stories from inside the camps, what makes a true champion, and how Abel’s philosophy changed the sport.

In this episode of Third Man in the Ring , referee Popeye Ray sits down with stand-up comedian George P. Perez, a one-of-a-kind voice in comedy. George opens up about his upbringing, the struggles that shaped him, and how he went from the streets to performing on Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and MTV . With sharp humor and honest reflections, George shows how comedy became not just a career, but a way to transform his life. This conversation is about more than just laughs, it’s about resilience, culture, and finding your lane when the odds are against you.

Sal Rodriquez, drummer of the legendary funk band WAR, sits down with me on the Third Man in the Ring Podcast to share his incredible journey through music, fame, and faith. From touring the world with WAR, playing festivals across Europe and the U.S., to finding deeper purpose in life, Sal opens up about his experiences on stage, the power of music, and how faith changed everything.

In this episode of Third Man in the Ring , we sit down with Eric Tate, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 848. Eric shares his journey, the challenges of union leadership, and what it really takes to fight for workers’ voices. From breaking barriers to building stronger communities, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of union power and personal sacrifice.

Today's episode features a man known as Guerrero Fitness, a man who overcame a tough upbringing and the challenges of street life to build a life centered on motivation and fitness. But his focus goes beyond the physical, he's passionate about spiritual and mental strength as well. This is a powerful and timely message for young men and women who may be standing at a crossroads, searching for direction and purpose.

I think today's testimony will bless you guys. Please give a warm welcome to MC Blvd.