Let's Get Real - A Talk Show for Guys

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By: Michael Sharkey

Welcome to the podcast for Let's Get Real. This is a show to help guys get unstuck and figure their sh*t out. Hosted by Michael Sharkey (aka Shark) and Anthony Polichemi (aka Spanish), we tackle everything from hard conversations to struggles with dependency. With over 7000 hours of coaching experience and personal struggles, Michael and Anthony share wisdom and guidance to give men a space to process and get a little bit better every day.Let's Get Real is a weekly, live and interactive talk show on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. Airing at 12N ET on Saturdays, the show can...

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One Listener's Powerful Story of Faith | Let's Get Real
One Listener's Powerful Story of Faith | Let's Get Real episode artwork
Today at 12:00 PM

What started as a conversation about aliens, religion, and the state of the world turned into one of the most powerful calls we've ever received.

Listener Nick shares a deeply personal story about faith, addiction, transformation, and an experience that completely changed the course of his life. 

Whether you agree with his beliefs or not, his honesty and conviction make this a conversation worth hearing.

This is Segment 2 from our live 8/21/26 show of Let's Get Real.

📞 Join us live Fridays at 7pm ET on 102.5 The Bone
đŸŽ™ïž Let's Get Real with Shark & S...


Are Aliens Future Humans? Plus Why Men Need Community | Let's Get Real
Are Aliens Future Humans? Plus Why Men Need Community | Let's Get Real episode artwork
Yesterday at 8:00 PM

From Instagram stories and friendship to consciousness, aliens, awakening, and the power of men helping men, Shark and Spanish kick off the August 21st live show with one of their most wide-ranging conversations yet.

This is Segment 1 from our live 8/21/26 show of Let's Get Real — the interactive talk show made just for guys.

📞 Join us live Fridays on 102.5 The Bone
đŸŽ™ïž Let's Get Real with Shark & Spanish
đŸ“ș Subscribe for new clips and full show segments

#LetsGetReal #MensMentalHealth #Consciousness #Aliens #SelfDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #MensWork #MenHelpingMen 

❀ Follow Let's Get Real everywhere!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Let's Get Real for...


The Most Disturbing Marriage Story We've Ever Heard
The Most Disturbing Marriage Story We've Ever Heard episode artwork
07/28/2026

A caller named Chad shared one of the most shocking stories we've ever heard on Let's Get Real.

After years of being accused by his wife of tampering with her vape pen, Chad says he became violently sick after using his own vape. When he confronted his wife, her response left him stunned:

"How does it feel?"

What followed was a raw conversation about marriage, trauma, projection, emotional abuse, unresolved pain, and what happens when one partner refuses to face their own wounds.

Sometimes the biggest question isn't whether someone did...


Being a Dad. Favorite Thing Ever. Not Close.
07/23/2026

I love being a dad.

It's my favorite thing I've ever done. Not close.

Years ago, I left my corporate career so I could spend more time with my kids. We homeschooled. We traveled. I built a business around being present for my family. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.

But here's something nobody tells you about fatherhood:

Loving it doesn't make it easy.

And for a lot of men, there aren't many places where we can talk honestly about the hard parts.

...


You Can't Outthink a Mirror | The Science of Creating Your Reality
You Can't Outthink a Mirror | The Science of Creating Your Reality episode artwork
07/14/2026

What if the biggest breakthrough in modern science isn't about technology at all... but about you?

In this powerful conversation, Spanish explains how quantum science, psychology, nervous system regulation, and ancient wisdom all point toward the same truth: your internal state shapes how you experience reality.

From Einstein's theory of relativity to the famous Double Slit Experiment, we explore why anxiety, fear, and stress may be creating more of the very things you're trying to avoid—and why calming your nervous system could be the key to changing your life.

We discuss:


Spanish's Trauma and Why Staying In A Healthy Relationship Is The Real Work
Spanish's Trauma and Why Staying In A Healthy Relationship Is The Real Work episode artwork
07/07/2026

Why do so many people struggle in healthy relationships?

In this from the live Let's Get Real Radio Show, Shark and Spanish dive into the hidden ways childhood trauma, past wounds, and survival patterns continue to shape our relationships decades later.

From marriage and divorce to accountability, therapy, journaling, and healing, they explore why healthy love can feel uncomfortable when you've spent years operating in survival mode.

Spanish opens up about his own therapy journey, learning to recognize old patterns, and discovering why staying in a healthy relationship can sometimes feel harder than...


Are You Built For Something More Than Your "Job"???
Are You Built For Something More Than Your "Job"??? episode artwork
07/02/2026

Have you ever wondered who you'd be without your job title?

In this special conversation I had with my good friend and tech Founder, Jason Weaver, we discussed one of the biggest challenges facing executives, founders, and high-level professionals today: separating your identity from your position.

Many successful people spend years building careers, leading teams, and climbing the corporate ladder. But what happens when the company is acquired, the role disappears, or you decide you're ready for something more?

The fear isn't always about money.

Often, it's about discovering your value...


Being Sober. Fighting For Your Kids. And Breaking Patterns.
Being Sober. Fighting For Your Kids. And Breaking Patterns. episode artwork
06/19/2026

Ever wonder why you keep ending up in the same situation?
Same argument. Same result. Same story. Different year.

In this segment from the live Let's Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish get a call from Kevin — a combat veteran, 21-year firefighter, and recovering alcoholic who's been fighting for seven months just to see his kids. What starts as a raw, real phone call turns into one of the most honest conversations about patterns, identity, and the stories we live out without even knowing it.

Kevin's story will hit you. And then the co...


This Made Me Stop Worrying So Much đŸ€Ż
This Made Me Stop Worrying So Much đŸ€Ż episode artwork
06/16/2026

This is probably my favorite conversation we've ever had on Let's Get Real. It's truly about "how to actually live your life..." 

To quote James McCrae, "You'll never make it out alive. Time passes quickly. So come back with some battle scars and good stories to tell."

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Have you ever stopped long enough to ask yourself why we're actually here?

In this segment from Let's Get Real, Shark shares a poem by James McCrae called "Instructions Before Visiting Earth" that completely stopped him in his tracks. What follows is a d...


Why You Keep Doing the Same Dumb Stuff Over and Over
Why You Keep Doing the Same Dumb Stuff Over and Over episode artwork
06/12/2026

You ever catch yourself doing the same thing again — same reaction, same argument, same result — and think
 why do I keep doing this?

Yeah. That's a pattern. And you've probably been running it since you were a little kid.

This segment from the live Let's Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish get into the stuff nobody really talks about — the unconscious patterns that drive how we react when we're angry, scared, or hurting. Where they come from. Why they're so hard to see. And most importantly — what you can actually do in the moment to stop th...


When the Job's Gone, Who Are You?
When the Job's Gone, Who Are You? episode artwork
06/09/2026

Ever tie your whole self-worth to what you do for a living? Yeah. Most of us do and we don't even realize it until the job's gone.

In this segment from the live Let's Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish get into something that a lot of guys are feeling right now but don't know how to say out loud. With layoffs happening everywhere and AI changing the game fast, men are waking up one morning without a job title — and suddenly wondering who they even are.

That's a scary place to be. But it...


Are You Addicted To Your Phone? Try This...
Are You Addicted To Your Phone? Try This... episode artwork
05/25/2026

What happens when the noise stops?

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish start with a simple question: What if your phone broke for two days? No texts. No scrolling. No music. No constant connection. Just you and your thoughts.

That question turns into a real conversation about something a lot of men feel but rarely say out loud—silence can feel uncomfortable
 and sometimes even scary. For many of us, boredom isn’t really boredom. It can feel like loneliness. It can feel like anxiety. It can feel...


Spanish's Costa Rica Jungle Survival: Facing Fear & Doing It Anyway
Spanish's Costa Rica Jungle Survival:  Facing Fear & Doing It Anyway episode artwork
05/19/2026

What happens when you stop overthinking and just say yes to life?

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Spanish shares the story of going deep into the Costa Rican jungle with an old high school friend who became a full-on jungle survival expert. What started as fear, hesitation, and self-doubt turned into one of the most powerful experiences of his life.

From machetes and scorpions to fishing for food and sleeping in the jungle, this conversation becomes about something much bigger: how many opportunities do we miss because fear co...


What Addiction Actually Sounds Like
05/14/2026

Hey guys...i'm going to be honest, this is a hard clip to post here.

On last week's show, a caller, named Greg, called in to simply share that he cannot stop drinking. For the next 15 minutes, I did my best to listen, but also to show him how just by calling a radio station, he had taken a step. 

I share this as a podcast not to exploit or to be "sensational" in any way. But to encourage those of you who need to hear this, to simply ask for help. In what might b...


This Is The Most Mature 15 Year Old You'll Ever Hear
05/11/2026

What happens when a 15-year-old calls into a men’s talk show and sounds wiser than most adults?

That’s exactly what happened from last week's Let’s Get Real live radio show.

Rio called the show to talk about growing up in today’s world, dealing with fatherlessness, feeling disconnected from his generation, and trying to become a better man despite everything around him. What followed was one of the most honest, thoughtful, and inspiring conversations we’ve had on the show.

What stood out most wasn’t just how articulate Rio was at 15 ye...


Why Guys Shouldn't Bash Their Ex After Divorce 💔
04/29/2026

What's this segment about?  Divorce, Fatherhood, Stoicism, Marriage Communication & Why Talking Bad About Others Hurts You

Guys, divorce can bring anger, pain, confusion, and broken families—but how should men really handle it?

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, Shark, Spanish and caller Jonathan have an honest conversation about divorce, fatherhood, emotional strength, and why trashing your ex only reveals your own pain.

We talk about being the steady parent your children need during hard times, especially when daughters and sons are struggling emotionally. The guys...


Risk Vs. Reward - THIS is the REAL Reward
Risk Vs. Reward - THIS is the REAL Reward episode artwork
04/25/2026

Most men don’t avoid risk because they’re lazy
 they avoid it because they think risk equals danger.

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, we break down one of the biggest mindset shifts you can make: risk is not the same as danger. That misunderstanding keeps a lot of guys stuck in jobs, relationships, and routines that don’t challenge them—or grow them.

We also dive into what “risk vs reward” actually means. It’s not about money, status, or success. The real reward of taking risks is discovering who...


We're Just Rentals. (and you only get one "suit")
We're Just Rentals. (and you only get one "suit") episode artwork
04/22/2026

"We're Just Rentals" - this is a concept that we've been talking about lately and it's SO POWERFUL! It really helps to frame everything in life.

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, we break down this powerful idea: we’re just rentals. That’s it. This body, this life, this moment—it’s all temporary. And when you really let that sink in, it changes how you think, how you react, and what you choose to care about.

This isn’t about not caring. It’s about not getting attached to ev...


Saying "I Love You" MATTERS. (Just ask Spanish)
Saying "I Love You" MATTERS. (Just ask Spanish) episode artwork
04/20/2026

Frankie calls the show and shares an impactful moment with Spanish.

How something as simple as saying “I love you” on-air made a lasting impact during chaotic moments—and it hits deeper than expected. If you know Spanish, you know this is true.

In this emotional moment from Let’s Get Real, we talk about the unseen ways we affect others, why men don’t hear (or say) “I love you” enough, and how small, genuine actions can leave a legacy you didn’t even realize you were creating. If you’ve ever wondered whether what you do really...


Man...Stop Feeling Guilty! (About food...and everything!)
Man...Stop Feeling Guilty! (About food...and everything!) episode artwork
04/18/2026

Why do so many people feel guilty for simply enjoying life—whether it’s food, fun, or even a moment of connection? 

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, we dive into the mindset behind guilt, control, and learning how to actually enjoy the life you’re living. From eating pizza without shame to deeper conversations about attachment, presence, and even facing the end of life without regret, this conversation blends humor with powerful perspective shifts that will challenge the way you think about happiness and what really matters.

đŸ”č Key Takeaways


Quit Your Job & Chase Your Dreams (Leap of Faith!)
Quit Your Job & Chase Your Dreams (Leap of Faith!) episode artwork
04/15/2026

The free guide we talk about in this episode can be found HERE.

I LOVE these conversations!
In this segment from the live Let's Get Real Radio Show, Johnny opens up about a dream he’s had for over a decade—to become a commercial pilot—but fear, money, and walking away from a stable job are holding him back. 

We break down what it really means to feel stuck, the “quiet knowing” that won’t go away, and the internal battle so many men face when deciding whether to stay safe or take a leap of fai...


Golf Teaches Us To Be Present & Massively Handling Pressure #masters2026
Golf Teaches Us To Be Present & Massively Handling Pressure #masters2026 episode artwork
04/12/2026

Ok...we're gonna talk a little golf here. I suck at golf, but never miss the Masters tourney every year. So, with that...

What can golf—especially The Masters—teach us about life, pressure, and staying present? 

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio show, Spanish and I break down why standing over a single golf shot might be one of the best metaphors for handling pressure, controlling your thoughts, and focusing in high-stakes moments. From Rory McIlroy’s dominance to John Daly’s unique mindset, this conversation dives into how elite perfo...


Shark Goes Back To Church (Part Two) - When The Sermon Hits đŸ”„
04/10/2026

I didn’t go back to church for the music
 I went for the message.

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, I break down what actually stuck with me after going to church for the first time in 20 years. And honestly, it wasn’t what I expected.

The sermon hit on something we talk about all the time—that voice in your head. The one that tells you to doubt yourself, stay stuck, or go back to habits you’re trying to break. The pastor framed it one way
 but the messag...


Shark Goes Back To Church (Part One) - Was That A Rock Concert I Attended??? đŸ€”
04/07/2026

What happens when you go back to church after 20 years away?

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, I share a personal story about the first time I walked into a church since I was a kid. This wasn’t planned. It started with a simple thought during meditation
 “I wish there was a place I could learn the Bible.” And then something hit me — there is. It’s called church.

What happened next was wild. From unexpected signs and running into someone from my past, to walking into what felt more like...


The Voice In Your Head Is Lying To You
04/04/2026

Most men walk around believing a version of themselves that isn’t even real—and it’s usually way more negative than the truth. In this episode of Let’s Get Real, Shark and Spanish react to a powerful call from a listener and unpack what it feels like to be seen differently by others after doing real inner work. They talk about identity shifts, learning to accept positive feedback, and why the voice in your head isn’t always telling you the truth. From recording affirmations from others to reframing negative thoughts, this conversation is about recognizing your growth, le...


What’s Really Happening When You Fight With Your Wife
What’s Really Happening When You Fight With Your Wife episode artwork
04/01/2026

Why do small arguments turn into full-blown fights—and why does it feel so intense in the moment? 

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish unpack the idea that it’s not just two adults arguing
 it’s two inner children reacting from fear, insecurity, and old wounds. 

We break down how childhood experiences shape your reactions, why self-limiting beliefs stick with you for decades, and how awareness can change everything in your relationships. This conversation also dives into the idea that life is meant to be lived, not c...


Bro...Stop "Deflecting" With Jokes For a Second. đŸ€ŠđŸ»â€â™‚ïž What Are You Hiding From???
Bro...Stop "Deflecting" With Jokes For a Second. đŸ€ŠđŸ»â€â™‚ïž What Are You Hiding From??? episode artwork
03/29/2026

Alright guys...let's get real for a moment on this:  Ever use humor to deflect what you're really feeling? What if that’s the very thing keeping you stuck? 

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish break down why men joke at the worst times, how humor can become a shield for fear and insecurity, and what it actually looks like to show up as your real self. 

From reflecting on high school identity to navigating tough moments in marriage and relationships, this conversation dives into why talking...


What I Wish I Knew At 17... (Just F*#kin' Be Yourself!!! đŸ”„đŸ•șđŸ»)
What I Wish I Knew At 17... (Just F*#kin' Be Yourself!!! đŸ”„đŸ•șđŸ») episode artwork
03/18/2026

We all know it...High school can be BRUTAL.

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish talk about a powerful call from a 17-year-old named Shane who said he had no friends and always felt left out. It hit hard—and brought back memories from their own high school experiences.

Shark opens up about being bullied and feeling like the odd man out, while Spanish shares a powerful perspective about growth—comparing life to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Together, they break down what it really means to fee...


Sittin' In The Truck...KNOWING Life Has To Change
03/17/2026

Ever sat in your truck after work
 and just didn’t want to go inside? Or sat outside your work feeling the same unease???

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real Radio Show, Shark breaks down a moment almost every man experiences—but rarely talks about. That quiet feeling that something is off. Maybe it shows up as frustration with your job. Maybe it’s stress at home. 

Or maybe it’s just a voice in your head saying, “There’s more to life than this.”

This isn’t about quitting your...


Being 17 Sucks. Real Problems from Our Youngest Caller
03/13/2026

There's no doubt, being 17 and in High School is one of the hardest times in our lives. Raging hormones, weird clicks of popularity and friends (who aren't really friends).

Shane called the live Let's Get Real radio show and shared the shit he's going through and it's a reminder. True friends show up...and don't leave you behind.

Thx for listening to Let's Get Real! - Shark

"Let's Get Real" is a weekly, interactive live talk show for guys on 102.5 FM in Tampa Bay. The show is live Friday nights at 8p ET<...


Strong Advice From A Guy Who's Seen It ALL
03/11/2026

Hey guys, it is absolutely, 100% good to open up. It's the best thing to not keep shit in and talk it through with other dudes.

In this segment from the Let's Get Real live show, Jonathon calls in and backs this up. And his words of wisdom hit strong - he's a combat vet and recovering addict...he's experienced a lifetime worth up to this point.

Listen and drop and 5-star rating and written review on your favorite podcast app. This helps others find Let's Get Real.

Thanks!

Shark

<...


Why Silence Is So Powerful...And Kinda Scary 😬 (Isolation Retreat Story)
Why Silence Is So Powerful...And Kinda Scary 😬 (Isolation Retreat Story) episode artwork
03/07/2026

What happens when you remove all the noise from your life?

On this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Shark and Spanish dive into the surprising power of silence, isolation, and what happens when your mind finally slows down. The conversation starts with Aaron Rodgers’ famous darkness retreat and quickly turns into a fascinating discussion about boredom, inner dialogue, and the hidden benefits of being alone with your thoughts.

Spanish shares his experience doing an isolation retreat where he removed distractions like TV, social media, and constant stimulation. What started as simp...


She Left Him for a Rich Guy
 Should He Take Her Back? (Live Caller ☎)
She Left Him for a Rich Guy
 Should He Take Her Back? (Live Caller ☎) episode artwork
03/03/2026

A real struggle...  She's hot, the sex is amazing, but she already left you once. Can you trust her???

On this segment from the Let’s Get Real live show, a live caller named Joe opens up about a relationship dilemma many men deal with: falling hard for a woman he felt was “out of his league,” but things changed when another man with money entered the picture — and she chose that path.

Ooooph. That stings.

After breaking up, Joe and his girlfriend eventually found their way back to each other. Now everything feels goo...


I Think I Traveled Through Time During Meditation
02/28/2026

In this segment from the live Let’s Get Real radio show, Shark shares a meditation experience that honestly left him stunned. What started as a normal morning routine turned into something deeper — a moment where time seemed to disappear completely. One minute he thought only a few minutes had passed
 but nearly half an hour was gone.

This conversation turns into a powerful discussion about meditation, flow state, consciousness, and why so many men struggle to slow their minds down. Is it spiritual? Is it science? Is it both? Spanish breaks down the neuroscience behind what happen...


Andrew Huberman on God, Surrender, and Finding Real Inner Peace (Let’s Get Real)
Andrew Huberman on God, Surrender, and Finding Real Inner Peace (Let’s Get Real) episode artwork
02/09/2026

What's up Let's Get Real community!

What if real peace doesn’t come from fixing your life
 but from surrendering control? In this episode of Let’s Get Real, Shark and Spanish react to a powerful clip from Andrew Huberman, where he opens up about finding peace through God and prayer.

Huberman, a Stanford neuroscience professor, admits that after years of resisting faith, he finally stopped fighting the inner voice telling him there might be something more. What followed was something unexpected—sustained inner peace. Not perfection. Not an easy life. Just peace.

We dive...


Alcoholism, Sobriety, and the Moment Men Finally Ask for Help | Let’s Get Real
02/03/2026

Hey everybody! Let's get real for a second....Alcoholism and addiction come up more than ANY other topic on Let’s Get Real. At least 2/3 of all our calls are guys dealing with addiction or celebrating recovery. To me...that says it's an issue that most of us are either dealing with ourselves or we know someone who has.

What started as one caller celebrating sobriety turned into a wave of men opening up about their own struggles with drinking, addiction, and the fear of asking for help.

Me (Shark) and Spanish talk honestly about wh...


Why Your Resolutions Fail (And What Actually Works for Guys)
Why Your Resolutions Fail (And What Actually Works for Guys) episode artwork
01/12/2026

Every year, guys promise themselves this will be the year they quit drinking, lose weight, or finally get their life together. And every year, most of those New Year’s resolutions fail. In this segment of Let’s Get Real, we break down why that happens—and why the problem isn’t willpower or motivation.

Shark and Spanish talk honestly about failed resolutions, weight loss, drinking, and why trying to change your life alone almost never works. Spanish opens up about years of starting strong in January and falling back into old habits by week two—and what final...


Why Self-Help Books Stop Working for Guys | Surrender, Faith & Letting Go
12/27/2025

Most men have read a self-help book that hit hard
 and then somehow stopped working. You felt inspired, clear, even hopeful — and then a few days later, you were right back in the same habits and patterns.

In this episode of Let’s Get Real, we talk about why that happens. Why wisdom fades. Why motivation doesn’t last. And why so many men keep searching for answers in books, podcasts, and programs but still feel stuck.

We explore the idea that maybe we’re not meant to do this alone. Whether you call it God, Jesus...


Self-Help Books for Guys That Actually Change How You Live | Let’s Get Real
12/24/2025

Most guys hear the phrase “self-help book” and immediately tune out. It sounds soft, awkward, or like something that doesn’t apply to real life. But what if the right book, at the right moment, could completely change how you see yourself and the world?

In this segment of Let’s Get Real, we talk honestly about books that had a real impact on us as men. Not because they promised success or happiness, but because they helped us slow down, get present, and actually live. From The Alchemist to The Power of Now, these books aren’t about fi...


Showing Up (As The Most Real Dude In The Room)
11/20/2025

Spanish had an experience recently as the most authentic dude in the room.

He didn't plan it this way, but surrounded by people who gravitated to his authenticity, it was pretty awesome.

In this clip, Spanish shares the story and how we benefit, as men, by just being ourselves.

Most men hide behind a persona, especially in places built on ego and performance—but when you show up fully yourself, people feel it. We break down what real authenticity looks like, why strangers open up to you when you're comfortable in your own sk...